BroadwayRadio

Today on Broadway: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

Hosts: Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki
Date: October 31, 2025

Episode Overview

In this Halloween episode, Matt and Grace deliver the latest Broadway news, reviews, and casting updates. The main focus is the critical reception of Samuel D. Hunter’s Broadway debut "Little Bear Ridge Road." The episode also touches on the recently ratified Actors’ Equity contract, major casting changes in "And Juliet," off-Broadway highlights, and personal recommendations for shows to catch in New York.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Programming Note & Halloween Greetings (00:01–02:22)

• The hosts wish a safe and festive Halloween, sharing their personal plans and reflecting on the busy city atmosphere that comes with the holiday.
• Note: There will be no regular "Today on Broadway" episodes next week due to scheduling conflicts; reruns of "Some Like It Pop" will air instead.
• Quote:

  "I hope that you have a safe and happy and sweet as well as goblin filled holiday." – Matt (00:17)
  "Enjoy those episodes of Some Like It Pop. Get all of your pop culture needs taken care of as you head into the winter months..." – Matt (01:53)

2. "Little Bear Ridge Road" Opening & Critical Reception (02:23–07:00)

• Plot & Production:
  • The play centers on a "razor-tongued aunt" (Laurie Metcalf) and her estranged nephew (Micah Stock) reuniting during COVID-era isolation in Idaho.
  • Commissioned by Steppenwolf for Laurie Metcalf, produced by Barry Diller and Scott Rudin, directed by Joe Mantello.
• Critical Round-Up:
  • The New York Times (Laura Collins-Hughes): Glorious performance by Metcalf; praise for relatable, human characters.
    • Quote:

      "Bulldozer. Aggressive, with a tripwire temper and a tendency to shout, she is seemingly unacquainted with the notion of emotional regulation..." (03:15)

  • Wall Street Journal (Charles Isherwood): Commends Hunter’s writing and the chemistry between leads.
    • Quote:

      "Metcalf's remarkably fine performance is flinty, funny and savagely unsentimental..." (04:19)

  • Hollywood Reporter (David Rooney): Highlights Metcalf's "peerless comic timing".
  • Vulture (Jackson McHenry): Mixed review; show may be too tailored for Metcalf.
    • Quote:

      "The production feels more like watching Home Run Derby than a full game..." (05:15)

  • Time Out NY (Adam Feldman): 5/5 stars.
  • NY Post (Johnny Oleksinski): Hard-hitting, blends heavy topics into an absorbing story.
    • Quote:

      "You leave wanting much more of..." (05:45)

• Word of Mouth:
  • Despite critical praise, neither host has heard much buzz from broader circles.
  • Quote:

    "The reviews are good to know, but the word of mouth, at least in my circles... is pretty negligible." – Matt (06:27)

3. Steppenwolf’s Role & Producing Politics (07:00–07:50)

• Insight:
  • Unlike last season’s "Purpose", where Steppenwolf was deeply involved, they are not producing "Little Bear Ridge Road" on Broadway.
  • The deviation prompts curiosity about the behind-the-scenes negotiations, especially with Scott Rudin involved.

4. Actors’ Equity & Broadway League Contract Ratification (07:51–10:47)

• Context:
  • Contract covering Broadway/sit-down productions ratified—only eligible members (approx. 3,300) could vote.
  • About 1,456 votes cast: 71% approval, 29% opposed.
• Contract Outcomes:
  • 3% annual raises for actors and stage managers (lower than previous years)
  • Major win: increased health plan contributions from $150/week (now $175, rising to $225 by 2027)
• Quote:

  "That is less of an annual increase than had been in the previous contract. But the major win for Equity was in fortifying the health plan..." – Matt (09:25)

  • Performer Reaction (Grace):
    • General sense of relief at avoiding a strike, though underlying concerns about power dynamics persist.
    • Quote:

      "Any kind of agreement that still exists within a disparity of power is kind of like, okay, like we got somewhere. But, you know, it's difficult..." (10:14)

5. Major Broadway & Off-Broadway Casting News (10:48–12:51)

"& Juliet" (Stephen Sondheim Theatre)

• Teal Wicks steps in as Anne Hathaway (Nov 24–Feb 22), filling in for Alison Luff.
• Hayden T. joins as Lance (Nov 4–30); James Monroe Iglehart returns Dec 2–Mar 8.
• Kandi Burruss takes over as Angelique Dec 11–Mar 8.
• Quote:

  "At some point, I'm gonna need no Scrubs...scrubs and nurses go together. And I think I'm the only person to like that joke." – Grace (12:38)
  (in reference to Kandi Burruss, who co-wrote "No Scrubs," joining the cast)

"Little Shop of Horrors" (Off-Broadway)

• Madeline Brewer (Audrey), Thomas Doherty (Seymour)
• Christian McQueen: New voice of Audrey II (Nov 1)
• Andrew Durand: Dr. Orin Scrivello DDS (starting Nov 25)

"Soon" (East Village basement)

• Currently sold out.
• Grace discusses seeing the show with their partner; highlights Nicholas Padani and Mike Millan’s performances.
• Quote:

  "A lot of people that have ever felt kind of like the world is burning down around them, I think you will feel seen in this musical." – Grace (14:11)

6. Matt’s Upcoming NYC Trip & Show Schedule (15:17–16:45)

• Matt previews his theater schedule, listing shows like "Caroline" (MCC), "Kyoto" (Lincoln Center), "The Baker’s Wife" (Classic Stage), two open slots possibly for "Oedipus," "Oratorio for Living Things," "Little Bear Ridge Road," or "Queen of Versailles."
• Mentions attending Mary Lou Henner’s show, and possibly "Other" at Greenwich House.

7. Recommendation: "Bat Boy: The Musical" at New York City Center (16:46–17:23)

• Brief run through Nov 9; stars include Carrie Butler, Gabby Karuba, Alex Newell, Taylor Trensch.
• Matt expresses regret at missing this limited engagement and recommends seeing it if possible.

Notable Quotes

• "Bulldozer. Aggressive, with a tripwire temper and a tendency to shout, she is seemingly unacquainted with the notion of emotional regulation..."
  — Laura Collins-Hughes, NYT, quoted by Matt (03:15)
• "Metcalf's remarkably fine performance is flinty, funny and savagely unsentimental."
  — Charles Isherwood, WSJ, quoted by Matt (04:19)
• "Any kind of agreement that still exists within a disparity of power is kind of like, okay, like we got somewhere. But, you know, it's difficult..."
  — Grace (10:14)
• "A lot of people that have ever felt kind of like the world is burning down around them, I think you will feel seen in this musical."
  — Grace on "Soon" (14:11)
• "At some point, I'm gonna need no Scrubs...scrubs and nurses go together. And I think I'm the only person to like that joke."
  — Grace (12:38), referencing Kandi Burruss

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–02:22: Halloween greeting & programming changes
• 02:23–07:00: "Little Bear Ridge Road" open, reviews & context
• 07:00–07:50: Steppenwolf’s role and producing politics
• 07:51–10:47: Actors’ Equity contract ratification details
• 10:48–12:51: Broadway casting news (& Juliet, Little Shop)
• 12:52–14:11: Off-Broadway: "Soon" musical discussion
• 15:17–16:45: Matt’s show schedule preview
• 16:46–17:23: Bat Boy at NYC Center – recommendation

Tone & Style

Friendly, fast-paced, and immersed in Broadway’s inside baseball. The hosts balance professional review analysis with personal anecdotes, wry humor, and keen awareness of industry politics.

Closing

No new episodes next week; reruns of "Some Like It Pop."
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Quote:

"Everybody. Have a wonderful Friday, a wonderful weekend. We'll be back to talk to you in a week and a half." – Matt (17:32)