BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: This Week on Broadway for January 26, 2025

Host: James Marino
Guests: Peter Felicia (Playwright, Journalist, Historian) and Jan Simpson (Theater Journalist)
Episode Title: Forrest Malloy’s Nina @ Theaterlab
Release Date: January 26, 2025

1. Introduction

James Marino kicks off the episode by welcoming his guests, Peter Felicia and Jan Simpson. Peter shares his latest projects, including his column contributions and the release of his new calendar, while Jan hints at upcoming content focused on classic and obscure plays.

2. Show Tune of the Day: "Penny Plain, Tuppence Colored"

Timestamp: [01:35]

Peter Felicia introduces the show tune of the day, “Penny Plain, Tuppence Colored” from the 1961 musical Keene. He elaborates on its historical significance tied to Edmund Kean’s London debut in The Merchant of Venice on this date in 1814. Peter highlights the musical's short run due to Alfred Drake's illness but praises the song’s intricate melisma.

"This is a beautiful song with the greatest melisma in the history of mankind."
— Peter Felicia [01:35]

He also promotes his upcoming reading of Shylock the Barbarian at the Actor's Temple, drawing a parallel between Kean’s legacy and his work.

3. Upcoming Theater Review: "The Old Maid"

Timestamp: [03:17]

Jan Simpson teases her next episode centered on the 1935 play The Old Maid, originally a short story by Edith Wharton. She points out the playwright, Zoe Aikens, and connects the discussion to Edith Wharton’s birthday celebrated this week.

"It's an original play, and it's great to see forgotten playwrights like Zoe Aikens getting attention."
— Jan Simpson [04:24]

4. Edith Wharton's Birthday Celebration

Timestamp: [04:27]

Peter Felicia notes Edith Wharton’s birthday on January 24, 1862, spotted on city electronic billboards, tying it back to their discussions on classic literature and theater.

"Edith Wharton is relevant here because it celebrates a pivotal moment in literary history."
— Peter Felicia [04:27]

5. Jan’s "Broadway Me, Quickies" Reviews

Timestamp: [05:14]

Jan Simpson discusses her "Broadway Me, Quickies," brief show reviews intended for busy audiences. She explains the format is designed to quickly inform listeners about show plots and their potential appeal.

"It's a brief review of a show I've seen that can be read in under a minute."
— Jan Simpson [05:37]

6. Michael’s Absence and Schmigadoon Update

Timestamp: [06:18]

James Marino informs listeners that Michael is away reporting from Washington D.C. and will return next week to discuss upcoming shows, including potential coverage of Schmigadoon after its press date is confirmed.

7. Peter’s Review of "Nina" at Theaterlab

Timestamp: [07:24]

Peter Felicia shares his enthusiastic review of Nina by Forest Malloy, performed at Theaterlab. He describes the play's focus on aspiring actresses in a New York conservatory, highlighting themes of rivalry, ambition, and romantic relationships.

"These women really care about each other, and the cast is exceptional."
— Peter Felicia [07:24]

Peter praises the Theaterlab's intimate L-shaped space and the impressive set design by Wilson Chin, expressing hope for the play’s future endeavors.

8. Jan’s Review of "Grandiloquent" at Lucy Lortel

Timestamp: [11:51]

Jan Simpson reviews Grandiloquent, a solo show by comedian Gary Goleman at Lucy Lortel. She commends Goleman’s intelligence and humor, noting his seamless blend of highbrow and pop culture references. However, she critiques his introspection on the use of personal struggles in comedy towards the show's end.

"He just is very funny and, and ingratiating."
— Jan Simpson [15:08]

Directed by Moritz von Stupenagel, Jan appreciates the show's direction but wishes Goleman had maintained his comedic focus throughout.

9. Jan’s Review of "Show Boat A River" at Skirball Center

Timestamp: [25:48]

Jan Simpson discusses Show Boat A River, a reimagined version of the classic musical presented by Target Margin Theater at NYU's Skirball Center. The production features a racially diverse cast with modern elements, blending 19th-century and contemporary costumes.

"The concept was muddy from the casting and costumes, but the Kern and Hammerstein score remained strong."
— Jan Simpson [35:35]

She notes that while the traditional themes of race and love are maintained, the modern casting choices did not fully resonate with her, though the musical performances were commendable.

10. Peter’s Review of "Kowalski" at The Duke on 42nd Street

Timestamp: [36:31]

Peter Felicia provides a detailed review of Kowalski, a play exploring the origins of A Streetcar Named Desire. The production features Robin Lord Taylor as Tennessee Williams and Brandon Flynn as Marlon Brando. Peter praises the cast's resemblance to their real-life counterparts and the play's gripping narrative.

"I think you'll keep your eyes on the stage and find it tremendously rewarding."
— Peter Felicia [36:31]

He also humorously critiques the marketing strategy that emphasizes names like Marlon Brando and Tennessee Williams prominently above the title.

11. National Asian American Theater Company’s "Cymbeline" at Lynn F. Angelson Theater

Timestamp: [36:31]

Peter Felicia briefly discusses the National Asian American Theater Company’s production of Cymbeline at the Lynn F. Angelson Theater. He highlights the all-female cast and modern verse translation by Andrea Thome, which simplifies the complex Shakespearean plot.

"It really is amazing how it's so easy to follow."
— Peter Felicia [40:35]

Jan prompts for clarification, confirming the production maintains Shakespearean language with modern adaptations.

12. Upcoming Play with Melissa Gilbert and Mark Moses at Sheen Center

Timestamp: [42:00]

Peter Felicia introduces an upcoming play featuring Melissa Gilbert and Mark Moses at the Sheen Center on Bleecker Street. The play delves into a relationship strained by opposing political ideologies, mirroring real-life dynamics.

Jan Simpson shares her positive experience from a previous run of the play, praising its smart and engaging narrative inspired by the playwright's own relationship.

"It's an interesting piece of work that combines love and politics effectively."
— Jan Simpson [43:59]

13. Brain Teaser Segment

Timestamp: [48:31]

James Marino revisits last week's brain teaser and presents this week's challenge:

"She never appeared on Broadway, but she did appear in film versions of a 1950s play and a 1950s musical, both of which were hits running over 500 performances. These two shows shared a more famous person connected to both stage versions. What were the two shows, who was the actress, and what famous person was involved?"

Listeners are encouraged to email their answers to us@trivia.broadwayradio.com.

14. Closing Remarks

James Marino wraps up the episode by reminding listeners to subscribe to BroadwayRadio through their website or Patreon for exclusive content. He thanks Peter and Jan for their insights and previews upcoming episodes, including Jan’s All the Drama segment.

Notable Quotes:

• "This is a beautiful song with the greatest melisma in the history of mankind."
  — Peter Felicia [01:35]

• "He just is very funny and, and ingratiating."
  — Jan Simpson [15:08]

• "I think you'll keep your eyes on the stage and find it tremendously rewarding."
  — Peter Felicia [36:31]

Key Takeaways:

• Nina at Theaterlab: A compelling portrayal of aspiring actresses, praised for its cast and intimate setting.

• Grandiloquent at Lucy Lortel: Gary Goleman delivers a smart and witty solo performance, albeit with some introspective detours.

• Show Boat A River at Skirball Center: A modern take on the classic musical with a diverse cast, maintaining strong musical performances despite conceptual ambiguities.

• Kowalski at The Duke: An engaging exploration of A Streetcar Named Desire’s origins with standout performances and effective storytelling.

• Cymbeline at Lynn F. Angelson Theater: A simplified, accessible version of Shakespeare's complex play, enhanced by an all-female cast.

• Upcoming Plays: Highlights include a politically charged relationship drama featuring well-known actors Melissa Gilbert and Mark Moses.

Listeners are encouraged to tune in next week for more in-depth reviews, interviews, and theatrical insights.