BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

Title: This Week on Broadway for June 1, 2025: Our Tony Awards Predictions
Host/Authors: James Marino, Peter Felicia, Michael Portantier
Release Date: June 1, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of BroadwayRadio, hosts James Marino, Peter Felicia, and Michael Portantier delve into their predictions for the upcoming Tony Awards. They meticulously analyze various categories, offering insights into the standout performances, scores, and productions of the Broadway season.

Best Book of a Musical

Contenders: Buena Vista Social Club, Dead Outlaw, Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat

• Michael Portantier expresses disappointment with Boop, stating, “I really do wish that Boop had been better acknowledged, and I'm very surprised that it didn't” ([03:47]).
• He favors Maybe Happy Ending for its originality, suggesting it’s likely to win: “I expect that maybe Happy Ending will win best book and I'll be Very happy if it does” ([14:35]).
• James Marino concurs, highlighting his preference for Maybe Happy Ending, noting its strong narrative and character development ([14:37]).
• Peter Felicia adds that while Buena Vista Social Club and Dead Outlaw are commendable, they believe Maybe Happy Ending stands out: “I think it deserves to win” ([16:51]).

Conclusion: Maybe Happy Ending is the frontrunner for Best Book of a Musical, with hosts predicting its victory based on its originality and execution.

Best Original Score

Contenders: Dead Outlaw, Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat, Real Women Have Curves

• Michael Portantier praises David Yazbek’s work in Dead Outlaw and Maybe Happy Ending, asserting, “How wonderful … I think he may win Orchestrations as well” ([18:36]).
• James Marino supports Maybe Happy Ending for its well-suited orchestrations and lauds Dead Outlaw for its beautiful score: “I think it's a beautiful job by David Yazbek and Eric Delapena” ([19:31]).
• Peter Felicia echoes the sentiment, appreciating the intricate compositions of Maybe Happy Ending ([19:33]).

Conclusion: Maybe Happy Ending is anticipated to triumph in the Best Original Score category, given its compelling music and effective orchestration.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Contenders: George Clooney (Good Night, Good Luck), Kelly Cole Scola (Our Town), Daniel Dae Kim (Yellowface), Harry Lennox (Purpose), Lewis McCartney (Stranger Things: The First Shadows)

• Michael Portantier predicts Kelly Cole Scola will win over George Clooney, criticizing Clooney’s on-stage presence: “I think it's going to be cola” ([21:45]).
• James Marino and Peter Felicia agree with Peter, emphasizing the diversity and talent among the nominees but still favoring Scola ([22:54], [23:17]).

Conclusion: Kelly Cole Scola is favored to win Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play, surpassing celebrity nominees like George Clooney.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Contenders: Laura Donnelly (Hills, California), Mia Farrow (The Roommate), Latonya Richardson (Jackson), Sadie Sink (John Proctor is the Villain), Sarah Snook (The Picture of Dorian Gray)

• Michael Portantier champions Sarah Snook for her exceptional preparation and performance: “It's a tremendous achievement” ([24:04]).
• James Marino challenges this choice, expressing reservations about the show's concept and Snook’s portrayal: “I just think the whole concept … is so, so wrong headed to me” ([36:40]).
• Peter Felicia remains supportive of Snook but acknowledges differing opinions: “She was phenomenal in it” ([47:22]).

Conclusion: While Sarah Snook is a strong contender, the hosts present a divided opinion, with some reservations about her role, though her talent remains undisputed.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Contenders: Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending), Jonathan Groff (Wonderful World), Tom Francis (Sunset Boulevard), James Monroe Iglehart (Louis Armstrong), Jeremy Jordan (Flight, Floyd Collins)

• Michael Portantier anticipates Darren Criss’s win, celebrating his dynamic performance: “I think he will get the award” ([30:22]).
• James Marino supports Criss, highlighting his growth and improved performances compared to past roles: “I think he may win” ([31:10]).
• Peter Felicia agrees, citing Criss’s strong comeback and audience acclaim: “I think he’ll win it” ([32:08]).

Conclusion: Darren Criss is the leading candidate for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, buoyed by his standout performance in Maybe Happy Ending.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Contenders: Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her), Audra McDonald (Gypsy), Jasmine Amy Rogers (Boop), Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard), Jennifer Simard (Death Becomes Her)

• Michael Portantier confidently predicts Jasmine Amy Rogers will win due to her exceptional talent and seamless portrayal: “Jasmine Amy Rogers … is going to sneak in” ([35:11]).
• James Marino supports Rogers, emphasizing her pivotal role and the positive audience reception: “She really carries it” ([40:11]).
• Peter Felicia echoes the confidence in Rogers’ victory: “She's my shall win choice” ([48:24]).

Conclusion: Jasmine Amy Rogers is the favored winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, recognized for her impactful performance in Boop.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Contenders: Glenn Davis (Purpose), Gabriel Ebert (John Proctor is the Villain), John Proctor (The Villain), Francis Jew (Yellowface), Bob Odenkirk (Glengarry), Glenn Ross, Conrad Ricamora (O’Mary)

• Michael Portantier leans towards Conrad Ricamora for his standout role in O’Mary: “I have a feeling Conrad's gonna win” ([42:12]).
• James Marino appreciates all nominees but remains non-committal, highlighting Ebert’s character transition: “Gabriel Ebert … does a fabulous job” ([42:58]).
• Peter Felicia concurs with Portantier’s assessment, acknowledging Ricamora’s strong performance ([44:44]).

Conclusion: Conrad Ricamora is predicted to secure the award for Best Featured Actor in a Play, thanks to his compelling role in O’Mary.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Contenders: Tala Ash (English), Jessica Hecht (Eureka Day), Marjan Neshat (English), Fina Straza (John Proctor is the Villain), Carrie Young (Purpose)

• Michael Portantier advocates for Jessica Hecht, viewing her nomination as a "mid-lifetime achievement": “I think it's going to be hers” ([45:12]).
• James Marino disagrees, believing Hecht’s performance in Eureka Day is her best yet: “I absolutely love the transition … that really knocked me for a loop” ([46:12]).
• Peter Felicia agrees with Hecht’s merits, acknowledging her phenomenal portrayal: “She was phenomenal in it” ([48:24]).

Conclusion: Jessica Hecht is the top pick for Best Featured Actress in a Play, praised for her dynamic performance in Eureka Day.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Contenders: Brooks Eschmanskas (Manchkis and Smash), Jeb Brown (Dead Outlaw), Danny (Gypsy), Jack Malone (Floyd Collins), Taylor Trench (Floyd Collins)

• Michael Portantier forecasts Jack Malone will win for his galvanizing number in Floyd Collins: “That is the greatest compliment … I think that this is easily his win” ([49:22]).
• James Marino agrees, acknowledging Malone’s standout performance: “I agree and I don't have much to add” ([49:48]).
• Peter Felicia concurs, highlighting Malone’s impactful role: “He does wonderful work in it” ([50:12]).

Conclusion: Jack Malone is anticipated to take home the award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, recognized for his outstanding performance in Floyd Collins.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Contenders: Natalie Venetia Belkun (One of Us), Julia Knitel (Dead Outlaw), Gracie Lawrence (Just in Time), Justina Machado (Real Women Have Curves), Joy Womans (Gypsy)

• Michael Portantier backs Joy Womans for her powerful portrayal in Gypsy: “it's going to be she” ([50:49]).
• James Marino supports Womans, recognizing her as a highlight of the show: “I think it's going to be she” ([51:38]).
• Peter Felicia agrees, commending Womans’ performance: “I think it's going to be she” ([51:59]).

Conclusion: Joy Womans is the leading candidate for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, celebrated for her commanding performance in Gypsy.

Best Direction of a Play

Contenders: Newt Adams (English), Sam Mendez (Hills of California), Sam Pickleton (O’Mary), Danya Taymor (John Proctor is the Villain), Kip Williams (The Picture of Dorian Gray)

• Michael Portantier predicts Kip Williams will win for his innovative direction of The Picture of Dorian Gray: “I think it is going to win” ([52:27]).
• James Marino disputes this, expressing skepticism about the show's concept despite praising other directions: “I don't like the whole concept … So for that reason I would not pick the Picture of Dorian Gray” ([53:05]).
• Peter Felicia remains uncertain, recognizing the challenge but unsure about the outcome ([53:31]).

Conclusion: Kip Williams is a strong contender for Best Direction of a Play, though opinions among the hosts are mixed regarding his innovative approach.

Best Direction of a Musical

Contenders: Sashim Ali (Buena Vista Social Club), Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending), David Cromer (Dead Outlaw), Christopher Gattelli (Death Becomes Her), Jamie Lloyd (Sunset Boulevard)

• Michael Portantier advocates for Michael Arden’s direction in Maybe Happy Ending: “I think he's going to win” ([56:11]).
• James Marino concurs, strongly supporting Arden’s vision: “Same here. End of story” ([56:47]).
• Peter Felicia agrees, aligning with the hosts on Arden’s potential victory ([56:49]).

Conclusion: Michael Arden is favored to win Best Direction of a Musical, praised for his transformative work in Maybe Happy Ending.

Best Choreography

Contenders: Joshua Bergas (Bookish Smash), Camille A. Brown (Gypsy), Christopher Catelli (Death Becomes Her), Jerry Mitchell (Boop), Patrick Delgado & Justin Peck (Buena Vista Social Club)

• Michael Portantier supports Jerry Mitchell for his exceptional choreography in Boop: “it's going to be Jerry Mitchell” ([57:13]).
• James Marino remains undecided but leans towards Mitchell: “I think it's going to be Jerry Mitchell” ([58:15]).
• Peter Felicia concurs, emphasizing Mitchell’s standout dances: “it's going to be Jerry Mitchell” ([58:46]).

Conclusion: Jerry Mitchell is the top pick for Best Choreography, celebrated for his dynamic and engaging work in Boop.

Best Orchestrations

Contenders: Andrew Resnick & Michael Thurber (Just in Time), Will Aronson (Maybe Happy Ending), Bruce Coughlin (Floyd Collins), Marco Paguia (Buena Vista Social Club), David Cullen & Angelo Weber (Sunset Boulevard)

• Michael Portantier favors Will Aronson for his orchestrations in Maybe Happy Ending: “He may win Orchestrations as well” ([59:33]).
• James Marino supports Maybe Happy Ending, praising its tailored orchestrations: “I think maybe Happy Ending had wonderful orchestrations” ([61:18]).
• Peter Felicia suggests Buena Vista Social Club as the likely winner, recognizing its vibrant arrangements: “Buena Visa, Social Club's going to win” ([62:52]).

Conclusion: Maybe Happy Ending and Buena Vista Social Club are strong contenders for Best Orchestrations, with a slight edge given to Maybe Happy Ending based on hosts’ preferences.

Revivals

Best Revival of a Play Contenders: Eureka Day, Romeo and Juliet, Our Town, Yellowface

• Michael Portantier selects Eureka Day over Our Town, citing its well-received current production: “I'm going to go with Eureka Day” ([63:38]).
• James Marino admires Our Town but remains open due to Eureka Day’s fresh take: “I really thought both of those were great achievements” ([66:36]).
• Peter Felicia agrees on the split, acknowledging the strengths of both shows ([63:10]).

Conclusion: Eureka Day is the predicted winner for Best Revival of a Play, though Romeo and Juliet and Our Town remain strong contenders.

Best Revival of a Musical Contenders: Floyd Collins, Gypsy, Pirates, Sunset Boulevard

• Michael Portantier anticipates Sunset Boulevard to win, despite his personal disappointment: “it is going to win” ([68:06]).
• James Marino disagrees, favoring Gypsy for its innovative reinterpretation: “I strongly disagree with Peter about Gypsy” ([68:33]).
• Peter Felicia sides with Sunset Boulevard, citing its commercial and critical success ([68:35]).

Conclusion: Sunset Boulevard is expected to secure the award for Best Revival of a Musical, despite differing opinions among hosts.

Best Play and Best Musical

Best Play Contenders: English, The Hills of California, John Proctor is the Villain, O'Mary, Purpose

• Michael Portantier predicts John Proctor is the Villain will win Best Play: “I think it's going to be John Proctor” ([70:38]).
• James Marino supports this choice, noting its emotional impact: “John Proctor's the villain is the best show I've ever seen” ([71:39]).
• Peter Felicia concurs, emphasizing the play’s excellence: “So there it is for me” ([71:58]).

Conclusion: John Proctor is the Villain is the leading candidate for Best Play, recognized for its powerful storytelling and performances.

Best Musical Contenders: Buena Vista Social Club, Dead Outlaw, Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat

• Michael Portantier and James Marino both favor Maybe Happy Ending for Best Musical, highlighting its turnaround from poor initial reception to widespread acclaim: “It's a happy ending” ([72:22], [72:29]).
• Peter Felicia agrees, noting the show's impressive box office growth and positive reviews: “It's gonna be a happy ending” ([72:26]).

Conclusion: Maybe Happy Ending is predicted to win Best Musical, celebrated for its remarkable resurgence and exceptional quality.

Conclusion

The hosts of BroadwayRadio provide a thorough and passionate analysis of the Tony Awards contenders, with Maybe Happy Ending emerging as a significant favorite across multiple categories. Their discussions highlight the dynamic nature of Broadway productions and the varied performances that make the season exciting. As the Tony Awards approach, these predictions offer valuable insights for Broadway enthusiasts looking to anticipate the outcomes of this prestigious event.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Portantier on Maybe Happy Ending: “I think it is going to win” ([30:22]).
• James Marino on Jessica Hecht: “I absolutely love the transition … that really knocked me for a loop” ([46:12]).
• Peter Felicia on Jack Malone: “He does wonderful work in it” ([49:22]).

Additional Highlights

• Barry Gordon's Passing: The hosts take a moment to honor the legacy of theater journalist and photographer Barry Gordon, sharing personal anecdotes and memories ([75:17]).
• Musical Moments: James Marino reminisces about a special performance of "Manhattan" from a 1991 show featuring iconic performers such as Margaret Whiting and Elaine Stritch.
• Trivia Segment: The hosts engage listeners with a Tony Awards-themed brain teaser, encouraging audience participation ([75:35]).

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This summary captures the essence of the BroadwayRadio episode, ensuring that listeners who missed the broadcast are well-informed about the hosts' Tony Awards predictions and the discussions that shaped their views.