BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary Today on Broadway: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Hosts: Matt Tammini and Grace Aki
Release Date: March 19, 2025

1. Opening Remarks and Show Previews

Matt Tammini begins the episode by addressing the delayed release of the latest episode on Patreon due to the late arrival of reviews for the new play, "Purpose." He announces the upcoming openings of "Buena Vista Social Club" on Wednesday and "Operation Mincemeat" on Thursday, highlighting his personal plans to attend a production of "Guys and Dolls" featuring notable Broadway talents like Dan DeLuca, Kyle Taylor Parker, and Jen Cody.

2. In-Depth Review Analysis of "Purpose"

"Purpose," a play written by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins and directed by Phylicia Rashad, officially opened at the Helen Hayes Theater on Monday night. The production boasts a stellar cast including Alana Arenas, Glen Davis, John Michael Hill, LaTonya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennox, and Kara Young. The narrative centers around the Jasper Family, a prominent family in Black American politics, unraveling their internal conflicts and secrets when the youngest son, Nazareth, returns home with an unexpected guest.

Review Aggregation:

As per the aggregator site Did They Like It?, "Purpose" has garnered 14 reviews:

• 11 Positive
• 3 Mixed
• 0 Negative

Notable Reviews:

• Jesse Green, New York Times [02:15]:
  “You may have trouble catching your breath from laughing so hard during the first act of Brandon Jacobs Jenkins' sophomore Broadway outing, 'Purpose,' which opened Monday at the Helen Hayes Theater. Deeply imagined, engraved beneath its yucks, it unspools like a brilliant sitcom, then also like a sitcom, it jumps the shark.”
  Green praises the play's humor and depth but critiques director Phylicia Rashad for making the production feel hectic and overly detailed, which detracts from the play’s conviction.

• Brittany Samuel, Broadway News [04:30]:
  “Playwright Brandon Jacobs Jenkins's latest is a feast of the good stuff, crackling dialogue, powerhouse ensemble acting, and weighty themes delivered with biting naturalism.”
  Samuel highlights the play's strong writing and performances, emphasizing its naturalistic delivery of significant themes.

• Adam, TimeOut New York [05:10]:
  “Above all, of course, the show works because of Jacobs Jenkins' writing, which is probing without losing its humor and bracingly honest without being cruel.”
  Adam awards the play a 5 out of 5 stars, lauding its balanced humor and honest portrayal of complex family dynamics.

• Aramidi Tinubu, Variety [06:50]:
  “A breathtaking production that beautifully blends drama and comedy. It is a searing tale that unveils the disconnect between how people see themselves and who they truly are.”
  Tinubu commends the seamless integration of drama and comedy, noting the play's exploration of personal versus public identities.

• Jackson McHenry, Vulture [08:20]:
  “Much of the nearly mathematical pleasure of watching 'Purpose' lies in watching a top-tier craftsman set up and then launch one long domino chain of familial discord.”
  McHenry appreciates the play's meticulous construction of familial tensions but suggests that the execution can feel formulaic.

• Alyssa Gardner, New York Sun [10:05]:
  “With his latest effort, 'Purpose,' the playwright does more than maintain his momentum. He secures his place as Broadway's most incisive and scathingly entertaining chronicler of family and social dysfunction, an inheritor to American greats, stretching from Eugene O'Neill to Tracy Letts, but with a voice and perspective that are distinctly of this moment.”
  Gardner elevates Jacobs Jenkins as a leading voice in contemporary American theatre, drawing parallels to legendary playwrights while acknowledging his unique modern perspective.

Hosts' Commentary:

Grace Aki and Matt Tammini express optimism about the overwhelmingly positive reviews and anticipate "Purpose" becoming a frontrunner in upcoming award seasons. They discuss the impact of returning original stars and the play’s relevance in current social and political contexts.

3. Broadway Grosses Update

Matt Tammini provides a comprehensive overview of last week's Broadway grosses, noting significant trends and standout performances:

• Total Gross: $37,459,896 (32% increase from the previous week)
• Attendance: 277,556 (an increase of over 41,000)
• Average Ticket Price: $134.96 (up 13%)

Key Highlights:

• "Othello" leads with $2,824,493
• "Wicked" follows at $2,490,000
• "Good Night and Good Luck" soared to $2,358,888 in just five performances, with projections to reach $3.77 million over eight shows.
• "Hamilton" earned $2,009,043, edging towards the million-dollar mark.
• Other notable performances include "The Lion King" ($1.99M), "Glengarry Glen Ross" ($1.9M), and "The Outsiders" ($2.31M, surpassing 100% capacity).

Show Performance Insights:

• "Gypsy" and "Purpose" saw week-to-week increases, while "Gypsy" experienced a decline due to limited showings.
• New Previews:
  • "The Picture of Dorian Gray" achieved $849,000 in six shows (projected $1.13M over eight shows).
  • "Smash" and "Boop" showed promising starts with $715,000 and $403,000 respectively in five shows each.

Grace Aki adds that maintaining strong week-to-week grosses is crucial for the longevity and financial health of Broadway productions, emphasizing the competitive nature of the season.

4. Show News and Updates

RuPaul's Drag Race Live in Las Vegas

Matt Tammini announces that RuPaul's Drag Race Live celebrated its 1,000th show in Las Vegas over the weekend. Producers expressed interest in bringing the spectacle to Broadway, envisioning a high-energy, fashion-forward performance that aligns with Broadway's vibrant scene.

Grace Aki responds positively, drawing parallels to the success of "Drag the Musical" and noting the strong presence of Broadway talent within the Drag Race community. She speculates on the show's format, comparing it to tours like "Dancing with the Stars", and remains optimistic about its potential Broadway success.

"Prima Facie" UK & Ireland Tour

Matt Tammini shares exciting news about "Prima Facie," originally starring Jodie Comer, embarking on a UK and Ireland tour in 2026. The tour will visit eight venues, including Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff, York, Bath, Canterbury, Birmingham, and Liverpool.

Grace Aki expresses admiration for Jodie Comer's performance, describing it as "one of the most unbelievable performances" she's witnessed. She also discusses the future film adaptation featuring Cynthia Erivo, highlighting the layered dynamics introduced through the casting of a Black actress in the lead role.

5. Recommendations and Special Segments

Rehearsal Room Previews: "A Love Life"

Matt Tammini recommends watching a rehearsal room performance from the New York City Center Encores production of "A Love Life," featuring Kate Baldwin and Brian Stokes Mitchell performing songs like "Women's Club Blues." He reminisces about memorable performances and encourages listeners to check out the video.

Stars in the House Fifth Anniversary: "Finn" Concert Reading

The hosts highlight the Stars in the House fifth-anniversary celebration, which included a staged concert reading of the musical "Finn." Featuring a stellar lineup with Andrew Rano, Kelly O'Hara, Lea Salonga, Bonnie Milligan, Jesse Mueller, Nicki M. James, Jose Lana, Michael Urie, Charlotte Dambois, Nina Webb, Peppermint, Adam Pascal, Brenda Braxton, and Zachary Noah Peiser, the event is available to watch on YouTube. Additionally, Stars in the House continues its charitable efforts by supporting the Entertainment Community Fund.

6. Closing Remarks

Matt Tammini and Grace Aki wrap up the episode by sharing their social media handles and encouraging listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They express gratitude to their audience and sign off with well-wishes for a wonderful Wednesday.

Notable Quote:

"Expressing excitement for the positive reviews and the potential of 'Purpose' to become a frontrunner in the best play race." – Matt Tammini [05:45]

Stay Tuned:
Join Matt Tammini and Grace Aki tomorrow for another episode of Today on Broadway as they continue to explore the latest happenings in the Broadway scene.