BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary Episode: Today on Broadway: Monday, March 24, 2025
1. Recap of Recent Episodes
Matt Tammini begins by addressing recent irregularities in the podcast feed:
- Friday: A special interview with Cara Donnelly about her upcoming one-person show for the New York City Fringe.
- Saturday: An atypical episode featuring reviews for Operation Mincemeat and an interview with Michelle Azer, who portrays Ruth Bader Ginsburg in All Things Equal.
- Sunday: Week on Broadway episode discussing upcoming spring shows.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [00:08]: "A little bit of a weird last couple days in the podcast feed because on Friday instead of having Today on Broadway..."
2. Major News: Beaches Pre-Broadway National Tour
The episode delves into the exciting announcement that the latest adaptation of the musical Beaches is set to embark on a pre-Broadway national tour in Fall 2026, potentially leading to a Broadway debut in Spring or Fall 2027.
Key Points:
- The tour is labeled as "pre-Broadway," indicating it may serve as a trial run before a Broadway launch.
- No official casting or locations have been announced yet.
- Jessica Vosk, known for her role as Cece in Calgary’s international premiere, is a confirmed cast member.
- Beaches has undergone several incarnations since its initial runs in 2014 and 2015, featuring talents like Shoshana Bean and Whitney Basher.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [03:32]: "We are diving into this week with a story that has us already looking to potentially the spring of 2027 or even later."
3. Show Closures and Extensions
a. Jonathan Larson Project Closure
- Jonathan Larson is closing earlier than planned at the Orpheum Theater on March 30, after only 51 performances since its March 10 premiere.
- Matt expresses personal disappointment, noting he was scheduled to see it soon after the new closing date.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [05:00]: "I'm especially disappointed just for personal reasons, because I was literally supposed to see it the day after its new closing date."
b. We Had a World Extension
- Joshua Harmon's We Had a World at Manhattan Theater Club now extends through May 11, having started on March 19.
- The show features Andrew Barth Feldman, Joanna Gleeson, and Janine Siralis, directed by Trip Coleman.
- Rumors suggest potential future runs at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, similar to other Manhattan Theater Club productions.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [04:54]: "Joshua Harmon's We Had a World is extending yet again."
c. Devil Wears Prada West End Extension
- Vanessa Williams extends her role as Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theater until October 18.
- The show, which opened in December, is scheduled to run until January 3, 2026, raising speculation about its future and potential Broadway transfer.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [07:15]: "When we're talking about shows that have gone through different incarnations... it might actually work."
4. Upcoming Broadway Schedule
Monday: Wine in the Wilderness
- Venue: Classic Stage Company
- Details: An Off-Broadway opening of Alice Childress's play, directed by Lachanze.
- Run: Through April 13.
Tuesday: Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends
- Venue: Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
- Details: A revue featuring the best songs by Stephen Sondheim, directed by Matthew Bourne.
- Cast: Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, Bonnie Langford, Beth Leavel, Gavin Lee, and others.
- Run: Until June 1, potential for extensions.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [09:15]: "I cannot wait to hear all about who's doing what songs and all of that stuff when it begins performances this week."
Wednesday: Love Life & Cherry Orchard
- Love Life
- Venue: New York City Center, Encores
- Details: Directed by Victoria Clarke, starring Kate Baldwin and Brian Stokes Mitchell.
- Run: March 26–30.
- Cherry Orchard
- Venue: St. Ann's Warehouse, Brooklyn
- Details: New adaptation directed by Benedict Andrews.
Quote:
Grace [12:22]: "Sarah Snook. You can watch her on CBS Sunday morning. They did a feature. It was great."
Thursday: Picture of Dorian Gray & Floyd Collins
- Picture of Dorian Gray
- Venue: Music Box Theater
- Details: One-person show adapted and directed by Kip Williams, starring Sarah Snook.
- Unique Aspect: Features 26 characters with extensive video integration and recognition of camera operators in the cast list.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [12:37]: "This is not only right up your alley for the one person show..."
- Floyd Collins
- Venue: Lincoln Center
- Details: First Broadway performance with Jeremy Jordan in the title role, directed by Tina Landau.
- Score: Adam Gettle
- Choreography: John Rua
Friday: Stranger Things: The First Shadow
- Venue: Marquis Theater
- Details: Inspired by the Netflix series, written by Kate Treffery with original stories by the Duffer Brothers, Treffery, and Jack Thorne. Directed by Stephen Daldrey and choreographed by Koro Messam.
- Run: Opening this week.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [15:10]: "This will be very interesting to see."
Saturday: New Off-Broadway Show & Seleno v. Barnes Closure
- Minority?
- Venue: WP Theater
- Details: A new show inspired by an International African Arts conference in Paris (details pending).
- Seleno v. Barnes
- Venue: Asylum NYC
- Details: Closing on Sunday after multiple extensions.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [16:50]: "It is delightful. And also, actually, I should have mentioned on Saturday the 29th, that's when I'm getting to town."
5. Recommendations and Highlights
- New Video Montage from Gypsy: Features Audra McDonald singing "Everything's Coming Up Roses."
- Hadestown Highlights: Merle Dandridge performing "Live in It Up."
- The Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse: New audio release "Something out of Nothing" featuring Patrick Nathan Falk, Carrie Renee Fuller, Luke Islam, and Millie Shapiro. Performances begin April 22.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [17:00]: "They have released a song called Something out of Nothing..."
6. Additional Content
- Odessa Rock Opera: A new post-apocalyptic rock opera starring Sadie Sink and Kelvin Harrison Jr., available on Hulu.
Quote:
Grace [18:20]: "It's a rock opera on screen starring a current Broadway star."
7. Conclusion
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow them on social media for more updates and to stay tuned for upcoming schedule details as Matt prepares to visit town.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [19:00]: "Have a wonderful Monday, a wonderful week and we'll be back to talk to you tomorrow."
Follow BroadwayRadio:
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- Matt Tammini: @bww.matt
- Grace Hockey: @GraceHockey