BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025
Host/Author: BroadwayRadio
Release Date: January 16, 2025
1. Personal Plans and Exciting Trips
Matt Tamminini (A) kicks off the episode by sharing his upcoming trip to London to see the critically acclaimed musical Hadestown. He reveals that his 14-and-a-half-year-old niece has selected to watch another highly anticipated show during their 72-hour visit.
"We're going to see Much Ado About Nothing starring Tom Hiddleston and Haley Atwell. So Loki and Peggy Carter from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and your friend Mason Alexander Park is in it as well."
[01:28]
Grace Aki (B) expresses her excitement about the casting choices, highlighting the crossover appeal for Marvel fans.
2. Breakthrough Casting Updates in Broadway Productions
Matt shifts the conversation to significant casting news:
-
Cabaret on Broadway:
Adam Lambert and Ali'i Carvalho are departing from the Broadway production of Cabaret. Replacing them are:-
Eva Noblezada as Sally Bowles
"While studying musical theater in school, Cabaret always stood out. I was amazed by the lineage of theater royalty who has been in this show."
[04:29] -
Orville Peck as MC
"The MC has been my dream role since I was a teenager. The nature of the character allows a complete freedom of individual expression."
[04:18]
Matt praises the fresh and bold casting choices, noting Orville Peck's popularity within the queer community and Eva Noblezada's status as a leading figure in modern musical theater.
-
3. Upcoming World Premieres and Collaborations
The hosts discuss the world premiere of Larissa Fasthorse's new play, Fake It Until You Make It:
-
Production Details:
- Co-produced by: Center Theater Group (Los Angeles) and Arena Stage (Washington D.C.)
- Premiere Date: January 29th at the Mark Taper Forum
- Transfer: Washington D.C. in April
-
Cast Highlights:
- Julie Bowen (known for Modern Family) stars alongside Noah Bean, Eric Stanton, Betsy Dakota Ray Hebert, and others.
- In Washington D.C., Amy Brennaman will take over Bowen's role.
Matt emphasizes the strong casting and production backing, suggesting potential future runs in New York.
4. Spotlight on Ain't No Mo Revival
Grace reminisces about her favorite recent theater experience: Ain't No Mo by Jordan E. Cooper. She highlights an upcoming free reading:
"On January 20, which is next Monday at 7:30pm, The Apollo Theater is going to present a free reading of the show at the Victoria Theatre."
[06:54]
- Event Significance:
Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with many original Broadway cast members, including Kara Young and directed by Stevie Walker Webb.
5. Mamma Mia National Tour Review
Matt shares his recent experience attending the national tour of Mamma Mia at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts:
"The cast was really fantastic. Playing Donna Sheridan was Christine Sherrill, who had previously played the role in the long-running sit-down production in Las Vegas."
[06:54]
- Highlights:
- Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, maintaining her original vision despite multiple productions.
- Emphasis on the show's enduring magic, set design consistency, and the 25th-anniversary national tour.
Matt recommends the show highly, praising its joyful and engaging nature.
6. Upcoming Sailor Moon Musical Tour
The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Matt introduces the announcement of Sailor Moon: The Musical:
"It is going to be a North American tour starting in Pittsburgh in March. It'll then have an official opening in Austin, Texas, and it'll tour to a bunch of different dates."
[08:34]
Grace provides a brief overview of the beloved 80s-90s anime, connecting it to the musical adaptation.
"It's about a girl who has powers, obviously, like Mercury, Venus, like Jupiter and Mars, etc., and they're Sailor Moon, all the different sailors fighting battles in the cosmic space."
[09:06]
Matt notes the cross-generational appeal and encourages listeners to check the show notes for more details.
7. Actors Equity Association's Chorus Year Celebrations
Matt informs listeners about the Actors Equity Association's plans for 2025 to celebrate chorus members, labeling it a "chorus year." Key events include:
- January 15: Kickoff with the 10th Annual Swing Day
- August: 70th Anniversary of the chorus Equity merger with Actors Equity (established in 1955)
- November: 75th Anniversary of the Legacy Robe, first awarded in 1950 for the Broadway production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Matt emphasizes the importance of recognizing chorus members who often receive less spotlight despite their significant contributions.
8. The Lost Boys Musical Adaptation Announcement
In the final segment, Matt and Grace discuss the upcoming musical adaptation of the 1987 cult classic film The Lost Boys:
"Directed by Michael Arden, featuring a book by David Hornsby and Chris Hock and music by the band The Rescues. They have released a song from it called Belong to Someone sung by the composers."
[14:18]
Grace delves into the broader trend of adapting 80s-90s cult classics for modern audiences, highlighting the nostalgic appeal and thoughtful reimagining of beloved stories.
"I'm excited by it. I can't wait to listen to this song. Yeah, it's cool. I'm pumped for it."
[14:18]
Matt shares his enthusiasm as someone who grew up influenced by the era, anticipating the musical's potential success with Michael Arden at the helm.
9. Closing Remarks and Recommendations
The episode concludes with Matt and Grace encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more Broadway news and personal recommendations. They promote their social media handles and express gratitude for their audience's support.
Notable Quotes:
-
Matt Tamminini:
"This will be fresh on the heels of Eva doing that Hadestown production that I mentioned. It is just an incredible casting."
[03:35] -
Grace Aki:
"Actors Equity association announced its plans for 2025 to celebrate equity Chorus members. They are calling this year a chorus year."
[06:45]
Stay Connected:
Follow BroadwayRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more personal insights, follow Grace Aki on Instagram @ItsGraceHockey.
This episode of Today on Broadway offers a vibrant mix of personal anecdotes, breaking casting news, upcoming productions, and heartfelt tributes to the unsung heroes of Broadway. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to the scene, Matt and Grace provide engaging content that keeps you connected to the heart of Broadway's dynamic landscape.