Podcast Summary: BroadwayRadio — "Today on Broadway: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025"

Episode Overview

This bittersweet episode of BroadwayRadio’s “Today on Broadway” (Dec. 12, 2025) serves a dual purpose: delivering the latest Broadway news and casting updates, while also making a significant announcement about the show’s future. Hosts Matt Tammani and Grace Aki reflect on their years together, honor the community they’ve built, and outline what listeners can expect moving forward. Their trademark warmth, humor, and deep love for theater shine throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Final Episode Announcement and Reflections

• Major Announcement ([12:08], [14:59], [17:48]):
  • This is the final episode of "Today on Broadway" in its current daily format, due to economic constraints.
  • The team expresses deep gratitude to listeners and promises to return with theater content in new formats in 2026.
  • Both Grace and Matt reflect on their personal and professional growth through the podcast, sharing heartfelt thanks to each other, the audience, and BroadwayRadio’s founder James Marino.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Tammani ([14:07]): “We have invested a lot of time and a lot of thought and a lot of love and a lot of work and a lot of sacrifice into trying to make this something that listeners can not only enjoy, but also kind of rely on… So we are very sad about this having to happen.”
• Grace Aki ([15:12]): “We found each other in this community... I’ve gotten to grow with all of our listeners…Grateful is just like the word I’m going to continue to use forever and always.”
• Matt Tammani ([18:44]): “The friendships we’ve made because of this are life changing, truly life changing.”

2. “All Out” Opens at the Nederlander — Unique Opening Night

• Show Details ([01:09]):
  • "All Out": A new Broadway comedy about ambition, written by Simon Rich, with original music by the band Lawrence (performing in every show).
  • Directed by Alex Timbers, with a rotating cast of comedic stars.
  • Notably, the first performance is also the “opening night”—no previews.
• Star Power:
  • First cast includes Jon Stewart, Eric Andre, Ike Barinholtz, Abby Jacobson (rotating through Dec. 21 or Dec. 28).
  • Upcoming superstars: Mike Birbiglia, Wayne Brady, Craig Robinson, Ray Romano, Sarah Silverman, Jason Mantzoukas.
• Hosts’ Anticipation ([03:08]):
  • Grace is “thrilled” about Jon Stewart’s involvement.
  • Matt is excited for Jason Mantzoukas’s unique comedic flair, encouraging listeners to see his run (Jan. 20 - Feb. 15).

Notable Quotes

• Grace Aki ([03:08]): “I love Jon Stewart to the point that… I got to see one of his last Daily Shows…He’s just great and I love him. That would just be amazing.”
• Matt Tammani ([04:13]): “Jason Mantzoukas…For people who don’t know him, he’s the weirdest dude you’ve ever seen and I love him.”

3. John Cameron Mitchell Returns to Broadway in “O Mary”

• Announcement ([05:58]):
  • John Cameron Mitchell will play Mary Todd Lincoln in “O Mary” at the Lyceum Theater (Feb. 3 – Apr. 26).
  • Jane Krakowski’s run ends Jan. 5; Jinkx Monsoon bridges the gap before Mitchell’s engagement.
  • Ensemble casting yet to be announced.
• Representation & Connection ([07:05]):
  • Grace notes the significance: Mitchell and Mason Alexander Park (West End “Mary”) are both Hedwig alums—celebrating gender-fluid casting.
  • Speculation on possible cabaret numbers and excitement over the synergy of the cast.

Notable Quotes

• Grace Aki ([07:05]): “This is huge for me…Two incredible, very gender-fluid actors who have both portrayed Hedwig as Mary Todd Lincoln—very exciting!”
• Matt Tammani ([07:44]): “If they throw ‘Origin of Love’ into that cabaret, I’m not gonna be mad.”

4. New Musical Adaptations & Off-Broadway Castings

• Count of Monte Cristo Musical at York Theatre ([08:01]):
  • Runs March 12 – April 5; directed by Peter Flynn; book and lyrics by Peter Kellogg; music by Stephen Weiner.
  • Notable cast: Sierra Boggess, Adam Jacobs, James Judy, Norm Lewis, and more.
  • Matt is particularly excited about “Phantom/Christine” reunion: Sierra Boggess and Norm Lewis.
• Public Theater’s “Antigone” Receives Cast Update ([08:48]):
  • Starring Celia Keenan-Bolger, Tony Shalhoub. Opens Feb. 26.
  • The new play by Anna Ziegler is a modern adaptation exploring bodily autonomy and oppressive laws.

5. “Crazy Rich Asians” Musical Workshop News

• Developmental Workshop ([10:20]):
  • Social media reveals workshop cast, including Jasmine Forsberg, Alyssa Fox, and Helen J. Shin (in role of Rachel).
  • Lin Anako Winkler (book), Helen Park (music), Amanda Green & Tat Tong (lyrics).
  • Hosts excited about the stage adaptation’s potential.
• Shout-Out ([11:49]):
  • Grace jokingly predicts a full circle: “Maybe in 10 years, it’ll be another movie musical that [Jon M. Chu] can do.”

6. Recommendations & Notable Performances

• "Chess" Cast on the Today Show ([12:08]):
  • Featured performances: “One Night in Bangkok,” “Mountain Duet,” “Heaven Help My Heart.”
  • Videos available on Today Show’s website.

7. What’s Next: The Future of BroadwayRadio Content

• New Formats for 2026 ([17:48]):
  • “Last Week on Broadway”: Recap show for major news.
  • Standalone episodes for grosses, schedules, major reviews.
  • Reviews and interviews will continue, sometimes together or separately.
  • Considering bringing back “This Week in Theater” for regional coverage.
• Assurance to Listeners:
  • Both Grace and Matt will remain involved and visible in theater podcasting, though less frequent and in new formats.
  • Opportunities for direct listener engagement will continue.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Tammani ([18:44]): “We will still be here…Those bigger picture conversations, especially leading into awards season, will still happen…You’re not getting rid of me or Grace.”
• Grace Aki ([21:43]): “[To listeners] Equal parts Patreon and listenership, regardless if you listened once every month or every single day…Thank you. Thank you always.”

Memorable Moments & Final Reflections

• The hosts’ gratitude and affection for each other and the BroadwayRadio community permeate the closing segment.
• Both recall how their paths crossed, evolved, and were enriched by this podcast and its listeners ([14:59], [15:12]).
• They repeatedly acknowledge the show's impact on their personal and professional lives and its role in building a vibrant audience community.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• New “All Out” Show Details/Openings: [01:09] – [04:50]
• Anticipation for Comedic Cast: [03:08] – [04:50]
• John Cameron Mitchell in “O Mary”: [05:58] – [07:44]
• West End parallels & Awards: [07:05] – [07:58]
• “Count of Monte Cristo” Musical Details: [08:01] – [08:48]
• Public Theater’s “Antigone” Cast: [08:48] – [10:20]
• “Crazy Rich Asians” Musical Workshop: [10:20] – [12:08]
• Chess performances on Today Show: [12:08]
• Show’s Future Announcement & Reflections: [12:08] – [22:54]
• Final Thanks & Goodbyes: [21:43] – [23:04]

Tone & Style

The tone is heartfelt, knowledgeable, and bittersweet—reflective of the show's unexpected farewell, but softened by the hosts’ optimism and camaraderie. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned, engage online, and celebrate the vibrant Broadway community the show fostered.

Closing

“Today on Broadway” bows out in daily form but leaves a legacy of theater news, humor, and community spirit—promising new beginnings in 2026. Both hosts will remain active, continuing to share their passion for theater with listeners old and new.

“Thank you. Thank you always and please like connect and annoy me and, you know, whatever it is. But yes, thank you. Thank you just so much, always. And thank you, Matt. This has been amazing.”
— Grace Aki ([21:43])