BroadwayRadio Episode Summary: Today on Broadway – Monday, June 23, 2025
Released on June 23, 2025
1. Closing of "Dead Outlaw"
Matt Tamineni opens the discussion with the unexpected announcement that the Best Musical nominee, Dead Outlaw, will close on Broadway this Sunday, June 29th. Despite its seven Tony nominations and a strong off-Broadway performance history, the show struggled on Broadway, culminating in 87 performances at the Longacre Theater.
“It wasn't necessarily surprising that it announced, but I was a little bit surprised that it announced on a Friday... I applaud the effort and really enjoyed parts of it.”
— Matt Tamineni [02:51]
Grace Aki commends the show's cast and production team, highlighting standout performances and the unique approach the musical took.
“It was a great, honorable effort... a lot of people really, really did work.”
— Grace Aki [03:41]
2. Jamie Lloyd's "Evita" and Broadway Prospects
The hosts delve into the current London production of Jamie Lloyd's Evita, starring Rachel Zegler. While anticipation is high, a Broadway transfer isn't expected until 2027 due to strategic scheduling and potential casting conflicts.
Matt discusses the complexities of aligning the Broadway run without overlapping with other Andrew Lloyd Webber projects like Cats and Sunset Boulevard, as well as Tim Rice's involvement with Chess. He also touches on rumors about Zegler potentially starring in a Sound of Music revival, which could impact her availability for Evita.
“It doesn't necessarily want to compete with other shows by its authors... Sir Tim Rice doesn't want those shows conflicting either.”
— Matt Tamineni [06:15]
Grace expresses concern over Rachel Zegler's intense performance schedule and the challenges young stars face in sustaining demanding roles.
“I think it's more so for me, the stamina of having done Romeo yet going Evita... I just think that's hard to commit to.”
— Grace Aki [07:05]
3. Challenges in Developing Original Musicals
The conversation shifts to the current landscape of Broadway, highlighting a lack of epic, groundbreaking musicals similar to classics by Sondheim or Weber. Grace emphasizes the trend towards pop-punk and screen-to-stage adaptations, suggesting a dearth of new, substantial works being funded and developed.
“We are not in a place where we're developing Sondheim's and Webers for the stage... there's a lot of talk around Rogers and Hammerstein’s Sound of Music situation.”
— Grace Aki [10:10]
Matt agrees, pointing out the surge in screen-to-stage adaptations and the challenges this trend presents for original musical storytelling.
“With the explosion of screen to stage adaptations, it is a very different world than when somebody like Adina came up with doing Rent and Wild Party.”
— Matt Tamineni [10:43]
4. Upcoming Theatrical Schedule: Closings and Openings
Matt outlines a week filled with significant show closures and exciting new openings:
-
Closures:
- Sarah Rule's Eurydice at the Signature Theater (Friday)
- Final revival of Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway (Saturday)
- Dead Outlaw, A Picture of Dorian Gray, Real Women Have Curves, and Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends closing on Broadway (Sunday)
- Multiple off-Broadway productions including Ceremonies for Dark Old Men, The Imaginary Invalid, Prosperous Fool, and Titanique wrapping up.
-
Openings:
- Heather's at New World Stages.
- New Off-Broadway shows Duke and Roya at the Lucille Lortel Theater and Emmanuel Matana's Trophy Boys.
“One even more over the coming weeks and months... Duke and Roya... Trophy Boys... [and] Shucked national tour.”
— Matt Tamineni [15:50]
5. New Productions: "Duke and Roya" & "Trophy Boys"
Duke and Roya is spotlighted as a gripping new drama that explores the unlikely love story between an international hip-hop artist and an Afghan interpreter, directed by Warren Adams and penned by Charles Randolph Wright.
“A gripping new drama about love, survival and impossible choices... Electrifying connection between Duke and Roya.”
— Matt Tamineni [16:10]
Trophy Boys, directed by Donya Taymor, offers a satirical take on high school debates, featuring an all-female and non-binary cast portraying male characters. The show delves into themes of power and privilege.
“What begins as a riotously funny satire turns into a sharp exploration of power and privilege.”
— Matt Tamineni [17:00]
6. Shucked National Tour
Matt shares his excitement about attending the national tour of Shucked at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, praising the original 2023 production and its deserving recognition.
“The cast for this one... is fantastic. I know there are some of your favorites in this tour, so I am very excited to see this.”
— Matt Tamineni [19:14]
Grace expresses admiration for the tour's cast, including Mike Nappy and Tyler Joseph Ellis, despite some cast members facing minor setbacks.
“I've heard nothing but amazing things about the Shucked tour and the cast... I'm really jealous.”
— Grace Aki [19:24]
7. Casting News: Barrington Stage Company's Upcoming Season
The hosts update listeners on the Barrington Stage Company's new season starting June 25th, featuring a diverse lineup:
- Camelot: Featuring Ken Wolfe Clark as King Arthur and Ali Ewalt as Guinevere.
- Joan: A regional premiere of Daniel Goldstein's Joan Rivers biopic starring Tessa Auberjonois.
- Fuzzy: A world premiere musical by Jeff Talbot and Will Van Dyke with stars John Cariani, Cass Morgan, and Teddy Udane.
- King James: Starring Gregory Perry, reprising his role from the Off-Broadway production.
- The Weeknd: A new play by Ben Diskant, with casting and creative team details forthcoming.
“They will be joined by Danny Cornfield as Mordred and the great Dakin Matthews as Merlin... a world premiere for a new musical... King James... and The Weeknd.”
— Matt Tamineni [22:00]
Grace highlights the significance of these productions, particularly the diverse casting and fresh narratives.
“I really would love that. I really do.”
— Grace Aki [23:16]
8. Final Thoughts on "Smash" Closing
In a celebratory nod to the end of Smash, the hosts mention the production's closing number being available on YouTube, emphasizing its unique departure from the TV version's music.
“The production posted its closing number, the title song, Smash, on its YouTube page... an interesting way to look at what this show is trying to do.”
— Matt Tamineni [23:44]
Conclusion
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow them on social media and join their Patreon for more Broadway insights. They reflect on the dynamic nature of Broadway, celebrating both the closures of beloved shows and the exciting premieres on the horizon.
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