BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway | Thursday, July 17, 2025

Hosted by Matt Tammineni and Grace Aki

Introduction

In the July 17, 2025 episode of BroadwayRadio titled Today on Broadway, hosts Matt Tammineni and Grace Aki delve into significant developments within the Broadway community. From the unexpected closure of a high-profile revival to casting news, Hall of Fame inductions, and transformative shifts in cultural criticism at the New York Times, the episode offers a comprehensive look at the current state of Broadway.

Breaking News: Broadway Revival of Gypsy to Close

[00:01] Matt Tammineni:
Matt kicks off the episode with urgent news that the Broadway revival of Gypsy will close on Sunday, August 17th, after 297 performances. He highlights the show's impressive yet insufficient gross earnings, attributing the closure to struggles in filling the expansive 1,600-seat Majestic Theatre.

Key Details:

• Cast Highlights:
  • Audra McDonald stars as Madame Rose.
  • Directed by George C. Wolfe.
  • Featuring Danny Burstein, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, Kevin Solak, Leslie Margarita, Lily Thomas, and Melinda Hall.
• Financial Challenges:
  • Last week's gross: $816,000 (below necessary break-even point).
  • Peak earnings since March: Over $1 million, rarely exceeding $1.2 million.
  • Attendance struggled with capacity rarely above 80%, often in the 60s.

Notable Quote:
"This is a disappointing end for the show, especially given all of the buzz and excitement around Audra McDonald playing this role for the first time ever." — Matt Tammineni [00:01]

Matt expresses hope for the Majestic Theatre’s future, speculating on potential new shows slated for the fall season.

Casting News: Stellar Additions to "Mary's Men"

[03:56] Grace Aki:
Grace introduces exciting casting developments for the upcoming production of Mary's Men, highlighting the exceptional additions to the cast.

Key Casting Announcements:

• Mary Todd Lincoln: Jinx Monsoon starting August 4th.
• Abraham Lincoln: Kumail Nanjiani.
• Mary’s Tutor: Michael Urie.
• Mary’s Companion: Jen Harris.
• Mary's Husband’s Assistant: Tony Mock (continuing until September 28th).

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts commend the perfect casting choices from director Omar.
• They emphasize the trend of bringing in high-profile Hollywood stars to Broadway productions, enhancing the longevity and appeal of long-running shows.

Notable Quotes:
"It feels like a new phenomenon where multiple big names continue to join shows years into their runs, allowing for extended lifespans." — Matt Tammineni [06:24]
"Good theater demands malleability, and this casting approach exemplifies that survival tactic beautifully." — Grace Aki [06:42]

2025 Theater Hall of Fame Inductees

[08:34] Matt Tammineni:
The episode transitions to the announcement of the 2025 Theater Hall of Fame inductees, celebrating a diverse group of influential figures in the theater industry.

Inductees Include:

• Directors:
  • Anne Bogart
  • Kenny Leon
• Producers and Administrators:
  • Rocco Landsman (NEA Chair and Producer)
  • Tom Viola (Former Broadway Carers Executive Director)
• Creative Professionals:
  • Kathleen Mar (Tony Award-Winning Costume Designer)
  • Paul Tazewell (Tony Award-Winning Costume Designer)
• Actors:
  • Richard Thomas
  • Rebecca Luker (posthumously)

Discussion Highlights:

• Matt reflects on the impressive careers of the inductees, noting the rapid ascent of recent Tony winners like Paul Tazewell.
• Emphasis is placed on the diverse backgrounds and contributions of the inductees, underscoring their lasting impact on theater.

Notable Quotes:
"This speaks to the fact that people can have huge, incredible careers and significantly influence the art form without amassing every possible accolade." — Matt Tammineni [09:00]

The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Gershwin Theater later in the fall, with further details forthcoming.

Premiere of Merrily We Roll Along Live Capture

[13:19] Matt Tammineni:
Matt shares exciting news about the Broadway production of Merrily We Roll Along. Sony Pictures Classic will premiere the live capture of the Broadway version on December 5th, in collaboration with Fathom Events Worldwide.

Details:

• Director: Maria Friedman.
• Release Venue: Likely at Disney Springs.
• Significance: Differentiates from the ongoing 20-year film adaptation process.

Notable Quote:
"It will be seeing Merrily We Roll Along on the big screen, probably at Disney Springs, if anyone wants to join me." — Matt Tammineni [08:32]

Matt expresses his anticipation, inviting listeners to join him for the premiere.

New York Times Shakes Up Cultural Criticism

[12:59] Matt Tammineni & Grace Aki:
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the New York Times’ recent restructuring of its cultural criticism department. The four-time-shifted critics—Margaret Lyons (TV), John Perales (Music), Zach Wolfe (Classical Music), and Jesse Green (Theater)—are being moved into new roles to innovate their approach to criticism.

Key Points:

• Memo Insight:
  "We are in the midst of an extraordinary moment in American culture... Our mission is to be those guides." — NYT Memo [14:10]
• Proposed Changes:
  • Emphasis on multimedia platforms including videos, essays, and experimental formats.
  • Aiming to connect with newer generations that consume culture differently.

Discussion Highlights:

• Grace and Matt analyze the implications of moving towards video and long-form content, debating whether a single person can manage multiple formats or if multiple specialists are necessary.
• They stress the importance of diversifying voices and avoiding a stagnant, traditionalist approach to criticism.
• Concerns are raised about maintaining the integrity and depth of traditional reviews while adapting to new media landscapes.

Notable Quotes:
"Our mission is to be those guides. As we do so, I am making some changes and assignments in the department." — NYT Memo [Discussion Context]
"I am very, very, very much aware of how people react to criticism online." — Grace Aki [15:10]

Future Speculations:

• Possible specializations within the new criticism roles.
• The potential for increased diversity and fresh perspectives in the New York Times’ cultural commentary.

Final Jeopardy and Closing Remarks

[25:31] Grace Aki & [25:35] Matt Tammineni:
To wrap up, the hosts present a Final Jeopardy clue related to theater:

Clue:
The title of a Pulitzer-winning play from 2007 mentions this month, as does another winner.

Grace correctly identifies the answer as "August: Osage County".

Notable Exchange:
"I think you will get this... August, it's like I didn't get it at first like you did." — Matt Tammineni [25:31]
"Years prior, August Osage County." — Grace Aki [25:35]

Closing Remarks:

• Matt and Grace thank listeners, promote their social media channels, and share personal anecdotes, such as celebrating National Hot Dog Day.

Final Quote:
"Happy National Hot Dog Day to all who celebrate." — Grace Aki [26:04]

Conclusion

This episode of BroadwayRadio provides listeners with a thorough update on pivotal Broadway news, insightful discussions on industry trends, and engaging conversations about the future of cultural criticism. Hosts Matt Tammineni and Grace Aki balance breaking news with thoughtful analysis, ensuring that both theater enthusiasts and casual listeners can stay informed and entertained.

Connect with BroadwayRadio:

• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @broadwayradio
• Patreon: patreon.com/broadwayradio
• Grace Aki's Social: @Graceaki

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