BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Monday, April 28, 2025
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Host: Matt Tammanini
Co-Host: Grace Aki

Introduction

In this episode of Today on Broadway, host Matt Tammanini and co-host Grace Aki delve into reviews of three newly opened Broadway shows: "Just In Time," "Dead Outlaw," and "Real Women Have Curves." With over nine years of broadcasting experience, BroadwayRadio presents an insightful discussion, enriched with notable quotes from critics and the hosts' personal perspectives.

"Just In Time"

Overview:
"Just In Time" premiered at the Circle in the Square Theater, spotlighting the life of legendary singer Bobby Darin. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, the musical features Jonathan Groff in the titular role, alongside Emily Bergle, Erica Henningson, Gracie Lawrence, Michelle Pak, and Cesar Samoya. The production immerses audiences in an intimate nocturnal setting, complete with a live band performing iconic Darin hits such as "Beyond the Sea," "Mack the Knife," and "Dream Lover."

Critical Reception:
According to the review aggregator Did They Like It?, "Just In Time" has garnered 19 reviews: 13 positive, 5 mixed, and 1 negative.

• The New York Times (Jesse Green) [03:50]:
  Mixed Review
  "Groff is a rushing pipeline. A body and voice that seem to have evolved with a specific goal of transporting feelings from the inside to the outside. A rarity among male musical theater stars."
  Green praises Groff’s performance but critiques the show's narrative elements as "contrived" and "whitewashed."

• Vulture (Jackson McHenry) [05:43]:
  Positive Review
  "Grof is undeniably great at bending a crowd around his little finger...He spends much of the show weaving through that crowd and traipsing up the aisles...a delight to witness."
  McHenry lauds Groff’s captivating stage presence and the show's engaging dynamics with the audience.

• Variety (Christian Lewis) [06:03]:
  Negative Review
  "Director Alex Timbers and the book writers fail to go beyond the concert conceit...never give us a real portrait of Darren or leave us with a clear idea of what we were supposed to think of him."
  Lewis criticizes the lack of depth in character development and narrative structure.

• Entertainment Weekly (Shayna Russell) [06:54]:
  Positive Review
  "When Just in Time does conclude, it goes out with an exuberant bang...this is a show guaranteed to linger."
  Russell highlights the show's memorable finale and overall charm.

Hosts' Commentary:

• Matt Tammanini [07:10]:
  "I didn't really know what to expect of these reviews, but they are pretty positive. They may not push it into the conversation for best musical, but they are certainly enough to garner interest."

• Grace Aki [07:16]:
  "It's interesting that people appreciate the idea but have concerns about execution. Jonathan Groff's presence is undeniable, and Alex Timbers excels at quickly engaging the audience."

"Dead Outlaw"

Overview:
"Dead Outlaw" opened at the Longacre Theater after a successful Off-Broadway run at the Audible Theater, where it won several awards. Created by Itamar Moses (book) and music by David Yazbeck and Eric Della Penna, the musical is directed by David Cromer. The cast includes Jeb Brown, Andrew Durant, Eddie Cooper, Dashiell Eves, Julia Knightle, Ken Marks, Trent Saunders, and Tom Cessmate. The narrative revolves around the true story of Elmer McCurdy, an outlaw whose posthumous adventures explore themes of fame and legacy.

Critical Reception:
Did They Like It? reports 14 reviews: 13 positive and 1 mixed.

• The New York Times (Jesse Green) [10:31]:
  Positive Review
  "Dead Outlaw, the feel-good musical of the season...a ghostly amusement with screams and laughs but much better music."
  Green praises the musical's unique storytelling and engaging score.

• Timeout New York (Adam Feldman) [12:08]:
  Positive Review
  "His mortal thread is cut and Durand spends the rest of the musical being moved around...in what might be the most impressive deadpan performance in history."
  Feldman commends Andrew Durand’s outstanding performance and Cromer’s direction.

• New York Daily News (Chris Jones) [12:40]:
  Positive Review
  "One of the best lighting cues of the entire Broadway season...a highly unusual and highly skilled performance."
  Jones highlights the technical prowess of the production and the lead actor’s versatility.

• Variety (Christian Lewis) [06:03]:
  Negative Review
  [Not applicable here; previously discussed]

• New York Post (Johnny Oleksinski) [13:16]:
  Mixed Review
  "The musical has many diamonds in the rough, they're just not polished properly...the staging feels awfully haphazard and diffuse."
  Oleksinski points out inconsistencies in direction and staging despite strong elements.

• Entertainment Weekly (Emilyn Travis) [13:31]:
  Positive Review
  "Eccentric, silly, and moving, the tale of Elmer McCurdy is one that truly needs to be seen to be believed."
  Travis emphasizes the show’s originality and emotional depth.

Hosts' Commentary:

• Matt Tammanini [14:37]:
  "David Cromer and Andrew Durand are emerging as frontrunners for directing and lead actor categories, challenging established names like Jamie Lloyd and Jeremy Jordan."

• Grace Aki [14:58]:
  "The anticipation was high, and it's exciting to see the positive reception translate from Off-Broadway to Broadway."

"Real Women Have Curves"

Overview:
"Real Women Have Curves" concluded the 2024-2025 Broadway season at the James Earl Jones Theater. Adapted from Josefina Lopez’s original play and its HBO screenplay counterpart, the musical features a book by Lisa Loomer and Nell Benjamin with a score by Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez. Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, the production marks Tatiana Cordoba’s Broadway debut as Anna, supported by Justina Machado, Shelby Acosta, Florencia Coenza, Carla Jimenez, Aileen Mayagoyta, Mauricio Mendoza, Mason Reeves, and Jennifer Sanchez. Set in a garment factory in East Los Angeles, the story follows Ana Garcia as she navigates familial expectations and her own aspirations amidst challenging odds.

Critical Reception:
Did They Like It? has compiled 15 reviews: 13 positive and 2 mixed.

• The New York Times (Laura Collins Hughes) [17:17]:
  Positive Review
  "A brief scene in the new musical is as harrowing as anything in the most serious drama on Broadway...a jolt of somber realism."
  Hughes appreciates the show's balance of drama and uplifting moments.

• Theatremania (Juan A. Ramirez) [19:15]:
  Positive Review
  "Cordoba...builds easy rapport with her family. The musical trusts her to deliver, and she more than heartily rises to that challenge."
  Ramirez commends Tatiana Cordoba’s performance and the musical's character-driven narrative.

• Theatremania (Meg Massarone) [19:37]:
  Positive Review
  "It is about Anna's experience serving as a slice of life. It is desperately needed now, at a time when so many women like her are dehumanized."
  Massarone highlights the show's timely and empowering themes.

• Ultra (Sarah Holdren) [20:19]:
  Positive Review
  "Directed and choreographed with plenty of energy...it pulls back before crossing the line into either treacle or fluff."
  Holdren praises the direction and balance of substance with joyful elements.

• Timeout New York (Adam Feldman) [20:27]:
  Positive Review
  "Provides a vital counterpoint...this show is a bona fide crowd pleaser, a warm hug that pulls you into its generous bosom."
  Feldman lauds the show's heartwarming and inclusive portrayal.

• The New York Post (Johnny Oleksinski) [17:30]:
  Mixed Review
  Referenced earlier, primarily for "Dead Outlaw."

Hosts' Commentary:

• Grace Aki [21:05]:
  "It's so nice to see a good, lovely musical like 'Real Women Have Curves' receive the positivity it deserves. The cast is extremely likable, and the score is both melodious and meaningful."

• Matt Tammanini [21:02]:
  "I'm rooting for 'Real Women Have Curves' to snag that fifth spot in the Best Musical category alongside frontrunners like 'Dead Outlaw,' 'Operation Mincemeat,' and 'Buena Vista Social Club.'"

Conclusion

In Today on Broadway’s April 28, 2025 episode, Matt Tammanini and Grace Aki provided an in-depth analysis of the latest Broadway productions. "Just In Time" impressed with Jonathan Groff's performance despite some narrative critiques, "Dead Outlaw" stood out for its originality and compelling performances, and "Real Women Have Curves" received acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and strong cast. The hosts expressed optimism about the awards season, anticipating strong showings from these productions.

Notable Quotes:

• Jesse Green (NY Times) [03:53]: "Grof is a rushing pipeline. A body and voice that seem to have evolved with a specific goal of transporting feelings from the inside to the outside."

• Jackson McHenry (Vulture) [05:50]: "Grof is undeniably great at bending a crowd around his little finger."

• Christian Lewis (Variety) [10:43]: "The musical offers us brief glimpses into how poorly he treated many of the people in life, particularly women."

• Shayna Russell (Entertainment Weekly) [06:54]: "Whether it be the toe-tapping tunes, the memory of Groff's enthralling presence, or a certain thought sure to cross your mind on the way out."

• Adam Feldman (Timeout New York) [12:08]: "Durand spends the rest of the musical being moved around in what might be the most impressive deadpan performance in history."

• Laura Collins Hughes (NY Times) [17:20]: "A show that opts ultimately to lean in a feel-good direction...balancing act of Real Women Have Curves."

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