Today on Broadway: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 – Detailed Summary
BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway" episode aired on February 12, 2025, features hosts Matt and Grace Hockey delving into the latest developments in the Broadway scene, broader arts community news, and insightful discussions on current challenges facing the industry.
1. Political Influence on Arts Institutions
The episode kicks off with a pressing discussion about President Donald Trump's recent actions influencing American arts institutions. Matt highlights the President's appointment of Rick Grinnell as the interim executive director for the Kennedy Center—a position that traditionally does not exist.
Matt: “The President of the United States has named Rick Grinnell as the interim executive director for the Kennedy Center. Keep in mind that there is no executive director position for the Kennedy center.”
[00:10]
Grace expresses her concern over the potential shift in the Kennedy Center's direction, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment for all forms of art.
Grace: “I just hope that whatever might come out of any reassignments... we are not turning away any type of progressive, quote, unquote, art.”
[02:53]
Matt references Trump's social media announcement, which underscores a vision of a "golden age" of American arts, explicitly excluding "drag shows or other anti-American propaganda."
Matt: “Rick shares my vision... of a golden age... No more drag shows or other anti American propaganda.”
[00:40]
This appointment has also led to significant changes on the Kennedy Center's website, including the removal of trustee members appointed by the Biden administration and the repositioning of David Rubenstein as Chairman Emeriti.
2. NEA Grant Changes and Impact on Arts
Transitioning to funding concerns, Matt discusses the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) updating its grant guidelines for 2026. The new requirements align with Trump's executive orders, restricting funding for projects promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and "gender ideology."
Matt: “Anybody who applies for an NEA grant needs to... ensure that they are compliant with... executive order number 14173... and... executive order number 14168.”
[04:12]
Grace voices her apprehension about these changes, highlighting the potential detrimental effects on regional theaters and independent arts organizations that rely heavily on NEA funding.
Grace: “It just feels bleak... please support artists if you have the means and funds.”
[07:18]
Matt elaborates on how these restrictions could lead to reduced funding for arts education and limit opportunities for underserved communities, further impacting the economic vitality of arts organizations across the country.
3. Broadway Financial Update
The hosts provide an overview of Broadway's financial performance for the past week. Despite challenges like inclement weather and the closure of two shows, Broadway managed to maintain a respectable attendance.
Matt: “Broadway had 27 shows running and they brought in just over $28 million... down 10% from the previous week.”
[08:11]
Key highlights include "Wicked" leading with over $2.3 million in grosses, while "The Lion King," "Gypsy," and "Hamilton" follow closely. Matt also notes that despite a 10% drop in gross revenue, attendance only decreased by 4%, thanks to Broadway week promotions.
Matt: “24 of the 27 shows on Broadway played to 90% capacity or more.”
[08:20]
Grace reflects on the mixed financial results but remains hopeful about the resilience of Broadway shows and the ongoing support from theatergoers.
4. Upcoming Projects and Casting News
The conversation shifts to exciting off-Broadway developments, including new musicals and casting announcements:
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Keen Company's "All the World's a Stage": Running from March 25 to May 10, starring Eliza Pagel, John Michael Reese, Matt Roden, and Elizabeth Stanley. The musical centers on a small-town math teacher and a misfit student navigating the 1996 state thespian convention.
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The Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse's New Musical: Featuring Millie Shapiro, Natalie Walker, Carrie Renee Fuller, Sarah Gettlefinger, Luke Islam, and Patrick Nathan Falk. The plot follows Gen Z sleuths investigating the mysterious disappearance of a one-hit wonder from the early 2000s.
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East Village Basement Venue Launch: Introducing "Danger and Opportunity" by Ken Urban, scheduled from March 27 to April 17. The production explores the complexities of a married gay couple's relationship when a high school girlfriend resurfaces.
Matt: “We have some pretty exciting stuff coming up this spring... a group of Gen Z sleuths looking for information on an early 2000s one hit wonder who mysteriously vanished.”
[14:16]
Grace praises the casts, particularly highlighting Matt Roden's talent and Elizabeth Stanley's exceptional singing abilities.
Grace: “These are both fantastic casts. I loved all the Off Broadway news today, frankly.”
[14:16]
5. Television and Media Highlights
Shifting to television, Matt announces the premiere of a new documentary focused on Liza Minnelli, titled "Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story." Scheduled to air on PBS as part of the American Masters series on April 1st, the documentary promises an in-depth exploration of Minnelli's life, featuring exclusive footage and interviews.
Matt: “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story will premiere on PBS on April 1st as part of the American Masters series.”
[14:46]
6. Recommendations
In the final segment, Matt and Grace share their top recommendations:
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Adam Lambert on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon: A must-watch performance.
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"Urinetown" Highlight: Featuring Stephanie Stiles and Jordan Fisher singing "Follow Your Heart."
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Music Video Collaboration: Adrienne Warren's "Goodbye Until Tomorrow" featuring Nick Jonas. While Matt expresses reservations about the video's execution and vocal interpretations, Grace remains optimistic about its potential.
Matt: “I'm just not sure about this one... I hope Whitney White, who is a fantastic director, can make this work.”
[18:07]
Grace adds her perspective on the music video's tone, appreciating its depth and humor despite Matt's concerns.
Grace: “It's been very heavy and like very sappy... So it's a take... I'm curious to see if the production also features... the incredible humor of the piece.”
[19:26]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Matt and Grace encouraging listeners to support the arts during these challenging times, emphasizing the importance of community and resilience within the theater industry.
Grace: “You can find me at Graceaki.”
[20:20]
Matt: “Have a wonderful Wednesday. We'll be back to talk to you.”
[20:21]
This episode of "Today on Broadway" provides a comprehensive look at the intersection of politics and the arts, financial updates from Broadway, exciting off-Broadway projects, and media highlights, all while fostering a sense of hope and community support among theater enthusiasts.