BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary Episode: This Week on Broadway for August 3, 2025: Steel Magnolias @ Bell Theater
Release Date: August 3, 2025
Host: BroadwayRadio

1. Episode Introduction

The episode begins with a warm welcome from James Marino, who introduces the guests Peter Felicia and Michael Portantier. They provide brief biographies, highlighting Peter's accomplishments as a playwright, journalist, and historian, and Michael's role as a theater reviewer and photographer.

2. Celebrating Maria Karnileva

James Marino opens the discussion by commemorating the 105th birthday of Maria Karnileva. He shares a memorable anecdote about her engaging interaction with Georgia during a 100th-anniversary celebration, highlighting her vibrant personality and lasting impact.

"But the way she just spoke, put her hands up like as if she were jogging down the aisle was just so endearing."
— James Marino [02:21]

3. Upcoming Shows and Personal Announcements

James Marino announces his upcoming performance at 54 Below, titled Peter Foolisher and Friends. He expresses excitement about sharing personal theater experiences and performing alongside notable stars such as Penny Fuller.

4. Featured Production: Steel Magnolias @ Bell Theater

James Marino provides an in-depth review of Steel Magnolias currently running at the Bell Theater in Holmdel, New Jersey. He praises the stellar cast, including Charlotte Danbar as the protagonist's mother and newcomer Eve O’Brien as Shelby, whose authentic portrayal left a lasting impression.

"Charlotte Danbar is wonderful as the girl's mother. Wonderful, so tender and caring and loving."
— James Marino [09:55]

He discusses director Nate Patton's effective staging, particularly a pivotal moment where laughter transitions into poignant emotion upon Shelby's death.

5. Spotlight on Can I Be Frank @ Soho Playhouse

James Marino reviews Can I Be Frank at the Soho Playhouse, a comedic tribute to Frank Meyer, an early AIDS activist. The show combines humor with heartfelt moments, earning praise for its ability to balance laughter with serious themes.

"Morgan has done a great job in making this situation funny. Even though he starts off by quoting Frank Meyer's castigation of Liberace..."
— James Marino [19:11]

Despite minor critiques regarding character authenticity, the overall reception is positive, highlighting Morgan Basiches' performance and the poignant inclusion of Paula Stewart's video testimonial.

6. Review of Wildcat @ 54 Below

James Marino delves into Wildcat at 54 Below, commending the show's vibrant score composed by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Lee. He highlights standout performances, particularly Mary Lou Henner and Jenna Lee Rosen in the number "Hey, Look Me Over."

"The only song from the show that really became a fair size hit was hey, Look Me Over."
— James Marino [28:54]

He reflects on the show's history, noting Lucy's performance challenges and the enduring quality of the musical score despite the original production's shortcomings.

7. Sexy Laundry @ Cape May Stage

James Marino discusses Sexy Laundry at the Cape May Stage, celebrating its international success and the insightful direction by Roy Steinberg. The play explores the dynamics of a long-term marriage with humor and honesty, resonating deeply with the audience.

"Only think that science tells us that men reach their sexual peak in their 20s and women some decades later."
— James Marino [39:21]

He praises the authentic performances by Bill Timoney and Georgette Riley Timoney, emphasizing their chemistry and comedic timing.

8. Gina Gilda @ 59 East 59

James Marino reviews Gina Gilda at 59 East 59, a portrayal of Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner's tumultuous relationship. While appreciating the cast's efforts, he notes areas for improvement, particularly the integration of dialogue from The Producers and the characterization of Gilda.

"At one point we have dialogue directly from the movie The Producers, word for word."
— James Marino [50:10]

He encourages further development to enhance character authenticity and narrative coherence.

9. Ginger Twinsies @ Orpheum Theater

James Marino provides a critical review of Ginger Twinsies at the Orpheum Theater, highlighting the show's comedic elements but expressing strong disapproval of its insensitive joke about AIDS.

"A joke about AIDS is still much too on target recent to have it be the butt of a joke."
— James Marino [53:01]

While acknowledging the performers' talents and costumes, he strongly recommends excising the offensive content to respect the audience and the subject matter.

10. Damn Yankees @ Arena Stage

James Marino explores the upcoming revival of Damn Yankees at Arena Stage, focusing on the substantial revisions to the original book by Will Power and Doug Wright. He raises questions about the timing and setting changes from the struggling Washington Senators to the early 2000 Yankees dynasty.

"The upcoming revision will reportedly retain the original score with a book gently retooled for its first major revival in the 21st century."
— James Marino [57:14]

He critiques specific plot points and character developments, suggesting that certain elements weaken the show's overall impact.

11. Bull Durham @ Paper Mill

James Marino briefly mentions the long-anticipated musical adaptation of Bull Durham set to premiere at Paper Mill in October. He expresses excitement over finally seeing the beloved movie transformed into a stage production.

12. Social Media Buzz: Cynthia Erivo in Jesus Christ Superstar

The hosts discuss the viral videos of Cynthia Erivo performing "Get Up, Get Down" in the concert production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. They commend her powerful performance and the high production quality, noting the inclusion of stars like Adam Lambert as Judas and Mary J. Blige filling in for Josh Gad as Herod.

"I didn't think I needed to see or hear any woman in the role of Jesus, but she has undoubtedly delivered a brilliant performance."
— Peter Felicia [67:51]

13. Upcoming Events at Town Hall

James Marino highlights several exciting performances at Town Hall, including:

• John Cassavetes Opening Night in Concert featuring talents like Sarah Bareilles, Laura Benanti, and Rufus Wainwright, benefiting the ACLU.
• Disney and Pixar's Coco in Concert Live to Film, scheduled for November 1st, promising an immersive musical experience with live vocals.

He emphasizes the historical significance and the diverse programming that Town Hall continues to offer.

14. Discussion on Ed Sullivan Theater

The hosts engage in a lively debate regarding the potential transformation of the Ed Sullivan Theater back into a legitimate Broadway venue. They discuss the building's reduced seating capacity, historical significance, and the challenges involved in such a transition.

"It's confusing why they reduced the seating from 1200 to about 300."
— Peter Felicia [76:20]

They speculate on the feasibility and potential investment required to restore the theater, mentioning Andrew Lloyd Webber's interest in the venue.

15. Brain Teaser

James Marino presents last week's brain teaser, challenging listeners to identify a musical based on a detailed clue involving Tony-winning books and a play that closed in Philadelphia. Although the transcript reveals an incomplete or cryptic question, the participants encourage listeners to submit their answers via email.

16. Musical Moments: Fiddler on the Roof @ College of Staten Island

Peter Felicia shares his delightful experience watching Fiddler on the Roof at the College of Staten Island. He praises the direction by Bronwyn Fugate, the stellar cast including BJ High as Tevye, and the overall production quality. He contrasts this community theater rendition with a less favorable Broadway revival, underscoring the former's authenticity and emotional resonance.

"This was 10 times more satisfying than the last Broadway revival... it just was a lovely, lovely, beautiful production."
— James Marino [89:24]

17. Episode Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to subscribe via broadwayradio.com or Patreon for exclusive content. They also invite listeners to participate in the brain teaser by emailing their answers.

Notable Quotes

1. James Marino [02:21]:

   "But the way she just spoke, put her hands up like as if she were jogging down the aisle was just so endearing."

2. James Marino [09:55]:

   "Charlotte Danbar is wonderful as the girl's mother. Wonderful, so tender and caring and loving."

3. James Marino [19:11]:

   "Morgan has done a great job in making this situation funny. Even though he starts off by quoting Frank Meyer's castigation of Liberace..."

4. James Marino [28:54]:

   "The only song from the show that really became a fair size hit was hey, Look Me Over."

5. James Marino [39:21]:

   "Only think that science tells us that men reach their sexual peak in their 20s and women some decades later."

6. James Marino [50:10]:

   "At one point we have dialogue directly from the movie The Producers, word for word."

7. James Marino [53:01]:

   "A joke about AIDS is still much too on target recent to have it be the butt of a joke."

8. James Marino [67:51]:

   "I didn't think I needed to see or hear any woman in the role of Jesus, but she has undoubtedly delivered a brilliant performance."

Conclusion

This episode of BroadwayRadio offers an extensive overview of current Broadway productions, insightful reviews, and engaging discussions on theater-related topics. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or a casual fan, the hosts provide valuable perspectives and recommendations to enhance your Broadway experience.

For more details on the discussed shows and to access links mentioned, visit broadwayradio.com.