BroadwayRadio Episode Summary: Today on Broadway – Tuesday, May 6, 2025

BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway" episode, hosted by Matt Tamminini and featuring co-host Grace Aki, delivers a comprehensive update on the latest happenings in the Broadway community. Here's an in-depth summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and announcements from the episode.

1. Grace Aki’s Exciting News: Extended Run at Soho Playhouse

Grace Aki opens the episode with thrilling news about her play, To Free a Mockingbird. Initially slated for a one-night performance at the Soho Playhouse, Grace has received a "green light" to return for a two-week, 10-show run from May 12th to May 25th.

Grace Aki [00:53]: "I may or may not have bullied her into extending her trip a day, but no, I'm just, I'm really pumped."

She expresses immense gratitude towards her supporters and anticipates the positive impact of her return, especially during API month. Grace also highlights upcoming collaborations and partnerships, including appearances by notable figures like Ashley Hufford and Maggie Hill.

Grace Aki [01:00]: "I genuinely could not be doing this now if it weren't for the people that have talked about the show in general and come to see it. So thank you very much."

Matt Tamminini acknowledges the significance of Grace's achievement and encourages listeners to purchase tickets, which will be available in the show notes.

2. Dolly Colon's Original Musical: Casting Announcements

The hosts delve into the latest casting news for the original Dolly musical, set to premiere at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville from July 18 to August 30. The three leads announced are:

• Katie Rose Clark
• Kerry St. Louis
• Quinn Titcomb

Notably, these actresses were not part of the initial finalist group from the online casting call. Instead, two performers from the final 15 will join the ensemble, potentially as understudies or standbys.

Matt Tamminini [03:06]: "What's interesting about this is that none of these three were involved as one of the finalists for the online search for Dolly Casting Call."

Grace discusses the casting choices, particularly the close age range of Katie Rose Clark (40) and Carrie St. Louis (35), questioning the necessity of multiple actresses portraying various stages of Dolly Parton's life. However, she remains confident in their abilities to embody the characters convincingly.

Grace Aki [06:01]: "I don't think that they're going to have to work that hard only because those. Both of those actresses are very, very good."

Matt appreciates Grace's perspective and commends the Soho Playhouse as a hub for innovative plays and solo artists.

3. Lincoln Center’s Ragtime Revival Tease

A buzzworthy hint surfaced from Lincoln Center Theater’s social media, featuring a video believed to showcase Joshua Henry preparing to perform Ragtime. With Lil Debessinet taking the helm as the new artistic director, speculation arises about an upcoming Broadway revival.

Matt Tamminini [08:14]: "Because Lir Debessinet directed the City center production of Ragtime, she is now the artistic director of Lincoln center, it is presumed that they are going to be doing a Ragtime revival on Broadway."

Grace acknowledges the teaser video but refrains from speculating further, leaving room for official announcements.

4. Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Theater World Awards

Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Brandon Jacobs Jenkins wins the Pulitzer Prize for Drama with his play Purpose. The finalists included Oh Mary by Cola Scola and The Ally by Itamar Moses.

Matt Tamminini [09:31]: "What an absolutely incredible honor to Brandon Jacobs Jenkins to be able to have that on his resume and certainly something that is well deserved."

Theater World Awards: Recognizing outstanding performances by actors in their Broadway or Off-Broadway debuts, the awards will be presented on June 2, hosted by Peter Filicia. Notable recipients include:

• Alana Arenas for Purpose
• Kit Connor for Romeo and Juliet
• Patsy Ferran for A Streetcar Named Desire
• Paul Mescal for A Streetcar Named Desire
• George Clooney for Outstanding Broadway Debut in Goodnight and Good Luck

Grace commends the recipients, particularly highlighting Marjan Neshat's achievements and the support from nonprofit theatrical companies like Second Stage and Roundabout.

Grace Aki [12:02]: "I'm obsessed with the continuation of talking about Cults of Love and English..."

5. Highlights from the Lortel Awards

The Lortel Awards, celebrating excellence in Off-Broadway productions, were announced with several standout winners:

• Outstanding Play: Here There are Blueberries by Moises Kaufman and Amanda Gronig
• Outstanding Musical: Three Homes by Dave Malloy
• Outstanding Revival: Art Class by Tejush Slobodone Zeonik, adapted by Norman Allen
• Outstanding Solo Show: Vanya starring Andrew Scott
• Outstanding Director: Igor Goliak for Our Class
• Outstanding Choreography: Conor Gallagher for The Big Gay Jamboree and Lynn Taylor Corbett for Distant Thunder

Additional categories honored performers like Carrie Young and Michael Rashon for their roles in Table 17, and Seren Monet West and Paris Nicks for their performances in musicals.

Matt encourages listeners to check the show notes for a complete list of winners.

6. NEA Budget Cuts: A Blow to the Arts Community

A significant and concerning development was discussed regarding the Trump administration's 2026 budget proposal, which eliminates funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additionally, the budget proposes a substantial 13% increase in defense spending.

Matt Tamminini [12:39]: "This is obviously part of an ongoing storyline that has taken place across the arts industry since Trump retook office that we have talked about numerous times."

Arts organizations nationwide received form letters indicating the rescission of grants, impacting 148 theaters with an estimated $3.73 million in funding. The NEA's new priorities shift focus to projects that "reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President," including support for HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, disaster recovery, and more.

Grace expresses concern over the practical implications of these cuts, fearing the closure or consolidation of many nonprofit theaters.

Matt Tamminini [12:39]: "This is going to devastate many, many not for profit theater organizations, especially theaters, and it will probably lead to many of them having to close their doors or consolidate or something."

7. 'Omar' Show Extension and Casting Changes

Breaking news revealed that the musical Omar will not conclude its run in June as initially planned. Instead, it will extend through September 28th. Additionally, cast changes include Cola departing the production on June 21st, with Titus Burgess stepping in for a six-week period.

Matt Tamminini [16:00]: "Omar is not going to be closing in June... extending through at least September 28th."

Grace shares her excitement for Titus Burgess's return and the increased opportunity for audiences to experience Omar amid its Tony recognition.

8. 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Live Production: Adam Lambert as Judas

A new live production of Jesus Christ Superstar is in the works at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, with Adam Lambert cast as Judas. While Matt expresses his desire to see the production transfer to Broadway, he remains skeptical due to historical precedents.

Matt Tamminini [18:44]: "We have seen star studded theatrical productions at the Hollywood bowl many, many times over the years. And none of them have transferred."

Grace remains hopeful, noting the potential for innovation with a refreshed cast and production team.

9. Sunset Boulevard's Tiny Desk Concert

Highlighting the integration of Broadway with digital media, Matt and Grace discuss Sunset Boulevard's recent Tiny Desk Concert featuring Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis. The performance included a rendition of "As if We Never Said Goodbye The Perfect Year," with Tom showcasing his guitar skills.

Matt Tamminini [18:44]: "Seeing more and more Broadway shows do that, especially during this Tony season, is tons of fun."

They commend the initiative to engage audiences through such platforms, enhancing the show's reach and appeal.

10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Appearances

In the episode's conclusion, Grace promotes her upcoming performances at the Soho Playhouse, urging listeners to secure tickets online.

Grace Aki [19:55]: "You can find me at the Soho Playhouse May 12th through the 25th. And those tickets are already online, so please check it out."

Matt humorously contemplates attending Grace's shows, highlighting his commitment to supporting her work despite scheduling conflicts.

Matt Tamminini [20:35]: "I have to come back. I think I have to."

The episode wraps up with Matt encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media for more updates.

Notable Quotes:

• Grace Aki [00:53]: "I'm really excited and honored to be doing this... I genuinely could not be doing this now if it weren't for the people that have talked about the show in general and come to see it."

• Matt Tamminini [12:39]: "This is going to devastate many, many not for profit theater organizations, especially theaters, and it will probably lead to many of them having to close their doors or consolidate or something."

• Grace Aki [07:28]: "I have the butterfly dolly patch ready to go for my bag. It's going to be great."

Conclusion

This episode of Today on Broadway offers a blend of celebratory news, critical industry updates, and insightful discussions on the evolving landscape of Broadway and the broader performing arts community. From Grace Aki's personal achievements to the unsettling NEA budget cuts, the hosts provide listeners with a well-rounded perspective on both the triumphs and challenges facing Broadway today.

For more detailed information on the topics discussed, including ticket purchasing links and complete award lists, be sure to check the show notes provided with the episode.