Today on Broadway: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 – Detailed Summary
Host: Matt Tamnini
Podcast: BroadwayRadio’s Today on Broadway
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Highlighting Grace's Run of To Free a Mockingbird
Matt Tamnini kicked off the episode by spotlighting Grace’s two-week run of To Free a Mockingbird at the Soho Playhouse. Expressing personal enthusiasm, Matt shared, "I am still hoping to make it back to New York City in the next week or two to be able to check out the show one more time" (00:01). He highly recommended the production, especially for listeners who appreciate Grace’s work both on the podcast and her social media presence. Matt emphasized the affordability of tickets, noting they are "only like 25 bucks" and encouraged listeners to check the show notes for ticket links and additional programming related to Grace’s ongoing activities during the show's run.
New Musical Wanted Set for Broadway in 2026
Transitioning to Broadway news, Matt reported that the musical formerly known as Gun and Powder is rebranded as Wanted and is slated to arrive on Broadway in 2026. The show, which has previously graced Washington D.C. and the Paper Mill Playhouse, features book and lyrics by Angelica Cherry—descendant of the Clark sisters central to the narrative—and music by Ross Baum, directed by Stevie Walker Webb. Wanted tells the story of twin sisters Mary and Martha Clark who, in 1893 Texas, navigate racial challenges by passing as white to repay their mother's sharecropper debt and save their home. The latest Paper Mill production starred Lucy LaFontaine and Ciara Renee, with previous versions featuring Emmy Raver Lampman and Soleil Pfeiffer. Matt noted the absence of Broadway casting details but mentioned an upcoming workshop in June might shed light on potential Broadway cast members.
Outer Critics Circle Awards 2025 Highlights
Matt delved into the recent Outer Critics Circle Awards announcements, listing the major winners:
- Outstanding New Broadway Musical: Maybe Happy Ending
- Outstanding New Broadway Play: John Proctor is the Villain
- Outstanding New Off Broadway Musical: Drag the Musical
- Outstanding New Off Broadway Play: Liberation
He also highlighted individual achievements, such as Laura Donnelly winning Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play for The Hills of California and Jasmine Amy Rogers securing Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical for Boop the Musical, which Matt described as "certainly an upset given the fact that she was up against some pretty heavy hitters" (transcript segment on awards). Additionally, special recognition was given to Patrick Hoffman, the recently retired Curator of the Theater on Film and Tape Archive at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
For a comprehensive list of winners, Matt directed listeners to the show notes and teased a separate Patreon episode detailing his voting choices.
Awards Season Spotlight: Ham4Ham Returns
In an exciting update for Hamilton fans, Matt announced that the beloved Ham4Ham experience is returning for the upcoming awards season. Hosted at February 4 PM outside the Richard Rodgers Theatre, Ham4Ham will showcase new musicals and revivals eligible for Tony Awards. Lin Manuel Miranda highlighted shows such as Pirates, The Penzance Musical, Maybe Happy Ending, and Buena Vista Social Club as featured productions. For those unable to attend in person, Matt assured that the event would be accessible on various social media platforms, urging listeners not to miss out on these performances (Ham4Ham segment).
NBC's Special Wicked Concert Presentation
Matt shared exciting news from NBC's recent upfront presentations: a special concert event tied to the upcoming Wicked for Good film release. Scheduled for fall, the concert will feature stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who will perform songs from the original Wicked film and preview tracks from the sequel. Filmed at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the event is set to air on NBC, with streaming availability on Peacock the following day. Additionally, the trailer for Wicked for Good premiered during the upfronts, generating buzz for its anticipated Thanksgiving release (Concert announcement).
Show and Casting Updates
1. Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends Extension:
The Manhattan Theater Club has extended the run of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends until June 29th, a two-week extension beyond the previous end date of June 15th.
2. Goodnight and Good Luck Recoups Investment:
Celebrating a financial milestone, Matt revealed that Goodnight and Good Luck has recouped its initial $9.5 million Broadway investment in just seven and a half weeks, grossing over $4 million last week alone.
3. Hadestown Cast Change:
Lana Gordon is set to return to Hadestown as Persephone on June 3, replacing Merle Dandridge who departs on June 1. Gordon, who has been part of both Broadway and the touring productions since February 2022, will transition the role to Off Broadway as Hadestown moves venues.
4. Prosperous Fools Casting:
Taylor Mac's new play, Prosperous Fools, directed by Darko Tresnik and featuring Sierra Boggess as the lead character Hashtag, debuts on June 1st Off Broadway. Matt quipped humorously about the character’s unique name presentation, emphasizing the need to refer to it as "Hashtag" (Casting news segment). Full cast details are available in the show notes.
London's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Cast Album Release
London audiences received thrilling news with the announcement that Darren Clark and Jethro Compton’s musical adaptation of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will release its cast album on May 16th. Matt expressed his excitement, stating, "I absolutely love it. I hope that you have an opportunity to stream it when it is released," and noted that CDs would be available starting June 20th (London news segment).
Positive Development in Arts Funding
Counteracting recent concerns over arts funding cuts, Matt shared uplifting news regarding the New York State fiscal year 2026 budget. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the budget into law, which includes extended and increased tax credits for Broadway productions. The existing New York City musical and theatrical production tax credit, initially set to expire, is now extended by two years with an increased allocation from $300 million to $400 million. This extension supports Broadway and Off Broadway productions by allowing tax credits up to 25% of qualified expenditures—up to $3 million for Broadway shows and $350,000 for Off Broadway—facilitating the continued growth and sustainability of New York’s vibrant theater scene (Arts funding segment). Matt optimistically noted, "This tax credit will be there to help and hopefully keep Broadway and Off Broadway thriving for the next few years."
Recommendation: Dead Outlaw on Broadway
Concluding the episode, Matt recommended checking out Dead Outlaw, a nominated contender for Best Musical. Highlights were recently released, and Matt encouraged listeners to explore them via the show notes, emphasizing its acclaim and the buzz surrounding its nomination (Recommendation segment).
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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and updates from the May 13, 2025 episode of Today on Broadway, providing listeners with essential information and insights into the latest Broadway happenings.