BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025"
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Hosted by Matt Tammini and Grace Hockey, the "Today on Broadway" episode dives deep into the latest happenings in the Broadway scene, covering everything from upcoming award shows to new musical productions. This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and announcements made during the episode.
Oscars Preview and Themed Celebrations
The conversation kicks off with Matt and Grace discussing their plans for the upcoming Oscars, highlighting personal traditions and themed celebrations.
Grace Hockey shares her enthusiasm for attending Oscars events at local movie houses with friends, emphasizing the fun of themed cocktails and snacks:
"[...] the themed cocktails and themed snacks are always fun. I always try to do puns, so I hope that that's on someone's list at least to do some, like, film punny puns for this year's Oscars" (00:09).
Matt Tammini humorously mentions preparing a Russian-themed snack for the event, noting his support for the film "Anora" as a Best Picture contender:
"I'll cook on it something, no pun intended, something Russian for Anora, which I feel like has the momentum to win Best Picture" (01:29).
PBS Announces "Broadway's Leading Ladies" Concert Casting
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the exciting announcement of the first-round casting for PBS's upcoming "Broadway's Leading Ladies" concert slated for March 10th at Town Hall.
Matt Tammini highlights the diverse lineup, including talents like Lachanze, Jennifer Holiday, Lindsay Mendez, Jessie Mueller, Kate Baldwin, Judy Kuhn, and Jennifer Simard:
"An incredible mix of people who do a lot of different things. A lot of comedic people, a lot of big Belters, people who can do both legit and more poppy stuff" (02:51).
Grace Hockey suggests additional esteemed performers such as Kelli O'Hara, Renee Fleming, Jennifer Hudson, and Cynthia Erivo to enhance the ensemble:
"I feel like Kelli O'Hara's name is missing from this. Renee Fleming's name is missing from this... Jennifer Hudson... Cynthia Erivo... there's a bunch of women of color... I'm just like, come on" (03:59).
Spotlight on New Musical "Bo" Off-Broadway
The hosts delve into the details of the new musical "Bo," created by Douglas Lyons and Ethan D. Pakchar, set to premiere Off-Broadway at the Christopher Street Theater from June 6th to 27th.
Grace Hockey provides an in-depth background, noting the decade-long development, transitions from film to live performance, and the positive reception at the Montreal Film Festival in 2022:
"This show has been in a short film... they've been making this project for almost a decade... it was part of the Montreal film festival in 2022... this is a very exciting opportunity for the show to be partnering with Out of the Box Theatrics" (06:04).
Matt Tammini adds information about previous performances at venues like Bucks County Playhouse and Lincoln Center Broadway Songbook Series, emphasizing the show's growth and the support from Sony Masterworks Broadway for the cast album:
"It has previously played Bucks County Playhouse for like a festival and a Lincoln Center Broadway songbook series... a cast album available from Sony Masterworks Broadway" (07:12).
Highlights from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards
Matt provides a roundup of the SAG Awards, celebrating Broadway-affiliated winners and their achievements.
Notable mentions include Kieran Culkin sweeping awards for his role in "A Real Pain," Martin Short winning for "Glengarry Glen Ross," and the ensemble cast of "Only Murders in the Building" securing the top ensemble award, with Jean Smart and Timothée Chalamet also taking home honors. Additionally, Zoe Saldana and Jane Fonda were recognized for their outstanding performances.
Oscars Ceremony to Open with Broadway Icons
A buzzworthy announcement reveals that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will kick off the Oscars ceremony, a departure from the traditional hosting structure.
Matt Tammini shares the news from the Hollywood Reporter:
"Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are not only going to be at the Academy Awards, obviously they are both nominated... they are apparently going to open up the awards ceremony" (10:06).
Grace Hockey supports the decision, appreciating the blend of Broadway talent with the grandeur of an award show:
"All award shows are shows. So you should have something that is exciting grabbing you... Conan is a showman himself... hopefully it'll work" (10:33).
Clint Ramos Appointed as Lincoln Center Artist in Residence
The podcast highlights Clint Ramos's new two-year term as artist in residence at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Ramos, known for his exceptional costume designs in Broadway productions like "Here Lies Love" and "Once on This Island," will also contribute to the Met Opera's production of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde."
Matt Tammini praises Ramos's versatile contributions and anticipates potential collaborations with Lincoln Center Theater:
"He is currently represented on Broadway with maybe Happy Ending Eureka Day... a former Broadway radio guest... one of the great minds working in theater from a design standpoint" (11:37).
Charli D'Amelio Extends Role in "Ann Juliet"
In a delightful update, Charli D'Amelio has extended her role in the Broadway production "Ann Juliet," now committing to a ten-month run until September 7th. Her involvement is seen as a strategic move to leverage her immense popularity and make the show more accessible to a broader audience.
Matt Tammini observes the marketing savvy behind her extended participation:
"They are including her a lot in like talkbacks and stuff... take advantage of her popularity because she can handle the dancing... help her make the show a little bit more accessible" (12:55).
Grace Hockey commends Charli's generosity and enthusiasm for Broadway:
"She's been this gracious and excited to be a part of the community of Broadway and the show specifically... I love that she's staying" (13:37).
Upcoming Broadway Shows: "Boop the Musical" and "Smash"
Wrapping up with feel-good recommendations, Matt and Grace spotlight two eagerly anticipated Broadway shows, "Boop the Musical" and "Smash," both set to preview on March 11th at the Broadhurst and Imperial theaters, respectively.
Matt Tammini expresses his excitement for the vibrant and entertaining nature of these productions:
"Whenever I watch videos of them and clips, I just smile. And I think we definitely need that... mix those in with some smaller things like Operation Mincemeat and maybe Ending and Dead Outlaw" (14:54).
Grace Hockey shares her nostalgic connection to "Boop the Musical," referencing her childhood fondness for the cartoon character:
"I have not stopped hearing how amazing she is and how much everyone loves her... I was a big fan of the cartoon when I was little" (15:18).
Conclusion
Matt and Grace conclude the episode with a warm sign-off, encouraging listeners to follow them on social media for more Broadway updates.
"Thanks for listening to today on Broadway. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Odderreading. Follow me on Instagram @bww. Matt. Grace. Where can people find you?" (15:25).
This episode of "Today on Broadway" offers a rich tapestry of current Broadway news, insightful discussions on award shows, and exciting previews of upcoming musicals, making it a must-listen for theater enthusiasts.