BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Host: Matt Tamanini & Grace Aki
Release Date: June 3, 2025
1. Introduction to the Episode
The episode kicks off with hosts Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki diving straight into the heart of Broadway news, bypassing the typical advertisements and introductory segments. They focus on the latest developments in the Broadway scene, particularly revolving around award predictions and upcoming productions.
2. Tony Awards Predictions and Patreon Content
Special Patreon Episode:
Matt Tamanini announces a special Patreon-exclusive episode where he collaborates with theater influencers Ashley Hufford and Tony-nominated producer Kaitlin Berg to predict the 2025 Tony Awards outcomes. They meticulously analyzed each category to forecast potential winners, emphasizing that these predictions remain tentative until official announcements are made.
Quote:
Matt Tamanini states, “We went through every single category, made predictions which we reserve the right to change up until each category is announced” (01:09).
Additional Content:
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the Patreon for daily reviews and detailed analyses leading up to the Tony Awards weekend.
3. Drama Desk Awards 2025 Review and Expansion
2025 Drama Desk Award Winners:
The hosts discuss the recent Drama Desk Awards, highlighting key winners and their potential impact on the upcoming Tony Awards. Notable victories include:
- Outstanding Play: Purpose by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins
- Outstanding Musical: Maybe Happy Ending
- Outstanding Revival of a Musical: Gypsy
Quote:
Ashley Hufford remarks, “The outstanding revival of a musical went to Gypsy,” indicating surprise over its win (03:18).
Impact on Tonys:
Matt and Ashley deliberate on how the Drama Desk results, often seen as precursors to the Tonys, might influence the latter's outcomes, though they note the distinct differences in voting bodies—Drama Desk comprises primarily media members, whereas the Tonys involve industry professionals.
Expansion Announcement:
A significant development is the Drama Desk’s decision to expand its awards to honor theater across the United States, not just Broadway and Off-Broadway. This initiative, led by co-presidents Charles Wright and David Barber, aims to recognize regional theaters, thereby elevating the national theatrical landscape.
Quote:
Grace Aki expresses optimism about the expansion, stating, “I think this is a very thoughtful... way to uplift and support those regional productions” (11:15).
4. Tony Awards 2025 Telecast Performances
Performing Shows:
The Tony Awards telecast will feature performances from nominated shows, including:
- Buena Vista Social Club
- Dead
- Outlaw
- Death Becomes Her
- Floyd Collins
- Gypsy
- Maybe Happy Ending
- Operation Mincemeat
- Pirates Dependzance Musical
- Sunset Boulevard
Breaking Traditions:
In a departure from recent years, the telecast will also include performances from productions not nominated for Best Musical, such as:
- Just in Time
- Real Women Have Curves
Additionally, Tony honorees from 2019 will perform, adding a nostalgic element to the ceremony.
Quote:
Matt Tamanini shares his excitement, “But Grace, we did get the final little bit of like data to plug” before delving into performances (01:03).
Hosted Performances:
There is speculation about the exclusion of certain shows like Boop and Smash, possibly due to production costs or rehearsal constraints. However, hosts express optimism over the inclusion of beloved productions like Real Women Have Curves and Just in Time.
Pre-Show on Pluto:
A pre-show segment will air on the streaming service Pluto, though it's noted that its viewership is limited and the timing has been adjusted to start at 6:40 PM, slightly later than previous years.
5. Lincoln Center Theater's Upcoming Season
Broadway Season:
Lincoln Center Theater is set to revive Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in the fall, with plans for a limited run in the spring.
Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater Programs:
- October 8, 2025: Kyoto by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, focusing on the 1997 Kyoto climate conference.
- December 16, 2025 - January 4, 2026: Amal and the Night Visitors by Joyce Didonado, directed by Kenny Leon.
- July 7, 2026: The Whoopi Monologues, a reimagined multi-performer version of Whoopi Goldberg’s iconic solo show, featuring Kerry Washington and Kara Young, directed by Whitney White.
Clifton Theater (LCT3) Off-Broadway Space:
- October 2025: Comedy Series in collaboration with Seaview, featuring comedian Jenny Slate and two other yet-to-be-announced performers.
- Valentine’s Day 2026: A new musical inspired by Susan Sontag’s insights on illness, directed by TO Evie Mager.
- May 16, 2026: A Woman Among Women by Julia Mae Jonas, contrasting Arthur Miller’s All My Sons.
- Throughout the Year: A reading series curated by prominent playwrights including Ayad Akhtar and Lynn Nottage.
Quote:
Grace Aki enthusiastically shares, “I was talking to James Monroe Iglehart about solo performances... It’s one of the things that legitimately changed my brain on solo theater” (19:26).
6. Upcoming Workshops and Readings
Private Industry Reading:
- Dates: June 25-26, 2025
- Production: What’s New Pussycat?, a jukebox musical featuring Tom Jones songs, based on Henry Fielding’s The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. Book by Joe DiPietro, directed by Luke Shepard.
- Cast Includes: Taylor Leslie Rodriguez, Kritzer John, Andrew Morrison, Vann Cox, Eric Bergen.
Westport Country Playhouse Event:
- Date: Next Sunday
- Production: Talk of the Town, directed by Mark Shanahan.
- Cast: Adam Kanter, Samantha Messell, John Rapson.
- Score: Joseph Stock
- Book: Andrew Bentley and Eve Potts.
- Inspiration: The love story between Harold Ross and Jane Grant.
Quote:
Matt Tamanini expresses excitement, “I cannot wait to see Carrie and Cara doing Whoopi's work” regarding The Whoopi Monologues (19:26).
7. Conclusion
The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media and expressing anticipation for the following day’s broadcast. The focus remains firmly on celebrating and analyzing the vibrant and evolving Broadway scene, ensuring that enthusiasts are well-informed and engaged with the latest happenings.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Matt Tamanini: “We went through every single category, made predictions which we reserve the right to change up until each category is announced” (01:09).
- Ashley Hufford: “The outstanding revival of a musical went to Gypsy” (03:18).
- Grace Aki: “I think this is a very thoughtful... way to uplift and support those regional productions” (11:15).
- Matt Tamanini: “But Grace, we did get the final little bit of like data to plug” (01:03).
- Grace Aki: “I was talking to James Monroe Iglehart about solo performances... It’s one of the things that legitimately changed my brain on solo theater” (19:26).
- Matt Tamanini: “I cannot wait to see Carrie and Cara doing Whoopi's work” (19:26).
Timestamps Reference:
- [01:03] - Episode content starts after ads.
- [01:09] - Discussing Patreon episode.
- [03:18] - Drama Desk Awards winners.
- [11:15] - Drama Desk Awards expansion.
- [19:26] - Lincoln Center Theater’s upcoming The Whoopi Monologues.
- [23:34] - Episode conclusion.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and announcements from the Today on Broadway episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for listeners and Broadway enthusiasts alike.