BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary Today on Broadway: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Hosts: Matt Tamminini & Grace Maki
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Podcast: BroadwayRadio – Broadway's Premier Podcasts
1. Upcoming Production: To Free a Mockingbird at Soho Playhouse
Matt Tamminini opens the episode by announcing the official move of To Free a Mockingbird to the Soho Playhouse. This highly anticipated production will commence performances on Monday, May 12, 2025. Tickets are available via a link in the show notes.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Tamminini [00:40]: “It was officially announced with press releases and everything.”
- Grace Maki [01:02]: “Oh, I don’t even know how many rehearsals... it’s kind of embedded in my brain at this point.”
2. Ragtime Returns to Broadway
The hosts discuss the revival of Ragtime on Broadway, set to begin on September 26, 2025, at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. Directed by Lyric Bassinet, the production features Joshua Henry reprising his role as Coalhouse Walker Jr., alongside Casey Levy as Mother and Brandon Uranowitz as Tatey. Matt expresses curiosity about the unannounced creative team, speculating potential changes from the City Center production.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Tamminini [01:15]: “Perhaps this might mean that we’re going to get something different than what was seen at City Center.”
- Grace Maki [03:43]: “It’s really exciting.”
3. New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Highlights
Matt provides an overview of the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, highlighting that all standard categories were awarded, including new additions like Best Individual Performance and Best Ensemble Performance.
Key Awards:
- Best Play: Purpose by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins
- Best Musical: Happy Ending
- Best Individual Performance: Andrew Scott for Vanya
- Best Ensemble Performance: Liberation
Special citations were awarded to Cole Escola for O Mary, Cat's the Jellicle Ball, and David Greenspan for lifetime achievement.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Tamminini [04:00]: “The Best Play award goes to Brandon Jacobs Jenkins for Purpose.”
- Grace Maki [03:57]: “So congratulations to all of those shows and to all of those winners.”
4. Broadway Box Office Update
The episode delves into the latest Broadway grosses, noting a slight dip of nearly $4 million to a total of $43,063,490. Attendance stood at 332,820 with an average ticket price of $120. Highlights include:
- Good Night and Good Luck breaks the Shubert house record with over $4 million.
- Othello leads with over $3 million.
- Other top earners: Glengarry Glen Ross, Wicked, The Lion King, Hamilton, Aladdin, MJ, Moulin Rouge, The Outsiders, Gypsy Death Becomes Her, Buena Vista Social Club, O Mary, and Sunset Boulevard.
Concerns were raised for shows like Real Women Have Curves, Dead Outlaw, and Boop, which are struggling with lower grosses.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Tamminini [06:00]: “Good Night and Good Luck did not fall into the $3 million category because it eclipsed $4 million.”
- Grace Maki [07:01]: “No, this is an incredibly hard time for any show on Broadway, especially long runners.”
5. Buena Vista Social Club Announces National Tour
Buena Vista Social Club is set to embark on a national tour starting soon, positioning itself as a strong contender in the Best Musical category. Matt and Grace express optimism about the show's potential success, citing its lively set and strong community engagement efforts.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Tamminini [10:56]: “I just feel like there's some momentum for this show in the Best Musical race.”
- Grace Maki [10:56]: “It’s a perfect show to tour... it’s such an important piece.”
6. Hell’s Kitchen Deluxe Album and Casting Updates
The hosts announce a new deluxe edition of the Hell’s Kitchen album, featuring three bonus tracks performed by Alicia Keys, Amanda Reed, and Darrell Tank Babs. Amanda Reed will take over the role of Ally starting May 27, bringing fresh energy to the production.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Tamminini [12:00]: “It's great... it is going in conjunction with their Tony campaign to make your show and stars visible to as many people as possible.”
- Grace Maki [13:22]: “Constant struggle for any show to think of the next key moments to celebrate.”
7. Casting News: Evita at St. Louis Muni
Evita will be performing at the St. Louis Muny from July 18-24, 2025. Katarina McCrimmon leads the cast, joined by Grace Paulo Jot, Omar Lopez Sapero, and Daniel Torres. Matt and Grace express their excitement for this production, highlighting the Muny's reputable performances.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Tamminini [14:02]: “Love this show. Love the Muni. Might have to head out there.”
- Grace Maki [16:11]: “You can find me at The Soho Playhouse May 12th through the 25th.”
8. SiriusXM On Broadway Town Hall with Sunset Boulevard Cast
Grace recounts attending a special SiriusXM Town Hall event featuring stars and the director of Sunset Boulevard. Performances included solos and duets by Jamie Lloyd, Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Francis, Grace Hodget Young, and David Thaxton. Matt highlights the strategic importance of such events for Tony campaigns, enhancing visibility and engagement.
Notable Quotes:
- Grace Maki [14:02]: “Great conversation... three songs performed.”
- Matt Tamminini [15:00]: “It was a very cool thing... awesome for people to listen to it on SiriusXM.”
9. Grace Maki’s Upcoming Events at Soho Playhouse
Grace shares her schedule at the Soho Playhouse from May 12-25, including talkbacks with Maggie Hill on May 17 and Ashley Hufford on May 23. They are also planning a "Grief, Life, and Soul" party post-show, emphasizing their commitment to community engagement.
Notable Quotes:
- Grace Maki [16:36]: “We’ve got lots of cool programming for 10 shows.”
- Matt Tamminini [16:26]: “Real Quick though... what are all of you able to announce.”
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- Matt Tamminini on Instagram: @bww_mattgrace
Upcoming Appearances:
- Grace Maki: Catch Grace at the Soho Playhouse from May 12th to 25th.
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