BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

OVERVIEW

This episode focuses on the latest Broadway and Off-Broadway news, ticketing initiatives to make theatre more accessible, notable casting updates, and unique theatrical events happening in and outside New York City. Hosts Matt Tamminini and Grace Aki share insider commentary, recommendations, and personal anecdotes, capturing the pulse of the current theatre scene.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Patreon Live Recording Update & Cast Completion for "Spelling Bee"

• Patreon Announcement

  • "This message goes out to all of our loyal live Patreon this week on Broadway listeners..." ([01:08])
  • The live recording for "This Week on Broadway" is rescheduled to Sunday at noon due to Peter’s travel.

• Casting Complete for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" Off-Broadway Revival

  • Performances begin November 7 at New World Stages.
  • Known cast: Jasmine Amy Rogers, Felipe Arroyo, Autumn Best, Liana Rae Concepcion, Justin Cooley, Matt Manuel, Kevin McHale, plus Mitch Mahoney.
  • Newly announced: Two key adult roles—
    • Rona Lisa Peretti: Lily Cooper
    • Vice Principal Douglas Panch: Jason Kravitz
  • Hosts’ Excitement:
    • "I was already excited about this with the other cast members, Grace, but these two seem to hit it out of the park with completing the cast." – Matt ([02:36])
    • "This is very important to me personally. I am so excited for Jason Kravitz. He's truly one of my favorite actors I’ve ever gotten to work with..." – Grace ([02:51])

2. Off-Broadway 20 at 20 Ticket Initiative

• Affordable Access
  • From Oct 20–Nov 9, $20 tickets to 43 Off-Broadway plays and musicals, available 20 minutes before curtain at the box office.
  • Examples: “And Then There Were More” at LA Mama, “Drunk Shakespeare,” “Friends: The Musical Parody,” “Jamie Allen's Amaze,” “Not Ready for Primetime: SNL,” “Pen Pals,” “Richard III” starring Michael Urie, “Romy and Michele The Musical,” plus cabaret/concerts at The Laurie Beechman Theatre.
  • “A great way to see some off Broadway theater without spending a ton of money.” – Matt ([05:04])

3. Streaming Theatre: "Good Night, and Good Luck" Live On Broadway

• Magnolia Pictures releases a filmed version for digital streaming (Prime Video, Apple, etc.).
• Matt: "Having the opportunity to watch live theatre or, you know, live to tape theatre at home...just hopefully opens the door for more of that to happen." ([06:34])
• The hosts agree on the importance of accessibility but discuss timing around union news:
  • "Feels like everything’s a...I mean, I sound like a conspiracy theorist, but I’m like, everything’s a distraction from what's going on with the Equity things." – Grace ([07:40])

4. New Off-Broadway Musical: "Reunions"

• Premiere at New York City Center (Oct 24) for seven weeks
  • Musical adaptation based on two one-acts: “The Twelve Pound Look” (J.M. Barrie) & “A Sunny Morning” (Quintero Brothers); both connected by themes of rediscovering life.
  • Notable cast: Brian Fenkart, Joanna Glushak, Chelina Kennedy, Courtney Reed, Chip Zien.
  • "Anytime you have Chip involved or, you know, Courtney or Chalina or Brian, like, I’m like, okay, I’m willing to go along with this one just because of the talent." – Matt ([09:33])

5. "Hell's Kitchen" Cast News

• Christopher Jackson (C. Jack) departing as Davis on Nov 9; Darrell "Tank" Babbs returns to the role.
  • “You literally have to. It's so good. It's insane...they are so extraordinary together.” – Grace on seeing Christopher Jackson and Jessica Vosk ([10:34])

6. International News: "A Beautiful Noise" heads to Australia

• Will Swenson will reprise his Neil Diamond role in Melbourne, August 2026.
  • “It’s crazy to me that this show premiered on Broadway in 2022, which is absolutely wild.” – Matt ([11:14])

7. Experiential Theatre: "Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail"

• At New York Botanical Gardens
  • Produced by Jeffrey Seller (of "Hamilton" fame).
  • Ideal for families or friends seeking alternatives to traditional theatre or bar outings.
  • “A beautiful walkthrough… I do recommend it. I think it was a great experience.” – Grace ([12:39])

8. Touring Review: "The Wiz" National Tour

• Opening of the Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando, touring season
  • Matt found the touring production more lively and enjoyable than its recent Broadway run:
    • “I just had a ball seeing this show...there was just a life and an energy to it...” ([13:19])
    • “Amber Ruffin’s script is very, very sharp and the music is just great. Like, you forget how many great songs are in here...” ([13:46])
  • Tour continues across Florida: Miami, Tampa, West Palm Beach.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the "Spelling Bee" Casting
  • "I'm the biggest Jason Kravitz fan in the whole entire world...him being in this show is absolutely getting my butt in a seat for sure." – Grace ([03:46])
• On Accessible Theatre
  • "The more we can get these things to happen and to be out there...can only help theater as an art form and the excitement for shows on stage." – Matt ([06:43])
• On "Hell’s Kitchen"
  • “How lucky am I? How lucky are we to hear this?” – Grace ([10:39])
• On "Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail"
  • "Everything was super interesting...I really enjoyed that I got to walk around for an hour and a half, two hours, and I was never bored." – Grace ([12:28])
• On "The Wiz" Tour
  • “I was really, really taken by this production...if you're in the central Florida area or within driving distance, definitely head over...” – Matt ([14:00])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Live Recording & "Spelling Bee" Full Cast Announcement: [01:00]–[02:51]
• Off-Broadway 20 at 20 Ticket Initiative: [04:10]–[06:07]
• Streaming "Good Night, and Good Luck": [06:07]–[08:13]
• New Musical "Reunions" & "Hell’s Kitchen" Update: [08:13]–[10:59]
• "A Beautiful Noise" Australian Announcement: [10:59]–[11:59]
• "Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail": [11:59]–[13:12]
• "The Wiz" National Tour Review: [13:12]–[15:25]

Podcast’s Tone

The hosts are upbeat and conversational, blending news delivery with personal enthusiasm, backstage anecdotes, and recommendations for both theatre insiders and fans. Their exchange is warm, knowledgeable, and celebratory of theatre in all its forms.

For full details and a dynamic rundown on what's hot in Broadway and Off-Broadway this week, this episode offers both substance and a peek behind the curtain—no tickets or NYC ZIP required.