BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Tuesday, April 29, 2025"

Release Date: April 29, 2025

1. Introduction and Tony Nominations Discussion

Hosts Matt Tammanini and Grace Aki kick off the episode amidst the anticipation of the upcoming Tony Awards nominations. Matt informs listeners that the regular episode format will be paused to accommodate the nomination announcements.

“We will not have a regular episode of Today on Broadway... but as soon as all of the nominations have been announced, I will jump into the podcast feed and run you through all of them.”
([01:09] Matt Tammanini)

Grace humorously admits confusion over some plans, highlighting the complex scheduling around the nomination announcements.

“It's clear as mud to me.”
([04:48] Grace Aki)

2. Tony Honors Announcement

Matt shares exciting news about the Tony Honors recipients, spotlighting significant contributors to the theater community beyond the performers.

• PBS Great Performances Series: Recognized for bringing quality productions like "Girl from the North Country" and "Kiss Me Kate" to a broader audience.

• Michael Price: Celebrated for his long-standing leadership at Goodspeed Musicals since 1968, contributing to numerous Broadway transfers and Tony Awards.

• New 42 Theater: Acknowledged for its role in urban redevelopment and revitalizing 42nd Street, including initiatives like the Victory Theater and New 42 Studios.

• New York Public Library for the Performing Arts: Honored for preserving and providing access to Broadway archives.

“Sometimes I think we get a little bit too inside baseball with some of these things... it's good to have someone like him who has been behind the scenes.”
([03:10] Matt Tammanini)

Grace emphasizes the importance of recognizing these foundational contributors.

“It's a lifetime achievement in a way... it's a huge contributor to the overall preservation of theater.”
([04:48] Grace Aki)

3. Tony Administration Decisions and Production Rulings

Matt delves into the recent decisions made by the Tony Awards Administration Committee regarding 12 Broadway productions from the 2024-2025 season. Key highlights include:

• Eligibility Clarifications:

  • "The Last Five Years" is deemed eligible for Best Revival of a Musical despite never having been on Broadway.
  • "John Proctor is the Villain" remains a new show and not classified as a revival.

• Performance Categories:

  • Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga are set for Featured Role nominations.
  • David Hyde Pierce confirmed for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, potentially affecting other nominations like Tom Francis from "Sunset Boulevard".

Matt expresses intrigue over the potential category shifts for actors like Sadie Sink and David Hyde Pierce, indicating significant impacts on nominations and campaigns.

“...if Sadie or David is bumped down too featured, that would change a lot of things.”
([06:45] Matt Tammanini)

Grace concurs on the suspense surrounding these eligibility decisions.

“Everybody else is also on pins and needles.”
([07:36] Grace Aki)

4. Clive Barnes Awards Announcement

Transitioning from lifetime achievements, Matt introduces the Clive Barnes Awards, spotlighting emerging talents in dance and theater.

• Theater Recipients:

  • Eva Lala Zazarda (English)
  • Tom Francis (Sunset Boulevard)
  • Helen J. Shen (Happy Ending)

• Dance Recipients:

  • David Gabriel (New York City Ballet)
  • Isaac K. Harvey (Evidence)
  • Ken and Sug (Doug Varone and Dancers)

These awards recognize promising performers from the January-December 2024 season, with the ceremony slated for May.

“These are specifically young people in the beginnings of their careers.”
([10:05] Matt Tammanini)

Grace shares her excitement about the forthcoming awards.

“This is fascinating, but good for them.”
([15:05] Grace Aki)

5. Casting News: Moulin Rouge and Jersey Boys

Moulin Rouge Broadway Casting Changes:

• Wayne Brady joins as Harold Zidler, debuting on July 22.
• Taye Diggs takes over the role of The Duke, performing until September 28.

Matt highlights the strategic casting aimed at rejuvenating the show's appeal as it approaches its sixth anniversary.

“I never would have picked Wayne Brady and Taye Diggs individually or separately, but I like it.”
([13:30] Matt Tammanini)

Grace expresses her personal enthusiasm for the casting updates.

“Saw Tay in Hedwig... I'm going to be there.”
([15:05] Grace Aki)

Jersey Boys Casting for St. Louis Production:

• Ryan Vasquez as Tommy DeVito
• Corey Giacomo as Nick Massey
• Pablo David Lau Sierza as Frankie Valli
• Andrew Poston as Bob Gaudio
• John Leon as Chip DeCarlo
• Shay Kaufman as Bob Crew

Directed by Maggie Burrows, the production runs from August 18-24, adding fresh talent to the beloved musical.

6. Performances and Marketing Strategies

The hosts discuss recent performances and marketing initiatives crucial for sustaining show momentum.

• Acoustic Performance by Lawrence: Featuring Gracie Lawrence's Broadway debut in "Just In Time", performing an acoustic version of "My First Real Love."

• "Smash" Cast Performances on Today Show: Robin Herder and Caroline Bowman showcased songs "Let Me Be Your Star" and "National Pastime," generating buzz for the upcoming production.

Matt contemplates the strategic importance of these performances in marketing and award considerations.

“It's a big puzzle that everyone's trying to build for the anticipation... what can we amplify?”
([18:12] Grace Aki)

Grace agrees on the synergy between performances and marketing efforts.

“They're all working in sync... it's a case of, okay, so from here, what do we have out in the world?”
([18:45] Grace Aki)

Conclusion

Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by teasing upcoming content, including additional performances from "Boop", "Death Becomes Her", and "Happy Ending", and emphasizing the interconnectedness of performances, awards, and marketing in the Broadway ecosystem.

“Stay tuned for that.”
([18:45] Matt Tammanini)

They encourage listeners to follow their social media channels for more updates and sign off with well wishes.

“Have a wonderful Tuesday. We'll be back to talk to you tomorrow.”
([19:01] Matt Tammanini)

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the transcript have been omitted as per the summary guidelines.