Today on Broadway: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 – Detailed Summary
BroadwayRadio's "Today on Broadway" episode, hosted by Matt Tamminetti, aired on June 4, 2025, offering a comprehensive update on the latest happenings in the Broadway scene. Below is an in-depth summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.
1. Introduction and Host Update
Matt Tamminetti opens the episode by informing listeners that Grace was attending an event at Meta’s New York headquarters, likely related to Broadway and social media. He sets the stage for the day's topics, emphasizing his solo hosting duties in Grace's absence.
2. Tony Awards Predictions with Oliver Roth
At [00:30], Matt shares insights from a recent collaboration with Tony Award-winning producer Oliver Roth. They conducted their annual Tony Awards predictions, presenting three distinct prediction methods:
- Oliver’s Personal Picks: His own selections for each Tony category.
- Oliver’s Proprietary Statistical Model: A refined analytical approach developed over the years.
- AI Predictions: Utilizing ChatGPT and deep research elements for additional insights.
Matt mentions that this exclusive content is available to Patreon supporters at the mezzanine tier and above. He also teases an upcoming predictions episode featuring his own forecasts, inspired by formats used in shows like Popcorn, where he plans to present "wish," "want," and "will" categories for Tony predictions.
Additionally, Matt encourages listeners to participate in their Tony predictions pool, with entries open until Sunday and a special prize pack awaiting the winner.
Notable Quote:
“In this episode, Oliver Roth presented his personal picks, his proprietary model, and predictions from AI like ChatGPT” — Matt Tamminetti [00:50]
3. Broadway News
a. Beetlejuice Musical Returns to Broadway
At [03:00], Matt announces that "Beetlejuice the Musical" is returning to Broadway for a third time, now scheduled to open at the PAL Theater on October 8th. This revival will not feature original cast members such as Alex Brightman but will instead serve as a tour stop for the first national tour before a non-equity tour begins, covering 88 cities.
He highlights the coinciding Broadway stops of "Beetlejuice" and "Mamma Mia," both catering to passionate fan bases, providing audiences a unique opportunity to experience both shows concurrently.
Notable Quote:
“Both this and Mamma Mia. Will be on Broadway at the same time... these two shows that have very passionate fan bases will both have tour stops on Broadway this fall.” — Matt Tamminetti [04:30]
b. 2025 Dorian Theater Awards
Matt covers the recent announcement of the 2025 Dorian Theater Awards by the Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, celebrating stage productions with or without LGBTQ themes. Key winners include:
- Outstanding Broadway Musical: Maybe Happy Ending
- Outstanding Broadway Play: John Proctor is the Villain
- Outstanding Broadway Musical Revival: Sunset Boulevard
- Outstanding Broadway Play Revival: Eureka Day
- Outstanding LGBTQ Broadway Production: Death Becomes Her
Additional honors were given to performers such as Audra McDonald for Gypsy and Sarah Snook for The Picture of Dorian Gray, among others. The Broadway Showstopper Award resulted in a tie between performances in Gypsy and Sunset Boulevard.
Notable Quote:
“Audra McDonald for Gypsy and Sarah Snook for the Picture of Dorian Gray took home the top performance awards” — Matt Tamminetti [06:15]
c. Off Broadway Alliance Awards
Moving to Off Broadway, Matt discusses the Off Broadway Alliance Awards, highlighting winners like:
- Best Musical: All the World’s A Stage
- Best Play: Becoming Eve
- Best Revival: Hold On to Me Darling
- Best Solo Performance: David Greenspan
- Best Unique Theatrical Experience: Odd Man Out
These awards underscore the vibrant and innovative nature of the Off Broadway scene.
Notable Quote:
“Second Stage is bringing some of the most exciting new works to Broadway this season” — Matt Tamminetti [08:00]
d. Tony Awards Presenters and Fan Petition
Matt lists the star-studded lineup of presenters for this year’s Tony Awards, including Aaron Tveit, Adam Lambert, Ariana DeBose, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Oprah Winfrey, and Sarah Paulson, among others. He emphasizes the high caliber of talent involved, generating excitement among Broadway fans.
However, Matt also addresses a growing petition urging the inclusion of "Boop the Musical" and star Jasmine Amy Rogers in the Tony Awards performances. He explains the selection process, citing factors such as nominations for Best Musical or Best Musical Revival, telecast time constraints, and financial considerations for staging performances.
Grace adds that while productions can set aside funds for performances, time allocation remains a significant hurdle. Matt reflects on past instances where fan advocacy led to additional performances, hoping for similar outcomes this year.
Notable Quote:
“There is a number of factors that go into determining who is going to be performing on the Tonys,” — Matt Tamminetti [10:30]
4. Broadway Grosses
Matt provides a detailed analysis of last week's Broadway grosses, noting a slight dip attributed to the Memorial Day holiday weekend:
- Total Gross: $44,949,803 (down 5%)
- Attendance: 333,529 (down 2%)
- Average Ticket Price: $134.77 (down 2%)
Despite the downturn, "Good Night and Good Luck" led the gross with $4,245,598, followed by "Othello" at $3.55 million, and "Wicked" at $2.3 million. Shows like "The Lion King," "Glengarry Glen Ross," and "Hamilton" also performed strongly.
Conversely, productions such as "Real Women Have Curves" ($392,000), "Dead Outlaw" ($465,538), and "Boop" ($492,211) struggled, though they are expected to receive boosts from Tony performances.
Matt notes that 24 of the 40 Broadway shows achieved 90% capacity or higher, with "Just in Time" leading at 103.32% capacity.
Notable Quote:
“Just in Time led the way at 103.32% capacity, showing strong audience engagement despite the holiday dip.” — Matt Tamminetti [11:45]
5. Second Stage's 2025-2026 Broadway Season
A significant segment is dedicated to Second Stage’s upcoming season, set to begin in November 2025 at the Helen Hayes Theater. Highlights include:
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"Marjorie Prime": Directed by Ann Kaufman, a Broadway premiere of the Pulitzer Prize finalist play, previously adapted into a film starring Jon Hamm and Tim Robbins.
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"Becky Shaw": Directed by Trip Coleman, another Pulitzer Prize finalist, premiering on March 18, 2026, following a successful Off Broadway run.
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"Meet the Cartousians": World premiere by Tayleen Monaghan, directed by David Cromer, opening on October 29. Described as a blend of riveting historical drama and scorching satire.
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"Meat Suit or the Shitshow of Motherhood": Written and directed by A.E. Ogawa, debuting in February. The play challenges conventional narratives of motherhood with raw and honest storytelling.
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"The Receptionist": An Obie Award-winning play by Adam Brock, set to premiere on April 15. It explores the intricacies of everyday office life disrupted by an unexpected visitor.
Matt praises Second Stage for their commitment to innovative and engaging productions, highlighting the diversity and excellence of their upcoming slate.
Notable Quote:
“It sounds like a great season for a second stage that continues to do really excellent work with really incredibly exciting artists both on and off stage.” — Matt Tamminetti [13:00]
6. Show Extensions and Recommendations
Matt announces the extension of "Eurydice," currently playing Off Broadway, now extended through June 27th. The production stars Maya Hawke, Uma Thurman, Ethan Hawke, and Brian d'Arcy James.
He also offers two recommendations:
- "Real Women Have Curves": Encourage listeners to watch the performance of "I Got it Wrong" on the Today show.
- "Floyd Collins": Promote the Broadway production's recording studio video featuring Jason Gauthreaux and Jeremy Jordan performing the "Riddle Song."
7. Conclusion
Matt concludes the episode by inviting listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media platforms and assures them of more exciting content in upcoming episodes. He signs off with well-wishes for a wonderful Wednesday.
This detailed summary encapsulates all significant discussions and information presented in the "Today on Broadway" podcast episode of June 4, 2025, offering a comprehensive overview for those who may have missed the live broadcast.