Podcast Summary: BroadwayRadio - Today on Broadway: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025

Host: Matt Tammanini

Introduction

In this episode of BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway," host Matt Tammanini delivers a comprehensive update on the latest happenings in the Broadway scene. Covering everything from new productions and casting news to industry insights and financial grosses, Matt ensures listeners are well-informed about the vibrant world of Broadway.

New Broadway Musical: Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York

One of the episode's highlights is the announcement of the new musical, Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York, set to debut on Broadway this fall.

• Premiere Details: The musical will open at the Longacre Theatre on November 1st, following successful runs in London's West End and Boston, both of which received extensions due to excellent reviews.

• Cast and Crew: The show stars Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty, who gained acclaim in the Boston production. Two Strangers marks Sam Tutty's Broadway debut; he is renowned for his Olivier Award-winning performance in Dear Evan Hansen. Christiani Pitts, returning to Broadway, previously starred in Bronx Tale and King Kong the Musical.

  "It'll be the Broadway debut for Tutty, who is an Olivier Award-winning actor for Dear Evan Hansen," Matt explains [04:15].

• Creative Team: Written and composed by Jim Barney and Kit Buchan, and directed and choreographed by Tim Jackson, the musical promises a fresh addition to Broadway's repertoire.

• Production Insight: Kevin McCollum, a prominent Broadway producer, leads the production, hinting at its potential success similar to other small-scale musicals like Six.

Blythe Spirit: A New Musical Production at NYC Center Encore

Expanding beyond Broadway, Matt shares exciting news for New York theater enthusiasts about the musical adaptation of Blythe Spirit.

• Production Dates: February 4 to February 15, 2026.

• Casting: The production features real-life married couple Philippa Su as Ruth and Stephen Pasquale as Charles.

  "This will be very exciting anytime we can recognize even more people," Matt remarks on the inclusive nature of the production [12:15].

• Creative Team: Directed by Tony Award winner Jessica Stone with music, book, and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray. This marks a significant return of Blythe Spirit to New York since its original Broadway debut in 1960.

• Ticket Information: General public tickets will go on sale on October 21st.

Grammy Awards Update: Changes to Best Musical Theater Album Category

An important update for musical theater artists and enthusiasts: the Grammy Awards have revised the criteria for the Best Musical Theater Album category.

• Eligibility Expansion: The number of principal vocalists recognized has increased from four to six.

  "The number of principal vocalists who are eligible for recognition has gone from four to six," Matt states [16:50].

• Timeframe: These changes apply to music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, aligning with the current Grammy cycle.

• Recognition Criteria: Producers, lyricists, and composers involved in more than 50% of an album's playing time are now eligible for recognition. Additionally, ensemble-driven albums without principal vocalists will have all participants receive winners' certificates, a provision introduced six years ago.

  "We're all good with that," Matt comments on the expanded recognition [19:20].

Broadway Grosses: Weekly Financial Overview

Matt provides an insightful analysis of the latest Broadway grosses, highlighting trends and standout performances.

• Overall Gross Revenue: $31,003,860 for the week, marking an increase of approximately $1 million from the previous week.

• Attendance and Ticket Prices: Attendance rose by 6% to 251,610, while the average ticket price decreased to $123.22.

• Top Grossing Shows:

  • Wicked leads with $2.24 million.

  • The Lion King closely follows at $2.23 million.

  • Hamilton grossed $1.7 million, bolstered by a highly successful matinee with significantly discounted tickets.

    "Hamilton... did very, very well despite the fact that one show was essentially completely comp to," Matt observes [25:40].

  • Mamma Mia achieved $1.57 million over seven performances, indicating strong performance.

• New Additions: Jeff Ross's Take a Banana for the Road debuted with seven performances grossing $172,648.

• Occupancy Rates: 19 of 29 Broadway shows operated at 90% capacity or higher, with standouts like Wicked, Hadestown, and Hamilton hitting or surpassing full capacity.

Casting News and Upcoming Productions

Matt delves into various casting announcements and new productions both on Broadway and beyond.

1. Katie Holmes in Hedda Gabler at San Diego's Old Globe Theater

   • Production Dates: February 7 to March 8, 2026.
   • Creative Team: Directed by Barry Edelstein, the Globe's artistic director, with a new adaptation by playwright and screenwriter Aaron Cressida Wilson.
   • Significance: Holmes's portrayal is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the classic role, drawing parallels between Hedda Gabler and Hamlet in terms of complexity and depth.

2. Agatha Christie's Murder on the Links at Two River Theaters

   • Production Dates: September 13 to October 5, 2025.
   • Cast: Features Kate Baldwin, Maria Bilbao, Campbell Scott as Hercule Poirot, and Tony nominee Lauren Worsham.
   • Creative Team: Directed and adapted by Darko Tresnik, marking a world premiere reimagining of the classic mystery.

3. Intimate Theatre Productions in New York City

   • Slanted Floors: An exclusive Brooklyn production starring Kyle Beltran and Adam Chandler Barrett, running from September 9 to October 10, 2025. The show, created by Billy McKenty and directed by Ryan Dobrin, offers an intimate experience for audiences of five.

   • Last Call by On Guard Arts: A site-specific play blending ghost story and house party elements, set to run from September 19 to October 13, 2025. Featuring a rotating cast, it invites audiences to various private venues across the city, accommodating 20 to 40 attendees per performance.

4. Goodman Theater's Centennial Season in Chicago

   • Premier Productions:

     • Ashland Avenue: Running from September 6 to October 5, 2025, starring Jenna Fisher and directed by Susan V. Booth. The play explores a family's struggle to maintain their video store amid changing times.
     • Revolutions (with the 's' in parentheses): A groundbreaking punk metal hip hop musical by Tom Morello, set from September 6 through October 5, 2025. Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, it narrates the story of an American soldier turned resistance musician in Chicago.

   • Holiday Production: A Christmas Carol will be staged from November 15 to December 31, 2025, directed by Malkia Stampley, with Christopher Donahue reprising his role as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Conclusion and Upcoming Patreon Episode

Matt concludes the podcast by reminding listeners that he and co-host Grace will record a Patreon-exclusive episode later in the week. He encourages fans to submit questions and topics of interest via email to tailor the upcoming discussion.

"If there's anything that you want to hear us talk about... please feel free to email us@patreon broadwayradio.com," Matt invites [50:00].

Listeners are also encouraged to follow BroadwayRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates and to support the show by joining their Patreon community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Sam Tutty's Broadway Debut:
  "It'll be the Broadway debut for Tutty, who is an Olivier Award-winning actor for Dear Evan Hansen." [04:15]

• On Grammy Rule Enhancements:
  "The number of principal vocalists who are eligible for recognition has gone from four to six." [16:50]

• On Hamilton's Success Despite Comped Tickets:
  "Hamilton... did very, very well despite the fact that one show was essentially completely comp to." [25:40]

• On Inclusive Recognition in Grammy Awards:
  "We're all good with that." [19:20]

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and updates shared by Matt Tammanini in the August 13, 2025 episode of Today on Broadway. Whether you're a Broadway aficionado or new to the scene, this episode offers valuable information on what's current and what's upcoming in the world of theater.