BroadwayRadio: This Week on Broadway – August 17, 2025: Mamma Mia!

Hosts:

• James Marino
• Peter Fish (playwright, journalist, historian)
• Michael Portantier (theater reviewer, editor, photographer)

Episode Theme:
A passionate, in-depth conversation about what’s happening on Broadway and NYC theater, with reviews and reflections on key shows—focusing this week on the "Mamma Mia!" revival at the Winter Garden, recent concerts, community theater performances, industry news, and a critical look at the state of Times Square and the future of Broadway’s spaces.

Episode Highlights & Key Segments

[01:11] Introductions and Updates

Hosts introduce themselves and talk about recent projects:

• Peter Fish’s new “Day by Day Desk Calendar: A Show Tune for Today.”
• Michael Portantier discusses a canceled Jones & Schmidt show, scheduling, and tribute plans.

“Once word gets out in the community that as soon as you sign up with Michael, you get a big television show or a film, I think there’s going to be a line out the door!” – James Marino [05:56]

[07:00] Provincetown Theater Scene & Summer Shows

• Michael shares upcoming plans in Provincetown (P-town), including visiting shows featuring Marilyn Maye and a local production of "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike."
• Discussion about venue changes and performers in Provincetown, with reflections on Gypsy's closing and Audra McDonald’s trajectory.

[09:53] "Mamma Mia!" Revival at the Winter Garden – Main Review

Peter Fish’s review after revisiting "Mamma Mia!" on Broadway:

• The production remains largely unchanged from 24 years ago, “business as usual.”
• Set is minimalist compared to today’s spectacle-driven productions—“the set for Mamma Mia, I think, could fit in your average U Haul.” [10:54]
• The charm persists, with audiences clearly loving it—plenty of in-seat dancing, though “no one danced in the aisles this time.”
• Critiques logical oddities (Greek setting/motivations, period context, lack of DNA testing, the gay subplot’s believability).
• The enduring popularity is credited not to plot credibility but “the music is quite wonderful on its own terms, and everybody has a wonderful time.” [15:02]

Notable Moment:

“It was sort of hard for me to see what was going on because the woman in front of me was bouncing in her seat so much...” – Peter Fish [15:16]

Show Info:

• At the Winter Garden Theatre
• Scheduled through February 1, 2026 (likely to extend)

[17:11] Allie Ewoldt’s "When You Wish Upon a Star" at 54 Below

Michael’s rave:

• Highlights Ewoldt’s voice and versatility, including innovative song “meldings.”
• Guest stars included Camelot castmates, JG Macapugay, and Jose Llana.
• “One of the best shows I’ve seen lately at 54 Below or anywhere else.”
• Upcoming performance December 26, 2025.

[22:57] "Heathers" at New World Stages

Peter Fish reviews the Off-Broadway hit:

• Star turn by Casey Likes as JD—“strangely appealing and yet mentally unbalanced to the nth degree.”
• Praises the original score’s witty lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy.
• The show’s lasting high school and fanbase appeal: “Characters came on and people were applauding because they knew who they were.”
• Extended run expected (closing scheduled January 25, 2026—for now).

[27:48] Pascal & Rapp at Clinton Cove: "Rent" Duo Reunion

Michael reports on the outdoor concert event:

• “Largest crowd of the summer” as Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp revisit "Rent" songs and perform an eclectic set.
• Surprise: “Light My Candle” with Anthony as Mimi.
• Discusses Pascal’s enduring vocal resilience despite an intense rock style.
• Fans still devoted: “Rent heads... they’re still there, and they’re still carrying the torch.” [31:20]
• Future appearances expected, including Woodstock Arts (March 2026).

Notable Quote:

“I thought he was perfect as Roger, but... I don’t think he’s going to have a very long career... but he’s still going and still sounds the same.” – Michael Portantier [32:17]

[38:00] "Rolling Thunder: A Rock Journey" at New World Stages

Peter’s ambivalence:

• Well-meaning Vietnam War show, but found the mix of up-tempo music and somber subject “odd,” “horrifying to hear applause and cheering after such intense scenes.”
• Would be curious to hear veterans’ views.

[41:35] "The Bridges of Madison County" in Staten Island

Michael’s review of the Ghost Light Players’ production:

• Despite technical and venue limitations, “the most important thing... was utterly professional: the beautiful score by Jason Robert Brown.”
• Standout performances from leads Jeff Bodnar (Robert Kincaid) and Anna Glenn Sparks (Francesca).
• Discusses tweaks to the musical since its Broadway debut and praises emotional effectiveness.
• Runs through August 24.

[51:02] Times Square Casino Controversy & Theater District Change

Michael and James on the fight against a Times Square casino:

• Theaters coordinated red marquee campaign opposing the idea (“NO Times Square Casino”).
• Michael objects: “Adding thousands more pedestrians to Times Square is an absolute accident waiting to happen.”
• Voices skepticism about pro-casino promises of economic benefit.

Notable Quote:

“You sometimes have to wait on line to cross the street [in Times Sq. already]...” – Michael Portantier [51:32]

• Segues into a discussion about long-stagnant properties and changes in the neighborhood, including the new construction near the Imperial and the fate of beloved bars/eateries (“Playwrights Pub is hanging on... long live Playwrights.”).

[62:07] Kennedy Center Tumult & DC Theatrical Scene

• Michael covers the resignation of key artistic staff at the Kennedy Center amid major leadership and programming upheavals.
• James reports on visible but misallocated National Guard presence in DC.
• “All the world’s a stage—what’s the Shakespeare?” jokes James.

[67:50] Musical Brain Teaser

Peter’s puzzler:

• References the history of musicals whose titles or songs inspired biographies and asks listeners to name the song/book (details in the transcript).

[69:25] Musical Moments: Audra McDonald’s Interpretive Choices

Michael reflects on Audra’s divergent performances:

• Contrasts her emotionally charged but vocally controlled “Old Maid” from 110 in the Shade with her “out of control” “Rose’s Turn” from Gypsy.
• Asks listeners to consider the difference between expressing anguish artistically and “complete meltdown.”
• Episode closes with selections from both performances.

“It is possible to really show a character in emotional and mental crisis without completely losing control as a performer on stage.” – Michael Portantier [73:29]

Notable Quotes, Moments & Timestamps

• “[Mamma Mia’s] set could fit in your average U Haul.” – Peter Fish [10:54]
• “The crowd loved [Heathers] when I first saw it way back when, and it has become a sensation in the community theater and even high school markers.” – Peter Fish [25:21]
• “Adding thousands more pedestrians to Times Square is an absolute accident waiting to happen.” – Michael Portantier [51:32]
• “Rent heads... they’re still there, and they’re still carrying the torch.” – Michael Portantier [31:20]
• “She likes basketball.” – Peter Fish [68:08], referencing a show tune-turned-plot device.

Episode Structure Overview

• [01:11–07:00] Intros, hosts’ backgrounds, schedule changes, and previewing Provincetown
• [09:53–16:23] In-depth "Mamma Mia!" discussion
• [17:11–22:38] Review: Allie Ewoldt at 54 Below
• [22:57–27:45] Review: Heathers at New World Stages
• [27:48–36:57] Pascal & Rapp concert recap and follow-up
• [38:00–40:58] Rolling Thunder review
• [41:35–50:28] Community: Bridges of Madison County in Staten Island
• [51:02–62:08] Times Square casino and Manhattan theater district discussion
• [62:08–66:00] Kennedy Center shakeup and D.C. scene
• [67:50–74:04] Brain teaser and musical moments

Summary Takeaways

• Broadway’s nostalgia circuit is thriving, with "Mamma Mia!" and "Heathers" drawing big crowds decades after their debuts.
• Star-driven concerts and community productions offer plenty for theater lovers off the Main Stem—including standout performances at 54 Below and in Staten Island.
• Industry anxieties loom: The Times Square casino debate encapsulates concerns over the district’s future and Broadway’s changing landscape, as does the shuffle in D.C.’s Kennedy Center.
• The evolution of performance style: Audra McDonald’s contrasting performances fuel debate on modern stage emotion.
• Theater district is in flux, with both new construction and the precarious survival of old haunts.

Useful Links for Listeners:

• Links to ticketing, show runs, and restaurant suggestions mentioned throughout episode in the show notes at BroadwayRadio.com.
• Email James for your personal restaurant suggestions: james@broadwayradio.com

Next Week:
Michael is away in Provincetown; expect more hot takes, reviews, and insider perspectives on all things Broadway.

Closing Musical Moments:

• "Old Maid" (Audra McDonald, 110 in the Shade cast album)
• "Rose’s Turn" (Audra McDonald, Gypsy cast album)

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