BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Release Date: April 1, 2025
Host: Matt Tiamineni
Co-Host: Grace Aki

1. Introduction

In the April Fool's Day 2025 episode of Today on Broadway, host Matt Tiamineni welcomes listeners alongside co-host Grace Aki. The episode delves into recent recognitions within the Broadway community, upcoming show extensions, potential new productions, and personal updates from both hosts.

2. Grace Aki's Recognition by Broadway Women's Alliance

Overview:
Matt opens the discussion by highlighting Grace Aki's recent recognition by the Broadway Women's Alliance and Broadway News as a notable figure theater fans should know, especially during Women's History Month.

Key Points:

• Recognition Details:
  Matt: "Grace, not only are you tell me on a Sunday podcast it's Grace Aki, but as I discovered on Monday morning, you are someone that people should know... you were named by the Broadway Women's alliance and Broadway News as one of the people that theater fans should know." (00:09)

• Grace's Response:
  Grace: "I was just honestly kindly asked by the women behind all of this... it was just so lovely. So I cannot thank them enough." (00:46)

• Involved Figures:
  Grace acknowledges the efforts of Ruthie Fireberg of Broadway News, Diana Salame of Sereno, and Molly from Grapevine PR in facilitating her recognition.

• Broadway Women's Alliance:
  Matt mentions other notable figures featured by the alliance, including Brittany Samuel and Nikki Hunter, emphasizing the organization's role in highlighting influential women in theater.

3. Upcoming Shows and Initial Impressions

Overview:
The conversation shifts to the latest Broadway offerings, specifically the revival of Glengarry Glen Ross at the Palace Theater.

Key Points:

• Glengarry Glen Ross Revival:
  Matt: "On Monday over the Palace Theater they are opening the latest Broadway revival of Glengarry Glen Ross... but we are not going to talk about the reviews on today's episode because they are embargoed until 11:30pm EAS." (01:09)

• Grace's Attendance:
  Grace: "Tonight I'm actually now fortunate enough to go to the Glengarry opening. So I will have some feedback from that whole thing." (02:33)
  Matt: "Grace, you actually saw it over the weekend as well, right?"
  Grace: "Yes, just now. So I can't wait to see it again." (02:46)

• Personal Connection:
  Matt mentions Grace's involvement with a show featuring her "boy Kieran," highlighting her active participation in the Broadway scene.

4. Roundabout's Pirates of Penzance Extension

Overview:
Matt shares exciting news about the extension of Roundabout Theater Company's Pirates of Penzance revival on Broadway.

Key Points:

• Extension Details:
  Matt: "...the Roundabout Theater Company... the Pirates of Penzance, now called the Penzance Musical, has extended on Broadway... it will now play through July 27th." (02:50)

• Rehearsal Footage:
  The episode highlights rehearsal footage featuring star talents like Jinkx Monsoon, Ramin Karimloo, and David Hyde Pierce, offering listeners a glimpse into the show's vibrant production.

• Grace's Anticipation:
  Matt: "Grace never seen this... I am very much looking forward to seeing this one later in the spring." (02:50)

5. Potential New Production: Kat's the Jellicle Ball

Overview:
The hosts explore the buzz surrounding Kat's the Jellicle Ball and its potential future on Broadway.

Key Points:

• Social Media Tease:
  Matt: "Based on some social media action yesterday, it sounds like the show is gearing up for some sort of run in the fairly near future." (04:00)
  The official post featured a crisp logo with "meow" and a disco ball-shaped cat head, directing fans to Kat's the Jellicle Ball website.

• Speculations and Rumors:
  Discussions revolve around whether the show is aiming for an off-Broadway, Broadway, or even West End run, considering Andrew Lloyd Webber's historical preferences.

• Grace's Insights:
  Grace: "I'm eager for it to be on a Broadway stage... it's super smart for them to just like go ahead and get a sense of the excitement." (05:41)
  She explains the strategic approach of gauging audience interest through lead generation campaigns to inform potential investors and producers.

• Andrew Lloyd Webber's Involvement:
  The conversation touches on ALW's portfolio, questioning whether having multiple shows simultaneously might lead to saturation or if diverse interpretations could complement each other.

• Matt's Speculations:
  Matt: "The rumors that I have heard are that this is Broadway bound... looking for a more conventional Broadway proscenium theater, but that they're gonna build a catwalk into the audience." (07:29)

6. Personal Show Schedules and Experiences

Overview:
Both hosts share their current theater-going schedules and experiences, providing a personal touch to the episode.

Key Points:

• Matt's Schedule:
  Matt: "So far I've seen Buena Vista Social Club and Operation Mincemeat... on Monday, I am going to see Boop. And then Grace, as long as you can get your schedule organized, we're going to go see Vanya on Tuesday night... and so on." (10:08)
  He lists the myriad of shows he's attending throughout the week, highlighting his active engagement with the Broadway scene.

• Grace's Schedule:
  Grace: "There's just a lot going on. I'm seeing... Take the Lead, Stranger Things, Glengarry... I'm really excited for Vanya and so many things." (11:11)
  She emphasizes her enthusiasm for experiencing different productions and the unique audience reactions she observes.

• Audience Interaction:
  Grace shares her passion for listening to audience reactions during performances, stating, "I love listening to audiences... that is so exciting to me. That's worth a ticket on its own." (12:19)

7. Recommendations and Highlights

Overview:
As the episode wraps up, Matt provides listeners with recommendations for upcoming productions and available content.

Key Points:

• Featured Productions:

  • Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends:
    Matt: "Footage from the Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends that the Manhattan Theater Club has released... officially opens at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater on April 8th." (13:10)

  • Let Me Be You Star:
    Matt: "Robin Herder singing Let Me Be You Star, the opening number version of that song from Smash... it opens April 10th." (13:10)

• Accessing Content:
  Listeners are encouraged to check out the recommended videos available in the show notes for a deeper dive into these productions.

8. Closing Remarks

Overview:
In a light-hearted conclusion, Matt reminds listeners to stay media literate and not fall for misleading headlines, especially pertinent on April Fool's Day.

Key Points:

• Final Thoughts:
  Matt: "Don't get fooled by any stupid headlines... Have a safe and media literate day and we're about to talk to you tomorrow." (13:10)

• Social Media Connections:

  • Matt's Instagram: @bww.matt
  • Grace's Instagram: @itsgraceaki

Notable Quotes

• Grace on Audience Reactions:
  "I love listening to audiences... that is so exciting to me. That's worth a ticket on its own." (12:19)

• Matt on Broadway Diversity:
  "I don't think it's necessary to space things out... because it's Andrew Lloyd Webber, and because these are different takes, it’s okay to kind of overlap a little bit." (09:34)

Conclusion

This episode of Today on Broadway offers an insightful look into the dynamic world of Broadway, celebrating influential figures, discussing upcoming and extended productions, and sharing personal experiences from avid theatergoers. Whether you're a seasoned theater enthusiast or new to the Broadway scene, Matt and Grace provide valuable perspectives and recommendations to keep you engaged with the latest in theater.

For more information and to access the recommended content, visit the show notes provided in the podcast episode.