BroadwayRadio Episode Summary: "This Week on Broadway for January 5, 2025: Best of 2024"

Introduction In this engaging episode of BroadwayRadio, host James Marino welcomes regular contributors Peter Felicia and Michael Portentier to discuss the standout moments and productions from Broadway in 2024. The conversation is rich with insights, personal anecdotes, and critical assessments, providing a comprehensive overview for both avid theatergoers and newcomers alike.

1. Calendar Release and Early Highlights At the onset ([01:09]), Peter Felicia introduces his latest creation—a day by day wall calendar titled "A Show Tune for Today: 366 Songs to Brighten Your Year." Released recently, the calendar has garnered positive feedback. Peter shares a notable quote from a Concord Theatricals employee, Zachary Otz, who expressed his commitment to listening to each selected song daily:

“I like what you picked. Or you reminded me of a song.” ([01:45])

2. Metropolitan Opera’s Aida Production Michael Portentier delves into his experience attending the Metropolitan Opera's new production of Aida ([05:44]). Directed by Michael Mayer, the production has sparked mixed reactions. Michael praises lighting designer Christine Jones and costumer Susan Hillfortee for their contributions but critiques Mayer's incorporation of a framing device that interjects archaeologists into the ancient Egyptian narrative.

“It's a very postmodern production in that way.” ([11:30])

Despite structural criticisms, the vocal performances shine. Angel Blue delivers a magnificent performance as Aida, stepping in for the ill Piotr Bexala with remarkable ease:

“He had to fly him in two days ago from Arizona… you would never for a second have known he had basically no rehearsal.” ([12:30])

However, the production is marred by Judith Kutasi’s portrayal of Amneris, which many found off-pitch and disappointing:

“She was singing off pitch about 40% of the time.” ([13:46])

The hosts highlight the resilience of other cast members like Morris Robinson and Harold Wilson, who provided stellar performances despite the setbacks.

3. Best of 2024: Peter Felicia’s Highlights Peter Felicia shares his top picks for the best Broadway shows of 2024, emphasizing both mainstream hits and off-Broadway gems:

• A Hat Full of Rain ([17:51]): Praised for superb direction by Paul Shamplin and exceptional sound design.

• Heart of Rock and Roll ([17:51]): Lauren Lotaro's choreography receives high commendation, though Peter laments its lack of Tony recognition.

• Via Galactica at 54 Below ([17:51]): Galt McDermott’s musical, though short-lived initially, is celebrated for its delightful music, especially the instrumental album featuring "Dance the Dark Away."

• Understudy Performances ([17:51]): Walter Marks shines as an understudy in Golden Rainbow, delivering memorable renditions of "I've Got to Be Me," while Gianna Harris impresses in Hell's Kitchen.

Peter also lauds Jennifer Simard's unique performances and highlights memorable roles by Sarah Paulson and others in various productions.

4. Michael Portentier’s Top Picks Michael complements Peter’s list with his own favorites:

• All the Villains Are Here ([22:01]): Commended for Patrick Page’s dynamic performances.

• Sweeney Todd ([22:01]): Praises for the original cast replacements, notably Jenna Dewal as Mrs. Lovett and Daniel Marconi as Tobias.

• Once Upon a Mattress ([24:37]): Sutton Foster’s portrayal of Princess Winnifred is a standout, with Michael appreciating the close staging that enhances comedic timing.

• Dead Outlaw and Other Off-Off-Broadway Gems ([28:23]): Anticipation builds for Dead Outlaw, an audible production eagerly awaited for its Broadway debut.

Michael also discusses successful revivals like Jersey Boys at the Engemann and emerging hits like Our Town under Kenny Leon's direction, despite differing opinions with Peter on certain productions.

5. Theaters and Production Insights Both hosts emphasize the importance of venue and staging in enhancing a show's reception. They discuss how on-stage orchestras in productions like Once Upon a Mattress allow audiences to better connect with performances compared to shows relegated further back, such as certain alternative productions mentioned critically.

6. Controversial and Underappreciated Shows The conversation touches on productions that did not fare as well:

• Cult of Love ([25:15]): Despite being a favorite of Peter Felicia and gaining popularity through word-of-mouth, there's skepticism about the effectiveness of certain marketing strategies like advertising on shows like Operation Repo.

• Our Town Revival ([52:02]): Peter praises Kenny Leon’s dynamic interpretation, contrasting with Michael’s view that it nearly wrecked the play, highlighting the subjective nature of theater critique.

7. Trivia and Musical Moments The episode includes a trivia segment ([74:17]), engaging listeners with Broadway-related questions, and a tribute to the late Linda Lavin ([77:16]–[78:26]). Michael honors Lavin’s impressive career in theater and television, showcasing clips from her performances in Broadway Bound and Gypsy. He defends her against critical reviews, asserting her prowess in roles like Rose in Gypsy.

8. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement James Marino wraps up the discussion by encouraging listeners to support the podcast through subscriptions and Patreon, mentioning exclusive content like Jan Simpson’s monthly check-ins for members. The hosts also tease upcoming segments, including a musical moment tribute and hints about future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Felicia ([01:45]): “I have to say that friends have been very intrigued by the calendar…”
• Michael Portentier ([12:30]): “He had to fly him in two days ago from Arizona… you would never for a second have known he had basically no rehearsal.”
• Peter Felicia ([13:46]): “She was singing off pitch about 40% of the time.”
• Michael Portentier ([24:39]): “Audiences love to see family members yell at each other. They love to see family drama.”
• Peter Felicia ([51:47]): “When am I going to be a wife again?”
• Michael Portentier ([52:08]): “That's part of the problem. He could never talk anything out.”
• Peter Felicia ([63:42]): “One has to wonder if indeed this had been produced 30, 40 years ago, their version of it, would it have done spectacularly well because of the book's title?”

Conclusion This episode of BroadwayRadio serves as a vibrant recap of the theatrical year, blending enthusiastic endorsements with thoughtful critiques. Through their dynamic conversation, James, Peter, and Michael offer listeners a nuanced perspective on what made 2024 a memorable year for Broadway, ensuring that whether you’re seeking recommendations or deeper insights, there’s something here for every theater enthusiast.

Listen and Subscribe Stay updated with the latest discussions and exclusive content by subscribing to BroadwayRadio on broadwayradio.com, Apple Podcasts, or Patreon at patreon.com/BroadwayRadio. Join the community and never miss an episode celebrating Broadway’s vibrant landscape.