BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Friday, January 24, 2025
Introduction
In the latest episode of Today on Broadway, host Matt Tamminini and co-host Grace Aki delve into the vibrant happenings of the Broadway scene as of Friday, January 24, 2025. The episode offers a comprehensive overview of significant developments, including promotions within the industry, groundbreaking theatrical openings, critical acclaim, casting announcements, and noteworthy events bridging Broadway and Hollywood. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn by Matt and Grace, enriched with notable quotes and structured for those who haven't tuned in.
1. Celebrating Grace Aki’s Promotion
The episode opens with Matt congratulating Grace on her recent promotion. Grace shares her enthusiasm and dedication towards her new role:
"I'm very excited to honestly keep on keeping on and like, yeah, just like working with people and creators and just talking about the arts industry that we all love so dearly and making it much more visible and modern for our current times." (00:29)
Grace expresses gratitude for the acknowledgment and highlights her commitment to enhancing the visibility and modernization of the arts industry.
2. Broadway’s First Opening of 2025: Sanaz Tusi’s "English"
One of the marquee topics is the Broadway debut of Sanaz Tusi's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, English, which premiered at the Todd Hames Theater. Matt provides an overview of the production:
- Production Details: Directed by Knud Adams, the Broadway rendition retains the same cast from its Off-Broadway debut, including Eva Lalizarzida, Pooha Mohsini Mehran, Neshat, and Hadi Tabal.
- Plot Synopsis: The play centers on an English class in Iran, exploring themes of language, immigration, and personal aspirations.
Critical Acclaim
Matt highlights the overwhelming positive reception English has garnered, sharing excerpts from prominent reviews:
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Jesse Green, The New York Times (02:00):
"The Broadway transfer of Sanaz Tusi's English...is a work of uncommon discipline, despite its big and occasionally easy laughs."
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Adam Feldman, TimeOut New York (03:00):
"If Tusi's thoughtful and searching play has things to teach us about character, culture, post-colonial identity, it does so through immersion."
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Gloria Oladipo, The Guardian (03:30):
"English: Sanaz Tusi's stunning Broadway debut is a precious study of language's significance."
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Tim Tieman, The Daily Beast (03:50):
"This is an exquisitely written, beautifully acted... with immigration and attacks on immigrants' rights at the top of President Trump's agenda, the play assumes a raw, urgent precision."
Grace’s Reflections
Grace shares a personal connection to the play, touching on its emotional depth and universal themes:
"As the daughter of an immigrant to this country, there were certain lines that I'm getting emotional thinking about it... I think it's one of the most important plays I'll see in a very long time." (04:37)
She emphasizes the play's humor, heart, and the powerful performances that make it unmissable.
Tony Awards Prediction
Matt and Grace discuss the play's potential for Tony nominations, with Matt positioning English as his frontrunner for Best Play:
"I think a lot of people are going to be wanting to head over to the Todd Hames Theater to see it as quickly as possible." (06:26)
Grace concurs, noting the play's Pulitzer pedigree and Off-Broadway accolades as strong indicators of its continued success.
3. Casting Announcements: "Real Women Have Curves"
The hosts shift focus to casting news for the Broadway production of Real Women Have Curves. Matt announces the finalized cast:
- Lead Roles: Tatiana Cordova and Justina Machado
- Supporting Cast: Florencia Quince, Shelby Acosta, Carly He, Aileen Maya Goita, Mason Reeves, Jennifer Sanchez, and Sandra Vows
- Debut Performance: April 1 at the James Earl Jones Theater
Grace adds a nostalgic note, recalling Aileen’s previous work and highlighting Mason Reeves’s Broadway debut:
"I told Mason last year, I said your Broadway debut is in 2025... And here it is." (07:56)
4. Hollywood Meets Broadway: Academy Awards Nominations
Transitioning to the intersection of Broadway and Hollywood, Matt covers the Academy Awards nominations with a significant presence from theater professionals:
- Top Nominations: Getter (13 nominations) and Wicked (10 nominations)
- Notable Nominees from Broadway: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, Timothee Chalamet, Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Grace Aki, and Kieran Culkin
Grace muses on the trend of younger actors not yet winning Oscars, relating it back to Broadway’s influence:
"I think it's one of the most important plays I think that we'll see in a very long time." (10:46)
Matt mentions upcoming streaming options for nominated films and highlights Colman Domingo’s film Sing Sing as a theatrical piece awaiting availability.
5. Special Broadway Events and Shows
Trisha Paytas’s Big Broadway Dream
Matt announces a one-night-only Broadway event featuring a star-studded cast including Sutton Foster, Ben Platt, Joy Woods, Rachel Zegler, and Amber Ardelino:
- Date and Venue: February 3 at the St. James Theater
- Highlight: Amber Ardelino leads the ensemble, delivering an extravaganza promised by Trisha Paytas.
"Drag the Musical" Extension
The hosts bring attention to the extension of Drag the Musical at New World Stages, with tickets available through June 1st. Alaska Thunderfuck reprises her role as Kitty Galloway, rekindling interest from fans who cherish the original performances.
6. Hugh Jackman’s Concert Residency
A feel-good recommendation concludes the episode as Matt and Grace discuss Hugh Jackman’s upcoming concert residency at Radio City Music Hall:
- Show Title: From New York with Love
- Performance Dates: Starting January 24th, with additional shows through October
- Setlist Highlights: Includes songs from The Boy from Oz, The Greatest Showman, Music Man, and Les Misérables
Grace expresses excitement about the behind-the-scenes footage of Jackman’s rehearsals available in the show notes, anticipating a spectacular live performance.
7. Hosts’ Personal Theatrical Plans
The episode wraps up with Matt sharing his ambitious theater schedule in New York City, planning to attend six shows over two days, including:
- English at 2 PM
- Oh, Mary at 5 PM
- Sliding and Hadestown in the evening
- Wonderful World, Sunset Boulevard, Cult of Love, Eureka Day, and a special show featuring Grace
Grace reveals her weekend plans centered around binge-watching Oscar-nominated films, recognizing the crossover appeal between film and theater.
Conclusion
Today on Broadway successfully encapsulates the dynamic and interconnected nature of the Broadway and broader entertainment industries. From celebrating individual achievements and groundbreaking productions to highlighting the symbiotic relationship between theater and film, Matt Tamminini and Grace Aki provide listeners with an insightful and engaging overview of the current Broadway landscape. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to the scene, this episode offers a wealth of information and enthusiasm for the vibrant world of Broadway.
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Note: Timestamps in quotes correspond to their appearance in the transcript for reference and context.