Podcast Summary: BroadwayRadio - Today on Broadway: Thursday, June 5, 2025
BroadwayRadio’s “Today on Broadway” episode from June 5, 2025, hosted by Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki, delves into the latest Broadway news, including exciting new adaptations, casting updates, and innovative integrations of technology in musical productions. This comprehensive summary captures the episode's key discussions, notable quotes, and insightful commentary.
1. Introduction and Tony Awards Predictions
The episode kicks off with the hosts, Matt Tamanini (A) and Grace Aki (B), discussing the upcoming Tony Awards and encouraging listeners to participate in the Tony’s predictions pool.
- Matt (00:09): "If you want to win a prize pack of Broadway and theater, make sure that you are in that pool."
He mentions that links for participation and his own Tony predictions will be available in the show notes and upcoming Patreon episodes. Grace Aki is highlighted for her popular show review episodes on Patreon, including her discussions on "Sunset Boulevard" and "Happy Ending."
2. Breaking News: "Dog Day Afternoon" Broadway Adaptation
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the announcement of the Broadway adaptation of the iconic film "Dog Day Afternoon."
- Matt (00:09): "Stephen Adley Girgis has adapted the iconic film Dog Day Afternoon and the show will be coming to Broadway in the spring of 2020."
Key Details:
- Adaptation Writer: Stephen Adley Girgis
- Director: Rupert Gould
- Cast: Jon Bernthal as Sunny and Eben Moss Bacharach as Sal, both stars from the TV show "The Bear."
Grace’s Insights (01:08):
- Grace: "This is such an incredible story. It has such great impact that I'm thrilled."
- She emphasizes the film's enduring relevance, especially its setting amid the Vietnam War and Watergate era, drawing parallels to contemporary societal issues.
Contextual Background: "Dog Day Afternoon" is set in 1972 New York City, revolving around a botched bank holdup that spirals into chaos, reflecting themes of passion and desperation. The original film starred Al Pacino and John Cazale, adding to the anticipation for its Broadway rendition.
3. New Musical: "Polly"
The hosts announce a new musical adaptation based on the beloved 1980s Disney television movie "Polly."
- Matt: "The musical is also going to be directed by the two-time Tony nominee and entertainment icon Debbie Allen, who will also choreograph."
Creative Team:
- Director/Choreographer: Debbie Allen
- Book Writers: Emmy winner Lena Waithe and Michael Benjamin Washington
- Music and Lyrics: Grammy winners Ciara Garrett and Jeria Kwame
Plot Overview: Set in 1950s Alabama, the musical follows Polly, a spirited orphan navigating a small town grappling with segregation and conflict.
Grace’s Commentary (06:17):
- Grace: "It's a version of Pollyanna... I'm excited that this is getting another life with such an exciting creative team."
- She reminisces about the original Disney version and expresses enthusiasm for the musical's revival under Debbie Allen's direction.
4. Upcoming Adaptation: "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga"
Another major announcement is the Broadway adaptation of the 2020 Netflix film "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga."
Key Details:
- Original Film Writers: Will Ferrell and Harper Steele
- Book Writers: Anthony King (known for "Beetlejuice" credits)
- Composer: Sivan Kotecha
- Director: Alex Timbers
Matt (07:16): "If you're going to do this show, Alex Timbers feels like the right guy and Anthony King... feels like a really good person to bring on board."
Grace humorously suggests potential casting:
- Grace: "If y'all don't call Julia Madison and Noel, y'all are insane."
She highlights the duo's talent and comedic prowess, hinting at their potential contribution to the musical's success.
5. Traditional Show and Casting News
The episode provides updates on existing Broadway shows and their casting changes:
-
"Chicago" Revival:
- New Cast Members: Zach Bravo as Fred Cassley (Broadway debut), James T. Lane as Harry, Sean Samuels as Martin Harrison, and Samantha Strum as Annie at the Gershwin Theater.
-
"Wicked":
- New Elphaba Standby: Carrie Renee Fuller, known for her roles in "Six" and "The Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse," will assume the standby role starting July 1st.
-
"Bad News Bears" Musical Reading:
- Original Cast Adjustments: Taran Killam replaces Chris Sullivan as the coach role.
- Creative Team: Adapted by Brian Feinstein and Eric Garcia, directed by Sherri Eden Barber.
- Cast Additions: Ryan Redmond and Kevin Pariseau join the reading.
Matt (10:52): "There is a Grumpy Old man musical that has been done regionally quite a bit and has never made it to New York City, as far as I know."
6. AI and ABBA's New Musical
A noteworthy segment discusses ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus venturing into musical creation with the aid of Artificial Intelligence.
Key Points:
- Collaboration: Björn is co-writing a new musical with AI assistance.
- Björn’s Perspective: While appreciating AI's potential, he criticizes its effectiveness in songwriting.
- Björn (as quoted): "It's lousy at writing a whole song and very bad at lyrics, but it helps me break through creative blocks."
Grace expresses mixed feelings about AI's role in creativity but remains optimistic about ABBA’s venture.
- Grace: "Another ABBA centric musical, you know, can't be too terrible, I suppose."
7. Recommendations and New Musical Highlights
The hosts conclude with recommendations and highlights of new musicals:
-
Sunset Boulevard Insights:
- Playbill Video: Follows Shannon McPherson, a camera operator and former West End performer, showcasing the intricate work behind the scenes.
- Grace (13:43): "All the people that auditioned for the show, like, they are all actors... they understand how to be a scene partner."
-
New Musical Performances:
- Julia Knightle: Performed "A Stranger from Dead Outlaw" at Playbill Studio.
- Just In Time: Released highlight clips featuring Jonathan Groff, including his energetic performances.
Conclusion
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media platforms and Patreon for exclusive content. They express excitement for the evolving Broadway landscape, emphasizing the blend of classic stories and modern innovations shaping the future of theater.
- Matt: "All right, everybody, have a wonderful Thursday and we'll be back to talk to you tomorrow."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Matt (00:09): "If you want to win a prize pack of Broadway and theater, make sure that you are in that pool."
- Grace (01:08): "This is such an incredible story. It has such great impact that I'm thrilled."
- Grace (06:17): "It's a version of Pollyanna... I'm excited that this is getting another life with such an exciting creative team."
- Grace (07:16): "If y'all don't call Julia Madison and Noel, y'all are insane."
- Matt (10:52): "There is a Grumpy Old man musical that has been done regionally quite a bit and has never made it to New York City, as far as I know."
- Grace (11:36): "Another ABBA centric musical, you know, can't be too terrible, I suppose."
This summary encapsulates the dynamic discussions between Matt and Grace, offering Broadway enthusiasts a detailed overview of current and upcoming productions, casting news, and innovative trends shaping the theater scene.