BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

Episode: Today on Broadway: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Host: Matt Tim
Release Date: March 6, 2025

1. Introduction and Show Highlights

Matt Tim opens the episode by informing listeners about the absence of co-host Grace, who is busy influencing influencers at a Broadway show. He sets the stage for a comprehensive rundown of the day's Broadway news, emphasizing that the focus will extend beyond New York City and the United States.

2. Disney's "The Greatest Showman" Stage Adaptation

a. Premiere Details

Matt shares an exclusive report from Baz Bama Boy of Deadline about the world premiere of Disney Theatrical's adaptation of "The Greatest Showman." Initially slated for the UK due to cost considerations, the premiere is now confirmed to take place in Bristol, a British west country city, in March 2026. The show is expected to transition to the West End and eventually to Broadway.

b. Creative Team

• Director: Casey Nicholaw
  Known for directing "Aladdin," which remains a Broadway success, Nicholaw brings his extensive experience with Disney productions to the new adaptation.

• Book Writer: Tim Federle
  Federle, recognized for his work on "High School Musical" and "Tuck Everlasting," adds his Broadway performance background to the project.

Quote:
“Both the book writer and the director choreographer have experience on stage and working with Disney.” – Matt Tim [05:30]

c. Casting Information

No casting announcements have been made yet. Disney officials indicated that the stage production will feature an entirely new cast, with unlikely returns from film stars like Zendaya and Zac Efron. However, Keala Settle might potentially reprise her role, according to Baz Bama Boy.

Quote:
"They do not anticipate people from the film returning for the stage production, except perhaps Keala Settle." – Matt Tim [09:15]

d. Workshop Insights

Details from the November 2023 workshop reveal key cast members:

• P.T. Barnum: Josh Henry
• Charity: Mackenzie Kurtz
• Anne: Cristiani Pitts
• Philip: Ryan McCarten
• Letty: Tiffany Mann
• Jenny Lind: Ashley Lauren (singing voice by Lauren Allred)

Notable Mention:
Hannah Corneo, a former Broadway performer known for playing Elphaba in "Wicked," participated in the D23 presentation, raising speculation about her potential role in the stage adaptation.

Quote:
"Could that mean that she is going to play Charity or Jenny Lind? I don’t know, but it certainly is something interesting." – Matt Tim [14:40]

e. Expansion of Roles

Producer Court highlighted that roles like Charity and Anne, which were underdeveloped in the film, will receive expanded story arcs in the stage version.

3. West End Transition and Future Broadway Plans

The production will move from Bristol to the West End at Andrew Lloyd Webber's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, praised by Matt as "absolutely magnificent" and capable of surpassing most Broadway houses in grandeur.

Speculations:

• Potential venues in New York City include reopening the New Amsterdam or The Lion King theaters.
• Possibility of multiple shows running simultaneously, similar to Disney's "Frozen" arrangement.

Quote:
"It is a gorgeous theater, absolutely magnificent, puts most Broadway houses to shame." – Matt Tim [20:10]

4. Cancellations at the Kennedy Center

a. Hamilton National Tour Cancellation

The national tour of "Hamilton" announced the cancellation of its engagement at the Kennedy Center, originally planned for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Statements:

• Lin Manuel Miranda and Jeffrey Seller:
  “This latest action by Trump means that it's not the Kennedy Center as we knew it... We are not acting against his administration, but against the partisan policies of the Kennedy center as a result of his recent takeover.” – Matt Tim [23:50]

b. Melissa Erico's Concert Relocation

Tony nominee Melissa Erico moved her World War I-themed concert from the Kennedy Center to Northern Virginia due to seating concerns, which Matt suggests might be a strategic move to avoid political entanglements.

c. Impact on Future Productions

Current Center Stage productions at the Kennedy Center remain unaffected. Uncertainties loom over tours and rentals, with potential implications for upcoming shows like "Legally Blonde."

Quote:
"The actions of the new chairman of the board... demonstrate that contracts and previous agreements simply cannot be trusted." – Matt Tim [28:25]

5. "The Great Gatsby" Casting Updates

a. New Cast Members

• Nick Carraway Replacement: Michael Malia Kel (formerly Prince Ali from "Aladdin") starting March 31st.
• Myrtle Wilson and Tom Buchanan: Lineau and Austin Colby.
• George Wilson: Charlie Pollock
• Meyer Wolfsheim: Terrence Mann
• Samantha Polly: Returning post-medical leave.

b. New Ensemble Members

Nathaniel Hunt, Preston Taylor, Chase Peacock, and Chase Maxwell join the ensemble, with the latter two benefiting from a "two chases for the price of one" offer.

Quote:
"They are offering two chases for the price of one at the end of the month." – Matt Tim [34:10]

6. Off-Broadway and Uptown News

a. "Ghosts" Extension at Lincoln Center Theater

Starring Hamish Linkletter, Lily Ray, and Billy Crudup, "Ghosts" has been extended until April 26, 2025, with potential for further extensions.

b. "The Mother" Adaptation

A reconceived adaptation by Nina Bieber and Jessica Hecht will run at the Baryshnikov ART Center from March 29 to April 13, featuring:

• Jessica Hecht
• Fergie Philippe
• Zane Payes
• Portia Johnson
• Delilah Napier

Unique Aspect:
The production blends documentary, autobiography, and disco elements, set against the backdrop of the 1980 Miami race riots following the police murder of Arthur Lee McDuffie.

7. Broadway's Leading Ladies Concert

a. Cast Additions

New additions to the already star-studded lineup include Mandy Gonzalez, Soleila Pfeiffer, Adrianna Hicks, Amber Amon, and Helen J. Shin.

b. Hosts and Presenters

• Host: Bebe Neuwirth
• Presenters: Bayork Lee, Kelly Bishop, and Priscilla Lopez

Fan Excitement:
Matt expresses enthusiasm for performances from presenters, highlighting their legendary statuses and the anticipation of unique musical numbers.

8. Historic Moments in "Wicked"

At the Gershwin Theatre, "Wicked" made history with:

• First Full-Time Black Elphaba: Lincia Cabetti
• First Wheelchair User Nessa Rose: Jenna Bainbridge

Additional Cast Updates:

• Ali Trim: Now the full-time Glinda
• Natasha Yvette Williams: Madame Morrible
• Daniel Quadrino: Bach, a popular figure in musical theater

Quote:
"Daniel Quadrino seems to be like the most popular guy working in musical theater because everybody seems to love him." – Matt Tim [42:15]

Conclusion

Matt wraps up the episode with final thoughts and encourages followers to stay connected via social media. He hints at more updates to come and expresses enthusiasm for future Broadway developments.

Notable Quotes Summary

• “Both the book writer and the director choreographer have experience on stage and working with Disney.” – Matt Tim [05:30]
• “They do not anticipate people from the film returning for the stage production, except perhaps Keala Settle." – Matt Tim [09:15]
• "Could that mean that she is going to play Charity or Jenny Lind? I don't know, but it certainly is something interesting." – Matt Tim [14:40]
• "It is a gorgeous theater, absolutely magnificent, puts most Broadway houses to shame." – Matt Tim [20:10]
• “This latest action by Trump means that it's not the Kennedy Center as we knew it... We are not acting against his administration, but against the partisan policies of the Kennedy center as a result of his recent takeover.” – Matt Tim [23:50]
• "They are offering two chases for the price of one at the end of the month." – Matt Tim [34:10]
• "Daniel Quadrino seems to be like the most popular guy working in musical theater because everybody seems to love him." – Matt Tim [42:15]

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This summary provides a detailed overview of the March 6, 2025, episode of "Today on Broadway," capturing all key discussions, insights, and notable quotes to keep you informed about the latest happenings in the Broadway world.