BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

Hosts: Matt Tammanini & Grace Aki
Date: October 9, 2025

Overview

In this lively episode of "Today on Broadway," Matt Tammanini and Grace Aki deliver updates on major Broadway news, including casting announcements, upcoming shows, unique staging events, and special recommendations. The episode is steeped in insider enthusiasm and occasional behind-the-scenes tidbits that theater fans will love.

Main Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Kiss of the Spider Woman – Film Adaptation

• [00:30] The new film adaptation, Kiss of the Spider Woman, directed by Bill Condon and starring Diego Luna, Tona Tia, and Jennifer Lopez, opens tonight.
• Matt describes it as "a lot darker than a lot of musicals. It's a lot more ethereal and a lot more outside the traditional scope of movie musicals."
  • Quote (Matt, 01:14): "So very interested in seeing this because it's not like the normal big screen musical."

2. The Lost Boys – Broadway Premiere Casting

• [01:35] Announcement: First casting details for The Lost Boys musical, coming to the Palace Theater (performances start March 27, 2026).
  • Director: Michael Arden
  • Book: David Hornsby and Chris Hoke
  • Music: The Rescues (noted as their first foray into musical theater)
• Cast includes Casey Levy (as Lucy Emerson), L.J. Bennett (Michael Emerson, Jason Patric's role), Ali Lewis Borsgi (David, Kiefer Sutherland's role), Benjamin Pajak (Sam, Corey Haim's role), Maria Wearies (Starr, Jamie Gertz's role), and Paul Alexander Nolan (Max, Edward Herrmann's role).
• Matt shares excitement but notes, "the music is being written by a band who has no musical theater experience. Sometimes that goes super, super well, sometimes it doesn’t."
  • Quote (Matt, 03:28): "It's a show that hasn't had an out of town tryout. It's a show with a really interesting ip. ... I'm excited to see what this looks at when it opens up cold on Broadway in the spring."
• Grace is thrilled: "It's kind of a shame that it's not opening during spooky season... but I do think that it's just so cool and eerie."
  • Quote (Grace, 03:57): "It's kind of a shame that it's not opening during spooky season. Not going to lie. But I do think that it's just so cool and eerie. And having heard a little taste of some of that music secretly, I have to say that I think it's going to be cool. I think we're in for a treat."

3. Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular – North American Premiere

• [04:33] Les Misérables' concert version to play at Radio City Music Hall (July 23-Aug 2, 2026), after European venues.
• Presale starts Oct 22, general on-sale Oct 24.
• Discussion about dream casting for Jean Valjean:
  • Grace nominates Paul Alexander Nolan: "I would die to see him do that. I mean, he's been Jesus in many ways. Is Valjean not Jesus, but French?" (06:47)
  • Matt prefers Alfie Bowe but is open to new or European casting.
  • Quote (Grace, 06:47): "I would die to see him do that. I mean, he's been Jesus in many ways. Is Valjean not Jesus, but French?"

4. Rob Lake Magic with the Muppets – Controversial Broadway Announcement

• [08:14] Rob Lake Magic with special guest, the Muppets will play at the Broadhurst Theater (Oct 28-Jan 18). Only Kermit and Miss Piggy are confirmed. Some fans are upset by the minimal Muppet presence.
  • Matt says, "When you say with special guest, the Muppets, many people assume that you are getting at least more than two of the Muppets... For Gonzo fans, a little underwhelming, you guys." (09:11)
• Grace clarifies: "This is Rob Lake Magic. This is not the Muppets Take Manhattan."
  • She jokes about puppet terminology: "I was about to say the fisting community, but that doesn’t work here. I was trying to make a puppet reference. That's... let's not do that, but you know what I'm saying." (09:55)
  • Quote (Grace, 09:42): "We need to be grateful for what we are given, and we should anticipate, you know, one day a Muppets show in and of itself."
• Upcoming: A proper Muppet show is coming to Disney in 2026, produced by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, directed by Alex Timbers.

5. Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York – Understudy Casting

• [10:41] Understudy casting for the two-hander: Phoenix Best and Vincent Michael (aka "Vinnie").
• Grace shares excitement for Vincent Michael, who she knows personally: "He's just become a part of our incredible, you know, extended family. ... this is his moment and I'm thrilled that the New York community is going to get to see him." (12:32)

6. Off-Broadway Extensions & Notable Shows

• [12:57]
  • Nothing Can Take You From the Hand of God at Playwrights Horizons extended thru Nov 9. Written and performed by Jen Tullock (also of TV’s Severance).
  • Slam Frank at Asylum NYC extended an extra week (thru Oct 26). A hip-hop reinterpretation of Anne Frank’s story, described as "one of the most bonkers things they've ever seen". (13:48)
    • Notable quote: "If I do my job right, this performance could change the world. Obviously, lots of tongues and cheeks in that statement." (14:53)

7. Goodspeed Musicals – 2026 Season Announced

• [15:15]
  • Jesus Christ Superstar (April, directed by Tatiana Pandiani)
  • Crazy For You (June, directed by Michael Fling—personal friend of Grace)
  • The Snow Goose (August; world premiere)
  • Annie (50th anniversary production, starts Oct 30)
• Grace is enthusiastic about Michael Fling’s directorial role: "Michael Fling is one of my best friends in full transparency... I can't wait to hear about everything. ...such an incredible talent there already." (16:34)

8. Special Event: Tres Leches Podcast x Buena Vista Social Club

• [17:48] On Tue, Oct 14: post-show talkback at Buena Vista Social Club featuring the hosts of the Tres Leches Podcast (for Hispanic Heritage Month).
• Grace will be present and encourages listeners to attend for a night of celebration and discussion.

Memorable Quotes

• Matt: "I'm excited to see what this [Lost Boys] looks at when it opens up cold on Broadway in the spring." (03:53)
• Grace: "We need to be grateful for what we are given, and we should anticipate, you know, one day a Muppets show in and of itself." (09:42)
• Grace: "I would die to see [Paul Alexander Nolan] do [Valjean]. I mean, he's been Jesus in many ways. Is Valjean not Jesus, but French?" (06:47)
• Grace: "Michael Fling is one of my best friends in full transparency. This is like truly the best day." (16:34)
• Producer of Slam Frank (quoting press release): "Who else in this business can not only write a full length historical hip hop musical, but also be its leading man? Nobody, that's who." (14:29)

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• [00:30] – Kiss of the Spider Woman film adaptation release
• [01:35] – Lost Boys Broadway announcement & detailed casting
• [03:57] – Grace’s excitement for Lost Boys & early music reactions
• [04:33] – Les Misérables Arena Concert Spectacular announced (dream casting talk)
• [08:14] – Rob Lake Magic w/ Muppets: fan controversy
• [09:42] – Grace reframes Muppets participation, clarifies show scope
• [10:41] – Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York: understudy news
• [12:57] – Off-Broadway show extensions discussed
• [15:15] – Goodspeed Musicals 2026 season preview
• [17:48] – Buena Vista Social Club special talkback announcement

Tone & Takeaways

The episode is highly engaging, balancing playful banter with genuine industry insight. Both hosts share personal anecdotes, fandom, and friendly teasing, which creates an informal, theater-insider vibe. Listeners are left well-informed about Broadway’s latest—and in some cases, quirkiest—news, full of anticipation for what’s on the horizon both onstage and on screen.