BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Today on Broadway: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host: Matt Tiamineni and Grace Aki
Introduction and Initial News
[00:01] Matt Tiamineni opens the episode by welcoming listeners to Today on Broadway with co-host Grace Aki. The hosts discuss their recent travels, with Matt in Orlando and Grace back in the Greater New York City area.
Seaview’s Success and Upcoming Productions
[00:27] Matt Tiamineni shares exciting news about Seaview’s Broadway production, Comedy About Love, which has successfully recouped its initial investment after its run concluded on Sunday. The surprising yet anticipated announcement is that Seaview, in collaboration with Lorne Michaels and featuring essays by Simon Rich, will produce a sequel titled Comedy About Life. This new production will be directed by Alex Timbers, known for his work on All In Grace.
Quote:
Matt: “This just seems like one of those things we talk about all the time... keep more people coming to Broadway and give them something whether it’s a residency, whether it’s something like this.” [01:50]
[02:05] Grace Aki expresses enthusiasm for the sustainable model of producing one-off shows, praising Simon Rich’s writing and Seaview's strategy.
Quote:
Grace: “I think that the more people understand what these shows are, the better everyone is... I want more of them. So I’m very down for this as well.” [02:39]
Matt provides background on Simon Rich, noting his connection to the legendary essayist and theater critic Frank Rich, and highlights the potential for regional productions and continued success for Seaview.
Hollywood Bowl’s "Jesus Christ Superstar" Concert
[02:39] Matt Tiamineni shifts focus to the upcoming Hollywood Bowl concert of Jesus Christ Superstar featuring Cynthia Erivo as Jesus. He discusses Cynthia’s previous involvement in the 2020 all-women cast album, noting her portrayal of Mary Magdalene.
Quote:
Matt: “This is very cool. I think this is a great idea.” [03:16]
Grace contemplates potential casting choices for Judas, suggesting Billy Porter as a possible fit, and raises the idea of an all-women principal cast.
Quote:
Grace: “Like, could we. Wasn’t he? Wasn’t he. I feel like there’s a myriad of options that are just not right in front of my face.” [05:29]
Matt mentions Samantha Pauley expressing interest in the role and discusses the possibility of continuing an all-women principal cast.
Joy Mangano Musical Off-Broadway
[06:00] Matt introduces news about the new musical based on the life of businesswoman and inventor Joy Mangano, starring Betsy Wolf. The production will run at the Laura Pels Theatre Off-Broadway from June 21st, officially opening on July 20th.
Quote:
Matt: “What’s the thought process behind doing the New Jersey tryout, bringing it Off Broadway for a short run with a big star like Betsy?” [08:34]
[08:34] Grace Aki speculates on the intentions behind the production's move Off-Broadway, suggesting possibilities for a Broadway transfer or regional licensing. She expresses personal enthusiasm for the project, highlighting Betsy’s involvement and the creative team’s efforts.
Quote:
Grace: “I think this is really smart and exciting.” [09:24]
Matt connects the musical to the film adaptation of Joy Mangano’s story, mentioning the star-studded cast of the movie but notes his personal indifference to it.
Revival of "The Last Five Years" and Standbys Announcement
[11:03] Matt shares breaking news about the upcoming Broadway revival of The Last Five Years, highlighting the announcement of its standbys:
- Noah Kaiserman as Jamie (standing by for Nick Jonas)
- Nasia Thomas as Kathy (standing by for Adrienne Warren)
Quote:
Matt: “I kind of am a little bit more excited about the standbys than I am the actual stars...” [11:03]
[11:46] Grace Aki echoes the excitement surrounding the standbys, particularly praising Nasia Thomas for her previous performances. She notes the significance of celebrating understudies and standbys in the current Broadway era.
Quote:
Grace: “I think this is really cool stuff... I have never, not since the Norma standbys have I been this amped to see some other people go on as well.” [11:46]
Matt emphasizes the growing appreciation for understudies in Broadway productions, contrasting it with past attitudes towards understudies.
John Cardoza’s Final Performance in "Moulin Rouge!"
Matt announces that John Cardoza will be playing his final performance as Christian in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theater, ending on April 13th. He praises Cardoza’s performances and anticipates a potential reunion with Solea Pfeiffer.
New York Theatre Workshop's "Becoming Eve"
Matt and Grace discuss the announcement of "Becoming Eve", directed by Tyne Raffaelli and based on Abby Shaba Stein’s memoir. The cast includes notable names like Judy Kuhn, Tedra Milian, Richard Schiff, and Brandon Uranowitz, with Tommy Dorfman starring in the titular role. The production is set to run from March 19th to April 27th.
Quote:
Grace: “I love this box office openings... it's just a wild time and I'm really excited about all the new theater.” [14:32]
Box Office Opening Promotions
Matt shares details about the Real Women Have Curves box office opening at the James Earl Jones Theater. On February 25th, a special event will offer limited tickets at $19.87, aligning with the show's setting year. Purchasers will receive signed window cards and gift cards from You Daughter's Jeans, along with live entertainment and complimentary breakfast burritos from Los Tacos.
Quote:
Matt: “We always talk about it. We love these events... get people excited for the show.” [15:10]
Solea Pfeiffer’s Performance and Upcoming Shows
Matt highlights Solea Pfeiffer's recent appearance on Good Day New York, performing "Firework" from Moulin Rouge!. He encourages listeners to watch her performance despite his personal reservations about the show itself.
Grace mentions her plans to see the Jonathan Larson Project Downtown and Othello Invited Dress on Saturday, expressing excitement for the multitude of new theater offerings.
Quote:
Grace: “I’m really excited about all the new theater.” [16:45]
Conclusion and Closing Remarks
Matt shares his upcoming trip to London and teases future episodes, directing listeners to their Patreon and social media channels for more Broadway news and updates.
Quote:
Matt: “Stick with us here on BroadwayRadio...” [17:11]
Grace adds her personal plans, emphasizing the vibrant Broadway scene and anticipation for new productions.
Quote:
Grace: “...every show is popping up simultaneously as their first previews.” [17:38]
The episode concludes with both hosts wishing listeners a wonderful Wednesday and promising to return the next day.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Matt Tiamineni
- “This just seems like one of those things we talk about all the time...” [01:50]
- “This is very cool. I think this is a great idea.” [03:16]
- “What’s the thought process behind doing the New Jersey tryout...” [08:34]
- “I kind of am a little bit more excited about the standbys...” [11:03]
- “We always talk about it. We love these events...” [15:10]
- “Stick with us here on BroadwayRadio...” [17:11]
-
Grace Aki
- “I think that the more people understand what these shows are, the better everyone is...” [02:39]
- “Like, could we. Wasn’t he? Wasn’t he...” [05:29]
- “I think this is really smart and exciting.” [09:24]
- “I think this is really cool stuff...” [11:46]
- “I’m really excited about all the new theater.” [16:45]
Conclusion
The Today on Broadway episode delivered a comprehensive overview of recent and upcoming Broadway news, highlighting successful productions, intriguing new shows, notable casting announcements, and engaging promotional events. Hosts Matt Tiamineni and Grace Aki provided insightful commentary, enriched with personal opinions and enthusiasm for the evolving Broadway landscape. Notable quotes and timestamps offer listeners specific points of interest, making the summary a valuable resource for those seeking to stay informed about Broadway’s vibrant scene.