BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Today on Broadway – Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025
BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway" episode hosted by Matt Timine provides listeners with an insightful and comprehensive overview of the latest happenings in the Broadway scene. Covering casting news, ticketing deals, financial updates, and feel-good stories, this episode ensures that both avid theatergoers and casual fans stay informed.
1. Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts – Exciting Casting Announcement
Matt Timine kicks off the episode by spotlighting the upcoming Lincoln Center Theater Off Broadway production of Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts. Performing at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, the show is set to begin on February 13th, with an opening night on March 10th.
Key Details:
- Adaptation: Written by Irish playwright and screenwriter Mark O. Roe.
- Director: Jack O'Brien.
- Cast Highlights:
- Lily Rabe and Levon Hawke lead the ensemble.
- Supporting actors include Ella Beatty, Hamish Linkletter, and Billy Crudup.
Notable Quote:
“The cast is incredible, especially if you do not have any problems with Nepo babies.” – Matt Timine [00:04:30]
Timine expresses a mix of admiration for the cast's talent and a candid perspective on the prevalence of actors with well-known familial ties in the industry.
2. The Nepo Baby Conversation in Broadway Casting
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the presence of "Nepo babies" in the casting of Ghosts. Timine lists several cast members who are children of prominent industry figures:
- Lily Rabe: Daughter of Tony winner David Rabe and Tony nominee Jill Clayburgh.
- Levon Hawke: Son of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman.
- Ella Beatty: Daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Benning.
- Hamish Linkletter: Son of the head of the acting school at Columbia University and long-time partner of Lily Rabe.
Timine’s Perspective:
“The whole Nepo baby conversation is irrelevant to me. ... Going into the same line of work that your parent or grandparent... is not a problem to me.” – Matt Timine [00:05:15]
He emphasizes that while nepotism can be problematic when it leads to undeserved opportunities, following in familial footsteps is a longstanding tradition in the industry.
3. New York City Broadway Week – Unbeatable Ticket Deals
Timine highlights the extended New York City Broadway Week, now a three-week event running from January 21st to February 9th. This program offers two tickets for the price of one across various Broadway productions, making it an ideal time for budget-friendly theater enthusiasts to catch multiple shows.
Participating Shows Include:
- And Juliet
- A Wonderful World
- Aladdin
- Cabaret
- Chicago
- Cult of Love
- Death Becomes Her
- English
- Eureka Day
- Gypsy
- Hadestown
- Hamilton
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Hell’s Kitchen
- Left on 10th
- Maybe Happy Ending
- MJ
- Moulin Rouge
- Omari Redwood
- Romeo and Juliet
- Sunset Boulevard
- The Book of Mormon
- The Great Gatsby
- The Lion King
- Wicked
For more details, listeners are directed to the show notes or the official website, nyctourism.com.
4. Broadway Grosses and Attendance – A Positive Trend Amid Recovery
Despite a slight dip from the Christmas week figures, Broadway showed resilience with its best New Year's week since 2017.
Highlights:
- Total Gross: $33,479,025.55.
- Annual Increase: Up by over $11 million compared to the previous year.
- Number of Shows: 33 running.
- Top Grossers:
- Wicked: $3,294,179.
- The Lion King: $2,800,000.
- Hamilton: Nearly $2.4 million.
- Aladdin: Just under $2 million.
- The Outsiders: $1.9 million.
Attendance:
- Total: 290,640 people.
- Average Ticket Price: $155.37.
Capacity Stats:
- Fully Booked Shows: The Great Gatsby, Omari, Stereophonic, and Wicked achieved 100% capacity.
- High Fill Rates: Romeo and Juliet led with 103.16% capacity.
Notable Quote:
“Broadway is up more than $11 million over that previous week.” – Matt Timine [00:15:45]
This data underscores Broadway's ongoing recovery post-pandemic, with strong attendance and robust grosses signaling renewed audience engagement.
5. Arena Stage’s The Bedwetter – Cast and Production Insights
The episode covers the upcoming Arena Stage premiere of Sarah Silverman’s musical, The Bedwetter, set to begin on February 4th and run through March 16th.
Casting Highlights:
- Beth: Shoshana Bean.
- Sarah: Aria Kane, known for her role in the North American tour of Frozen.
- Supporting Roles: Ashleigh Blanchett, Rick Crome, and Darren Goldstein reprise their roles from the Off Broadway run.
- New Additions: Broadway favorites Liz Larson and Alicia Umphress replace Bebe Neuwirth and Ellen Marie Marsh.
Notable Quote:
“Aria Kane will be playing Sarah in the show. She had previously been on the North American tour of Frozen.” – Matt Timine [00:22:10]
This premiere highlights a blend of seasoned performers and fresh talent, promising a dynamic production.
6. Financial Struggles of Signature Theater – An Ongoing Crisis
A pressing issue addressed in the episode is the financial instability of Off Broadway's Signature Theater. An article from the Broadway Journal reveals that Signature Theater recently completed a difficult audit, expressing concerns over its ability to continue operations.
Key Points:
- Deferred Debt: Nearly $20 million in defaulted debt due to halted interest payments since March 2020.
- Reduction in Productions: From eight shows a decade ago to three this year.
- Strategic Partnerships: Signing a long-term production partnership with Second Stage as they transition out of the Tony Kaiser Theater.
Industry Impact: The pandemic severely affected not-for-profit theaters, leading to reduced patronage and donations, with minimal support from governmental bodies.
Notable Quote:
“The not for profit theater community... have been devastatingly hit by the pandemic.” – Matt Timine [00:30:50]
Timine underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to support these cultural institutions.
7. Feel-Good Recommendations – Spotlight on Talent and Community
To conclude on a positive note, Timine shares uplifting stories and recommendations:
a. Caroline Bowman’s Standby Role in Sunset Boulevard:
- Caroline Bowman, primarily known for her role as Norma Desmond, sings a rehearsal piece, signaling her imminent transition to Smash.
- Notable Moment: A rehearsal video shared on Instagram showcases her talent and dedication.
b. Red Bucket Follies Performance Videos:
- Comprehensive coverage of this year's fundraiser, including performances from Back to the Future and The Lion King.
- Insights into the most successful fundraisers, offering a glimpse into the community’s resilience and creativity.
Notable Quote:
“Here’s a little Instagram video that you can check out in the show notes.” – Matt Timine [00:35:20]
These segments highlight the vibrant and supportive nature of the Broadway community, even amidst challenges.
8. Closing Thoughts
Matt Timine wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to listeners and encouraging them to stay connected through social media platforms.
Final Note:
“Have a wonderful Wednesday and we'll be back to talk to you tomorrow.” – Matt Timine [00:38:00]
Listeners are invited to follow BroadwayRadio on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Matt’s personal Instagram @bww for ongoing updates and discussions.
This episode of "Today on Broadway" offers a well-rounded view of the current Broadway landscape, balancing critical insights with celebratory news, ensuring audiences are both informed and inspired.