BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Monday, March 3, 2025
In the March 3, 2025 episode of BroadwayRadio's Today on Broadway, hosts Matt Tamminini and Grace Auke delve into the latest happenings in the Broadway scene. From unexpected twists in popular wrestling events to strategic releases in theatre marketing, the episode offers a comprehensive look at current trends and upcoming productions.
1. WWE Elimination Chamber Match and John Cena's Heel Turn
The episode kicks off with a discussion about the recent WWE Elimination Chamber event in Toronto. Matt highlights the surprising development of John Cena's heel turn after a storied 25-year career. Grace expresses her astonishment:
“...I got a text ... and they said, do not go onto the Internet. ... This is about John Cena. So, yeah, it's been a crazy weekend.”
— Grace Auke [00:33]
Matt acknowledges the long-standing anticipation surrounding Cena's shift, adding intrigue for both wrestling and theatre fans.
2. Exclusive Content on Patreon
Matt promotes additional exclusive content available through BroadwayRadio's Patreon page. This includes:
- Jan Simpson's deep dive into the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama A Strange Loop, featuring creator Michael R. Jackson.
- An interview with Kelsey Watts, the new Jane Seymour in six on Broadway.
- A travelogue episode discussing Matt's experiences with London theatre shows.
He encourages listeners to subscribe for access to these in-depth discussions:
“If you want to hear all of that, head over to patreon.com broadwayradiobradaryradio.com …”
— Matt Tamminini [01:05]
3. Casting Changes in Hell's Kitchen
A significant update is shared regarding the Broadway production Hell's Kitchen. Brandon Victor Dixon is set to conclude his role on March 9th, with Darrell Tank Babs, a nine-time Grammy nominee, stepping in starting March 11th. Matt remarks on this transition:
“...stepping into the Broadway stage is a dream come true... even though he was not somebody that was on my radar really much at all.”
— Matt Tamminini [01:05]
Grace draws a parallel to previous casting strategies, comparing Tank's entrance to Betty joining Hadestown:
“I think this is a really similar thing to like when Betty who came into Hadestown.”
— Grace Auke [02:58]
This strategic casting aims to blend popular music figures with established theatre talent, enhancing the show's appeal.
4. Strategic Release of Cast Albums: "Real Women Have Curves" and "Goddess"
The hosts explore the marketing strategy behind releasing cast albums or singles before a show's official Broadway debut. Matt cites examples:
- Real Women Have Curves has released an EP featuring composer Joy Huerta performing four numbers, similar to how Sara Bareilles released music before starring in Waitress.
- Goddess, set to begin performances at the Public Theater on April 29, has released a single titled "Honey Sweet," showcasing vocalists Amber Maan, Austin Scott, and Nick Rashad Burrows.
Matt inquires about the benefits of this approach, prompting Grace to elaborate:
“I think that doing the single releases are really smart because a lot of people are looking at this and you're looking at the 100 shows that you have to choose from and they're like, I don't even know what that is.”
— Grace Auke [05:54]
Grace emphasizes that releasing music snippets helps potential audiences connect with the show's essence, generating excitement without revealing too much.
5. Off-Broadway and Upcoming Productions
The conversation shifts to upcoming Off-Broadway shows and their premiere dates:
- Leah Romeo's Play: Concluding its return engagement at the Sheen Center with stars Melissa Gilbert and Mark Moses.
- Sumo: Opening Wednesday at the Ensemble Studio Theater, written by Lisa Sanai Dring and directed by Ralph B. Pena. The play delves into the lives of sumo wrestlers in Tokyo.
- Have You Met Jane Goodall and Her Mother: Running through March 30, written by Michael Wallach and directed by Lindsey Fuhrman, portraying Jane Goodall's conditions for studying chimpanzees in the wild.
- Deep Blue Sound: Premiering Thursday at the Public Theater, this Clubbed Thumb production explores a community's response to the disappearance of local orcas, featuring Miriam Silverman and others.
- Wine in the Wilderness: Set to run from March 6 to April 13 at the Classic Stage Company, directed by Lachanze and starring Olivia Washington, the play is set against the backdrop of the 1964 Harlem riot.
Matt highlights the thematic depth and diverse storytelling these productions bring to the theatre landscape.
6. "All Nighter" Play at MCC
The episode spotlights Natalie Margolin's new play All Nighter, directed by Jackie Bradley, currently performing at MCC. The play features rising stars like Christine Frosythe, Katherine Gallagher, and Havana Rose Liu. It revolves around a group of college roommates pulling an all-nighter to complete their final assignments, leading to revelations and tests of their relationships.
Grace praises the show's ability to attract a diverse demographic:
“...80% of the theater itself were filled with people, especially women in their 20s, going to see a play, which was awesome.”
— Grace Auke [15:07]
This reflects a successful blend of contemporary themes with strong marketing and casting choices.
7. Upcoming Cast Albums and Music Videos
Matt recommends two noteworthy videos for listeners:
- New Cabaret Cast in London: Featuring Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace, offering a glimpse into their performance dynamics.
- "Happy Ending" Music Video: Released ahead of the cast album's March 14th release, showcasing the first single "Rainy Day We Met" with behind-the-scenes and production footage.
Grace expresses her enthusiasm for these releases:
“I can't wait. I really can't wait... it was really smart of them to do so.”
— Grace Auke [17:57]
These releases aim to engage audiences visually and aurally, building anticipation for the full cast albums.
8. Final Thoughts
As the episode concludes, Matt and Grace reiterate their excitement for the upcoming shows and releases. They encourage listeners to stay connected through social media and Patreon for exclusive content and updates.
This episode of Today on Broadway offers a rich exploration of both high-profile and emerging elements within the theatre world, providing listeners with insider insights and previews of what's to come in the bustling Broadway landscape.