BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Friday, September 19, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of "Today on Broadway" explores the latest, most buzz-worthy developments set for Broadway and beyond. Hosts Matt Tamineni and Aki Grace dive into new show announcements, high-profile casting news, curated concert events, and traditions that theatre fans love. The conversation spotlights both upcoming, world-premiere musicals as well as beloved classics and unique, intimate theatrical experiences, making it a lively roundup for any Broadway enthusiast.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Surprise Announcement: "Let the Good Times Rol: A New Orleans Gumbo"

• [00:36-02:42]
• Matt discusses the out-of-the-blue news of a new jukebox musical headed for Broadway in the 2026/27 season, created by Tony Award winner Jack Viertel ("Smokey Joe's Café", "After Midnight").
• The show, celebrating New Orleans' vibrant musical history, had a record-breaking world premiere at the Phoenix Theatre Company, despite lacking national stars.
• The concept cast album features notable performers (e.g. Jay Harrison Ghee, Lauren Patten, Rashidra Scott).
• The musical covers pivotal New Orleans moments (the Great Flood, Hurricane Katrina) with classic songs by Bessie Smith, Dr. John, Harry Connick Jr., Rebirth Brass Band, and more.
• Memorable moment: Matt admits the show wasn’t even on his radar and shares excitement over its Broadway prospects.

“This one kind of came out of nowhere, not gonna lie... It captures pivotal moments in the city's history from the Great Flood to Hurricane Katrina and features songs made famous by everyone from Bessie Smith to Dr. John, Professor Long Hair, the Meters, Harry Connick Jr., Rebirth Brass Band and Randy Newman.”
— Matt Tamineni [01:11]

• Aki’s take: She expresses particular enthusiasm for a New Orleans musical, tying in the trend of innovative reimagined classics and celebrating Bessie Smith’s inclusion.

2. World Premiere Casting: "Working Girl" Musical at La Jolla Playhouse

• [03:17-06:15]
• Matt reveals the principal cast for the highly-anticipated world premiere of "Working Girl": Jojo Levesque (Tess), Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Catherine), Ashley Blanchett, Anoop Desai, Joey Taranto, and an impressive ensemble.
• It’s directed by Christopher Ashley (incoming Artistic Director of Roundabout Theatre Company).
• The musical boasts a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Theresa Rebeck—marking Lauper’s first new Broadway score since “Kinky Boots.”
• Matt speculates that it’s almost certain the musical will transfer to Broadway, possibly at Roundabout, and remarks on the heavyweight creative team.

“I don't think you have this show with these kind of stars having an out of town tryout without intentions of coming to Broadway...”
— Matt Tamineni [04:48]

• Aki’s view: She lauds the music supervision team (Brian Usifer, Stephen Oremus), the creative partnership since “Kinky Boots,” and beams about JoJo’s casting.

“I was really excited to hear that JoJo was attached to it... I really liked her Moulin Rouge and I think this is going to be a really great show.”
— Aki Grace [05:50]

3. Special Concert: "The Boys from Syracuse" by Red Bull Theater

• [06:15-08:43]
• Red Bull Theater will present a one-night-only concert of Rodgers & Hart’s "The Boys from Syracuse" (adapted by David Ives) at Symphony Space.
• The ensemble is star-studded: Stephen Boyer, Eddie Cooper, Nikki Renée Daniels, Christopher Fitzgerald, Santino Fontana, Mark Linn-Baker, Sarah Stiles, and others.
• Matt comments on the rarity of seeing this classic and the exciting trend of off-mainstream theater companies reviving such work, especially as Encores! revamps under new leadership.

“If you love classic musicals, this is one that you don't get to see very often. And it has great songs... I think this is going to be a very, very cool event in December over at Symphony Space.”
— Matt Tamineni [07:36]

• Aki’s take: Strong praise for Symphony Space’s programming, community building, and curatorial bravery.

“They're doing things that like, people aren't always, you know, it's not the first on the radar, but people are like, I'm so glad someone did this. And I think that's what community building is.”
— Aki Grace [08:24]

4. Intimate Theatre Experience: “Tartuffe” with André De Shields

• [08:43-10:42]
• Matt shares casting updates for the super-intimate “Tartuffe” (just 100 audience members per show), featuring André De Shields, Todd Buonopane, Alexandra Socha, Amber Iman, and Tyler Hardwick.
• Staging at the House of the Redeemer (Oct 1–Nov 23, 2025), Matt hopes for additional performances if successful.

5. Beloved Tradition: Epcot’s Candlelight Processional

• [10:43-11:57]
• The full list of guest narrators for Disney’s famed Epcot holiday tradition is out—packed with theater stars: Constance Wu, Jordan Fisher, Leslie Uggams, Marlee Matlin, Henry Winkler, Brendan Fraser, Cheryl Lee Ralph, and more.
• Matt and Aki reminisce about its special place in their hearts, with Aki highlighting Marlee Matlin’s West Wing role and Ralph Macchio’s kindness.

“I've watched these on YouTube for years, like decades. And I just think it's one of the most special traditions that there is.”
— Aki Grace [11:43]

6. Recommendations & Viral Clips

• [11:57-13:08]
• Matt’s recommendations:
  • Check out Anne Morrison (original “Merrily We Roll Along” star) as Kimberly in the “Kimberly Akimbo” tour (video link in show notes).
  • Enjoy Nichelle Lewis singing “Your Daddy’s Son” from Ragtime rehearsals at Lincoln Center—he anticipates more sneak peeks as the show approaches its Broadway run.

Memorable Quotes

• “We got an announcement that a new musical is planning to come to Broadway...one of the best to ever make those kinds of Broadway musicals...Jack Viertel...”
  — Matt Tamineni [00:52]

• “As a Chattanooga native, of Bessie Smith...I think that all the people mentioned...from Harry Connick Jr. and all that great stuff. It’s good.”
  — Aki Grace [02:53]

• “It features a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Theresa Rebeck. So, lots of great folks coming together...this one feels like it’s got the right people involved to make it pretty special.”
  — Matt Tamineni [05:13]

• “You and I both love everything that Symphony Space does...it’s not the first on the radar, but people are like, I'm so glad someone did this.”
  — Aki Grace [08:12, 08:24]

• “I've watched these on YouTube for years, like decades. And I just think it’s one of the most special traditions that there is.”
  — Aki Grace [11:43]

Important Timestamps

• 00:36 – Start of main content and show announcements
• 01:11 – Details on "Let the Good Times Rol: A New Orleans Gumbo"
• 03:17 – "Working Girl" musical cast and creative team
• 06:15 – "The Boys from Syracuse" concert at Symphony Space
• 08:47 – Discussion of "Tartuffe" intimate production and cast
• 10:43 – Epcot Candlelight Processional guest narrators
• 11:57 – Performance recommendations and previews

Closing Thoughts

The episode is a celebratory and insightful roundup of Broadway's upcoming highlights, from unexpected new musicals to world-premiere casting news, one-night-only concert revivals, intimate theatrical experiences, and time-honored traditions. Matt and Aki offer commentary marked by expertise, personal passion, and infectious excitement—serving both aficionados and casual fans with all the insight they need to stay in the Broadway loop.