BroadwayRadio Episode Summary: Today on Broadway – Friday, July 25, 2025
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Today on Broadway, hosts Matt Tamminini and Grace Akee delve into the latest happenings in the Broadway scene. From casting updates in beloved musicals to exciting new productions and theater season announcements, this episode offers a comprehensive overview for theater enthusiasts.
1. Casting Updates in "Maybe Happy Ending"
The episode kicks off with significant news surrounding the Tony-winning musical "Maybe Happy Ending." Matt announces the temporary casting change, introducing Andrew Barth Feldman as the new Oliver, a sentient robot character, replacing Darren Criss for a limited nine-week engagement starting September 2nd.
Key Points:
- Andrew Barth Feldman will star from September 2nd to November 1st.
- Post-November 1st, rumors suggest Darren Criss will return to the role.
- Andrew's real-life partner, Helen J. Shen, also stars in the show, allowing them to perform together.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tamminini [03:10]: "What's fun about this is, Andrew's real life partner is Helen J. Shen, who is the other star of this show. So they are going to have the opportunity to do this show together for a couple months, which has to be thrilling."
Grace acknowledges the excitement and addresses the controversy regarding representation, emphasizing the temporary nature of Andrew's casting.
Notable Quote:
Grace Akee [04:00]: "Being that this is a temporary opportunity, I'm very excited for them to star opposite each other."
Matt further discusses the rationale behind the casting choice, highlighting that Andrew was chosen based on his unique take during Helen's audition process. He also touches on the broader conversation about Asian representation in Broadway leads.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tamminini [03:50]: "From what I have heard is that the reason this is only a 2ish month run is because Darren Criss is actually going to come back."
2. Musical Updates: "The Outsiders"
Turning to "The Outsiders" musical, Matt shares updates on casting changes due to upcoming commitments of original cast members.
Key Points:
- Brody Grant exiting the role of Ponyboy Curtis; replaced by Trevor Wayne starting September 23rd.
- Brent Comer, the original Ponyboy, will take a two-month leave to film the Netflix movie "The Mosquito Bull."
- Dan Barry, an ensemble member, will step into the role of Daryl Curtis during Brent's absence.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tamminini [05:20]: "Brody Grant leaves as Ponyboy Curtis and will be replaced by Trevor Wayne starting September 23rd."
3. Atlantic Theater Company's 40th Anniversary Season
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Atlantic Theater Company's historic 40th-anniversary season. The season features four new plays, a new musical, and a gala celebration.
Key Highlights:
- World Premiere Play: "Let's Love" by filmmaker Ethan Cohen, consisting of three one-act comedies exploring various facets of love.
- Run Dates: September 25th – November 9th
- Co-Productions:
- "The Reservoir" with Ensemble Studio Theater and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, focusing on Josh's struggles with sobriety and familial relationships.
- "Indian Princesses" by Ileana Theologis Rodriguez, examining cultural dynamics between young girls of color and their fathers.
- New York Premiere Musical: "Elephant and Piggies," a children’s musical.
Notable Quotes:
Matt Tamminini [07:10]: "The Atlantic Theater Company announced its historic 40th anniversary season, featuring four new plays and the New York premiere of 'Elephant and Piggies.'"
Grace Akee [08:19]: "There are few things in this life that are worth living for, and that's one of them. I need to see this with every bone in my body."
Matt and Grace express excitement about Ethan Cohen’s involvement and share personal anecdotes about their enthusiasm for the new productions.
Notable Quote:
Grace Akee [08:46]: "I really can't bundle it into words. I was just talking about how much I love them and how I wish that they were more involved in the theater."
4. Under the Radar Festival 2026 Announcements
The 21st Annual Under the Radar Festival has unveiled its programming for 2026, marking a return after budget constraints in previous years.
Key Details:
- Dates: January 7th – January 25th, 2026
- Focus: Experimental works from both the US and international artists.
- Venues: Includes Performing Garage at Here Arts Center, Performance Space NYC, NYU Skirball Center, and New York Live Arts among over 20 venues.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tamminini [09:40]: "The Under the Radar Festival is dedicating specifically to spotlighting experimental work from the US and abroad."
Grace encourages listeners to explore the festival's offerings via the show’s online platforms.
5. New Musical "Rolling Thunder" at New World Stages
Grace shares her experience of attending the premiere of "Rolling Thunder" at New World Stages, a musical that blends iconic songs with intimate stories from the Vietnam War era.
Key Insights:
- Premiere Date: Opened on Thursday night prior to the podcast recording.
- Run Dates: Currently scheduled through September 7th.
- Musical Features: Classic songs like "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Black Magic Woman," and "What's Going On."
- Performance Highlights: Exceptional performances by Justin Matthews Sargent and Daniel Yearwood, among others. The show incorporates documentary elements such as real letters from veterans.
Notable Quotes:
Grace Akee [10:50]: "I took so many videos of her because I was just obsessed. But I think that, like, with a work like this, it is part, like, musical review."
Matt Tamminini [13:43]: "This is a show that, as you said, brings in some real life stories and the letters and all of that documentary aspect."
Grace praises the cast's versatility and the thoughtful integration of historical narratives with musical elements.
Notable Quote:
Grace Akee [11:23]: "Daniel Yearwood is absolutely carrot. Like I love getting to see him do something very different than what I've seen him do in the past."
6. Additional Theater News and Highlights
The hosts briefly touch upon other notable theater news, including:
- Heather's Spelling Bee: An ongoing production at New World Stages.
- "The Play That Goes Wrong": Continues its successful run at New World Stages.
- Future Musicals: Anticipation for high-name recognition musicals to bolster New World Stages' reputation as a premier off-Broadway destination.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tamminini [14:53]: "I'm hoping that with some of these musicals, especially that come in with some higher name recognition, that New World Stages can continue to be a destination."
Conclusion
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow them on social media and subscribe via Patreon for more in-depth content. They tease upcoming discussions and reiterate their enthusiasm for the vibrant Broadway landscape.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tamminini [15:51]: "Remember, we will not have Today on Broadway on Monday. So we'll be back to talk to you on Tuesday."
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Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth discussions on all things Broadway with Matt Tamminini and Grace Akee.