BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025"

Release Date: August 12, 2025

1. Hosts Celebrate Grace Aki's Birthday

Timestamp: [00:30] - [01:43]

Matt Tammini kicks off the episode by highlighting a personal milestone: it's Grace Aki's birthday. The hosts engage in a warm conversation, wishing Grace well and discussing her plans for the day.

• Matt Tammini: “...the big story of today is that it's your birthday. Grace. Happy birthday.” [00:38]

• Grace Aki: “...I really love that. I think that that might be my only theater this month. So I am not the same as all of our friends...” [01:13]

Grace shares that she’s experiencing a “Broadway dry spell” but looks forward to returning to the theater scene in September.

2. Spotlight on Ariana DeBose in Classic Stage Company's "The Baker's Wife"

Timestamp: [01:43] - [05:39]

The primary news feature centers on the Classic Stage Company’s production of Joseph Stein and Stephen Schwartz's musical, "The Baker's Wife," which will feature Oscar winner and Tony nominee Ariana DeBose in the titular role.

• Matt Tammini: “...the big story of today is that it's your birthday. Grace. Happy birthday.” [Continuation from previous section]

• Matt Tammini: “...it's your birthday. Grace. Happy birthday.” [00:38 - Reiterated]

Key Details:

• Production Dates: October 23 - December 14, with potential extensions through the holidays.
• Director: Gordon Greenberg, renowned for directing Heart of Rock and Roll.
• Plot Overview: Set in a quiet French village, the story revolves around a baker and his wife whose lives are upturned by romance and mischief, featuring the classic song "Meadowlark."

Notable Insight:

• Grace Aki emphasizes the importance of this production: “...this is exciting. This is what classic stage companies should be doing.” [04:27]

Grace also highlights that the London production at the Menier Chocolate Factory has been meticulously developed over the past year, ensuring a high-quality transfer to New York.

• Grace Aki: “...the type of catalog that they run. What I found funny was that I saw some people over the weekend on TikTok saying things like, you know, this is like not a known show...” [04:27]

3. Upcoming Broadway Productions and Cast Announcements

Timestamp: [05:39] - [14:17]

A. Bess Wall’s "Liberation" on Broadway

• Matt Tammini announces that Bess Wall’s acclaimed Off-Broadway show, "Liberation," is set to premiere on Broadway in October at the James Earl Jones Theater.
• Grace Aki shares her mixed feelings, noting the show was exceptionally strong off-Broadway but is curious about its Broadway adaptation.

B. Kit Kat Club's "Cabaret" Welcomes Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney

• Cast Highlights:
  • Eva Noblezada returns as Sally Bowles.
  • Reeve Carney stars as the Emcee.
  • Ruthie Henshaw as Fraulein Schneider.
• Matt Tammini adds excitement about the chemistry between Eva and Reeve, referencing their dynamic in "Hadestown."

Grace Aki:

• “...having more people on the other side of the pine, getting an opportunity to see her in this show is spectacular.” [08:54]

C. Broadway Season Openings

• "Amaze" by Jamie Allen: A magic illusion show transferring from London’s West End, opening at New World Stages.
• "Sulfur Bottom": A new play directed by Grace Aki's collaboration with playwright Rishi Varma, focusing on environmental injustice and generational trauma, premiering at Jerry Orbach Theater.

D. "Mamma Mia!" Returns to Broadway

• Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, starring Kristin Sherrill as Donna Sheridan and Amy Weaver as Sophie.
• Matt Tammini: “I think it was earlier this year in January. So very excited to see it again on Broadway.” [10:56]

E. "Pen Pals" Return Engagement

• An Off-Broadway production featuring a rotating cast, including Nancy McKeon, Paige Davis, Marcia Cross, and more.
• Matt Tammini: “...telling the story of a friendship through letters over the course of time.” [10:56]

4. Show Closures

Timestamp: [12:17] - [14:17]

A. "Gypsy" Concludes at the Majestic Theater

• Final performance on Sunday, featuring a stellar cast led by Audra McDonald, Danny Burstein, and Joy Woods.
• Grace Aki urges listeners to witness this unique rendition: “...there's nothing comparable... it's spectacular to see an artist like her...” [13:31]

B. "Joy Colon" Musical Wrap-Up

• A limited run off-Broadway at the Laura Pell Center, starring Betsy Wolf.
• Matt Tammini: “...a new true musical... starring the wonderful Betsy Wolf...” [14:17]

5. Controversy: Open Letter Against Casting Andrew Barth Feldman

Timestamp: [14:17] - [16:30]

A significant controversy is unfolding regarding the casting of Andrew Barth Feldman in the musical "Maybe Happy Ending."

Details:

• BD Wong spearheaded an open letter on Facebook opposing Feldman's casting.
• The letter has garnered over 2,400 signatures, including notable figures like Donna Murphy, Anthony Rapp, Lee Silverman, and many others.
• Matt Tammini: “...this conversation is only gaining eyeballs... I have kind of thought this from the moment that the conversation really started to heat up that I'm not sure that I can see a world in which Andrew can actually take the stage in this show.” [15:24]

The backlash raises questions about Feldman’s future in the production, slated to begin performances on September 2nd.

6. National and Regional Tours Announcements

Timestamp: [16:30] - [19:24]

A. "Hell's Kitchen" National Tour

• Premiere Date: October 10th at Cleveland's Playhouse Square.
• Principal Cast:
  • Maya Drake as Ally
  • Kennedy Coughlin as Jersey
  • Roz White as Miss Liza Jane

B. "Water for Elephants" Non-Equity Tour

• Start Date: September 27th in Baltimore, Maryland.
• Principal Cast:
  • Zachary Keller as Jacob
  • Helen Krushinsky as Marlena
  • Robert Tully as Mr. Jankowski
  • Connor Sullivan as August
  • Javier Garcia as Camel
  • Ruby Gibbs as Barbara
  • Grant Honeycutt as Wade
  • Tyler West as Walter

Matt Tammini encourages listeners to catch these tours as they make their way across the country.

7. Additional Highlights and Announcements

Timestamp: [19:24] - [End]

A. St. Louis Muni's "La Caja Fall"

• Directed by Marcy Milgram, featuring Norm Lewis, Michael James Scott, Terence Archie, and Mason Reeves.
• Matt Tammini: “...head over to the show notes.” [16:30]

B. "Hadestown" 2000th Broadway Performance

• Celebrated at the Walter Kerr Theater with appearances from the original cast members including Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney.
• Special performances of “Cups” featuring Andre de Shields and Patrick Page.
• Grace Aki: “...they brought out a bunch of alums to come and sing Cups...” [17:00]

8. Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [19:24] - [End]

The hosts wrap up the episode by reminding listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media and support them on Patreon. Matt Tammini extends final birthday wishes to Grace Aki, ensuring a heartfelt close to the episode.

• Matt Tammini: “Grace, Happy freaking birthday.” [19:28]

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Tammini: “All right, well, whatever you're doing for your birthday, I hope that you are celebrating with as much fun and joy and love as you deserve.” [00:50]

• Grace Aki: “Imagine maybe the world's most prolific actor taking on the world's most... one of the world's most prolific characters.” [13:31]

• Matt Tammini: “That is a threat. That is a threat.” [14:17]

Conclusion

In this episode of "Today on Broadway," Matt Tammini and Grace Aki delve into significant Broadway news, including the much-anticipated casting of Ariana DeBose in "The Baker's Wife", upcoming show premieres, notable closings, and a heated casting controversy surrounding Andrew Barth Feldman. They also highlight ongoing and upcoming tours, ensuring Broadway enthusiasts are well-informed about the latest developments in the theater world. Celebrating Grace's birthday adds a personal touch, making the discussion both engaging and informative for listeners.