Podcast Summary: BroadwayRadio — Today on Broadway

Episode: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

Hosts: Matt Tamanini, Grace Ake
Date: December 2, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode covers a range of current Broadway news and topics, beginning with a brief acknowledgment of Tom Stoppard’s passing, moving to several show announcements—including a surprising new revival of "Death of a Salesman"—and notable casting news. The hosts also discuss the ongoing shifts in theater real estate, upcoming Off-Broadway closures, and personal highlights from the Thanksgiving holiday and parade coverage. The tone is conversational, insider-y, and enthusiastic about the shifting landscape of Broadway.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Remembering Tom Stoppard (01:10–02:50)

• Matt announces the recent passing of legendary playwright Tom Stoppard (Nov 29, 2025).
• Highlights Stoppard's renowned impact on modern theater, with major works including "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," "Travesties," "The Real Thing," and "Leopoldstadt."
• Stoppard's accolades: five Tony Awards (including a three-part win for "The Coast of Utopia"), Academy Award for "Shakespeare in Love," and three Olivier Awards.
• The hosts direct listeners to "This Week on Broadway" for a more detailed legacy discussion.

Quote:
"Obviously Stoppard is one of the most acclaimed playwrights in modern theater history... His presence will be felt on stages for many, many years to come. But a lot of people are grieving his loss right now."
—Matt Tamanini [02:00]

2. Death of a Salesman Broadway Revival Announcement (02:51–06:03)

• A new Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" announced, set to star Nathan Lane (Willy Loman), Laurie Metcalfe (Linda), Christopher Abbott (Biff), and Ben Ehlers (Happy). Directed by Joe Mantello.
• 14-week limited run at the Winter Garden Theatre, starting March 6, 2026.
• Notable for its controversial producer, Scott Rudin, who returns following a high-profile bullying scandal. Barry Diller co-producing.
• Recent previous revival (2022) featured Wendell Pierce and focused on a Black family's experience, bringing new depth to the play.
• Hosts express skepticism about the need for another revival so soon and discuss the implications of Rudin's return.
• The production choice is likened to previous large-scale plays at big venues, e.g., "To Kill a Mockingbird" at MSG.

Quote:
"As great as Laurie and Nathan are, I don't know that I see the need for this, especially produced by Scott Rudin."
—Matt Tamanini [04:23]

Memorable moment:
"Remember when they did To Kill a Mockingbird at msg? That's what this feels like."
—Grace Ake [04:05]

3. Spring 2026 Broadway Real Estate & Show Rumors (06:04–07:30)

• Only three Broadway theaters remain unbooked for spring: James Earl Jones (housing "Liberation," closing Jan 11), Majestic, and St. James (home to "Queen of Versailles," closing soon).
• Industry rumors suggest a play led by a celebrity known for award speeches and a possible "Titanic"-inspired musical with Celine Dion songs.
• The uncertain and competitive real estate market means unexpected announcements are likely.

Quote:
"The fact that this has always been a real estate market is truer than it's ever been."
—Grace Ake [06:04]

4. Whitney Levitt Joins "Chicago" on Broadway (07:30–08:10)

• Social media and reality TV star Whitney Levitt ("Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," "Dancing with the Stars" semi-finalist) will make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" at the Ambassador Theatre (Feb 2 – Mar 15, 2026).
• This is her first professional theatrical role.
• Discussion about the popularity of Levitt and potential parallels with Ariana Madix's impactful star turn in the same show.

Quote:
"I actually think could be... it's kind of like a peak time for the Mormon Wives. So it wouldn't shock me if the level of fandom for her, especially post Dancing with the Stars, is going to be on that level."
—Grace Ake [07:34]

5. What is "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives"? (08:10–08:35)

• Light-hearted banter as Matt and Grace try to explain the reality show’s premise.
• Jokes about secret agents and the show’s "scandalous" concept.

Quote:
"No, I think that they all were like, sleeping with each other. Yeah, I think that that was the original conceit. It seems like a very public life if you ask, but I don't know."
—Grace Ake [07:59]

6. Seasonal Theater: Upcoming & Final Performances (08:35–10:21)

• Irish Repertory Theatre revives its holiday classic "A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," Dec 3–31, 2025.
  • Features Foley artists, vintage commercials, and a cast including Ali Ewoldt, Rufus Collins, and others.
• Final week for Ariel Stachel’s one-person show "Other" at Greenwich House Theater (closing Dec 7).
  • Grace Ake is hosting a talkback event after the show.
  • The show explores identity, self-acceptance, and dreams with "hilarity and heart."
• Three major Off-Broadway closures this week:
  • "Not Ready for Primetime" at MCC Theater (ends Dec 7)
  • "Initiative" at the Public Theater (ends Dec 7)
  • "Queens" (Manhattan Theater Club at NY City Center), featuring notable ensemble.

Quote:
"Ariel Stachel navigates identity, self acceptance, and the pursuit of his dreams with hilarity and heart, delivering a performance as relentlessly funny as it is vulnerable."
—Matt Tamanini [09:35]

7. Broadway at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (10:31–10:37)

• Grace and Matt recap highlights from the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, particularly the Broadway show performances.
• Expressions of hope for more performances in next year’s parade.

Quote:
"Just watched all the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade stuff and all of that great coverage, which made me happy."
—Grace Ake [10:31]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stoppard’s Impact:
  "His presence will be felt on stages for many, many years to come." —Matt Tamanini [02:00]
• On Rudin's Comeback:
  "As great as Laurie and Nathan are, I don't know that I see the need for this, especially produced by Scott Rudin." —Matt Tamanini [04:23]
• On Theater Real Estate:
  "This has always been a real estate market... you’re going to see some announcements you’re not expecting." —Grace Ake [06:04]
• On Secret Lives of Mormon Wives:
  "It seems like a very public life if you ask, but I don’t know." —Grace Ake [07:59]

Important Timestamps

• 01:10 Tom Stoppard's passing and legacy
• 02:51 Announcement and discussion of "Death of a Salesman" revival
• 06:04 State of the Broadway real estate market and spring rumors
• 07:30 Whitney Levitt joins "Chicago"
• 08:35 Irish Rep holiday show and Off-Broadway closings
• 09:22 "Other" at Greenwich House—Grace hosting talkback
• 10:31 Thanksgiving Day Parade Broadway segment recap

Closing Thoughts

The episode captures a moment of both transition and tradition on Broadway, from remembering a legendary playwright to the complex return of controversial producers, and the ever-churning wheel of show openings and closings. The hosts’ banter keeps it lively while offering solid industry insights, and their attention to both major news and smaller Off-Broadway productions makes the episode a comprehensive update for Broadway fans and insiders alike.