Today on Broadway: Monday, Sept. 22, 2025

Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Hosts: Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki
Date: September 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively Monday episode, hosts Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki recap a bustling weekend in the New York theater scene, with special focus on Broadway Flea Market adventures, upcoming show schedules, new casting revelations, and charitable theater efforts. The episode mixes personal experiences, inside scoop, and a rapid-fire rundown of what’s happening on and off Broadway.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jesse Eisenberg’s New Show at Studio Seaview

[00:30 – 02:47]

• Announcement: Jesse Eisenberg’s new one-person show, The Ziegfeld Files, is debuting off-Broadway at Studio Seaview.
• Structure: Will run for seven special performances (Oct. 6, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 17, 24; Dec. 1) and will be performed as a reading by Eisenberg himself.
• Creative Team: Directed by Pulitzer Prize finalist Shayok Misha Chowdhury.
• Theme: Draws from therapy recordings of a new father struggling to connect with his baby.
• Unique Arrangement: Performances occur on the “dark nights” of the current engagement (Prince F), utilizing otherwise unused theater time.
• Charity Aspect:

  “I'm also very happy that part of the proceeds will be going to organizations providing relief to Haiti, which makes sense when you see the show.” — Jesse Eisenberg, statement read by Matt Tamanini [02:47]

• Commentary: Both hosts commend Studio Seaview’s creativity in programming and Eisenberg’s dual focus on art and philanthropy.

2. Bob the Drag Queen Joins Moulin Rouge!

[02:47 – 04:25]

• Casting News: Bob the Drag Queen will take over from Wayne Brady as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! at the Al Hirschfeld Theater beginning January 27 for an eight-week run (through March 22).
• Surprise Factor: The hosts had previously heard rumors that the production might close before these dates, so the announcement was unexpected.
• Bob’s Background:
  • Noted for comedic talents and audience engagement; previous acting ambitions in NYC before drag stardom.
  • Also an author—reference to “Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert.”
• Grace’s Reaction:

  “Bob is a hilarious performer, like a true comedian... I think he's just going to be phenomenal in the show, and I have to be there in January. That's all I can say.”
  — Grace Aki [04:08]

3. Weekly Theater Schedule Breakdown

[04:25 – 09:14]

• Major Openings and Closings:
  • Off-Broadway:
    • The Other Americans by John Leguizamo (Public Theater) – opening
    • Unconditional by Ali Keller (Soho Playhouse) – opening
    • Let’s Love by Ethan Coen starring Aubrey Plaza – world premiere
  • Broadway:
    • Ragtime revival at Lincoln Center, opening Friday (Dir. by Lear deBessonet, set by David Korins, limited run through Jan 4)

      “I'm eager to also see, you know, some of that David Korens iconic scenic design because he's just so, so phenomenally talented…”
      — Grace Aki [07:16]

    • Waiting for Godot at the Hudson starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter; directed by Jamie Lloyd (limited run through Jan 4)

      “The mad libs of this one, Grace, just feels so perfect and so exciting.”
      — Matt Tamanini [07:41]

    • Closing: Jeff Ross Cole and Take a Banana for the Ride at the Nederlander.
    • Off-Broadway closings: Josh Sharp: Ta Da (Greenwich House), The Brothers Size (The Shed), The Wild Duck (Theatre for a New Audience).

4. Broadway Flea Market Recap: Grace’s Adventures

[09:14 – 13:22]

• Experience: Grace spent a marathon 10 hours at the Broadway Flea Market and found the event bigger than ever—crowds were enthusiastic and the weather was perfect.
• Purpose: Funds raised support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS; praised by Grace as vital for "all these young theater-goers."
• Personal Treasure Hunt:
  • Previous years’ story: She once lost out on a rare Frozen tour Olaf figure.
  • Redemption this year: Got a unique item from the Disney Theatricals booth (reveal promised on social media).
  • Other finds:
    • Rare mini poster for War Paint in Hong Kong.
    • Vintage window cards illustrated by Hilary Knight (of Eloise fame), which she recognized and confirmed by signature.
  • Grace’s Reflection:

    “It's really special when I get to like see someone's artistry so vividly in some vintage window cards.”
    — Grace Aki [12:55]

• Fun Observations: Heart of Rock and Roll merch was abundant; “F” signed autographs; community vibe and theater nostalgia strong throughout the day.

5. Additional Show and Casting Announcements

[13:22 – 15:16]

• MCC Theater:
  • Cold War Choir Practice by Ro Redick (Feb 21–Mar 29)
    • Described as: “A fugue of Reaganomics, espionage, roller disco and cults.”
  • Birthright by Jared Spector (Jan 4–July 12)— about a group reuniting decades after an Israel Birthright trip.
• Playwrights Horizons:
  • Cast announced for Practice by Nazareth Hassan (Oct 30–Dec 7), directed by Kenan Tyler Oliphant.

6. Performance Highlights and Video Recommendations

[15:17 – 16:07]

• Purple Rain Musical Preview:
  • Chris Collins and Rachel Webb perform “I Would Die for You” and “Take Me With U” with a snippet of “Kiss.”
• TV Appearances:
  • Jonathan Groff sings “Mack the Knife” on The Tonight Show.
  • Mamma Mia! cast performs the title song on the Today Show.

Notable Quotes

• On Jesse Eisenberg’s show and charity connection:

  “Always great when you can connect the artistic and the charitable sides of theater.”
  — Matt Tamanini [02:47]

• On Bob the Drag Queen’s casting:

  “I think he's just going to be phenomenal in the show, and I have to be there in January. That's all I can say.”
  — Grace Aki [04:08]

• On Ragtime and David Korins’ scenic design:

  “I'm eager to also see, you know, some of that David Korens iconic scenic design because he's just so, so phenomenally talented…”
  — Grace Aki [07:16]

• Flea market nostalgia:

  “It's really special when I get to like see someone's artistry so vividly in some vintage window cards.”
  — Grace Aki [12:55]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:30 – Episode welcome & introduction to Broadway Flea recap (future segment)
• 00:50 – Jesse Eisenberg’s The Ziegfeld Files news
• 02:28 – Studio Seaview scheduling model and charity proceeds
• 02:47 – Bob the Drag Queen in Moulin Rouge! casting
• 04:25 – Weekly show schedule breakdown (Broadway & Off-Broadway)
• 09:14 – Grace’s Broadway Flea Market experiences
• 13:22 – New season/casting announcements (MCC, Playwrights Horizons)
• 15:17 – Performance/video recommendations

Tone and Atmosphere

• Engaged, enthusiastic, insider-y, and community-focused; plenty of personal anecdotes and good-natured ribbing. The hosts’ affection for theater—and each other—make the episode relatable and informative for theater lovers.

For More Information

• Show notes (with links to show info and performance videos) are referenced throughout for deeper dives and multimedia enjoyment. Follow the hosts and BroadwayRadio on social media for day-of-theater adventures and treasures.

This episode is a one-stop catch-up for any theater fan wanting a pulse check on Broadway news, cultural happenings, and community moments—all delivered with the wit and warmth signature to BroadwayRadio.