BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: This Week on Broadway for May 25, 2025: Chita Rivera Awards and Outer Critics Circle Award Winners
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Host: James Marino
Guests: Peter Felicia (Playwright, Journalist, Historian), Michael Portantier (Theater Reviewer, Founder of Cast Album Reviews.com)

Introduction

In this episode of BroadwayRadio, host James Marino welcomes listeners to a comprehensive discussion focused on recent Broadway happenings, particularly the Chita Rivera Awards and Outer Critics Circle (OCC) Award Winners. Joining him are esteemed guests Peter Felicia and Michael Portantier, who delve into reviews of notable productions and analyze the outcomes of the award ceremonies.

Review of "Bus Stop" at Classic Stage Company

Peter Felicia shares his insights on the production of William Inge's Bus Stop at the Classic Stage Company, directed by Jack Cummings III.

• Key Points:

  • Emphasizes the importance of experiencing the play as William Inge originally intended, contrasting it with the well-known film adaptation starring Marilyn Monroe.
  • Highlights character dynamics, particularly the relationships between Beau, Sherry, and Dr. Lyman.
  • Critiques the set design, noting significant issues with the counter placement and obstructions that hindered audibility and overall production flow.

• Notable Quote:
  "Midori Francis is the one who plays the Marilyn Monroe part. And Jack Cummings was very smart not to cast anybody who looked or acted in any way like Marilyn Monroe. Completely different type, completely different performance. Completely believable too."
  (09:25)

Michael Portantier concurs with some of Peter's observations, particularly regarding audibility issues and the absence of amplification in the production.

• Key Points:

  • Notes the challenges posed by the three-quarter thrust stage and lack of sound amplification.
  • Offers a deeper analysis of character development and underlying themes, especially relating to William Inge's personal experiences and coded representations within the play.

• Notable Quote:
  "Inge was a closeted homosexual, and he wrote so coded, you know, certainly much more than Tennessee Williams, who is far more open about all of that."
  (10:27)

Review of "Lights Out, Nat King Cole" at New York Theatre Workshop

Peter Felicia transitions the conversation to the performance of Lights Out, Nat King Cole at the New York Theatre Workshop.

• Key Points:

  • Expresses disappointment in the show's execution despite a strong start.
  • Criticizes the portrayal of Sammy Davis Jr., finding it heavy-handed and misaligned with the real-life persona.
  • Acknowledges the impressive performance of Dulay Hill, who embodies Nat King Cole convincingly.

• Notable Quote:
  "To me, it then became so heavy-handed that I turned away from this show almost completely."
  (17:53)

Michael Portantier provides a contrasting viewpoint, noting the production's ambition and Dulay Hill's standout performance but maintains reservations about the show's overall impact.

• Key Points:

  • Appreciates Dulay Hill's singing and stage presence.
  • Suggests that while the production aims for Broadway, certain elements may need refinement for broader appeal.

• Notable Quote:
  "I think incredibly impressed by his singing. And also I didn't mention..."
  (26:06)

Chita Rivera Awards and Outer Critics Circle Award Winners

The hosts and guests delve into their experiences attending both the Chita Rivera Awards and the OCC Awards.

Chita Rivera Awards

Peter Felicia describes the ceremony as a delightful event, highlighting the performance by the three women from Hairspray and the lifetime achievement award presented to Ben Vereen by Stephen Schwartz.

• Key Points:

  • Praises Joe Lanteri's hosting skills, noting his memorization of speeches.
  • Commends the performances and the overall joyous atmosphere despite the lengthy acceptance speeches.
  • Expresses admiration for the outstanding dancer in Gypsy, Kevin Solak, and acknowledges Buena Vista Social Club's win for Outstanding Ensemble.

• Notable Quote:
  "And there was some surprises, I thought, in terms of the winners. The outstanding dancer in a Broadway show. Sure, I thought that Kevin Solak in Gypsy was tremendous as Tulsa..."
  (28:15)

Outer Critics Circle Awards

Michael Portantier attended the OCC Awards at the Bruno Walter Auditorium and provides a detailed account of the evening.

• Key Points:

  • Appreciates the intimate venue and the succinct nature of the ceremony, focusing solely on award announcements and heartfelt acceptance speeches.
  • Lists notable winners, including "Happy Ending" for Outstanding New Broadway Musical and Drag the Musical for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical.
  • Highlights standout performances by Amy Rogers for Boop! The Musical and Sarah Snook for Cats.

• Notable Quote:
  "Lead performer in a Broadway musical, Jasmine Amy Rogers for Boop! The Musical, which really did my heart good."
  (35:42)

Peter Felicia adds context about the growth and significance of the OCC Awards, emphasizing their role as indicators for upcoming awards like the Tonys.

• Key Points:

  • Discusses the expansion and increased prestige of the OCC Awards over the years.
  • Reflects on the thoughtful selection of winners and how they reflect broader trends in Broadway productions.

• Notable Quote:
  "I think Simon Saltzman certainly has a great deal to do with that. He really worked so hard to keep these awards going and it's so nice to see them flourishing."
  (39:43)

Review of "Goddess" at The Newman in the Public Theater

Peter Felicia reviews the production of Goddess starring Amber Iman, emphasizing her exceptional performance.

• Key Points:

  • Highlights Amber Iman's powerful portrayal and predicts a bright future for her on Broadway.
  • Discusses the play's themes of familial expectations and personal freedom, noting the predictable yet heartfelt narrative.
  • Critiques some casting choices but praises the overall production quality, particularly the music and choreography by Michael Thurber.

• Notable Quote:
  "These kids, these people are saints. And they really, really deserve so much more credit and money for what they do."
  (47:32)

Michael Portantier echoes Peter's enthusiasm for Amber Iman's talent and expresses anticipation for her future projects.

• Key Points:

  • Shares excitement about Amber Iman's potential to surpass her contemporaries in performance prowess.
  • Encourages listeners to attend the production, which is extended until June 15th.

• Notable Quote:
  "I wouldn't be surprised if the day come that she surpasses Audra and Nicole and Jasmine combined because this is a major, major talent."
  (47:32)

Lincoln Center Makeover Announcement

The discussion shifts to the upcoming renovations at Lincoln Center.

Michael Portantier reveals plans for a significant makeover of Lincoln Center's western campus, aiming to enhance accessibility and introduce a state-of-the-art open-air theater.

• Key Points:

  • Details the removal of existing structures and the addition of new architectural elements like steps and renovated parks.
  • Reflects on the historical significance of Lincoln Center and the positive impact of the renovations.

• Notable Quote:
  "It's wonderful to see it starting to come to fruition."
  (54:16)

Brain Teaser

The hosts present a challenging brain teaser to engage listeners:

Question:
Actor A played a featured role in a Stephen Sondheim-winning hit. Actor B played the leading role in a Stephen Sondheim flop. Within a dozen years, Actor A was playing the role that Actor B had originated in that flop at a revival in one of the nation's premier Tony-winning regional theaters while Actor B was on Broadway playing the same role that Actor A had had in that Tony-winning Sondheim show. Who are the performers, what are the shows, and what are the roles?

Listeners are encouraged to email their answers to us@triviaroadrayradio.com.

Musical Moments: Honoring Lin Manuel Miranda

The episode concludes with a segment celebrating Lin Manuel Miranda's recognition at the Town Hall Spring Shout Benefit Concert.

Michael Portantier recounts his experience photographing and attending the event, which featured performances and appearances by notable Broadway figures such as Renee Elise Goldsberry, Christopher Jackson, and Robin De Jesus.

• Key Points:

  • Highlights the vibrant performances and the celebratory atmosphere of the event.
  • Shares personal anecdotes of interacting with Lin Manuel Miranda and other Broadway luminaries.

• Notable Quote:
  "It was a really, really great night."
  (60:09)

Listeners are treated to clips from In the Heights and Hamilton as musical highlights of the evening.

Conclusion

James Marino wraps up the episode by thanking the listeners and encouraging them to subscribe to BroadwayRadio for future updates and discussions on Broadway's vibrant scene.

Timestamps

• 09:25 Peter Felicia discusses casting choices in Bus Stop.
• 10:27 Michael Portantier elaborates on production challenges.
• 17:53 Peter Felicia's critique of Lights Out, Nat King Cole.
• 26:06 Michael Portantier comments on Dulay Hill's performance.
• 28:15 Overview of the Chita Rivera Awards.
• 35:42 Michael Portantier highlights ACC Awards' winners.
• 39:43 Peter Felicia discusses the significance of OCC Awards.
• 47:32 Peter Felicia and Michael Portantier praise Amber Iman's performance.
• 54:16 Details about the Lincoln Center makeover.
• 60:09 Musical Moments segment on Lin Manuel Miranda.

For more detailed discussions and updates, subscribe to BroadwayRadio at broadwayradio.com and follow the latest on Broadway's dynamic landscape.