BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024
Hosted by Matt Tammini
1. Introduction
In this episode of Today on Broadway, host Matt Tammini dives into a wealth of Broadway news and updates. Although solo today due to Grace’s absence—she was attending the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting hosted by Kelly Clarkson—Matt ensures a jam-packed show filled with exciting announcements and insights.
2. Patreon Q&A Announcement
Matt kicks off by informing Patreon subscribers about an upcoming Q&A episode scheduled for the weekend. He encourages listeners to submit their questions regarding:
- In-depth discussions about recent shows
- Favorite performances of the year
- Holiday show recommendations
- Rumors on future casting and spring season plans
Listeners can submit their questions at patreonburgwayradio.com, with responses to be featured for Mezzanine Tier and higher subscribers next week.
Quote:
"Grace and I will answer as many of those as we can this weekend and get that out to you on Patreon at the Mezzanine Tier and above next week." [02:45]
3. Casting News
a. Stranger Things: The First Shadow
A significant casting announcement for the Broadway premiere of Stranger Things: The First Shadow reveals a talented ensemble:
- T.R. Knight as Victor Creel (00:45)
- Gabrielle Navia as Patty Newby (01:10)
- Alex Brio as Dr. Brenner, intriguing for his role in Stranger Things Season 5 (01:30)
Other notable cast members include Rosie Benton, Nikki Eldridge, Andrew Havelson, Alison J, and Burke Swanson. The production is directed by Stephen Daldry with Justin Martin as co-director, featuring a script by Kate Treffery based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Treffery. Performances commence on March 28th at the Marquis Theater, with an opening night set for April 22.
Quote:
"It is very interesting to me and I'm guessing not super coincidental that he's in both season five and in this stage show." [01:35]
b. Urinetown at New York City Center Encores
The complete cast for the upcoming Urinetown production (Feb. 5–16) includes:
- Jordan Fisher as Bobby Strong
- Taron Killam as Officer Lock Stock
- Keala Settle as Penelope Pennywise
- Stephanie Stiles as Hope Caldwell
Additional cast members feature Rainn Wilson, Tiffany Mann, Jenny Barber, Josh Breckenridge, Yaman Brown, Kevin Cahoon, Harry Pearl Scarlet Gold, Greg Hildreth, Jeff Hiller, Daniel Quadrino, Myra Lucretia Taylor, John Yee, and Graham Rowat, who will alternate as Officer Lock Stock on Valentine’s Day.
Quote:
"Hope Caldwell's father is Rainn Wilson. Yes, Dwight Schrute himself will be taking to the New York City center stage in this musical." [07:20]
c. Lena Horne Theatre Queens Departure
A notable shift at the Lena Horne Theatre as all six current queens have set departure dates:
- Caleb Wilcoxon left on November 24, replaced by Adriana Hicks as Catherine of Aragon.
- Jasmine Forsberg will exit on January 12 as Jane Seymour to join Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends.
- Dee Dee Romero departs on February 9 as Katherine Howard.
- Adriana Hicks, Gabriella Carrillo, Olivia Donaldson, and Storm Lever will leave on February 17, paving the way for new queens to join the cast thereafter.
Quote:
"It's interesting that they are not doing a wholesale line change like they had with Cast two and Cast three." [09:50]
4. Broadway Box Office Highlights
a. Historic Thanksgiving Week
Last week marked Broadway’s highest box office during Thanksgiving week, earning $46,046,759 across 38 shows—$11.5 million more than the previous year. Attendance surged to 312,143 from 228,711 the year before, despite higher average ticket prices.
Quote:
"Last week Broadway had the biggest box office showing for any Thanksgiving week ever." [10:25]
b. Top Grossing Shows
The leading performers include:
- Wicked – $2,930,221
- The Lion King – $2,880,000
- Hamilton – $2,580,000
- Elf – $1,950,000
- The Outsiders – $1,840,000
Other notable performances surpass the seven-figure mark, including Aladdin, Sunset Boulevard, MJ, The Great Gatsby, Gypsy, and Hadestown.
c. Shows with Declines
A few shows experienced declines, such as:
- Sunset Boulevard – down $49,000
- A Wonderful World – down $81,000
- Hills of California – down $68,000
- Left on 10th – down $132,000
New shows like Eureka Day debuted with a strong start, grossing $170,430 over six performances.
d. Capacity and Attendance
22 out of 38 shows achieved over 90% capacity. Highlights include:
- O Mary and Wicked at 100%
- The Outsiders at 102.09%
- Romeo and Juliet leading at 102.63%
Quote:
"O Mary and Wicked were both at exactly 100%." [12:15]
e. Stereophonic Lawsuit Update
The Tony Award-winning play Stereophonic (grossing $926,610) faces legal challenges. A lawsuit filed by Ken Calliot and Stephen Stifle alleges that David Ajme appropriated incidents from Calliot's memoir for the play. Both parties have resolved the dispute in principle, with a settlement expected by month’s end.
Quote:
"There has been a conc conclusion met in the lawsuit by former sound engineer and producer for Fleetwood Mac, Ken Calliot, and Stephen Stifle..." [13:40]
5. Idina Menzel’s Broadway Return and Ticket Lottery
Idina Menzel is set to return to Broadway in Redwood at the Nederlander Theatre on January 24th. Ahead of the premiere, on Friday, December 6th, Menzel will host a $20 ticket lottery drawing for the show’s first preview—a nod to the pioneering accessibility efforts of her previous productions.
Details:
- Lottery Entry: Sign up at the Nederlander box office starting at 9 AM.
- Drawing: Begins at 10 AM; must be present to win.
- Special Preview Tickets: Available from $55 (mezzanine) to $75 (orchestra) for non-winning participants.
Quote:
"They are doing a tribute to really revolutionary act accessibility to people who wouldn't be able to normally afford tickets." [15:10]
6. Developmental Stories
a. The Turning
Set for an industry presentation on December 10, The Turning is a new folk thriller musical directed and developed by Sammy Knold. Featuring talents like Anthony Rapp, Lola Tung, Tommy, Ally Lewis Borzge, Jane Bruce, and Ella Re Ward, the show explores two best friends seeking healing in a deceptive California wellness retreat. With book and score by Zach Zadick, the narrative promises suspense and emotional depth.
b. The Gorgeous Nothings
Scheduled for a presentation this Friday, The Gorgeous Nothings is directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford. Inspired by true events, the musical uncovers the hidden history of an isolated wing at the Welfare Island Men's Penitentiary, reserved for inmates convicted of homosexuality in the 1930s. The cast includes Taylor Trench, Alan K. Washington, John Cariani, Arnie Burton, K. Todd Freeman, and Ken Barnett.
Quote:
"It tells the forgotten story of an isolated wing at the Welfare Island Men's Penitentiary..." [17:20]
7. Closing Remarks
Matt wraps up by reiterating the invitation for listeners to submit questions via Patreon for the upcoming Q&A episode with Grace. He encourages fans to stay connected through Broadway Radio’s social media channels and extends his thanks to the audience.
Quote:
"If you have questions for Grace and me, send them to patreonradwayradio.com and we will answer as many of those as possible." [18:05]
Stay tuned to BroadwayRadio for more updates and in-depth discussions on all things Broadway!