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Today on Broadway: Friday, July 11, 2025
00:18:48
Tonys announce 2025-26 nominators, PBS to air ‘Twelfth Night,’ attend Grace’s ‘Death Becomes Her’ Q&A and screening Since 2016, “Today on Broadway” has been the first and only daily podcast recapping the top theatre headlines every Monday through Frida...
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- [00:02]
Matt Tamminini
Welcome to Today on Broadway for Friday, July 11, 2025. I'm Broadway Radio's Matt Tamminini and I'm.
- [00:07]
Grace Ake
Tell Me on a Sunday podcast, Grace Ake.
- [00:09]
Matt Tamminini
Grace, you know this. Listeners might know this many people across a lot of industries, but especially the theater industries, take what are known as Summer Fridays. That means that they either work half day on Friday or they don't work at all on Fridays, which is a lovely luxury that those people get. But, but what that often means is that over the next couple months there's not a lot of news that comes out on Fridays. So we will be taking what we're going to call Summer Mondays because there's not a whole lot coming out on Friday. There probably won't be a whole lot for us to talk about on Mondays. So for the next few weeks, at least in July and August, for the vast majority of the time, we probably won't have episodes on Monday unless there is some sort of major breaking news that we have to get to. So don't look for a Today on Broadway episode, but we will not leave you hanging because if you head over to patreon.com broadwayradio broadwayradio.com patreon in the normal Sunday night 8pm slot where we normally have Today on Broadway on Patreon, that is where we will have our weekly Patreon exclusive episodes. So if you can't go a Monday without a new episode of Broadway radio, head over to Patreon, sign up at the mezzanine tier and above and we will have something for you there every week. This week is my conversation with Kate ranking in which they tell me about their favorite show that they saw over the past month, a month that included 37 different shows. So that is a high bar to clear to pick just one favorite. So listen to that. Join us over on Patreon and get everything that Broadway radio has to offer there. But let's get into the news today, Grace, and we're going to start with my like bucket list dream thing that is probably never, ever, ever going to happen. But yesterday the Tony Awards administration committee announced who is going to be the nominators for the 2025, 2026 season. As you'll remember, nominators are selected on a three year term, so they rotate. A lot of these people have been on there in previous years. But what I'll do is I'll first run through all of the new additions and then remind you as to who some of the other folks are that are returning for either their second or third year. New for this season are sound designer Mark Bennett, music director Rob Berman, playwright Jocelyn Bio, creative director and executive producer for Audible Theater, Jeremy Blocker, director and producer Jade King Carroll, choreographer and director Will Davis, executive director of the Eugene o' Neill Theatre Company, Tiffany Gavin, director and writer Daniel Goldstein, playwright Joshua Harmon, associate director and choreographer Ricky Hines, composer, lyricist and librettist Timothy Huang, composer, lyricist and librettist Anna K. Jacobs, costume designer Jessica John, lighting designer Peter Kaczorowski, composer Glenn Kelly, actor L. Morgan Lee, choreographer Danny Mefford, executive artistic director of Repertorio Espanol, Rafael Sanchez, playwright and librettist Jeffrey Sweet, retired general manager Charlotte Wilcox, and actor, director, playwright, author, and former Tell Me on a Sunday guest, BD Wong. So great list there, Grace. Obviously, your buddy BD on that list is very cool, but I love that what the nominating committee always does is it gets a mix of people from across all different fields in theater. Lots of artists, a lot of actors, writers, directors, choreographers. But also we have folks from the producing academic side as well, which I think gives us a really good opportunity to get as many different perspectives to pick what is the handful of best shows every season.
- [03:39]
Grace Ake
I think it's worth noting that these are the most powerful people, like, in the Tony conversation. I feel full. I think we often, in terms of conversations around awards and accolades and recognition, everyone talks about Tony voters and, and the power lies within the nominating committee. They determine what can even be voted on by those voters. Like, that's. That's the real crux of a lot of these conversations. So I think it's an excellent list. List. It's a diverse list. This is, you know, a list that ranges across all of these different roles that exist within the theater space. So I'm very grateful. People that have been on the stage, people that work off the stage, people that are currently working in the space, people that, you know, have had very illustrious careers and are dabbling in producing or directing, whereas they've been an actor previously or whatever it is. Like, I think that this is a really nice representation of the industry as a whole, but I do want to highlight that, like, those are the people that are making those big, big, big decisions that ultimately 900 people vote on. So, yeah, it's a. It's a. It's a small list, but they're. They're very powerful. So I appreciate also the transparency of releasing those names. That transparency is very helpful, I think, in our industry, where a lot of people like to say, like, well, they talk about these People as if they're not people. They're like Broadway doesn't want blank or like the Tony voters, blank. You know what I mean? And I'm like, well these are all individual people that have different agendas, that have different needs and wants out of the community, that have different aspirations for the growth of the space. So I'm grateful that we are able to see who those voices are that are going to be making those decisions because they're incredibly impactful and I think that I wouldn't take that lightly. I think that like looking at those names and like you know, where they've advocated in the past or like where their voices are being heard, whether that's in a social space or in any of these other rooms that we're unaware of, I think it's super helpful.
- [05:48]
Matt Tamminini
There are 21 new people on the list, so that means There are 63 returners. I'm not going to tell you who all of them are, but just some bold faced names include Bob Balaban, Kevin Cahoon, Adam Chandler Barat, Vicky Clark, Jordan E. Cooper, Kristen Toye Johnson, Michael Kori, Helen Park, T. Oliver Reid, Jason Tam and others. So if you want that full list, head over to the show Notes. But like you said Grace, these people are incredibly important and looking forward to seeing their insights in, gosh, a little less than nine months, I guess when we will eventually get next year's nominations. One show that is going to be highly talked about over the next few months, but I can guarantee will not get any Tony nominations is the upcoming return to the Delacorte Theatre of Shakespeare in the park. And that is going to be Twelfth Night. And we already know it is going to star a whole host of people including Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong', O, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sandra oh and more. The show is going to run in Central park from August 7th through September 14th. This is a cut down 90 minute version directed by Sahim Ali. But if you are unable to get tickets for that run in Central park, don't worry because PBS Great Performances will air it in the fall. It'll happen on November 14th beginning at 9pm and some of these things that Great Performances has preserved over the years, including stuff from the Delacorte as well as a lot of the other things that we've seen either from New York or London. I can't tell you Grace, how important I think all of these things are not only today and like how great it is for people to be able to see them if they couldn't see them in New York or in London, but just for the future of theater and the future of theater fans to have the opportunity to see these things in some form or another, either on their TVs or streaming eventually. I think this is incredibly important, and considering how much the current administration is looking to cut back on resources to pbs, I think it's important for all of us to support these things as much as humanly possible.
- [07:54]
Grace Ake
Fully agreed. And listen, I love being in the comfort of my home without bugs to watch these. I've still never been to the Delacorte, but, you know, one day and. Yeah, no, I. I totally agree with you. I think this is an excellent opportunity. And I think all the times that we hear people say, like, they should film it if you don't watch it when. When people do put in the money. You know what I mean? Like, shut up, shut up. I don't want to hear it anymore. So, yeah, I think this is excellent and I implore everybody, if that is.
- [08:26]
Matt Tamminini
Available to them, I know you are a huge Peter Dinklage fan, so I'm sure that you will be sat with popcorn ready in November. All right, let's take a break from our news right now to talk about our sponsor for this week, surfshark. Well, obviously all of us around the country can probably have the opportunity to watch PBS and Twelfth Night when it airs in November. There is so much great theater streaming around the world, especially in London, that we might not have the opportunity to watch via the streaming services that we normally have here domestically. That is where an Incredible VPN like Surfshark VPN comes in so handy. What VPNs allow you to do in this space is sign in to a server somewhere else around the world so it'll tell the Internet that you are wherever you want to be, whether that is in London, in Japan, in Australia and Canada, in Africa, Wherever you want the Internet to think you are, surfshark can help you say that. That way you can take advantage of the streaming libraries of many, many other services that you wouldn't have an opportunity to do from the comfort of your own home. Grace, I know that is something that you get into all the time, whether it is watching your Love island stuff or watching anime. I know that that is a favorite pastime of yours, popping around the world via surfshark vpn.
- [09:47]
Grace Ake
So famously. I love streaming content. I love watching television, I love watching movies. But not all of the time. Where I go on some of these streaming platforms, it's so limited. Like, sometimes I've kind of maxed out what I'm able to see and then I'll look for a film and it says oh, only streaming in blank streaming service in Japan or blank streaming service in the uk. But thanks to surfshark vpn I'm actually able to access those pieces of content that I wouldn't otherwise because of a vpn. Like all the time changing location, seeing where you can see things in other countries. That is my dream. I never thought there would be a single scenario where we could access those opportunities. So utilizing a surfshark VPN for the potential to see all of the potential content out there is the way to go.
- [10:32]
Matt Tamminini
So it's time to take control of your online security. Try Surfshark risk free today and enjoy their 30 day money back guarantee. Go to surfshark.com tob for four extra months of Surfshark. That's code tobshark.com the URL and code can be found in our show Notes.
- [10:48]
Grace Ake
Foreign.
- [10:53]
Matt Tamminini
Let'S get back in to some show and casting news. Yesterday it was announced that out of the Box Theatrics has extended its Off Broadway world premiere of Bo the Musical for one extra week. It was conceived and written by Douglas Lyons with music by Ethan D. Packshar and Lyons and Lyons also wrote the lyrics. The production is directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes and it is currently playing at 154 Christopher Street. It is extended from its previous end date of July 27 and it'll now close on August 3, barring any future extensions that may or may not be coming. We know that out of the Box Theatrics is going to move to a new home in 2026, but they are taking full advantage of 154 Christopher street now to get as many people in to see Beau as possible, going from New York to California. Yesterday the cast and creative team was announced for the world premiere of a new musical called the Heart that is going to play at La Jolla Playhouse starting next month, August 19th and running through September 21st. It is going to be directed by Christopher as, who is going to move across the US and become the Artistic Director of the Roundabout Theatre Company here in this coming season. Mandy Moore is going to choreograph that not I'm missing you like candy Mandy Moore, but so you think you can dance choreographer Mandy Moore. The cast will include such names as Heidi Blickenstaff, Brie Jackson, Paul Alexander Nolan Zachary, Noah Peyser, Ren Rivera, Jason Tam, Tony Nominated Jason Tam and others. The show is based off Please forgive my poor French Repair Les Vivants. And it features a book and additional lyrics by Kate Kerrigan. With music and lyrics by Anne and Ian Eisendrath. The musical begins as a young surfer's life is cut short, which means a second chance for a stranger. Over the course of 24 hours in San Diego, audiences follow One Heart on its life saving journey and meet the people whose lives are impacted along the way. Sounds fascinating. Like that is such a cool way to tell that story. Like that's so unusual for what musicals are about. Grace, like organ donation, like, is not normally what you think of in terms of a musical. And with a cast like that. Heidi, Paul, Zach, Jason Ren, that's a phenomenal show that I will absolutely be keeping my eye on.
- [13:06]
Grace Ake
Oh, no. I'm very excited by that. I love pieces like this that are kind of exploring a text, but also beyond that. I think that's very cool. So I was very excited to see that.
- [13:15]
Matt Tamminini
Another show that I am sure that you are very excited about and may or may not find an opportunity to see is the special presentation that is going to happen at Vassar's Powerhouse Theater this summer of Alex Brightman and Drew Gasparini's musical, It's Kind of a Funny Story. It's going to happen next week, next Friday and Saturday, July 18th and 19th. Sarna Lapine is directing. Now we know who is going to be in that production. It will feature James Monroe Iglehart, Julia Murney, Mike Nappy, Happy McPartland and more. This is based on a book by Ned Vizzini and it's about a teenager who checks himself into an adult psychiatric facility. And it's been in the works now for almost a decade. So love that it is getting on stage and love that they have a really cool cast leading the way on this one.
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Grace Ake
So, Matt, do you know my history with that show?
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Matt Tamminini
Is this where you met F. Yes. Okay. I didn't know if it was this one or not.
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Grace Ake
Yeah. So this was the show. I was very fortunate right before COVID to be in the workshop that was presented to Second stage. That's where I got to meet and work with Drew Gasprini and Alex Brightman. And that is also where I met my now fiance. They came to see the show presentation. It was great. The character that I was playing that was from the book has been cut. Like it didn't make sense. But I, you know, really I liked the part. But I was also like, oh no, this person shouldn't. I think the way the story evolved changed, which is very fine. And also Even if they replaced me, that's fine. That's how this works. But it's such a special piece of theater. Those two writers, obviously I love them, but also they're incredibly thoughtful and insightful when it comes to mental health. This book was one of the first books I remember buying for myself at Barnes and Noble, so I had a really big connection to the piece of itself. And also I've been to a psych ward, so I actually got to impart that wisdom as well. But I think the way that the music and the script work so well together, if you aren't familiar with their work, their collaboration, Alex and Drew as writers, I think you'll see more in the future. Obviously, a lot of you all know Drew Gasperini as a composer and musician in his own right, but a lot of people aren't aware of Alex's writing and script writing and playwriting and all that stuff. So I hope that you all, if you don't get to see this at Vassar, that you're able to explore more of their written work as well in the future.
- [15:47]
Matt Tamminini
And I think, and it's been hinted at online, completely unrelated to this, but like I think Alex and another one of his because he's got a Spamalot co star with James marigoldheart leading this, I think Alex and another one of his Spamalot co stars have written something that is being turned into a series for Warner Brothers. So there's definitely a lot of potential writing opportunities for people to get to know Alex Brightman in a much different way here soon. All right, Grace, you are not going to be in that reading as you were in a previous version. But if people still want to see you on stage, that is going to be our recommendation for this week. Because on Monday, back at the Nighthawk Cinema in Prospect park, you were doing yet another stage and screen Q and A and presentation. This Time of Death Becomes Her. You have a cast member and a member of the props team. So real quick, remind everybody what that's all about, when they can go. And of course I'll have the link in the show notes where they can get tickets.
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Grace Ake
So this Monday at 7:15pm stage and screen continues, which is my film series with Nighthawk Cinema discussing the original IP base for some currently running Broadway musicals and plays. This Monday will be Death Becomes Her. I get to talk to the OnStage Props association it and a member of the ensemble, Michael Garrett and Michael who I'm so eager to discuss some of my favorite parts of the show, but also just like how these things translate to stage I think is very exciting. And then of course there's going to be a streaming of the film. So yeah, I'm, I'm really pumped. There are a few tickets left in the front two rows, so if you want to be a friendly, familiar face, you can buy those tickets right now. So, yeah, I'm really excited. It's probably going to sell out. So by the time you hear this, if this is of interest, hop on it.
- [17:33]
Matt Tamminini
And I will say, while the screenings are all great, I also love the pre show videos that they show on screen at Nighthawk. I don't know who does that, if that's you or somebody else, but it is.
- [17:45]
Grace Ake
Oh, it's them. Their staff is so good and this is something they do for everything. They, you know, they, they screen vintage commercials and YouTube videos or whatever. I don't know if I can even say that, but you know what I mean, like they understand how to curate with a lot of flair their, their pre show screening. So it's always a treat. It is a fun film experience. It's not the same as going to your run of the mill. Like, you know, they're independently owned there. It's a great business and also great food and drinks.
- [18:14]
Matt Tamminini
That is all that we have for today. Thanks for listening to Today on Broadway. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Broadway Reading. If you want all of Broadway radio, head over to patreon.com broadwayradio Grace, where can people find you?
- [18:23]
Grace Ake
You can find me. Rey Saki.
- [18:24]
Matt Tamminini
All right, everybody, remember we will not have it today on Broadway on Monday. But you can hear my conversation with Kate ranking in Patreon on Sunday night. So you will not have to go without if you sign up for the mezzanine tier and above. Have a wonderful Friday, a wonderful weekend. We'll be back to talk to you on.