BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Matt Tamminini & Grace Hockey
Podcast: Broadway's Premier Podcasts
1. Rebranding of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Entertainment Company
Key Points: Andrew Lloyd Webber has announced that his production company, formerly known as Really Useful Group, will be rebranded to LW Entertainment. This strategic move reflects a new direction for the company as it prepares to launch major new productions.
Upcoming Productions:
- The Illusionist: Developed in collaboration with Jamie Lloyd.
- Cat’s the Jellicle Ball: Scheduled to premiere on Broadway in Spring 2026, likely concluding the 2025-2026 Broadway season.
Discussion: Grace Hockey expressed enthusiasm about the rebranding and the upcoming Broadway venture. She highlighted the positive reception of previous productions like Masquerade and Sunset.
Notable Quote:
"I think it's excellent. I think it's a show that people rallied behind, justifiably so."
— Grace Hockey [02:50]
2. "Purple Rain" Musical Adaptation Set to Premiere
Key Points: The stage adaptation of Purple Rain will hold its world premiere at the State Theater in Minneapolis, Prince's hometown. The musical opens on October 16 and runs through November 16.
Casting:
- Chris Collins as The Kid (Prince's role)
- Rachel Webb as Apollonia
Creative Team:
- Choreographer: Ebony Williams
Discussion: Matt Tamminini highlighted the strategic choice of Minneapolis for the premiere, noting a trend of using artists' hometowns for out-of-town tryouts. Grace Hockey supported the decision, emphasizing the importance of honoring Prince's legacy.
Notable Quote:
"He is the Prince of Minneapolis. So I think that if you're gonna do a hometown thing, do the hometown thing."
— Grace Hockey [05:14]
3. 2025 Kennedy Center Honors and Unexpected Hosting
Key Points: The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors will include honorees such as George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, KISS, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford (original Phantom on Broadway).
Unexpected Host: Former President Donald Trump has been selected to host the honors, a decision that has sparked conversation and humor among the hosts.
Discussion: Matt Tamminini shared a fictional dialogue depicting Trump's reluctance and ultimate agreement to host the event, highlighting the unusual choice.
Notable Quote:
"I'm the president of the United States. Are you folks asking me to do that?"
— Donald Trump (Fictional Dialogue) [07:00]
4. Mira Sorvino to Star in Broadway's "Chicago"
Key Points: Oscar winner Mira Sorvino will replace Dylis Croman in the Broadway production of "Chicago" at the Ambassador Theatre. Her run is scheduled from September 15 to November 2.
Discussion: Matt discussed Sorvino's transition from screen to stage, noting her acclaimed performances in films like Mighty Aphrodite and American Crime Story. There is anticipation about her portrayal in a classic Broadway musical.
5. Revival of Zora Neale Hurston's "Spunk" at Yale Repertory Theatre
Key Points: The Yale Repertory Theatre is set to produce "Spunk," a play adapted by Zora Neale Hurston from her 1935 short story. This marks the first-ever staging of the play, discovered in the Library of Congress in 1997.
Cast Includes:
- Jeanette Baerdel
- Sean Bowers
- Jay Quentin Johnston
- Kimberly Maribel
- Christian Peterson, among others
Discussion: Matt emphasized the historical significance of producing a long-lost work by Hurston, while Grace encouraged listeners to attend and engage with this piece of theatrical history.
Notable Quote:
"It's a fascinating bit of theatrical history."
— Matt Tamminini [09:00]
6. New Play "Dino Nuggets Are Gay" to Receive Industry Reading
Key Points: A new play titled "Dino Nuggets Are Gay" by Vahid Taliban is scheduled for a closed industry reading. Directed by Noah Eisenberg, the cast includes Robin DeJesus, Javier Munoz, John L. Jor, Ian Field Stewart, Dom Martello, and Joey Maroff.
Plot: The play centers on a group of gay men vacationing in the Catskills, exploring themes of queer love, casual sex, and everyday life topics.
7. The New York Times Seeks New Theater Critic
Key Points: The New York Times has announced an opening for a Theater Critic position with a salary range of $125,000 to $170,000. Responsibilities include writing reviews, critiques, and engaging in multimedia storytelling.
Requirements:
- Minimum of five years in journalism
- Experience as a theater critic
- Knowledge of contemporary and regional theater
Preferred Qualifications:
- Passion for the Times' mission and values
- Lively writing style
Discussion: Matt and Grace discussed their perspectives on the new role, expressing curiosity about the type of candidates the Times will attract and the potential for varied perspectives in theater criticism.
Notable Quote:
"I have my doubts as to whether or not they will pick the type of candidate that I would like to see them."
— Matt Tamminini [13:00]
8. "Into the Woods" Production in Manila by Theater Group Asia
Key Points: Theater Group Asia, a burgeoning theater company, is staging "Into the Woods" in Manila. This marks their first musical production, featuring both international and local Filipino talent.
Cast Includes:
- Lea Salonga as the Witch
- Ariel Jacobs as Cinderella
- Josh T. Stella Cruz as Prince Charming and the Wolf
- Mark Bautista as Rapunzel's Prince
- Jorine Bautista as Rapunzel
- Carla Guevara Lafortiza as Granny and the Witch
Future Productions: They have announced plans to produce "A Chorus Line" in March 2026.
Discussion: Matt highlighted the impressive assembly of Broadway and West End veterans alongside homegrown Filipino talent, emphasizing the company's mission to bridge international and local theater scenes.
Notable Quote:
"It's a very cool story, Grace."
— Matt Tamminini [17:30]
Closing Remarks
Matt and Grace wrapped up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media and support them via Patreon for exclusive content. They also shared contact information for further engagement and discussions.
Stay Connected:
Follow BroadwayRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more exclusive content, visit patreon.com/broadwayradio and send your questions to patreon@broadwayradio.com.
This episode provided a comprehensive overview of current and upcoming Broadway news, from major corporate rebrandings and new musical adaptations to notable casting changes and groundbreaking theatrical productions worldwide. Matt Tamminini and Grace Hockey delivered insightful commentary, enriched with personal perspectives and engaging discussions, making it a valuable listen for Broadway enthusiasts.