BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Friday, June 6, 2025

BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway" episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current happenings in the Broadway scene, leading up to Tony Awards weekend. Hosted by Matt Tammanini and Grace Ake, the episode delves into award predictions, casting news, ethical discussions surrounding popular productions, and exciting new projects on the horizon.

1. Setting the Stage: Pre-Tony Awards Atmosphere

The episode kicks off with Matt Tammanini and Grace Ake discussing the general sentiment within the theater community as Tony Awards weekend approaches.

Grace Ake [00:58]:

"Yeah, I think it's just that everyone's ready to be done. Like, it feels like there's all this hullabaloo and like, there's no sweeper. There's a lot of, like, it could be this person, it could be that person, it could be this show... I do think that there is a lot of excitement and, like, people are just running around. They've got to just get it all done."

Grace highlights the hectic nature of the season, emphasizing that while there's no clear frontrunner, the excitement is palpable as everyone prepares for the final push in nominations and voting.

2. Tony Awards Predictions Pool

Matt introduces a fun interactive element for listeners by encouraging them to participate in a Tony Awards predictions pool. The winning prediction will receive a theatrical gift bag filled with merchandise and memorabilia.

Matt Tammanini [02:36]:

"If you want to make your predictions as to who you think is going to win every single Tony award, you can head over to the show notes. We will have a link to our Tony's predictions pool. The winner of that pool will get a theatrical gift bag with some different merch and memorabilia that I will send out to you."

3. Tom Felton's Broadway Return in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

A significant highlight of the episode is the announcement of Tom Felton reprising his role as Draco Malfoy in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This marks his Broadway debut and the first time an original Harry Potter cast member has appeared on stage for this production.

Matt Tammanini [03:37]:

"Tom Felton, who originated the role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, will return to the role this time on Broadway in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. He will begin his 19-week run on Broadway on November 11th, playing through March 22nd."

Tom Felton's Statement:

"It's surreal to be stepping back into his shoes and of course, his iconic platinum blonde hair. I am thrilled to be able to see this story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world."

4. Ethical Concerns Surrounding J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter Productions

Grace Ake addresses a contentious issue regarding J.K. Rowling's involvement in Harry Potter productions and her recent actions affecting the trans and non-binary community.

Grace Ake [06:15]:

"I think it is important to remember that not only is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child based on a story that J.K. Rowling helped create, it is obviously based off of the IP that she created, but she is also through Harry Potter theatrical productions are one of only three producing entities on this show..."

Grace elaborates on Rowling's financial benefits from the productions and her establishment of the J.K. Rowling Women's Fund, which aims to strip rights from transgender and non-binary individuals. She expresses a personal conflict between enjoying the art and not supporting the creator's harmful actions.

Grace Ake [07:30]:

"I can't tell you what to enjoy, I can't tell you what to support... but when the artist continues to benefit financially from that art and then both publicly and proudly takes that financial benefit and uses it to fund campaigns to directly attack some of the most vulnerable populations in the world... that has to be a line drawn."

5. Canceled Revival of A Chorus Line

The podcast discusses the disappointing news about the cancellation of a site-specific revival of the iconic musical A Chorus Line, originally intended to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Matt Tammanini [10:30]:

"According to an official spokesperson, the immersive A Chorus Line that was set to play downtown this fall will not be moving forward after Concord Theatricals... citing a mischaracterization in their application."

Grace comments on the abrupt cancellation and speculates about underlying issues with the production team's approach.

Grace Ake [10:42]:

"I was just like, what shoestring budget are we working with? But you know what, good for them. And by them I mean Concord Theatricals, because I know that that's tough. So yikes."

6. Broadway Show Extensions: The Villain and Sunset Boulevard

There is positive news regarding the extensions of two popular Broadway shows.

• The Villain at the Booth Theater:
  • Extended to run through August 31.
  • Sadie Sink departs the role of Shelby Holcomb on July 13 to film a new Spider-Man movie.
  • The search for her replacement is underway, with speculations about potential cast members like Issa Briones.

Grace Ake [12:17]:

"I've got no idea. But I'm wondering if it is someone from the cast... It wouldn't shock me."

• Sunset Boulevard at the St. James Theater:
  • Receives a final week-long extension, now playing through July 20.
  • New cast member Jordan Donica joins as Max starting July 18.

7. American Repertory Theater's 2025-2026 Season Launch

Grace unveils two major new musicals slated for the upcoming season at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts:

• Wonder:

  • A musical adaptation of the beloved novel and film.
  • World premiere performances from December 9 to January 25.
  • Features a score by A Great Big World and a book by Tony nominee Sarah Rule.

• Black Swan:

  • A stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film.
  • Scheduled to premiere on June 26, 2026, running through June 28.
  • Score by Tony nominee Dave Malloy, book by Jen Silverman, directed and choreographed by Tony and Emmy winner Sonia Taya.

Grace Ake [15:12]:

"I love Black Swan. It's like truly one of the movies that I can and you know, Patreon level. I will send you the photographs of me doing it for my senior year costume party for the last week of school because that was, you know, that dates me."

Grace expresses excitement about the potential casting and the creative teams behind these adaptations.

8. Dolly Parton's Musical Casting Updates

Matt provides an update on the casting for the highly anticipated Dolly Parton musical, which is set to begin performances on July 18 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.

Matt Tammanini [16:10]:

"In addition to the stars that we have already talked about, Katie Rose Clark, Cary St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb, the cast is now going to feature John Drujetski... Tony nominee Beth Malone is playing Dolly Parton's lifelong best friend Judy Ogle..."

The full cast will be announced soon, promising a robust and talented lineup for the production.

9. Launch of the Gavin Creel Fellowship

In a heartfelt segment, Matt and Grace discuss the establishment of the Gavin Creel Fellowships by the American Theatre Wing, honoring the late Gavin Creel's legacy in the theater community.

Matt Tammanini [17:10]:

"The annual fellowship program will bestow five young theater actors with a $25,000 grant, personal mentorship from an industry professional, curated networking events with Broadway leaders, access to American Theatre Wing programs, free tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, and Tony Awards attendance as seat fillers."

Grace commends the initiative, likening it to setting up a memorial scholarship fund and emphasizing its importance.

Grace Ake [18:42]:

"This is a wonderful way to honor his legacy as well as like so many other artists... this is really, really lovely news."

10. Movie Musical Trailers Recommendations

To wrap up the episode, Matt shares recommendations for two upcoming movie musicals:

• Kiss of the Spider Woman:

  • Set to release on October 10.
  • Features music by Kander and Ebb and Terrence McNally.
  • Stars Jennifer Lopez.

• Wicked for Good:

  • Offers a fresh take on the beloved stage musical.
  • Includes song references and glimpses of new characters like Dorothy and her friends.

Matt Tammanini [19:16]:

"Very exciting stuff. Lots of movie musical goodness coming to theaters nationwide in the fall."

11. Closing Remarks and Social Media Connections

Matt and Grace sign off by sharing their social media handles and encouraging listeners to follow them for more Broadway news and updates.

Grace Ake [20:09]:

"You can find me eating a pizza at 2am after the Tony Awards at it's Grace Hockey."

Matt Tammanini [20:15]:

"All right, everybody, have a wonderful Friday, a wonderful Tony's weekend, and we'll be back to talk to you numerous times throughout the weekend end. So make sure you head over to Patreon. Com, Broadway radio, BroadwayRadio. Com Patreon to get all of the last-minute predictions, reviews, and news."

This episode of "Today on Broadway" by BroadwayRadio deftly navigates through the highs and lows of the Broadway landscape, offering listeners insightful analysis, heartfelt discussions, and exciting news updates as the Tony Awards loom large.