BroadwayRadio – Today on Broadway: Friday, June 27, 2025
Welcome to a comprehensive summary of the June 27, 2025, episode of BroadwayRadio hosted by James Marino. This episode delves into the latest Broadway news, including production updates, theater leadership changes, upcoming events, celebrations of notable figures, and recommendations for theater enthusiasts.
1. "Boop the Musical" Concludes Its Celebrated Run
The episode opens with an update on the award-winning Boop the Musical, which is set to conclude its performance run on July 13, 2025. The musical has enjoyed significant acclaim over its tenure, boasting 25 previews and 112 performances.
- Premiere Details:
- Starring: Jasmine Amy Rogers as Betty Boop
- Director: Jerry Mitchell
- Music: David Foster
- Book: Bob Martin
- Costume Design: Greg Barnes
James Marino highlights, “Boop the Musical has been hailed as the feel-good musical of the year, bringing Max Fleischer's iconic cartoon character to life with a modern flair and heartfelt performances” (00:55).
- Accolades:
- Multiple Drama Desk Awards
- Drama Desk Out of Critic Circle Awards
- Jasmine Amy Rogers received a Theater World Award for her breakout performance.
The musical’s vibrant choreography, standout costume design, and engaging narrative about Betty's quest for a day off have resonated with audiences, making its farewell a bittersweet moment for Broadway aficionados.
2. Vineyard Theater Announces Exciting 2025-2026 Off Broadway Season
The Vineyard Theater revealed its upcoming Off Broadway season, featuring two bold world premieres:
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a. "The Burning Cauldron of Fiery Fire"
- Playwright: Anne Washburn
- Director: Steve Carlson
- Production Co-Produced with: The Civilians
- Opening: Fall 2025
- Synopsis: Set in Northern California, the play explores an off-the-grid community's existential crisis following a sudden death, blending elements of death, pageantry, rescue, resurrection, and rural life.
- Collaboration History: Reunites Washburn and Carlson, who previously collaborated on "Mr. Burns" and "A Devil at Noon."
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b. "Girls Chance Music"
- Playwright: Issa Davis
- Director: Pam MacKinnon
- Opening: Spring 2026
- Synopsis: Centers on four gifted teens in a Berklee music program, intertwining coming-of-age themes with live improvisational music as they face personal and global challenges.
- Notable: Commissioned by Vineyard Theater.
James Marino notes, “These premieres promise to push creative boundaries and offer audiences fresh, thought-provoking experiences” (02:15).
3. Revival of "Phantom of the Opera" Reimagined as "Masquerade"
A significant highlight of the episode is the announcement of the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera," now retitled "Masquerade."
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Director: Diane Paulus (Tony Award Winner)
- Notable Works: "Pippin," "Hair," "Jagged Little Pill"
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Production Highlights:
- Venue: A prominent location on 57th Street, New York City
- Concept: An immersive reimagining incorporating interactive elements akin to "Sleep No More."
- Audience Experience: Guests will be masked and encouraged to dress in extravagant black, white, or silver attire, fostering a dynamic and movement-friendly environment.
- Ticketing: Accessible starting June 30 for those who sign the Phantom's ledger at masqueradenyc.com.
- Run: Six weeks of previews
- Cast: Described as a cast of exceptional ability, promising a unique and unforgettable performance.
James emphasizes, “Masquerade is set to be an event like no other, blending the classic allure of the Phantom with a modern, immersive theatrical experience” (06:15).
4. Manhattan Theatre Club’s Lynn Meadow Announces Retirement
A heartfelt segment covers the announcement that Lynn Meadow, the artistic director of the Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC), will step down after an illustrious 53-year tenure.
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Achievements:
- Growth: Transformed MTC from a small Off-Off Broadway space into a major theater institution with multiple venues, including a Broadway house.
- Productions: Over 600 shows produced, earning 31 Tony Awards, notably for "Eureka Day" in 2020.
- Notable Launches: "Doubt," "Proof," and "Ruined"
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Transition Plans:
- Role: Meadow will remain as an artistic advisor during the leadership transition.
- Future Plans: To focus on directing and teaching.
James Marino states, “Lynn Meadow’s departure marks the end of an era for MTC, reflecting a broader generational shift in New York theater leadership” (07:30).
This change follows other significant exits in the New York theater scene, such as leadership shifts at Lincoln Center, Roundabout Theatre Company, and Second Stage Theater.
5. Free Lunchtime Concert Series Returns to Bryant Park
Broadway enthusiasts can look forward to the return of the Free Lunchtime Concert Series in Bryant Park, running from July 10th through July 31st.
- Details:
- Hosted by: 106.7 Light FM's On-Air Personalities
- Schedule: Every Thursday, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
- Venue Entrance: Starting at 11:00 AM
- Presenters: Hosted by iHeartRadio Broadway
James Marino encourages, “This series offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Broadway tunes and connect with the community in the heart of Manhattan” (08:45).
6. Celebrating Broadway’s Notable Birthdays
The episode extends birthday wishes to several influential figures in the Broadway community:
- Michael Mayer
- Role: Director of 22 Broadway productions
- Eric Simonson
- Role: Writer and Director of multiple Broadway productions
- Jeffrey "JJ" Abrams
- Alias: Also known as JJ Abrams
- Notability: Renowned for Star Wars films and as a Broadway producer
James Marino remarks, “Happy Birthday to these luminaries who have significantly shaped the landscape of American theater and entertainment” (09:15).
7. Farewell to Five Broadway Productions
As the season progresses, several Broadway shows bid farewell to audiences:
- Glengarry Glen Ross
- Venue: Palace Theater
- Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends
- Venue: Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
- The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Venue: Music Box Theatre
- Real Women Have Curves
- Venue: James Earl Jones Theatre
- Dead Outlaw
- Venue: Longacre Theatre
James Marino notes, “These productions have brought diverse stories and exceptional performances to Broadway, and their legacies will continue to inspire future shows” (10:00).
8. Recommendations for Theater Fans
To wrap up, James Marino offers viewers two recommended YouTube videos:
- Joe Iconis's Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical
- Legendary Director: Christopher Ashley
- Venue: Virginia's Signature Theater
He adds, “These videos provide a fascinating glimpse into the creative processes behind new and exciting Broadway projects” (10:45).
Links to the recommended videos are available in the show notes for easy access.
Conclusion
This episode of BroadwayRadio provided a wealth of information for theater enthusiasts, covering the closing of beloved productions, exciting new premieres, significant leadership changes, upcoming events, celebrations of influential figures, and thoughtful recommendations. Whether you're an avid Broadway follower or a casual theatergoer, today's episode offers valuable insights and updates to keep you connected to the vibrant world of Broadway.
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