BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Thursday, March 20, 2025
Welcome to a detailed summary of the BroadwayRadio podcast episode titled "Today on Broadway: Thursday, March 20, 2025." Hosted by Matt Tamneni and Grace Ake, this episode delves into the latest happenings on Broadway, including in-depth discussions on new musicals, industry news, casting updates, and exclusive insights from reviews. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the episode's key segments, enriched with notable quotes and structured for easy navigation.
1. Spotlight: Buena Vista Social Club Musical
Overview & Background
The episode kicks off with Matt Tamneni introducing the newly opened Broadway musical, "Buena Vista Social Club," which premiered on Wednesday night at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater. This production marks the latest chapter in the storied history of the Buena Vista Social Club, a renowned Cuban music collective that gained international acclaim in the 1990s.
Cast & Production Team
- Book: Marco Ramirez
- Music: Buena Vista Social Club
- Director: Sahim Ali
- Choreography: Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck
The narrative unfolds across two timelines: the 1996 recording session and a story set four decades earlier, exploring the origins of the artists' collaboration.
Cast Highlights:
- Issa Antonetti as Young Amara
- Renacito Evic as Eliades
- Leonardo Batista Sterling as Ruben
- Natalie Venetia Belkan as Omara
- Justin Cunningham as Juan DeMarcos
- Ashley de la Rosa as Young Haiti
- Julio Mongue as Compe Devon
- Moody as Young Compe
- Leonardo Reyna as Young Ruben
- Mel Sime as Ibrahim
- Wesley Ray as Young Ibrahim
Critical Reception
Grace Ake discusses the favorable reviews the show has garnered:
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The New York Times’ Jesse Green (05:15):
"The spirit of the musical Buena Vista Social Club is evident in its opening scene. [...] The interconnections between musicians, songs, and a society have rarely been evoked as vividly and as lovingly as they are in Buena Vista Social Club."
Green highlighted the production's strength in portraying music as a communal and binding force, though he noted some "clunky dialogue and heavy-handed exposition."
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Theaterly’s Juan A. Ramirez (06:00):
"The roars of the crowd following every song were akin to an... insert any pop star at MSG. The music won the world over in the late '90s for a reason. Its delicious blend of Cuban rhythm and Afro-Cuban percussion feels timeless and perfect for today."
Ramirez praised the musical's authenticity and musicality, expressing hopes for its longevity on Broadway.
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Bam New York’s Matt Winman (06:45): While generally positive about the music and performances, Winman felt the book was a weaker aspect of the production, suggesting it might have been better presented as a concert-style experience.
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New York Daily News’ Chris Jones (07:10):
"There are still few people in the house for the story. They bought tickets to hear the great music and watch the thrilling dance here, rendered as an ebullient social form of balletic flourishes."
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The Rapp’s Robert Hofler (07:25):
"Buena Vista Social Club is the story of survival through the preservation of what artists do best, not only for them but for a whole island and its culture."
Host Insights
Grace Ake shares her personal connection to the production, emphasizing the cultural celebration and the meticulous details incorporated into the show. She enthusiastically endorses the musical as a strong contender for upcoming awards, comparing its potential to other noted productions like "Happy Ending" and "Dead Outlaw."
2. Industry News: Launch of 'Together' Theater Company
Founders & Vision
Matt Tamneni announces the formation of a new theater company, Together, founded by acclaimed producer Sonia Friedman and actor Hugh Jackman. The company aims to create intimate and accessible live theater experiences.
Tamneni (09:30): "Together aims to celebrate the raw power of storytelling, getting back to what often makes theater so compelling in the first place."
Mission & Approach
- Minimalist Production Design: Emphasis on stripped-down sets and costumes to highlight storytelling and performances.
- Collaborative Efforts: Focus on ensemble work and behind-the-scenes collaboration, including equal pay for actors and shared creative credits.
- Intimate Venues: Performances in small spaces to foster a closer connection between the audience and performers.
Potential Impact & Considerations
Matt expresses excitement about the potential innovations Together could bring to the Broadway scene but raises concerns about accessibility and ticket affordability.
Tamneni (10:20): "They are going to focus instead on collaboration and ensemble as well as some of the behind-the-stage things of equal pay for actors and shared creative credit."
Grace Ake echoes Matt’s enthusiasm, highlighting Sonia Friedman and Hugh Jackman's genuine passion for theater.
Grace (11:00): "I loved that it was a collab post and it was called Together, Chef’s Kiss."
The hosts express optimism about Together's future projects, anticipating fresh and engaging theatrical experiences.
3. Show Updates & Casting News
a. Bobby Darin Musical 'Just in Time' Delayed
- Original Premiere: March 28
- New Premiere Date: March 31
Matt explains that production challenges, particularly transforming the Circle in the Square Theater into a nightclub setting, necessitated the delay.
Tamneni (13:15): "Apparently they are having a little trouble transforming the Circle in the Square theater into a nightclub."
b. Glengarry Glen Ross Extension
- Current Run Extended To: June 28 (final extension)
Featuring stars like Bob Odin, Kieran Culkin, Bill Burr, and Michael McKean, this extension provides audiences additional opportunities to see Kieran Culkin on Broadway.
Grace (15:22): "I cannot wait to see him. It’s gonna be so good."
c. Idina Menzel's 'Redwood' Extension
- Extended Run Until: August 17 at the Nederlander Theatre
Idina Menzel, a pivotal figure in the creation of "Redwood," continues her performance, allowing fans more time to witness her portrayal.
Tamneni (15:27): "She will now continue through August 17th."
d. Casting for 'Jo A New True Musical'
- Opening Date: July 20
- Additional Cast Members: Charl Brown, Adam Grouper, Mauricio Martinez
This off-Broadway production at the Laura Pell Theater features Betsy Wolfe, Jill Abramowicz, and Honor Blue Savage among others.
e. Vineyard Theater's 'Bull EP' Musical
- Performance Dates: May 1 - June 8
- Cast:
- Kelly K. Clarkson as Essence Lotus
- Essence Lotus as Quintavious De Quitter
- Canero Gabaje as [Character Name]
- Felicia Curry as Lemon Pepper Wings
Marc Tamneni expresses excitement for the youthful, hip-hop-infused production that includes live skateboarding elements.
Tamneni (17:45): "This is one that I've been really excited about... there's also live skateboarding going on in the show."
4. Entertainment Picks
a. Jesse L. Martin in 'The Irrational'
Jesse L. Martin stars in the NBC procedural drama "The Irrational," where he and co-star Karen David delve into a community theater production of "Little Shop of Horrors."
Tamneni (17:55): "I love hearing Jesse sing anytime he does not do it nearly enough."
b. Upcoming Show at Green Room 42
Grace Ake recommends "Moving Right Along," an all-star tribute to Jim Henson, scheduled for March 21 at Green Room 42.
Grace (18:25): "If you love puppets and you love the Muppets and you like it when people celebrate those things, you should go see this show."
The show will also be available via live stream for those outside New York City.
5. Conclusion & Social Media
Matt Tamneni and Grace Ake wrap up the episode by directing listeners to their social media channels for more updates:
They tease upcoming content, including special episodes featuring "Operation Mincemeat" reviews.
Matt (19:05): "Remember, we'll be a little weird with our Friday episodes. But you will get special drop with all of the Operation Mincemeat reviews sometime on Friday morning."
Stay Tuned: For the latest on Broadway productions, casting news, and exclusive interviews, follow BroadwayRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This summary encapsulates the essence of the March 20, 2025, episode of BroadwayRadio, providing listeners and Broadway enthusiasts with a comprehensive overview of the discussions and insights shared by Matt Tamneni and Grace Ake.