BroadwayRadio Episode Summary: "ToB: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 | Rishi Varma on ‘Sulfer Bottom’"
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of BroadwayRadio, hosts Matt Tammini and Grace Aki delve into the latest happenings on Broadway, spotlighting new productions, casting updates, and industry insights. The episode culminates with an exclusive interview with playwright Rishi Varma about his upcoming play, “Sulfer Bottom.”
Upcoming Production: The Ballisters
Matt Tammini kicks off the discussion by sharing exciting news about the Manhattan Theater Club's world premiere of David Lindsay Abeart's new play, "The Ballisters." Set to debut at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater in spring 2026, the play boasts an impressive cast:
- Mary Louise Burke (Drama Desk Winner)
- Carl Clemons-Hopkins (Emmy Nominee)
- Margaret Collin (Drama Desk Nominee)
- Renee Elise Goldsberry (Tony & Grammy Winner)
- Richard Thomas (Emmy Winner and Theater Hall of Fame Inductee)
Directed by Kenny Leon, known for directing approximately 37 shows this season, "The Ballisters" is described as a "raucous, wild ride through a small community with big feelings." The narrative centers on the Vernon Point Neighborhood Association, whose members engage in humorous yet intense disputes—ranging from “historically inaccurate porch railings” to the dramatic proposal of installing a stop sign, sparking a "Neighbor vs. Neighbor battle royale" (Tammini, [02:15]).
Matt Tammini shares his personal disdain for Homeowners Associations (HOAs), stating, “I hate HOAs, Grace. So anytime we can make fun and lampoon HOAs, that is good” ([03:12]). This sentiment aligns with similar thematic elements found in Tracy Letts' "The Minutes" and "Eureka Day," both of which explore politically charged, micro-level conflicts within insular communities.
Stage Adaptation of The Hunger Games
Shifting gears, Tammini and Aki discuss the groundbreaking stage adaptation of "The Hunger Games." Premiering on October 20th at the Troubadour Cannery Wharf Theater, the production stars Maya Carragher as Katniss Everdeen. Despite not being a household name, Carragher brings notable talent from British cinema and is set to appear alongside original cast member Josh Hutcherson in an upcoming comedy (Tammini, [04:22]).
Maya Carragher expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I'm really excited to play Katniss. I relate to her quite a lot. I think she's very fearless. But then she's also got that nurturing quality about her” ([06:00]). The production promises a fresh take, aiming to differentiate itself from other IP-driven shows like "Cursed Child" and "Stranger Things: The First Shadow." Tammini believes that with experienced theater professionals like playwright Connor McPherson and director Matthew Dunster at the helm, this adaptation will deliver a unique and engaging theatrical experience ([07:00]).
Grace Aki highlights the increasing trend of adapting major franchises for the stage, suggesting that this move signifies a “future exploration of IP in theater” and anticipates more innovative adaptations on the horizon ([08:06]). They debate potential candidates for future adaptations, with Aki proposing "The Mandalorian" as a promising candidate due to its rich storytelling rooted in the original books, positioning it well for a theatrical setting ([09:22]).
Broadway Grosses and Show Updates
The hosts provide a comprehensive update on Broadway grosses, noting a slight decline from $29 million to $28 million and a total revenue of $31,581,085 last week. Key highlights include:
- "Wicked" topped the grosses with $2,386,982 ([10:00]).
- "The Lion King" and "Hamilton" followed closely with $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
- Notable declines were observed in "Death Becomes Her" due to casting changes, specifically Jen Simard's temporary absence ([12:30]).
Despite these fluctuations, 22 out of 28 shows maintained 90% capacity or above, with "Omari" and "Wicked" exceeding 100% capacity. "Just In Time" led attendance at 103.53% ([14:00]). Additionally, "Pirates of Penzance" concluded its Broadway run with impressive grosses of $567,633.
Show Closures and Casting News
Tammini and Aki discuss recent updates in the Broadway scene:
- "Duke and Roya" will close earlier than planned, ending its run on Saturday at the Lucille Lortel Theater.
- "Elf the Musical" is set to launch a national tour starting November 1st at the Clark State Performing Arts Center in Springfield, Ohio, with stops in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and San Antonio ([13:00]).
Exclusive Interview: Rishi Varma on “Sulfer Bottom”
The episode concludes with an insightful conversation between Grace Aki and playwright Rishi Varma about his new play, “Sulfer Bottom.”
Grace Aki initiates the interview by highlighting the play’s relevance to New York Climate Week and its focus on environmental justice, stating, “...raising awareness for environmental justice is very exciting. I think this is a conversation that a lot of us have been wanting to have in the arts and theater community for a while” ([14:32]).
Rishi Varma shares his inspiration: “I saw the story about a guy who was living in a house and it was in a place of high pollution. And the interviewer was like, why don't you just leave? And he was like, where do I go? Or how do I just leave? Or who can I sell this house to? That's not fair to them” ([15:09]). This led him to explore the complexities faced by individuals in polluted environments, culminating in a narrative that spans three generations over 40 years, addressing increasing pollution and air quality issues. The play also incorporates surreal elements, such as the appearance of a whale, blending gothic and eco-drama genres ([16:12]).
Aki appreciates the genre-blending approach, remarking, “...everyone thinks that these things have to be, like, four different things... but I actually do believe that the Hunger Games on stage is going to unique” ([17:55]). Varma echoes this sentiment, hoping that the play offers a digestible yet multifaceted experience for audiences.
Regarding logistics, Varma mentions that rehearsals have just commenced in different spaces, with plans to move into the Jerry Orbach Theater for tech rehearsals and previews in about two weeks. He expresses enthusiasm about sharing the venue with other diverse and outstanding shows ([18:07]).
Grace Aki concludes the interview by emphasizing the play's premiere date and encouraging listeners to attend, stating, “...sulfur Bottom will premiere at Off Broadway's Theater Center starting Aug. 13 at the Jerry Orbach Theatre” ([18:39]).
Conclusion
This episode of BroadwayRadio provides a thorough overview of the current Broadway landscape, spotlighting new and upcoming productions, significant casting changes, and financial performances. The exclusive interview with Rishi Varma about "Sulfer Bottom" offers listeners a deep dive into the creative process behind a play that intertwines environmental themes with gothic elements, reflecting the evolving nature of contemporary theater.
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Note: All timestamps correspond to the episode's transcript and are provided to contextualize quoted material.