BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Friday, Aug. 8, 2025

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Join Matt Tamminini and Grace Aki as they delve into the latest happenings in the Broadway scene on this episode of Today on Broadway. From exciting new Off-Broadway productions to significant renovations in iconic theaters, the hosts provide insightful commentary and engaging discussions for theater enthusiasts.

1. Recording Update and Patreon Announcement [00:31 – 02:08]

Matt Tamminini kicks off the episode by introducing himself and Grace Aki, who is recording from the prestigious Morgan Library. Grace shares her excitement about recording in such a historic and beautiful location:

Grace Aki [00:51]: "Today I am at the Morgan Library. The J.P. Morgan. First place in New York City to have electricity."

Matt humorously mentions his aspiration to visit the Morgan Library, highlighting its allure:

Matt Tamminini [00:59]: "I've never been there, but it's on my bucket list of places to go because it is absolutely gorgeous."

They also announce that there will be no episode on the upcoming Monday due to it being a summer Friday. However, listeners eager for more content can access an exclusive conversation on Patreon, featuring Tony Award-winning producer Kaitlin Berg, discussing a recent study on millennial and Gen Z ticket buyers.

2. Spotlight on Aubrey Plaza in Off-Broadway’s "Let's Love" [02:08 – 04:13]

The hosts shift focus to Aubrey Plaza and her expanding presence in the theater world. Grace mentions an upcoming project that ties directly into their top story:

Matt Tamminini [02:17]: "Yesterday the Atlantic Theater Company announced the cast for the upcoming Off-Broadway show Let's Love, which is a trio of one-act comedies written by Academy Award winner Ethan Cohen. And one of the stars of that show will be Aubrey Plaza."

"Let's Love" features a stellar cast including Chris Bauer, Dylan Jalul, Dionne Graham, Mary McCann, Nellie McKay, Noah Robbins, CJ Wilson, and guest star Mary Wiseman. The play is set to premiere at the Linda Gross Theatre on September 25th, running until November 9th. The synopsis encapsulates the essence of modern love:

Matt Tamminini [04:13]: "Let's Love is a comedy, a trio of one acts that explores love in all its miserable glory. The world is a confusing place and we are a confused people, but it's easier to be confused together. So let's Love."

Grace praises Aubrey Plaza's transition to stage acting, noting her unique aura and natural fit in Off-Broadway settings:

Grace Aki [04:21]: "I think you're so right. And I also think that these types of collaborations are what we've been wanting to see out of her for so many years."

3. Roundabout Theater Company's $24 Million Renovation of Todd Haynes Theater [04:13 – 06:39]

Matt discusses the significant renovation project undertaken by the Roundabout Theater Company for the Todd Haynes Theater (formerly the American Airlines Theater). The $24 million overhaul aims to modernize the facility while preserving its historic charm:

Matt Tamminini [04:13]: "They're going to do tons of stuff, including expanding accessible seating as well as assisted listening technology. They're upgrading the digital marquee system. They're renovating all of the restrooms and dressing rooms, modernizing the elevators. They're restoring the theater's historic interior and upgrading critical building systems."

The renovation will also include the creation of a flexible space on the fifth floor to support artistic education and community engagement. Funding for this project is substantial, with $10.9 million secured from New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs and additional support from the state through the Empire State Development and the New York State Council on the Arts.

Grace expresses joy over the improvements, particularly the upgraded restrooms—a frequent concern among theatergoers:

Grace Aki [06:39]: "Someone actually posted on TikTok this week and said, what are the best bathrooms in what theaters? And I was just like, huh, I never thought about that. But I do want someone to investigate this."

Matt echoes her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and improved facilities:

Matt Tamminini [06:39]: "But increasing accessibility, whether it's through the seating, the audio systems or the elevators, that's all great. But anytime I hear the words renovating restrooms in a Broadway theater, like, my heart just gets happy."

4. Enhancing Theater Accessibility with "Got to Go NYC" [06:50 – 07:36]

The conversation shifts to the crucial topic of accessibility in theaters. Grace highlights Teddy Spiegel and her initiative, "Got to Go NYC", which maps accessible bathrooms across the city:

Grace Aki [06:53]: "Teddy Spiegel, who is not only an opera singer but has done so much for bath accessibility legislation."

Matt Tamminini [07:36]: "Basically she lets you know where there are accessible free bathrooms across the city. So definitely want to check that out."

Listeners are encouraged to visit gottogo.nyc to utilize this invaluable resource, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all theater patrons.

5. Review of "Well, I'll Let You Go" at Space at Irondale [07:36 – 12:42]

Grace shares her recent experience attending the new play "Well, I'll Let You Go", directed by Jack Syrio and written by Bubba Wyler. The play is currently running Off-Broadway in Brooklyn until August 29th at the Space at Irondale. The cast includes notable names such as Quincy Tyler Bernhard, Michael Chernis, Will Dagger, Emily Davis, Constance Schulman, and more.

Grace offers a glowing review, praising the authentic dialogue and cohesive production:

Grace Aki [08:28]: "When I say that I think it's Taylor Williams casting, give, give them an award because one of the best casts I've seen in a hot minute where the acting company, the direction, the play, and I texted someone that I know that works on the show to say, you know, not since Lonergan, early Lonergan, have I felt like this person really nailed authentic dialogue."

She recounts her initial apprehension about the staging and sound but was ultimately impressed by the cast's performance and the play's depth:

Grace Aki [09:47]: "Constance Shulman ... she brings this insane energy to the room that the entire audience ... really understanding the characters and what this woman is going through."

The play delves into themes of grief and control, portraying a middle-aged woman navigating the aftermath of her husband’s passing amidst societal expectations:

Grace Aki [11:26]: "It is a story about a woman who is just like a middle-aged woman whose husband passes away. And what happens when everyone around you is kind of dictating how you as the grieving person are dealing with that."

Matt encourages listeners to attend the play, providing information on where to purchase tickets.

6. Celebrating Hamilton’s 10th Anniversary on Broadway [12:42 – 14:55]

The hosts shift gears to celebrate Hamilton's monumental 10th anniversary on Broadway. Matt highlights the special events and performances commemorating this milestone:

Matt Tamminini [12:42]: "On Wednesday, the Roundabout Theater Company [...] Hamilton's official social media pages, but also from other people as well, they celebrated the 10th anniversary of Hamilton on Broadway."

Lin-Manuel Miranda took to the stage to share fascinating statistics about the show, including the number of lighting cues, duels, and costume pieces used over the decade. Notably, Thane Jasperson remains a steadfast member of the cast since its inception.

The evening performance featured producer Jeffrey Seller addressing the audience, followed by a heartwarming reunion of over 100 Hamilton alums who joined Miranda in a collective performance:

Matt Tamminini [14:53]: "Over 100 Hamilton alums came on stage and they all sang together, led by Lynn. It was a really lovely moment... we should celebrate these things ... we need more celebrations."

Grace concurs, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating such achievements within the theater community:

Grace Aki [14:55]: "Agreed."

Closing Remarks [14:55 – End]

Matt wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow Today on Broadway on various social media platforms and to support the podcast through Patreon. Grace provides her social media handle for further engagement.

Matt Tamminini [15:03]: "Grace, where can people find you?"

Grace Aki [15:03]: "You can find me at graceaki."

Listeners are thanked for tuning in, and the hosts wish everyone a wonderful weekend before signing off.

Notable Quotes:

• Grace Aki [00:51]: "Today I am at the Morgan Library. The J.P. Morgan. First place in New York City to have electricity."

• Matt Tamminini [04:13]: "Let's Love is a comedy, a trio of one acts that explores love in all its miserable glory."

• Grace Aki [06:53]: "Teddy Spiegel, who is not only an opera singer but has done so much for bath accessibility legislation."

• Grace Aki [08:28]: "When I say that I think it's Taylor Williams casting, give, give them an award..."

• Matt Tamminini [14:53]: "We should celebrate these things not only because getting a show to run for one year, let alone 10 years, is hard..."

Stay tuned to BroadwayRadio for more updates, reviews, and in-depth discussions on everything happening in the world of Broadway!