BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Thursday, May 8, 2025
Welcome to a comprehensive summary of the "Today on Broadway" episode from BroadwayRadio, released on May 8, 2025. Hosted by Matt Tammanini and accompanied by Grace, this episode delves into exciting casting announcements, award recognitions, upcoming productions, and special recommendations within the Broadway community.
1. Exciting Casting Announcements for "Saturday Church"
Matt Tammanini kicks off the episode by sharing thrilling news from the New York Theater Workshop. The world premiere of the musical adaptation of the independent film "Saturday Church" has unveiled its initial cast. This production boasts an impressive lineup:
- Jay Harrison G. and Jakina Cola Congo, both Tony Award winners.
- Michaela J. Rodriguez, a Golden Globe winner.
- Bryson Battle, a standout contestant from the current season of The Voice and the 2021 Jimmy Awards winner.
The musical features a book by Emmy nominee Damon Cardassis and Pulitzer Prize winner James I, with a score by Grammy nominee Sia and additional music by Grammy winner Honey Dejon. Directed by Whitney White, the story follows Ulysses, a New York City youth involved in his aunt's church, whose life changes after discovering Saturday Church, a sanctuary for LGBTQ youth.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tammanini [03:29]: "On today's show we have award stuff... but we have a ton of very fun and interesting show and cast casting and outgoing."
Grace expresses her enthusiasm, hinting at a possible collaboration:
Grace [03:35]: "I may or may not get to be a part of working on that in some way. So I'm very excited."
The duo anticipates a stellar season kickoff later in the fall, highlighting the show's potential to resonate deeply with audiences.
2. Off-Broadway Revival of "Heathers the Musical"
Moving to Midtown, Matt discusses the upcoming Off-Broadway revival of "Heathers the Musical", set to begin performances on June 22 at New World Stages. Recent casting announcements reveal:
- Erstwhile as Veronica Sawyer.
- Marty McFly version played by Casey Likes as J.D.
This revival mirrors the successful London production and aims to capture the essence that made the original a hit among theater enthusiasts.
Grace shares her mixed feelings about the revival:
Grace [06:25]: "I think that a show that in a way, sometimes might glorify unintentionally... We're just as a society, we're in a really hard place with that."
Despite her reservations, both hosts recognize the show's enduring appeal and its significance in contemporary theater.
3. Celebrating Regional Theater: St. Louis Muni Wins Tony Award
Highlighting achievements beyond New York, Matt announces that St. Louis Muni has been awarded the 2025 Regional Theater Tony Award, accompanied by a $25,000 grant from City National Bank. Established over a century ago, St. Louis Muni is lauded for:
- Exceptional accessibility options.
- Distributing over 100,000 free tickets each season.
- Offering career development programs.
- Engaging local high school and younger theater students in productions.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tammanini [07:12]: "They welcome over 300,000 people every season to this gargantuan open air amphitheater."
Grace and Matt express their admiration for St. Louis Muni's contributions to the community and the arts, emphasizing the theater's role in making Broadway accessible to a wider audience.
4. Off-Broadway Alliance Award Nominations
The podcast then delves into the Off-Broadway Alliance Award nominations for the 2024-2025 season, with winners set to be announced on May 7th. Categories and nominees include:
- Best Musical: World's A Stage Drag, Forbidden Broadway, Merrily We Stole a Song, Music City, Big Gay Jamboree.
- Best Play: Becoming Eve, Blueberries, Table 17, The Light in the Dark, The Welkin.
- Best Revival: Cats, The Jellicle Ball, Ceremonies in the Dark, Old Men, Ghosts, Hold on to Me Darling, Orlando.
- Best Solo Performance: 300 Paintings, Grand, Eloquent, Hold Me in the Water, David Greenspan and Vanya.
- Best Unique Theatrical Experience: Ain't Done Bad Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now, Mind Play, My First Ex Husband, Odd Man Out.
Honorary awards include:
- Legend of Off Broadway Awards: David Greenspan and Scott Morphy.
- Off Broadway Hall of Fame: William Finn, Morgan Gennis, Linda Lavin.
- Friend of Off Broadway Award: Helen Shaw, a noted critic and journalist.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tammanini [10:10]: "Grace, I feel like if people didn't realize what an expert you were... you have been calling this and we got another testament to just how insightful you are."
The hosts commend Grace for her deep understanding of the Broadway ecosystem, underscoring the significance of these nominations in recognizing outstanding theatrical contributions.
5. National Tour Launch: "Happy Ending" Musical
In a coinciding announcement with the Tony season, Matt shares that "Happy Ending", now a best musical nominee, is launching a 30-city national tour slated to start in fall 2026 at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore. The tour will encompass major cities like Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago, Tampa, St. Louis, Detroit, San Francisco, and Providence, Rhode Island.
Grace voices her excitement and acknowledges the challenges:
Grace [11:32]: "It's not going to be easy, but I think it's a hell of a lot easier once... this is a great place for them to be."
Matt highlights the strategic timing of the tour announcement, aligning it with the Tony buzz to maximize visibility and audience engagement.
6. "Titanique" Extends Off-Broadway Run with Original Creators
The podcast celebrates the enduring success of "Titanique", an Off-Broadway musical, as it extends its run by two more weeks at the Daryl Roth Theater, now concluding on June 29th. Original stars and co-writers Marla Mendel and Constantine Rossulli will reprise their roles as Celine Dion and Jack, respectively.
Notable Quote:
Matt Tammanini [14:06]: "They're just so good in this show. And I'm really excited that they are going to wrap up the run, put a bow on Titanique Off Broadway."
Grace emphasizes the urgency for fans to secure tickets quickly:
Grace [14:28]: "If this is of interest to you, you better get your tickets fast."
The hosts reflect on the show's multi-year success across various locations, expressing nostalgia and appreciation for its impact on audiences.
7. Special Recommendations
To conclude, Matt offers listeners two special recommendations:
-
"Yellow Face" on PBS: A scene featuring Daniel Dae Kim, scheduled for broadcast on May 16th at 9 PM. This scene provides insight into the show's dynamics, particularly a heartfelt conversation between DHH and his father.
-
Tribute to Gavin Creel: In honor of the late Gavin Creel, Cabinet in Indianapolis has released performances from his final solo concerts, including renditions of "If We Never Said Goodbye" and a medley from "Hello, Dolly."
Notable Quote:
Matt Tammanini [17:00]: "If you want to see those videos from the late, great Gavin Creel, head over to the Show Notes."
Listeners are encouraged to explore these offerings to deepen their appreciation for contemporary theatrical works and commemorate influential artists.
8. Upcoming Events and Farewell
Grace announces her availability at The Soho Playhouse from May 12th to 25th, inviting theater enthusiasts to engage with her in upcoming productions.
Notable Quote:
Grace [17:00]: "You can find me at The Soho Playhouse, May 12th through the 25th."
Matt concludes the episode by urging listeners to secure their tickets promptly, drawing parallels to high-demand performances like Leslie Odom Jr.'s return to Hamilton, and bids farewell until the next episode.
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