BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

Episode Title: This Week on Broadway for January 12, 2025: Gypsy
Release Date: January 12, 2025
Host: James Marino
Guests: Peter Felicia (Playwright, Journalist, Historian) and Michael Portentier (Theater Reviewer and Photographer)

1. Introduction and Guest Highlights

The episode opens with host James Marino welcoming listeners to "This Week on Broadway." He introduces the guests:

• Peter Felicia: A multifaceted playwright, journalist, and historian renowned for his recent calendar, A Show Tune for Today: 366 Songs to Brighten Your Year. Peter contributes columns to Masterworks, BroadwaySelect, and various other publications.

• Michael Portentier: A respected theater reviewer for SAS TC and founder/editor of CastAlbumReviews.com. Michael is also a celebrated theatrical photographer, with work featured in major outlets like The New York Times. His photography portfolio can be viewed at spotphoto.com.

Notable Quote:
[01:16] James Marino: "Hello and welcome to Broadway Radios this week on Broadway for Sunday, January 12, 2025."

2. Delving into the "Gypsy" Revival

The primary focus of the episode is the latest Broadway revival of Gypsy. Both guests share their thoughts and critiques on the production.

• Michael Portentier's Review:

  • Mixed Feelings: Michael appreciates the essence of Gypsy but feels the revival doesn't reach the definitive heights of earlier productions. He cites Jesse Green's New York Times review, particularly critiquing the portrayal of Rose's ambition and guile. Michael counters by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of Rose, highlighting her charm, humor, intelligence, and complex relationship with her daughters.

    Notable Quote:
    [04:56] Michael Portentier: "I would say I have very mixed feelings, but that said, it's still Gypsy, so I really love being there..."

  • Singing Style: He expresses discomfort with Audra McDonald's soprano renditions of songs traditionally performed with a Broadway alto belt, feeling it disrupts the show's flow. This sentiment is echoed by host James Marino, who mentions, "She used the soprano because that really graded on me as well."

    Notable Quote:
    [06:28] Michael Portentier: "I think that Merman's Gypsy was probably Merman's Rose, far more than just appealingly crafty, and Lansbury's Rose was far more than terrifyingly crazy."

  • Direction and Choreography: Michael critiques George Wolf's direction, noting inconsistencies in performance levels among the cast and changes to iconic scenes, such as the absence of the strobe effect during June's transitions. However, he praises Danny Burstein's portrayal of Herbie and the dynamic performances of young cast members like Marley Gomez as Baby June.

    Notable Quote:
    [23:44] James Marino: "So, you know, I'm. I. I this wasn't my favorite show. I felt bored through a lot of it."

• James Marino's Perspective:

  • James echoes some of Michael's criticisms, particularly regarding Audra's performance and the overall direction. He expresses disappointment with the set design, likening it to "summer stock," and grapples with audience enthusiasm contrasting his own tepid response.

    Notable Quote:
    [24:34] Michael Portentier: "Yeah. And on that note, I really thought... there was a standing ovation."

3. Exploring Other Broadway Productions

Beyond Gypsy, the episode covers several other noteworthy Broadway productions and events:

• Eureka Day at Signature Theater:

  • Peter Felicia's Experience: Peter recounts watching Eureka Day in Arlington, Virginia, highlighting Erin Weaver’s stellar performance as Sudalis. He notes the production's liberal use of vulgarity and modern references, aligning with Stephen Sondheim's advocacy for bold theatrical expressions.

    Notable Quote:
    [34:20] Peter Felicia: "Well, the reason I went is because of Erin Weaver, who I saw many, many times at Two River Theater Company..."

• Julie Halston’s Cabaret at Birdland:

  • Michael Portentier's Review: Michael describes Julie Halston's show, Julie Halston Takes the Q Train, as a masterclass in comedy and storytelling. He praises her ability to intertwine real-life anecdotes with impeccable comedic timing, including a memorable 10-minute rendition of Gypsy.

    Notable Quote:
    [51:00] Michael Portentier: "One of the funniest things this week was Julie's impression of little Edie from Gray Gardens as Lady Macbeth."

• High Spirits Concert at 54 Below:

  • Peter Felicia's Insights: Peter shares his experience attending the 60th anniversary concert of High Spirits, lauding the performances and the thoughtful adaptations in the show's revival. He suggests that slight retooling could enhance its Broadway appeal.

    Notable Quote:
    [73:18] Peter Felicia: "High Spirits with a little retooling might be a more successful show."

4. Book Review: "King of Broadway" by Dan Elish

Peter delves into his review of "King of Broadway" by Dan Elish, a book that narrates the collaboration between a young aspiring composer and a seasoned Broadway legend.

• Synopsis: The story follows Ben Willis, a 25-year-old in the AMI Workshop, who reaches out to Horatio King, an 85-year-old Broadway icon. Initially rebuffed, Ben's persistence and the influence of his dog lead to a transformative collaboration.

• Critical Analysis: Peter commends Elish for his sharp portrayal of the Broadway environment, highlighting the tensions between tradition and innovation. He appreciates the book's witty take on the musical theater industry's nuances and the intricate character dynamics.

  Notable Quote:
  [65:00] Peter Felicia: "King of Broadway is just a delight from start to finish, and I was very glad that my start to finish was accomplished in so short a time..."

5. Interactive Segment: Brain Teaser

The hosts engage listeners with a challenging brain teaser related to Broadway characters and musicals:

• Clue Overview:
  • The character first appeared on Broadway in the early 20th century and was revived in the late 20th century.
  • He lived in Europe, learned a different language, and fathered a daughter who bears his last name.
  • The daughter’s full name contributes to the title of a Tony-winning musical.

Participants are encouraged to visit Broadwayradio.com to submit answers and receive feedback.

Notable Quote:
[78:39] Peter Felicia: "Audiences first heard this song on West 46th street in the 70s..."

6. Musical Moments: Tributes to "Gypsy" and Julie Halston

The episode concludes with curated musical excerpts:

• Opening Excerpt:

  • Gypsy Overture as performed in the film version, conducted by Jack Everly with the National Symphony.

• Closing Excerpt:

  • A segment from the 2003 Broadway cast recording of Gypsy, featuring Julie Halston as Electra, alongside Kate Butticky as Mazeppa and Heather Lee as Tessie Tura.

Notable Quote:
[84:06] Michael Portentier: "She can, she can, she can. They'll never make her rich. Me, I ah and I, and I. But I do it with a switch I'm electrifying and I'm not even trying..."

7. Final Thoughts and Sign-Off

James Marino wraps up the episode by reminding listeners to subscribe via broadwayradio.com or Patreon to receive updates and exclusive content. He also directs listeners to the show notes for additional resources and links discussed during the broadcast.

Notable Quote:
[84:00] James Marino: "So, Peter, do you have an answer to last week's brain teaser?"

Key Takeaways:

• The latest Gypsy revival featuring Audra McDonald has garnered mixed reviews, particularly regarding vocal arrangements and directorial choices.

• Other Broadway highlights include innovative productions like Eureka Day and stellar performances in cabaret shows such as Julie Halston’s at Birdland.

• Dan Elish's "King of Broadway" offers an insightful glimpse into the Broadway collaboration between generations.

• Interactive elements like brain teasers engage the audience, fostering a more interactive listener experience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• James Marino [01:16]: "Hello and welcome to Broadway Radios this week on Broadway for Sunday, January 12, 2025."

• Michael Portentier [04:56]: "I would say I have very mixed feelings, but that said, it's still Gypsy, so I really love being there..."

• Michael Portentier [06:28]: "I think that Merman's Gypsy was probably Merman's Rose, far more than just appealingly crafty, and Lansbury's Rose was far more than terrifyingly crazy."

• Michael Portentier [23:44]: "Yeah. And on that note, I really thought the last half of Rose's turn was almost a disaster..."

• Peter Felicia [34:20]: "Well, the reason I went is because of Erin Weaver, who I saw many, many times at Two River Theater Company..."

• Michael Portentier [51:00]: "One of the funniest things this week was Julie's impression of little Edie from Gray Gardens as Lady Macbeth."

• Peter Felicia [65:00]: "King of Broadway is just a delight from start to finish, and I was very glad that my start to finish was accomplished in so short a time..."

• Peter Felicia [78:39]: "Audiences first heard this song on West 46th street in the 70s..."

• Michael Portentier [81:09]: "We're including a link to the full recording, but we're starting off our show today with the opener as the first part of the Gypsy Overture..."

• Michael Portentier [84:06]: "She can, she can, she can. They'll never make her rich..."

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Stay tuned for future episodes featuring more in-depth Broadway analyses, guest interviews, and exclusive content for subscribers!