BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Hosted by Matt Tamnini
Holiday Season Kickoff and Current Broadway Highlights
Christmas Countdown and Holiday Preparations
As Christmas approaches, Matt Tamnini opens the episode with a friendly reminder about holiday preparations. He shares his own progress, stating, “We are just seven days away from Christmas... I’m about halfway through. You need to get on that” [00:05]. Tamnini acknowledges the season's hustle, noting that the episode is shorter than usual due to many people already embarking on their holiday vacations. Additionally, he mentions that Grace, presumably a co-host or contributor, is under the weather, leading to a more concise show.
Star-Studded Gala Performance
Tamnini highlights a recent gala performance that drew a remarkable lineup of celebrities from both the Broadway and comedy worlds. He excitedly recounts, “Basically every celebrity from the world of comedy was there” [00:25]. Notable attendees included:
- Olivia Munn (married to John Mulaney)
- John Mulaney
- Tom Hanks
- Pete Davidson
- Steve Martin
- Jon Stewart
He shares an anecdote about a friend on the producing team who casually conversed with Tom Hanks, resulting in an impromptu photo, describing the atmosphere as “absolutely wild” [01:00].
Current and Upcoming Cast Members
The show, running at the Hudson Theatre until February 16th, boasts an impressive lineup:
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Current Stars:
- John Mulaney
- Fred Armisen
- Richard Kind
- Renée Elise Goldsberry
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Upcoming Talent:
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Jimmy Fallon
- Nick Kroll
- David Cross
- Chloe Fineman
- A.D. Bryant
- Annaleigh Ashford
- Hank Azaria
Tamnini expresses his enthusiasm about attending, despite the high ticket prices and his dislike for sitting upstairs, anticipating “a ton of fun” and “a ton of laughs” for those who make it to the front [02:10].
Off-Broadway News: Jonathan Larson Project’s Official Staging
Jonathan Larson Project Moves Off-Broadway
In a surprising development, the Jonathan Larson Project, previously showcased in Washington D.C. and at 54 Below, is set for an official Off-Broadway run. Tamnini explains, “It will move to the Orpheum Theater Off Broadway in the East Village... beginning a 16-week limited engagement on Valentine's Day, February 14, with an opening night on March 10” [03:15].
Production Details and Cast
The production will be directed by John Simpkins, with Jennifer Ashley Tepper, the programming director at 54 Below and a theater historian, remaining involved. Tamnini delves into the origins of the project, mentioning that Tepper discovered previously unheard songs from Larson’s works, including cuts from Suburbia, Rent, and what became Tick, Tick... Boom! [04:00]. He highlights the nostalgic value for fans of Rent and expresses hope that the original 54 Below cast members will return for this Off-Broadway staging, praising their previous performances as “tremendous” [04:45].
Broadway Financials and Show Performances
Weekly Broadway Grosses
Despite the closure of Tammy Faye, Broadway experienced a robust financial week:
- Total Gross: $43,720,381 (up 4% from the previous week)
- Attendance: 314,951 (up 2%)
- Average Ticket Price: $138.82 (up 2%)
Top-Grossing Shows
Wicked leads with a gross of $2,878,086, followed by:
- The Lion King: Nearly $2.5 million
- Hamilton: $2,180,000
- ELF: $2,033,784
- Sunset Boulevard: Just over $1.9 million
Additional notable grosses include Gypsy, which saw a significant increase of $215,586 in its first week of eight performances, bringing its total to $1.8 million [07:30].
New Entrants and Notable Increases
- Comedy About Love: $1,046,514 in just five preview performances
- Elf: Increased by $207,000
- The Notebook: Final week gross increased by over $172,000
- The Roommate: Increased by $169,000
Subscription House Performances
Two Broadway plays in subscription houses showed promising numbers:
- Eureka Day: $230,425
- Cult of Love: $315,283
Tamnini notes the positive reviews and anticipates these shows may see further growth [09:45].
Capacity Highlights
A total of 28 out of 36 shows achieved 90% capacity or higher, with several shows exceeding 100%:
- All in and Wicked: 100%
- Death Becomes Her and Hamilton: Just over 100%
- SUFFS: 101.5%
- The Notebook: 101.76%
- The Outsiders: 102.21%
- Romeo and Juliet: 102.6%
These figures underscore the strong attendance and popularity of Broadway productions [11:20].
Off-Broadway Spotlight: Lori Beachman Theater and West Bank Cafe
Ownership Transition and Renovations
Good news for the Off-Broadway community as the Lori Beachman Theater and West Bank Cafe secure new ownership. Original owner Steve Olsen is retiring, and Broadway producers Michael and Tom D'Angora are taking over after 46 years under Olsen's management. The venue is currently closed for renovations, with a grand reopening scheduled for January 2025 [13:00].
Future Prospects and Legacy
Tamnini reminisces about the venue's rich history, mentioning past performers like:
- Andrew Bôthfeldman
- Julie Benko
- Annie Golden
- Joe Iconis
- Judy Kuhn
- Lorna Luft
- Richard Kind
- Lillias White
He highlights the venue's significance, noting Joan Rivers performed her last show there. The new owners aim to reinvigorate the space, hoping to host more performances and maintain its esteemed legacy [14:30].
Personal Anecdotes and Upcoming Shows
Matt’s Current Theater Plans
Tamnini shares his personal theater-going schedule:
- Wednesday: Sunset Boulevard matinee
- Thursday: Wonderful World
- Friday: Hoping to see Eureka Day, rescheduled from Tuesday due to a family commitment [16:00].
He encourages listeners to follow his journey on Patreon for travelogue episodes, offering a more personal glimpse into his Broadway experiences.
Closing Remarks
Matt wraps up the episode by thanking listeners and promoting Broadway Radio's social media channels:
- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @BroadwayRadio
- Matt's Instagram: @bwwmatt
He wishes everyone a wonderful hump day and teases the next day's episode [17:50].
Key Takeaways:
- Star-Studded Performances: Broadway continues to attract top-tier talent, enhancing shows' appeal.
- Financial Health: Broadway remains financially robust with increasing grosses and high attendance rates.
- Off-Broadway Developments: Significant projects like the Jonathan Larson Project and the preservation of iconic venues highlight the vibrant Off-Broadway scene.
- Community and Legacy: The transition of the Lori Beachman Theater signifies a commitment to maintaining Broadway's rich cultural heritage.
For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the current buzz in the Broadway world, from high-profile performances to financial successes and beloved Off-Broadway venues’ future.