BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: This Week on Broadway for June 8, 2025: Red Bull Theater’s Production of The Imaginary Invalid
Release Date: June 8, 2025
Introduction and Show Tune of the Day
The episode kicks off with host James Marino welcoming guests Peter Felicia and Michael Portantier. They delve into Tony Day, celebrating the rich history of Broadway musicals.
Show Tune Selection:
Peter introduces the show's tune for the day:
"Better with a band. From A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. Because 11 years ago this was the night that it won best musical and three other Tonys too."
— Peter Felicia [00:49]
He highlights the clever staging and humor embedded in the musical, tying it into the current Pride Month.
Upcoming Works and Projects
One-Person Play on Gun Control:
Peter discusses his collaboration with Eric Krebs on a new one-person play addressing gun control, starring Nikita Burstein.
"It's going to be on Wednesday night at 7 o' clock and a Thursday matinee... It's a tough show... be prepared for a gut-wrenching experience."
— Peter Felicia [01:52]
Theater World Awards Annotation:
Peter shares his project of annotating William Goldman's The Season, aiming to auction it for fundraising.
"On each and every page... I'm putting notations in the margin in different colored flare pens of what has changed, what has not changed."
— Peter Felicia [03:36]
Theater World Awards and Season Annotation
James Marino reminds listeners of Peter's involvement in the Theater World Awards and the Drama Desk.
Peter's Commitment:
Despite being labeled a "slacker" by Michael, Peter emphasizes his active participation in various theater events and productions.
"I've done two shows on Friday and Saturday night, I really started understanding why actors say doing eight a week is so terrible because I only did two and boy, did I sleep well these last two nights."
— Peter Felicia [05:07]
Tony Awards Predictions and Discussions
The trio shifts focus to the ongoing Tony Awards, discussing potential winners and unexpected outcomes.
Potential Winners:
Michael Portentier brings up Audra McDonald and Jasmine Amy Rogers as strong contenders.
"Some people feel that the Patti LuPone incident will give an extra edge to Audra McDonald... but I have been hearing more people saying that they think Jonathan Groff is going to get his second Tony Award in a row."
— Michael Portentier [11:35]
Shared Drama Desk Award:
Peter acknowledges the shared Drama Desk Award between Audra McDonald and Jasmine Amy Rogers, expressing hope for more diverse winners.
"Audra McDonald will be very happy to see Jasmine A B Rogers win... they shared the Drama Desk Award last Sunday and that was really quite nice."
— Peter Felicia [12:00]
Reviews of Current Productions
Red Bull Theater’s The Imaginary Invalid at New World Stages:
Peter provides an in-depth review of this Molière adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher.
"Mark Lynn Baker... is always a terrific performer and he certainly gets all the juice he can out of the characters he plays."
— Peter Felicia [19:24]
He praises the performances but critiques the inclusion of anachronistic songs and certain character portrayals, rating the production two and a half stars out of four.
John W. Angman Theater’s South Pacific:
Michael Portentier shares his experience attending South Pacific, commending the cast and direction by Hunter Foster.
"Taylor Aronson was just about perfect as Nellie... Alec Nevin as Cable... Carol Angeli as Bloody Mary was absolutely fantastic."
— Michael Portentier [22:52]
Peter echoes the sentiments, noting the importance of traditional casting and the challenges posed by the theater's limited orchestra space.
Vineyard Theater’s Bowl EP:
Peter discusses this production's unconventional staging and thematic exploration of queer love.
"It's a very old audience... but they really, really loved it."
— Michael Portentier [34:53]
He underscores the play's ambitious approach to addressing complex social issues through dynamic performances.
News and Updates in Theater
Tony Awards Viewing Guide:
James Marino mentions Adam Feldman’s guide on how to watch the 2025 Tony Awards, including a list of the best Tony performances of all time.
Beetlejuice and Mamma Mia Tours:
The hosts discuss the ongoing tours of Beetlejuice, concluding on whether returning Broadway productions qualify as revivals.
"Usually it's considered return engagement and only the people who are in it are essentially eligible as well."
— Peter Felicia [48:02]
Paramount Theater Developments:
Michael Portentier shares insights about the Paramount Building's rebranding and its historical significance.
"The Viacom Corporation rebranded themselves as Paramount through some sort of merger."
— James Marino [54:13]
Personal Anecdotes and Stories
High School Reunions:
Michael recounts his experience at his 50th high school reunion, reconnecting with a classmate involved in Broadway productions.
"He worked at the Public Theater with Joe Papp... he was a production assistant for Anything Goes starring Sid Caesar and Ginger Rogers."
— Michael Portentier [49:03]
Peter relates a similar encounter, emphasizing the value of attending reunions for unexpected connections.
"I've had the same experience... Mary Rogers... has so many shows... she's dedicated to it."
— Peter Felicia [52:02]
Conclusion and Announcements
James Marino wraps up the discussion by promoting subscription options and upcoming content, including a live stream of Matt Tamonini’s Tony Awards recap.
Brain Teaser:
Peter presents a challenging question related to Broadway musicals and Sondheim’s works, engaging listeners to participate.
Musical Moment:
Michael highlights a teaser trailer for South Pacific available on YouTube, encouraging listeners to view it for a glimpse of the production's quality.
"We’re including a link to the actual trailer in the show notes so you can watch it."
— Michael Portentier [58:51]
Notable Quotes
-
"There is nothing like a day Nothing in the world. There is nothing you can name that."
— Peter Felicia [00:00] -
"This is not like anything I've ever written before. This is a tough show."
— Peter Felicia [03:18] -
"If you are somebody who wants to know more about Molière, this is, I would say, a two and a half stars out of four."
— Peter Felicia [22:32] -
"You never forget your first cast album."
— Michael Portentier [16:38]
Stay Connected:
For more information, contact Peter, Michael, and James at broadwayradio.com. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or support through Patreon at patreon.com/broadwayradio.
This summary captures the essence of the BroadwayRadio episode, highlighting key discussions, reviews, and personal stories shared by the hosts and guests.