BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Wednesday, April 16, 2025"

Host: Matt Tamanini
Co-Host: Grace Aki
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Podcast: BroadwayRadio

1. Welcome and Introduction

Matt Tamanini opens the episode by welcoming listeners to "Today on Broadway." Joined by Grace Aki, they delve into the latest happenings in the Broadway scene, discussing new productions, industry news, and upcoming events.

2. Stage and Screen Series Launch at Nighthawk Cinema

Grace Aki introduces her long-awaited project, the "Stage and Screen" series, in partnership with Nighthawk Cinema.

• First Screening: Sunset Boulevard

  • Grace (01:21): "This is a series... screenings of films that have been now adapted for the Broadway stage... next one is Goodnight and Good Luck."

• Upcoming Screenings:

  • May 5: Goodnight and Good Luck – Featuring a rare 35mm cut, exclusive to this series.

    • Grace (01:21): "We have secured the 35 millimeter cut of it, which is very exciting."

  • July: Death Becomes Her

    • Grace (02:10): "Death becomes her. And then also Buena Vista Social Club."

• Future Possibilities: Expansion to include long-running shows like Moulin Rouge.

Matt (01:57) expresses enthusiasm about attending future screenings, highlighting the unique opportunity for cinephiles to engage with Broadway-adapted films.

3. Spotlight on "John Proctor is the Villain"

The podcast delves into the Broadway debut of Kimberly Belflower's play, "John Proctor is the Villain."

• Production Details:

  • Director: Danya Taymor
  • Cast Highlights: Sadie Sink, Gabriel Ebert, Nihar Devuri, Molly Griggs, among others.

• Synopsis: A comedy capturing a generation in transformation, blending pop music, optimism, and fury.

• Critical Reception:

  • Did They Like It? – 21 reviews: 17 positive, 3 mixed, 1 negative.

  • Notable Reviews:

    • Jesse Green, The New York Times (02:47):

      "Bellflower smartly keeps the play... an often hilarious, often ecstatic, highly accessible package."

    • Brittany Samuel, Broadway News (04:00):

      "John Proctor executes sleight of hand very well... demonstrating a clear reverence for girlhood and its contradictions."

    • Sarah Holdren, Vulture (04:15):

      "Forget the villain... the kind of heroes we actually need."

    • Raven Snoke, TimeOut New York (04:30):

      "Bellflower's first Broadway play is a galvanizing accomplishment all on its own."

    • Emilyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly (04:45):

      "Pure breathtaking perfection."

  • Negative Review:

    • Robert Huffler, The Wrap (05:00): Criticized as "anti-woke," but Matt advises taking it with "grains of salt."

• Grace's Perspective:

  • Grace (07:18): Expresses excitement and pride in the play's success, mentioning Kimberly Bellflower's background and the play’s impact.

• Industry Impact:

  • Matt (07:52): Positions the play among contenders like Purpose, Picture of Dorian Gray, and predicts strong Tony Award contention.

4. Upcoming Jesse Eisenberg Directed Musical Film by A24

Transitioning to Hollywood, Matt discusses an untitled A24 musical film directed and written by Jesse Eisenberg.

• Cast Includes:

  • Bernadette Peters, Bonnie Milligan, Halle Bailey, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Malik Panchali, Julianne Moore, Havana Rose Liu, Paul Giamatti.

• Plot Overview: Centers on a shy woman, portrayed by Julianne Moore, who becomes immersed in a community theater musical, leading to self-discovery.

• Production Credits:

  • Choreography: Andy Blankenbuehler
  • Executive Music Producer: Bill Sherman
  • Music and Script: Original songs by Jesse Eisenberg

• Industry Significance:

  • Matt (08:30): Highlights the convergence of theater talent in film, anticipating it as a must-watch akin to Theater Camp.

• Grace’s Take:

  • Grace (09:54): Expresses excitement and curiosity about the film's settings and production choices.

5. Arena Stage Announces 2025/2026 Season in Washington, D.C.

Matt shares highlights from Arena Stage's upcoming season, showcasing a diverse range of productions.

• Season Opener:

  • Damn Yankees – A reimagined version directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo. Features a new adaptation by Will Power and Doug Wright with additional lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

• Upcoming Productions:

  • Pal Joey – Original book by John O'Hara, co-directed by Tony Goldwyn and Savion Glover (also choreographer).

    • Matt (10:07): Recounts Savion Glover’s choreography expertise.

  • Crazy Sexy Cool – World premiere of a TLC musical directed by Kwame Kwai Arma and choreographed by Chloe Odevis.

• Industry Connections:

  • Grace (11:36): Notes Candy Burris's Atlanta roots and connection to Broadway productions like Othello and The Wiz.

• Memorable Anecdote:

  • Matt (11:58): Reminisces about the scandal involving Left Eye Lopez and Atlanta.

• Future Premiere:

  • Matt (12:05): Anticipates the summer 2026 premiere of a new musical by the Bengsons, directed by Rachel Chavkin.

6. Broadway Grosses and Financial Performance

An overview of Broadway's financial health based on the latest grosses.

• Total Gross: $44,162,127 with nearly 329,000 attendees.

• Average Ticket Price: $134.

• Top Grossing Shows:

  • Good Night and Good Luck: ~$3.78 million
  • Othello: $3.12 million

• Additional High Earners: Wicked, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Lion King, Hamilton, Aladdin, and others.

• Occupancy Rates:

  • 28 out of 40 shows achieved 90%+ capacity.
  • Dead Outlaw hit 100%, alongside Wicked, Picture of Dorian Gray, and The Outsiders.
  • Good Night and Good Luck and John Proctor is the Villain reached over 101% capacity.

• Sad News:

  • Matt (14:30): Announces the closure of Titanic Off-Broadway at the Daryl Roth Theater on June 15, expressing mixed emotions about its end.

7. Reopening of West Bank Cafe at Lori Beachman Theater

Celebrating the reopening of the iconic West Bank Cafe, now housed in the Lori Beachman Theater.

• Event Highlight: Renaissance Gala featuring performances by notable artists such as Andre De Shields, Lilias White, Lauren Patton, Alex Newell, Ariana DeBose, and more.

• Redesign Praise:

  • Matt (15:04): Commends David Rockwell’s redesign, sharing insights from Robbie Roselle about the venue's transformation.

• Personal Note:

  • Matt (15:20): Expresses eagerness to revisit the newly redesigned space.

8. Upcoming Interviews and Content Teasers

Matt hints at exciting interviews scheduled to premiere soon.

• Featured Interviews:

  • Julia Lest from All Nighter Off-Broadway.
  • Trip Coleman, director of I Can Get It for You Wholesale, discussing the potential Broadway adaptation of his current work with We Had a World.

• Anticipation:

  • Matt (16:00): Encourages listeners to stay tuned for these insightful conversations.

9. Closing Remarks

Matt wraps up the episode by thanking listeners and encouraging them to follow BroadwayRadio on social media platforms. Grace shares her contact information for further engagement.

• Grace Aki:

  • Grace (16:03): "You can find me at it's graceaki."

• Matt Tamanini:

  • Matt (16:05): Wishes listeners a wonderful Wednesday and announces the return of the next day's episode.

Notable Quotes

• Jesse Green, The New York Times (02:47):

  "Bellflower smartly keeps the play... an often hilarious, often ecstatic, highly accessible package."

• Brittany Samuel, Broadway News (04:00):

  "Demonstrating a clear reverence for girlhood and its contradictions."

• Sarah Holdren, Vulture (04:15):

  "The kind of heroes we actually need."

• Emilyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly (04:45):

  "Pure breathtaking perfection."

Conclusion

"Today on Broadway" delivers a comprehensive update on the Broadway landscape, highlighting new productions, critical receptions, financial achievements, and upcoming projects both onstage and on screen. Hosts Matt Tamanini and Grace Aki provide insightful commentary, ensuring listeners are well-informed and engaged with the latest in theater.

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