BroadwayRadio Episode Summary
Episode: ToB: Feb. 13, 2025 | Andrew Barth Feldman Interview
Host: Matt Tammanini, Grace Aki
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Episode Overview
In this hybrid episode of BroadwayRadio, hosts Matt Tammanini and Grace Aki present a blend of the latest Broadway news and an in-depth interview with actor Andrew Barth Feldman. The episode delivers updates on upcoming productions, casting changes, ticketing opportunities, and exclusive insights into Feldman's new role in Joshua Harmon’s play We Had a World.
News Segment
1. Grand Opening: Idina Menzel's "Redwood"
Matt announces the official opening of Idina Menzel's new show, Redwood, at the Nederlander Theater. Reviews will be available on the Patreon feed, with regular feed updates resuming on Friday mornings.
2. Casting Announcement: "Wonderful Town" at New York City Center
New York City Center Encores has revealed the stars for the upcoming production of Wonderful Town:
- Anika Noni Rose as Ruth McKinney
- Aisha Jackson as Eileen McKinney
- Mary Mitchell Campbell as Music Director
Directed by Zylon Livingston with choreography by Lauren Lotaro and Ayodele Cassel, the musical, based on Ruth McKinney’s memoir, will premiere on April 30th. Matt expresses excitement about witnessing performances from two standout performers, Anika Noni Rose and Aisha Jackson.
3. Casting Changes: "The Great Gatsby" on Broadway
Effective March 30, Sarah Chase and John Androsky will depart from their roles as Myrtle Wilson and Tom Buchanan, respectively. They will be replaced by:
- Lineady Hanau as Myrtle Wilson
- Austin Colby, the original Jay Gatsby understudy, as Tom Buchanan
Additionally, Noah Ricketts will leave his role as Nick Carraway on March 13, with replacements yet to be announced. Matt highlights Austin Colby’s impressive trajectory, including his performances in Sunset Boulevard alongside Caroline Bowman.
The current cast includes:
- Ryan McCarten as Jay Gatsby
- Sarah Hyland as Daisy Buchanan
- Samantha Pauley as Jordan Baker
- Charlie Pollock as George Wilson
- Terrence Mann as Meyer Wolfsheim
4. Ticketing News: Kids Night on Broadway
Scheduled for March 4th and March 5th, Kids Night on Broadway offers free admission for children under 18 when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Participating shows include Aladdin, Chicago, Hadestown, Hamilton, The Lion King, and more. Special promotions with theater district restaurants provide additional perks, such as free kids' meals with adult entrees. Tickets can be accessed using the code KIDSWIN25.
5. Upcoming Concert: Broadway's Leading Ladies
On March 10th, PBS will film a new edition of Broadway's Leading Ladies at the Town Hall. This concert will feature an all-star cast of Broadway women, backed by the American Pops Orchestra conducted by Louis Fraser. The broadcast is expected later this year, likely in the fall.
Interview with Andrew Barth Feldman
Interviewers: Grace Aki and Andrew Barth Feldman
Topic: Feldman's Role in We Had a World
Introduction
Grace Aki introduces Andrew Barth Feldman, expressing excitement about his involvement in Joshua Harmon’s new play, We Had a World, opposite Broadway legend Joanna Gleason. The interview delves into Feldman’s first foray into professional playwriting, his collaboration with director Trip Coleman, and the thematic depth of the production.
Journey into Playwriting
Andrew Barth Feldman discusses his debut in professional playwriting, highlighting that We Had a World is his first play. He shares, “This is my first time getting to do a play professionally … It is very intimate. I’m gonna be making direct eye contact with people throughout the entire play” (10:17).
Collaborative Process
Feldman emphasizes the collaborative nature of the production, working closely with Joshua Harmon and director Trip Coleman. He remarks, “We are all building this thing together. It is very sad, but it is also very happy” (08:23).
Themes and Tone
The play explores the duality of family dynamics and broader societal issues such as climate change. Feldman explains, “it’s about losing things and wanting to appreciate them while you have them” (08:23). He categorizes the play as a dramedy, blending humor and emotional depth: “You will definitely laugh a lot. You will probably also cry” (16:08).
Intimacy of the Production
Set in a rehearsal room, the play’s staging fosters an intimate connection with the audience. Feldman describes the setup: “it’s very intimate … direct eye contact … *We're in thrust. So it's on three sides, about 300 seats” (10:08). This arrangement allows for direct storytelling and audience engagement.
Character Exploration
Feldman portrays a version of himself navigating familial relationships, particularly with his grandmother, played by Joanna Gleason. He shares insights into character development and the emotional journey of the narrative: “the only way really to have that conversation … is through the writing of this play” (13:31).
Director’s Influence
Trip Coleman’s vision is pivotal to the play's realization. Feldman praises Coleman’s leadership and collaborative spirit: “Trip could not be a better leader. He’s really, really amazing” (11:24).
Audience's Role
Feldman likens the audience to a jury, actively participating in the narrative: “there's really a jury in this play. And that's the audience” (08:23). This dynamic is intended to provoke introspection and personal connection with the play's themes.
Final Thoughts
Grace expresses enthusiasm for the play’s blend of humor and emotional resonance, to which Feldman affirms the balanced tone: “It's not a misery play. It’s not at all” (16:34). The interview concludes with mutual excitement about the upcoming performances starting February 25th.
Conclusion
This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a comprehensive look into the current Broadway landscape, from casting updates and new productions to exclusive insights from Andrew Barth Feldman about his debut in We Had a World. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the latest shows and participate in events like Kids Night on Broadway, while looking forward to Feldman's theatrical endeavors.
For more information on upcoming shows and ticketing details, refer to the show notes mentioned during the episode.