Class Notes: Leenya Rideout in “Music City”
Jul 20, 2026
Show notes
Listen: Lauren Class Schneider talks with with Leenya Rideout, who plays Tammy and Leeane in “Music City” at St. Luke’s Theater.
Photos Production photo by Jeremy Daniel Headshot by James Furino
“Class Notes” actively covers New York’s current theater season on, off, and off-off Broadway.
For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@broadwayradio.com and include the episode name.
Last Week on Broadway: Tuesday, July 20, 2026
Jul 20, 2026
Show notes
Valentina to join ‘Rocky Horror,’ ‘Bill & Ted’s’ getting musical adaptation, Legend’s Basquiat musical gets public premiere
Every week, Matt Tamanini will bring you the biggest news from across the theatrical landscape and will prepare you for what’s ahead over the next seven days.
Any and all feedback is appreciated: Matt Tamanini:matt@broadwayradio.com | @BroadwayRadio
For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@broadwayradio.com and include the episode name.
Support our sponsors: factormeals.com/broadway50off and use code broadway50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for one year.
*Offer only valid for new Factor customers with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase.
This Week on Broadway for July 19, 2026: The Whoopi Monologues @ LCT
Jul 19, 2026
Show notes
James Marino, Michael Portantiere, and Carey Purcell review Girl, Interrupted @ The Public, The Whoopi Monologues @ LCT’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, Romeo & Juliet @ The Revitalized Delacorte Theater, The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot’s As You Like It, HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts @ The Public Theater’s Newman Theater, and The Wedding Singer @ John W. Engeman Theater
Peter Filichia joins at the end to give the answer to last week’s Brainteaser and ask this week’s question. He also discusses his time in Sydney, Australia in 1990.
“This Week on Broadway” has been coming to you every week since 2009. It is the longest-running running Broadway and theatrical podcast with hundreds of shows giving thousands of reviews and interviews.
Subscribe to BroadwayRadio in Apple Podcasts by CLICKING HERE.
Patreon listeners get This Week on Broadway first, on Sunday afternoon before it is released to the general public on Sunday evening.
Panel:
Peter Filichia | peter@broadwayradio.com | Facebook PETER FILICHIA is a playwright, journalist, and historian with a number of books. Peter’s new day-by-day desk calendar – A SHOW TUNE FOR TODAY – 366 Songs to Brighten Your Year – is available at finer retailers!
Showtune for Today: Did We Do It? from Operation Mincemeat
Michael Portantiere | michael@broadwayradio.com | Facebook MICHAEL PORTANTIERE has been a theater journalist for more than 50 years. The founder and editor of CastAlbumReviews.com. He is also a theatrical photographer whose photos have appeared in The New York Times and other publications, and he writes reviews of cabaret shows for NiteLifeExchange.com. Additionally, Michael is known as a producer and director of shows at 54 Below, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and other venues.
Carey Purcell | Website | Instagram Carey is a writer and editor whose nonfiction writing on theater, film, feminism and health care has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Vanity Fair, The Nation, TDF Stages, Theatermania and The Village Voice, among others. She has also served on the editorial staffs of Playbill and People. Her nonfiction book, From Aphra Behn to Fun Home: A Cultural History of Feminist Theater, was published in 2019 by Bloomsbury.
Note: This week we had listeners join us while recording. These listeners are Patreon members who support BroadwayRadio. If you would like to join us in the future, become a supporter at Patreon.com/BroadwayRadio.
MP: The Whoopi Monologues @ LCT‘s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, through August 30, 2026 Written by Whoopi Goldberg and directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White, The Whoopi Monologues will star Emmy Award Nominee Dominique Fishback (“Swarm,” “The Deuce”), Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis (Hell’s Kitchen), NAACP Image Award Winner Danielle Pinnock (“Ghosts”), Emmy Award-winning producer and Golden Globe-nominated actress Kerry Washington (“Imperfect Women,” American Son), and two-time Tony Award® winner Kara Young (Purlie Victorious, Purpose), with Kai Heath, Denise Manning, and Pavar Snipe rounding out the cast as understudies.
She was a beloved Broadway star who appeared in an early 1950s comedy that featured a lesser-known but respected actress. Approximately two years after they did the play, their next joint appearance was in what became a well-known musical that has been much revived on Broadway. What they also have in common is that the first three letters of their first name are identical. The star’s first name was a common one even before the first millennium began. But the lesser-known actress’s first name is one that no other Broadway performer has ever had. Who’s the star? Who’s the featured player? What’s the play? And what’s the musical?
Michael’s Musical Moments
THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL IN CONCERT at 54 Below The Scarlet Pimpernel
Last Week on Broadway: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
Show notes
Josh Grisetti dies at 44, ‘Dolly’ has official Broadway plans, Derek Hough to join ‘Chicago’ for one night
Every week, Matt Tamanini will bring you the biggest news from across the theatrical landscape and will prepare you for what’s ahead over the next seven days.
Any and all feedback is appreciated: Matt Tamanini:matt@broadwayradio.com | @BroadwayRadio
For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@broadwayradio.com and include the episode name.
Special Episode: Jamie Allan on the lessons of magic and ‘Amaze’
Jul 13, 2026
Show notes
On today’s episode, Matt Tamanini is in conversation with magician and illusionist Jamie Allan. The Off-Broadway production of his show “Amaze!” will hit its one-year anniversary at New World Stages and is currently on sale into January 2027.
In their conversation, Matt and Jamie discuss the importance of bringing a sense of wonder to both life and magic, what influence his performer-parents had on his passion for magic, why his show works for magic fans young and old, and much more.
This Week on Broadway for July 12, 2026: King Lear @ Hudson Valley Shakespeare
Jul 12, 2026
Show notes
Peter Filichia, James Marino, and Michael Portantiere review King Lear @ Hudson Valley Shakespeare, The Loved Ones @ Irish Rep, Giulia: The Poison Queen Of Palermo @ Perelman Performing Arts Center, Small @ Signature Center, and A Walk On The Moon @ the Laura Pels Theatre.
“This Week on Broadway” has been coming to you every week since 2009. It is the longest-running running Broadway and theatrical podcast with hundreds of shows giving thousands of reviews and interviews.
Subscribe to BroadwayRadio in Apple Podcasts by CLICKING HERE.
Patreon listeners get This Week on Broadway first, on Sunday afternoon before it is released to the general public on Sunday evening.
Panel:
Peter Filichia | peter@broadwayradio.com | Facebook PETER FILICHIA is a playwright, journalist, and historian with a number of books. Peter’s new day-by-day desk calendar – A SHOW TUNE FOR TODAY – 366 Songs to Brighten Your Year – is available at finer retailers!
Showtune for Today: Chrysanthemum Tea from Pacific Overtures
Michael Portantiere | michael@broadwayradio.com | Facebook MICHAEL PORTANTIERE has been a theater journalist for more than 50 years. The founder and editor of CastAlbumReviews.com. He is also a theatrical photographer whose photos have appeared in The New York Times and other publications, and he writes reviews of cabaret shows for NiteLifeExchange.com. Additionally, Michael is known as a producer and director of shows at 54 Below, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and other venues.
1776 ON THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW IN 1970:
VIDEO ON HISTORICAL ACCURACY OF 1776:
250th Anniversary Special: The movie musical “1776” is a beloved Independence Day favorite. But how accurate are its songs and stories? History professor Jared Frederick returns for a revolutionary episode!
Note: This week we had listeners join us while recording. These listeners are Patreon members who support BroadwayRadio. If you would like to join us in the future, become a supporter at Patreon.com/BroadwayRadio.
MP: The Loved Ones @ Irish Rep, through August 2, 2026 Irish Repertory Theatre’s production of the New York City Premiere of The Loved Ones by Erica Murray (The Cat’s Mother) and directed by Nicola Murphy Dubey (Irishtown), on Irish Rep’s Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage (132 West 22nd Street).
PF: Giulia: The Poison Queen Of Palermo @ Perelman Performing Arts Center, through August 2 2026 What began as a single act of self-defense ripples through Palermo, creating a cascade of casualties and inspiring a secret sisterhood. But the path to safety is never safe. Can Giulia Tofana save them all without losing herself? A New Musical Written by Grammy & Emmy Award Winner Jennifer Nettles Choreographed by Austin McCormick Directed by Tony Award Winner Mary Zimmerman
MP: Small @ The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center, through July 25, 2026
PF + MP: A Walk On The Moon @ the Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, through August 22, 2026 Directed by Tony Award® nominee Sheryl Kaller, with book and additional lyrics by original screenwriter Pamela Gray, with music and lyrics by Tony Award® and Grammy Award® nominee AnnMarie Milazzo, and with choreography by Josh Prince, A WALK ON THE MOON is a stirring new musical about dreams differed and one women’s desire for a life that isn’t strictly earthbound. Set in the Summer of 1969, this story speaks to a moment when the world was alive with seismic change in culture and identity — much like today.
Inspired by the award-winning hit film of the same name, the cast features Talia Suskauer as Pearl; Max Chernin as Marty; Sam Gravitte as Walker; Andréa Burns as Lillian; Tovah Feldshuh as the voice of Mrs. Fogler; along with Sophie Pollono as Alison and Oscar Williams as Ross.
MELBOURNE Her Majesty’s Theatre 11-22 August | 14 performances only
BRISBANE Lyric Theatre, QPAC 28 August – 6 September | 11 performances only
Paul Witte to Everyone (10:09 AM) Wife of a Dead Salesman revised by John Doyle
Musto on Sound of Music (from Facebook) The Sound of Music revival coming this season, and it’s all good. Already cast, of course, is Jasmine Amy Rogers For Captain Von Trapp….Patrick Wilson. And for Mother Abbess…Heather Headley.
Future Episodes:
Peter’s Brainteaser:
We’re looking for three consecutive words that appear in a song that you can currently hear on Broadway eight times a week. The name of Broadway musical that won a Tony for its above the title star is one that you’ll connect to the name of a black-and-white film version of a famous play to which Hollywood gave a different name.
From time to time, when I ask these brainteasers, I often give you a hint. This time, I’m giving an anti-hint, for I’m not telling you if the musical’s title has one word or two or if the film does; that’s for you to discover. But there are a total of three little words.
So, what’s the name of the musical and the film that result in three consecutive words that you can now hear on Broadway?
Michael’s Musical Moments
Music Opener: Max Von Essen, “Stairway to Paradise” at Sardi’s
Music Closer: “The Wedding Singer,” Stephen Lynch and company
For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@broadwayradio.com and include the episode name.
Jan Simpson | jan@broadwayandme.com | Facebook | Twitter Broadway & Me Jan Simpson is a theater journalist who writes the blog Broadway& Me and hosts the BroadwayRadio podcasts Stagecraft and All The Drama. She has twice served as a Pulitzer Prize juror.
Class Notes: Alana Raquel Bowers “The Loved Ones”
Jul 10, 2026
Show notes
Listen: Lauren Class Schneider talks with Alana Raquel Bowers, who plays Gabby in “The Loved Ones” at Irish Rep.
Photos Production photos by Carol Rosegg Photo 1 – [Maryann Plunkett, Alana Raquel Bowers, Donna Lynne Champlin & Clare O’Malley] Photo 2- [Alana Raquel Bowers]
“Class Notes” actively covers New York’s current theater season on, off, and off-off Broadway.
For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@broadwayradio.com and include the episode name.
Special Episode: McCarthy, Connolly on the absurdist romance of ‘The Betrothed’
Jul 09, 2026
Show notes
On today’s episode, Matt Tamanini is in conversation with playwright Scarlett Grace McCarthy and director Sarah Connolly, who are bringing the play “The Betrothed” to the WP Theater beginning on Thursday, July 16.
The show is described as an absurdist comedy of love, ambition, and social expectation set in the 19th century and performed by an all-women cast. When her brother’s broken engagement disrupts Kitty’s plans to secure a suitor, she’s forced to confront the rigid expectations placed upon her and schemes to restore order and ensure everyone gets their happily ever after. As romantic entanglements unravel and betrayals come to light, The Betrothed queers the classic marriage plot.
In the conversation, McCarthy and Connolly discuss the unusual (but surprisingly apropos) way in which they began working together, how the show has developed over the years, what romances and rom-coms have influenced “The Betrothed,” and much more.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
