BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024"
Release Date: December 11, 2024
Introduction
In the December 11, 2024 episode of BroadwayRadio hosted by Matt Tammini and Grace Ake, listeners are treated to an engaging discussion covering upcoming Broadway openings, casting news, box office updates, and feel-good stories from the theater world. The episode is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the current Broadway landscape, enriched with insightful commentary and notable quotes from the hosts.
Upcoming Broadway Openings
Cult of Love is set to open on Broadway the following day, Thursday. Matt Tammini shares the scheduling complications, mentioning that due to other significant openings like Eureka Day on Monday, reviews for Cult of Love will be delayed to the Patreon-exclusive Friday episode. This decision ensures that the show's reception is thoroughly covered without overlapping with other major productions.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [00:09]: "We don't want to wait to have the reviews until next week. And in fact, I'm going to be gone all weekend, so it would have to wait even longer."
Revival of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross
One of the episode's highlights is the announcement of the Broadway revival of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, which will commence at the Palace Theatre on March 10th for a 12-week limited engagement.
Key Points:
- Venue Selection: The Palace Theatre, with its nearly 1,750 seats, is an unconventional choice for a straight play, especially one by Mamet, known for eschewing amplification in his productions.
- Casting Additions: The revival boasts a robust cast including Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk, Bill Burr, Michael McKeon, Donald Webber Jr., Howard W. Overstreet, and John Paracello.
- Theater Availability: Currently, The Longacre appears to be the only available theater, although this might be temporary as plans solidify.
Quote:
Grace Ake [02:50]: "It's interesting, Grace. I mean, to me, this just feels like they didn't really have a lot of options in where they could go. So they. It might not be the perfect option."
Casting News: Andy Karl Joins Moulin Rouge
Matt announces that Andy Karl will take over the role of the Duke in Moulin Rouge on Broadway starting January 28th, running through July 20th. He will be joined by Samantha Dodemaid, making her Broadway debut, replacing David Harris and Sophie Carmen Jones. Post-July, David Harris is set to return to his original role.
Grace's Take: Grace expresses her excitement about Andy Karl's casting, highlighting his versatility and previous roles such as in Groundhog Day and Rocky. She praises the new casting as a positive evolution for Karl's career.
Quote:
Grace Ake [05:41]: "I think that this is also very good casting. Like, I do. I do love that Andy will be in this role."
Broadway Box Office Update
The hosts delve into the latest Broadway box office figures:
- Total Gross: $42,021,721, a 9% decline from the previous week.
- Attendance: 309,802, with an average ticket price of $135.64.
- Top Grossing Shows:
- Wicked – $2,782,795 (approaching $3 million)
- The Lion King – Just under $2.5 million
- Hamilton – Over $2 million
- Sunset Boulevard and Elf
Improvement Among Lower Grossing Shows: Notably, the bottom seven shows saw significant increases, indicating a broader interest beyond just blockbuster musicals.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [06:56]: "It's encouraging to know that it wasn't just the big family musicals that were packing in a bunch of people, but it was the shows that had not been doing nearly as well that were getting some love."
Special Offer: O Mary Lottery Tickets
In a creative move, O Mary Cabaret is celebrating Mary Todd Lincoln's 206th birthday with a $5 lottery ticket for one night's performance. Interested patrons must attend the Lyceum Theatre between 3:30 and 4:30 PM to enter, with winners announced at 4:30 PM. Each winner receives two tickets, though only one entry per person is allowed.
Grace's Reaction: Grace finds the celebration both cheeky and smart, appreciating the accessibility this lottery provides.
Quote:
Grace Ake [10:26]: "I love that there's like a ham for ham and then there's a Lincoln for Lincoln. Like, what else can we do?"
Feel-Good Stories
SpongeBob SquarePants Reunion: Matt shares a heartwarming moment from the Kelly Clarkson show where Stephanie Hsu and Ethan Slater, both stars from the Broadway production of SpongeBob SquarePants, reminisced about their time together. Stephanie revealed she reached out to Ethan to express her love for Wicked, leading to their appearance on Kelly's show.
Performance Highlight: Stark Sands and Adrian Blake Insko performed "Murder in the City" from Swept Away at Playbill Studios, showcasing their vocal talents and the song's emotional depth. Grace expresses her admiration for the performance, emphasizing her appreciation for Adrian's voice and their contributions to musical theater.
Quote:
Grace Ake [12:46]: "It's my favorite Ava Brothers song, so knowing that it was going to be in the show made me really happy."
Closing Remarks
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode on a positive note, encouraging listeners to follow their social media channels for updates and wishing everyone a wonderful Wednesday.
Quote:
Matt Tammini [13:37]: "All right, everybody, have a wonderful Wednesday, and we will talk to you tomorrow."
Connecting with Hosts
- Matt Tammini: Follow on Instagram @BWW Met
- Grace Ake: Follow on Instagram @ItsGraceHockey
This episode of Today on Broadway offers a well-rounded glimpse into the bustling world of Broadway, from new productions and casting changes to box office trends and uplifting personal stories. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to the scene, Matt and Grace provide valuable insights that keep you connected to the heartbeat of Broadway.