BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025

Hosts: Matt Tamanini (BroadwayRadio), Grace Aki (Tell Me on a Sunday Podcast)
Release Date: September 16, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives into several hot topics shaking up the Broadway and theater world:

• The long-awaited Broadway revival of Dreamgirls and its global casting search
• Celebrating theater folks who won big at the Emmy Awards
• New stage projects, including High Noon with Billy Crudup and a musical adaptation of A Beautiful Mind
• Full casting for the return of Bo the Musical

The hosts balance excitement for new productions with thoughtful commentary on the industry, star power, and upcoming trends.

1. Dreamgirls Returns to Broadway (00:36 - 05:08)

Key Details

• Dreamgirls returns to Broadway in fall 2026 with a new production.
• Produced by Sonja Friedman Productions, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, and LaChanze Productions.
• Camille A. Brown (five-time Tony nominee) will direct and choreograph — the first revival not using the original staging.
• Worldwide talent search announced: Auditions in cities such as New York, LA, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, London, Toronto, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Rome, and Paris.

Discussion Points

• Skepticism around global searches:
  Matt expresses doubt that truly "unknowns" will be cast, noting such searches usually result in familiar faces.

  “Anytime they say they’re going to do this, you always kind of get your hopes up that they’re going to find some new undiscovered gem… but I feel like at least two, if not all three of the dreams, being well known names...” – Matt (01:58)

• The necessity of true star power:
  Grace emphasizes that while many are talented, not everyone projects believable pop stardom.

  “There is a legitimate performer, star quality in pop, R&B, rock stardom that just can’t be replicated by everybody... Some people have that star thing and some people do not.” – Grace (03:14) "They need to feel like when you are watching them that you are invited to their performance, their concert." – Grace (03:45) She also stresses the importance of finding convincing, magnetic leads who also have the stamina for eight shows a week.

• Notable Quote:

  “This is an amazing opportunity to kind of like widen that search a little bit because obviously there are... a ton [of] talent everywhere.” – Grace (04:31)

• Movie Cast Example:
  Matt points out the original film’s magnetic cast (Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, Beyoncé), emphasizing the level of “electricity” needed.

2. Theater Winners at the Emmy Awards (05:08 - 09:57)

Recognized Theater Artists

• Jean Smart (fresh from Call Me Izzy on Broadway) won her seventh Emmy, Best Actress (Comedy) for Hacks.
• Kristen Milioti, Best Actress (Limited Series/Movie) for The Penguin.
• Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) snagged Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy; Matt expresses special joy as a fan.
• Tramel Tillman (Severance), Alan Cumming (two Emmys for The Traitors), Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Stranger Things), and Bryan Cranston (Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy for The Studio) also won.

Discussion Points

• Boys & Girls Club "time tracker" at the Emmys:
  The gimmick—deducting funds for every speech over the time limit—created controversy.

  "It kind of became a joke that people were taking money from children..." – Grace (08:05) “Unfortunately it ended up looking like Hollywood elite doesn’t care about children that need... these funds.” – Grace (08:39)

• The joy of seeing theater veterans succeed:
  Matt and Grace celebrate victories for “people who’ve been through the trenches” like Jeff Hiller, noting his past roles in UCB shows and even Smash.

• Hints at future Broadway debuts:
  Matt teases that one double-Emmy winner is likely to make a Broadway debut soon.

3. West End Premiere of High Noon With Billy Crudup and Denise Gough (09:57 - 12:17)

Key Details

• Billy Crudup and Denise Gough star in the world premiere stage adaptation of the classic 1952 film High Noon—playing Will Kane and Amy Fowler (originally Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly).
• The production premieres in London’s West End this winter, with Broadway hopes afterwards.
• The noir-western plot: On his wedding and retirement day, a marshal must confront a released criminal seeking revenge.

Discussion Points

• Screen-to-stage adaptation excitement:
  Matt is fascinated by the idea, likening it to “contained westerns” like The Hateful Eight on stage.
• Grace’s enthusiasm:

  “Anything Billy Crudup does on stage is worth watching three times. And that’s not a joke.” – Grace (12:06)

4. New Musical Adaptation: A Beautiful Mind Commissioned by McCarter Theater (12:17 - 14:05)

Key Details

• McCarter Theater Center (NJ) commissions a musical of A Beautiful Mind (based on the life of Nobel laureate John Nash).
• Written by Sarah Treem (playwright) and Zoe Sarnak (composer/lyricist).
• Sarnak’s family is personally connected to Nash, adding a layer of authenticity; her father, Peter Sarnak, is a renowned mathematician appearing in the original book.
• Originates from the 1998 biography by Sylvia Nasar and the 2001 Ron Howard film.

Discussion Points

• Personal connection enhances the project:

  “I love when there’s like a real life connection to this very real person.” – Grace (13:45)

• The original film starred Anthony Rapp, creating even more potential for Broadway connectivity.

5. Full Casting Announced for Bo the Musical (14:05 - 15:18)

Key Details

• Bo the Musical returns to St. Luke’s Theater; previews start October 13, opening night October 28.
• Cast features Matt Rodin (returning), Jeb Brown (from the concept album and film), Amelia Cormack, Andrea Goss, Miyuki Miyagi, Derek Stoltenberg (all from original “Out of the Box Theatrics” run), with new additions Ryan Halsaver and Max Sangerman.
• Written/conceived by Douglas Lyons, with music by Ethan D. Pakchar.

Discussion Points

• Grace loved the original off-Broadway production, and Matt is glad it’s getting a longer life.
• Full cast/standbys listed in show notes.

Memorable Quotes

On Star Power and Casting for Dreamgirls:

• “There is a legitimate performer, star quality in pop, R&B, rock stardom that just can’t be replicated by everybody... Some people have that star thing and some people do not.” – Grace (03:14)

On Emmy Night Gimmicks:

• “It kind of became a joke that people were taking money from children...” – Grace (08:05)

On Billy Crudup’s Stage Work:

• “Anything Billy Crudup does on stage is worth watching three times. And that’s not a joke.” – Grace (12:06)

Important Timestamps

• 00:36 – Dreamgirls revival announcement and worldwide talent search
• 03:14 – Grace on the intangible quality needed for Dreamgirls leads
• 05:08 – Theater artists win at 2025 Emmy Awards
• 08:03 – Grace discusses the Emmy Awards "Boys & Girls Club tracker" gimmick
• 09:57 – Billy Crudup and Denise Gough star in High Noon
• 12:17 – A Beautiful Mind stage musical announcement
• 14:05 – Full casting for Bo the Musical announced

Tone & Takeaway

The episode brims with anticipation and insider joy: the hosts fete Broadway milestones, dissect what puts true “star power” on stage, and delight in theatrical luminaries making their mark both on TV and in upcoming stage work. The conversation is both playful and perceptive, maintaining an accessible, enthusiastic Broadway-insider voice throughout.