BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Friday, Dec. 6, 2024

Host: Matt Tammini
Release Date: December 6, 2024

1. Introduction

In this solo episode of Today on Broadway, host Matt Tammini delivers a concise update on the latest happenings in the Broadway scene. Due to Grace’s mother visiting New York City or Hoboken, Matt is handling the episode alone. He briefly mentions an upcoming Q&A session with Grace, encouraging listeners to submit their theater-related questions via email at Patreonrodwayradio.com.

2. "Swept Away" Announces Final Broadway Performance

One of the major news items discussed is the announcement that the musical "Swept Away" will stage its final performance on Broadway on Sunday, December 15th, at the Longacre Theater. The show has achieved a total of 52 performances, comprising 20 previews and 32 regular performances since its opening on November 19th (00:01).

Matt reflects on the potential future of Broadway theaters in the spring, highlighting that both the Palace and the Longacre theaters will remain open. He speculates, “If I had to guess, I have zero inside information on this. I think Dead Outlaw is going to go to the Longacre. That makes the most sense" (00:01). This move could position "Dead Outlaw" as a frontrunner for the Tony Awards for Best Musical, leveraging its critical acclaim from last season.

Despite Matt's personal lack of enthusiasm for "Swept Away," he shows empathy towards the cast and crew affected by the show's closure, stating, “We are heartbroken from all of those people both on stage and off Swept Away, who have to close this show so quickly, especially right before the holidays" (00:01). A cast album is slated for release on February 7th digitally, followed by physical copies in 2025.

3. Off Broadway Updates: "Titanique" Celebrates Milestones

The podcast highlights significant developments in the Off Broadway production of "Titanique", which is preparing to celebrate its 1,000th performance. The production welcomes new cast members in the upcoming weeks:

• Anthony Murphy will reprise his roles as Victor Garber and Luigi starting December 23rd (00:01).
• Kyle Remar Freeman, known for his portrayal of the Cowardly Lion in "The Wiz", will take on the role of the iceberg beginning January 9th.
• Cassidy Pope, a Voice finalist and country music singer, steps into the role of Rose on January 18th.

Other notable cast members include De Rossioli as Celine Dion, Callum Francis as Cal, Max Jenkins as Jack, Joel Wagner as Ruth, and Lisa Howard as Molly Brown. Matt expresses excitement about the show's continued success and the fresh talent joining the cast.

4. J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company's 2025 Season

Matt introduces the upcoming 2025 season for the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company, an organization dedicated to reviving lesser-seen musicals Off Broadway. Led by artistic director Robert W. Schneider, the season promises a lineup of intriguing productions:

• April 10th: "Smile"

  • Music: Marvin Hamlisch
  • Lyrics/Book: Howard Ashman
  • Based on: Jerry Belson’s screenplay
  • Noteworthy for the iconic song “Disneyland,” originally performed by Jodi Benson in the show's brief Broadway run of 48 performances.

• April 24th: "Zorba"

  • Creators: Kander and Ebb
  • Based on: The film Zorba the Greek by Joseph Stein.

• May 8th: "Drat the Cat"

  • Creators: Ira Levin and Milton Schafer
  • Synopsis: Set in turn-of-the-century New York, the musical follows a notorious cat burglar targeting the city’s elite, forcing the Keystone Cops to turn to the bumbling Bob Purefoy after the death of his father, Bulldog Purefoy.

Each production is scheduled for a 10-day run, encouraging theater enthusiasts to secure tickets promptly. Matt assures listeners of the high quality of J2’s productions, stating, “I guarantee that if you go see these shows you will enjoy them. They are all a ton of fun and I know J2 does incredible stuff” (00:01).

5. New Play Readings: "The Cowards" Industry-Only Reading

An exclusive industry-only reading of "The Cowards" is set to premiere today, Friday, December 6th. This queer comedy, directed by Michael Wilson and written by Ryan O'Connor, offers a modern, queer interpretation of Noel Coward’s classic "Hay Fever". The play revolves around a four-person dysfunctional chosen family who each invite a surprise guest to Provincetown for a weekend.

Cast Highlights:

• Katrina Link (replacing Taylor Schilling)
• Vianne Cox
• Brandon Uranowitz
• Charlie Barnett
• Eva Rain

Matt notes the replacement of Taylor Schilling with Katrina Link, adding, “We actually talked about it I think originally because she is replacing Taylor Schilling who is going to be a part of it" (00:01), expressing enthusiasm for the new cast dynamics.

6. National Tour of "Parade" Announces Complete Cast

The national tour of the acclaimed musical "Parade" has unveiled its complete cast. Max Chernin will portray Leo Frank, and Talia Suskower takes on the role of Lucille Frank. The ensemble features talented actors such as Evan Harrington, Ramon Nelson, Andrew Simonski, Alison Ewing, Jenny Hickman, Rob Knight, and others, many of whom are returning cast members from the Broadway production.

Performances will commence in Schenectady on January 11th, followed by the official opening at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis on January 21st. Matt shares his personal excitement about the tour, saying, “I absolutely have to. I love this production and there is no chance that I could miss Max and Talia doing this show" (00:01), emphasizing the show's significance and his anticipation to see the familiar cast in action once again.

7. International Spotlight: Kevin McHale in London's "The Frogs"

Transitioning to international news, Matt announces that Kevin McHale, known for his role in "Glee", will make his UK stage debut in Stephen Sondheim's "The Frogs". McHale will portray Xanthias at the Southwark Playhouse from May 23rd through June 28th. The production is adapted by Bert Shevelov and incorporates additional adaptation work by Nathan Lane for the 2004 Broadway revival. George Rankham will direct the revival, with the remainder of the cast to be announced later.

8. Recommendations: "Elf the Musical" Performance on "The View"

Matt recommends watching "Elf the Musical" to gain a glimpse of the show's festive charm before seeing it live. The cast members—Gray Hinton, Ashley Brown, Kayla Davion, and Kai Edgar—performed a medley of songs, including “There Is a Santa Claus” and “A Christmas Song,” on "The View". He suggests that this performance serves as an excellent preview for those considering attending the Marquee Theater's holiday run, which concludes in early January.

9. Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Concluding the episode, Matt thanks listeners for tuning in to Today on Broadway. He encourages following BroadwayRadio on social media platforms—Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram—and invites listeners to submit their Q&A questions for the upcoming episode with Grace. Matt signs off with warm wishes for a wonderful Friday and a reminder to engage with the show’s interactive segments.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “We are heartbroken from all of those people both on stage and off Swept Away, who have to close this show so quickly, especially right before the holidays.” – Matt Tammini (00:01)

• “I think Dead Outlaw is going to go to the Longacre. That makes the most sense.” – Matt Tammini (00:01)

• “I guarantee that if you go see these shows you will enjoy them. They are all a ton of fun and I know J2 does incredible stuff.” – Matt Tammini (00:01)

• “I absolutely have to. I love this production and there is no chance that I could miss Max and Talia doing this show.” – Matt Tammini (00:01)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, announcements, and insights shared in the December 6, 2024 episode of Today on Broadway. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or simply curious about the latest Broadway news, this overview provides a clear and engaging snapshot of the current Broadway landscape.