BroadwayRadio: This Week on Broadway for September 28, 2025

Main Theme:
A lively discussion of theater highlights, including a deep dive into "The Hills of California" at Huntington Theatre Company, major revivals ("Art" and "Fiddler on the Roof"), news from touring productions, immersive and experimental shows, plus iconic musical tributes.

Hosts and Participants

• James Marino (Host; C)
• Peter (Critic, Playwright, Historian; B)
• Michael Portantiere (Theater Reviewer, Photographer; A)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on "The Hills of California" at the Huntington Theatre Company, exploring its evolution from London to Broadway and now Boston. The hosts reflect on other major productions (including “Art,” community and immersive theater, the eternal appeal of “Sound of Music,” and notable current and upcoming tours). Discussions are rich with context, smart critique, and warm personal anecdotes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. “The Hills of California” @ Huntington Theatre Company

Main Segment: 04:24–09:28

• Peter’s Third Viewing: Peter shares his extensive experience with Jez Butterworth's play, having seen it in England, on Broadway, and now at the Huntington in Boston.
• Play’s Structure & Story:
  • Set in 1950s England, centered around a determined mother pushing her four daughters toward stardom (“not as ferocious as Rose, but… certainly is centered in wanting these four girls to become stars” – B, 05:40).
  • Talent scout subplot, with family favoritism and sibling rivalry.
  • The production starts decades later (mid-1970s flash-forward) with adult daughters gathering as their mother is dying.
• Production Changes & Direction:
  • Butterworth revised the play between London and Broadway, changing the ending and shifting to two acts.
  • Directed by Loretta Greco (new artistic director at Huntington), whom Peter praises for “phenomenal production” and making the ambitious, multi-set show work seamlessly: “You look at the set at the beginning of the show and you say, wow, this is quite a set. Wow. Boy, they spent money. It’s on the turntable. You’re gonna see another set.” (B, 08:14)
• Performance Shout-outs:
  • Alison Jean White lauded for playing both lead and supporting roles.
• Critical Reception:
  • Boston critics “very, very good reviews… and I’m not surprised at all.” (B, 09:20)
• Notable Quote:
  • “It was riveting. It really was.” —Peter (B, 08:10)

Additional Notes:

• The show is an association with Berkeley Rep and may transfer.
• Huntington’s diverse programming discussed (10:14).

2. Review: “Art” Revival on Broadway

Main Segment: 11:15–24:57

• Michael’s Take:
  • Prefers the current revival to the original, likely due to changes in his own life experience.
  • Notes the “theoretical” nature of Yasmina Reza’s play and its use of the painting as a stand-in for any divisive issue (“It’s supposedly about... a painting that looks like... a completely white canvas... it's really about the friendship between the three people...” – A, 15:57).
  • Cast: Bobby Cannavale, James Corden, Neil Patrick Harris; strong chemistry and audience engagement.
  • Remembers one distilled line: “I love Serge, but I can’t love the man who loves that painting.” (A, 15:18)
• Direction & Casting Discussion:
  • James (C): Ponders missed opportunities for nontraditional casting (“What if it were people of color? What if this were, you know, shake this up. Are we bringing back art to Broadway just as a money grab, or... to make a statement?” – C, 19:01)
  • Peter: Reminds listeners some audience members never saw the original and welcomes revivals for newer generations: “I never resent any revival of anything...” (B, 20:12)
  • Michael: Points out that, while diverse casting could have been possible, the play itself isn't fundamentally changed since “it’s about the disagreement, not the people...” (A, 21:47)
  • Historical note: Joe Morton, a Black actor, replaced in the 1998 run (C/A, 24:20).

3. Immersive Theater: “Slanted Floors”

Main Segment: 25:33–30:55

• Peter’s Experience:
  • Five-person audience, set in a real NYC apartment (“You climb up a steep and narrow stairway and you enter an apartment. Literally an apartment…” – B, 25:54).
  • Audience members are subtly woven into the performance (“I was Max.” – B, 26:41).
  • Food is served (“Come hungry is an aggrandizement… don’t think it’s a bad idea to eat before you go.” – B, 28:47).
  • “You'll never see anything like this again, I assume... But despite the fact that I left hungry... it was worth a trip...” (B, 30:46)
• Notable Quote:
  • “It is, you know, what they always call a unique theatrical experience more than a play.” – B, 27:08

4. Legacy & Impact: “The Sound of Music” 60th Anniversary

Main Segment: 31:53–41:53

• Michael’s Reflections:
  • Attended a Fathom Events screening; the audience applauded Captain von Trapp ripping up the Nazi flag (A, 36:34).
  • Praises adaptation and Julie Andrews’ performance: “A true star performance... no wonder everyone fell in love with her.” (A, 32:10)
  • Film’s critical reception evolved over time: “...the soundtrack recording sales were not only through the roof, they were like to the moon…” (A, 37:34)
  • Underscores the story’s “power of music... standing up against evil.” (A, 38:25)
• Tour Information:
  • The current Jack O'Brien-directed stage tour at the Kennedy Center and across the US; comprehensive list of cities (C, 39:35).
• Notable Moment:
  • “It is, aside from everything else, so moving to see it now because of what the story is about...” (A, 38:14)

5. Experimental Comedy: “Color Theories” by Julio Torres

Main Segment: 41:53–43:47

• Peter’s Take:
  • Julio Torres praised as “an enchanting performer,” with a show that explores his unique interpretations of color (“His color theories are quite atypical... his feeling of what purple means…” – B, 41:55)
  • Added variety via puppetry and character assistants.
  • Audience loved it, though Peter notes, “Not my sense of humor. But I certainly recognize the talent…” (B, 43:02)

6. Community Theater Highlight: “Fiddler on the Roof” at Phoenix Productions (Red Bank, NJ)

Main Segment: 44:19–52:57

• Michael’s Review:
  • Elevated community theater production, “extremely professional… wonderful lighting design, wonderful costumes, a 20-piece orchestra.” (A, 44:56)
  • John Griffin, Tevye, praised for versatility.
  • Singled out Amanda Muniz (Golda) and RJ Lewis (Lazar Wolf) for standout performances.
  • Offers dramaturgical observation: abrupt “Anatevka” placement strains credibility (A, 47:56).
  • Peter notes “Anatevka” was originally opening to Act II (B, 50:12).
• Upcoming Productions at Phoenix:
  • “Miracle on 34th Street”, “Little Mermaid”, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”, plus possibly “Evil Dead: The Musical”(A/C, 51:52–52:22)

7. Broadway Rumblings & News

Main Segment: 52:57–59:56

• Arena Stage’s “Damn Yankees”:
  • Michael suggests a Broadway transfer seems more likely given rave reviews, especially for Sergio Trujillo’s in-the-round staging (A, 52:57)
  • Discusses logistics/challenges of adapting to different Broadway spaces.
• Upcoming “Pal Joey” (retitled “Shea Joey”) at Arena Stage:
  • Notable creative changes, including Richard LaGravenese as sole credited book writer (A, 55:51)
• Hamilton Box Office Boon:
  • Leslie Odom Jr.'s return spikes sales into four-figures per seat:
    • “Isn’t it fascinating that Leslie Odom alone going back into the show has had that effect on the box office?” (A, 59:11)
    • “Isn’t it nice to be proved wrong?” (B, 59:24)

8. Opera Highlight: “Turandot” at the Met & The Audition Documentary

Main Segment: 61:23–67:17

• Michael’s Experience:
  • Returns for repeat viewings of Zeffirelli’s lavish “Turandot.”
  • Ties in “The Audition” documentary, showing the journey of Michael Fabiano and Angela Mead from Met auditions to starring roles.
  • Highlights tension and emotional stakes in classical auditions (“They call the winners one by one. For whatever reason… he’s the last one…” – A, 65:25).
  • The Audition available free on YouTube (A, 67:17).

9. Industry Reflection: “Is Broadway Dead?” NYT Article

Main Segment: 67:35–68:05

• Hosts Note:
  • Joke about perennial “Broadway’s dead” headlines: “This story happens every couple of years…” (C, 68:03)
  • Reference to staffing changes at the NYT (C, 68:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Peter on The Hills of California:
"It was riveting. It really was. And Loretta Greco did a phenomenal production and God love her for doing it…” (08:10)

James on Broadway Revivals:
“Are we bringing back art to Broadway just as a money grab, or are we bringing art back to Broadway to make a statement?” (19:01)

Michael on “Art”:
“I love Serge, but I can’t love the man who loves that painting.” (15:18)

Michael on Sound of Music’s endurance:
“It's so moving to see it now because... it's really about the power of music and... standing up against evil in the form of... fascism.” (38:25)

Michael on the Met’s “Turandot”:
“This is the Franco Zeffirelli production that has been on stage there for decades... I went last week to see it... the cast was so great... I'm going back.” (61:31)

James on "Broadway's dead":
“It’s interesting, you know, sort of this story happens every couple of years.” (68:03)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 04:24 – 09:28: “The Hills of California” at Huntington Theatre
• 11:15 – 24:57: “Art” Broadway Revival (including casting/diversity debate)
• 25:33 – 30:55: Immersive theater: “Slanted Floors”
• 31:53 – 41:53: “Sound of Music” 60th anniversary & touring info
• 41:53 – 43:47: “Color Theories” by Julio Torres
• 44:19 – 52:57: “Fiddler on the Roof” at Phoenix Productions
• 52:57 – 59:56: “Damn Yankees,” “Pal Joey,” Hamilton’s boom
• 61:23 – 67:17: “Turandot” & “The Audition” documentary
• 67:35 – 68:05: NYT “Broadway’s Dead” article

Musical Moments

• Opener: “The Sound of Music” — film’s iconic opening with Julie Andrews ([01:09])
• Closer: “Climb Every Mountain” by Patricia Neway and Broadway cast, Ed Sullivan Show ([see 72:06 discussion])

Links & Further Reading

• Tickets/Info:
  • The Hills of California @ Huntington
  • Sound of Music Tour
  • Fathom Events (Sound of Music screening)
  • Phoenix Productions & upcoming shows
  • Arena Stage (Damn Yankees, Pal Joey/Shea Joey)
• Watch:
  • “The Audition” documentary (YouTube)
• NYT Article:
  • “Broadway’s Dead” piece (for ongoing industry context)

Summary for Non-Listeners:
This episode offers an in-depth look at lively, varied corners of American theater—from major Broadway and tour revivals to unique indie shows and immersive experiences. The hosts bring sharp, affectionate critique and healthy debate about industry trends, casting, and legacy shows, while always celebrating standout performances and directorial choices. With thoughtful analysis and a touch of nostalgia, you'll come away with a strong sense of the current pulse (and heartbeat) of theater—Broadway’s most certainly alive and well in the voices of these hosts.

End of Summary