Podcast Summary: BroadwayRadio Episode - "Today on Broadway: Wednesday, July 16, 2025"
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway," host Matt Tammini and guest Grace delve into the latest happenings in the Broadway and theater world. From successful screenings and exciting casting announcements to Emmy nominations and Broadway financials, the duo provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of current events and trends in the industry.
Ake Grace’s Successful Series Screening at Nighthawk Cinema
The episode kicks off with Matt discussing Grace's recent event:
[00:07] A: "Ake Grace, you had your latest stage and screen or screen and stage series screening at the Nighthawk Cinema in Brooklyn on Monday night. How did it go?"
Grace shares her enthusiasm about the event's success:
[00:18] B: "Honestly, I was thrilled. I thought it was super well attended. It was sold out. We had a great chat. I got to talk to Mikey Graceffa who is in the incredible Company of Death becomes her the Tony Award-winning show. [...] It was just a great time. I love watching movies in community with other people, even older movies that still pack the same punch, that still get laughs. So it was awesome and I can't wait to explore this more with Nighthawk."
Grace highlights the communal joy of film screenings and her excitement for future collaborations with Nighthawk Cinema.
Casting Announcements for Hollywood Bowl's Jesus Christ Superstar
Matt transitions to recent casting news:
[00:57] A: "Yesterday's show we talked about the fact that Milo Manheim and Rola Sparza had joined the upcoming Hollywood Bowl concert production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Well, just shortly after we recorded, they announced a whole slew of other cast members, including some very big names as well."
Key casting announcements include:
- Phillipa Sue as King Herod, described as "about the best King Herod casting I think they could have come up with as Tony nominee."
- Josh Gad taking on King Herod.
- Zachary James as Caiaphas.
- Tyrone Huntley, Brian Crumb, and others in ensemble roles.
- Cynthia Erivo as Jesus and Adam Lambert as Judas.
- Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo.
Matt expresses his excitement:
[00:57] A: "...this is, you know, summer stock for a listers and like they put together a really, really great company. So I cannot wait to see all of the videos coming out of Hollywood in just over two and a half weeks."
Exclusive: The Drowsy Chaperone Concert at Carnegie Hall
Grace brings exclusive news about a one-night-only event:
[02:53] A: "...on October 20th there is going to be a one night only concert production of The Drowsy Chaperone happening at Carnegie Hall. It is going to be presented by Breaking the Binary and the company for this is going to be fantastic."
Notable cast members include:
- Alex Newell as Janet Vandergraft.
- Hadestown as Robert.
- Jonathan Van Ness as Betty.
- Jocelyn Defries as the Chaperone.
- Laverne Cox as Mrs. Trottendale.
- Peppermint, a Broadway and Drag Race alum.
Grace comments on the production's significance:
[04:15] B: "I love Breaking the Binary. I'm in love with that team. [...] these types of performances are so exciting and exceptional and I think that, yeah, more. I just want more of them."
Emmy Awards Nominations Highlight Theater Talent
Matt provides an update on the Emmy nominations, emphasizing the strong presence of theater performers:
[04:15] A: "The big story coming out of Hollywood on Tuesday was the announcement of the nominees for this year's Emmy Awards. [...] As always, the 77th Annual Emmy Awards will take place on September 14th. They will air on CBS and they will live stream on Paramount."
Noteworthy nominations include:
- Martin Short for Best Actor in a Comedy Series (Only Murders in the Building).
- Jean Smart and Uzo Aduba for Best Actress in a Comedy Series.
- Sterling K. Brown for Best Actor in a Drama Series.
- Supporting roles featuring Sam Rockwell, John Turturro, Michael Urie, Evan Moss Bacharach, Liza Colon Zayas, and Cheryl Lee Ralph.
- Cynthia Erivo and Alan Cumming among others in various categories.
Matt mentions his related article for listeners interested in streaming nominated series.
Grace’s Favorite TV Highlights of the Year
Grace shares her top TV picks, blending her love for theater and television:
[06:40] B: "Yeah, for sure it was Love Island. But if I have to get real with you, I think that it's the fact that the cast of Dog Day Afternoon as featured in The Bear are both nominated. [...] my favorite TV watching experience this year [...] The Studio, because [...] it's a love letter to cinema."
She further praises The Studio:
[07:55] B: "I think that the studio was able to manage both the humor and the heart of filmmaking in a really fun way. [...] it was a love letter to cinema. And I think that, I think it was great. And I loved every second of it, even the cringiest ones. Or as my bonus dad used to call them I Love Lucy moments."
Broadway Financial Reports: Grosses and Attendance
Matt discusses the latest Broadway financials post-4th of July weekend:
[08:09] A: "...the grosses inched up 7%, coming at $32,813,389 although attendance actually declined a bit, just over about 1200 people to come in at 260,530 butts and seats. The average ticket price obviously accounted for that loss in attendance to raise the grosses by more than 2 million."
Top-performing shows with grosses above $2 million include:
- Wicked - $2.3M
- The Lion King - $2.19M
- Hamilton - $2.13M
- Sunset Boulevard - $1.97M
- Aladdin rounds out the top five.
Additional highlights:
- Maybe Happy Ending climbs to seventh place, showcasing strong performance.
- Other high-grossing shows: Death Becomes Her, The Outsiders, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, John Proctor the Villain, Buena Vista Social Club, and Shadow.
Matt expresses optimism about the sustained success of these productions:
[10:53] A: "There’s just a lot of shows that have had success this year to be very, very happy about. [...] I'm just really excited about how successful some of these shows have been now either a year or 6ish months into their run."
Jean Smart’s Temporary Departure and Standby Takes Over
Matt updates listeners on Jean Smart's status in her current Broadway production:
[12:44] A: "Jean Smart... after taking a few days off last week to deal with a knee injury, [...] she is going to be out again for the majority of this week. So Joanna Day, her standby Tony nominee in her own right, [...] is going to be taking on the title role and call me Izzy through Friday, July 18th."
This arrangement ensures the show continues smoothly while Jean Smart recuperates, with hope for her return before the closing date on August 17th.
Speculations on Oh Mary! Casting and Mary Todd Lincoln Portrayal
The conversation shifts to potential casting choices for Oh Mary! and the portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln:
[14:44] A: "...Amy Sedaris, who a lot of people have talked about potentially getting into Oh Mary! [...] she didn't think that she could do it. She said, quote, 'I don't know if I have the energy anymore for that schedule. I don't think I could do it eight days a week.'"
Grace muses on alternative casting ideas:
[15:17] B: "I think that I would want everyone to be human and then Miss Piggy be the only Muppet. Does that make sense?"
Matt humorously elaborates:
[15:43] A: "That's that exactly like the counter of normal Muppet movies where everybody's a Muppet except for one like Michael Caine."
Both agree on the novelty and humor such casting would bring, despite its unlikelihood.
Conclusion
Matt and Grace wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media and visit their Patreon for more content. They express enthusiasm for upcoming Broadway events and productions, leaving listeners informed and excited for what's next in the Broadway scene.
Notable Quotes:
-
Grace on The Drowsy Chaperone Concert:
"I love Breaking the Binary. I'm in love with that team. [...] these types of performances are so exciting and exceptional and I think that, yeah, more. I just want more of them."
[04:15] B -
Matt on Broadway Financials:
"There’s just a lot of shows that have had success this year to be very, very happy about."
[10:53] A -
Grace on The Studio Series:
"it was a love letter to cinema. And I think that, I think it was great. And I loved every second of it, even the cringiest ones."
[07:55] B
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Thank you for tuning into "Today on Broadway." Join us tomorrow for more updates and discussions from the heart of Broadway.