BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode of "Today on Broadway" covers the latest happenings in the Broadway community during a relatively quiet news week, highlighting the results from the annual Broadway Flea Market, critical responses to the new musical "Saturday Church," significant legal news about arts funding and gender ideology, cast album updates, and a nod to Jane Krakowski's upcoming Broadway stint. Hosts Matt Tammanini and Grace Aki deliver insightful commentary from both news and personal perspectives while maintaining an upbeat and conversational tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction Sets New Record

• [01:11] Matt announces the 39th annual Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction has set a new record, raising $1,633,803 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
• 65 Broadway shows and organizations had tables; 156 silent and 67 live auction items; 54 Broadway stars attended.
• Matt: “Just a great total to have the opportunity to get some cool knickknacks and memorabilia but also support the incredible work that Broadway Cares does every year.” [01:56]
• Grace shares her experience:
  • Finds the event fun but hectic, noting an amusing generational divide in intensity.
  • Grace: “I only experienced a lot of stress and anxiety and kind of intensity from people ages 40s and 50s, which was kind of hilarious that the young people were the ones that were like really calm and respectful and just like supportive. So for what it's worth, people got to dial it back.” [02:42]

2. Review Roundup: New Musical ‘Saturday Church’

• [03:16] Matt brings thoughtful review highlights and context for the show:
  • Based on Damon Cardassas’ film, adapted with Pulitzer-winner James Ies, featuring a score by Sia and others.
  • Follows Ulysses, an NYC teen discovering sanctuary in “Saturday Church.”
  • New York Times (Brittany Samuel): Mostly positive, but notes some directness in dialogue, praises J. Harrison G and newcomer Bryson Battle.
    • Quote: “His thrill of self expression becomes contagious.” [06:23]
  • Vulture (Jackson McHenry): Mixed, critiques the tone as “so intent on keeping things positive and palatable… that it never shifts into other gears.” [07:12]
  • Daily Beast (Tim Tieman): Positive, lauds the emotional range and soundtrack: “At least two songs should be released as singles right now.” [07:24]
• Grace notes: “Isn’t that the point of working through shows?... The future of a show like this makes sense to have done in New York City… excited for more progress...” [07:30]

3. Legal Ruling on NEA Funding & Gender Ideology

• [08:00] Matt details a major federal court ruling in Rhode Island:
  • The Trump-era executive order banning NEA funds promoting “gender ideology” is found unconstitutional.
  • Grants must be awarded “on merit alone” per the 1965 founding law.
  • The court found current NEA practices violate the First Amendment.
  • Effects linger: Projects deemed to “promote gender ideology” may still struggle for funding this grant cycle as policies adjust.

4. Cast Album Release: 'Pirates of the Panzan'

• [10:24] Announcement:
  • Digital release on October 17; CD available November 14 via Center Stage Records.
  • Matt is enthusiastic about the production’s New Orleans-inspired orchestrations.
    • Matt: “To hear these new orchestrations and kind of like the New Orleans vibe to the whole thing, I'm really excited to… listen to this one and revisit it…” [10:54]
  • Grace underscores the importance of cast recordings: Preservation of unique productions aids future revivals and school performances.
    • Grace: “The preservation of this very special production, I think, is going to be so cool. And… this is how we're able to get that next level of revivals down the line.” [11:12]
  • Public domain status of Gilbert & Sullivan means this version could inspire many adaptations.

5. Spotlight: Jane Krakowski Interview and Upcoming Broadway Role

• [12:17] Matt recommends Jane Krakowski’s recent “Kelly and Mark” interview:
  • She discusses performing in London’s “Here We Are” and praises director Joe Mantello.
    • Matt: “She talks about doing Here We Are in London and heaped praise upon praise to your boy Joe Mantello…” [12:17]
  • Jane returns to Broadway as Mary Todd Lincoln in “Oh, Mary!” for an eight-week run (Oct 14–Dec 7).
  • Grace enthusiastically agrees: “Me and everyone alive. I'm sorry. I love Joe Mantello so much.” [12:57]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Broadway Flea Market crowd dynamics:
  • Grace: “I only experienced a lot of stress and anxiety and kind of intensity from people ages 40s and 50s… the young people were the ones that were like really calm and respectful and just like supportive.” [02:42]
• On 'Saturday Church'’s lead performer:
  • New York Times via Matt: “His performance is wide eyed and honey dipped. We feel the joy when Ulysses tries his first brush of makeup and slips into heels. His thrill of self expression becomes contagious.” [06:23]
• Praise for director Joe Mantello:
  • Grace: “Me and everyone alive. I'm sorry. I love Joe Mantello so much.” [12:57]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:11] Broadway Flea Market recap & totals
• [03:16] Reviews and discussion: "Saturday Church" musical
• [08:00] Court ruling on NEA, federal arts funding, and gender ideology
• [10:24] "Pirates of the Panzan" cast album release details
• [12:17] Jane Krakowski interview and returning to Broadway

This episode offers an insightful yet relaxed overview of the Broadway landscape—perfect for listeners seeking quick news, critical perspectives, and a dash of personality from two dedicated theater podcasters.