BroadwayRadio – Today on Broadway: Friday, September 26, 2025

Hosts: Matt Tamanini (B), Grace Aki (C)
Release Date: September 26, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode delivers a roundup of Broadway and Off-Broadway news, including casting updates, new show announcements, industry leadership changes, box office figures, and a few personal recommendations for theater fans. Hosts Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki provide insightful commentary with their trademark banter and sharp industry knowledge, making the episode essential for anyone looking to stay up to date on the Broadway scene.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Casting News: “Oh, Mary!” at the Lyceum

• [00:38–03:05]
  • New casting for the upcoming Broadway run of “Oh, Mary!” starring Jane Krakowski.
  • Cheyenne Jackson (30 Rock, Broadway’s Into the Woods) cast as Mary’s Teacher.
  • John-Andrew Morrison (Tony nominee) cast as Mary’s husband.
  • Jen Harris continues as Mary’s chaperone; Tony Mockt returns as Mary's husband's assistant starting Nov. 18.
  • Matt notes prior speculation about casting from Krakowski’s sitcom past.

    “We didn’t get anybody from [Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt]…but we did get Cheyenne Jackson from 30 Rock.” (B, 01:17)

  • Grace jokes about other 30 Rock alumni (Jon Hamm, Alec Baldwin) and praises the casting:

    “I think this is fabulous casting and once again, a knockout of the park.” (C, 02:36)

  • The show runs for eight weeks starting October 14 at the Lyceum Theatre.

2. Off-Broadway Revival: “Gruesome Playground Injuries”

• [03:05–05:45]
  • Kara Young (two-time Tony winner) and Nicholas Braun (Succession) to star in Off-Broadway revival at Lucille Lortel Theater.
  • Directed by Neil Pepe, performances from Nov. 7 to Dec. 28 (dates limited).
  • Synopsis: Follows Kayleen and Doug over 30 years as their lives intersect around literal and figurative scars.
  • Matt describes Kara Young’s awards streak and hints at another big project.
  • Grace enthusiastically endorses the pairing:

    “If you’re going to pair somebody up with Kara Young, you better bring it. And that’s a threat.” (C, 05:39)

3. Broadway Grosses & Audience Attendance

• [05:45–10:42]
  • Delayed reporting explained by Jewish High Holidays (not industry negotiations).
  • Broadway grosses up for the week: $32.2 million (+7%), 249,293 attendees (+4%), average ticket $129.18 (+3%).
  • Top earns:
    • Hamilton ($3.6m despite a weekly dip due to 7 performance week)
    • Wicked (~$2m)
    • Waiting for Godot ($1.8m, with only 7 performances)
    • The Lion King, Mamma Mia, and several others over $1m.
  • 23 of 28 shows played at 90% or better capacity; “Just In Time” leading at 103.7% capacity.
  • Grace and Matt affirm this is a “pretty darn good” week for Broadway.

4. Major Leadership Change: Manhattan Theatre Club

• [10:42–11:17]
  • Nikki Hunter named new Artistic Director, taking over from Lynn Meadow (who becomes Artistic Advisor Dec. 1).
  • Hunter has risen through MTC’s ranks since 2009.
  • Matt highlights the importance of continuity and female leadership:

    “Continuing to have MTC run by a woman is incredibly important, incredibly valuable.” (B, 10:31)

  • Grace notes the significance of widespread, enthusiastic support from artists online:

    “I just love whenever I see other artists…championing when someone like this gets a role like that because that means they have collaborated positively with other artists.” (C, 10:42)

5. Off-Broadway Extensions

• [11:17–12:00]
  • New York Theatre Workshop’s “Saturday Church” extended through Oct. 24.
  • John Leguizamo’s “The Other Americans” at the Public Theater extended to Oct. 26.
  • Show highlights available via episode show notes.

6. Recommendation: “Bull Durham” Musical at Paper Mill Playhouse

• [12:00–12:50]
  • “Bull Durham” musical (based on the beloved baseball film) gets a new production with Carmen Cusack and Nick Walker.
  • Matt shares excitement over baseball and Broadway crossing over, expressing hope for the show's success given its long development history.
  • Grace is eager to attend:

    “I want to. I want to really badly. So I hope so.” (C, 12:50)

7. Personal Rec: Jeremy Jordan’s Band “Age of Madness”

• [12:55–14:07]
  • Matt previews his plans to see Jeremy Jordan and his band in Orlando.
  • He’s curious to see a Broadway star transition to an alternative band sound.
  • Suggests listeners check out Age of Madness if they tour near them.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the “Oh, Mary!” casting speculation:

  “In the next phase of 30 Rock, do we get Jon Hamm? Of course…Alec Baldwin, what’s he doing? But no, I think this is fabulous.” (C, 02:36)

• On Kara Young’s consistency:

  “I imagine she will be nominated and very well could win again this year for a show that has been announced but she hasn't been announced in it yet.” (B, 05:45)

• On Broadway’s business health:

  “Every show on Broadway saw a week to week increase except for one that doesn’t really matter…” (B, 05:57)

• Industry change praise:

  “To have somebody who understands the organization, but also continuing to have MTC run by a woman is incredibly important, incredibly valuable.” (B, 10:31)

• Artist endorsement on new leadership:

  “It’s very telling...when you see an announcement like this and you don’t see a lot of collaborative artists reposting it in support, I think it speaks volumes. So this is the adverse.” (C, 10:42)

• On the romance of baseball and theater:

  “There is just something so romantic about baseball that I absolutely love. And I love this movie. So…hoping that this is good because I love the idea of doing this, even if it’s not like a natural fit.” (B, 12:40)

Important Segments with Timestamps

• Oh, Mary! casting and speculation: [00:38–03:05]
• Gruesome Playground Injuries casting & Kara Young’s career: [03:05–05:45]
• Broadway grosses and attendance data: [05:45–10:42]
• MTC leadership change: [10:42–11:17]
• Off-Broadway extensions: [11:17–12:00]
• Bull Durham musical discussion: [12:00–12:50]
• Jeremy Jordan’s Age of Madness: [12:55–14:07]

Conclusion

This episode is a comprehensive Broadway news briefing, mixing dry industry analysis, playful speculation, and plenty of genuine fandom. Matt and Grace break down casting coups, leadership changes, business indicators, and highlight promising shows both on and off Broadway—making it a vital listen (or read) for theater lovers who want the latest and smartest insights, industry context, and recommendations for what to see next.