BroadwayRadio Episode Summary: "Today on Broadway: Thursday, July 31, 2025"
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Seasonal Shifts: Summer or Fall? (00:31 – 03:47)
Hosts: Matt Tammanini and Grace kick off the episode with a light-hearted debate about the true end of summer. Matt shares his personal perspective:
"For me, for some reason like I always think of like you get to August like it's still hot out but like that's the start of fall. Am I wrong?" [00:37]
Grace weighs in, blending seasonal changes with cultural markers:
"I base it on football season because I am that Southern girl." [01:10]
The conversation highlights how academic calendars and sports seasons influence our perception of seasons, especially in regions like Florida.
Casting Update: New York City Center's "Bat Boy" (03:47 – 12:16)
Matt delves into the latest casting news for New York City Center's upcoming gala performance of the musical Bat Boy. Key highlights include:
- Taylor Trench reprises his role as Edgar, the titular bat boy.
- Kerry Butler, a familiar face from the original Off-Broadway production, joins the cast as Meredith Parker, Shelley's mother.
"Kerry Butler...is going to be playing Meredith Parker, who is Shelley's mother in the show." [02:10]
- Christopher Sieber steps into the role of Dr. Parker, Shelley's father.
- Additional cast members include Andrew Durant, Alan H. Green, Evan Harrington, among others.
Despite the extensive casting, the role of Shelley remains unfilled, leading Matt to speculate on potential candidates. Grace admits her limited familiarity with the role but engages with Matt's suggestions.
"I feel like they are looking far and wide, Grayson. They just haven't landed on anybody yet." [04:01]
Matt expresses excitement for the production running from October 29th to November 9th, emphasizing the stellar cast lineup.
Tom Hanks’ Stage Adaptation: "This World of Tomorrow" (06:53 – 07:40)
The hosts announce Tom Hanks' venture into theater:
- Tom Hanks collaborates with James Glassman to adapt his short stories into a stage production titled This World of Tomorrow.
- Directed by Kenny Leon, the show premieres on October 30th at The Shed.
- The cast features Kelly O'Hara, J.O. Saunders, Ruben Santiago Hudson, Donald Webber Jr., and more.
Grace expresses admiration for Donald Webber Jr., noting his versatility across productions like Glengarry Glen Ross and Our Town.
"He's just someone that I like...want booked and blessed in every single thing." [06:53]
Special Concert: Terrence McNally and Kander & Ebb’s "The Rink" (11:15 – 14:14)
A one-night-only concert at Classic Stage Company is spotlighted:
- Celebrating Tony winners Terrence McNally and the duo Kander & Ebb.
- The show, featuring Beth Leavel and Jesse Mueller, honors the classic musical The Rink, originally starring Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera.
- Directed by Dave Solomon, performances are scheduled for September 15th with ticket prices ranging from $100 to $1,000.
Matt emphasizes the significance of seeing Beth and Jesse perform together:
"To see those two together should be a really, really special treat." [11:15]
Revival Spotlight: Arena Stage's "Damn Yankees" (07:40 – 12:16)
The Arena Stage in Washington D.C. announces a revival of Damn Yankees, directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo. Key details include:
- Rob McClure stars as Mr. Applegate, joined by Anavia Fanier as Lola and Quentin Earl Darrington as Joe Boyd.
- The production runs from September 9th to November 9th.
Matt shares his enthusiasm for the musical's enduring appeal and specific songs he cherishes, particularly highlighting:
"Goodbye Old Girl... [is] the best tenor song in all of musical theater that I wish I could sing." [10:30]
Grace praises the cast, especially Nihal Joshi, drawing connections to their roles in other popular shows like Severance.
"Nihal especially... He's just so funny and excellent." [11:23]
Off-Broadway Celebration: Gingold Theatrical Group's "Pygmalion" (12:16 – 14:06)
Marking its 20th anniversary, the Gingold Theatrical Group presents a limited Off-Broadway run of Pygmalion:
- Running from October 22 to November 22 on Theater Row.
- Directed by David Stoller, the production is a collaboration with the Al Hirschfeld Foundation, integrating Hirschfeld's iconic caricatures of George Bernard Shaw.
"It's inspired by Hirschfeld's iconic caricatures of George Bernard Shaw... they are going to be integrated into this production somehow." [12:16]
Matt expresses his admiration for Pygmalion and the legacy of My Fair Lady, anticipating a unique and visually captivating interpretation.
Closing Recommendations: "Huzzah" Musical Premiere (14:06 – 15:20)
Wrapping up, Matt recommends Huzzah, a new musical by Lawrence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin:
- Premiering at San Diego's Old Globe Theater on November 13th.
- Featuring Lisi LaFontaine, who performed the song "World We Live In."
"If you want to check out what that show is going to sound a little bit like, you can do that in the show notes." [14:06]
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- Grace's Platform: Grace Hockey
"Have a wonderful Thursday and a wonderful final day of July." [15:21]
This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a vibrant mix of casting news, upcoming show highlights, and personal insights from the hosts, making it a must-listen for Broadway enthusiasts seeking the latest updates and deep dives into the theater world.