BroadwayRadio – Today on Broadway: Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, host Matt Tammanini runs through the latest news, openings, and updates from Broadway and the Off-Broadway scene, spotlighting notable productions, casting updates, and upcoming events. With personal insights and opinions interwoven, Matt covers the highly anticipated embargoed reviews for "Oedipus," a major Sting-led revival, the adaptation of "Begin Again," key announcements from Off-Broadway, and a preview of Broadway's presence at the upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. "Oedipus" at Studio 54: Reviews Embargoed
- Main Point: The latest Broadway production of "Oedipus" opens tonight at Studio 54. Reviews are embargoed until 11:59 pm ET.
- Host’s Frustration: Matt expresses his annoyance about the restrictive review embargo:
- Quote (01:00): "Why are we waiting this late? Really maddening. I know that there's like different reasons they do that, but it's annoying."
- Matt promises to share his review in the episode after attending, and broader review coverage will follow on Patreon and in the next regular episode.
- Host’s Frustration: Matt expresses his annoyance about the restrictive review embargo:
2. Sting’s "The Last Ship" to Play at The Met
- Announcement: A freshly revised production of "The Last Ship," written by Sting, will have nine performances at the Metropolitan Opera House (June 19-14, 2026).
- Key Details:
- Sting will reprise his leading role as Jackie White.
- Directed by Leo Warner, with a new book by Barney Norris.
- Shaggy, Sting’s longtime collaborator, joins as the ferryman.
- This run is part of an international engagement (Amsterdam, Paris, Brisbane).
- Sting’s album “The Last Ship” will be rereleased Dec. 15 with five new recordings.
- Personal Note (03:00): Matt admits not fully connecting with the show himself:
- Quote: “I didn't actually see the show, but I didn't get it. My friend Caitlin...is obsessed with this show...she's freaking out right now in the group chat.”
- Key Details:
3. "Begin Again" Musical Adaptation: Creative Team Announced
- Update: The 2013 John Carney film, "Begin Again," is set to become a musical at San Diego’s Old Globe in Fall 2026.
- Music by Pat Monahan (Train), adaptation by Jenny Clark Embry, directed by Lauren Let, choreography by David Newman, orchestrations by Brian Youssef.
- Origin story and plot summary: A down-on-her-luck singer-songwriter (originally played by Keira Knightley) is discovered by a struggling record executive (Mark Ruffalo).
- “Lost Stars,” the film’s Oscar-nominated song, along with new Monahan songs, will feature.
- No casting yet; Broadway transfer planned after the Old Globe run (Sept 6 – Oct 11, 2026).
- Host’s Take (05:30): Matt, a fan of John Carney’s emotional, music-driven films, is keen to see how it translates to stage:
- Quote: “I love these films. I think they're really smart, really good, touching, small slice of musical life stories.”
4. Public Theater Adds "Seagull the True Story" to Season
- New Play Announcement: A semi-autobiographical work by Ellie Rarey and Alexander Molochenkov inspired by staging Chekhov’s "The Seagull."
- Running March 22 – April 26, 2026.
- Explores comedic mayhem, artistic rebellion, displacement, censorship, and creative freedom.
- Quote from press notes (07:10): "...comedic mayhem, artistic rebellion, and deeply personal reflections on displacement, censorship, and the pursuit of creative freedom."
- International ensemble, no cast announced yet.
5. Off-Broadway Highlights
- "The Honey Trap":
- Irish Repertory Theatre’s acclaimed show set in Belfast during the Troubles, seeing strong audience demand and an extended return engagement (Jan 10 – Feb 15, 2026).
- Story centers on two British soldiers and resurfacing trauma decades later.
- "11 to Midnight":
- New dance-centered show at the Orpheum, Jan 28 – Mar 11, 2026.
- Choreographed by Austin and Meredith Telenko (“Cost and Mayer”), directed by Lindsay Maggot Avenor.
- Set at a NYE party, highlighting street dance and a “genre-hopping soundtrack.”
- "44" (The Barack Obama Musical):
- At the Daryl Roth Theater, extended through Jan 4, 2026.
- Directed by Ellie Bauman, music direction by Andrew Brewster, starring T.J. Wilkins (Barack) and Shanice (Michelle).
6. Broadway at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Only three Broadway shows performing this year: "Buena Vista Social Club," "Just in Time," and "Ragtime."
- Matt voices disappointment at the light lineup compared to previous years.
- Quote (09:30): "I'm kind of disappointed that we're only getting three of them."
- Special 50th anniversary tribute for "A Chorus Line" (helmed by Baayork Lee).
- Other appearances: Debbie Gibson, Darlene Love, Tyler Peck, Christopher Jackson, Mia Michaels (choreographing with Macy's dancers), and the Radio City Rockettes.
- "Today Show" posted a video capturing casts’ reactions to being selected, linked in show notes.
7. Tom Felton Joins "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway
- Noted, with some “complicated feelings” about the show, but the significance is acknowledged.
- Tom Felton, best-known as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, now playing the same character on Broadway as of this week.
- Quote (11:10): "The response to [Felton’s return] is rapturous."
- Host includes mention of the much-shared video of Felton’s debut.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On review embargoes for “Oedipus” (01:00):
- "Why are we waiting this late? Really maddening...it's annoying."
- On “The Last Ship” announcement (03:00):
- “If you love the Last Ship, if you love Sting, here's an opportunity to see him do the show nine times. Early Summer at the Met.”
- On John Carney’s films (05:30):
- “I love these films. I think they're really smart, really good, touching, small slice of musical life stories.”
- Regarding Broadway’s Thanksgiving Parade presence (09:30):
- “I'm kind of disappointed that we're only getting three of them.”
- On Tom Felton’s Broadway debut (11:10):
- “The response to [Felton’s return as Draco Malfoy] is rapturous.”
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------| | 00:31 | Episode start; Oedipus embargo explained | | 03:00 | "The Last Ship" at the Met announcement | | 05:30 | "Begin Again" musical adaptation | | 07:10 | "Seagull the True Story" at The Public | | 08:20 | Off-Broadway round-up: "Honey Trap," "11 to Midnight," "44" | | 09:30 | Macy’s Parade Broadway lineup preview | | 11:10 | Tom Felton joins "Cursed Child" on Broadway| | 11:43 | End of content (sponsors begin) |
Tone & Flow
Matt’s delivery remains conversational and passionate, punctuated by both personal opinions and factual run-downs, with a sense of excitement and at times frustration about Broadway news. The commentary is colored by both industry knowledge and fan engagement, echoing his mix of critique (e.g., review embargoes, parade lineup) and enthusiasm (Carney’s movies, special anniversary projects).
Summary
This episode delivers an up-to-the-minute pulse on Broadway and beyond: embargoed critical coverage, major star-driven productions, new adaptations, and a parade performance preview. Matt skillfully balances news and opinion, offering listeners both the what and the why behind the week’s most significant theater headlines.