BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Today on Broadway covers the most recent news and developments in the Broadway and theater community leading up to Labor Day Weekend. Hosts Matt Tamminini and Grace Aki discuss major casting updates for the upcoming Ragtime revival, delve into a complex legal dispute involving Wanted (formerly Gun and Powder), highlight the start of preview performances for Saturday Church and the first Broadway revival of Art, and touch on other industry news and notable castings. The conversation is candid, with hosts offering both industry insight and personal perspectives, and includes several notable quotes and memorable moments.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Weekend Content Recap & Episode Scheduling

• [00:36] The hosts explain the episode’s delayed release due to Matt celebrating his dad’s birthday and their tradition of “summer Fridays.”
• They highlight recent Patreon content, including:
  • A deep dive into Twelfth Night at the Delacorte and other shows.
  • Ashley Hufford’s accounts of seeing 40+ shows in the UK and Europe, notably Hadestown and Masquerad Parade.
  • Intricacies in Masquerad Parade’s scheduling and casting, handled by Diane Paulus, noted for its spreadsheet-level complexity.
  • Quote: "Like as somebody who loves making spreadsheets, like I cannot even fathom how detailed Diane Paulus had to be to make this all work." – Matt [02:01]

2. Ragtime Revival Casting Updates

• [03:03] The main casting for the Ragtime Broadway revival (beginning Sept. 26 at Lincoln Center) is discussed in detail.
  • Most principal actors from the City Center production return, including Joshua Henry, Casey Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, and more.
  • New cast members: Anna Grace Barlow (Evelyn Nesbit), Nick Barrington (little boy), Tabitha Long (little girl).
  • Notable ensemble members: Ellie Fishman, Jason Forback, Tanika Gibson, David Jennings, Marina Kondo Morgan, John Rapson.
  • Charity Angel Dawson (cast as Sarah’s friend, with "Till We Reach That Day" solo) has stepped down due to ongoing health issues. The hosts send her well-wishes and express disappointment, noting her talent.
  • Quote: "She is having trouble standing. She is pretty much dizzy all the time. So that's disappointing because I'm sure she would have absolutely killed that song. But we send our best to Charity." – Matt [04:29]
  • Hosts express excitement about the high-caliber ensemble and anticipated differences from the City Center production:
    Quote: "If anybody loved it at City Center, chances are they're going to love it even more here." – Grace [05:41]

3. Ciara Renée vs. ‘Wanted’ Producers — Legal Dispute

• [05:44] Matt and Grace examine Ciara Renée’s lawsuit against the producers of Wanted (formerly Gun and Powder).
  • Background: Ciara Renée starred in the Paper Mill Playhouse production, but was later not offered the Broadway contract, despite contractual expectations and participation in investor events.
  • The dispute hinges on the tradition of first rights of refusal for actors from out-of-town tryouts and the complicated scenario because Solea Pfeiffer, the original D.C. star, is now returning for Broadway.
  • Allegations that Ciara was dropped for being "unwilling to accept feedback" and "failing to collaborate," which she disputes.
  • Ciara is claiming a loss of $486,000 in potential earnings.
  • The case underscores how Broadway is both deeply personal and highly legalistic, often resulting in heartbreak and messy disputes.
  • Quote: "When you were being paraded around to investing entities as talent, and then once you are used for said investment, you are discarded. I cannot imagine how that feels." – Grace [10:28]
  • They note that missing performances at Paper Mill may have factored into the producers’ decision. Quote: "I would understand if maybe right after paper mail, the producers are like, look, it didn't work out. Your voice couldn't stand up to the show...But, you know, everything about it just feels uncomfortable." – Matt [12:09]
  • Both hosts express empathy for all involved and recognize the challenge and heartbreak common in the development of new musicals. Quote: "Nobody enters this type of discussion because they want attention, because in this industry, that is not the kind of attention that you want. And I just. I feel for all parties involved." – Grace [11:52]

4. Show Previews Opening This Week

a. Saturday Church (New York Theatre Workshop)

• [13:16] Previews begin August 27 at New York Theatre Workshop.
  • Based on the indie film, featuring existing/original songs by Sia.
  • Direction by Whitney White, choreography by Darryl Grand Moultrie, book/lyrics by Damon Cardassis and James I.
  • Cast includes Jay Harrison Ghee, Gaquina Kolokongo, Krystalyn Lloyd, Bryson Battle, and more.
  • Grace is especially excited, having worked on the show, and praises its updated adaptation of Sia’s "Sunday."
  • Quote: "When I got to hear the COVID that they've re kind of like contextualized of Sunday by Sia...this is going to be spectacular." – Grace [15:35]
  • Matt mentions there’s a concept recording available for listening.

b. Art (Broadway at the Music Box Theatre)

• [15:56] First Broadway revival, translated by Christopher Hampton, directed by Scott Ellis.
  • Star-studded cast: Bobby Cannavale, James Corden, Neil Patrick Harris.
  • Historical note: Yasmina Reza’s Art was the first play by a woman to win the Tony for Best Play—and she’s won twice.
  • Both Matt and Grace are eager to see how this particular cast gels. Quote: "I love this play. Like, I love that we're reviving the first play that was ever, that ever won, written by a woman, the Tony Award for best play." – Grace [17:08]
  • Matt highlights the show’s brilliance and frequent regional productions: "It is a truly brilliant show." – Matt [17:40]

5. Quick Industry Updates and Notable Announcements

• [17:51] Josh Sharp Tada's Solo Show Extension: At Greenwich House Theater, extended through September 27 ([17:41]).

  • Directed by Sam Pinkleton, praised for its "absurdity."
  • Grace comments, "If you know and like Omari, you can kind of get a little bit of an idea as to the absurdity that goes along with that, this show." – Matt [17:53]

• Tax Credit Update: Ruthie Fireberg has published a report in Broadway News regarding updates to the NYC musical and theatrical production tax credit, which had previously "pretty much dried up." [18:10]

• New Musical: Beautiful Little Fool

  • A new world premiere musical in London about F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, told through their daughter’s eyes.
  • Concept recording features Jessie Mueller, Ryan Vasquez, and Hannah Corneau. Available October 24.
  • Both hosts are drawn in by Jessie Mueller’s involvement, even as they acknowledge the abundance of Gatsby-related works.
    Quote: "If you're going to put Jessie Mueller singing anything, I'm going to listen." – Matt [19:34]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Like as somebody who loves making spreadsheets, like I cannot even fathom how detailed Diane Paulus had to be to make this all work.” – Matt [02:01]
• “If anybody loved it at City Center, chances are they're going to love it even more here.” – Grace [05:41]
• "When you were being paraded around to investing entities as talent, and then once you are used for said investment, you are discarded. I cannot imagine how that feels." – Grace [10:28]
• “Nobody enters this type of discussion because they want attention, because in this industry, that is not the kind of attention that you want. And I just. I feel for all parties involved.” – Grace [11:52]
• "It is a truly brilliant show." – Matt [17:40]
• "If you're going to put Jessie Mueller singing anything, I'm going to listen." – Matt [19:34]

Episode Timestamps

• [00:36] – Show intro, weekend content recap
• [03:03] – Ragtime revival casting updates
• [05:44] – Ciara Renée’s lawsuit against Wanted producers
• [13:16] – Preview: Saturday Church
• [15:56] – Preview: Art
• [17:41] – Josh Sharp Tada's solo show extension & industry briefings
• [19:34] – Jessie Mueller, new musical: Beautiful Little Fool

Summary

This episode is an engaging, informative roundup of current Broadway happenings, marked by two major casting stories (the Ragtime revival and the Wanted lawsuit), previews of notable new productions, and the hosts’ distinct blend of insider expertise and personal warmth. The episode highlights ongoing challenges within theatrical casting and development, while also looking forward to a vibrant, diverse season of theater.