BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Today on Broadway" – Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Episode Release Date: May 21, 2025
Introduction & Spotlight on "To Free a Mockingbird"
The episode kicks off with host Matt Tammanini highlighting the closing run of Grace’s acclaimed show, "To Free a Mockingbird," at the Soho Playhouse. Matt enthusiastically encourages listeners to secure their tickets before the final performances conclude on Sunday night. He shares personal excitement about attending the last show and invites listeners to connect if they're planning to attend together.
Matt Tammanini [00:01]: "You never know when she's going to have a chance to do the show in New York City, especially at such a great facility like Soho Playhouse."
Chita Rivera Awards Recap
Matt delves into the latest Chita Rivera Awards, celebrating excellence in choreography and dance within the theater community. The awards spotlight both Broadway and film categories, with a particular focus on theater for this episode.
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Outstanding Choreography: Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck take home the award for their work on Buena Vista Social Club.
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Outstanding Dancer: Two notable performers shine in this category:
- Kevin Solak for his portrayal of Tulsa in the Broadway revival of Gypsy.
- Robin Herder, acclaimed for her role as Ivy Lynn in Smash.
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Outstanding Ensemble: Buena Vista Social Club also earns this honor, underscoring the show's cohesive and dynamic performance team.
Additionally, the awards committee extends special recognition Off-Broadway to Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles for their choreography in Cats the Jellicle Ball. Tony Award winner Ben Vereen receives the Lifetime Achievement Award, and David Newman is honored with the Douglas and Ethel Watts Critics Choice Award for his work on Swept Away.
Matt Tammanini [00:10]: "The outstanding ensemble on a Broadway show goes to Buena Vista Social Club. That often makes sense with the choreography and the ensemble, and I think both are incredibly, well deserving."
Upcoming Broadway Events & Tony Predictions
Looking ahead, Matt outlines key upcoming events:
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Drama Desk Awards: Scheduled for June 1st, these awards will provide additional insights and data crucial for predicting Tony Award outcomes.
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Tony Awards: Just a week after the Drama Desks, the Tonys will crown the season's best, with Matt teasing the release of their annual Tony Poll's pool later in the week. Listeners are encouraged to participate for a chance to win a theater-themed gift bag.
Matt Tammanini [00:25]: "We have the drama desks coming up on June 1st and then obviously the Tony Awards coming up a week later."
Broadway Show & Casting News
New Stars in "Angelique on Broadway"
Matt shares exciting casting updates for Angelique on Broadway at the Stephen Sondheim Theater:
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Cheryl Porter debuts as Angelique, bringing her extensive experience as a vocal coach and her viral presence on TikTok ("Mama Cheryl") to the role. She will begin performances on August 7th, taking over from Jeanette Baerdel.
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Gianna Harris, known for her roles in Hell's Kitchen and as Ally, steps into the title role of Juliet, commencing June 10th and succeeding Maya Boyd.
The current cast ensemble includes Joey Fatone, Allison Luff, Drew Gehling, Liam Pierce, Michael Ivan Carrier, and Nathan Levy.
Matt Tammanini [02:45]: "Cheryl Porter... is going to take over the role of Angelique from Jeanette Baerdel on August 7th."
Broadway Weekly Grosses Report
Matt provides a comprehensive overview of last week's Broadway financial performance:
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Total Shows: 40 currently running, with Studio 54 temporarily closed pending the debut of Call Me Izzy.
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Overall Gross: $44,351,676, marking a 2% increase from the previous week.
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Total Attendance: 336,494 attendees with an average ticket price of $131.81.
Top Grossing Shows:
- Good Night and Good Luck: Close to $4 million, bolstered by student attendance towards the school year's end.
- Othello: Grossed $3.2 million.
- Glengarry Glen Ross: $2.4 million.
- Wicked: $2.1 million.
Struggling New Shows:
- Real Women Have Curves: Only $351,281 grossed last week with 63.64% capacity.
- Boop: Grossed $476,429 at 77% capacity.
- Pirates of Penzance Musical Limited Run: $496,000 at 90% capacity.
- Dead Outlaw: $504,000 at 85% capacity.
Matt expresses concern over these figures, noting the lack of Best Musical nominations may adversely affect these shows' longevity on Broadway.
Matt Tammanini [04:30]: "Real Women have Curves... brought in $351,281 last week and only played to 63.64% capacity."
Capacity Highlights:
- 100% Capacity: Othello, The Outsiders, and Wicked led at full house.
- Highest Capacity: Juliet achieved 102.93% capacity, slightly exceeding full capacity figures.
Matt Tammanini [06:15]: "Just in time is continuing to lead this category at 102.93% capacity."
Off-Broadway Highlights
World Premiere of "Caroline"
A press release from the MCC announces the world premiere of "Caroline", set to debut Off-Broadway in September. Written by Preston Max Allen—known for the musical We Are the Tigers—and directed by esteemed director David Cromer, the play explores the dynamics between a mother and daughter confronting past estrangements.
- Performance Dates: September 12th to October 19th at the Off-Broadway house.
- Production Collaboration: In partnership with Tom Kenehan Productions.
Matt Tammanini [08:10]: "The show follows Maddie, who is forced to seek help from her long estranged mother..."
Revival of "Brothers Size" at The Shed
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Brothers Size is set for an Off-Broadway revival at The Shed's Griffin Theater from August 30th to September 28th. Terrell Alvin McCraney, the original playwright, co-directs with Bijan Shabani. The cast includes:
- Andre Holland (known for Moonlight)
- Alani Elongwe
- Malcolm Mays (reprising his role from the Geffen Playhouse revival)
Matt Tammanini [09:40]: "Terrell Alvin McCraney will co-direct this production alongside Bijan Shabani."
Casting Update for "Joy"
In a bittersweet announcement, Brandon Espinosa replaces Mauricio Martinez in the Off-Broadway musical "Joy" at the Laura Pels Theater, starting June 21st. Mauricio departs for personal reasons, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew.
Mauricio Martinez [14:20]: "I'm truly honored and grateful to have been a part of this journey and surrounded by such an incredibly talented group of artists."
"Chess" Broadway Rumors
An intriguing development surfaces with the creation of a new Instagram account, @ChessBWay, fueling rumors about a Chess revival on Broadway. Although details remain sparse, speculation centers around potential casting changes and the show's reimagined comedic elements, particularly in the roles of Svetlana and Arbiter. Matt expresses hope that the musical's strong vocal groupings and revised score will draw Broadway audiences once again.
Matt Tammanini [15:55]: "I think the score is incredible. The show... if they can get Chess to Broadway, I will be very happy."
Closing Remarks
Matt wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of catching "To Free a Mockingbird" at the Soho Playhouse before its final performances on May 25th. He encourages listeners to follow BroadwayRadio on social media platforms for updates and future episodes.
Matt Tammanini [19:30]: "Don't forget to Free a Mockingbird, Soho playhouse through Sunday, May 25th. All right, everybody, have a wonderful Wednesday and we'll be back to talk to you tomorrow."
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This summary encapsulates the key points and discussions from the "Today on Broadway" podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who missed the live broadcast.