Today on Broadway: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 – Detailed Summary
Broadcast Date: December 12, 2024
Host: Matt Tammini & Grace Ake
Podcast: BroadwayRadio – Broadway's Premier Podcasts
1. Extension of Swept Away’s Broadway Run
Host Matt Tammini opened the episode by sharing exciting news about the Broadway show Swept Away. Originally slated to close on December 15, the musical has seen a surge in ticket sales following an announcement by star Stark Sands during Tuesday night's performance.
Matt Tammini [00:07]: "Ever since they'd announced they would be closing on December 15, people have been coming to the theater, they've been standing in line, they've been buying tickets, and that they've been selling out the show."
Due to this overwhelming demand, Swept Away has extended its Broadway run by two additional weeks, now closing on December 29. Tickets remain available at the box office and through Telecharge. Additionally, patrons with previously canceled tickets have been contacted to confirm their status.
Grace Ake added her insights on the cast’s awareness and reaction to the news:
Grace Ake [01:55]: "I have no idea. I don't know if they were all told together or not, but obviously, like Stark had prepared this speech and everything. So I hope that they were all, you know, gathered together."
The hosts emphasized the rarity of such a successful extension, highlighting it as a testament to the show's popularity and the dedication of its fanbase.
2. Trisha Paytas to Star in One Night Only Broadway Show
Transitioning to a unique Broadway announcement, Matt introduced the upcoming one-night-only performance by social media sensation Trisha Paytas.
Matt Tammini [02:26]: "It was announced yesterday that on Monday, February 3, at the St. James Theater where Sunset Boulevard is currently performing, we're going to have a one night only show from social media star Trisha Paytas."
The show, titled "Trisha Paytas Big Broadway Dream," will feature special guest stars and an ensemble, marking a significant crossover between social media influencers and Broadway.
Grace provided background on Trisha’s prominence:
Grace Ake [03:43]: "She's one of the biggest, the most global influencers that you have kind of in the entertainment space... she’s very loud and proud about her love of comedy and theater."
The hosts expressed enthusiasm about the high demand expected for Trisha's debut, given her massive following of nearly 10 million TikTok followers and over 5 million on YouTube.
3. All Nighter: Cast Announced for MCC’s World Premiere Off Broadway
Matt highlighted the casting news for MCC’s upcoming world premiere of Natalie Margolin's play, All Nighter.
Matt Tammini [05:03]: "All Nighter is set during finals week at a small liberal arts college in rural Pennsylvania... it follows a tight-knit group of roommates as they pull one last all-nighter to complete their final assignments."
The production is directed by Jackie Bradley and features a stellar cast including:
- Kristen Forth (Buccaneers on Apple TV+)
- Tony Nominees Katherine Gallagher and Julia Lester
- Havana Rose Lewis
- Aaliyah Chanel Scott (Sex Lives of College Girls)
Grace underscored Aaliyah’s Broadway credentials:
Grace Ake [06:24]: "Aaliyah is a Tony Award-winning producer with Run On Land Productions... she appeared in the national tour of Book of Mormon as Nabulungi."
The play is scheduled to begin performances on February 25 and run through May 18, promising a blend of experienced Broadway talent and emerging stars.
4. Buena Vista Social Club Broadway Premiere: Cast and Music Release
Matt shared updates on the upcoming Broadway premiere of Buena Vista Social Club.
Matt Tammini [06:51]: "The rest of the cast was filled out with Justin Cunningham, Andrew Montgomery Coleman, Carlos Gonzalez, Anthony Santos, Martin Sola, and Teneri Sade Vasquez."
Accompanied by a track from their forthcoming Broadway cast album, the cast performed "Chan Chan", giving audiences a taste of the musical's vibrant sound.
The production is set to begin performances on February 21 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater, with Buena Vista Social Club being a strong contender for the Best Musical category.
5. Evita Directed by Jamie Lloyd Returns to the West End
Matt delivered exciting news for fans of musical theatre:
Matt Tammini [06:51]: "The Jamie Lloyd-directed production of Evita... is coming to the West End. It will play the London Palladium from June 14 through September 6 with an opening night on June 27."
Originally staged at the Regents Park Open Air Theater in 2019, the production faced a postponement due to COVID-19 but is now set to make a grand return. Although cast details remain under wraps, the creative team includes Fabian Alois, renowned for his choreography in Sunset Boulevard and the original Evita production.
Matt expressed enthusiasm for the reinterpretation:
Matt Tammini [07:45]: "It just looks like an absolutely incredible reinterpretation of what this show is."
Listeners are encouraged to anticipate an innovative take on the classic musical upon its West End debut.
6. Charli D'amelio Extends Role in Juliet
In a surprising turn, Charli D'amelio has extended her role in the Broadway production of Juliet.
Matt Tammini [07:45]: "Charli D'amelio has extended her run in Juliet. She was originally scheduled through January 19, but now she'll stay until April 6."
Originally set to perform only a few weeks, Charli's extended engagement reflects her growing influence and the positive reception of her performance, drawing her vast social media following to the theatre.
7. Featured Video Clips and Recommendations
Closing the episode, Matt and Grace shared several notable video highlights and recommendations for Broadway enthusiasts.
a. Hadestown – Allison Russell Performs "Our Lady of the Underground"
Hadestown continues to enchant audiences, with Grammy nominee Allison Russell delivering standout performances.
Matt Tammini [09:00]: "They have released a video of her performing Our Lady of the Underground. Always a highlight."
b. Just in Time – Jonathan Groff Sings "Dream Lover"
Fans can look forward to Jonathan Groff bringing his signature voice to the classic song "Dream Lover" in the upcoming Broadway production of Just in Time.
c. Mama. I'm a Big Girl Now at New World Stages
Matt described the vibrant and interactive show:
Matt Tammini [10:35]: "It is essentially like a big old shaggy 54 Below show put in an Off Broadway house... very fun and silly."
Highlights include Marissa Jarrett Winoker performing "Hairspray" tunes and engaging celebrity guests like Matthew Morrison.
d. Stereophonic Tiny Desk Concert
A unique treat from NPR Music, the original Broadway cast of Stereophonic performed a Tiny Desk Concert, offering an intimate glimpse into their live performances.
Matt Tammini [12:30]: "It's different to be able to see these people doing it on video, which is something I didn't know we were ever going to have."
Closing Remarks
Matt and Grace wrapped up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow them on social media and stay tuned for more updates.
Matt Tammini [13:44]: "Have a wonderful Thursday. We will talk to you late tomorrow in Patreon and regularly on Friday morning in the regular feed."
Notable Quotes:
-
Matt Tammini [00:07]: "Ever since they'd announced they would be closing on December 15, people have been coming to the theater, they've been standing in line, they've been buying tickets, and that they've been selling out the show."
-
Grace Ake [03:43]: "She is one of the biggest, the most global influencers that you have kind of in the entertainment space."
-
Matt Tammini [05:03]: "All Nighter is set during finals week at a small liberal arts college in rural Pennsylvania... it follows a tight-knit group of roommates as they pull one last all-nighter to complete their final assignments."
Stay Connected:
- Matt Tammini: Instagram @bww.matt
- Grace Ake: Instagram @grace.ax (Placeholder for actual handle)
For more updates and in-depth Broadway discussions, follow BroadwayRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and announcements from the December 12, 2024 episode of Today on Broadway. Whether you're a seasoned Broadway aficionado or new to the scene, these highlights offer a comprehensive overview of the latest happenings in the vibrant world of Broadway.