BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

Title: Today on Broadway: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Host: Matt Tamanini & Grace Aki
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Host Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (@bww), Broadwayradio.com, Patreon

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

The episode kicks off with Matt Tamanini welcoming listeners to "Today on Broadway." He outlines the episode’s primary focus: discussing the latest reviews of the Broadway production "The Last Five Years" and teasing upcoming content about the musical "Boop."

2. The Last Five Years Broadway Production and Reviews

Matt and Grace delve into the much-anticipated Broadway debut of "The Last Five Years," a musical by Jason Robert Brown, directed by Whitney White, and starring Tony winner Adrian Warren alongside pop star Nick Jonas.

• Background:
  Matt highlights the significance of this being the first Broadway production of a beloved musical that's been a staple for 25 years. He notes the mixed reception with the review aggregator "Did They Like It?" tallying 16 reviews: 1 positive, 10 mixed, and 5 negative.

• Critical Reception:

  • Jesse Green, New York Times (Mixed):
    "In the show's first Broadway incarnation, starring the resplendent Adrian Warren and the underpowered Nick Jonas, the structure, along with the balance, has been compromised. The production muddies the show's temporal ironies and flattens its emotional topography, its meaning, and thus its impact are short-circuited." [02:45]

  • Adrian Horton, The Guardian (Positive):
    "In a season of overhyped shows, the evident sincerity, the effort, the fervent belief in character, and Warren's occasional transcendence feels refreshing." [03:05]

  • Matt Wenman, AM New York (Negative):
    "Unfortunately, this long awaited debut is a frustrating misfire, overproduced, emotionally hollow, and fundamentally at odds with the delicate intimacy that makes the musical so beloved." [03:30]

  • Adam Feldman, TimeOut New York (Negative):
    "The problem is not that Jonas can't sing the part, though he doesn't sing it especially well. [...] His ingratiating moves, mild pop riffs, and bouncy strut are at a polar distance from what he has asked to play in The Last Five Years." [04:10]

  • Shayna Russell, Entertainment Weekly (Mixed):
    "The musical gives its performers center stage with nothing to hide behind and plenty of spotlight to fill. Both stars rise to the occasion." [04:50]

• Host Reaction:
  Matt expresses his frustration with the production, stating, "I was angry as I left the Hudson Theater... a complete missed opportunity for a show that I adore." [05:20]

3. Olivier Awards Highlights

The hosts recap the recent Olivier Awards, highlighting key winners and potential Broadway transfers.

• Best New Play: Giant (About Roald Dahl)
  Matt mentions, "I've heard Giant is very much looking to transfer." [06:00]

• Best New Musical: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  Grace adds excitement about the win, hinting at possible Broadway aspirations and expressing hope for an album release. [06:54]

• Best Revival:

  • Oedipus: Confirmed to transfer to Broadway.
  • Fiddler on the Roof (Regents Outdoor Production): Plans to transfer discussed. [07:00]

• Performance Categories:

  • Best Actress: Leslie Manville for Oedipus
  • Best Actor: John Lithgow for Giant
  • Best Supporting Roles:
    • Elliot Levy (Giant)
    • Romolo Garai (The Years)
  • Best Actress in a Musical: Imelda Staunton for Hello Dolly
  • Best Actor in a Musical: John Daglish for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Maimouna Maman (Natasha Pierre in The Great Comedy of 1812)
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Leighton Williams (Titanic)
  • Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play: Titanic
    [07:46]

• Discussion on Broadway Landscape:
  Grace and Matt discuss concerns about the increasing reliance on star-studded casts for Broadway productions, questioning the future diversity and originality of Broadway plays. Grace remarks, "I don't think you can name a single play that is a new work that did not star someone that is known in film and television this year." [08:08]

4. Upcoming Broadway Productions and Cast Changes

The conversation shifts to future productions, including:

• Ragtime at Lincoln Center Theater:
  Previews begin September 25th, with an official opening on October 16th. Matt discusses potential cast continuity from Encores transfers but acknowledges possible changes due to scheduling.

• Challenges with Casting Stability:
  Grace highlights the uncertainty of maintaining original casts in Broadway transfers, citing examples like multiple actresses being cast for the same role in past productions. [09:10 - 13:02]

5. Events and Community News

The hosts share information on upcoming Broadway-related events:

• Town Hall Spring Shout:
  A benefit concert honoring Lin-Manuel Miranda on May 19th, featuring stars from In the Heights, Hamilton, and Freestyle Love Supreme. Matt lists notable participants and promotes ticket availability through show notes. [12:57]

• Memorial for Ken Page:
  Scheduled for Friday at Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, with a live stream available via the show notes. [14:00]

• Take the Lead at Paper Mill Playhouse:
  Grace shares her experiences attending a preview, praising performer Tam, and expressing excitement for the screen-to-stage adaptation highlights. [15:14]

6. Matt’s Review of Boop the Musical

Matt provides an in-depth critique of "Boop the Musical," slated for discussion on Patreon’s travelogue episode.

• Performance Highlights:
  Jasmine Amy Rogers: Praised as a standout performer, Matt believes she deserves Tony recognition, stating, "Jasmine is phenomenal. She's an incredible singer, dancer, actress, comedian, dramatic performer." [15:40]

• Production Flaws:
  Matt criticizes the show's lack of internal logic and coherence, noting that vibrant production elements like glitter and tap dancing mask underlying narrative issues. He remarks, "The music is mostly bland, the lyrics are pretty subpar, and most of the show is pretty generic and forgettable." [16:00]

• Upcoming Patreon Content:
  Matt teases a more detailed analysis of the show, including specific performances, available exclusively to Patreon subscribers. [16:20]

7. Closing Remarks

Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by directing listeners to their social media platforms and encouraging them to subscribe for more in-depth discussions.

• Contact Information:
  • Matt: Instagram @bww
  • Grace: Find her at GraceAki
• Final Note:
  "Have a wonderful Tuesday. We'll be back to talk to you tomorrow." [19:45]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I was angry as I left the Hudson Theater... a complete missed opportunity for a show that I adore." — Matt Tamanini [05:20]
• "In a season of overhyped shows, the evident sincerity, the effort, the fervent belief in character, and Warren's occasional transcendence feels refreshing." — Adrian Horton, The Guardian [03:05]
• "Jasmine is phenomenal. She's an incredible singer, dancer, actress, comedian, dramatic performer." — Matt Tamanini [15:40]
• "The music is mostly bland, the lyrics are pretty subpar, and most of the show is pretty generic and forgettable." — Matt Tamanini [16:00]

Key Takeaways

• Mixed Reception for The Last Five Years: Critics are divided, with praise for Adrian Warren but criticism of Nick Jonas and the overall production's execution.
• Olivier Awards Spotlight: Significant wins for Giant and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button indicate possible Broadway transfers.
• Broadway Landscape Concerns: Hosts express worry over the trend of star-driven productions potentially limiting originality.
• Upcoming Events: Includes benefit concerts, memorials, and new productions like Ragtime at Lincoln Center.
• Exclusive Content on Patreon: Matt offers deeper reviews and behind-the-scenes insights for subscribers.

For more detailed discussions and exclusive content, visit BroadwayRadio.com or subscribe to their Patreon.