BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway — Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

Hosts: Matt Tamminini & Grace Hockey
Original Air Date: August 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Matt and Grace deliver updates on key Broadway news heading into Labor Day weekend, including comprehensive Ragtime revival casting updates, a developing legal dispute over the musical Wanted, and insights into two high-profile productions beginning previews. They also touch on a few industry stories and concept albums that have Broadway fans buzzing.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Weekend Recap & Programming Notes

• The episode dropped later than usual due to Matt’s family commitments and the podcast’s summer schedule.
• Recent podcast highlights:
  • "This Week on Broadway": Discussions about productions like Twelfth Night at the Delacorte, Jeff Ross, Take a Banana, and Mamma Mia.
  • Special Patreon episode: Ashley Hufford recaps seeing over 40 shows in the UK and Europe, including Hadestown in Amsterdam and Masquerad Parade. Ashley reveals the highly complex casting and scheduling intricacies of Masquerad Parade, with Matt noting,

    “As somebody who loves making spreadsheets, like I cannot even fathom how detailed Diane Paulus had to be to make this all work.” (02:01 - Matt Tamminini)

2. Ragtime Revival at Lincoln Center: Full Casting & Key Changes

• Preview Performances: Begin September 26th at Lincoln Center.
• Principal Cast:
  • Returning from City Center: Joshua Henry, Casey Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, Colin Donnell, Nichelle Lewis, Benjamin Levi Ross, Shayna Taub, John Clay III, among others.
• New/Updated Castings:
  • Anna Grace Barlow as Evelyn Nesbit (replacing Stephanie Stiles).
  • Nick Barrington (Little Boy), Tabitha Long (Little Girl).
  • Notable ensemble members: Ellie Fishman, Jason Forback, Tanika Gibson, David Jennings, Marina Kondo Morgan, Marcel Kent Overshone, Kayla Piccione, John Rapson.
  • Charity Angel Dawson, originally announced as Sarah’s Friend, has exited due to ongoing health issues. Matt explains:

    “She is having trouble standing. She is pretty much dizzy all the time. So that's disappointing because I'm sure she would have absolutely killed that song. But we send our best to Charity.” (03:51 - Matt Tamminini)

• Ensemble Praise: Both hosts express excitement for the ensemble’s talent:

  “If you want to call Today on Broadway anything, it is a John Rapson fan account.” (04:50 - Grace Hockey)

• Differences from City Center Production:
  • Grace, who is involved in the show but has never seen Ragtime live, teases new “warm room” elements at Lincoln Center and a refreshed approach.

    “…Lear’s warm room that she is building over at Lincoln Center. I just think it’s going to be exciting for all involved.” (05:25 - Grace Hockey)

3. Legal Dispute: Ciara Renée Sues Producers of Wanted (formerly Gun and Powder)

• Background:
  • Gun and Powder had its out-of-town tryout at Paper Mill Playhouse starring Ciara Renée.
  • On announcement of the Broadway version (Wanted), casting shifted back to Solea Pfeiffer, original star from an earlier D.C. production.
  • Ciara Renée alleges breach of her “right of first refusal” for originating a role in pre-Broadway productions.
• Claims:
  • Renée claims she was used to promote the show to potential investors, then dropped for Broadway.
  • Lost wages claimed: $486,000 (nine-month contract).
  • Producers cite issues like “fail[ure] to collaborate” and being “unwilling to accept feedback.”
• Industry Perspective:
  • Both Matt and Grace stress this is a “messy” and “complicated” situation, common in an industry where creative and business interests intertwine:

    “We think of Broadway and theater as a business, but so much of it is personal as well.” (09:24 - Matt Tamminini) “When someone is being paraded from… what you and I are seeing, I have no inside information here, but like, when you are being paraded around to investing entities as talent, and then once you are used for said investment, you are discarded. I cannot imagine how that feels.” (10:03 - Grace Hockey)

  • Matt speculates attendance issues at Paper Mill could have influenced producer decisions but is unsure:

    “I would understand if maybe right after paper mill, the producers are like, look, it didn't work out. Your voice couldn't stand up to the show.” (12:01 - Matt Tamminini)

4. New & Upcoming Productions: Previews Start This Week

a. Saturday Church (New York Theatre Workshop)

• Previews Begin: Wednesday, August 27.
• Musical Adaptation: Of the acclaimed indie film, using songs (new and existing) by Sia; book and lyrics by Damon Cardassis and James I.
• Direction/Choreography: Whitney White (director), Darryl Grand Moultrie (choreographer).
• Notable Cast: Jay Harrison Ghee, Joaquina Kalukango, Kristolyn Lloyd, Bryson Battle (noted from The Voice).
• Anticipation: Both hosts regard this as a possible “breakout” off-Broadway musical.

  “This is one that I do have the fortunate privilege to work on… I cannot wait to see the product.” (15:09 - Grace Hockey) “When I got to hear the COVID that they've re kind of like contextualized of Sunday by Sia, which is one of my favorite songs growing up. This is going to be spectacular.” (15:35 - Grace Hockey)

• Concept Recording: A preview is available for listeners (link in the show notes).

b. Art (Music Box Theatre)

• First Broadway Revival: Previews begin this week.
• Creative Team/Cast:
  • Play by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, directed by Scott Ellis.
  • Stars: Bobby Cannavale, James Corden, Neil Patrick Harris.
• Run: Limited, through December 21st.
• Contextual Note:

  “I don't know that I see Neil Patrick Harris, James Corden and Bobby Cannavale living in the same universe, let alone being like three best friends. So I'm interested to see what this is like…” (16:25 - Matt Tamminini)

• Historical Significance:

  “Yasmina Reza is the first woman to ever win the Tony Award for best play and she won twice. So I just think it's very special.” (17:24 - Grace Hockey)

5. Quick Show & Industry Updates

• Josh Sharp Tada Solo Show: Extended (again) at Greenwich House Theater until September 27th.
  • Directed by Sam Pinkleton. Noted as “absurdist.”
• Industry Feature: Ruthie Fierberg’s piece in Broadway News updates on the status of the NYC musical/theatrical production tax credit (link in show notes).
• New Musical “Beautiful Little Fool”:
  • Jesse Mueller is on a concept album for this new Fitzgerald-inspired musical premiering in London, October 24th.
  • The show tells the story of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda, through their daughter's eyes, with other Broadway names (Ryan Vasquez, Hannah Corneau) also involved.

    “I don't know that we need more Fitzgerald's or Gatsby stuff at this point in the world, but again, like I said, Jesse Mueller singing it. Grace, I'm going to listen, which is fine.” (19:52 - Matt Tamminini) “That's the correct thing to do.” (20:00 - Grace Hockey)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Ragtime cast’s excellence:

  “If you want to call Today on Broadway anything, it is a John Rapson fan account.” (04:50 - Grace Hockey)

• On the difficulty of contractual disputes in Broadway casting:

  “…when you are being paraded around to investing entities as talent… once you are used for said investment, you are discarded. I cannot imagine how that feels.” (10:03 - Grace Hockey) “Nobody enters this type of discussion because they want attention, because in this industry, that is not the kind of attention you want.” (11:29 - Grace Hockey)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:37 – Weekend podcast recap; highlights from “This Week on Broadway” and Ashley Hufford’s UK trip.
• 03:15 – Ragtime revival: complete cast announcement and casting change due to Charity Angel Dawson’s ongoing health issues.
• 05:19 – Production differences anticipated between Ragtime at Lincoln Center and previous versions.
• 05:44 – Ciara Renée lawsuit against Wanted producers; industry analysis.
• 12:12 – Matt discusses possible reasons behind casting changes (attendance, standbys).
• 14:30 – Upcoming previews: Saturday Church and Art.
• 17:24 – Trivia: Yasmina Reza as the first two-time female Tony winner for Best Play.
• 18:40 – Quick casting and industry news: Josh Sharp Tada’s show, Broadway tax credit update, and new musical “Beautiful Little Fool.”

Overall Tone & Language

• Conversational, informed, and candid: The hosts strike a balance between industry-insider expertise and relatable commentary, often using humor and warmth (especially when discussing performers they admire).
• Empathetic and nuanced on sensitive topics: Both Matt and Grace are careful not to speculate irresponsibly on the Wanted dispute, acknowledging the complexity of Broadway’s personnel and legal landscape.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

• This episode is a must-listen for anyone tracking major castings and legal issues on Broadway, especially regarding the much-anticipated Ragtime revival and the drama surrounding Wanted.
• Both co-hosts also provide unique insights into up-and-coming Off-Broadway shows (Saturday Church) and major star-driven revivals (Art), alongside some lighter industry news and new musical projects.
• Strong curation of theater news, respectful handling of controversies, and moments of wry, affectionate fandom (particularly for certain ensemble actors)!