BroadwayRadio Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Today on Broadway: Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Host: Matt Tammini and Grace Aki
Release Date: January 13, 2025
1. Opening Remarks and Recent Theater Experiences
[00:01] Matt Tammini:
Matt Tammini opens the episode by sharing his recent two-show day in Florida. He attended the Maltitude Theater's production of Frozen, praising the performances of Tristan and Brooke, who play Anna and Elsa respectively. Matt encourages listeners to check out the holiday podcast for more insights on this beloved show.
[00:08] Grace Aki:
Grace joins in discussing Matt's experience, humorously mentioning his fiancé, F. Michael Haney, performing on stage with someone else before their actual wedding. She highlights the camaraderie and joy among the cast, expressing excitement for the show's upcoming run at Paper Mill Center in Millburn.
Notable Quote:
Grace reflects on the production's atmosphere:
"Everybody that works on the show seems to be just like huge, like joy. It's just a really great group of people." [01:01]
2. Broadway News Highlights
National Tour of The Wiz
Matt shares exciting news about the complete cast for the upcoming national tour of The Wiz. The tour will feature:
- Alan Mingo Jr. as the Wiz
- Dana Simone as Dorothy (making her national tour debut)
- She Herzade as Glinda
- Kyla Jade as Aunt Em
- Evileen D. Jerome as the Tin Man
- Michael Kilgore as the Lion (audience recognizes Matt in this role)
- Elijah Ahmed Lewis as the Scarecrow
The tour kicks off on February 22nd in Rochester, New York, spanning 45 cities.
New Non-Equity Tour of Kinky Boots
A new non-equity tour of Kinky Boots is set to launch in the fall. Although specific details about dates and locations are pending, Matt emphasizes the show's enduring popularity since its 2013 Tony win.
[03:46] Grace Aki:
Grace muses on the longevity of Kinky Boots, noting its impact as a launching pad for stars like Stark Sands and Annaleigh Ashford. She expresses hope for a potential Broadway remount in the future, despite not having seen the current production herself.
Notable Quote:
Grace comments on the show's legacy:
"I genuinely believe... it's still like a very popular show." [04:40]
3. Upcoming Theatrical Productions
Mind Play at Greenwich House Theater
An off-Broadway illusion magic show titled Mind Play, starring Drama Desk nominee Vinnie DiPonto, opens on January 13th. The interactive 90-minute performance, co-written with Josh Koenigsberg and directed by Andrew Knysler, concludes on April 20th.
Sam Kisijukian's 300 Paintings at Vineyard Theater
The Vineyard Theater previews 300 Paintings, a play by Australian comedian Sam Kisijukian. The production showcases artwork created during Kisijukian's six-month manic episode, presenting a deep exploration of his mental state. Run dates are January 13th to February 23rd.
Showboat A River at NYU Skirball Center
A reimagined version of the classic musical Showboat A River debuts on January 25th. Directed and adapted by David Herskovitz, this production contextualizes the 1880s Jim Crow era within contemporary challenges, running until January 26th.
Beckett Briefs from the Cradle to the Grave at Irish Repertory Theatre
A new series titled Beckett Briefs features short one-act plays by Samuel Beckett. Highlights include:
- Not I featuring Sarah Street
- Play starring Roger Dominick Casey, Kate Forbes, and Sarah Street
- Craps Last Tape with F. Murray Abraham
Directed by Kirian O'Reilly, the series runs from January 15th through March 9th.
Cymbeline by National Asian American Theater Company at Classic Stage Company
Beginning previews on January 17th and running through February 15th, this production of Shakespeare's Cymbeline features an all-Asian and all-femme cast. Directed by Stephen Brown Fried with a modern verse translation by Andrea Tome, the show offers a fresh take on a rarely staged Shakespearean play.
Our Town Revival at Ethel Barrymore Theater
The limited-run Broadway revival of Our Town, directed by Kenny Leon and starring Jim Parsons, Zoe Deutsch, Katie Holmes, Richard Thomas, and Ephraim Sykes, concludes on Sunday, January 22nd.
4. Cast Album Announcement
Once Upon a Mattress Revival
The Sutton Foster-led revival of Once Upon a Mattress is set to receive a cast album. Following their Los Angeles run, the cast is either entering or has already entered the studio. The album will be released by Center Stage Records on March 28th.
Notable Quote:
Matt humorously introduces the topic:
"Here we go. Story of America in 2025." [15:14]
5. TikTok Ban Discussion and Its Impact on Broadway
Grace delves into the potential consequences of a rumored TikTok ban, discussing how it could severely impact Broadway creators, shows, and audiences. She highlights TikTok's unique role in democratizing access to theater information, enabling creators to share insights on rush lines, ticket policies, and casting notices more effectively than other platforms like Instagram.
Key Points:
- TikTok’s unique algorithm and compensation model better support creators compared to Meta platforms.
- The platform fosters a more authentic and open communication style, crucial for community building within the theater industry.
- A ban could lead to significant financial and emotional setbacks for the artistic community, limiting accessibility and engagement.
Notable Quote:
Grace emphasizes TikTok's irreplaceable role:
"There are just so much videos, a lot. Yeah, they're so good. And there's just like a whole range of storytelling opportunities that exist on that platform alone that you cannot and will not replicate quickly on another." [11:35]
Matt probes further about the likelihood of the ban being averted, to which Grace expresses skepticism, criticizing the motives behind the proposed legislation and its potential racist undertones.
Notable Quote:
Grace critiques the ban's rationale:
"It's a control thing and it's a us thing and it's really unnecessary." [15:18]
6. Personal Recommendations
Grieving Party at Soho Theater by Plains Plow
Grace recommends Grieving Party, a one-act storytelling piece presented by Plains Plow at Soho Theater. Praising its nuanced exploration of themes like theater commerce and personal loss, she encourages listeners to experience this emotionally resonant production.
[16:32] Grace Aki:
"I really love them. It's an excellent piece of one act storytelling."
Real Women Have Curves Music Video
Matt highlights a new music video from the upcoming Broadway production of Real Women Have Curves, featuring the show's composer, Joy Huerta, performing an acoustic rendition of "Fly Away." He invites listeners to view the video for a sneak peek into the show's musical direction.
Notable Quote:
Matt shares his excitement:
"It's a really beautiful song, really lovely and sweet." [17:42]
7. Closing Remarks
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by sharing their social media handles and encouraging listeners to engage with BroadwayRadio’s online presence. They sign off with well-wishes for the week ahead.
[18:53] Grace Aki:
"You can find me at... It's Grace Aki."
Summary:
In this episode of Today on Broadway, hosts Matt Tammini and Grace Aki explore a spectrum of Broadway-related topics, from recent Florida theater productions and exciting news about national tours to in-depth discussions on the potential TikTok ban's repercussions for the Broadway community. They also spotlight upcoming theatrical offerings, share personal recommendations, and engage in meaningful conversations about the industry's evolving landscape. Notable quotes from both hosts provide personal insights and emphasize the significance of each discussed topic, making the summary both comprehensive and engaging for listeners new and old.