BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway: Wednesday, June 25, 2025"

Host: Matt Tamineni
Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

In the June 25, 2025 episode of "Today on Broadway," host Matt Tamineni delivers an engaging and comprehensive update on the latest happenings in the Broadway community. Despite broadcasting solo due to Grace's absence, Matt ensures a rich and informative session, covering everything from show transfers and casting announcements to award highlights and Broadway's financial performance.

Personal Update: Matt’s Evening Plans

[00:01] Matt Tamineni:
"I'm heading over to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to see the national tour of Shucked tonight..."

Matt kicks off the episode by sharing his excitement about attending the national tour of "Shucked" at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. He praises the show highly, stating, "I saw it twice on Broadway, loved it, thought it should have won the Tony Award for best musical in 2023," and expresses anticipation to see how the new cast, led by Anne Morrison, will uphold the show's humor and charm.

Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS: Record Fundraising Achievement

[Early Segment] Matt Tamineni:
"This year's incarnation of the annual burlesque and striptease show raised a record amount for Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. It brought in 2,000,400,447,967."

Matt extends heartfelt congratulations to Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS and all participants of the 33rd annual Broadway Bears. The event, a blend of burlesque and striptease performances, achieved an unprecedented fundraising total, ensuring BC/EFA can continue their vital support for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Broadway News

1. West End's Oedipus Transfers to Broadway

[05:30] Matt Tamineni:
"The Broadway transfer of the recent hit West End production of Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Leslie Manville is set to perform at Studio 54..."

Matt announces that the acclaimed West End production of "Oedipus," featuring Mark Strong and Leslie Manville, will grace Broadway stages starting October 30th, with an opening night on November 13th. This 14-week engagement at Studio 54 marks Leslie Manville's Broadway debut. The production, adapted and directed by Robert Eich, transforms Sophocles' classical tragedy into a modern election night thriller, infusing it with contemporary political and interpersonal themes.

2. Casting for NYC Center Gala Production of Batboy

[12:45] Matt Tamineni:
"City Center confirmed yesterday that the one and only Taylor Trench will be playing the title role of this cult classic."

Exciting casting news emerges as Taylor Trench is announced to portray the title character in the New York City Center gala production of "Batboy," running from October 29 to November 9. Matt discusses the intriguing casting choice, noting Trench's age (36) compared to his character's traditionally teenage role, and speculates on potential casting for the female lead, Shelley. He remarks, "I do always think it's interesting when we do stuff like this how off the characters casting are," pondering the impact of such casting decisions on the production.

The Jimmy Awards: Celebrating High School Musical Theater Excellence

Matt delves into the highlights of this year's Jimmy Awards, an esteemed event celebrating excellence in high school musical theater.

[20:10] Matt Tamineni:
"The winners of this year's Jimmy Awards are Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and Chris Hayes."

• Best Actress: Fabiola Caraballo Quijada from Tyler Legacy High School, Texas, for her role as Sandra Bloom in "Big Fish." Her solo performance from "Little Women" was particularly lauded.

• Best Actor: Chris Hayes from the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, Nevada, for his portrayal of Gaston in "Beauty and the Beast." He captivated the audience with a solo performance of the title song from "She Loves Me."

Both winners received a $25,000 scholarship from the Nederlander Producing Company of America. Additionally, six other finalists were awarded $5,000 scholarships, and several participants received $2,500 scholarships for various honors, including Rising Star and Best Dancer.

[22:15] Matt Tamineni:
"If you want to see all of those young people who were recognized as well as where they come from, head over to the Show Notes."

Matt encourages listeners to check the show notes for a complete list of honorees and their respective schools.

Broadway Grosses: A Promising Week for Broadway

[30:20] Matt Tamineni:
"Last week, Broadway grosses saw a 10% increase, totaling approximately $42.99 million."

Matt provides an insightful analysis of Broadway's financial performance from the previous week. Key highlights include:

• Gross Increase: Up by 10%, reaching nearly $43 million.
• Attendance: Rose by 5% to 327,954 attendees.
• Average Ticket Price: Increased by 5% to $131.

Top-performing shows included:

1. Wicked – $2,484,800
2. Glengarry Glen Ross – $2.2 million
3. Hamilton – $2.17 million
4. The Lion King – $2.14 million
5. Sunset Boulevard – $1.83 million

Notably, "Smash" concluded its Broadway run on a high note, contributing an additional $401,000 in its final week, bringing its total gross to $977,800.

Matt observes, "While not every show on Broadway saw six figure increases, all of them but four actually did see numbers in the black." This optimistic outlook suggests a strengthening Broadway season as summer tourism surges.

Off Broadway Highlights

1. Audible’s Pansy Craze Series

[40:05] Matt Tamineni:
"Audible will present the Pansy Craze, a six-part series focusing on unique moments in queer history."

Launching on June 26, Audible's "Pansy Craze" series, created by Hunter Byrd and Mason Alexander Park, explores pivotal moments in queer history. Hosted by Mason Alexander Park, the first three episodes will feature:

• Thursday: Jackie Cox from RuPaul's Drag Race – "The Queerest Night on Broadway"
• Friday: Evan Rachel Wood – "The Rise and Fall of Glamrock"
• Saturday: Laverne Cox – "The Queen of the Pansies and the King of Harlem"

These episodes will be performed at the Minetta Lane Theater, with additional dates for the latter three episodes to be announced.

2. New York Theater Company’s Machinal Extends

[45:30] Matt Tamineni:
"New York Theater Company's very first production ever, Machinal, has extended its engagement Off Broadway."

Matt shares exciting news about the Off Broadway run of Sophie Treadwell's "Machinal," now extended at New York City Center through July 13th. He expresses personal enthusiasm for the play, urging listeners to attend and support this esteemed production.

Conclusion

Matt wraps up the episode by directing listeners to view the solo performances of Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and Chris Hayes from the Jimmy Awards, available via the show notes. He thanks the audience for tuning in and encourages following BroadwayRadio on social media platforms and supporting through Patreon.

[Closing Remarks] Matt Tamineni:
"Thanks for listening to Today on Broadway. Have a wonderful Wednesday and we'll be back to talk to you tomorrow."

Notable Quotes

• On Shucked:
  "I saw it twice on Broadway, loved it, thought it should have won the Tony Award for best musical in 2023." [00:01]

• On Casting Batboy:
  "I do always think it's interesting when we do stuff like this how off the characters casting are." [12:45]

• On Broadway Grosses:
  "While not every show on Broadway saw six figure increases, all of them but four actually did see numbers in the black." [30:20]

Additional Resources

• Jimmy Awards Performances: Available in the show notes.
• More Broadway Updates: Visit broadwayradio.com or support via Patreon.

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