Today on Broadway: Friday, Aug. 29, 2025

Host: Matt Tamnini
Date: August 29, 2025

Overview

Today's episode, hosted solo by Matt Tamnini, delivers a concise rundown of the latest Broadway happenings, ranging from concert casting news and milestone departures to upcoming theater documentaries, notable screenings, and video recommendations. With Labor Day weekend ahead and the theater world in a late-summer lull, Matt culls together updates that spark both nostalgia and anticipation for the new season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rink at Classic Stage Company: Casting Update

(00:36)

• The much-anticipated concert version of Kander and Ebb's "The Rink" at Classic Stage Company has released its full cast for the two sold-out performances (September 15 & 16).
  • Headliners: Jesse Mueller and Beth Leavel
  • Newly-announced cast: Santino Fontana, Alex Boniello, Alex Jimigni, Michael McCormick, Mason Reeves, Joe Aaron Reed, Sophie Nassanilis
  • Director: Dave Solomon
  • Choreographer: Shannon Lewis
• Ticket info: Entirely sold out; cancellations may be available via the standby list at the box office each performance day starting at 6 pm.
• Matt’s Hope:

  “If anything about this experience tells CSC that people want to see Jesse Mueller and Beth Leavel doing this show, I hope that they take us up on it…there would be more than enough interest for a full run…” (02:20)

2. Tahiti Manye’s Farewell to The Lion King

(03:02)

• Tahiti Manye, the long-standing Rafiki in "The Lion King," gives her final Broadway performance on August 31 at the Minskoff Theatre.
  • With the show since the Toronto production in 2000; over 9,000 performances as Rafiki; majority of 21 years spent in the Broadway company.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Here’s the thing, you never leave The Lion King. I’m pretty sure that if they call me two days after I’ve left and say, Tahiti, we want you to come in for a second, I’ll jump up and be there no matter what.” (04:30, quoting Tahiti Manye via the New York Times)

• Disney Theatrical has not named her successor; her legacy and impact praised.

3. Michael Urie to Star as Richard II for Red Bull Theater

(05:08)

• Michael Urie, currently in "Oh Mary" on Broadway, returns to Off-Broadway’s Red Bull Theater this fall to lead "Richard II" at Astor Place Theater.
  • Director & Adapter: Craig Baldwin (Australian director)
  • Run: October 27 – November 30
  • Urie’s Relationship with Red Bull: Deep history with past productions, both live and digital.
• Matt’s Recommendation:

  “Love having Michael Urie on stage, whether it is in a comedy like Oh Mary, in a classic production...or in a musical like Once Upon a Mattress.” (05:46)
  “If you aren’t watching ‘Shrinking’ on Apple TV Plus, you absolutely should because he is great in that show.” (06:02)

4. Documentary Spotlight: "King Hamlet" at Telluride

(06:18)

• King Hamlet, a documentary on Oscar Isaac’s 2017 turn as Hamlet at Public Theater, debuts at Telluride Film Festival this weekend.
  • Director: Elvira Lind (Oscar Isaac’s wife)
  • Production: Directed by Sam Gold, notable for focusing on Hamlet’s grief rather than revenge.
  • Personal Resonance: Oscar Isaac performed while grieving his mother and anticipating his first child (whom he named after his mother).
• Matt’s Take:

  “A really interesting look at not only this production, which takes a slightly different approach to Hamlet … that really overlaid itself perfectly with what was happening in Oscar Isaac’s life at the time.” (07:12)

• Awaiting news on broader distribution or streaming.

5. "Queen of Versailles" Documentary Screenings & Musical Tie-In

(08:40)

• To promote the upcoming "Queen of Versailles" Broadway musical at St. James Theatre:
  • The original 2012 documentary screens Sept. 18-26 at Angelika Film Center, NYC.
  • Featured post-screening talkbacks across 3 days, including:
    • Kristin Chenoweth (Show’s star)
    • Michael Arden (Director)
    • Lindsey Ferrentino (Book writer)
    • Christian Cohen (Costume designer)
    • Lauren Greenfield (Doc director)
    • Other cast/creative members
• Matt jokes, wishing co-host Grace were present:

  “I feel like people over at the Queen of Versailles owe her an apology or at least an invite or even ask her to host...” (09:20)

• Info and tickets at Angelika’s website.

6. Video Recommendations

(10:24)

• Kerry Butler at RiseNY:
  • Performed “Shine a Light” (from "Heathers: The Musical") and “Home” (from "Bat Boy", which she’s returning to soon at City Center).
  • Praised as “the always phenomenal Kerry Butler.” (10:54)
• Chess on Broadway Teaser:
  • Aaron Tveit sings “One Night in Bangkok” in a short social media clip.
  • Ensemble updates: Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher joined Tveit in rehearsals; ensemble yet to be announced.
  • Matt predicts more casting news post-Labor Day:

    “I'm going to go out on a limb here...post Labor Day, we should be getting the rest of the cast for this show announced.” (12:01)

Notable Quotes

• Matt on Tahiti Manye’s Lion King legacy:

  “Congratulations. Obviously, millions upon millions have seen her perform this role over the years, and I can’t imagine the joy that she has brought to audiences for literal decades.” (04:46)

• On Oscar Isaac’s Hamlet:

  “There was a lot of really complicated emotions in Oscar Isaac’s personal life happening at the same time that he was going through a production of what is universally believed to be the most emotionally taxing role...” (07:45)

• On Chess casting speculation:

  “I have heard that playing Svetlana is, I think, one of the best up and coming voices in musical theater. She’s been on Broadway, she’s been off Broadway, she’s been on tour...all I would tell them is show them who you are.” (12:40)

Important Timestamps

• Classic Stage Company "The Rink" update: 00:36
• Tahiti Manye’s last Lion King show: 03:02
• Michael Urie in Richard II: 05:08
• King Hamlet documentary at Telluride: 06:18
• Queen of Versailles doc screenings: 08:40
• Video recommendations (Kerry Butler, Chess teaser): 10:24

Tone and Style Notes

Matt maintains an upbeat, knowledgeable and friendly tone, peppering factual updates with personal insights, subtle humor, and enthusiastic recommendations. There’s a distinct air of affection for performers and the theater community, with keen attention to the heartfelt milestones and the anticipation of what's next in Broadway’s vibrant ecosystem.

For full details, direct links, and updates, listeners are encouraged to check Today on Broadway’s socials and show notes.