BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
Episode Overview
In this lively Friday episode, hosts Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki unpack the latest and most exciting updates from the Broadway scene. This episode is packed with major casting announcements, off-Broadway developments, union news, and first-hand theater-going tips. The conversation is energetic and personal, peppered with heartfelt opinions, inside jokes, and industry analysis, making it both informative and entertaining for theater fans of all levels.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Weekend Podcast Lineup & Announcements
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Upcoming Episodes:
- Jan Simpson's "All the Drama" dives into the 1929 Pulitzer Prize-winning play Street Scene by Elmer Rice (Patreon release).
- A new "Some Like It Pop" episode features Jen McHugh's summer visit to the Jesus Christ Superstar performance at the Hollywood Bowl and Matt's "most random" topic discussed in his 10-year tenure.
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Patreon Promotion:
- Encouragement to join the Mezzanine Tier for exclusive content.
(00:37–01:26)
2. Casting Announcement: Romy and Michele's High School Reunion Musical
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Excitement Over Casting Reveal:
- Big Reveal: Laura Bell Bundy as Romy and Kara Lindsay as Michele. Both are ex-Glindas from Wicked.
- Direct Quote (Matt, 02:51):
"Playing Romy will be the one and only Laura Bell Bundy. And playing Michele will be Kara Lindsay, two former Glindas there. ... I'll be honest with you, Grace. ... You tell me Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay ... Like, I'm in, like, I am all in with this cast."
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Why the Hype?
- Ensemble includes familiar faces like Lauren Zakrin, Damarius R. Copes, Jordan Kai Burnett, and Michael Thomas Grant.
- Strong nostalgia hook for late '90s/early 2000s theater and film fans.
- Grace’s reaction (02:41): "Wait, I'm just so gagged. … I am gagged."
- Chris Getherd (02:47): "I'm obsessed. I'm such a gay theater nerd."
- Performances start October 14 at Stage 42; Opening Night October 28.
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Show Details:
- Book by original screenwriter Robin Schiff, with '80s/'90s inspired music by Gwendolyn Sanford and Brandon Jay.
- Matt plans to catch it in November.
(01:26–04:19)
3. Broadway’s Next Communal Light Dimming
- What & When:
- Second collective marquee dimming happens Tuesday, September 9, at 6:45 pm across all 41 Broadway theaters.
- Honors industry members who passed in the last three months, including George Wendt, Paul Libbon, Mark Brokaw, Richard Greenberg, Edie Cohen, Beth Neuberger, Chloe Lane, Jack Batman, and Lloyd Williams.
(04:33–05:34)
4. Show & Casting News
a. John Leguizamo's "The Other Americans" at Public Theater
- Previews begin September 11; opens September 25; extended through October 19 before opening night due to strong demand.
- Leguizamo stars as Nelson Castro—a Colombian American laundromat owner in Queens.
- Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson; features a strong ensemble cast.
b. Andre de Shields Leads Tartuffe Off-Broadway
- Stars in an intimate production of Molière’s *Tartuffe* at House of the Redeemer, Oct 1 – Nov 23.
- Only 100 guests per performance, "super small, intimate" (Matt).
- Celebrates classic works in small venues, brought to life by acclaimed actors.
(05:41–08:33)
c. Mason Alexander Park’s “The Pansy Craze” Returns
- More performances November 20–22 at Minetta Lane Theater, each with a unique focus on queer media.
- “Each episode ... is being recorded live and is going to be released next summer, June 4th on Audible.” (08:44)
- Past guests included Jackie Cox, Evan Rachel Wood, Laverne Cox.
- Grace's personal favorite new cabaret show (09:49):
*“This is my favorite new, like cabaret show that exists. … I cannot recommend it enough… You all should buy your tickets right now so that it sells out and you're not waiting the week before.”*
5. Unionization and Labor News at The Public Theater
- Historic Contract for Production Staff:
- Public Theater production staff ratify broad IATSE contract (vote: 112–3); covers over 250 employees.
- Joint statement highlights "meaningful wage increases and comprehensive benefits, providing long term stability and protections for the production workforce." (11:48)
- Matt on the significance:
“If there's any theater in New York City that … should be leading the way on this, it is the Public Theater.” (12:14) - Potential implications: wage and ticket price pressures, but generally celebrated.
(10:30–12:32)
6. Weekend Theater Picks – Grace’s Broadway Adventures
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Grace's Busy Lineup:
- Seeing Art on Friday.
- Attending the new cast of Moulin Rouge! tonight.
- Hoping to catch Saturday Church.
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Why Moulin Rouge! Again?
- This could be her sixth viewing:
“When you can go, you can, can, can. And I'm going again.” (13:25) - She’s drawn to the color red, the velvet, the varied musical interpretations, and especially Alex Tiber's direction:
“What he is saying to the audience is, you are the bourgeois that I am laughing at in the show. … I genuinely think that his direction is genius.” (13:36–14:17) - Loves collecting different casts, likening it to collecting Pokémon; says Ashley Lauren (Satine) delivers her favorite rendition of “Firework” (14:40).
- Fun personal tidbit: Once appeared on Taye Diggs’ Instagram talking about Hedwig.
- This could be her sixth viewing:
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New Cast Members:
- Ashley Lauren as Satine, Christian Douglas as Christian, Taye Diggs as the Duke, Wayne Brady as Zidler.
(12:38–15:16)
7. Memorable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I am gagged.” – Grace (02:41)
- “I’m such a gay theater nerd.” – Chris Getherd guest appearance (02:47)
- “You all should buy your tickets right now so that it sells out and you're not waiting the week before. Like, it's just so good.” – Grace, on The Pansy Craze (09:49)
- “When you can go, you can, can, can. And I'm going again.” – Grace, on repeatedly seeing Moulin Rouge! (13:25)
- “What he is saying to the audience is, you are the bourgeois that I am laughing at in the show. … I genuinely think that his direction is genius.” – Grace, on Alex Timbers’ direction (14:10)
- “I always like when the Public Theater does a good and this is a good.” – Grace (12:32)
Timestamps for Noteworthy Segments
- 01:26 - Romy and Michele musical casting reveal & reactions
- 04:33 - Broadway communal light dimming coverage
- 05:41 - John Leguizamo’s and Andre de Shields’ new projects
- 08:44 - Mason Alexander Park’s The Pansy Craze, and why it’s important to Grace
- 10:30 - Public Theater union ratification explained
- 12:38 - Grace’s weekend theater plans
- 13:25 - Why Moulin Rouge! keeps drawing Grace back
- 14:10 - On Alex Timbers' direction in Moulin Rouge!
Conclusion
This episode of "Today on Broadway" offers a whirlwind tour through current Broadway casting, off-Broadway gems, labor wins, and passionate fan perspectives. With both hosts sharing personal connections and industry analysis, listeners are treated to a comprehensive, energetic insider’s view of the week's biggest Broadway stories.