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.
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.
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.
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…”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.