Today on Broadway: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025
Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Hosts: Matt Tmanini & Grace Aki
Date: September 10, 2025
Brief Overview
This episode brings Broadway enthusiasts the latest news, show updates, grosses, and insider chatter from both Broadway and London theater. Highlights include the anticipated return of “Beetlejuice,” special Alicia Keys concerts, changes at “Cabaret,” hot tickets like “Hell’s Kitchen,” Off-Broadway developments, plus quirky host banter and recommendations.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Upcoming Patreon Interview: Evita London Drama
- Matt teases a Patreon-exclusive episode featuring Mickey Jo Theatre, a prominent theater critic known for sharp commentary (mainly on YouTube), to discuss the cancellation of the “Evita” transfer caused by a rift between Jamie Lloyd and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
- “Mickey Jo is just such a light... so excitingly progressive in the theater commentary and review space, especially on YouTube.”
— Grace Aki [01:46] - Discussion will focus on London-to-New York transfers and producing trends.
2. “Beetlejuice” Returns to Broadway—Casting & Details
- “Beetlejuice” will play a limited 13-week run at the Palace Theatre (Oct 8 – Jan 3).
- Most of the touring cast is retained:
- Justin Collette as Beetlejuice
- Isabella Esler and Madison Mosley alternating as Lydia
- Will Burton (Adam), Megan McGinnis (Barbara), Jenny Barber (Delia), Jesse Sharp (Charles), Vanessa Aurora Sierra (Miss Argentina).
- Notably, on tour and this run, Delia and Miss Argentina are played by different people, unlike the original Broadway staging.
- Most of the touring cast is retained:
- On limited-run returns:
“...this could be a really fun way to not only hit spooky season but also get, you know, the nice tourist bump in the holidays for the Palace.”
— Matt Tmanini [03:46] - Conversation about how tour productions can impact the Broadway brand, with concerns about audience confusion and production value differences.
“I'm just curious about the attendees of Broadway shows... it's very, it's confusing and I know.”
— Grace Aki [04:11]
3. “Cabaret” Casting Changes Following Billy Porter’s Exit
- Billy Porter withdraws (health reasons); understudies Marty Lauder (“Marshall. Marsha”) and David Marino take over as the Emcee, splitting performances between September 9th-24th.
- Advice to plan attendance according to casting. [04:45]
4. Broadway Grosses Update
- Post-Labor Day dip:
- Grosses: $25,137,042
- Attendance: 215,095 (-9%)
- Avg. ticket: $116.86 (-9%)
- Top grossers: “Hamilton” ($2.15m), “Wicked” ($2.005m), “Mamma Mia!” ($1.5m), “The Lion King” ($1.45m), “Art” ($1.25m).
- “Hamilton” expected to soar with Leslie Odom Jr.'s return.
- 11/27 shows played at 90%+ capacity, with “Just In Time” leading (102.88%). [06:32–08:52]
5. Broadway Casting News
- Angela Grovey to join “Chicago” as Mama Morton (from Sept 15th). Broadway/TV credits highlighted. [08:52]
- Alicia Keys to perform unique post-show concerts (with cast) after “Hell’s Kitchen” on Sept 26 & 27 at the Shubert. Hot ticket event.
“Ms. Keys being involved in any capacity is always exciting, but her being in the theater is, is kind of life changing.”
— Grace Aki [09:02] - Host Banter: Grace’s insistence on calling her “Ms. Keys” [09:35–09:47]
6. Off-Broadway & New Shows
- “Not Ready for Prime Time” (SNL 50th Anniversary Stage Show)
- Opens Oct 5 at MCC Theater Space (rental, not MCC-produced)
- Cast includes actors playing iconic SNL personalities (Lorne Michaels, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, etc.)
- “...a show that people want to watch…in terms of potential transferability”
— Grace Aki [11:18]
- “Saturday Church” at New York Theatre Workshop
- Musical features songs by Sia; run extended to Oct 19th.
- Grace urges listeners to stream the original indie film; praises performers and buzz.
- “I've heard nothing but exciting things about the direction, about the content and the performers themselves.”
— Grace Aki [13:09]
- “What We Did Before Our Moth Days” (by Wallace Shawn)
- Opens Feb 4 at Greenwich House Theater; directed by Ray Gregory.
- Cast: Hope Davis, Maria Dizzia, John Early, Josh Hamilton.
- Notable producer: Scott Rudin—hosts voice reservations but note its significance.
- Wallace Shawn fandom segment:
- “I'm just such a fan of his. I think that we would be very good friends. Even his voiceover in a Goofy Movie. I am obsessed with that man.”
— Grace Aki [14:56] - Humorous banter about Grace’s former “Wallace Shawn lookalike contest winner” Twitter bio. [15:35–16:26]
- “I'm just such a fan of his. I think that we would be very good friends. Even his voiceover in a Goofy Movie. I am obsessed with that man.”
7. New Music Video Release: “Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York”
- Studio session from upcoming show with stars Sam Tutty & Cristiani Pitt (previews at Longacre Nov 1, opening Nov 20).
- Snippet of lyrics and discussion played out the episode:
“New York, I'm already talking to talking New York. I'm already popping the coke. Cause I'm ready. I'm ready to be in New York. And they're ready. Are you ready for me in New York?”
— Sam Tutty or Cristiani Pitt [17:03–18:02]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On London theater commentator Mickey Jo:
“He is fantastic and I'm looking forward to having him on Broadway radio for the first time.”
— Matt Tmanini [01:59] -
On tour-to-Broadway transitions:
“If the theater is renting, that makes them happy. So I completely understand everyone doing this.”
— Grace Aki [04:11] -
On Alicia Keys’ power:
“Her being in the theater is kind of life changing.”
— Grace Aki [09:02] -
Comedy Gold:
“Are you contractually obligated to refer to her as Ms. Keys?”
— Matt Tmanini [09:35] -
On Sia’s impact for Saturday Church:
“If you aren't familiar with the award winning independent film of the same title, you absolutely should, you know, watch it.”
— Grace Aki [13:09] -
Grace’s Wallace Shawn obsession:
“I am obsessed with that man.”
— Grace Aki [14:56]
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | [00:35] | Patreon interview tease: Evita/London theater with Mickey Jo | | [01:46] | Grace on Mickey Jo’s YouTube presence | | [02:31] | Beetlejuice Broadway casting & details | | [04:11] | Discussion on tour productions’ Broadway impact | | [04:45] | Cabaret Emcee casting changes | | [06:10] | Broadway grosses: Shows, attendance, top earners | | [08:52] | Angela Grovey joins "Chicago"; Alicia Keys concerts announced | | [09:35] | Banter: Ms. Keys reference | | [10:10] | SNL Off-Broadway tribute show casting & transfer potential | | [12:00] | MCC Theater note (“Not Ready for Prime Time” not subscriber show)| | [12:31] | “Saturday Church” musical extension & buzz | | [14:14] | Wallace Shawn’s new play details & Grace’s fan history | | [16:26] | Wrap-up: “Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York” video | | [17:03] | Sam Tutty & Cristiani Pitt perform “New York” from the show |
Final Thoughts
This episode is characteristically packed with timely news, witty banter, and genuine insider enthusiasm. The hosts shine a spotlight on exciting castings, performance announcements, and the ever-shifting Broadway ecosystem—making it a must-listen (or must-read!) for theater fans eager to stay in-the-know.