BroadwayRadio Episode Summary: "This Week on Broadway for April 6, 2025: Good Night, and Good Luck / The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Release Date: April 6, 2025
Host: James Marino
Guests: Peter Moore, Jenna Tessa Fox, Michael Portantier, Brad, Oliver

Introduction

The latest episode of BroadwayRadio delves into significant Broadway productions slated for early summer 2025, with a particular focus on adaptations of celebrated films and classic literature. Host James Marino is joined by theater aficionados Peter Moore, Jenna Tessa Fox, Michael Portantier, Brad, and Oliver to discuss recent performances, behind-the-scenes insights, and their personal critiques of the current Broadway landscape.

Show Tune of the Day

Peter Moore opens the episode by highlighting the historical significance of the Tony Awards, referencing April 6, 1947—the first-ever Tony Awards ceremony. Discussing David Wayne's win for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, he reflects on how Burton Lane and E.Y. Harburg's composition "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love, I Love the Girl I'm Near" played a pivotal role in cementing his passion for musical theater.

Peter Moore [02:13]: "When I'm not near the girl I love, I love the girl I'm near. It's such a great song and certainly one of the first songs I ever heard when I was getting interested in musical theater and cemented my love for it."

Broadway Business Updates

James Marino shares exciting news about Broadway Radio’s fourth anniversary celebration. Jan Simpson's acclaimed production of Pulitzer Prize-winning plays, currently featuring "Long Day's Journey into Night," is now available exclusively for Patreon members. Additionally, a new purchase option has been introduced for non-members, allowing broader access without committing to a Patreon subscription.

Spotlight on "Theater People" at Westport Country Playhouse

Peter Moore discusses his recent viewing of "Theater People," an adaptation of Frank Molnar's play, at the Westport Country Playhouse. He praises the production for its nostalgic, old-fashioned charm reminiscent of Moss Hart's "Light Up the Sky."

Peter Moore [06:15]: “It really was one of those wonderfully old fashioned plays where the curtain goes up and you see a lavish hotel suite which indeed is where the action will take place.”

He commends the performances of Michael McCormick and Isabel Keating, noting the play’s effective portrayal of 1948 and its engaging storyline centered around unrequited love and the struggle to publish a novel.

Review: "Good Night and Good Luck" at the Winter Garden Theater

Brad and Michael Portantier lead a critical discussion on the Broadway adaptation of the 2005 film "Good Night and Good Luck," starring George Clooney as journalist Edward R. Murrow. While acknowledging the strong pedigree behind the project, they express disappointment with its execution on stage.

Brad [10:40]: “It ultimately just feels like a really weak copy of a great work. To the best of my knowledge, Clooney has never written a play before.”

Key Points:

• Adaptation Challenges: The transition from screen to stage struggled, lacking the dynamic energy of a newsroom.
• Technical Elements: Use of archival video footage and projections received mixed reviews. Michael Portantier found the scene transitions and video integrations confusing and disconnecting from the live performance.
• Performance Critique: While Clark Gregg’s portrayal of Don Hollenbeck was lauded, George Clooney’s stage presence was perceived as lacking compared to his on-screen charisma.

Michael Portantier [19:25]: “I did not really understand what the purpose was other than to cover scene changes, and they did that very well.”

Conclusion: The play, despite its noble intent to revisit a timely story, fell short in delivering the same impact as the original film, primarily due to its execution and Clooney’s stage performance.

Review: "The Picture of Dorian Gray" at the Music Box Theater

Michael Portantier and Jenna Tessa Fox provide an in-depth analysis of "The Picture of Dorian Gray," highlighting its innovative use of multimedia and Sarah Snook’s exceptional performance.

Michael Portantier [36:34]: “Her performance is a wonder in terms of everything. Skill, technique, talent, stamina, energy. Just an absolute marathon.”

Highlights:

• Technological Integration: The play features multiple camera setups that capture Sarah Snook as various characters, creating a visually stunning and seamless interaction between live performance and pre-recorded segments.
• Performance Excellence: Sarah Snook delivers a compelling portrayal of Dorian Gray, navigating complex character interactions with precision.
• Critical Feedback:
  • Jenna Tessa Fox [42:24]: “The production is technically thrilling, visually stunning. David Bergman's video design is genuinely breathtaking.”
  • However, some elements like the campy tone and pacing were criticized for detracting from the story’s depth.

Brad [45:19]: “It made for a very good example of style over substance, which Oscar Wilde would just love that.”

Awards Potential: Both Michael Portantier and Peter Moore anticipate strong contenders for Sarah Snook in the upcoming Tony Awards, praising her technical prowess and emotional depth.

Review: "Glengarry Glen Ross" at the Palace Theater

The panel discusses their experiences with David Mamet’s "Glengarry Glen Ross," noting strong performances but pinpointing issues related to casting and venue suitability.

Peter Moore [58:39]: “It's a misconceived production in several ways.”

Critiques:

• Casting Choices: Bob Odenkirk and Kieran Culkin were seen as miscast for their respective roles, impacting the authenticity of the characters.
• Venue Impact: The large Palace Theater setting diluted the intense, pressure-cooker environment essential to the play’s narrative.

Michael Portantier [60:10]: “The theater is too large for this play, which is supposed to feel like a pressure cooker.”

Positive Notes: Despite the criticisms, outstanding performances by supporting actors like Donald Weber Jr. and John Pirocello were acknowledged.

Brain Teaser & Musical Moments

Peter Moore presents the episode’s brain teaser, challenging listeners with a two-word phrase related to a 1970s Tony-winning musical. The answer discusses "Hubba Hubba," ending a song from a 1970s musical and its subsequent adaptation in New England theater.

Musical Highlights:

• Clive Refell performs "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two" from "Oliver," paying tribute to the late actor.
• Richard Chamberlain delivers a heartfelt rendition of "Edelweiss" from "The Sound of Music," capturing the emotional essence of the song in a pivotal stage moment.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with host James Marino encouraging listeners to subscribe through various platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Patreon, to stay updated with future broadcasts and exclusive content. The panel extends heartfelt thanks to the audience, sharing final thoughts on the discussed productions and anticipating upcoming Broadway events.

Notable Quotes:

• Brad [10:40]: “It could have been such a great screen to stage transfer of a really timely story, but it ultimately just feels like a really weak copy of a great work.”
• Michael Portantier [36:34]: “Her performance is a wonder in terms of everything. Skill, technique, talent, stamina, energy.”
• Peter Moore [58:39]: “It's a misconceived production in several ways.”

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