BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Release Date: June 24, 2025
1. Navigating the Scorching Summer in New York City
The episode kicks off with hosts Matt Tamminini and Grace Aki discussing the intense summer heat currently plaguing New York City. Matt, coming from the typically hot Central Florida, expresses surprise at the lack of social media complaints about the weather, wondering, "Please tell me more because I did not see enough people on social media complaining about it yesterday." (00:08) Grace passionately describes the oppressive conditions, cautioning listeners to "pray for your friends walking in and out of Shubert Alley right now. It is a sauna outside." (00:25) The conversation highlights the unique challenges New Yorkers face, emphasizing the difference between enduring high temperatures while driving versus being on foot in the bustling city streets.
2. Manhattan Theater Club’s Exciting Casting Announcements
Transitioning to theater news, Matt and Grace delve into the latest casting announcements from the Manhattan Theater Club's (MTC) upcoming season.
a. Broadway Production: James Graham's "Punch"
Directed by Adam Penford, "Punch" is set to begin performances on September 29th. The cast boasts notable names including Will Harrison, known for Daisy Jones and the Six, making his Broadway debut. Camila Cano Flavia from Patriots joins him, along with Sam Robards and Lucy Taylor. Matt remarks, "We already knew that the new play by James Graham Punch is going to play this season." (01:25)
b. Off-Broadway Production: "The Monsters"
Off-Broadway, Ngozi and Yanwu unveil their new play, "The Monsters," with previews starting January 23rd and an official opening on February 11th. The sibling duo Lil and Big will portray reunified siblings grappling with their pasts, played by Anje Mizel and Okarite respectively. Matt points out, "Okarite in, I believe, his first New York theater credit since Jamie Lloyd's Dollhouse a couple seasons ago." (02:16)
The hosts encourage listeners to check the show notes for more detailed information on both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.
3. Controversy Surrounding the Immersive Production "Masquerade"
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the rebranded immersive production formerly known as "Phantom of the Opera," now titled "Masquerade."
Matt expresses his frustration with the show's unconventional marketing approach, stating, "Every single one of these requirements that the OG has sent out, Grace, bothers more than the previous one." (05:45) The production mandates strict dress codes, including attire in black, white, or silver, mandatory masquerade masks, and a prohibition on high heels due to the immersive and physically demanding nature of the experience.
Grace criticizes the approach, arguing that the focus should be on enticing audiences with exciting cast announcements rather than stringent entry requirements. She articulates, "Audiences want to be enticed to go to something based on a cast list or something that is released about the show that is, like, exciting to them." (07:18) The hosts discuss the potential negative impact on accessibility, questioning how individuals with mobility issues will navigate the production without high heels. Matt adds, "If high heels won't work, how are people who have trouble getting around for whatever types of accessibility issues that they might have, how are they going to navigate this production?" (06:00)
Overall, the hosts express skepticism about the production's handling of marketing and accessibility, labeling it as potentially disorganized and off-putting for audiences.
4. Williamstown Theater Festival’s Star-Studded Season Announced
Post the sponsor segment, Matt and Grace shift focus to the Williamstown Theater Festival (WTF), celebrating its 71st anniversary with a diverse and star-studded lineup.
a. Tennessee Williams-Inspired Productions
The season draws inspiration from Tennessee Williams, featuring reimagined classics and new interpretations influenced by Williams' life and spaces.
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"Camino Real": Starring Pamela Anderson, April Mathis, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (General Hospital) among others. Matt highlights, "She will be joined by April Mathis and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, who for me will always be Spencer Kassadine on General Hospital as well as others in the cast." (14:50)
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"The Gig after Movies and the World of Reason": Set in an actual ice rink, this production is choreographed by two-time Olympic ice dancing medalists Maya and Alex Shook Bhutani.
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"Tennessee Williams Is Not About Nightingales": Directed by Robert O'Hara and featuring Brian Tyree Henry, William Jackson Harper, and Chris Messina. Matt notes, "This is an absolutely incredible season at Williamstown Theatre Festival and one that I imagine we're going to be hearing a lot about with all of these stars." (15:30)
b. World Premiere: Jeremy O. Harris' "Spirit of the People"
The festival welcomes Jeremy O. Harris with his new play, "Spirit of the People," featuring a notable cast including Brandon Flynn and Amber Heard. Grace commends Harris' advocacy for regional theater development, stating, "The coverage that he's been able to give towards Williamstown, et cetera has been really phenomenal." (16:24)
The hosts express excitement about the festival’s lineup, particularly praising actors like Chris Messina and acknowledging the importance of regional theater.
5. New Off-Broadway Play "Girls Will Be Girls"
Highlighting upcoming Off-Broadway offerings, the hosts discuss "Girls Will Be Girls," a play written by actor and writer Claire Mack. Scheduled to premiere on July 17th at the Pershing Square Signature Center, the cast includes Luna Sofia Miranda from the Oscar-winning film Anora, Charlie B Foster, and Shantae Miller.
Matt describes the play as "a hilarious, evil feminist play," following three college girls on a quest to reclaim their virginity over a wild night involving booze and a Speedo-clad boy. The hosts anticipate it as a bold addition to the Off-Broadway scene.
6. Recommendations: Must-Watch Broadway Performances
a. West End Live’s Rachel Zegler Performance
The hosts recommend watching Rachel Zegler's rendition of "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" from the West End production of Evita. Unlike traditional balcony scenes, this performance is part of a larger event where Broadway shows perform for free, akin to the annual Broadway in Bryant Park festivities.
b. Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS – Nicole Scherzinger’s "Buttons"
Featuring a special performance by Tony winner Nicole Scherzinger, who revisits her Pussycat Dolls roots by performing "Buttons" alongside dancers from Sunset Boulevard. Grace emphasizes the importance of such public performances in raising funds for the LGBTQIA community, noting, "I very much appreciate a public performance in order to raise money for the LGBTQIA community, especially Broadway Cares performed by this person." (19:09)
Conclusion
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with the vibrant theater community, support diverse productions, and stay connected through their social media channels and Patreon for more Broadway insights.
Notable Quotes:
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Matt Tamminini (00:08): "Please tell me more because I did not see enough people on social media complaining about it yesterday."
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Grace Aki (00:25): "Pray for your friends walking in and out of Shubert Alley right now. It is a sauna outside."
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Grace Aki (07:18): "Audiences want to be enticed to go to something based on a cast list or something that is released about the show that is, like, exciting to them."
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Matt Tamminini (15:30): "This is an absolutely incredible season at Williamstown Theatre Festival and one that I imagine we're going to be hearing a lot about with all of these stars."
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Grace Aki (19:09): "I very much appreciate a public performance in order to raise money for the LGBTQIA community, especially Broadway Cares performed by this person."
Timestamps
- 00:08 – Introduction of Matt and Grace discussing summer heat in NYC
- 00:25 – Grace elaborates on oppressive summer conditions
- 01:25 – Casting announcements for MTC's "Punch"
- 02:16 – Off-Broadway's "The Monsters" casting details
- 05:45 – Critique of "Masquerade" production requirements
- 06:00 – Discussion on dress codes and accessibility concerns
- 07:18 – Analysis of marketing and accessibility issues for "Masquerade"
- 14:50 – Introduction of Pamela Anderson in WTF’s "Camino Real"
- 15:30 – Praise for WTF’s Tennessee Williams season
- 16:24 – Grace commends Jeremy O. Harris' advocacy
- 19:09 – Grace appreciates Nicole Scherzinger’s performance for LGBTQIA fundraising
(Note: Timestamps correspond to the moments when the quoted statements occur in the podcast.)