BroadwayRadio: "Today on Broadway" — Friday, September 12, 2025
Episode Overview
In this concise, news-light episode, hosts Matt Tammini and Grace Aki reflect on a subdued Broadway news cycle in the wake of current national events, preview expected show announcements, and share what they're excited about in the new Broadway and Off-Broadway seasons. With humor and deep theatre knowledge, they offer recommendations, industry insights, and a look at the star-studded landscape ahead.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Why the Broadway News is Quiet This Week
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Context: The hosts discuss how the national news cycle—including coverage and discourse around the murder of Charlie Kirk—has dominated headlines, prompting theater industry publicists to hold back major announcements.
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Upcoming Content: New episodes are teased for the weekend, with Jan Simpson’s “All the Drama” coming soon to the main feed, and a Patreon episode on all things Evita.
"Not only is today Thursday as we're recording, September 11th, but also with the murder of Charlie Kirk happening on Wednesday, not a lot of theater news out right now."
— Matt Tammini (00:36)
2. Teaser: "The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation"
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Preview: A cryptic social post from @BwayVacation (00:59) hints at big news for the much-anticipated "Griswolds' Broadway Vacation" musical.
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Show's History:
- Had industry readings in 2019 with Kerry Butler and Will Swenson.
- Planned 2020 premiere postponed due to the pandemic; finally staged in Seattle in 2022 starring Hunter Foster and Megan Reinking.
- Audiences eagerly await news of a Broadway or Off-Broadway run, but neither host has insider info on what’s coming.
"If they're making an announcement like this, it is not to do another out of town tryout, even though that has now been three years."
— Matt Tammini (01:55) -
Writers Praised: David Rossmer and Steve Rosen (also behind "The Other Josh Cohen") are celebrated for their smart, funny writing (03:41).
"I love those two writers. I think they're very smart, they're very gifted, they're very talented."
— Grace Aki (03:42)
3. Where Are the Musical Comedies?
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Matt Observes: Few classic musical comedies are set for Broadway this season; rising shows trend toward bio-musicals, dramas, or dramedies.
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Notable Examples:
- “Griswolds’ Broadway Vacation” (if confirmed) and “SchmigaDoon” (recent workshop) are potentially the only light-hearted musical comedies on the horizon.
- Contrast with other anticipated works (“Queen of Versailles”, “Two Strangers”, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”, etc.), highlighting the genre gap.
"It'll be interesting to see if Griswolds' Broadway Vacation does come. If it's really the only musical theater old fashioned comedy that we have on the boards this season..."
— Matt Tammini (04:54)
4. Buena Vista Social Club at the Whitney Museum (06:01)
- Event News: A free performance and panel at the Whitney Museum kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15).
- Additional Performance: “Sing Out for Free Freedom” concert at NYU Skirball Center on October 27, produced by John Leguizamo.
5. Personal Picks: Off-Broadway Excitement
Matt’s Pick: "Oratorio for Living Things" by Heather Christian (07:40)
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Reason: Missed it twice due to COVID-related cancellations, determined to attend this run.
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Description: Sonic, ensemble-based chamber musical returning to Signature Theatre (Sept 30–Nov 16).
"Everything I've heard from this show and about this show and honestly Heather Christian's other works as well have been that it's just a truly remarkable different type of theater experience."
— Matt Tammini (08:41)
Grace’s Pick: "Anna Christie" at St. Ann’s Warehouse (09:30)
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Highlight: Michelle Williams stars, with an all-star creative team including Nicholas Britell (music), Paul Tazewell (costume), Natasha Katz (lighting), and Steven Hoggett (movement).
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Anticipation: Grace, a Michelle Williams fan, is especially excited by the high-caliber team and the prestige of St. Ann’s Warehouse.
"I was like, oh, this is a Broadway show. Like this is, this is crazy. But of course, like St. Anne's Warehouse does not miss. They do all these premium things."
— Grace Aki (10:45)
6. Celebrity Surge in New York Theater (10:56)
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Trend: Increasing number of high-profile performers both on and off Broadway:
- Michelle Williams, Carrie Coon, IO Edebiri, Don Cheadle, June Squibb, Cynthia Nixon, Keanu Reeves, Aubrey Plaza, Tom Hanks, John Bernthal, Rose Byrne, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer, Mark Strong, Leslie Manville.
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Observation: Many major stars are working in Brooklyn and other neighborhoods, not just Midtown.
"They're starting to, like, get to the point where, like, oh, yeah, there's so many incredible people that are going to be seen on and off Broadway this season."
— Matt Tammini (11:13)
7. International Screen-to-Stage Spotlight (12:25)
- Lucy Jones Sings from "13 Going on 30": Video preview as musical prepares to open at Manchester Opera House (link to video in show notes).
- Orfeh Performs from "Burlesque" Musical: London run wrapped, but video suggests possible U.S. future.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the difficulty of theater development:
"Sometimes there's a ton of interest, but there's no availability for the things that that production might want or need. So good for them...I could also see a world where it tours for a while, because it is quite literally a travel vacation."
— Grace Aki (03:44) -
On missing “Oratorio for Living Things” previously:
"I will not allow myself to miss that show for a second time."
— Matt Tammini (08:50) -
On the excitement for the Off Broadway revival scene:
"There's just been such a, such a beautiful resurgence of the Off Broadway space not only for original materials but also for revivals."
— Grace Aki (09:31) -
On star casting in New York theater this season:
"The stars are coming out and they're not just going to be in Midtown; you will have opportunities to see them in Brooklyn and in other places as well."
— Matt Tammini (11:27)
Important Timestamps
- 00:36: Rationale for few Broadway announcements this week
- 01:00–02:56: Preview and speculation about "The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation"
- 03:41: Praise for "The Other Josh Cohen" and its writers
- 04:54: Discussion of the lack of musical comedies in the upcoming season
- 06:01: Announcement of Buena Vista Social Club performances at the Whitney and NYU Skirball
- 07:40–08:50: Matt’s excitement for "Oratorio for Living Things"
- 09:30–10:45: Grace’s anticipation for "Anna Christie" at St. Ann’s Warehouse
- 10:56–11:35: Notable stars appearing on/off Broadway in 2025–26
- 12:25–13:41: International musical theater highlights and video links
Tone & Style
The episode maintains BroadwayRadio’s signature friendly, informed, and slightly irreverent banter. Matt and Grace blend deep industry knowledge with authentic, relatable excitement for both large- and small-scale theater.
Useful for Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This summary captures the core news, insightful context, and personal enthusiasm of the hosts—highlighting what’s worth watching, anticipating, and celebrating in and around Broadway today, even in a slow news week.