BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Friday, March 28, 2025
Host: Matt Timminini
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway" for Friday, March 28, 2025, host Matt Timminini dives deep into the latest Broadway happenings, with a special focus on the highly acclaimed production of The Picture of Dorian Gray. While co-host Grace attends the opening red carpet events as a social media influencer, Matt covers theater news, reviews, and upcoming events, ensuring listeners are well-informed about the vibrant Broadway scene.
Spotlight on The Picture of Dorian Gray
Opening Remarks:
At [00:01], Matt introduces the day's main topic: the Broadway adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, now playing at the Music Box Theater through June 15, 2025. He highlights the stellar performance of Sarah Snook, who has quickly become a frontrunner in the Best Actress in a Play category, positioning the show as a strong contender for the upcoming awards season.
Production Details:
- Director & Adaptation: Kip Williams, adapting the 2020 Sydney Theater Company production.
- Original Performer: Aaron Jean Norville portrayed all roles in the original production; Sarah Snook takes on this multifaceted role on Broadway.
- Film Adaptation: The production has attracted attention from Cate Blanchett’s production company for a future film adaptation, underscoring its critical success.
- Innovative Stagecraft: The show uniquely incorporates five different camera operators into the cast, integrating a significant video component that has garnered much excitement from Matt.
Synopsis:
The Picture of Dorian Gray is an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic tale, exploring themes of vanity, morality, and the pursuit of eternal youth. Over 18 years, Dorian Gray descends into a life of excess and immorality, his secret maintained by a portrait that ages in his stead.
Critical Reception
Matt reviews feedback from 15 critics collected by the aggregator site "Did They Like It?", noting 9 positive, 4 mixed, and 2 negative reviews. He acknowledges that while some critics have reservations, audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.
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Jesse Green, The New York Times [03:45]:
- Mixed Review: Praises Snook's versatility in portraying multiple characters but criticizes moments where the play’s humor undermines its serious narrative.
- Quote: “By the time Dorian makes his final descent into madness, there is no real acting to be done anyway. There is only enunciating...” [03:45]
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Adam Feldman, Time Out New York [05:20]:
- Positive Review: Awards the show four out of five stars, commending the seamless blend of video elements with traditional staging.
- Quote: “These trappings transcend gimmickry because they are contiguous with and find new ways to mirror the central themes...” [05:20]
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Shayna Russell, Entertainment Weekly [06:10]:
- Positive Review: Highlights Snook’s performance as devoid of vanity despite the character’s egotism, praising the production’s cinematic quality.
- Quote: “The bold production is as cinematic as it is theatrical and a perfect showcase for his shining star.” [06:10]
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Juan A. Ramirez, Theatrely [07:00]:
- Mixed Review: Critiques the video-centric approach, suggesting it detracts from the live performance and creates a sense of distance.
- Quote: “These choices suck the liveness out of the event...” [07:00]
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Christian Lewis, Variety [08:15]:
- Negative Review: Finds the production superficial, unable to delve deeply into Wilde’s themes.
- Quote: “This production cannot find any depth in its surfaces.” [08:15]
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Chris Jones, New York Daily News [09:10]:
- Positive Review: Praises Snook’s dynamic performance and the intricate staging that brings the story to life.
- Quote: “She’s brilliant, alive and fun all at once.” [09:10]
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Johnny Oleksinski, New York Post [10:30]:
- Positive Review: Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder in theater, applauding the show’s ability to mesmerize audiences.
- Quote: “That wonderment that Johnny is talking about is so important in theater...” [10:30]
Summary:
Overall, The Picture of Dorian Gray receives a spectrum of reviews, with the majority lauding Sarah Snook's performance and the innovative use of video technology, while some critics feel the production lacks depth and live engagement. Matt remains optimistic about the show's potential success in awards and its enduring appeal to audiences.
Broadway News
1. Sonja Friedman & Hugh Jackman's "2gether" Off-Broadway Shows [12:00]:
Matt shares exciting news about the theatrical partnership between Sonja Friedman and Hugh Jackman. They are presenting two intimate shows at Audible's Medellin Theater, both directed by Ian Rickson:
- "Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Class":
- Run: April 28 – June 18, 2025
- Cast: Ella Beatty and Hugh Jackman
- "Creditors" (Jen Silverman’s Adaptation of August Strindberg):
- Run: May 10 – June 18, 2025
- Cast: Liev Schreiber, Maggie Siff, Justin Smith
Quote: “It’s going to be incredibly wild to figure out how they're going to get people into these shows...” [12:00]
2. The Public Theater’s Carol Churchill Quartet [14:15]:
The Public Theater extends the run of four new plays by avant-garde playwright Carol Churchill:
- Titles: Glass Kill, What If, If Only, IMP
- New Closing Date: May 11, 2025 (originally May 4)
- Cast Highlights: John Ellison Conley, Tony Winner Deirdre O'Connell
Quote: “These shows are described as a kaleidoscope of stories...” [14:15]
3. New Musical "BO" by Douglas Lyons and Ethan D? Pac Char [15:30]:
Introducing the new off-Broadway musical "BO", centered on Ace Baker, a young queer man discovering unsettling family secrets:
- Plot: Ace learns his deceased grandfather is not truly gone, leading to life-altering events.
- Lead Actor: Matt Rodin, known for All the World’s a Stage and Fantastic performances.
- Run: June 6 – July 27, 2025
- Venue: Out of the Box Theatrics, 154 Christopher Street (formerly New Ohio Theater)
4. Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS’ New Annual Concert [16:45]:
Broadway Dream Roles debuts on April 28 at the Al Hirschfeld Theater, offering performers the chance to embody roles they’ve long admired or aspired to play.
- Features: Broadway favorites and rising stars performing unique, personalized roles.
- Upcoming Announcements: Performers and special guests will be revealed in the coming weeks.
5. Renaissance Gala for Laurie Beachman Theater Reopening [17:25]:
A star-studded concert event on April 14 celebrates the reopening of the Laurie Beachman Theater:
- Performers Include: Andre DeShields, Lillias White, Matt Doyle, Lauren Patton, Chip Zion, Milo Manheim, Elizabeth Gillies, Christine Perty, Joe Iconis, Jelani Remy
- Music Director: Benjamin Ruhalla
Quote: “It is going to be an absolutely incredible night over at Laurie Beachman...” [17:25]
Recommendations
Hadestown Teasers [18:30]:
Matt shares his enthusiasm for the ongoing teasing of new cast members in Hadestown. Despite the short clips, including a recent [16:06] teaser featuring Haley Kilgore performing "Wait for Me Too," fans remain eager for the full experience.
Quote: “They keep putting out these new little clips... I want more.” [18:30]
Once Upon a Mattress Cast Album Release [19:15]:
Center Stage Records (Broadway Records) has released the cast album for last year's Broadway revival of Once Upon a Mattress. Featuring talents like Daniel Breaker, Sutton Foster, Michael Urie, Nikki Renee Daniels, David Patrick Kelly, Anna Gasteyer, Will Chase, and Brooks Ashmanskas. Matt encourages listeners to check out the album, available for purchase and on streaming services.
Quote: “The album I've had a chance to listen to some of the songs is fantastic.” [19:15]
Conclusion
Matt wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and to subscribe on Patreon for exclusive content. He signs off with well wishes for the weekend and anticipates returning with more Broadway insights on Monday.
Notable Quotes
- Matt Timminini [03:45]: “By the time Dorian makes his final descent into madness, there is no real acting to be done anyway.”
- Matt Timminini [05:20]: “These trappings transcend gimmickry because they are contiguous with and find new ways to mirror the central themes...”
- Matt Timminini [06:10]: “The bold production is as cinematic as it is theatrical and a perfect showcase for his shining star.”
- Matt Timminini [07:00]: “These choices suck the liveness out of the event...”
- Matt Timminini [08:15]: “This production cannot find any depth in its surfaces.”
- Matt Timminini [09:10]: “She’s brilliant, alive and fun all at once.”
- Matt Timminini [10:30]: “That wonderment that Johnny is talking about is so important in theater...”
- Matt Timminini [12:00]: “It’s going to be incredibly wild to figure out how they're going to get people into these shows...”
- Matt Timminini [18:30]: “They keep putting out these new little clips... I want more.”
- Matt Timminini [19:15]: “The album I've had a chance to listen to some of the songs is fantastic.”
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This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and announcements from the March 28, 2025 episode of BroadwayRadio’s "Today on Broadway." Whether you're a Broadway enthusiast or simply curious about the latest in theater, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode’s highlights.