BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Monday, March 31, 2025"

Host: Matt Tamanini and Grace | Release Date: March 31, 2025

1. Opening Remarks and Sad News: The Passing of Richard Chamberlain

Timestamp: [00:35]

Matt Tamanini began the episode with heartfelt news about the passing of Richard Chamberlain, a legendary figure in both Broadway and television. Chamberlain, who died at 90, was renowned for his roles in the original Shogun series and the TV miniseries The Thornbirds. Tamanini shared his personal connection to Chamberlain, recounting his experience watching Chamberlain in the national tour of My Fair Lady in 1993.

Matt Tamanini [00:35]: "I have the show poster of him and Melissa Erico hanging in my bedroom. So I will definitely be thinking about that and I might reach out to my grandmother who took me to see that production today just to kind of touch base with her and reconnect over how special that memory was for me."

He highlighted Chamberlain's diverse theatrical contributions, including his work in the Sound of Music revival in 1998 and an unproduced Breakfast at Tiffany's musical from the mid-60s. Tamanini extended his condolences to fans and colleagues, emphasizing Chamberlain's lasting legacy in the performing arts.

2. Controversial News: Scott Rudin's Potential Return to Broadway

Timestamp: [02:16]

The conversation shifted to the unsettling news reported by the New York Times about Tony Award-winning producer Scott Rudin planning a return to Broadway after a four-year hiatus. Rudin, previously accused of being an abusive boss with a volatile temperament, has been absent from the public theater and film scene since 2021.

Matt Tamanini [02:16]: "It seems to me, Grace, that when you look at a New York Times article like this that has not only potential productions, but stars and directors and timelines that this is not just like a trial balloon that is being floated up there, that maybe sometime in the future Scott Rudin will get back to producing theater."

Rudin is reportedly developing multiple Broadway projects, including a run of Samuel D. Hunter's Little Bear Ridge Road, a new play by David Hare titled Montauk starring Laurie Metcalf and Nathan Lane, and Bruce Norris's Cotton Field. These projects involve collaborations with notable figures like Joe Mantello and directors Robert O'Hara and Andre Gregory.

Grace expressed concerns about Rudin's return, focusing on the potential impact on those who work closely with him:

Grace [07:16]: "I care about who is his assistant. Who are these people that are having to work day to day under this person who has a history of abuse."

She cited Paula Vogel's 2017 remark about Rudin's abusive behavior as a significant point of contention, questioning whether Rudin has made substantial changes to address his past actions.

Matt responded by acknowledging Rudin's significant contributions to Broadway over the past decades but stressed that the theater community can thrive without his involvement:

Matt Tamanini [07:16]: "I think we have seen great productions without him since he's been gone. There has not been a lack of interesting work or stars, which is something that he has been known for."

He remained skeptical about Rudin's comeback, suggesting that while it's a plausible move, the industry may have evolved to operate successfully without his influence.

3. Broadway Schedule Highlights: New Shows and Openings

Timestamp: [07:16]

Matt provided an overview of the upcoming Broadway schedule, highlighting several productions:

• Just In Time at Circle in the Square Theatre:

  • Book: Warren Leight and Isaac Oliver
  • Music: Bobby Darin
  • Director: Alex Timbers
  • Cast: Jonathan Groff, Emily Bergle, Erica Henningson, Gracie Lawrence, Michelle Pak, Cesar Samoya.

  Matt expressed excitement about the show, noting its unique blend and Groff's involvement post-Tony win.

• Real Women Have Curves, the Musical at James Earl Jones Theatre:

  • Book: Lisa Loomer and Nell Benjamin
  • Music & Lyrics: Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez
  • Director & Choreographer: Sergio Trujillo
  • Cast: Tatiana Cordova, Justina Machado, and others.

  Grace shared a personal anecdote about a friend attending the preliminary dress rehearsal, enhancing the segment's warmth and anticipation.

• Good Night and Good Luck at Winter Garden Theatre:

  • Book: George Clooney and Grant Heslov (from the film version)
  • Director: David Cromer
  • Cast: George Clooney (as Edward R. Murrow), Will Dagger, Glenn Fleischler, Alana Glazer, Clark Gregg, Paul Gross, Fran Kronz, Andrew Polk.

  Matt highlighted the intriguing transition from film to stage, anticipating the play's reception amidst current challenges facing journalism.

• Pirates the Penzance Musical at Todd Hames Theatre:

  • Adaptation: Rupert Holmes
  • Direction: Scott Ellis
  • Choreography: Warren Carlisle
  • Cast: Ramin Karimloo, Jinx Monsoon, David Hyde Pierce, Nicholas Barish, Preston Truman Boyd, Samantha Williams.

  This fresh take on Gilbert and Sullivan's classic is set in New Orleans, promising a vibrant twist to the beloved story.

• Boop! at Broadhurst Theatre:

  • Book: Bob Martin
  • Music: David Foster
  • Lyrics: Susan Birkenhead
  • Director & Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell
  • Cast: Jasmine Amy Rogers, Steven DeRosa, Anastasia McCleskey, Faith Prince, Eric Bergen.

  Anticipation is high for this musical, with previews already generating excitement for its dynamic performances.

• Hudson Theater Opening:

  • Show: A highly anticipated Jason Robert Brown musical starring Nick Jonas and Adrian Warren.
  • Director: Whitney White
  • Choreography: Cooperman Brothers

  Despite delays, the show's Broadway debut has fans eager to witness its acclaimed composition and star performances.

Additional Off-Broadway Highlights:

• Irishtown from Irish Rep at James Earl Jones Theatre.
• Grief Camp at Atlantic Theatre.
• A Streetcar Named Desire at Brooklyn Academy of Music by Roundabout Theater Company.
• Liberation and Curse of the Starving Class by the new group Greece at various Off-Broadway venues.

4. GLAAD Awards and Industry Recognition

Timestamp: [17:43]

The hosts touched upon the 36th Annual GLAAD Awards, celebrating LGBTQ+ representation in theater. Notable recognitions included:

• O Mary and Limpicka tied for Outstanding Broadway Production.
• Cynthia Erivo received the Stephen F. Kozak Award for her efforts to eliminate homophobia.
• Jonathan Bailey, Patti LuPone, Orville Peck, Dylan Mulvaney, Zachary Quinto, and Michaela J. Rodriguez were among the honored attendees.

Matt also mentioned the upcoming documentary on the creation of Stranger Things, the First Shadow in the West End, aligning its release with the new Broadway season and the Tony Awards, providing fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Grace [19:21]: "Wow. Yeah, timing is everything, isn't it?"
Matt Tamanini [19:25]: "Completely coincidental. Had nothing to do with anything."

5. Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

Timestamp: [19:21]

To conclude the episode, Matt recommended performances worth checking out:

• Kate Baldwin performing "Mr. Right" from Love Life at City Center Encores (now closed).
• Ryan McCartan singing "Past is Catching up to Me" from The Great Gatsby.

He urged listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media for updates and recommendations.

Matt Tamanini [20:00]: "You can follow me on Instagram at bwwmattgrace. Where can people find you?"
Grace [20:01]: "You can find me at Grace Hockey."

Matt wished listeners a wonderful week and teased the next day's episode, bringing the discussion to a close.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Tamanini [00:35]:
  "I have the show poster of him and Melissa Erico hanging in my bedroom. So I will definitely be thinking about that and I might reach out to my grandmother who took me to see that production today just to kind of touch base with her and reconnect over how special that memory was for me."

• Grace [07:16]:
  "I care about who is his assistant. Who are these people that are having to work day to day under this person who has a history of abuse."

• Matt Tamanini [07:16]:
  "I think we have seen great productions without him since he's been gone. There has not been a lack of interesting work or stars, which is something that he has been known for."

• Grace [17:43]:
  "I really don't. I looked at my calendar and there was a dot on every day until I think April 28th. So I need to figure it out. Yeah, yeah, I need to figure it out."

Conclusion

In this episode of Today on Broadway, Matt Tamanini and Grace delved into significant industry news, including the passing of Richard Chamberlain and the controversial potential return of Scott Rudin to Broadway. They provided an extensive overview of upcoming Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, highlighted achievements from the GLAAD Awards, and shared personal anecdotes and recommendations. The hosts balanced their discussion with thoughtful insights into the evolving dynamics of the theater community, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging update on the Broadway scene.