BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025"
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Hosts:
- Matt Grace (A)
- Grace Ake (B)
I. Broadway Adaptation of Coal Miner's Daughter
Overview: Matt and Grace kick off the episode by discussing the exciting news of the memoir-turned-film Coal Miner's Daughter making its way to Broadway. This adaptation delves into the life of country and western legend Loretta Lynn.
Key Points:
- Creative Team: Adapted by Sam Gold and Janine Tesori, who previously collaborated on Fun Home. Sam Gold directs while Janine Tesori handles music production.
- Casting: Sutton Foster has been cast as Loretta Lynn, a surprising yet approved choice by the late Loretta Lynn herself.
- Story Expansion: Unlike the iconic 1980 film starring Sissy Spacek, the Broadway version promises to explore beyond the film's narrative, incorporating deeper aspects of Lynn's life and career.
- Authentic Involvement: Patsy Lynn, Loretta Lynn's daughter and former producer/manager, along with advisor Nancy Russell, are serving as consulting producers to ensure authenticity.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt (00:10): “Those two last worked together on Fun Home, and starring as Loretta Lynn will be, honestly, somebody who I would not have guessed. It'll be Sutton Foster.”
- Grace (04:45): “You have the songs built in that have a familiarity with audiences. You have a star like Loretta Lynn that a bunch of people know…”
Discussion Highlights: Grace emphasizes the natural fit of country music stars like Loretta Lynn transitioning to Broadway, noting the increasing trend of country music influences on New York stages. Matt adds that with the seasoned team behind the project, the adaptation is poised for success.
II. Tony Awards Hosting and Upcoming Projects
Overview: The conversation shifts to the upcoming Tony Awards, exploring the choice of host and related Broadway news.
Key Points:
- Host Announcement: Cynthia Erivo will host the Tony Awards telecast on June 8th at Radio City Music Hall, marking a potential step towards EGOT status.
- Previous Hosts: The last three Tony Awards were hosted by Oscar winners, including Ariana DeBose, who opted out of a fourth consecutive year.
- Grace's Preference: Grace expresses a desire for Wayne Brady to host in the future, highlighting his Broadway and television credentials.
- Upcoming Releases: Wicked will stream on Peacock on March 21st, with Wicked 2: Electric Boogaloo set for a November theatrical release.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt (05:07): “As great as Cynthia is, I've never thought of her as a host in this way, and that might just be me.”
- Grace (06:50): “I really want her to prove me wrong and be an incredibly humorous showman.”
Discussion Highlights: Matt questions the suitability of Cynthia Erivo as a host, given her dramatic prowess, while Grace remains optimistic about her charisma and potential for humor. They also reminisce about Wayne Brady's perfect fit for the role, hoping for his future involvement.
III. Casting News: Jordan Fisher in Moulin Rouge
Overview: Matt shares casting updates from Broadway, focusing on Moulin Rouge and the departure of John Cardoza.
Key Points:
- Casting Change: Jordan Fisher is set to replace John Cardoza as Christian in Moulin Rouge at the Al Hirschfeld Theater, commencing April 25th through July 20th.
- Reunion with Solea Pfeiffer: Fisher will reunite with Solea Pfeiffer, creating a dynamic familiar to fans from Hadestown.
- Career Trajectory: Matt expresses surprise at Fisher’s continued focus on Broadway rather than expanding into Hollywood, applauding his performances in previous roles.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt (10:45): “I will say Grace, I don't know that I would have guessed this would be the career trajectory for Jordan Fisher.”
- Grace (11:17): “I really enjoyed that show and I think that they're nailing it.”
Discussion Highlights: Both hosts praise Fisher’s capabilities, particularly his chemistry with Pfeiffer and his adaptability across diverse Broadway roles. They express excitement about his performance in Moulin Rouge, anticipating a strong reception from audiences.
IV. Broadway Show Extensions
Overview: The hosts cover recent extensions of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, signaling strong performances.
Key Points:
- Operation Mincemeat: Extended by four weeks at the Golden Theater, now closing on July 13th instead of after 16 weeks.
- Glengarry Glen Ross: Extended by two weeks, now running through June 14th.
- Off-Broadway's Curse of the Starving Artist: Extended by an additional week, now playing until April 6th, featuring a stellar cast including Calista Flockhart and Christian Slater.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt (11:17): “Another four weeks of Operation Mincemeat now on sale.”
- Grace (18:33): “These are the exciting things that I know are the future of Broadway.”
Discussion Highlights: Matt and Grace highlight the strategic extensions as indicators of a show's success and potential for longevity, discussing how star power and audience reception drive these decisions. They commend the casts and productions for their ability to captivate audiences.
V. Broadway Grosses for Last Week
Overview: A detailed analysis of Broadway’s financial performance over the past week, focusing on grosses and attendance.
Key Points:
- Overall Gross Increase: Gross revenues rose by 14% to $32,188,003, aided by the President’s Day and Valentine’s Day weekends.
- Attendance Trends: Slight decline in attendance by 2%, totaling 243,319 people.
- Average Ticket Price: Increased by nearly $20 to $132.29.
- Top Grossing Shows: Wicked leads with $2,628,457, followed by Hamilton at $1.9M and The Lion King at $1.8M.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt (16:06): “18 of Broadway's 28 shows played to 90% capacity or more.”
- Grace (18:33): “Having the youngest ticket buying audience in recorded Broadway history really is a testament...”
Discussion Highlights: Grace emphasizes the successful targeting of younger audiences, attributing it to strategic casting and marketing that resonate with Gen Z. Matt adds that high capacity shows like Wicked, Operation Mincemeat, and All In demonstrate sustained popularity. They discuss the financial health of Broadway and the importance of appealing to diverse demographics.
VI. Matt's Personal Story: Epcot's Festival of the Arts Surprise
Overview: Matt shares an emotional experience from attending a surprise performance at Epcot’s Festival of the Arts, highlighting a special Newsies tribute.
Key Points:
- Event Details: Attended a concert featuring Kara Lindsay and Rodney Ingram on February 18th.
- Unexpected Surprise: During the 6:45 PM show, Rodney Ingram spontaneously invited Newsies cast members to perform “Kings of New York,” reconnecting with fans through beloved musical numbers.
- Emotional Impact: Matt describes the moment as awe-inspiring and moving, capturing the magic of live theater and fan appreciation.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt (18:33): “When I watched it, Grace, I had goosebumps. I wept through it.”
- Grace (22:41): “That video just made me weep.”
Discussion Highlights: Grace appreciates the heartfelt tribute and the enduring legacy of Newsies. Both hosts reflect on the power of live performances to create unforgettable moments, celebrating the connection between performers and their audience. Matt encourages listeners to check out the recordings on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of such spontaneous acts in keeping the spirit of Broadway alive.
Conclusion
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow them on social media for more Broadway updates and personal stories. They express their enthusiasm for the ongoing developments in the Broadway scene and look forward to future episodes.
Final Remarks:
- Matt (23:22): “All right, everybody, that's all that we have for today.”
- Grace (23:29): “You can find me at...”
Connect with BroadwayRadio:
- Matt Grace’s Instagram: @mattgrace
- Grace Ake’s Instagram: @graceaki
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This summary captures the essence of the February 20, 2025 episode of Today on Broadway, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes, and the hosts' insights into the vibrant world of Broadway.