BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary Episode: Today on Broadway: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Introduction
In the March 13, 2025 episode of BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway," hosts Matt Tamminini and Grace Aki delve into the current state of Broadway and the broader live entertainment industry. They reflect on the post-pandemic recovery, discuss insights from a recent New York Times article, highlight upcoming shows and events, and share feel-good moments from the theater community.
Broadway's Post-Pandemic Recovery
Reflection on COVID-19's Impact: The hosts begin by acknowledging March 12, 2025, as the fifth anniversary of Broadway's shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Matt emphasizes the significance of this milestone, stating:
"One thing that I am in no hurry to talk about anytime ever again is the fact that the day we are recording Tuesday, March 12, is the fifth anniversary of When Broadway Went Dark for the COVID 19 pandemic."
[00:08]
New York Times Insights: Matt discusses a New York Times article that explores the resurgence of live performances. Key points include:
- Broadway has regained approximately 95% of its pre-pandemic grosses compared to 2018, which was the last full season before the pandemic.
- All 41 Broadway theaters are active this season.
- An increasing number of shows are grossing over $1 million.
However, despite these positive indicators, the article highlights challenges:
- Price Increases: A portion of the increased grosses is attributed to ticket price hikes.
- Profitability Concerns: Operating costs on Broadway remain high, leading to reduced profitability for theaters.
- Sustainability Issues: While national tours flourish, for-profit theaters continue to struggle financially.
Matt remarks on the article's breadth, noting its coverage extends beyond theater to include the Met Opera, Philadelphia Opera, sports, and Hollywood orchestras, offering valuable insights for the entire live entertainment sector.
Learning from Other Live Entertainment Sectors
Grace on Industry Challenges: Grace acknowledges the difficulty in hearing that profitability is down despite record grosses. She raises pertinent questions about whether increased box office numbers sufficiently offset rising costs and if producers can recoup investments more effectively than before.
"It's a hard stat to hear that like profitability is down because you always want. If record breaking numbers are happening, like does that actually supplement the cost of everything?"
[02:43]
Engaging the Fandom: Grace shifts the conversation to how industries like sports engage their audiences, drawing parallels to Broadway. She suggests improvements in ticketing systems and fan engagement strategies, such as:
- Unified Ticketing Platforms: Reducing fragmentation across multiple ticketing services.
- Loyalty Programs: Implementing incentives like discounts or perks for frequent theatergoers.
She elaborates on potential strategies:
"Like if I went to go see, you know, one show, ... the next time you buy two tickets, you get one free because that's the three or something like that."
[04:03] - [05:37]
Royalty Program Example: Matt shares his personal experience with the Royalty program, where frequent attendees receive exclusive merchandise after multiple visits.
"If you went six times, you got these."
[06:29]
Grace appreciates the initiative and expresses hope for its expansion across more shows:
"It's very exciting."
[06:41]
Upcoming Shows and Events
Freestyle Love Supreme's Return: Matt announces that the renowned improv group Freestyle Love Supreme is returning to New York City for two performances at the Gramercy Theater on March 19th and 21st. The lineup includes:
- Core Members: Andrew Bancroft, Anissa Folds, Arthur Lewis, Kaylia Mulladay, and Chris Sullivan.
- Special Guests:
- March 19th: James Monroe Iglehart, winner of a previous competition.
- March 21st: Christopher Jackson, a beloved Broadway favorite.
- Utkarsh Ambedkar: Star of the popular TV comedy Ghosts.
Matt highlights the significance of Ambedkar's appearance, noting his prominence akin to Lin-Manuel Miranda in the context of Freestyle Love Supreme.
Broadway Backwards Concert: The annual Broadway Backwards concert, benefiting the LGBTQIA community, achieved a record-breaking total of $1,111,788 this season, surpassing last year's figure by over $194,000. Jen Colella hosted the fifth edition, underscoring the event's continued success and importance.
Matt emphasizes the necessity of supporting organizations like Broadway Cares and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, especially in light of recent governmental and legislative challenges.
Benefit Performance of "Finn": Originally slated for a Kennedy Center production tour, the musical Finn faced cancellation due to geopolitical tensions worldwide. A benefit performance is now scheduled at Town Hall, featuring an impressive cast including:
- Notable Performers: Andrew Rannells, Kelli O'Hara, Lea Salonga, Bonnie Milligan, and others.
- Inclusivity: Performances by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington and New York City.
- Beneficiaries: The Entertainment Community Fund.
Workshops and New Developments
"The Rosenbergs" Presentation: Scheduled for March 21st, The Rosenbergs is a new play directed by Chloe Treat and written by S. Asher Gelman. Set in a luxury resort in Turks and Caicos, it explores family tensions amidst natural and emotional storms. The cast includes Caroline Arron, Francis Benhammu, William Demerit, and others.
New York Theater Barn's New Works Series: On March 31st, the 18th season of the New Works series will showcase two new musicals:
-
"The Orchids":
- Creators: Book by T.C. Lind, music by Derek Greger, lyrics by Phoebe Kretz.
- Director: Telly Lee Young.
- Cast: Patti Murin and Jackie Burns.
- Plot: Centers on Evelyn Pierce, an intelligent English professor, and her secret romantic feelings for the new dean at her university.
-
"Skin":
- Creators: Book and lyrics by Andrew Strano, music by Yuriko Shibata.
- Plot: Follows Shiv, who discovers their mother's hidden queer past while cleaning her old house, prompting a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.
Special Box Office Events
Joy Huerta's Pop-Up Concert: On Tuesday, March 18th, Joy Huerta, co-composer of Real Women of the World Have Curves, will perform a special acoustic set outside the James Earl Jones Theatre. This event coincides with a exclusive $50 ticket offer for performances between April 1st and 13th. The concert begins at 9:45 AM, followed by box office hours from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Matt praises the innovative approach to fan engagement:
"This is the first time I think I can remember like a concert at a, at a box office event."
[14:11]
Grace adds that such initiatives foster community and excitement ahead of performances.
Feel-Good Segment
Vogue's "Hairspray" Video: Matt inquires about a viral video featuring Gigi Hadid and other celebrities performing a remix of "You Can't Stop the Beat" for Vogue. Grace reflects on the cultural significance of Hairspray, noting its impact and representation issues:
"I think it's just, like, a cultural touchstone that they were utilizing, but maybe not understanding, like, the racial and, you know, fat representation that film upholds."
[15:05]
Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook's Heartwarming Encounter: Grace shares an adorable clip of Succession actors Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook meeting at the Dorian Gray stage door. Kieran surprises Sarah with a spontaneous hug and kind words, showcasing their deep camaraderie.
"They just embracing and kissing. It was really lovely."
[16:56]
Both hosts express their affection for the genuine moment, encouraging listeners to watch the video for a dose of positivity.
Conclusion and Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with Matt wishing Grace a safe and restful trip to London, anticipating discussions about her theater experiences upon her return. They encourage listeners to follow them on social media for more updates and insights into the vibrant world of Broadway.
Key Takeaways:
- Broadway is nearing pre-pandemic financial levels but grapples with high operational costs affecting profitability.
- Engagement strategies from other live entertainment sectors, such as sports, could enhance Broadway's fan experience and loyalty programs.
- Upcoming performances and benefit events continue to highlight Broadway's resilience and community support.
- Innovative box office events like pop-up concerts offer new ways to interact with audiences.
- Heartwarming moments in the theater community reinforce the strong bonds among performers and fans alike.
For more details on the shows and events mentioned, refer to the show notes provided by BroadwayRadio. Follow the hosts on Instagram and other social platforms to stay updated on the latest Broadway news and insights.