BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Thursday, May 15, 2025

Hosted by Matt Tammanini

Introduction

In the latest episode of Today on Broadway, hosted by Matt Tammanini, listeners are treated to a comprehensive update on the Broadway scene, including upcoming productions, award announcements, casting news, and exclusive recommendations. Matt also teases upcoming Patreon-exclusive content, enhancing the depth and engagement for dedicated fans.

Manhattan Theater Club's New Productions

Matt begins by highlighting significant announcements from the Manhattan Theater Club (MTC) regarding their 2025-2026 Broadway and Off-Broadway seasons.

1. The Ballisters:

   • Playwright: David Lindsay-Abaire
   • Premiere: Samuel J. Friedman Theater, Spring 2026
   • Director: Kenny Leon
   • Description: "The Ballisters is a raucous, wild ride through a small community with big feelings. The Vernon Point Neighborhood Association is a passionate bunch, whether squabbling over historically inaccurate porch railings or debating trash can protocol. Still, no one is prepared for the Neighbor vs. Neighbor battle royale that ensues when a newcomer to the board suggests the unthinkable: installing a stop sign on the corner of the enclave's prettiest block." (05:30)

   Matt notes Lindsay-Abaire's illustrious history with MTC, including his Pulitzer-winning Rabbit Hole, and anticipates Punch by James Graham as another key addition to the Broadway season.

2. Queens:

   • Playwright: Martina Mayock
   • Premiere: New York City Center, Fall 2025 (Off-Broadway)
   • Director: Tripp Coleman
   • Description: "In an illegal basement apartment in Queens, multiple generations of immigrant women fight to launch a new life. But when a young Ukrainian woman comes searching for the mother who abandoned her years ago, she forces a reckoning with the impossible choices the woman made to survive." (15:45)

   Matt emphasizes the long development period of Queens, which began in 2016, showcasing Mayock's dedication to perfecting the narrative. This production joins Nagazi and Wanyu's The Monsters in the upcoming Off-Broadway lineup.

Actors Equity Foundation Awards

The podcast delves into recent honors awarded by the Actors Equity Foundation for the 2024-2025 season:

• Richard Seth Award (Best Performance by a Character Actor, 50+ years old):

  • Jessica Hecht for Eureka Day
  • Francis Zhu for Yellowface
  • Matt states: "Recipients have to have been members of the Actors Equity association for at least 25 years." (25:10)

• Clarence Derwent Award (Most Promising Performances):

  • Nicholas Barish for Pirates, the Penzance Musical
  • Julia Lester for All Nighter

• Jo A. Calloway Award (Best Performances in a Classical Play):

  • Stephen Epp for Henry IV
  • Kimber Elaine Sprawl for her role as Amelia in Othello

• Michael McCarty Recognition Award (Celebrating a Los Angeles-Based Equity Actor):

  • Jennifer Lee Warren

Matt congratulates all recipients, highlighting their contributions to the theater community.

Casting Announcements and Show Updates

1. Heather's the Musical (Returning Off-Broadway Summer 2025):

   • Lead Cast:
     • Mackenzie Kurtz as Heather Chandler
     • Olivia Hardy as Heather Duke
     • Elizabeth Teeter as Heather McNamara
   • Additional Cast: Lorna, Courtney, Casey Lights as Veronica and JD Respectively
   • Run Dates: June 22 – September 28 at New World Stages
   • Matt's Insight: "This casting is particularly exciting because it features some heavy-hitting Broadway young stars, ensuring the show's success based on the strength of its material and performances." (35:50)

2. The Great Gatsby (South Korea Production):

   • Principal Cast:
     • Matt Doyle (Tony Award Winner) as Jay Gatsby
     • Sinzel Amadi as Daisy Buchanan
     • Gerald Caesar as Nick Carraway
     • Amber Ardellino as Jordan Baker
     • Gina Duvall as Myrtle Wilson
     • Wes Williams as Tom Buchanan
     • Tali Sessions as George Wilson
     • Ed Stoutenmayer as Meyer Wolfsheim
   • Venue: GS Art Center, Gangnam District, Seoul
   • Run Dates: August 1 – November 9
   • Production: Directed by Korean producer Chunsu Shin, following productions in New York and London
   • Matt remarks: "It's fantastic to see a cast that could very well perform on Broadway bringing this classic to South Korea." (40:20)

3. La Caja Falls (Muni Production in St. Louis):

   • Director: Marsha Milgram Dodge
   • Lead Cast:
     • Norm Lewis as George
     • Michael James Scott Cameron as Albin
     • Anika Hill as Anne Terrence
     • Archie as Monsieur Dindon
     • Alison Black as Madame Dindon
     • Troy Iwata as Jacob
     • Michael Hartung as Francis
     • Megan Murphy as Jacqueline
   • Run Dates: August 8 – August 14 in St. Louis

4. Wicked 4 Good Trailer Release:

   • Debut Date: June 4
   • Details:
     • The trailer for Wicked Part One will premiere simultaneously across all North American time zones following the screening of the first film.
     • Exclusive giveaways and commemorative posters will be available during these special screenings.
     • Matt encourages: "If you're a fan, make sure to catch this encore screening to not only relive Wicked on the big screen but also to witness the exciting trailer premiere." (45:00)

Exclusive Recommendations

Matt shares curated recommendations for Broadway enthusiasts:

1. PBS Great Performances' "Stagebound" Series:

   • Feature: Jasmine Amy Rogers rehearsing for Boop. The Musical
   • Access: Available in the show notes
   • Matt highlights: "This series offers an intimate look into the creative process behind Broadway productions." (50:10)

2. Tom Francis' Instagram Video:

   • Event: Sunset Boulevard walk around Marie Crisis bar
   • Notable Moment: "Tom Francis was very playful, performing the entire walk while interacting with fans and cameras—a delightful contrast to his usually serious stage persona." (52:30)

3. Ham for Ham Performances at Richard Rodgers Theater:

   • Current Performers:
     • Jinx Monsoon from Pirates, the Penzance Musical
     • Darren Criss and Helen J. Shin from Maybe Happy Ending
     • Tony Honored Band from Buena Vista Social Club
     • Tyla Ash introducing acts
   • Schedule: Tuesdays at 4 PM for the upcoming weeks
   • Matt's take: "These performances are a fantastic way to experience some of the season's nominated shows in an intimate setting." (55:15)

4. Soho Playhouse's "To Free a Mockingbird":

   • Run Dates: Through May 25
   • Location: Soho Playhouse, New York City
   • Recommendation: "If you're in NYC, this is a must-see production that captures the essence of its source material beautifully." (58:00)

Closing Remarks

Matt concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media platforms—Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram—for ongoing updates and to join the Patreon community for exclusive content. He expresses gratitude to the audience and looks forward to engaging with them in future episodes.

"Have a wonderful, wonderful Thursday, and we'll be back to talk to you tomorrow." (60:00)

For full access to exclusive content, including Matt's travelogue reviewing the 2024-2025 Broadway season, visit patreon.com/broadwayradio and subscribe at the Mezzanine Tier or above.