BroadwayRadio: Last Week on Broadway - Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Episode Overview
Host Matt Tamineni delivers the latest news and stories from the world of Broadway, recapping major theatrical headlines from the previous week and previewing what's ahead. This episode features notable casting announcements (including Mariska Hargitay’s Broadway debut), updates on upcoming revivals, intriguing screen-to-stage and stage-to-screen adaptations, casting news, awards, and a robust preview of new openings and closings on and Off-Broadway.
Major Casting and Production Announcements
Mariska Hargitay to Make Broadway Debut in Every Brilliant Thing
- [01:07] Daniel Radcliffe's run in the one-person show Every Brilliant Thing will conclude on May 24, 2026, at the Hudson Theatre.
- Mariska Hargitay (star of Law & Order: SVU) will make her Broadway debut as Radcliffe’s replacement, beginning May 26 through June 28.
- Matt’s take:
- “The fact that Mariska Hargitay, who is in many different ways a New York City icon, having never been on a Broadway stage, just feels right.” [02:00]
- Hargitay’s advocacy for mental health and victims’ support aligns with the show’s themes.
- Topic of possible further extensions or additional star replacements is speculated.
Broadway Revival Rumors: The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?
- [04:17] A credible rumor suggests Pedro Pascal and Sarah Paulson will headline a revival of Edward Albee’s The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? in January 2027.
- James Lapine, recently honored at Franklin & Marshall College, is attached to direct.
- Notable backstory: Pascal and Paulson’s long-standing friendship in NYC.
- Quote:
- “It would be lovely if these two have the opportunity to do a show on Broadway if this actually ends up happening.” [05:00]
Lin-Manuel Miranda to Direct Film Adaptation of Octet
- [05:39] Miranda returns as director for a film adaptation of Dave Malloy’s Off-Broadway a cappella musical, Octet.
- Follows Miranda’s Tick, Tick...Boom! for Netflix; Octet tells the story of an Internet addiction support group, with intricate eight-part harmonies.
- Dave Malloy will adapt his book for the screen.
- Matt notes the uniqueness and scale of this project:
- “I can almost guarantee that there’s not a single other person working that would have both thought to make a film out of Octet, but then also had the Hollywood capital to get it made.” [07:11]
- Speculation on casting: debut stars vs. original Off-Broadway cast.
Casting & New Project Updates
Girl, Interrupted at the Public Theater
- [09:11] Upcoming play-with-music adaptation (opens May 13).
- Book: Martina Mayo | Music: Grammy-winner Aimee Mann | Director: Joe Bonney.
- Star cast: Juliana Canfield (Stereophonic) and King Princess (theatrical debut, as the role made famous by Angelina Jolie).
- Features material from Mann’s album Queens of the Summer Hotel.
Black Swan Stage Adaptation at American Repertory Theater
- [10:31] Dave Malloy (music) and Jen Silverman (book), opening May 26 in Cambridge, MA.
- Melanie Moore (from SYTYCD, Broadway alum) as Nina; Jada Simone Clark as Lily; Tony nominee Amber Gray as Leroy (a gender-flipped casting).
- Includes notable Broadway regulars: Kate Jennings Grant, Tom Sesma, John Riddle, and more.
Awards Update
Lucille Lortel Awards Nominations
- [13:40] Not all nominees covered in detail (link in show notes).
- Outstanding Play: Cold War, Choir Practice, Kyoto the Monsters, Mother Russia, Prince F.
- Outstanding Musical: Bigfoot, Mexico, My Joy Is Heavy, Nightside Songs, Saturday Church.
Screen-to-Stage/Stage-to-Screen Adaptation News
The Unknown (Off-Broadway) Streaming
- [15:03] David Kail’s play starring Sean Hayes streams the final week, with scheduled curtain times.
Six: The Musical Live Film
- [16:13] West End cast performance comes to US movie theaters, opening August 14, 2026.
- Compared to Hadestown’s cinema release this summer:
- “I’m going to really, really enjoy the opportunity to sit back in an AMC theater and chow down on some popcorn and watch these shows that I love so much.” [16:40]
Broadway & Off-Broadway Openings and Closings (April 7–12, 2026)
Broadway Openings
- Monday:
- Becky Shaw at Helen Hayes Theatre (Second Stage), starring Madeline Brewer, Patrick Ball, Alden Ehrenreich, Linda Emond, and Lauren Patten. Directed by Trip Cullman. Runs through June 24. [22:13]
- “I've heard only good things… we of course will have a review, recap, rundown for this show…” [22:56]
- Tuesday:
- Cats: The Jellicle Ball at Broadhurst Theatre. Ballroom-inspired reimagining with original and ballroom stars. Directed by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch. Choreography by Omari Wiles & Arturo Lyons. [23:48]
- Thursday:
- Death of a Salesman (Winter Garden). Directed by Joe Mantello. Starring Nathan Lane (Willy Loman), Laurie Metcalf (Linda), Christopher Abbott and Ben Ehlers (Biff and Happy). Noted controversy: produced by Scott Rudin. Runs through August 9. [25:14]
- Sunday:
- Titanique at St. James Theatre. Parody musical with Marla Mindelle as Céline Dion, Constantine Rousouli as Jack, Melissa Barrera, Deborah Cox, Frankie Grande, Jim Parsons, John Riddle, and Leighton Williams as the Iceberg. Directed by Ty Blue, choreography by Eleanor Scott. Runs through July 12 (extension possible). [26:26]
- Notable: “From what I’ve heard, they do a really great job of transitioning it to a Broadway stage, especially one as big as the St. James.” [27:42]
Off-Broadway Closings (April 12)
- At The Public Theater:
- Antigone (This Play I Read in High School), Jessa, Public Charge
- Calf Scramble (Primary Stages at 59E59)
- My Joy Is Heavy (NYTW)
- The Unknown (Studio Seaview, Sean Hayes solo show wraps)
Upcoming Interviews & Episodes Preview
- Conversation with Jen Shriver (co-lighting designer, Lost Boys) [30:41]
- Interview with Karen and Simon (Heartbreak Hotel Off-Broadway) [31:14]
- Upcoming: Lauren Molina (playing Goldie in Sarasota’s Fiddler on the Roof), plus a new episode of Some Like a Pop with Jennifer McHugh.
Notable Quotes & Moments
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On Mariska Hargitay:
“Mariska… has not only dealt with a lot of very complicated things happening on her TV show Law & Order: SVU, she’s also become an advocate in many of the ways for the victims of sexual violence along with mental health. And it just feels right that she’s going to be making her Broadway debut in this show.” – Matt Tamineni [02:07]
-
On Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Octet adaptation:
“Incredibly interested in who they bring in to do this show... I can almost guarantee that there’s not a single other person working that would have both thought to make a film out of Octet, but then also had the Hollywood capital to get it made.” – [07:11]
-
On new Cats revival:
“This show reimagines Cats and the entire Jellicle Ball as a Runway ballroom show… unlike anything you’ve ever seen.” – [23:40]
-
On Titanique:
“People might have been concerned about whether or not it would be able to fill that space. From what I’ve heard, they do a really great job of transitioning it to a Broadway stage, especially one as big as the St. James.” – [27:42]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:01–01:07: Intro, holiday note, Daniel Radcliffe & Mariska Hargitay in Every Brilliant Thing
- 03:50–05:39: The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? revival and rumor breakdown
- 05:39–09:11: Lin-Manuel Miranda directing Octet film adaptation
- 09:11–10:31: Girl, Interrupted adaptation casting
- 10:31–13:40: Black Swan stage adaptation casting
- 13:40–15:03: Lucille Lortel Awards nominees
- 15:03–16:13: The Unknown streaming & Six: The Musical in movie theaters
- 22:13–28:20: Broadway/Off-Broadway openings and closings
- 30:41–32:40: Upcoming interviews and episode teasers
Tone and Final Thoughts
Matt Tamineni delivers with his signature conversational tone, weaving in personal insights and industry context with approachable enthusiasm. The episode is packed with excitement for new theatrical experiments and curiosity about how beloved properties will be adapted and received. His blend of rumor, fact, review, and behind-the-scenes intel makes this episode especially useful for theater lovers trying to keep up with Broadway’s fast-moving news cycle.
For more details, reviews, and links mentioned, visit the show notes or follow BroadwayRadio’s ongoing coverage.