BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

Episode: Matt’s Group Chat Predicts Tony Nominations
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host/Author: BroadwayRadio
Description: Broadway's Premier Podcasts

Introduction

In this engaging episode of BroadwayRadio, hosts Caitlin Berg and Ashley Hufford join forces with Tony-nominated producer Kaitlyn Berg to predict the upcoming 2025 Tony Awards nominations. As the Tony eligibility deadline approaches, the trio delves into various categories, analyzing performances, productions, and potential surprises based on their firsthand experiences and insider knowledge.

Featured Actor in a Play

Discussion Highlights:

• Glengarry Glen Ross is a significant contender, with all three lead actors expected to be nominated.
• Kieran Culkin emerges as a frontrunner, potentially securing both Oscar and Tony nominations simultaneously, a rare achievement.
• Other notable mentions include Conrad Rickamura from O'Mary, James Scully, Andrew Burnap from Othello, and Zachary Quinto from Cult of Love.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashley Hufford [02:21]: "I'm on Romeo and Juliet, Sunset Boulevard, and all in on Broadway this year."
• Caitlin Berg [05:34]: "Kieran Culkin feels like him winning an Oscar and a Tony in the same year just feels delightful."

Featured Actress in a Play

Discussion Highlights:

• Bianca Lee is highly favored due to her comedic prowess and standout performances.
• Latonya Richardson Jackson from Purpose and Jinx Monsoon are also strong candidates.
• Sadie Sink from John Proctor is a wildcard, with debates on her category placement.

Notable Quotes:

• Caitlin Berg [08:08]: "Bianca Lee will get one only because I also think she's amazing."
• Unnamed Speaker [09:59]: "She plays Beth in John Proctor. Amazing performance."

Featured Actor in a Musical

Discussion Highlights:

• Predictions include Jack Malone, Tom Sesma, Danny Burstein, David Thaxton, and Christopher Seaver.
• Concerns about balancing star power versus nuanced performances, especially with performers like David Hyde Pierce and Ramin Karimloo from Pirates.

Notable Quotes:

• Caitlin Berg [11:15]: "Jason Goate is pretty great."
• Ashley Hufford [12:09]: "Jack Malone being in featured makes sense."

Featured Actress in a Musical

Discussion Highlights:

• Anna Gastire from Mattress and Joy Woods are strong contenders.
• Natalie Felicia Belconn from Buena Vista Social Club is viewed as a probable winner.
• Jen Simard, Megan Hilty, Audra McDonald, Jason Musa, and Nicole Scherzinger are also mentioned as potential nominees.

Notable Quotes:

• Unnamed Speaker [19:46]: "She's amazing and very young. I wouldn't be shocked if she got nominated."
• Caitlin Berg [20:06]: "Happy Endings might propel Helen to a nomination."

Best Actor in a Play

Discussion Highlights:

• Cole is a favorite to win, with mentions of Kit Connor from Romeo and Juliet as a future star.
• Other potential nominees include George Clooney from Good Night and Good Luck, Jake Gyllenhaal, Denzel Washington, and Jim Parsons from Our Town.

Notable Quotes:

• Unnamed Speaker [38:17]: "I’d like Kit Connor to be remembered as a future Oscar winner."
• Caitlin Berg [39:30]: "Jake Gyllenhaal’s role in Othello is deeply emotional."

Production Categories

Play Revivals

Discussion Highlights:

• Only seven eligible shows with four nominations expected.
• Glengarry Glen Ross, Eureka Day, Romeo and Juliet, and Our Town are primary contenders.
• Othello is considered a dark horse due to its celebrity power despite lukewarm reviews.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashley Hufford [15:01]: "Glengarry and Eureka Day are for sure."
• Unnamed Speaker [16:04]: "Othello is in here because of its star power."

Musical Revivals

Discussion Highlights:

• Predicted nominations include Floyd Collins, Gypsy, Pirates, and Sunset Boulevard.
• Elf and Dead Outlaw are fan favorites but may not secure nominations due to competitive categories.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashley Hufford [17:11]: "Death Becomes Her has great marketing."
• Unnamed Speaker [26:05]: "Real Women Have Curves could easily get it."

Best Actress in a Play

Discussion Highlights:

• Laura Donnelly and Sarah Snook are headliners, with Laura pushing boundaries in Hills of California.
• Mia Jae from The Roommate and Sydney Lemon are also strong contenders.
• Tatiana Cordoba and Justina Machado from Real Women Have Curves are potential surprise nominees.

Notable Quotes:

• Unnamed Speaker [33:40]: "Sarah Snook is probably the only competition Laura has."
• Ashley Hufford [37:52]: "Sarah Snook has a remarkable performance."

Best Actor in a Musical

Discussion Highlights:

• Predicted nominees include Andrew Durant, Jonathan Groff, Tom Francis, Jeremy Jordan, with potential entries like David Hyde Pierce and Darren Criss.
• Discussions revolve around balancing star power with emotional depth in performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Caitlin Berg [43:12]: "Andrew Durant, Jonathan Groff, Tom Francis, Jeremy Jordan."
• Unnamed Speaker [44:06]: "David Hyde Pierce is delightful but lacks emotional depth."

Surprise and Shock Nominations

Discussion Highlights:

• Possible unexpected nominations include Cost of Living, which could secure five nominations despite a short run.
• Buena Vista Social Club and Death Becomes Her might receive surprising nods in technical categories like costumes.

Notable Quotes:

• Unnamed Speaker [46:55]: "If English comes in and steals a nomination, that would be surprising."
• Ashley Hufford [48:05]: "Paul Tazwell should be the costume designer for everything."

Conclusion

As the Tony Awards approach, BroadwayRadio’s trio offers a comprehensive and spirited analysis of potential nominees across multiple categories. Balancing star power with critical acclaim, their predictions highlight both beloved performances and potential dark horses. Listeners are encouraged to follow Ashley Hufford for in-depth reviews and Caitlin Berg for entertaining commentary on social media as the excitement builds towards the nominations announcement on May 1st.

Notable Final Quotes:

• Caitlin Berg [50:10]: "Enjoy the last few weeks and we’ll have a more intelligent conversation before the nominations come out."
• Unnamed Speaker [50:45]: "Thank you for letting us share our predictions."

For more insights and updates, follow Ashley and Caitlin on their respective social media platforms as mentioned in the show notes.