BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary Episode: Today on Broadway: Friday, April 4, 2025 Release Date: April 4, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tamanini delves into the latest Broadway happenings, focusing primarily on the opening of "Goodnight and Good Luck" at the Winter Garden Theater. Matt provides insightful reviews, discusses audience reception, shares news about other Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, and offers recommendations for theater enthusiasts. The episode is structured to keep listeners informed and engaged with the vibrant Broadway scene.
"Goodnight and Good Luck" Reviews
Opening and Production Details "Goodnight and Good Luck" debuted on Thursday night at the Winter Garden Theater. The play, scripted by George Clooney and Grant Heslov—creators of the 2005 film of the same name—follows CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow's battle against Senator Joseph McCarthy's communist witch hunts. Directed by David Cromer, the production features George Clooney in the lead role, supported by a talented ensemble including Will Dagger, Glenn Fleischler, Alana Glazer, Clark Gregg, Paul Gross, Fran Kronz, and Andrew Polk.
New York Times - Jesse Green [02:15] Jesse Green from The New York Times praises the production as a Critics' Pick, highlighting Clooney's "glamour" and Cromer's "suave direction." He notes,
"Clooney performs them with wit, integrity, and charming modesty," emphasizing the ensemble's strength and the play's faithful adaptation of the screenplay.
Hollywood Reporter - David Rooney [04:30] David Rooney commends Clooney's personal commitment, stating,
"The personal commitment of Clooney... seems heartfelt and impassioned." He underscores the sincerity behind portraying this pivotal chapter of American history.
Deadline - Greg Evans [06:45] Greg Evans offers a more mixed perspective:
"Good Night and Good Luck certainly doesn't lack point of view or convict." However, he critiques the production for its "overly familiar story, lack of subtlety, and an odd tone of understatement."
Wall Street Journal - Charles Isherwood [09:10] Charles Isherwood remarks,
"The theatrical version offers little that's fresh or even more fully fleshed out." He suggests that the play doesn't transcend its source material to become a uniquely captivating theatrical event.
Time Out New York - Adam Feldman [11:25] Adam Feldman provides a more negative review, noting:
"Good Night and Good Luck promises the familiar. What you've seen is what you get." He criticizes the production for relying on nostalgia without translating the film's cinematic elements effectively to the stage.
BAM New York - Matt Windman [13:50] On a positive note, Matt Windman describes the play as:
"Both a tribute and a reckoning, a stylish, sobering reminder of journalism's power and the price of using it." He lauds Clooney's performance and Cromer's stagecraft, emphasizing the production's timeless message: "If no one stands up, history isn't just doomed to repeat, it already is."
Aggregated Reviews While The New York Times awarded the play a Critics' Pick, other reviews range from highly positive to mixed and negative. Matt emphasizes the importance of diverse opinions and hints at upcoming reviews from Did They Like It? and Broadway World’s Review Roundup.
Broadway News and Updates
Show Extensions and Openings
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"Dorian Gray" at the Music Box Theater
- The show, praised for its engaging and entertaining performances, has extended its limited run through June 29th, giving audiences an additional two weeks to experience Sarah Snook's acclaimed tour de force performance.
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"Danger and Opportunity" Off-Broadway
- Ken Urban's new show, directed by J Serial, has extended its run at the East Village Basement, now scheduled through April 20th. Matt congratulates the team and encourages audiences to take advantage of the extended performance dates.
Recommendations and Special Features
New Stage Musical: "Take the Lead"
- The musical adaptation stars Adrienne Belon Haughton, known for her role as the Flamingo on The Masked Singer. Alongside theater personality Wayne Brady and Chris Daughtry, the production promises vibrant performances. Matt directs listeners to the show notes for highlights and additional information.
Nederlander Theater Highlight
- As part of the Red Bucket Challenge, audience members had the unique opportunity to bid for a chance to perform alongside Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. The resulting performance was a hit, showcasing camaraderie between the stars:
"It was a very cool performance. It actually ended with Adina picking Kristen up and Kristen putting her legs around her."
Matt anticipates more videos and photos from this event to be released, enhancing the Broadway community's vibrant spirit.
Patreon Travelogue and Upcoming Content
Travelogue Episodes
- Matt announces the release of his first Travelogue episode on Patreon, with the second episode scheduled for the following day. These episodes cover his experiences attending various Broadway shows since Tuesday, offering exclusive insights to Patreon subscribers.
Recording Schedule
- Due to Matt's travel plans, future recordings will follow a specific schedule:
- Monday: Reviews for "Boop"
- Tuesday: Reviews for "The Last Five Years"
Listeners are encouraged to check out exclusive content by visiting patreon.com/broadwayradio and broadwayradio.com.
Closing Remarks
Matt wraps up the episode by expressing excitement for upcoming content and thanking listeners for their support. He encourages everyone to enjoy their Friday and the week ahead, promising more engaging Broadway discussions in future episodes.
Thank you for tuning into BroadwayRadio. Stay connected for the latest Broadway news, reviews, and exclusive insights!