Today on Broadway: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Hosted by Matt Tammanini and Grace Locke, the latest episode of BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway" delivers an engaging and comprehensive overview of the current Broadway landscape. The hosts navigate through poignant industry news, critical reviews, financial insights, and upcoming theatrical offerings, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of discussions and analyses.
Honoring William Finn
The episode begins with the heartfelt announcement of William Finn's passing. Matt Tammanini shares the somber news:
Matt Tammanini [00:34]: "We learned on Tuesday that the legendary Tony Award-winning book writer and composer William Finn died after a lengthy illness at the age of 73."
William Finn, renowned for his pivotal contributions to musical theater, including classics like Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, left an enduring legacy. Matt highlights Finn's role in pioneering LGBTQ+ representation and themes surrounding HIV/AIDS in Broadway productions, underscoring his immense impact on both fans and fellow artists.
Grace Locke reflects on the community's reaction to Finn's passing:
Grace Locke [03:09]: "The outpouring of love from so many people has been so touching. It's clear that folks are really mourning this loss."
The hosts delve into Finn's diverse body of work, including A New Brain—inspired by his personal experience with brain surgery due to an arteriovenous malformation in his brainstem—and his contributions to beloved projects like The Brave Little Toaster films. They emphasize Finn's unique ability to blend personal adversity with creative brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on the theatrical world.
Critical Reception of Boop the Musical
Shifting focus, Matt introduces the topic of Boop the Musical, a Broadway production featuring the iconic 1920s cartoon star Betty Boop. He provides an overview of the show's creative team and cast:
Matt Tammanini [00:34]: "This is a musical based on the iconic 20s and 30s cartoon star Betty Boop, created by Max Fleischer, with a book by Bob Martin, music by David Foster, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead."
The hosts examine the show's mixed critical reception, referencing the aggregate scores from the review site "Did They Like It?":
- Total Reviews: 15
- Positive: 9
- Mixed: 4
- Negative: 2
Matt shares his initial negative impression but acknowledges the varied perspectives:
Matt Tammanini [05:00]: "I if you listened yesterday, I was in the negative camp. But I can understand where some of these critics are positive in the aggregate..."
Highlighted Reviews
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Jesse Green, The New York Times [Timestamp Not Provided]:
"Boop the Musical... is a why show par excellence. And excellence it is. As Betty,... is immensely likable. She sings fabulously... But none of that explains or justifies the show's existence."
Green praises Jasmine Amy Rogers' performance while questioning the show's overall purpose.
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Adam Feldman, Timeout New York [Timestamp Not Provided]:
"Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, there's an old-fashioned candy shop of a show where tasty confections are sold in bulk... Let the caramel creams of its love story melt slightly over sweetly in your mouth..."
Feldman awards the show four out of five stars, commending its vibrant production and heartfelt moments.
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Jackson McHenry, Vulture [Timestamp Not Provided]:
"We may not know Betty Boop deeply, but we can agree she has that certain IT quality that has made her stick around for nearly a century..."
McHenry appreciates the enduring appeal of Betty Boop but expresses a desire for a deeper exploration of the character.
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Matt Wenman, AM New York [Timestamp Not Provided]:
"Yes, it's kid-friendly. Yes, it's visually slick, but it's also toothless. A show about a boundary-pushing cartoon icon shouldn't feel this safe or generic."
Wenman criticizes the show for lacking depth and failing to capture Betty Boop's rebellious spirit.
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Johnny Oleksinski, New York Post [10:55]:
"Rogers can do it all. As smiley, effervescent, and well-animated as the actress is for most of the night, she finds power and emotional resonance in her 11 o'clock number."
Oleksinski lauds Jasmine Amy Rogers' performance, highlighting her ability to infuse emotional depth into the role.
Grace Locke expresses enthusiasm for Rogers' portrayal, emphasizing the importance of representation and the potential for Jasmine's burgeoning career:
Grace Locke [10:01]: "Everyone is really mourning this loss... but what's exciting here for this show is Jasmine, Amy Rogers. I think this is the beginning of a very, very incredible career for her."
Broadway Financials: Grosses and Attendance
Matt transition to a discussion on the financial performance of Broadway shows from the previous week:
Matt Tammanini [10:55]: "For the most part, every show was down because it was the end of spring break and a lot of the tourists had left."
Key Statistics:
- Total Shows: 39
- Total Gross: $42,361,129
- Attendance: 322,960
- Average Ticket Price: $131.17
Top Grossing Shows:
- Othello: $3,179,908
- Good Night and Good Luck: $3,135,536
- Wicked: $2,476,681
Other notable mentions include The Lion King, Hamilton, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Outsiders, and Aladdin. Matt highlights the close performance of Cursed Child, which nearly surpassed the million-dollar mark in its first week.
He also notes the impressive attendance rates, with 26 out of 39 shows operating at 90% capacity or higher. Shows like Pirates, The Penzance Musical, and Good Night and Good Luck achieved over 100% capacity, demonstrating strong audience engagement despite the seasonal dip.
Upcoming Productions and Special Features
The hosts spotlight upcoming theatrical endeavors and provide listener recommendations:
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London Revival of Evita [Timestamp Not Provided]:
- Director: Jamie Lloyd
- Star: Rachel Zegler alongside Diego Andres Rodriguez, known for his role as Artie in Broadway's Sunset Boulevard.
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Mandy Gonzalez as Norma Desmond [Timestamp Not Provided]:
- Schedule: Performances begin next Tuesday and run through July 1st.
- Details: Full schedule available in the show notes.
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Picasso in Paris at 54 Below [Timestamp Not Provided]:
- Description: A concert-style musical aiming for Broadway, co-written by Sir Kenneth Hawkins and Paul Cozby, featuring music by Cosby, Luis Bonuelis, and Patrick Ray Andrews.
- Recommendation: Matt encourages listeners to experience this ambitious project in its concert form as a preview for potential Broadway success.
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Oliviers Performance Videos [Timestamp Not Provided]:
- Content: Highlights from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to Starlight Express, including the In Memoriam segment featuring performances by Billy Porter and Beverley Knight.
- Access: Available for viewing in the show notes.
Grace Locke adds a personal touch by sharing her excitement to attend Boop the Musical once she reschedules her conflicting commitments, underscoring the communal enthusiasm surrounding Jasmine Amy Rogers' performance.
Connect with the Hosts
As the episode wraps up, Matt and Grace provide their social media handles for listeners to stay updated:
Matt Tammanini: Follow on Instagram @bwwmatt
Grace Locke: Accessible via Grace's Platform (specific handle provided in transcript)
Closing Remarks
The hosts conclude by thanking listeners and inviting them to join future episodes for more Broadway insights. Matt signs off with well-wishes:
Matt Tammanini [15:26]: "All right, everybody, have a wonderful Wednesday, and we'll be back to talk to you tomorrow. Not tonight."
This episode of "Today on Broadway" offers a nuanced exploration of the theatrical world's triumphs and tribulations, celebrating enduring legacies while eagerly anticipating new artistic ventures. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or a casual enthusiast, Matt and Grace provide valuable perspectives that enrich your Broadway experience.