BroadwayRadio – Today on Broadway: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
Episode Overview
On this solo episode, Matt Tamanini covers the latest Broadway and Off-Broadway news and shares performance recommendations for theater fans. Highlights include announcements on Patrick Page returning to Shakespeare, Off-Broadway castings, musical revivals, and standout performances by Broadway stars. This episode also gives listeners a programming update due to Matt’s travel for the Big Ten Football Championship.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Programming Note: Travel and Schedule Change
- [00:59] Matt Tamanini opens the main episode with a schedule update.
- Matt explains there will be no Monday show because he's traveling to Indianapolis for the Big Ten football championship (Ohio State vs. Indiana). The show will return Tuesday, recorded en route home via Columbus, Ohio.
2. Broadway & Off-Broadway News
Patrick Page Returns to Shakespeare
- [01:52] Announcement: Patrick Page stars as the title character in Titus Andronicus.
- Produced by Red Bull Theater, directed by Jesse Berger.
- Venue: Pershing Square Signature Center (March 17–April 19, 2026).
- Patrick Page, known for Hadestown and his recent solo show All The Devils are Here, continues his Shakespearean career.
- Matt sets the scene: “Titus Andronicus, one of the lesser produced shows in the Shakespearean canon…about a vicious general who executes his enemy's son in a merciless show of vengeance…as the two sides trade violent acts…one man revels in the bloodbath.” [02:32]
Red Bull Theater’s Richard II Extended
- [02:45] Michael Urie’s Richard II gets a week-long extension.
- Now running through December 21 (previously set to close Dec. 14).
- Adapted/directed by Craig Baldwin; reimagined in 1980s Manhattan.
- Matt notes Michael Urie’s long history with Red Bull, dating back to 2005, including 2017’s The Government Inspector.
Signature Theatre’s Mother Russia Announces Full Cast & Creative
- [03:38] New Off-Broadway production: Mother Russia by Lauren Yee.
- Runs Feb 3 – Mar 15, directed by Teddy Bergman.
- Described as a dark comedy set in post-Soviet Russia, focused on identity after the collapse.
- Cast highlights: Stephen Boyer, Adam Chandler-Berat, Rebecca Naomi Jones, David Turner.
- Matt synopsis: “As their lives chaotically intertwine, Evgeny finds himself falling in love and losing his bearings, grappling with the taste of freedom and fast food along the way.” [03:52]
Rachel Chavkin Directs New Bengsons Show: My Joy is Heavy
- [04:09] Rachel Chavkin will direct My Joy is Heavy, featuring the Bengsons.
- New York Theatre Workshop, Feb 25 – Apr 5.
- The musical explores grief, connection, and rural isolation through song.
- Matt’s endorsement: “I love the Bengsons…their show Hundred Days is incredible…this one is also fairly autobiographical. Very excited to see this one.” [04:25]
J2 Spotlight Announces Rare Revival: Do I Hear a Waltz?
- [04:52] J2 Spotlight’s spring show: Do I Hear a Waltz? (Apr 30 – May 10)
- Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents.
- Directed by Robert W. Schneider, music direction by Liz Hastings.
- Anticipation over casting; second show of J2’s season.
- Matt: “All of these shows will be performed at the AMT Theater.” [05:06]
3. Performance Recommendations
“For Good” Performed Live: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
- [05:16] Matt recommends a highlight from awards season:
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande sang “For Good” (from Wicked) live at a Hollywood event.
- Also performed a Judy Garland–Barbra Streisand mashup of “Happy Days are Here Again” and “Get Happy”.
- “We will have a video of 'For Good' in the show notes if you want to check that out.” [05:36]
Ragtime’s Opening Number: Good Morning America Appearance
- [05:46] The cast of Ragtime performed the show's opening at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.
- Special staging allowed the performance to be staged on the set; video linked in show notes.
- Matt: “Because of the staging, that kind of makes sense. That wouldn’t really have worked as well in a little studio…very cool, very fun. You don’t see this very often.” [05:56]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Patrick Page’s role in Titus Andronicus:
“Titus Andronicus, one of the lesser produced shows in the Shakespearean canon, but is about a vicious general who executes his enemy's son in a merciless show of vengeance, but has [no] idea of the evil his actions will incite.” — Matt Tamanini [02:32] -
On the upcoming Bengsons musical:
“Not only do I love the Bengsons, but I also obviously love Rachel Chavkin. So this is one to put on your radar for the late winter, early spring in New York.” — Matt Tamanini [04:31] -
On the Ragtime performance:
“The fact that they did this on the actual stage is very cool, very fun. You don't see this very often.” — Matt Tamanini [05:56]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:59] Programming note: No Monday episode, Matt’s travel to Indy.
- [01:52] Patrick Page returns in Titus Andronicus.
- [02:45] Richard II starring Michael Urie extended.
- [03:38] Mother Russia full cast & creative announcement.
- [04:09] Rachel Chavkin/Bengsons’ new show announcement.
- [04:52] J2 Spotlight’s Do I Hear a Waltz? and season update.
- [05:16] Recommendation: Erivo & Grande’s “For Good” live.
- [05:46] Recommendation: Ragtime cast on Good Morning America.
Final Notes
- The episode caps off with Matt inviting listeners to follow on social media and reminding them there’s a short break in programming due to his travels.
- Matt’s tone is informed, enthusiastic, and conversational, providing both news and personal opinions throughout.
- Listener engagement is promoted by linking videos in the show notes and teasing upcoming production news.
For Those Who Haven’t Listened:
This episode of Today on Broadway spotlights some major casting news, uniquely staged performances, and gems from both Broadway and Off-Broadway stages for Winter/Spring 2026. Matt Tamanini’s updates and insights offer a bite-sized, engaging digest for theater fans keeping up with the latest on and off the Great White Way.