BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Thursday, May 29, 2025

Broadcast Date: May 29, 2025
Hosts: Matt Tammanini & Grace Hockey
Podcast Title: BroadwayRadio
Episode Title: Today on Broadway: Thursday, May 29, 2025

1. Chess Revival Announced for Broadway

Matt Tammanini kicked off the episode with exciting news about the long-awaited return of the classic musical Chess to Broadway. This marks the first Broadway revival since its brief original run in 1988.

• Cast Highlights:
  • Aaron Tveit as Freddy Trumper
    “Aaron Tveit brings a Tony Award-winning presence to Freddy, promising a captivating performance.” [00:09]
  • Lea Michele as Florence Vassy
    “Lea Michele, renowned for her roles on stage and screen, takes on the controversial role of Florence.” [00:15]
  • Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergyevsky
    “Nicholas Christopher, a beloved under-the-radar Broadway star, steps into the role of Anatoly.” [00:25]

Matt expressed enthusiasm about Danny Strong's involvement in writing the new book for Chess, noting his successful works like the last two Hunger Games movies. He anticipates a fresh and possibly reinvigorated take on the classic, despite some concerns about its adaptation.

• “With Danny Strong writing the book and a talented cast, this revival is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of the 2025-2026 season.” [00:35]

2. Ragtime Revival Cast Announcement

The conversation shifted to another major Broadway revival: Ragtime, produced by Lincoln Center Theater. Matt detailed the nearly complete cast, reflecting a return to the principal actors from the City Center production.

• Key Cast Members:
  • Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker Jr.
  • Casey Levy as Mother
  • Brandon Uranowitz as Tateh
  • Colin Donnell as Father
    “Colin Donnell reprises his role, ensuring continuity and depth in Father’s character.” [03:11]

Grace Hockey highlighted the ensemble's strength, mentioning standout performers like Tanika Gibson and Marina Kondo, and discussed potential changes in specific roles, such as the soloist role being taken over by Charity Angel Dawson.

• “The ensemble is incredible, and with Eleanor Scott choreographing, the production is poised to be both dynamic and faithful to the original's spirit.” [06:48]

3. Christopher Jackson to Star in Hell’s Kitchen

An unexpected yet thrilling update was shared about Christopher Jackson, famous for his roles in Hamilton and In the Heights, joining Broadway's Hell’s Kitchen.

• Role Details:
  • Christopher Jackson as Davis, replacing Tank starting June 3rd.

Matt shared a personal touch, mentioning meeting Tank backstage and expressing excitement over Jackson’s addition.

• “Christopher Jackson is at the top of his game, and seeing him step into Hell’s Kitchen alongside Jessica Vosk is fantastic news.” [08:00]

Grace chimed in with enthusiasm, drawing a playful connection to upcoming Father's Day.

• “It's almost Father's Day and Daddy's home.” [09:11]

4. Broadway Season Grosses Surpass Pre-Pandemic Records

A significant segment covered the financial success of the Broadway season (2024-2025).

• Total Gross: $1.89 billion
• Attendance: 14.7 million
• Average Ticket Price: $129.12

These figures surpassed the pre-pandemic season's grosses, highlighting Broadway's strong recovery despite increased costs and longer playing weeks.

Matt provided a detailed breakdown of top-performing shows from the previous week:

1. Good Night and Good Luck – $4,238,813
2. Othello – $3.3 million
3. Glengarry Glen Ross – $2.75 million
   “Despite fewer shows, Glengarry Glen Ross secured a strong third place.” [07:36]
4. Wicked – $2.35 million
5. The Lion King – $2.06 million

Additionally, 26 out of 40 Broadway shows achieved 90% capacity or higher, illustrating robust audience engagement.

• “Broadway is thriving financially, with record grosses indicating a healthy resurgence.” [09:33]

5. Tony Awards Act One Pre-Show Hosts Announced

Matt and Grace shared updates about the upcoming Tony Awards, specifically the Act One pre-show that will be streamed on Pluto TV.

• Hosts:
  • Darren Criss – Current Tony Nominee
  • Renee Elise Goldsberry – Tony Award Winner

Grace praised Goldsberry’s versatility and comedic talent, emphasizing her suitability for the hosting role.

• “Renee Elise Goldsberry is absolutely perfect for hosting, bringing both charm and humor to the pre-show.” [16:33]

6. Felicia Curry's "Bowl ep" Extends Its Broadway Run

The hosts highlighted that Felicia Curry is currently starring in Bowl ep Off Broadway at the Vineyard Theater. The show, a collaboration with the National Black Theater, has been extended through June 15th due to its success.

• Production Details:
  • Venue: Vineyard Theater
  • Collaborators: National Black Theater

Matt commended the production's extension, noting its critical acclaim and audience reception.

7. Tease: Mamma Mia 3 in the Works

In a tantalizing endnote, Matt shared a tease about the potential development of Mamma Mia 3. Judy Kramer, the renowned producer behind the Mamma Mia franchise, hinted at the possibility of involving Sabrina Carpenter, who has Broadway roots from her role in Mean Girls before rising to pop stardom.

• Potential Casting:
  • Sabrina Carpenter – Possible role as a younger family member, bridging generations in the Mamma Mia storyline.

Grace expressed excitement over Carpenter's potential involvement, appreciating her theatrical background and comedic talents.

• “Sabrina Carpenter has the perfect blend of stage presence and pop appeal that could bring a fresh dynamic to Mamma Mia 3.” [19:33]

Notable Quotes

• “With Danny Strong writing the book and a talented cast, this revival is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of the 2025-2026 season.”
  — Matt Tammanini [00:35]

• “It’s almost Father's Day and Daddy's home.”
  — Grace Hockey [09:11]

• “Renee Elise Goldsberry is absolutely perfect for hosting, bringing both charm and humor to the pre-show.”
  — Grace Hockey [16:33]

Conclusion

The May 29, 2025 episode of Today on Broadway delivered a wealth of exciting updates for theater enthusiasts. From the highly anticipated revival of Chess and the reaffirmed success of Ragtime, to the star-studded addition of Christopher Jackson in Hell’s Kitchen, the Broadway landscape is vibrant and thriving. Financially, Broadway is surpassing pre-pandemic records, signaling a robust recovery. Additionally, upcoming events like the Tony Awards pre-show promise engaging content, while hints of a new Mamma Mia installment keep fans eagerly anticipating what's next.

For those unable to listen, this episode encapsulates the dynamic and evolving world of Broadway, ensuring fans stay informed and excited about the latest developments in musical theater.