BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025
Hosts: Matt Tamanini & Grace Aki
Episode Theme:
A lively rundown of the latest Broadway news, casting updates, box office breakdowns, and insider commentary on trending developments—plus recommendations and industry shakeups.
Main Episode Overview
This episode dives into significant casting news, Broadway box office trends, and hot topics in the theatre community, including discussions around cast replacements, an exclusive announcement from Disney Theatrical, and recommendations for new music releases from Broadway talents.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Casting Shakeups at Circle in the Square’s 'Just In Time'
(Starts ~01:10)
- Erica Henningsen (Sandra Dee) will play her final performance on Sunday, Sept. 14.
- Gracie Lawrence (Connie Francis) exits after her run on Sunday, Oct. 5.
- Replacements:
- Sadie Dickerson (Broadway newcomer, Missouri State BFA grad) steps in as Sandra Dee.
- Sarah Hyland (noted for “Modern Family”; returns to Broadway after 2 decades, recent “Grey Gardens” and “Little Shop of Horrors”) steps in as Connie Francis starting Oct. 8.
Matt (02:44):
"This is another just absolute home run in terms of casting as I'm concerned."
Grace (03:41):
"I genuinely thought this show was going to be a very short commercial, like 16 week moment. ... But I love that they've got these great people stepping in."
- Commentary on how replacement casting can refresh a show and sustain its appeal.
- Both hosts display excitement for the new cast members, with Grace vouching for Hyland’s recent performances.
2. Longevity Discussion: Can 'Just In Time' Survive Without Jonathan Groff?
(~04:18)
- Matt wonders how tightly the show’s success is tied to Jonathan Groff’s star power and if future replacements could carry it post-Groff.
- Grace reflects on the challenge of transferring audience draw from a star vehicle to the material itself:
Grace (05:23):
"People that I have seen just demand that they see this show have all kind of led with, I have to see Jonathan Groff. ... I think that it's like, who is someone that people are like, I don't care what they're doing, I've got to see them do it?"
- Discusses the difference between casting for a "name" versus building on the material’s inherent appeal.
- Consideration for potential replacements with big fanbases (Aaron Tveit, Darren Criss, etc.)—and whether such fandom translates to ticket sales.
Matt (08:55):
"It would be interesting to see if those people would show up for a show about a guy who, you know...is like they're the same age or older than those fans' grandparents."
3. Casting and Standby Updates: 'The Queen of Versailles'
(~09:30)
- Sherri Renee Scott will perform the lead role (Jackie Siegel) in four dedicated shows when Kristin Chenoweth is out:
- Dates: Nov 5, Nov 25, Dec 3 (both shows), Jan 20
Matt (09:58):
"I was a little surprised that it was not a more consistent thing with Sherri because she is, you know, like Mandy Gonzalez, a pretty big name in the theater community."
- Discussion on the Broadway trend of scheduling notable alternates/standbys, and how the community positively embraces these.
Grace (11:06):
"I view it as like a positive. I think that the community has widely, positively embraced these things and I would like to normalize them."
4. Broadway Box Office Report
(~12:13)
- 28 shows running, art replaces Call Me Izzy.
- 7% increase in grosses to $30.63 million; slight decline in attendance; avg ticket up 8% to $128.95
- Top earners:
- Hamilton: $2.26m
- Wicked: $2m
- Lion King, Mamma Mia, Maybe Happy Ending
- Notable performances: Purpose closed with a house record at Helen Hayes Theater; Art previews average out to a strong projection.
- Capacity highlights: 20/28 shows played to 90%+ capacity; several over 100%.
- Commentary on what these numbers show about Broadway’s current robust health.
5. Quickfire News Bites
(~15:15)
- Rajeev Joseph's 'Archduke' — Complete off-Broadway cast announced: Patrick Page, Christine Nielsen, & more. Performances begin Oct. 23.
- 'Bo the Musical' — Jeb Brown replaces Chris Blissett as lead for return engagement; opens Oct. 13.
- Cost & Mayer’s '11 to Midnight' — Popular dance duo (Austin and Meredith) launches new off-Broadway show in spring 2026; cast announced.
- Disney Theatrical Leadership Change
- Thomas Schumacher stepping down after decades at the helm.
- Andrew Flatt & Anne Court to become co-leaders.
- Industry implication: Will Disney’s Broadway strategy shift or remain consistent?
Matt (17:58):
"See if anything noticeably different comes out of them. If they kind of switch up their philosophy with shows. If they move some things around and have more shows on Broadway at the same time, it'll be interesting to see."
6. Music Recommendation: 'Get What You Want' Album
(~18:55)
- New album curated by Michael Finke, out Friday, Sept 12.
- Notable singers: Emily Afton, Donna Lynn Champlin, F. Michael Haney (Grace’s fiancé), and more.
- Grace surprised but thrilled to learn of Haney’s involvement.
Grace (19:41):
"No, F is on 100 albums. ... but they have the most amazing voice in the world and I did say that before we were together."
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Matt on Sarah Hyland’s casting:
"This is another just absolute home run in terms of casting as I'm concerned." (02:44) -
Grace on Hyland’s performances:
"Sarah was so phenomenal in both the shows that I've seen her in this year, in the past year." (04:06) -
On the Jonathan Groff draw:
"I have to see Jonathan Groff. Like, I have to see him. I love him." – Grace (05:19) -
On Broadway standby trends:
"I think that the community has widely, positively embraced these things and I would like to normalize them." – Grace (11:11)
Important Timestamps
- 01:10: Circle in the Square casting shakeups
- 03:41: Grace's take on replacement casting
- 04:18 - 09:00: Discussion on star vehicles and show sustainability post-Groff
- 09:30: Queen of Versailles standby details
- 12:13: Broadway box office breakdown
- 15:15: Show/casting news rundown
- 17:58: Disney Theatrical leadership change
- 18:55: 'Get What You Want' album recommendation
Episode Tone
The conversation is enthusiastic, insider-y, but positive—balancing industry analysis with warmth and admiration for artists and the Broadway community.
Summary Takeaway
From big-name cast changes that promise to keep ticket sales high, to business shifts and new musical happenings, this episode showcases the ever-evolving, resilient world of Broadway. The hosts’ friendly, knowledgeable banter makes it clear: theater is as much about community as it is about stars, and the industry continues to adapt, surprise, and thrive.