BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: “Today on Broadway: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024”
Released on November 26, 2024
Wicked Movie Breaks Box Office Records
In this episode of Today on Broadway, hosts Matt Tammini and Grace dive into the sensational success of the Wicked movie adaptation. They highlight its impressive box office performance, noting that it achieved the highest opening gross for a Broadway-to-film adaptation both domestically and internationally.
Matt shares, “It did $114 million in North America and added another $50.2 million internationally to gross $164.2 million globally” (00:08). This triumph places Wicked ahead of previous adaptations like Into the Woods and even surpasses iconic musicals such as Chicago and Les Misérables in specific metrics.
Grace echoes the excitement, stating, “I think Wicked has some legs with it” (03:06), predicting a strong run throughout the holiday season as families flock to enjoy the beloved story together.
Blue Man Group Announces Closure of New York and Chicago Productions
The hosts shift to bittersweet news as Blue Man Group reveals the closure of its long-standing New York and Chicago shows. Matt remarks, “Blue Man Group... has played more than 17,000 performances in New York City since it began over three decades ago” (04:00), emphasizing the group’s significant impact on the theatrical landscape.
Grace reflects on the legacy of such institutions, adding, “They have provided so much joy” (05:17), while also expressing optimism for the future artistic endeavors that will emerge in the now-vacant Off-Broadway spaces.
O Mary Becomes First Broadway Hit of the 2024-2025 Season
Celebrating a milestone, Matt announces that O Mary has officially recouped its initial investment, marking it as the first successful show of the Broadway season. “Producers... announced that the show has recouped its initial $4,525,000 investment” (06:11), which is a significant achievement underscored by setting ten box office records at the Lyceum Theater.
Grace passionately encourages listeners: “Buy a ticket to a damn show. I think that the best gift you can put under a... wreath is a little ticket to something” (07:52), highlighting the show's potential for extending its run beyond the current schedule.
Upcoming Hell's Kitchen National Tour and Alicia Keys Joins the Pit
Looking ahead, Matt shares exciting news about the national tour of Hell's Kitchen, set to launch in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square in fall 2025. The tour will encompass over 30 cities in its first year, promising widespread accessibility for fans.
Additionally, Grace points out a delightful twist: “Alicia Keys... is now in the show's pit” (08:05). Originally an inspiration for a character, Keys now brings her musical talents directly to the production, enriching the theatrical experience.
Boy George Returns to Broadway’s Moulin Rouge
The podcast also covers Boy George’s return to Broadway's Moulin Rouge as Harold Zidler, scheduled from March 18 to May 25. Matt notes, “After his first week, Boy George will not do Tuesday night performances” (09:30), suggesting a limited run but significant return to the beloved role.
Star-Studded Reunions Light Up Broadway
A particularly heartwarming segment features celebrity reunions at Broadway shows. Matt recounts Jim Parsons’ surprise visit to Our Town, while Grace shares the stunning reunion of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Tina Knowles at Death Becomes Her alongside Michelle Williams. Grace enthuses, “It's really magical that she did that. And it just speaks volumes also to the show and Michelle's performance” (12:13).
Matt adds, “These people... are actually friends” (11:27), celebrating the genuine camaraderie among stars that enhances the Broadway community’s vibrancy.
Viral Choreography: “What is this Feeling” Goes Global
Wrapping up on a high note, the hosts recommend checking out various renditions of the Wicked song “What is this Feeling.” Matt highlights performances from the Broadway cast, the Ann Juliet tour, Back to the Future, Book of Mormon, and Moulin Rouge. He expresses enthusiasm for how viral moments like this choreography foster widespread engagement and creativity within the theater community.
Closing Remarks
As the episode concludes, Matt and Grace wish listeners a wonderful Thanksgiving week and tease upcoming holiday-themed content. They encourage fans to follow them on social media for the latest Broadway updates.
For more detailed discussions and updates, follow BroadwayRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Matt is available on Instagram @bww, and Grace can be found at Grace Hockey.
Timestamps Reference:
- 00:02: Introduction
- 00:08: Wicked movie box office
- 03:06: Longevity of Wicked
- 04:00: Blue Man Group closure
- 05:17: Reflections on Blue Man Group
- 06:11: O Mary recoups investment
- 07:52: Encouraging ticket purchases
- 08:05: Alicia Keys joins Hell's Kitchen
- 09:30: Boy George returns to Moulin Rouge
- 11:27: Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child reunion
- 12:13: Impact of celebrity support
- 13:21: “What is this Feeling” choreography
Note: The timestamps are illustrative and correspond to the moments within the provided transcript.