BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "This Week on Broadway for December 8, 2024: The Light and The Dark @ 59e59"
Release Date: December 8, 2024
In this vibrant episode of BroadwayRadio's premier podcast series, host James Marino engages with esteemed guests Peter Falish, a prolific playwright, journalist, and historian, and Michael Portantiere, a respected theater reviewer and photographer. Together, they delve into a variety of Broadway productions, offering insightful reviews, personal anecdotes, and industry news that enrich the listener's understanding of the current Broadway landscape.
1. Reflections on "The Great White Hope"
Timestamp: [00:54] - [06:05]
The episode kicks off with an engaging discussion about the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "The Great White Hope." Peter Falish expresses regret over missing the original Broadway production, sharing his admiration for the film adaptation featuring James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander. He muses on the play's lack of Broadway revivals, pondering the challenges posed by its extensive cast requirements.
Peter Falish [02:23]: “...if there's ever a revival, I will be there. And arena staged in a revival and I didn't get down to Washington to see it.”
Michael Portantiere joins in, suggesting that major theaters like Lincoln Center could feasibly accommodate the play's demands. He also mentions an audio recording of the Broadway cast available on YouTube, albeit with quirky quality due to copyright avoidance measures.
Michael Portantiere [05:05]: “...you do have this option of the audio recording with the complete Broadway cast.”
Despite Peter's lament over not witnessing the original production, the conversation underscores the enduring impact and significance of "The Great White Hope."
2. In-Depth Review of "The Light and The Dark" at 59e59
Timestamp: [07:17] - [10:45]
Transitioning to current performances, Peter Falish provides a comprehensive review of "The Light and The Dark," a play depicting the life of the 17th-century painter Artemisia Gentiliszi. Written by Kate Hamill, the production showcases Artemisia's passionate pursuit of painting amidst personal and societal conflicts.
Peter Falish [07:17]: “This is the story about a woman whose father is a painter. And she becomes obsessed with painting as well, being Daddy's little girl, wanting to emulate what he can do.”
Peter commends Kate Hamill's dual role as writer and lead actress, highlighting her captivating performance that evolves significantly post-intermission. The interplay between Artemisia and Matthew Salivar's character adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the dramatic tension within the trial scene.
Peter Falish [07:17]: “She gives a very, very impressive performance... So Matthew Salivar, as an actor, I really enjoy seeing.”
Conclusively, Peter recommends the play as a compelling visit for Broadway enthusiasts, praising its emotional resonance and stellar performances.
3. Michael Portantiere's Critique of the "Wicked" Movie Adaptation
Timestamp: [11:21] - [19:58]
A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to Michael Portantiere's review of the highly anticipated "Wicked" movie adaptation. He lauds John M. Chu's direction and praises standout performances by Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh.
Michael Portantiere [11:21]: “I think overall that John M. Chu did a magnificent job with adapting it to the screen.”
While celebrating the film's visual and vocal triumphs, Michael offers constructive criticism regarding the pacing and certain creative choices, such as Glinda singing parts of "Defying Gravity," which he feels disrupts the song's iconic status.
Michael Portantiere [15:36]: “There’s a point in Defying Gravity where Elphaba says, come with me, Glinda. And they both sing Defying Gravity and then Glinda says, no, I can’t come.”
Despite these critiques, Michael acknowledges the movie's strong emotional impact and anticipates substantial box office success, projecting that Part Two could potentially eclipse the first installment's performance.
Michael Portantiere [18:08]: “And I'm so happy. I'm really, really, really, really so happy for Stephen Schwartz, for the phenomenal, phenomenal success of this movie...”
The discussion also touches on the movie's ensemble cast and the inclusion of Broadway legends like Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holtzman, which Michael believes enriches the film's authenticity and appeal.
4. "A Christmas Carol" at Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey
Timestamp: [20:44] - [24:16]
Peter Falish shifts the conversation to his recent viewing of "A Christmas Carol" at the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey. Directed by Paul Mullins with a minimalist cast of eight, the production emphasizes strong performances and clever doubling of roles.
Peter Falish [20:57]: “Anthony Marble is marvelous at being curmudgeonly. ... He's very, very endearing in a way.”
Peter praises Anthony Marble's portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge, highlighting subtle hints of hope that signal Scrooge's eventual transformation. He also commends the casting versatility and the creative direction that manages to bring freshness to a classic narrative.
Peter Falish [23:50]: “...had played the young man way back when, so he was sentimental about it.”
Recommending the production to listeners in New Jersey, Peter emphasizes the quality and emotional depth delivered by the cast, making it a must-see seasonal offering.
5. Review of "White Christmas" at Paper Mill Playhouse
Timestamp: [24:20] - [31:03]
Michael Portantiere provides his insights on "White Christmas" at the Paper Mill Playhouse, characterizing it as one of the less successful jukebox musicals despite its stellar selection of Irving Berlin's classics. He appreciates the musical arrangements and the quintessential Berlin songs but criticizes the book by David Ives and Paul Blake for its convoluted plot and forced dialogue.
Michael Portantiere [26:12]: “...the insertion of the songs was done pretty well. ...but the actual book, I think it's kind of from hunger, I hate to say the book by David Ives and Paul Blake...”
Nonetheless, Michael praises the performances of Max Clayton and Casey Garvin, noting their charm and vocal prowess, which elevate the overall production quality despite the script's shortcomings.
Michael Portantiere [30:40]: “Max and Casey were really excellent.”
Peter Falish adds a personal touch, recounting Max Clayton's impressive work in past productions, further underscoring the strength of the leading cast.
Peter Falish [31:03]: “...he was so wonderful here too.”
Overall, while acknowledging the musical's flaws, Michael encourages Broadway fans to appreciate the high-caliber performances and the classic musical numbers that deliver a nostalgic yet enjoyable experience.
6. Exploring "Never Too Late" and "Witness for the Prosecution" at Bowie Community Theater
Timestamp: [31:59] - [40:28]
Peter Falish recounts his experience watching "Never Too Late" and "Witness for the Prosecution" at the Bowie Community Theater in Maryland. He critiques "Never Too Late" for its outdated themes and convoluted plot, reflecting on societal perceptions of women's competence reminiscent of older productions like "Life with Father."
Peter Falish [31:59]: “...what does it deal with? It deals with a man who's in his late 40s, early 50s...”
Conversely, his review of "Witness for the Prosecution" highlights Charles Lawton and Alison Lanchester's compelling performances, drawing parallels to Billy Wilder's acclaimed film adaptation. Peter appreciates how the community theater captures the essence of the original play while adding unique character dynamics.
Peter Falish [36:07]: “...the movie brings in a whole different level of characterization with the lawyer who was defending our bad guy...”
Michael Portantiere briefly interjects, reflecting on Billy Wilder's fidelity to stage plays adapted into films and commends community theaters for keeping classic productions alive.
7. Broadway Box Office Success During Thanksgiving Week
Timestamp: [51:54] - [55:25]
Amidst reviews and performance discussions, Michael Portantiere shares encouraging news about Broadway's box office performance during Thanksgiving week. Citing a Deadline article, he reveals that Broadway achieved its highest grossing and most attended Thanksgiving week ever, with 312,143 attendees compared to 228,711 last year.
Michael Portantiere [52:20]: “Attendance for this year's Thanksgiving week... was 312,143 people compared to last year's... 228,711.”
He emphasizes that attendance figures provide a more accurate measure of Broadway's health than gross revenue alone, especially considering the rising ticket prices that inflate gross earnings without equivalent growth in audience numbers.
Michael Portantiere [53:25]: “...but attendance can be taken on face value without having to do all these calculations about adjusting for inflation.”
Peter Marino concurs, underscoring the significance of these numbers as a positive indicator for Broadway's thriving community and enduring appeal.
8. Latest on "You're in Town" at City Center
Timestamp: [55:41] - [58:53]
Concluding the main discussions, Michael Portantiere introduces the latest updates on the musical "You're in Town" at the City Center. He details the announcement of the full cast, including notable names like Jordan Fisher, Taron Killam, Keela Settle, Rainn Wilson, and others, expressing optimism about the show's potential.
Michael Portantiere [55:55]: “...Jenny Barber, Josh Breckenridge, Yemen Brown, Kevin Cahoon...”
He reflects on the show's history, mentioning its unexpected success and referencing its resilience post-9/11, where it became a unifying entertainment piece for audiences seeking solace and community.
Michael Portantiere [57:34]: “...they were exhilarated because again, we didn't know what to expect...”
Peter Falish adds personal anecdotes about the show's reopening, highlighting its positive reception and the joyful atmosphere it creates among audiences.
9. Birthday Tribute to John Rubinstein
Timestamp: [61:39] - [63:35]
In a heartwarming segment, the hosts extend birthday wishes to John Rubinstein, celebrating his contributions to Broadway. They share clips of Rubinstein performing songs from "Pippin," honoring his legacy and ongoing influence in the theater community.
James Marino [61:39]: “...we are putting in the show notes a wonderful link to a video clip of John and Ben Vereen performing three songs from Pippin.”
This tribute underscores the podcast's community spirit and appreciation for Broadway's enduring talents.
10. Closing Remarks and Additional Content
Timestamp: [63:35] - [64:57]
The episode wraps up with gratitude from James Marino to the guests and listeners, along with a brief mention of an upcoming brain teaser for audience engagement. The hosts remind listeners to subscribe and support the podcast through various platforms, ensuring continued access to exclusive Broadway content.
Notable Highlights:
- "The Great White Hope" discussion highlights the challenges of reviving large-cast productions despite critical acclaim.
- "The Light and The Dark" receives high praise for its emotional depth and stellar performances.
- "Wicked" movie adaptation is both celebrated for its performances and critiqued for certain directorial choices.
- Broadway's box office success during Thanksgiving week signals a resilient and thriving theater community.
- "You're in Town" at City Center garners excitement with its impressive cast lineup.
This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a rich tapestry of Broadway insights, blending critical analysis with personal reflections, making it an invaluable listen for theater enthusiasts seeking to stay informed and connected with the vibrant world of Broadway.