BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Host: Matt Scammani & Grace Ake
Introduction
In the April 15, 2025 episode of Today on Broadway, hosts Matt Scammani and Grace Ake delve into the latest happenings in the Broadway scene. They discuss significant casting announcements, critically acclaimed shows, upcoming productions both on and off Broadway, and noteworthy events shaping the theatrical landscape. This summary encapsulates their engaging conversation, enriched with key quotes and insights.
Leslie Odom Jr. Returns to Hamilton
The episode kicks off with exciting news about Leslie Odom Jr.'s return to the smash hit musical Hamilton. Celebrating the show's 10th anniversary, Odom Jr. reprises his role as Aaron Burr for a limited 12-week run from September 9th to November 23rd.
- Matt Scammani [00:50]:
"Huge news coming from the world of Hamilton because yesterday it was announced on the Today Show Live that Leslie Odom Jr. will be coming back to Hamilton as part of the 10th anniversary celebration for the show."
Grace expresses her enthusiasm, highlighting the rarity of such opportunities for fans who missed his original performances.
- Grace Ake [02:38]:
"I think it's amazing because Hamilton became such a phenomenon... it's an opportunity for those of us who never saw him do this role than in the pro tape to be able to see him on stage."
They anticipate high demand and expensive tickets, speculating on the possibility of other original cast members rejoining the celebration.
Critical Reception of Smash on Broadway
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Broadway adaptation of Smash, a musical based on the iconic TV series. The show has garnered a polarized reception, sparking debates among critics and audiences alike.
- Matt Scammani [04:00]:
"It's interesting because I don't know if there has been a more divisive show in recent memory when it comes to the reviews."
With 20 reviews tallying eight positive, six mixed, and six negative opinions, opinions range from praise for its energy and musical score to criticism of its perceived disdain for modern content creators.
- New York Times' Jesse Green [05:00]:
"Smash... is more of a who'll do it and when the big song comes, it's a killer. The great musical comedy no one saw coming."
Contrastingly, Brittany Samuel of Broadway News [06:00]:
"Smash sells the promise of slap happy Broadway... Contempt is what they must have for actors, writers, influencers, young people in general."
Grace shares her personal reaction to the negative sentiments portrayed in the musical, feeling alienated by its harsh rhetoric toward the current state of Broadway.
- Grace Ake [07:15]:
"...there was a lot of hate there... It should have felt like a love letter... but more times than not, it felt like an adverse, hateful rhetoric to what we all do and why we do it."
Matt responds by expressing frustration but also anticipates seeing the show firsthand to form his own opinion.
- Matt Scammani [10:41]:
"That's very frustrating. I'm going to see it in May when I'm in town..."
Upcoming Productions
Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot Revival
An intriguing production slated to premiere on Broadway is the revival of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the show will begin previews on September 13th at the Hudson Theater, with an official opening night on September 28th.
- Matt Scammani [11:35]:
"It's going to be a strict limited engagement playing through January 4th. Jamie Lloyd is obviously producing and directing, as we've talked about before."
Grace admires the unconventional casting, noting the excitement around Reeves' involvement.
- Grace Ake [11:35]:
"I just think it's wild... like a Mad Libs of theater... But also, like, they're gonna be great."
Arthur Miller's All My Sons West End Production
Transitioning to the West End, the hosts discuss the upcoming production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons, featuring Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Papa Asiedo. Directed by Ivo Van Hove, this star-studded rendition will open on November 14th at Wyndham's Theatre in London and is anticipated to potentially transfer to Broadway in the future.
- Matt Scammani [12:05]:
"This is such an absolutely incredible group of performers... reuniting Cranston and director Ivo Van Hove who worked together on Network."
Born with Teeth
Another noteworthy London production, Born with Teeth, stars Shuddhi Gatwa and Edward Blumell, known for their roles in Netflix's Sex Education. Directed by Daniel Evans, the play pits historical figures Christopher Marlowe and an aspiring playwright, William Shakespeare, against each other in a battle for theatrical supremacy. Scheduled to run from August 13th to November 1st at Wyndham's Theatre, there are talks of a Broadway transfer in 2026 or 2027.
Off Broadway News
Signature Theater's 35th Anniversary Season
Celebrating its 35th year, the Signature Theater Off Broadway unveils a season featuring three shows by two playwrights:
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Oratorio for Living Things by Heather Christian:
A return engagement that previously played at Ars Nova, featuring a unique blend of singers and instrumentalists interwoven with the audience, creating an immersive theatrical experience. -
Mother Russia by Lauren Yee:
Set in 1992 St. Petersburg during the collapse of the Soviet Union, marking its New York premiere. -
Animal Kingdom by Heather Christensen:
A musical directed by Kenan Tyler Oliphant, exploring themes of storytelling, mythology, and the unseen relationships between souls and the scene.
- Matt Scammani [14:00]:
"Oratorio for Living Things... features a full company of singers and instrumentalists that are in and around the audience."
Grace expresses her eagerness to attend Oratorio for Living Things, having missed her initial opportunity due to COVID-related cancellations.
- Grace Ake [15:54]:
"I'm dying to see this production... I was supposed to see it... but unfortunately, it got canceled."
Extensions and Closures
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Little Shop of Horrors:
Elizabeth Gillies and Milo Manheim extend their performances as Audrey and Seymour until June 1st, delighting fans with their continued portrayal. -
Conversations with Mother:
Matthew Lombardo's production, starring Caroline Aaron and Matt Doyle, faces an early closure on April 21st, down from the originally planned May 11th. Speculations suggest scheduling conflicts or ticket sales influenced this decision. -
Joy Behar's Play Featuring Whoopi Goldberg:
Joy Behar's Off Broadway play welcomes Whoopi Goldberg for a special matinee performance on April 30th, marking a one-day-only guest appearance.
Hollywood Crossover: Jennifer Lopez's Kiss of the Spider Woman
Parallel to Broadway news, the hosts touch upon Hollywood's theatrical adaptations. Jennifer Lopez's big-screen rendition of Kiss of the Spider Woman is set to release in theaters nationwide on October 10th. This adaptation is expected to attract theater enthusiasts eager for award-season buzz.
- Matt Scammani [17:45]:
"Jennifer Lopez's big screen adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman will be available to watch in theaters on October 10th."
Final Thoughts and Tony Awards Deadline
As the episode wraps up, Matt and Grace touch upon the looming Tony Awards eligibility deadline on April 27th. They encourage listeners to explore new productions and support the vibrant theater community.
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Grace Ake [18:03]:
"We're hitting that Tony deadline cutoff, probably next week." -
Matt Scammani [18:45]:
"Yeah, absolutely. All right, everybody, that's all that we have for today."
Conclusion
This episode of Today on Broadway offers a comprehensive overview of current and upcoming events in the Broadway and West End theaters. From star-studded casting announcements and critically divided shows to significant Off Broadway productions and Hollywood adaptations, Matt Scammani and Grace Ake provide listeners with valuable insights and updates essential for any theater aficionado.
Notable Quotes:
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Matt Scammani [00:50]:
"Huge news coming from the world of Hamilton because yesterday it was announced on the Today Show Live that Leslie Odom Jr. will be coming back to Hamilton..." -
Grace Ake [07:15]:
"...it felt like whatever was going on on stage was in an adverse, hateful rhetoric to what we all do and why we do it." -
Grace Ake [15:54]:
"...I was supposed to see it... but unfortunately, it got canceled." -
Matt Scammani [18:24]:
"...the eligibility deadline is the 27th. So that's just under two weeks."
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