Episode Overview
Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Episode: Today on Broadway: Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025
Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Matt Tamineni & Grace Aki
This episode dives into the latest happenings in the Broadway and wider theater worlds, featuring news about high-profile revivals, exciting casting announcements, and notable crossovers between stage and screen talent. Matt and Grace offer their insight (and a bit of friendly banter) on coming revivals, Off-Broadway shake-ups, London's upcoming Ivanov starring Chris Pine, and the holiday season's family-friendly theatrical offerings.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Rumors of a "Hairspray" Broadway Revival
[01:00–03:29]
- Matt shares that he's heard "a Broadway revival of Hairspray is moving closer to coming to fruition." Although there’s no official report, the financial paperwork has reportedly been filed.
- Jack O'Brien, the original director, has spoken about this multiple times since 2023.
- The potential timeline could mirror that of the successful "Mamma Mia!" revival, though details remain unconfirmed.
- Matt emphasizes Hairspray's widespread appeal, vibrant music, and the likelihood of a positive reception.
“It is one that a lot of people really enjoy. Great music, fun, upbeat colors and dancing. I would not be surprised if it has a similar reception as Mamma Mia if it does end up coming to Broadway sometime in the next year or so.” — Matt Tamineni [03:18]
- Grace notes that reviving older works now often requires critical updates:
“I don't know that that's a piece that has the ability to exist in a post 2020 world without some revisions, similar to the Book of Mormon and a lot of other shows that I think got a new lens with some like, you know, harder Broadway conversations.” — Grace Aki [03:38]
2. "Heathers" the Musical: Major Casting Updates
[04:15–06:55]
- "Heathers the Musical" at New World Stages is extended through January 25, with a shuffle of cast members.
- Lorna Courtney (current Veronica) leaves Dec 8 to star in the UK’s "The Greatest Showman" adaptation; she’ll be replaced by Kuhu Verma starting Dec 11.
- Sarah Al Bazali will play Veronica for one day (Dec 10). She was previously Heather Chandler.
- Both Heather Chandler (Mackenzie Kurtz) and Heather Duke (Olivia Hardy) will take temporary leave. Jodie Steele (originated West End Heather Chandler) steps in as Chandler Oct 25; Keira Michelle Lee (currently in the ensemble) plays Heather Duke from Nov 6.
- Kate Rockwell just took over all adult women roles while Kerry Butler is away.
“I know some people were really excited by both Kuhu Verma and Jodie Steele. I have to admit, I am unfamiliar with either of them, but I know a number of people who are like, okay, well, it looks I've got to go back and see this production with these new stars.” — Matt Tamineni [06:16]
- Grace gives a glowing, personal endorsement for Kuhu Verma:
“Kahu is a friend of mine. I cannot tell you how I have to see her in this role...She is a star. I need her to be a household name. I really am not trying to be annoying. I give her the most glowing endorsement of human beings...she is just so talented and, and I'm just so. I'm thrilled that these audiences are gonna get to see her do this.” — Grace Aki [06:27]
3. Chris Pine’s London Stage Debut in Chekhov’s "Ivanov"
[06:55–09:34]
- Chris Pine will make his London stage debut, starring as the title character in Simon Stone’s modern adaptation of Chekhov’s Ivanov at the Bridge Theatre, July 4 – Sept 19, 2026.
- Stone is known for bold reimaginings of classics.
- Ivanov: "man grappling with midlife malaise ... as debts and his wife faces unexplained illnesses...”
- Matt notes Pine’s strong stage background and express excitement for his return to theater.
“He’s one of those guys who I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anything that he’s been in and like, oh, he was bad. He’s always great and delightful in everything he does.” — Matt Tamineni [08:38]
4. "Gotta Dance" — New Off-Broadway Dance Revue
[06:55–09:34]
- Premieres at St. Jean’s Theater Nov 25–Dec 28.
- Features iconic choreography from West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Pippin, Singin’ in the Rain, White Christmas, and more.
- Notable names in the ensemble include Jessica Lee Golden, Paloma Garcia Lee, Afra Hines, Jess LaProto, etc.
- Holiday family experience with choreography by Fosse, Robbins, Kelly, and others.
“...just a fun holiday family experience at the theater.” — Matt Tamineni [09:25]
- Grace points out the abundance of regional White Christmas productions, and is excited about Jess LaProto in the cast:
“Whenever you have Jess La Prada in your dance ensemble, I think that you consider yourself lucky.” — Grace Aki [09:44]
5. "Frozen" at Papermill Playhouse — Full Casting Announced
[09:54–10:54]
- Extended before opening, Nov 26–Jan 11.
- Starring Mary Kate Morrissey (Elsa), Samantha Williams (Anna), Daniel Yearwood (Kristoff), Sam Gravett (Hans), Todd Bonapani (Olaf).
- Matt: “Papermill crushing it with a cast that very well could have been on Broadway or on tour at any point...” [10:54]
- Grace: “The continued Elsa Wicked pipeline continues. The Elphaba Elsas are simply untouchable and I totally get it.” [10:54]
6. "It's a Wonderful Life" Returns to Irish Repertory Theater
[11:19–12:57]
- Holiday classic returns Dec 3–31, reimagined as a live radio broadcast.
- Directed by Charlotte Moore. Cast and creative team to be announced.
7. "Dancing with the Stars" Does "Wicked"
[11:19–12:57]
- Entire episode devoted to Wicked songs, with strong buzz from theater fans.
- Elaine Hendricks’s dance to "Defying Gravity" was a social media sensation.
“From everybody who does that I follow on social media they said this was one of the best episodes in memory...Elaine Hendricks doing a kind of contemporary dance to Defying Gravity, which really stole the show and has been everywhere...” — Matt Tamineni [12:44]
- Grace celebrates the mainstreaming of theater content:
“This season of Dancing with the Stars has been amazing, and I’m so glad the theater kids are on board this time.” — Grace Aki [12:57]
Notable Quotes
- “I don't know that that's a piece that has the ability to exist in a post 2020 world without some revisions...” — Grace Aki on Hairspray revival [03:39]
- “She is a star. I need her to be a household name.” — Grace Aki on Kuhu Verma [06:29]
- “He’s always great and delightful in everything he does.” — Matt Tamineni on Chris Pine [08:38]
- “The Elphaba Elsas are simply untouchable.” — Grace Aki [10:54]
Important Timestamps
- 01:00 Hairspray revival rumors
- 03:29 Commentary on show updates for modern audiences
- 04:15 Heathers casting updates & extension
- 06:23 Grace’s endorsement of Kuhu Verma
- 06:55 Chris Pine in Ivanov & Gotta Dance preview
- 09:54 Papermill Playhouse’s Frozen casting
- 11:19 It’s a Wonderful Life at Irish Rep
- 12:44 Wicked featured on Dancing with the Stars
Episode Tone
The hosts maintain their trademark enthusiasm, friendly banter, and deep affection for musical theater, with Grace sharing an especially personal and supportive tone when discussing colleagues and industry trends.
For more Broadway news and extended discussion, listeners are encouraged to check the BroadwayRadio Patreon and follow the hosts on social media.