BroadwayRadio – This Week on Broadway for December 28, 2025:

“Best of 2025”

Panel:

• Host: James Marino
• Panelists: Peter Filichia, Michael Portantiere
• Date: December 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a lively and personal retrospective of 2025 in the theater world. With little breaking news over the holiday week, the BroadwayRadio team – James, Peter, and Michael – focus on their personal “Best Of 2025” highlights spanning Broadway, off-Broadway, major regional theaters, and beyond. The discussion is rich with recommendations, critical insights, and theatrical anecdotes, capturing the year’s standout moments, achievements, and even a few disappointments.

Key Highlights & Discussion Points

Opening & Panel Introductions

[01:04-05:46]

• James introduces the panelists, noting Peter Filichia’s new show-tune calendar and Michael Portantiere’s diverse theater background.
• Banter about New York’s extreme winter cold and playful reminiscing about Broadway’s history with media stunts (e.g., David Merrick’s infamous fake critic ad for “Subways Are for Sleeping”).
• Lighthearted musical jokes involving Philadelphia and New Jersey’s reputation in Broadway shows.

Reflections on Notable Figures

Brigitte Bardot’s Passing – [09:32-10:36]

• Michael recounts a memorable week calling Brigitte Bardot and Gina Lollobrigida.
• Panel reflects on Bardot’s broad cultural impact and the enduring presence of European actresses in musical lyrics.
• “She did...become an animal rights activist. So we love those people.” – Michael [10:34]

Best of 2025 – Personal Picks & Critical Insights

Books

Peter’s Selection – [11:12-13:57]

• The Other Side of Broadway by Steve Wells receives high praise for chronicling almost-produced shows and the volatility of theater-making.
• Notable Quote:
  “The things about green lights, though, is they do turn yellow and they do turn red.” – Peter [12:28]
  “I sat down and read something like the first 172 pages without stopping. The next morning I finished it. It is that good.” – Peter [13:39]

Off-Broadway and Regional Standouts

Michael’s Standouts – [14:11-17:06, 24:45-27:19, 32:41-35:31]

• Michael notes that many of 2025’s best works were not on Broadway.
• Marjorie Prime (by Jordan Harrison) at off-Broadway:
  “I don’t often see shows twice within two or three weeks...I loved it so much that I would like to clear those things up in my mind.” – Michael [15:30]
• Garside’s Corner (Mint Theater), Jonathan Larson Project (Orpheum, headed to London), Streetcar Named Desire (BAM), and Grangeville (Theater Row)—all highlighted for quality.

J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company – [17:18-19:22]

• Peter praises J2's successful season, especially Smile (Rob Schneider’s production), and their inventive programming with lesser-known works like Drat the Cat.
• Anticipation for their upcoming spring productions: Milk and Honey, Carnival, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Broadway Highlights

Sarah Snook in The Picture of Dorian Gray – [22:24-24:18]

• Peter is awestruck by Snook’s one-woman tour de force and the show’s camera operator credits: “An amazing experience and I really believe...this is one I will never forget.” – Peter [23:21]
  • IBDB credits for camera operators (first in Broadway history) are discussed [23:21-24:18].

Standout Broadway Plays and Musicals – [33:03-39:22]

• Purpose by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins – “We finally hit a Broadway show here that I really enjoyed.” – Michael [33:03]
• Good Night and Good Luck starring George Clooney – For the thrill of a bona fide movie star performing live [33:19].
• Vanya (Andrew Scott at Lortel): “Tour de force. Just thrilling.” – Michael [34:03]
• John Proctor Is the Villain: “I recommended that show to so many people...Nobody that in my experience disliked it.” – Michael [34:20]
• Floyd Collins at LCT; Jeremy Jordan’s casting praised in honor of the late Gavin Creel.
• Just in Time starring Jonathan Groff (“Spectacular success,” “universally beloved”) and Boop (Amy Rogers noted for her uncanny voice and a call for a happy ending to the book) [35:31-39:22].

Reflections on Changing Classics – [21:12-22:24]

• Commentary on generational shifts: Rent now seems to young people what Oklahoma did to earlier generations, making Rent a “classic” and even anachronistic for some [21:12].

Regional and Environmental Theater – [27:19-31:59, 39:41-42:56]

• Becoming Eve (NYTW at Abrams Art Center): “...a very, very powerful play...whoa, how can this work out with a super conservative rabbi? And I mean this is really a dilemma.” – Peter [28:21]
• Diversion by Scott Orgon; off-off-Broadway medical drama.
• Hills of California at the Huntington and Well, I'll Let You Go (intimate Brooklyn gymnasium staging).

Miscellaneous & Notable Offbeat Picks

• Scott Siegel’s Broadway by the Season concerts.
• Bus Stop at CSC/Transport Group, all-Asian cast [43:17-44:00].
• Bo the Musical (St. Luke’s) hailed as “one of the best new musicals I've seen.”
• Multiple Fiddler on the Roof productions noted for their perpetual appeal.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Failure is just inevitable part of life...life is going to be a series of ups and downs and ups and downs like a roller coaster. But the thing is, when you're on a roller coaster ride, when it's over, you’re glad you took the ride.” — Peter [67:41]
• Jonathan Groff’s audience interaction in Just in Time:
  “He came up very close to me, asked me to dance, and I didn't see any of that [sweating joke].” – Peter [35:54]
• “What word would you use for it? It's all of those things, but it's...not sensational in any way, even though the subject matter could have been. It's about a mother with a very young trans child.” – Michael on Caroline at MCC [56:21]
• Panel reflects on production failures—even by renowned talents—and the unpredictable nature of theater.
  “You just never know. You just never, never know.” — James [71:00]
  “But when it works, forget the jerks who told you it wouldn't go. There's nothing like a Broadway show.” — Peter, quoting A Broadway Musical [72:32]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Panel Introductions and Holiday Banter – 01:04–05:46
• Obituary for Brigitte Bardot & Cultural References – 09:32–10:36
• Book Recommendation: The Other Side of Broadway – 11:12–13:57
• Highlights from Broadway and Beyond – 17:18–19:22, 22:24–24:18, 24:45–27:19, 32:41–35:31, 39:41–42:56, 47:20–52:56
• Discussion on Why Great Talents Occasionally Flop – 66:14–71:14

Additional Segments

Honorable Mentions & Miscellaneous

• Living in the Bonus Round (Steve Schalchin at Urban Stages): “A winning, winning performer...I hope to see [it] again.” – Peter [47:20]
• Love Life (Brian Stokes Mitchell and Kate Baldwin at Encores) noted for fine performances despite book challenges [47:20–51:24].
• The Baker’s Wife revival – “Hot, hot, hot, hot ticket.” – Peter [52:03]
• Multiple community theater standouts, especially on Staten Island.
• Gotta Dance at York Theater possibly transferring to Stage 42 [63:23].
• Callout to Cafe Un de Trois, a classic Broadway hangout, rumored to be closing [73:08–73:29].

Closing Reflections

• The year in theater proved that magic is found everywhere—off-Broadway, in regional houses, and in small experimental venues as much as on the big stages.
• The conversation closes with a reiteration of the luck, risk, and volatility at the heart of showmaking, but also the shared joy among audiences and creators when the stars align.
• Broadcasters wish listeners a happy New Year and encourage them to catch shows before closures and to support the arts in all forms.

Musical Moments

[76:24-end]

• Features two Christmas songs from Promises, Promises:
  • “Turkey Lurky Time” (highlighted using synched Tony Awards video and stereo cast album sound)
  • “Christmas Day” (a Jack Jones cover)
    “Please enjoy these two Christmas tunes from Promises Promises by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.” – Michael [78:42]

Summary for New Listeners

Whether you’re catching up or looking for recommendations, this “Best of 2025” discussion gives a whirlwind yet detailed view into what made theater sing (and sometimes stumble) over the past year. The BroadwayRadio team offers sharp recommendations, memorable showbiz tales, and critical wisdom, making this episode a must-listen for theater lovers seeking what to catch and why Broadway will always be full of surprises.

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