BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Tuesday, April 22, 2025"

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Matt Tammanini & Grace Aki
Podcast: BroadwayRadio

Introduction

In the April 22, 2025 episode of BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway", hosts Matt Tammanini and Grace Aki delve into the latest happenings on and around Broadway. From new productions and critical reviews to upcoming openings and industry news, this episode offers an extensive overview for theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Highlighting Broadway's Newest Productions

"Floyd Collins" at Vivian Beaumont Theater

Matt Tammanini kicks off the discussion with the Broadway premiere of "Floyd Collins" at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. This first-ever Broadway production, written and directed by Tina Landau with music by Adam Guettel, features renowned actor Jeremy Jordan in the titular role alongside a talented ensemble cast including Jason Gotay, Sean Allen Krill, and Lizzie McAlpine.

Plot Overview:
The musical is based on the true story of Floyd Collins, a young man trapped in a West Virginia cave in the early 1900s. It not only portrays Collins' struggle but also the widespread hysteria and efforts to rescue him.

Critical Reception:
The show has received a mix of reviews:

• Laura Collins Hughes from The New York Times praises the production, stating, "Floyd Collins reaches the sublime, and that is a rare achievement in any work of art." ([03:00])

• Charles Isherwood of the Wall Street Journal commends its emotional depth: "Although its subject is inherently sad, Floyd Collins depicts the title character in his family with a tenderness that allows the musical to transcend any abiding sense of despair." ([03:40])

• Adam Feldman from Timeout New York offers a more moderate perspective: "The show is one long elegy for a man we have barely met and barely get to know and who doesn't seem especially special except as a victim of circumstance." ([04:00])

• Greg Evans of Deadline highlights the musical's emotional resonance: "With Guettel's often sublime score and lyrics that get at the terror, cynicism, and most of all, undying hope against hope... Floyd Collins might haunt some of those who see it now just as surely as it haunted many of us back in '96." ([04:40])

• Juan A. Ramirez from Theatrely notes the show's aesthetic qualities: "Floyd Collins is an odd piece which stage asks a little too hard that we mine through dense earth to reach its goal. But this Broadway premiere makes a solid case for its beauty, found through a gorgeous score that draws opera from Americana." ([05:20])

Hosts' Take:
Both Matt and Grace acknowledge the mixed reviews but express optimism about Jeremy Jordan's performance, suggesting that his portrayal could become a standout element of the show.

Upcoming Broadway Openings and Highlights

"Stranger Things: The First Shadow"

Opening at the Marquee Theater, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" is an original story inspired by the beloved Netflix series. Co-written by Kate Treffery, Jack Thorne, and the show's creators, the musical is directed by Stephen Daldry and features a blend of Broadway and West End talent.

Grace Aki's Insight:
"It's a highly entertaining piece of theater. I don't have to have had knowledge of Stranger Things to still feel like I went to see a great piece of theater." ([07:40])

Audience Reception:
Grace emphasizes that the production is accessible to both fans and newcomers, highlighting its broad entertainment value.

"Pirates! The Penzance Musical" at Todd Hames Theater

Set in New Orleans' French Quarter, this fresh adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's classic, directed by Scott Ellis, incorporates vibrant musical arrangements to match its setting. With stars like Ramin Karimloo, Jinx Monsoon, and David Hyde Pierce, the show promises a unique take on the beloved operetta.

"Just In Time" at Circle in the Square Theater

Featuring Jonathan Groff as Bobby Darin, this new musical reimagines the legendary singer's life. Developed and directed by Alex Timbers, the production transforms the Circle in the Square into an intimate club setting, enhancing the immersive experience for the audience.

Off Broadway News and Updates

• "Conversations With Mother" starring Caroline Aaron and Matt Doyle has concluded its final performance Off Broadway.

• "Grief Camp" at Atlantic Theater Company is set to open, alongside new productions like "The Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse" and Ryan J. Haddad's "Hold Me in the Water" at Playwrights Horizons.

• Michael Urie returns to the stage with Red Bull Theater's one-person production of "Richard II", scheduled for September 27-28, 2025.

• The quartet Carol Church extends performances of "Glass Kill", "What If, IF Only", and ".imp" at the Public Theater through May 25.

• "Life and Trust", an immersive show from the team behind Sleep No More, has abruptly closed in the Financial District due to "unforeseen circumstances."

Tony Awards Season and Eligibility

The episode delves into the critical period for Broadway as shows vie for Tony nominations. Two significant openings, "Dead Outlaw" and "Real Women Have Curves", have premiered on Sunday, April 25, 2025, positioning themselves as strong contenders in the Best Musical race.

• "Dead Outlaw" at the Longacre Theater features a book by Itamara Moses, music by David Yazbeck and Eric Della Pena, and is directed by David Cromer.

• "Real Women Have Curves" at the James Earl Jones Theater, with a score by Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez, and a book by Lisa Loomer and Nell Benjamin, adapts the play by Josefina Lopez. Despite challenges, including lead actress Tatiana Cordoba's recent illness, the show garners anticipation for its compelling narrative and vibrant performances.

Matt Tammanini explains the Tony nomination process, emphasizing the limited pool of nominators and the impact of personal tastes on the final selections.

Variety's "Broadway Actors on Actors" Series

Variety has launched its inaugural "Broadway Actors on Actors" video series, featuring interviews between prominent actors such as:

• George Clooney & Patti LuPone
• Audra McDonald & Jake Gyllenhaal
• Kieran Culkin & Sarah Snook
• Nicole Scherzinger & Jonathan Groff
• Cole Escola & Darren Criss

Grace Aki's Reaction:
"We've needed to do something cool like this for a really long time, especially in the theater community... I particularly moved by the Nicole Scherzinger Jonathan Groff conversation." ([19:38])

The hosts express excitement over the unique pairings, anticipating insightful and engaging conversations that bridge the worlds of film, television, and theater.

Recommendations and Additional Highlights

• Performances to Watch:

  • Jordan Fisher and Solea Pfeiffer from "Mulan Rouge" performed on the Today Show.
  • Liza Minnelli accepting the RuPaul's Drag Race Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Michelle Williams shared backstage moments from "Death Becomes Her".

• Streaming Alert:

  • "Miscast" is now available to stream from MCC Theater, though access is limited and requires a ticket.

Upcoming Interviews

Grace Aki shares exciting future content, including:

• A conversation with Daniel Yearwood of Old Friends about "Sweeney Todd".
• An interview with Amanda Green, the lyricist behind "Regency Girls", currently playing at the Old Globe and potentially heading to Broadway.

Conclusion

Matt Tammanini and Grace Aki wrap up the episode with a preview of upcoming content and a reminder to follow BroadwayRadio on social media. They invite listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth interviews and analyses of the Broadway scene.

Grace Aki can be followed on social media at @itsgraceaki.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of "Today on Broadway." Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to the Broadway scene, this podcast offers valuable insights and updates to keep you informed and entertained.