Episode Summary: "Today on Broadway: Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025"

Main Theme & Purpose

In this lively return from a brief hiatus, hosts Matt Tamminini and Grace Aki dive into the latest Broadway news, featuring exciting show announcements, major casting updates, and film adaptations. The standout stories include the Broadway transfer of Steppenwolf’s acclaimed production of Tracy Letts’ "Bug", a unique new Muppets collaboration, reviews roundup for "Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride", multiple casting shakeups, and buzzy theater-to-film adaptation updates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. "Bug" Transfer to Broadway (00:37–05:24)

• Big Announcement: Steppenwolf Theater’s 2021 production of Tracy Letts’ "Bug" is officially transferring to Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater, starting Dec. 17, 2025.
  • Tracy Letts, Carrie Coon, and Namir Smallwood reprise their roles; David Cromer directs.
• Grace’s Emotional Reaction: Grace is ecstatic, describing "Bug" as “one of the most unforgettable theatrical experiences” of her life.
  • Quote:

    "To all the people that kept this secret from me, screw you. This was shocking news. This morning I threw my phone. I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’" – Grace Aki (03:18)

  • Expressed her excitement that NYC audiences will finally get to see the show, noting its intense and psychologically thrilling qualities.
• About the Play: Matt summarizes the dark romantic thriller, previously adapted into a 2006 film starring Ashley Judd.

2. The Muppets Join Broadway—With a Twist! (05:24–08:29)

• New Residency: Illusionist Rob Lake brings a limited run to the Broadhurst Theatre (Oct 28–Jan 18), featuring guest appearances from Kermit the Frog and other Muppets—not a full Muppet musical.
• Collaborators: Lake’s credits include Disney Imagineering and Broadway show illusion design; production involves Bethany Pettigrew (creative consultant) and Kevin Zak (script consultant).
• Surprise Factor:
  • Quote:

    "Everyone had a thousand theories about this rumor and none of them were this. And I think that that's great." – Grace Aki (07:57)

  • Both hosts remark on the unpredictability and potential for future creative partnerships.

3. "Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride" Reviews Roundup (08:29–09:50)

• Critical Reception: Of ten reviews, six positive, two mixed, two negative.
  • NYT notes Ross uproots darkness with humor; TheaterMania calls it “deeply personal...undeniably funny”; The Wrap finds it "a bore"; Time Out NY calls it "vicious comedy" and “a love letter.”
• Summary: The show sits in a generally favorable position with some critical reservations.

4. Major Broadway Casting & Show News (09:50–13:40)

• Darren Criss Returns to "Maybe Happy Ending": Temporary nine-week leave (covered by Andrew Barth Feldman) before Criss returns Nov. 2.
  • Matt speculates earlier announcement might have smoothed public reaction.
• "Queen of Versailles": Out-of-town cast (including Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham) returns; performances begin Oct. 8.
• "Heathers" & "Bat Boy":
  • Kerry Butler leaves "Heathers" briefly to star in Encores' "Bat Boy;" replaced by Kate Rockwell (Oct. 10–Nov. 10), then Butler returns.
  • Grace and Matt express love for both actresses; Matt particularly praises Rockwell’s solo album.
• "The Drowsy Chaperone" Concert: Notable cast announced for BTB Theater’s one-night-only concert (Oct. 20), including Laverne Cox, Alex Newell, Peppermint, and more.
• "Pal Joey" Gets a New Name and Fresh Start: Arena Stage will present the show as "Shay Joey" (Jan 30–Mar 15).

5. Theater-to-Film Adaptation Buzz (13:40–18:18)

• "Death of a Salesman" Film: Jeffrey Wright (Willy Loman) and Octavia Spencer (Linda) to star; directed/adapted by Chionye Chukwu & Tony Kushner.
  • Quote:

    "I really loved this production and I think that Jeffrey Wright is gonna be excellent in it. I think it's just a really great match made in heaven." – Grace Aki (15:47)

• "Ink" Becoming a Movie: Danny Boyle to direct film adaptation of James Graham's play about the rise of Rupert Murdoch, with Guy Pearce and Jack O’Connell in talks.
• "Kiss of the Spider Woman" Trailer: Jennifer Lopez stars, with Diego Luna and Aileen Mayagoita.
  • Quote:

    "I can't wait because I don't know anything about that musical at all, so I can't wait to see it because I have no idea what it's about. I'm not even joking. Not even a little bit. So I'm thrilled." – Grace Aki (17:46)

6. Quick Hits & Wrap-up (18:47–19:03)

• Grace is most pleased that they got to discuss "Bug."
  • Quote:

    "No, we got to talk about Bug. And that made me happy." – Grace Aki (18:47)

• Matt teases future episodes and encourages listener engagement on social media and Patreon.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [03:18] Grace Aki on "Bug": “This was shocking news. This morning I threw my phone. I was like, ‘You have got to be kidding me.’ I have been talking about this show even recently as one of the most unforgettable theatrical experiences of my life.”
• [04:27] Grace Aki: “This is maybe the most excited I am about a fall piece… This brought me so much excitement today.”
• [07:57] Grace Aki on the Muppets/Broadway show: “Everyone had a thousand theories about this rumor and none of them were this. And I think that that's great.”
• [15:47] Grace Aki on "Death of a Salesman" movie: “I really loved this production and I think that Jeffrey Wright is gonna be excellent in it.”
• [17:46] Grace Aki on "Kiss of the Spider Woman": “I can't wait because I don't know anything about that musical at all, so I can't wait to see it because I have no idea what it's about…so I'm thrilled.”
• [18:47] Grace Aki: “No, we got to talk about Bug. And that made me happy.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:37–05:24 — Announcement and deep dive: "Bug" moves to Broadway
• 05:24–08:29 — The Muppets team up with Rob Lake for Broadway magic show
• 08:29–09:50 — Reviews for "Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride"
• 09:50–13:40 — Broadway casting and show news (Darren Criss, Queen of Versailles, Bat Boy/Heathers, Pal Joey)
• 13:40–18:18 — Theater-to-film updates ("Death of a Salesman", "Ink", "Kiss of the Spider Woman")
• 18:47–18:50 — Grace’s final thoughts (“We got to talk about Bug”)

Episode Flow & Tone

The episode is upbeat, conversational, and full of insider excitement—particularly around long-awaited productions and surprising announcements. Matt and Grace balance deep theater knowledge with genuine, relatable reactions that invite both hardcore Broadway fans and general listeners into the fold.

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