BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Friday, Feb. 21, 2025"

Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host: Matt Tamminini & Grace Aki

1. Broadway's First Japanese Manga Adaptation: "Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen"

Matt Tamminini introduced groundbreaking news about Broadway's latest venture into adapting Japanese manga for the stage. The graphic novel, Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen by Mayoko Anno, is set to make its Broadway debut with notable talents onboard.

• Creative Team:
  • Music and Lyrics: Duncan Sheik
  • Book: Lee Nanako Winkler (former Broadway Radio guest)
  • Direction and Choreography: Rob Ashford

Press Highlight:
"Memoirs is a bold, sensual and innovative new work that pushes the boundaries of conventional musical theater."
— Press Release

Matt expressed excitement over the adaptation, emphasizing the challenge of translating a visually-driven manga into a live stage performance. He remarked, "If anyone can do a vibe musical, Duncan Sheik is definitely it." [00:08]

Grace Aki shared her enthusiasm, comparing it to successful visual adaptations like Totoro, stating, "If they can do it, I think there's hope for this show." [03:02]

2. United Palace Film Series Revival Curated by Lin-Manuel Miranda

The podcast delved into the revival of United Palace's free film series, curated by Lin-Manuel Miranda, marking its 10th anniversary. The series promises a blend of theater and cinema, featuring exclusive events and special guests.

Upcoming Screenings Include:

• March 10: Satisfied documentary featuring Renee Elise Goldsberry.
• April 28: 2021 version of West Side Story with Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose.
• May 5: Undisclosed Film
• June 2: One Night in Miami starring Leslie Odom Jr.
• September 7: Undisclosed Film

Grace Aki reminisced about her experience, highlighting a memorable screening of When Harry Met Sally where Lin-Manuel Miranda interacted with the audience. She encouraged listeners to stay updated for these free events, emphasizing their rarity and value.
"Don't come for me, but check out Mr. Fogg's cocktail bar near the Savoy." [06:52]

3. "Three Houses" Cast Album Release and Regional Productions

Matt revisited his previous discussions about the Dave Malloy show Three Houses, sharing that the much-anticipated cast album has now been released. He highlighted the album's unique structure, featuring three main characters—JD, Mia, and Margot—narrating their pandemic-isolated stories through song.

He expressed hope for increased regional productions: "It's very, very unique and so Dave Malloy." [08:05]

4. Broadway Revival of "Othello" and Digital Lottery Details

A significant announcement was made regarding the upcoming Broadway revival of Shakespeare's Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Due to high demand and star power, tickets are expected to be pricey and limited.

Digital Lottery Details:

• Website: rush.telecharge.com
• Process: Opens midnight before the performance day.
• Notification Times: 10 AM and 3 PM on the day of the show.
• Ticket Price: Up to $49 each, potentially partial view seats.

Grace Aki hinted at exclusive access, hoping to attend an invite-only dress rehearsal: "I'm still hopeful for that." [10:12]

Matt reflected on the rarity of Othello revivals on Broadway: "This is the first time that there has been a revival of Othello on Broadway in my lifetime." [10:52]

5. Matt's Upcoming Trip to London: Shakespearean Shows and "Hadestown" Revival

Matt shared his excitement about his first trip overseas to London, where he plans to attend three major shows:

• Shakespearean World:

  • Show: Much Ado About Nothing directed by Jamie Lloyd
  • Stars: Tom Hiddleston, Hayley Atwell, Mason Alexander Park
  • Insight: Matt pondered how Lloyd's typically serious directorial style would translate a comedic Shakespearean play, expressing, "Am I weird? Am I wrong with that?" [12:35]

• Curious Case of Benjamin Button:

  • Recommended by friends, promising an intriguing performance.

• Hadestown Revival:

  • Cast Changes: Philip Boykin replacing Patrick Page as Hades, alongside Reeve Carney, Aluminya Robb, Amber Gray
  • Excitement: Matt is particularly thrilled to see Amber Gray reprising her role.

Grace Aki responded enthusiastically: "I can't believe you've never been. This is so exciting." [15:47]

6. London Dining Recommendations

Grace offered culinary tips for Matt's London visit, suggesting:

• Mr. Foggs Cocktail Bar:

  • Location: Near the Savoy
  • Highlights: Unique cocktails like the mechanical Negroni, mushroom-based bar snacks, and a steampunk aesthetic.
  • Appeal: Ideal for theater enthusiasts to mingle pre or post-show.

• Darjeeling Express:

  • Location: Soho
  • Highlight: Renowned chef Asma Khan, celebrated for her vibrant and authentic Indian cuisine.
  • Personal Touch: Grace shared a heartfelt moment with Asma Khan during a Groundhog Day performance, underscoring the restaurant's inspirational ambiance.

Grace Aki concluded her recommendations with admiration: "I think Darjeeling Express is one of the greatest experiences." [16:01]

7. Closing Remarks

Both hosts wrapped up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay connected through social media and to take advantage of the varied Broadway and cinematic opportunities discussed. Matt hinted at a return to regular scheduling after his London trip, promising more engaging content in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• “Memoirs is a bold, sensual and innovative new work that pushes the boundaries of conventional musical theater.”
  — Press Release [02:19]

• “Asma Khan is just an inspiration to me as, like, a human being.”
  — Grace Aki [16:01]

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• Matt Tamminini: Instagram @bwwmattgraceworks
• Grace Aki: Instagram @itsGraceHockey

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