BroadwayRadio – Today on Broadway: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025

Host: Matt Tamanini
Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this solo-hosted episode, Matt Tamanini runs through the latest Broadway and Off-Broadway news, updates on casting, extensions, special events, and notable video highlights. Matt also shares insights about Tony award buzz, imminent show closings, and exciting performances coming up on stage—and on national television. With his co-host Grace still away, Matt keeps the energy high and the information flowing for theater fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Co-host Update & Housekeeping

• [00:32] Matt explains Grace’s absence:
  • She recently got married, attended the premiere of “Wicked for Good,” and is due to return tomorrow.
  • Matt will bring a “travelogue” episode soon about Off-Broadway shows he recently saw (exclusive to Patreon supporters).

2. Show Closures & Extensions

"Romy and Michele the Musical" Closing Soon

• [01:25] Announced it will close at Stage 42 on Nov 30, just a little over a month after opening.
  • Stats: 15 previews, 40 regular performances.
  • Cast Highlights: Laura Bell Bundy, Kara Lindsay, Demaro Darius R. Copes, Lauren Zacharian, Michael Thomas Grant, Jordan Kai Burnett.
  • Notable quote:

    "Unfortunately, one Off-Broadway show that I am not going to have an opportunity to see is Romy and Michele the Musical, because last night it announced that it will close its run... So you have two weeks to run over and see the show..." (Matt, 01:23)

3. New Broadway Casting News

NE-YO to Make Broadway Debut in “Hell’s Kitchen”

• [02:23] NE-YO will take over the role of Davis in “Hell’s Kitchen” starting Dec 4, replacing Tank (who exits Nov 30).
  • NE-YO’s credits: Tin Man in “The Wiz Live” (NBC), “The Masked Singer” winner.
  • No announced end date for NE-YO’s engagement.
  • Memorable moment:

    "He was very excited... figured he'd have to go back and see the show now because he's also a fan of NE-YO." (Matt on Oliver Henry Roth’s reaction, 03:26)

4. Show Extensions and Tony Awards Buzz

“Liberation” Extends at the James Earl Jones Theater

• [04:06] The play, originally scheduled through Jan 11, now extended to Feb 1.

  • Grosses have been underwhelming, but rave reviews post-opening (Oct 28).
  • Speculation: If ticket sales increase, it could extend further into Tony Awards season, improving its chances.
  • Potential Best Play Tony nomination.
  • Notable quote:

    "I think it is already a shoo-in to get a Best Play nomination. Whether or not it wins, who knows..." (Matt, 05:05)

• Discussion about what shows count as “new plays” for this Tony season.

5. Star Announcements: Off-Broadway & One-Night-Only Concerts

Sean Hayes Returns with “The Unknown”

• [06:02] Two-time Emmy winner Sean Hayes to headline David Cale’s new one-man thriller “The Unknown” at Studio Seaview.
  • Directed by Leigh Silverman.
  • Scheduled: Jan 31–Apr 12 (10-week run; possible extension).
  • Studio Seaview's reputation for star-driven shows: John Krasinski, Jesse Eisenberg, etc.
  • Intrigue: Experience outside Hayes’ usual comedic type.
  • Host comment:

    "This certainly sounds like a role that ventures outside of what we normally see from Sean Hayes, which is pretty exciting." (Matt, 06:55)

Kelli O’Hara: One-Night-Only at Lincoln Center

• [09:30] Kelli O’Hara to perform a concert at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on Jan 12, 2026.
  • Lincoln Center Theater member presale Nov 19; public sale Nov 21.
  • Expect songs from her Broadway roles and albums.
  • Fan shoutout:

    "If you are Kelli O’Hara fan like our own James Marino I know is, check out those tickets when they go on sale later this week." (Matt, 10:00)

6. Broadway in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Cynthia Erivo Featured in Opening Number

• [08:15] USA Today reports Cynthia Erivo will kick off the Parade (Nov 27, NBC).
  • Involvement likely tied to “Wicked” film and NBCUniversal corporate synergy.
  • Other highlights: Performances from “Ragtime,” “Just In Time,” “Buena Vista Social Club,” the Rockettes, and more theater luminaries.

7. Off-Broadway Extension

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

• [07:19] Now extended at New World Stages through Apr 12.
  • Officially opened the prior night.
  • Matt celebrates the extension of one of his favorite musical comedies.

8. Recommended Video Highlights

(From [10:14] onward)

• Tamron Hall Show: Erin Morton (“Heathers” Off-Broadway) sings “Kindergarten Boyfriend” and discusses her viral journey from MT student to Off-Broadway debut.
• CBS Sunday Morning Extended Interview: Stephen Schwartz covers his career and “Queen of Versailles.” Matt notes he loved “The Baker’s Wife,” even if “Queen of Versailles” received mixed reviews.
• Susan Egan Surprise Duet: At the “Beauty and the Beast” national tour stop in Nashville, original Broadway Belle Susan Egan performed with Kyra Belle Johnson, now portraying Belle. Video of both rehearsal and performance available.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On “Liberation’s” Tony odds:

  "Certainly, the longer Liberation can go into the spring, the better it will impact its Tony chances..." (Matt, 05:17)

• On Sean Hayes’ upcoming role:

  "To see a thriller like this is fascinating. We have seen him do a lot of different things, but generally a little bit more in the comedic range." (Matt, 06:58)

• On Thanksgiving Parade synergy:

  "Obviously, the parent company of NBC is NBCUniversal, which also owns the Universal Studios, which is where Wicked comes from. So lots of overlap there..." (Matt, 08:29)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:32] Intro and Grace update
• [01:25] “Romy and Michele” closes
• [02:23] NE-YO starring in “Hell’s Kitchen”
• [04:06] “Liberation” extends & Tony buzz
• [06:02] Sean Hayes in “The Unknown”
• [07:19] “Spelling Bee” extends
• [08:15] Cynthia Erivo, Broadway in Thanksgiving Parade
• [09:30] Kelli O’Hara concert at Lincoln Center
• [10:14] Video highlights: Tamron Hall (Erin Morton), Stephen Schwartz, Susan Egan “Beauty and the Beast” duet

Overall Tone

Informal, energetic, and passionate—Matt keeps listeners updated and engaged, mixing news with personal reactions and a few playful shoutouts to friends in the theater industry.

For more, visit patreon.com/broadwayradio. Next episode, co-host Grace is expected to return.