BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Release Date: June 26, 2025

BroadwayRadio delivers its latest episode packed with exciting Broadway news, insightful discussions, and engaging reviews. Hosted by Matt Tammanini and Grace, this episode covers significant updates in the Broadway scene, including a major revival announcement, archival treasures, contentious casino licensing in New York, Off Broadway leadership changes, developmental milestones, and a detailed show review. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key segments discussed.

Host Announcements

Before diving into the main content, Matt Tammanini shares important programming news:

• Guest Host Introduction: Matt informs listeners that James Marino will be hosting "Today on Broadway Tomorrow" as he will be out of town.
  “James Marino, the one and only James Marino is going to helm Today on Broadway Tomorrow because I will be out of town and unable to record.” [00:28]

• Subscription Reminder: He encourages listeners to subscribe via Patreon and other platforms to access exclusive content.

Broadway Revival: "Chess" Makes a Grand Return

A significant highlight of the episode is the confirmation of the first-ever Broadway revival of the acclaimed musical Chess.

• Cast and Creative Team:

  • Starring: Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher.
  • Creative Leads: Choreography by Lauren Lotaro and music supervision by Brian Youssef.
  • Premiere Dates: Performances begin on October 15th at the Imperial Theater, with opening night slated for November 16th.

• Reunions and Career Highlights:

  • Lea Michele reunites with director Michael Mayer, known for their successful collaboration in Spring Awakening, marking her first Broadway appearance since Funny Girl.
  • Aaron Tveit, a Tony Award winner for Moulin Rouge, stars alongside Nicholas Christopher, whose versatile performances in productions like Sweeney Todd and Jelly’s Last Jam have garnered acclaim.

• Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale on June 26th, with a pre-sale available for those registered on the show's website.

Notable Discussion: Grace praises Nicholas Christopher’s versatility and charisma, emphasizing his dynamic performances.
“He can make the most villainous person charming. He can make a really charming character kind of villainous.” [02:51]

Stephen Sondheim’s Archives to the Library of Congress

Matt shares thrilling news for Broadway enthusiasts and scholars alike:

• Archive Donation: Over 5,000 items from Stephen Joshua Sondheim’s archives have been donated to the Library of Congress.
• Contents: The collection includes unpublished lyrics, cut songs, draft variations, personal notes, and correspondences.
• Accessibility: Starting July 1st, individuals with a valid ID can access these treasures, offering a deep dive into Sondheim’s creative process and contributions to musical theatre.

Matt Highlights: “It is absolutely, incredibly important trove of information that is now going to be available for theater fans, for historians, for academics to peruse throughout the course of history.” [02:51]

New York Casino Gaming Licenses: Times Square in the Crossfire

A contentious issue unfolds as New York State prepares to issue casino gaming licenses in downstate areas, sparking heated debates.

• License Allocation: Three licenses are available, with two likely going to established organizations connected to the Gaming Commission. The third is open, leading to competing bids.

• Major Contender: Caesar’s Palace vies for a prestigious spot in Times Square, pledging $5 million to support the LGBTQ Plus Health Center at the Callum Lord Community Health Center as part of their bid.

• Opposition:

  • Groups Against: IATSE, the Union for Theatrical Stage Employees, the Broadway League, Broadway Cares, and Equity Fights AIDS.

• Supporters:

  • Proponents: Actors Equity, AFM, Local 802 (Musicians Union on Broadway), various performance venues, construction unions, and local businesses.

• Upcoming Rallies: Both sides plan rallies at the Red Steps in Times Square over consecutive days to garner support.

Grace’s Insight: “It is very interesting that two different sides of this debate are having rallies that will both take place at the Red Steps in Times Square in consecutive days.” [03:24]

Matt shares his personal stance, expressing a neutral perspective but acknowledging the significant impact the decision could have on Times Square’s landscape.

Off Broadway Updates: Leadership Changes at Keen Company

The Off Broadway scene welcomes new leadership at the Keen Company, ensuring fresh creative directions.

• Outgoing Director: Jonathan Silverstein steps down as Artistic Director, concluding his tenure with the award-winning All the World's a Stage.
• New Appointments:
  • Kelly Kirwan: Newly appointed Artistic Director, formerly with the Oklahoma City Repertory Theater.
  • Annie Middleton: New Producing Director, from her role as GM consultant at the Perelman Performing Arts Center.

Matt Comments: “Always great to have new blood in these long established Off Broadway organizations.” [08:07]

Developmental News: Premiering "Glory Ride"

Exciting developments emerge with the upcoming musical Glory Ride, celebrating the heroic deeds of Italian cyclist Gino Bartali during World War II.

• Industry Readings: Scheduled for Friday and Monday, featuring a cast that includes Greg Edelman, Dan Barry, Desi Oakley, and Neil Mayer.
• Premiere Plans: A North American premiere is set for February-March 2026 at the Delaware Theater Company.
• Creative Team: Directed by Federico Belloni and choreographed by Dennis Jones, with book and score by Victoria and Todd Buchholz.

Matt’s Overview: “Using his cycling career as a cover, he rode his bike thousands of miles between cities across Italy, and hidden in his bike were falsified identity cards and other documents to help victims cross borders to safety.” [10:13]

Show Review: National Tour of "Shucked" at Dr. Phillips Center

Matt provides an in-depth review of the national tour production of Shucked, highlighting both strengths and areas of improvement.

• Cast Highlights:

  • Mickey Abraham as Lulu Tyler
  • Joseph Ellis and Maya Lagerstam as storytellers
  • Mike Nappy as Peanut
  • Jake Odmark as Bo
  • Danielle Wade as Maisie

• Production Notes:

  • Set Changes: Removal of the second-story barn and replacement of the Act 2 opening number from “We Love Jesus” to “Ballad of the Rocks”.
  • Musical Score: Praised for its authentic blend of Nashville country influences with traditional musical theatre elements, thanks to Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally.

Matt’s Insights: “If you are in the Central Florida area or in Florida in general and want to head up to Central Florida through Sunday, June 29th. Highly, highly recommend the national tour of Shucked.” [10:13]

Grace compliments the show, noting its humor and musicality, while also cautioning about some off-color jokes that may not be suitable for all audiences.

Upcoming Events and Wrap Up

• Broadway Bears: Matt mentions the annual striptease and burlesque show, highlighting its record fundraising success of $2.4 million for Broadway Cares.

• Closing Announcements: Encouragement to stay updated on the latest Broadway show closures and other news through the podcast’s social media channels and Patreon.

Final Remarks

Matt and Grace conclude the episode by inviting listeners to follow them on various social media platforms and remind them of upcoming content hosted by James Marino. The episode ends with lighter moments from the advertised segments, ensuring a well-rounded and informative broadcast.

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Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth discussions on all things Broadway!