BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway — Thursday, December 11, 2025
Episode Overview
Hosted by Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki, this episode focuses on:
- A record-breaking fundraising campaign from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
- Casting changes in the Broadway revival of Ragtime
- New stage adaptations of films, including Coyote Ugly and August Rush
- The latest Broadway audience demographic trends
The conversation is energetic, witty, and brimming with genuine affection for theater's role in the community.
Red Bucket Campaign Breaks Fundraising Record
[01:09–05:14]
Key Highlights:
- Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA) raised a record $7,344,304 in their annual Red Bucket campaign, surpassing last spring's record by over $500,000.
- Announcement made at the Red Bucket Follies; Hamilton led individual shows, raising over $564,000.
- Notable off-Broadway and touring contributions: "Prince F," "Little Shop," "Heather’s," and the "Wicked" national tour.
Discussion:
- Matt underscores the significance, especially in challenging economic times:
- “When it’s tough for, you know, Broadway theater goers, it’s also tough for everybody who is not doing well enough to go to Broadway shows. So it’s really good to know that Broadway Cares was able to raise that much money.” [01:56]
- Grace expresses joy over the culture of giving and the season’s theatrical energy:
- “It’s just a great time to celebrate this wonderful charitable component to the Broadway community.” [02:57]
Memorable Moments:
- Curtain speech stories:
- Grace recalls Jonathan Groff auctioning off his socks for charity and the camaraderie of these moments:
- “Sometimes these items are crazy…because we don’t get to have that direct address in the show often, right?” [04:05]
- Matt tells the Hugh Jackman shirt auction story where two shirts brought in $21,000:
- “He was like, you know what, if you go 11,000 and you go 10,000…you will both get a shirt…Just made $21,000 from that.” [05:14]
- Grace recalls Jonathan Groff auctioning off his socks for charity and the camaraderie of these moments:
Ragtime: Shayna Taub Steps Away; Julie Benko Steps In
[06:19–08:40]
Key Highlights:
- Shayna Taub (Emma Goldman) takes a post–January 6th leave for health reasons.
- Julie Benko announced as interim replacement.
- Benko begins after completing her run as Sarah Brown in "Guys and Dolls" at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.
- Emma Flynn will fill in for Benko in "Guys and Dolls."
- Matt describes Benko’s casting as “bucket list dream casting.”
Quotes:
- “I’m excited to see her get to have this moment again…she’s just such a hero of the community…” – Grace [08:19]
Coyote Ugly Musical Incoming
[08:40–12:36]
Key Highlights:
- Stage adaptation of the 2000 film “Coyote Ugly” in the works:
- Book by original screenwriter Gina Wendkos and Olivier-winner Vicki Stone.
- Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.
- Features original and new songs by Diane Warren (potentially Tony-eligible).
- Hosts discuss the appeal and cultural significance, with Grace calling it “an iconic piece of film and women’s dance history.” [08:51]
- Both note the blend of grittiness and commercial appeal; question if Jerry Mitchell will tap into the edginess of the source material.
- Acknowledge the significance of a man directing a story focused on women, despite all-female writers.
Quotes:
- “I do think it’s interesting that a man is helming this production…But if you want a big capital B Broadway show like you were talking about, he certainly fits that bill.” – Matt [12:10]
- “If done the right way…and I love Diane Warren music…stylistically, there’s like a grittiness that I hope exists that is earnest in the film.” – Grace [11:07]
August Rush Gets the Musical Treatment
[12:36–15:28]
Key Highlights:
- Adaptation of the 2007 musical film "August Rush" headed for Broadway development.
- Directed by Kathleen Marshall.
- Book and new songs by Nick Blaymire, additional music from a star-studded pop roster.
- Industry presentations planned; notable cast includes Christopher Riley as August.
- Grace places "August Rush" in a trend of early-2000s music-centric films being adapted for stage ("Begin Again," "Music and Lyrics"):
- “Every 20 years…studios are evaluating what movies are prime…to continue whatever the franchise is.” [14:52]
Broadway Audience Demographic Survey 2024–2025
[15:28–20:30]
Key Data Points:
- Regional Attendance Shifts: Suburban NYC attendees lowest in 30 years (<13%); international visitors ticked down to 20%.
- Diversity: Highest-ever self-identified people of color (34%) attended Broadway in past season.
- Demographics: Average age dropped to 41; average household income ~$276k; average ticket price decreased to $145.70.
- Consumer Patterns: Average ticket bought 33 days in advance. Instagram cited as main info source; personal recommendations most persuasive.
Quotes and Insights:
- Matt contextualizes the meaning and limitations of self-reported survey data:
- “Because these are self reported…you have to kind of just compare them to each other.” [15:36]
- Grace highlights the importance of participating in surveys:
- “If you have opinions on some of these things, try to find ways that you can contribute to surveys because they genuinely shape how shows come in…or what they are.” [19:21]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It’s just a great time to celebrate this wonderful charitable component to the Broadway community.” – Grace [02:57]
- On curtain speeches:
- “It’s such a fun moment…because we don’t get to have that direct address in the show often, right?” – Grace [04:07]
- “He was like…you will both get a shirt. Just made $21,000 from that.” – Matt [05:14]
- “Every 20 years…studios are evaluating what movies are prime…to continue whatever the franchise is.” – Grace [14:52]
- “If you have opinions on some of these things…try to find ways that you can contribute to surveys because they genuinely shape how shows come in…” – Grace [19:21]
Final Thoughts
Throughout the episode, Matt and Grace mix keen industry observations, data analysis, and delightful anecdotes—from shirt auctions to the rise of early-2000s film adaptations—creating an episode that's equal parts informative and celebratory for theater fans, industry professionals, and casual listeners alike.
For detailed stats, referenced links, and more, check BroadwayRadio’s show notes.