Summary of "Today on Broadway: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025" Episode
Podcast Information:
- Title: BroadwayRadio
- Host/Authors: Matt Tammanini and Grace Sacke
- Episode: Today on Broadway: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
- Release Date: January 31, 2025
Upcoming Schedule Changes
The episode begins with Matt Tammanini announcing a temporary change in the podcast's schedule:
"Next week is going to be a little different. You will still get an episode every day and you will have news. Those episodes will probably be a little bit different as I'm not going to be anywhere near Internet... I'm going to be sailing in the Western Caribbean towards Mexico and Honduras." [00:12]
Matt explains that during his absence, Grace Sacke and their colleague James will handle daily episodes and news updates, ensuring listeners stay informed despite his limited connectivity.
Hadestown: Filming in the West End
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the beloved musical Hadestown. The hosts share exciting news about the original Broadway cast returning to the West End for a special filming:
"Yesterday it was confirmed that when Amber Gray, Reeve Carney, Andre de Shields, Patrick Page, and Eva Noble Zada head over to London to recreate the roles that they originated in the Broadway production of Hadestown in the West End, that eventually their performances will be filmed." [01:20]
Preservation and Location Concerns
Matt expresses mixed feelings about the decision to film in London rather than Broadway:
"What I hate about it is, it has to be done in London... I would have loved for the original Fates and the original Workers chorus to be a part of this as well, but also that it's not in the Kerr is a little disappointing." [01:40]
Grace offers a counterpoint, suggesting that the London setup aligns with the show's origins:
"You don't feel like that what they have set up in London is not a replica of what they did at the Kerr because it started at the National. So if anything, they're getting back to their roots." [02:37]
Despite the geographical preferences, both hosts acknowledge the importance of preserving Hadestown through this filming endeavor, expressing excitement for the opportunity to capture the performances of such a talented cast.
Film Adaptation of Cult of Love
Transitioning to another major update, Matt discusses Leslie Headland's play Cult of Love and its impending film adaptation:
"Apparently happening to my favorite show that I saw on my trip this past week because yesterday in an interview with Variety, playwright and screenwriter Leslie Headland revealed that her play that is currently on Broadway, Cult of Love, which is running through the end of this week, is being prepped for a film." [05:00]
Creative Process and Casting
Matt highlights Leslie Headland's collaboration with her cinematographer to adapt the show's diegetic music for film:
"They're been trying to figure out how they want to shoot it, how they're going to do the music scenes, because there's so much music in that show." [05:30]
He expresses hope that the Broadway cast will reprise their roles to maintain the show's integrity:
"I hope that they keep as many of them as possible." [05:50]
Grace concurs, emphasizing the strength of the current cast and the potential for a faithful film adaptation:
"I think Charlene Woodley's performance is just stellar, specifically. And she is very obviously a TV and film gold mine." [06:00]
Both hosts express optimism that the film adaptation will retain the essence of the original production, enhancing its reach and preservation.
Administrative Updates in New York Theater
New York City Center Names New VP and Artistic Director for Musical Theatre
Matt and Grace discuss the recent appointment of Jenny Gersten as the Vice President and Artistic Director for Musical Theatre at New York City Center:
"Jenny Gersten... has been named to a new position that has not existed in the past. She is now the VP and Artistic director for Musical theatre at New York City Center." [08:15]
They commend the organization for maintaining female leadership and highlight Gersten's impactful contributions since 2020, including successful show transfers and acclaimed productions like Jelly's Last Jam.
Grace shares her personal aspirations for future Encores! offerings, mentioning Carrie and New York, New York as dream projects:
"I would like to see them do Carrie... I always wanted them to do Titanic... I think that if they did that in three years, people would like, oh, wow, that was so long ago." [09:30]
Ars Nova Appoints New Co-Artistic Directors
The conversation shifts to Ars Nova's latest leadership changes:
"Ars Nova has named Andrew Kniesler and Anna Morton Stacey as the new co artistic directors. The founding artistic director, Jason Egan will transition into an advisory role in July." [10:21]
Matt praises Ars Nova's innovative spirit and looks forward to their future projects under the new leadership.
Casting News: Sophie Carmen Jones Takes Over Velma Kelly in Chicago
Grace shares exciting casting news:
"A few days after she wrapped up her run in Moulin Rouge, it was announced that she will be the new Velma Kelly in Chicago on Broadway. She will take over the role from Kimberly Maribel next, I guess in two weeks." [11:00]
Matt adds a personal touch by mentioning their friend John Schwab and the anticipation of seeing Sophie in her new role:
"John is just going to have to come back and see her in this as well." [12:00]
Regents Park Open Air Theater Announces 2025 Season
The hosts highlight the upcoming season at Regents Park's Open Air Theater, featuring a lineup of exciting productions:
"Their 2025 season... will kick off with the UK premiere of Shucked from May 10 through June 14." [12:30]
Other notable productions include a reworked Brigadoon from August 2 to September 10 and a celebration of Rodgers and Hammerstein's dream ballets from June 19 to 22. Additional offerings include a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile and a new show based on the novel Knots and Crosses. Matt directs listeners to the show notes for more detailed information.
New Musical Based on Heidi Fleiss
Matt introduces an intriguing new musical project:
"There is a musical based off of the life of Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss in the works." [13:17]
Development and Creative Team
Grace confirms knowledge of the project, detailing its creative team:
"Written by Billy Risi and is co-conceived with Will Nunziata... directed by Kristen Hange of Rock of Ages fame." [13:23]
The musical will feature Orfeh in a private concert performance on February 4th at the Bowery Ballroom, as part of its development process. Matt expresses excitement about the project's Broadway-oriented approach and the casting of Orfeh, praising her fit for the role.
Jeopardy! Segment: Broadway Categories
In a lighter segment, Matt and Grace discuss a recent Jeopardy! episode featuring Broadway-themed questions:
"Jeopardy had a whole category on Broadway debuts... the $200 question had to do with Nicole Scherzinger's Broadway debut." [14:00]
Contestant Strategies and Frustrations
They express frustration with the show's non-sequential question ordering:
"They don't go in order... My regimented type A brain doesn't like jumping all over the place when it comes to categories. Is that weird?" [14:30]
Grace reassures Matt, sharing her own exasperation with similar situations.
Matthew Broderick's Broadway Debut Question
A specific question about Matthew Broderick's Broadway debut goes unanswered by contestants:
"Not my favorite year, but Brighton Beach Memoirs. Brighton Beach Memoirs. And immediately I screamed, who is Matthew Broderick?" [15:00]
Both hosts lament that no contestants got the correct answer, highlighting the challenge of Jeopardy!'s format.
Closing Remarks
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode with final thoughts and reminders for listeners:
"All right, everybody, that's all that we have for today. Thanks for listening to Today on Broadway." [16:00]
They encourage listeners to follow them on social media:
- Matt: @bww_mattgrace
- Grace: Grace Hockey
Matt reiterates the upcoming schedule change due to his sailing trip and promises to return with more content after the first week of February.
"Have a wonderful Friday, a wonderful week... we will be back to talk to you on Monday, even though it won't be like a normal Monday episode." [16:16]
This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a blend of exciting Broadway news, insightful discussions on the preservation and adaptation of beloved shows, administrative updates within New York's theater landscape, and engaging segments that cater to both theater enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.