BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: This Week on Broadway for July 13, 2025: Heathers The Musical

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of BroadwayRadio, host James Marino and his guests—Peter Felicia, Michael Portantier, and Jan Simpson—delve deep into the latest happenings on Broadway. The focus centers on the revival of Heathers The Musical at New World Stages, alongside discussions about other notable productions, audience reactions, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Heathers The Musical Revival at New World Stages

Overview and Cast Performances

The episode opens with excitement surrounding the revival of Heathers The Musical, which originally premiered in 2014 at New World Stages. Peter Felicia provides a comprehensive background, highlighting the show's adaptation from the 1989 cult classic film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. He remarks, "It's a musical adaptation of the 1989 movie... about teens who are at a high school where there's the stereotypical hierarchy of cheerleaders and jocks" ([06:12]).

The cast boasts formidable talent, including Lorna Courtney, Juliet Casey, Kerry Butler, and Mackenzie Kurtz. Felicia praises their performances, stating, "It's got very clever songs by Kevin Murphy and Lawrence O'Keeffe" ([07:00]).

Timing and Sensitivity Concerns

However, the revival isn't without its controversies. Felicia and Michael Portantier express discomfort with the show's timing, especially considering the tragic school shootings like Columbine (1999) and Parkland (2018), which draw eerie parallels to the musical's themes. Felicia notes, "This show raises the idea of the issues of homophobia, date rape, fat shaming, eating disorders, pseudo suicidal inclinations, and tries to gloss over them" ([10:17]).

Audience Reactions and Casting Choices

Michael shares a personal experience of an overly enthusiastic audience, where "girls screaming at the top of their lungs at every possible moment" disrupted the performance ([15:12]). Despite these challenges, both hosts acknowledge the strong cast performances and the show's enduring appeal, leading to its extension through January 2026.

Felicia discusses the casting's colorblind approach, questioning its impact on the portrayal of privilege: "I think that that kind of muddies the point of the show about privilege and, well, white privilege and of course, economic privilege" ([20:27]).

Notable Quotes:

• Felicia: “I felt too uncomfortable to say I liked or enjoyed the show” ([10:17]).
• Michael: “I can't tell you how much I hate that” regarding audience disruptions ([15:12]).

All Shook Up at Goodspeed Opera House

Production Overview

Peter Felicia reviews All Shook Up, a production at the Goodspeed Opera House featuring music by Elvis Presley. He highlights the show's appeal to baby boomers, who relish the nostalgia of Presley's hits: "Love Me Tender, Blue Suede Shoes, Don't Be Cruel" ([24:00]).

Audience Engagement and Performance

The production opens energetically with "Jailhouse Rock," setting a dynamic tone. Felicia appreciates how the audience connects with the familiar songs, noting, "All they had to hear was Wise Men say Only Fools..." ([26:41]).

Director's Choices and Cultural Representation

However, Felicia critiques the tonal inconsistencies and casting decisions, particularly the interracial elements in a 1950s Midwestern setting: "There is a lot of talk about an interracial romance... It's still there and it still doesn't ring true" ([14:54]).

Notable Quotes:

• Felicia: “But the big hits are there” ([22:22]).
• Michael: “It's a very, very well done production” praising the cast ([14:48]).

Prince Faggot at Playwrights Horizons

Controversial Themes and Title

Michael Portantier discusses Prince Faggot, a play exploring a speculative future where Prince George is gay. The title itself has sparked debate, with Peter Felicia vehemently expressing disdain for the use of the term "faggot": “I just rail against that word and I just think it's terrible” ([77:42]).

Narrative Structure and Monologues

The play incorporates separate monologues from cast members, blending real-life experiences with fiction. Michael critiques this choice as "very pretentious" and believes it didn't enhance the narrative ([38:00]).

Director and Audience Reception

Despite mixed feelings about the title and certain thematic elements, both Michael and Jan Simpson commend the production's direction and cast performances. Jan notes, “It was beautifully done and ultimately actually very effective” ([42:03]).

Notable Quotes:

• Peter: “It is a big problem” regarding the title and its implications ([61:55]).
• Michael: “This play was by Penelope Skinner... it does show the royal family in a way that the royals don't often” ([42:03]).

Angry Allan at Seaview Studio

Performance Insights

Jan Simpson reviews Angry Allan, featuring John Krasinski in a powerful solo performance. She compares his command of the stage to Hugh Jackman’s role in Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes: “Both of these men are using their nice guy personas and showing us that people that we usually think of as terrible... are actually just ordinary people” ([54:55]).

Themes and Audience Impact

The play satirizes toxic masculinity and middle-class discontent. Jan cautions that some audience members might misconstrue the satire as support for the depicted behaviors, though she notes an instance where an audience member's reaction shifted as the play progressed ([54:55]).

Notable Quotes:

• Jan: “I thought this play was by Penelope Skinner... and he does do something really good” ([67:09]).
• Michael: “It came across almost as cartoonish” regarding the portrayal of male privilege ([75:32]).

Delaria at Dr. 2

Character Dynamics and Performance

Peter Felicia explores Delaria, a two-character play focusing on the toxic friendship between Delaria and Georgia. He highlights Ella Stiller's portrayal of the narcissistic Delaria, who manipulates Georgia's insecurities: “She is quite the narcissist and Georgia puts up with it because she doesn't have many friends” ([57:18]).

Themes and Criticisms

While appreciating the honest depiction of relationships, Felicia criticizes the play’s handling of dark themes like virginity and substance abuse: “It gets very dark as time goes on... it's very hard to truly understand what's being said” ([62:51]).

Notable Quotes:

• Felicia: “It's very, very well directed” praising Shayak Misha Chowdhury's work ([42:03]).
• James: “I never say what I say is true. I only tell you what I hear” ([61:37]).

Low Country

Plot and Production Insights

Peter Felicia reviews Low Country, discussing its unique staging involving a basement-like setting and the use of modern technology such as speakerphone conversations. He points out the play's exploration of trust and skepticism, especially concerning a protagonist branded as a sex offender: “A woman who really is interested in having sex with a guy who's petrified of it for obvious reasons” ([62:51]).

Technical Criticisms

Felicia critiques the technical aspects, specifically the unclear audio from speakerphone conversations, which hampers audience understanding: “Every word... there's nothing wrong with having the caller on the sound system” ([65:47]).

Notable Quotes:

• Felicia: “This play by Abby Rose Brock... isn't quite as satisfying as it might be” ([65:47]).
• Jan: “It's very well performed by the two main characters” ([65:53]).

Trophy Boys at MCC Theater

Satirical Take on Masculinity

Felicia discusses Trophy Boys, a satirical play where female actors portray members of an all-boys debate team tasked with arguing against feminism. Directed by Donya Taymor, the play attempts to critique white male privilege and toxic masculinity but Felicia feels the execution falls short: “They are trying so hard to act like guys that it just comes off almost as cartoonish” ([72:38]).

Audience Reception

Despite Felicia's criticisms, the play enjoys positive audience reception and multiple extensions, indicating its popularity: “The audience seem to love it and it has been extended two or three times” ([72:38]).

Notable Quotes:

• Felicia: “It's its own genre... expressing the difficulties they have in reconciling who they are in this world” ([69:10]).
• Michael: “It's trying to satirize white male privilege and toxic masculinity” ([72:38]).

Broadway by the Boardwalk Series

Outdoor Performances and Upcoming Shows

Michael Portantier highlights the Broadway by the Boardwalk series at Hudson River Park's Clinton Cove. This free, outdoor theater series features acclaimed Broadway stars performing in a scenic, open-air setting. Upcoming performances include Max von Essen with Billy Steven, John Lloyd Young, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Zachary Noah Peyser, Anthony Rapp, and Adam Pascal ([73:04]).

Audience Experience

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low chairs to enjoy performances under the summer sky. The series aims to bring Broadway's magic into the public's backyard, fostering a communal and accessible theater experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael: “It's a very nice setting. Sounds great to me” ([75:32]).

Brain Teaser

Peter Felicia presents a challenging brain teaser related to two 20th-century musicals:

• Clues:
  • One musical deals with a superstar.
  • Another deals with crime and cross-dressers.
  • The entire title of one can be found within the title of the other.
  • Last week's question involved identifying both shows and their connections.

Listeners are encouraged to submit their answers via email for a chance to be featured in future episodes.

Musical Moments

Excerpts from Heathers The Musical

The episode concludes with Musical Moments, featuring excerpts from the world premiere recording of Heathers The Musical. Two sections from the opening number "Bullet Beautiful" are highlighted:

• Opening Section: Includes some of the show's controversial slurs, setting a provocative tone.
• Closing Section: Establishes the narrative and character dynamics effectively.

Listeners are invited to enjoy these excerpts to gain a taste of the show's energetic and cutting-edge musical style.

Closing Remarks

James Marino wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe to BroadwayRadio for future episodes and exclusive content available on Patreon. He also highlights the significance of the Wicked cast album achieving four-times platinum certification—a testament to Broadway's enduring cultural impact.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Felicia: “We were so tiny, happy and shiny. Playing tag and getting chased” ([00:42]).
• Michael: “This musical, and I guess the movie, too, I did not see the movie, but [Heathers The Musical] worked better in the first production” ([13:15]).
• Jan: “It was beautifully done and ultimately actually very effective” ([42:03]).
• James: “I'll put that in the show notes” referencing Peter’s attendance ([23:15]).

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