BroadwayRadio Episode Summary – Today on Broadway: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

In this engaging episode of BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway," hosts Matt Tammanini and Grace dive deep into the latest happenings in the Broadway scene. From exciting casting announcements and new productions to thoughtful discussions on contemporary adaptations of classic shows, this episode offers a comprehensive overview for theater enthusiasts.

1. Recent Episodes Highlights

Matt begins by recapping the recent content available on BroadwayRadio. He mentions a special Patreon-exclusive episode featuring Kate Ranking, who discusses their favorite show from the past month—a standout production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater expected to make its way to New York soon. Additionally, he highlights Jan Simpson’s in-depth analysis of the 1962 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." The "Week on Broadway" segment is also featured, covering exciting shows like All Shook Up at Goodspeed, Prince F at Playwrights Horizons, and Angry Allen at Studio Seaview. Matt encourages listeners to explore all available content across various feeds and through their Patreon page.

2. Casting News: "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Hollywood Bowl

[00:36 - 03:03]

Matt shares thrilling casting news for the upcoming Hollywood Bowl production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," set to run from August 1st to August 3rd, 2025. The stellar lineup includes:

• Cynthia Erivo as Jesus
• Adam Lambert as Judas
• Milo Manheim as Peter
• Raul Esparza as Pontius Pilate

Matt expresses excitement about the cast, highlighting Milo Manheim’s rising star status from his role in Little Shop of Horrors Off Broadway and Disney Channel’s phenomenon Zombies 4. He also praises Raul Esparza for his dynamic presence in theater. Grace echoes this enthusiasm, noting the high caliber of talent being assembled for the production.

Notable Quote:

Matt Tammanini [02:03]: “…with one of the most exciting and electric theater performers that I've ever seen, Raul Esparza.”

3. Dolly Colon Musical Cast Announcement

[03:03 - 05:17]

Matt updates listeners on the casting news for the original musical "Dolly Colon," where John Bailman has been announced as Dolly Parton’s leading man, Carl Dean. Bailman, known for his roles in Smash and Shucked, brings a strong comedic presence to the role. The production, which began previews on July 18th, will officially open on August 8th at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, with potential plans for a New York transfer following its initial run.

Grace shares her excitement about Bailman's casting, praising his versatility and comedic chops. She emphasizes the significance of Bailman stepping into such an iconic role, especially following the passing of the original Carl Dean.

Notable Quote:

Grace [04:52]: “…it’s a very big deal that everyone has signed on to him portraying this role. I’m very happy for him and I hope.”

4. "Heathers: The Musical" – Reviews and Reflections

[05:17 - 12:33]

The conversation shifts to "Heathers: The Musical," which recently returned Off Broadway at New World Stages and has extended its run into 2026. Matt summarizes various critical perspectives:

• Jackson McHenry (Vulture): Mixed review, noting the production’s attempt to smooth out rough edges and its reliance on nostalgia, which detracts from the portrayal of popularity politics.

  “…the portrait of bloody popularity politics within Heathers is what makes the story cling to you and it's less clearly reckoned with in this production.” [00:36: McHenry’s critique]

• David Cody (The Observer): Positive take, praising the show's stylishness, well-crafted fun, top-notch acting, and catchy music.

  “Beyond its sociological themes, Heathers is a ton of stylish, well-crafted fun with top-notch acting and top to bottom earworms.” [Observer’s praise]

• Lane Williamson (Exient): Mixed feelings about the adaptation’s tone, perceiving it as a cautionary tale rather than a biting satire.

  “The softening revisions…add up to a tepid, if tuneful adaptation of what once was a controversial, giddily violent send-up of teen culture.” [Exient’s perspective]

• Raven Snook (Time Out New York): Positive review awarding four out of five stars, commending performances and the show’s radical message of choosing kindness over violence.

  “…the mere idea of choosing kindness over killing makes this Heathers’ message feel radical.” [Time Out NY’s commendation]

Matt shares his personal love for the show but expresses concern that recent adaptations for broader, especially younger, audiences might dilute the original’s sharp satire. Grace reflects on the difficulty of handling sensitive topics like school shootings in today’s context, noting that societal changes have made such themes more challenging to portray without losing their intended impact. They also discuss the controversy surrounding bootleg recordings of the show, emphasizing the importance of respecting performers' rights.

Notable Quote:

Matt Tammanini [09:06]: “…the amount they’ve had to put out a statement today discussing bootleg culture.”

5. Additional Broadway News

[12:33 - 16:10]

Matt provides updates on other noteworthy Broadway events:

• Irish Repertory Theater’s New Production: Launching the latest Conor McPherson play on Thursday, marking their first on-stage production of his work in a decade following a Zoom adaptation during the COVID pandemic.

• Final Performance of "Sunset Boulevard": On Sunday, the Broadway production of Jamie Lloyd's "Sunset Boulevard" will wrap up, featuring Nicole Scherzinger in her final performance as Carl Dean.

• Off Broadway Premiere of "Joy": Opening on Sunday, "Joy" is a new true musical starring Betsy Wolf, running until August 17th. The show has received positive feedback, with unique elements like mop giveaways during performances adding to its charm.

Notable Insight: Matt expresses personal enthusiasm for "Joy," attributing its appeal to Betsy Wolf’s involvement and the innovative aspects of the production.

6. Lorde’s Special Appearance and Playwright Recommendation

[16:10 - 17:07]

Matt recounts a memorable event at the Booth Theater where pop star Lorde attended a performance of a show that heavily incorporates her song "Green Light." Playwright Kimberly Bellflower emphasizes in her post how Lorde’s music has been integral to her creative process and the development of the show over seven years. This collaboration highlights the profound impact of Lorde’s artistry on contemporary theater.

Grace adds that securing rights to use "Green Light" was crucial, as the song is essential to the show's execution. She appreciates the rarity of such high-profile artists engaging directly with Broadway productions, noting Lorde’s endorsement as a significant boost for the show’s credibility and emotional resonance.

Notable Quote:

Matt Tammanini [17:07]: “Like, at first, I was like, is that the new… but, yeah, that was a very cool moment.”

Conclusion

Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media and support their content through Patreon. They express their excitement for the ongoing and upcoming Broadway events, reaffirming their passion for bringing the latest theater news and insights to their audience.

This episode of Today on Broadway offers a thorough and engaging overview of the current Broadway landscape, enriched with expert insights and heartfelt discussions from Matt and Grace. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to the Broadway scene, this summary captures the essence of the episode’s key highlights and conversations.