BroadwayRadio Presents: Today on Broadway – Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Host: Matt Tamneni
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Today on Broadway, host Matt Tamneni delivers a comprehensive rundown of the latest Broadway news, trends, and upcoming productions. The episode covers significant Off-Broadway debuts, West End productions, Broadway grosses, tour announcements, and previews of upcoming shows.
Off-Broadway Highlights
Grace's Off-Broadway Debut
Matt begins by celebrating Grace's Off-Broadway debut with her one-woman show, To Free a Mockingbird, performed at the Soho Playhouse. Although Grace has another performance scheduled for the night of recording (Tuesday, May 13), Matt opts to give her the day off and focuses on the broader Broadway news.
West End Alert: Cynthia Erivo in Dracula
A One-Woman Extravaganza
Matt shifts the focus to the West End, announcing that Cynthia Erivo is set to star in a new production of Dracula. This ambitious rendition will feature Erivo portraying 23 different characters, described as a "one-woman, theatrical extravaganza." The production is helmed by Kip Williams, known for his work on The Picture of Dorian Gray on Broadway.
"Cynthia Erivo is a star of the highest order both on stage and screen" – Matt Tamneni [10:45]
Production Details
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Venue: Noel Coward Theater
- Run Dates: February 4th – May 31st
- Origin: Sydney Theatre Company, Australia
Matt speculates that following the pattern of Dorian Gray, Dracula will eventually make its way to Broadway, potentially opening in spring 2027 or fall 2026, depending on Erivo's schedule. The production is described as a "cine theater" experience, blending live and pre-recorded video feeds, similar to the style employed in Dorian Gray.
Broadway Updates
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Matt introduces a new social media campaign for the 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, hinting at its New York City debut.
"When you start to hear the buzz on the streets..." – Matt Tamneni [15:30]
Social Media Teaser
- Platform: Instagram (@spellingbnyc)
- Content: Video of a rainy TKTS booth with a buzzing bee, accompanied by lyrics from the show.
- Website: spellingbeeNYC.com
Production Insights
The marketing is spearheaded by Serino Coin, a prominent press and marketing agency in Broadway. Matt expresses his preference for the show to remain Off-Broadway, citing the benefits of flexibility and lower financial risks compared to a Broadway run.
"I love spelling bee, but it's an Off-Broadway show. It should be an Off-Broadway show." – Matt Tamneni [18:20]
Cast Highlights from Previous Productions
- Felipe Arroyo as Chip Tolentino
- Beanie Feldstein as Logan Schwartz and Grubinier
- Noah Galvin as Leif Conybert
- Kevin McHale as William Barfi
- Bonnie Milligan as Ronalisa Peretti
Directed and choreographed by Danny Medford, Matt anticipates that Spelling Bee could become a beloved Off-Broadway staple similar to Little Shop of Horrors.
Broadway Grosses and Attendance
Current Financial Snapshot
Matt provides an overview of last week's Broadway grosses:
- Total Grosses: $43,501,430 (up $450,000 from the previous week)
- Attendance: 334,126
- Average Ticket Price: $130.19
Despite the slight increase, grosses did not reach the $4 million mark seen previously. The leading show for the week was Good Night and Good Luck with $3,812,165 and an average ticket price of $304.71.
"Othello... brought in a total of $3,229,396." – Matt Tamneni [25:10]
Top Grossing Shows
- Good Night and Good Luck - $3,812,165
- Othello - $3,229,396 | Avg. Ticket: $387.03
- Glengarry Glen Ross - $2,400,000
- Wicked - $2,100,000
- The Lion King - $1,800,000
Other notable performances include Hamilton, Death Becomes Her, MJ, Dorian Gray, Gypsy, Buena Vista, Social Club, Moulin Rouge, Sunset Boulevard, The Outsiders, Hell's Kitchen, and Aladdin.
Rising Shows to Watch
- Real Women Have Curves: $385,806
- Dead Outlaw: $507,756
- Subscription House: $512,000
- Boop: $514,329
- Purpose: $522,691
Matt highlights Boop, Dead Outlaw, and Real Women Have Curves as shows to monitor, especially with Tony nominations on the horizon.
"I feel like Jasmine Amy Rogers deserves to perform at the Tonys." – Matt Tamneni [32:00]
Tour Announcements
Operation Mincemeat World Tour
Announced during the Spring Road Conference, Operation Mincemeat is set to embark on a global tour in 2026.
- Launch Location: Manchester, England
- Start Date: February 16th
- Duration: 40 weeks in the UK, followed by tours in the US, Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, and New Zealand.
"Operation Mincemeat is going on a world tour... it will visit multiple countries across the globe." – Matt Tamneni [35:45]
Off-Broadway Developments
The Public Theater's 2025-2026 Season
Matt updates listeners on The Public Theater's upcoming season, featuring a diverse lineup of new plays and musicals.
Featured Productions:
-
Seat of Our Pants
- Adaptation of: Thornton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth
- Run Dates: October 23rd – November 30th
- Cast: Ruthie Ann Miles, Damon Duano, Amina Fey, among others
- Creative Team: Directed by Lee Silverman, choreographed by Sunny Min Su Kit
-
The Other American by John Leguizamo
- Run Dates: September 11th – October 12th
- Plot: Centers on Nelson Castro, a Colombian-American laundromat owner in Queens dealing with business struggles and family secrets.
- Director: Ruben Santiago Hudson
-
Oh Happy Day by Jordan E. Cooper
- Run Dates: October 20th – 26th
- Concept: A reimagining of the Noah's Ark story set in Mississippi.
-
Ulysses Adaptation by Elevator Repair Service
- Plus several new world premiere plays.
Matt encourages listeners to check the Show Notes for the complete lineup and explores the exciting additions to the Off-Broadway scene.
Upcoming Shows and Cast Announcements
Come From Away at the Muni
The Muni has announced a stellar cast for the upcoming production of Come From Away, running June 26th – July 2nd. Notable cast members include:
- Heidi Blickenstaff
- John Bolton
- Ashley Brown
- Andrea Burns
- Tamika Lawrence
Matt expresses enthusiasm but lamented potential scheduling conflicts.
"This cast is stupendous." – Matt Tamneni [42:15]
UK Premiere: 50 First Dates Musical
A musical adaptation of the beloved Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore film is set to premiere at London's "Other Palace" from September 14th – November 16th.
- Book: David Rossmer and Steve Rosen
- Director: Casey Nicholaw
- Cast:
- Georgina Castle as Lucy (Drew Barrymore's role)
- Josh St. Clair as Henry (Adam Sandler's role)
Georgina Castle brings her experience from Mean Girls in London to this new production.
Special Recommendations
PBS's Great Performances Stage Bound
Matt introduces a new digital series available on PBS's platform, featuring behind-the-scenes looks at theater stars' lives.
- Premiere Episode: Follows Jasmine Amy Rogers preparing for her Broadway debut in Boop the Musical.
- Availability: PBS app, pbs.org/gperf, Facebook, and YouTube.
"Each episode of Stage Bound will offer a look behind the scenes of the real lives of theater stars." – Matt Tamneni [48:00]
Conclusion
Matt wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay connected through BroadwayRadio's social media channels and to support local productions, particularly highlighting Grace's performance at the Soho Playhouse.
"Make sure you get down to the Soho Playhouse to check out To Free a Mockingbird before next week." – Matt Tamneni [52:30]
Stay Tuned: Don't miss the next episode of Today on Broadway for more updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analyses of all things Broadway.
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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the May 14, 2025 episode of Today on Broadway, ensuring that listeners and non-listeners alike are well-informed about the latest in the Broadway scene.