BroadwayRadio Podcast Episode Summary Today on Broadway: Monday, March 17, 2025
Host: Matt Tammanini
Release Date: March 17, 2025

1. Celebrating Reeve Carney and Eva Noblezada's Engagement

Matt Tammanini opens the episode with heartwarming news about beloved Broadway actors Reeve Carney and Eva Noblezada. After years of being a cherished couple in the theater community, Reeve proposed to Eva publicly during their cabaret performance at Green Room 42. Eva added a touch of humor by involving the audience in the surprise, saying, “I've got to go get something from my future mother-in-law,” before revealing the ring on stage. Tammanini shares:

“Congratulations to those two crazy kids. And so hopefully this leads to many, many years of happiness with the two of them.”
(Timestamp: 01:15)

2. Rachel Zegler Cast as Eva Perrone in "Evita" at London Palladium

In a significant casting announcement, Rachel Zegler has been confirmed to play Eva Perrone in Jamie Lloyd's production of Evita at the London Palladium. Initially rumored to be Ariana DeBose's role, scheduling conflicts with Ariana’s commitments to a Prime Video series led to Rachel stepping into the lead. The 12-week summer run is slated from June 14th to September 6th, with potential plans for a Broadway transfer in spring 2026.

Tammanini remarks on Rachel's capabilities:

“I have less than zero doubts that she can sing this score and she is going to absolutely, as the quote in Baz Bumble Boy's article says, blow the roof off the London Palladium.”
(Timestamp: 03:45)

He also discusses the production's evolution, noting Rachel's different skill set compared to Ariana DeBose, particularly in dancing, and expresses excitement about the fresh interpretation Jamie Lloyd might bring to the classic musical.

3. Broadway in Memoriam Committee Introduces Quarterly Honors

Addressing longstanding concerns about how Broadway honors its departed artists, Tammanini discusses the newly formed Broadway in Memoriam Committee's initiative. Instead of the traditional dimming of lights, which has been criticized for exclusionary practices, the committee will introduce Broadway in Memoriam. This quarterly tradition will honor multiple individuals on the second Tuesday of September, December, March, and June, aiming for a more inclusive recognition of those who have significantly impacted Broadway.

Tammanini shares his skepticism:

“It just seems like they're bungling it again. I just don't understand what the point of this is... It’s a mess.”
(Timestamp: 07:50)

He elaborates on potential issues, such as fan dissatisfaction over who gets honored and the feasibility of equally recognizing all deserving artists.

4. Upcoming Broadway Openings This Week

Tammanini provides an extensive overview of several Broadway and Off-Broadway openings scheduled for the week:

• Monday, March 17: Purpose by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins opens at the Helen Hayes Theater, directed by Phylicia Rashad.

• Tuesday, March 18:

  • The Last Five Years, starring Nick Jonas and Adrian Warren, debuts at the Hudson Theater. Tammanini comments on Nick Jonas's vocal style:

    “Nick does not sound bad to me, but he doesn't sound like he's singing musical theater.”
    (Timestamp: 05:20)

  • Vanya, featuring Andrew Scott, directed by Sam Yates, opens at the Lucio Lortel Theater.

• Wednesday, March 19:

  • Buena Vista Social Club musical opens at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater, aiming for Tony consideration.
  • We Had a World by Josh Harmon opens Off-Broadway at New York City Center from the Manhattan Theater Club.
  • Becoming Eve by New York Theater Workshop launches at Abrams Arts Center.

• Thursday, March 20:

  • Operation Mincemeat debuts at the John Golden Theatre, with the original London cast.
  • John Proctor is the Villain, starring Sadie Sink and directed by Donya Taymor, opens at the Booth Theater, set to premiere in mid-April.

5. Controversy Over Othello Ticket Pricing

A contentious issue arises with the upcoming Othello production at the Athel Barrymore Theater, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. The New York Post's critic Johnny Oleksinski criticized the high ticket prices of $921, leading to his invitation to review the show being rescinded. Tammanini discusses the implications:

“I have no problem with it this way. I think that this is probably, without putting words into her mouth, somewhat close to what Grace had envisioned... But I don't dislike it either.”
(Timestamp: 09:10)

He expresses concern over the affordability and accessibility of Broadway shows, emphasizing that such pricing can alienate broader audiences.

6. Miscast the Studio Sessions Album and "Next to Normal" TV Airing

Tammanini shares exciting updates:

• Miscast the Studio Sessions: MCC Theater is releasing a new album featuring studio versions of popular Miscast fundraiser hits. Highlights include performances by Jonathan Groff, Jeremy Jordan, Ben Platt, Leslie Odom Jr., and Gavin Creel, who contributes a live track with Aaron Tveit.

• "Next to Normal" Airing: The Donmar Warehouse's West End production of Next to Normal, starring Casey Levy and Jamie Parker, will air on Great Performances on May 9th. Tammanini comments:

  “I do not love Next to Normal. I like some of the songs as I've talked about before, but I will certainly be watching this.”
  (Timestamp: 10:30)

7. Creative Changes in "Goddess" Off-Broadway Musical

In casting news, the Off-Broadway musical Goddess has undergone significant creative shifts. Jocelyn Bio, originally credited as the book writer, has stepped away from the production. She stated:

“The beautiful thing about making theater is how it continues to grow and evolve over time... I remain a huge fan of the show and wish everyone well.”
(Timestamp: 10:45)

Sahim Ali will now take over as the official book writer, joined by Pulitzer Prize winner James Iams. The show, which had Amber Maan in its Off-Broadway tryout, is expected to continue its development under the new creative leadership.

8. Sneak Peeks and Additional Updates

The episode concludes with previews of upcoming performances and behind-the-scenes glimpses:

• Love Life Rehearsals: Kate Baldwin performs "Mr. Right" during rehearsal at New York City Center Encores.
• Broadway Backwards: Jordan Fisher leads a company in singing "Defying Gravity," showcasing the creative energy within the Broadway community.

Notable Quotes:

• Reeve and Eva's Engagement:

  “Congratulations to those two crazy kids. And so hopefully this leads to many, many years of happiness with the two of them.”
  (Timestamp: 01:15)

• Rachel Zegler on Evita:

  “I have less than zero doubts that she can sing this score and she is going to absolutely, as the quote in Baz Bumble Boy's article says, blow the roof off the London Palladium.”
  (Timestamp: 03:45)

• Broadway in Memoriam Skepticism:

  “It just seems like they're bungling it again. I just don't understand what the point of this is... It’s a mess.”
  (Timestamp: 07:50)

• Nick Jonas's Performance in "The Last Five Years":

  “Nick does not sound bad to me, but he doesn't sound like he's singing musical theater.”
  (Timestamp: 05:20)

Conclusion

Matt Tammanini delivers a comprehensive and insightful update on the latest happenings in the Broadway scene, from heartwarming personal news to significant industry changes and contentious debates. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to the Broadway scene, this episode provides valuable information on upcoming shows, casting news, and the evolving landscape of Broadway honors.

For more detailed insights and timely updates, tune into BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway" and follow them on social media platforms.