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Today on Broadway: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025
00:19:20
‘Wonderful World’ Announces Abrupt Closing, ‘Stranger Things’ Completes Cast, Will Ferrell Adapting a Movie for Broadway Since 2016, “Today on Broadway” has been the first and only daily podcast recapping the top theatre headlines every Monday through ...
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- [00:02]
Matt Tammanini
Welcome to Today on Broadway for Monday, January 27, 2025 on Broadway Radio's Matt.
- [00:06]
Grace Hockey
Tammanini and I'm Tell me on a Sunday podcast, Grace Hockey.
- [00:09]
Matt Tammanini
Grace in the podcast feed over the weekend. First over on Patreon, I had a great chat with Ashley Hufford about the shows that she is most excited about looking forward into the spring season both on Broadway and Off Broadway. So if you want to hear all of her insights as well as a little extra commentary on the TikTok of it all, because we recorded that earlier in the week when things were still kind of vacillating with everything TikTok, you can head over to patreon feed@patreon.com broadwayradio broadwayradio.com patreon and sign up at the mezzanine tier and above. And then of course, on Sunday, we had the new episode of this Week on Broadway where James, Peter and Michael talked about everything that they had seen over the past week. But Grace, this is one of those rare Mondays when we actually have news to talk about that was not released on Friday. Instead it was released on Saturday, which is a little unusual, especially with news this big. But on Saturday, a Wonderful World, the Broadway musical featuring the life and music of Louis Armstrong, announced that it will close on February 23rd. At that time, the production will have played 151 performances at the Studio 54 theater. And Grace, this is interesting to me. One, because of the timing of it all, you have an announcement and a press release go out like this on Saturday. That is not usually how things are done. You do have a month to get that word out. So they are trying to it's not like they are announcing, hey, we're closing on Tuesday, or we're closing Sunday is our last day. So I'm not exactly sure what the impetus was to make a closing announcement on a Saturday night other than maybe they just they made the decision and didn't want to potentially risk it leaking out and people finding out in the cast and crew before they were told officially. But that doesn't mean they had to make it public at that time either. So I'm a little interested by this. Of course. Course, my first thought is, is, well, if it's closing in February, something else can go into Studio 54, you know, before the Tony eligibility deadline. But before we get to all of that, I do want to just kind of recognize you've done an interview talking about this show. You've seen the show. I'm seeing it tonight, actually, on Monday night is my first time seeing it. So, you know, these shows, it is kind of an. A war of. Of attrition. There are so many things on Broadway, no matter how good something is, if, you know, they just kind of have to find their niche and find their audience and breakthrough. We've seen some of those shows do that this season that opened in the. In the fall. You know, we talked last week about maybe happy ending. This one has struggled at the box office the whole way and just really hasn't found an opportunity to do that. So obviously sad for all of the cast and crew members and creative team members who worked on this show for many, many years, but it got, you know, a decent, you know, couple month run. So happy about that, but obviously send our best to everybody over at Studio 54 as far as that goes. Grace.
- [02:58]
Grace Hockey
Yeah, I mean, I was really, really shocked by this. I know some friends were planning on, you know, doing some stuff with them for BroadwayCon and all these great things. It's just really heartbreaking. Like, I. I know how hard this spring season is. You know, I've. I've seen and been a part of casualties and all that stuff. But, yeah, it's. It's a really hard winter. That's all I can say. And I just, like, I feel for them so much. But, you know, I. I hope that there's nothing, you know, nefarious going on with like the, you know, the seizing of the theater. But that is how this goes, right? They've got to fill it with. And. And that's just kind of the way of it. But, yeah, my. Just my whole heart, James shaved his face for this. Like, he has done so much. You know what I mean? And like, it's, you know, the whole. The whole cast. And also you can listen to my interview with cast members, like, on. On Broadway radio. It was really, really great. So please.
- [03:50]
Matt Tammanini
Yeah. James Mineralheart, unrecognizable without the facial hair.
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Grace Hockey
And actually with hair on the two James' two James's.
- [03:59]
Matt Tammanini
Oh, James T. Lane, too, right?
- [04:01]
Grace Hockey
Yes. Yes, that's right.
- [04:02]
Matt Tammanini
Who is. Who's the alternate for that role? But you mentioned, like, the seizing of the theater, like, the Stop clause was the first thing that I, you know, kind of thought of here. It really has not been getting much above 500, $600,000 a week for a while outside of the obvious holiday weeks. But it has not gotten over about $730,000 once during its Broadway run. So my first thought was that Roundabout, who owns Studio 54, wanted to get something else in there in the spring to try to get some extra money. And as I'm going through my list of potential shows, Grace, there's only really one show that we know is aiming for Broadway. That makes sense to me. And it doesn't make a ton of sense, but it does make some sense. And that's the Sinatra musical that we've talked about that had its premiere in Birmingham in the UK starring Matt Doyle and Ana via Fog. And we know that they've recently done like an invited dress or invited reading workshop kind of thing up at the Apollo Theater that could be coming in. I guess as I'm looking at the timeline, you say we're going to close this in February, but we're going to make the announcement on a Saturday. If there is a show that wants to come in, they probably want to sell tickets as quickly as possible. So if there is something, and I don't know that there is, I've asked around. Nobody has any idea. Maybe they would make an announcement that, hey, X show, whether it's Sinatra or something else, is coming to Broadway on Monday. Maybe they would make that announcement on Monday and that's why they pushed this press release out. But with A Wonderful world closing on February 23rd, that gives them a month to load in a new show and begin previews in late March and then open in late April under the Tony eligibility deadline. So that is a possibility. The other show that is also in the cards, Grace, is Urinetown. We've talked about Urinetown. It closes at encores on February 16th. That would give plenty of time because we know that Urinetown is likely not to have a very big set coming from Encores. The only thing is, is that, like, they wouldn't have a ton of time to announce that if they, especially if they waited until after encores, because I don't think they'd announce it ahead of time because that could potentially, I guess, undercut some of the ticket sales, although it very well might be sold out at Encores already. But it closes on February 16th. So maybe they make that announcement on February, you know, 18th or 19th or even, you know, at the closing. So those are the only things that make sense to me that could do that and would explain why they made the announcement on Saturday. But again, it could just be like they ran out of time, they just ran out of money and couldn't afford to go on any longer. But either way, as of now, Studio 54 is open in the spring. That is the only theater on Broadway that would be available if a show wanted to come in grace. So I don't know, from a business standpoint, am I overthinking? Am I too focused on, you know, shows and tenants and all that stuff? Am I overlooking some of just, like, the business aspects of why a show would close like this?
- [07:06]
Grace Hockey
No. I mean, listen, we've seen it, like, every single season. So I don't think that you're wrong to think that. I think that. I mean, we've seen it literally, like, with every single show, whether it's. With a show wanting to come in or whether it's, you know. You know, we're. We're more interested in stopping this because we want to get ready for a new tenant or, you know, whatever it might be. There is something like. I know these two things aren't connected, but there's something really challenging with the closing of a Louis Armstrong musical to welcome in a Frank Sinatra one. That's just a tough, tough look, even though obviously unintentional. But, yeah, like, I think that. I don't think that you're wrong to think that I also. One of the two things that also came to mind was Cats, the Jellicle Ball, still, I think, would have a moment to do that. Just saying out loud, are people talking about that?
- [07:58]
Matt Tammanini
I hadn't. Hadn't heard that at all.
- [08:00]
Grace Hockey
I think that they're looking for a theater. I don't know that, like, actually, but it would not surprise me if they would want to seize that opportunity.
- [08:08]
Matt Tammanini
And how incredible would it be at Studio 54?
- [08:11]
Grace Hockey
That's what I mean. Like, it was. That was my. When they were first talking about, you know, doing the show at pac, I was like, and what if they transferred to Studio 54 and it ran for a million years? Because I want a tenant in the future. And this has nothing to do with the announcement that we just received, but I would love for Studio 54 to embody the name and the. And the title that it's always kind of, like, been looming over since the 70s cracked out period. Like, I want. I want to show like, Rocky Horror Picture Show. I know that was discussed many years ago with Roundabout. All these other shows that I think that just have cult fever about them, that could last and you could have a million. I mean, it's. I mean, Cabaret did an amazing job of that years ago, downcoming. But I think that it could be a perfect venue that just kind of like, lives on and on and on. So that's. That's what I would want for them. I don't think it's a place that has success with new musicals, like a new. A new enterprise because of the location, I think it's really hard. I mean, when's the last time we had a long run in there with a musical that was not. I mean, we had Days of Wanted Roses. We have this. We had, you know, I don't know. It's just hard.
- [09:21]
Matt Tammanini
And even Cabaret didn't open there. Cabaret moved there. So that's interesting. Okay, you said you had two thoughts. You said Cats. And what was the other thought?
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Grace Hockey
I forgot the other one. Matt, halfway through my. No, I forgot it halfway through this.
- [09:34]
Matt Tammanini
I'm sorry. Well, I interrupted you, so that's my fault.
- [09:36]
Grace Hockey
No, no, no.
- [09:38]
Matt Tammanini
Okay. Well, anyway, we'll see what happens. You know, as I said, we could hear an announcement today if that's the reason they announced on Saturday. If not, maybe we wait and who knows? Maybe there is no announcement and we don't get another show in Studio 54 until the spring. All right, Grace, let's run through some other news that we have here. First up, as rehearsals began for the upcoming Broadway premiere of Stranger Things, the First Shadow, they announced the complete cast. And we already knew a bunch of the principals. But on Friday, not only did we get the entire company, but we do now know that Juan Carlos is actually taking over the role of Bob Newby, who is replacing the previously announced Nicholas Eldridge. We did not get an explanation as to why that change was happening, but welcome, Juan Carlos, to the production. We have the complete cast list in here and it includes some names as Janie Brookshire, Tureya Campbell, Antoinette Comer, Tom D'Agostino, Steven Watrous, Graham Winston, Eric Wingand, and more. So if you want to check out the complete cast for Stranger Things, the First Shadow, before it begins performances at the Marquis Theater on March 28, you can head over to the show notes. And then we also got on Friday, through an exclusive from Broadway News, the announcement that the Great Gatsby is set to launch a national Tour beginning in 2026. It'll start out at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore on January 31st of 2026. It will play more than 50 cities across the country and I'm assuming potentially into Canada as well. This will also follow a West End production and one in Seoul, South Korea. Obviously, one of the main producers show is Korean, and that has always kind of been one of the intentions of that. So Broadway across America bringing the show to theaters. And I think this one, as we've talked about, Grace, it might not be the most critically acclaimed show, but it is one that I think will do very good business across the country for all of the familiarity reasons that we talk about in New York. All right, some real quick other news type things. Last week it was announced that the Streetcar Name Desire inspired played Kowalski, has extended offer. The play follows one night as Tennessee Williams and a young Marlon Brando find their creative rhythm working together. It is playing at The Duke on 42nd Street. That's right next to the Todd Haymes Theater where I saw English this weekend. I was like, oh, there's a bunch of people walking in there. So this obviously has a lot of buzz as people were going in. It's directed by Broadway actor Colin Hanlon, which is great, and stars Robin Lord Taylor, who Grace, I know you love the Penguin TV show, but Robin Lord Taylor actually played the Penguin on the TV show Gotham on Fox a few years ago, which is where I know him from. So very fun. If you have a chance, you can now go check that out. It is going to play through February 23rd. And Grace, did you ever see the movie Eurovision Song Contest, the Story of Fire Saga?
- [12:42]
Grace Hockey
I have a really unfortunate anecdote for that, which is to say that I was watching that movie with my mother when my bonus dad passed away and. No, no, no, no, no. It's actually really funny to us because we were like, we should watch something that is so distracting that we, that we are just like absolutely bawling our eyes out. It was the funniest, most perfect kismet thing in the entire world. So I sent this announce and she goes, oh, we're going. So, like, whenever this happens, we're there.
- [13:19]
Matt Tammanini
Okay. And the announcement that we're talking about is on the Graham Norton show, which is. I wish we had. I guess we do. I think it's on BBC America. You can watch it, but not live. And I think it's a little bit delayed, but with a great British talk show. Will Ferrell was on promoting his new movie, you're Cordially Invited with Reese Witherspoon on Amazon Prime Video. But he talked about the fact that this movie that he did with Rachel McAdams, they are adapting for a Broadway musical. He didn't get into a lot of details, just talked about they're trying to make it work into Broadway. If you're not unfamiliar with it, it follows groups in the Eurovision Song Contest, which is one of the most bonkers, hilarious, weird things you can ever watch. Every year I think that it airs on Peacock here in the United States, but that's Where ABBA became big is by winning the Eurovision. So they want to adapt this thing that already has a bunch of music in it for the Broadway stage. And I can only imagine, Grace, if, like, you work on this show and all of your people and all of the arts insiders end up having to do this and you spend a ton of time working on this, that story is going to be a highlight, I'm sure, for a lot of people to be talking about. As weird as it is to say that's a highlight, but that's.
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Grace Hockey
It can get you through the darkest times. I am. Exactly.
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Matt Tammanini
Yeah. That's what I mean. Like, absolutely wild.
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Grace Hockey
Like, Will Ferrell's such a huge fan of theater. Like, I know people probably could assume that he's seen and Juliet multiple times. It's like one of his favorite things. He's such a supporter of the arts and live, like, Broadway entertainment. I think that this is, like, a dream of his to execute some type of, like, live show that just makes sense. And I'm so excited that he seems pretty real about this one. So, yeah, I just think that, like, probably people go like, oh, famous comedian did it on. Like, he's a great director, he's a great writer. I just think that this really, really fits. So I want it to happen is my point. This is my bid to be a part of that, whatever that means.
- [15:18]
Matt Tammanini
All right, real quick, let's run through this week's theatrical schedule. There's not a ton going on this week, at least not in New York City. But on Tuesday, we have the return engagement for the play. Still, this is a show that had played last spring. It will now begin performances on Tuesday, January 28th. It is by Leah Romeo and directed by Adrian Campbell Holt. This time it stars the great Melissa Gilbert. And Mark Moses is at the Sheen Center. And you can get more information in the show notes. Also off Broadway, on Wednesday, January 29th, we have the first performances of My First Ex Husband, written by Joy Behar. And it stars a ton of folks just kind of rotating in throughout the run. So if you want more information on that one, you can head out to the Show Notes as well. Then on Sunday, we have three shows closing. First, Cult of Love on Broadway, which I'm seeing this week with Ashley Steves. Then literally next door to my hotel, like I am. I think my hotel shares a wall with the James Earl Jones theater left on 10th is closing. And then off Broadway, an absolute icon of New York theater, Blue Man Group is going to close. It will open up around the country and have performances in lots of other places. But they are closing down a few of the venues including in New York and Chicago. It will reopen in my hometown of Orlando or my adopted hometown of Orlando. So. But if you want to make sure that you see any of those shows, you have until Sunday the 2nd. All right, Grace. And we are going to wrap up with a I guess it's a feel good recommendation, but Hugh Jackman had his first performance at Radio City Music hall this weekend and apparently it got interrupted by a heckler. The heckler happened to be Ryan Reynolds. So I have a feeling that it wasn't necessarily heckling and more planned, but a very funny bit that happened about five minute bit where Ryan took some questions from the audience and asked them to Hugh on these audience members behalfs. But it also kind of concluded with a very sweet message that seemed very heartfelt from Ryan talking about his good friend Hugh Jackman. But the questions, as you would imagine between these two, were very, very funny. And I would not be surprised, Grace, if we hear of a lot of stars kind of popping up, whether they end up doing performances with you or not. I would think there would be some guests doing songs with him, but if not, certainly people appearing in the audience. Seems like it has to be on the cards throughout this multi month residency that he's doing over at Radio City.
- [17:49]
C
Oh, I like that. That's a tricky one. When filing under tax code 36, exactly how many dependents can you include in any given tax period? And then part two was, why wasn't Ryan invited to be in the show on the main stage? Anyone hear you?
- [18:12]
Matt Tammanini
You?
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C
Yes. Okay, whisper it to tell me how. Ooh, I really like that. My God, Hugh, when was the last time you killed a person with your bare hands?
- [18:29]
Matt Tammanini
All right, everybody, that's all that we have for today. Thanks for listening to Today on Broadway. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Rodriguez. Follow me on instagram @bww. Mattgrace working. Can people find you?
- [18:36]
Grace Hockey
You can find me at. It's Grace Hockey.
- [18:38]
Matt Tammanini
All right, everybody, by the time you hear this, I will have seen six things and I'm going to put together a travelogue episode on Sunday night. So that'll be out hopefully on Monday if I have the time to edit and put it all together. But it is English. Oh Mary with Betty Gilpin, the new cast of Hadestown, a concert of a new show called the Shop under the Portico gypsy with Audra McDonald, and all in with, I believe it's Lin Manuel Miranda, Andrew Rannells, A.D. bryant and Nick Kroll. So head over to Patreon at the mezzanine tier and above if you want to hear that. Have a wonderful Monday, a wonderful week, and we'll be back to talk to you tomorrow.