BroadwayRadio: This Week on Broadway for December 21, 2025
Episode Theme: Anna Christie @ St. Ann’s Warehouse and New York Theatre Highlights
Overview
This episode of BroadwayRadio’s “This Week on Broadway” (December 21, 2025) is a comprehensive year-end roundup helmed by James Marino, joined by panelists Peter Filichia and Michael Portantiere. The centerpiece is a review of the new production of Anna Christie at St. Ann’s Warehouse, alongside insightful discussions on Tartuffe at New York Theatre Workshop, the Bridges of Madison County concert at Carnegie Hall, Off-Off Broadway’s breakthrough play Diversion, cabaret updates, and an opera highlight. The conversation also covers industry news, emerging stars, and venue updates, all delivered in the engaging, theater-savvy banter listeners expect from the hosts.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Shortest Day of the Year and Broadway Lore
Timestamp: 02:37 – 05:53
- Peter marks the winter solstice with a nod to The Boys from Syracuse, connecting music, history, and Broadway traditions.
- Anecdotes about the Schubert brothers (“the Boys from Syracuse”) ground the episode in Broadway’s historical roots.
- The Boys from Syracuse Red Bull benefit: Michael and Peter regret missing it, sharing cast highlights and recall personal concerts at 54 Below.
- Quote:
"Musical that many people felt should have been called the Boys from Syracuse and Ephesus... But the Shubert brothers... were all born in Syracuse and were colloquially known around Broadway as the Boys from Syracuse."
— Peter Filichia (03:00)
2. Spotlight: Syracuse University’s Broadway Impact
Timestamp: 05:55 – 07:47
- Recognizes noted Syracuse alums: Aaron Sorkin, Matt Polk, Robert Diamond (founder of BroadwayWorld).
- Emphasizes university’s influence on theater journalism, publicity, and Broadway world-building.
3. Cabaret Highlights & Broader Industry Updates
Timestamp: 07:47 – 09:35
- Michael Portantiere is now an official Carnegie Hall tour guide.
- Success of his recent conversation event with Len Cariou at Laurie Beechman Theater, attended by Broadway luminaries.
4. Review: Tartuffe at New York Theatre Workshop
Timestamp: 10:24 – 21:25
- Peter Filichia’s Critique:
- Dislikes imperfect rhymes and anachronisms in Lucas Hnath's adaptation.
- Praises cast: David Cross (Orgon), Lisa Kron (maid, Doreen), Matthew Broderick (Tartuffe—arrives 40 min in).
- Novel staging: lack of tablecloth in signature eavesdropping scene; touches of visual humor.
- Quote:
“If you can overlook those two things [imperfect rhyme and anachronism], and if you’re the type who enjoys them, I think you’ll have a good time.”
— Peter Filichia (13:56)
- Michael Portantiere’s Take:
- Less bothered by rhymes/modernisms; sees them as part of production’s “very modern” sensibility.
- Lauds Bianca Del Rio’s cross-gender casting (draws attention to her “garish” drag makeup).
- Strong comedic value; “the funniest Tartuffe I’ve ever seen.”
- Production is diverse and inclusive in casting.
- Quote:
“Once you establish that there aren’t going to be perfect rhymes, I think you can relax... There can be an art in imperfect rhymes, too.”
— Michael Portantiere (16:48)
5. Review: The Bridges of Madison County in Concert at Carnegie Hall
Timestamp: 22:31 – 27:38
- Michael highlights the event’s rapturous reception and nearly full original cast (Kelly O’Hara, Steven Pasquale).
- Jason Robert Brown conducted a larger-than-Broadway orchestra.
- Whitney Bashor (“ex-wife” song) stopped the show – “applause just kept going.”
- Compares audience emotion to Merrily We Roll Along reunion; relishes “gratifying” love shown to a once-unsuccessful musical.
- Quote:
"You felt like everyone there thought this was the greatest show ever written."
— Michael Portantiere (22:33)
6. Off-Off Broadway Gem: Diversion @ The Barrow Group
Timestamp: 28:32 – 35:20
- Peter praises Scott Organ’s play for its engrossing plot and stellar ensemble (special mention: Thais Bass as the head nurse).
- The drama involves nurses dealing with a Fentanyl theft; whodunit twist revealed at intermission, yet still full of second-act surprises.
- Strong case for supporting Off-Off Broadway where “theatrical magic can strike anywhere”.
- Quote:
“There are plenty of plays… I would have left and not returned. There was no question I was returning for this one.”
— Peter Filichia (29:55)
7. Cabaret & Holiday Shows
Timestamp: 36:15 – 41:57
- Christine Pedi’s “Snow Bizness” at Laurie Beechman: Streisand “Frosty the Snowman” is a showstopper; signature impersonations (Stritch, Liza, Gwen Verdon, et al.) delight.
- Susie Clausen (“Saxy Susie”), Marilyn Maye protégé, shines at Don’t Tell Mama with clever lyric parodies crafted by Maye herself.
- Both shows reflect the effervescent creativity of the NYC cabaret scene.
8. Review: Anna Christie at St. Ann's Warehouse
Timestamp: 43:41 – 51:24
- Peter Filichia’s Review:
- Lauds O’Neill’s 1920 script for its then-radical empathy towards Anna, a prostitute, avoiding moralistic “comeuppance.”
- Strong cast: Michelle Williams (Anna, believably world-weary), Tom Sturridge (Matt, the sailor), Brian d’Arcy James (the father).
- Notable direction by Thomas Kail (of Hamilton), with striking staging choices (actors free-fall into sailors’ arms).
- Addresses on-stage mishap (bottle wall collapse) and ensuing scenic workaround.
- Quote:
“That’s really the wonder of the play…this is not going to be an indictment of prostitution. That’s the wonder.”
— Peter Filichia (43:57)
- Potential for a Broadway transfer considered low due to length and market, but “a solid revival.”
9. Encore: Porgy and Bess at the Metropolitan Opera
Timestamp: 52:02 – 56:58
- Michael revels in the Met’s world-class orchestra, production, and cast; touts the “bang for the buck” versus Broadway ticket prices.
- Quotes Gerard Alessandrini:
“Something is wrong with Broadway when you can pay about $100 at the Met for a very good seat to hear some of the best singers in the world... but on Broadway you can easily pay twice as much... for something that’s often mediocre at best.” (54:50, paraphrased)
- James adds context: Met is nonprofit, huge, seats 2,800 — apples and oranges with Broadway.
10. Amal and the Night Visitors @ LCT
Timestamp: 57:44 – 63:09
- Peter offers a theater critic’s perspective (not an opera expert), spotlighting child lead Albert Rhodes, Jr.
- Michael notes the enduring appeal and history of Menotti’s work: “a solid work, some really beautiful music.”
11. Theatre/Industry News Bites
Timestamp: 63:09 – 77:26
- New York Times “Breakout Stars of 2025”: Jasmine Amy Rogers celebrated.
- San Francisco Giants Buy Curran Theater: Surprising cross-industry move; optimism for more programming.
- Times Square Theatre (42nd St.) Forever "Under Renovation": Scaffolding up, adaptive reuse plans but little progress.
- Studio 54 Zoning/Permitting: Roundabout Theater files for needed permits to fix long-standing “sightline” and structural issues.
- Majestic Theatre’s Next Tenancy: Bette Midler’s Beaches musical (Lonny Price co-directing, Jessica Vosk starring), with music partly by Mike Stoller.
- London News: Rumored 2027 Sunday in the Park with George featuring Ariana Grande; Jonathan Larson Project headed for the UK.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On imperfect rhyme in “Tartuffe”:
“The audience tended to laugh at lines that did rhyme correctly. There’s a delight just in hearing one word sound exactly like another.”
— Peter Filichia (11:10) - On Off-Off Broadway’s riches:
“Donate a night to Off-Off Broadway because you will find such riches there too.”
— Peter Filichia (34:38) - On Michael Portantiere’s cabaret show review method:
“She always switches it up a bit... never the exact same content, but always delightful.”
— Michael Portantiere (36:26) - Industry economics (opera vs Broadway):
“Bang for the buck, absolutely.”
— James Marino (56:55)
Timestamps for Main Segments
- The Boys from Syracuse & Opening Banter: 02:37 – 07:47
- Tartuffe at NYTW: 10:24 – 21:25
- Bridges of Madison County, Carnegie Hall: 22:31 – 27:38
- Diversion @ Barrow Group: 28:45 – 35:20
- Cabaret/Cabaret Shows: 36:15 – 41:57
- Anna Christie @ St. Ann’s Warehouse: 43:57 – 51:24
- Porgy and Bess, Met Opera: 52:02 – 56:58
- Amal and the Night Visitors: 57:44 – 63:09
- News, Rumors, Trivia: 63:09 – 77:26
Recurring Features
- Brain Teaser: (78:21)
Name the show that ran 1800+ performances but had its title changed less than 11 years after opening—and explain why. - Musical Moment: (79:40)
Features two Julie Styne/Bob Merrill songs from Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol: “We'll Have the Lord’s Bright Blessing” (opener), “Winter Was Warm” (closer).
Tone and Language
- The hosts maintain a warm, witty, sometimes gently argumentative tone. They pepper their analysis with historical context, humor, and honest personal preferences. The episode balances geeky insider knowledge with approachable fandom, making it enjoyable and accessible to theater lovers at any level.
Summary for New Listeners
If you missed the episode, this recap offers a full map of the discussions, reviews, and hot takes on current productions, industry changes, and memorable performances—plus the camaraderie and expertise BroadwayRadio is known for.
Featured reviews:
- Anna Christie at St. Ann’s
- Tartuffe at NYTW
- The Bridges of Madison County in Concert
- Diversion at Barrow Group
- Cabaret nights with Christine Pedi, Saxy Suzie
- Porgy and Bess (Met Opera)
- Amahl and the Night Visitors (Lincoln Center)
Industry news:
- Theatre ownership changes
- Studio 54 needing renovations
- The next Broadway mega-musical
- Rumors of star-studded revivals in London
Whether you’re looking for recommendations, showbiz scoops, or simply a taste of New York theater conversation, this episode delivers.