Today on Broadway: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024

Hosts: Matt Tammini and Grace Aki
Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Release Date: December 3, 2024

1. Welcome Back and Recent Episodes

Matt Tammini kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners back after the Thanksgiving break. He expresses gratitude for the support during the hiatus and highlights the engaging content released in their absence:

• "Tell Me More with Mandy Gonzalez": An episode Matt hosted, featuring a conversation with the acclaimed performer.
• "Tell Me on a Sunday" Podcast: Grace Aki discusses their Thanksgiving-themed episode, which delved into what the hosts are thankful for in the theatrical world.
• Deep Dive into "Wicked": An in-depth analysis of the popular Broadway musical.
• "This Week on Broadway": Focused on the production of "Merchant of Venice" at Classic Stage Company.

Matt also mentions an interview with Erica Swindell and Jack Wesley Gerhard, who star in the upcoming production of "Once" at the Malt Theatre in Jupiter, Florida. He eagerly anticipates attending the show over the weekend.

2. Spotlight on the New Broadway Production: "English"

Matt shares exciting news about the Broadway cast announcement for the original production of "English", a play produced by the Roundabout Theatre Company:

• Director: Canoe Adams
• Cast Includes:
  • Tala Ash: A favorite among stage and screen performers.
  • Huya Mohasini
  • Mehran Nissahat
  • Hadi Tabal
  • Eva Lalazardia

The play, a Pulitzer Prize-winning work by Sanaz Tusi, is set to begin performances on January 13th with an opening night on January 23rd at the Todd Haimes Theatre. Matt expresses optimism about the play gaining significant acclaim, potentially winning the Tony Award for Best New Play despite its limited run through March 2nd.

Matt Tammini [01:30]: "It’s not getting a ton of conversation... it feels like it could be one of those rare cases where a closed show wins the Tony Award for best new play."

Grace Aki adds her perspective on the differing trajectories of plays versus musicals during award seasons, noting that plays often have limited runs without the extended longevity that musicals enjoy.

Grace Aki [02:20]: "A lot of the front runners could be shows that are limited run that are not going to be in that running come June."

3. Tribute to Broadway Legend Helen Gallagher

The hosts pay homage to the late Helen Gallagher, a two-time Tony Award winner and beloved soap opera icon, who passed away at 98. Matt outlines her illustrious career:

• Broadway Accolades:
  • Tony Awards: Pal Joey (1952) and No, No, Nanette (1971)
  • Nominations: Sweet Charity (1966)
• Notable Performances:
  • Broadway debut in Seven Lively Arts (1944)
  • Roles in Brigadoon, High Button Shoes, The Pajama Game, Guys and Dolls (1955 revival as Miss Adelaide), Finian's Rainbow, and Sugar Babies (1979)
• Television Success: Portrayed Maeve Ryan in the ABC soap opera "Ryan's Hope"

Matt extends heartfelt condolences to those who knew Helen personally and professionally, celebrating her contributions to Broadway's golden age.

Matt Tammini [04:00]: "Her final Broadway performance was in 1979 in Sugar Babies and just a great career."

4. Upcoming Workshop Presentation: "Get Happy"

The conversation shifts to the upcoming "Get Happy" workshop presentation, a revamped version of the previously titled "Summer Stock", inspired by the 1950 film starring Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. Key details include:

• Workshop Date: January 17th
• Director & Choreographer: Donna Fiore
• Cast:
  • Corbin Bleu: From the 2019 revival of Kiss Me Kate
  • Stephanie Stiles
  • Stephen Lee Anderson
  • Gilbert L. Bailey
  • Viann Cox
  • Zoe Jensen: A favorite of both hosts
  • Will Roland
  • Douglas Sills: An all-time favorite of Matt

Matt emphasizes his excitement for the workshop, planning to attend alongside upcoming performances of "English" and "Gypsy".

Matt Tammini [05:00]: "I just happened to be flying in to New York on January 17, hopefully to see English and a gypsy on that trip as well."

Grace Aki praises the stellar cast, highlighting Zoe Jensen's recurring presence in their discussions.

Grace Aki [06:39]: "Like all hits, no skips. Yeah, famously we're, we're a Zoe Jensen household."

5. Exciting Casting News for London's "Cabaret"

Matt and Grace discuss the casting announcements for the London production of "Cabaret":

• Emcee (MC): Billy Porter – An Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award winner known for his dynamic performances.
• Sally Bowles: Marisha Wallace – An Olivier nominee and multiple-time Broadway Radio guest.

The production is set to begin performances on January 28th and will run until May 24th, taking over from Adam Gillen and Katherine Langford. Matt expresses a tinge of jealousy that such high-caliber performances are heading to London's West End rather than Broadway.

Matt Tammini [07:07]: "Billy Porter [...] will be stepping into the role."

Grace Aki echoes the excitement, reminiscing about past collaborations with Marisha Wallace and expressing her eagerness to see both performers.

Grace Aki [08:57]: "I'm really excited about these two together. I don't think that the irony is not lost on me that these are two powerhouse performers..."

6. Theater Closures This Weekend

Matt informs listeners about four notable shows set to close over the weekend:

1. "Strategic Love Play" from Audible Theater – Closing on Saturday at the Minetta Lane Theatre.
2. "Water for Elephants" – Final bow on Broadway.
3. "Tammy Faye" – Closing on Broadway.
4. "We Are Robots" – Concluding its run at the Theater for a New Audience in Brooklyn.

Listeners are encouraged to catch these performances before they conclude.

7. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Highlights

The hosts delve into the recent Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, particularly focusing on the Broadway performances:

• Live Performances: For the first time, multiple Broadway shows performed live rather than relying on pre-recorded tracks.
  • "Outsiders" and "Hell's Kitchen" sang live, showcasing a new element to the parade.

Matt shares his concern over the safety of performers during the rain, noting several slips but fortunately no injuries.

Matt Tammini [11:00]: "This is the first time that I remember, like, multiple Broadway shows singing live."

Grace Aki recounts a friend's experience seeing Billy Porter live during the parade and comments on the lack of contingency plans for weather-related issues.

Grace Aki [12:18]: "I feel like there has to be a contingency plan, you guys. Like the weather is going to weather."

The discussion also touches on the complexities of integrating live performances with the bustling environment of the parade route, including TV crews and marching bands.

8. Tribute to Gavin Creel

Matt highlights a heartfelt tribute to beloved Broadway actor Gavin Creel, who gathered at the St. James Theatre:

• Event: Live-streamed memorial service
• Hosted By: MCC Theater, with whom Gavin had a long-standing relationship
• Access: Available via live stream and expected to be accessible post-event

Listeners are encouraged to watch the tribute to honor Gavin's legacy in the Broadway community.

Matt Tammini [14:11]: "It's being live streamed and I'm assuming that the video will also be available after the fact."

9. Recommendations and Wrap-Up

Before concluding, Matt offers some recommendations:

• Playbill's December Roundup: A collection of videos featuring Broadway shows and theatrical performers from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Matt humorously shares his anxiety over the live performances and potential mishaps.

Matt Tammini [10:06]: "I was having some heart palpitations watching those dance numbers..."

The hosts also share their social media handles for listeners to follow:

• Matt Tammini: Instagram @bwwmatt
• Grace Aki: It's Grace Hockey

They bid farewell to listeners, wishing everyone a wonderful Tuesday and promising to return the next day with more Broadway insights.

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and sentiments shared by Matt Tammini and Grace Aki during the December 3, 2024 episode of BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway." For a deeper dive into each topic, tuning into the full episode is highly recommended.