BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary Episode: Today on Broadway: Thursday, March 27, 2025 Release Date: March 27, 2025
1. Opening Night of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" at Music Box Theater Timestamp: [00:34 - 04:18]
Host Matt Tamnini welcomes listeners to the episode and introduces Grace Aki, who is attending the opening night of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" at the Music Box Theater. Grace shares her excitement about representing the Arts Insider on the red carpet and interacting with the press and theater community.
Grace remarks:
“I'm very, very excited to talk to all of the people that are involved. It's going to be a great night.”
[00:45]
Matt discusses the anticipation surrounding the play, highlighting its significance in the current Broadway season alongside other notable productions like "Good Night and Good Luck" and "Purpose". He emphasizes that reviews for the show are imminent and plans to feature them in upcoming episodes.
2. Inaugural Production at Studio Seaview – "Angry Allen" Timestamp: [02:30 - 04:18]
Matt introduces the exciting news about Studio Seaview's inaugural production, "Angry Allen", a one-person dark comedy written by Penelope Skinner and directed by Tony Award winner Sam Gold. The production stars John Krasinski and marks a significant moment for the newly renamed Studio Seaview, formerly the Tony Kaiser Theater.
Grace adds:
“Over at this theater, the Off Broadway celebrity renaissance is happening. It's insane, honestly, mainly due to Seaview and some other production companies.”
[03:21]
She expresses optimism about Studio Seaview's direction, noting the blend of high-profile creatives and innovative productions. Grace believes this approach will lead to successful recoupment, fostering the production of more original material.
3. Postponement of Kennedy Center's "Legally Blonde" Musical Timestamp: [04:18 - 08:30]
The conversation takes a somber turn as Matt shares the disappointing news that the Kennedy Center's planned production of "Legally Blonde the Musical" has been postponed. Executive Producer Jeffrey Fenn issued a statement expressing his disappointment but assuring audiences that the show is not canceled.
Matt comments:
“I have to believe... this could be the end, at least for now, of Broadway Center Stage at the Kennedy Center.”
[07:09]
Grace provides a thoughtful reflection:
“It's hard to watch. But at the same time, hopefully this is going to be a signal for the fact that this is something that we should be paying attention to.”
[07:44]
They discuss the broader implications for Broadway Center Stage, questioning the future direction under the Kennedy Center's current administration and expressing concern over potential impacts on the arts community.
4. MCC’s Miscast Event Announcement Timestamp: [08:30 - 10:11]
Matt shifts the discussion to positive news, announcing the upcoming MCC’s Miscast event at the Hammerstein Ballroom on April 7th. The event boasts an impressive lineup of stars, including Titus Burgess, Nicole Scherzinger, Philippa Soo, Aaron Tveit, and many others. Additionally, the event will be streamed for free worldwide on April 21st for those unable to attend in person.
Matt highlights:
“If you are unable to be there on the 7th for the event, it will stream for free worldwide beginning on April 21st.”
[09:30]
Grace humorously remarks on Matt’s travel plans:
“You just should have two apartments. That's what you need to do.”
[10:06]
5. Extension of "John Proctor is the Villain" at Booth Theater Timestamp: [10:11 - 12:24]
Matt shares the exciting news that the Broadway premiere of "John Proctor is the Villain", a play by Kimberly Bellflower, has been extended by two weeks at the Booth Theater, now running through July 6th. Directed by Danya Taymor, the production stars Sadie Sink, Gabriel Ebert, and Molly Griggs.
6. Continuation of Stars in the House Programming Timestamp: [12:24 - 14:19]
Matt announces the return of Stars in the House, a platform dedicated to supporting marginalized communities by live-streaming major events to a national audience. This initiative continues to raise awareness and funds for various important causes, providing visibility and support through live performances and events.
Matt emphasizes:
“They are continuing to do Stars in the House and bring attention and some much needed fundraising to important organizations.”
[13:54]
7. Grace Aki’s Stage and Screen Series with Nighthawk Cinema Timestamp: [14:19 - 17:12]
Grace unveils her long-awaited project in collaboration with Nighthawk Cinema, a series titled Stage and Screen. This initiative will explore the intersection of film and theater by screening films that have been adapted into Broadway productions. The first screening will feature "Sunset Boulevard" on April 14th, including a Q&A session with members of the Broadway cast, trivia, and ticket giveaways.
Grace explains:
“There are quite a few [adaptations] this Broadway season, and I have been very fortunate that I will be working with Nighthawk Cinema... for a series called Stage and Screen.”
[14:19]
Matt expresses enthusiasm and curiosity about the project, despite admitting he hasn’t seen the featured films yet, and encourages listeners to attend the screenings.
8. Upcoming Events and Recommendations Timestamp: [17:12 - 17:24]
Before concluding, Matt encourages listeners to purchase tickets for Grace’s Stage and Screen series, noting that tickets went on sale on the day of the podcast. He also mentions that links will be available in the show notes for easy access.
Notable Quotes:
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Grace Aki on attending the red carpet:
“I'm very, very excited to talk to all of the people that are involved. It's going to be a great night.”
[00:45] -
Matt Tamnini on Studio Seaview's innovative direction:
“This kind of fits some of the molds that they have done with that company... it's going to be a really, really cool experience.”
[03:21] -
Grace Aki on supporting the arts amidst uncertainty:
“If you're proving that there is an interest in these things, I guess if you're speaking to a businessman, in theory, you can't say no to, to the money.”
[07:44] -
Matt Tamnini on the importance of supporting events:
“Find events that you care about, support them, and make sure that you have the opportunity to show people what is important to you.”
[08:30]
Conclusion
In this episode of Today on Broadway, Matt Tamnini and Grace Aki delve into the latest happenings in the Broadway scene, from exciting new productions and extensions to unfortunate postponements. They highlight the resilience and innovation within the theater community, celebrate upcoming events, and introduce Grace's new Stage and Screen series, fostering a deeper connection between film and theater enthusiasts. Despite some setbacks, the conversation underscores the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Broadway, encouraging listeners to engage and support the arts.
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