BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: “Today on Broadway: Tuesday, May 20, 2025”

Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: Matt Tammanini

1. Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of BroadwayRadio's premier podcast, host Matt Tammanini delivers a dynamic blend of Broadway news, insightful recommendations, and an in-depth discussion of his voting choices for the recent Outer Critics Circle (OCC) Awards. This episode diverges from the usual hybrid format, focusing instead on current events and awards commentary, making it a must-listen for Broadway enthusiasts seeking comprehensive updates and expert opinions.

2. Off Broadway Revival of "Heathers: The Musical"

Matt kicks off the episode with exciting news about the upcoming Off Broadway revival of "Heathers: The Musical", set to premiere on June 22 at New World Stages and run until September 28, 2025. He highlights the complete casting, sharing his enthusiasm for each role:

• Veronica Sawyer: Lorna Courtney
• JD MacKenzie: Casey Likes
• Heather Chandler: Kurtz
• Heather Duke: Olivia Hardy
• Heather McNamara: Elizabeth Teeter

A standout casting decision includes Tony nominee Kerry Butler as Martha Dunstock, Veronica’s mother. Matt praises Butler's long-standing portrayal of teenage characters, stating, “Kerry Butler is going to be playing Mrs. Fleming and Veronica's mom, which is just a delight anytime any production I've seen of this show” ([00:01]).

The ensemble also features Aaron Morton, renowned for her viral TikTok performance of Radiohead’s “Creep,” which amassed over 13 million views. Matt emphasizes the significance of her casting, attributing it largely to her viral success: “Her getting a chance to play Martha in an Off Broadway revival, because in large part because of that video is amazing” ([00:01]).

Furthermore, Matt discusses other key cast members, including Xavier McKinnon as Ram Sweeney and Ben Davis as Big Bud Dean and Coach Ripper, among others. He shares personal anecdotes, such as attending Ben Davis's performance in "Once Upon a Mattress," enhancing the listener's connection to the cast’s experience ([00:01]).

3. Revival of "Taboo" Musical

Transitioning to nostalgia, Matt reminisces about the original Broadway production of "Taboo", a musical centered on Boy George. He recounts its initial Broadway run in 2003, which, despite significant investment from Rosie O'Donnell and featuring Boy George himself, was a commercial failure, lasting only 116 performances ([03:15]).

However, there is renewed hope for "Taboo" as it undergoes a revival with a new book authored by Olivier-nominated writer and performer Jack Holden. Matt expresses optimism about this fresh take: “This was always one of those shows that felt like it could have been something if things had worked out differently. Now maybe we'll see if that's actually true with a different book” ([05:42]).

He highlights the song “Stranger in This World,” commended for its beauty, originally performed by Raul Esparza and later by Luke Evans on the cast recording. Matt underscores the potential impact of the new production, anticipating a private reading in London as the first step toward a possible commercial run ([03:15]).

Notable Quote:

“You always knew, didn’t you, mother? I was a stranger in this world. This dull medication.”
— Kerry Butler as Martha Dunstock ([05:42])

4. Recommendations

Following the news segments, Matt shares a curated list of Broadway-related recommendations:

• "Cats" at Paramount Theater, Aurora, Illinois: Featuring six different circus-themed songs, Matt encourages listeners to watch a friend’s upcoming performance this weekend.

• Company of Death: The group is set to perform a Tiny Desk Concert at NPR studios in Washington, D.C., offering a blend of theatrical and musical flair.

• "Dead Outlaw": A standout musical nominee, recently released a compelling video of Andrew Duran performing “I Killed a Man in Maine.” Matt praises the song as a powerful moment in the show's opening ([Should include timestamp if present]).

• "Aladdin" Celebrations: Marking its 4,000th Broadway performance and celebrating the posthumous 75th birthday of Howard Ashman, performances featuring Jodi Benson (original voice of Ariel) and Alan Menken performing “Proud of Your Boy” are now available for viewers ([04:30]).

5. Outer Critics Circle Awards Voting

Matt delves into his voting decisions for the Outer Critics Circle Awards, providing transparency and insight into his selections as a member in his second voting year. He explains his voting strategy, which includes abstaining in categories where he hasn't seen all nominees to maintain the integrity of his votes.

Production Categories

• Outstanding New Broadway Play:

  • Winner: John Proctor is the Villain
  • Matt Voted For: Cult of Love
    “Cult of Love was my favorite play of this season” ([07:30])

• Outstanding New Broadway Musical:

  • Winner: Maybe Happy Ending
  • Matt Voted For: Maybe Happy Ending
    “To be quite honest with you, I would not have voted for any of the other nominees” ([07:30])

• Outstanding New Off Broadway Musical:

  • Winner: Drag the Musical
  • Matt Voted For: We Live in Cairo
    “I didn’t think it was a perfect musical but I thought it was really, really good and really interesting and really different” ([07:30])

• Outstanding New Off Broadway Play:

  • Winner: Liberation
  • Matt Abstained: Felt uncomfortable voting without seeing all nominees.

Performance Categories

• Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play:

  • Winner: Laura Donnelly for The Hills of California
  • Matt Voted For: Laura Donnelly
    “That is who I voted for” ([07:30])

• Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical:

  • Winner: Jasmine Amy Rogers
  • Matt Voted For: Nicole Scherzinger
    “I voted for Nicole Scherzinger, which will not be a surprise to anybody listening to this” ([07:30])

• Outstanding Feature Performer in a Broadway Musical:

  • Winner: Jack Malone for Operation Mincemeat
  • Matt Voted For: Jack Mullen for Operation Mincemeat

• Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off Broadway Musical:

  • Winner: Nick Adams for Drag the Musical
  • Matt Abstained: Did not see majority nominees.

• Outstanding Feature Performer in an Off Broadway Play:

  • Winner: Michael Rashawn for Table 17
  • Matt Voted For: Sarah Snook for The Picture of Dorian Gray

Direction Categories

• Outstanding Direction of a Musical:

  • Winner: Michael Arden for Maybe Happy Ending
  • Matt Voted For: Michael Arden
    “That is who I voted for” ([07:30])

• Outstanding Direction of a Play:

  • Winner: Donya Taymor for John Proctor is the Villain
  • Matt Voted For: Trip Coleman for Cult of Love
    “I voted for Trip Coleman for Cult of Love” ([07:30])

Matt reflects on his role within the OCC, detailing his meticulous approach to viewing and evaluating shows using spreadsheets and notebooks, demonstrating his commitment to informed and conscientious voting ([07:30]).

6. Conclusion and Additional Information

Matt wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. He also promotes upcoming content, including ticket links for Grace's show at the Soho Playhouse and encourages listeners to explore exclusive content available on Patreon, including his travelogue episode.

Key Takeaways:

• Heathers: The Musical revival boasts a stellar cast, promising a fresh and engaging production.
• The Taboo revival seeks to rectify past shortcomings with a new book, reigniting interest in the musical.
• Matt’s voting insights offer a transparent look into the OCC Awards, highlighting his favorite productions and performances.
• Rich recommendations provide a curated selection of must-watch Broadway content.

Listeners are left with a comprehensive understanding of the current Broadway landscape, upcoming productions, and the intricacies of award season voting—all delivered with Matt Tammanini’s characteristic enthusiasm and expertise.

Stay Connected:

• Follow BroadwayRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Support on Patreon: Access exclusive episodes and content tiers.

Upcoming Shows:

• Grace's Show running until Sunday, June 25 at Soho Playhouse. Get Tickets

Additional Resources:

• Outer Critics Circle Awards Detailed Ballot: Available in show notes.
• Full Episode Transcript: Available upon request or through the show's official channels.

Thank you for tuning into “Today on Broadway” with Matt Tammanini. Have a wonderful Tuesday, and stay tuned for more exciting Broadway updates tomorrow!