Summary of BroadwayRadio: "Today on Broadway" – Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Main Theme

This episode, hosted by Broadway Radio’s Matt Tammanini, centers on two major Broadway headlines: the highly anticipated Broadway transfer of Jamie Lloyd’s acclaimed West End production of Much Ado About Nothing, and the return of Matthew Morrison to Broadway in “Just In Time” at Circle in the Square. The host shares personal excitement and reflection, providing in-depth context and analysis for each piece of news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Much Ado About Nothing Coming to Broadway

• Broadway Transfer Announced

  • Jamie Lloyd’s minimalist West End production of Much Ado About Nothing is confirmed to transfer to Broadway in Fall 2026 for a strictly limited 10-week run.
  • The production will feature original stars Tom Hiddleston (Benedick) and Hayley Atwell (Beatrice).
  • Venue is likely to be a Shubert theater, with speculation about the Winter Garden Theatre as a possible location ([00:43]).

• Anticipation and Personal Reflections

  • Matt details his year-long anticipation for this transfer after seeing the production in London in Feb 2025:

    “I have been dying for it to come to New York ever since. And today, 363 days later, I can finally share that that is officially happening..."
    — Matt Tammanini ([00:15])

  • He describes the show as “one of my top theatrical experiences of all time” and likens its impact to formative theater moments in his life ([01:36]).
  • The staging is described as minimalist, “really focusing on the words” of the text; aligns with Jamie Lloyd’s style, especially in his work with Chekhov, Beckett, and Shakespeare ([02:31]).

• Potential Additional Cast & Speculation

  • Hopes that Mason Alexander Park (currently playing Mary/Margaret in London) will also join the Broadway cast ([00:39]).

• Effect on Friends & Family

  • Even non-theatre fans in his family are eager to see it again on Broadway ([03:01]).

    “My brother… likes theater but is not a theater person, certainly not a Shakespeare person… and my 15 year old niece… were both like, all right, we’re in, we’re going back, we’re going to New York to see it.”

• Notable Quote

  "Much Ado in London with this cast, one of the most exciting, joyful things that I've ever seen. Such an incredible production."
  — Matt Tammanini ([01:57])

• Foreshadowing Future News

  • Hints that Jamie Lloyd might return with a major musical to the Winter Garden in Spring 2027 ([01:18]):

    “Jamie Lloyd will stick at the Winter Garden Theater with a certain musical that recently took London by storm for the spring of 2027.”

2. Matthew Morrison Returns to Broadway: “Just in Time”

• Transition of Lead Role

  • Just in Time at Circle in the Square will see outgoing lead Jonathan Groff replaced for three weeks by Matthew Morrison before Jeremy Jordan takes over ([04:01]).
  • Morrison’s run is scheduled:
    • April 1 – April 19, 2026 ([04:30])
    • Groff ends March 29; Jordan starts April 21.

• Discussion on Casting Choice & Morrison’s Legacy

  • Noting Morrison’s Broadway résumé (Footloose, Hairspray, South Pacific, Finding Neverland) and pivot to pop culture meme status.

    "He's got the chops, people, you know, he's kind of become a meme at this point. But people forget he is a legit Broadway talent and Broadway star."
    — Matt Tammanini ([05:01])

  • Wonders about Morrison's current box office draw after a decade-long absence from Broadway.

• Speculation on Show’s Future

  • Ponders if Morrison's three-week stint is a test run for a possible extended return.
  • Suggests the production might conclude with Jeremy Jordan’s planned run, possibly by Labor Day 2026, depending on ticket sales ([06:00]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Magic of Jamie Lloyd’s Shakespeare:

  “When you are doing things from Chekov and Beckett and Shakespeare, you have such rich, beautiful, nuanced texts to work from. It really... it really hits.”
  — Matt Tammanini ([02:36])

• On Audience Excitement:

  "If you did not have this on your radar, absolutely put it at the top... because it is a magical production and I cannot wait to see it again."
  — Matt Tammanini ([03:27])

• On Matthew Morrison's Broadway Reputation:

  "He's got the chops, people, you know, he's kind of become a meme at this point. But people forget he is a legit Broadway talent and Broadway star."
  — Matt Tammanini ([05:01])

Important Timestamps

• 00:01 — Matt introduces the show and shares the breaking news about Much Ado About Nothing.
• 00:43 — Cast and production details, speculation about theater location.
• 01:18 — Tease of potential upcoming Jamie Lloyd Broadway musical in 2027.
• 01:36 – 03:27 — Personal reflections on theatrical experiences and the magic of Lloyd's production.
• 04:01 — Announcement of Matthew Morrison's casting in "Just in Time."
• 04:30 — Specific Morrison run dates; context on Groff/Jordan handoff.
• 05:01 – 06:00 — Discussion on Morrison’s legacy, implications for the show’s future.

Tone & Style

Matt Tammanini’s enthusiasm and personal connection to the news infuse the episode with warmth and genuine excitement, while his deep industry knowledge and candid speculation provide valuable context for theater fans. The language is informal yet authoritative, mixing anticipation with critical insight.

Takeaways

• Much Ado About Nothing’s Broadway debut is a must-see for fans of both classic theater and marquee performers.
• Jamie Lloyd’s minimalist, text-focused style continues to influence major Broadway productions.
• Matthew Morrison’s brief return to Broadway raises questions about casting impact and the potential longevity of "Just In Time".
• The Broadway season ahead is poised to be eventful, with more announcements expected soon.