BroadwayRadio: Last Week on Broadway – Monday, March 30, 2026
Overview
In this episode, Matt Tammanini brings listeners up to speed on the latest Broadway news and what’s ahead for the New York theater scene. The episode covers major announcements, production updates, show openings, casting developments, and upcoming events. True to his informed, opinionated, and energetic style, Matt dives into what’s changing both on Broadway and off, offering context, enthusiasm, and some speculation about the future.
1. Major News Highlights
Hadestown Pro-Tape Hitting US Theaters
- Details: The West End pro-tape of Hadestown, featuring the original Broadway principal cast, will be released in US movie theaters July 24. UK release info is coming.
- Notable Cast: Reeve Carney (Orpheus), André De Shields (Hermes), Amber Gray (Persephone), Eva Noblezada (Eurydice), Patrick Page (Hades).
- Behind the Scenes: Patrick Page, although injured and in a walking boot with a cane, performed for the live capture. Choreography was adjusted to accommodate him.
- Production Note: This is a first-time collaboration for live captures between Bleecker Street, Crosswalk, and LD Entertainment; more captures are planned.
“I cannot wait to see what those are all like.” – Matt Tammanini [03:10]
Sardis’ Ownership Changes Hands
- Announcement: Max Klimavikius will end his 33-year tenure, selling Sardis to the Shubert Organization.
- Timeline: Klimavikius runs Sardis until June 24, then the restaurant will close temporarily for renovations.
- Significance: Sardis is next to the Shubert Theatre and houses the Shuberts’ main offices; the makeover aims to prep it for its centennial year (1927–2027).
- Cultural Concern: Matt hopes the iconic caricatures remain, but wishes for a return to higher-quality artwork.
“I want Sardis to be Sardis the way Sardis has always been. … Hopefully when the Shuberts take over, they’ll get, I don’t know, Squigs or somebody else who can actually do caricatures.” – Matt [06:43]
2. Production and Casting News
Gloria and Emily Estefan’s Bassora Announces Cast
- World Premiere: Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, May 30–July 12
- Creative Team: Michael Greif (Director), Karen Zacarias (Book), Patricia Delgado (Choreography), Gloria & Emily Estefan (Score).
- Cast Highlights: JC Calderón (Namby), Mandy Gonzalez, Kevin Del Aguila, Dario Alvarez, and others.
- Plot: Centers on an inspirational music teacher helping students create music against the odds.
“This one has been in the works for a while and I’m excited to see what this one sounds like.” – Matt [09:35]
Jennifer Nettles’ Julia, the Poison Queen of Palermo
- Premiere: Perlman Performing Arts Center (Off-Broadway), June 28
- Details: Jennifer Nettles (star, book/music/lyrics) as Julia Colini; Matthew Amiro as Carlo; notable cast includes Quentin Earl Darrington, Andrew Kober, Dee Dee Romero, more.
- Story: Follows a real-life serial killer’s trial, starting with an act of self-defense.
- Director: Mary Zimmerman
Wild Rose Stage Adaptation for NYTW
- Backstory: Based on the 2018 movie starring Jessie Buckley, with original screenwriter Nicole Taylor adapting the stage book.
- Premiere: New York Theatre Workshop’s fall/winter season.
- Plot: Glasgow mother of two, newly released from jail, pursues a dream of singing country music at the Grand Ole Opry.
- Director: John Tiffany, known for Once and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
PBS Great Performances Update
- Schedule:
- Suffs – May 8
- Top Hat (London revival) – May 15
- An Evening with Nicole Scherzinger (filmed Royal Albert Hall concert) – date TBA
- Highlight: Scherzinger's show blends musical theater and pop, featuring songs from Cabaret, Sunset Boulevard, and her pop hits.
3. What's Ahead: Broadway This Week (With Timestamps)
MONDAY, MARCH 30
Dog Day Afternoon Opening — [20:20]
- Theater: August Wilson Theatre
- Creative: Stephen Adly Guirgis (Writer), Rupert Goold (Director)
- Cast: John Bernthal, Eben Moss-Bachrach, Jessica Hecht, John Ortiz, Christopher Sears, Andrea Syglowski
- Buzz: Anticipated but “word on the street is mixed at best”; recent NYT article exposed backstage tensions.
“Anytime you have that type of tumult in a preview period, it certainly isn’t necessarily a great sign.” – Matt [23:55]
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone Begins Previews — [25:00]
- Theater: Ethel Barrymore Theatre
- Director: Debbie Allen
- Cast: Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Joshua Boone, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Maya Boyd
- Significance: Matt wishes there was always an August Wilson play running on Broadway.
“There should always be an August Wilson play running on Broadway... rotate through one house all the time and make sure you got one of each of these great playwrights represented.” – Matt [26:10]
Seagull. True Story. at the Public Theater — [27:20]
- Details: Further info promised in show notes
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
The Ballisters Begins Previews — [28:00]
- Theater: Samuel J. Friedman Theater (Manhattan Theatre Club)
- Creative: David Lindsay-Abaire (Writer), Kenny Leon (Director)
- Cast: Marylouise Burke, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Margaret Colin, Michael Esper, Anika Noni Rose, Richard Thomas
- Note: No out-of-town tryout; all eyes on MTC’s reliable programming.
Proof (Broadway Revival) — [29:33]
- Theater: Booth Theater
- Director: Tommy Kail
- Cast: Don Cheadle, Ayo Edebiri (both Broadway debuts), Jin Ha, Kara Young (late addition for Samira Wiley)
- Note: High anticipation for strong cast and revered play.
“This one [is] top of the priority list … throw this cast into the mix, I have no doubt that it will be tremendous.” – Matt [30:45]
Gotta Dance (Off-Broadway) — [31:37]
- Venue: Stage 42
- Details: American Dance Machine recreates iconic musical theater numbers with top NYC dancers.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
April Fool’s Day PSA — [32:33]
“Don’t fall for any silly, ridiculous, unbelievable headlines … any publisher who does these things is not worth their weight in salt.”— Matt
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
Schmigadoon Stage Adaptation Opens — [33:30]
- Theater: Nederlander Theatre
- Creative: Cinco Paul (Book/Music/Lyrics), Christopher Gattelli (Director/Choreographer)
- Cast: Alex Brightman, Anna Gasteyer, MacKenzie Kurtz, Brad Oscar, and more.
- Note: Packed with beloved Broadway names.
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
Off-Broadway Closings — [35:02]
- Bug House (Vineyard Theatre)
- Chinese Republicans (Roundabout)
- Cold War Choir Practice (MCC)
- Monte Cristo (York Theatre Company)
4. Memorable Quotes
- On Sardis’ future: “I want Sardis to be Sardis the way Sardis has always been... it would really be a shame if Sardis didn’t maintain that aspect of its business.” – Matt [06:43]
- On Dog Day Afternoon drama: “The show's producers had to kick playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis out of rehearsals... that certainly raises some eyebrows.” – Matt [23:38]
- On Proof’s cast: “Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri in their Broadway debuts. … Throw this cast into the mix, I have no doubt that it will be tremendous.” – Matt [30:45]
- April Fool’s Day warning: “Just keep your eyes open, keep your brain engaged, and don't fall for anything stupid.” – Matt [32:38]
5. Tone & Language
Matt’s delivery is conversational, passionate, and well-informed. He balances industry insights with personal opinion, making the episode feel both authoritative and approachable. His excitement about theater is infectious, and he isn’t afraid to express skepticism or critique when warranted.
6. Summary Table: Episode Timeline
| Timecode | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:01 | News Recap & Episode Intro | | 03:10 | Hadestown Pro-Tape Movie Release Details | | 06:43 | Sardis’ Sale & Future Speculation | | 09:35 | Bassora Casting and Production Details | | 11:45 | Julia, the Poison Queen of Palermo Casting News | | 14:05 | Wild Rose Stage Adaptation Announcement | | 16:55 | PBS Great Performances Season Update | | 20:20 | Dog Day Afternoon Broadway Opening & Backstage Tension | | 25:00 | Joe Turner’s Come and Gone Revival | | 27:20 | Seagull. True Story. at Public Theater | | 28:00 | The Ballisters MTC Opening | | 29:33 | Proof Revival at Booth Theatre | | 31:37 | Gotta Dance Off-Broadway Performance | | 32:33 | April Fool’s Day Warning | | 33:30 | Schmigadoon Stage Adaptation Opening | | 35:02 | Off-Broadway Closings |