The Spotlight podcast is hosted by Jena Tesse Fox.

Guests: Eliana Theologides Rodriguez and Miranda Cornell

Co-Production with Rattlestick Theater
Indian Princesses
by Eliana Theologides Rodriguez
directed by Miranda Cornell

April 30 – June 7, 2026
Atlantic Theater Company Linda Gross Theater

In the summer of 2008, five young girls of color and their white fathers attend a program designed to bond families through handmade activities, camp-like adventures, and a heavy dose of cultural appropriation. But where can these girls turn when the program sparks questions that their fathers are unable – or unwilling – to answer? Inspired by the playwright’s experiences in a father-daughter program of the same name, Indian Princesses is a tender satire that explores the stories we tell, the histories we omit, and the truths that live inside us, waiting to come out.

Indian Princesses is a brand new play that marks the Off-Broadway debuts of both Eliana Theologides Rodriguez and Miranda Cornell.

Indian Princesses, written by Eliana Theologides Rodriguez (Off-Broadway debut) and directed by Miranda Cornell

Host: Jena Tesse Fox | Instagram
Jena Tesse Fox has been writing about theater for more than 10 years for numerous publications, including Playbill Magazine, BroadwayWorld.com, Time Out New York and HowlRound.com. She is a voting member of the Drama Desk Awards, and is a contributor to BroadwayRadio

Music: Happiness from www.bensound.com

Listen: Lauren Class Schneider talks to Ava Campbell one of the creators and company member of “Burnout Paradise” at the Astor Place Theater.

Headshot by Burnout Paradise

Production photos by Austin Ruffer

“Class Notes” actively covers New York’s current theater season on, off, and off-off Broadway.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

On today’s episode, Matt Tamanini is in conversation with Broadway alum Stacia Fernandez, who is currently in Florida leading the Riverside Theatre’s production of “9 to 5” as Violet, the role originated on screen by Lily Tomlin and on stage by Allison Janney. Despite her six Broadway credits, including many years in the company of “Mamma Mia!”, Fernandez is no stranger to Florida stages.

She recently led the Maltz Jupiter’s production of “Misery” and last year, got married when she and her long-time partner (now husband) Joseph Dellger were in the company of Riverside’s “Singin’ in the Rain.” Fortunately, Stacia and Joe are back working together again in “9 to 5” as he plays Tinsworthy.

In their conversation, Matt and Stacia discuss working with her husband, the continued resonance of “9 to 5,” the lessons she has imparted on her castmates, and much more.

Riverside Theatre’s production of “9 to 5” runs in Vero Beach, Florida, from April 16 through May 10.

Purchase tickets to see “9 to 5” at Riverside Theatre:
https://www.riversidetheatre.com/9to5

‘The Fear of 13’ opens to mixed reviews, Billy Crystal is back with a new show, superstars set for ‘Octet’ film

Patreon: BroadwayRadio
https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

1) Reviews for the Broadway premiere of ‘The Fear of 13’
https://didtheylikeit.com/shows/the-fear-of-13/

2) Last week’s Broadway grosses
https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/grosses-broadway-nyc/

3) Billy Crystal to return to Broadway in new solo show
https://deadline.com/2026/04/billy-crystal-broadway-860-1236860657/

4) ‘Damn Yankees’ aiming for Broadway next spring
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Reimagined-DAMN-YANKEES-Begins-Casting-for-2027-Broadway-Bow-20260415

5) Starry cast announced for ‘Octet’ film adaptation
https://deadline.com/2026/04/octet-jonathan-groff-rachel-zegler-sheryl-lee-ralph-1236860313/

6) ‘Paddington’ musical aiming for Broadway in 2027
https://deadline.com/2026/04/paddington-the-musical-eyes-2027-broadway-transfer-1236858826/

7) Show and casting news

Stars announced for ‘Les Miserables’ at Radio City Music Hall
https://playbill.com/article/alfie-boe-killian-donnelly-samantha-barks-more-will-lead-les-miserables-at-radio-city-music-hall

Tony Pinkins joins Encores’ ‘La Cage aux Folles’
https://playbill.com/article/tonya-pinkins-more-join-encores-la-cage-aux-folles

Stars announced for MCC’s ‘Birthright’
https://playbill.com/article/abbi-jacobson-zoe-winters-more-will-star-in-jonathan-spectors-birthright-off-broadway

Jon Cryer to join Off-Broadway ‘Spelling Bee’
https://playbill.com/article/jon-cryer-will-join-spelling-bee-musical-off-broadway

Pasek, Taub, Harmon to premiere new musical in Boston
https://playbill.com/article/benj-pasek-shaina-taub-joshua-harmon-musical-unorthodox-will-make-world-premiere-in-boston

Matt reviews the national tour of ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ in Orlando, Florida

Patreon: BroadwayRadio
https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

On Tuesday, April 14, BroadwayRadio’s Matt Tamanini attended the opening night of the “Kimberly Akimbo” national tour at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida.

The show will play Orlando through Sunday, April 18. To purchase tickets to see the show at the Dr. Phillips Center, click here:
https://www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2026/kimberly-akimbo/

Matt goes through the major reviews for the Broadway premiere of ‘Titanique’

Patreon: BroadwayRadio
https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

Check out the reviews for ‘Titanique’ on Broadway
https://didtheylikeit.com/shows/titanique/

‘Death of a Salesman’ reviews, P!nk is hosting the Tonys, Rosamund Pike to make Broadway debut

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: [email protected] | @BroadwayRadio

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

1) Broadway revival reviews for ‘Death of a Salesman’
https://didtheylikeit.com/shows/death-of-a-salesman-3/

2) Rosamund Pike to make Broadway debut in ‘Inter Alia’
https://deadline.com/2026/04/rosamund-pike-broadway-inter-alia-1236784910/

3) P!nk to host 2026 Tony Awards
https://deadline.com/2026/04/pink-tony-awards-broadway-1236785748/

4) Latest rulings on Tony Awards eligibility
https://playbill.com/article/every-brilliant-thing-ruled-a-revival-for-2026-tony-awards

5) 2025-26 Olivier Award winners announced
https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/olivier-awards-2026-winners-updating-live_1717604/

6) Show and casting news

‘Moulin Rouge’ postpones closing by 5 weeks
https://playbill.com/article/moulin-rouge-the-musical-postpones-broadway-closing-date

Kirstin Maldonado to succeed Dylan Mulvaney in ‘SIX’
https://people.com/pentatonix-kirstin-maldonado-joins-broadways-six-11945784

‘You Got Older’ extends for final time Off-Broadway
https://playbill.com/article/you-got-older-starring-alia-shawkat-announces-final-off-broadway-extension

Uber-intimate ‘Tru’ announces final extension
https://playbill.com/article/tru-starring-jesse-tyler-ferguson-gets-final-extension-off-broadway

Irish Rep extends ‘Ulster American’
https://playbill.com/article/matthew-broderick-led-ulster-american-extends-off-broadway

Joy Woods, Jamie Muscato to lead London’s ‘Cabaret’ beginning in May
https://playbill.com/article/jamie-muscato-and-joy-woods-will-join-london-cast-of-cabaret

7) This week’s theatrical schedule

Tuesday, April 14
Opening: ‘The Adding Machine’ Off-Broadway from The New Group
https://thenewgroup.org/events/the-adding-machine-2026-04-10-700-pm 

Previews: ‘Rheology’ Off-Broadway from Playwrights Horizons
https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/production-history/2020s/2526/rheology 

Previews: ‘What Happened Was…’ Off-Broadway at the Minetta Lane Theatre
https://audiblexminetta.com/shows/what-happened-was 

Performances: ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
https://www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2026/kimberly-akimbo/ 

Wednesday, April 15
Opening: ‘The Fear of 13’ on Broadway
https://thefearof13broadway.com/ 

Previews: ‘Kenrex’ Off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre’
https://kenrextheplay.com/ 

Previews: ‘The Receptionist’ Off-Broadway from Second Stage
https://2st.com/shows/the-receptionist 

Thursday, April 16
Opening: ‘Proof’ on Broadway
https://proofbroadway.com/ 

Sunday, April 19
Opening: ‘Fallen Angels’ on Broadway
https://roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2025-2026-season/fallen-angels 

Previews: ‘Hamlet’ Off-Broadway at the Brooklyn Academy of Music
https://www.bam.org/hamlet 

Previews: ‘Othello’ Off-Broadway from Bedlam
https://bedlam.org/w-o/othello 

Closing: ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ Off-Broadway at the DR2 Theatre
https://heartbreakhotelplay.com/ 

Closing: ‘How My Grandparents Fell in Love, A Musical’ Off-Broadway at 59E59
https://www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/how-my-grandparents-fell-in-love-a-musical/ 

Peter Filichia, James Marino, Michael Portantiere, and Carey Purcell talk about Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Becky Shaw, Titanique, 1776 @ Papermill, Death of a Salesman, Giant, and Dog Day Afternoon.

“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.

Support BroadwayRadio on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

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 | [email protected] | 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: Someone Else’s Story from Chess

Michael Portantiere | [email protected] | 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.

James Marino | [email protected] | Facebook
BroadwayStars

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, which was published in 2019 by Bloomsbury.

VOGUE: Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney Can’t Resist a Doomed Love Story By Carey Purcell (April 8, 2026)

BroadwayRadio Special: Interview with Carey Purcell, Author of “From Aphra Behn to Fun Home: A Cultural History of Feminist Theatre”

Carey’s previous appearances on BroadwayRadio

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.

Sponsor:

Pre:

Where we have been:

Mar 12, 2026: Every Brilliant Thing – Hudson Theatre
Mar 23, 2026: Giant – Music Box Theatre
Mar 30, 2026: Dog Day Afternoon – August Wilson Theatre
Apr 06, 2026: Becky Shaw – Hayes Theater
Apr 07, 2026: Cats: The Jellicle Ball – Broadhurst Theatre
Apr 09, 2026: Death of a Salesman – Winter Garden Theatre
Apr 12, 2026: Titanique – St. James Theatre

Where we are going:

Apr 15, 2026: The Fear of 13 – James Earl Jones Theatre
Apr 16, 2026: Proof – Booth Theatre
Apr 19, 2026: Fallen Angels – Todd Haimes Theatre
Apr 20, 2026: Schmigadoon! – Nederlander Theatre
Apr 21, 2026: The Balusters – Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Apr 22, 2026: Beaches A New Musical – Majestic Theatre
Apr 23, 2026: The Rocky Horror Show – Studio 54
Apr 25, 2026: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone – Ethel Barrymore Theatre
Apr 26, 2026: The Lost Boys – Palace Theatre

Reviews:

MP + PF + CP: Cats: The Jellicle Ball @ Broadhurst Theatre

Paris Is Burning (Film)

PF + CP + MP: Becky Shaw @ Hayes Theater, through June 14, 2026

CP + PF: Titanique @ St. James Theatre, through July 12, 2026

MP: 1776 @ Papermill, through May 2, 2026

PF: Death of a Salesman @ Winter Garden Theatre, through August 9, 2026
Directed by Joe Mantello; Associate Director: Lily Dyble
Nathan Lane as Willy Loman
Laurie Metcalf as Linda

CP + MP: Giant @ Music Box Theatre, through June 28, 2026

CP: Dog Day Afternoon @ August Wilson Theatre, through June 28, 2026

News:

Grammy Winner Pink Will Host the 2026 Tony Awards by Logan Culwell-Block

P!NK To Host The 79th Annual Tony Awards

Tony Award Productions announced today that music superstar and global icon P!NK will host the 79th Annual Tony Awards. The triple threat and lifelong theater fan will bring her unparalleled performance skills and magnetic stage presence to Radio City Music Hall when The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards return on Sunday, June 7, 2026. The 79th Annual Tony Awards® will broadcast LIVE to both coasts on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+* (8:00 – 11:00 PM ET/5:00 – 8:00 PM PT).

“It is the honor of an entire lifetime to host a night celebrating the literal hardest working people in showbiz,” said P!NK. “Broadway has shaped my life and how I put my own shows together – it is a community that is supportive, and inclusive, and full of talent and love. These people give magic every single day, and I cannot wait to celebrate them with the entire world.”

She continued, “When I was asked to host the Tonys, I immediately thought, ‘I have to get permission from my daughter.’ I’ve never been on Broadway, and shouldn’t you have to have been on Broadway in order to host? That seems fair and right. But when I asked my daughter, she was really excited about being able to have a ticket to go to the Tonys, so I’m hosting the Tonys and I’m really, really, excited and very nervous because that girl is a tough crowd!”

“Each year, the Tony Awards creates new theater fans around the world, expanding Broadway’s reach and shaping its future,” said Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theatre Wing, and Jason Laks, President of the Broadway League. “Over the course of her extraordinary career, P!NK has built one of the most passionate and enduring fan communities in the history of popular music, giving her a unique ability to bring even more people into this growing family. Simply put: we could not be more excited to get this party started.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the incomparable P!NK as the host of this year’s Tony Awards—a fearless artist whose powerhouse voice, electrifying stage presence, and undeniable authenticity embody the very spirit of live performance and theatre,” said 2026 Tony Award executive producers Raj Kapoor, Sarah Levine Hall, and Jack Sussman. “A passionate fan of Broadway, she brings a genuine love for the art form alongside her bold creativity and deep connection to audiences around the world, and we know she will deliver a fresh, dynamic energy to Broadway’s biggest night!”

“P!NK is an extraordinary artist, and her fearless creativity makes her an inspired choice to host this year’s Tony Awards on CBS,” said Mackenzie Mitchell, Senior Vice President of specials at CBS. “Her dynamic presence and deep respect for live performance will undoubtedly shape a powerful and memorable broadcast that celebrates the remarkable achievements of this Broadway season.”

Since bursting onto the scene in 2000, P!NK has achieved record-breaking success, using her platform to shape pop culture and champion humanitarian causes worldwide. She continues to evolve while remaining a global pop icon, a grounded mother and a trailblazer who has inspired millions worldwide.

She has built a career defined by fearless honesty, unforgettable live performances and a refusal to fit the mold. Her nine studio albums and greatest hits collection have sold more than 60 million album equivalents globally. She has earned 15 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including four No. 1s and she has filled arenas and stadiums around the world with her high-energy, high-flying, record-setting shows.

P!NK’s work has earned three Grammy Awards, a Daytime Emmy Award and seven MTV Video Music Awards, including the 2017 Vanguard Award. In 2019, she became the first international artist to receive the BRITs Outstanding Contribution to Music Award and she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Additional distinctions include the Billboard Music Awards Icon honors (2021) and the iHeartRadio Icon honors (2023), reflecting not only chart success but lasting influence and longevity.

In 2021, she released ‘Cover Me In Sunshine,’ a heartfelt duet with her daughter Willow Sage Hart. The documentary “P!NK: All I Know So Far” (Amazon Prime) and the companion live project, “All I Know So Far: Setlist,” followed, offering fans an intimate look at life on the road, the joys and challenges of motherhood, and the electrifying energy of her live performances.

Her ninth studio album TRUSTFALL set the stage for the Summer Carnival Tour, which became the second highest-grossing tour ever by a female artist. The stadium tour ran across 2023 and 2024 with 131 shows in 15 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S., playing to more than 4 million fans.

Her music is featured in two current Broadway productions – “Raise Your Glass” in Moulin Rouge! The Musical and “F**kin’ Perfect” in & Juliet.

P!NK is equally recognized for her activism and philanthropy. She has long championed causes such as Autism Speaks, the Human Rights Campaign, Make-A-Wish Foundation, No Kid Hungry and Planned Parenthood. She serves as a UNICEF USA ambassador. In 2025, she was honored with the Humanitarian Award from Action Against Hunger.

The Tony Awards are produced in collaboration with Tony Award Productions, a joint venture of the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League. Raj Kapoor, Sarah Levine Hall, and Jack Sussman will produce this year’s show. Kapoor and Levine Hall will also serve as Co-Showrunners. Patrick Menton and Rob Paine will Co-Executive Produce, with Menton also serving as Head of Talent.

Future Episodes:

April 19: Jena Tesse Fox!

Peter’s Brainteaser:

What do these Broadway revivals have in common:

FINIAN’S RAINBOW IN 1960

HAIR IN 1977

A TOUCH OF THE POET IN 1977

CHICAGO IN 1996

and JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE IN 2026.

Michael’s Musical Moments

CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL

Music Opener:

Music Closer:

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All The Drama is hosted by Jan Simpson. It is a series of deep dives into the plays that have won The Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Seascape 2005 production

1975 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Seascape” by Edward Albee

Seascape Wikipedia page:
https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Seascape_(play)

Edward Albee Wikipedia page:
https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Albee

Seascape script
https://www.concordtheatricals.com/s/98155/seascape

“Recalling Evolution of ‘Seascape’ Play, Albee Sees Tale Not of Lizard, but of Life” by Mel Gussow, New York Times
https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/99/08/15/specials/albee-evolution.html

“Among the Dunes” by Brendan Gill, The New Yorker
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1975/02/03/among-the-dunes

“Just Add Water, and a Classic Albee Play Resurfaces” by Andrea Shea, WBUR
https://www.wbur.org/news/2008/10/06/just-add-water-and-a-classic-albee-play-resurfaces

Albee’s New York Times obituary
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/17/arts/edward-albee-playwright-of-a-desperate-generation-dies-at-88.html

Edward Albee: A Singular Journey by Mel Gussow
https://amazon.com/Edward-Albee-Singular-Mel-Gussow/dp/1557834474/

Edward Albee: A Critical Introduction by Matthew Roudané
https://bookshop.org/books/edward-albee/9780521898294

All the Drama: 1967 Pulitzer Prize Winner “A Delicate Balance” by Edward Albee
https://broadwayradio.com/blog/2022/08/13/all-the-drama-1967-pulitzer-prize-winner-a-delicate-balance-by-edward-albee/

Seascape 1974 production

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

Jan Simpson | [email protected] | 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.

Listen: Lauren Class Schneider talks to Rodd Cyrus, Harry Houdini in “Ragtime” at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center.

Production photo by Matthew Murphy

“Class Notes” actively covers New York’s current theater season on, off, and off-off Broadway.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

On today’s episode, Matt Tamanini is in conversation with one of theatre’s most talented multihyphenates, Lauren Molina. She is currently preparing to begin performances in a new actor-musician production of “Fiddler on the Roof” as Tevye’s long-suffering wife Golde at Asolo Rep in Sarasota, Florida.

From her Broadway debut in John Doyle’s 2005 Tony-winning actor-musician production of “Sweeney Todd,” audiences have known that not only is Lauren a talented actor and singer, but she is also a phenomenal celloist. Having been in numerous other shows that allowed her to show off her cello-playing ability (including a critically acclaimed production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” that she co-conceived with regular collaborator Nick Cearley), she has become a staple in the cabaret scene in New York and around the country, playing the cello in her underwear in the band The Skivvies, which she founded with Cearley.

In their conversation, Matt and Lauren discuss how the actor-musician concept can help explore nuance and depth in shows that we think we know, what “Fiddler” has to say about the world today, why Golde is a dream role she never knew she had, and how she dealt with a plague of lovebugs on a Florida beach.

Asolo Rep’s actor-musician production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs in Sarasota from April 11 through May 24.

Purchase tickets to see “Fiddler on the Roof” at Asolo Rep:
https://asolorep.org/show/fiddler-on-the-roof/