BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Today on Broadway: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025
Host: Matt Tamminini & Grace Lucky
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Description: Broadway's Premier Podcasts
Introduction & Personal Highlights
The episode kicks off with a warm welcome from host Matt Tamminini and a heartfelt introduction by Grace Lucky. Matt highlights a significant, life-changing event Grace experienced on the preceding Sunday, setting an engaging and personal tone for the discussion.
Notable Quote:
"Grace Lucky Grace, you had an unbelievably life-changing moment on Sunday, something that has changed you from the inner core of your cellular makeup."
— Matt Tamminini [00:08]
Grace responds enthusiastically, sharing that it was "the best night of my life," adding a humorous touch by quoting Austin Colby: "best night next to my wedding ever."
Casting Changes in Sunset Boulevard
Matt transitions into the latest casting news within the Broadway community, starting with significant updates from Sunset Boulevard. Caroline Bowman is set to depart from her role as Norma Desmond to take on the character Karen in Smash on Broadway.
Key Points:
- Caroline Bowman leaves Sunset Boulevard on January 19.
- Rasheedra Scott steps in as the new standby for Norma Desmond, starting performances on January 20.
- Bowman will join Nicole Scherzinger and Mandy Gonzalez in this role.
Seaview Studios Acquires Tony Kaiser Theater
In a major development, Matt shares that Seaview Studios, led by co-founder and CEO Greg Noble, is acquiring the Tony Kaiser Theater, the Off-Broadway home of Second Stage since 1999. This acquisition ensures the theater remains a vibrant performance space amid rising rents.
Notable Quote:
"It's really exciting to see not only that theater remaining a theater, but also to be one that is going to be controlled by, I think, a really interesting artistic company that tends to do really great work and also has some star power."
— Matt Tamminini [03:51]
Grace expresses her surprise and excitement, applauding the decision to preserve the theater's legacy.
Key Points:
- Tony Kaiser Theater will be renamed Seaview Studios.
- Seaview plans to produce their own shows, leveraging their experience with productions like Danny, The Deep Blue Sea, and Sweeney Todd.
- The acquisition includes performance space, offices, and rehearsal studios, promising a dynamic future for the venue.
Boop: The Betty Boop Musical Cast Announced
Matt announces the complete cast for the upcoming Broadway premiere of Boop: The Betty Boop Musical, slated to open at the Broadhurst Theatre on March 11.
Notable Cast Members:
- Jasmine
- Amy Rogers
- Faith Prince
- Eric Bergen
- Stephen DeRosa
- Anastasia McCleskey
- Tristan Butel (also stars in Frozen)
- Lawrence Alexander
- Joshua Michael Barrage
- Ian Gallagher Fitzgerald
- RJ Higginton
- Morgan McGee
- Ryan Nixon
- Christian Probst
- Amy Van Norstrand
Matt highlights that many cast members are returning from the Chicago run, ensuring a strong and familiar ensemble for Broadway audiences.
Six the Musical to Film in the UK
The podcast delves into the exciting news that Universal Pictures Content Group has acquired the UK theatrical rights for Six the Musical. A filmed version featuring the original London Queens will release in UK cinemas on April 6, with potential future availability on Peacock in the US.
Key Points:
- The filmed version captures the vibrant energy of Six, keeping the show relevant nearly five years post its Broadway debut.
- Grace expresses her delight at the show's continued relevance and her hopes for a potential Broadway filmed version.
Notable Quote:
"Six continuing to keep itself relevant. I think the producers of this show have done a great job to keep Six at the forefront of conversations."
— Grace Lucky [06:15]
Waitress the Musical Coming to Max Streaming Service
Matt shares that Waitress the Musical will soon be available for streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max), starting February 14. Previously available through premium Video on Demand services and National Theatre at Home, this addition broadens accessibility for fans eager to enjoy the musical from home.
Key Points:
- Waitress will be accessible on Max, enhancing its reach.
- Matt anticipates an official press release or confirmation from Sara Bareilles, adding credibility to the news.
Off Broadway Updates: Seleno v. Barnes & IATSE Strike
Seleno v. Barnes Closing Date Extended: Matt updates listeners that Seleno v. Barnes will extend its Off-Broadway run until March 30, pushing back its previously scheduled January closure.
IATSE Strike Impacts: The podcast addresses the recent announcement by IATSE about striking against the Atlantic Theater Company, leading to the postponement of productions like Grief Camp.
Notable Quote:
"We support the actions that they take to try to get a fair and equitable working arrangement. But you hate to see shows that had just started. Performances have to shut down."
— Matt Tamminini [14:45]
Grace shares her disappointment over the strike, emphasizing the importance of good labor relations in the theater community.
Boy George's Moulin Rouge Schedule Change
Matt briefly mentions that Boy George's return to Moulin Rouge, the musical is delayed by ten days, moving his start date from March 18 to March 28. This minor schedule shift ensures a smooth transition for the star's performance.
Grace Lucky's Experience at Sunset Boulevard
Grace provides an emotional and detailed recount of attending Sunset Boulevard featuring Caroline Bowman. She describes the electrifying atmosphere and the profound impact of Bowman's performance.
Notable Quotes:
"I was genuinely really shocked with that information. I was really excited for them, but I was also had no idea."
— Grace Lucky [04:15]
"It's just one of the most unforgettable nights we will ever have."
— Grace Lucky [15:22]
Key Highlights:
- The audience was exceptionally enthusiastic, with a palpable energy before and during the performance.
- Grace observed Austin Colby, Caroline Bowman's husband, leading the crowd in chants, enhancing the communal experience.
- Caroline Bowman's portrayal of Norma Desmond was deeply moving, eliciting strong emotional reactions from Grace.
- An homage to Bowman's previous role as Elsa in Frozen added a meta-layer to the performance, celebrating her versatile career.
Final Highlights: Stereophonic and Masquerade Encore
Matt wraps up the episode by celebrating the final Broadway performance of Stereophonic. The cast and creators performed an encore of Masquerade on stage, which Matt praises as a fitting and celebratory send-off.
Notable Quote:
"It is going to head out on a tour beginning in October. We don't exactly know what that is going to look like in terms of the number of cities and the types of theaters it's going to, but fascinating to see who is in the cast and what this looks like moving forward."
— Matt Tamminini [16:05]
Grace mentions that Stereophonic is a top favorite in her Spotify Wrapped, highlighting the show's musical impact.
Closing Remarks
Matt and Grace conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to follow them on social media for more Broadway insights and updates.
Notable Quote:
"All right, everybody, have a wonderful Tuesday. We'll be back to talk to you tomorrow."
— Matt Tamminini [16:40]
Connect with BroadwayRadio:
- Matt Tamminini: Instagram @wwmatgrace
- Grace Lucky: Instagram @ItsGraceHockey
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at BroadwayRadio
This episode of Today on Broadway offers a comprehensive overview of the latest happenings in the Broadway scene, from casting changes and theater acquisitions to streaming opportunities and personal experiences. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to the Broadway buzz, Matt and Grace provide insightful commentary and engaging stories that capture the vibrant spirit of live theater.