BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024
Host: Matt Tammini & Grace Ake
Release Date: December 4, 2024
1. Casting Announcements for the Bobby Darin Musical
The episode kicks off with exciting news about the upcoming Broadway premiere of the Bobby Darin musical at the Circle in the Square Theater, set to begin performances on March 28th. Host Matt Tammini shares his enthusiasm:
"We will dive all into that, but we're going to start off with additional casting announced for the upcoming Broadway premiere of the Bobby Darin musical." [00:09]
Jonathan Groff leads the cast, joined by notable performers including Joe Barbara, Michelle Paak, Lance Roberts, and others who have been part of previous workshops. Matt emphasizes the show's robust cast, countering misconceptions that it might be a solo performance:
"But it is a full show with an entire cast. And to prove that fact, not only did they announce the cast, Grace, but they also put out some of the cast album, the songs that are going to be a part of the show." [01:55]
Grace Ake adds her perspective on Groff's involvement as a driving factor for her interest:
"It's so funny that like Jonathan Groff is what makes me care about this." [02:14]
They discuss the strategy behind releasing the cast album and songs ahead of the holidays to boost ticket sales, anticipating significant audience interest in the spring season.
2. Betty Gilpin Takes Over in O Mary
A major highlight is the casting update for the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in O Mary. Matt reveals that Betty Gilpin will assume the role starting January 21st, replacing Cole:
"One of my favorite performers, Betty Gilpin, is going to be taking over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln and O Mary beginning in January." [05:00]
Grace addresses potential concerns about the casting choice, reinforcing her support for Betty:
"I don't see that. Like the role is written from my understanding as like a CIS woman... I don't think it really applies or matters." [07:09]
Matt reflects on the possible online backlash due to the role's original non-binary creation but remains confident in Betty's ability:
"I do wonder if there are people out there online that I just haven't seen it that are upset with the fact that this role was created by a non binary person..." [06:30]
The hosts express excitement about Betty Gilpin's portrayal, anticipating a fresh and dynamic interpretation of the character.
3. Hadestown's New Cast Members
The conversation shifts to updates from the long-running musical Hadestown. With original cast members slated to conclude their performances on January 12th, new talent steps in:
- Haley Kilgore as Eurydice, starting January 14th
- Carlos Valdez as Orpheus
- Tom Hewitt returns as Hades
Matt praises Haley Kilgore's vocal prowess and Carlos Valdez's previous work in The Flash:
"Haley Kilgore's voice is amazing and she's been out doing TV, so I'm so glad that she's back on Broadway." [12:05]
"Carlos Valdez was like the secondary lead on that show behind Grant Gustin and he is fantastic." [13:07]
They speculate on future casting, hinting at potential high-profile replacements, which could signify a major boost for the production.
4. Ewan McGregor Returns to the London Stage
In a surprising turn, Matt announces that Ewan McGregor will be starring in Lila Race, My Master Builder at Wyndham's Theater in London, running from April 17th to July 12th:
"It was confirmed that erstwhile Obi Wan Kenobi Ewan McGregor will be returning to the London stage this coming spring." [14:27]
The play, inspired by Henrik Ibsen's The Master Builder, explores the dynamics of a publishing magnate and her architect husband, disrupted by a former student. Grace muses humorously on bringing Ewan McGregor to Broadway:
"Grace, what do we gotta do to get Ewan McGregor on Broadway?" [14:59]
5. Broadway League Appoints New President
The episode covers the Broadway League's leadership change, with Jason Lax officially taking over as president after serving as interim:
"Jason Lax has been running the Broadway League as the interim president. He will now officially take on the role as president full time." [15:20]
Matt shares his skepticism humorously:
"He is generally going to be the person who I complain about the most, probably going forward, unless he can actually do things competently, unlike Charlotte St. Martin." [16:10]
6. Encouragement to Support Broadway Shows
Concluding the episode, Matt and Grace encourage listeners to support Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, especially those without major financial backing:
"Go see shows, whether it's on Broadway, go see shows off Broadway from theaters that you might not normally visit... go see shows that need butts in seats the most." [16:40]
They invite listeners to reach out with show recommendations and emphasize the vibrant diversity of theatrical productions available.
Notable Quotes
-
Matt Tammini:
"We will dive all into that, but we're going to start off with additional casting announced for the upcoming Broadway premiere of the Bobby Darin musical." [00:09]
-
Grace Ake:
"It's so funny that like Jonathan Groff is what makes me care about this." [02:14]
"I don't see that. Like the role is written from my understanding as like a CIS woman... I don't think it really applies or matters." [07:09] -
Matt Tammini:
"I do wonder if there are people out there online that I just haven't seen it that are upset with the fact that this role was created by a non binary person..." [06:30]
-
Grace Ake:
"I just kind of want it to run forever. Like, I want this to be the new vehicle where everybody runs in." [09:41]
Conclusion
Matt Tammini and Grace Ake provide a comprehensive update on current Broadway happenings, from casting news to leadership changes within the Broadway League. Their passionate discussions highlight the dynamic nature of the theater world and the importance of supporting diverse productions. Whether you're a long-time theatergoer or new to Broadway, this episode offers valuable insights and recommendations to enrich your theatrical experience.
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