BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Thursday, July 24, 2025"
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Join hosts Matt Tamminini and Grace Aki as they delve into the latest happenings on Broadway and beyond. This episode covers exciting casting announcements, upcoming productions, special events, and insightful discussions on the ever-evolving world of theater.
1. Upcoming Productions and Casting News
a. "Rollin Thunder" at New World Stages
Grace Aki shares her enthusiasm for the upcoming musical "Rollin Thunder," set to premiere at New World Stages. Described as part documentary, part biopic, and part jukebox musical, the show intertwines classic rock songs with narratives about the Vietnam War's societal impact.
- Grace Aki [00:55]: "I'm so excited that I'm gonna go see Rollin Thunder. I haven't been to New World Stages in quite a second so this is my little gateway in..."
Matt highlights the show's unique blend of storytelling and music, emphasizing its potential to resonate deeply with audiences.
b. Revival of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
An exclusive report from People Magazine reveals casting details for the Off-Broadway 20th-anniversary production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at New World Stages. Key cast members returning from the Kennedy Center production include:
- Kevin McHale as William Barfay
- Felipe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino
- Liana Rae Concepcion as Marcy Park
- Justin Cooley as Leaf Coney Bear
Directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford, the 14-week run kicks off on November 7th, concluding on February 15th, 2026.
- Matt Tamminini [02:30]: "...it's a really interesting group to bring the show back to New York."
Grace expresses excitement about the show's dedicated fan base and its positive impact on the cast members' careers.
c. Casting for "Little Shop of Horrors" Replacements
The podcast announces the new leads for the Broadway revival of "Little Shop of Horrors":
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Nicholas Christopher reprises his role as Seymour.
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Madeline Brewer, known for her roles in "Orange Is the New Black" and "The Handmaid's Tale," takes on the role of Audrey.
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Matt Tamminini [05:25]: "...Madeline Brewer, you might know her from the first season of Orange Is the New Black..."
Grace is thrilled about the pairing, especially praising Brewer's performance potential.
d. Broadway Revival of "Art"
Set to premiere on August 28th at the Music Box Theater, the revival of "Art" boasts a star-studded cast featuring Neil Patrick Harris, James Corden, and Bobby Cannavale. The creative team includes:
- Director: Scott Ellis
- Scenic Design: David Rockwell
- Costume Design: Linda Cho
- Sound Design: Mikal Suleyman
Matt underscores the importance of a strong design team for a show centered around artistic discussions.
- Grace Aki [08:33]: "I thought they took the brief really well. And I also like that it kind of looks like an upcoming film."
e. Public Theater's "Pericles" Adaptation
The Public Theater announces its production of "Pericles," featuring:
- Cast Leads: Danae Benton and Etu Blankson Wood
- Additional Cast: Alison K. Daniel, Amina Fay, Crystal Lucas Perry, Erica Myers, Alex Newell, and Steven Scott Wormley
This adaptation, enriched with music and lyrics by Troy Anthony and directed by Carl Cofield, includes 100 New Yorkers from all five boroughs. Performances run from August 29th to September 2nd at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Matt praises the Public Theater's commitment to community and diverse casting.
f. World Premiere of "Huzzah" on the West Coast
Highlighting the West Coast theater scene, the podcast introduces "Huzzah," a new musical by Nell Benjamin and Lawrence O'Keefe. Set at the Kingsbridge Midsummer Renaissance Fair, the story follows two sisters striving to save their family business.
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Director: Annie Tippie
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Cast Includes: Josh Breckenridge, Anthony Chatham II, Kalyn Fu, Alison Gwynn, Mike Milan, Kevin Pariso, and Kate Shindle
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Matt Tamminini [11:14]: "So love to see Kate Shindle reuniting with this pair..."
Grace appreciates the creative duo's work and anticipates the musical's success.
2. Special Events and Recommendations
a. Kids Night on Broadway
Scheduled for August 19th and 20th, "Kids Night on Broadway" offers free Broadway show tickets to children accompanied by ticket-paying adults. Participating shows include:
- Aladdin
- Chicago
- Hamilton
- The Lion King
- Mamma Mia
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Additional activities at Duffy Square, Times Square, include meet-and-greets with cast members, tote bags, and Krispy Kreme treats for the first 500 attendees.
- Matt Tamminini [12:03]: "So if you want to check out all of the times and all of the shows..."
b. SHE NYC Arts Festival
Grace Aki recommends the SHE NYC Arts Festival, celebrating works by women and non-binary writers. Running from July 15th to 27th at the Lynn Engelson Theater, the festival showcases new plays and musicals selected from hundreds of submissions.
- Grace Aki [13:52]: "They are the only nonprofit theater company that is actually like funding and producing works written by women and non-binary writers."
Matt encourages listeners to explore the festival's offerings both locally and virtually.
3. Notable Quotes
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Grace Aki [04:45]: "I'm the most accepting person that you will ever meet until you say those words." — Discussing naming conventions in theater.
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Matt Tamminini [05:25]: "It's actually like an assault. I feel like that's a personal assault on my eardrums." — On referring to "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."
4. Final Recommendations and Closing
Grace highlights the significance of supporting diverse voices in theater and urges listeners to engage with the SHE NYC Arts Festival. Matt wraps up the episode by directing listeners to their social media platforms and Patreon for more Broadway content.
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Grace Aki [15:05]: "I highly recommend."
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Matt Tamminini [15:26]: "Have a wonderful Thursday. We'll be back to talk to you tomorrow."
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