Today on Broadway: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025

Summary

BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025

BroadwayRadio’s “Today on Broadway” episode, released on February 18, 2025, offers listeners a comprehensive update on the latest happenings in the Broadway scene. Hosted by Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki, the episode delves into cast changes, show openings and closures, notable injuries, and exciting upcoming productions. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

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1. Introduction: Hosts' Update

The episode opens with hosts Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki navigating personal travel delays. Grace explains the challenges they faced over the weekend, including Grace’s ongoing delay back to Hoboken and Matt’s four-and-a-half-hour flight delay on Sunday night.

Grace Aki (00:03):

“Grace is still delayed. I had four and a half hour delay that kept me from getting to my home until 2am on Monday morning.”

Despite these setbacks, they proceed to discuss the limited press releases available due to President’s Day closures, setting the stage for the episode’s content.

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2. Cast Changes in “Hell’s Kitchen” at the Shubert Theater

A significant portion of the episode centers on upcoming cast departures from the Shubert Theater’s production of "Hell’s Kitchen." Tony Award winner Malia Joy Moon and Brandon Victor Dixon are set to perform their final shows in March.

Matt Tamanini (01:01):

“Those include Tony Award winner Malia Joy Moon and the always fantastic Brandon Victor Dixon. They will both play their final performances in March.”

Brandon Victor Dixon’s last performance is scheduled for March 9, while Malia Joy Moon will exit on March 30. The show will temporarily feature understudy Jade Milan until May 25, with Gianna Harris as an alternate, before a permanent replacement is announced.

Grace Aki (02:00):

“Whether or not that happens still waits to be seen. But I'm going to run you through what little news we have...”

The hosts speculate on the reasons behind the interim understudy period, pondering whether the production is awaiting a high-profile replacement.

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3. Patrick Page’s Injury and Impact on “Hadestown” London Production

The hosts discuss a disappointing update regarding actor Patrick Page, who will miss his role in the London production of "Hadestown" due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Grace Aki (02:39):

“Patrick Page will not be able to join his original Broadway cast mates from Hadestown in London...due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.”

Despite this setback, Patrick is expected to participate in the live capture pro-shot scheduled from February 28th to March 1st. The hosts express their support and disappointment over the reduced cast presence.

Grace Aki (03:21):

“Philip Boykin, as I said last week, is an incredible Hades. Just the specialty of not having those five back together is a bit disappointing…”

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4. “Romeo and Juliet” at Circle in the Square Theater Closes Successfully

The episode highlights the successful closure of "Romeo and Juliet" at the Circle in the Square Theater, which concluded its 20-week run and recouped its $7 million capitalization.

Matt Tamanini (03:40):

“Romeo and Juliet... recouped its $7 million capitalization during its 20 week run on Broadway.”

A notable achievement discussed is the show’s ability to attract a younger demographic, with 14% of tickets purchased by audiences aged 18 to 24, significantly higher than the industry average of 3%.

Grace Aki (04:06):

“The producers... claimed that it had the youngest ticket buying audience in recorded Broadway history with 14% of tickets purchased by somebody 18 to 24.”

The combination of familiar titles, popular stars like Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor, and the music of Jack Antonoff contributed to its success among younger audiences.

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5. Upcoming Theatrical Productions

a. “Liberation” at Roundabout Theater Company

Opening Thursday at the Laura Pels Theatre, "Liberation" is penned by Bess Wall and directed by Whitney White. Set in 1970s Ohio, the play follows Lizzie as she gathers a group of women seeking to change their lives and the world, with her daughter echoing her questions fifty years later.

Grace Aki (05:14):

“Lizzie gathers a small group of women to talk, but talking quickly becomes a necessary, embracingly funny attempt to change their own lives and the world.”

b. “Sumo” at the Public Theater

Also opening Thursday, "Sumo" is a co-production with Ma Yi Theater Company and La Jolla Playhouse. Directed by Ralph B. Pena, the play explores the lives of six men entrenched in a sumo training facility in Tokyo.

Grace Aki (05:31):

“Six men practice, eat, love, play and ultimately fight as they step into the sacred world of sumo wrestling.”

The hosts recommend checking out the behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage available in the show notes, highlighting the physical demands of portraying sumo wrestlers.

Matt Tamanini (06:02):

“...includes some actual sumo practice, which of course you're going to have to have when you're doing a show like this.”

c. “Buena Vista Social Club” at Gerald Schoenfeld Theater

Premiering Friday, this musical celebrates the legendary Cuban music group Buena Vista Social Club. Directed by Sahim Ali with choreography by Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck, the show features music from the iconic ensemble and boasts a strong Off-Broadway review history.

Grace Aki (06:33):

“This musical is essentially kind of based off of that film. It is directed by Sahim Ali and choreographed by Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck...”

The hosts anticipate strong reviews and potential Tony nominations, building on its previous success.

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6. Off-Broadway Highlights

a. “Conversations with Mother” at Theater555

Opening Sunday, this two-hander play stars Caroline Aaron and Matt Doyle. Written by Matthew Lombardo and directed by Noah Himelstein, it explores the evolving relationship between an Italian matriarch, Maria, and her gay son over five decades.

Grace Aki (08:13):

“It is described as a heartwarming and hilarious new play that is semi autobiographical and traces the relationship between Italian matriarch Maria and her gay son spanning the course of five decades.”

b. “300 Paintings” at Vineyard Theater

Closing Sunday, Sam Kissajukian’s "300 Paintings" is a hybrid play-art exhibit blending storytelling with visual art. Without a traditional script, the production relies on Kissajukian’s background in stand-up and storytelling to engage the audience.

Grace Aki (08:43):

“He just talks... he comes from the world of stand up and storytelling so it makes sense to him.”

The hosts recommend this unique production to theater enthusiasts looking for an unconventional experience.

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7. Special Recommendation: SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special

Concluding the episode, the hosts recommend watching the 50th anniversary special of "Saturday Night Live." Featuring a musical sketch by John Mulaney, the special humorously critiques New York City’s notorious reputation, boasting appearances by celebrities like Nathan Lane, Scarlett Johansson, and Maya Rudolph.

Grace Aki (08:40):

“If you haven't seen this sketch, watch it in the show notes. If you haven't watched the whole thing, you can watch SNL50, the anniversary special on Peacock.”

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8. Closing Remarks

Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media and expressing hope to return to regular programming once Grace returns from her delay.

Grace Aki (10:05):

“Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. BroadwayRadio, and follow me on Instagram @BWWMatt.”

They sign off with well-wishes for the day and a humorous closing segment featuring a musical snippet.

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Conclusion

This episode of "Today on Broadway" delivers a thorough update on Broadway’s latest developments, from cast changes and show openings to unique productions and special recommendations. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to the Broadway scene, this summary encapsulates the vibrant discussions and insightful commentary provided by Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki.

Transcript

[Matt Tamanini]

Welcome to Today on Broadway for Tuesday.

[Grace Aki]

February 18, 2025 on Broadway Radio's Matt Tamnini. I'm coming to you solo today for two reasons. First, because yesterday was President's Day, all the offices on Broadway were closed so there weren't a ton of press releases that went out. In fact, the only ones that we really have are from late last week and over the weekend. But the other reason is both Grace and I were out of town over the weekend and boy did we both have trouble getting back to our homes. In fact, Grace is still delayed.

[Matt Tamanini]

On Sunday night.

[Grace Aki]

I had four and a half hour.

[Matt Tamanini]

Delay that kept me from getting to.

[Grace Aki]

My home until 2am on Monday morning. Grace is currently in the middle of a delay.

[Matt Tamanini]

I know she has a layover in.

[Grace Aki]

Chicago at some point, so fingers crossed she does make it home to Hoboken at some point before she has to be at work on Tuesday morning. Whether or not that happens still waits to be seen. But I'm going to run you through what little news we have, talk a little bit about what is happening on the theatrical schedule and then get you on your merry way. Let's start off with something we did find out about on Friday and that.

[Matt Tamanini]

Is over at the Shubert the we.

[Grace Aki]

Got a couple more original principal cast.

[Matt Tamanini]

Members heading out of Hell's Kitchen in the coming weeks. Those include Tony Award winner Malia Joy.

[Grace Aki]

Moon and the always fantastic Brandon Victor Dixon. They will both play their final performances in March. Dixon will leave on March 9 and his replacement will be announced relatively soon.

[Matt Tamanini]

And then Malia Joy Moon will exit.

[Grace Aki]

The production on March 30th. Current understudy Jade Milan will play the role of Ali through May 25 with Gianna Harris serving as an alternate. Then a more full time replacement alley.

[Matt Tamanini]

Will be announced at a later date.

[Grace Aki]

It's interesting that they are going to have an understudy play the part for.

[Matt Tamanini]

Just a little under two months before bringing somebody else new. And I wonder if that has something.

[Grace Aki]

To do with the availability of said replacement. I don't know if that means that there is somebody, you know, fairly big.

[Matt Tamanini]

Name that they are waiting for or.

[Grace Aki]

Not, but it is a kind of an interesting situation where they have, you.

[Matt Tamanini]

Know, a little less than 2 months.

[Grace Aki]

7 weeks time of a current understudy before announcing a full time replacement. And for all we know Jade Millan might be the one taking over at that point, but it doesn't sound like it at that point at any time, whenever these full time replacements step in for both Brandon and Malia they will.

[Matt Tamanini]

Be joining a cast that is currently.

[Grace Aki]

Led by Jessica Vost and Keisha Lewis. In some other replacement news that is less exciting for folks over the weekend, it was confirmed that Patrick Page will not be able to join his original Broadway cast mates from Hadestown in London.

[Matt Tamanini]

So he is withdrawn from the run.

[Grace Aki]

Completely due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. As Ashley Steves told me in a text, it is kind of ironic that he tore his Achilles tendon and that is keeping him out of doing a show about Greek mythology. Nonetheless, it does appear that Patrick will be able to perform for the live Capture Pro shot from February 28th through the 1st, and I guess they'll just kind of work around his injury as best they can. It is obviously not ideal. I'm going to be in London this weekend and of course I was hoping to see all of that original cast, at least the cast of principals back together again. But nonetheless, Philip Boykin, as I said last week, is an incredible Hades.

[Matt Tamanini]

Just the specialty of not having those.

[Grace Aki]

Five back together is a bit disappointing, but we wish Patrick the best and I'm personally excited that whenever we get this live capture available to watch at home that Patrick is going to be a part of it. As we discussed last week, Romeo and Juliet over at the Circle in the.

[Matt Tamanini]

Square Theater led by Kit Connor and.

[Grace Aki]

Rachel Zegler wrapped up its run on Sunday and it was announced on Monday that the show had recouped its $7 million capitalization during its 20 week run on Broadway.

[Matt Tamanini]

And according to Seaview, the producers behind.

[Grace Aki]

The show, they claimed that it had the youngest ticket buying audience in recorded Broadway history with 14% of tickets purchased.

[Matt Tamanini]

By somebody 18 to 24 compared to.

[Grace Aki]

3% which is the current industry average. Grace has talked about this throughout the run of this show that not only does the title Romeo Juliet appeal to younger audiences because they are so used to talking about it and reading it and watching film versions of it in school, but you have the combination of not only stars Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor, but also the music of Jack Antonoff. And this really was a show designed.

[Matt Tamanini]

To bring in younger audiences and the.

[Grace Aki]

Broadway audiences of the future and they really marketed it towards those people as well. So success there for the same goal of directed production produced by Seaview as I mentioned. And congratulations to everybody involved. Alright, let's talk real quick about this week's theatrical schedule. There is not a ton happening but we will start off on Thursday over at the Roundabout Theater Company as their.

[Matt Tamanini]

New show Liberation will officially open.

[Grace Aki]

I've heard great things about people who have seen it already over at the Laura Pelz Theatre. It is written by the wonderful Bess Wall and directed by Whitney White, and it is set in 1970 in Ohio, so I'm obviously going to love it. And the plot description reads, quote, lizzie.

[Matt Tamanini]

Gathers a small group of women to talk, but talking quickly becomes a necessary, embracingly funny attempt to change their own lives and the world. Fifty years later, her daughter is shocked to find herself asking the very same questions her mother did and goes on a search through the past for answers.

[Grace Aki]

You know, with Bess Wall writing anything and Whitney White directing, it is going to be a powerful production. So I am looking forward to hearing all about this on Thursday. Also happening on Thursday downtown at the Public Theater, Sumo will begin performances. As we discussed last week when it was announced that it was already extending before performances even began, this is a co production between not only the Public, but the Ma Yi Theater Company and the La Jolla Playhouse. It is by Lisa Sanay Drang and directed by Ralph B. Pana.

[Matt Tamanini]

Entrenched in an elite sumo training facility.

[Grace Aki]

In Tokyo, six men practice, eat, love, play and ultimately fight step into the sacred world of sumo wrestling. With this New York premiere, I will put a video in the show notes because there is great behind the scenes footage of rehearsals that the Public has put out and it includes some actual sumo practice, which of course you're going to have to have when you're doing a show like this. So this is fascinating. Check that one out.

[Matt Tamanini]

Then on Friday, February 21, we have.

[Grace Aki]

Our next Broadway show that will begin performances and this will happen over the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater and it is Buena Vista Social Club. The Buena Vista Social Club was a musical group created in Cuba in the mid-1990s that based its name off of a popular music venue in havana from the 1940s. The group had dozens of musicians, many of whom had been legendary in their own rights.

[Matt Tamanini]

They released albums and then there was.

[Grace Aki]

A documentary about them, also called the Buena Vista Social Club that was released in 1999. It went on to be nominated for an Academy Award and won a bunch of other accolades around the world. This musical is essentially kind of based off of that film. It is directed by Sahim Ali and choreographed by Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck. It features a book by Marco Ramirez and music by the Buena Vista Social Club. The show had a run off Broadway, I believe a year or so ago and it was one of the most well reviewed shows of that season. So I think at one point, as we discussed previously like this was kind of the default and de facto front.

[Matt Tamanini]

Runner for the Best Musical Tony Award.

[Grace Aki]

I don't know that that is still the case because of some other things that have been announced since then, but.

[Matt Tamanini]

I do imagine that this will be.

[Grace Aki]

One that gets very strong reviews as it already did Off Broadway, and will be a major contender for a lot of different things. Even if it's not a best musical.

[Matt Tamanini]

Winner anymore, which it might be.

[Grace Aki]

I'm just saying if it's not, I still assume that it's going to get nominated and will be a factor in a lot of other categories down the ballot.

[Matt Tamanini]

Then let's move to Sunday, February 23rd.

[Grace Aki]

We have an Off Broadway opening featuring.

[Matt Tamanini]

Two wonderful stars, Caroline Aaron and Matt Doyle. They will lead the new two hander Conversations with Mother written by Matthew Lombardo.

[Grace Aki]

And directed by Noah Himelstein. It is playing at Theater555 and it is described as a heartwarming and hilarious new play that is semi autobiographical and traces the relationship between Italian matriarch Maria and her gay son spanning the course of five decades. And then also happening on Sunday will.

[Matt Tamanini]

Be the second closing from the Vineyard.

[Grace Aki]

Theater's production of Sam Kissajukian's 300 Paintings. I talked with Sam a couple weeks ago about this hybrid play art exhibit. Really fascinating thing and what I was kind of shocked about is the fact that he told me he doesn't really.

[Matt Tamanini]

Have a script, he just talks.

[Grace Aki]

And while that might confuse and maybe even frustrate some theater people, he comes from the world of stand up and storytelling so it makes sense to him. So if you have not had an opportunity to see that either in its run last fall or in this new one here in the winter, make sure you head over to the Vineyard Theater to check that out, all right? And I will leave you with a recommendation. And this one comes from it. You probably can guess because you've probably seen it everywhere. The 50th anniversary special for Saturday Night Live, as John Mulaney is often known for doing on the show, he did a another signature musical sketch and this one kind of lampooned all of the histrionics about how dangerous and dead and dirty New York City is. It featured so many great people including Lin, Ramo Miranda and Nathan Lane, Paul Rudd, Tony winner Scarlett Johansson, Maya Rudolph, Anna Gasteyer. So tons and tons of great people. So if you haven't seen this sketch, watch it in the show notes. If you haven't watched the whole thing.

[Matt Tamanini]

You can watch SNL50, the anniversary special.

[Grace Aki]

On Peacock all right, everybody, that's all that we have for today.

[Matt Tamanini]

Thanks for listening to Today on Broadway.

[Grace Aki]

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. BroadwayRading and follow me on Instagram @BWWMatt. Hopefully everyone will be back home tomorrow and be able to bring you a.

[Matt Tamanini]

Regular Today on Broadway episode.

[Grace Aki]

But until then, have a great Tuesday and we will talk to you tomorrow.

[Unknown]

I dreamed a dream that King Kong died.

[Grace Aki]

Then I remembered he's in Florida.

[Unknown]

My place is here. I fight with you. Tomorrow we'll discover what our godless city has in store. One more dawn. One more day. One day.