BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Friday, Dec. 13, 2024
Release Date: December 13, 2024
Host: Matt Tammini and Grace Aki

Introduction and Anecdotes

The episode kicks off with Matt Tammini and Grace Aki engaging in their signature banter, highlighting the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th. Matt humorously mentions going on a cruise, leading Grace to joke about his aversion to boats, a recurring theme in their conversations. This light-hearted exchange sets the tone for an engaging and personable discussion about the latest happenings on Broadway.

Highlight: Patti LuPone Praises "Sunset Boulevard"

[00:46 - 03:33]

A standout moment of the episode is the discussion about legendary Broadway actress Patti LuPone attending a performance of Sunset Boulevard. Matt shares a detailed voice memo from LuPone, where she expresses her enthusiastic approval of the production:

"I loved this production. I thought Nicole and Tom were stunning. I thought Nicole was unbelievable. She broke my heart. She is a force. I thought the cast was fantastic. The lighting, the use of filming was something that I questioned because I don't know where I am. Am I at a movie? Am I at the theater? This worked brilliantly. The whole thing. The whole thing. I was energized when I left the theater. I loved it."
— Patti LuPone [01:22]

Grace adds her admiration, emphasizing the rarity and significance of LuPone's praise given her discerning nature:

"It's always nice when somebody who has originated a role or has, you know, in some capacity been a part of the making of whatever piece that is returning to it is a really lovely thing, especially when you have really great things to say about it."
— Grace Aki [02:46]

This endorsement is particularly meaningful as LuPone originated the role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, later succeeded by Glenn Close. Her approval signals a strong affirmation for the current production, potentially attracting more audiences.

Spotlight on "Cult of Love" and Reviews

[03:33 - 09:24]

The conversation shifts to Cult of Love, a new play by Leslie Headland marking her Broadway debut. Directed by Tripp Coleman and hosted at the Helen Hayes Theater until February 2nd, the production boasts an impressive cast including Molly Bernard, Zachary Quinto, Shailene Woodley, and others.

Matt provides an overview of the show's premise, highlighting its exploration of family secrets set against the backdrop of the holiday season. Grace adds that the play thoughtfully handles its themes without intending to alienate the audience:

"It's a genuinely thought out piece that I think that anyone can gravitate towards."
— Grace Aki [04:42]

The hosts delve into critical reviews, noting the overwhelmingly positive reception:

• Jesse Green, New York Times: "Cult of Love, like many unhappy family reunion plays, draws big buckets of humor from the toxic brew of religion and repression, those buckets also draw blood." ([05:00])

• Adam Feldman, Time Out New York: "Larger themes notwithstanding, Cult of Love is mostly concerned with exploring just such complicated smallness with an analytic precision that is tempered by sympathy and humor." ([05:30])

• Greg Evans, Deadline: "Cult of Love boasts an excellent cast that pulls off a family scenario with unexpected freshness." ([05:50])

Though mostly positive, Matt mentions a mixed review from Daniel Daddario, Variety who felt the play dragged in its latter half:

"Cult of Love feels, for lack of a better word, long."
— Daniel Daddario [06:15]

Grace passionately shares her personal admiration for the play:

"I loved this play. I really loved this play. [...] Shailene Woodley. Jesus Christ. The performance that she gives. I can't wait for you to see it, Matt."
— Grace Aki [06:49]

She praises the director and the actors, particularly highlighting Woodley's compelling performance and the show's ability to resonate universally:

"I really think that a lot of people [...] will grasp something. Because everyone comes from somewhere with relationships, and the holidays bring everything to the head."
— Grace Aki [08:15]

Broadway News and Casting Updates

[09:24 - 17:58]

The hosts transition to a series of exciting Broadway news and casting announcements:

1. Little Shop of Horrors

   • New Mr. Mushnik: Reg Rogers, renowned for his comedic talent, will assume the role starting December 23rd. Matt enthusiastically anticipates his performance:

     "Reg Rogers is like, he's just so funny. I think he is going to kill it as Mr. Mushnick."
     — Matt Tammini [09:54]

   • Grace lauds the casting process and the consistent quality of productions:

     "It's always right. It always hits. We're huge fans of the process of the casting, the producing, the people in the theater."
     — Grace Aki [10:19]

2. Wicked and Bedwetter

   • Matt humorously speculates on Sarah Silverman's potential role in Wicked, suggesting she'd embody Dr. Dilliman:

     "She wants to get into the hair and makeup. She wants to don the, like, the whole horns, everything. She wants that so badly."
     — Grace Aki [11:13]

   • The focus then shifts to the Off-Broadway production of Bedwetter, where Shoshana Bean will play Beth Ann, Sarah Silverman's mother. The casting includes Jessica Vosk, now replacing Shoshana Bean in Hell's Kitchen, enhancing anticipation for its February 4th debut in Washington D.C.

3. Anything Goes at Pasadena Playhouse

   • An all-star cast announcement features Wayne Brady as Billy Crocker, BenDeLaCreme as Mrs. Harcourt, and RuPaul's Drag Race star, among others:

     "I just love what they do and I love this casting and I think inspire probably so many other regional theaters."
     — Grace Aki [13:58]

4. Curse of the Starving Class Revival

   • Set to open Off-Broadway on February 4th, the revival features Calista Flockhart, Cooper Hoffman, and Christian Slater, promising a compelling reinterpretation of Sam Shepard's work:

     "This show is from the new group and will begin performances on February 4th. I love Sam Shepard's work, love all of these people."
     — Matt Tammini [15:04]

5. Kiss of the Spider Woman Movie Premiere

   • The film adaptation starring Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23rd:

     "Kiss of the Spider Woman, as you know, Grace, to get purchased and like some distributor will want to purchase it from there."
     — Matt Tammini [16:00]

6. Waitress Streaming on National Theater at Home

   • The Broadway production of Waitress starring Sara Bareilles will be available for streaming on National Theater at Home starting February 14th:

     "You can do that through National Theater at Home beginning on Valentine's Day, February 14th."
     — Matt Tammini [17:30]

Recommendations

[17:58 - 18:06]

To conclude, Matt recommends an acoustic version of "Far Away from Tulsa" from The Outsiders, performed by Brody Grant, Sky, Lakota Lynch, Jonathan Clay, and Zach Chance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. He directs listeners to the show notes for the video link, encouraging them to enjoy a heartfelt musical performance.

Closing Remarks

[18:06 - 18:07]

Grace reminds listeners of their social media handles and hints at an upcoming interview with Fabian Aloise, the choreographer of Sunset Boulevard, scheduled for the following Monday episode. This interview promises insights into Aloise's creative process and his experiences with various productions.

Connect with BroadwayRadio:

• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: BroadwayRadio
• Matt Tammini on Instagram: @bww
• Grace Aki on Instagram: @GraceOckie

This episode of Today on Broadway encapsulates the vibrant and dynamic nature of Broadway, from star-studded cast announcements to critical endorsements of new productions. Matt and Grace provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of current trends, upcoming shows, and exclusive insights, making it a must-listen for Broadway enthusiasts and newcomers alike.