BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Friday, August 15, 2025

Overview

In this episode, hosts Matt Tamminini and Grace Aki discuss the Broadway return of “Mamma Mia!” and share critical reactions, highlight major casting and production news from across the theater world, and provide recommendations for the weekend. The episode blends review roundup, industry insights, and personal banter, delivering a comprehensive briefing for Broadway fans.

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. “Mamma Mia!” Broadway Return: Review Roundup

Discussion Summary:

• The episode kicks off with delayed recording to catch reviews of the “Mamma Mia!” return engagement. While the New York Times review was missing, 13 other reviews were summarized: 9 positive, 1 mixed, 3 negative.
• Matt and Grace analyze notable critics’ responses, concluding that the show remains “pure sunshine” for most, though some feel it’s showing its age.

Key Quotes & Moments:

• Adam Feldman, Time Out New York (Three stars):
  “Unlike most of the jukebox musicals that have tried to replicate its formula, Mamma Mia! keeps its balance. It draws you just enough in while maintaining an amused sense of itself. It never loses sight of what it offers, at its core, the joy of vicarious karaoke.” – (02:01)
• Owen Gleiberman, Variety:
  “Yet Mamma Mia! remains what it always was, a feast for your pleasure centers. It’s a show that almost invites us to roll our eyes at it until that moment or two later when you’re inevitably going, my, my, how can I resist you?” – (02:45)
• Jackson McHenry, Vulture (Negative):
  “The title still carries the big old exclamation point, but the fantasy is more than a little long in the tooth... Mamma Mia! They sure do sing a bunch of ABBA songs.” – (03:09)
• Emilyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly:
  “It’s been over 25 years since Mamma Mia! first took to the stage, and it’s abundantly clear that the fervor surrounding it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon... The show is pure sunshine, baked into a musical and dressed in disco balls, sequins and feathered boas. My, my, how could we resist you?” – (03:32)
• Zachary Stewart, TheaterMania:
  “This is not a dark Brechtian take on a well known musical... But I’m not sure anyone needs that for Mamma Mia! A show that knows what it is and consistently delivers. When confronted with such a chronically enjoyable juggernaut, one can only say thank you for the music.” – (04:01)

Hosts' Views:

• Matt: Admits loving the show, “I loved it when I saw it, Grace. Here on tour or a few months ago. I’m very much looking forward to see it on Broadway.” (04:37)
• Grace: Confesses never having seen “Mamma Mia!” or the movie: “It kind of missed me… I don’t know. But it just didn’t seem style wise, like a show that I wanted to go to.” (05:19)

2. Casting & Production Announcements

Scott Bakula in “The Baker’s Wife” at Classic Stage Company

• Scott Bakula stars opposite Ariana DeBose. Matt notes Bakula’s Broadway/tour history including a 1980 production of “The Baker’s Wife” and past Tony nomination for “Romance Romance.”
• Grace’s favorite Bakula role: “But, Matt, the best Scott Bakula appearance of all time is as the dancing cat in Cats Don’t Dance. It is his best work.” (08:00)

Jane Eyre Concert at David Geffen Hall

• “Jane Eyre” concert with Erica Henningsen as Jane and Ramin Karimloo as Rochester, set for February 15, 2026.
• Grace: “Back together after Valjean and Fantine.” (09:46)

3. Off-Broadway & New Musical Developments

Jordan E. Cooper’s “oh Happy Day”

• Headed to the Public Theater (Oct 2–Nov 2), directed by Stevie Walker Webb, reimagines Noah’s Ark as a birthday barbecue in Mississippi, featuring original music by Donald Lawrence. Returning cast members from previous runs are highlighted. (10:34)

Mike Bartlett’s “Bull” at Storefront Theater Jack

• Intimate staging for just 50 audience members from Sept 19–Oct 4. Discusses cast and the small-cast format. (11:45)

Ali Willis Jukebox Musical “Long Beach Blanket Bingo”

• Musical celebrates late songwriter Ali Willis (Color Purple, “September,” Friends theme), follows a Black female surfer and a naive white boy on a segregated California beach in 1965.
• Matt: “Not somebody that I’d ever heard of, but certainly has an incredible resume of songs.” (12:31)

4. Workshop & Industry Readings

Ever After Musical Workshop

• Starry NYC workshop for “Ever After” with Mackenzie Kurtz, Derek Klena, Lisa Howard, etc. Long development history traced back to 2015 and earlier, with new book by Kate Wetherhead.
• Grace: “I’ve heard the fondest stories about getting to work on it with Roger Reese... I’m just so...curious because on paper, you don’t start redeveloping a show like that if you don’t have [ambitions].” (15:48–16:30)

Hard Road to Heaven (New Musical)

• Industry reading for new musical about a country superstar returning to her gospel roots, with Jackie Burns as the lead; features an impressive ensemble. (17:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Banter

• On “Mamma Mia!”’s Enduring Appeal:
  Grace: “I really love ABBA’s music...I just—it missed me. But I think I’d have a great time!” (05:08)

• On Theatre’s Development Process:
  Matt: “Just wild how many incredible people have been a part of this [Ever After] over the years. And now they have Lisa, Derek and MacKenzie. So I have to imagine that there is some hope for this in the future.” (17:40)

• On Scott Bakula’s Versatility:
  Grace: “We love Scott Bakula in this house.” (08:15)

Recommendations (18:57)

• Grace suggests NYC-area theatergoers take advantage of rare same-day ticket deals at the TKTS booth:
  “I am not normally saying that...you should consider going to the TKTS booth this week. I’ve seen a lot of shows that people have been posting about... Obviously, Gypsy is leaving us this weekend, so if you have the means try to go see that before it leaves because wow, how excellent.” (18:57)
• Also recommends: Seeing “Shin Godzilla” in 4K.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Review Roundup: “Mamma Mia!” Returns – [01:28]–[04:49]
• “Mamma Mia!” Cast/Debate – [04:49]–[06:03]
• “The Baker’s Wife” Casting – [06:03]–[08:22]
• “Jane Eyre” Concert Announced – [08:22]–[09:50]
• Off-Broadway: “Oh Happy Day” & “Bull” – [10:12]–[12:10]
• Ali Willis Jukebox Musical News – [12:10]–[14:22]
• “Ever After” Workshop Deep Dive – [14:22]–[17:08]
• “Hard Road to Heaven” Reading – [17:08]–[18:57]
• Weekend Recommendations – [18:57]–[19:46]

Tone & Language

• Light, witty, conversational with moments of fandom and playful self-deprecation (e.g., Grace’s confession about “Mamma Mia!,” Matt’s pop culture blind spots).
• Critical but warm summary of reviews, enthusiastic about Broadway’s ongoing creative churn.

Summary

This episode offers a thorough, timely pulse-check on Broadway returns and new projects, combining insider production scoops with accessible recommendations. “Mamma Mia!”’s warm (if familiar) embrace of joy is contrasted with tantalizing new and revived works both on and Off-Broadway, and the hosts’ chemistry keeps the episode lively and inviting for new and devoted listeners alike.