BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host: Matt Tamnini & Grace Ake

1. Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club Announces Final Broadway Performance

The iconic musical Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club is set to conclude its Broadway run on Sunday, October 19, 2025, marking the end of a successful 14-month tenure. While the production enjoyed impressive box office numbers initially, recent months saw a decline in grosses, attributed to the influx of new Broadway shows.

Key Highlights:

• Star Replacements: To celebrate its finale, the production will welcome renowned talents Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace as the new emcee and Sally Bowles, respectively. They will take over from Opalzada and Orville Peck on July 22, continuing until the show's closure.

  Matt Tamnini [00:10]: “Billy and Marisha will start on the 22nd and then they will run the show through October 19th... Especially Marisha is incredible in this show.”

• Marisha Wallace's Return: Grace expressed excitement over Wallace's return to Broadway, highlighting her exceptional talent and the unique representation the cast brings to the production.

  Grace Ake [02:09]: “There is no never happened in history where that cast is as representative as it is. So I'm very eager and excited to see their version of the show.”

2. Jeff Ross's Solo Broadway Debut: "Jeff Ross, Colon Take a Banana for the Road"

Broadway welcomes a fresh and unconventional addition with stand-up comedian Jeff Ross launching his one-person show, Jeff Ross, Colon Take a Banana for the Road, at the Nederlander Theater from August 5 to September 29, 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Show Description: The show offers an intimate glimpse into Ross's life, inspired by his grandfather's travel advice. While known for his roasting on platforms like Comedy Central and Netflix, Ross promises a different, more personal performance.

  Matt Tamnini [04:32]: “It's described as a, quote, strikingly rare insight into his life... offers a peeled back... look at the heart and soul of America's roastmaster.”

• Production Team: Directed by Steven Kessler with creative consultation from Jeff Calhoun and dramaturg Seth Barish, whose influence Grace praised extensively.

  Grace Ake [05:13]: “Seth Barish... fully changed my life. He is probably my favorite educator of all time.”

3. Santa's Warehouse Announces Star-Studded 2025-2026 Season

Santa's Warehouse unveiled its upcoming season featuring a diverse array of productions, including the US Premiere of the musical Rolling Thunder and a new Cher-focused jukebox musical titled Dark Lady.

Key Highlights:

• Eugene O'Neill's Anna Christie: Starring Michelle Williams and directed by Tommy Kale, the production runs from November 25, 2025, to February 1, 2026.

• Other Productions:

  • Weather Girls by Brian Watkins featuring Julie McDermott, directed by Tyne Raffaelli (September 16–October 12).
  • Flaming September by Justin Vivian Bond, a short-run performance (September 24–28).

• Rolling Thunder US Premiere: Transitioning from Australia to New World Stages on July 10, 2025, this rock-infused musical explores the Vietnam War's impact through a blend of concert and documentary storytelling.

  Matt Tamnini [19:10]: “Rolling Thunder... part rock concert, part documentary and it tells the heartfelt stories of young soldiers...”

• New Cher Musical - Dark Lady: An original story by Mike Sheedy, produced by Ken Davenport, featuring beloved Cher songs. The industry reading is scheduled for June 20, 2025.

  Grace Ake [19:10]: “The Cher canon lives on... I mean, the first Cher show won a Tony for Stephanie J. Block. So why not have more Cher shows?”

4. Updates on Ongoing Broadway Productions

a. Sunset Boulevard Closing and Cast Changes: The Tony Award-winning revival of Sunset Boulevard will end its extended run at the St. James Theater on July 20, 2025. Notably, Tom Francis (Soda Scout) will depart the show on July 6 to film a new Peter Berg movie, The Mosquito Bull. He will be succeeded by Pierre Marius starting July 8.

Matt Tamnini [08:47]: “Make sure you see Tom Francis... see the show nonetheless.”

b. Purpose Cast Replacement: Latonya Richardson Jackson concludes her role as Claudine Jasper on July 13, 2025, in the Tony-winning show Purpose. Brenda Presley will take over the role from July 15 until the show's scheduled closure on August 31, 2025.

Grace Ake [09:25]: “She has been seen in the original Broadway company of Dreamgirls... This should be a really exciting casting addition.”

5. Casting Insights and Future Speculations

The hosts delved into potential future casting for Broadway, discussing rumors around Bowen Yang joining productions such as Abe Lincoln. They speculated on creative casting possibilities, highlighting the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Broadway talent.

Matt Tamnini [10:24]: “Could you imagine Bowen as Abe and Matt Rogers as John Wilkes Booth? Like, yes, that would be pretty great casting.”

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