BroadwayRadio — "Today on Broadway: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025"
Hosts: Matt Tammanini & Grace Locke
Date: September 18, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode dives into the much-anticipated Broadway revival of Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning play Art, reviews from New York theater critics, the Broadway community’s response to canceled Manhattan casino plans, key casting announcements—including for Oedipus and The Outsiders—and red carpet moments from the Art opening night.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Opening of Art on Broadway
[00:37 – 05:45]
- Art opened at the Music Box Theater for a limited run (through Dec 21st, with possible extensions).
- The play features James Corden, Neil Patrick Harris, and Bobby Cannavale; it's directed by Scott Ellis.
- The plot revolves around three longtime friends, their views on a $300,000 painting, and what truly defines art and friendship.
- Critical reception (per Did They Like It): 10 positive, 4 mixed, 4 negative out of 18 reviews.
Notable Reviews:
- New York Times (Elizabeth Vincentelli) — Positive
- Praises James Corden’s energetic return ("Corden makes a meal of that tirade... an increasingly frantic aria about negotiating his family's demands on his imminent wedding.")
"At times, Scott Ellis's production at the Music Box Theater feels like an extended episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm." — Elizabeth Vincentelli, NYT [03:20]
- Notes the chemistry isn’t entirely tight yet; Corden is particularly singled out for his performance.
- Praises James Corden’s energetic return ("Corden makes a meal of that tirade... an increasingly frantic aria about negotiating his family's demands on his imminent wedding.")
- Vulture (Sarah Holdren) — Negative
- Criticizes the production’s context—another revival focused on privileged men, feeling out of step with current Broadway trends.
"Art is a story about three middle aged men, largely white and wealthy, that's returning to Broadway in a season already rife with frustration about what feels like an overall swing back toward male heavy programming..." — Sarah Holdren, Vulture [04:35]
- Criticizes the production’s context—another revival focused on privileged men, feeling out of step with current Broadway trends.
- Theatrely (Juan A. Ramirez) — Mixed
- Acknowledges the star-studded cast but questions the cast’s chemistry.
Host Discussion:
- Matt observes the tension in reviews and audience expectations for high-profile revivals with celebrity actors.
- Grace, who works on the Art publicity team (disclosed), shares surprise at negative reactions:
"Maybe I'm just talking out of my ass, but am I... Does that sound right to you, Matt? Or is it just like, me?" — Grace [07:10]
2. Critical Conversations on Revivals & Representation
[08:23 – 13:05]
- Matt points out the unique place Art has as a female-authored play (Yasmina Reza—the only woman to win Best Play twice).
"While the people on stage might be men, this is also a hugely, historically important play for women writers in the history of theater, let alone Broadway." — Matt [10:16]
- Both discuss the difference between evaluating new works and revivals, and how casting and context shape the conversation.
3. Manhattan Casino Proposals Defeated
[13:06 – 14:46]
- The community advisories declined both the Times Square and Hudson Yards casino proposals.
- Key Broadway organizations (Broadway League, Broadway Cares, The Shubert Organization, etc.) are pleased with the decision.
- Times Square casino opponents were concerned about safety, disruption, and impact on theater-related businesses.
"I do not feel safe to work near a casino... It is hard enough to work in Times Square. As a young woman of my height, frankly... it just genuinely scared me." — Grace [13:21]
4. Broadway Casting & Show Announcements
Oedipus (Studio 54, begins Oct 30)
[14:47 – 16:50]
- Mark Strong (Oedipus) and Lesley Manville (Yocasta) lead; John Carroll Lynch joins the cast.
“He [John Carroll Lynch] can be funny, he can be scary... every time he's in something you're like, damn, he's good.” — Matt [15:46] "I love him on The Drew Carey Show... He's just been good in every single thing he's ever done." — Grace [16:38]
The Outsiders: Temporary Cast Change
[16:51 – 17:29]
- Kevin Solak will temporarily take over as Bob (the Soch bully), as Kevin William Paul leaves to star in The Baker's Wife.
"Kevin Solak... was in the original company of The Outsiders... Now he's being back. So it is justice for Tulsa." — Grace [17:30]
Other (Ariel Stachel’s Solo Show, Greenwich House Theater)
[17:48 – 18:37]
- Tony winner Ariel Stachel’s autobiographical show produced by LaChanze, running Oct 8–Dec 6.
"LaChanze is further becoming... one of the most important producers in New York on or off Broadway." — Matt [18:32]
5. Red Carpet Highlights: Art Opening Night
[18:48 – 20:01]
- Grace recounts the fun and energy at the Art red carpet, with notable conversations:
- Bill Burr and his wife, Nia Hill (“so fabulous, comes from a long lineage of understanding comedy, etc.”)
- Paul Rudd, Robert Klein, Victor Garber, and more in attendance.
"It was honestly one of the best Broadway opening nights I'd been a part of in a hot minute..." — Grace [19:36]
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- 03:20 | NYT review (Vincentelli):
"At times, Scott Ellis's production at the Music Box Theater feels like an extended episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm."
- 04:35 | Vulture review (Holdren):
"...another play that makes it painfully obvious just how long ago the 80s and 90s really were."
- 07:10 | Grace on hostile reviews:
"Maybe I'm just talking out of my ass, but am I... Does that sound right to you, Matt? Or is it just like, me?"
- 10:16 | Matt on playwright representation:
"...this is also a hugely, historically important play for women writers in the history of theater, let alone Broadway."
- 13:21 | Grace on personal safety near casinos:
"I do not feel safe to work near a casino... It is hard enough to work in Times Square."
- 19:36 | Grace on Art’s opening night:
"It was honestly one of the best Broadway opening nights I'd been a part of in a hot minute..."
Important Timestamps
| Time | Segment | |----------|--------------------------------------------| | 00:37 | Art revival discussion and critical roundup | | 05:46 | Grace’s experience at the Art opening | | 08:23 | Dissecting review culture & revival politics | | 13:06 | Manhattan casino plans defeated | | 14:47 | Oedipus Broadway casting | | 16:51 | The Outsiders cast update | | 17:48 | New solo show: Other by Ariel Stachel | | 18:48 | Red carpet highlights at Art |
Episode Tone
- Analytical and candid: The hosts balance critical analysis, personal anecdotes, and humor. They challenge the review culture and broader trends in Broadway programming, while also sharing their own excitement and concerns about changes in the theater world.
Conclusion
This episode provides listeners with a well-rounded look at Art’s opening night and critical reception, the Broadway community uniting against local casino proposals, exclusive casting news, and a glimpse inside the opening’s star-studded red carpet—all delivered in BroadwayRadio's signature mix of insider insight and sincere enthusiasm.