BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "This Week on Broadway for July 27, 2025: A Chorus Line Turns 50"

Release Date: July 27, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of BroadwayRadio, host James Marino is joined by esteemed guests Peter Felicia, a multifaceted playwright, journalist, and historian, and Michael Portantier, a renowned theater reviewer and photographer. The trio delves deep into the heart of Broadway, celebrating its milestones, dissecting current productions, and sharing personal anecdotes that resonate with theater enthusiasts.

Celebrating "A Chorus Line" at 50

The episode kicks off with a heartfelt tribute to the iconic musical "A Chorus Line," marking its 50th anniversary.

• Peter Felicia reflects nostalgically:

  "I don't know what I was doing on July 25th, but I believe July 26th when the album came out was unforgettable. I was entranced by the music and couldn't wait to see the show."

• Michael Portantier adds personal insights:

  "The opening sequence of 'A Chorus Line' is one of the greatest moments in musical theater. It thrusts you right into the middle of the audition, and the choreography combined with the music is just exhilarating."

Both guests reminisce about their first experiences with the musical, emphasizing its lasting impact on Broadway and its faithful audience.

Spotlight on Current Productions

1. "Joy: A New True Musical" at Laura Pels Theatre

James Marino and Peter Felicia share their recent experience attending "Joy," a new musical based on the life of Joy Mangano, the inventor of the Miracle Mop.

• Peter Felicia praises the performance:

  "Betsy Wolf as Joy Mangano was inspiring. The show had a lot of heart, and Betsy's portrayal was both powerful and heartfelt."

• James Marino echoes the sentiment:

  "The cast was outstanding, especially Jill Abramovitz who transformed brilliantly into the role of Joy's mother."

They discuss the strengths of the production, including its emotional depth and strong performances, while noting areas for improvement, such as pacing in the courtroom scenes.

2. "Polishing Shakespeare" at 59 East 59

Peter delves into Brian Dykstra's production of "Polishing Shakespeare," exploring the challenges and triumphs of presenting Shakespeare in a modern context.

• Peter Felicia explains:

  "The production addresses the tension between artistic integrity and financial constraints in regional theaters, making it both amusing and harrowing."

• Michael Portantier shares his experience:

  "Shakespeare in the Parking Lot was fascinating. The actors' ability to project their lines without microphones was impressive, ensuring every word was heard clearly."

3. Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival's "The Matchmaker" in Garrison, NY

The conversation shifts to the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, highlighting their production of "The Matchmaker."

• Peter Felicia commends the cast's chemistry:

  "Nancy Williamson and Kurt Rhodes brought an extraordinary dynamic to their roles, making the production astonishingly good."

• Michael Portantier adds:

  "The open-air tent setting added a unique charm, and despite some unnecessary elements like the third act, the overall performance was exceptional."

They praise the festival's commitment to quality performances while critiquing certain artistic choices.

Cabaret and Solo Performances

Christine Petty’s "Wicked Songs" at 54 Below

Michael Portantier reviews Christine Petty's captivating cabaret performance, where she presents a series of songs centered around show business.

• Michael Portantier highlights:

  "Christine delivered a scintillating performance with Penny Fuller opening the show beautifully. Despite last-minute cancellations by Len Cariou and Richard Kind, the evening was a resounding success."

• Peter Felicia adds excitement about upcoming shows:

  "On August 4th at 54 Below, I'll be sharing stories from my 64-year journey in theater, featuring performances by Christine Petty, Jose de Guzman, and Jackie Hoffman."

Josh Sharp’s Solo Show "Ta Da" at Greenwich House

Peter Felicia discusses Josh Sharp's solo performance, emphasizing his meticulous memorization and engaging storytelling.

• Peter Felicia praises:

  "Josh Sharp's 'Ta Da' is a masterful blend of humor and heartfelt stories, supported by an impressive array of 2000 slides that perfectly complement his narrative."

• James Marino adds:

  "The audience was thoroughly entertained, with not a moment missed in laughter and applause throughout the 85-minute show."

Theater Anecdotes and Audience Insights

Overheard Theater Comments

Michael Portentier shares amusing and perplexing theater-related comments overheard in a restaurant setting.

• Michael Portentier recounts:

  "One young man said, 'Sondheim is a God. I worship Sondheim, but he never wrote a good second act.' It's surprising to hear such strong opinions in casual settings."

He humorously considers immortalizing these comments on the podcast, highlighting the diverse perspectives within the theater community.

"A Chorus Line" Movie Review

The guests discuss the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line," critiquing its departure from the original's charm.

• Peter Felicia notes:

  "The movie tried to stay true to the stage production but ended up being painfully long and less effective in conveying the story's emotional depth."

• Michael Portentier agrees:

  "Michael Douglas's performance and the overuse of reaction shots made the film less impactful. It's a loss that a professionally shot video of the Broadway production couldn't be secured."

Brain Teasers and Musical Moments

Brain Teaser

Peter Felicia presents a challenging brain teaser involving multiple layers of Broadway trivia, encouraging listeners to engage and respond via email.

Musical Moment

Michael Portentier spotlights memorable segments from "A Chorus Line," specifically the opening number "I Hope I Get It," praising its choreography and emotional resonance.

• Michael Portentier emphasizes:

  "The opening sequence thrusts you into the audition scene, making it one of the most exciting and well-crafted moments in musical theater."

Closing Remarks

James Marino wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe, support via Patreon, and check the show notes for additional links and resources. The trio bids farewell, leaving listeners inspired and eager for the next broadcast.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [01:56] James Marino: "Peter is a playwright, journalist and historian with a number of books. Peter's new Day by Day Desk calendar, 'A Show Tune for Today,' 366 songs to brighten the year, has been released."

• [03:25] Michael Portentier: "Marilyn May did an entire album titled 'A Taste of Sherry,' but there's only that one song from 'Sherry' on it."

• [10:39] Michael Portantier: "They wrote a two-person show for Broadway. A two-person musical for Broadway."

• [22:55] Michael Portantier: "There was no microphone whatsoever. I heard every word clearly."

• [60:15] Michael Portentier: "That was Jamie Lloyd. It was ridiculous how he misinterpreted the character."

Conclusion

This episode of BroadwayRadio offers an enriching exploration of Broadway's past and present, blending expert insights with passionate discussions. Whether celebrating monumental anniversaries or critiquing contemporary productions, James Marino, Peter Felicia, and Michael Portentier provide listeners with a comprehensive and engaging take on the ever-evolving world of Broadway theater.

Connect with BroadwayRadio

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Stay tuned for more episodes as the hosts continue to bring the magic of Broadway to your ears!