BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "This Week on Broadway for January 19, 2025: Vinny DePonto’s Mindplay"
Release Date: January 19, 2025
Welcome to this week's episode of BroadwayRadio, hosted by James Marino, featuring insightful discussions with guests Peter Felicia and Michael Portantier. The episode delves into recent Broadway performances, theater news, and broader industry trends, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current Broadway landscape.
Guest Introductions and Personal Anecdotes
The episode begins with James Marino welcoming Peter Felicia, a playwright, journalist, and historian, and Michael Portantier, a theater reviewer, essayist, and photographer. The trio shares brief personal updates, including Michael's recent celebration of the 56th anniversary of his "marriage" to a song, a humorous nod to their theatrical focus.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Portantier [01:25]: “Yesterday was the 56th anniversary of my getting married. Except there was no celebration, believe me, because that marriage was the song.”
Show Reviews
The Giggling Granny
Peter reviews "The Giggling Granny", a play based on the true story of Nanny Ross Doss, who was convicted of killing multiple husbands between 1927 and 1954 across various states. The portrayal by Marilyn Chris is lauded for its depth and complexity, accurately reflecting Nanny's amoral perspective.
Notable Quote:
- Peter Felicia [07:05]: “Marilyn Chris... has a winning smile as she's telling you of what she's done. She's totally amoral.”
Miss Julie
The discussion shifts to "Miss Julie 1925 New Year's", an adaptation by Robert Greer that reimagines August Strindberg's classic with a new ending. Peter praises the production's ability to diverge from the original while maintaining its essence, highlighting performances by Mike Roche and Holly O'Brien.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Portantier [07:05]: “Gene the servant, thinking that maybe she is interested in him and maybe he should be involved with her and should they run away. And so it keeps you guessing.”
Theater News and Updates
Seaview Studio Rebranding
A significant update involves the rebranding of the Tony Kaiser Theater to Seaview Studio located at 43rd and 8th Street. Peter expresses optimism about preserving the theater space amidst Midtown Manhattan's real estate pressures.
Notable Quote:
- Peter Felicia [29:03]: “Seaview has announced that they are, much to the surprise of me and apparently James and Peter... reconfiguring it greatly.”
West Bank Cafe Reopening
The team celebrates the reopening of West Bank Cafe, including the Laurie Beechman Theater, on January 23. Owned by Tom and Michael Dangora, the venue's reopening coincides with Chita Rivera’s birthday, honoring its legacy in Broadway's community.
Notable Quote:
- Peter Felicia [31:22]: “The date of the reopening just happens to be Chita Rivera's birthday and Cheetah was very much a regular there.”
Stage Door Etiquette and Theater Restoration
James introduces a segment on stage door etiquette, referencing a video by Mickey Jo that emphasizes respectful behavior towards performers post-show. The conversation underscores the importance of maintaining professionalism and courtesy within the theater environment.
Peter and Michael then discuss the restoration of landmark theaters. While they commend the restoration of the Majestic Theater, Peter voices strong disappointment with the changes made to the Palace Theater, criticizing the reduction of its grand public spaces in favor of lucrative retail space.
Notable Quote:
- Peter Felicia [38:21]: “I have to say, tremendously disappointed... to have more retail space directly on Broadway rather than the entrance to the theater.”
Industry Trends: Congestion Pricing and Broadway Revenues
The trio examines New York City's congestion pricing initiative, debating its potential impact on Broadway revenues. While some argue that external factors like weather may influence theater attendance, others, like Michael, suggest that added driving costs could deter audiences, especially amidst rising ticket prices.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Portantier [43:36]: “This may seem like a strange analogy, but... sometimes people just need one reason to stop doing what they've been doing.”
Times Square Casino Speculations
A contentious topic arises around the potential establishment of a casino in Times Square. Discussions highlight the preferences for alternative locations like Hudson Yards, emphasizing concerns over overcrowding and maintaining Broadway's cultural integrity.
Notable Quote:
- Peter Felicia [48:04]: “Have you ever tried to walk through Times Square?... How could anyone be stupid enough to think that that's a good idea when you do have other options, such as Hudson Yards.”
Upcoming Events and Announcements
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Broadway Week: James announces Broadway Week, a three-week event offering discounted tickets to various shows. Listeners are encouraged to participate and explore diverse Broadway productions.
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Once Upon a Mattress Cast Album: The team mentions the upcoming cast album for "Once Upon a Mattress", promising bonus tracks and exclusive content for subscribers.
Musical Moments: Cut Songs from Gypsy
In the Musical Moments segment, Peter shares two previously cut songs from "Gypsy":
- "Mama's Talking Soft" performed by Petula Clark, recorded in May 1959.
- "Nice She Ain't" performed by Boyd Gaines for the 2008 Patti LuPone version.
These songs offer fans a glimpse into the developmental stages of the iconic musical, showcasing the creative decisions behind the final production.
Notable Quote:
- Peter Felicia [69:06]: “Enjoy these two cut songs from Gypsy and... how incredible it is that these two songs were actually cut from a show that could be so great.”
Brain Teaser
James presents a brain teaser related to theater history, challenging listeners to identify a 20th-century novelist whose work inspired a short-lived 21st-century musical. Solutions and discussions invite audience engagement, reflecting the show's interactive nature.
Brain Teaser Question:
- He wrote a 20th-century novel that became a 21st-century musical. It officially opened and closed in the same month. Among his other novels, he gave one a title that was identical to the title of a very famous musical hit that was produced more than 50 years earlier in the 20th century and was revived in the 21st century. Who is he? What's the name of the 21st-century flop musical? What was the name of his novel that had the same name as the 20th-century hit musical?
Closing Remarks
James wraps up the episode by reminding listeners to subscribe to BroadwayRadio via their website or platforms like Apple Podcasts and Patreon for exclusive content. The hosts express gratitude for the audience's support and sign off until the next episode.
Final Thoughts:
This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a rich tapestry of Broadway insights, blending show reviews, industry news, and engaging discussions. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to the Broadway scene, the episode provides valuable perspectives and updates essential for staying connected to the vibrant world of theater.