BROADWAY NATION https://www.broadway-nation.com en Broadway Podcast Network A lively and opinionated cultural history of the Broadway Musical that tells the extraordinary story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, African-Americans and other outcasts invented the Broadway Musical, and how they changed America in the process.In Season One, host David Armstrong traces the evolution of American Musical Theater from its birth at the dawn of the 20th Century, through its mid-century “Golden Age”, and right up to its current 21st Century renaissance; and also explore how musicals have reflected and shaped our world -- especially in regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, and equality. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/27b72726-8026-11ea-bbd9-8363f7da7306/image/BWAY_NATION.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress BROADWAY NATION https://www.broadway-nation.com no episodic Broadway Nation is a lively and opinionated cultural history of the Broadway Musical that tells the extraordinary story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, African-Americans and other outcasts invented the Broadway Musical, and how they changed America in the process. Broadway Podcast Network A lively and opinionated cultural history of the Broadway Musical that tells the extraordinary story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, African-Americans and other outcasts invented the Broadway Musical, and how they changed America in the process.In Season One, host David Armstrong traces the evolution of American Musical Theater from its birth at the dawn of the 20th Century, through its mid-century “Golden Age”, and right up to its current 21st Century renaissance; and also explore how musicals have reflected and shaped our world -- especially in regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, and equality. A lively and opinionated cultural history of the Broadway Musical that tells the extraordinary story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, African-Americans and other outcasts invented the Broadway Musical, and how they changed America in the process.In Season One, host David Armstrong traces the evolution of American Musical Theater from its birth at the dawn of the 20th Century, through its mid-century “Golden Age”, and right up to its current 21st Century renaissance; and also explore how musicals have reflected and shaped our world -- especially in regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, and equality.

]]> David Armstrong podcastadmin@broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Ep 200: Feminist Approaches to Musical Theatre https://www.broadway-nation.com/ I am very pleased to share with you part one of my recent conversation with authors Paige Allan and Stacy Wolf about their fascinating new book, Feminist Approaches to Musical Theater. Paige Allen is a writer, researcher, and storyteller. She holds a Masters degree in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the Oxford University of and an BA in English from Princeton University, USA. Stacy Wolf is Professor of Theater and American Studies at Princeton University and is the author of the acclaimed books Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical and A Problem Like Maria: Gender and Sexuality in the American Musical. Long-time listeners will remember Stacy from Episodes 44 and 45 of Broadway Nation, in which we talked about her book Beyond Broadway: The Pleasure and Promise of Musical Theatre Across America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 Feminist Approaches to Musical Theatre full 3 197 Broadway Podcast Network With authors Paige Allen & Stacy Wolf I am very pleased to share with you part one of my recent conversation with authors Paige Allan and Stacy Wolf about their fascinating new book, Feminist Approaches to Musical Theater. Paige Allen is a writer, researcher, and storyteller. She holds a Masters degree in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the Oxford University of and an BA in English from Princeton University, USA. Stacy Wolf is Professor of Theater and American Studies at Princeton University and is the author of the acclaimed books Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical and A Problem Like Maria: Gender and Sexuality in the American Musical. Long-time listeners will remember Stacy from Episodes 44 and 45 of Broadway Nation, in which we talked about her book Beyond Broadway: The Pleasure and Promise of Musical Theatre Across America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I am very pleased to share with you part one of my recent conversation with authors Paige Allan and Stacy Wolf about their fascinating new book, Feminist Approaches to Musical Theater.

Paige Allen is a writer, researcher, and storyteller. She holds a Masters degree in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the Oxford University of and an BA in English from Princeton University, USA.

Stacy Wolf is Professor of Theater and American Studies at Princeton University and is the author of the acclaimed books Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical and A Problem Like Maria: Gender and Sexuality in the American Musical.

Long-time listeners will remember Stacy from Episodes 44 and 45 of Broadway Nation, in which we talked about her book Beyond Broadway: The Pleasure and Promise of Musical Theatre Across America.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2576 no Ep 199: MARC SHAIMAN ON BROADWAY This is the second half of my recent conversation with Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, arranger, and music producer MARC SHAIMAN about his new, New York Times bestselling book, NEVER MIND THE HAPPY. During his five-decade career, Marc has found enormous success in nearly every aspect of show business, but in this episode, we focus on his experiences on Broadway, including CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and, most especially, the behind-the-scenes history and development of his smash-hit musical HAIRSPRAY. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, PAULA & STEVE REYNOLDS. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network This is the second half of my recent conversation with Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, arranger, and music producer MARC SHAIMAN about his new, New York Times bestselling book, NEVER MIND THE HAPPY. During his five-decade career, Marc has found enormous success in nearly every aspect of show business, but in this episode, we focus on his experiences on Broadway, including CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and, most especially, the behind-the-scenes history and development of his smash-hit musical HAIRSPRAY. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, PAULA & STEVE REYNOLDS. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my recent conversation with Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, arranger, and music producer MARC SHAIMAN about his new, New York Times bestselling book, NEVER MIND THE HAPPY.

During his five-decade career, Marc has found enormous success in nearly every aspect of show business, but in this episode, we focus on his experiences on Broadway, including CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and, most especially, the behind-the-scenes history and development of his smash-hit musical HAIRSPRAY.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, PAULA & STEVE REYNOLDS.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2950 no Ep 10: The Great Depression & The Silver Age of Broadway, Part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ During the 1930s Broadway was severely impacted by the economic disaster of the "Great Depression". However, somehow out of all that hardship and struggle came an extraordinary period of artistic achievement and spectacular continuing development for the Broadway Musical. The inventors of these shows included several new and defining masters of the musical, as well as many of the bright lights of the 1920’s, who now achieved their full wattage in the 1930’s. Among these were Dietz & Schwartz., Lindsay & Crouse, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, The Gershwins, and George "Mr" Abbott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 28 Feb 2026 03:23:00 -0000 The Great Depression & The Silver Age of Broadway, Part 2 full 1 10 Broadway Podcast Network During the 1930s Broadway was severely impacted by the economic disaster of the "Great Depression". However, somehow out of all that hardship and struggle came an extraordinary period of artistic achievement and spectacular continuing development for the Broadway Musical. The inventors of these shows included several new and defining masters of the musical, as well as many of the bright lights of the 1920’s, who now achieved their full wattage in the 1930’s. Among these were Dietz & Schwartz., Lindsay & Crouse, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, The Gershwins, and George "Mr" Abbott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices During the 1930s Broadway was severely impacted by the economic disaster of the "Great Depression". However, somehow out of all that hardship and struggle came an extraordinary period of artistic achievement and spectacular continuing development for the Broadway Musical. The inventors of these shows included several new and defining masters of the musical, as well as many of the bright lights of the 1920’s, who now achieved their full wattage in the 1930’s. Among these were Dietz & Schwartz., Lindsay & Crouse, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, The Gershwins, and George "Mr" Abbott.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2235 no Ep 198: FIVE DECADES OF SHOW BIZ with MARC SHAIMAN https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today on Broadway Nation is the Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, arranger, and music producer, MARC SHAIMAN, who has found spectacular success in nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry, including film, television, and theater, but is probably best known to fans of this podcast as the composer and co-lyricist of the Broadway smash hit musical HAIRSPRAY. Marc joins us today to tell us about his star-studded new book, NEVER MIND THE HAPPY, which recently became a New York Times bestseller. In this candid, hilarious, and at times quite moving memoir, Shaiman looks back over five decades of his amazing career. I found this to be a delightful conversation filled with behind-the-scenes stories and impromptu musical punctuations that I suspect you will not soon forget! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, Arnold Hirshon. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:44:00 -0000 FIVE DECADES OF SHOW BIZ with MARC SHAIMAN full 3 196 Broadway Podcast Network TONY Award-winning Composer/Lyricist and Author of NEVER MIND THE HAPPY My guest today on Broadway Nation is the Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, arranger, and music producer, MARC SHAIMAN, who has found spectacular success in nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry, including film, television, and theater, but is probably best known to fans of this podcast as the composer and co-lyricist of the Broadway smash hit musical HAIRSPRAY. Marc joins us today to tell us about his star-studded new book, NEVER MIND THE HAPPY, which recently became a New York Times bestseller. In this candid, hilarious, and at times quite moving memoir, Shaiman looks back over five decades of his amazing career. I found this to be a delightful conversation filled with behind-the-scenes stories and impromptu musical punctuations that I suspect you will not soon forget! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, Arnold Hirshon. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today on Broadway Nation is the Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, arranger, and music producer, MARC SHAIMAN, who has found spectacular success in nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry, including film, television, and theater, but is probably best known to fans of this podcast as the composer and co-lyricist of the Broadway smash hit musical HAIRSPRAY.

Marc joins us today to tell us about his star-studded new book, NEVER MIND THE HAPPY, which recently became a New York Times bestseller.

In this candid, hilarious, and at times quite moving memoir, Shaiman looks back over five decades of his amazing career. I found this to be a delightful conversation filled with behind-the-scenes stories and impromptu musical punctuations that I suspect you will not soon forget!

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, Arnold Hirshon.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2098 no Ep 197: Matching Minds With Sondheim with author Barry Joseph https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is Barry Joseph, the author of the recent book, Matching Minds with Sondheim. Since his death,  there have been so many books about Stephen Sondheim and various aspects of his life and his career, including an amazing number of really terrific books, and I have had the honor of having many of the authors of those books as guests on this podcast. And Barry Joseph’s book is right up there with the best of them, but it is also a completely unique and original way of looking at Sondheim. As Barry describes it, Matching Minds with Sondheim is “an exploration into the barely understood, hardly known, side-aspect of who Steven Sondheim was when he was not writing lyrics and composing music. Puzzles and games were a side hobby of his that he had a passion for throughout his life — from when he was very young until he passed away. And throughout those many decades, through parlor games, board games, treasure hunts, word puzzles, mechanical puzzles and video games, his passion, interest and creativity was expressed in a whole other way than we get to see when it's on the stage.” The book also serves as a sort of “alternate biography” of Sondheim and explores how his life, Broadway career, and gaming hobby were intricately intertwined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0000 Matching Minds With Sondheim with author Barry Joseph full 3 196 Broadway Podcast Network My guest this week is Barry Joseph, the author of the recent book, Matching Minds with Sondheim. Since his death,  there have been so many books about Stephen Sondheim and various aspects of his life and his career, including an amazing number of really terrific books, and I have had the honor of having many of the authors of those books as guests on this podcast. And Barry Joseph’s book is right up there with the best of them, but it is also a completely unique and original way of looking at Sondheim. As Barry describes it, Matching Minds with Sondheim is “an exploration into the barely understood, hardly known, side-aspect of who Steven Sondheim was when he was not writing lyrics and composing music. Puzzles and games were a side hobby of his that he had a passion for throughout his life — from when he was very young until he passed away. And throughout those many decades, through parlor games, board games, treasure hunts, word puzzles, mechanical puzzles and video games, his passion, interest and creativity was expressed in a whole other way than we get to see when it's on the stage.” The book also serves as a sort of “alternate biography” of Sondheim and explores how his life, Broadway career, and gaming hobby were intricately intertwined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is Barry Joseph, the author of the recent book, Matching Minds with Sondheim.

Since his death,  there have been so many books about Stephen Sondheim and various aspects of his life and his career, including an amazing number of really terrific books, and I have had the honor of having many of the authors of those books as guests on this podcast. And Barry Joseph’s book is right up there with the best of them, but it is also a completely unique and original way of looking at Sondheim.

As Barry describes it, Matching Minds with Sondheim is “an exploration into the barely understood, hardly known, side-aspect of who Steven Sondheim was when he was not writing lyrics and composing music. Puzzles and games were a side hobby of his that he had a passion for throughout his life — from when he was very young until he passed away. And throughout those many decades, through parlor games, board games, treasure hunts, word puzzles, mechanical puzzles and video games, his passion, interest and creativity was expressed in a whole other way than we get to see when it's on the stage.”

The book also serves as a sort of “alternate biography” of Sondheim and explores how his life, Broadway career, and gaming hobby were intricately intertwined.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3918 no Ep 196 The Last Waltz — In Search of Lost Broadway, part 4 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the fourth and final episode in which Albert Evans and I go in search of the 1934 smash-hit musical The Great Waltz, one of the longest-running shows of the 1930s. The goal of this occasional series of podcasts, In Search of Lost Broadway, is to try to rediscover big hit Broadway musicals from the past, which today are almost entirely unknown to us and forgotten. This week, we explore several high-profile reincarnations of The Great Waltz in the 1960s and 70s, all of which stem from a heavily revised version, with new lyrics by the team Robert Wright and George Forrest, that was first produced by impresario Irwin Lester at his Los Angeles Civic Light Opera company in 1949 and then was revived and revised in 1953 and 1965. The highly acclaimed 1965 version was announced several times for Broadway but never materialized there. It did, however, open in London in 1970, where it became a major hit, running more than 600 performances. Then, in 1972, in the wake of the massive success of The Sound of Music film, The Great Waltz became a major motion picture starring Horst Buchholz and Mary Costa, again with new lyrics by Wright & Forrest. Finally, we discuss the Walt Disney TV-movie version of the Johann Strauss story, titled The Waltz King, which aired on The Wonderful World of Disney in 1963. If you missed the previous episodes in the series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, Ann Drourr. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 The Last Waltz — In Search of Lost Broadway, part 4 full 3 193 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans This is the fourth and final episode in which Albert Evans and I go in search of the 1934 smash-hit musical The Great Waltz, one of the longest-running shows of the 1930s. The goal of this occasional series of podcasts, In Search of Lost Broadway, is to try to rediscover big hit Broadway musicals from the past, which today are almost entirely unknown to us and forgotten. This week, we explore several high-profile reincarnations of The Great Waltz in the 1960s and 70s, all of which stem from a heavily revised version, with new lyrics by the team Robert Wright and George Forrest, that was first produced by impresario Irwin Lester at his Los Angeles Civic Light Opera company in 1949 and then was revived and revised in 1953 and 1965. The highly acclaimed 1965 version was announced several times for Broadway but never materialized there. It did, however, open in London in 1970, where it became a major hit, running more than 600 performances. Then, in 1972, in the wake of the massive success of The Sound of Music film, The Great Waltz became a major motion picture starring Horst Buchholz and Mary Costa, again with new lyrics by Wright & Forrest. Finally, we discuss the Walt Disney TV-movie version of the Johann Strauss story, titled The Waltz King, which aired on The Wonderful World of Disney in 1963. If you missed the previous episodes in the series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, Ann Drourr. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the fourth and final episode in which Albert Evans and I go in search of the 1934 smash-hit musical The Great Waltz, one of the longest-running shows of the 1930s.

The goal of this occasional series of podcasts, In Search of Lost Broadway, is to try to rediscover big hit Broadway musicals from the past, which today are almost entirely unknown to us and forgotten.

This week, we explore several high-profile reincarnations of The Great Waltz in the 1960s and 70s, all of which stem from a heavily revised version, with new lyrics by the team Robert Wright and George Forrest, that was first produced by impresario Irwin Lester at his Los Angeles Civic Light Opera company in 1949 and then was revived and revised in 1953 and 1965.

The highly acclaimed 1965 version was announced several times for Broadway but never materialized there. It did, however, open in London in 1970, where it became a major hit, running more than 600 performances.

Then, in 1972, in the wake of the massive success of The Sound of Music film, The Great Waltz became a major motion picture starring Horst Buchholz and Mary Costa, again with new lyrics by Wright & Forrest.

Finally, we discuss the Walt Disney TV-movie version of the Johann Strauss story, titled The Waltz King, which aired on The Wonderful World of Disney in 1963.

If you missed the previous episodes in the series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, Ann Drourr.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3844 no Ep 195: 40 Years of CHESS https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Because this is a Broadway history podcast, I don’t usually comment on recently opened productions, since we can’t know yet whether they will be historically significant. The exceptions, of course, are major revivals of Broadway musicals from the past. And since I’ve been around for a while and had the opportunity to see the original 1986 London production of Chess, which ran for three years, as well as the 1988 Broadway production, which closed after only 68 performances, and a few weeks ago, the current Broadway revival of the show, I thought I might be interesting today to talk about the history of this show and share my thoughts on all three major productions. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Kelly Allen. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 17 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 40 Years of CHESS full 3 195 Broadway Podcast Network Because this is a Broadway history podcast, I don’t usually comment on recently opened productions, since we can’t know yet whether they will be historically significant. The exceptions, of course, are major revivals of Broadway musicals from the past. And since I’ve been around for a while and had the opportunity to see the original 1986 London production of Chess, which ran for three years, as well as the 1988 Broadway production, which closed after only 68 performances, and a few weeks ago, the current Broadway revival of the show, I thought I might be interesting today to talk about the history of this show and share my thoughts on all three major productions. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Kelly Allen. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Because this is a Broadway history podcast, I don’t usually comment on recently opened productions, since we can’t know yet whether they will be historically significant. The exceptions, of course, are major revivals of Broadway musicals from the past. And since I’ve been around for a while and had the opportunity to see the original 1986 London production of Chess, which ran for three years, as well as the 1988 Broadway production, which closed after only 68 performances, and a few weeks ago, the current Broadway revival of the show, I thought I might be interesting today to talk about the history of this show and share my thoughts on all three major productions.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Kelly Allen.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2850 no Ep 194: The Great Waltz on Radio & TV https://www.broadway-nation.com/ On this week’s Broadway Nation podcast, Albert Evans and I once again go “In Search of Lost Broadway,” as part of our occasional podcast series in which we try to rediscover significant hit Broadway musicals from the past that today are almost entirely unknown and forgotten. This is the third episode in which we go in search of the 1934 smash hit bio-jukebox-musical, The Great Waltz — one of the longest-running shows of the 1930s. Today, Albert and I discuss and review two adaptations of this musical that were produced one a year apart in the mid-1950s: a radio version starring Gordon MacRae on his The Railroad Hour show,  and a live television extravaganza starring Patrice Munsel, Keith Andes, and Burt Lahr. If you miss the earlier episodes in this series, you may want to go back and catch up with them before listening to this one. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Kelly Allen. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 The Great Waltz on Radio & TV full 3 190 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans On this week’s Broadway Nation podcast, Albert Evans and I once again go “In Search of Lost Broadway,” as part of our occasional podcast series in which we try to rediscover significant hit Broadway musicals from the past that today are almost entirely unknown and forgotten. This is the third episode in which we go in search of the 1934 smash hit bio-jukebox-musical, The Great Waltz — one of the longest-running shows of the 1930s. Today, Albert and I discuss and review two adaptations of this musical that were produced one a year apart in the mid-1950s: a radio version starring Gordon MacRae on his The Railroad Hour show,  and a live television extravaganza starring Patrice Munsel, Keith Andes, and Burt Lahr. If you miss the earlier episodes in this series, you may want to go back and catch up with them before listening to this one. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Kelly Allen. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this week’s Broadway Nation podcast, Albert Evans and I once again go “In Search of Lost Broadway,” as part of our occasional podcast series in which we try to rediscover significant hit Broadway musicals from the past that today are almost entirely unknown and forgotten.

This is the third episode in which we go in search of the 1934 smash hit bio-jukebox-musical, The Great Waltz — one of the longest-running shows of the 1930s.

Today, Albert and I discuss and review two adaptations of this musical that were produced one a year apart in the mid-1950s: a radio version starring Gordon MacRae on his The Railroad Hour show,  and a live television extravaganza starring Patrice Munsel, Keith Andes, and Burt Lahr.

If you miss the earlier episodes in this series, you may want to go back and catch up with them before listening to this one.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Kelly Allen.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3276 no Irving Berlin, Bing Crosby and the Story of "White Christmas," America's Most Popular Song, part 2 This is the second of two special holiday episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin — in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical — also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard.” In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time — Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember, the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.    Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:29:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network This is the second of two special holiday episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin — in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical — also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard.” In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time — Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember, the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.    Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second of two special holiday episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org

In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin — in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical — also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard.” In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time — Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway.

But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember, the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer!

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   

Happy New Year!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2477 no Encore Episode: The Story Behind the Song, WHITE CHRISTMAS https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special holiday reprise of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes: It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island just outside of Seattle, WA. Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. This time I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.  Happy Holidays! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 The Story Behind the Song, WHITE CHRISTMAS full 3 Broadway Podcast Network A Broadway Nation Live Recording This is a special holiday reprise of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes: It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island just outside of Seattle, WA. Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. This time I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.  Happy Holidays! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special holiday reprise of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes: It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island just outside of Seattle, WA.

Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. This time I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.  

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans. 

Happy Holidays!

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2065 no Ep 193: BY STRAUSS! In Search of THE GREAT WALTZ, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week Albert Evans joins me once again as we go “In Search of Lost Broadway.” Specifically, the 1934 smash-hit musical The Great Waltz, conceived, directed, and lighted by Hassard. Short, with a book by Moss Hart, choreography by Albertina Rasch, based on the Viennese operetta and London hit, Waltzes From Vienna with English lyrics by Desmond Carter, and featuring the music of both Johann Strausses, I and II. If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Today, because 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss II,  I begin by taking a brief survey of his surprisingly substantial legacy on Broadway,  including  26 Broadway productions featuring his music between 1882 and 1990. Then Albert and I begin to explore the long legacy of The Great Waltz, which includes multiple film and stage productions spanning from the 1930s to the 1970s, with a special focus in this episode on the fourth incarnation of this musical: the 1938 MGM film operetta, also titled The Great Waltz. But is it indeed a movie version of the Broadway show? That's the big question we try to solve. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 BY STRAUSS! In Search of THE GREAT WALTZ, part 2 full 3 193 Broadway Podcast Network In Search of Lost Broadway This week Albert Evans joins me once again as we go “In Search of Lost Broadway.” Specifically, the 1934 smash-hit musical The Great Waltz, conceived, directed, and lighted by Hassard. Short, with a book by Moss Hart, choreography by Albertina Rasch, based on the Viennese operetta and London hit, Waltzes From Vienna with English lyrics by Desmond Carter, and featuring the music of both Johann Strausses, I and II. If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Today, because 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss II,  I begin by taking a brief survey of his surprisingly substantial legacy on Broadway,  including  26 Broadway productions featuring his music between 1882 and 1990. Then Albert and I begin to explore the long legacy of The Great Waltz, which includes multiple film and stage productions spanning from the 1930s to the 1970s, with a special focus in this episode on the fourth incarnation of this musical: the 1938 MGM film operetta, also titled The Great Waltz. But is it indeed a movie version of the Broadway show? That's the big question we try to solve. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week Albert Evans joins me once again as we go “In Search of Lost Broadway.” Specifically, the 1934 smash-hit musical The Great Waltz, conceived, directed, and lighted by Hassard. Short, with a book by Moss Hart, choreography by Albertina Rasch, based on the Viennese operetta and London hit, Waltzes From Vienna with English lyrics by Desmond Carter, and featuring the music of both Johann Strausses, I and II.

If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

Today, because 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss II,  I begin by taking a brief survey of his surprisingly substantial legacy on Broadway,  including  26 Broadway productions featuring his music between 1882 and 1990.

Then Albert and I begin to explore the long legacy of The Great Waltz, which includes multiple film and stage productions spanning from the 1930s to the 1970s, with a special focus in this episode on the fourth incarnation of this musical: the 1938 MGM film operetta, also titled The Great Waltz.

But is it indeed a movie version of the Broadway show? That's the big question we try to solve.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3020 no A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM BROADWAY NATION! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ You are invited to join me on December 11 at 5:00 PM at The Museum of Broadway where Tony and Olivier Award-winning lyricist , David Zippel, will be interview me about my new book, Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical. Reserve your FREE seats now at https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/calendar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 07 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 bonus Broadway Podcast Network You are invited to join me on December 11 at 5:00 PM at The Museum of Broadway where Tony and Olivier Award-winning lyricist , David Zippel, will be interview me about my new book, Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical. Reserve your FREE seats now at https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/calendar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You are invited to join me on December 11 at 5:00 PM at The Museum of Broadway where Tony and Olivier Award-winning lyricist , David Zippel, will be interview me about my new book, Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical.

Reserve your FREE seats now at https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/calendar

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 136 no Ep 192: IN SEARCH OF LOST BROADWAY — THE GREAT WALTZ https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second in our occasional series of episodes that I'm calling "In Search of Lost Broadway,” in which my longtime  colleague Albert Evans and I try to unearth and rediscover musicals that were very significant and influential Broadway hits in their day but now have disappeared from almost all discussion of Broadway's past and receive only the briefest mentions in the history books. Today, we focus on a big hit musical of the 1930s that I highly doubt anyone listening to this podcast has ever seen live on stage. That show is THE GREAT WALTZ.  It opened on Broadway in 1934  and became one of the longest-running musicals of the decade.  It was the creation of three very significant Broadway artists of what I call the “Silver Age” of Broadway: bookwriter MOSS HART, choreographer ALBERTINA RASCH, and, most notably, the musicals conceiver, director, and lighting designer HASSARD SHORT — who I have come to believe is one of the most important and yet most under-acknowledged Queer inventors of the Broadway musical. Our goal (at least until someone invents a time machine so that we can journey back to see the show) has been to identify and evaluate firsthand accounts, reviews, scholarship, recordings, films, videos, et cetera (including three movie versions and a live television production) in terms of how effectively they can help us to understand, appreciate and even, to some degree, experience the original Broadway production.  Another reason I selected this show for us to focus on right now is because just a few weeks ago,  October 25th, 2025,  marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of JOHANN STRAUSS II,  who even though he died in 1899,  had an amazingly significant presence on Broadway during the 20th century, including 27 showsfeaturing his music between 1882  and 1990. Albert and I will review that list of musicals on the next episode. Here is your Broadway Nation Ep 192: In Search of Lost Broadway: The Great Waltz companion guide to related media: A studio cast recording of Waltzes From Vienna, the score of which seems to have been carried over into the Broadway production of The Great Waltz:  Onstage and behind-the-scenes newsreel footage of the original production of The Great Waltz:  The full 1934 film version of Waltzes From Vienna, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 IN SEARCH OF LOST BROADWAY — THE GREAT WALTZ full 3 192 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans This is the second in our occasional series of episodes that I'm calling "In Search of Lost Broadway,” in which my longtime  colleague Albert Evans and I try to unearth and rediscover musicals that were very significant and influential Broadway hits in their day but now have disappeared from almost all discussion of Broadway's past and receive only the briefest mentions in the history books. Today, we focus on a big hit musical of the 1930s that I highly doubt anyone listening to this podcast has ever seen live on stage. That show is THE GREAT WALTZ.  It opened on Broadway in 1934  and became one of the longest-running musicals of the decade.  It was the creation of three very significant Broadway artists of what I call the “Silver Age” of Broadway: bookwriter MOSS HART, choreographer ALBERTINA RASCH, and, most notably, the musicals conceiver, director, and lighting designer HASSARD SHORT — who I have come to believe is one of the most important and yet most under-acknowledged Queer inventors of the Broadway musical. Our goal (at least until someone invents a time machine so that we can journey back to see the show) has been to identify and evaluate firsthand accounts, reviews, scholarship, recordings, films, videos, et cetera (including three movie versions and a live television production) in terms of how effectively they can help us to understand, appreciate and even, to some degree, experience the original Broadway production.  Another reason I selected this show for us to focus on right now is because just a few weeks ago,  October 25th, 2025,  marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of JOHANN STRAUSS II,  who even though he died in 1899,  had an amazingly significant presence on Broadway during the 20th century, including 27 showsfeaturing his music between 1882  and 1990. Albert and I will review that list of musicals on the next episode. Here is your Broadway Nation Ep 192: In Search of Lost Broadway: The Great Waltz companion guide to related media: A studio cast recording of Waltzes From Vienna, the score of which seems to have been carried over into the Broadway production of The Great Waltz:  Onstage and behind-the-scenes newsreel footage of the original production of The Great Waltz:  The full 1934 film version of Waltzes From Vienna, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second in our occasional series of episodes that I'm calling "In Search of Lost Broadway,” in which my longtime  colleague Albert Evans and I try to unearth and rediscover musicals that were very significant and influential Broadway hits in their day but now have disappeared from almost all discussion of Broadway's past and receive only the briefest mentions in the history books.

Today, we focus on a big hit musical of the 1930s that I highly doubt anyone listening to this podcast has ever seen live on stage. That show is THE GREAT WALTZ.  It opened on Broadway in 1934  and became one of the longest-running musicals of the decade.

 It was the creation of three very significant Broadway artists of what I call the “Silver Age” of Broadway: bookwriter MOSS HART, choreographer ALBERTINA RASCH, and, most notably, the musicals conceiver, director, and lighting designer HASSARD SHORT — who I have come to believe is one of the most important and yet most under-acknowledged Queer inventors of the Broadway musical.

Our goal (at least until someone invents a time machine so that we can journey back to see the show) has been to identify and evaluate firsthand accounts, reviews, scholarship, recordings, films, videos, et cetera (including three movie versions and a live television production) in terms of how effectively they can help us to understand, appreciate and even, to some degree, experience the original Broadway production.

 Another reason I selected this show for us to focus on right now is because just a few weeks ago,  October 25th, 2025,  marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of JOHANN STRAUSS II,  who even though he died in 1899,  had an amazingly significant presence on Broadway during the 20th century, including 27 showsfeaturing his music between 1882  and 1990. Albert and I will review that list of musicals on the next episode.

Here is your Broadway Nation Ep 192: In Search of Lost Broadway: The Great Waltz companion guide to related media:

    • A studio cast recording of Waltzes From Vienna, the score of which seems to have been carried over into the Broadway production of The Great Waltz: 
    • Onstage and behind-the-scenes newsreel footage of the original production of The Great Waltz: 
    • The full 1934 film version of Waltzes From Vienna, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
    • Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

      • This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

      If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

      And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

      If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

      ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3294 no Encore Episode: MY FIRST SONDHEIM This episode was recorded in 2021 just five days after it was announced that Stephen Sondheim had died and as it happened my friend, colleague and frequent co-host and contributor to Broadway Nation, Albert Evans, was spending the Thanksgiving weekend with me, and so we were together when this news began to break and during the incredible reaction and response this loss over the days that followed. The coverage of Sondheim’s life and legacy in both traditional and social media had been phenomenal including four full pages in the NY Times, extended tributes on TV, radio and other newspapers, trending on Twitter and a near total domination of all theater related social media — all richly deserved of course — but still somewhat unexpected for someone who was primarily a theater artist.  I think this reflects the hidden importance and impact of the Broadway musical on American and world culture. Most of the time the media simply ignores Broadway but once in a while it breaks through and reveals how ingrained it is in the fabric of our lives.  For this episode, rather than talk about Sondheim’s one of a kind place in the history of the Broadway musical and his impact on the form — as we have done on so many other episodes — Albert and I took our inspiration from the many personal memories that people have been posting and sharing about their own interactions with Sondheim, and especially how his shows and songs have impacted and affected their lives. So, before the weekend was over Albert and I decided to switch on the microphone and look back to the very first times that the work of Stephen Sondheim entered our lives. We would love to hear about your first time experiencing of the artistry of Stephen Sondheim and feature those memories on an upcoming episode. And we have made it extremely easy for you to share them. Just go the Broadway nation website at ⁠www.Broadway-nation.com⁠ and on the bottom right corner of the home page you will find a microphone icon. Simply click on that and share with us you’re first Sondheim experiences! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network This episode was recorded in 2021 just five days after it was announced that Stephen Sondheim had died and as it happened my friend, colleague and frequent co-host and contributor to Broadway Nation, Albert Evans, was spending the Thanksgiving weekend with me, and so we were together when this news began to break and during the incredible reaction and response this loss over the days that followed. The coverage of Sondheim’s life and legacy in both traditional and social media had been phenomenal including four full pages in the NY Times, extended tributes on TV, radio and other newspapers, trending on Twitter and a near total domination of all theater related social media — all richly deserved of course — but still somewhat unexpected for someone who was primarily a theater artist.  I think this reflects the hidden importance and impact of the Broadway musical on American and world culture. Most of the time the media simply ignores Broadway but once in a while it breaks through and reveals how ingrained it is in the fabric of our lives.  For this episode, rather than talk about Sondheim’s one of a kind place in the history of the Broadway musical and his impact on the form — as we have done on so many other episodes — Albert and I took our inspiration from the many personal memories that people have been posting and sharing about their own interactions with Sondheim, and especially how his shows and songs have impacted and affected their lives. So, before the weekend was over Albert and I decided to switch on the microphone and look back to the very first times that the work of Stephen Sondheim entered our lives. We would love to hear about your first time experiencing of the artistry of Stephen Sondheim and feature those memories on an upcoming episode. And we have made it extremely easy for you to share them. Just go the Broadway nation website at ⁠www.Broadway-nation.com⁠ and on the bottom right corner of the home page you will find a microphone icon. Simply click on that and share with us you’re first Sondheim experiences! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode was recorded in 2021 just five days after it was announced that Stephen Sondheim had died and as it happened my friend, colleague and frequent co-host and contributor to Broadway Nation, Albert Evans, was spending the Thanksgiving weekend with me, and so we were together when this news began to break and during the incredible reaction and response this loss over the days that followed.

The coverage of Sondheim’s life and legacy in both traditional and social media had been phenomenal including four full pages in the NY Times, extended tributes on TV, radio and other newspapers, trending on Twitter and a near total domination of all theater related social media — all richly deserved of course — but still somewhat unexpected for someone who was primarily a theater artist. 

I think this reflects the hidden importance and impact of the Broadway musical on American and world culture. Most of the time the media simply ignores Broadway but once in a while it breaks through and reveals how ingrained it is in the fabric of our lives. 

For this episode, rather than talk about Sondheim’s one of a kind place in the history of the Broadway musical and his impact on the form — as we have done on so many other episodes — Albert and I took our inspiration from the many personal memories that people have been posting and sharing about their own interactions with Sondheim, and especially how his shows and songs have impacted and affected their lives.

So, before the weekend was over Albert and I decided to switch on the microphone and look back to the very first times that the work of Stephen Sondheim entered our lives.

We would love to hear about your first time experiencing of the artistry of Stephen Sondheim and feature those memories on an upcoming episode. And we have made it extremely easy for you to share them. Just go the Broadway nation website at ⁠www.Broadway-nation.com⁠ and on the bottom right corner of the home page you will find a microphone icon. Simply click on that and share with us you’re first Sondheim experiences!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2278 no Ep 191: HOW A SONDHEIM REJECTION INSPIRED A BROADWAY NOVEL! https://www.broadway-nation.com/  My guest this week is DAN ELISH, author of a new novel called KING OF BROADWAY. As you will hear, the plot of this novel was inspired by a real life interaction that Dan had with the legendary Broadway songwriter Stephen Sondheim. While the majority of authors I interview on Broadway Nation are historians or scholars who have created non-fiction works about the history of the Broadway musical, every once in a while it is my great pleasure to feature a fiction writer who has taken what I call a "novel approach" to Broadway. These have included, on episode 90: Laura Frankos and her time travel novel Broadway Revival, on episode 1 32: Stephen Cole and his time travel novel,  MARY and ETHEL and Mikey Who?,  on episode 1 37: Jack Viertel's novel Broadway Melody, and most recently on episode 1 55: Chad Beguelin's Showmance, which like the novel we discuss today, is set in the world of contemporary Broadway. Dan Elish co-wrote the book to the Broadway musical 13 (music & lyrics by Jason Robert Brown) which has been performed all over the world and is now a movie on Netflix. Dan is also the bookwriter and co-lyricist of the off-Broadway musical, The Evolution of Man. Additionally, he's the author of twelve novels for readers of all ages including the real-life children's novel, The Worldwide Dessert Contest which in King of Broadway becomes the basis for a fictional Broadway musical. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 HOW A SONDHEIM REJECTION INSPIRED A BROADWAY NOVEL! full 3 187 Broadway Podcast Network With author DAN ELISH  My guest this week is DAN ELISH, author of a new novel called KING OF BROADWAY. As you will hear, the plot of this novel was inspired by a real life interaction that Dan had with the legendary Broadway songwriter Stephen Sondheim. While the majority of authors I interview on Broadway Nation are historians or scholars who have created non-fiction works about the history of the Broadway musical, every once in a while it is my great pleasure to feature a fiction writer who has taken what I call a "novel approach" to Broadway. These have included, on episode 90: Laura Frankos and her time travel novel Broadway Revival, on episode 1 32: Stephen Cole and his time travel novel,  MARY and ETHEL and Mikey Who?,  on episode 1 37: Jack Viertel's novel Broadway Melody, and most recently on episode 1 55: Chad Beguelin's Showmance, which like the novel we discuss today, is set in the world of contemporary Broadway. Dan Elish co-wrote the book to the Broadway musical 13 (music & lyrics by Jason Robert Brown) which has been performed all over the world and is now a movie on Netflix. Dan is also the bookwriter and co-lyricist of the off-Broadway musical, The Evolution of Man. Additionally, he's the author of twelve novels for readers of all ages including the real-life children's novel, The Worldwide Dessert Contest which in King of Broadway becomes the basis for a fictional Broadway musical. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  My guest this week is DAN ELISH, author of a new novel called KING OF BROADWAY. As you will hear, the plot of this novel was inspired by a real life interaction that Dan had with the legendary Broadway songwriter Stephen Sondheim.

While the majority of authors I interview on Broadway Nation are historians or scholars who have created non-fiction works about the history of the Broadway musical, every once in a while it is my great pleasure to feature a fiction writer who has taken what I call a "novel approach" to Broadway.

These have included, on episode 90: Laura Frankos and her time travel novel Broadway Revival, on episode 1 32: Stephen Cole and his time travel novel,  MARY and ETHEL and Mikey Who?,  on episode 1 37: Jack Viertel's novel Broadway Melody, and most recently on episode 1 55: Chad Beguelin's Showmance, which like the novel we discuss today, is set in the world of contemporary Broadway.

Dan Elish co-wrote the book to the Broadway musical 13 (music & lyrics by Jason Robert Brown) which has been performed all over the world and is now a movie on Netflix. Dan is also the bookwriter and co-lyricist of the off-Broadway musical, The Evolution of Man. Additionally, he's the author of twelve novels for readers of all ages including the real-life children's novel, The Worldwide Dessert Contest which in King of Broadway becomes the basis for a fictional Broadway musical.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2083 no QUEER MUSICALS 3 — FUN HOME, THE PROM, & JAGGED LITTLE PILL https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third and final part of my conversation with author Rob Schneider, who returns to tell us more about his new book, Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill. On this episode, Fun Home, The Prom, and Jagged Little Pill. Robert W. Schneider is a historian, director, producer, author, educator, and podcast host, and the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York. And since working as an original programming producer at 54 Below, Rob has directed and produced over 100 concerts for the venue. His first book, 50 Key Stage Musicals, was published in 2022. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as JUDY HUCKA. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 QUEER MUSICALS 3 — FUN HOME, THE PROM, & JAGGED LITTLE PILL full 3 Broadway Podcast Network With author ROBERT W. SCHNEIDER This is the third and final part of my conversation with author Rob Schneider, who returns to tell us more about his new book, Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill. On this episode, Fun Home, The Prom, and Jagged Little Pill. Robert W. Schneider is a historian, director, producer, author, educator, and podcast host, and the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York. And since working as an original programming producer at 54 Below, Rob has directed and produced over 100 concerts for the venue. His first book, 50 Key Stage Musicals, was published in 2022. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as JUDY HUCKA. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third and final part of my conversation with author Rob Schneider, who returns to tell us more about his new book, Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill. On this episode, Fun Home, The Prom, and Jagged Little Pill.

Robert W. Schneider is a historian, director, producer, author, educator, and podcast host, and the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York. And since working as an original programming producer at 54 Below, Rob has directed and produced over 100 concerts for the venue. His first book, 50 Key Stage Musicals, was published in 2022.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as JUDY HUCKA.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2009 no Ep 189: Queer Musicals 2 — Falsettos, Hedwig, Bare, & Kinky Boots https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my conversation with author Rob Schneider, who returns to tell us more about his new book, Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill. On this episode, Falsettos, Hedwig And the Angry Inch, BARE, and Kinky Boots. Robert W. Schneider is a historian, director, producer, author, educator, and podcast host, and the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York. And since working as an original programming producer at 54 Below, Rob has directed and produced over 100 concerts for the venue. His first book, 50 Key Stage Musicals, was published in 2022. On this first episode in this series, we discuss the musicals Boy Meets Boy, La Cage aux Folles, and The Knife. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 31 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Queer Musicals 2 — Falsettos, Hedwig, Bare, & Kinky Boots full 3 183 Broadway Podcast Network With author ROBERT W. SCHNEIDER This is the second part of my conversation with author Rob Schneider, who returns to tell us more about his new book, Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill. On this episode, Falsettos, Hedwig And the Angry Inch, BARE, and Kinky Boots. Robert W. Schneider is a historian, director, producer, author, educator, and podcast host, and the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York. And since working as an original programming producer at 54 Below, Rob has directed and produced over 100 concerts for the venue. His first book, 50 Key Stage Musicals, was published in 2022. On this first episode in this series, we discuss the musicals Boy Meets Boy, La Cage aux Folles, and The Knife. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my conversation with author Rob Schneider, who returns to tell us more about his new book, Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill. On this episode, Falsettos, Hedwig And the Angry Inch, BARE, and Kinky Boots.

Robert W. Schneider is a historian, director, producer, author, educator, and podcast host, and the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York. And since working as an original programming producer at 54 Below, Rob has directed and produced over 100 concerts for the venue. His first book, 50 Key Stage Musicals, was published in 2022.

On this first episode in this series, we discuss the musicals Boy Meets Boy, La Cage aux Folles, and The Knife.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1726 no Ep 188: QUEER MUSICALS — From Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill https://www.broadway-nation.com/  On this episode my guest is Rob Schneider, who returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill. Robert W. Schneider is a historian, director, producer, author, educator, and podcast host, and the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York. And since working as an original programming producer at 54 Below, Rob has directed and produced over 100 concerts for the venue. His first book, 50 Key Stage Musicals, was published in 2022. On this first episode in this series, we discuss the musicals Boy Meets Boy, La Cage aux Folles, and The Knife. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 QUEER MUSICALS — From Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill full 3 188 Broadway Podcast Network With author ROBERT W. SCHNEIDER  On this episode my guest is Rob Schneider, who returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill. Robert W. Schneider is a historian, director, producer, author, educator, and podcast host, and the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York. And since working as an original programming producer at 54 Below, Rob has directed and produced over 100 concerts for the venue. His first book, 50 Key Stage Musicals, was published in 2022. On this first episode in this series, we discuss the musicals Boy Meets Boy, La Cage aux Folles, and The Knife. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  On this episode my guest is Rob Schneider, who returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill.

Robert W. Schneider is a historian, director, producer, author, educator, and podcast host, and the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York. And since working as an original programming producer at 54 Below, Rob has directed and produced over 100 concerts for the venue. His first book, 50 Key Stage Musicals, was published in 2022.

On this first episode in this series, we discuss the musicals Boy Meets Boy, La Cage aux Folles, and The Knife.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2307 no Ep 187: 20 YEARS of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Amazingly, this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Broadway musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. In 2005, after an incredibly short development period, opened first off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater, and quickly moved to Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway. It was nominated for six Tony Awards and won two, including “Best Book of a Musical,” and the show would go on to run for 1,136 performances and be produced around the world. In celebration of that anniversary, two new productions will open this fall. Off-Broadway at New World Stages, performances are scheduled to begin on November 27, and next week, on October 21, Spelling Bee will open at Theater Under the Stars in Houston, Texas, where it is directed and choreographed by my guest today, TUTS’s Artistic Director, Dan Knechtges. Not coincidentally, Knechtges made his Broadway debut as the choreographer of the original production, and as you will hear, he was actively involved in every stage of that musical’s development from its very first incarnation working closely with composer/lyricist William Finn, and director, James Lapine. Knechtges’ other Broadway credits includes the choreography of Sondheim On Sondheim, the revival of 110 in the Shade, and Xanadu, for which he received a Tony Award nomination, and the direction and choreography of the musical Lysistrata Jones. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 20 YEARS of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE full 3 187 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest DAN KNECHTGES Amazingly, this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Broadway musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. In 2005, after an incredibly short development period, opened first off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater, and quickly moved to Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway. It was nominated for six Tony Awards and won two, including “Best Book of a Musical,” and the show would go on to run for 1,136 performances and be produced around the world. In celebration of that anniversary, two new productions will open this fall. Off-Broadway at New World Stages, performances are scheduled to begin on November 27, and next week, on October 21, Spelling Bee will open at Theater Under the Stars in Houston, Texas, where it is directed and choreographed by my guest today, TUTS’s Artistic Director, Dan Knechtges. Not coincidentally, Knechtges made his Broadway debut as the choreographer of the original production, and as you will hear, he was actively involved in every stage of that musical’s development from its very first incarnation working closely with composer/lyricist William Finn, and director, James Lapine. Knechtges’ other Broadway credits includes the choreography of Sondheim On Sondheim, the revival of 110 in the Shade, and Xanadu, for which he received a Tony Award nomination, and the direction and choreography of the musical Lysistrata Jones. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Amazingly, this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Broadway musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

In 2005, after an incredibly short development period, opened first off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater, and quickly moved to Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway. It was nominated for six Tony Awards and won two, including “Best Book of a Musical,” and the show would go on to run for 1,136 performances and be produced around the world.

In celebration of that anniversary, two new productions will open this fall. Off-Broadway at New World Stages, performances are scheduled to begin on November 27, and next week, on October 21, Spelling Bee will open at Theater Under the Stars in Houston, Texas, where it is directed and choreographed by my guest today, TUTS’s Artistic Director, Dan Knechtges. Not coincidentally, Knechtges made his Broadway debut as the choreographer of the original production, and as you will hear, he was actively involved in every stage of that musical’s development from its very first incarnation working closely with composer/lyricist William Finn, and director, James Lapine.

Knechtges’ other Broadway credits includes the choreography of Sondheim On Sondheim, the revival of 110 in the Shade, and Xanadu, for which he received a Tony Award nomination, and the direction and choreography of the musical Lysistrata Jones.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3829 no Ep 6: Lorenz Hart & The Queer Artists Who Invented Broadway! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ To a great extent the Broadway Musical has been a queer creation -- and for more than 125 years the musical theater world has been filled with brilliant and creative LGBTQ people, including many in the highest positions of power and influence. In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories Broadway's defining queer choreographers Robert Alton & Jack Cole, the legendary gay songwriters Noel Coward and Larry Hart, directors Monty Wooley and Moss Hart, and prolific bookwriter Herbert Fields, who is without doubt one of the most significant and least known inventors of the Broadway Musical! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Lorenz Hart & The Queer Artists Who Invented Broadway! full 1 6 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories of Broadway's defining queer choreographers Robert Alton & Jack Cole, the legendary gay songwriters Noel Coward and Larry Hart, and prolific bookwriter Herbert Fields, who may be one of the most significant and least known inventors of the Broadway Musical! To a great extent the Broadway Musical has been a queer creation -- and for more than 125 years the musical theater world has been filled with brilliant and creative LGBTQ people, including many in the highest positions of power and influence. In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories Broadway's defining queer choreographers Robert Alton & Jack Cole, the legendary gay songwriters Noel Coward and Larry Hart, directors Monty Wooley and Moss Hart, and prolific bookwriter Herbert Fields, who is without doubt one of the most significant and least known inventors of the Broadway Musical! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To a great extent the Broadway Musical has been a queer creation -- and for more than 125 years the musical theater world has been filled with brilliant and creative LGBTQ people, including many in the highest positions of power and influence. In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories Broadway's defining queer choreographers Robert Alton & Jack Cole, the legendary gay songwriters Noel Coward and Larry Hart, directors Monty Wooley and Moss Hart, and prolific bookwriter Herbert Fields, who is without doubt one of the most significant and least known inventors of the Broadway Musical!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1923 no COME FROM AWAY — The Most Produced Play of the Year, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of this Encore Episode from 2021 featuring a conversation with Irene Sankoff & David Hein — the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the international smash hit musical Come From Away which recently topped American Theatre magazine's list of the most produced plays in America in 2025/26. On the previous episode Irene and David related how they got hooked on musicals, and how they went from their first show based on a true story — My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding — to deciding to create a musical based on the real life events that happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in the days following 9/11. They also described what it was like to attend the 10th Anniversary of the events in Gander and then begin to transform the stories they heard there into a musical during an early workshop production at The Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College. We also explored the classic Broadway shows that influenced and inspired the writing of their book, music, and lyrics for Come From Away. If you missed part one you may want to go back and catch up on that episode before you listen to this one. Today we look at the extensive development process that CFA went through on its journey to Broadway — including a workshop in Seattle, a series of productions at the La Jolla Playhouse, The Seattle Rep, Ford’s Theater in DC. and the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, as well as a thrilling concert presentation in Gander where it all began.  Back in 2015, I served as the Executive Producer and Artistic Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle and, as such, I had the great pleasure of co-producing that original Seattle workshop of Come From Away. This was the first time that the show’s Tony award winning director Christopher Ashley and choreographer, Kelly Devine began to work on the show — and it was great fun to recall that exciting experience with Irene and David. Come From Away is the fifth musical to originate in Canada and eventually open on Broadway.  The first was 1974’s Rockabye Hamlet with book, music and lyrics by Cliff Jones. This rock musical adaptation of Shakespeare was originally titled Kronborg 1582 and was well received, first as a radio series on the CBC, and then at the Charlottetown Theatre Festival and on tour in Canada, before being retitled and opening on Broadway with Gower Champion as the director. It became a legendary flop and closed after 7 performances. Next, in 1980 came the intimate and engaging Billy Bishop Goes To War written by John McLachlan Gray the show featured one actor to playing18 different roles to tell the story of real life Canadian fighter pilot Billy Bishop during the first World War. This show nearly doubled the run of Rockabye Hamlet closing after 12 performances. However, over the next ten years Billy Bishop Goes To War received scores of productions at theaters all across North America.  The Story Of My Life, with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill, opened on Broadway in 2009. Unfortunately, it had an even shorter run than either of the previous two Canadian shows. However, one year earlier, a group of Canadian writers finally scored a significant hit with The Drowsy Chaperone – book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison. This delightful show opened on Broadway in 2008, received Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score, and ran for 674 performances.   There have been a few other Canadian writers that found success on Broadway – Galt McDermott being the most famous of them – but that was with shows that originated in the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 03 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full 3 Broadway Podcast Network With authors Irene Sankoff and David Hein This is the second part of this Encore Episode from 2021 featuring a conversation with Irene Sankoff & David Hein — the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the international smash hit musical Come From Away which recently topped American Theatre magazine's list of the most produced plays in America in 2025/26. On the previous episode Irene and David related how they got hooked on musicals, and how they went from their first show based on a true story — My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding — to deciding to create a musical based on the real life events that happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in the days following 9/11. They also described what it was like to attend the 10th Anniversary of the events in Gander and then begin to transform the stories they heard there into a musical during an early workshop production at The Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College. We also explored the classic Broadway shows that influenced and inspired the writing of their book, music, and lyrics for Come From Away. If you missed part one you may want to go back and catch up on that episode before you listen to this one. Today we look at the extensive development process that CFA went through on its journey to Broadway — including a workshop in Seattle, a series of productions at the La Jolla Playhouse, The Seattle Rep, Ford’s Theater in DC. and the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, as well as a thrilling concert presentation in Gander where it all began.  Back in 2015, I served as the Executive Producer and Artistic Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle and, as such, I had the great pleasure of co-producing that original Seattle workshop of Come From Away. This was the first time that the show’s Tony award winning director Christopher Ashley and choreographer, Kelly Devine began to work on the show — and it was great fun to recall that exciting experience with Irene and David. Come From Away is the fifth musical to originate in Canada and eventually open on Broadway.  The first was 1974’s Rockabye Hamlet with book, music and lyrics by Cliff Jones. This rock musical adaptation of Shakespeare was originally titled Kronborg 1582 and was well received, first as a radio series on the CBC, and then at the Charlottetown Theatre Festival and on tour in Canada, before being retitled and opening on Broadway with Gower Champion as the director. It became a legendary flop and closed after 7 performances. Next, in 1980 came the intimate and engaging Billy Bishop Goes To War written by John McLachlan Gray the show featured one actor to playing18 different roles to tell the story of real life Canadian fighter pilot Billy Bishop during the first World War. This show nearly doubled the run of Rockabye Hamlet closing after 12 performances. However, over the next ten years Billy Bishop Goes To War received scores of productions at theaters all across North America.  The Story Of My Life, with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill, opened on Broadway in 2009. Unfortunately, it had an even shorter run than either of the previous two Canadian shows. However, one year earlier, a group of Canadian writers finally scored a significant hit with The Drowsy Chaperone – book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison. This delightful show opened on Broadway in 2008, received Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score, and ran for 674 performances.   There have been a few other Canadian writers that found success on Broadway – Galt McDermott being the most famous of them – but that was with shows that originated in the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of this Encore Episode from 2021 featuring a conversation with Irene Sankoff & David Hein — the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the international smash hit musical Come From Away which recently topped American Theatre magazine's list of the most produced plays in America in 2025/26.

On the previous episode Irene and David related how they got hooked on musicals, and how they went from their first show based on a true story — My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding — to deciding to create a musical based on the real life events that happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in the days following 9/11. They also described what it was like to attend the 10th Anniversary of the events in Gander and then begin to transform the stories they heard there into a musical during an early workshop production at The Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College. We also explored the classic Broadway shows that influenced and inspired the writing of their book, music, and lyrics for Come From Away.

If you missed part one you may want to go back and catch up on that episode before you listen to this one.

Today we look at the extensive development process that CFA went through on its journey to Broadway — including a workshop in Seattle, a series of productions at the La Jolla Playhouse, The Seattle Rep, Ford’s Theater in DC. and the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, as well as a thrilling concert presentation in Gander where it all began. 

Back in 2015, I served as the Executive Producer and Artistic Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle and, as such, I had the great pleasure of co-producing that original Seattle workshop of Come From Away. This was the first time that the show’s Tony award winning director Christopher Ashley and choreographer, Kelly Devine began to work on the show — and it was great fun to recall that exciting experience with Irene and David.

Come From Away is the fifth musical to originate in Canada and eventually open on Broadway. 

The first was 1974’s Rockabye Hamlet with book, music and lyrics by Cliff Jones. This rock musical adaptation of Shakespeare was originally titled Kronborg 1582 and was well received, first as a radio series on the CBC, and then at the Charlottetown Theatre Festival and on tour in Canada, before being retitled and opening on Broadway with Gower Champion as the director. It became a legendary flop and closed after 7 performances.

Next, in 1980 came the intimate and engaging Billy Bishop Goes To War written by John McLachlan Gray the show featured one actor to playing18 different roles to tell the story of real life Canadian fighter pilot Billy Bishop during the first World War. This show nearly doubled the run of Rockabye Hamlet closing after 12 performances. However, over the next ten years Billy Bishop Goes To War received scores of productions at theaters all across North America. 

The Story Of My Life, with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill, opened on Broadway in 2009. Unfortunately, it had an even shorter run than either of the previous two Canadian shows.

However, one year earlier, a group of Canadian writers finally scored a significant hit with The Drowsy Chaperone – book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison. This delightful show opened on Broadway in 2008, received Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score, and ran for 674 performances.  

There have been a few other Canadian writers that found success on Broadway – Galt McDermott being the most famous of them – but that was with shows that originated in the US.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2202 no The Most Produced Play in America: Come From Away https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guests today are Irene Sankoff & David Hein – the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the giant international smash hit musical Come From Away. Five productions of Come From Away have recently reopened around the world: Broadway, Toronto, London, Sydney and on tour across America. A live filmed version of the show is also streaming on Apple TV+. Irene and David won the 2019 Olivier Award and were nominated for the 2018 Grammy Award and the 2017 Tony Award for their book and score for Come From Away, with the show itself winning the 2019 Olivier Award for Best Musical, three 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, five Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical. David and Irene were also the recipients of the 2017 Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for Best Book. A live filmed version of Come From Away is now streaming on Apple TV+. Their first show, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (based on David’s mother’s true story) was produced by Mirvish Productions in Toronto and played and won Best Musical awards across North America, with Sankoff and Hein performing in most productions. They are currently working on projects with Disney, Warner Bros. and Netflix. Irene and David are the recipients of the Good Neighbour Award from the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada. They are proud members of the Dramatists Guild, Writer’s Guild East and ASCAP. @sankoffandhein In this conversation, we explore how Come From Away fits into the history of the Broadway musical – which musical theater writers from the past influenced Irene and David, and what classic shows inspired them. And we will look back at their first musical, which has the memorable title: My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding. But first, I wanted to find out how they got started down this path in the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 26 Sep 2025 21:28:00 -0000 The Most Produced Play in America: COME FROM AWAY full 3 Broadway Podcast Network A conversation with authors IRENE SANKOFF and DAVID HEIN My guests today are Irene Sankoff & David Hein – the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the giant international smash hit musical Come From Away. Five productions of Come From Away have recently reopened around the world: Broadway, Toronto, London, Sydney and on tour across America. A live filmed version of the show is also streaming on Apple TV+. Irene and David won the 2019 Olivier Award and were nominated for the 2018 Grammy Award and the 2017 Tony Award for their book and score for Come From Away, with the show itself winning the 2019 Olivier Award for Best Musical, three 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, five Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical. David and Irene were also the recipients of the 2017 Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for Best Book. A live filmed version of Come From Away is now streaming on Apple TV+. Their first show, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (based on David’s mother’s true story) was produced by Mirvish Productions in Toronto and played and won Best Musical awards across North America, with Sankoff and Hein performing in most productions. They are currently working on projects with Disney, Warner Bros. and Netflix. Irene and David are the recipients of the Good Neighbour Award from the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada. They are proud members of the Dramatists Guild, Writer’s Guild East and ASCAP. @sankoffandhein In this conversation, we explore how Come From Away fits into the history of the Broadway musical – which musical theater writers from the past influenced Irene and David, and what classic shows inspired them. And we will look back at their first musical, which has the memorable title: My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding. But first, I wanted to find out how they got started down this path in the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guests today are Irene Sankoff & David Hein – the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the giant international smash hit musical Come From Away.

Five productions of Come From Away have recently reopened around the world: Broadway, Toronto, London, Sydney and on tour across America. A live filmed version of the show is also streaming on Apple TV+.

Irene and David won the 2019 Olivier Award and were nominated for the 2018 Grammy Award and the 2017 Tony Award for their book and score for Come From Away, with the show itself winning the 2019 Olivier Award for Best Musical, three 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, five Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical. David and Irene were also the recipients of the 2017 Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for Best Book. A live filmed version of Come From Away is now streaming on Apple TV+. Their first show, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (based on David’s mother’s true story) was produced by Mirvish Productions in Toronto and played and won Best Musical awards across North America, with Sankoff and Hein performing in most productions. They are currently working on projects with Disney, Warner Bros. and Netflix. Irene and David are the recipients of the Good Neighbour Award from the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada. They are proud members of the Dramatists Guild, Writer’s Guild East and ASCAP. @sankoffandhein

In this conversation, we explore how Come From Away fits into the history of the Broadway musical – which musical theater writers from the past influenced Irene and David, and what classic shows inspired them. And we will look back at their first musical, which has the memorable title: My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding. But first, I wanted to find out how they got started down this path in the first place.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2304 no Ep 186: GOING HOLLYWOOD — THE OXFORD GUIDES TO FILM MUSICALS https://www.broadway-nation.com/ On this special video and audio episode of Broadway Nation my guests are Dominic Broomfield—McHugh, editor of The Oxford Guides to Film Musicals, along with the authors of the first three books in this new series: Geoffrey Block (Love Me Tonight), Andrew Buchman (Singin' in the Rain), Hannah Lewis (La La Land). You can watch the video version on YouTube, Spotify, and the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 GOING HOLLYWOOD — THE OXFORD GUIDES TO FILM MUSICALS full 3 186 Broadway Podcast Network A new book series highlighting LOVE ME TONIGHT, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, and LA LA LAND. On this special video and audio episode of Broadway Nation my guests are Dominic Broomfield—McHugh, editor of The Oxford Guides to Film Musicals, along with the authors of the first three books in this new series: Geoffrey Block (Love Me Tonight), Andrew Buchman (Singin' in the Rain), Hannah Lewis (La La Land). You can watch the video version on YouTube, Spotify, and the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this special video and audio episode of Broadway Nation my guests are Dominic Broomfield—McHugh, editor of The Oxford Guides to Film Musicals, along with the authors of the first three books in this new series: Geoffrey Block (Love Me Tonight), Andrew Buchman (Singin' in the Rain), Hannah Lewis (La La Land).

You can watch the video version on YouTube, Spotify, and the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4571 no Ep 185: CHALLENGING SONDHEIM — A conversation with RICHARD SCHOCH, part 5. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the fifth and final episode in this series of conversations with RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the acclaimed book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. This week Richard and I discuss two of Stephen Sondheim's most challenging musicals, ASSASSINS and PASSION, as well as his final show HERE WE ARE. If you missed the first four episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with them before listening to this one. Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 CHALLENGING SONDHEIM — A conversation with RICHARD SCHOCH, part 5. full 3 191 Broadway Podcast Network Author of HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE This is the fifth and final episode in this series of conversations with RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the acclaimed book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. This week Richard and I discuss two of Stephen Sondheim's most challenging musicals, ASSASSINS and PASSION, as well as his final show HERE WE ARE. If you missed the first four episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with them before listening to this one. Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the fifth and final episode in this series of conversations with RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the acclaimed book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

This week Richard and I discuss two of Stephen Sondheim's most challenging musicals, ASSASSINS and PASSION, as well as his final show HERE WE ARE.

If you missed the first four episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with them before listening to this one.

Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3211 no Ep 4: Eubie Blake & the Black Artists Who Invented Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ The 1920s brought the second great era of musicals that were written by, staged by, and starring Black theater artists to Broadway. In this episode I profile these brilliant creators and stars including Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller & Aurbry Lyles, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and their musicals -- Shuffle Along, Runnin' Wild, Blackbirds of 1929, Hot Chocolates and more. It also includes a brief history of that great African American/Irish American co-creation, Tap Dancing. And featuring music by The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra -- for more music from this era, check out their terrific Black Manhattan series of recordings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 07 Sep 2025 17:32:00 -0000 Eubie Blake & the Black Artists Who Invented Broadway full 1 4 Broadway Podcast Network The 1920s brought the second great era of musicals that were written by, staged by, and starring Black theater artists to Broadway. In this episode I profile these brilliant creators and stars including Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller & Aurbry Lyles, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and their musicals -- Shuffle Along, Runnin' Wild, Blackbirds of 1929, Hot Chocolates and more. It also includes a brief history of that great African American/Irish American co-creation, Tap Dancing. And featuring music by The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra -- for more music from this era, check out their terrific Black Manhattan series of recordings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The 1920s brought the second great era of musicals that were written by, staged by, and starring Black theater artists to Broadway. In this episode I profile these brilliant creators and stars including Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller & Aurbry Lyles, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and their musicals -- Shuffle Along, Runnin' Wild, Blackbirds of 1929, Hot Chocolates and more. It also includes a brief history of that great African American/Irish American co-creation, Tap Dancing.

And featuring music by The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra -- for more music from this era, check out their terrific Black Manhattan series of recordings.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1805 no Episode 3: Bert Williams & the Black Artists Who Invented Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ African American theater artists played a significantly larger role in the creation of the Broadway Musical than is generally acknowledged — including an entire decade of nearly forgotten hit shows and songs! In this episode, we will rediscover the early history of Black Broadway and the amazingly multi-talented men and women whose legacy still inspires Broadway today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 07 Sep 2025 17:07:00 -0000 Bert Williams & the Black Artists Who Invented Broadway full 1 3 Broadway Podcast Network African American theater artists played a significantly larger role in the creation of the Broadway Musical than is generally acknowledged — including an entire decade of nearly forgotten hit shows and songs! In this episode, we will rediscover the early history of Black Broadway and the amazingly multi-talented men and women whose legacy still inspires Broadway today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices African American theater artists played a significantly larger role in the creation of the Broadway Musical than is generally acknowledged — including an entire decade of nearly forgotten hit shows and songs! In this episode, we will rediscover the early history of Black Broadway and the amazingly multi-talented men and women whose legacy still inspires Broadway today!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2309 no Ep 184: SONDHEIM GIVES US MORE TO SEE — A Conversation with RICHARD SCHOCH, part 4. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the much-acclaimed recent book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. This week, we explore two of Sondheim’s most brilliant works, Sunday In the Park with George and Into the Woods. If you missed the first three episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with them before listening to this one. Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 SONDHEIM GIVES US MORE TO SEE, — A Conversation with RICHARD SCHOCH, part 4. full 3 179 Broadway Podcast Network Author of HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE My guest again this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the much-acclaimed recent book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. This week, we explore two of Sondheim’s most brilliant works, Sunday In the Park with George and Into the Woods. If you missed the first three episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with them before listening to this one. Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the much-acclaimed recent book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

This week, we explore two of Sondheim’s most brilliant works, Sunday In the Park with George and Into the Woods.

If you missed the first three episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with them before listening to this one.

Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3624 no Episode 183: SONDHEIM MAKES HISTORY, a conversation with author Richard Schoch, part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the much-acclaimed recent book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. In the first two episodes of this series, Richard took us deep inside the inner workings and underlying meanings of Gypsy, Company, Follies, and A Little Night Music, and the fascinating characters who inhabit them. This week, we explore two of Sondheim’s most challenging and brilliant works, Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd —The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before embarking on this one. Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 23 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 SONDHEIM MAKES HISTORY, a conversation with author Richard Schoch, part 3 full 3 183 Broadway Podcast Network Author of HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE My guest again this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the much-acclaimed recent book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. In the first two episodes of this series, Richard took us deep inside the inner workings and underlying meanings of Gypsy, Company, Follies, and A Little Night Music, and the fascinating characters who inhabit them. This week, we explore two of Sondheim’s most challenging and brilliant works, Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd —The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before embarking on this one. Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the much-acclaimed recent book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

In the first two episodes of this series, Richard took us deep inside the inner workings and underlying meanings of Gypsy, Company, Follies, and A Little Night Music, and the fascinating characters who inhabit them.

This week, we explore two of Sondheim’s most challenging and brilliant works, Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd —The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before embarking on this one.

Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3483 no PodSwap! DAVID ARMSTRONG on THE WRONG CAT DIED podcast. https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/the-wrong-cat-died/ “Some people might say CATS is a ripoff of A Chorus Line. I don’t want to go that far but it’s remarkably similar. I think it’s sort of a doppelganger of A Chorus Line.” In this episode, host Mike Abrams welcomes David Armstrong, a fellow Broadway Podcast Network host and author of the newly published book Broadway Nation.'They delve into the rich history of Broadway musicals, highlighting the significant influences and connections, including how the iconic musical CATS ties into this history. Armstrong shares fascinating insights about the evolution of Broadway from his podcast and University of Washington course, the criteria behind the Jellicle choice, and how reality shows like 'Queen for a Day' may have influenced Broadway storytelling. 00:53 David’s Broadway Journey 01:22 The Evolution from Podcast to Book 07:26 The Impact of A Chorus Line on CATS 08:17 The British Theater Transformation 12:16 The Reality Show Parallel 27:54 Assigning CATS to Students 28:39 Discussing the 2019 Movie 35:17 The Jellicle Choice Debate Check out Broadway Nation on Instagram: @davidatbroadwaynation Check out the Broadway Nation Podcast Check out the Broadway Nation Book Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Aug 2025 20:53:00 -0000 PodSwap! DAVID ARMSTRONG on THE WRONG CAT DIED podcast. full 222 Broadway Podcast Network This episode features David Armstrong, author & podcast host of Broadway Nation “Some people might say CATS is a ripoff of A Chorus Line. I don’t want to go that far but it’s remarkably similar. I think it’s sort of a doppelganger of A Chorus Line.” In this episode, host Mike Abrams welcomes David Armstrong, a fellow Broadway Podcast Network host and author of the newly published book Broadway Nation.'They delve into the rich history of Broadway musicals, highlighting the significant influences and connections, including how the iconic musical CATS ties into this history. Armstrong shares fascinating insights about the evolution of Broadway from his podcast and University of Washington course, the criteria behind the Jellicle choice, and how reality shows like 'Queen for a Day' may have influenced Broadway storytelling. 00:53 David’s Broadway Journey 01:22 The Evolution from Podcast to Book 07:26 The Impact of A Chorus Line on CATS 08:17 The British Theater Transformation 12:16 The Reality Show Parallel 27:54 Assigning CATS to Students 28:39 Discussing the 2019 Movie 35:17 The Jellicle Choice Debate Check out Broadway Nation on Instagram: @davidatbroadwaynation Check out the Broadway Nation Podcast Check out the Broadway Nation Book Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices “Some people might say CATS is a ripoff of A Chorus Line. I don’t want to go that far but it’s remarkably similar. I think it’s sort of a doppelganger of A Chorus Line.” In this episode, host Mike Abrams welcomes David Armstrong, a fellow Broadway Podcast Network host and author of the newly published book Broadway Nation.'They delve into the rich history of Broadway musicals, highlighting the significant influences and connections, including how the iconic musical CATS ties into this history. Armstrong shares fascinating insights about the evolution of Broadway from his podcast and University of Washington course, the criteria behind the Jellicle choice, and how reality shows like 'Queen for a Day' may have influenced Broadway storytelling.

00:53 David’s Broadway Journey

01:22 The Evolution from Podcast to Book

07:26 The Impact of A Chorus Line on CATS

08:17 The British Theater Transformation

12:16 The Reality Show Parallel

27:54 Assigning CATS to Students

28:39 Discussing the 2019 Movie

35:17 The Jellicle Choice Debate

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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]]> 2829 Episode 182: In Search of Lost Broadway: RIO RITA https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Never fear! Richard Schoch will return soon for the third and fourth segments of our conversation regarding his recent book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life. In the meantime, I am excited to share with you the first of what I anticipate will become an occasional new series, which I am calling IN SEARCH OF LOST BROADWAY. And in this episode, my guest ALBERT EVANS and I will try to rediscover the hit 1927 musical RIO RITA. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 In Search of Lost Broadway: RIO RITA full 3 182 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans Never fear! Richard Schoch will return soon for the third and fourth segments of our conversation regarding his recent book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life. In the meantime, I am excited to share with you the first of what I anticipate will become an occasional new series, which I am calling IN SEARCH OF LOST BROADWAY. And in this episode, my guest ALBERT EVANS and I will try to rediscover the hit 1927 musical RIO RITA. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Never fear! Richard Schoch will return soon for the third and fourth segments of our conversation regarding his recent book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life.

In the meantime, I am excited to share with you the first of what I anticipate will become an occasional new series, which I am calling IN SEARCH OF LOST BROADWAY. And in this episode, my guest ALBERT EVANS and I will try to rediscover the hit 1927 musical RIO RITA.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3633 no Episode 181: SONDHEIM'S "MOMENTS OF TRUTH" — A Conversation with RICHARD SCHOCH, part 2. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again this week is Richard Schoch, author of the much-acclaimed book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life. Last week, Richard took us deep inside the inner workings of both Gypsy and Company. In this episode, through his insightful analysis of the musicals Follies and A Little Night Music, and the fascinating characters who inhabit them, Schoch illuminates Sondheim’s incredible genius for plumbing the depths of human experience. If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with it before embarking on this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 SONDHEIM'S "MOMENTS OF TRUTH" — A Conversation with RICHARD SCHOCH, part 2. full 3 180 Broadway Podcast Network Author of HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE My guest again this week is Richard Schoch, author of the much-acclaimed book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life. Last week, Richard took us deep inside the inner workings of both Gypsy and Company. In this episode, through his insightful analysis of the musicals Follies and A Little Night Music, and the fascinating characters who inhabit them, Schoch illuminates Sondheim’s incredible genius for plumbing the depths of human experience. If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with it before embarking on this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is Richard Schoch, author of the much-acclaimed book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life.

Last week, Richard took us deep inside the inner workings of both Gypsy and Company. In this episode, through his insightful analysis of the musicals Follies and A Little Night Music, and the fascinating characters who inhabit them, Schoch illuminates Sondheim’s incredible genius for plumbing the depths of human experience.

If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with it before embarking on this one.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2712 no Bonus Episode: The BROADWAY NATION BOOK LAUNCH CELEBRATION! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Join author David Armstrong for a lively conversation hosted by Alan Seales of The Theatre Podcast celebrating the release of Armstrong's new book, Broadway Nation—How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical. With co-host Michelle Simone Miller host of the podcast Mentors On the Mic. At this virtual book launch party you will have the opportunity to meet David Armstrong and hear the inside story of the creation of his first book. You will also have a chance to participate in an exclusive Q&A; and compete with other Broadway fans in a MUSICAL THEATER TRVIA CONTEST to win your own copy of Broadway Nation! Broadway Nation — How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical is a comprehensive history of America’s signature art form, the Broadway musical, with a unique emphasis on the powerful (but often overlooked) impact that marginalized groups have had on its evolution. Inspired by the popular large lecture course that author David Armstrong teaches at the University of Washington School of Drama, as well as his Broadway Nation podcast, the book celebrates the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship of key figures, from George M. Cohan to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who have left an indelible mark on this extraordinary cultural phenomenon. ⁠ Order the book here: ⁠https://amzn.to/3TuoUcl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:35:00 -0000 BROADWAY NATION BOOK LAUNCH CELEBRATION! full 3 Broadway Podcast Network A Special Bonus Episode Join author David Armstrong for a lively conversation hosted by Alan Seales of The Theatre Podcast celebrating the release of Armstrong's new book, Broadway Nation—How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical. With co-host Michelle Simone Miller host of the podcast Mentors On the Mic. At this virtual book launch party you will have the opportunity to meet David Armstrong and hear the inside story of the creation of his first book. You will also have a chance to participate in an exclusive Q&A; and compete with other Broadway fans in a MUSICAL THEATER TRVIA CONTEST to win your own copy of Broadway Nation! Broadway Nation — How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical is a comprehensive history of America’s signature art form, the Broadway musical, with a unique emphasis on the powerful (but often overlooked) impact that marginalized groups have had on its evolution. Inspired by the popular large lecture course that author David Armstrong teaches at the University of Washington School of Drama, as well as his Broadway Nation podcast, the book celebrates the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship of key figures, from George M. Cohan to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who have left an indelible mark on this extraordinary cultural phenomenon. ⁠ Order the book here: ⁠https://amzn.to/3TuoUcl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join author David Armstrong for a lively conversation hosted by Alan Seales of The Theatre Podcast celebrating the release of Armstrong's new book, Broadway Nation—How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical. With co-host Michelle Simone Miller host of the podcast Mentors On the Mic. At this virtual book launch party you will have the opportunity to meet David Armstrong and hear the inside story of the creation of his first book. You will also have a chance to participate in an exclusive Q&A; and compete with other Broadway fans in a MUSICAL THEATER TRVIA CONTEST to win your own copy of Broadway Nation! Broadway Nation — How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical is a comprehensive history of America’s signature art form, the Broadway musical, with a unique emphasis on the powerful (but often overlooked) impact that marginalized groups have had on its evolution. Inspired by the popular large lecture course that author David Armstrong teaches at the University of Washington School of Drama, as well as his Broadway Nation podcast, the book celebrates the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship of key figures, from George M. Cohan to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who have left an indelible mark on this extraordinary cultural phenomenon. ⁠ Order the book here: ⁠https://amzn.to/3TuoUcl

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6224 no Episode 180: "BETTER LIVING THROUGH SONDHEIM" with author RICHARD SCHOCH https://www.broadway-nation.com/ After a brief summer break, I am thrilled to be back with an all-new episode of Broadway Nation! My guest this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the recent and much-acclaimed book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Just when you thought there might be nothing left to say about the musicals of Stephen Sondheim, Schoch's engaging book opens up a new treasure trove of fascinating analysis and insight. Richard Schoch, is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, and is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 "BETTER LIVING THROUGH SONDHEIM" with author RICHARD SCHOCH full 3 180 Broadway Podcast Network Author of HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE After a brief summer break, I am thrilled to be back with an all-new episode of Broadway Nation! My guest this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the recent and much-acclaimed book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Just when you thought there might be nothing left to say about the musicals of Stephen Sondheim, Schoch's engaging book opens up a new treasure trove of fascinating analysis and insight. Richard Schoch, is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, and is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After a brief summer break, I am thrilled to be back with an all-new episode of Broadway Nation!

My guest this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the recent and much-acclaimed book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

Just when you thought there might be nothing left to say about the musicals of Stephen Sondheim, Schoch's engaging book opens up a new treasure trove of fascinating analysis and insight.

Richard Schoch, is a Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, and is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3265 no An Update on Broadway Nation! https://www.broadway-nation.com/  A quick update on what's going on with Broadway Nation podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 An Update on Broadway Nation! trailer 3 Broadway Podcast Network  A quick update on what's going on with Broadway Nation podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  A quick update on what's going on with Broadway Nation podcast!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 325 no CRAZY FOR NOSTALGIA! — BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, Part 2. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ In this episode I continue my review of Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s and beyond. Many of the musicals that emerged in the late 60s and very early 70s were also influenced by the incipient Nostalgia Craze, even if overall their shows were decidedly modern. HAIR, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Applause  all included musical sequences that recalled the Vaudeville era and Silver Age of Broadway. So nostalgia was in the air, and then No, No, Nanette sent it into the stratosphere! And all of this was before the nostalgia craze expanded to include the 1950s. Almost exactly one year after the premiere of Nanette the musical Grease opened on Broadway. It became wildly popular and ran for eight years on Broadway passing Fiddler to become the longest running musical of all time until A Chorus Line passed it. And Grease’s enormous success set into motion a 1950s wing of the nostalgia craze by inspiring both the movie American Grafiiti (1973) and the TV show Happy Days (1974). The success of Nanette led directly to a 1973 revival Irene, the smash hit musical that opened in 1919 and became the longest running musical of its day. And Grease led directly to Over Here !, the 1974 musical in which the director, choreographer and producers of Grease attempted to do for the 1940s, what their previous show had done for the 1950s. The two still living Andrews Sisters, Patty and Maxine, where enticed to star in Over Here!, and the Sherman Brothers, of Disney fame, provided a terrific set of brand new very authentic sounding Big Band era style songs for them to swing. Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze continued with a hit 1975 revival of the Jerome Kern Princess Theater musical Very Good Eddie, then in 1979 both the 1928 Edie Cantor vehicle Whoopee! and the 1930’s style classic Burlesque show, Sugar Babies.  It was inevitable that the movie 42nd Street itself would be transformed into a Broadway stage musical in 1980. That same season there was the Marx Brothers inspired revusical A Day In Hollywood A Night In The Ukraine. 1983 brought a hit revival of Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes, and over the next decade there would be two Gershwin “revisals”, both of them so heavily reworked that they were given new titles: My One And Only in 1983, and Crazy For You in 1993. In between, came the Broadway debut of a 1937 London hit Me And My Girl in 1986. I would even include the 1980 blockbuster Annie in this category. Although it was, of course, an entirely new musical it certainly played on nostalgia for the comic strip and radio show Little Orphan Annie from the Depression Era, and smartly used that to echo the recession of the 1970’s. Some people would say that the Nostalgia Craze never ended, at least as far as Broadway is concerned.  Although, revivals of popular musicals have been part of the Broadway mix throughout most of its 120+ year history, the success of No, No, Nanette and its successors created a pattern and expectation that in every season – there should be at least enough revivals to fill out a Tony Award “Best Revival” category. And you could say that the immense popularity of City Center’s Encore Series is an extension of the Nostalgia Craze, as well. I for one hope that we will never tire of rediscovering and reinventing the great musicals of the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 CRAZY FOR NOSTALGIA! — BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, Part 2. full 3 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode I continue my review of Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s and beyond. Many of the musicals that emerged in the late 60s and very early 70s were also influenced by the incipient Nostalgia Craze, even if overall their shows were decidedly modern. HAIR, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Applause  all included musical sequences that recalled the Vaudeville era and Silver Age of Broadway. So nostalgia was in the air, and then No, No, Nanette sent it into the stratosphere! And all of this was before the nostalgia craze expanded to include the 1950s. Almost exactly one year after the premiere of Nanette the musical Grease opened on Broadway. It became wildly popular and ran for eight years on Broadway passing Fiddler to become the longest running musical of all time until A Chorus Line passed it. And Grease’s enormous success set into motion a 1950s wing of the nostalgia craze by inspiring both the movie American Grafiiti (1973) and the TV show Happy Days (1974). The success of Nanette led directly to a 1973 revival Irene, the smash hit musical that opened in 1919 and became the longest running musical of its day. And Grease led directly to Over Here !, the 1974 musical in which the director, choreographer and producers of Grease attempted to do for the 1940s, what their previous show had done for the 1950s. The two still living Andrews Sisters, Patty and Maxine, where enticed to star in Over Here!, and the Sherman Brothers, of Disney fame, provided a terrific set of brand new very authentic sounding Big Band era style songs for them to swing. Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze continued with a hit 1975 revival of the Jerome Kern Princess Theater musical Very Good Eddie, then in 1979 both the 1928 Edie Cantor vehicle Whoopee! and the 1930’s style classic Burlesque show, Sugar Babies.  It was inevitable that the movie 42nd Street itself would be transformed into a Broadway stage musical in 1980. That same season there was the Marx Brothers inspired revusical A Day In Hollywood A Night In The Ukraine. 1983 brought a hit revival of Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes, and over the next decade there would be two Gershwin “revisals”, both of them so heavily reworked that they were given new titles: My One And Only in 1983, and Crazy For You in 1993. In between, came the Broadway debut of a 1937 London hit Me And My Girl in 1986. I would even include the 1980 blockbuster Annie in this category. Although it was, of course, an entirely new musical it certainly played on nostalgia for the comic strip and radio show Little Orphan Annie from the Depression Era, and smartly used that to echo the recession of the 1970’s. Some people would say that the Nostalgia Craze never ended, at least as far as Broadway is concerned.  Although, revivals of popular musicals have been part of the Broadway mix throughout most of its 120+ year history, the success of No, No, Nanette and its successors created a pattern and expectation that in every season – there should be at least enough revivals to fill out a Tony Award “Best Revival” category. And you could say that the immense popularity of City Center’s Encore Series is an extension of the Nostalgia Craze, as well. I for one hope that we will never tire of rediscovering and reinventing the great musicals of the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode I continue my review of Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s and beyond.

Many of the musicals that emerged in the late 60s and very early 70s were also influenced by the incipient Nostalgia Craze, even if overall their shows were decidedly modern. HAIR, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Applause  all included musical sequences that recalled the Vaudeville era and Silver Age of Broadway. So nostalgia was in the air, and then No, No, Nanette sent it into the stratosphere!

And all of this was before the nostalgia craze expanded to include the 1950s.

Almost exactly one year after the premiere of Nanette the musical Grease opened on Broadway. It became wildly popular and ran for eight years on Broadway passing Fiddler to become the longest running musical of all time until A Chorus Line passed it. And Grease’s enormous success set into motion a 1950s wing of the nostalgia craze by inspiring both the movie American Grafiiti (1973) and the TV show Happy Days (1974).

The success of Nanette led directly to a 1973 revival Irene, the smash hit musical that opened in 1919 and became the longest running musical of its day. And Grease led directly to Over Here !, the 1974 musical in which the director, choreographer and producers of Grease attempted to do for the 1940s, what their previous show had done for the 1950s. The two still living Andrews Sisters, Patty and Maxine, where enticed to star in Over Here!, and the Sherman Brothers, of Disney fame, provided a terrific set of brand new very authentic sounding Big Band era style songs for them to swing.

Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze continued with a hit 1975 revival of the Jerome Kern Princess Theater musical Very Good Eddie, then in 1979 both the 1928 Edie Cantor vehicle Whoopee! and the 1930’s style classic Burlesque show, Sugar Babies. 

It was inevitable that the movie 42nd Street itself would be transformed into a Broadway stage musical in 1980. That same season there was the Marx Brothers inspired revusical A Day In Hollywood A Night In The Ukraine. 1983 brought a hit revival of Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes, and over the next decade there would be two Gershwin “revisals”, both of them so heavily reworked that they were given new titles: My One And Only in 1983, and Crazy For You in 1993. In between, came the Broadway debut of a 1937 London hit Me And My Girl in 1986.

I would even include the 1980 blockbuster Annie in this category. Although it was, of course, an entirely new musical it certainly played on nostalgia for the comic strip and radio show Little Orphan Annie from the Depression Era, and smartly used that to echo the recession of the 1970’s.

Some people would say that the Nostalgia Craze never ended, at least as far as Broadway is concerned.  Although, revivals of popular musicals have been part of the Broadway mix throughout most of its 120+ year history, the success of No, No, Nanette and its successors created a pattern and expectation that in every season – there should be at least enough revivals to fill out a Tony Award “Best Revival” category. And you could say that the immense popularity of City Center’s Encore Series is an extension of the Nostalgia Craze, as well. I for one hope that we will never tire of rediscovering and reinventing the great musicals of the past.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1501 no BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ In this episode Albert Evans and I explore the origins of Broadway’s “Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s” — where it came from, and what artistic, social and cultural forces came together to spark this unlikely phenomenon.  We trace its origins in the counterculture youth rebellion of the 1960s, the rediscovery of films from the 1930s and 40s on television, and the popularization of gay camp culture via the off-off Broadway mega hit DAMES AT SEA.  All of this would lead to the triumphant 1971 Broadway revival of NO, NO, NANETTE — the Vincent Youmans/Irving Ceasar/Otto Harbach musical comedy that has introduced the songs “Tea For Two” and “I Want To Be Happy” way back in the Roaring 20s. With a heavily retooled book, sparkling new orchestrations and arrangements, and a snazzy, art deco-inspired set and costume design, this reincarnation of No, No, Nanette was billed as “the new 1925 musical”.  And it became a smash hit, running 861 performances, and winning 4 Tony Awards for Choreography, Costume Design, and for two of its stars, Helen Gallagher, and another vintage movie star, comedian Patsy Kelly (there was no "Best Revival category then). And, after years of it being almost entirely absent from Broadway — Nanette brought tap dancing back into fashion in a major way. Most significantly, Nanette fanned a mania for everything and anything that recalled the music, style, and glamour of the 20s, 30s and 40s. The press dubbed this mania “The Nostalgia Craze” as it quickly spread into every aspect of American life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, part 1 full 3 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans In this episode Albert Evans and I explore the origins of Broadway’s “Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s” — where it came from, and what artistic, social and cultural forces came together to spark this unlikely phenomenon.  We trace its origins in the counterculture youth rebellion of the 1960s, the rediscovery of films from the 1930s and 40s on television, and the popularization of gay camp culture via the off-off Broadway mega hit DAMES AT SEA.  All of this would lead to the triumphant 1971 Broadway revival of NO, NO, NANETTE — the Vincent Youmans/Irving Ceasar/Otto Harbach musical comedy that has introduced the songs “Tea For Two” and “I Want To Be Happy” way back in the Roaring 20s. With a heavily retooled book, sparkling new orchestrations and arrangements, and a snazzy, art deco-inspired set and costume design, this reincarnation of No, No, Nanette was billed as “the new 1925 musical”.  And it became a smash hit, running 861 performances, and winning 4 Tony Awards for Choreography, Costume Design, and for two of its stars, Helen Gallagher, and another vintage movie star, comedian Patsy Kelly (there was no "Best Revival category then). And, after years of it being almost entirely absent from Broadway — Nanette brought tap dancing back into fashion in a major way. Most significantly, Nanette fanned a mania for everything and anything that recalled the music, style, and glamour of the 20s, 30s and 40s. The press dubbed this mania “The Nostalgia Craze” as it quickly spread into every aspect of American life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode Albert Evans and I explore the origins of Broadway’s “Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s” — where it came from, and what artistic, social and cultural forces came together to spark this unlikely phenomenon. 

We trace its origins in the counterculture youth rebellion of the 1960s, the rediscovery of films from the 1930s and 40s on television, and the popularization of gay camp culture via the off-off Broadway mega hit DAMES AT SEA.  All of this would lead to the triumphant 1971 Broadway revival of NO, NO, NANETTE — the Vincent Youmans/Irving Ceasar/Otto Harbach musical comedy that has introduced the songs “Tea For Two” and “I Want To Be Happy” way back in the Roaring 20s.

With a heavily retooled book, sparkling new orchestrations and arrangements, and a snazzy, art deco-inspired set and costume design, this reincarnation of No, No, Nanette was billed as “the new 1925 musical”.  And it became a smash hit, running 861 performances, and winning 4 Tony Awards for Choreography, Costume Design, and for two of its stars, Helen Gallagher, and another vintage movie star, comedian Patsy Kelly (there was no "Best Revival category then). And, after years of it being almost entirely absent from Broadway — Nanette brought tap dancing back into fashion in a major way.

Most significantly, Nanette fanned a mania for everything and anything that recalled the music, style, and glamour of the 20s, 30s and 40s. The press dubbed this mania “The Nostalgia Craze” as it quickly spread into every aspect of American life.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1866 no Episode 179: THE QUEER PIONEERS OF BROADWAY MUSICAL STAGING https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This episode is adapted from a section of my new upcoming book, Broadway Nation — How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical, which will be released on July 24 (and can be preordered now everywhere books are sold.) In 1919, two gifted young Queer theater artists — Hassard Short and John Murray Anderson —both made their Broadway directing debuts and quickly established themselves as significant forces in the development of the Broadway musical. Even though their names and their work are seldom remembered or acknowledged today, In my view they are, without a doubt, two of the principal inventors of the singular art and craft of Broadway musical staging. Working as competitive colleagues and rivals, they were among the very first to discover and reveal the tremendous impact that dynamic musical staging can provide to a Broadway musical and among the very first to demonstrate how staging and choreography can often be of equal importance to a show’s book, music, and lyrics. Between them, John Murray Anderson and Hassard Short staged more than 70 Broadway musicals, and in the process forged a path that a long line of remarkable (and predominantly gay) directors and choreographers have followed right up to today, including this past week’s Tony Award-nominees and Tony winners. Whether they know it or not, they all stand on the shoulders of these forgotten giants, Hassard Short and John Murray Anderson. Today, I am honored to share at least a small piece of their story. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 THE QUEER PIONEERS OF BROADWAY MUSICAL STAGING full 3 170 Broadway Podcast Network HASSARD SHORT & JOHN MURRAY ANDERSON This episode is adapted from a section of my new upcoming book, Broadway Nation — How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical, which will be released on July 24 (and can be preordered now everywhere books are sold.) In 1919, two gifted young Queer theater artists — Hassard Short and John Murray Anderson —both made their Broadway directing debuts and quickly established themselves as significant forces in the development of the Broadway musical. Even though their names and their work are seldom remembered or acknowledged today, In my view they are, without a doubt, two of the principal inventors of the singular art and craft of Broadway musical staging. Working as competitive colleagues and rivals, they were among the very first to discover and reveal the tremendous impact that dynamic musical staging can provide to a Broadway musical and among the very first to demonstrate how staging and choreography can often be of equal importance to a show’s book, music, and lyrics. Between them, John Murray Anderson and Hassard Short staged more than 70 Broadway musicals, and in the process forged a path that a long line of remarkable (and predominantly gay) directors and choreographers have followed right up to today, including this past week’s Tony Award-nominees and Tony winners. Whether they know it or not, they all stand on the shoulders of these forgotten giants, Hassard Short and John Murray Anderson. Today, I am honored to share at least a small piece of their story. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode is adapted from a section of my new upcoming book, Broadway Nation — How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical, which will be released on July 24 (and can be preordered now everywhere books are sold.)

In 1919, two gifted young Queer theater artists — Hassard Short and John Murray Anderson —both made their Broadway directing debuts and quickly established themselves as significant forces in the development of the Broadway musical. Even though their names and their work are seldom remembered or acknowledged today, In my view they are, without a doubt, two of the principal inventors of the singular art and craft of Broadway musical staging.

Working as competitive colleagues and rivals, they were among the very first to discover and reveal the tremendous impact that dynamic musical staging can provide to a Broadway musical and among the very first to demonstrate how staging and choreography can often be of equal importance to a show’s book, music, and lyrics.

Between them, John Murray Anderson and Hassard Short staged more than 70 Broadway musicals, and in the process forged a path that a long line of remarkable (and predominantly gay) directors and choreographers have followed right up to today, including this past week’s Tony Award-nominees and Tony winners. Whether they know it or not, they all stand on the shoulders of these forgotten giants, Hassard Short and John Murray Anderson.

Today, I am honored to share at least a small piece of their story.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1876 no Episode 178: The Show Goes On, Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, part 2. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week’s episode of Broadway Nation is the second half of my conversation with author Ron Fassler, whose latest book is titled The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements. Among the outstanding Broadway performers and creatives who are at the center Ron’s fascinating stories include Abe Burrows, Bernadette Peters, Chita Rivera, Comden & Green, Cynthia Erivo, Fantasia, Frank Loesser, Gower Champion, Harold Prince, Howard Keel, Iva Withers, Jane Russell, Jeff Conaway, Jerry Orbach, Jerry Zaks, Jo Swerling, John Cullum, John Kander & Fred Ebb, John Travolta, LaChanze, Leonard Bernstein, Leroy Anderson, Lewis J. Stadlin, Michael Bennett, Michelle Lee, Robert Preston, Rosalind Russell, Shelly Winters, Sheila Smith and Yvonne De Carlo. And the musicals referenced include 1776, Carousel, Company, Follies, Grease, Guys And Dolls, How To Succeed in Business, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Mack & Mabel, Minnie’s Boys, Oklahoma!, The Color Purple, Wonderful Town and more! Ron Fassler is a historian,  theater critic, and former actor whose previous book is, Up in the Cheap Seats — A Theatrical Memoir of Broadway. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Carl Baldasso. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 The Show Goes On, Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, part 2. full 3 175 Broadway Podcast Network With author RON FASSLER This week’s episode of Broadway Nation is the second half of my conversation with author Ron Fassler, whose latest book is titled The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements. Among the outstanding Broadway performers and creatives who are at the center Ron’s fascinating stories include Abe Burrows, Bernadette Peters, Chita Rivera, Comden & Green, Cynthia Erivo, Fantasia, Frank Loesser, Gower Champion, Harold Prince, Howard Keel, Iva Withers, Jane Russell, Jeff Conaway, Jerry Orbach, Jerry Zaks, Jo Swerling, John Cullum, John Kander & Fred Ebb, John Travolta, LaChanze, Leonard Bernstein, Leroy Anderson, Lewis J. Stadlin, Michael Bennett, Michelle Lee, Robert Preston, Rosalind Russell, Shelly Winters, Sheila Smith and Yvonne De Carlo. And the musicals referenced include 1776, Carousel, Company, Follies, Grease, Guys And Dolls, How To Succeed in Business, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Mack & Mabel, Minnie’s Boys, Oklahoma!, The Color Purple, Wonderful Town and more! Ron Fassler is a historian,  theater critic, and former actor whose previous book is, Up in the Cheap Seats — A Theatrical Memoir of Broadway. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Carl Baldasso. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week’s episode of Broadway Nation is the second half of my conversation with author Ron Fassler, whose latest book is titled The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements.

Among the outstanding Broadway performers and creatives who are at the center Ron’s fascinating stories include Abe Burrows, Bernadette Peters, Chita Rivera, Comden & Green, Cynthia Erivo, Fantasia, Frank Loesser, Gower Champion, Harold Prince, Howard Keel, Iva Withers, Jane Russell, Jeff Conaway, Jerry Orbach, Jerry Zaks, Jo Swerling, John Cullum, John Kander & Fred Ebb, John Travolta, LaChanze, Leonard Bernstein, Leroy Anderson, Lewis J. Stadlin, Michael Bennett, Michelle Lee, Robert Preston, Rosalind Russell, Shelly Winters, Sheila Smith and Yvonne De Carlo.

And the musicals referenced include 1776, Carousel, Company, Follies, Grease, Guys And Dolls, How To Succeed in Business, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Mack & Mabel, Minnie’s Boys, Oklahoma!, The Color Purple, Wonderful Town and more!

Ron Fassler is a historian,  theater critic, and former actor whose previous book is, Up in the Cheap Seats — A Theatrical Memoir of Broadway.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Carl Baldasso.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2511 no Episode 177: THE SHOW GOES ON — BROADWAY HIRINGS, FIRINGS, AND REPLACEMENTS, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest is author Ron Fassler, whose latest book is titled The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, a fascinating collection of insider theater stories that range from as far back as the 1930s and go right up to today. The performers and creatives referenced in this episode include Andrea McArdle, Ann Miller, Anne Bancroft, Barbra Streisand, Cameron MacIntosh, Carol Burnett, David Merrick, Dorothy Louden, Hal Lindon, Harold Prince, Helen Gallagher, Jerry Zaks, John Cullum, Lauren Bacall, Lea Michelle, Louis Jordan, Mary Martin, Michelle Lee, Mimi Hines, Pearl Bailey, Shirley Maclaine, Sutton Foster and more! Ron Fassler is a historian, theater critic, and former actor whose previous book was Up in the Cheap Seats — A Theatrical Memoir of Broadway. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Alan Teasley. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000 THE SHOW GOES ON — BROADWAY HIRINGS, FIRINGS, AND REPLACEMENTS, part 1 full 3 174 Broadway Podcast Network With author RON FASSLER My guest is author Ron Fassler, whose latest book is titled The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, a fascinating collection of insider theater stories that range from as far back as the 1930s and go right up to today. The performers and creatives referenced in this episode include Andrea McArdle, Ann Miller, Anne Bancroft, Barbra Streisand, Cameron MacIntosh, Carol Burnett, David Merrick, Dorothy Louden, Hal Lindon, Harold Prince, Helen Gallagher, Jerry Zaks, John Cullum, Lauren Bacall, Lea Michelle, Louis Jordan, Mary Martin, Michelle Lee, Mimi Hines, Pearl Bailey, Shirley Maclaine, Sutton Foster and more! Ron Fassler is a historian, theater critic, and former actor whose previous book was Up in the Cheap Seats — A Theatrical Memoir of Broadway. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Alan Teasley. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest is author Ron Fassler, whose latest book is titled The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, a fascinating collection of insider theater stories that range from as far back as the 1930s and go right up to today.

The performers and creatives referenced in this episode include Andrea McArdle, Ann Miller, Anne Bancroft, Barbra Streisand, Cameron MacIntosh, Carol Burnett, David Merrick, Dorothy Louden, Hal Lindon, Harold Prince, Helen Gallagher, Jerry Zaks, John Cullum, Lauren Bacall, Lea Michelle, Louis Jordan, Mary Martin, Michelle Lee, Mimi Hines, Pearl Bailey, Shirley Maclaine, Sutton Foster and more!

Ron Fassler is a historian, theater critic, and former actor whose previous book was Up in the Cheap Seats — A Theatrical Memoir of Broadway.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Alan Teasley.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3096 no Episode 176: In Memory of CHARLES STROUSE https://www.broadway-nation.com/ I, along with the rest of the musical theater world, was saddened to learn that composer CHARLES STROUSE, one of the last of the great creators from the Golden Age of Broadway had passed away last week at the age of 96. Of course, Strouse and his three Tony Award-winning “Best Musicals": Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie — have been discussed frequently on this podcast. So over the weekend, I dug deep into the archives of Broadway Nation and newly adapted a section of my upcoming book regarding the musical Golden Boy and wove it all together to create this tribute episode, including an excerpt from my 2021 interview with Applause original cast member Lee Roy Reams. I am also delighted to report that a brand-new production of Bye Bye Birdie will open on June 10 at The 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle, where it will play through June 29. If you are in Seattle, or can get there, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the musical and theatrical magic of Charles Strouse. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Taryn Darr. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000 In Memory of CHARLES STROUSE full 3 176 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Lee Roy Reams I, along with the rest of the musical theater world, was saddened to learn that composer CHARLES STROUSE, one of the last of the great creators from the Golden Age of Broadway had passed away last week at the age of 96. Of course, Strouse and his three Tony Award-winning “Best Musicals": Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie — have been discussed frequently on this podcast. So over the weekend, I dug deep into the archives of Broadway Nation and newly adapted a section of my upcoming book regarding the musical Golden Boy and wove it all together to create this tribute episode, including an excerpt from my 2021 interview with Applause original cast member Lee Roy Reams. I am also delighted to report that a brand-new production of Bye Bye Birdie will open on June 10 at The 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle, where it will play through June 29. If you are in Seattle, or can get there, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the musical and theatrical magic of Charles Strouse. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Taryn Darr. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I, along with the rest of the musical theater world, was saddened to learn that composer CHARLES STROUSE, one of the last of the great creators from the Golden Age of Broadway had passed away last week at the age of 96.

Of course, Strouse and his three Tony Award-winning “Best Musicals": Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie — have been discussed frequently on this podcast. So over the weekend, I dug deep into the archives of Broadway Nation and newly adapted a section of my upcoming book regarding the musical Golden Boy and wove it all together to create this tribute episode, including an excerpt from my 2021 interview with Applause original cast member Lee Roy Reams.

I am also delighted to report that a brand-new production of Bye Bye Birdie will open on June 10 at The 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle, where it will play through June 29. If you are in Seattle, or can get there, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the musical and theatrical magic of Charles Strouse.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Taryn Darr.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!






Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2642 no Happy Birthday Broadway Nation!: Special Anniversary Encore https://www.broadway-nation.com/ It's hard for me to believe that I launched this podcast exactly five years ago this week, and even harder for me to comprehend that, to date, more than 279,000 people, from nearly every country in the world, have listened to at least one, and in many cases all, of the 175 episodes! So, today it seemed fitting to rerelease the episode that started it all — the very first episode of Broadway Nation: George M. Cohan and the Immigrants Who Invented Broadway. As you will hear, at the time, we were still trying to figure out exactly how to make a podcast, so the production quality is not up to my current standards. However, the content and subject matter are still, I believe, essential to fully understanding and appreciating the remarkable history of the Broadway Musical. Happy birthday, Broadway Nation, and thank you all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Happy Birthday Broadway Nation! full 3 Broadway Podcast Network The Very First Episode! It's hard for me to believe that I launched this podcast exactly five years ago this week, and even harder for me to comprehend that, to date, more than 279,000 people, from nearly every country in the world, have listened to at least one, and in many cases all, of the 175 episodes! So, today it seemed fitting to rerelease the episode that started it all — the very first episode of Broadway Nation: George M. Cohan and the Immigrants Who Invented Broadway. As you will hear, at the time, we were still trying to figure out exactly how to make a podcast, so the production quality is not up to my current standards. However, the content and subject matter are still, I believe, essential to fully understanding and appreciating the remarkable history of the Broadway Musical. Happy birthday, Broadway Nation, and thank you all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's hard for me to believe that I launched this podcast exactly five years ago this week, and even harder for me to comprehend that, to date, more than 279,000 people, from nearly every country in the world, have listened to at least one, and in many cases all, of the 175 episodes!

So, today it seemed fitting to rerelease the episode that started it all — the very first episode of Broadway Nation: George M. Cohan and the Immigrants Who Invented Broadway.

As you will hear, at the time, we were still trying to figure out exactly how to make a podcast, so the production quality is not up to my current standards. However, the content and subject matter are still, I believe, essential to fully understanding and appreciating the remarkable history of the Broadway Musical.

Happy birthday, Broadway Nation, and thank you all!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1873 no Episode 175: THE OTHER GERSHWIN, part 3, with MICHAEL OWEN https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third and final segment of my conversation with Michael Owen, author of the recent book,  Ira Gershwin — A Life in Words. On this episode, Michael and I focus on the period of Ira Gershwin’s career following the death of his brother George, during which he had success on Broadway and in Hollywood with composers such as Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, Arthur Schwartz, and Harold Arlen, and shows and movies such as Lady In the Dark, The Barkleys Of Broadway, and A Star Is Born, If you missed the first two parts in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Cheryl Hodges Seldon. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000 THE OTHER GERSHWIN, part 3, with MICHAEL OWEN full 3 175 Broadway Podcast Network This is the third and final segment of my conversation with Michael Owen, author of the recent book,  Ira Gershwin — A Life in Words. On this episode, Michael and I focus on the period of Ira Gershwin’s career following the death of his brother George, during which he had success on Broadway and in Hollywood with composers such as Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, Arthur Schwartz, and Harold Arlen, and shows and movies such as Lady In the Dark, The Barkleys Of Broadway, and A Star Is Born, If you missed the first two parts in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Cheryl Hodges Seldon. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third and final segment of my conversation with Michael Owen, author of the recent book,  Ira Gershwin — A Life in Words.

On this episode, Michael and I focus on the period of Ira Gershwin’s career following the death of his brother George, during which he had success on Broadway and in Hollywood with composers such as Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, Arthur Schwartz, and Harold Arlen, and shows and movies such as Lady In the Dark, The Barkleys Of Broadway, and A Star Is Born,

If you missed the first two parts in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Cheryl Hodges Seldon.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠

Thank you in advance for your support!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3062 no The Other Gershwin, part 2, with author Michael Owen This is the second episode of my three-part conversation with author, historian, researcher, and archivist, Michael Owen, whose recent book,  Ira Gershwin — A Life in Words, is the first full-length biography devoted to that outstanding artist who penned the words for many of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. If you missed part one, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Michael Owen is also the author of Go Slow — The Life of Jule London and the editor of The Gershwins Abroad. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Alan Brodie. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network This is the second episode of my three-part conversation with author, historian, researcher, and archivist, Michael Owen, whose recent book,  Ira Gershwin — A Life in Words, is the first full-length biography devoted to that outstanding artist who penned the words for many of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. If you missed part one, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Michael Owen is also the author of Go Slow — The Life of Jule London and the editor of The Gershwins Abroad. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Alan Brodie. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second episode of my three-part conversation with author, historian, researcher, and archivist, Michael Owen, whose recent book,  Ira Gershwin — A Life in Words, is the first full-length biography devoted to that outstanding artist who penned the words for many of the greatest songs of the 20th Century.

If you missed part one, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

Michael Owen is also the author of Go Slow — The Life of Jule London and the editor of The Gershwins Abroad.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Alan Brodie.

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2132 no Episode 173: THE OTHER GERSHWIN — with MICHAEL OWEN, author of IRA GERSHWIN — A LIFE IN WORDS https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is Michael Owen, whose recent book Ira Gershwin—A Life in Words is the first full-length biography devoted to the other Gershwin. In this book, Owen at last brings Ira Gershwin out from behind the long shadow cast by his younger and more famous brother, George. Drawing on extensive archival research, Owen often uses Ira’s own words to create a captivating portrait of a shy and retiring artist who, nevertheless, penned the words for many of the greatest songs of the twentieth century. Michael Owen is a historian, researcher, and archivist. He is the author of Go Slow — The Life of Jule London and the editor of The Gershwins Abroad. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Geoffrey Block. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network My guest today is Michael Owen, whose recent book Ira Gershwin—A Life in Words is the first full-length biography devoted to the other Gershwin. In this book, Owen at last brings Ira Gershwin out from behind the long shadow cast by his younger and more famous brother, George. Drawing on extensive archival research, Owen often uses Ira’s own words to create a captivating portrait of a shy and retiring artist who, nevertheless, penned the words for many of the greatest songs of the twentieth century. Michael Owen is a historian, researcher, and archivist. He is the author of Go Slow — The Life of Jule London and the editor of The Gershwins Abroad. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Geoffrey Block. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is Michael Owen, whose recent book Ira Gershwin—A Life in Words is the first full-length biography devoted to the other Gershwin. In this book, Owen at last brings Ira Gershwin out from behind the long shadow cast by his younger and more famous brother, George.


Drawing on extensive archival research, Owen often uses Ira’s own words to create a captivating portrait of a shy and retiring artist who, nevertheless, penned the words for many of the greatest songs of the twentieth century.


Michael Owen is a historian, researcher, and archivist. He is the author of Go Slow — The Life of Jule London and the editor of The Gershwins Abroad.


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Geoffrey Block.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3029 no Encore Episode: Razzle Dazzle: A Brief History of Lighting Design, part 2. This is the second half of this week's Encore presentation of my conversation with Tony-award-winning lighting designer Ken Billington. Last week, Ken received rave reviews for his lighting design of the new Broadway musical SMASH, which amazingly is his 108th Broadway production. So, I thought it was an ideal time to revisit this fascinating conversation about the history of lighting design on Broadway and Ken’s own tremendous contribution to it.  If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 20 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network This is the second half of this week's Encore presentation of my conversation with Tony-award-winning lighting designer Ken Billington. Last week, Ken received rave reviews for his lighting design of the new Broadway musical SMASH, which amazingly is his 108th Broadway production. So, I thought it was an ideal time to revisit this fascinating conversation about the history of lighting design on Broadway and Ken’s own tremendous contribution to it.  If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of this week's Encore presentation of my conversation with Tony-award-winning lighting designer Ken Billington. Last week, Ken received rave reviews for his lighting design of the new Broadway musical SMASH, which amazingly is his 108th Broadway production. So, I thought it was an ideal time to revisit this fascinating conversation about the history of lighting design on Broadway and Ken’s own tremendous contribution to it. 


If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1768 no Color and Light — A Brief History of Broadway Lighting Design with Tony Winner Ken Billington https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special encore episode of my 2022 interview with Tony-award-winning lighting designer Ken Billington. This past week, Ken received rave reviews for his lighting design of the new Broadway musical SMASH, which amazingly is his 108th Broadway production. So, I thought it was an ideal time to revisit this fascinating conversation about the history of lighting design on Broadway and Ken’s own tremendous contribution to it. This is a two-part conversation and I will be rereleasing both parts this week. Original Description: My guest on this episode is Tony Award winning lighting designer Ken Billington who created the lighting for an incredible 105 Broadway plays and musicals, including 21 productions that were directed by Harold Prince.  Ken’s career spans from his very first Broadway show in 1967 when he was the assistant to legendary lighting designer Tharon Musser, to his most recent Broadway show, the hit musical, Waitress.  Along the way, he designed the original productions of Sweeney Todd, On The 20th Century, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Scottsboro Boys, The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In the Universe starring Lily Tomlin, three revivals of Fiddler On The Roof, two revivals of Sunday In The Park with George, and the still running 1996 revival of Chicago for which he received the Tony Award. I have had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Ken for more than 40 years, and it is always fascinating and always a delight to speak with him. Theatrical lighting design is a very young art form. Its history begins primarily in the early 20th Century -- just as the Broadway musical was being invented. Lighting design’s earliest innovators include the American actress Maude Adams – most famous today for her performance as Peter Pan – and producer, director, playwright, and theater owner David Belasco.  One of the recurring themes of this podcast, and one of my obsessions, is how the art and craft of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly – firsthand – from artists to artists, from craftsperson to craftsperson.  Ken Billington’s long career and especially his early experiences as the assistant to the pioneering designers Peggy Clark, Pat Collins, Tom Skelton, William Rittman, and Tharon Musser make him the ideal guest for this episode. And of course, after Ken stopped being an assistant, he eventually became one of Broadway’s most acclaimed and most prolific lighting designers. And we’ll hear the story of how that came about on the next episode of Broadway Nation! You can learn more about Jean Rosenthal, Tharon Musser and other great women lighting designers on Episode 8 of Broadway Nation, which is titled, “Agnes DeMille & The Women That Invented Broadway”. It’s a fascinating episode and I encourage you to check it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Color and Light — A Brief History of Broadway Lighting Design with Tony Winner Ken Billington full 3 Broadway Podcast Network This is a special encore episode of my 2022 interview with Tony-award-winning lighting designer Ken Billington. This past week, Ken received rave reviews for his lighting design of the new Broadway musical SMASH, which amazingly is his 108th Broadway production. So, I thought it was an ideal time to revisit this fascinating conversation about the history of lighting design on Broadway and Ken’s own tremendous contribution to it. This is a two-part conversation and I will be rereleasing both parts this week. Original Description: My guest on this episode is Tony Award winning lighting designer Ken Billington who created the lighting for an incredible 105 Broadway plays and musicals, including 21 productions that were directed by Harold Prince.  Ken’s career spans from his very first Broadway show in 1967 when he was the assistant to legendary lighting designer Tharon Musser, to his most recent Broadway show, the hit musical, Waitress.  Along the way, he designed the original productions of Sweeney Todd, On The 20th Century, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Scottsboro Boys, The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In the Universe starring Lily Tomlin, three revivals of Fiddler On The Roof, two revivals of Sunday In The Park with George, and the still running 1996 revival of Chicago for which he received the Tony Award. I have had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Ken for more than 40 years, and it is always fascinating and always a delight to speak with him. Theatrical lighting design is a very young art form. Its history begins primarily in the early 20th Century -- just as the Broadway musical was being invented. Lighting design’s earliest innovators include the American actress Maude Adams – most famous today for her performance as Peter Pan – and producer, director, playwright, and theater owner David Belasco.  One of the recurring themes of this podcast, and one of my obsessions, is how the art and craft of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly – firsthand – from artists to artists, from craftsperson to craftsperson.  Ken Billington’s long career and especially his early experiences as the assistant to the pioneering designers Peggy Clark, Pat Collins, Tom Skelton, William Rittman, and Tharon Musser make him the ideal guest for this episode. And of course, after Ken stopped being an assistant, he eventually became one of Broadway’s most acclaimed and most prolific lighting designers. And we’ll hear the story of how that came about on the next episode of Broadway Nation! You can learn more about Jean Rosenthal, Tharon Musser and other great women lighting designers on Episode 8 of Broadway Nation, which is titled, “Agnes DeMille & The Women That Invented Broadway”. It’s a fascinating episode and I encourage you to check it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special encore episode of my 2022 interview with Tony-award-winning lighting designer Ken Billington. This past week, Ken received rave reviews for his lighting design of the new Broadway musical SMASH, which amazingly is his 108th Broadway production. So, I thought it was an ideal time to revisit this fascinating conversation about the history of lighting design on Broadway and Ken’s own tremendous contribution to it. This is a two-part conversation and I will be rereleasing both parts this week.


Original Description:

My guest on this episode is Tony Award winning lighting designer Ken Billington who created the lighting for an incredible 105 Broadway plays and musicals, including 21 productions that were directed by Harold Prince.  Ken’s career spans from his very first Broadway show in 1967 when he was the assistant to legendary lighting designer Tharon Musser, to his most recent Broadway show, the hit musical, Waitress. 


Along the way, he designed the original productions of Sweeney Todd, On The 20th Century, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Scottsboro Boys, The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In the Universe starring Lily Tomlin, three revivals of Fiddler On The Roof, two revivals of Sunday In The Park with George, and the still running 1996 revival of Chicago for which he received the Tony Award. I have had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Ken for more than 40 years, and it is always fascinating and always a delight to speak with him.


Theatrical lighting design is a very young art form. Its history begins primarily in the early 20th Century -- just as the Broadway musical was being invented. Lighting design’s earliest innovators include the American actress Maude Adams – most famous today for her performance as Peter Pan – and producer, director, playwright, and theater owner David Belasco. 


One of the recurring themes of this podcast, and one of my obsessions, is how the art and craft of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly – firsthand – from artists to artists, from craftsperson to craftsperson.  Ken Billington’s long career and especially his early experiences as the assistant to the pioneering designers Peggy Clark, Pat Collins, Tom Skelton, William Rittman, and Tharon Musser make him the ideal guest for this episode.


And of course, after Ken stopped being an assistant, he eventually became one of Broadway’s most acclaimed and most prolific lighting designers. And we’ll hear the story of how that came about on the next episode of Broadway Nation!


You can learn more about Jean Rosenthal, Tharon Musser and other great women lighting designers on Episode 8 of Broadway Nation, which is titled, “Agnes DeMille & The Women That Invented Broadway”. It’s a fascinating episode and I encourage you to check it out.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2473 no Travel with Broadway Nation to New York, New York — Your Top Questions Answered Since announcing last week that Broadway Nation has teamed up with Like Minds Travel to create a series of unique Broadway and Broadway history-related travel experiences specially designed for fans of this podcast, I have been receiving a number of questions, so I thought I createdd this mini bonus episode to answer them. As you probably know by now, we are kicking off this initiative with a whirlwind weekend in New York City, September 11—15, 2025, filled with Broadway musicals, Broadway theater-makers, and Broadway history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000 bonus Broadway Podcast Network Since announcing last week that Broadway Nation has teamed up with Like Minds Travel to create a series of unique Broadway and Broadway history-related travel experiences specially designed for fans of this podcast, I have been receiving a number of questions, so I thought I createdd this mini bonus episode to answer them. As you probably know by now, we are kicking off this initiative with a whirlwind weekend in New York City, September 11—15, 2025, filled with Broadway musicals, Broadway theater-makers, and Broadway history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Since announcing last week that Broadway Nation has teamed up with Like Minds Travel to create a series of unique Broadway and Broadway history-related travel experiences specially designed for fans of this podcast, I have been receiving a number of questions, so I thought I createdd this mini bonus episode to answer them.


As you probably know by now, we are kicking off this initiative with a whirlwind weekend in New York City, September 11—15, 2025, filled with Broadway musicals, Broadway theater-makers, and Broadway history.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 494 no Episode 172: THE ART & CRAFT of BROADWAY ORCHESTRATION with 3-Time Tony Winner DOUG BESTERMAN My guest this week is the three-time Tony award-winning Broadway orchestrator Doug Besterman, whose 31 Broadway musicals include The Producers, Fosse, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and his very first show, the 1991 revival of Damn Yankees, to name only a few. During this current Broadway season, Besterman will achieve something unheard of in his field: he will have three big musicals — Death Becomes Her, Boop!, and Smash — all running simultaneously on Broadway. Making it even more remarkable, two of those shows began previews on the same night and now open on Broadway in the same week. Besterman’s film credits include the live-action version of Beauty and The Beast and Frozen. TV credits include the Marc Shaiman/Scott Witman compositions for Smash, ABC’s version of Annie, The Sound of Music Live, and Peter Pan Live. As Tony Award-winning choreographer Susan Stroman’s orchestrator of choice, his work has been heard on Little Dancer (co-orchestrator with Larry Hochman) at The 5th Avenue Theatre and the Kennedy Center and Crazy for You at Chichester Festival and on the West End. His most recent regional work was the World Premiere of Schmigadoon at the Kennedy Center and Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil at the Goodman Theatre. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Andy Wigginton. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network My guest this week is the three-time Tony award-winning Broadway orchestrator Doug Besterman, whose 31 Broadway musicals include The Producers, Fosse, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and his very first show, the 1991 revival of Damn Yankees, to name only a few. During this current Broadway season, Besterman will achieve something unheard of in his field: he will have three big musicals — Death Becomes Her, Boop!, and Smash — all running simultaneously on Broadway. Making it even more remarkable, two of those shows began previews on the same night and now open on Broadway in the same week. Besterman’s film credits include the live-action version of Beauty and The Beast and Frozen. TV credits include the Marc Shaiman/Scott Witman compositions for Smash, ABC’s version of Annie, The Sound of Music Live, and Peter Pan Live. As Tony Award-winning choreographer Susan Stroman’s orchestrator of choice, his work has been heard on Little Dancer (co-orchestrator with Larry Hochman) at The 5th Avenue Theatre and the Kennedy Center and Crazy for You at Chichester Festival and on the West End. His most recent regional work was the World Premiere of Schmigadoon at the Kennedy Center and Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil at the Goodman Theatre. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Andy Wigginton. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is the three-time Tony award-winning Broadway orchestrator Doug Besterman, whose 31 Broadway musicals include The Producers, Fosse, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and his very first show, the 1991 revival of Damn Yankees, to name only a few.

During this current Broadway season, Besterman will achieve something unheard of in his field: he will have three big musicals — Death Becomes Her, Boop!, and Smash — all running simultaneously on Broadway. Making it even more remarkable, two of those shows began previews on the same night and now open on Broadway in the same week.


Besterman’s film credits include the live-action version of Beauty and The Beast and Frozen. TV credits include the Marc Shaiman/Scott Witman compositions for Smash, ABC’s version of Annie, The Sound of Music Live, and Peter Pan Live.


As Tony Award-winning choreographer Susan Stroman’s orchestrator of choice, his work has been heard on Little Dancer (co-orchestrator with Larry Hochman) at The 5th Avenue Theatre and the Kennedy Center and Crazy for You at Chichester Festival and on the West End. His most recent regional work was the World Premiere of Schmigadoon at the Kennedy Center and Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil at the Goodman Theatre.


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as Andy Wigginton.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3441 no Episode 171: MALTBY & SHIRE, part 2. This is thee second part of my conversation with author Joshua Rosenblum about his new book CLOSER THAN EVER — THE UNIQUE SIX-DECADE SONGWRITING PARTNERSHIP of RICHARD MALTBY, JR, and DAVID SHIRE. We dicuss Maltby's work on the musicals Ain't Misbehavin', Fosse, Song And Dance, Miss Saigon, and The Pirate Queen, and the Maltby/Shire shows, Baby, Closer Than Ever, BIG, and Waterfall. Travel to NYC with David Armstrong and Broadway Nation For information this new Broadway Nation initiative, go to: https://www.likemindstravel.com/ Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as John Schroeder. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network This is thee second part of my conversation with author Joshua Rosenblum about his new book CLOSER THAN EVER — THE UNIQUE SIX-DECADE SONGWRITING PARTNERSHIP of RICHARD MALTBY, JR, and DAVID SHIRE. We dicuss Maltby's work on the musicals Ain't Misbehavin', Fosse, Song And Dance, Miss Saigon, and The Pirate Queen, and the Maltby/Shire shows, Baby, Closer Than Ever, BIG, and Waterfall. Travel to NYC with David Armstrong and Broadway Nation For information this new Broadway Nation initiative, go to: https://www.likemindstravel.com/ Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as John Schroeder. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is thee second part of my conversation with author Joshua Rosenblum about his new book CLOSER THAN EVER — THE UNIQUE SIX-DECADE SONGWRITING PARTNERSHIP of RICHARD MALTBY, JR, and DAVID SHIRE.


We dicuss Maltby's work on the musicals Ain't Misbehavin', Fosse, Song And Dance, Miss Saigon, and The Pirate Queen, and the Maltby/Shire shows, Baby, Closer Than Ever, BIG, and Waterfall.


Travel to NYC with David Armstrong and Broadway Nation

For information this new Broadway Nation initiative, go to:

https://www.likemindstravel.com/


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as John Schroeder.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3225 no Episode 170: The Six-Decade Songwriting Partnership of MALTBY & SHIRE https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is Joshua Rosenblum, author of Closer than Ever — The Unique Six-Decade Songwriting Partnership of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire. This remarkable new book chronicles the sixty-six-year (and counting) partnership of two of the most gifted songwriters of our time and provides us with full behind-the-scenes accounts of their musicals interspersed with deep-dive analyses of some of their standout individual songs. To tell their story, Rosenblum draws on his extensive experience as a composer, Broadway conductor, music journalist, and professor of musical theater composition at Yale. Maltby and Shire are quoted liberally throughout the book in exclusive interviews that create the impression that one is spending time with two inspiring creative artists who happen to be great company. In part one of our conversation, Maltby & Shire’s origin story, the challenges of their early musicals, their association with Barbra Streisand, their long friendship and rivalry with Stephen Sondheim, and the surprising success of their first hit revue, Starting Here, Starting Now, and its influential Grammy-nominated original cast album. Among the well-known Broadway figures who feature prominently in the Maltby/Shire story are Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Barbra Streisand, Michael Stewart, Francis Ford Coppola, Susan Stroman, John Weidman, Charles Strouse, Garth Drabinsky, Jason Robert Brown, and Jonathan Tunick. Joshua Rosenblum teaches Composing for Musical Theater at Yale University and Conducting at New York University. As a composer/lyricist, he wrote the scores to the off-Broadway musicals Fermat's Last Tango, Bush is Bad, and Einstein's Dreams (four Drama Desk Nominations). He has conducted fourteen Broadway and off-Broadway shows and has performed as pianist with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, the City Center Encores! Orchestra, and the American Symphony. A longtime contributor of reviews and features to Opera News, Rosenblum is a summa cum laude graduate of Yale College and holds a master's degree in Piano from the Yale School of Music. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as John Schroeder. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000 The Six-Decade Songwriting Partnership of MALTBY & SHIRE full 3 167 Broadway Podcast Network With author Joshua Rosenblum My guest today is Joshua Rosenblum, author of Closer than Ever — The Unique Six-Decade Songwriting Partnership of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire. This remarkable new book chronicles the sixty-six-year (and counting) partnership of two of the most gifted songwriters of our time and provides us with full behind-the-scenes accounts of their musicals interspersed with deep-dive analyses of some of their standout individual songs. To tell their story, Rosenblum draws on his extensive experience as a composer, Broadway conductor, music journalist, and professor of musical theater composition at Yale. Maltby and Shire are quoted liberally throughout the book in exclusive interviews that create the impression that one is spending time with two inspiring creative artists who happen to be great company. In part one of our conversation, Maltby & Shire’s origin story, the challenges of their early musicals, their association with Barbra Streisand, their long friendship and rivalry with Stephen Sondheim, and the surprising success of their first hit revue, Starting Here, Starting Now, and its influential Grammy-nominated original cast album. Among the well-known Broadway figures who feature prominently in the Maltby/Shire story are Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Barbra Streisand, Michael Stewart, Francis Ford Coppola, Susan Stroman, John Weidman, Charles Strouse, Garth Drabinsky, Jason Robert Brown, and Jonathan Tunick. Joshua Rosenblum teaches Composing for Musical Theater at Yale University and Conducting at New York University. As a composer/lyricist, he wrote the scores to the off-Broadway musicals Fermat's Last Tango, Bush is Bad, and Einstein's Dreams (four Drama Desk Nominations). He has conducted fourteen Broadway and off-Broadway shows and has performed as pianist with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, the City Center Encores! Orchestra, and the American Symphony. A longtime contributor of reviews and features to Opera News, Rosenblum is a summa cum laude graduate of Yale College and holds a master's degree in Piano from the Yale School of Music. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as John Schroeder. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is Joshua Rosenblum, author of Closer than Ever — The Unique Six-Decade Songwriting Partnership of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire.


This remarkable new book chronicles the sixty-six-year (and counting) partnership of two of the most gifted songwriters of our time and provides us with full behind-the-scenes accounts of their musicals interspersed with deep-dive analyses of some of their standout individual songs. To tell their story, Rosenblum draws on his extensive experience as a composer, Broadway conductor, music journalist, and professor of musical theater composition at Yale. Maltby and Shire are quoted liberally throughout the book in exclusive interviews that create the impression that one is spending time with two inspiring creative artists who happen to be great company.


In part one of our conversation, Maltby & Shire’s origin story, the challenges of their early musicals, their association with Barbra Streisand, their long friendship and rivalry with Stephen Sondheim, and the surprising success of their first hit revue, Starting Here, Starting Now, and its influential Grammy-nominated original cast album.


Among the well-known Broadway figures who feature prominently in the Maltby/Shire story are Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Barbra Streisand, Michael Stewart, Francis Ford Coppola, Susan Stroman, John Weidman, Charles Strouse, Garth Drabinsky, Jason Robert Brown, and Jonathan Tunick.


Joshua Rosenblum teaches Composing for Musical Theater at Yale University and Conducting at New York University. As a composer/lyricist, he wrote the scores to the off-Broadway musicals Fermat's Last Tango, Bush is Bad, and Einstein's Dreams (four Drama Desk Nominations). He has conducted fourteen Broadway and off-Broadway shows and has performed as pianist with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, the City Center Encores! Orchestra, and the American Symphony. A longtime contributor of reviews and features to Opera News, Rosenblum is a summa cum laude graduate of Yale College and holds a master's degree in Piano from the Yale School of Music.


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members such as John Schroeder.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2818 no Encore Episode: TRUDE RITMANN & THE WOMEN WHO INVENTED BROADWAY https://www.broadway-nation.com/ You may not know Trude Rittmann's name, but you have heard her music. During the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond), she composed music for 33 Broadway musicals, including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot.  In this episode, Albert Evans and I tell the story of one of the least known, but most significant, women who invented the musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000 TRUDE RITMANN & THE WOMEN WHO INVENTED BROADWAY full 3 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans You may not know Trude Rittmann's name, but you have heard her music. During the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond), she composed music for 33 Broadway musicals, including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot.  In this episode, Albert Evans and I tell the story of one of the least known, but most significant, women who invented the musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You may not know Trude Rittmann's name, but you have heard her music. During the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond), she composed music for 33 Broadway musicals, including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot. 


In this episode, Albert Evans and I tell the story of one of the least known, but most significant, women who invented the musical.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1752 no Episode 169: If They Asked Me I Could Write A Book  On this episode, I have a big announcement, so I asked my buddy, friend, colleague, and Broadway Nation’s favorite co-host and guest host, ALBERT EVANS, to join me today to turn the tables on me and ask me the questions rather than me being the interviewer. As you may have guessed from the episode title, the announcement is that I have a book coming out called BROADWAY NATION (sound familiar?) and the subtitle will be similar to what you've heard before as well: HOW IMMIGRANT JEWISH, QUEER AND BLACK ARTISTS INVENTED THE BROADWAY MUSICAL.  It's coming out on July 24th, 2025 from Metheun Drama which is an imprint of Bloomsbury, which is a renowned publishing company with a 100-year history of publishing plays and books about drama books, theater, and musical theater. Many of the authors and books that I have featured on this podcast over the past few years have been published by Metheun Drama/Bloomsbury. If you are inclined to want to make sure you get this book at the earliest possible moment it is on presale right now on Amazon everywhere you might buy a book. However, you can get a discount on the Bloomsbury website as follows: Paperback: $34.95, but you can buy it for $32.45 on the Bloomsbury site. Hardback: $100.00  but you can get it for $90.00 on the Bloomsbury site. Ebook: $31:45. Here is the link!: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/broadway-nation-9781350428317/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network  On this episode, I have a big announcement, so I asked my buddy, friend, colleague, and Broadway Nation’s favorite co-host and guest host, ALBERT EVANS, to join me today to turn the tables on me and ask me the questions rather than me being the interviewer. As you may have guessed from the episode title, the announcement is that I have a book coming out called BROADWAY NATION (sound familiar?) and the subtitle will be similar to what you've heard before as well: HOW IMMIGRANT JEWISH, QUEER AND BLACK ARTISTS INVENTED THE BROADWAY MUSICAL.  It's coming out on July 24th, 2025 from Metheun Drama which is an imprint of Bloomsbury, which is a renowned publishing company with a 100-year history of publishing plays and books about drama books, theater, and musical theater. Many of the authors and books that I have featured on this podcast over the past few years have been published by Metheun Drama/Bloomsbury. If you are inclined to want to make sure you get this book at the earliest possible moment it is on presale right now on Amazon everywhere you might buy a book. However, you can get a discount on the Bloomsbury website as follows: Paperback: $34.95, but you can buy it for $32.45 on the Bloomsbury site. Hardback: $100.00  but you can get it for $90.00 on the Bloomsbury site. Ebook: $31:45. Here is the link!: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/broadway-nation-9781350428317/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  On this episode, I have a big announcement, so I asked my buddy, friend, colleague, and Broadway Nation’s favorite co-host and guest host, ALBERT EVANS, to join me today to turn the tables on me and ask me the questions rather than me being the interviewer.


As you may have guessed from the episode title, the announcement is that I have a book coming out called BROADWAY NATION (sound familiar?) and the subtitle will be similar to what you've heard before as well: HOW IMMIGRANT JEWISH, QUEER AND BLACK ARTISTS INVENTED THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. 


It's coming out on July 24th, 2025 from Metheun Drama which is an imprint of Bloomsbury, which is a renowned publishing company with a 100-year history of publishing plays and books about drama books, theater, and musical theater. Many of the authors and books that I have featured on this podcast over the past few years have been published by Metheun Drama/Bloomsbury.


If you are inclined to want to make sure you get this book at the earliest possible moment it is on presale right now on Amazon everywhere you might buy a book. However, you can get a discount on the Bloomsbury website as follows:


Paperback: $34.95, but you can buy it for $32.45 on the Bloomsbury site.

Hardback: $100.00  but you can get it for $90.00 on the Bloomsbury site.

Ebook: $31:45.


Here is the link!:

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/broadway-nation-9781350428317/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2014 no Episode 168: ACADEMY AWARD WINNING MUSICALS — The Movie Musicals That Won the Oscar for Best Picture https://www.broadway-nation.com/  On this episode, Albert Evans returns to Broadway Nation to discuss a topic we don't often broach on this podcast: Movie Musicals. Of course, movie musicals go hand in glove with Broadway musicals and many film musicals originated as Broadway musicals including several we talk about here because our principal topic is Movie Musicals that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Coming up this weekend we, of course, have the possibility of the blockbuster Wicked becoming another Broadway musical to win Best Picture. It will be fascinating to see what happens. There are a lot more nominees for Best Picture today than there were when West Side Story, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Oliver! or Chicago won the Oscar. It's an interesting topic, and I knew that Albert was the perfect person to discuss it with me. Like me, he's seen all of these movies, most of them multiple times, and we both did do a bit of reviewing of some of the films we have seen less recently. Let us know if you agree with our assessments! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000 ACADEMY AWARD WINNING MUSICALS — The Movie Musicals That Won the Oscar for Best Picture full 3 168 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans  On this episode, Albert Evans returns to Broadway Nation to discuss a topic we don't often broach on this podcast: Movie Musicals. Of course, movie musicals go hand in glove with Broadway musicals and many film musicals originated as Broadway musicals including several we talk about here because our principal topic is Movie Musicals that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Coming up this weekend we, of course, have the possibility of the blockbuster Wicked becoming another Broadway musical to win Best Picture. It will be fascinating to see what happens. There are a lot more nominees for Best Picture today than there were when West Side Story, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Oliver! or Chicago won the Oscar. It's an interesting topic, and I knew that Albert was the perfect person to discuss it with me. Like me, he's seen all of these movies, most of them multiple times, and we both did do a bit of reviewing of some of the films we have seen less recently. Let us know if you agree with our assessments! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  On this episode, Albert Evans returns to Broadway Nation to discuss a topic we don't often broach on this podcast: Movie Musicals. Of course, movie musicals go hand in glove with Broadway musicals and many film musicals originated as Broadway musicals including several we talk about here because our principal topic is Movie Musicals that won the Academy Award for Best Picture.


Coming up this weekend we, of course, have the possibility of the blockbuster Wicked becoming another Broadway musical to win Best Picture. It will be fascinating to see what happens. There are a lot more nominees for Best Picture today than there were when West Side Story, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Oliver! or Chicago won the Oscar.


It's an interesting topic, and I knew that Albert was the perfect person to discuss it with me. Like me, he's seen all of these movies, most of them multiple times, and we both did do a bit of reviewing of some of the films we have seen less recently.


Let us know if you agree with our assessments!


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4590 no Episode 167: HELEN MORGAN, part 3 My guest again this week is Christopher S. Connelly, author of the fascinating new book HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR. On this episode, Christopher and I look at Helen Morgan's life and career during the 1930s, both in Hollywood and on Broadway. And we delve a bit into her personal story, including the love of her life and her several marriages. we end by looking at her extraordinary legacy, including the two filmed biographies of her life that both came out in the same year, both named The Helen Morgan Story. Christopher S. Connelly is a film and theater historian. His work has appeared in Etcetera magazine and the Kino Lorber DVD release of Mamoulian's Applause. He is also an actor, Roman Catholic cantor, and chorister for the Atlanta Opera. When he is not writing or performing, he works IT for the Georgia Institute of Technology. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Mark Stanton. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Broadway Podcast Network My guest again this week is Christopher S. Connelly, author of the fascinating new book HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR. On this episode, Christopher and I look at Helen Morgan's life and career during the 1930s, both in Hollywood and on Broadway. And we delve a bit into her personal story, including the love of her life and her several marriages. we end by looking at her extraordinary legacy, including the two filmed biographies of her life that both came out in the same year, both named The Helen Morgan Story. Christopher S. Connelly is a film and theater historian. His work has appeared in Etcetera magazine and the Kino Lorber DVD release of Mamoulian's Applause. He is also an actor, Roman Catholic cantor, and chorister for the Atlanta Opera. When he is not writing or performing, he works IT for the Georgia Institute of Technology. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Mark Stanton. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is Christopher S. Connelly, author of the fascinating new book

HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR.


On this episode, Christopher and I look at Helen Morgan's life and career during the 1930s, both in Hollywood and on Broadway. And we delve a bit into her personal story, including the love of her life and her several marriages. we end by looking at her extraordinary legacy, including the two filmed biographies of her life that both came out in the same year, both named The Helen Morgan Story.


Christopher S. Connelly is a film and theater historian. His work has appeared in Etcetera magazine and the Kino Lorber DVD release of Mamoulian's Applause. He is also an actor, Roman Catholic cantor, and chorister for the Atlanta Opera. When he is not writing or performing, he works IT for the Georgia Institute of Technology.


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Mark Stanton.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2016 no Episode 166: HELEN MORGAN, part 2. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again this week is Christopher S. Connelly, author of the fascinating new book HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR.  The topics discussed in this episode include: Morgan's follow up to Show Boat, the 1929 hit musical Sweet Adeline — a star vehicle created especially for her by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. The 1932 revival of Show Boat and subsequent tour. Morgan's career as a nightclub hostess and entertainer at a series of night spots named for her including Chez Morgan, Helen Morgan's Summer House, and The House of Morgan. The Ziegfeld Follies of 1931. And Helen Morgan as a Gay Icon and the "Pansy Craze" stars who imitated her. Christopher S. Connelly is a film and theater historian. His work has appeared in Etcetera magazine and the Kino Lorber DVD release of Mamoulian's Applause. He is also an actor, Roman Catholic cantor, and chorister for the Atlanta Opera. When he is not writing or performing, he works IT for the Georgia Institute of Technology. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Ann Welsh. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000 HELEN MORGAN, part 2. full 3 166 Broadway Podcast Network With author Christopher S. Connelly My guest again this week is Christopher S. Connelly, author of the fascinating new book HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR.  The topics discussed in this episode include: Morgan's follow up to Show Boat, the 1929 hit musical Sweet Adeline — a star vehicle created especially for her by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. The 1932 revival of Show Boat and subsequent tour. Morgan's career as a nightclub hostess and entertainer at a series of night spots named for her including Chez Morgan, Helen Morgan's Summer House, and The House of Morgan. The Ziegfeld Follies of 1931. And Helen Morgan as a Gay Icon and the "Pansy Craze" stars who imitated her. Christopher S. Connelly is a film and theater historian. His work has appeared in Etcetera magazine and the Kino Lorber DVD release of Mamoulian's Applause. He is also an actor, Roman Catholic cantor, and chorister for the Atlanta Opera. When he is not writing or performing, he works IT for the Georgia Institute of Technology. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Ann Welsh. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is Christopher S. Connelly, author of the fascinating new book

HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR.


 The topics discussed in this episode include:

  • Morgan's follow up to Show Boat, the 1929 hit musical Sweet Adeline — a star vehicle created especially for her by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II.
  • The 1932 revival of Show Boat and subsequent tour.
  • Morgan's career as a nightclub hostess and entertainer at a series of night spots named for her including Chez Morgan, Helen Morgan's Summer House, and The House of Morgan.
  • The Ziegfeld Follies of 1931.
  • And Helen Morgan as a Gay Icon and the "Pansy Craze" stars who imitated her.


Christopher S. Connelly is a film and theater historian. His work has appeared in Etcetera magazine and the Kino Lorber DVD release of Mamoulian's Applause. He is also an actor, Roman Catholic cantor, and chorister for the Atlanta Opera. When he is not writing or performing, he works IT for the Georgia Institute of Technology.


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Ann Welsh.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2112 no Episode 165: HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER & ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week my, guest is Christopher T. Connelly, the author of the fascinating new book HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR.  There are a number of individuals who were very big Broadway stars back in what I call the Silver Age of Broadway (the 1920s and 30s), But who today are mostly overlooked and left out of the conversation. Performers who were on a level with Jolson and Cantor and Fanny Bryce, but whose fame has almost entirely faded. Of course most musical theater fans will know the name Helen Morgan, and know that she originated the role of "Julie" in Show Boat. But if you are like me, you will be largely unaware, of the incredible range of her talents, the depth and breadth of her career, and the level of her stardom. And I have no doubt that you'll be as fascinated by this book and by this conversation as I was. Christopher S. Connelly is a film and theater historian. His work has appeared in Etcetera magazine and the Kino Lorber DVD release of Mamoulian's Applause. He is also an actor, Roman Catholic cantor, and chorister for the Atlanta Opera. When he is not writing or performing, he works IT for the Georgia Institute of Technology. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member MARK STANTON. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000 HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER & ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR full 3 157 Broadway Podcast Network With author Christopher T. Connelly This week my, guest is Christopher T. Connelly, the author of the fascinating new book HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR.  There are a number of individuals who were very big Broadway stars back in what I call the Silver Age of Broadway (the 1920s and 30s), But who today are mostly overlooked and left out of the conversation. Performers who were on a level with Jolson and Cantor and Fanny Bryce, but whose fame has almost entirely faded. Of course most musical theater fans will know the name Helen Morgan, and know that she originated the role of "Julie" in Show Boat. But if you are like me, you will be largely unaware, of the incredible range of her talents, the depth and breadth of her career, and the level of her stardom. And I have no doubt that you'll be as fascinated by this book and by this conversation as I was. Christopher S. Connelly is a film and theater historian. His work has appeared in Etcetera magazine and the Kino Lorber DVD release of Mamoulian's Applause. He is also an actor, Roman Catholic cantor, and chorister for the Atlanta Opera. When he is not writing or performing, he works IT for the Georgia Institute of Technology. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member MARK STANTON. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week my, guest is Christopher T. Connelly, the author of the fascinating new book HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR.


 There are a number of individuals who were very big Broadway stars back in what I call the Silver Age of Broadway (the 1920s and 30s), But who today are mostly overlooked and left out of the conversation. Performers who were on a level with Jolson and Cantor and Fanny Bryce, but whose fame has almost entirely faded. Of course most musical theater fans will know the name Helen Morgan, and know that she originated the role of "Julie" in Show Boat. But if you are like me, you will be largely unaware, of the incredible range of her talents, the depth and breadth of her career, and the level of her stardom. And I have no doubt that you'll be as fascinated by this book and by this conversation as I was.


Christopher S. Connelly is a film and theater historian. His work has appeared in Etcetera magazine and the Kino Lorber DVD release of Mamoulian's Applause. He is also an actor, Roman Catholic cantor, and chorister for the Atlanta Opera. When he is not writing or performing, he works IT for the Georgia Institute of Technology.


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member MARK STANTON.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2693 no Special Encore Episode: BROADWAY COMES OUT! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ The progressive and disruptive social movements of the 1960s and 70s had a huge impact on the Broadway Musical and were reflected back into the culture by them. These include the Civil Rights movement, Women’s Liberation, Black Power, and the Gay Liberation Movement. The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 brought gay issues into the mainstream and during the 1970s LGBTQ+ people would become “out, loud, and proud” in significant numbers. Of course, it makes sense that this new visibility and feeling of liberation would be felt on Broadway where there had always been a large representation of queer people throughout the industry, including in positions of leadership. As a result queer characters and stories began appearing on Broadway -- especially in plays -- but also in a few musicals as well. In this episode I explore the growing visibility of openly queer content on Broadway in musicals such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, and the works of William Finn. I also recount the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s and 90s when a whole generation of creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease.  AIDS claimed the lives of hundreds of actors, singers, musicians, stage managers, production assistants, and designers -- as well as scores of dancers that had been trained by Bennett, Fosse, Champion, and Tune and might have one day become influential directors and choreographers themselves. The devastation of AIDS opened the door to the “British Invasion” that would soon dominate Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 BROADWAY COMES OUT! full 3 Broadway Podcast Network Gay Liberation and the Modern Era of the Broadway Musical The progressive and disruptive social movements of the 1960s and 70s had a huge impact on the Broadway Musical and were reflected back into the culture by them. These include the Civil Rights movement, Women’s Liberation, Black Power, and the Gay Liberation Movement. The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 brought gay issues into the mainstream and during the 1970s LGBTQ+ people would become “out, loud, and proud” in significant numbers. Of course, it makes sense that this new visibility and feeling of liberation would be felt on Broadway where there had always been a large representation of queer people throughout the industry, including in positions of leadership. As a result queer characters and stories began appearing on Broadway -- especially in plays -- but also in a few musicals as well. In this episode I explore the growing visibility of openly queer content on Broadway in musicals such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, and the works of William Finn. I also recount the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s and 90s when a whole generation of creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease.  AIDS claimed the lives of hundreds of actors, singers, musicians, stage managers, production assistants, and designers -- as well as scores of dancers that had been trained by Bennett, Fosse, Champion, and Tune and might have one day become influential directors and choreographers themselves. The devastation of AIDS opened the door to the “British Invasion” that would soon dominate Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The progressive and disruptive social movements of the 1960s and 70s had a huge impact on the Broadway Musical and were reflected back into the culture by them. These include the Civil Rights movement, Women’s Liberation, Black Power, and the Gay Liberation Movement.

The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 brought gay issues into the mainstream and during the 1970s LGBTQ+ people would become “out, loud, and proud” in significant numbers.


Of course, it makes sense that this new visibility and feeling of liberation would be felt on Broadway where there had always been a large representation of queer people throughout the industry, including in positions of leadership. As a result queer characters and stories began appearing on Broadway -- especially in plays -- but also in a few musicals as well.

In this episode I explore the growing visibility of openly queer content on Broadway in musicals such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, and the works of William Finn.


I also recount the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s and 90s when a whole generation of creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease. 

AIDS claimed the lives of hundreds of actors, singers, musicians, stage managers, production assistants, and designers -- as well as scores of dancers that had been trained by Bennett, Fosse, Champion, and Tune and might have one day become influential directors and choreographers themselves.


The devastation of AIDS opened the door to the “British Invasion” that would soon dominate Broadway.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1769 no Episode 164: THE MYTHS & LEGACIES OF GEORGE M. COHAN https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the final episode of a three-part conversation with author Elizabeth T. Craft regarding her recent book, Yankee Doodle Dandy — George M. Cohan and the Broadway Stage, the first book major work about Cohan in fifty years. If you missed the first two episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.   In this episode, Elizabeth Craft and I discuss the final decades of Cohan’s remarkable career, during which he continued to establish and define the very nature of celebrity, including the significant impact he had on young Oscar Hammerstein II and the next generation of Broadway innovators. Elizabeth also shares with us how, during the 1920s, in a series of hit musicals, Cohan, for the first time, put his Irish American heritage and identity at the center of his work, which was not without controversy. Along the way, she reveals the truth behind Cohen’s claim that he was born on the 4th of July, provides us with an inside view of the making of the classic 1941 Cohan bio-musical, Yankee Doodle Dandy, and sums up his enduring legacy as the primary inventor of the myth of Broadway.   Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Ruth Oberg. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 THE MYTHS & LEGACIES OF GEORGE M. COHAN full 3 164 Broadway Podcast Network With author ELIZABETH T. CFRAFT This is the final episode of a three-part conversation with author Elizabeth T. Craft regarding her recent book, Yankee Doodle Dandy — George M. Cohan and the Broadway Stage, the first book major work about Cohan in fifty years. If you missed the first two episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.   In this episode, Elizabeth Craft and I discuss the final decades of Cohan’s remarkable career, during which he continued to establish and define the very nature of celebrity, including the significant impact he had on young Oscar Hammerstein II and the next generation of Broadway innovators. Elizabeth also shares with us how, during the 1920s, in a series of hit musicals, Cohan, for the first time, put his Irish American heritage and identity at the center of his work, which was not without controversy. Along the way, she reveals the truth behind Cohen’s claim that he was born on the 4th of July, provides us with an inside view of the making of the classic 1941 Cohan bio-musical, Yankee Doodle Dandy, and sums up his enduring legacy as the primary inventor of the myth of Broadway.   Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Ruth Oberg. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the final episode of a three-part conversation with author Elizabeth T. Craft regarding her recent book, Yankee Doodle Dandy — George M. Cohan and the Broadway Stage, the first book major work about Cohan in fifty years. If you missed the first two episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.

 

In this episode, Elizabeth Craft and I discuss the final decades of Cohan’s remarkable career, during which he continued to establish and define the very nature of celebrity, including the significant impact he had on young Oscar Hammerstein II and the next generation of Broadway innovators. Elizabeth also shares with us how, during the 1920s, in a series of hit musicals, Cohan, for the first time, put his Irish American heritage and identity at the center of his work, which was not without controversy. Along the way, she reveals the truth behind Cohen’s claim that he was born on the 4th of July, provides us with an inside view of the making of the classic 1941 Cohan bio-musical, Yankee Doodle Dandy, and sums up his enduring legacy as the primary inventor of the myth of Broadway.  


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Ruth Oberg.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1905 no Episode 163: George M. Cohan —The Man Who Owned Broadway, Part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second of a three-part conversation with author Elizabeth T. Craft regarding her recent book, Yankee Doodle Dandy — George M. Cohan and the Broadway Stage, which is the first book about Cohan in fifty years. If you missed the first episode in this series you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this one.   This week, Elizabeth and I begin with a discussion of Cohan, the entertainer. He was, without a doubt, one of the first brand-name celebrities in the modern sense, and every aspect of his persona was perfectly integrated – his unique style of performance, the content of his plays and lyrics, the beat and rhythm of his music, all worked together in perfect unison. But what exactly was it that made Cohan such a distinctive and potent personality? Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Anne Welsh. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:43:00 -0000 George M. Cohan —The Man Who Owned Broadway, Part 2 full 3 166 Broadway Podcast Network With author ELIZABETH T. CFRAFT This is the second of a three-part conversation with author Elizabeth T. Craft regarding her recent book, Yankee Doodle Dandy — George M. Cohan and the Broadway Stage, which is the first book about Cohan in fifty years. If you missed the first episode in this series you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this one.   This week, Elizabeth and I begin with a discussion of Cohan, the entertainer. He was, without a doubt, one of the first brand-name celebrities in the modern sense, and every aspect of his persona was perfectly integrated – his unique style of performance, the content of his plays and lyrics, the beat and rhythm of his music, all worked together in perfect unison. But what exactly was it that made Cohan such a distinctive and potent personality? Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Anne Welsh. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second of a three-part conversation with author Elizabeth T. Craft regarding her recent book, Yankee Doodle Dandy — George M. Cohan and the Broadway Stage, which is the first book about Cohan in fifty years. If you missed the first episode in this series you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this one.

 

This week, Elizabeth and I begin with a discussion of Cohan, the entertainer. He was, without a doubt, one of the first brand-name celebrities in the modern sense, and every aspect of his persona was perfectly integrated – his unique style of performance, the content of his plays and lyrics, the beat and rhythm of his music, all worked together in perfect unison. But what exactly was it that made Cohan such a distinctive and potent personality?


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Anne Welsh.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2077 no Episode 162: GEORGE M COHAN and the BROADWAY STAGE My guest today is author Elizabeth T. Craft, whose terrific new book, Yankee Doodle Dandy — George M. Cohan and the Broadway Stage, is the first book about Cohan in fifty years. No one looms larger in the history of early Broadway than the Irish American writer, composer, lyricist, director, choreographer, producer, actor, singer, dancer, and musical theater legend George M. Cohan — who is often called “the father of musical comedy.” It is no mistake that Cohan’s is the one and only statue of a Broadway figure to have a place of honor in the center of Times Square.   As you will hear, Elizabeth Craft situates Cohan as a central figure in the invention of the Broadway musical and illustrates how his plays, musicals, songs, and persona indelibly shaped the American cultural landscape of his day and more than 100 years later continue to have enduring resonance. Featured on this episode is music from The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra's outstanding album You're A Grand Old Rag — The Music of George M. Cohan, and the studio cast recording of Yankee Doodle Dandy (book by David Armstrong, music & lyrics by George M. Cohan, musical arrangements and additional music and lyrics by Albert Evans.) Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Juan J. Neumeister. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 GEORGE M COHAN and the BROADWAY STAGE full 3 162 Broadway Podcast Network With author ELIZABETH T. CFRAFT My guest today is author Elizabeth T. Craft, whose terrific new book, Yankee Doodle Dandy — George M. Cohan and the Broadway Stage, is the first book about Cohan in fifty years. No one looms larger in the history of early Broadway than the Irish American writer, composer, lyricist, director, choreographer, producer, actor, singer, dancer, and musical theater legend George M. Cohan — who is often called “the father of musical comedy.” It is no mistake that Cohan’s is the one and only statue of a Broadway figure to have a place of honor in the center of Times Square.   As you will hear, Elizabeth Craft situates Cohan as a central figure in the invention of the Broadway musical and illustrates how his plays, musicals, songs, and persona indelibly shaped the American cultural landscape of his day and more than 100 years later continue to have enduring resonance. Featured on this episode is music from The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra's outstanding album You're A Grand Old Rag — The Music of George M. Cohan, and the studio cast recording of Yankee Doodle Dandy (book by David Armstrong, music & lyrics by George M. Cohan, musical arrangements and additional music and lyrics by Albert Evans.) Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Juan J. Neumeister. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is author Elizabeth T. Craft, whose terrific new book, Yankee Doodle Dandy — George M. Cohan and the Broadway Stage, is the first book about Cohan in fifty years.


No one looms larger in the history of early Broadway than the Irish American writer, composer, lyricist, director, choreographer, producer, actor, singer, dancer, and musical theater legend George M. Cohan — who is often called “the father of musical comedy.” It is no mistake that Cohan’s is the one and only statue of a Broadway figure to have a place of honor in the center of Times Square.

 

As you will hear, Elizabeth Craft situates Cohan as a central figure in the invention of the Broadway musical and illustrates how his plays, musicals, songs, and persona indelibly shaped the American cultural landscape of his day and more than 100 years later continue to have enduring resonance.


Featured on this episode is music from The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra's outstanding album You're A Grand Old Rag — The Music of George M. Cohan, and the studio cast recording of Yankee Doodle Dandy (book by David Armstrong, music & lyrics by George M. Cohan, musical arrangements and additional music and lyrics by Albert Evans.)


Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime Patron Club Member Juan J. Neumeister.


If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!


For as little as $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.


And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/


Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2816 no Special Encore Episode: WHO'S THE GREATEST STAR? — In Memory of Chita Rivera https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a Special Encore of the 100th episode of Broadway Nation which was first posted in March of 2023. To celebrate I invited Albert Evans to join me to discuss, debate, and decide once and for all who is the Greatest Broadway Musical Star Of All Time!  It is impossible to look back on the past year without thinking of CHITA RIVERA and the tremendous legacy she leaves behind. SPOILER ALERT! Chita figures prominently in this episode! As you will hear, we had a lot of fun with this one, and I have no doubt it will spark a lot of comments, conversation, and controversy! And we look forward to hearing from you. So who did we choose? All I can tell you is that Bernadette Peters, Ethel Merman, Patti LuPone, Robert Preston, Liza Minelli, Mary Martin, Audra McDonald, Angela Lansbury, Vanessa Williams, Al Jolson, Julie Andrews, Kristin Chenoweth, Eddie Cantor, Idina Menzel, Fanny Brice, Sutton Foster, George M. Cohan, Lea Salonga, Rex Harrison, Nathan Lane, Barbara Cook, Mandy Patinkin, Yul Brynner, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Donna Murphy, Gertrude Lawrence, Ben Vereen, Hugh Jackman, Joel Grey, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Gwen Verdon, Matthew Broderick, and Chita Rivera all get considered and discussed. And a lot of Broadway history gets explored along the way as well!  Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Patron Club Members Ruth Oberg, Neil Hoyt, and Judy Hucka.  If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 Special Encore Episode: WHO'S THE GREATEST STAR? — In Memory of Chita Rivera full 2 100 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans This is a Special Encore of the 100th episode of Broadway Nation which was first posted in March of 2023. To celebrate I invited Albert Evans to join me to discuss, debate, and decide once and for all who is the Greatest Broadway Musical Star Of All Time!  It is impossible to look back on the past year without thinking of CHITA RIVERA and the tremendous legacy she leaves behind. SPOILER ALERT! Chita figures prominently in this episode! As you will hear, we had a lot of fun with this one, and I have no doubt it will spark a lot of comments, conversation, and controversy! And we look forward to hearing from you. So who did we choose? All I can tell you is that Bernadette Peters, Ethel Merman, Patti LuPone, Robert Preston, Liza Minelli, Mary Martin, Audra McDonald, Angela Lansbury, Vanessa Williams, Al Jolson, Julie Andrews, Kristin Chenoweth, Eddie Cantor, Idina Menzel, Fanny Brice, Sutton Foster, George M. Cohan, Lea Salonga, Rex Harrison, Nathan Lane, Barbara Cook, Mandy Patinkin, Yul Brynner, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Donna Murphy, Gertrude Lawrence, Ben Vereen, Hugh Jackman, Joel Grey, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Gwen Verdon, Matthew Broderick, and Chita Rivera all get considered and discussed. And a lot of Broadway history gets explored along the way as well!  Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Patron Club Members Ruth Oberg, Neil Hoyt, and Judy Hucka.  If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a Special Encore of the 100th episode of Broadway Nation which was first posted in March of 2023. To celebrate I invited Albert Evans to join me to discuss, debate, and decide once and for all who is the Greatest Broadway Musical Star Of All Time! 

It is impossible to look back on the past year without thinking of CHITA RIVERA and the tremendous legacy she leaves behind. SPOILER ALERT! Chita figures prominently in this episode!

As you will hear, we had a lot of fun with this one, and I have no doubt it will spark a lot of comments, conversation, and controversy! And we look forward to hearing from you.

So who did we choose? All I can tell you is that Bernadette Peters, Ethel Merman, Patti LuPone, Robert Preston, Liza Minelli, Mary Martin, Audra McDonald, Angela Lansbury, Vanessa Williams, Al Jolson, Julie Andrews, Kristin Chenoweth, Eddie Cantor, Idina Menzel, Fanny Brice, Sutton Foster, George M. Cohan, Lea Salonga, Rex Harrison, Nathan Lane, Barbara Cook, Mandy Patinkin, Yul Brynner, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Donna Murphy, Gertrude Lawrence, Ben Vereen, Hugh Jackman, Joel Grey, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Gwen Verdon, Matthew Broderick, and Chita Rivera all get considered and discussed.

And a lot of Broadway history gets explored along the way as well! 

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Patron Club Members Ruth Oberg, Neil Hoyt, and Judy Hucka. 

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4271 no A Special Encore Episode: "White Christmas" — The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 29 Dec 2024 20:57:00 -0000 "White Christmas" — The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, part 2 full 2 Broadway Podcast Network A Special Encore Episode with special guest Albert Evans This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org

In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway.

But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer!

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year!

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2585 no Special Encore Episode: The Story Behind White Christmas, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special holiday reprise of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes: It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island just outside of Seattle, WA. Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. This time I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.  Happy Holidays! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Dec 2024 06:35:41 -0000 Special Encore Episode: The Story Behind White Christmas, part 1 full 2 Broadway Podcast Network This is a special holiday reprise of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes: It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island just outside of Seattle, WA. Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. This time I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.  Happy Holidays! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special holiday reprise of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes: It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island just outside of Seattle, WA.

Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. This time I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.  

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans. 

Happy Holidays!

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2005 no Episode 161: Fixing The Musical, Part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second half of my recent conversation with author Doug Reside, whose fascinating new book is titled Fixing The Musical — How Technologies Shaped the Broadway Repertory. Today, Doug shares with us how cast recordings, movie versions, and even illegal bootlegs on YouTube have shaped the American musical as an art form and defined the Broadway repertory as we know it. If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. And of course, many listeners to this podcast will know Doug from his day job as Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division at the NYPL for the Performing Arts. Reside joined NYPL in 2011 first as the digital curator for the performing arts before assuming his current position in 2014. Prior to joining NYPL, Reside served on the directorial staff of the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities at the University of Maryland. He has published and spoken on topics related to theater history, literature, and digital humanities, and has managed several large grant-funded projects on these topics. He holds a PhD in English from the University of Kentucky. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patron Carl Baldasso. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Fixing The Musical, Part 2 full 3 161 Broadway Podcast Network with author Douglas L. Reside This is the second half of my recent conversation with author Doug Reside, whose fascinating new book is titled Fixing The Musical — How Technologies Shaped the Broadway Repertory. Today, Doug shares with us how cast recordings, movie versions, and even illegal bootlegs on YouTube have shaped the American musical as an art form and defined the Broadway repertory as we know it. If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. And of course, many listeners to this podcast will know Doug from his day job as Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division at the NYPL for the Performing Arts. Reside joined NYPL in 2011 first as the digital curator for the performing arts before assuming his current position in 2014. Prior to joining NYPL, Reside served on the directorial staff of the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities at the University of Maryland. He has published and spoken on topics related to theater history, literature, and digital humanities, and has managed several large grant-funded projects on these topics. He holds a PhD in English from the University of Kentucky. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patron Carl Baldasso. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my recent conversation with author Doug Reside, whose fascinating new book is titled Fixing The Musical — How Technologies Shaped the Broadway Repertory.

Today, Doug shares with us how cast recordings, movie versions, and even illegal bootlegs on YouTube have shaped the American musical as an art form and defined the Broadway repertory as we know it.

If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

And of course, many listeners to this podcast will know Doug from his day job as Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division at the NYPL for the Performing Arts. Reside joined NYPL in 2011 first as the digital curator for the performing arts before assuming his current position in 2014. Prior to joining NYPL, Reside served on the directorial staff of the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities at the University of Maryland. He has published and spoken on topics related to theater history, literature, and digital humanities, and has managed several large grant-funded projects on these topics. He holds a PhD in English from the University of Kentucky.

How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patron Carl Baldasso.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3134 no Episode 160: Fixing The Musical — How Technologies Shaped the Broadway Repertory https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Over the past century, thousands of musicals have opened on Broadway. Why do we remember some and not others? My guest this week is Doug Reside, the author of a very interesting new book: Fixing The Musical — How Technologies Shaped the Broadway Repertory.  In this conversation, Doug shares with us how the printed versions of the scripts, cast recordings, movie versions, and even illegal bootlegs on YouTube have shaped the American musical as an art form and defined the Broadway repertory as we know it. This book is filled with fascinating research, which might be expected since, in his day job, Doug Reside is the Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division at the NYPL for the Performing Arts. Reside joined NYPL in 2011 first as the digital curator for the performing arts before assuming his current position in 2014. Prior to joining NYPL, Reside served on the directorial staff of the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities at the University of Maryland. He has published and spoken on topics related to theater history, literature, and digital humanities, and has managed several large grant-funded projects on these topics. He holds a PhD in English from the University of Kentucky. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patron Kelly Allen. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Fixing The Musical — How Technologies Shaped the Broadway Repertory full 3 160 Broadway Podcast Network with author Douglas L. Reside Over the past century, thousands of musicals have opened on Broadway. Why do we remember some and not others? My guest this week is Doug Reside, the author of a very interesting new book: Fixing The Musical — How Technologies Shaped the Broadway Repertory.  In this conversation, Doug shares with us how the printed versions of the scripts, cast recordings, movie versions, and even illegal bootlegs on YouTube have shaped the American musical as an art form and defined the Broadway repertory as we know it. This book is filled with fascinating research, which might be expected since, in his day job, Doug Reside is the Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division at the NYPL for the Performing Arts. Reside joined NYPL in 2011 first as the digital curator for the performing arts before assuming his current position in 2014. Prior to joining NYPL, Reside served on the directorial staff of the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities at the University of Maryland. He has published and spoken on topics related to theater history, literature, and digital humanities, and has managed several large grant-funded projects on these topics. He holds a PhD in English from the University of Kentucky. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patron Kelly Allen. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the past century, thousands of musicals have opened on Broadway. Why do we remember some and not others?

My guest this week is Doug Reside, the author of a very interesting new book:

Fixing The Musical — How Technologies Shaped the Broadway Repertory.

 In this conversation, Doug shares with us how the printed versions of the scripts, cast recordings, movie versions, and even illegal bootlegs on YouTube have shaped the American musical as an art form and defined the Broadway repertory as we know it.

This book is filled with fascinating research, which might be expected since, in his day job, Doug Reside is the Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division at the NYPL for the Performing Arts.

Reside joined NYPL in 2011 first as the digital curator for the performing arts before assuming his current position in 2014. Prior to joining NYPL, Reside served on the directorial staff of the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities at the University of Maryland. He has published and spoken on topics related to theater history, literature, and digital humanities, and has managed several large grant-funded projects on these topics. He holds a PhD in English from the University of Kentucky.

How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patron Kelly Allen.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2539 no Episode 159: Dance In Musical Theatre — A History of the Body in Movement https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guests this week are Dustyn Martincich & Phoebe Rumsey who have edited and authored (along with a number of other contributors) a recent book titled Dance In Musical Theatre — A History of the Body in Movement. As anyone who has listened to this podcast regularly knows, much like the authors of this book, I believe that dance has always been one of the most important and key elements of musical theater—from Oklahoma! and West Side Story to Spring Awakening and Hamilton. By pulling together a range of diverse authors and perspectives, this book not only tracks the emergence of the dancer as a key figure in the genre, it also connects the contributions of past and present choreographers from the beginning of the 20th century and right up to today.  Dustyn Martincich is a Professor of Theatre and Dance at Bucknell University. Her research interests involve investigating narrative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary possibilities in theatre and dance performance and musical theatre dance studies that focuses on the work of the ensemble. She has movement directed, choreographed, and performed for concert dance and theatrical stages. She has been recently published in Studies in Musical Theatre, and in edited collections like Gender Sex, and Sexuality in Musical Theatre (edited by Kelly Kessler), Dueling Grounds: Revolution and Revelation in the Musical Hamilton (edited by Paul Laird and Mary Jo Lodge), and Toni Morrison: Forty Years in The Clearing (edited by Carmen Gillespie). Phoebe Rumsey is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre and Course Leader of the BA (Hons) Musical Theater degree at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. She received her PhD from The Graduate Center, CUNY, and holds an MA in Performance Studies from NYU, an MA in Theatre from UNLV, and a BFA in Contemporary Dance from Simon Fraser University. A scholar and practitioner, her research has been published in The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Politics, Studies in Musical Theatre, The Routledge Companion to the Contemporary Musical and Reframing The Musical: Race, Culture, and Identity (Palgrave). She is the author of Embodied Nostalgia: Social Dance, Communities and the Choreographing of Musical Theatre (Routledge). Along with her engagement in academic studies Dr. Rumsey has worked extensively as a performer and choreographer. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patron Judy Hucka. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Dance In Musical Theatre — A History of the Body in Movement full 3 159 Broadway Podcast Network With Dustyn Martincich & Phoebe Rumsey My guests this week are Dustyn Martincich & Phoebe Rumsey who have edited and authored (along with a number of other contributors) a recent book titled Dance In Musical Theatre — A History of the Body in Movement. As anyone who has listened to this podcast regularly knows, much like the authors of this book, I believe that dance has always been one of the most important and key elements of musical theater—from Oklahoma! and West Side Story to Spring Awakening and Hamilton. By pulling together a range of diverse authors and perspectives, this book not only tracks the emergence of the dancer as a key figure in the genre, it also connects the contributions of past and present choreographers from the beginning of the 20th century and right up to today.  Dustyn Martincich is a Professor of Theatre and Dance at Bucknell University. Her research interests involve investigating narrative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary possibilities in theatre and dance performance and musical theatre dance studies that focuses on the work of the ensemble. She has movement directed, choreographed, and performed for concert dance and theatrical stages. She has been recently published in Studies in Musical Theatre, and in edited collections like Gender Sex, and Sexuality in Musical Theatre (edited by Kelly Kessler), Dueling Grounds: Revolution and Revelation in the Musical Hamilton (edited by Paul Laird and Mary Jo Lodge), and Toni Morrison: Forty Years in The Clearing (edited by Carmen Gillespie). Phoebe Rumsey is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre and Course Leader of the BA (Hons) Musical Theater degree at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. She received her PhD from The Graduate Center, CUNY, and holds an MA in Performance Studies from NYU, an MA in Theatre from UNLV, and a BFA in Contemporary Dance from Simon Fraser University. A scholar and practitioner, her research has been published in The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Politics, Studies in Musical Theatre, The Routledge Companion to the Contemporary Musical and Reframing The Musical: Race, Culture, and Identity (Palgrave). She is the author of Embodied Nostalgia: Social Dance, Communities and the Choreographing of Musical Theatre (Routledge). Along with her engagement in academic studies Dr. Rumsey has worked extensively as a performer and choreographer. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patron Judy Hucka. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guests this week are Dustyn Martincich & Phoebe Rumsey who have edited and authored (along with a number of other contributors) a recent book titled Dance In Musical Theatre — A History of the Body in Movement.

As anyone who has listened to this podcast regularly knows, much like the authors of this book, I believe that dance has always been one of the most important and key elements of musical theater—from Oklahoma! and West Side Story to Spring Awakening and Hamilton. By pulling together a range of diverse authors and perspectives, this book not only tracks the emergence of the dancer as a key figure in the genre, it also connects the contributions of past and present choreographers from the beginning of the 20th century and right up to today.

 Dustyn Martincich is a Professor of Theatre and Dance at Bucknell University. Her research interests involve investigating narrative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary possibilities in theatre and dance performance and musical theatre dance studies that focuses on the work of the ensemble. She has movement directed, choreographed, and performed for concert dance and theatrical stages. She has been recently published in Studies in Musical Theatre, and in edited collections like Gender Sex, and Sexuality in Musical Theatre (edited by Kelly Kessler), Dueling Grounds: Revolution and Revelation in the Musical Hamilton (edited by Paul Laird and Mary Jo Lodge), and Toni Morrison: Forty Years in The Clearing (edited by Carmen Gillespie).

Phoebe Rumsey is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre and Course Leader of the BA (Hons) Musical Theater degree at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. She received her PhD from The Graduate Center, CUNY, and holds an MA in Performance Studies from NYU, an MA in Theatre from UNLV, and a BFA in Contemporary Dance from Simon Fraser University. A scholar and practitioner, her research has been published in The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Politics, Studies in Musical Theatre, The Routledge Companion to the Contemporary Musical and Reframing The Musical: Race, Culture, and Identity (Palgrave). She is the author of Embodied Nostalgia: Social Dance, Communities and the Choreographing of Musical Theatre (Routledge). Along with her engagement in academic studies Dr. Rumsey has worked extensively as a performer and choreographer.

How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patron Judy Hucka.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2818 no Encore Episode: Transgressive Women —Major Themes of the Broadway Musical, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ With Gypsy on Broadway, Wicked on movie screens nationwide and Mama I'm A Big Girl Now off-Broadway, this seemed to be the perfect time to revisit this episode from the first season of Broadway Nation. This was the first of three episodes highlighting the principal themes of the Broadway Musical.  Here I look at the single most ubiquitous and pervasive theme: “Transgressive Women”. For more than 100 years an overwhelming majority of musicals have featured transgressive female characters who break the rules, and refuse to follow the path that society has set out for them. And more often than not they are the protagonist, or co-protagonist, of the story. However, for some reason musicals are not generally perceived in this way. Most people would not identify this as one of the Broadway Musicals principal attributes. I believe that is part of their subversive power. In fact I would contend that the musicals themselves, as well as the characters, are transgressive. From “Laurey” in Oklahoma! to “Elphaba” in Wicked. From “Annie Oakley” to “Tracy Turnblad”. From “Maria” in The Sound Of Music to “Effie” in Dreamgirls. Dynamic women have always been at the center of America’s signature Art Form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Transgressive Women —Major Themes of the Broadway Musical, part 1 full 3 Broadway Podcast Network "Goodbye to Blueberry Pie" With Gypsy on Broadway, Wicked on movie screens nationwide and Mama I'm A Big Girl Now off-Broadway, this seemed to be the perfect time to revisit this episode from the first season of Broadway Nation. This was the first of three episodes highlighting the principal themes of the Broadway Musical.  Here I look at the single most ubiquitous and pervasive theme: “Transgressive Women”. For more than 100 years an overwhelming majority of musicals have featured transgressive female characters who break the rules, and refuse to follow the path that society has set out for them. And more often than not they are the protagonist, or co-protagonist, of the story. However, for some reason musicals are not generally perceived in this way. Most people would not identify this as one of the Broadway Musicals principal attributes. I believe that is part of their subversive power. In fact I would contend that the musicals themselves, as well as the characters, are transgressive. From “Laurey” in Oklahoma! to “Elphaba” in Wicked. From “Annie Oakley” to “Tracy Turnblad”. From “Maria” in The Sound Of Music to “Effie” in Dreamgirls. Dynamic women have always been at the center of America’s signature Art Form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With Gypsy on Broadway, Wicked on movie screens nationwide and Mama I'm A Big Girl Now off-Broadway, this seemed to be the perfect time to revisit this episode from the first season of Broadway Nation.

This was the first of three episodes highlighting the principal themes of the Broadway Musical.  Here I look at the single most ubiquitous and pervasive theme: “Transgressive Women”.

For more than 100 years an overwhelming majority of musicals have featured transgressive female characters who break the rules, and refuse to follow the path that society has set out for them. And more often than not they are the protagonist, or co-protagonist, of the story.

However, for some reason musicals are not generally perceived in this way. Most people would not identify this as one of the Broadway Musicals principal attributes. I believe that is part of their subversive power. In fact I would contend that the musicals themselves, as well as the characters, are transgressive.

From “Laurey” in Oklahoma! to “Elphaba” in Wicked. From “Annie Oakley” to “Tracy Turnblad”. From “Maria” in The Sound Of Music to “Effie” in Dreamgirls. Dynamic women have always been at the center of America’s signature Art Form.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2048 no Episode 158: Hammerstein Invents The Musical, part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third and final segment of my recent conversation with author Laurie Winer regarding her book Oscar Hammerstein II and the Invention of The Musical, recently released in paperback. Today our discussion centers on the second half of Hammerstein’s remarkable partnership with Richard Rodgers, including the creation of their musicals South Pacific, Me And Juliet, The King And I, Pipe Dream, and The Sound Of Music. If you missed the first two parts, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Laurie Winer has been a theater critic for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and was a founding editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patrons Gary Fuller and Randy Everett.  For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Hammerstein Invents The Musical, part 3 full 3 158 Broadway Podcast Network with author Laurie Winer This is the third and final segment of my recent conversation with author Laurie Winer regarding her book Oscar Hammerstein II and the Invention of The Musical, recently released in paperback. Today our discussion centers on the second half of Hammerstein’s remarkable partnership with Richard Rodgers, including the creation of their musicals South Pacific, Me And Juliet, The King And I, Pipe Dream, and The Sound Of Music. If you missed the first two parts, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Laurie Winer has been a theater critic for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and was a founding editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patrons Gary Fuller and Randy Everett.  For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third and final segment of my recent conversation with author Laurie Winer regarding her book Oscar Hammerstein II and the Invention of The Musical, recently released in paperback.

Today our discussion centers on the second half of Hammerstein’s remarkable partnership with Richard Rodgers, including the creation of their musicals South Pacific, Me And Juliet, The King And I, Pipe Dream, and The Sound Of Music. If you missed the first two parts, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.

Laurie Winer has been a theater critic for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and was a founding editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books.

How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long-time patrons Gary Fuller and Randy Everett. 

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2342 no Episode 157: Hammerstein Invents The Musical, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again this week is the noted journalist and theater critic Laurie Winer, who returns for part two of our conversation about her book, Oscar Hammerstein II and the Invention of The Musical. If you missed part one, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Following the triumph of Show Boat, during the 1930s Hammerstein experienced a very challenging decade of devastating flops on Broadway and very limited achievement in Hollywood. And that’s where we pick up our conversation. Topics included in this episode include the musicals Oklahoma!, Carousel, and Allegro! as well the the stark differences between the personalities of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, their working methods, and their fruitful collaboration and contentious relationship with choreographer Agnes De Mille.  How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including Producer Level Patrons Paula & Steve Reynolds. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Hammerstein Invents The Musical, part 2 full 3 157 Broadway Podcast Network With author Laurie Winer My guest again this week is the noted journalist and theater critic Laurie Winer, who returns for part two of our conversation about her book, Oscar Hammerstein II and the Invention of The Musical. If you missed part one, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Following the triumph of Show Boat, during the 1930s Hammerstein experienced a very challenging decade of devastating flops on Broadway and very limited achievement in Hollywood. And that’s where we pick up our conversation. Topics included in this episode include the musicals Oklahoma!, Carousel, and Allegro! as well the the stark differences between the personalities of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, their working methods, and their fruitful collaboration and contentious relationship with choreographer Agnes De Mille.  How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including Producer Level Patrons Paula & Steve Reynolds. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is the noted journalist and theater critic Laurie Winer, who returns for part two of our conversation about her book, Oscar Hammerstein II and the Invention of The Musical.

If you missed part one, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

Following the triumph of Show Boat, during the 1930s Hammerstein experienced a very challenging decade of devastating flops on Broadway and very limited achievement in Hollywood. And that’s where we pick up our conversation.

Topics included in this episode include the musicals Oklahoma!, Carousel, and Allegro! as well the the stark differences between the personalities of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, their working methods, and their fruitful collaboration and contentious relationship with choreographer Agnes De Mille.

 How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including Producer Level Patrons Paula & Steve Reynolds.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1861 no Episode 156: Hammerstein Invents The Musical, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is the noted journalist and theater critic Laurie Winer, the author of a beautifully written and expertly researched book, Oscar Hammerstein II and the Invention of The Musical. Diving deep into Hammerstein’s life and work, Winer, offers new insights into the groundbreaking achievements of the creator of Show Boat, Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music, to name only a few of the musicals that made Hammerstein one of the most commercially successful and culturally significant artists of all time. In Winer’s view, Hammerstein can be credited more than anyone else with inventing the Broadway musical. Laurie Winer has been a theater critic for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and was a founding editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including longtime patron Chris Moad. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Hammerstein Invents The Musical, part 1 full 3 156 Broadway Podcast Network with author Laurie Winer My guest this week is the noted journalist and theater critic Laurie Winer, the author of a beautifully written and expertly researched book, Oscar Hammerstein II and the Invention of The Musical. Diving deep into Hammerstein’s life and work, Winer, offers new insights into the groundbreaking achievements of the creator of Show Boat, Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music, to name only a few of the musicals that made Hammerstein one of the most commercially successful and culturally significant artists of all time. In Winer’s view, Hammerstein can be credited more than anyone else with inventing the Broadway musical. Laurie Winer has been a theater critic for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and was a founding editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including longtime patron Chris Moad. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is the noted journalist and theater critic Laurie Winer, the author of a beautifully written and expertly researched book, Oscar Hammerstein II and the Invention of The Musical.

Diving deep into Hammerstein’s life and work, Winer, offers new insights into the groundbreaking achievements of the creator of Show Boat, Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music, to name only a few of the musicals that made Hammerstein one of the most commercially successful and culturally significant artists of all time. In Winer’s view, Hammerstein can be credited more than anyone else with inventing the Broadway musical.

Laurie Winer has been a theater critic for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and was a founding editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books.

How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including longtime patron Chris Moad.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2487 no Episode 155: SHOWMANCE — A New Broadway Novel https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest is six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin, who has created book & lyrics for Broadway musicals The Prom, Disney’s Aladdin, The Wedding Singer, and Elf. Today, he joins me to discuss his captivating new novel set in the world of theater, SHOWMANCE. The beautifully crafted plot of Showmance opens on the disastrous opening night of a new Broadway musical — Stage Of Fools — with book, music, and lyrics by Noah Adams, the novel’s central character. The scorching reviews the show receives, coupled with a family emergency, send Noah back to his Podunk hometown of Plainview, Illinois, where he figures he can hide out for a bit and lick his wounds. There, to his horror, he discovers that his agent (and longtime boyfriend, Chase) has secretly arranged for him to stage an amateur production of his musical at the hometown community theater he grew up in. And, of course, he also runs into Luke, the hot, sexy jerk from high school, whom he may have misjudged, all of which sets the stage for a delightful and often hilarious romantic comedy. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including longtime patron Neil Hoyt. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:29:43 -0000 SHOWMANCE — A New Broadway Novel full 3 155 Broadway Podcast Network with author Chad Beguelin My guest is six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin, who has created book & lyrics for Broadway musicals The Prom, Disney’s Aladdin, The Wedding Singer, and Elf. Today, he joins me to discuss his captivating new novel set in the world of theater, SHOWMANCE. The beautifully crafted plot of Showmance opens on the disastrous opening night of a new Broadway musical — Stage Of Fools — with book, music, and lyrics by Noah Adams, the novel’s central character. The scorching reviews the show receives, coupled with a family emergency, send Noah back to his Podunk hometown of Plainview, Illinois, where he figures he can hide out for a bit and lick his wounds. There, to his horror, he discovers that his agent (and longtime boyfriend, Chase) has secretly arranged for him to stage an amateur production of his musical at the hometown community theater he grew up in. And, of course, he also runs into Luke, the hot, sexy jerk from high school, whom he may have misjudged, all of which sets the stage for a delightful and often hilarious romantic comedy. How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including longtime patron Neil Hoyt. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest is six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin, who has created book & lyrics for Broadway musicals The Prom, Disney’s Aladdin, The Wedding Singer, and Elf. Today, he joins me to discuss his captivating new novel set in the world of theater, SHOWMANCE.

The beautifully crafted plot of Showmance opens on the disastrous opening night of a new Broadway musical — Stage Of Fools — with book, music, and lyrics by Noah Adams, the novel’s central character. The scorching reviews the show receives, coupled with a family emergency, send Noah back to his Podunk hometown of Plainview, Illinois, where he figures he can hide out for a bit and lick his wounds. There, to his horror, he discovers that his agent (and longtime boyfriend, Chase) has secretly arranged for him to stage an amateur production of his musical at the hometown community theater he grew up in. And, of course, he also runs into Luke, the hot, sexy jerk from high school, whom he may have misjudged, all of which sets the stage for a delightful and often hilarious romantic comedy.

How to become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including longtime patron Neil Hoyt.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2203 no Episode 154: TikTok and the Broadway Musical, part two https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Today’s episode is the second half of my conversation with Trevor Boffone regarding his fascinating new book: TikTok Broadway — Musical Theatre Fandom in the Digital Age. If you missed part one of our discussion, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Trevor Boffone is a Houston-based content creator and social media manager. His previous books include Renegades: Digital Dance Cultures from Dubsmash to TikTok and Latinx Teens: US Popular Culture on the Page, Stage, and Screen. He is also the editor of TikTok Cultures in the United States and the co-editor of five collections on Latinx popular culture and performance. Today, Trevor and I explore several massively popular viral TikTok trends relating the Broadway and West End musicals SIX, Heathers, Wicked, and Mamma Mia! And he also shares with us his observations of the many ways that TikTok has become a performance space of its own for fans of Broadway musicals. We also delve into the phenomenon of musicals that have been created on TikTok such as Ratatouille — The Musical and Bridgerton — The Musical. This all brings up some big questions relating to the very nature of theater itself, and of course, the future of TikTok. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 TikTok and the Broadway Musical, part two full 3 153 Broadway Podcast Network with author Trevor Boffone Today’s episode is the second half of my conversation with Trevor Boffone regarding his fascinating new book: TikTok Broadway — Musical Theatre Fandom in the Digital Age. If you missed part one of our discussion, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Trevor Boffone is a Houston-based content creator and social media manager. His previous books include Renegades: Digital Dance Cultures from Dubsmash to TikTok and Latinx Teens: US Popular Culture on the Page, Stage, and Screen. He is also the editor of TikTok Cultures in the United States and the co-editor of five collections on Latinx popular culture and performance. Today, Trevor and I explore several massively popular viral TikTok trends relating the Broadway and West End musicals SIX, Heathers, Wicked, and Mamma Mia! And he also shares with us his observations of the many ways that TikTok has become a performance space of its own for fans of Broadway musicals. We also delve into the phenomenon of musicals that have been created on TikTok such as Ratatouille — The Musical and Bridgerton — The Musical. This all brings up some big questions relating to the very nature of theater itself, and of course, the future of TikTok. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today’s episode is the second half of my conversation with Trevor Boffone regarding his fascinating new book:

TikTok Broadway — Musical Theatre Fandom in the Digital Age.

If you missed part one of our discussion, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

Trevor Boffone is a Houston-based content creator and social media manager. His previous books include Renegades: Digital Dance Cultures from Dubsmash to TikTok and Latinx Teens: US Popular Culture on the Page, Stage, and Screen. He is also the editor of TikTok Cultures in the United States and the co-editor of five collections on Latinx popular culture and performance.

Today, Trevor and I explore several massively popular viral TikTok trends relating the Broadway and West End musicals SIX, Heathers, Wicked, and Mamma Mia! And he also shares with us his observations of the many ways that TikTok has become a performance space of its own for fans of Broadway musicals. We also delve into the phenomenon of musicals that have been created on TikTok such as Ratatouille — The Musical and Bridgerton — The Musical. This all brings up some big questions relating to the very nature of theater itself, and of course, the future of TikTok.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2179 no Episode 153: TikTok Broadway — Musical Theatre Fandom in the Digital Age, part 1. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is Trevor Boffone whose new book is titled TikTok Broadway — Musical Theatre Fandom in the Digital Age. I suspect that many of you, like me, are not on TikTok and may not immediately think this book will be of great interest to you. However, I encourage you to give it a listen because I think you will find what Boffone has to say in his book and in this discussion to be a fascinating and important aspect of recent Broadway history. I was quite captivated by it. On this episode, we look at the history of Social Media and its relationships with the Broadway musical and how from the very beginning of TikTok in America, Broadway musicals became a key aspect of even it most mainstream content. Trevor Boffone is a Houston-based content creator and social media manager. He is the author of Renegades: Digital Dance Cultures from Dubsmash to TikTok and the co-author of Latinx Teens: US Popular Culture on the Page, Stage, and Screen. He is the editor of TikTok Cultures in the United States and the co-editor of five collections on Latinx popular culture and performance. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 TikTok Broadway — Musical Theatre Fandom in the Digital Age, part 1. full 3 153 Broadway Podcast Network With author Trevor Boffone My guest this week is Trevor Boffone whose new book is titled TikTok Broadway — Musical Theatre Fandom in the Digital Age. I suspect that many of you, like me, are not on TikTok and may not immediately think this book will be of great interest to you. However, I encourage you to give it a listen because I think you will find what Boffone has to say in his book and in this discussion to be a fascinating and important aspect of recent Broadway history. I was quite captivated by it. On this episode, we look at the history of Social Media and its relationships with the Broadway musical and how from the very beginning of TikTok in America, Broadway musicals became a key aspect of even it most mainstream content. Trevor Boffone is a Houston-based content creator and social media manager. He is the author of Renegades: Digital Dance Cultures from Dubsmash to TikTok and the co-author of Latinx Teens: US Popular Culture on the Page, Stage, and Screen. He is the editor of TikTok Cultures in the United States and the co-editor of five collections on Latinx popular culture and performance. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is Trevor Boffone whose new book is titled TikTok Broadway — Musical Theatre Fandom in the Digital Age.

I suspect that many of you, like me, are not on TikTok and may not immediately think this book will be of great interest to you. However, I encourage you to give it a listen because I think you will find what Boffone has to say in his book and in this discussion to be a fascinating and important aspect of recent Broadway history. I was quite captivated by it.

On this episode, we look at the history of Social Media and its relationships with the Broadway musical and how from the very beginning of TikTok in America, Broadway musicals became a key aspect of even it most mainstream content.

Trevor Boffone is a Houston-based content creator and social media manager. He is the author of Renegades: Digital Dance Cultures from Dubsmash to TikTok and the co-author of Latinx Teens: US Popular Culture on the Page, Stage, and Screen. He is the editor of TikTok Cultures in the United States and the co-editor of five collections on Latinx popular culture and performance.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth discussions with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2517 no Episode 152: Forty Years of Forbidden Broadway! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Today, my guest is my old friend, GERARD ALESSANDRINI, creator of the long-running off-Broadway hit revue Forbidden Broadway, which recently opened its 27th edition, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY — MERRILY WE STOLE A SONG now playing at Theater555 NYC.   On this episode, Gerard and I discuss not only this latest iteration of the show but also look back to its origins in 1980 and explore its remarkable forty-three-year history of hilariously skewering Broadway and insightfully spoofing its musicals, plays, and stars. As you might imagine, Gerard and I went off on several entertaining tangents not directly related to the subject of this episode, resulting in an additional ten minutes of outtakes that are available exclusively to patrons of Broadway Nation. Here is the information about how you too can become a patron. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including Geoffrey Block and Larry Spinelli For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 ThirtyYears of Forbidden Broadway! full 3 152 Broadway Podcast Network With Gerard Alessandrini Today, my guest is my old friend, GERARD ALESSANDRINI, creator of the long-running off-Broadway hit revue Forbidden Broadway, which recently opened its 27th edition, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY — MERRILY WE STOLE A SONG now playing at Theater555 NYC.   On this episode, Gerard and I discuss not only this latest iteration of the show but also look back to its origins in 1980 and explore its remarkable forty-three-year history of hilariously skewering Broadway and insightfully spoofing its musicals, plays, and stars. As you might imagine, Gerard and I went off on several entertaining tangents not directly related to the subject of this episode, resulting in an additional ten minutes of outtakes that are available exclusively to patrons of Broadway Nation. Here is the information about how you too can become a patron. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including Geoffrey Block and Larry Spinelli For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today, my guest is my old friend, GERARD ALESSANDRINI, creator of the long-running off-Broadway hit revue Forbidden Broadway, which recently opened its 27th edition, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY — MERRILY WE STOLE A SONG now playing at Theater555 NYC. 

 On this episode, Gerard and I discuss not only this latest iteration of the show but also look back to its origins in 1980 and explore its remarkable forty-three-year history of hilariously skewering Broadway and insightfully spoofing its musicals, plays, and stars.

As you might imagine, Gerard and I went off on several entertaining tangents not directly related to the subject of this episode, resulting in an additional ten minutes of outtakes that are available exclusively to patrons of Broadway Nation. Here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including Geoffrey Block and Larry Spinelli

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3501 no Episode 151: More Songs Of The Season https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my recent conversation with author Thomas Hischak regarding his new book, Song Of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs Since 1891. In this captivating book, Hischak looks back at the history of the Broadway musical by chronicling of every New York theater season from 1891 to 2022 and then audaciously selecting one single song as the song of that particular season. To facilitate this discussion, I selected one or two songs from each decade covered in the book for us to discuss. On this music-filled episode, we begin in 1938 with “September Song” from Knickerbocker Holiday and continue with his admittedly controversial selection of “I Enjoy Being A Girl” from Flower Drum Song (1958), “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound Of Music (1959), a mind-blowing leap of only seven years to “Aquarius” from Hair (1968), and on through “All that Jazz” from Chicago (1975), “The Lambeth Walk” from Me And My Girl (1986), the title song from Ragtime (1998), "Omar Sharif" from The Band’s Visit (2017), and the title song from Some Like It Hot (2022). Thomas Hischak retired from full time teaching in New York State and now teaches theatre part-time at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. He is the author of over 30 non-fiction books on theatre, film and popular music. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including Tayrn Darr and Cheryl Hodges-Seldon. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 More Songs Of The Season full 3 151 Broadway Podcast Network with author Thomas Hischak This is the second part of my recent conversation with author Thomas Hischak regarding his new book, Song Of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs Since 1891. In this captivating book, Hischak looks back at the history of the Broadway musical by chronicling of every New York theater season from 1891 to 2022 and then audaciously selecting one single song as the song of that particular season. To facilitate this discussion, I selected one or two songs from each decade covered in the book for us to discuss. On this music-filled episode, we begin in 1938 with “September Song” from Knickerbocker Holiday and continue with his admittedly controversial selection of “I Enjoy Being A Girl” from Flower Drum Song (1958), “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound Of Music (1959), a mind-blowing leap of only seven years to “Aquarius” from Hair (1968), and on through “All that Jazz” from Chicago (1975), “The Lambeth Walk” from Me And My Girl (1986), the title song from Ragtime (1998), "Omar Sharif" from The Band’s Visit (2017), and the title song from Some Like It Hot (2022). Thomas Hischak retired from full time teaching in New York State and now teaches theatre part-time at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. He is the author of over 30 non-fiction books on theatre, film and popular music. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including Tayrn Darr and Cheryl Hodges-Seldon. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my recent conversation with author Thomas Hischak regarding his new book, Song Of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs Since 1891.

In this captivating book, Hischak looks back at the history of the Broadway musical by chronicling of every New York theater season from 1891 to 2022 and then audaciously selecting one single song as the song of that particular season. To facilitate this discussion, I selected one or two songs from each decade covered in the book for us to discuss.

On this music-filled episode, we begin in 1938 with “September Song” from Knickerbocker Holiday and continue with his admittedly controversial selection of “I Enjoy Being A Girl” from Flower Drum Song (1958), “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound Of Music (1959), a mind-blowing leap of only seven years to “Aquarius” from Hair (1968), and on through “All that Jazz” from Chicago (1975), “The Lambeth Walk” from Me And My Girl (1986), the title song from Ragtime (1998), "Omar Sharif" from The Band’s Visit (2017), and the title song from Some Like It Hot (2022).

Thomas Hischak retired from full time teaching in New York State and now teaches theatre part-time at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. He is the author of over 30 non-fiction books on theatre, film and popular music.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including Tayrn Darr and Cheryl Hodges-Seldon.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3674 no Episode 150: Song of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs Since 1891, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Author Thomas Hischak returns to the Broadway Nation this week to tell us about his captivating new book, Song Of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs Since 1891. For this book, Hischak analyzed every Broadway season since 1891 and selected one song as the most outstanding. In this episode, we discuss “Oh, Promise Me” from Robin Hood (1891), “In The Good Old Summertime” from The Defender (1902), “Defying Gravity” from Wicked (2003), “In Old New York” from The Red Mill, “They Didn’t Believe Me” from The Girl From Utah, “Charleston” from Runnin’ Wild, and “Begin The Beguine” from Jubilee (1935). Thomas Hischak retired from full-time teaching in New York State and now teaches theatre part-time at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. He is the author of more than 30 indispensable non-fiction books on theater, film, and popular music, and long-time listeners will remember him from episodes 104 and 105, where we discussed his previous book, The Abbott Touch — Pal Joey, Damn Yankees and the Theatre of George Abbott. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Alan Teasley. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Song of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs Since 1891, part 1 full 3 150 Broadway Podcast Network with author Thomas Hischak Author Thomas Hischak returns to the Broadway Nation this week to tell us about his captivating new book, Song Of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs Since 1891. For this book, Hischak analyzed every Broadway season since 1891 and selected one song as the most outstanding. In this episode, we discuss “Oh, Promise Me” from Robin Hood (1891), “In The Good Old Summertime” from The Defender (1902), “Defying Gravity” from Wicked (2003), “In Old New York” from The Red Mill, “They Didn’t Believe Me” from The Girl From Utah, “Charleston” from Runnin’ Wild, and “Begin The Beguine” from Jubilee (1935). Thomas Hischak retired from full-time teaching in New York State and now teaches theatre part-time at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. He is the author of more than 30 indispensable non-fiction books on theater, film, and popular music, and long-time listeners will remember him from episodes 104 and 105, where we discussed his previous book, The Abbott Touch — Pal Joey, Damn Yankees and the Theatre of George Abbott. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Alan Teasley. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Author Thomas Hischak returns to the Broadway Nation this week to tell us about his captivating new book, Song Of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs Since 1891.

For this book, Hischak analyzed every Broadway season since 1891 and selected one song as the most outstanding. In this episode, we discuss “Oh, Promise Me” from Robin Hood (1891), “In The Good Old Summertime” from The Defender (1902), “Defying Gravity” from Wicked (2003), “In Old New York” from The Red Mill, “They Didn’t Believe Me” from The Girl From Utah, “Charleston” from Runnin’ Wild, and “Begin The Beguine” from Jubilee (1935).

Thomas Hischak retired from full-time teaching in New York State and now teaches theatre part-time at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. He is the author of more than 30 indispensable non-fiction books on theater, film, and popular music, and long-time listeners will remember him from episodes 104 and 105, where we discussed his previous book, The Abbott Touch — Pal Joey, Damn Yankees and the Theatre of George Abbott.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Alan Teasley.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2363 no Episode 149: "A Song About Hope" — A Conversation with BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Welcome to a new season of Broadway Nation — the podcast that delves deeply into the remarkable history of the Broadway musical, with a special focus on the Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists who invented it. My guest today is Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell. After a short break, I am excited to be back with a new season that will be jam-packed with fascinating Broadway history, including interviews with an amazing lineup of authors of some brilliant new books that take us back to the earliest days of Broadway and bring us right up to the twenty-first century — from George M. Cohan to how TikTok and the digital age have impacted the Broadway musical. Today, we start things off with a bang with a delightful conversation with Brian Stokes Mitchell, whose career spans over forty years on television, films, recordings, concert appearances, and, most notably for our purposes, ten Broadway shows. He made his Broadway debut in 1988 in a short-lived musical called Mail, and in 1990, he was cast as the lead in David Merrick’s revival of the 1926 Gershwin musical Oh, Kay! He next went on to two very high-profile gigs — first replacing Gregory Hines in Jelly’s Last Jam and then Anthony Crivello in Kiss Of the Spiderwoman. In 1998, his unforgettable Tony-nominated performance as Coalhouse Walker in Ragtime firmly established him as a true Broadway star, and the following year, jumping from musical drama to musical comedy, he won the Tony Award for his performance in Kiss Me Kate. His performance in August Wilson’s play, King Hedley II, in 2001 earned another Tony nomination, and the next year, he took on the title role in Man Of La Mancha. His most recent Broadway appearance was in 2016 in George Woolf’s behind-the-scenes look at Shuffle Along, but as you will hear, Brian Stokes Mitchell may be back on Broadway very soon in a new musical that he is very excited about.  In addition, our conversation today ranges from two tear-inducing new video performances that he has recently been involved in creating and performing: a Ted Talk with Leer deBessonet, which you can find at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZNhuRIGQZs and "Hope" with Jason Robert Brown, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJkqV2xwars. Also, his work with The Entertainment Fund and the soon-to-be-released video capture of their reunion concert of Ragtime, as well as a peek inside his process and approach to interpreting a song. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Alan Teasley. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000 "A Song About Hope" — A Conversation with BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL full 3 149 Broadway Podcast Network Welcome to a new season of Broadway Nation — the podcast that delves deeply into the remarkable history of the Broadway musical, with a special focus on the Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists who invented it. My guest today is Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell. After a short break, I am excited to be back with a new season that will be jam-packed with fascinating Broadway history, including interviews with an amazing lineup of authors of some brilliant new books that take us back to the earliest days of Broadway and bring us right up to the twenty-first century — from George M. Cohan to how TikTok and the digital age have impacted the Broadway musical. Today, we start things off with a bang with a delightful conversation with Brian Stokes Mitchell, whose career spans over forty years on television, films, recordings, concert appearances, and, most notably for our purposes, ten Broadway shows. He made his Broadway debut in 1988 in a short-lived musical called Mail, and in 1990, he was cast as the lead in David Merrick’s revival of the 1926 Gershwin musical Oh, Kay! He next went on to two very high-profile gigs — first replacing Gregory Hines in Jelly’s Last Jam and then Anthony Crivello in Kiss Of the Spiderwoman. In 1998, his unforgettable Tony-nominated performance as Coalhouse Walker in Ragtime firmly established him as a true Broadway star, and the following year, jumping from musical drama to musical comedy, he won the Tony Award for his performance in Kiss Me Kate. His performance in August Wilson’s play, King Hedley II, in 2001 earned another Tony nomination, and the next year, he took on the title role in Man Of La Mancha. His most recent Broadway appearance was in 2016 in George Woolf’s behind-the-scenes look at Shuffle Along, but as you will hear, Brian Stokes Mitchell may be back on Broadway very soon in a new musical that he is very excited about.  In addition, our conversation today ranges from two tear-inducing new video performances that he has recently been involved in creating and performing: a Ted Talk with Leer deBessonet, which you can find at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZNhuRIGQZs and "Hope" with Jason Robert Brown, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJkqV2xwars. Also, his work with The Entertainment Fund and the soon-to-be-released video capture of their reunion concert of Ragtime, as well as a peek inside his process and approach to interpreting a song. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Alan Teasley. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to a new season of Broadway Nation — the podcast that delves deeply into the remarkable history of the Broadway musical, with a special focus on the Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists who invented it.

My guest today is Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell.

After a short break, I am excited to be back with a new season that will be jam-packed with fascinating Broadway history, including interviews with an amazing lineup of authors of some brilliant new books that take us back to the earliest days of Broadway and bring us right up to the twenty-first century — from George M. Cohan to how TikTok and the digital age have impacted the Broadway musical.

Today, we start things off with a bang with a delightful conversation with Brian Stokes Mitchell, whose career spans over forty years on television, films, recordings, concert appearances, and, most notably for our purposes, ten Broadway shows. He made his Broadway debut in 1988 in a short-lived musical called Mail, and in 1990, he was cast as the lead in David Merrick’s revival of the 1926 Gershwin musical Oh, Kay! He next went on to two very high-profile gigs — first replacing Gregory Hines in Jelly’s Last Jam and then Anthony Crivello in Kiss Of the Spiderwoman. In 1998, his unforgettable Tony-nominated performance as Coalhouse Walker in Ragtime firmly established him as a true Broadway star, and the following year, jumping from musical drama to musical comedy, he won the Tony Award for his performance in Kiss Me Kate. His performance in August Wilson’s play, King Hedley II, in 2001 earned another Tony nomination, and the next year, he took on the title role in Man Of La Mancha. His most recent Broadway appearance was in 2016 in George Woolf’s behind-the-scenes look at Shuffle Along, but as you will hear, Brian Stokes Mitchell may be back on Broadway very soon in a new musical that he is very excited about. 

In addition, our conversation today ranges from two tear-inducing new video performances that he has recently been involved in creating and performing: a Ted Talk with Leer deBessonet, which you can find at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZNhuRIGQZs and "Hope" with Jason Robert Brown, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJkqV2xwars.

Also, his work with The Entertainment Fund and the soon-to-be-released video capture of their reunion concert of Ragtime, as well as a peek inside his process and approach to interpreting a song.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Alan Teasley.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3480 no Season Preview — A Special Message from Broadway Nation https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Hi this is David Armstrong. You may be wondering where I and Broadway Nation have been over the past few weeks. As you will hear, I have been battling a wicked case of bronchitis and today is the first day in ten days that I have been able to talk even enough to croak out this brief message. At the end of the summer, I had been planning to take a few weeks off from podcasting anyway, and this bronchitis has just jumpstarted that break. So here’s the plan: On September 19 Broadway Nation will return for an exciting new season featuring a fascinating line-up of authors who have written some amazing new books. We will start with author Thomas Hischak who will kick us off with a discussion of Song Of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs since 1891. In the weeks that follow, you will meet Laurie Winer talking about Oscar Hammerstein and the Invention of The Musical, Doug Reside on his book Fixing the Musical — How Technologies Shaped The Broadway Repertory, Trevor Boffone who has written about TikTok Broadway. Dustyn Martincich and Pheobe Rumsay will discuss Dance In Musical Theatre — A History of the Body In Movement, Christopher Connelly on Helen Morgan: The original Torch Singer and Ziegfeld’s Last Star, and Joshua Rosenblum and his book Closer Than Ever — The Unique Six-Decade Songwriting Partnership of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire. And that’s just the beginning! As always Albert Evans will join me for some deep dives into Broadway’s past and, no doubt, there will be previews of my upcoming book. I guarantee it will all be worth the wait. In the meantime, you are invited to join more than 2600 fans of this podcast in the Broadway Nation Facebook Group where every day you can find posts and videos about the Broadway musical and Immigrant, Jewish, Queer and Black artist who invented it.  See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Aug 2024 21:53:49 -0000 Season Preview — A Special Message from Broadway Nation trailer Broadway Podcast Network David's Lament Hi this is David Armstrong. You may be wondering where I and Broadway Nation have been over the past few weeks. As you will hear, I have been battling a wicked case of bronchitis and today is the first day in ten days that I have been able to talk even enough to croak out this brief message. At the end of the summer, I had been planning to take a few weeks off from podcasting anyway, and this bronchitis has just jumpstarted that break. So here’s the plan: On September 19 Broadway Nation will return for an exciting new season featuring a fascinating line-up of authors who have written some amazing new books. We will start with author Thomas Hischak who will kick us off with a discussion of Song Of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs since 1891. In the weeks that follow, you will meet Laurie Winer talking about Oscar Hammerstein and the Invention of The Musical, Doug Reside on his book Fixing the Musical — How Technologies Shaped The Broadway Repertory, Trevor Boffone who has written about TikTok Broadway. Dustyn Martincich and Pheobe Rumsay will discuss Dance In Musical Theatre — A History of the Body In Movement, Christopher Connelly on Helen Morgan: The original Torch Singer and Ziegfeld’s Last Star, and Joshua Rosenblum and his book Closer Than Ever — The Unique Six-Decade Songwriting Partnership of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire. And that’s just the beginning! As always Albert Evans will join me for some deep dives into Broadway’s past and, no doubt, there will be previews of my upcoming book. I guarantee it will all be worth the wait. In the meantime, you are invited to join more than 2600 fans of this podcast in the Broadway Nation Facebook Group where every day you can find posts and videos about the Broadway musical and Immigrant, Jewish, Queer and Black artist who invented it.  See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hi this is David Armstrong. You may be wondering where I and Broadway Nation have been over the past few weeks. As you will hear, I have been battling a wicked case of bronchitis and today is the first day in ten days that I have been able to talk even enough to croak out this brief message.

At the end of the summer, I had been planning to take a few weeks off from podcasting anyway, and this bronchitis has just jumpstarted that break. So here’s the plan:

On September 19 Broadway Nation will return for an exciting new season featuring a fascinating line-up of authors who have written some amazing new books. We will start with author Thomas Hischak who will kick us off with a discussion of Song Of The Season — Outstanding Broadway Songs since 1891. In the weeks that follow, you will meet Laurie Winer talking about Oscar Hammerstein and the Invention of The Musical, Doug Reside on his book Fixing the Musical — How Technologies Shaped The Broadway Repertory, Trevor Boffone who has written about TikTok Broadway. Dustyn Martincich and Pheobe Rumsay will discuss Dance In Musical Theatre — A History of the Body In Movement, Christopher Connelly on Helen Morgan: The original Torch Singer and Ziegfeld’s Last Star, and Joshua Rosenblum and his book Closer Than Ever — The Unique Six-Decade Songwriting Partnership of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire.

And that’s just the beginning! As always Albert Evans will join me for some deep dives into Broadway’s past and, no doubt, there will be previews of my upcoming book. I guarantee it will all be worth the wait.

In the meantime, you are invited to join more than 2600 fans of this podcast in the Broadway Nation Facebook Group where every day you can find posts and videos about the Broadway musical and Immigrant, Jewish, Queer and Black artist who invented it. 

See you soon!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 414 no Episode 148: Julian Eltinge In Hollywood! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ I’m David Armstrong, and my guest again today is author Andrew L. Erdman, whose captivating new book is titled Beautiful — The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. In this third and final episode in this series, Andrew shares with us the story of how Julian Eltinge capitalized on his international Vaudeville and Broadway fame and became a major movie star in Hollywood and how that coincided with a golden age of female impersonation in America. We also explore the challenges Eltinge faced during the final years of his career as America became more conservative and began to restrict and censor drag performance in the 1930s. If you missed the earlier episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member Alan Teasley. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Julian Eltinge In Hollywood! full 2 148 Broadway Podcast Network with Andrew L. Erdman author of Beautiful: The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. I’m David Armstrong, and my guest again today is author Andrew L. Erdman, whose captivating new book is titled Beautiful — The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. In this third and final episode in this series, Andrew shares with us the story of how Julian Eltinge capitalized on his international Vaudeville and Broadway fame and became a major movie star in Hollywood and how that coincided with a golden age of female impersonation in America. We also explore the challenges Eltinge faced during the final years of his career as America became more conservative and began to restrict and censor drag performance in the 1930s. If you missed the earlier episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member Alan Teasley. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I’m David Armstrong, and my guest again today is author Andrew L. Erdman, whose captivating new book is titled Beautiful — The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator.

In this third and final episode in this series, Andrew shares with us the story of how Julian Eltinge capitalized on his international Vaudeville and Broadway fame and became a major movie star in Hollywood and how that coincided with a golden age of female impersonation in America. We also explore the challenges Eltinge faced during the final years of his career as America became more conservative and began to restrict and censor drag performance in the 1930s.

If you missed the earlier episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.

Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member Alan Teasley.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2120 no Episode 147: The Musical Theater of Julian Eltinge https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again this week is author Andrew Erdman, whose captivating new book is Beautiful—The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. In this episode, Andrew continues the story of Julian Eltinge’s rise to the absolute highest realms of show business — and we especially focus on three musicals that were created especially for him by top Broadway talents such as Otto Harbach, Jerome Kern, and Irving Berlin: That Fascinating Widow (1911), The Crinoline Girl (1914), and Cousin Lucy (1915). Along the way, you will have a chance to hear some of the songs that they created for Eltinge, as performed by a friend of the pod David Sabella (aka Amanda Reckonwith) including “Those Come Hither Eyes” – from the musical Cousin Lucy (lyrics by Schuler Green; music by Jerome Kern), and "Don't Take Your Beau to the Seashore," (music by Irving Berlin; lyrics by E. Ray Goetz). If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member Alan Teasley. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:44:00 -0000 The Musical Theater of Julian Eltinge full 2 147 Broadway Podcast Network with Andrew L. Erdman author of Beautiful: The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. My guest again this week is author Andrew Erdman, whose captivating new book is Beautiful—The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. In this episode, Andrew continues the story of Julian Eltinge’s rise to the absolute highest realms of show business — and we especially focus on three musicals that were created especially for him by top Broadway talents such as Otto Harbach, Jerome Kern, and Irving Berlin: That Fascinating Widow (1911), The Crinoline Girl (1914), and Cousin Lucy (1915). Along the way, you will have a chance to hear some of the songs that they created for Eltinge, as performed by a friend of the pod David Sabella (aka Amanda Reckonwith) including “Those Come Hither Eyes” – from the musical Cousin Lucy (lyrics by Schuler Green; music by Jerome Kern), and "Don't Take Your Beau to the Seashore," (music by Irving Berlin; lyrics by E. Ray Goetz). If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member Alan Teasley. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is author Andrew Erdman, whose captivating new book is Beautiful—The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator.

In this episode, Andrew continues the story of Julian Eltinge’s rise to the absolute highest realms of show business — and we especially focus on three musicals that were created especially for him by top Broadway talents such as Otto Harbach, Jerome Kern, and Irving Berlin: That Fascinating Widow (1911), The Crinoline Girl (1914), and Cousin Lucy (1915).

Along the way, you will have a chance to hear some of the songs that they created for Eltinge, as performed by a friend of the pod David Sabella (aka Amanda Reckonwith) including “Those Come Hither Eyes” – from the musical Cousin Lucy (lyrics by Schuler Green; music by Jerome Kern), and "Don't Take Your Beau to the Seashore," (music by Irving Berlin; lyrics by E. Ray Goetz).

If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member Alan Teasley.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2587 no Episode 146: Julian Eltinge — America's First Drag Superstar, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest on this episode is Andrew L. Erdman, who is the author of the new book: Beautiful — The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. In the late 19th and early 20th Century — long before the fierce television Drag stars of today — a specific style of drag performance known as Female Impersonation was wildly popular on stage and screen — in America and around the world. And no female impersonator was more famous, successful, or highly regarded than Julian Eltinge. Although barely remembered today, in his time, Eltinge was on a par with Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and Fanny Brice, and was so popular and renowned that he even had a Broadway theater named after him! That theater still exists, and you can still go there and see Julian Eltinge — but you will have to listen to the episode(s) to find out where and how. Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including members John Schroeder and Alan Brodie. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Julian Eltinge — America's First Drag Superstar, part 1 full 2 146 Broadway Podcast Network with Andrew L. Erdman author of Beautiful: The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. My guest on this episode is Andrew L. Erdman, who is the author of the new book: Beautiful — The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. In the late 19th and early 20th Century — long before the fierce television Drag stars of today — a specific style of drag performance known as Female Impersonation was wildly popular on stage and screen — in America and around the world. And no female impersonator was more famous, successful, or highly regarded than Julian Eltinge. Although barely remembered today, in his time, Eltinge was on a par with Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and Fanny Brice, and was so popular and renowned that he even had a Broadway theater named after him! That theater still exists, and you can still go there and see Julian Eltinge — but you will have to listen to the episode(s) to find out where and how. Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including members John Schroeder and Alan Brodie. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest on this episode is Andrew L. Erdman, who is the author of the new book: Beautiful — The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator.

In the late 19th and early 20th Century — long before the fierce television Drag stars of today — a specific style of drag performance known as Female Impersonation was wildly popular on stage and screen — in America and around the world.

And no female impersonator was more famous, successful, or highly regarded than Julian Eltinge.

Although barely remembered today, in his time, Eltinge was on a par with Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and Fanny Brice, and was so popular and renowned that he even had a Broadway theater named after him! That theater still exists, and you can still go there and see Julian Eltinge — but you will have to listen to the episode(s) to find out where and how.

Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including members John Schroeder and Alan Brodie.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2533 no Special Encore Episode: SONDHEIM AND ME https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This special encore episode of Broadway Nation was first released in the fall of 2022. My guest is PAUL SALSINI, who many listeners will remember as the founder and original editor of The Sondheim Review, the first and only quarterly magazine ever devoted to a living musical theater composer. Paul passed away earlier this month, at the age of 88, so I thought this was a very appropriate time to revisit this fascinating conversation.  Paul launched the magazine in 1994, and over the following ten years, Paul exchanged notes, letters, faxes and phone calls with Stephen Sondheim — who it was clear was reading every word of every issue of the magazine — and Sondheim often had corrections and comments, or as he called them, “emendations.” On a few occasions these notes and phone calls included “vigorous objections” to what Paul had included the magazine, but overall Sondheim was wonderfully supportive and helpful. In his book SONDHEIM AND ME, Paul chronicles his unlikely relationship with Sondheim during an eventful period that included the New York premieres of Passion and Saturday Night, the Kennedy Center’s Sondheim Celebration, Broadway revivals of six of Sondheim’s major works, and the decade long development of the musical that would eventually be called Road Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:06:37 -0000 SONDHEIM AND ME full 2 Broadway Podcast Network With author PAUL SALSINI This special encore episode of Broadway Nation was first released in the fall of 2022. My guest is PAUL SALSINI, who many listeners will remember as the founder and original editor of The Sondheim Review, the first and only quarterly magazine ever devoted to a living musical theater composer. Paul passed away earlier this month, at the age of 88, so I thought this was a very appropriate time to revisit this fascinating conversation.  Paul launched the magazine in 1994, and over the following ten years, Paul exchanged notes, letters, faxes and phone calls with Stephen Sondheim — who it was clear was reading every word of every issue of the magazine — and Sondheim often had corrections and comments, or as he called them, “emendations.” On a few occasions these notes and phone calls included “vigorous objections” to what Paul had included the magazine, but overall Sondheim was wonderfully supportive and helpful. In his book SONDHEIM AND ME, Paul chronicles his unlikely relationship with Sondheim during an eventful period that included the New York premieres of Passion and Saturday Night, the Kennedy Center’s Sondheim Celebration, Broadway revivals of six of Sondheim’s major works, and the decade long development of the musical that would eventually be called Road Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This special encore episode of Broadway Nation was first released in the fall of 2022.

My guest is PAUL SALSINI, who many listeners will remember as the founder and original editor of The Sondheim Review, the first and only quarterly magazine ever devoted to a living musical theater composer.

Paul passed away earlier this month, at the age of 88, so I thought this was a very appropriate time to revisit this fascinating conversation. 

Paul launched the magazine in 1994, and over the following ten years, Paul exchanged notes, letters, faxes and phone calls with Stephen Sondheim — who it was clear was reading every word of every issue of the magazine — and Sondheim often had corrections and comments, or as he called them, “emendations.” On a few occasions these notes and phone calls included “vigorous objections” to what Paul had included the magazine, but overall Sondheim was wonderfully supportive and helpful.

In his book SONDHEIM AND ME, Paul chronicles his unlikely relationship with Sondheim during an eventful period that included the New York premieres of Passion and Saturday Night, the Kennedy Center’s Sondheim Celebration, Broadway revivals of six of Sondheim’s major works, and the decade long development of the musical that would eventually be called Road Show.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2283 no Episode 145: "Still Goin' Strong" — 60 Years of HELLO DOLLY! https://www.broadway-nation.com/  My guest this week is award-winning entertainer Richard Skipper, who joins me to talk about his new show, Still Going Strong—A Celebration of 60 Years of Hello Dolly!, which he will be bringing to various venues on several continents over the next few months, starting with Crazy Coqs in London on August 5th. As you will hear, it was Richard’s friendship with Carol Channing that inspired him to begin chronicling the history of Hello Dolly!, and over the past fifteen years, Richard Skipper has interviewed more than 1,000 participants of various productions of the show. That this discussion follows on the heels of the Bette Midler series of podcasts is a happy quirk of serendipity! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time members Larry Spinelli and Geoffrey Block For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:04:52 -0000 "Still Goin' Strong" — 60 Years of HELLO DOLLY! full 2 145 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Richard Skipper  My guest this week is award-winning entertainer Richard Skipper, who joins me to talk about his new show, Still Going Strong—A Celebration of 60 Years of Hello Dolly!, which he will be bringing to various venues on several continents over the next few months, starting with Crazy Coqs in London on August 5th. As you will hear, it was Richard’s friendship with Carol Channing that inspired him to begin chronicling the history of Hello Dolly!, and over the past fifteen years, Richard Skipper has interviewed more than 1,000 participants of various productions of the show. That this discussion follows on the heels of the Bette Midler series of podcasts is a happy quirk of serendipity! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time members Larry Spinelli and Geoffrey Block For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  My guest this week is award-winning entertainer Richard Skipper, who joins me to talk about his new show, Still Going Strong—A Celebration of 60 Years of Hello Dolly!, which he will be bringing to various venues on several continents over the next few months, starting with Crazy Coqs in London on August 5th.

As you will hear, it was Richard’s friendship with Carol Channing that inspired him to begin chronicling the history of Hello Dolly!, and over the past fifteen years, Richard Skipper has interviewed more than 1,000 participants of various productions of the show. That this discussion follows on the heels of the Bette Midler series of podcasts is a happy quirk of serendipity!

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time members Larry Spinelli and Geoffrey Block

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2636 no Episode 144: One More For The Road — The Theater of Bette Midler, part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Today I am excited to share with you the third and final segment of my conversation with author Kevin Winkler regarding his new book, On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide. In this engaging book, Kevin focuses on all aspects of Bette Midler’s career — on stage, recordings, film, and television. But in this conversation, again we focus primarily on her work as a theater artist. If you missed the other two episodes in this series, you may want to listen to those before jumping into this one. For more than twenty years, Kevin was a curator, archivist, and administrator at the New York Public Library, and prior to that, he was a professional dancer on Broadway. His previous books include the award-winning Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical, and Everything is Choreography: The Musical Theatre of Tommy Tune. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time members Mark Stanton and Andy Wigginton. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000 One More For The Road — The Theater of Bette Midler, part 3 full 2 144 Broadway Podcast Network with KEVIN WINKLER author of On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide Today I am excited to share with you the third and final segment of my conversation with author Kevin Winkler regarding his new book, On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide. In this engaging book, Kevin focuses on all aspects of Bette Midler’s career — on stage, recordings, film, and television. But in this conversation, again we focus primarily on her work as a theater artist. If you missed the other two episodes in this series, you may want to listen to those before jumping into this one. For more than twenty years, Kevin was a curator, archivist, and administrator at the New York Public Library, and prior to that, he was a professional dancer on Broadway. His previous books include the award-winning Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical, and Everything is Choreography: The Musical Theatre of Tommy Tune. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time members Mark Stanton and Andy Wigginton. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today I am excited to share with you the third and final segment of my conversation with author Kevin Winkler regarding his new book, On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide.

In this engaging book, Kevin focuses on all aspects of Bette Midler’s career — on stage, recordings, film, and television. But in this conversation, again we focus primarily on her work as a theater artist. If you missed the other two episodes in this series, you may want to listen to those before jumping into this one.

For more than twenty years, Kevin was a curator, archivist, and administrator at the New York Public Library, and prior to that, he was a professional dancer on Broadway. His previous books include the award-winning Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical, and Everything is Choreography: The Musical Theatre of Tommy Tune.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time members Mark Stanton and Andy Wigginton.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3006 no Episode 143: Bette On The Half Shell: The Theatre of Bette Midler, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ On today’s episode author Kevin Winkler returns for the second part of our discussion of his fascinating new book, On Bette Midler — An Opinionated Guide. If you missed part one of this conversation, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. In that episode, Kevin and I touched on Bette’s childhood, explored her early years in the off-off-Broadway experimental and very campy Gay theater scene, detailed her unusual rise to at least demi-stardom at the Continental Baths, her debut on Broadway in Fiddler On The Roof, and her Tony Award wining concert at the Palace Theater which set the stage for the first of what Kevin calls her Broadway musicals of her own devising: Bette Midler’s Clams On The Halfshell Revue, conceived and staged by Broadway director/choreographer Joe Layton, and the shows that followed. For more than twenty years Kevin Winkler was a curator, archivist, and administrator at the New York Public Library, and prior to that, he was a professional dancer. His previous books include the award-winning Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical in 2018, and Everything is Choreography: The Musical Theatre of Tommy Tune. Kevin and I discussed that terrific book on several episodes of Broadway Nation back at the beginning of 2022. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time member, ANNE WELSH. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Jun 2024 06:10:17 -0000 Bette On The Half Shell: The Theatre of Bette Midler, part 2 full 2 143 Broadway Podcast Network With KEVIN WINKLER author of On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide On today’s episode author Kevin Winkler returns for the second part of our discussion of his fascinating new book, On Bette Midler — An Opinionated Guide. If you missed part one of this conversation, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. In that episode, Kevin and I touched on Bette’s childhood, explored her early years in the off-off-Broadway experimental and very campy Gay theater scene, detailed her unusual rise to at least demi-stardom at the Continental Baths, her debut on Broadway in Fiddler On The Roof, and her Tony Award wining concert at the Palace Theater which set the stage for the first of what Kevin calls her Broadway musicals of her own devising: Bette Midler’s Clams On The Halfshell Revue, conceived and staged by Broadway director/choreographer Joe Layton, and the shows that followed. For more than twenty years Kevin Winkler was a curator, archivist, and administrator at the New York Public Library, and prior to that, he was a professional dancer. His previous books include the award-winning Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical in 2018, and Everything is Choreography: The Musical Theatre of Tommy Tune. Kevin and I discussed that terrific book on several episodes of Broadway Nation back at the beginning of 2022. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time member, ANNE WELSH. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On today’s episode author Kevin Winkler returns for the second part of our discussion of his fascinating new book, On Bette Midler — An Opinionated Guide.

If you missed part one of this conversation, you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

In that episode, Kevin and I touched on Bette’s childhood, explored her early years in the off-off-Broadway experimental and very campy Gay theater scene, detailed her unusual rise to at least demi-stardom at the Continental Baths, her debut on Broadway in Fiddler On The Roof, and her Tony Award wining concert at the Palace Theater which set the stage for the first of what Kevin calls her Broadway musicals of her own devising: Bette Midler’s Clams On The Halfshell Revue, conceived and staged by Broadway director/choreographer Joe Layton, and the shows that followed.

For more than twenty years Kevin Winkler was a curator, archivist, and administrator at the New York Public Library, and prior to that, he was a professional dancer. His previous books include the award-winning Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical in 2018, and Everything is Choreography: The Musical Theatre of Tommy Tune. Kevin and I discussed that terrific book on several episodes of Broadway Nation back at the beginning of 2022.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time member, ANNE WELSH.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1905 no Episode 142: The Theater of Bette Midler https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week I am excited to welcome author Kevin Winkler back to Broadway Nation to discuss his new book, On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide. This engaging book is a critical analysis of every aspect of Bette Midler’s career on stage, recordings, film, and television, but in this conversation, we focus primarily on her work as a theater artist. To date, Midler’s long career has been bookended by her appearances in two classic Broadway musicals, Fiddler On The Roof and Hello, Dolly! In between, she invented her distinctive brand of musical theater—“musicals of her own devising,” as Kevin calls them. For more than twenty years Kevin Winkler was a curator, archivist, and administrator at the New York Public Library, and prior to that, he was a professional dancer. His previous books include the award-winning Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical in 2018, and Everything is Choreography: The Musical Theatre of Tommy Tune. Kevin and I discussed that terrific book on several episodes of Broadway Nation back at the beginning of 2022. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time member, ANNE WELSH. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 May 2024 07:06:44 -0000 The Theater of Bette Midler full 2 142 Broadway Podcast Network With KEVIN WINKLER author of On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide This week I am excited to welcome author Kevin Winkler back to Broadway Nation to discuss his new book, On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide. This engaging book is a critical analysis of every aspect of Bette Midler’s career on stage, recordings, film, and television, but in this conversation, we focus primarily on her work as a theater artist. To date, Midler’s long career has been bookended by her appearances in two classic Broadway musicals, Fiddler On The Roof and Hello, Dolly! In between, she invented her distinctive brand of musical theater—“musicals of her own devising,” as Kevin calls them. For more than twenty years Kevin Winkler was a curator, archivist, and administrator at the New York Public Library, and prior to that, he was a professional dancer. His previous books include the award-winning Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical in 2018, and Everything is Choreography: The Musical Theatre of Tommy Tune. Kevin and I discussed that terrific book on several episodes of Broadway Nation back at the beginning of 2022. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time member, ANNE WELSH. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week I am excited to welcome author Kevin Winkler back to Broadway Nation to discuss his new book, On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide.

This engaging book is a critical analysis of every aspect of Bette Midler’s career on stage, recordings, film, and television, but in this conversation, we focus primarily on her work as a theater artist. To date, Midler’s long career has been bookended by her appearances in two classic Broadway musicals, Fiddler On The Roof and Hello, Dolly! In between, she invented her distinctive brand of musical theater—“musicals of her own devising,” as Kevin calls them.

For more than twenty years Kevin Winkler was a curator, archivist, and administrator at the New York Public Library, and prior to that, he was a professional dancer. His previous books include the award-winning Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical in 2018, and Everything is Choreography: The Musical Theatre of Tommy Tune. Kevin and I discussed that terrific book on several episodes of Broadway Nation back at the beginning of 2022.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including long time member, ANNE WELSH.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2518 no Encore Episode: Everything Sondheim: Inside The Creation of the Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia https://www.broadway-nation.com/ In this Encore Episode from 2021, author Rick Pender takes us inside the creation of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia.  Rick Pender is a longtime member and former chair of the American Theater Critics Association. He first began reviewing theater in 1985 for a public radio station he managed at Northern Kentucky University. He later became the theater critic for CityBeat – Cincinnati’s alternative weekly newspaper -- and eventually became its arts and culture editor. He also often contributed articles to The Sondheim Review, a quarterly magazine that I know many of you remember fondly, and for 12 years, from 2004 to 2016, he served as its managing editor.  His latest venture, The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia, is a 638 page overview of anything and everything related to Sondheim’s work, life and career.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Encore Episode: Everything Sondheim: Inside The Creation of the Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia full 2 Broadway Podcast Network With author RICK PENDER In this Encore Episode from 2021, author Rick Pender takes us inside the creation of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia.  Rick Pender is a longtime member and former chair of the American Theater Critics Association. He first began reviewing theater in 1985 for a public radio station he managed at Northern Kentucky University. He later became the theater critic for CityBeat – Cincinnati’s alternative weekly newspaper -- and eventually became its arts and culture editor. He also often contributed articles to The Sondheim Review, a quarterly magazine that I know many of you remember fondly, and for 12 years, from 2004 to 2016, he served as its managing editor.  His latest venture, The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia, is a 638 page overview of anything and everything related to Sondheim’s work, life and career.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this Encore Episode from 2021, author Rick Pender takes us inside the creation of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia. 

Rick Pender is a longtime member and former chair of the American Theater Critics Association. He first began reviewing theater in 1985 for a public radio station he managed at Northern Kentucky University. He later became the theater critic for CityBeat – Cincinnati’s alternative weekly newspaper -- and eventually became its arts and culture editor. He also often contributed articles to The Sondheim Review, a quarterly magazine that I know many of you remember fondly, and for 12 years, from 2004 to 2016, he served as its managing editor.  His latest venture, The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia, is a 638 page overview of anything and everything related to Sondheim’s work, life and career. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2502 no Episode 141: Exceptional Storytelling Is Possible https://www.broadway-nation.com/  My guest again this week is author BEN WEST who returns for the fourth and final segment of our conversation in regard to his exceptional new book The American Musical – Evolution of an Art Form.  As you will hear, in today’s episode, we move into what I call the Modern Era of Broadway from the 1970s right up to today and detail the major changes in the way musicals are made over the last 50 years. Our discussion touches on such shows as Hair, Your Own Thing, Rent, The Wiz, Jelly’s Last Jam, Hamilton, The Band’s Visit, and more! If you missed the previous episodes in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021, spotlighting more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. He has lectured and spoken at Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our Producer Level patrons, Paula & Steve Reynolds. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 May 2024 07:01:33 -0000 Exceptional Storytelling Is Possible full 2 141 Broadway Podcast Network With BEN WEST author of The American Musical — Evolution of and Art Form  My guest again this week is author BEN WEST who returns for the fourth and final segment of our conversation in regard to his exceptional new book The American Musical – Evolution of an Art Form.  As you will hear, in today’s episode, we move into what I call the Modern Era of Broadway from the 1970s right up to today and detail the major changes in the way musicals are made over the last 50 years. Our discussion touches on such shows as Hair, Your Own Thing, Rent, The Wiz, Jelly’s Last Jam, Hamilton, The Band’s Visit, and more! If you missed the previous episodes in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021, spotlighting more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. He has lectured and spoken at Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our Producer Level patrons, Paula & Steve Reynolds. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  My guest again this week is author BEN WEST who returns for the fourth and final segment of our conversation in regard to his exceptional new book The American Musical – Evolution of an Art Form.

 As you will hear, in today’s episode, we move into what I call the Modern Era of Broadway from the 1970s right up to today and detail the major changes in the way musicals are made over the last 50 years. Our discussion touches on such shows as Hair, Your Own Thing, Rent, The Wiz, Jelly’s Last Jam, Hamilton, The Band’s Visit, and more!

If you missed the previous episodes in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one.

Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021, spotlighting more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. He has lectured and spoken at Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our Producer Level patrons, Paula & Steve Reynolds.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2334 no Episode 140: The "Rigorous Creative Science" of the American Musical https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third segment of my conversation with author BEN WEST, regarding his new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM. As you will hear this book is a comprehensive history of the American Musical from its origins in the 19th Century right up to the turn to the 21st Century. Along the way Ben West sheds new light on a myriad of shows, authors, directors, and performers including a host of often-overlooked women and African-American artists. If you missed the previous episodes in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our Producer Level member, Bob Braun. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000 The "Rigorous Creative Science" of the American Musical full 2 140 Broadway Podcast Network With BEN WEST author of The American Musical —Evolution of an Art Form This is the third segment of my conversation with author BEN WEST, regarding his new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM. As you will hear this book is a comprehensive history of the American Musical from its origins in the 19th Century right up to the turn to the 21st Century. Along the way Ben West sheds new light on a myriad of shows, authors, directors, and performers including a host of often-overlooked women and African-American artists. If you missed the previous episodes in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our Producer Level member, Bob Braun. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third segment of my conversation with author BEN WEST, regarding his new book:

THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM.

As you will hear this book is a comprehensive history of the American Musical from its origins in the 19th Century right up to the turn to the 21st Century. Along the way Ben West sheds new light on a myriad of shows, authors, directors, and performers including a host of often-overlooked women and African-American artists.

If you missed the previous episodes in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one.

Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our Producer Level member, Bob Braun.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2321 no Episode 139: Birth Of An Art Form — Evolution of the American Musical, part 2. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Today’s episode is the second part of my recent conversation with author BEN WEST, regarding his his exceptionally comprehensive new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM. This book traces the American Musical’s creative journey from its 19th Century beginnings through its 20th Century maturation, and on to the turn of the 21st century. Along the way, Ben West sheds new light on a myriad of shows, authors, directors, and performers including a host of often-overlooked women and African-American artists. If you missed the first episode in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one. As our previous episode ended Ben and I were discussing the revue form, especially the annual revues such as the Ziegfeld Follies and Earl Carroll’s Vanities. Today we pick up conversation with some of the other forms of musical theater that Ben explores in Part Two of his book, a section that he titles Birth Of An Art Form. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Taryn Darr. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:01:00 -0000 Birth Of An Art Form — Evolution of the American Musical, part 2. full 2 139 Broadway Podcast Network With BEN WEST author of The American Musical Today’s episode is the second part of my recent conversation with author BEN WEST, regarding his his exceptionally comprehensive new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM. This book traces the American Musical’s creative journey from its 19th Century beginnings through its 20th Century maturation, and on to the turn of the 21st century. Along the way, Ben West sheds new light on a myriad of shows, authors, directors, and performers including a host of often-overlooked women and African-American artists. If you missed the first episode in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one. As our previous episode ended Ben and I were discussing the revue form, especially the annual revues such as the Ziegfeld Follies and Earl Carroll’s Vanities. Today we pick up conversation with some of the other forms of musical theater that Ben explores in Part Two of his book, a section that he titles Birth Of An Art Form. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Taryn Darr. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today’s episode is the second part of my recent conversation with author BEN WEST, regarding his his exceptionally comprehensive new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM.

This book traces the American Musical’s creative journey from its 19th Century beginnings through its 20th Century maturation, and on to the turn of the 21st century. Along the way, Ben West sheds new light on a myriad of shows, authors, directors, and performers including a host of often-overlooked women and African-American artists.

If you missed the first episode in this series you may want to go back and catch on that before listening to this one.

As our previous episode ended Ben and I were discussing the revue form, especially the annual revues such as the Ziegfeld Follies and Earl Carroll’s Vanities. Today we pick up conversation with some of the other forms of musical theater that Ben explores in Part Two of his book, a section that he titles Birth Of An Art Form.

Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Taryn Darr.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2218 no Episode: 138: The Evolution of the American Musical https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is author BEN WEST, who joins me to discuss his exceptional new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM. This book is a comprehensive history of the American Musical that traces the form’s creative journey from its 19th Century beginnings through its 20th Century maturation, and on to the turn of the 21st century. Along the way Ben sheds new light on a myriad of authors, directors, and craftspeople who worked on Broadway and beyond. In a similar way to this podcast, this book actively addresses the form’s often-overlooked female and African-American artists. It also goes beyond the strict boundaries of Broadway to explore such outside influences as minstrelsy, vaudeville, nightclubs, and burlesque as well as the dynamic relationship between the American Musical and and the consciousness of its country that gave it birth. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, the University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Taryn Darr. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000 The Evolution of the American Musical full 2 138 Broadway Podcast Network With BEN WEST author of The American Musical My guest this week is author BEN WEST, who joins me to discuss his exceptional new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM. This book is a comprehensive history of the American Musical that traces the form’s creative journey from its 19th Century beginnings through its 20th Century maturation, and on to the turn of the 21st century. Along the way Ben sheds new light on a myriad of authors, directors, and craftspeople who worked on Broadway and beyond. In a similar way to this podcast, this book actively addresses the form’s often-overlooked female and African-American artists. It also goes beyond the strict boundaries of Broadway to explore such outside influences as minstrelsy, vaudeville, nightclubs, and burlesque as well as the dynamic relationship between the American Musical and and the consciousness of its country that gave it birth. Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, the University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Taryn Darr. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is author BEN WEST, who joins me to discuss his exceptional new book: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM.

This book is a comprehensive history of the American Musical that traces the form’s creative journey from its 19th Century beginnings through its 20th Century maturation, and on to the turn of the 21st century. Along the way Ben sheds new light on a myriad of authors, directors, and craftspeople who worked on Broadway and beyond.

In a similar way to this podcast, this book actively addresses the form’s often-overlooked female and African-American artists. It also goes beyond the strict boundaries of Broadway to explore such outside influences as minstrelsy, vaudeville, nightclubs, and burlesque as well as the dynamic relationship between the American Musical and and the consciousness of its country that gave it birth.

Ben West is a musical theatre artist and historian who created the extensive “Timeline Wall” exhibits for the Museum of Broadway that trace the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlight more than 500 productions and 100 artists. He has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. West has lectured and spoken at several institutions including Yale University, the University of Michigan, the Dramatists Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest member, Taryn Darr.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3064 no Episode 137: Broadway Melody — A Novel Approach to Broadway History https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is Jack Viertel who joins us to talk about his delightful new novel, Broadway Melody. This is one of a fascinating wave of novels that explore the history of Broadway though a combination of fictional characters and real-life Broadway figures. Jack Viertel began his theatrical career as a drama critic for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner and then worked as a dramaturg at the Mark Taper Forum. This led to him serving three decades as Creative Director and Senior Vice President of Jujamcin Theaters where he oversaw the production of 50 Broadway plays and musicals. Simultaneously, during two of those decades, he also served as the Artistic Director of the New York City Center’s Encores! series, producing 65 musical revivals. And he was a creative force behind a string of blockbuster musicals including Smokey Joe’s Café, Dear Evan Hanson, and Hairspray. He taught musical theater at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Secret Life of The American Musical. I want to thank all of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, including our longtime Producer Level patrons, Paula & Steve Reynolds. Their generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:14:00 -0000 Broadway Melody — A Novel Approach to Broadway History full 2 137 Broadway Podcast Network With author Jack Viertel My guest this week is Jack Viertel who joins us to talk about his delightful new novel, Broadway Melody. This is one of a fascinating wave of novels that explore the history of Broadway though a combination of fictional characters and real-life Broadway figures. Jack Viertel began his theatrical career as a drama critic for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner and then worked as a dramaturg at the Mark Taper Forum. This led to him serving three decades as Creative Director and Senior Vice President of Jujamcin Theaters where he oversaw the production of 50 Broadway plays and musicals. Simultaneously, during two of those decades, he also served as the Artistic Director of the New York City Center’s Encores! series, producing 65 musical revivals. And he was a creative force behind a string of blockbuster musicals including Smokey Joe’s Café, Dear Evan Hanson, and Hairspray. He taught musical theater at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Secret Life of The American Musical. I want to thank all of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, including our longtime Producer Level patrons, Paula & Steve Reynolds. Their generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is Jack Viertel who joins us to talk about his delightful new novel, Broadway Melody. This is one of a fascinating wave of novels that explore the history of Broadway though a combination of fictional characters and real-life Broadway figures.

Jack Viertel began his theatrical career as a drama critic for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner and then worked as a dramaturg at the Mark Taper Forum. This led to him serving three decades as Creative Director and Senior Vice President of Jujamcin Theaters where he oversaw the production of 50 Broadway plays and musicals. Simultaneously, during two of those decades, he also served as the Artistic Director of the New York City Center’s Encores! series, producing 65 musical revivals. And he was a creative force behind a string of blockbuster musicals including Smokey Joe’s Café, Dear Evan Hanson, and Hairspray. He taught musical theater at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Secret Life of The American Musical.

I want to thank all of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, including our longtime Producer Level patrons, Paula & Steve Reynolds. Their generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3050 no Carolyn, Dorothy, David, and More: Cy Coleman's Lyricists with special guest David Zippel https://www.broadway-nation.com/ During an incredible Broadway career that stretched from 1953 to 1998, composer Cy Coleman created the music for 12 Broadway musicals. Unlike most Broadway composers, however, he was never part of an ongoing songwriting team but instead worked with seven very talented but very different collaborators. My guest today is one of those esteemed lyricists -- David Zippel who partnered with Cy Coleman on the score for the 1990 Tony Award winning "Best Musical", City Of Angels the hit musical that altogether received 10 Tony Awards including Coleman and Zippel’s win for Best Score. That show launched David on his own stellar career which has honored with two Academy Award nominations, two Grammy Award nominations, and three Golden Globe nominations. His songs can be heard on over twenty-five million CDs around the world that include recording by Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Mel Torme, Ricky Martin, Cleo Laine, Barbara Cook, Nancy LaMott, and include the Original Broadway Cast and Soundtrack recordings of The Goodbye Girl, The Women In White, The Swan Princess and Disney’s Hercules and Disney’s Mulan. David and I first met shortly after we had both arrived in NY in the early 1980’s and have remained friends and colleagues ever since. Today we begin our conversation talking about Coleman’s Russian-Jewish heritage. So many Broadway songwriters -- Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Leonard Bernstein to name just a few were the children or grandchildren of Russian-Jewish immigrants. If you enjoy this podcast, I invite to join my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where there is a large and lively community of musical theater enthusiasts. We have a great deal of fun and I feel certain that you will too! And If you would like to hear more about Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, Betty Comden and other women who invented the Broadway musical, you may want to check out Episode 7 and 8 of Broadway Nation. Special thanks Special thank the Julia Murney and David David Burnham, everyone at KVSH 101.9 FM the voice of beautiful Vashon, Island Washington, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Carolyn, Dorothy, David, and More: Cy Coleman's Lyricists with special guest David Zippel full 2 Broadway Podcast Network A Special Encore Episode During an incredible Broadway career that stretched from 1953 to 1998, composer Cy Coleman created the music for 12 Broadway musicals. Unlike most Broadway composers, however, he was never part of an ongoing songwriting team but instead worked with seven very talented but very different collaborators. My guest today is one of those esteemed lyricists -- David Zippel who partnered with Cy Coleman on the score for the 1990 Tony Award winning "Best Musical", City Of Angels the hit musical that altogether received 10 Tony Awards including Coleman and Zippel’s win for Best Score. That show launched David on his own stellar career which has honored with two Academy Award nominations, two Grammy Award nominations, and three Golden Globe nominations. His songs can be heard on over twenty-five million CDs around the world that include recording by Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Mel Torme, Ricky Martin, Cleo Laine, Barbara Cook, Nancy LaMott, and include the Original Broadway Cast and Soundtrack recordings of The Goodbye Girl, The Women In White, The Swan Princess and Disney’s Hercules and Disney’s Mulan. David and I first met shortly after we had both arrived in NY in the early 1980’s and have remained friends and colleagues ever since. Today we begin our conversation talking about Coleman’s Russian-Jewish heritage. So many Broadway songwriters -- Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Leonard Bernstein to name just a few were the children or grandchildren of Russian-Jewish immigrants. If you enjoy this podcast, I invite to join my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where there is a large and lively community of musical theater enthusiasts. We have a great deal of fun and I feel certain that you will too! And If you would like to hear more about Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, Betty Comden and other women who invented the Broadway musical, you may want to check out Episode 7 and 8 of Broadway Nation. Special thanks Special thank the Julia Murney and David David Burnham, everyone at KVSH 101.9 FM the voice of beautiful Vashon, Island Washington, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices During an incredible Broadway career that stretched from 1953 to 1998, composer Cy Coleman created the music for 12 Broadway musicals. Unlike most Broadway composers, however, he was never part of an ongoing songwriting team but instead worked with seven very talented but very different collaborators. My guest today is one of those esteemed lyricists -- David Zippel who partnered with Cy Coleman on the score for the 1990 Tony Award winning "Best Musical", City Of Angels the hit musical that altogether received 10 Tony Awards including Coleman and Zippel’s win for Best Score. That show launched David on his own stellar career which has honored with two Academy Award nominations, two Grammy Award nominations, and three Golden Globe nominations. His songs can be heard on over twenty-five million CDs around the world that include recording by Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Mel Torme, Ricky Martin, Cleo Laine, Barbara Cook, Nancy LaMott, and include the Original Broadway Cast and Soundtrack recordings of The Goodbye Girl, The Women In White, The Swan Princess and Disney’s Hercules and Disney’s Mulan.

David and I first met shortly after we had both arrived in NY in the early 1980’s and have remained friends and colleagues ever since. Today we begin our conversation talking about Coleman’s Russian-Jewish heritage. So many Broadway songwriters -- Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Leonard Bernstein to name just a few were the children or grandchildren of Russian-Jewish immigrants.

If you enjoy this podcast, I invite to join my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where there is a large and lively community of musical theater enthusiasts. We have a great deal of fun and I feel certain that you will too!

And If you would like to hear more about Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, Betty Comden and other women who invented the Broadway musical, you may want to check out Episode 7 and 8 of Broadway Nation.

Special thanks Special thank the Julia Murney and David David Burnham, everyone at KVSH 101.9 FM the voice of beautiful Vashon, Island Washington, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2856 no Encore Episode: Patricia Zipprodt and the Women Who Invented Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my discussion with Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward in which we trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design expertise that was handed down directly over a 100-year period from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Shariff to Patricia Zipprodt to Ann Hould-Ward, herself. If you missed the previous episode you may want to listen to that first.  During our discussion was also touch on the careers of the legendary designers Florence Klotz, Ann Roth, Willa Kim, and Theaoni Aldredge. All in all, these amazing women designed more than 500 Broadway plays and musicals! Ann Hould-Ward is the Tony Award-winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the revival of The Color Purple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Patricia Zipprodt and the Women Who Invented Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network The second part of my discussion with Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward. This is the second part of my discussion with Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward in which we trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design expertise that was handed down directly over a 100-year period from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Shariff to Patricia Zipprodt to Ann Hould-Ward, herself. If you missed the previous episode you may want to listen to that first.  During our discussion was also touch on the careers of the legendary designers Florence Klotz, Ann Roth, Willa Kim, and Theaoni Aldredge. All in all, these amazing women designed more than 500 Broadway plays and musicals! Ann Hould-Ward is the Tony Award-winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the revival of The Color Purple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my discussion with Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward in which we trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design expertise that was handed down directly over a 100-year period from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Shariff to Patricia Zipprodt to Ann Hould-Ward, herself. If you missed the previous episode you may want to listen to that first. 

During our discussion was also touch on the careers of the legendary designers Florence Klotz, Ann Roth, Willa Kim, and Theaoni Aldredge. All in all, these amazing women designed more than 500 Broadway plays and musicals!

Ann Hould-Ward is the Tony Award-winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the revival of The Color Purple.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1784 no Special Encore Episode: Irene Sharaff And The Women That Invented Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ To celebrate Women's History Month he is the first of two episodes recorded during the pandemic about the history of Broadway Costume design with special guest Ann Hould-Ward. Irene Sharraff is the legendary Broadway costume designer whose incredible 56-year career spanned from 1933 to 1989. She designed the costumes for more than 52 Broadway musicals including As Thousands Cheer, Jubilee, On Your Toes, The Boys From Syracuse, Lady In The Dark, The King And I, West Side Story, Flower Drum Song, Funny Girl, Sweet Charity, and Jerome Robbins Broadway. She was nominated for six Tony Awards and won the Tony for The King And I, and she received five Academy Awards for her designs for the now classic films An American In Paris, The King And I, West Side Story, Cleopatra, and Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf. One of the main threads of this podcast is how the arts and crafts of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly from one practitioner to the next, generation to generation. Irene Sharaff is at the center of a succession of dynamic women that goes back more than 100 years to the earliest days of the Broadway Musical and continues right up to today. All of these women were mentored by one or more of the great female designers that came before them, all of them became Tony Award-winning star designers in their own right, and all of them have passed on the art and craft of theatrical costume design to the next generation. In this episode, I trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design that was handed down from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharaff to Patricia Zipprodt to Ann Hould-Ward. I recently had the pleasure of discussing all this with Ann Hould-Ward herself. Ann Hould-Ward is the Tony Award-winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the revival of The Color Purple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Irene Sharaff And The Women That Invented Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Ann Hould-Ward To celebrate Women's History Month he is the first of two episodes recorded during the pandemic about the history of Broadway Costume design with special guest Ann Hould-Ward. Irene Sharraff is the legendary Broadway costume designer whose incredible 56-year career spanned from 1933 to 1989. She designed the costumes for more than 52 Broadway musicals including As Thousands Cheer, Jubilee, On Your Toes, The Boys From Syracuse, Lady In The Dark, The King And I, West Side Story, Flower Drum Song, Funny Girl, Sweet Charity, and Jerome Robbins Broadway. She was nominated for six Tony Awards and won the Tony for The King And I, and she received five Academy Awards for her designs for the now classic films An American In Paris, The King And I, West Side Story, Cleopatra, and Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf. One of the main threads of this podcast is how the arts and crafts of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly from one practitioner to the next, generation to generation. Irene Sharaff is at the center of a succession of dynamic women that goes back more than 100 years to the earliest days of the Broadway Musical and continues right up to today. All of these women were mentored by one or more of the great female designers that came before them, all of them became Tony Award-winning star designers in their own right, and all of them have passed on the art and craft of theatrical costume design to the next generation. In this episode, I trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design that was handed down from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharaff to Patricia Zipprodt to Ann Hould-Ward. I recently had the pleasure of discussing all this with Ann Hould-Ward herself. Ann Hould-Ward is the Tony Award-winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the revival of The Color Purple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To celebrate Women's History Month he is the first of two episodes recorded during the pandemic about the history of Broadway Costume design with special guest Ann Hould-Ward.

Irene Sharraff is the legendary Broadway costume designer whose incredible 56-year career spanned from 1933 to 1989. She designed the costumes for more than 52 Broadway musicals including As Thousands Cheer, Jubilee, On Your Toes, The Boys From Syracuse, Lady In The Dark, The King And I, West Side Story, Flower Drum Song, Funny Girl, Sweet Charity, and Jerome Robbins Broadway. She was nominated for six Tony Awards and won the Tony for The King And I, and she received five Academy Awards for her designs for the now classic films An American In Paris, The King And I, West Side Story, Cleopatra, and Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf.

One of the main threads of this podcast is how the arts and crafts of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly from one practitioner to the next, generation to generation.

Irene Sharaff is at the center of a succession of dynamic women that goes back more than 100 years to the earliest days of the Broadway Musical and continues right up to today. All of these women were mentored by one or more of the great female designers that came before them, all of them became Tony Award-winning star designers in their own right, and all of them have passed on the art and craft of theatrical costume design to the next generation.

In this episode, I trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design that was handed down from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharaff to Patricia Zipprodt to Ann Hould-Ward. I recently had the pleasure of discussing all this with Ann Hould-Ward herself.

Ann Hould-Ward is the Tony Award-winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the revival of The Color Purple.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1870 Episode 136: THE MUSICALS THAT NEVER CAME TO BROADWAY https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is Robert W. Schneider who joins me to talk about his new podcast, Broadway Bound — The Musicals That Never Came To Broadway. Each of the ten episodes in the first season of this wonderfully researched new series focuses on a high-profile musical that was on its way to Broadway but for various reasons never made it. Analyzing and identifying those reasons is part of what makes this series so fascinating. Musicals featured in the first season include Arthur, Minsky’s, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, The Baker’s Wife, Juliet Of The Spirits, Busker’s Alley, The Graduate, and The Mambo Kings. Rob Schneider is an original programming producer at 54 Below, where he has produced and directed more than 100 events, and Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Theater Company. In addition to Broadway Bound, Rob is the host and producer of two other popular theater podcasts: Behind the Curtain: Broadway’s Living Legends and Fifty Key Stage Musicals, which was inspired by his book of the same title. All three of which can be heard on the Broadway Podcast Network. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as longtime members Chris Moad and Judy Hucka, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000 THE MUSICALS THAT NEVER CAME TO BROADWAY full 2 136 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Robert W. Schneider host of the new podcast BROADWAY BOUND My guest this week is Robert W. Schneider who joins me to talk about his new podcast, Broadway Bound — The Musicals That Never Came To Broadway. Each of the ten episodes in the first season of this wonderfully researched new series focuses on a high-profile musical that was on its way to Broadway but for various reasons never made it. Analyzing and identifying those reasons is part of what makes this series so fascinating. Musicals featured in the first season include Arthur, Minsky’s, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, The Baker’s Wife, Juliet Of The Spirits, Busker’s Alley, The Graduate, and The Mambo Kings. Rob Schneider is an original programming producer at 54 Below, where he has produced and directed more than 100 events, and Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Theater Company. In addition to Broadway Bound, Rob is the host and producer of two other popular theater podcasts: Behind the Curtain: Broadway’s Living Legends and Fifty Key Stage Musicals, which was inspired by his book of the same title. All three of which can be heard on the Broadway Podcast Network. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as longtime members Chris Moad and Judy Hucka, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is Robert W. Schneider who joins me to talk about his new podcast, Broadway Bound — The Musicals That Never Came To Broadway.

Each of the ten episodes in the first season of this wonderfully researched new series focuses on a high-profile musical that was on its way to Broadway but for various reasons never made it. Analyzing and identifying those reasons is part of what makes this series so fascinating. Musicals featured in the first season include Arthur, Minsky’s, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, The Baker’s Wife, Juliet Of The Spirits, Busker’s Alley, The Graduate, and The Mambo Kings.

Rob Schneider is an original programming producer at 54 Below, where he has produced and directed more than 100 events, and Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Theater Company. In addition to Broadway Bound, Rob is the host and producer of two other popular theater podcasts: Behind the Curtain: Broadway’s Living Legends and Fifty Key Stage Musicals, which was inspired by his book of the same title. All three of which can be heard on the Broadway Podcast Network.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as longtime members Chris Moad and Judy Hucka, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2689 no Episode 135: GO INTO YOUR DANCE: The Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes, part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again this week is author Maya Cantu who returns for the third and final part of our conversation about her fascinating book: Greasepaint Puritan — Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes. In this episode we focus on Ropes’ 1934 novel, Go Into Your Dance, the third in his evocative backstage trilogy which also includes 42nd Street (the source material for both the classic film and the stage musical), and Stage Mother, (a sort of proto version of Gypsy). All three of these novels were heavily inspired by Ropes’ actual experiences as a dancer and performer on Broadway and in Vaudeville during the 1920s. To a great extent Go Into Your Dance is a roman á clef of the star dancer & legendary showman George White and his scandals, both professional and personal, including his long-standing relationship with Broadway star Ann Pennington, fictionalized by Ropes as "Ted Howard," who rises from messenger boy to dancer to one of the most powerful figures on Broadway, and his indispensable collaborator, "Nora Wayne." Ted Howard's series of "Town Talk" revues become major competition for "Lane's Frivolities" (Ziegfeld Follies), and along the way he interacts with figures from what Maya and I dub the "Bradford Ropes Literary Universe" such as producer/director, "Julian Marsh," dance director, "Andy Lee," and "the Wilson Brothers," a thinly disguised version of the Shuberts). Of perhaps greatest interest are the two gay chorus boys, Arthur and Bobby, who befriend Ted when he joins the chorus of Marsh's musical "Sweet Sally," and play a crucial role in the plot of this remarkable novel. Maya and I also discuss the major themes that tie these novels together, as well as her remarkable six-year journey in unearthing and re-discovering the life and work of Bradford Ropes. If you missed the first two episodes in this series you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. May Cantu is a dramaturg and historian who teaches on the Drama Faculty of Bennington College and is also the author of American Cinderella on the Broadway Musical Stage: Imagining the Working Girl from “Irene” to “Gypsy”. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as longtime members Kelly Allen and Elizabeth Troxler., whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:40:00 -0000 GO INTO YOUR DANCE: The Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes, part 3 full 2 135 Broadway Podcast Network With MAYA CANTU author of GREASEPAINT PURITAN: Boston to 42nd Street In The Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes My guest again this week is author Maya Cantu who returns for the third and final part of our conversation about her fascinating book: Greasepaint Puritan — Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes. In this episode we focus on Ropes’ 1934 novel, Go Into Your Dance, the third in his evocative backstage trilogy which also includes 42nd Street (the source material for both the classic film and the stage musical), and Stage Mother, (a sort of proto version of Gypsy). All three of these novels were heavily inspired by Ropes’ actual experiences as a dancer and performer on Broadway and in Vaudeville during the 1920s. To a great extent Go Into Your Dance is a roman á clef of the star dancer & legendary showman George White and his scandals, both professional and personal, including his long-standing relationship with Broadway star Ann Pennington, fictionalized by Ropes as "Ted Howard," who rises from messenger boy to dancer to one of the most powerful figures on Broadway, and his indispensable collaborator, "Nora Wayne." Ted Howard's series of "Town Talk" revues become major competition for "Lane's Frivolities" (Ziegfeld Follies), and along the way he interacts with figures from what Maya and I dub the "Bradford Ropes Literary Universe" such as producer/director, "Julian Marsh," dance director, "Andy Lee," and "the Wilson Brothers," a thinly disguised version of the Shuberts). Of perhaps greatest interest are the two gay chorus boys, Arthur and Bobby, who befriend Ted when he joins the chorus of Marsh's musical "Sweet Sally," and play a crucial role in the plot of this remarkable novel. Maya and I also discuss the major themes that tie these novels together, as well as her remarkable six-year journey in unearthing and re-discovering the life and work of Bradford Ropes. If you missed the first two episodes in this series you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. May Cantu is a dramaturg and historian who teaches on the Drama Faculty of Bennington College and is also the author of American Cinderella on the Broadway Musical Stage: Imagining the Working Girl from “Irene” to “Gypsy”. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as longtime members Kelly Allen and Elizabeth Troxler., whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is author Maya Cantu who returns for the third and final part of our conversation about her fascinating book: Greasepaint Puritan — Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes.

In this episode we focus on Ropes’ 1934 novel, Go Into Your Dance, the third in his evocative backstage trilogy which also includes 42nd Street (the source material for both the classic film and the stage musical), and Stage Mother, (a sort of proto version of Gypsy). All three of these novels were heavily inspired by Ropes’ actual experiences as a dancer and performer on Broadway and in Vaudeville during the 1920s.

To a great extent Go Into Your Dance is a roman á clef of the star dancer & legendary showman George White and his scandals, both professional and personal, including his long-standing relationship with Broadway star Ann Pennington, fictionalized by Ropes as "Ted Howard," who rises from messenger boy to dancer to one of the most powerful figures on Broadway, and his indispensable collaborator, "Nora Wayne."

Ted Howard's series of "Town Talk" revues become major competition for "Lane's Frivolities" (Ziegfeld Follies), and along the way he interacts with figures from what Maya and I dub the "Bradford Ropes Literary Universe" such as producer/director, "Julian Marsh," dance director, "Andy Lee," and "the Wilson Brothers," a thinly disguised version of the Shuberts).

Of perhaps greatest interest are the two gay chorus boys, Arthur and Bobby, who befriend Ted when he joins the chorus of Marsh's musical "Sweet Sally," and play a crucial role in the plot of this remarkable novel.

Maya and I also discuss the major themes that tie these novels together, as well as her remarkable six-year journey in unearthing and re-discovering the life and work of Bradford Ropes.

If you missed the first two episodes in this series you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.

May Cantu is a dramaturg and historian who teaches on the Drama Faculty of Bennington College and is also the author of American Cinderella on the Broadway Musical Stage: Imagining the Working Girl from “Irene” to “Gypsy”.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as longtime members Kelly Allen and Elizabeth Troxler., whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2692 no Episode 134: Before GYPSY there was STAGE MOTHER — The Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again today is author Maya Cantu who returns to discuss her book, Greasepaint Puritan — Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes. In this terrific new book Maya reclaims the life and work of vaudeville, nightclub and Broadway dancer turned novelist and screenwriter Bradford Ropes, with a central focus on his three long-forgotten backstage novels: 42nd Street on which the classic film and stage adaptation were based, Go Into Your Dance, a thinly disguised fictional version of the career of Broadway showman George White and his scandals, and the one we will focus on today, his 1933 novel Stage Mother. All of which were inspired by Rope’s own experiences as a gay man in show business during the 1920s. If you missed part of our conversation you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. May Cantu teaches on the Drama Faculty of Bennington College, and is also the author of American Cinderella on the Broadway Musical Stage: Imagining the Working Girl from “Irene” to “Gypsy”. And as you will hear the parallels between Stage Mother and Gypsy are striking. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as longtime members Juan J. Nuemeister and Ruth Oberg, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Before GYPSY there was STAGE MOTHER — The Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes, part 2 full 2 134 Broadway Podcast Network With MAYA CANTU author of GREASEPAINT PURITAN: Boston to 42nd Street In The Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes My guest again today is author Maya Cantu who returns to discuss her book, Greasepaint Puritan — Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes. In this terrific new book Maya reclaims the life and work of vaudeville, nightclub and Broadway dancer turned novelist and screenwriter Bradford Ropes, with a central focus on his three long-forgotten backstage novels: 42nd Street on which the classic film and stage adaptation were based, Go Into Your Dance, a thinly disguised fictional version of the career of Broadway showman George White and his scandals, and the one we will focus on today, his 1933 novel Stage Mother. All of which were inspired by Rope’s own experiences as a gay man in show business during the 1920s. If you missed part of our conversation you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. May Cantu teaches on the Drama Faculty of Bennington College, and is also the author of American Cinderella on the Broadway Musical Stage: Imagining the Working Girl from “Irene” to “Gypsy”. And as you will hear the parallels between Stage Mother and Gypsy are striking. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as longtime members Juan J. Nuemeister and Ruth Oberg, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again today is author Maya Cantu who returns to discuss her book, Greasepaint Puritan — Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes.

In this terrific new book Maya reclaims the life and work of vaudeville, nightclub and Broadway dancer turned novelist and screenwriter Bradford Ropes, with a central focus on his three long-forgotten backstage novels: 42nd Street on which the classic film and stage adaptation were based, Go Into Your Dance, a thinly disguised fictional version of the career of Broadway showman George White and his scandals, and the one we will focus on today, his 1933 novel Stage Mother. All of which were inspired by Rope’s own experiences as a gay man in show business during the 1920s.

If you missed part of our conversation you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

May Cantu teaches on the Drama Faculty of Bennington College, and is also the author of American Cinderella on the Broadway Musical Stage: Imagining the Working Girl from “Irene” to “Gypsy”.

And as you will hear the parallels between Stage Mother and Gypsy are striking.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as longtime members Juan J. Nuemeister and Ruth Oberg, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1610 no Episode 133: 42nd STREET & the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes https://www.broadway-nation.com/  My guest this week is author Maya Cantu who joins me to discuss her new book, Greasepaint Puritan — Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes. In this book Maya reclaims the life and work of Bradford Ropes, the author of the naughty, bawdy, gaudy, sporty, and very gay novel, 42nd Street, on which both the classic film and stage adaptation are based. That’s just the first of his three long-forgotten novels that include Stage Mother and Go Into Your Dance, all of which were inspired by Rope’s own experiences as a performer, and all three of which give us a chance to go backstage on Broadway during the 1920s and experience the lives of gay men in show business. As you will hear Maya Cantu has done a miraculous job of uncovering all of this Cantu is a dramaturg and interdisciplinary scholar who teaches on the Drama Faculty of Bennington College. She is also the author of American Cinderella on the Broadway Musical Stage: Imagining the Working Gril from “Irene” to “Gypsy”. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as our newest member Cheryl Hodges-Selden whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000 42nd STREET & the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes full 2 133 Broadway Podcast Network With MAYA CANTU author of GREASEPAINT PURITAN: Boston to 42nd Street In The Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes  My guest this week is author Maya Cantu who joins me to discuss her new book, Greasepaint Puritan — Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes. In this book Maya reclaims the life and work of Bradford Ropes, the author of the naughty, bawdy, gaudy, sporty, and very gay novel, 42nd Street, on which both the classic film and stage adaptation are based. That’s just the first of his three long-forgotten novels that include Stage Mother and Go Into Your Dance, all of which were inspired by Rope’s own experiences as a performer, and all three of which give us a chance to go backstage on Broadway during the 1920s and experience the lives of gay men in show business. As you will hear Maya Cantu has done a miraculous job of uncovering all of this Cantu is a dramaturg and interdisciplinary scholar who teaches on the Drama Faculty of Bennington College. She is also the author of American Cinderella on the Broadway Musical Stage: Imagining the Working Gril from “Irene” to “Gypsy”. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as our newest member Cheryl Hodges-Selden whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  My guest this week is author Maya Cantu who joins me to discuss her new book, Greasepaint Puritan — Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes.

In this book Maya reclaims the life and work of Bradford Ropes, the author of the naughty, bawdy, gaudy, sporty, and very gay novel, 42nd Street, on which both the classic film and stage adaptation are based.

That’s just the first of his three long-forgotten novels that include Stage Mother and Go Into Your Dance, all of which were inspired by Rope’s own experiences as a performer, and all three of which give us a chance to go backstage on Broadway during the 1920s and experience the lives of gay men in show business. As you will hear Maya Cantu has done a miraculous job of uncovering all of this

Cantu is a dramaturg and interdisciplinary scholar who teaches on the Drama Faculty of Bennington College. She is also the author of American Cinderella on the Broadway Musical Stage: Imagining the Working Gril from “Irene” to “Gypsy”.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as our newest member Cheryl Hodges-Selden whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3358 no Special Encore Episode: The Black Musical Returns! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special encore episode of Broadway Nation. 1970s Broadway experienced another blast from the past with the return of the Black Musical. More than a dozen hit black musicals opened during the decade, and three of them won the Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL. About half of these were new, original musical plays – mostly adaptations of popular plays or novels. All of them employed a combination of rhythm & blues, pop, rock, jazz and traditional Broadway style music to help tell their stories.  The other half were musical revues that showcased the classic songs of the great black songwriters of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. These shows represented a significant black wing of the ongoing Nostalgia Craze. Please join me as I explore the musical plays PURLIE, RAISIN, and THE WIZ,; the gospel musicals DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE, AND YOUR ARMS TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD.; and the songbook revues BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, EUBIE!, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, and BLACK AND BLUE.  Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as our newest member Cheryl Hodges-Selden whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000 The Black Musical Returns! full 2 Broadway Podcast Network The Modern Era Of Broadway, part 3 This is a special encore episode of Broadway Nation. 1970s Broadway experienced another blast from the past with the return of the Black Musical. More than a dozen hit black musicals opened during the decade, and three of them won the Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL. About half of these were new, original musical plays – mostly adaptations of popular plays or novels. All of them employed a combination of rhythm & blues, pop, rock, jazz and traditional Broadway style music to help tell their stories.  The other half were musical revues that showcased the classic songs of the great black songwriters of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. These shows represented a significant black wing of the ongoing Nostalgia Craze. Please join me as I explore the musical plays PURLIE, RAISIN, and THE WIZ,; the gospel musicals DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE, AND YOUR ARMS TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD.; and the songbook revues BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, EUBIE!, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, and BLACK AND BLUE.  Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as our newest member Cheryl Hodges-Selden whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special encore episode of Broadway Nation.

1970s Broadway experienced another blast from the past with the return of the Black Musical. More than a dozen hit black musicals opened during the decade, and three of them won the Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL.

About half of these were new, original musical plays – mostly adaptations of popular plays or novels. All of them employed a combination of rhythm & blues, pop, rock, jazz and traditional Broadway style music to help tell their stories. 

The other half were musical revues that showcased the classic songs of the great black songwriters of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. These shows represented a significant black wing of the ongoing Nostalgia Craze.

Please join me as I explore the musical plays PURLIE, RAISIN, and THE WIZ,; the gospel musicals DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE, AND YOUR ARMS TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD.; and the songbook revues BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, EUBIE!, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, and BLACK AND BLUE. 

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as our newest member Cheryl Hodges-Selden whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1619 no Episode 132: MARY & ETHEL & STEPHEN COLE https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is the prolific and award-winning book writer and lyricist Stephen Cole who joins me today to talk about his new novel: Mary & Ethel…and Mikey Who? I found it to be a terrific book, both wildly funny and very moving. And as you will hear, at times it feels like Stephen wrote this novel especially for me, and for the fans of this podcast. Stephen Cole is an award-winning musical theatre writer whose shows have been produced from New York City to London to the Middle East and Australia. His off-Broadway musical with Matthew Ward, AFTER THE FAIR, was nominated for the Outer Critic's Circle Award for Best Musical and was subsequently produced in London to great acclaim.THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER won the prestigious Edward Kleban Award and was produced in New York City, Dallas, and San Francisco, where it was nominated for several Bay Area Theatre Awards. The award-winning 1998 concept CD features Ron Raines, Sally Mayes, and Dorothy Loudon. SATURDAY NIGHT AT GROSSINGER'S has had successful runs in Texas (starring Gavin MacLeod), Los Angeles, and Florida. Broadway legend Chita Rivera toured in CASPER, and Hal Linden and Dee Hoty starred in the world premiere of his musical adaptation of DODSWORTH.In 2005, Stephen was commissioned to write ASPIRE, the first American musical to premiere in the Middle East. This experience resulted in another musical about the creation of that show entitled THE ROAD TO QATAR!, produced to rave reviews and awards Off-Broadway, in London, and at the Edinburgh Festival, garnering a Best Musical nomination. Among his other produced shows are ROCK ODYSSEY, which played to hundreds of thousands of kids for ten seasons of productions at the Adrienne Arscht Center in Miami, and MERMAN'S APPRENTICE, presented in concert at Birdland in New York City, followed by an all-star cast album on Jay Records, and an acclaimed premiere production in Sonoma, CA in 2019. Stephen's latest critically acclaimed musical is GOIN' HOLLYWOOD.Stephen's published books include That Book About That Girl and I Could Have Sung All Night, the Marni Nixon story, currently in development as a feature film from Amazon. Stephen has also written several published stories and his real-life friendships with Ethel Merman and Mary Martin resulted in this, his first novel. Visit www.stephencolewriter.org. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Geoffrey Block and Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:48:27 -0000 MARY & ETHEL & STEPHEN COLE full 2 132 Broadway Podcast Network Author of the new Broadway novel "MARY & ETHEL and Mikey Who?" My guest today is the prolific and award-winning book writer and lyricist Stephen Cole who joins me today to talk about his new novel: Mary & Ethel…and Mikey Who? I found it to be a terrific book, both wildly funny and very moving. And as you will hear, at times it feels like Stephen wrote this novel especially for me, and for the fans of this podcast. Stephen Cole is an award-winning musical theatre writer whose shows have been produced from New York City to London to the Middle East and Australia. His off-Broadway musical with Matthew Ward, AFTER THE FAIR, was nominated for the Outer Critic's Circle Award for Best Musical and was subsequently produced in London to great acclaim.THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER won the prestigious Edward Kleban Award and was produced in New York City, Dallas, and San Francisco, where it was nominated for several Bay Area Theatre Awards. The award-winning 1998 concept CD features Ron Raines, Sally Mayes, and Dorothy Loudon. SATURDAY NIGHT AT GROSSINGER'S has had successful runs in Texas (starring Gavin MacLeod), Los Angeles, and Florida. Broadway legend Chita Rivera toured in CASPER, and Hal Linden and Dee Hoty starred in the world premiere of his musical adaptation of DODSWORTH.In 2005, Stephen was commissioned to write ASPIRE, the first American musical to premiere in the Middle East. This experience resulted in another musical about the creation of that show entitled THE ROAD TO QATAR!, produced to rave reviews and awards Off-Broadway, in London, and at the Edinburgh Festival, garnering a Best Musical nomination. Among his other produced shows are ROCK ODYSSEY, which played to hundreds of thousands of kids for ten seasons of productions at the Adrienne Arscht Center in Miami, and MERMAN'S APPRENTICE, presented in concert at Birdland in New York City, followed by an all-star cast album on Jay Records, and an acclaimed premiere production in Sonoma, CA in 2019. Stephen's latest critically acclaimed musical is GOIN' HOLLYWOOD.Stephen's published books include That Book About That Girl and I Could Have Sung All Night, the Marni Nixon story, currently in development as a feature film from Amazon. Stephen has also written several published stories and his real-life friendships with Ethel Merman and Mary Martin resulted in this, his first novel. Visit www.stephencolewriter.org. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Geoffrey Block and Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is the prolific and award-winning book writer and lyricist Stephen Cole who joins me today to talk about his new novel: Mary & Ethel…and Mikey Who?

I found it to be a terrific book, both wildly funny and very moving. And as you will hear, at times it feels like Stephen wrote this novel especially for me, and for the fans of this podcast.

Stephen Cole is an award-winning musical theatre writer whose shows have been produced from New York City to London to the Middle East and Australia. His off-Broadway musical with Matthew Ward, AFTER THE FAIR, was nominated for the Outer Critic's Circle Award for Best Musical and was subsequently produced in London to great acclaim.THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER won the prestigious Edward Kleban Award and was produced in New York City, Dallas, and San Francisco, where it was nominated for several Bay Area Theatre Awards. The award-winning 1998 concept CD features Ron Raines, Sally Mayes, and Dorothy Loudon. SATURDAY NIGHT AT GROSSINGER'S has had successful runs in Texas (starring Gavin MacLeod), Los Angeles, and Florida. Broadway legend Chita Rivera toured in CASPER, and Hal Linden and Dee Hoty starred in the world premiere of his musical adaptation of DODSWORTH.In 2005, Stephen was commissioned to write ASPIRE, the first American musical to premiere in the Middle East. This experience resulted in another musical about the creation of that show entitled THE ROAD TO QATAR!, produced to rave reviews and awards Off-Broadway, in London, and at the Edinburgh Festival, garnering a Best Musical nomination. Among his other produced shows are ROCK ODYSSEY, which played to hundreds of thousands of kids for ten seasons of productions at the Adrienne Arscht Center in Miami, and MERMAN'S APPRENTICE, presented in concert at Birdland in New York City, followed by an all-star cast album on Jay Records, and an acclaimed premiere production in Sonoma, CA in 2019. Stephen's latest critically acclaimed musical is GOIN' HOLLYWOOD.Stephen's published books include That Book About That Girl and I Could Have Sung All Night, the Marni Nixon story, currently in development as a feature film from Amazon. Stephen has also written several published stories and his real-life friendships with Ethel Merman and Mary Martin resulted in this, his first novel. Visit www.stephencolewriter.org.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Geoffrey Block and Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2704 no Special Encore Episode: Tails Of Broadway - with theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni. Beginning with the original production of ANNIE in 1977, Bill has provided and trained animals of all species and sizes for 27 Broadway musicals and plays, as well as for countless Off-Broadway shows, National Tours, regional theaters, movies, television shows, commercials and the NYC Ballet – and he found almost all of those animal actors in shelters, humane societies and rescue leagues.  His awards include a 2011 Tony Honor for “Excellence in the Theater”, a 2014 Outer Critics Circle Award for “Special Achievement”, and a 2017 Drama League Award for “Unique Contribution to the Theatre” all in acknowledgment of an incredible Broadway career that has included two revivals of Annie, The Woman In White, Gypsy, Legally Blonde, The Lt of Inishmore, A Christmas Story, and The Ferryman.  Bill recently released a third edition of his book, Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories Of Rescued Dogs Who Became Show Biz Superstars. I have to say it’s a surprisingly affecting book, and I was not expecting to be tearing up as many times as I did when I was reading the new edition in preparation for this podcast. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. I invite you to follow Broadway Nation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – where you can find out more about my guests and episodes and interact with a large and lively community of Broadway fans. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:16:19 -0000 Tails Of Broadway - with theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Go behind the scenes of Annie, Legally Blonde, and more! My guest today is theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni. Beginning with the original production of ANNIE in 1977, Bill has provided and trained animals of all species and sizes for 27 Broadway musicals and plays, as well as for countless Off-Broadway shows, National Tours, regional theaters, movies, television shows, commercials and the NYC Ballet – and he found almost all of those animal actors in shelters, humane societies and rescue leagues.  His awards include a 2011 Tony Honor for “Excellence in the Theater”, a 2014 Outer Critics Circle Award for “Special Achievement”, and a 2017 Drama League Award for “Unique Contribution to the Theatre” all in acknowledgment of an incredible Broadway career that has included two revivals of Annie, The Woman In White, Gypsy, Legally Blonde, The Lt of Inishmore, A Christmas Story, and The Ferryman.  Bill recently released a third edition of his book, Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories Of Rescued Dogs Who Became Show Biz Superstars. I have to say it’s a surprisingly affecting book, and I was not expecting to be tearing up as many times as I did when I was reading the new edition in preparation for this podcast. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. I invite you to follow Broadway Nation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – where you can find out more about my guests and episodes and interact with a large and lively community of Broadway fans. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni.

Beginning with the original production of ANNIE in 1977, Bill has provided and trained animals of all species and sizes for 27 Broadway musicals and plays, as well as for countless Off-Broadway shows, National Tours, regional theaters, movies, television shows, commercials and the NYC Ballet – and he found almost all of those animal actors in shelters, humane societies and rescue leagues. 

His awards include a 2011 Tony Honor for “Excellence in the Theater”, a 2014 Outer Critics Circle Award for “Special Achievement”, and a 2017 Drama League Award for “Unique Contribution to the Theatre” all in acknowledgment of an incredible Broadway career that has included two revivals of Annie, The Woman In White, Gypsy, Legally Blonde, The Lt of Inishmore, A Christmas Story, and The Ferryman. 

Bill recently released a third edition of his book, Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories Of Rescued Dogs Who Became Show Biz Superstars. I have to say it’s a surprisingly affecting book, and I was not expecting to be tearing up as many times as I did when I was reading the new edition in preparation for this podcast.

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong.

I invite you to follow Broadway Nation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – where you can find out more about my guests and episodes and interact with a large and lively community of Broadway fans.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2911 no Special Encore Episode: Inside The Creation of FOLLIES https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is Ted Chapin whose captivating 2003 book Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical “Follies,” has recently been reissued in a revised and updated edition.  As you may know, this book is based on Ted’s first-hand experience as the production assistant on the original Broadway production of the Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, & James Goldman landmark musical Follies. Of course, the expression, “I just couldn’t put that book down” is a cliché – but in this case, it has been absolutely true – twice! -- both when I read this book when it was originally released, and again just a few weeks ago when I had the great pleasure of diving into it all over again. On last week’s episode, Peter Filichia, talked about wanting to be able to go back in time and be a “fly on the wall” to witness the inner workings of legendary musicals as they were being put together. Ted’s book allows all of us to do exactly that. This book makes you feel as it you are right there in the thick of it during Follies' rehearsal period in New York, and in Boston during its out-of-town tryout’s many trials and tribulations. For 40 years Ted served as the President of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization a role that he was personally chosen by the Rodgers and Hammerstein families to take on. On his watch, there were eight Tony Award-winning Best Revivals of musicals in the R&H catalog -- On Your Toes, Carousel, Show Boat, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, The King And I – twice! – and Oklahoma! He also supervised major R&H productions In London, on television, and around the world. And Ted is the co-founder of the acclaimed City Center Encores! series, and he currently serves on the boards of City Center, The Kurt Weil Foundation, and the American Theatre Wing. It is always a delight to speak with him – especially regarding his one-of-a-kind experience of being in the rooms where Follies happened. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Inside The Creation of FOLLIES full 2 Broadway Podcast Network with author Ted Chapin My guest this week is Ted Chapin whose captivating 2003 book Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical “Follies,” has recently been reissued in a revised and updated edition.  As you may know, this book is based on Ted’s first-hand experience as the production assistant on the original Broadway production of the Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, & James Goldman landmark musical Follies. Of course, the expression, “I just couldn’t put that book down” is a cliché – but in this case, it has been absolutely true – twice! -- both when I read this book when it was originally released, and again just a few weeks ago when I had the great pleasure of diving into it all over again. On last week’s episode, Peter Filichia, talked about wanting to be able to go back in time and be a “fly on the wall” to witness the inner workings of legendary musicals as they were being put together. Ted’s book allows all of us to do exactly that. This book makes you feel as it you are right there in the thick of it during Follies' rehearsal period in New York, and in Boston during its out-of-town tryout’s many trials and tribulations. For 40 years Ted served as the President of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization a role that he was personally chosen by the Rodgers and Hammerstein families to take on. On his watch, there were eight Tony Award-winning Best Revivals of musicals in the R&H catalog -- On Your Toes, Carousel, Show Boat, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, The King And I – twice! – and Oklahoma! He also supervised major R&H productions In London, on television, and around the world. And Ted is the co-founder of the acclaimed City Center Encores! series, and he currently serves on the boards of City Center, The Kurt Weil Foundation, and the American Theatre Wing. It is always a delight to speak with him – especially regarding his one-of-a-kind experience of being in the rooms where Follies happened. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is Ted Chapin whose captivating 2003 book Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical “Follies,” has recently been reissued in a revised and updated edition. 

As you may know, this book is based on Ted’s first-hand experience as the production assistant on the original Broadway production of the Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, & James Goldman landmark musical Follies.

Of course, the expression, “I just couldn’t put that book down” is a cliché – but in this case, it has been absolutely true – twice! -- both when I read this book when it was originally released, and again just a few weeks ago when I had the great pleasure of diving into it all over again.

On last week’s episode, Peter Filichia, talked about wanting to be able to go back in time and be a “fly on the wall” to witness the inner workings of legendary musicals as they were being put together. Ted’s book allows all of us to do exactly that. This book makes you feel as it you are right there in the thick of it during Follies' rehearsal period in New York, and in Boston during its out-of-town tryout’s many trials and tribulations.

For 40 years Ted served as the President of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization a role that he was personally chosen by the Rodgers and Hammerstein families to take on. On his watch, there were eight Tony Award-winning Best Revivals of musicals in the R&H catalog -- On Your Toes, Carousel, Show Boat, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, The King And I – twice! – and Oklahoma! He also supervised major R&H productions In London, on television, and around the world.

And Ted is the co-founder of the acclaimed City Center Encores! series, and he currently serves on the boards of City Center, The Kurt Weil Foundation, and the American Theatre Wing.

It is always a delight to speak with him – especially regarding his one-of-a-kind experience of being in the rooms where Follies happened.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2932 no Special Encore Episode: Robbins, Fosse, Bennett & Gennaro! — The Craft and Art of Broadway Choreography https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second half of my conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating book is titled: Making Broadway Dance.  If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and she also has had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer. Interestingly, she is closely related to this subject matter of her book because her father was the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer, Peter Gennaro. He is profiled in the book as well as in this episode. By the end of Part 1, we had made it to the late 1940s when Agnes de Mille was dominating the field of Broadway choreography. Between 1943 and 1945, De Mille had four hits in a row – Oklahoma!, One Touch of Venus, Bloomer Girl, and Carousel – and three of them choreographed in her signature “Americana” style. This unprecedented string of successes made her the most powerful choreographer in the commercial theater, and soon led to her becoming the first director-choreographer of the “Golden Age” with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro. De Mille’s most significant contribution to the Broadway Musical was breaking the mold of the traditional Broadway chorus girl by insisting on hiring actor/dancers who could fully embody the characters that they were playing.  This new approach to Broadway dance, and this new kind of Broadway dancer, would be adopted by everyone who followed in her footsteps – especially Jerome Robbins – who years later would write, “Agnes broke the conception of what the Broadway dancer could be in the Broadway Musical. What they looked like, what was desired of them, and what their contribution to the show was.” And, as you will hear, Robbins took that idea and ran with it, just as De Mille’s “Americana” style was starting to lose its luster. That’s just the beginning Later in the episode Liza and I discuss Michael Kidd, Bob Fosse, Gower Champion, Michael Bennett, Graciela Daniele, Susan Stroman, Kathleen Marshall, Bill T. Jones, Stephen Hoggett, Lorin Latarro, Kelly Devine, Sergio Trujillo, Jerry Mitchell and more! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:49:00 -0000 Robbins, Fosse, Bennett & Gennaro! — The Craft and Art of Broadway Choreography full 2 Broadway Podcast Network with special guest Liza Gennaro author of Making Broadway Dance This is the second half of my conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating book is titled: Making Broadway Dance.  If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and she also has had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer. Interestingly, she is closely related to this subject matter of her book because her father was the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer, Peter Gennaro. He is profiled in the book as well as in this episode. By the end of Part 1, we had made it to the late 1940s when Agnes de Mille was dominating the field of Broadway choreography. Between 1943 and 1945, De Mille had four hits in a row – Oklahoma!, One Touch of Venus, Bloomer Girl, and Carousel – and three of them choreographed in her signature “Americana” style. This unprecedented string of successes made her the most powerful choreographer in the commercial theater, and soon led to her becoming the first director-choreographer of the “Golden Age” with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro. De Mille’s most significant contribution to the Broadway Musical was breaking the mold of the traditional Broadway chorus girl by insisting on hiring actor/dancers who could fully embody the characters that they were playing.  This new approach to Broadway dance, and this new kind of Broadway dancer, would be adopted by everyone who followed in her footsteps – especially Jerome Robbins – who years later would write, “Agnes broke the conception of what the Broadway dancer could be in the Broadway Musical. What they looked like, what was desired of them, and what their contribution to the show was.” And, as you will hear, Robbins took that idea and ran with it, just as De Mille’s “Americana” style was starting to lose its luster. That’s just the beginning Later in the episode Liza and I discuss Michael Kidd, Bob Fosse, Gower Champion, Michael Bennett, Graciela Daniele, Susan Stroman, Kathleen Marshall, Bill T. Jones, Stephen Hoggett, Lorin Latarro, Kelly Devine, Sergio Trujillo, Jerry Mitchell and more! Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating book is titled: Making Broadway Dance. 

If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one.

Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and she also has had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer. Interestingly, she is closely related to this subject matter of her book because her father was the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer, Peter Gennaro. He is profiled in the book as well as in this episode.

By the end of Part 1, we had made it to the late 1940s when Agnes de Mille was dominating the field of Broadway choreography. Between 1943 and 1945, De Mille had four hits in a row – Oklahoma!, One Touch of Venus, Bloomer Girl, and Carousel – and three of them choreographed in her signature “Americana” style. This unprecedented string of successes made her the most powerful choreographer in the commercial theater, and soon led to her becoming the first director-choreographer of the “Golden Age” with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro.

De Mille’s most significant contribution to the Broadway Musical was breaking the mold of the traditional Broadway chorus girl by insisting on hiring actor/dancers who could fully embody the characters that they were playing. 

This new approach to Broadway dance, and this new kind of Broadway dancer, would be adopted by everyone who followed in her footsteps – especially Jerome Robbins – who years later would write, “Agnes broke the conception of what the Broadway dancer could be in the Broadway Musical. What they looked like, what was desired of them, and what their contribution to the show was.”

And, as you will hear, Robbins took that idea and ran with it, just as De Mille’s “Americana” style was starting to lose its luster.

That’s just the beginning Later in the episode Liza and I discuss Michael Kidd, Bob Fosse, Gower Champion, Michael Bennett, Graciela Daniele, Susan Stroman, Kathleen Marshall, Bill T. Jones, Stephen Hoggett, Lorin Latarro, Kelly Devine, Sergio Trujillo, Jerry Mitchell and more!

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2356 no Special Encore Episode: Katherine Dunham, Agnes de Mille & The Craft and Art of Broadway Choreography https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the first half of my recent conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating new book is titled: Making Broadway Dance. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and prior to that she had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer on Broadway and with prominent theater companies across the country. Most notably she choreographed the hit Broadway revival of Frank Loessor’s The Most Happy Fella. As she writes in the introduction to her book, Liza came to her love and interest in musical theater dance genetically. Her father was Peter Gennaro, the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer of Broadway musicals and TV variety shows. And her mother, Jean Gennaro, was a ballerina turned Broadway dancer who danced for Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes De Mille, and Michael Kidd.  As you might imagine, Liza grew up immersed in the world of Broadway, and all manner of dance, and she is able to weave all of that life experience into this remarkable book. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to write it. Appropriately for the final day of Women’s History Month, this episode focuses largely on two great female choreographers -- Katherine Dunham and Agnes de Mille. I have stated that De Mille is arguably the most important woman in the history of Broadway musical – not including the star performers, of course – and she has received quite a bit of focus in previous episodes of this podcast. However, I am especially happy today to shine a spotlight on Katherine Dunham whose influence on Broadway dance – like that of many other black artists – has often been overlooked and undervalued. But her impact and significance cannot be denied.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Katherine Dunham, Agnes de Mille & The Craft and Art of Broadway Choreography full 2 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Liza Gennaro This is the first half of my recent conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating new book is titled: Making Broadway Dance. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and prior to that she had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer on Broadway and with prominent theater companies across the country. Most notably she choreographed the hit Broadway revival of Frank Loessor’s The Most Happy Fella. As she writes in the introduction to her book, Liza came to her love and interest in musical theater dance genetically. Her father was Peter Gennaro, the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer of Broadway musicals and TV variety shows. And her mother, Jean Gennaro, was a ballerina turned Broadway dancer who danced for Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes De Mille, and Michael Kidd.  As you might imagine, Liza grew up immersed in the world of Broadway, and all manner of dance, and she is able to weave all of that life experience into this remarkable book. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to write it. Appropriately for the final day of Women’s History Month, this episode focuses largely on two great female choreographers -- Katherine Dunham and Agnes de Mille. I have stated that De Mille is arguably the most important woman in the history of Broadway musical – not including the star performers, of course – and she has received quite a bit of focus in previous episodes of this podcast. However, I am especially happy today to shine a spotlight on Katherine Dunham whose influence on Broadway dance – like that of many other black artists – has often been overlooked and undervalued. But her impact and significance cannot be denied.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the first half of my recent conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating new book is titled: Making Broadway Dance.

Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and prior to that she had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer on Broadway and with prominent theater companies across the country. Most notably she choreographed the hit Broadway revival of Frank Loessor’s The Most Happy Fella.

As she writes in the introduction to her book, Liza came to her love and interest in musical theater dance genetically. Her father was Peter Gennaro, the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer of Broadway musicals and TV variety shows. And her mother, Jean Gennaro, was a ballerina turned Broadway dancer who danced for Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes De Mille, and Michael Kidd.

 As you might imagine, Liza grew up immersed in the world of Broadway, and all manner of dance, and she is able to weave all of that life experience into this remarkable book. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to write it.

Appropriately for the final day of Women’s History Month, this episode focuses largely on two great female choreographers -- Katherine Dunham and Agnes de Mille. I have stated that De Mille is arguably the most important woman in the history of Broadway musical – not including the star performers, of course – and she has received quite a bit of focus in previous episodes of this podcast. However, I am especially happy today to shine a spotlight on Katherine Dunham whose influence on Broadway dance – like that of many other black artists – has often been overlooked and undervalued. But her impact and significance cannot be denied. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1818 no Special Encore Episode: "Sensory Abundance!": or, Why We Are Hooked On Musicals https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Why are the great Musicals so unforgettable? Why do musicals have so much power and impact? How is it that they are able to live in our hearts and memories for a lifetime? Musicals are experiences that get embedded in our psyche. We remember them forever -- vividly and in often in great and specific detail. And they get embedded in our emotional and physical memory as well. Our bodies and nervous systems recall how we felt when we experienced them years, even lifetimes later. In this Season One finale Episode Albert Evans and I tell our own stories of when, how, and why we fell in love with Broadway Musicals and suggest why this happens to so many of us. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000 "Sensory Abundance!": or, Why We Are Hooked On Musicals full 2 Broadway Podcast Network A Special Encore Episode with special guest Albert Evans Why are the great Musicals so unforgettable? Why do musicals have so much power and impact? How is it that they are able to live in our hearts and memories for a lifetime? Musicals are experiences that get embedded in our psyche. We remember them forever -- vividly and in often in great and specific detail. And they get embedded in our emotional and physical memory as well. Our bodies and nervous systems recall how we felt when we experienced them years, even lifetimes later. In this Season One finale Episode Albert Evans and I tell our own stories of when, how, and why we fell in love with Broadway Musicals and suggest why this happens to so many of us. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Why are the great Musicals so unforgettable? Why do musicals have so much power and impact? How is it that they are able to live in our hearts and memories for a lifetime?

Musicals are experiences that get embedded in our psyche. We remember them forever -- vividly and in often in great and specific detail. And they get embedded in our emotional and physical memory as well. Our bodies and nervous systems recall how we felt when we experienced them years, even lifetimes later. In this Season One finale Episode Albert Evans and I tell our own stories of when, how, and why we fell in love with Broadway Musicals and suggest why this happens to so many of us.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as John Schroeder and Alan Brodie whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1887 no Episode 131: The Last NOEL! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the seventh and final episode in my series of conversations with author OLIVER SODEN regarding his recent book: MASQUERADE: THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD This week we explore the final chapters of both Coward's life and this brilliant biography. Remarkably, during the final decade of his life Coward wrote the book, music & lyrics for two Broadway musicals — SAIL AWAY (starring Elaine Stritch) and THE GIRL WHO CAME TO SUPPER (Starring Jose Ferer & Florence Henderson), and directed HIGH SPIRITS (with book, music & lyrics by Hugh Martin & Timothy Gray and starring Tammy Grimes & Beatrice Lillie) which was based on Coward's play Blithe Spirit. At the same time he enjoyed an extraordinary revival of his status as a playwright of including landmark productions of PRIVATE LIVES and HAY FEVER as the first play by a living author to be presented at the National Theatre, and culminating in a remarkable trio of new plays under the title of SUITE IN THREE KEYS that he wrote and starred in. And I feel certain that you will find Soden's account of Coward's final public appearance, with Marlene Dietrich on his arm, at a special performance of the hit off-Broadway revue Oh, Coward! to be very moving. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Mark Stanton, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000 The Last NOEL ! full 2 131 Broadway Podcast Network With OLIVER SODEN author of MASQUERADE — The Lives of Lives of Noel Coward This is the seventh and final episode in my series of conversations with author OLIVER SODEN regarding his recent book: MASQUERADE: THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD This week we explore the final chapters of both Coward's life and this brilliant biography. Remarkably, during the final decade of his life Coward wrote the book, music & lyrics for two Broadway musicals — SAIL AWAY (starring Elaine Stritch) and THE GIRL WHO CAME TO SUPPER (Starring Jose Ferer & Florence Henderson), and directed HIGH SPIRITS (with book, music & lyrics by Hugh Martin & Timothy Gray and starring Tammy Grimes & Beatrice Lillie) which was based on Coward's play Blithe Spirit. At the same time he enjoyed an extraordinary revival of his status as a playwright of including landmark productions of PRIVATE LIVES and HAY FEVER as the first play by a living author to be presented at the National Theatre, and culminating in a remarkable trio of new plays under the title of SUITE IN THREE KEYS that he wrote and starred in. And I feel certain that you will find Soden's account of Coward's final public appearance, with Marlene Dietrich on his arm, at a special performance of the hit off-Broadway revue Oh, Coward! to be very moving. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Mark Stanton, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the seventh and final episode in my series of conversations with author OLIVER SODEN regarding his recent book:

MASQUERADE: THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD

This week we explore the final chapters of both Coward's life and this brilliant biography. Remarkably, during the final decade of his life Coward wrote the book, music & lyrics for two Broadway musicals — SAIL AWAY (starring Elaine Stritch) and THE GIRL WHO CAME TO SUPPER (Starring Jose Ferer & Florence Henderson), and directed HIGH SPIRITS (with book, music & lyrics by Hugh Martin & Timothy Gray and starring Tammy Grimes & Beatrice Lillie) which was based on Coward's play Blithe Spirit.

At the same time he enjoyed an extraordinary revival of his status as a playwright of including landmark productions of PRIVATE LIVES and HAY FEVER as the first play by a living author to be presented at the National Theatre, and culminating in a remarkable trio of new plays under the title of SUITE IN THREE KEYS that he wrote and starred in.

And I feel certain that you will find Soden's account of Coward's final public appearance, with Marlene Dietrich on his arm, at a special performance of the hit off-Broadway revue Oh, Coward! to be very moving.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Mark Stanton, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2982 no Episode 130: NOEL COWARD in LAS VEGAS https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week marks the 124th birthday Noel Coward who was born on December 16, 1899, just in time to become, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century. And yes, his parents named him Noel because his birth came so close to Christmas! So it couldn’t be more appropriate that today’s episode is the sixth in series of discussions with Oliver Soden, the author of the truly remarkable new book, Masquerade — The Lives of Noel Coward. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000 NOEL COWARD in LAS VEGAS full 2 130 Broadway Podcast Network The Lives of Lives of Noel Coward, part 6 — with OLIVER SODEN author of MASQUERADE This week marks the 124th birthday Noel Coward who was born on December 16, 1899, just in time to become, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century. And yes, his parents named him Noel because his birth came so close to Christmas! So it couldn’t be more appropriate that today’s episode is the sixth in series of discussions with Oliver Soden, the author of the truly remarkable new book, Masquerade — The Lives of Noel Coward. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week marks the 124th birthday Noel Coward who was born on December 16, 1899, just in time to become, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century. And yes, his parents named him Noel because his birth came so close to Christmas!

So it couldn’t be more appropriate that today’s episode is the sixth in series of discussions with Oliver Soden, the author of the truly remarkable new book, Masquerade — The Lives of Noel Coward.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2116 no Episode 129: Noel Coward In A Changing World, part 5 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again this week is Oliver Soden whose recent book is titled Masquerade – The Lives of Noel Coward. I am devoting more episodes to this book than I have to any previous books, but I found the writing and research to be so exceptional, and this conversation with Soden to be so captivating that I don’t want you to miss any of it. Today Oliver and I focus on a very difficult period in Noel Coward’s career when his was seen to be seriously out of step with the theatrical world of post-war Britain. However, in his personal life during this same time he meets the man who will become his life partner, Graham Payn. If you missed the previous episode in this series you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Noel Coward In A Changing World, part 5 full 2 129 Broadway Podcast Network With OLIVER SODEN author of MASQUERADE — The Lives of Lives of Noel Coward My guest again this week is Oliver Soden whose recent book is titled Masquerade – The Lives of Noel Coward. I am devoting more episodes to this book than I have to any previous books, but I found the writing and research to be so exceptional, and this conversation with Soden to be so captivating that I don’t want you to miss any of it. Today Oliver and I focus on a very difficult period in Noel Coward’s career when his was seen to be seriously out of step with the theatrical world of post-war Britain. However, in his personal life during this same time he meets the man who will become his life partner, Graham Payn. If you missed the previous episode in this series you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is Oliver Soden whose recent book is titled Masquerade – The Lives of Noel Coward.

I am devoting more episodes to this book than I have to any previous books, but I found the writing and research to be so exceptional, and this conversation with Soden to be so captivating that I don’t want you to miss any of it.

Today Oliver and I focus on a very difficult period in Noel Coward’s career when his was seen to be seriously out of step with the theatrical world of post-war Britain. However, in his personal life during this same time he meets the man who will become his life partner, Graham Payn.

If you missed the previous episode in this series you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Larry Spinelli, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron.

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1790 no Episode 128: The Lives of NOEL COWARD, part 4 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the fourth part of my interview with Oliver Soden author of the truly extraordinary new book MASQUERADE — THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD. In this episode we discuss Noel Coward’s life and career during the late 1930s including his amazingly provocative play DESIGN FOR LIVING and the bisexual love triangle at the center of it, as well as dazzling series of nine one act plays and musicals that make up TONIGHT AT 8:30 in which Coward and Gertrude Lawrence played a dazzling array of characters, and Oliver especially focusses on the surrealistic SHADOW PLAY. Then Soden recounts Cowards secret and dangerous activities during the Second World War working as a spy for the British government — much of which he has uncovered and revealed in his book for the very first time. During this incredibly active period Coward also created the plays PRESENT LAUGHTER and BLYTHE SPIRIT and the classic films IN WHICH WE SERVE and BRIEF ENCOUNTER.  If you missed the first three episodes you may want to catch up with those before embarking on this one. Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts. Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century and as you will hear Oliver and I had a great time talking about him. And it will be my pleasure to share that conversation with you over the next several episodes.   Critics have hailed this book and Oliver Soden as “Brilliant,” “Excellent,” “Illuminating,” Captivating,” “Definitive,” “fresh and original…a brilliant young writer,” “and emerging literary star.”  Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Nov 2023 07:43:00 -0000 The Lives of NOEL COWARD, part 4 full 2 128 Broadway Podcast Network Design For Living, Tonight At 8:30 and World War Too, with OLIVER SODEN author of MASQUERADE — The Lives of NOEL COWARD This is the fourth part of my interview with Oliver Soden author of the truly extraordinary new book MASQUERADE — THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD. In this episode we discuss Noel Coward’s life and career during the late 1930s including his amazingly provocative play DESIGN FOR LIVING and the bisexual love triangle at the center of it, as well as dazzling series of nine one act plays and musicals that make up TONIGHT AT 8:30 in which Coward and Gertrude Lawrence played a dazzling array of characters, and Oliver especially focusses on the surrealistic SHADOW PLAY. Then Soden recounts Cowards secret and dangerous activities during the Second World War working as a spy for the British government — much of which he has uncovered and revealed in his book for the very first time. During this incredibly active period Coward also created the plays PRESENT LAUGHTER and BLYTHE SPIRIT and the classic films IN WHICH WE SERVE and BRIEF ENCOUNTER.  If you missed the first three episodes you may want to catch up with those before embarking on this one. Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts. Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century and as you will hear Oliver and I had a great time talking about him. And it will be my pleasure to share that conversation with you over the next several episodes.   Critics have hailed this book and Oliver Soden as “Brilliant,” “Excellent,” “Illuminating,” Captivating,” “Definitive,” “fresh and original…a brilliant young writer,” “and emerging literary star.”  Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the fourth part of my interview with Oliver Soden author of the truly extraordinary new book MASQUERADE — THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD.

In this episode we discuss Noel Coward’s life and career during the late 1930s including his amazingly provocative play DESIGN FOR LIVING and the bisexual love triangle at the center of it, as well as dazzling series of nine one act plays and musicals that make up TONIGHT AT 8:30 in which Coward and Gertrude Lawrence played a dazzling array of characters, and Oliver especially focusses on the surrealistic SHADOW PLAY.

Then Soden recounts Cowards secret and dangerous activities during the Second World War working as a spy for the British government — much of which he has uncovered and revealed in his book for the very first time. During this incredibly active period Coward also created the plays PRESENT LAUGHTER and BLYTHE SPIRIT and the classic films IN WHICH WE SERVE and BRIEF ENCOUNTER.

 If you missed the first three episodes you may want to catch up with those before embarking on this one.

Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts.

Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century and as you will hear Oliver and I had a great time talking about him. And it will be my pleasure to share that conversation with you over the next several episodes.  

Critics have hailed this book and Oliver Soden as “Brilliant,” “Excellent,” “Illuminating,” Captivating,” “Definitive,” “fresh and original…a brilliant young writer,” “and emerging literary star.”

 Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2605 no Episode 127: Private Lives, Gertrude Lawrence & The Lives of Lives of Noel Coward, part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third part of my interview with Oliver Soden author of the truly extraordinary new book MASQUERADE — THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD.  In this episode we discuss Noel Coward’s life and career during the 1930s including what has become his most produced play Private Lives, his spectacular patriotic anti-war pageant Cavalcade, and his final musical revue, Words And Music (which was titled Set To Music on Broadway.) And most especially his relationship with the great Gertrude Lawrence. If you missed the first two episodes you may want to catch up with those before embarking on this one. Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts. Noel Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century and as you will hear Oliver and I had a great time talking about him. And it will be my pleasure to share that conversation with you over the next several episodes.    Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Nov 2023 05:30:00 -0000 Private Lives, Gertrude Lawrence & The Lives of Lives of Noel Coward, part 3 full 2 127 Broadway Podcast Network With OLIVER SODEN author of MASQUERADE — The Lives of Lives of Noel Coward This is the third part of my interview with Oliver Soden author of the truly extraordinary new book MASQUERADE — THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD.  In this episode we discuss Noel Coward’s life and career during the 1930s including what has become his most produced play Private Lives, his spectacular patriotic anti-war pageant Cavalcade, and his final musical revue, Words And Music (which was titled Set To Music on Broadway.) And most especially his relationship with the great Gertrude Lawrence. If you missed the first two episodes you may want to catch up with those before embarking on this one. Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts. Noel Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century and as you will hear Oliver and I had a great time talking about him. And it will be my pleasure to share that conversation with you over the next several episodes.    Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third part of my interview with Oliver Soden author of the truly extraordinary new book MASQUERADE — THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD.

 In this episode we discuss Noel Coward’s life and career during the 1930s including what has become his most produced play Private Lives, his spectacular patriotic anti-war pageant Cavalcade, and his final musical revue, Words And Music (which was titled Set To Music on Broadway.) And most especially his relationship with the great Gertrude Lawrence.

If you missed the first two episodes you may want to catch up with those before embarking on this one.

Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts.

Noel Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century and as you will hear Oliver and I had a great time talking about him. And it will be my pleasure to share that conversation with you over the next several episodes.  

 Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3342 no Special Encore Episode: GYPSY vs THE SOUND OF MUSIC in the Golden Age of Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Hello Broadway Nation listeners! This week for the first time in more than 126 episodes some unforeseen technical complications have reared their ugly heads and those, on top of the tech rehearsals for the upcoming production of White Christmas that I am co-directing at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, and some important deadlines for my upcoming book, have all come together and kept me from posting a new episode of this podcast as planned. This is especially frustrating to me because we are in the middle of what I think is a fantastic series of episodes about Oliver Soden’s new biography of Noel Coward which I promise we will get back to as soon as possible! In the meantime, here is another of my favorite episodes Gypsy vs The Sound Of Music in The Golden Age Of Broadway which I thought would be appropriate since the The Sound Of Music opened on November 16, 1959, 63 years ago this week. Enjoy! The 1950s were crowned by four legendary musicals that went head to head for the “Best Musical” prize at the TONY Awards. In the last episode we looked at the 1958 contest of West Side Story vs. The Music Man,. In this episode I focus on the 1959–1960 which brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. And you could subtitle this episode Ethel Merman vs. Mary Martin! Spoiler alert: There was a tie for the Best Musical Tony Award that season, but if you don’t already know the story, it probably didn’t end up the way you think it would have. As with the previous pair, there are still Broadway mavens that remain outraged over which show won, and which musical was in their view unjustly denied its rightful award! And in addition to Merman and Martin, the giants of Broadway that are figure significantly in this episode include: David Merrick, Leland Hayward,, July Styne, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, Joe Layton and, of course, Rodgers & Hammerstein, WARNING:: There are a few historically correct curse words used in this episode. You know how theater people are! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:57:00 -0000 GYPSY vs THE SOUND OF MUSIC in the Golden Age of Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network A Special Encore Episode Hello Broadway Nation listeners! This week for the first time in more than 126 episodes some unforeseen technical complications have reared their ugly heads and those, on top of the tech rehearsals for the upcoming production of White Christmas that I am co-directing at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, and some important deadlines for my upcoming book, have all come together and kept me from posting a new episode of this podcast as planned. This is especially frustrating to me because we are in the middle of what I think is a fantastic series of episodes about Oliver Soden’s new biography of Noel Coward which I promise we will get back to as soon as possible! In the meantime, here is another of my favorite episodes Gypsy vs The Sound Of Music in The Golden Age Of Broadway which I thought would be appropriate since the The Sound Of Music opened on November 16, 1959, 63 years ago this week. Enjoy! The 1950s were crowned by four legendary musicals that went head to head for the “Best Musical” prize at the TONY Awards. In the last episode we looked at the 1958 contest of West Side Story vs. The Music Man,. In this episode I focus on the 1959–1960 which brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. And you could subtitle this episode Ethel Merman vs. Mary Martin! Spoiler alert: There was a tie for the Best Musical Tony Award that season, but if you don’t already know the story, it probably didn’t end up the way you think it would have. As with the previous pair, there are still Broadway mavens that remain outraged over which show won, and which musical was in their view unjustly denied its rightful award! And in addition to Merman and Martin, the giants of Broadway that are figure significantly in this episode include: David Merrick, Leland Hayward,, July Styne, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, Joe Layton and, of course, Rodgers & Hammerstein, WARNING:: There are a few historically correct curse words used in this episode. You know how theater people are! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hello Broadway Nation listeners! This week for the first time in more than 126 episodes some unforeseen technical complications have reared their ugly heads and those, on top of the tech rehearsals for the upcoming production of White Christmas that I am co-directing at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, and some important deadlines for my upcoming book, have all come together and kept me from posting a new episode of this podcast as planned.

This is especially frustrating to me because we are in the middle of what I think is a fantastic series of episodes about Oliver Soden’s new biography of Noel Coward which I promise we will get back to as soon as possible!

In the meantime, here is another of my favorite episodes Gypsy vs The Sound Of Music in The Golden Age Of Broadway which I thought would be appropriate since the The Sound Of Music opened on November 16, 1959, 63 years ago this week. Enjoy!

The 1950s were crowned by four legendary musicals that went head to head for the “Best Musical” prize at the TONY Awards. In the last episode we looked at the 1958 contest of West Side Story vs. The Music Man,. In this episode I focus on the 1959–1960 which brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. And you could subtitle this episode Ethel Merman vs. Mary Martin!

Spoiler alert: There was a tie for the Best Musical Tony Award that season, but if you don’t already know the story, it probably didn’t end up the way you think it would have. As with the previous pair, there are still Broadway mavens that remain outraged over which show won, and which musical was in their view unjustly denied its rightful award!

And in addition to Merman and Martin, the giants of Broadway that are figure significantly in this episode include: David Merrick, Leland Hayward,, July Styne, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, Joe Layton and, of course, Rodgers & Hammerstein,

WARNING:: There are a few historically correct curse words used in this episode. You know how theater people are!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2538 no Special Encore Episode: PAL JOEY & the Silver Age of Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special encore episode of Broadway Nation. In light of the recent revisal of Rodgers & Hart's musical comedy Pal Joey at New York's City Center I thought it would be interesting to revisit one of my favorite episodes. I’ll be back next week with the third part of my conversation with Oliver Soden regarding his amazing new biography of Noel Coward. In the meantime please enjoy Pal Joey and the Silver Age of Broadway, part 2: During the 1930s Broadway was severely impacted by the economic disaster of the "Great Depression". However, somehow out of all that hardship and struggle came an extraordinary period of artistic achievement and spectacular continuing development for the Broadway Musical. The inventors of these shows included several new and defining masters of the musical, as well as many of the bright lights of the 1920’s, who now achieved their full wattage in the 1930’s. Among these were Dietz & Schwartz., Lindsay & Crouse, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, The Gershwins, and George "Mr" Abbott. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members! If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Nov 2023 07:55:00 -0000 PAL JOEY & the Silver Age of Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Special Encore Episode This is a special encore episode of Broadway Nation. In light of the recent revisal of Rodgers & Hart's musical comedy Pal Joey at New York's City Center I thought it would be interesting to revisit one of my favorite episodes. I’ll be back next week with the third part of my conversation with Oliver Soden regarding his amazing new biography of Noel Coward. In the meantime please enjoy Pal Joey and the Silver Age of Broadway, part 2: During the 1930s Broadway was severely impacted by the economic disaster of the "Great Depression". However, somehow out of all that hardship and struggle came an extraordinary period of artistic achievement and spectacular continuing development for the Broadway Musical. The inventors of these shows included several new and defining masters of the musical, as well as many of the bright lights of the 1920’s, who now achieved their full wattage in the 1930’s. Among these were Dietz & Schwartz., Lindsay & Crouse, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, The Gershwins, and George "Mr" Abbott. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members! If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special encore episode of Broadway Nation.

In light of the recent revisal of Rodgers & Hart's musical comedy Pal Joey at New York's City Center I thought it would be interesting to revisit one of my favorite episodes.

I’ll be back next week with the third part of my conversation with Oliver Soden regarding his amazing new biography of Noel Coward. In the meantime please enjoy Pal Joey and the Silver Age of Broadway, part 2:

During the 1930s Broadway was severely impacted by the economic disaster of the "Great Depression". However, somehow out of all that hardship and struggle came an extraordinary period of artistic achievement and spectacular continuing development for the Broadway Musical. The inventors of these shows included several new and defining masters of the musical, as well as many of the bright lights of the 1920’s, who now achieved their full wattage in the 1930’s. Among these were Dietz & Schwartz., Lindsay & Crouse, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, The Gershwins, and George "Mr" Abbott.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members!

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2254 no Episode 126: THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again this week is Oliver Soden, author of the amazing new biography: Masquerade — The Lives of Noel Coward. Today in the second part of our conversation Oliver relates how Noel Coward, while still in his early 20s, emerged as one of the signature voices of the 1920s, both in London and on Broadway. If you missed part one of our conversation you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.  Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts. Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century and as you will hear Oliver and I had a great time talking about him. And it will be my pleasure to share that conversation with you over the next several episodes.   Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members! If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:34:00 -0000 THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD, part 2 full 2 126 Broadway Podcast Network With author OLIVER SODEN My guest again this week is Oliver Soden, author of the amazing new biography: Masquerade — The Lives of Noel Coward. Today in the second part of our conversation Oliver relates how Noel Coward, while still in his early 20s, emerged as one of the signature voices of the 1920s, both in London and on Broadway. If you missed part one of our conversation you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.  Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts. Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century and as you will hear Oliver and I had a great time talking about him. And it will be my pleasure to share that conversation with you over the next several episodes.   Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members! If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again this week is Oliver Soden, author of the amazing new biography:

Masquerade — The Lives of Noel Coward.

Today in the second part of our conversation Oliver relates how Noel Coward, while still in his early 20s, emerged as one of the signature voices of the 1920s, both in London and on Broadway.

If you missed part one of our conversation you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

 Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts.

Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century and as you will hear Oliver and I had a great time talking about him. And it will be my pleasure to share that conversation with you over the next several episodes.  

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members!

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4116 no Episode 125: MASQUERADE — THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is OLIVER SODEN, the author of a truly remarkable new book: Masquerade — The Lives of Noel Coward. As frequent listeners to this podcast may remember, as a teenager growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, I developed an unlikely affinity for all things related to Noel Coward, inspired I am sure by that double record cast recording of the 1972 musical revue, Oh, Coward! — an album that I still love listening to. And from then on I was hooked! So this book is right in my wheelhouse!  This is the first biography of Coward in nearly thirty years and it is a spectacular achievement — incredibly thorough and brilliantly researched. Perhaps most remarkably, as the title would indicate, Oliver Soden is able to encompass all of the many lives of Noel Coward — including his multiple careers as actor, singer, dancer, playwright, lyricist, composer, director, media celebrity, screenwriter, film director, and night club entertainer, as well as his hair-raising espionage career during World War II and his personal life, and romantic gay relationships which, of course, had to be kept secret at the time. But because of Soden’s exclusive and unrestricted access to Coward’s unpublished diaries and correspondence they are revealed here in more detail than ever before. And I was especially happy that this book gives equal weight to Coward’s musicals, revues, and songs as it does to his brilliant plays. Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary Supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts.  Noel Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century, and as you will hear over the next several episodes, Oliver Soden and I had a great time discussing Coward and this extraordinary new biography.  Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000 MASQUERADE — THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD full 2 125 Broadway Podcast Network With author OLIVER SODEN My guest this week is OLIVER SODEN, the author of a truly remarkable new book: Masquerade — The Lives of Noel Coward. As frequent listeners to this podcast may remember, as a teenager growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, I developed an unlikely affinity for all things related to Noel Coward, inspired I am sure by that double record cast recording of the 1972 musical revue, Oh, Coward! — an album that I still love listening to. And from then on I was hooked! So this book is right in my wheelhouse!  This is the first biography of Coward in nearly thirty years and it is a spectacular achievement — incredibly thorough and brilliantly researched. Perhaps most remarkably, as the title would indicate, Oliver Soden is able to encompass all of the many lives of Noel Coward — including his multiple careers as actor, singer, dancer, playwright, lyricist, composer, director, media celebrity, screenwriter, film director, and night club entertainer, as well as his hair-raising espionage career during World War II and his personal life, and romantic gay relationships which, of course, had to be kept secret at the time. But because of Soden’s exclusive and unrestricted access to Coward’s unpublished diaries and correspondence they are revealed here in more detail than ever before. And I was especially happy that this book gives equal weight to Coward’s musicals, revues, and songs as it does to his brilliant plays. Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary Supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts.  Noel Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century, and as you will hear over the next several episodes, Oliver Soden and I had a great time discussing Coward and this extraordinary new biography.  Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is OLIVER SODEN, the author of a truly remarkable new book:

Masquerade — The Lives of Noel Coward.

As frequent listeners to this podcast may remember, as a teenager growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, I developed an unlikely affinity for all things related to Noel Coward, inspired I am sure by that double record cast recording of the 1972 musical revue, Oh, Coward! — an album that I still love listening to. And from then on I was hooked! So this book is right in my wheelhouse!

 This is the first biography of Coward in nearly thirty years and it is a spectacular achievement — incredibly thorough and brilliantly researched. Perhaps most remarkably, as the title would indicate, Oliver Soden is able to encompass all of the many lives of Noel Coward — including his multiple careers as actor, singer, dancer, playwright, lyricist, composer, director, media celebrity, screenwriter, film director, and night club entertainer, as well as his hair-raising espionage career during World War II and his personal life, and romantic gay relationships which, of course, had to be kept secret at the time. But because of Soden’s exclusive and unrestricted access to Coward’s unpublished diaries and correspondence they are revealed here in more detail than ever before.

And I was especially happy that this book gives equal weight to Coward’s musicals, revues, and songs as it does to his brilliant plays.

Oliver Sodon is a writer and broadcaster whose previous books include the critically acclaimed 2019 biography of composer Michael Tippett. Oliver’s writing on art, music and literature has appeared in the Guardian, Spectator, London Review of Books, and the Times Literary Supplement, and he is a frequent guest speaker on BBC radio and television broadcasts.

 Noel Coward was without a doubt one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century, and as you will hear over the next several episodes, Oliver Soden and I had a great time discussing Coward and this extraordinary new biography.

 Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2828 no Episode 124: A PASSION FOR PASTICHE! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ I am thrilled to announce that today’s episode is a Broadway Nation take over! Since I am currently wearing a number of hats including returning to Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre to co-direct Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (which started rehearsals this week), AND working on deadline for my upcoming book (also titled Broadway Nation) but still in the midst of all that firmly committed to keeping new episodes of this podcast rolling out on a regular basis — this week I asked my frequent co-Host and audience favorite, ALBERT EVANS to take over the podcast and talk about any musical theater topic of his choice. And I couldn’t be happier that he selected: “Pastiche Musicals.” Many, many, musicals contain "pastiche songs" — new compositions that are designed to evoke or mimic song styles from the past. Stephen Sondheim, is a genius at these, and may be the most famous and adept creator of them. He loves writing pastiche and every Sondheim show includes at least one example. In Follies, of course, half the score is pastiche! Albert talks a bit about those, but his main focus in on musicals in which the entire show — book, music & lyrics — is pastiche. Most especially, the West End and Broadway hit, The Boyfriend, and the long running off-Broadway sensations Little Mary Sunshine, and Dames At Sea. All three of these musicals are tuneful, hilarious, and extremely gay — in every sense of that word! And with Albert as your guide I know that you will have a wonderful time discovering or reinvigorating your own passion for pastiche!  Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including one of our newest members: Lois Hunter. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000 A PASSION FOR PASTICHE! full 2 124 Broadway Podcast Network With special Guest Host ALBERT EVANS I am thrilled to announce that today’s episode is a Broadway Nation take over! Since I am currently wearing a number of hats including returning to Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre to co-direct Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (which started rehearsals this week), AND working on deadline for my upcoming book (also titled Broadway Nation) but still in the midst of all that firmly committed to keeping new episodes of this podcast rolling out on a regular basis — this week I asked my frequent co-Host and audience favorite, ALBERT EVANS to take over the podcast and talk about any musical theater topic of his choice. And I couldn’t be happier that he selected: “Pastiche Musicals.” Many, many, musicals contain "pastiche songs" — new compositions that are designed to evoke or mimic song styles from the past. Stephen Sondheim, is a genius at these, and may be the most famous and adept creator of them. He loves writing pastiche and every Sondheim show includes at least one example. In Follies, of course, half the score is pastiche! Albert talks a bit about those, but his main focus in on musicals in which the entire show — book, music & lyrics — is pastiche. Most especially, the West End and Broadway hit, The Boyfriend, and the long running off-Broadway sensations Little Mary Sunshine, and Dames At Sea. All three of these musicals are tuneful, hilarious, and extremely gay — in every sense of that word! And with Albert as your guide I know that you will have a wonderful time discovering or reinvigorating your own passion for pastiche!  Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including one of our newest members: Lois Hunter. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I am thrilled to announce that today’s episode is a Broadway Nation take over!

Since I am currently wearing a number of hats including returning to Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre to co-direct Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (which started rehearsals this week), AND working on deadline for my upcoming book (also titled Broadway Nation) but still in the midst of all that firmly committed to keeping new episodes of this podcast rolling out on a regular basis — this week I asked my frequent co-Host and audience favorite, ALBERT EVANS to take over the podcast and talk about any musical theater topic of his choice.

And I couldn’t be happier that he selected: “Pastiche Musicals.”

Many, many, musicals contain "pastiche songs" — new compositions that are designed to evoke or mimic song styles from the past. Stephen Sondheim, is a genius at these, and may be the most famous and adept creator of them. He loves writing pastiche and every Sondheim show includes at least one example. In Follies, of course, half the score is pastiche!

Albert talks a bit about those, but his main focus in on musicals in which the entire show — book, music & lyrics — is pastiche. Most especially, the West End and Broadway hit, The Boyfriend, and the long running off-Broadway sensations Little Mary Sunshine, and Dames At Sea.

All three of these musicals are tuneful, hilarious, and extremely gay — in every sense of that word!

And with Albert as your guide I know that you will have a wonderful time discovering or reinvigorating your own passion for pastiche!

 Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including one of our newest members: Lois Hunter.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2746 no Special Encore Episode: Jesus Christ Superstar & the Rise of The Rock Musical! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Although nobody knew it at the time, in April of 1968 “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”. To many HAIR, and the "Rock Musical", seemed like a total betrayal of the values, craftsmanship and traditions of Broadway. However, I see it, and the other new forms of musicals that rose to the forefront in The Modern Era, as just part of the inevitable ongoing evolution of a form that had always closely reflected what was going on in American culture. In the immediate wake of HAIR there were many shows that tried to emulate its triumph -- but only three found real success: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Later, the success of Godspell would lead directly to PIPPIN, and the success of Superstar led to Webber & Rice’s 1979 blockbuster EVITA, and the expansion and of their early musical Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat. The term “Rock Musical” is something of a misnomer. Rock music, in is purest form, actually does not lend itself very well to musical theater storytelling. It’s musical, rhythmic, and lyric forms are much too limited and repetitive. The most successful “Rock Musicals” – from HAIR to RENT -- would more actually be called “rock flavored” musicals that employ a variety of rock, pop, R&B, folk, and latin styles mixed with traditional forms of songwriting. Over the coming years both Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lloyd-Webber would move further and further away from Rock and do what Broadway composers had always done – combine the pop music of their day with an eclectic mix of musicals styles that best suited the story and characters they were dramatizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Jesus Christ Superstar & the Rise of The Rock Musical! full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Celebrating the 52nd Anniversary of this landmark musical's Broadway debut on October 12, 1971. Although nobody knew it at the time, in April of 1968 “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”. To many HAIR, and the "Rock Musical", seemed like a total betrayal of the values, craftsmanship and traditions of Broadway. However, I see it, and the other new forms of musicals that rose to the forefront in The Modern Era, as just part of the inevitable ongoing evolution of a form that had always closely reflected what was going on in American culture. In the immediate wake of HAIR there were many shows that tried to emulate its triumph -- but only three found real success: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Later, the success of Godspell would lead directly to PIPPIN, and the success of Superstar led to Webber & Rice’s 1979 blockbuster EVITA, and the expansion and of their early musical Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat. The term “Rock Musical” is something of a misnomer. Rock music, in is purest form, actually does not lend itself very well to musical theater storytelling. It’s musical, rhythmic, and lyric forms are much too limited and repetitive. The most successful “Rock Musicals” – from HAIR to RENT -- would more actually be called “rock flavored” musicals that employ a variety of rock, pop, R&B, folk, and latin styles mixed with traditional forms of songwriting. Over the coming years both Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lloyd-Webber would move further and further away from Rock and do what Broadway composers had always done – combine the pop music of their day with an eclectic mix of musicals styles that best suited the story and characters they were dramatizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Although nobody knew it at the time, in April of 1968 “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”.

To many HAIR, and the "Rock Musical", seemed like a total betrayal of the values, craftsmanship and traditions of Broadway. However, I see it, and the other new forms of musicals that rose to the forefront in The Modern Era, as just part of the inevitable ongoing evolution of a form that had always closely reflected what was going on in American culture.

In the immediate wake of HAIR there were many shows that tried to emulate its triumph -- but only three found real success: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Later, the success of Godspell would lead directly to PIPPIN, and the success of Superstar led to Webber & Rice’s 1979 blockbuster EVITA, and the expansion and of their early musical Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The term “Rock Musical” is something of a misnomer. Rock music, in is purest form, actually does not lend itself very well to musical theater storytelling. It’s musical, rhythmic, and lyric forms are much too limited and repetitive. The most successful “Rock Musicals” – from HAIR to RENT -- would more actually be called “rock flavored” musicals that employ a variety of rock, pop, R&B, folk, and latin styles mixed with traditional forms of songwriting.

Over the coming years both Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lloyd-Webber would move further and further away from Rock and do what Broadway composers had always done – combine the pop music of their day with an eclectic mix of musicals styles that best suited the story and characters they were dramatizing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1939 no Episode 123: National Identity and the British Musicals, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Today’s episode is the second half of my recent discussion with author Grace Barnes whose fascinating new book it titled: National Identity and the British Musical — From Blood Brothers to Cinderella. In this conversation we explore how British national identity has, and often has not, been dramatized in British musical theater, and among the topics that we discuss are the musicals Blood Brothers, Mama Mia, Billy Elliott, The Last Ship, Bend It Like Beckham, and the current smash hit SIX, and, of course, the tremendous impact and domination that the mega musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh have had on the British musical theatre industry.  We also discuss why UK critics so seldom give any serious consideration to musical theater , the near complete absence of female voices in British musical theater, and the future of British musicals. Grace Barnes is an independent scholar, director, and playwright who has worked as an associate and resident director on productions of My Fair Lady, Fiddler On the Roof, Into The Woods, Sunset Blvd, The Witches of Eastwick, Martin Guerre, West Side Story, and Guys And Dolls in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. She has a PhD from the University of Technology in Sydney and her previous book is titled Her Turn Onstage — The Role Of Women In Musical Theatre. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including one of our newest members: Lois Hunter. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000 National Identity and the British Musicals, part 2 full 2 123 Broadway Podcast Network With author Grace Barnes Today’s episode is the second half of my recent discussion with author Grace Barnes whose fascinating new book it titled: National Identity and the British Musical — From Blood Brothers to Cinderella. In this conversation we explore how British national identity has, and often has not, been dramatized in British musical theater, and among the topics that we discuss are the musicals Blood Brothers, Mama Mia, Billy Elliott, The Last Ship, Bend It Like Beckham, and the current smash hit SIX, and, of course, the tremendous impact and domination that the mega musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh have had on the British musical theatre industry.  We also discuss why UK critics so seldom give any serious consideration to musical theater , the near complete absence of female voices in British musical theater, and the future of British musicals. Grace Barnes is an independent scholar, director, and playwright who has worked as an associate and resident director on productions of My Fair Lady, Fiddler On the Roof, Into The Woods, Sunset Blvd, The Witches of Eastwick, Martin Guerre, West Side Story, and Guys And Dolls in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. She has a PhD from the University of Technology in Sydney and her previous book is titled Her Turn Onstage — The Role Of Women In Musical Theatre. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including one of our newest members: Lois Hunter. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today’s episode is the second half of my recent discussion with author Grace Barnes whose fascinating new book it titled:

National Identity and the British Musical — From Blood Brothers to Cinderella.

In this conversation we explore how British national identity has, and often has not, been dramatized in British musical theater, and among the topics that we discuss are the musicals Blood Brothers, Mama Mia, Billy Elliott, The Last Ship, Bend It Like Beckham, and the current smash hit SIX, and, of course, the tremendous impact and domination that the mega musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh have had on the British musical theatre industry. 

We also discuss why UK critics so seldom give any serious consideration to musical theater , the near complete absence of female voices in British musical theater, and the future of British musicals.

Grace Barnes is an independent scholar, director, and playwright who has worked as an associate and resident director on productions of My Fair Lady, Fiddler On the Roof, Into The Woods, Sunset Blvd, The Witches of Eastwick, Martin Guerre, West Side Story, and Guys And Dolls in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. She has a PhD from the University of Technology in Sydney and her previous book is titled Her Turn Onstage — The Role Of Women In Musical Theatre.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including one of our newest members: Lois Hunter.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3122 no Episode 122: National Identity and the British Musical — From Blood Brothers to Cinderella. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is Grace Barnes whose new book it titled: National Identity and the British Musical — From Blood Brothers to Cinderella. This is a fascinating book that explores how British national identity has, and often has not, been dramatized in British musical theater, and she does this by examining the content and context of musicals such as Blood Brothers, Mama Mia, Billy Elliott, The Hired Man and the current smash hit SIX. And, of course, she also considers the tremendous impact that the "mega musicals" such as Les Miserable and The Phantom Of The Opera (both of which are still running in London), as well as the tremendous power and domination that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh have had on the British musical theatre industry.  In addition she explores why UK critics so seldom give any serious consideration to musical theater and — in contrast to the way American musicals are often discussed — why British musicals are so often overlooked in national debates regarding culture and identity. This is the first part of our recent conversation in which we discuss all of that and more!  Grace Barnes is an independent scholar, director, and playwright who has worked as an associate and resident director on productions of My Fair Lady, Fiddler On the Roof, Into The Woods, Sunset Blvd, The Witches of Eastwick, Martin Guerre, West Side Story, and Guys And Dolls in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. She has a PhD from the University of Technology in Sydney and her previous book is titled Her Turn Onstage — The Role Of Women In Musical Theatre. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including one of our newest members: Lois Hunter. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000 National Identity and the British Musical — From Blood Brothers to Cinderella. full 2 122 Broadway Podcast Network With author Grace Barnes My guest today is Grace Barnes whose new book it titled: National Identity and the British Musical — From Blood Brothers to Cinderella. This is a fascinating book that explores how British national identity has, and often has not, been dramatized in British musical theater, and she does this by examining the content and context of musicals such as Blood Brothers, Mama Mia, Billy Elliott, The Hired Man and the current smash hit SIX. And, of course, she also considers the tremendous impact that the "mega musicals" such as Les Miserable and The Phantom Of The Opera (both of which are still running in London), as well as the tremendous power and domination that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh have had on the British musical theatre industry.  In addition she explores why UK critics so seldom give any serious consideration to musical theater and — in contrast to the way American musicals are often discussed — why British musicals are so often overlooked in national debates regarding culture and identity. This is the first part of our recent conversation in which we discuss all of that and more!  Grace Barnes is an independent scholar, director, and playwright who has worked as an associate and resident director on productions of My Fair Lady, Fiddler On the Roof, Into The Woods, Sunset Blvd, The Witches of Eastwick, Martin Guerre, West Side Story, and Guys And Dolls in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. She has a PhD from the University of Technology in Sydney and her previous book is titled Her Turn Onstage — The Role Of Women In Musical Theatre. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including one of our newest members: Lois Hunter. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is Grace Barnes whose new book it titled:

National Identity and the British Musical — From Blood Brothers to Cinderella.

This is a fascinating book that explores how British national identity has, and often has not, been dramatized in British musical theater, and she does this by examining the content and context of musicals such as Blood Brothers, Mama Mia, Billy Elliott, The Hired Man and the current smash hit SIX.

And, of course, she also considers the tremendous impact that the "mega musicals" such as Les Miserable and The Phantom Of The Opera (both of which are still running in London), as well as the tremendous power and domination that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh have had on the British musical theatre industry. 

In addition she explores why UK critics so seldom give any serious consideration to musical theater and — in contrast to the way American musicals are often discussed — why British musicals are so often overlooked in national debates regarding culture and identity.

This is the first part of our recent conversation in which we discuss all of that and more!

 Grace Barnes is an independent scholar, director, and playwright who has worked as an associate and resident director on productions of My Fair Lady, Fiddler On the Roof, Into The Woods, Sunset Blvd, The Witches of Eastwick, Martin Guerre, West Side Story, and Guys And Dolls in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. She has a PhD from the University of Technology in Sydney and her previous book is titled Her Turn Onstage — The Role Of Women In Musical Theatre.

Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including one of our newest members: Lois Hunter.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2387 no Special Encore Episode: Katherine Dunham & Agnes DeMille — The Craft & Art Of Broadway Choreography https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is an encore presentation of my conversation with author Liza Gennaro, regarding her fascinating book : Making Broadway Dance. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and prior to that she had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer on Broadway and with prominent theater companies across the country. Most notably she choreographed the hit Broadway revival of Frank Loessor’s The Most Happy Fella. As she writes in the introduction to her book, Liza came to her love and interest in musical theater dance genetically. Her father was Peter Gennaro, the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer of Broadway musicals and TV variety shows. And her mother, Jean Gennaro, was a ballerina turned Broadway dancer who danced for Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes De Mille, and Michael Kidd.  As you might imagine, Liza grew up immersed in the world of Broadway, and all manner of dance, and she is able to weave all of that life experience into this remarkable book. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to write it. This episode focuses largely on two great female choreographers — Katherine Dunham and Agnes de Mille. I have stated that De Mille is arguably the most important woman in the history of Broadway musical – not including the star performers, of course — and she has received quite a bit of focus in previous episodes of this podcast. However, I am especially happy today to shine a spotlight on Katherine Dunham whose influence on Broadway dance — like that of many other black artists — has often been overlooked and undervalued. But her impact and significance cannot be denied.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Katherine Dunham & Agnes DeMille — The Craft & Art Of Broadway Choreography full 2 Broadway Podcast Network With Liza Gennaro author of "Making Broadway Dance" This is an encore presentation of my conversation with author Liza Gennaro, regarding her fascinating book : Making Broadway Dance. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and prior to that she had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer on Broadway and with prominent theater companies across the country. Most notably she choreographed the hit Broadway revival of Frank Loessor’s The Most Happy Fella. As she writes in the introduction to her book, Liza came to her love and interest in musical theater dance genetically. Her father was Peter Gennaro, the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer of Broadway musicals and TV variety shows. And her mother, Jean Gennaro, was a ballerina turned Broadway dancer who danced for Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes De Mille, and Michael Kidd.  As you might imagine, Liza grew up immersed in the world of Broadway, and all manner of dance, and she is able to weave all of that life experience into this remarkable book. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to write it. This episode focuses largely on two great female choreographers — Katherine Dunham and Agnes de Mille. I have stated that De Mille is arguably the most important woman in the history of Broadway musical – not including the star performers, of course — and she has received quite a bit of focus in previous episodes of this podcast. However, I am especially happy today to shine a spotlight on Katherine Dunham whose influence on Broadway dance — like that of many other black artists — has often been overlooked and undervalued. But her impact and significance cannot be denied.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is an encore presentation of my conversation with author Liza Gennaro, regarding her fascinating book : Making Broadway Dance.

Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and prior to that she had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer on Broadway and with prominent theater companies across the country. Most notably she choreographed the hit Broadway revival of Frank Loessor’s The Most Happy Fella.

As she writes in the introduction to her book, Liza came to her love and interest in musical theater dance genetically. Her father was Peter Gennaro, the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer of Broadway musicals and TV variety shows. And her mother, Jean Gennaro, was a ballerina turned Broadway dancer who danced for Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes De Mille, and Michael Kidd.

 As you might imagine, Liza grew up immersed in the world of Broadway, and all manner of dance, and she is able to weave all of that life experience into this remarkable book. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to write it.

This episode focuses largely on two great female choreographers — Katherine Dunham and Agnes de Mille. I have stated that De Mille is arguably the most important woman in the history of Broadway musical – not including the star performers, of course — and she has received quite a bit of focus in previous episodes of this podcast. However, I am especially happy today to shine a spotlight on Katherine Dunham whose influence on Broadway dance — like that of many other black artists — has often been overlooked and undervalued. But her impact and significance cannot be denied. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1782 no Episode 121: Adapting Broadway to Hollywood: CABARET, part 4 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the fourth and final segment of my recent conversation with author Geoffrey Block regarding his latest book: A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era This fascinating new book explores the passionate and often rocky relationship between Broadway musicals and the movie studios that brought them to the big screen. To accomplish this, Geoffrey Block takes an in-depth look at 12 stage musicals and their film adaptations and on today’s episode we focus on the final musical he covers — CABARET and its many incarnations on page, stage, and film. But first we discuss the demise of that Hollywood studio system that was able to produce so many classic movie musicals, why the system fell apart, and what great musicals such as Cabaret were still able to be made after its collapse. If you missed the first three episodes in this series you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one Geoffrey Block is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music History and Humanities at the University of Puget Sound and the author of eight previous books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. He is also the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Ruth Oberg, & Ellie Schaffer. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Sep 2023 06:41:00 -0000 Adapting Broadway to Hollywood: CABARET, part 4 full 2 121 Broadway Podcast Network with special guest Geoffrey Block author of "A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood in the Studio System Era" This is the fourth and final segment of my recent conversation with author Geoffrey Block regarding his latest book: A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era This fascinating new book explores the passionate and often rocky relationship between Broadway musicals and the movie studios that brought them to the big screen. To accomplish this, Geoffrey Block takes an in-depth look at 12 stage musicals and their film adaptations and on today’s episode we focus on the final musical he covers — CABARET and its many incarnations on page, stage, and film. But first we discuss the demise of that Hollywood studio system that was able to produce so many classic movie musicals, why the system fell apart, and what great musicals such as Cabaret were still able to be made after its collapse. If you missed the first three episodes in this series you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one Geoffrey Block is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music History and Humanities at the University of Puget Sound and the author of eight previous books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. He is also the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Ruth Oberg, & Ellie Schaffer. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the fourth and final segment of my recent conversation with author Geoffrey Block regarding his latest book:

A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era

This fascinating new book explores the passionate and often rocky relationship between Broadway musicals and the movie studios that brought them to the big screen.

To accomplish this, Geoffrey Block takes an in-depth look at 12 stage musicals and their film adaptations and on today’s episode we focus on the final musical he covers — CABARET and its many incarnations on page, stage, and film.

But first we discuss the demise of that Hollywood studio system that was able to produce so many classic movie musicals, why the system fell apart, and what great musicals such as Cabaret were still able to be made after its collapse.

If you missed the first three episodes in this series you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one

Geoffrey Block is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music History and Humanities at the University of Puget Sound and the author of eight previous books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. He is also the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Ruth Oberg, & Ellie Schaffer.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1959 no Episode 120: Further Adapting Broadway To Hollywood https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third part of my conversation with author Geoffrey Block regarding his recent book: A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era. This very interesting new book takes an in-depth look at 12 Broadway stage musicals and their Hollywood movie musical adaptations. And today we discuss two of those shows — West Side Story and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s second to last musical, Flower Drum Song. When compared to their Broadway originals, these are two of the most faithful and complete film versions, but as you will hear, many changes still had to be made in bringing these shows to the screen and Block has captured them all in fascinating detail. If you missed the first two segments of this discussion you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.  Geoffrey Block is the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series and the author of eight previous books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader.  Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Ruth Oberg, & Ellie Schaffer. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Sep 2023 06:42:10 -0000 Further Adapting Broadway To Hollywood full 2 117 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Geoffrey Block author of A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood in the Studio System Era This is the third part of my conversation with author Geoffrey Block regarding his recent book: A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era. This very interesting new book takes an in-depth look at 12 Broadway stage musicals and their Hollywood movie musical adaptations. And today we discuss two of those shows — West Side Story and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s second to last musical, Flower Drum Song. When compared to their Broadway originals, these are two of the most faithful and complete film versions, but as you will hear, many changes still had to be made in bringing these shows to the screen and Block has captured them all in fascinating detail. If you missed the first two segments of this discussion you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.  Geoffrey Block is the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series and the author of eight previous books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader.  Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Ruth Oberg, & Ellie Schaffer. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third part of my conversation with author Geoffrey Block regarding his recent book:

A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era.

This very interesting new book takes an in-depth look at 12 Broadway stage musicals and their Hollywood movie musical adaptations. And today we discuss two of those shows — West Side Story and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s second to last musical, Flower Drum Song. When compared to their Broadway originals, these are two of the most faithful and complete film versions, but as you will hear, many changes still had to be made in bringing these shows to the screen and Block has captured them all in fascinating detail.

If you missed the first two segments of this discussion you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.

 Geoffrey Block is the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series and the author of eight previous books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. 

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Ruth Oberg, & Ellie Schaffer.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2251 Episode 119: More Adapting BROADWAY to HOLLYWOOD https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my conversation with author Geoffrey Block regarding his recent book: A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era. The romance that Geoffrey is referring to to in his title is the sometimes passionate, but often very rocky love affair between Broadway Musicals and the film studios that adapted them into Movie Musicals. In this episode we discuss the 1940 stage & 1943 film versions of Cabin In The Sky, the first major film musical to be adapted from an All-Black stage show. And the 1955 Broadway & 1957 Hollywood versions of Cole Porter’s Silk Stockings. A movie that Geoffrey and I are both advocates for. Along to way we delve into a number of related topics including the pros and cons of voice dubbing in film musicals, and the numerous, and often ridiculous, changes that were made in these musicals during their transitions to the screen in order to satisfy the censors charged with enforcing the Hollywood production code. We also look at how some of the films got around those restrictions! Geoffrey Block is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music History and Humanities at the University of Puget Sound and the author of eight previous books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. He is also the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!  This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including our Producer Level Patrons PAULA and STEVE REYNOLDS. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000 More Adapting BROADWAY to HOLLYWOOD full 2 119 Broadway Podcast Network with Geoffrey Block author of A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood in the Studio System Era This is the second part of my conversation with author Geoffrey Block regarding his recent book: A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era. The romance that Geoffrey is referring to to in his title is the sometimes passionate, but often very rocky love affair between Broadway Musicals and the film studios that adapted them into Movie Musicals. In this episode we discuss the 1940 stage & 1943 film versions of Cabin In The Sky, the first major film musical to be adapted from an All-Black stage show. And the 1955 Broadway & 1957 Hollywood versions of Cole Porter’s Silk Stockings. A movie that Geoffrey and I are both advocates for. Along to way we delve into a number of related topics including the pros and cons of voice dubbing in film musicals, and the numerous, and often ridiculous, changes that were made in these musicals during their transitions to the screen in order to satisfy the censors charged with enforcing the Hollywood production code. We also look at how some of the films got around those restrictions! Geoffrey Block is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music History and Humanities at the University of Puget Sound and the author of eight previous books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. He is also the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!  This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including our Producer Level Patrons PAULA and STEVE REYNOLDS. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my conversation with author Geoffrey Block regarding his recent book:

A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era.

The romance that Geoffrey is referring to to in his title is the sometimes passionate, but often very rocky love affair between Broadway Musicals and the film studios that adapted them into Movie Musicals.

In this episode we discuss the 1940 stage & 1943 film versions of Cabin In The Sky, the first major film musical to be adapted from an All-Black stage show. And the 1955 Broadway & 1957 Hollywood versions of Cole Porter’s Silk Stockings. A movie that Geoffrey and I are both advocates for.

Along to way we delve into a number of related topics including the pros and cons of voice dubbing in film musicals, and the numerous, and often ridiculous, changes that were made in these musicals during their transitions to the screen in order to satisfy the censors charged with enforcing the Hollywood production code. We also look at how some of the films got around those restrictions!

Geoffrey Block is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music History and Humanities at the University of Puget Sound and the author of eight previous books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. He is also the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

 This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including our Producer Level Patrons PAULA and STEVE REYNOLDS.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2351 no Episode 118: Adapting Broadway to Hollywood, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the first part of my recent conversation with Geoffrey Block whose latest book is titled: A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era. This fascinating new book explores the sometimes successful, but often very rocky relationship between Broadway musicals and the movie studios that brought them to the big screen. He does this by taking an in-depth look at 12 musicals and their film adaptations. These include very famous and familiar ones such as Show Boat, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, and Cabaret as well as several that are much less often discussed (or even seen!), but are no less interesting, such as The Cat And The Fiddle, Cabin In The Sky, and Flower Drum Song.   Along the way he analyses exactly how and why these musicals were changed and revised — sometimes in disappointing and controversial ways, at least for fans of the stage versions. And he even suggests that a few of them were actually improved in the process! This is my favorite kind of a book — filled with new information and surprising insights, along with some strong opinions as well.  Geoffrey Block is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music History and Humanities at the University of Puget Sound and the author of nine books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. He is also the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!  This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including our newest patron Larry Spinelli. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Adapting Broadway to Hollywood, part 1 full 2 118 Broadway Podcast Network with special guest Geoffrey Block author of A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood in the Studio System Era This is the first part of my recent conversation with Geoffrey Block whose latest book is titled: A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era. This fascinating new book explores the sometimes successful, but often very rocky relationship between Broadway musicals and the movie studios that brought them to the big screen. He does this by taking an in-depth look at 12 musicals and their film adaptations. These include very famous and familiar ones such as Show Boat, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, and Cabaret as well as several that are much less often discussed (or even seen!), but are no less interesting, such as The Cat And The Fiddle, Cabin In The Sky, and Flower Drum Song.   Along the way he analyses exactly how and why these musicals were changed and revised — sometimes in disappointing and controversial ways, at least for fans of the stage versions. And he even suggests that a few of them were actually improved in the process! This is my favorite kind of a book — filled with new information and surprising insights, along with some strong opinions as well.  Geoffrey Block is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music History and Humanities at the University of Puget Sound and the author of nine books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. He is also the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!  This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including our newest patron Larry Spinelli. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the first part of my recent conversation with Geoffrey Block whose latest book is titled:

A Fine Romance — Adapting Broadway To Hollywood In the Studio System Era.

This fascinating new book explores the sometimes successful, but often very rocky relationship between Broadway musicals and the movie studios that brought them to the big screen. He does this by taking an in-depth look at 12 musicals and their film adaptations. These include very famous and familiar ones such as Show Boat, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, and Cabaret as well as several that are much less often discussed (or even seen!), but are no less interesting, such as The Cat And The Fiddle, Cabin In The Sky, and Flower Drum Song.  

Along the way he analyses exactly how and why these musicals were changed and revised — sometimes in disappointing and controversial ways, at least for fans of the stage versions. And he even suggests that a few of them were actually improved in the process!

This is my favorite kind of a book — filled with new information and surprising insights, along with some strong opinions as well.

 Geoffrey Block is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music History and Humanities at the University of Puget Sound and the author of nine books including Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim and Lloyd-Weber and The Richard Rodgers Reader. He is also the editor of Oxford’s acclaimed Broadway Legacies Series.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

 This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club members including our newest patron Larry Spinelli.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2964 no Episode 117: POD SWAP! Broadway Nation meets A Musical Theatre Podcast https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special POD SWAP editions of Broadway Nation! Last December it was my great pleasure to be a guest on Jeffrey Scott Parson’s terrific show, A Musical Theatre Podcast, and this week I am thrilled to share that episode with my Broadway Nation audience. Think of this “pod swap” as sort of a “Summer Replacement Special.” If you are too young to remember those, then let me fill you in. Back in the heyday of television variety shows, the big prime time series would take a break during the summer months and be replaced by what they called a “summer replacement.” As a kid, I always looked forward to those because they often served as “pilots” for what would become the next hit prime time variety series. So, this week Broadway Nation takes a break and is replaced by A Musical Theatre Podcast. On this episode I join Jeffrey Scott Parsons to explore Jerry Herman’s 1961 Broadway debut musical, Milk And Honey, which starred the great Yiddish Theater star Molly Picon, and star of The Most Happy Fella, Robert Weede. This show, which was set in (then) modern-day Israel, had a book by Don Apell, and judging from the script and production photos it featured extensive dance sequences and ballets choreographed by Donald Sadler that showcased a chorus of hunky shirtless male dancers wearing very short shorts, and the musical’s triple-threat co-star, Tommy Rall. The success of the show put Jerry Herman firmly on the Broadway map and led directly to him being selected by producer David Merrick to create the score for Hello, Dolly! Jeffrey and I discuss all of that and more! As you will hear, there is a tremendous resonance and kinship between our two podcasts. Both Broadway Nation and A Musical Theatre Podcast take deep thoughtful looks inside the history of the Broadway Musical, its shows, and its creators — in a manner that is both critical and celebratory.  I feel certain that if you enjoy Broadway Nation you will love A Musical Theatre Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000 POD SWAP! Broadway Nation meets A Musical Theatre Podcast full 2 117 Broadway Podcast Network David Armstrong & Jeffrey Scott Parsons discuss MILK AND HONEY This is a special POD SWAP editions of Broadway Nation! Last December it was my great pleasure to be a guest on Jeffrey Scott Parson’s terrific show, A Musical Theatre Podcast, and this week I am thrilled to share that episode with my Broadway Nation audience. Think of this “pod swap” as sort of a “Summer Replacement Special.” If you are too young to remember those, then let me fill you in. Back in the heyday of television variety shows, the big prime time series would take a break during the summer months and be replaced by what they called a “summer replacement.” As a kid, I always looked forward to those because they often served as “pilots” for what would become the next hit prime time variety series. So, this week Broadway Nation takes a break and is replaced by A Musical Theatre Podcast. On this episode I join Jeffrey Scott Parsons to explore Jerry Herman’s 1961 Broadway debut musical, Milk And Honey, which starred the great Yiddish Theater star Molly Picon, and star of The Most Happy Fella, Robert Weede. This show, which was set in (then) modern-day Israel, had a book by Don Apell, and judging from the script and production photos it featured extensive dance sequences and ballets choreographed by Donald Sadler that showcased a chorus of hunky shirtless male dancers wearing very short shorts, and the musical’s triple-threat co-star, Tommy Rall. The success of the show put Jerry Herman firmly on the Broadway map and led directly to him being selected by producer David Merrick to create the score for Hello, Dolly! Jeffrey and I discuss all of that and more! As you will hear, there is a tremendous resonance and kinship between our two podcasts. Both Broadway Nation and A Musical Theatre Podcast take deep thoughtful looks inside the history of the Broadway Musical, its shows, and its creators — in a manner that is both critical and celebratory.  I feel certain that if you enjoy Broadway Nation you will love A Musical Theatre Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special POD SWAP editions of Broadway Nation!

Last December it was my great pleasure to be a guest on Jeffrey Scott Parson’s terrific show, A Musical Theatre Podcast, and this week I am thrilled to share that episode with my Broadway Nation audience.

Think of this “pod swap” as sort of a “Summer Replacement Special.” If you are too young to remember those, then let me fill you in. Back in the heyday of television variety shows, the big prime time series would take a break during the summer months and be replaced by what they called a “summer replacement.” As a kid, I always looked forward to those because they often served as “pilots” for what would become the next hit prime time variety series. So, this week Broadway Nation takes a break and is replaced by A Musical Theatre Podcast.

On this episode I join Jeffrey Scott Parsons to explore Jerry Herman’s 1961 Broadway debut musical, Milk And Honey, which starred the great Yiddish Theater star Molly Picon, and star of The Most Happy Fella, Robert Weede. This show, which was set in (then) modern-day Israel, had a book by Don Apell, and judging from the script and production photos it featured extensive dance sequences and ballets choreographed by Donald Sadler that showcased a chorus of hunky shirtless male dancers wearing very short shorts, and the musical’s triple-threat co-star, Tommy Rall.

The success of the show put Jerry Herman firmly on the Broadway map and led directly to him being selected by producer David Merrick to create the score for Hello, Dolly! Jeffrey and I discuss all of that and more!

As you will hear, there is a tremendous resonance and kinship between our two podcasts. Both Broadway Nation and A Musical Theatre Podcast take deep thoughtful looks inside the history of the Broadway Musical, its shows, and its creators — in a manner that is both critical and celebratory. 

I feel certain that if you enjoy Broadway Nation you will love A Musical Theatre Podcast!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4351 no Episode 116: Further Histories of the Musical Theatre https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third and final part of my recent conversation with authors Millie Taylor & Adam Rush about their captivating new book titled, Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding the Narrative. As you will hear, Millie and Adam have uncovered new alternative ways of relating the history of the Musical. Instead of just one way of telling that story they have identified multiple thematic histories of the musical theatre, in the US, the UK, and around the world. If you missed the first two episodes, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Adam Rush is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester in the UK and his research has been published in Studies In Musical Theatre and in several edited collections. Millie Taylor began her career as a freelance music director and for almost twenty years toured the UK and Europe with a variety of musicals including West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Show and Sweeney Todd. She is now Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester, and Special Professor of the Musical at the University of Amsterdam. She is author, co-author or editor of 7 books, including British Pantomime Performance and Singing for Musicals: A Practical Guide.  If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Aug 2023 06:41:00 -0000 Further Histories of the Musical Theatre full 2 116 Broadway Podcast Network With Millie Taylor & Adam Rush authors of "Musical Theatre Histories — Expanding The Narrative" This is the third and final part of my recent conversation with authors Millie Taylor & Adam Rush about their captivating new book titled, Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding the Narrative. As you will hear, Millie and Adam have uncovered new alternative ways of relating the history of the Musical. Instead of just one way of telling that story they have identified multiple thematic histories of the musical theatre, in the US, the UK, and around the world. If you missed the first two episodes, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Adam Rush is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester in the UK and his research has been published in Studies In Musical Theatre and in several edited collections. Millie Taylor began her career as a freelance music director and for almost twenty years toured the UK and Europe with a variety of musicals including West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Show and Sweeney Todd. She is now Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester, and Special Professor of the Musical at the University of Amsterdam. She is author, co-author or editor of 7 books, including British Pantomime Performance and Singing for Musicals: A Practical Guide.  If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third and final part of my recent conversation with authors Millie Taylor & Adam Rush about their captivating new book titled, Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding the Narrative.

As you will hear, Millie and Adam have uncovered new alternative ways of relating the history of the Musical. Instead of just one way of telling that story they have identified multiple thematic histories of the musical theatre, in the US, the UK, and around the world.

If you missed the first two episodes, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one.

Adam Rush is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester in the UK and his research has been published in Studies In Musical Theatre and in several edited collections.

Millie Taylor began her career as a freelance music director and for almost twenty years toured the UK and Europe with a variety of musicals including West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Show and Sweeney Todd. She is now Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester, and Special Professor of the Musical at the University of Amsterdam. She is author, co-author or editor of 7 books, including British Pantomime Performance and Singing for Musicals: A Practical Guide.

 If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1885 no Episode 115: More "Histories" of Musical Theatre https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guests again this week are Millie Taylor & Adam Rush, the authors of a very interesting new book titled, Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding the Narrative. This is the second part of our conversation about their unique approach to relating the history of both the American and the British Musical Theatre. They accomplish this through their use of multiple thematic 'histories' that take readers on a series of journeys down both familiar and less traveled paths into the art form's origins, development, and relationships to the media, censorship, gender diversity, and national identity — and those are just topics we talk about today! If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that episode before listening to this one. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patrons. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000 More "Histories" of Musical Theatre full 2 115 Broadway Podcast Network With Millie Taylor & Adam Rush authors of Musical Theatre Histories — Expanding The Narrative My guests again this week are Millie Taylor & Adam Rush, the authors of a very interesting new book titled, Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding the Narrative. This is the second part of our conversation about their unique approach to relating the history of both the American and the British Musical Theatre. They accomplish this through their use of multiple thematic 'histories' that take readers on a series of journeys down both familiar and less traveled paths into the art form's origins, development, and relationships to the media, censorship, gender diversity, and national identity — and those are just topics we talk about today! If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that episode before listening to this one. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patrons. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guests again this week are Millie Taylor & Adam Rush, the authors of a very interesting new book titled, Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding the Narrative.

This is the second part of our conversation about their unique approach to relating the history of both the American and the British Musical Theatre. They accomplish this through their use of multiple thematic 'histories' that take readers on a series of journeys down both familiar and less traveled paths into the art form's origins, development, and relationships to the media, censorship, gender diversity, and national identity — and those are just topics we talk about today!

If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that episode before listening to this one.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patrons.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2135 no Episode 114: Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding The Narrative https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guests this week are Millie Taylor and Adam Rush, the authors of a very interesting new book titled, Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding the Narrative. Musical theatre is often perceived as being either a Broadway based art form, or as having separate histories in London and New York. This new book, however, presents the Musical as neither American nor British, but also both of those, and more! Through their use of multiple thematic 'histories', Millie and Adam take readers on a series of journeys that include the art form's European and American origins, African American influences, discussions centering on diversity, national identity, and the globalization of the musical, as well as revivals, censorship, and the relationship of social media to the Musical in the 21st century.  As you can hear all of that intersects very directly with the focus and subject matter of this podcast so I was, of course, very captivated by the book and very eager to sit down with Mille and Adam and learn more about their unique and fascinating approach to musical theatre history. Adam Rush is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester in the UK and his research has been published in Studies In Musical Theatre and in several edited collections. Millie Taylor began her career as a freelance music director and for almost twenty years toured the UK and Europe with a variety of musicals including West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Show and Sweeney Todd. She is now Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester, and Special Professor of the Musical at the University of Amsterdam. She is author, co-author or editor of 7 books, including British Pantomime Performance and Singing for Musicals: A Practical Guide. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members including Producer Level Patron, Tracy Wellans. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Jul 2023 08:08:00 -0000 Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding The Narrative full 2 114 Broadway Podcast Network With authors Millie Taylor & Adam Rush My guests this week are Millie Taylor and Adam Rush, the authors of a very interesting new book titled, Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding the Narrative. Musical theatre is often perceived as being either a Broadway based art form, or as having separate histories in London and New York. This new book, however, presents the Musical as neither American nor British, but also both of those, and more! Through their use of multiple thematic 'histories', Millie and Adam take readers on a series of journeys that include the art form's European and American origins, African American influences, discussions centering on diversity, national identity, and the globalization of the musical, as well as revivals, censorship, and the relationship of social media to the Musical in the 21st century.  As you can hear all of that intersects very directly with the focus and subject matter of this podcast so I was, of course, very captivated by the book and very eager to sit down with Mille and Adam and learn more about their unique and fascinating approach to musical theatre history. Adam Rush is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester in the UK and his research has been published in Studies In Musical Theatre and in several edited collections. Millie Taylor began her career as a freelance music director and for almost twenty years toured the UK and Europe with a variety of musicals including West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Show and Sweeney Todd. She is now Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester, and Special Professor of the Musical at the University of Amsterdam. She is author, co-author or editor of 7 books, including British Pantomime Performance and Singing for Musicals: A Practical Guide. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members including Producer Level Patron, Tracy Wellans. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guests this week are Millie Taylor and Adam Rush, the authors of a very interesting new book titled, Musical Theatre Histories: Expanding the Narrative.

Musical theatre is often perceived as being either a Broadway based art form, or as having separate histories in London and New York. This new book, however, presents the Musical as neither American nor British, but also both of those, and more!

Through their use of multiple thematic 'histories', Millie and Adam take readers on a series of journeys that include the art form's European and American origins, African American influences, discussions centering on diversity, national identity, and the globalization of the musical, as well as revivals, censorship, and the relationship of social media to the Musical in the 21st century.

 As you can hear all of that intersects very directly with the focus and subject matter of this podcast so I was, of course, very captivated by the book and very eager to sit down with Mille and Adam and learn more about their unique and fascinating approach to musical theatre history.

Adam Rush is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester in the UK and his research has been published in Studies In Musical Theatre and in several edited collections.

Millie Taylor began her career as a freelance music director and for almost twenty years toured the UK and Europe with a variety of musicals including West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Show and Sweeney Todd. She is now Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester, and Special Professor of the Musical at the University of Amsterdam. She is author, co-author or editor of 7 books, including British Pantomime Performance and Singing for Musicals: A Practical Guide.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members including Producer Level Patron, Tracy Wellans.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2099 no Special Encore Episode: DOROTHY FIELDS and the Women Who Invented Broadway! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Celebrating Dorothy Fields 118th Birthday! Women have had a much more significant impact on the Broadway Musical than has generally been reported or acknowledged. In fact, talented, dynamic women have been a major force in the creation and development of the American musical theater from the very beginning and right up to today. In this episode my special guest Albert Evans and I will share the often overlooked stories of songwriters and bookwriters Rida Johnson Young, Dorothy Donnelly, Nora Bays, Ann Ronell, Kay Swift, Betty Comden, Bella Spewack, Mary Rodgers, Carolyn Leigh, and especially Dorothy Fields, whose amazing 50-year career stretched from the vaudeville era to the age of rock! Special thanks to Billie Wildrick for her voice acting contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000 DOROTHY FIELDS and the Women Who Invented Broadway! full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Celebrating Dorothy Fields 118th Birthday! Celebrating Dorothy Fields 118th Birthday! Women have had a much more significant impact on the Broadway Musical than has generally been reported or acknowledged. In fact, talented, dynamic women have been a major force in the creation and development of the American musical theater from the very beginning and right up to today. In this episode my special guest Albert Evans and I will share the often overlooked stories of songwriters and bookwriters Rida Johnson Young, Dorothy Donnelly, Nora Bays, Ann Ronell, Kay Swift, Betty Comden, Bella Spewack, Mary Rodgers, Carolyn Leigh, and especially Dorothy Fields, whose amazing 50-year career stretched from the vaudeville era to the age of rock! Special thanks to Billie Wildrick for her voice acting contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Celebrating Dorothy Fields 118th Birthday!

Women have had a much more significant impact on the Broadway Musical than has generally been reported or acknowledged. In fact, talented, dynamic women have been a major force in the creation and development of the American musical theater from the very beginning and right up to today.

In this episode my special guest Albert Evans and I will share the often overlooked stories of songwriters and bookwriters Rida Johnson Young, Dorothy Donnelly, Nora Bays, Ann Ronell, Kay Swift, Betty Comden, Bella Spewack, Mary Rodgers, Carolyn Leigh, and especially Dorothy Fields, whose amazing 50-year career stretched from the vaudeville era to the age of rock!

Special thanks to Billie Wildrick for her voice acting contributions.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2045 Episode 113: How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third and final part of my conversation with Ben Francis whose amazingly compelling new book is titled Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical. Just like the book, our discussion has been structured around Sondheim’s collaborators. In this episode we discuss his work with George Furth, John Weidman, Hugh Wheeler & James Lapine. And, as always, Sondheim’s mentor and surrogate father Oscar Hammerstein II plays a big role in this conversation as well. Along the way nearing everyone of Sondheim’s musicals are discussed including A Little Night Music, Anyone Can Whistle, Assassins, Company, Do I Hear A Waltz?, Follies, Gypsy, Into the Woods, Merrily We Roll Along, Passion, Road Show, Sunday In The Park With George, Sweeney Todd, and West Side Story as well as Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro. Ben Francis’ other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members including our inaugural members Roger Kloresse, Neil Hoyt, and Chris Moad. My sincere thanks to all three of you for your loyal support! If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:03 -0000 How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical full 2 113 Broadway Podcast Network With BEN FRANCIS author of CAREFUL THE SPELL YOU CAST This is the third and final part of my conversation with Ben Francis whose amazingly compelling new book is titled Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical. Just like the book, our discussion has been structured around Sondheim’s collaborators. In this episode we discuss his work with George Furth, John Weidman, Hugh Wheeler & James Lapine. And, as always, Sondheim’s mentor and surrogate father Oscar Hammerstein II plays a big role in this conversation as well. Along the way nearing everyone of Sondheim’s musicals are discussed including A Little Night Music, Anyone Can Whistle, Assassins, Company, Do I Hear A Waltz?, Follies, Gypsy, Into the Woods, Merrily We Roll Along, Passion, Road Show, Sunday In The Park With George, Sweeney Todd, and West Side Story as well as Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro. Ben Francis’ other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members including our inaugural members Roger Kloresse, Neil Hoyt, and Chris Moad. My sincere thanks to all three of you for your loyal support! If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third and final part of my conversation with Ben Francis whose amazingly compelling new book is titled Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical.

Just like the book, our discussion has been structured around Sondheim’s collaborators. In this episode we discuss his work with George Furth, John Weidman, Hugh Wheeler & James Lapine. And, as always, Sondheim’s mentor and surrogate father Oscar Hammerstein II plays a big role in this conversation as well.

Along the way nearing everyone of Sondheim’s musicals are discussed including A Little Night Music, Anyone Can Whistle, Assassins, Company, Do I Hear A Waltz?, Follies, Gypsy, Into the Woods, Merrily We Roll Along, Passion, Road Show, Sunday In The Park With George, Sweeney Todd, and West Side Story as well as Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro.

Ben Francis’ other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members including our inaugural members Roger Kloresse, Neil Hoyt, and Chris Moad.

My sincere thanks to all three of you for your loyal support!

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2630 no Episode 112: Careful The Spell You Cast, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my conversation with author Ben Francis regarding his very compelling new book: Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical. This week Ben and I focus on three of Sondheim's key collaborators — Harold Prince, Burt Shevelove, and James Goldman. If you missed last weeks episode you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this. Sondheim is without a doubt one of the most studied, examined, and analyzed Broadway creators of all time. In fact, we have done quite a bit of that right here on Broadway Nation. However, as you will hear, Ben Francis contends that in spite of all of that investigation, Sondheim continues to be very misunderstood. He is often labeled as being cynical and pessimistic, but Francis instead argues that Sondheim firmly belongs to the “Broadway aspirational tradition” — a tradition that celebrates dreams of a better life — and he suggests that Sondheim’s shows are to a great extent are a continuation of the work of his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II. Ben Francis’ other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Producer Level Patrons: Paula and Steve Reynolds. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Careful The Spell You Cast, part 2 full 2 112 Broadway Podcast Network Author BEN FRANCIS discuses How Stephen Sondheim Extended The Range of the American Musical This is the second part of my conversation with author Ben Francis regarding his very compelling new book: Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical. This week Ben and I focus on three of Sondheim's key collaborators — Harold Prince, Burt Shevelove, and James Goldman. If you missed last weeks episode you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this. Sondheim is without a doubt one of the most studied, examined, and analyzed Broadway creators of all time. In fact, we have done quite a bit of that right here on Broadway Nation. However, as you will hear, Ben Francis contends that in spite of all of that investigation, Sondheim continues to be very misunderstood. He is often labeled as being cynical and pessimistic, but Francis instead argues that Sondheim firmly belongs to the “Broadway aspirational tradition” — a tradition that celebrates dreams of a better life — and he suggests that Sondheim’s shows are to a great extent are a continuation of the work of his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II. Ben Francis’ other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Producer Level Patrons: Paula and Steve Reynolds. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my conversation with author Ben Francis regarding his very compelling new book:

Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical.

This week Ben and I focus on three of Sondheim's key collaborators — Harold Prince, Burt Shevelove, and James Goldman.

If you missed last weeks episode you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this.

Sondheim is without a doubt one of the most studied, examined, and analyzed Broadway creators of all time. In fact, we have done quite a bit of that right here on Broadway Nation. However, as you will hear, Ben Francis contends that in spite of all of that investigation, Sondheim continues to be very misunderstood. He is often labeled as being cynical and pessimistic, but Francis instead argues that Sondheim firmly belongs to the “Broadway aspirational tradition” — a tradition that celebrates dreams of a better life — and he suggests that Sondheim’s shows are to a great extent are a continuation of the work of his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II.

Ben Francis’ other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Producer Level Patrons:

Paula and Steve Reynolds.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. 

All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1730 no Episode 111: Careful The Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended The Range of the American Musical. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is Ben Francis, author of a very compelling new book titled Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical. Sondheim is without a doubt one of the most studied, examined, and analyzed Broadway creators of all time. In fact, we have done quite a bit of that right here on Broadway Nation. However, as you will hear, Ben Francis contends that in spite of all of that investigation, Sondheim continues to be very misunderstood. He is often labeled as being cynical and pessimistic, but Francis instead argues that Sondheim firmly belongs to the “Broadway aspirational tradition” — a tradition that celebrates dreams of a better life — and he suggests that Sondheim’s shows are to a great extent are a continuation of the work of his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II. Ben Francis’ other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our newest Patrons: Andy Wigginton and Mark Stanton. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Careful The Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended The Range of the American Musical. full 2 111 Broadway Podcast Network With author BEN FRANCIS My guest today is Ben Francis, author of a very compelling new book titled Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical. Sondheim is without a doubt one of the most studied, examined, and analyzed Broadway creators of all time. In fact, we have done quite a bit of that right here on Broadway Nation. However, as you will hear, Ben Francis contends that in spite of all of that investigation, Sondheim continues to be very misunderstood. He is often labeled as being cynical and pessimistic, but Francis instead argues that Sondheim firmly belongs to the “Broadway aspirational tradition” — a tradition that celebrates dreams of a better life — and he suggests that Sondheim’s shows are to a great extent are a continuation of the work of his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II. Ben Francis’ other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our newest Patrons: Andy Wigginton and Mark Stanton. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is Ben Francis, author of a very compelling new book titled Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical.

Sondheim is without a doubt one of the most studied, examined, and analyzed Broadway creators of all time. In fact, we have done quite a bit of that right here on Broadway Nation. However, as you will hear, Ben Francis contends that in spite of all of that investigation, Sondheim continues to be very misunderstood. He is often labeled as being cynical and pessimistic, but Francis instead argues that Sondheim firmly belongs to the “Broadway aspirational tradition” — a tradition that celebrates dreams of a better life — and he suggests that Sondheim’s shows are to a great extent are a continuation of the work of his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II.

Ben Francis’ other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our newest Patrons:

Andy Wigginton and Mark Stanton.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2205 no Special Encore Episode: "I Am What I Am" — Gay Liberation & the AIDS Crisis on Broadway! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special Encore Episode in celebration of PRIDE month. The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 thrust the issue of Gay Rights into the mainstream and as a result, during the 1970s queer people became “out, loud, and proud” in significant numbers. In fact, all of the progressive and disruptive social movements of the 1960s & 70s — Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation, Black Power, Anti-War — had significant impacts on Broadway and were vibrantly reflected back into the culture by the hit musicals of the era in both subtle and overt ways. So, it makes sense that this new LGBTQ+ visibility and joyous feeling of liberation would also have a major impact on Broadway where queer people have alway been present in large numbers, including its highest levels of leadership.  In this episode I explore the sudden and significant wave openly queer content on Broadway in groundbreaking shows such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, and Falsettos. The positive impact that these widely seen musicals had on gay liberation — especially the mega-hit A Chorus Line — should not be underestimated! I also relate the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s & 90s, when an entire generation of Broadway directors, choreographers, composers, lyricists, bookwriters, and other other creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease.  AIDS also claimed the lives of hundreds of actors, singers, musicians, stage managers, production assistants, and designers — as well as scores of dancers that had been trained by Bennett, Fosse, Champion, and Tune and who might have become influential directors and/or choreographers themselves. The devastation of AIDS opened the door to the “British Invasion” that would soon dominate Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:58:18 -0000 "I Am What I Am" — Gay Liberation & the AIDS Crisis on Broadway! full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Celebrating PRIDE and the Broadway Musical! This is a special Encore Episode in celebration of PRIDE month. The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 thrust the issue of Gay Rights into the mainstream and as a result, during the 1970s queer people became “out, loud, and proud” in significant numbers. In fact, all of the progressive and disruptive social movements of the 1960s & 70s — Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation, Black Power, Anti-War — had significant impacts on Broadway and were vibrantly reflected back into the culture by the hit musicals of the era in both subtle and overt ways. So, it makes sense that this new LGBTQ+ visibility and joyous feeling of liberation would also have a major impact on Broadway where queer people have alway been present in large numbers, including its highest levels of leadership.  In this episode I explore the sudden and significant wave openly queer content on Broadway in groundbreaking shows such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, and Falsettos. The positive impact that these widely seen musicals had on gay liberation — especially the mega-hit A Chorus Line — should not be underestimated! I also relate the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s & 90s, when an entire generation of Broadway directors, choreographers, composers, lyricists, bookwriters, and other other creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease.  AIDS also claimed the lives of hundreds of actors, singers, musicians, stage managers, production assistants, and designers — as well as scores of dancers that had been trained by Bennett, Fosse, Champion, and Tune and who might have become influential directors and/or choreographers themselves. The devastation of AIDS opened the door to the “British Invasion” that would soon dominate Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special Encore Episode in celebration of PRIDE month.

The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 thrust the issue of Gay Rights into the mainstream and as a result, during the 1970s queer people became “out, loud, and proud” in significant numbers.

In fact, all of the progressive and disruptive social movements of the 1960s & 70s — Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation, Black Power, Anti-War — had significant impacts on Broadway and were vibrantly reflected back into the culture by the hit musicals of the era in both subtle and overt ways.

So, it makes sense that this new LGBTQ+ visibility and joyous feeling of liberation would also have a major impact on Broadway where queer people have alway been present in large numbers, including its highest levels of leadership. 

In this episode I explore the sudden and significant wave openly queer content on Broadway in groundbreaking shows such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, and Falsettos. The positive impact that these widely seen musicals had on gay liberation — especially the mega-hit A Chorus Line — should not be underestimated!

I also relate the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s & 90s, when an entire generation of Broadway directors, choreographers, composers, lyricists, bookwriters, and other other creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease. 

AIDS also claimed the lives of hundreds of actors, singers, musicians, stage managers, production assistants, and designers — as well as scores of dancers that had been trained by Bennett, Fosse, Champion, and Tune and who might have become influential directors and/or choreographers themselves. The devastation of AIDS opened the door to the “British Invasion” that would soon dominate Broadway.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1769 no Encore Episode: Cole Porter & The Queers Who Invented Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special Pride Month encore of one of Broadway Nation's earliest episodes! From the very beginning the Broadway Musical has to a very large degree been a Queer creation. In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories of early queer creators including producing and life partners Charles Frohman & Charles Dillingham; the first great gay director Hassard Short; drag superstars Julian Eltinge & Bert Savoy; the "Pansy Craze" of the 1930s; and especially the delightful, delicious, and delovely Broadway songwriter Cole Porter! Special thanks to Billie Wildrick and David Sabella for their vocal contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Cole Porter & The Queers Who Invented Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Special PRIDE MONTH Encore Episode! This is a special Pride Month encore of one of Broadway Nation's earliest episodes! From the very beginning the Broadway Musical has to a very large degree been a Queer creation. In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories of early queer creators including producing and life partners Charles Frohman & Charles Dillingham; the first great gay director Hassard Short; drag superstars Julian Eltinge & Bert Savoy; the "Pansy Craze" of the 1930s; and especially the delightful, delicious, and delovely Broadway songwriter Cole Porter! Special thanks to Billie Wildrick and David Sabella for their vocal contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special Pride Month encore of one of Broadway Nation's earliest episodes!

From the very beginning the Broadway Musical has to a very large degree been a Queer creation. In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories of early queer creators including producing and life partners Charles Frohman & Charles Dillingham; the first great gay director Hassard Short; drag superstars Julian Eltinge & Bert Savoy; the "Pansy Craze" of the 1930s; and especially the delightful, delicious, and delovely Broadway songwriter Cole Porter!

Special thanks to Billie Wildrick and David Sabella for their vocal contributions.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2109 no Episode 110: THE SHAPE OF A MUSICAL This is the second half of my conversation with Rebecca Applin Warner, who is the author of a new book: The Musical Theatre Composer As Dramatist — A Handbook For Collaboration. Last time Rebecca shared some of the fascinating concepts and techniques that can be found in her book in regard to breaking down and analyzing the components of a musical, including its principal and supporting themes (both dramatic and musical), as well as what she calls “the shape” of the musical overall, and in its individual segments, including it various “levels of intensification.” And we discussed how all of that can provide invaluable tools to, not just the composer, but to the entire creative team as they develop their musical. If you missed the part one you may want to catch up with that episode before listening to this on. We start off this episode by exploring what she calls a musical’s “modes of enunciation.” As in the previous episode Rebeca Applin Warner illustrates these concepts using examples from various contemporary musicals such as In The Heights, Matilda and The Last Five Years, and in what could be called the “11 o’clock spot” of her book and this episode, she ties everything together through a case study of the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Whether you are creator of musical theater of just an ardent fan I feel certain that you will find this to be a fascinating conversation.  Rebeca Applin Warner is an award-winning composer with extensive experience both writing musicals and teaching in a variety of degree programs in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts.She has an undergraduate degree in Music from the University of Cambridge, a masters in Composition for the Screen from the Royal college of Music and a PhD in musical theater analysis. Her previous publications include chapters in The Oxford Handbook of the British Musical Theatre and in Reframing the Musical, alongside publication in the Studies in Musical Theatre Journal. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our newest Patrons: Mark Stanton and Anne Welsh. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000 THE SHAPE OF A MUSICAL full 2 110 Broadway Podcast Network With REBECCA APPLIN WARNER, author of The Musical Theatre Composer as Dramatist — A Handbook for Collaboration This is the second half of my conversation with Rebecca Applin Warner, who is the author of a new book: The Musical Theatre Composer As Dramatist — A Handbook For Collaboration. Last time Rebecca shared some of the fascinating concepts and techniques that can be found in her book in regard to breaking down and analyzing the components of a musical, including its principal and supporting themes (both dramatic and musical), as well as what she calls “the shape” of the musical overall, and in its individual segments, including it various “levels of intensification.” And we discussed how all of that can provide invaluable tools to, not just the composer, but to the entire creative team as they develop their musical. If you missed the part one you may want to catch up with that episode before listening to this on. We start off this episode by exploring what she calls a musical’s “modes of enunciation.” As in the previous episode Rebeca Applin Warner illustrates these concepts using examples from various contemporary musicals such as In The Heights, Matilda and The Last Five Years, and in what could be called the “11 o’clock spot” of her book and this episode, she ties everything together through a case study of the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Whether you are creator of musical theater of just an ardent fan I feel certain that you will find this to be a fascinating conversation.  Rebeca Applin Warner is an award-winning composer with extensive experience both writing musicals and teaching in a variety of degree programs in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts.She has an undergraduate degree in Music from the University of Cambridge, a masters in Composition for the Screen from the Royal college of Music and a PhD in musical theater analysis. Her previous publications include chapters in The Oxford Handbook of the British Musical Theatre and in Reframing the Musical, alongside publication in the Studies in Musical Theatre Journal. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our newest Patrons: Mark Stanton and Anne Welsh. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my conversation with Rebecca Applin Warner, who is the author of a new book: The Musical Theatre Composer As Dramatist — A Handbook For Collaboration.

Last time Rebecca shared some of the fascinating concepts and techniques that can be found in her book in regard to breaking down and analyzing the components of a musical, including its principal and supporting themes (both dramatic and musical), as well as what she calls “the shape” of the musical overall, and in its individual segments, including it various “levels of intensification.” And we discussed how all of that can provide invaluable tools to, not just the composer, but to the entire creative team as they develop their musical. If you missed the part one you may want to catch up with that episode before listening to this on.

We start off this episode by exploring what she calls a musical’s “modes of enunciation.” As in the previous episode Rebeca Applin Warner illustrates these concepts using examples from various contemporary musicals such as In The Heights, Matilda and The Last Five Years, and in what could be called the “11 o’clock spot” of her book and this episode, she ties everything together through a case study of the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Whether you are creator of musical theater of just an ardent fan I feel certain that you will find this to be a fascinating conversation. 

Rebeca Applin Warner is an award-winning composer with extensive experience both writing musicals and teaching in a variety of degree programs in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts.She has an undergraduate degree in Music from the University of Cambridge, a masters in Composition for the Screen from the Royal college of Music and a PhD in musical theater analysis. Her previous publications include chapters in The Oxford Handbook of the British Musical Theatre and in Reframing the Musical, alongside publication in the Studies in Musical Theatre Journal.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our newest Patrons:

Mark Stanton and Anne Welsh.

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1754 no Episode 109: IT'S ALL ABOUT STORYTELLING! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is author Rebecca Applin Warner, whose new book is titled The Musical Theatre Composer As Dramatist — A Handbook For Collaboration. As frequent listeners to this podcast have no doubt figured out by now, my primary interest in musical theater is in the storytelling — especially how the bookwriter, composer, lyricist, choreographer, director and designers all come together to dramatize that a musical’s story and characters, and how they bring that first to the page, and then to the stage. I firmly believe that every musical, drama or comedy, lives or dies on the strength of its story and the ability of the creative team to tell that story effectively. This book gets right to the heart of that with fascinating analysis of how effective musicals are made, and detailed case studies that serve as enlightening examples of how to do it. Rebeca Applin Warner is an award-winning composer with extensive experience both writing musicals and teaching in a variety of degree programs in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts.She has an undergraduate degree in Music from the University of Cambridge, a masters in Composition for the Screen from the Royal college of Music and a PhD in musical theater analysis. Her previous publications include chapters in The Oxford Handbook of the British Musical Theatre and in Reframing the Musical, alongside publication in the Studies in Musical Theatre Journal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Jun 2023 08:47:00 -0000 IT'S ALL ABOUT STORYTELLING! full 2 109 Broadway Podcast Network With REBECCA APPLIN WARNER, author of The Musical Theatre Composer as Dramatist — A Handbook for Collaboration My guest this week is author Rebecca Applin Warner, whose new book is titled The Musical Theatre Composer As Dramatist — A Handbook For Collaboration. As frequent listeners to this podcast have no doubt figured out by now, my primary interest in musical theater is in the storytelling — especially how the bookwriter, composer, lyricist, choreographer, director and designers all come together to dramatize that a musical’s story and characters, and how they bring that first to the page, and then to the stage. I firmly believe that every musical, drama or comedy, lives or dies on the strength of its story and the ability of the creative team to tell that story effectively. This book gets right to the heart of that with fascinating analysis of how effective musicals are made, and detailed case studies that serve as enlightening examples of how to do it. Rebeca Applin Warner is an award-winning composer with extensive experience both writing musicals and teaching in a variety of degree programs in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts.She has an undergraduate degree in Music from the University of Cambridge, a masters in Composition for the Screen from the Royal college of Music and a PhD in musical theater analysis. Her previous publications include chapters in The Oxford Handbook of the British Musical Theatre and in Reframing the Musical, alongside publication in the Studies in Musical Theatre Journal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is author Rebecca Applin Warner, whose new book is titled The Musical Theatre Composer As Dramatist — A Handbook For Collaboration.

As frequent listeners to this podcast have no doubt figured out by now, my primary interest in musical theater is in the storytelling — especially how the bookwriter, composer, lyricist, choreographer, director and designers all come together to dramatize that a musical’s story and characters, and how they bring that first to the page, and then to the stage. I firmly believe that every musical, drama or comedy, lives or dies on the strength of its story and the ability of the creative team to tell that story effectively. This book gets right to the heart of that with fascinating analysis of how effective musicals are made, and detailed case studies that serve as enlightening examples of how to do it.

Rebeca Applin Warner is an award-winning composer with extensive experience both writing musicals and teaching in a variety of degree programs in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts.She has an undergraduate degree in Music from the University of Cambridge, a masters in Composition for the Screen from the Royal college of Music and a PhD in musical theater analysis. Her previous publications include chapters in The Oxford Handbook of the British Musical Theatre and in Reframing the Musical, alongside publication in the Studies in Musical Theatre Journal.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2242 Encore Episode: Trude Rittmann & The Women Who Invented Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a Special Encore release of one of my personal favorite episodes! You may not know the name, Trude Rittmann, but you have certainly heard her music. During the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond) she composed music for 33 Broadway musicals including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot.   In this episode Albert Evans and I tell the story of one of the least known, but most significant, women in the history of the Broadway musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Trude Rittmann & The Women Who Invented Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans This is a Special Encore release of one of my personal favorite episodes! You may not know the name, Trude Rittmann, but you have certainly heard her music. During the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond) she composed music for 33 Broadway musicals including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot.   In this episode Albert Evans and I tell the story of one of the least known, but most significant, women in the history of the Broadway musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a Special Encore release of one of my personal favorite episodes!

You may not know the name, Trude Rittmann, but you have certainly heard her music.

During the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond) she composed music for 33 Broadway musicals including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot.  

In this episode Albert Evans and I tell the story of one of the least known, but most significant, women in the history of the Broadway musical.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1752 Episode 108: MY FRIEND SANDY, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second half of my recent conversation with author Deborah Phillips whose fascinating new book is titled AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — SANDY WILSON’S THE BOY FRIEND, LONDON THEATRE AND GAY CULTURE. If you missed the previous episode you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. The Boyfriend is one of the most popular and successful British musicals of all time. On the previous episode Deborah Phillips shared with us how its creator Sandy Wilson grew up as a musical theater obsessed kid whose idols were Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, and Binky Beaumont — the three dynamic gay theater artists who dominated London’s West End in the 1930s and 40s. She also described London’s vibrant but clandestine gay theatrical subculture of the early 1950s out of which Sandy Wilson and The Boyfriend emerged. And we even heard a bit about the secret gay language of chorus boys and sailors called “Polari,” and the hilarious BBC radio series, Round The Horne, that introduced Polari to millions of listeners in the mid-1960s, even though most of those listeners had no idea what is was, or understood its connections to gay culture. All of that was, of course, happening at a time when you could be sent to prison for being homosexual. Deborah and I pick up our conversation just as Sandy Wilson is about to launch the first production of The Boyfriend at the private theater club, The Players Theatre, where it became a major hit and quickly moved to the West End.   We then go on to discuss London’s other major hit musical of 1952, Julian Slade’s SALAD DAYS. Those two shows — both set in the 1920s — created nearly as much excitement as Queen Elizabeth’s coronation that same year. In this episode you will hear a clip from Round the Horne featuring two very camp characters named “Julian & Sandy” (inspired by the two songwriters) who pepper their dialogue with Polari words and phrases, and whose catch phrase inspired the title of Deborah Phillip’s book. That original West End production of The Boyfriend ran for five years. Meanwhile, an American production opened on Broadway in 1954 and became a major hit in spite of Wilson’s objections to how it was redirected for Broadway. 18 years later, in 1972, a film version of The Boyfriend was released, directed by Ken Russell, that Wilson loathed. Wilson went on to create several highly anticipated subsequent musicals including The Buccaneer, Valmouth, and the sequel to The Boyfriend — Divorce Me Darling. None of them, however, were able to achieve the same kind acclaim and popularity as The Boyfriend. Phillips also shares some fascinating stories of several other high-profile projects that got away from Sandy Wilson and went on to legendary success with other songwriters.  Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Producer Level Patrons: Gary Fuller & Randy Everett.   If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000 MY FRIEND SANDY, part 2 full 2 108 Broadway Podcast Network With Deborah Philips, author of "AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — Sandy Wilson's THE BOYFRIEND, London Theatre and Gay Culture" This is the second half of my recent conversation with author Deborah Phillips whose fascinating new book is titled AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — SANDY WILSON’S THE BOY FRIEND, LONDON THEATRE AND GAY CULTURE. If you missed the previous episode you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. The Boyfriend is one of the most popular and successful British musicals of all time. On the previous episode Deborah Phillips shared with us how its creator Sandy Wilson grew up as a musical theater obsessed kid whose idols were Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, and Binky Beaumont — the three dynamic gay theater artists who dominated London’s West End in the 1930s and 40s. She also described London’s vibrant but clandestine gay theatrical subculture of the early 1950s out of which Sandy Wilson and The Boyfriend emerged. And we even heard a bit about the secret gay language of chorus boys and sailors called “Polari,” and the hilarious BBC radio series, Round The Horne, that introduced Polari to millions of listeners in the mid-1960s, even though most of those listeners had no idea what is was, or understood its connections to gay culture. All of that was, of course, happening at a time when you could be sent to prison for being homosexual. Deborah and I pick up our conversation just as Sandy Wilson is about to launch the first production of The Boyfriend at the private theater club, The Players Theatre, where it became a major hit and quickly moved to the West End.   We then go on to discuss London’s other major hit musical of 1952, Julian Slade’s SALAD DAYS. Those two shows — both set in the 1920s — created nearly as much excitement as Queen Elizabeth’s coronation that same year. In this episode you will hear a clip from Round the Horne featuring two very camp characters named “Julian & Sandy” (inspired by the two songwriters) who pepper their dialogue with Polari words and phrases, and whose catch phrase inspired the title of Deborah Phillip’s book. That original West End production of The Boyfriend ran for five years. Meanwhile, an American production opened on Broadway in 1954 and became a major hit in spite of Wilson’s objections to how it was redirected for Broadway. 18 years later, in 1972, a film version of The Boyfriend was released, directed by Ken Russell, that Wilson loathed. Wilson went on to create several highly anticipated subsequent musicals including The Buccaneer, Valmouth, and the sequel to The Boyfriend — Divorce Me Darling. None of them, however, were able to achieve the same kind acclaim and popularity as The Boyfriend. Phillips also shares some fascinating stories of several other high-profile projects that got away from Sandy Wilson and went on to legendary success with other songwriters.  Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Producer Level Patrons: Gary Fuller & Randy Everett.   If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my recent conversation with author Deborah Phillips whose fascinating new book is titled AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — SANDY WILSON’S THE BOY FRIEND, LONDON THEATRE AND GAY CULTURE.

If you missed the previous episode you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one.

The Boyfriend is one of the most popular and successful British musicals of all time. On the previous episode Deborah Phillips shared with us how its creator Sandy Wilson grew up as a musical theater obsessed kid whose idols were Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, and Binky Beaumont — the three dynamic gay theater artists who dominated London’s West End in the 1930s and 40s. She also described London’s vibrant but clandestine gay theatrical subculture of the early 1950s out of which Sandy Wilson and The Boyfriend emerged. And we even heard a bit about the secret gay language of chorus boys and sailors called “Polari,” and the hilarious BBC radio series, Round The Horne, that introduced Polari to millions of listeners in the mid-1960s, even though most of those listeners had no idea what is was, or understood its connections to gay culture. All of that was, of course, happening at a time when you could be sent to prison for being homosexual.

Deborah and I pick up our conversation just as Sandy Wilson is about to launch the first production of The Boyfriend at the private theater club, The Players Theatre, where it became a major hit and quickly moved to the West End.  

We then go on to discuss London’s other major hit musical of 1952, Julian Slade’s SALAD DAYS. Those two shows — both set in the 1920s — created nearly as much excitement as Queen Elizabeth’s coronation that same year. In this episode you will hear a clip from Round the Horne featuring two very camp characters named “Julian & Sandy” (inspired by the two songwriters) who pepper their dialogue with Polari words and phrases, and whose catch phrase inspired the title of Deborah Phillip’s book.

That original West End production of The Boyfriend ran for five years. Meanwhile, an American production opened on Broadway in 1954 and became a major hit in spite of Wilson’s objections to how it was redirected for Broadway. 18 years later, in 1972, a film version of The Boyfriend was released, directed by Ken Russell, that Wilson loathed.

Wilson went on to create several highly anticipated subsequent musicals including The Buccaneer, Valmouth, and the sequel to The Boyfriend — Divorce Me Darling. None of them, however, were able to achieve the same kind acclaim and popularity as The Boyfriend. Phillips also shares some fascinating stories of several other high-profile projects that got away from Sandy Wilson and went on to legendary success with other songwriters. 

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Producer Level Patrons:

Gary Fuller & Randy Everett.  

If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2633 no Episode 107: Sandy Wilson's THE BOYFRIEND, London Theatre and Gay Culture My guest this week is author Deborah Phillips whose new book is titled: AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — SANDY WILSON’S THE BOY FRIEND, LONDON THEATRE AND GAY CULTURE. Sandy Wilson's The Boyfriend — for which he wrote the book, music, & lyrics — is one of the most successful British musicals of all time. It emerged in 1952 out of London’s secretive but vibrant gay theatrical subculture, at a time when you could be sent to prison for being homosexual.  By the following year both The Boyfriend and Sandy Wilson were the toast of London’s West End, and created nearly as much excitement as Queen Elizabeth’s coronation that same year. That original West End production ran for five years. Meanwhile, a hit American version of The Boyfriend opened on Broadway in 1954 and made a star out of Julie Andrews. The show was revived on Broadway in 1970 and made a star of Sandy Duncan, and two years later an ill-conceived film version was released, starring Twiggy and Tommy Tune and directed by Ken Russell. Despite all of this, prior to this book, very little has been written about Sandy Wilson. Deborah Phillips, who is Professor of Literature and Cultural History at the University of Brighton, is the first researcher to delve into Wilson’s extensive archives out of which she has created an captivating portrait of Wilson as a both a key figure in post-war British theatre and the era's gay culture. This book and interview introduced me to a number of fascinating subjects I had never encountered before including the hilarious BBC radio series, Round The Horne, that inspired the book’s title; the history of London's Players Theatre; and the secret gay language, Polari. Exploring all that sent me into several amazing internet rabbit holes and I will be posting articles and video clips that I found there in the Broadway Nation FaceBook Group. This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Sandy Wilson's THE BOYFRIEND, London Theatre and Gay Culture full 2 107 Broadway Podcast Network With Deborah Philips, author of "And This Is My Friend Sandy" My guest this week is author Deborah Phillips whose new book is titled: AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — SANDY WILSON’S THE BOY FRIEND, LONDON THEATRE AND GAY CULTURE. Sandy Wilson's The Boyfriend — for which he wrote the book, music, & lyrics — is one of the most successful British musicals of all time. It emerged in 1952 out of London’s secretive but vibrant gay theatrical subculture, at a time when you could be sent to prison for being homosexual.  By the following year both The Boyfriend and Sandy Wilson were the toast of London’s West End, and created nearly as much excitement as Queen Elizabeth’s coronation that same year. That original West End production ran for five years. Meanwhile, a hit American version of The Boyfriend opened on Broadway in 1954 and made a star out of Julie Andrews. The show was revived on Broadway in 1970 and made a star of Sandy Duncan, and two years later an ill-conceived film version was released, starring Twiggy and Tommy Tune and directed by Ken Russell. Despite all of this, prior to this book, very little has been written about Sandy Wilson. Deborah Phillips, who is Professor of Literature and Cultural History at the University of Brighton, is the first researcher to delve into Wilson’s extensive archives out of which she has created an captivating portrait of Wilson as a both a key figure in post-war British theatre and the era's gay culture. This book and interview introduced me to a number of fascinating subjects I had never encountered before including the hilarious BBC radio series, Round The Horne, that inspired the book’s title; the history of London's Players Theatre; and the secret gay language, Polari. Exploring all that sent me into several amazing internet rabbit holes and I will be posting articles and video clips that I found there in the Broadway Nation FaceBook Group. This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is author Deborah Phillips whose new book is titled:

AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — SANDY WILSON’S THE BOY FRIEND, LONDON THEATRE AND GAY CULTURE.

Sandy Wilson's The Boyfriend — for which he wrote the book, music, & lyrics — is one of the most successful British musicals of all time. It emerged in 1952 out of London’s secretive but vibrant gay theatrical subculture, at a time when you could be sent to prison for being homosexual.  By the following year both The Boyfriend and Sandy Wilson were the toast of London’s West End, and created nearly as much excitement as Queen Elizabeth’s coronation that same year. That original West End production ran for five years. Meanwhile, a hit American version of The Boyfriend opened on Broadway in 1954 and made a star out of Julie Andrews. The show was revived on Broadway in 1970 and made a star of Sandy Duncan, and two years later an ill-conceived film version was released, starring Twiggy and Tommy Tune and directed by Ken Russell.

Despite all of this, prior to this book, very little has been written about Sandy Wilson. Deborah Phillips, who is Professor of Literature and Cultural History at the University of Brighton, is the first researcher to delve into Wilson’s extensive archives out of which she has created an captivating portrait of Wilson as a both a key figure in post-war British theatre and the era's gay culture.

This book and interview introduced me to a number of fascinating subjects I had never encountered before including the hilarious BBC radio series, Round The Horne, that inspired the book’s title; the history of London's Players Theatre; and the secret gay language, Polari.

Exploring all that sent me into several amazing internet rabbit holes and I will be posting articles and video clips that I found there in the Broadway Nation FaceBook Group.

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2841 Encore Episode: Celebrating 63 Years of THE FANTASTICKS https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special Encore episode of Broadway Nation in celebration of the 63rd Anniversary of the Off-Broadway musical phenomenon, The Fantasticks. That show opened at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village on May 3, 1960, and went on to play there for an incredible 42 years closing in January of 2002. Then four years later the show reopened at the Snapple Theater Center in Times Square where is ran another 11 years.  As you will hear, even though this show was performed off-Broadway, it had a significant impact and influence on the final decade of the Golden Age of Broadway and well beyond, right up to today.   For example, one thing that has always interested me, is that The Fantasticks ends its first act with a delirious happy ending and the entire cast posed in an iconic tableau. The second act then picks up with that exact same image, but the bloom is now definitely off the rose, or as Tom Jones’ lyric puts it, now the “plum is too ripe.” Act two then tells the story of what happens after happily ever after. Sound familiar? Yes, this is remarkably similar to what happens in both Sunday In the Park With George and Into The Woods. So, it seems to me that more than two decades after the premiere of The Fantasticks, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine were still being strongly influenced by its structure, either consciously or subliminally. This episode was recorded back in September of 2020 so there are a few references that are now out of date.  Original Episode Notes: As the 1950’s came to a close, Broadway Musicals were at the very center of American culture. Then in 1960, as if on cue, two immensely popular shows – The Fantasticks, and Bye, Bye Birdie – kick off the decade by foreshadowing several major changes in American culture that will dramatically affect the Broadway Musical, and by the end of the decade, leave its very future in doubt.  The brilliant creators profiled in this episode include Schmidt & Jones, Strouse & Adams, Michael Stewart, Gower Champion, Jerry Herman, and Bock & Harnick. As well as the string of classic musicals that bring the “Golden Age Of Broadway” to its climax — Oliver!; Stop The World I Want To Get Off; The Roar Of The Greasepaint And The Smell Of The Crowd, Man Of La Mancha; Fiddler On The Roof, and what I call the "Big Transgressive Lady" Shows – Hello, Dolly!, Sweet Charity, and Mame. If you enjoy BROADWAY NATION please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Celebrating 63 Years of THE FANTASTICKS full 2 Broadway Podcast Network And the Golden Age of Broadway, part 3 This is a special Encore episode of Broadway Nation in celebration of the 63rd Anniversary of the Off-Broadway musical phenomenon, The Fantasticks. That show opened at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village on May 3, 1960, and went on to play there for an incredible 42 years closing in January of 2002. Then four years later the show reopened at the Snapple Theater Center in Times Square where is ran another 11 years.  As you will hear, even though this show was performed off-Broadway, it had a significant impact and influence on the final decade of the Golden Age of Broadway and well beyond, right up to today.   For example, one thing that has always interested me, is that The Fantasticks ends its first act with a delirious happy ending and the entire cast posed in an iconic tableau. The second act then picks up with that exact same image, but the bloom is now definitely off the rose, or as Tom Jones’ lyric puts it, now the “plum is too ripe.” Act two then tells the story of what happens after happily ever after. Sound familiar? Yes, this is remarkably similar to what happens in both Sunday In the Park With George and Into The Woods. So, it seems to me that more than two decades after the premiere of The Fantasticks, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine were still being strongly influenced by its structure, either consciously or subliminally. This episode was recorded back in September of 2020 so there are a few references that are now out of date.  Original Episode Notes: As the 1950’s came to a close, Broadway Musicals were at the very center of American culture. Then in 1960, as if on cue, two immensely popular shows – The Fantasticks, and Bye, Bye Birdie – kick off the decade by foreshadowing several major changes in American culture that will dramatically affect the Broadway Musical, and by the end of the decade, leave its very future in doubt.  The brilliant creators profiled in this episode include Schmidt & Jones, Strouse & Adams, Michael Stewart, Gower Champion, Jerry Herman, and Bock & Harnick. As well as the string of classic musicals that bring the “Golden Age Of Broadway” to its climax — Oliver!; Stop The World I Want To Get Off; The Roar Of The Greasepaint And The Smell Of The Crowd, Man Of La Mancha; Fiddler On The Roof, and what I call the "Big Transgressive Lady" Shows – Hello, Dolly!, Sweet Charity, and Mame. If you enjoy BROADWAY NATION please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special Encore episode of Broadway Nation in celebration of the 63rd Anniversary of the Off-Broadway musical phenomenon, The Fantasticks.

That show opened at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village on May 3, 1960, and went on to play there for an incredible 42 years closing in January of 2002. Then four years later the show reopened at the Snapple Theater Center in Times Square where is ran another 11 years. 

As you will hear, even though this show was performed off-Broadway, it had a significant impact and influence on the final decade of the Golden Age of Broadway and well beyond, right up to today.  

For example, one thing that has always interested me, is that The Fantasticks ends its first act with a delirious happy ending and the entire cast posed in an iconic tableau. The second act then picks up with that exact same image, but the bloom is now definitely off the rose, or as Tom Jones’ lyric puts it, now the “plum is too ripe.” Act two then tells the story of what happens after happily ever after. Sound familiar? Yes, this is remarkably similar to what happens in both Sunday In the Park With George and Into The Woods. So, it seems to me that more than two decades after the premiere of The Fantasticks, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine were still being strongly influenced by its structure, either consciously or subliminally.

This episode was recorded back in September of 2020 so there are a few references that are now out of date. 

Original Episode Notes:

As the 1950’s came to a close, Broadway Musicals were at the very center of American culture.

Then in 1960, as if on cue, two immensely popular shows – The Fantasticks, and Bye, Bye Birdie – kick off the decade by foreshadowing several major changes in American culture that will dramatically affect the Broadway Musical, and by the end of the decade, leave its very future in doubt. 

The brilliant creators profiled in this episode include Schmidt & Jones, Strouse & Adams, Michael Stewart, Gower Champion, Jerry Herman, and Bock & Harnick.

As well as the string of classic musicals that bring the “Golden Age Of Broadway” to its climax — Oliver!; Stop The World I Want To Get Off; The Roar Of The Greasepaint And The Smell Of The Crowd, Man Of La Mancha; Fiddler On The Roof, and what I call the "Big Transgressive Lady" Shows – Hello, Dolly!, Sweet Charity, and Mame.

If you enjoy BROADWAY NATION please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2324 no Episode 106; ITAMAR MOSES — From THE BAND"S VISIT to AN AMERICAN TAIL My guest this week is playwright Itamar Moses, winner of the 2018 Tony Award for “Best Book of a Musical” for his beautiful work on the Tony Award winning “Best Musical”, The Band’s Visit.  His other theater work includes the plays Bach at Leipzig, The Four Of Us, Completeness, and The Whistleblower, and the musicals Nobody Loves You, and The Fortress of Solitude. He has also written for several acclaimed television series including Boardwalk Empire and The Affair. His current project, and the main subject of our conversation , is his new stage adaptation of the hit 1986 animated film, An American Tail, for which he has written the book and co-written the lyrics of the new songs. Performances began yesterday, April 26, at the Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis where it will play through June 18, 2023. As you will hear, in this episode Itamar Moses and I also discuss his own family and childhood connections to the story of An American Tail/; how he was came to be a playwright in the first place; the differences between writing plays and writing musicals, as well ad the many challenges of musical adaptation and much more! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Alejandro Membreno, Ellie Schaffer, and Judy Hucka.  If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions.  And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support!     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000 ITAMAR MOSES — From THE BAND"S VISIT to AN AMERICAN TAIL full 2 106 Broadway Podcast Network A Conversation with the TONY Award Winning Playwright My guest this week is playwright Itamar Moses, winner of the 2018 Tony Award for “Best Book of a Musical” for his beautiful work on the Tony Award winning “Best Musical”, The Band’s Visit.  His other theater work includes the plays Bach at Leipzig, The Four Of Us, Completeness, and The Whistleblower, and the musicals Nobody Loves You, and The Fortress of Solitude. He has also written for several acclaimed television series including Boardwalk Empire and The Affair. His current project, and the main subject of our conversation , is his new stage adaptation of the hit 1986 animated film, An American Tail, for which he has written the book and co-written the lyrics of the new songs. Performances began yesterday, April 26, at the Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis where it will play through June 18, 2023. As you will hear, in this episode Itamar Moses and I also discuss his own family and childhood connections to the story of An American Tail/; how he was came to be a playwright in the first place; the differences between writing plays and writing musicals, as well ad the many challenges of musical adaptation and much more! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Alejandro Membreno, Ellie Schaffer, and Judy Hucka.  If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions.  And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support!     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is playwright Itamar Moses, winner of the 2018 Tony Award for “Best Book of a Musical” for his beautiful work on the Tony Award winning “Best Musical”, The Band’s Visit. 

His other theater work includes the plays Bach at Leipzig, The Four Of Us, Completeness, and The Whistleblower, and the musicals Nobody Loves You, and The Fortress of Solitude. He has also written for several acclaimed television series including Boardwalk Empire and The Affair.

His current project, and the main subject of our conversation , is his new stage adaptation of the hit 1986 animated film, An American Tail, for which he has written the book and co-written the lyrics of the new songs. Performances began yesterday, April 26, at the Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis where it will play through June 18, 2023.

As you will hear, in this episode Itamar Moses and I also discuss his own family and childhood connections to the story of An American Tail/; how he was came to be a playwright in the first place; the differences between writing plays and writing musicals, as well ad the many challenges of musical adaptation and much more!

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Alejandro Membreno, Ellie Schaffer, and Judy Hucka. 

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions.  And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

 

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2783 no Episode 105: Two Degrees of George Abbott, The Abbott Touch, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second half of my conversation with Thomas Hischak whose new book is titled The Abbott Touch — Pal Joey, Damn Yankees and the Theatre of George Abbott. If you missed part one, you may want to catch up with the previous episode before listening to this one. George Abbott was a major force in the American Theater for more than 80 years. As an actor, director, playwright, and producer — and often several of those at the same time — he played a significant role in the creation of well over 100 Broadway plays and musicals including Jumbo, The Boys From Syracuse, On The Town, Where’s Charlie, Call Me Madam, The Pajama Game, Once Upon A Mattress and Fiorello to name only a few. Thomas Hischak is the author of more than 30 books about Broadway, Hollywood and popular music including Musical Misfires — three decades of Broadway Musical heartbreak, The Mikado to Matilda — British Musicals on the New York Stage, and the Tin Pan Alley Encyclopedia. At the end of our previous episode Thomas Hischak and I were just beginning a discussion of the remarkable list of Broadway greatest writers, directors and choreographers who were all in essence trained and mentored by Mr. Abbott including Rodgers & Hart, Comden, Green & Bernstein, Adler & Ross, Bock & Harnick, Kander & Ebb, Jerome Robbins and most especially, Harold Prince. We also explore his reputation as a "show doctor." We will never now how many shows he advised and "fixed" on their way to Broadway. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Patron Club members Kelly Allen, Roger Klorese, and Neil Hoyt. If you too would like to support the work of Broadway Nation I will have information at the end of this podcast about how you too can join the club. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Two Degrees of George Abbott, The Abbott Touch, part 2 full 2 105 Broadway Podcast Network With author Thomas Hischak This is the second half of my conversation with Thomas Hischak whose new book is titled The Abbott Touch — Pal Joey, Damn Yankees and the Theatre of George Abbott. If you missed part one, you may want to catch up with the previous episode before listening to this one. George Abbott was a major force in the American Theater for more than 80 years. As an actor, director, playwright, and producer — and often several of those at the same time — he played a significant role in the creation of well over 100 Broadway plays and musicals including Jumbo, The Boys From Syracuse, On The Town, Where’s Charlie, Call Me Madam, The Pajama Game, Once Upon A Mattress and Fiorello to name only a few. Thomas Hischak is the author of more than 30 books about Broadway, Hollywood and popular music including Musical Misfires — three decades of Broadway Musical heartbreak, The Mikado to Matilda — British Musicals on the New York Stage, and the Tin Pan Alley Encyclopedia. At the end of our previous episode Thomas Hischak and I were just beginning a discussion of the remarkable list of Broadway greatest writers, directors and choreographers who were all in essence trained and mentored by Mr. Abbott including Rodgers & Hart, Comden, Green & Bernstein, Adler & Ross, Bock & Harnick, Kander & Ebb, Jerome Robbins and most especially, Harold Prince. We also explore his reputation as a "show doctor." We will never now how many shows he advised and "fixed" on their way to Broadway. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Patron Club members Kelly Allen, Roger Klorese, and Neil Hoyt. If you too would like to support the work of Broadway Nation I will have information at the end of this podcast about how you too can join the club. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my conversation with Thomas Hischak whose new book is titled The Abbott Touch — Pal Joey, Damn Yankees and the Theatre of George Abbott.

If you missed part one, you may want to catch up with the previous episode before listening to this one.

George Abbott was a major force in the American Theater for more than 80 years. As an actor, director, playwright, and producer — and often several of those at the same time — he played a significant role in the creation of well over 100 Broadway plays and musicals including Jumbo, The Boys From Syracuse, On The Town, Where’s Charlie, Call Me Madam, The Pajama Game, Once Upon A Mattress and Fiorello to name only a few.

Thomas Hischak is the author of more than 30 books about Broadway, Hollywood and popular music including Musical Misfires — three decades of Broadway Musical heartbreak, The Mikado to Matilda — British Musicals on the New York Stage, and the Tin Pan Alley Encyclopedia.

At the end of our previous episode Thomas Hischak and I were just beginning a discussion of the remarkable list of Broadway greatest writers, directors and choreographers who were all in essence trained and mentored by Mr. Abbott including Rodgers & Hart, Comden, Green & Bernstein, Adler & Ross, Bock & Harnick, Kander & Ebb, Jerome Robbins and most especially, Harold Prince.

We also explore his reputation as a "show doctor." We will never now how many shows he advised and "fixed" on their way to Broadway.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Patron Club members Kelly Allen, Roger Klorese, and Neil Hoyt. If you too would like to support the work of Broadway Nation I will have information at the end of this podcast about how you too can join the club.

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2068 no Episode 104: The Abbott Touch — The Theatre of George Abbott, part 1. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is author Thomas Hischak whose new book is titled: The Abbott Touch — Pal Joey, Damn Yankees and the theatre of George Abbott. For more than 60 years — from 1913 to 1994 — George Abbott was a major force on Broadway. As an actor, director, playwright, bookwriter, play doctor, and producer he applied his famous "touch" to more than 100 plays and musicals from Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes to Stephen Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Remarkably, this is the first book to take a deep dive into Abbott’s work and career and to analyze what he did, how he worked, what he contributed, what innovations he brought to Broadway, and how he stayed at the top of his field for so long?  And, of course, the most fundamental question of all: What exactly was that famous “Abbott Touch”? Thomas Hischak is the author of more than 30 books about Broadway, Hollywood, and popular music including The Oxford Companion To The American Musical, The Rodgers & Hammerstein Encyclopedia, and Broadway Decoded: Musical Theatre’s Forgotten References. And as you will hear, he is a delight to talk to about Broadway! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000 The Abbott Touch — The Theatre of George Abbott, part 1. full 2 104 Broadway Podcast Network With author Thomas Hischak My guest this week is author Thomas Hischak whose new book is titled: The Abbott Touch — Pal Joey, Damn Yankees and the theatre of George Abbott. For more than 60 years — from 1913 to 1994 — George Abbott was a major force on Broadway. As an actor, director, playwright, bookwriter, play doctor, and producer he applied his famous "touch" to more than 100 plays and musicals from Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes to Stephen Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Remarkably, this is the first book to take a deep dive into Abbott’s work and career and to analyze what he did, how he worked, what he contributed, what innovations he brought to Broadway, and how he stayed at the top of his field for so long?  And, of course, the most fundamental question of all: What exactly was that famous “Abbott Touch”? Thomas Hischak is the author of more than 30 books about Broadway, Hollywood, and popular music including The Oxford Companion To The American Musical, The Rodgers & Hammerstein Encyclopedia, and Broadway Decoded: Musical Theatre’s Forgotten References. And as you will hear, he is a delight to talk to about Broadway! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is author Thomas Hischak whose new book is titled:

The Abbott Touch — Pal Joey, Damn Yankees and the theatre of George Abbott.

For more than 60 years — from 1913 to 1994 — George Abbott was a major force on Broadway. As an actor, director, playwright, bookwriter, play doctor, and producer he applied his famous "touch" to more than 100 plays and musicals from Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes to Stephen Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.

Remarkably, this is the first book to take a deep dive into Abbott’s work and career and to analyze what he did, how he worked, what he contributed, what innovations he brought to Broadway, and how he stayed at the top of his field for so long? 

And, of course, the most fundamental question of all: What exactly was that famous “Abbott Touch”?

Thomas Hischak is the author of more than 30 books about Broadway, Hollywood, and popular music including The Oxford Companion To The American Musical, The Rodgers & Hammerstein Encyclopedia, and Broadway Decoded: Musical Theatre’s Forgotten References.

And as you will hear, he is a delight to talk to about Broadway!

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2101 no Episode 103: More Scandalous Gertrude Hoffmann https://www.broadway-nation.com/  My guest again this week is Sunny Stalter-Pace whose fascinating new book is titled: Imitation Artist — Gertrude Hoffmann’s Life in Vaudeville and Dance. Choreographer, producer, director, and dancing star, Gertrude Hoffmann was a close colleague and key collaborator with neatly all the legendary figures of early Broadway including Florenz Ziegfeld, Oscar Hammerstein I, the Shubert Brothers, and George M. Cohan. But, unfortunately Gertrude Hoffmann has been left out of most of the history books, at least until this book came out.   On the last episode Sunny shared the story of Hoffmann’s journey from teenage dancing star in San Francisco, to her marriage to arranger and composer Max Hoffmann, and her early success in the roof garden theaters of New York where she become the first woman to receive billing for choreographing a Broadway musical.  As we left off, Gertrude’s star was rising and she was capitalizing on her skill for mimicry by doing impressions the greatest stars of her day, both female and male, and sometimes impersonating them in the same show with those stars. But it was her next venture that makes her one of the most famous women in America when she takes on the role of “Salome” and performs her scandalous dance of the seven veils. That’s where we pick up our conversation today.  As you will hear, following this “succès de scandale,” Gertrude Hoffman’s amazing career will include introducing the dances of the famed Ballet Russe to America (without their permission!), becoming a headlining vaudeville star, creating her own troupe of dancers —The Gertrude Hoffmann Girls — who become an international sensation, as well as starring in and/or choreographing a string of hit 1920’s Broadway musicals that include From Broadway to Paris, Artists & Models, A Night in Paris, and A Night In Spain. And as Sunny Stalter-Pace tells us her one of her legacies is to demonstrate that women were involved in the creation of the Broadway musical from the very beginning. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:26:00 -0000 More Scandalous Gertrude Hoffmann full 2 103 Broadway Podcast Network With author SUNNY STALTER-PACE  My guest again this week is Sunny Stalter-Pace whose fascinating new book is titled: Imitation Artist — Gertrude Hoffmann’s Life in Vaudeville and Dance. Choreographer, producer, director, and dancing star, Gertrude Hoffmann was a close colleague and key collaborator with neatly all the legendary figures of early Broadway including Florenz Ziegfeld, Oscar Hammerstein I, the Shubert Brothers, and George M. Cohan. But, unfortunately Gertrude Hoffmann has been left out of most of the history books, at least until this book came out.   On the last episode Sunny shared the story of Hoffmann’s journey from teenage dancing star in San Francisco, to her marriage to arranger and composer Max Hoffmann, and her early success in the roof garden theaters of New York where she become the first woman to receive billing for choreographing a Broadway musical.  As we left off, Gertrude’s star was rising and she was capitalizing on her skill for mimicry by doing impressions the greatest stars of her day, both female and male, and sometimes impersonating them in the same show with those stars. But it was her next venture that makes her one of the most famous women in America when she takes on the role of “Salome” and performs her scandalous dance of the seven veils. That’s where we pick up our conversation today.  As you will hear, following this “succès de scandale,” Gertrude Hoffman’s amazing career will include introducing the dances of the famed Ballet Russe to America (without their permission!), becoming a headlining vaudeville star, creating her own troupe of dancers —The Gertrude Hoffmann Girls — who become an international sensation, as well as starring in and/or choreographing a string of hit 1920’s Broadway musicals that include From Broadway to Paris, Artists & Models, A Night in Paris, and A Night In Spain. And as Sunny Stalter-Pace tells us her one of her legacies is to demonstrate that women were involved in the creation of the Broadway musical from the very beginning. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  My guest again this week is Sunny Stalter-Pace whose fascinating new book is titled:

Imitation Artist — Gertrude Hoffmann’s Life in Vaudeville and Dance.

Choreographer, producer, director, and dancing star, Gertrude Hoffmann was a close colleague and key collaborator with neatly all the legendary figures of early Broadway including Florenz Ziegfeld, Oscar Hammerstein I, the Shubert Brothers, and George M. Cohan. But, unfortunately Gertrude Hoffmann has been left out of most of the history books, at least until this book came out.  

On the last episode Sunny shared the story of Hoffmann’s journey from teenage dancing star in San Francisco, to her marriage to arranger and composer Max Hoffmann, and her early success in the roof garden theaters of New York where she become the first woman to receive billing for choreographing a Broadway musical. 

As we left off, Gertrude’s star was rising and she was capitalizing on her skill for mimicry by doing impressions the greatest stars of her day, both female and male, and sometimes impersonating them in the same show with those stars. But it was her next venture that makes her one of the most famous women in America when she takes on the role of “Salome” and performs her scandalous dance of the seven veils. That’s where we pick up our conversation today. 

As you will hear, following this “succès de scandale,” Gertrude Hoffman’s amazing career will include introducing the dances of the famed Ballet Russe to America (without their permission!), becoming a headlining vaudeville star, creating her own troupe of dancers —The Gertrude Hoffmann Girls — who become an international sensation, as well as starring in and/or choreographing a string of hit 1920’s Broadway musicals that include From Broadway to Paris, Artists & Models, A Night in Paris, and A Night In Spain.

And as Sunny Stalter-Pace tells us her one of her legacies is to demonstrate that women were involved in the creation of the Broadway musical from the very beginning.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2886 no Episode 102: The Scandalous Life & Career of GERTRUDE HOFFMANN https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is Sunny Stalter-Pace whose wonderful new book is titled: Imitation Artist — Gertrude Hoffmann’s Life in Vaudeville and Dance.  And I am happy to say that this book covers her life on Broadway as well.  As you will hear Gertrude Hoffmann is another of those dynamic women who played key roles in the invention of the Broadway Musical but unfortunately have mostly fallen out of the history books, and are nearly forgotten today. Not only was she a scandalous and transgressive Broadway dancing star, she was also a producer, writer, director, and the first woman to choreograph a Broadway show — or at least the first to be credited for doing so. Her world-famous troop of Gertrude Hoffman Girls established a template for Broadway dance ensembles that is still very much with us today.  Beyond Broadway her influence and innovations extend into the worlds of Ballet, Night Clubs, Vaudeville, and Modern Dance. In this episode Sunny shares with us how Gertrude Hoffmann grew up in the vibrant theatrical world of late 19th Century San Francisco, and became a noted performer there while still in her teens. Soon after, she joined a traveling show that takes her to NYC and met her soon to be husband — music director and composer, Max Hoffman, who goes on to compose music for 12 Broadway shows.   Gertrude Hoffmann was a trusted colleague and key collaborator with almost all the legendary figures of early Broadway including Florenz Ziegfeld, Oscar Hammerstein I, the Shubert Brothers, and George M. Cohan. She also mentored, collaborated with and/or feuded with many of the biggest stars of the era including The Dolly Sisters, Charlotte Greenwood, Eva Tanguay, and Anna Held. Sunny Stalter-Pace is an Associate Professor of American Literature at Auburn University, and it is my great pleasure to join with her to give some long overdue recognition to this important figure in the development of early 20th century show business. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Mar 2023 06:40:00 -0000 The Scandalous Life & Career of GERTRUDE HOFFMANN full 2 102 Broadway Podcast Network With author SUNNY STALTER-PACE My guest this week is Sunny Stalter-Pace whose wonderful new book is titled: Imitation Artist — Gertrude Hoffmann’s Life in Vaudeville and Dance.  And I am happy to say that this book covers her life on Broadway as well.  As you will hear Gertrude Hoffmann is another of those dynamic women who played key roles in the invention of the Broadway Musical but unfortunately have mostly fallen out of the history books, and are nearly forgotten today. Not only was she a scandalous and transgressive Broadway dancing star, she was also a producer, writer, director, and the first woman to choreograph a Broadway show — or at least the first to be credited for doing so. Her world-famous troop of Gertrude Hoffman Girls established a template for Broadway dance ensembles that is still very much with us today.  Beyond Broadway her influence and innovations extend into the worlds of Ballet, Night Clubs, Vaudeville, and Modern Dance. In this episode Sunny shares with us how Gertrude Hoffmann grew up in the vibrant theatrical world of late 19th Century San Francisco, and became a noted performer there while still in her teens. Soon after, she joined a traveling show that takes her to NYC and met her soon to be husband — music director and composer, Max Hoffman, who goes on to compose music for 12 Broadway shows.   Gertrude Hoffmann was a trusted colleague and key collaborator with almost all the legendary figures of early Broadway including Florenz Ziegfeld, Oscar Hammerstein I, the Shubert Brothers, and George M. Cohan. She also mentored, collaborated with and/or feuded with many of the biggest stars of the era including The Dolly Sisters, Charlotte Greenwood, Eva Tanguay, and Anna Held. Sunny Stalter-Pace is an Associate Professor of American Literature at Auburn University, and it is my great pleasure to join with her to give some long overdue recognition to this important figure in the development of early 20th century show business. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is Sunny Stalter-Pace whose wonderful new book is titled:

Imitation Artist — Gertrude Hoffmann’s Life in Vaudeville and Dance. 

And I am happy to say that this book covers her life on Broadway as well. 

As you will hear Gertrude Hoffmann is another of those dynamic women who played key roles in the invention of the Broadway Musical but unfortunately have mostly fallen out of the history books, and are nearly forgotten today.

Not only was she a scandalous and transgressive Broadway dancing star, she was also a producer, writer, director, and the first woman to choreograph a Broadway show — or at least the first to be credited for doing so. Her world-famous troop of Gertrude Hoffman Girls established a template for Broadway dance ensembles that is still very much with us today. 

Beyond Broadway her influence and innovations extend into the worlds of Ballet, Night Clubs, Vaudeville, and Modern Dance.

In this episode Sunny shares with us how Gertrude Hoffmann grew up in the vibrant theatrical world of late 19th Century San Francisco, and became a noted performer there while still in her teens. Soon after, she joined a traveling show that takes her to NYC and met her soon to be husband — music director and composer, Max Hoffman, who goes on to compose music for 12 Broadway shows.  

Gertrude Hoffmann was a trusted colleague and key collaborator with almost all the legendary figures of early Broadway including Florenz Ziegfeld, Oscar Hammerstein I, the Shubert Brothers, and George M. Cohan. She also mentored, collaborated with and/or feuded with many of the biggest stars of the era including The Dolly Sisters, Charlotte Greenwood, Eva Tanguay, and Anna Held.

Sunny Stalter-Pace is an Associate Professor of American Literature at Auburn University, and it is my great pleasure to join with her to give some long overdue recognition to this important figure in the development of early 20th century show business.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3019 no Episode 101: Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL, part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third and final part of my conversation with author, Barry Kester whose new book is titled, Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL. (If you missed either of the previous two episodes you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. ) First we focus on Carousel’s most famous song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and explore the extraordinary impact it’s had on the world. Then Barry and I discuss the movie version of Carousel, including why many people view it as the least successful of the Rodgers & Hammerstein film adaptations. We also discuss the groundbreaking 1993 UK National Theatre production that transferred to Broadway and introduced and revitalized the show for a new generation of fans, including Barry Kester who became so enamored by the musical that eventually he wrote this book about it. Finally, we also delve into Carousel's difficult and controversial subject matter that often makes it challenging to stage in the 21st Century. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL, part 3 full 2 101 Broadway Podcast Network With author Barry Kester This is the third and final part of my conversation with author, Barry Kester whose new book is titled, Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL. (If you missed either of the previous two episodes you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. ) First we focus on Carousel’s most famous song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and explore the extraordinary impact it’s had on the world. Then Barry and I discuss the movie version of Carousel, including why many people view it as the least successful of the Rodgers & Hammerstein film adaptations. We also discuss the groundbreaking 1993 UK National Theatre production that transferred to Broadway and introduced and revitalized the show for a new generation of fans, including Barry Kester who became so enamored by the musical that eventually he wrote this book about it. Finally, we also delve into Carousel's difficult and controversial subject matter that often makes it challenging to stage in the 21st Century. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third and final part of my conversation with author, Barry Kester whose new book is titled, Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL.

(If you missed either of the previous two episodes you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. )

First we focus on Carousel’s most famous song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and explore the extraordinary impact it’s had on the world. Then Barry and I discuss the movie version of Carousel, including why many people view it as the least successful of the Rodgers & Hammerstein film adaptations. We also discuss the groundbreaking 1993 UK National Theatre production that transferred to Broadway and introduced and revitalized the show for a new generation of fans, including Barry Kester who became so enamored by the musical that eventually he wrote this book about it. Finally, we also delve into Carousel's difficult and controversial subject matter that often makes it challenging to stage in the 21st Century.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2256 no Episode 99: ROUND IN CIRCLES, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my conversation with author Barry Kester whose fascinating new book is titled: Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL. Last week we focused on the three people most responsible for the creation of CAROUSEL — Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers, and the dynamic producer Theresa Helburn, whose vision and obsession it was to turn Ferenc Molnar’s play Liliom into a musical.   This week Barry takes us behind the scenes of CAROUSEL’s rehearsal period and it’s rocky out-of-town tryout including its very first performance in New Haven where the show ran more than four hours long! Along the way we have the opportunity to focus on the other key members of Carousel’s creative team — choreographer Agnes De Mille, director Rouben Mamoulian, dance arranger Trude Rittmann, and orchestrator Don Walker — all of whom were crucial in helping Rodgers & Hammerstein turn what could have been a disaster into one of the landmark musicals of the “Golden Age of Broadway.”  If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that episode before listening to this one. This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Patron Club Members: Roger Kloresse, Elizabeth Troxler and Chris Moad.  Thank you all! How to become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000 ROUND IN CIRCLES, part 2 full 2 99 Broadway Podcast Network The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL with author Barry Kester This is the second part of my conversation with author Barry Kester whose fascinating new book is titled: Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL. Last week we focused on the three people most responsible for the creation of CAROUSEL — Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers, and the dynamic producer Theresa Helburn, whose vision and obsession it was to turn Ferenc Molnar’s play Liliom into a musical.   This week Barry takes us behind the scenes of CAROUSEL’s rehearsal period and it’s rocky out-of-town tryout including its very first performance in New Haven where the show ran more than four hours long! Along the way we have the opportunity to focus on the other key members of Carousel’s creative team — choreographer Agnes De Mille, director Rouben Mamoulian, dance arranger Trude Rittmann, and orchestrator Don Walker — all of whom were crucial in helping Rodgers & Hammerstein turn what could have been a disaster into one of the landmark musicals of the “Golden Age of Broadway.”  If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that episode before listening to this one. This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Patron Club Members: Roger Kloresse, Elizabeth Troxler and Chris Moad.  Thank you all! How to become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my conversation with author Barry Kester whose fascinating new book is titled: Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL.

Last week we focused on the three people most responsible for the creation of CAROUSEL — Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers, and the dynamic producer Theresa Helburn, whose vision and obsession it was to turn Ferenc Molnar’s play Liliom into a musical. 

 This week Barry takes us behind the scenes of CAROUSEL’s rehearsal period and it’s rocky out-of-town tryout including its very first performance in New Haven where the show ran more than four hours long! Along the way we have the opportunity to focus on the other key members of Carousel’s creative team — choreographer Agnes De Mille, director Rouben Mamoulian, dance arranger Trude Rittmann, and orchestrator Don Walker — all of whom were crucial in helping Rodgers & Hammerstein turn what could have been a disaster into one of the landmark musicals of the “Golden Age of Broadway.” 

If you missed part one you may want to catch up with that episode before listening to this one.

This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Patron Club Members:

Roger Kloresse, Elizabeth Troxler and Chris Moad. 

Thank you all!

How to become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1711 no Episode 98: Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest on Broadway Nation this week is Barry Kester, author of the fascinating new book: Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL. I thought I knew a lot about Carousel — and in fact Albert Evans and I have previously devoted several previous episodes to that show and its truly groundbreaking innovations. However, we both found this book to be filled with new information, new discoveries, and new insights.    Based on his exemplary research, Barry Kester takes us deep inside Rodgers & Hammerstein’s creative process as they endevour to transform Ferenc Molnar’s dark, fantastical play, Liliom, into their second Broadway musical collaboration, which they know will be compared to their first show, Oklahoma!, which had become the most successful Broadway Musical of all time and was still going strong! So, they consciously set out to do something very different.   At the center of this story is a dynamic woman, producer Theresa Helborn, who was the inspiring, driving force behind the show. In fact, without Helborn there would have been no Carousel or Oklahoma! This is the first of three episodes in which Barry will share with us not only these fascinating stories but also his own unlikely and surprising tale of how he came to write this book. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Mar 2023 07:35:00 -0000 Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL full 2 98 Broadway Podcast Network With author Barry Kester My guest on Broadway Nation this week is Barry Kester, author of the fascinating new book: Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL. I thought I knew a lot about Carousel — and in fact Albert Evans and I have previously devoted several previous episodes to that show and its truly groundbreaking innovations. However, we both found this book to be filled with new information, new discoveries, and new insights.    Based on his exemplary research, Barry Kester takes us deep inside Rodgers & Hammerstein’s creative process as they endevour to transform Ferenc Molnar’s dark, fantastical play, Liliom, into their second Broadway musical collaboration, which they know will be compared to their first show, Oklahoma!, which had become the most successful Broadway Musical of all time and was still going strong! So, they consciously set out to do something very different.   At the center of this story is a dynamic woman, producer Theresa Helborn, who was the inspiring, driving force behind the show. In fact, without Helborn there would have been no Carousel or Oklahoma! This is the first of three episodes in which Barry will share with us not only these fascinating stories but also his own unlikely and surprising tale of how he came to write this book. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest on Broadway Nation this week is Barry Kester, author of the fascinating new book:

Round In Circles — The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL.

I thought I knew a lot about Carousel — and in fact Albert Evans and I have previously devoted several previous episodes to that show and its truly groundbreaking innovations. However, we both found this book to be filled with new information, new discoveries, and new insights.   

Based on his exemplary research, Barry Kester takes us deep inside Rodgers & Hammerstein’s creative process as they endevour to transform Ferenc Molnar’s dark, fantastical play, Liliom, into their second Broadway musical collaboration, which they know will be compared to their first show, Oklahoma!, which had become the most successful Broadway Musical of all time and was still going strong! So, they consciously set out to do something very different.  

At the center of this story is a dynamic woman, producer Theresa Helborn, who was the inspiring, driving force behind the show. In fact, without Helborn there would have been no Carousel or Oklahoma!

This is the first of three episodes in which Barry will share with us not only these fascinating stories but also his own unlikely and surprising tale of how he came to write this book.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2686 no Special Bonus Encore Episode: When Broadway Was Black, part Two! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special bonus Encore episode of Broadway Nation in celebration of the rerelease of the book formerly known as Footnotes and now retitled When Broadway Was Black — The Triumphant Story of The All Black Musical That Changed The World.   In the first segment you will hear part of my very recent conversation with author Caseen Gains all about this new retitled and updated version of his fascinating history of the 1921 musical Shuffle Along! Then you’ll hear the second part of my original discussion with him recorded back when the book first came out.  And if you missed it you can hear the first half of both of those conversations on the previous episode of Broadway Nation. One final note: If you live in NY or are going to be there on May 22nd you can join Caseen at 54 Below for a special event he is producing called: 54 Sings Shuffle Along! Featuring an all-star cast of performers. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 26 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000 When Broadway Was Black, part Two! full 2 Broadway Podcast Network With author Caseen Gaines This is a special bonus Encore episode of Broadway Nation in celebration of the rerelease of the book formerly known as Footnotes and now retitled When Broadway Was Black — The Triumphant Story of The All Black Musical That Changed The World.   In the first segment you will hear part of my very recent conversation with author Caseen Gains all about this new retitled and updated version of his fascinating history of the 1921 musical Shuffle Along! Then you’ll hear the second part of my original discussion with him recorded back when the book first came out.  And if you missed it you can hear the first half of both of those conversations on the previous episode of Broadway Nation. One final note: If you live in NY or are going to be there on May 22nd you can join Caseen at 54 Below for a special event he is producing called: 54 Sings Shuffle Along! Featuring an all-star cast of performers. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special bonus Encore episode of Broadway Nation in celebration of the rerelease of the book formerly known as Footnotes and now retitled When Broadway Was Black — The Triumphant Story of The All Black Musical That Changed The World.  

In the first segment you will hear part of my very recent conversation with author Caseen Gains all about this new retitled and updated version of his fascinating history of the 1921 musical Shuffle Along! Then you’ll hear the second part of my original discussion with him recorded back when the book first came out. 

And if you missed it you can hear the first half of both of those conversations on the previous episode of Broadway Nation.

One final note: If you live in NY or are going to be there on May 22nd you can join Caseen at 54 Below for a special event he is producing called: 54 Sings Shuffle Along! Featuring an all-star cast of performers.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2746 no Encore Episode: When Broadway Was Black! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special Encore edition of Broadway Nation.  In the fall of 2021, I devoted two episodes to the remarkable book Footnotes by Caseen Gaines which was published to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the landmark musical Shuffle Along. Now that book has just been rereleased in paperback and retitled, When Broadway Was Black — The Triumphant Story of The All Black Musical That Changed The World. So, this seemed like the perfect time to rerelease those episodes, and just like Cassen has done with his book, to include some new and updated content. First you will hear a segment of a discussion I had just last week with Caseen about this rerelease of his book, and then the first half of our original conversation.  I’ll be releasing part two with even more new content as a bonus episode this coming Sunday.   Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000 When Broadway Was Black! full 2 Broadway Podcast Network With author Caseen Gaines This is a special Encore edition of Broadway Nation.  In the fall of 2021, I devoted two episodes to the remarkable book Footnotes by Caseen Gaines which was published to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the landmark musical Shuffle Along. Now that book has just been rereleased in paperback and retitled, When Broadway Was Black — The Triumphant Story of The All Black Musical That Changed The World. So, this seemed like the perfect time to rerelease those episodes, and just like Cassen has done with his book, to include some new and updated content. First you will hear a segment of a discussion I had just last week with Caseen about this rerelease of his book, and then the first half of our original conversation.  I’ll be releasing part two with even more new content as a bonus episode this coming Sunday.   Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special Encore edition of Broadway Nation. 

In the fall of 2021, I devoted two episodes to the remarkable book Footnotes by Caseen Gaines which was published to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the landmark musical Shuffle Along. Now that book has just been rereleased in paperback and retitled, When Broadway Was Black — The Triumphant Story of The All Black Musical That Changed The World. So, this seemed like the perfect time to rerelease those episodes, and just like Cassen has done with his book, to include some new and updated content.

First you will hear a segment of a discussion I had just last week with Caseen about this rerelease of his book, and then the first half of our original conversation. 

I’ll be releasing part two with even more new content as a bonus episode this coming Sunday.  

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2379 no Episode: 97: Coming Out Of The Dark — A Conversation with Sheldon Epps, part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest again today is director Sheldon Epps, and this is the third and final part of our recent conversation about his long and successful career as he relates it in his new book: My Own Directions — A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre. If you missed the previous episodes it may be helpful to listen to those before joining us for this one. In 1997 when Sheldon was appointed the Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse he became the first black person to lead a major theater company in Southern California and one of the only three artists of color to hold that position nationwide. And as he writes in his book, “in the words of a song from Hallelujah, Baby! being good wasn’t going to be good enough. Aiming for greatness was required as there were those who were there to support that goal, and there were others who most certainly were waiting for me to fail.” In the last episode Sheldon shared with us how he met the many challenges of revitalizing what at the time was a somewhat faded theater company and successfully transforming both its audience and its Artistic Mission. And he was able to accomplish all of that despite the severe financial challenges that the Playhouse faced mostly due to a large loan that had be taken out decades earlier. As we ended that episode Sheldon was telling us how those economic problems finally became so overwhelming that it was decided that the Playhouse needed to close down for a time and take what Sheldon called an “Intermission” so that that the debt issues could be addressed. But it was not at all clear to him or anyone else if the PP’s curtain would ever go up on a second act.  And that’s where we pick up our conversation today.   Later in the episode we have what I think is a very illuminating discussion about the challenges that Artistic Directors now face, especially in regard to the way that Boards of Trustees of non-profit theater companies have changed over the last 25 years. It 's my favorite part of the episode. And we also discuss Sheldon's all black production Kiss Me Kate, and his Broadway musical Play On!, which took Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and reset it in Harlem in the 1930's using the the songs of Duke Ellington. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of"Producer Level” Patron TRACY WELLENS If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. Special thanks to our newest PATRON: ALEJANDRO MEMBRENO And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Coming Out Of The Dark — A Conversation with Sheldon Epps, part 3 full 2 97 Broadway Podcast Network Author of "My Own Story — A Black Man's Journey in the American Theatre" My guest again today is director Sheldon Epps, and this is the third and final part of our recent conversation about his long and successful career as he relates it in his new book: My Own Directions — A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre. If you missed the previous episodes it may be helpful to listen to those before joining us for this one. In 1997 when Sheldon was appointed the Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse he became the first black person to lead a major theater company in Southern California and one of the only three artists of color to hold that position nationwide. And as he writes in his book, “in the words of a song from Hallelujah, Baby! being good wasn’t going to be good enough. Aiming for greatness was required as there were those who were there to support that goal, and there were others who most certainly were waiting for me to fail.” In the last episode Sheldon shared with us how he met the many challenges of revitalizing what at the time was a somewhat faded theater company and successfully transforming both its audience and its Artistic Mission. And he was able to accomplish all of that despite the severe financial challenges that the Playhouse faced mostly due to a large loan that had be taken out decades earlier. As we ended that episode Sheldon was telling us how those economic problems finally became so overwhelming that it was decided that the Playhouse needed to close down for a time and take what Sheldon called an “Intermission” so that that the debt issues could be addressed. But it was not at all clear to him or anyone else if the PP’s curtain would ever go up on a second act.  And that’s where we pick up our conversation today.   Later in the episode we have what I think is a very illuminating discussion about the challenges that Artistic Directors now face, especially in regard to the way that Boards of Trustees of non-profit theater companies have changed over the last 25 years. It 's my favorite part of the episode. And we also discuss Sheldon's all black production Kiss Me Kate, and his Broadway musical Play On!, which took Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and reset it in Harlem in the 1930's using the the songs of Duke Ellington. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of"Producer Level” Patron TRACY WELLENS If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. Special thanks to our newest PATRON: ALEJANDRO MEMBRENO And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest again today is director Sheldon Epps, and this is the third and final part of our recent conversation about his long and successful career as he relates it in his new book:

My Own Directions — A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre.

If you missed the previous episodes it may be helpful to listen to those before joining us for this one.

In 1997 when Sheldon was appointed the Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse he became the first black person to lead a major theater company in Southern California and one of the only three artists of color to hold that position nationwide. And as he writes in his book, “in the words of a song from Hallelujah, Baby! being good wasn’t going to be good enough. Aiming for greatness was required as there were those who were there to support that goal, and there were others who most certainly were waiting for me to fail.”

In the last episode Sheldon shared with us how he met the many challenges of revitalizing what at the time was a somewhat faded theater company and successfully transforming both its audience and its Artistic Mission. And he was able to accomplish all of that despite the severe financial challenges that the Playhouse faced mostly due to a large loan that had be taken out decades earlier. As we ended that episode Sheldon was telling us how those economic problems finally became so overwhelming that it was decided that the Playhouse needed to close down for a time and take what Sheldon called an “Intermission” so that that the debt issues could be addressed. But it was not at all clear to him or anyone else if the PP’s curtain would ever go up on a second act.  And that’s where we pick up our conversation today.  

Later in the episode we have what I think is a very illuminating discussion about the challenges that Artistic Directors now face, especially in regard to the way that Boards of Trustees of non-profit theater companies have changed over the last 25 years. It 's my favorite part of the episode.

And we also discuss Sheldon's all black production Kiss Me Kate, and his Broadway musical Play On!, which took Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and reset it in Harlem in the 1930's using the the songs of Duke Ellington.

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of"Producer Level” Patron

TRACY WELLENS

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

Special thanks to our newest PATRON:

ALEJANDRO MEMBRENO

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1998 no Episode 96: How To Transform An American Theatre https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my conversation with director Sheldon Epps whose very engaging new book is titled: My Own Directions — A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre. This week we follow Epps’ journey as it takes him from New York to California, first to the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego to his appointment as Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse which makes him the first black person to lead a major theater company in Southern California, and one of the only three artists of color to hold that position nationwide.  As you will hear, both this week and next, Epps’ two decades at the Pasadena Playhouse are packed with high drama, both on and off the stage, including artistic triumphs, financial disasters, and both subtle and overt racism. However, during his tenure the Playhouse is radically transformed and reinvigorated by his leadership.  One of the highlights of the book and this episode is an unbelievable but absolutely true story involving Epps first visit to the Pasadena Playhouse and the legendary black star Ethel Waters! I also enjoyed our discussion of the certain amount of arrogance that is needed to be an Artistic Director. As Sheldon once told a Playhouse Board Member, “If you ever have an Artistic Director who is not a bit arrogant — fire them!” Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of"Producer Level” Patron ROBERT BRAUN If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. Special thanks to our newest PATRONS: Ruth Oberg Juan J. Neumeister and Kelly Allen And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000 How To Transform An American Theatre full 2 96 Broadway Podcast Network With Sheldon Epps, author of "My Own Directions - A Black Man's Journey in the American Theatre" This is the second part of my conversation with director Sheldon Epps whose very engaging new book is titled: My Own Directions — A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre. This week we follow Epps’ journey as it takes him from New York to California, first to the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego to his appointment as Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse which makes him the first black person to lead a major theater company in Southern California, and one of the only three artists of color to hold that position nationwide.  As you will hear, both this week and next, Epps’ two decades at the Pasadena Playhouse are packed with high drama, both on and off the stage, including artistic triumphs, financial disasters, and both subtle and overt racism. However, during his tenure the Playhouse is radically transformed and reinvigorated by his leadership.  One of the highlights of the book and this episode is an unbelievable but absolutely true story involving Epps first visit to the Pasadena Playhouse and the legendary black star Ethel Waters! I also enjoyed our discussion of the certain amount of arrogance that is needed to be an Artistic Director. As Sheldon once told a Playhouse Board Member, “If you ever have an Artistic Director who is not a bit arrogant — fire them!” Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of"Producer Level” Patron ROBERT BRAUN If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. Special thanks to our newest PATRONS: Ruth Oberg Juan J. Neumeister and Kelly Allen And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my conversation with director Sheldon Epps whose very engaging new book is titled: My Own Directions — A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre.

This week we follow Epps’ journey as it takes him from New York to California, first to the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego to his appointment as Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse which makes him the first black person to lead a major theater company in Southern California, and one of the only three artists of color to hold that position nationwide. 

As you will hear, both this week and next, Epps’ two decades at the Pasadena Playhouse are packed with high drama, both on and off the stage, including artistic triumphs, financial disasters, and both subtle and overt racism. However, during his tenure the Playhouse is radically transformed and reinvigorated by his leadership. 

One of the highlights of the book and this episode is an unbelievable but absolutely true story involving Epps first visit to the Pasadena Playhouse and the legendary black star Ethel Waters!

I also enjoyed our discussion of the certain amount of arrogance that is needed to be an Artistic Director. As Sheldon once told a Playhouse Board Member, “If you ever have an Artistic Director who is not a bit arrogant — fire them!”

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of"Producer Level” Patron

ROBERT BRAUN

If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

Special thanks to our newest PATRONS:

Ruth Oberg

Juan J. Neumeister

and

Kelly Allen

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits.

If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you in advance for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2129 no Episode 95: A Black Man's Journey In The American Theatre https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is Sheldon Epps whose new book is titled, My Own Directions — A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre. There he shares the story of his long and successful career during which he has often been “the first”, “one of the few”, or even “the only” person of color to reach various levels of achievement in the world of theater.  At the center of the book are the two decades Epps served as "Artistic Director" of The Pasadena Playhouse, one of the oldest and most well-known regional theaters in America, and at the time Sheldon took that job, it was also one the whitest! How he met the many challenges of revitalizing that somewhat faded theater company and transforming both its audience and its artistic vision could not be more instructive at a time when theater companies nationwide are struggling with many of these same issues. This is the first of three episode in which you will hear about Sheldon’s very prolific freelance directing career Off-Broadway and at theaters across the country, as well as the two hit musicals he created — Blues In the Night and Play On! — that took him to Broadway, London’s West End and around the world.   Today we will start at the beginning of his story with his childhood in Teaneck, NJ, the inspiration he received from the Broadway musicals of the 1960s and 70s, and the remarkable roles he played in high school. Then we follow his intense acting training at Carnegie Mellon University, his professional debut in multiple productions of Jaques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris, and the co-founding of his own Off-Broadway theater company, The Production Company, where Blues In The Night had its premiere. This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of "Producer Level” Patrons PAULA and STEVE REYNOLDS If you too would like to support Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits. To receive all of these exclusive member benefits – just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you so much for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000 A Black Man's Journey In The American Theatre full 2 95 Broadway Podcast Network With Sheldon Epps, author of My Own Directions My guest today is Sheldon Epps whose new book is titled, My Own Directions — A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre. There he shares the story of his long and successful career during which he has often been “the first”, “one of the few”, or even “the only” person of color to reach various levels of achievement in the world of theater.  At the center of the book are the two decades Epps served as "Artistic Director" of The Pasadena Playhouse, one of the oldest and most well-known regional theaters in America, and at the time Sheldon took that job, it was also one the whitest! How he met the many challenges of revitalizing that somewhat faded theater company and transforming both its audience and its artistic vision could not be more instructive at a time when theater companies nationwide are struggling with many of these same issues. This is the first of three episode in which you will hear about Sheldon’s very prolific freelance directing career Off-Broadway and at theaters across the country, as well as the two hit musicals he created — Blues In the Night and Play On! — that took him to Broadway, London’s West End and around the world.   Today we will start at the beginning of his story with his childhood in Teaneck, NJ, the inspiration he received from the Broadway musicals of the 1960s and 70s, and the remarkable roles he played in high school. Then we follow his intense acting training at Carnegie Mellon University, his professional debut in multiple productions of Jaques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris, and the co-founding of his own Off-Broadway theater company, The Production Company, where Blues In The Night had its premiere. This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of "Producer Level” Patrons PAULA and STEVE REYNOLDS If you too would like to support Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits. To receive all of these exclusive member benefits – just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you so much for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is Sheldon Epps whose new book is titled, My Own Directions — A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre.

There he shares the story of his long and successful career during which he has often been “the first”, “one of the few”, or even “the only” person of color to reach various levels of achievement in the world of theater. 

At the center of the book are the two decades Epps served as "Artistic Director" of The Pasadena Playhouse, one of the oldest and most well-known regional theaters in America, and at the time Sheldon took that job, it was also one the whitest! How he met the many challenges of revitalizing that somewhat faded theater company and transforming both its audience and its artistic vision could not be more instructive at a time when theater companies nationwide are struggling with many of these same issues.

This is the first of three episode in which you will hear about Sheldon’s very prolific freelance directing career Off-Broadway and at theaters across the country, as well as the two hit musicals he created — Blues In the Night and Play On! — that took him to Broadway, London’s West End and around the world.  

Today we will start at the beginning of his story with his childhood in Teaneck, NJ, the inspiration he received from the Broadway musicals of the 1960s and 70s, and the remarkable roles he played in high school. Then we follow his intense acting training at Carnegie Mellon University, his professional debut in multiple productions of Jaques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris, and the co-founding of his own Off-Broadway theater company, The Production Company, where Blues In The Night had its premiere.

This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of

"Producer Level” Patrons PAULA and STEVE REYNOLDS

If you too would like to support Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON!

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits.

To receive all of these exclusive member benefits – just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you so much for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2434 no Episode 94: More On The Life of MARY RODGERS https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Today’s episode is the second half of my conversation with JESSE GREEN, author of the New York Times best seller SHY: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers — undoubtably the most talked about theater book in years! Last week Jesse shared with us how Mary Rodgers selected him to tell her remarkable story — from her childhood growing up surrounded by the brightest lights of the Golden Age of Broadway, but always yearning for love and attention from her father, Richard Rodgers, of Rodgers & Hammerstein — to her teenage years struggling to get out from under the thumb of her very disapproving mother, Dorothy. Today we look at the work and career of Mary Rodgers, including how as a working mother raising six children was not only able to become a successful Broadway composer in her own right (Once Upon A Mattress and The Mad Show), she was then able to reinvent herself and become a best-selling author (Freaky Friday), and eventually the Chair of the Board of The Julliard School. It's a captivating book, and Jesse was a fascinating guest! Enjoy! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous contributions of our Patron Level members: GARY FULLER & RANDY EVERETT.   If you too would like to support Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON. For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits. To support the show and receive all of these exclusive member benefits – please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you so much for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000 More On The Life of MARY RODGERS full 2 94 Broadway Podcast Network With JESSE GREEN, author of SHY - The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs Of Mary Rodgers Today’s episode is the second half of my conversation with JESSE GREEN, author of the New York Times best seller SHY: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers — undoubtably the most talked about theater book in years! Last week Jesse shared with us how Mary Rodgers selected him to tell her remarkable story — from her childhood growing up surrounded by the brightest lights of the Golden Age of Broadway, but always yearning for love and attention from her father, Richard Rodgers, of Rodgers & Hammerstein — to her teenage years struggling to get out from under the thumb of her very disapproving mother, Dorothy. Today we look at the work and career of Mary Rodgers, including how as a working mother raising six children was not only able to become a successful Broadway composer in her own right (Once Upon A Mattress and The Mad Show), she was then able to reinvent herself and become a best-selling author (Freaky Friday), and eventually the Chair of the Board of The Julliard School. It's a captivating book, and Jesse was a fascinating guest! Enjoy! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous contributions of our Patron Level members: GARY FULLER & RANDY EVERETT.   If you too would like to support Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON. For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits. To support the show and receive all of these exclusive member benefits – please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you so much for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today’s episode is the second half of my conversation with JESSE GREEN, author of the New York Times best seller SHY: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers — undoubtably the most talked about theater book in years!

Last week Jesse shared with us how Mary Rodgers selected him to tell her remarkable story — from her childhood growing up surrounded by the brightest lights of the Golden Age of Broadway, but always yearning for love and attention from her father, Richard Rodgers, of Rodgers & Hammerstein — to her teenage years struggling to get out from under the thumb of her very disapproving mother, Dorothy.

Today we look at the work and career of Mary Rodgers, including how as a working mother raising six children was not only able to become a successful Broadway composer in her own right (Once Upon A Mattress and The Mad Show), she was then able to reinvent herself and become a best-selling author (Freaky Friday), and eventually the Chair of the Board of The Julliard School.

It's a captivating book, and Jesse was a fascinating guest! Enjoy!

Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation!

This episode is made possible in part by the generous contributions of our Patron Level members:

GARY FULLER & RANDY EVERETT.  

If you too would like to support Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON.

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits.

To support the show and receive all of these exclusive member benefits – please just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

Thank you so much for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1607 no Episode 93: "Under Richard Rodgers Piano" — A Conversation with JESSE GREEN https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is Jesse Green who, in addition to being the Chief Theatre Critic for the New York Times, is the author of the most acclaimed and talked about theater book in recent memory – SHY: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers. This is the first of two episodes in which Jesse Green shares with us the story of how Mary Rodgers selected him to tell her remarkable, sometime harrowing, and ultimately inspiring story, and how he was able to perfectly capture her unique voice so perfectly, aas well as her bold and unwaveringly candid view of herself. Mary Rodgers grew up in the icy shadow of her father, the legendary Broadway composer, Richard Rodgers, and her disapproving mother, Dorothy. As she reached adulthood her closest friends, colleagues, and romantic partners were Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Martin Charnin, and Arthur Laurents. Somehow, she became not just a highly successful Broadway composer in her own right­ — most notably with her score for the Broadway and television hit Once Upon a Mattress — but also a renowned author of books for young people including the classic Freaky Friday. There is a reason that this book has become a bestseller, and received so much attention, and it’s not just because it’s filed with sometimes juicy gossip about many of the leading lights and minor players of the Golden Age Broadway. No, at its heart, this is the story of a woman who struggles, and I think ultimately succeeds, in liberating herself from disapproving parents, rampant sexism, and her own fears and insecurities as she journeys to discover art, romance and family on her own terms. Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club If you love this podcast, I invite you to become a Patron of the show by joining the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club".  For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits. To become one the very first members of the Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club and receive all of these exclusive member benefits – just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/  Thank you so much for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000 "Under Richard Rodgers Piano" — A Conversation with JESSE GREEN full 2 93 Broadway Podcast Network Author of "SHY — The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs Of Mary Rodgers" My guest today is Jesse Green who, in addition to being the Chief Theatre Critic for the New York Times, is the author of the most acclaimed and talked about theater book in recent memory – SHY: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers. This is the first of two episodes in which Jesse Green shares with us the story of how Mary Rodgers selected him to tell her remarkable, sometime harrowing, and ultimately inspiring story, and how he was able to perfectly capture her unique voice so perfectly, aas well as her bold and unwaveringly candid view of herself. Mary Rodgers grew up in the icy shadow of her father, the legendary Broadway composer, Richard Rodgers, and her disapproving mother, Dorothy. As she reached adulthood her closest friends, colleagues, and romantic partners were Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Martin Charnin, and Arthur Laurents. Somehow, she became not just a highly successful Broadway composer in her own right­ — most notably with her score for the Broadway and television hit Once Upon a Mattress — but also a renowned author of books for young people including the classic Freaky Friday. There is a reason that this book has become a bestseller, and received so much attention, and it’s not just because it’s filed with sometimes juicy gossip about many of the leading lights and minor players of the Golden Age Broadway. No, at its heart, this is the story of a woman who struggles, and I think ultimately succeeds, in liberating herself from disapproving parents, rampant sexism, and her own fears and insecurities as she journeys to discover art, romance and family on her own terms. Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club If you love this podcast, I invite you to become a Patron of the show by joining the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club".  For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits. To become one the very first members of the Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club and receive all of these exclusive member benefits – just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/  Thank you so much for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is Jesse Green who, in addition to being the Chief Theatre Critic for the New York Times, is the author of the most acclaimed and talked about theater book in recent memory – SHY: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers.

This is the first of two episodes in which Jesse Green shares with us the story of how Mary Rodgers selected him to tell her remarkable, sometime harrowing, and ultimately inspiring story, and how he was able to perfectly capture her unique voice so perfectly, aas well as her bold and unwaveringly candid view of herself.

Mary Rodgers grew up in the icy shadow of her father, the legendary Broadway composer, Richard Rodgers, and her disapproving mother, Dorothy. As she reached adulthood her closest friends, colleagues, and romantic partners were Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Martin Charnin, and Arthur Laurents.

Somehow, she became not just a highly successful Broadway composer in her own right­ — most notably with her score for the Broadway and television hit Once Upon a Mattress — but also a renowned author of books for young people including the classic Freaky Friday.

There is a reason that this book has become a bestseller, and received so much attention, and it’s not just because it’s filed with sometimes juicy gossip about many of the leading lights and minor players of the Golden Age Broadway. No, at its heart, this is the story of a woman who struggles, and I think ultimately succeeds, in liberating herself from disapproving parents, rampant sexism, and her own fears and insecurities as she journeys to discover art, romance and family on her own terms.

Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club

If you love this podcast, I invite you to become a Patron of the show by joining the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club". 

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits.

To become one the very first members of the Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club and receive all of these exclusive member benefits – just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

 Thank you so much for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2402 no Episode 92: Fosse vs. Schwartz — 50 Years of PIPPIN, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second half of my conversation with author Elysa Gardner whose new book is titled:  Magic To Do — Pippin’s Fantastic, Fraught, Journey To Broadway And Beyond. On our previous episode Elysa shared the story of how PIPPIN’s composer & lyricist, Stephen Schwartz, first began work on the show when he was a student at Carnegie Tech (soon to be Carnegie Mellon) University, where an early and very different version of PIPPIN was first produced. After graduating and returning home to NYC Schwartz began creating an all new version of the show but quickly got sidetracked by Godspell.  The massive success of that little Off-Broadway musical and its chart topping hit song, coupled with his high profile collaboration creating lyrics for Leonard Bernstein’s MASS moved Stephen Schwartz into the front ranks of musical theater songwriters, and quickly led to PIPPIN being optioned for Broadway with a new book by Roger O’Hirson, and to be directed & choreographed by then five time Tony Award winner Bob Fosse. This set the stage for a now legendary backstage power struggle between the 23 year old wunderkind composer and the masterful Broadway showman and hitmaker. And that’s where we pick up our conversation today.  Somehow their contentious and difficult collaboration produced one of the most popular, long-running, and influential musicals of the Modern Era, and later in the episode Elysa and I explore the now 50 year legacy of PIPPIN, especially how it has served as a tremendous inspiration to several generations of Broadway show makers such as Jeanine Tesori and Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, and how it paved the way to the pop music inflected musicals of today. Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club If you find this podcast to be extraordinary, I invite you to become a Patron of the show by joining the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club".  For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits. To become one the very first members of the Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club and receive all of these exclusive member benefits – just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/  Thank you so much for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Fosse vs. Schwartz — 50 Years of PIPPIN, part 2 full 2 92 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Elysa Gardner, author of the new book "Magic To Do — Pippin’s Fantastic, Fraught, Journey To Broadway And Beyond" This is the second half of my conversation with author Elysa Gardner whose new book is titled:  Magic To Do — Pippin’s Fantastic, Fraught, Journey To Broadway And Beyond. On our previous episode Elysa shared the story of how PIPPIN’s composer & lyricist, Stephen Schwartz, first began work on the show when he was a student at Carnegie Tech (soon to be Carnegie Mellon) University, where an early and very different version of PIPPIN was first produced. After graduating and returning home to NYC Schwartz began creating an all new version of the show but quickly got sidetracked by Godspell.  The massive success of that little Off-Broadway musical and its chart topping hit song, coupled with his high profile collaboration creating lyrics for Leonard Bernstein’s MASS moved Stephen Schwartz into the front ranks of musical theater songwriters, and quickly led to PIPPIN being optioned for Broadway with a new book by Roger O’Hirson, and to be directed & choreographed by then five time Tony Award winner Bob Fosse. This set the stage for a now legendary backstage power struggle between the 23 year old wunderkind composer and the masterful Broadway showman and hitmaker. And that’s where we pick up our conversation today.  Somehow their contentious and difficult collaboration produced one of the most popular, long-running, and influential musicals of the Modern Era, and later in the episode Elysa and I explore the now 50 year legacy of PIPPIN, especially how it has served as a tremendous inspiration to several generations of Broadway show makers such as Jeanine Tesori and Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, and how it paved the way to the pop music inflected musicals of today. Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club If you find this podcast to be extraordinary, I invite you to become a Patron of the show by joining the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club".  For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits. To become one the very first members of the Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club and receive all of these exclusive member benefits – just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/  Thank you so much for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my conversation with author Elysa Gardner whose new book is titled: 

Magic To Do — Pippin’s Fantastic, Fraught, Journey To Broadway And Beyond.

On our previous episode Elysa shared the story of how PIPPIN’s composer & lyricist, Stephen Schwartz, first began work on the show when he was a student at Carnegie Tech (soon to be Carnegie Mellon) University, where an early and very different version of PIPPIN was first produced. After graduating and returning home to NYC Schwartz began creating an all new version of the show but quickly got sidetracked by Godspell. 

The massive success of that little Off-Broadway musical and its chart topping hit song, coupled with his high profile collaboration creating lyrics for Leonard Bernstein’s MASS moved Stephen Schwartz into the front ranks of musical theater songwriters, and quickly led to PIPPIN being optioned for Broadway with a new book by Roger O’Hirson, and to be directed & choreographed by then five time Tony Award winner Bob Fosse. This set the stage for a now legendary backstage power struggle between the 23 year old wunderkind composer and the masterful Broadway showman and hitmaker. And that’s where we pick up our conversation today. 

Somehow their contentious and difficult collaboration produced one of the most popular, long-running, and influential musicals of the Modern Era, and later in the episode Elysa and I explore the now 50 year legacy of PIPPIN, especially how it has served as a tremendous inspiration to several generations of Broadway show makers such as Jeanine Tesori and Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, and how it paved the way to the pop music inflected musicals of today.

Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club

If you find this podcast to be extraordinary, I invite you to become a Patron of the show by joining the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club". 

For a just $7.00 a month you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast.

And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional patron levels that come with even more benefits.

To become one the very first members of the Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club and receive all of these exclusive member benefits – just click on this link:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/

 Thank you so much for your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2169 no Episode 91: 50 Years of PIPPIN, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Jan 2023 07:29:37 -0000 50 Years of PIPPIN, part 1 full 2 91 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Elysa Gardner, author of the new book Magic To Do — Pippin’s Fantastic, Fraught, Journey To Broadway And Beyond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2435 no A Special Encore Episode: "White Christmas" — The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000 "White Christmas" — The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, part 2 full 2 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org

In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway.

But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer!

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2585 no A Special Encore Episode: "White Christmas" — The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Here is the link to join the Backstage Pass Club and support Broadway Nation: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.com/new_landing This is a special holiday reprise of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes: It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island just outside of Seattle, WA. Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. This time I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.  Next week we will be back with part two.  Happy Holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Dec 2022 07:58:00 -0000 "White Christmas" — The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, part 1 full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Celebrating The 80th Anniversary of Irving Berlin's Masterpiece Here is the link to join the Backstage Pass Club and support Broadway Nation: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.com/new_landing This is a special holiday reprise of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes: It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island just outside of Seattle, WA. Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. This time I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.  Next week we will be back with part two.  Happy Holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Here is the link to join the Backstage Pass Club and support Broadway Nation:

https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.com/new_landing

This is a special holiday reprise of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes: It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island just outside of Seattle, WA.

Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. This time I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.  

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans. 

Next week we will be back with part two. 

Happy Holidays!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2005 no Special ENCORE Episode; Noel Coward, Larry Hart, Herbert Fields & The Queers Who Invented Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week’s special ENCORE Episode is in celebration of Noel Coward’s birthday! Noel Coward was born just outside of London on December 16, 1899, and in fact he was named him Noel because his birth came so close to Christmas! For some reason, ever since I was very young, this lower middle-class, midwestern American gay boy from Cincinnati, Ohio has had a strong affinity for everything Noel Coward — his songs, his plays, his books, his movies, his TV performances, and his musicals. Why? I have no idea. I am not even sure I can pinpoint my first exposure to his work — but certainly by the time I was in high school I was obsessed with Noel Coward. My best guess is that in 1972, when I was 13 years old (and already an avid cast album collector), the original cast album of the new hit off-Broadway revue Oh Coward! was released. This was a deluxe 2 record recording of the entire show which had been devised by Roderick Cook and made up of dozens of Coward’s songs, poems, revue sketches, and even brief excerpts from his plays. All of this was performed by a terrific three-person cast made up of Barbara Carson, Jamie Ross and Cook himself.    Of course, I didn’t immediately understand all of the context and references — I just knew that I loved it.  What I certainly didn’t understand at the time was that the tittle was a cheeky play on Oh Calcutta!, the infamous nude revue that was causing a sensation at the time. I also didn’t know that Noel Coward’s last public appearance before he died was attending a gala performance of Oh Coward! in NY with Marlene Dietrich as his date. I played that cast album until it was worn out, and at some point I also acquired the cast album to the hit London revue Cowardy Custard which opened that same year. Over the years I have had the enormous pleasure of directing Oh, Coward! three times and I would jump at any chance to do it again. And I also directed Private Lives once, as well. Home sweet heaven for me would be to mount a major Noel Coward Festival! Who wants to join me? This episode is the second of several that highlight the many queer men & women who played a crucial role in the invention of the Broadway musical.  You can find the others at www.Broadway-Nation.com, on the Broadway Podcast Network and wherever you listen to podcasts. Start with Episode 5: Cole Porter & The Queers Who Invented Broadway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Noel Coward, Larry Hart, Herbert Fields & The Queers Who Invented Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Celebrating Noel Coward's Birthday! This week’s special ENCORE Episode is in celebration of Noel Coward’s birthday! Noel Coward was born just outside of London on December 16, 1899, and in fact he was named him Noel because his birth came so close to Christmas! For some reason, ever since I was very young, this lower middle-class, midwestern American gay boy from Cincinnati, Ohio has had a strong affinity for everything Noel Coward — his songs, his plays, his books, his movies, his TV performances, and his musicals. Why? I have no idea. I am not even sure I can pinpoint my first exposure to his work — but certainly by the time I was in high school I was obsessed with Noel Coward. My best guess is that in 1972, when I was 13 years old (and already an avid cast album collector), the original cast album of the new hit off-Broadway revue Oh Coward! was released. This was a deluxe 2 record recording of the entire show which had been devised by Roderick Cook and made up of dozens of Coward’s songs, poems, revue sketches, and even brief excerpts from his plays. All of this was performed by a terrific three-person cast made up of Barbara Carson, Jamie Ross and Cook himself.    Of course, I didn’t immediately understand all of the context and references — I just knew that I loved it.  What I certainly didn’t understand at the time was that the tittle was a cheeky play on Oh Calcutta!, the infamous nude revue that was causing a sensation at the time. I also didn’t know that Noel Coward’s last public appearance before he died was attending a gala performance of Oh Coward! in NY with Marlene Dietrich as his date. I played that cast album until it was worn out, and at some point I also acquired the cast album to the hit London revue Cowardy Custard which opened that same year. Over the years I have had the enormous pleasure of directing Oh, Coward! three times and I would jump at any chance to do it again. And I also directed Private Lives once, as well. Home sweet heaven for me would be to mount a major Noel Coward Festival! Who wants to join me? This episode is the second of several that highlight the many queer men & women who played a crucial role in the invention of the Broadway musical.  You can find the others at www.Broadway-Nation.com, on the Broadway Podcast Network and wherever you listen to podcasts. Start with Episode 5: Cole Porter & The Queers Who Invented Broadway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week’s special ENCORE Episode is in celebration of Noel Coward’s birthday!

Noel Coward was born just outside of London on December 16, 1899, and in fact he was named him Noel because his birth came so close to Christmas!

For some reason, ever since I was very young, this lower middle-class, midwestern American gay boy from Cincinnati, Ohio has had a strong affinity for everything Noel Coward — his songs, his plays, his books, his movies, his TV performances, and his musicals.

Why? I have no idea. I am not even sure I can pinpoint my first exposure to his work — but certainly by the time I was in high school I was obsessed with Noel Coward.

My best guess is that in 1972, when I was 13 years old (and already an avid cast album collector), the original cast album of the new hit off-Broadway revue Oh Coward! was released. This was a deluxe 2 record recording of the entire show which had been devised by Roderick Cook and made up of dozens of Coward’s songs, poems, revue sketches, and even brief excerpts from his plays. All of this was performed by a terrific three-person cast made up of Barbara Carson, Jamie Ross and Cook himself.   

Of course, I didn’t immediately understand all of the context and references — I just knew that I loved it.  What I certainly didn’t understand at the time was that the tittle was a cheeky play on Oh Calcutta!, the infamous nude revue that was causing a sensation at the time. I also didn’t know that Noel Coward’s last public appearance before he died was attending a gala performance of Oh Coward! in NY with Marlene Dietrich as his date.

I played that cast album until it was worn out, and at some point I also acquired the cast album to the hit London revue Cowardy Custard which opened that same year.

Over the years I have had the enormous pleasure of directing Oh, Coward! three times and I would jump at any chance to do it again. And I also directed Private Lives once, as well. Home sweet heaven for me would be to mount a major Noel Coward Festival! Who wants to join me?

This episode is the second of several that highlight the many queer men & women who played a crucial role in the invention of the Broadway musical. 

You can find the others at www.Broadway-Nation.com, on the Broadway Podcast Network and wherever you listen to podcasts. Start with Episode 5: Cole Porter & The Queers Who Invented Broadway!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2156 no Episode 90: A Novel Approach To Broadway History https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is author Laura Frankos whose delightful and entertaining new novel is titled Broadway Revival — What If Gershwin Had Lived? Although this is the first work of fiction that I have featured on this podcast, as you will hear, Broadway Revival is filled with fascinating and meticulously researched Broadway history. One of the greatest joys of this book is that it provides all of us the opportunity to go back in time and experience legendary Broadway musicals of the 1930s, 40s, & 50s — at least vicariously — through the eyes of the story’s protagonist David Greenbaum.  Other central characters include George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Vincent Youmans, Jerome Kern, Kurt Weil, Richard Rodgers & Larry Hart. In fact, an alternate subtitle for the book could have been, “The Time Travelers Boyfriend — Larry Hart”! Laura Frankos is also the author of the The Broadway Musical Quiz Book, the mystery novel St. Oswald’s Niche, numerous stories which have appeared in fantasy, mystery, and science fiction magazines, and she also contributed a chapter to the recent book 50 Key Stage Musicals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000 A Novel Approach To Broadway History full 2 90 Broadway Podcast Network With author Laura Frankos My guest this week is author Laura Frankos whose delightful and entertaining new novel is titled Broadway Revival — What If Gershwin Had Lived? Although this is the first work of fiction that I have featured on this podcast, as you will hear, Broadway Revival is filled with fascinating and meticulously researched Broadway history. One of the greatest joys of this book is that it provides all of us the opportunity to go back in time and experience legendary Broadway musicals of the 1930s, 40s, & 50s — at least vicariously — through the eyes of the story’s protagonist David Greenbaum.  Other central characters include George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Vincent Youmans, Jerome Kern, Kurt Weil, Richard Rodgers & Larry Hart. In fact, an alternate subtitle for the book could have been, “The Time Travelers Boyfriend — Larry Hart”! Laura Frankos is also the author of the The Broadway Musical Quiz Book, the mystery novel St. Oswald’s Niche, numerous stories which have appeared in fantasy, mystery, and science fiction magazines, and she also contributed a chapter to the recent book 50 Key Stage Musicals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is author Laura Frankos whose delightful and entertaining new novel is titled Broadway Revival — What If Gershwin Had Lived?

Although this is the first work of fiction that I have featured on this podcast, as you will hear, Broadway Revival is filled with fascinating and meticulously researched Broadway history.

One of the greatest joys of this book is that it provides all of us the opportunity to go back in time and experience legendary Broadway musicals of the 1930s, 40s, & 50s — at least vicariously — through the eyes of the story’s protagonist David Greenbaum. 

Other central characters include George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Vincent Youmans, Jerome Kern, Kurt Weil, Richard Rodgers & Larry Hart. In fact, an alternate subtitle for the book could have been, “The Time Travelers Boyfriend — Larry Hart”!

Laura Frankos is also the author of the The Broadway Musical Quiz Book, the mystery novel St. Oswald’s Niche, numerous stories which have appeared in fantasy, mystery, and science fiction magazines, and she also contributed a chapter to the recent book 50 Key Stage Musicals.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2596 no Episode 89: More Of Why We Love/Hate Movie Musicals! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second half of my conversation with my dear friend and frequent co-host, Albert Evans, in which we explore the differences between stage and film musicals. If you missed part one you may want to catch up before listening to this one. Of course, we don’t really hate any movie musicals, and as you heard on the previous episode and will continue to hear on this one, we actually love quite a few of them.  Hollywood and Broadway musicals are closely related to one another and share many of the same writers, directors, choreographers and stars – which is no doubt why many books and other podcasts analyze and discuss them together. But, as you will hear, Albert and I see stage musicals and film musicals as being two very wonderful, but very different things. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000 More Of Why We Love/Hate Movie Musicals! full 2 89 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans This is the second half of my conversation with my dear friend and frequent co-host, Albert Evans, in which we explore the differences between stage and film musicals. If you missed part one you may want to catch up before listening to this one. Of course, we don’t really hate any movie musicals, and as you heard on the previous episode and will continue to hear on this one, we actually love quite a few of them.  Hollywood and Broadway musicals are closely related to one another and share many of the same writers, directors, choreographers and stars – which is no doubt why many books and other podcasts analyze and discuss them together. But, as you will hear, Albert and I see stage musicals and film musicals as being two very wonderful, but very different things. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my conversation with my dear friend and frequent co-host, Albert Evans, in which we explore the differences between stage and film musicals. If you missed part one you may want to catch up before listening to this one.

Of course, we don’t really hate any movie musicals, and as you heard on the previous episode and will continue to hear on this one, we actually love quite a few of them.

 Hollywood and Broadway musicals are closely related to one another and share many of the same writers, directors, choreographers and stars – which is no doubt why many books and other podcasts analyze and discuss them together. But, as you will hear, Albert and I see stage musicals and film musicals as being two very wonderful, but very different things.

Enjoy!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2027 no Episode 88: Why We Love/Hate Movie Musicals, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This episode is in response to a question I get quite often from listeners: Is Broadway Nation ever going to focus on movie musicals? Well, today is the day! Of course, I don’t really hate any movie musicals. And I love quite a few of them. In fact, it was largely old movie musicals from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s that I watched on TV when I was a kid back in the 60s and 70s that made be fall in love with show business in the first place. No doubt because so many of them were backstage musicals set in the worlds of Vaudeville, nightclubs, and the bright lights of Broadway. The history of stage and film musicals is, of course, closely related, and they share many of the same creators and stars – which is no doubt why many historians and books analyze and discuss them together. I however see stage musicals and film musicals as being two very different things. What are the main differences between them? I am thrilled to be joined today by my dear friend and frequent Broadway Nation co-host, Albert Evans, to explore and define those differences -- and at least for a day -- give film musicals some love (and maybe a little bit of criticism) on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Nov 2022 08:43:08 -0000 Why We Love/Hate Movie Musicals, part 1 full 2 88 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Albert Evans This episode is in response to a question I get quite often from listeners: Is Broadway Nation ever going to focus on movie musicals? Well, today is the day! Of course, I don’t really hate any movie musicals. And I love quite a few of them. In fact, it was largely old movie musicals from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s that I watched on TV when I was a kid back in the 60s and 70s that made be fall in love with show business in the first place. No doubt because so many of them were backstage musicals set in the worlds of Vaudeville, nightclubs, and the bright lights of Broadway. The history of stage and film musicals is, of course, closely related, and they share many of the same creators and stars – which is no doubt why many historians and books analyze and discuss them together. I however see stage musicals and film musicals as being two very different things. What are the main differences between them? I am thrilled to be joined today by my dear friend and frequent Broadway Nation co-host, Albert Evans, to explore and define those differences -- and at least for a day -- give film musicals some love (and maybe a little bit of criticism) on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode is in response to a question I get quite often from listeners: Is Broadway Nation ever going to focus on movie musicals? Well, today is the day!

Of course, I don’t really hate any movie musicals. And I love quite a few of them.

In fact, it was largely old movie musicals from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s that I watched on TV when I was a kid back in the 60s and 70s that made be fall in love with show business in the first place. No doubt because so many of them were backstage musicals set in the worlds of Vaudeville, nightclubs, and the bright lights of Broadway.

The history of stage and film musicals is, of course, closely related, and they share many of the same creators and stars – which is no doubt why many historians and books analyze and discuss them together. I however see stage musicals and film musicals as being two very different things.

What are the main differences between them?

I am thrilled to be joined today by my dear friend and frequent Broadway Nation co-host, Albert Evans, to explore and define those differences -- and at least for a day -- give film musicals some love (and maybe a little bit of criticism) on this podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1942 no Episode 87: Sondheim And Me https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week on Broadway Nation podcast is Paul Salsini, author of the memoir, Sondheim & Me.  Many listeners will know Paul as the founder and original editor of the much beloved magazine, The Sondheim Review, the first only quarterly magazine ever devoted to a living musical theater composer. Paul launched the magazine in 1994 and over the following ten years Paul exchanged notes, letters, faxes and phone calls with Stephen Sondheim — who it was clear was reading every word of every issue of the magazine — and Sondheim often had corrections and comments, or as he called them, “emendations.” On a few occasions these notes and phone calls included “vigorous objections” to what Paul had included the magazine, but overall Sondheim was wonderfully supportive and helpful. Paul’s new book chronicles his unlikely relationship with Sondheim during an eventful period that included the New York premieres of Passion and Saturday Night, the Kennedy Center’s Sondheim Celebration, Broadway revivals of six of Sondheim’s major works, and the decade long development of the musical that would eventually be called Road Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Sondheim And Me full 2 87 Broadway Podcast Network "Putting A Human Face On Genius" with author Paul Salsini My guest this week on Broadway Nation podcast is Paul Salsini, author of the memoir, Sondheim & Me.  Many listeners will know Paul as the founder and original editor of the much beloved magazine, The Sondheim Review, the first only quarterly magazine ever devoted to a living musical theater composer. Paul launched the magazine in 1994 and over the following ten years Paul exchanged notes, letters, faxes and phone calls with Stephen Sondheim — who it was clear was reading every word of every issue of the magazine — and Sondheim often had corrections and comments, or as he called them, “emendations.” On a few occasions these notes and phone calls included “vigorous objections” to what Paul had included the magazine, but overall Sondheim was wonderfully supportive and helpful. Paul’s new book chronicles his unlikely relationship with Sondheim during an eventful period that included the New York premieres of Passion and Saturday Night, the Kennedy Center’s Sondheim Celebration, Broadway revivals of six of Sondheim’s major works, and the decade long development of the musical that would eventually be called Road Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week on Broadway Nation podcast is Paul Salsini, author of the memoir, Sondheim & Me. 

Many listeners will know Paul as the founder and original editor of the much beloved magazine, The Sondheim Review, the first only quarterly magazine ever devoted to a living musical theater composer.

Paul launched the magazine in 1994 and over the following ten years Paul exchanged notes, letters, faxes and phone calls with Stephen Sondheim — who it was clear was reading every word of every issue of the magazine — and Sondheim often had corrections and comments, or as he called them, “emendations.” On a few occasions these notes and phone calls included “vigorous objections” to what Paul had included the magazine, but overall Sondheim was wonderfully supportive and helpful.

Paul’s new book chronicles his unlikely relationship with Sondheim during an eventful period that included the New York premieres of Passion and Saturday Night, the Kennedy Center’s Sondheim Celebration, Broadway revivals of six of Sondheim’s major works, and the decade long development of the musical that would eventually be called Road Show.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2254 no Episode 86: A Preview of the Museum Of Broadway! https://www.broadway-nation.com/  New episode out now! My guests this week are JULIE BOARDMAN & DIANE NICOLETTI — the founders and driving forces behind the Museum Of Broadway! In this episode Julie and Diane share with us the story of how this first ever Broadway museum has come to be. They profile the team extraordinary talents they put together to create it, and most importantly they give us the inside scoop on what to expect when this highly immersive and experiential museum opens next week on November 15, 2020, in the heart of Times Square. I also chat with BEN WEST who is the MOB’s Resident Historian and the creator of one of its central features — the “Timeline of Broadway” history.   As you will hear, the Museum of Broadway seems to be tailor made for fans of this podcast, and by the end of the episode I have no doubt that you will be as excited about it as I am. The Museum Of Broadway is located at 145 West 45th Street in New York. Tickets are on sale now at: https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/about Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000 A Preview of the Museum Of Broadway! full 2 86 Broadway Podcast Network With Julie Boardman, Diane Nicoletti & Ben West  New episode out now! My guests this week are JULIE BOARDMAN & DIANE NICOLETTI — the founders and driving forces behind the Museum Of Broadway! In this episode Julie and Diane share with us the story of how this first ever Broadway museum has come to be. They profile the team extraordinary talents they put together to create it, and most importantly they give us the inside scoop on what to expect when this highly immersive and experiential museum opens next week on November 15, 2020, in the heart of Times Square. I also chat with BEN WEST who is the MOB’s Resident Historian and the creator of one of its central features — the “Timeline of Broadway” history.   As you will hear, the Museum of Broadway seems to be tailor made for fans of this podcast, and by the end of the episode I have no doubt that you will be as excited about it as I am. The Museum Of Broadway is located at 145 West 45th Street in New York. Tickets are on sale now at: https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/about Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  New episode out now!

My guests this week are JULIE BOARDMAN & DIANE NICOLETTI — the founders and driving forces behind the Museum Of Broadway!

In this episode Julie and Diane share with us the story of how this first ever Broadway museum has come to be. They profile the team extraordinary talents they put together to create it, and most importantly they give us the inside scoop on what to expect when this highly immersive and experiential museum opens next week on November 15, 2020, in the heart of Times Square.

I also chat with BEN WEST who is the MOB’s Resident Historian and the creator of one of its central features — the “Timeline of Broadway” history.  

As you will hear, the Museum of Broadway seems to be tailor made for fans of this podcast, and by the end of the episode I have no doubt that you will be as excited about it as I am.

The Museum Of Broadway is located at 145 West 45th Street in New York. Tickets are on sale now at: https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/about

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2557 no Episode 85: RETURN OF THE MONSTER MUSICAL! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second half of my conversation with Adam Abraham, author of the engaging new book Attack Of The Monster Musical – A Cultural History Of Little Shop Of Horrors. If you missed the previous episode you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this one. Last week Adam shared the unlikely behind-the-scenes story of the making of Rodger Corman’s original low budget horror film The Little Shop Of Horrors, and then how that inspired a young writer and director named Howard Ashman to transform it into the stage musical, Little Shop Of Horrors, which quickly became a long running Off-Broadway smash.  This week Adam takes us inside the creation of the hit movie adaptation of the musical -- which opened which opened while the original Off-Broadway stage production was still playing. And we discuss the incredible legacy of Little Shop and its impact on American culture over the past 40 years. Most especially, how it kept the flame alive for American musical comedy during the “British Invasion” of Broadway in the 1980s. Perhaps most importantly we explore the significant influence that Howard Ashman, Alan Menken and Little Shop Of Horrors have had on the several generations of musical theater writers who have followed in their footsteps. Adam Abraham is a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at Auburn University, and he also has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, NYU, and Harvard. His previous books include When Magoo Flew: The Rise And Fall of Animation Studio UPA, and Plagiarizing The Victorian Novel: Imitation, Parody, Aftertext. He has also written for film, television, and theater. Attack of the Monster Musical provides a fascinating, in depth, look into the dynamic partnership of Howard Ashman & Alan Menken and their creation of what I believe is one of the best and most perfectly crafted musicals of all time!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Nov 2022 09:19:40 -0000 RETURN OF THE MONSTER MUSICAL! full 2 85 Broadway Podcast Network The Legacy Of Little Shop with author Adam Abraham This is the second half of my conversation with Adam Abraham, author of the engaging new book Attack Of The Monster Musical – A Cultural History Of Little Shop Of Horrors. If you missed the previous episode you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this one. Last week Adam shared the unlikely behind-the-scenes story of the making of Rodger Corman’s original low budget horror film The Little Shop Of Horrors, and then how that inspired a young writer and director named Howard Ashman to transform it into the stage musical, Little Shop Of Horrors, which quickly became a long running Off-Broadway smash.  This week Adam takes us inside the creation of the hit movie adaptation of the musical -- which opened which opened while the original Off-Broadway stage production was still playing. And we discuss the incredible legacy of Little Shop and its impact on American culture over the past 40 years. Most especially, how it kept the flame alive for American musical comedy during the “British Invasion” of Broadway in the 1980s. Perhaps most importantly we explore the significant influence that Howard Ashman, Alan Menken and Little Shop Of Horrors have had on the several generations of musical theater writers who have followed in their footsteps. Adam Abraham is a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at Auburn University, and he also has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, NYU, and Harvard. His previous books include When Magoo Flew: The Rise And Fall of Animation Studio UPA, and Plagiarizing The Victorian Novel: Imitation, Parody, Aftertext. He has also written for film, television, and theater. Attack of the Monster Musical provides a fascinating, in depth, look into the dynamic partnership of Howard Ashman & Alan Menken and their creation of what I believe is one of the best and most perfectly crafted musicals of all time!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my conversation with Adam Abraham, author of the engaging new book Attack Of The Monster Musical – A Cultural History Of Little Shop Of Horrors. If you missed the previous episode you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this one.

Last week Adam shared the unlikely behind-the-scenes story of the making of Rodger Corman’s original low budget horror film The Little Shop Of Horrors, and then how that inspired a young writer and director named Howard Ashman to transform it into the stage musical, Little Shop Of Horrors, which quickly became a long running Off-Broadway smash. 

This week Adam takes us inside the creation of the hit movie adaptation of the musical -- which opened which opened while the original Off-Broadway stage production was still playing. And we discuss the incredible legacy of Little Shop and its impact on American culture over the past 40 years. Most especially, how it kept the flame alive for American musical comedy during the “British Invasion” of Broadway in the 1980s. Perhaps most importantly we explore the significant influence that Howard Ashman, Alan Menken and Little Shop Of Horrors have had on the several generations of musical theater writers who have followed in their footsteps.

Adam Abraham is a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at Auburn University, and he also has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, NYU, and Harvard. His previous books include When Magoo Flew: The Rise And Fall of Animation Studio UPA, and Plagiarizing The Victorian Novel: Imitation, Parody, Aftertext. He has also written for film, television, and theater.

Attack of the Monster Musical provides a fascinating, in depth, look into the dynamic partnership of Howard Ashman & Alan Menken and their creation of what I believe is one of the best and most perfectly crafted musicals of all time!

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3478 no Episode 84: Attack Of The Monster Musical, part 1 This special Halloween edition of Broadway Nation! This is the first part of my conversation with Adam Abraham, author of Attack of the Monster Musical – A Cultural History of Little Shop Of Horrors.  In this terrific new book Adam relates the unlikely story of how Roger Corman’s schlocky, low budget, 1960’s monster movie was transformed 20 years later into a smash hit, long-running, Off-Broadway musical that became an international sensation and spawned a hit film musical adaptation as well. And of course, today Little Shop Of Horrors is a hit all over again and can currently be seen in another long running off-Broadway production. Adam Abraham is a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at Auburn University, and he also has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, NYU, and Harvard. His previous books include When Magoo Flew: The Rise And Fall of Animation Studio UPA, and Plagiarizing The Victorian Novel: Imitation, Parody, Aftertext. He has also written for film, television, and theater. Attack of the Monster Musical provides us with a fascinating, in depth, look into the dynamic partnership of Howard Ashman & Alan Mencken and their creation of what I believe is one of the best and most perfectly crafted musicals of all time.    Topics discussed in this episode include: How Howard Ashman was influenced by the cast album of GYPSY; how he discovered Roger Corman’s film in the first place; his first musical The Candy Shop; the truth behind the legend that Corman shot the original movie in just two days; NYC’s Off Broadway scene during the late 1970s and early 80s; the WPA Theater; how an early version of Little Shop bombed at the BMI Workshop; the casting of Ellen Greene & Lee Wilcoff (and how Nathan Lane & Faith Prince were almost in the original cast); why the show never moved to Broadway; what Cameron Mackintosh, David Geffin & the Shubert Organization have to do with the show; how the dream team of Ashman & Menken worked together; and the tragic loss of Howard Ashman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Attack Of The Monster Musical, part 1 full 2 84 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Adam Abraham, author of Attack Of The Monster Musical - A Cultural History of Little Shop Of Horrors This special Halloween edition of Broadway Nation! This is the first part of my conversation with Adam Abraham, author of Attack of the Monster Musical – A Cultural History of Little Shop Of Horrors.  In this terrific new book Adam relates the unlikely story of how Roger Corman’s schlocky, low budget, 1960’s monster movie was transformed 20 years later into a smash hit, long-running, Off-Broadway musical that became an international sensation and spawned a hit film musical adaptation as well. And of course, today Little Shop Of Horrors is a hit all over again and can currently be seen in another long running off-Broadway production. Adam Abraham is a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at Auburn University, and he also has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, NYU, and Harvard. His previous books include When Magoo Flew: The Rise And Fall of Animation Studio UPA, and Plagiarizing The Victorian Novel: Imitation, Parody, Aftertext. He has also written for film, television, and theater. Attack of the Monster Musical provides us with a fascinating, in depth, look into the dynamic partnership of Howard Ashman & Alan Mencken and their creation of what I believe is one of the best and most perfectly crafted musicals of all time.    Topics discussed in this episode include: How Howard Ashman was influenced by the cast album of GYPSY; how he discovered Roger Corman’s film in the first place; his first musical The Candy Shop; the truth behind the legend that Corman shot the original movie in just two days; NYC’s Off Broadway scene during the late 1970s and early 80s; the WPA Theater; how an early version of Little Shop bombed at the BMI Workshop; the casting of Ellen Greene & Lee Wilcoff (and how Nathan Lane & Faith Prince were almost in the original cast); why the show never moved to Broadway; what Cameron Mackintosh, David Geffin & the Shubert Organization have to do with the show; how the dream team of Ashman & Menken worked together; and the tragic loss of Howard Ashman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This special Halloween edition of Broadway Nation!

This is the first part of my conversation with Adam Abraham, author of Attack of the Monster Musical – A Cultural History of Little Shop Of Horrors.

 In this terrific new book Adam relates the unlikely story of how Roger Corman’s schlocky, low budget, 1960’s monster movie was transformed 20 years later into a smash hit, long-running, Off-Broadway musical that became an international sensation and spawned a hit film musical adaptation as well. And of course, today Little Shop Of Horrors is a hit all over again and can currently be seen in another long running off-Broadway production.

Adam Abraham is a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at Auburn University, and he also has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, NYU, and Harvard. His previous books include When Magoo Flew: The Rise And Fall of Animation Studio UPA, and Plagiarizing The Victorian Novel: Imitation, Parody, Aftertext. He has also written for film, television, and theater.

Attack of the Monster Musical provides us with a fascinating, in depth, look into the dynamic partnership of Howard Ashman & Alan Mencken and their creation of what I believe is one of the best and most perfectly crafted musicals of all time.   

Topics discussed in this episode include: How Howard Ashman was influenced by the cast album of GYPSY; how he discovered Roger Corman’s film in the first place; his first musical The Candy Shop;

the truth behind the legend that Corman shot the original movie in just two days; NYC’s Off Broadway scene during the late 1970s and early 80s; the WPA Theater; how an early version of Little Shop bombed at the BMI Workshop; the casting of Ellen Greene & Lee Wilcoff (and how Nathan Lane & Faith Prince were almost in the original cast); why the show never moved to Broadway; what Cameron Mackintosh, David Geffin & the Shubert Organization have to do with the show; how the dream team of Ashman & Menken worked together; and the tragic loss of Howard Ashman.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3101 no Episode 83: Inside The Creation of FOLLIES https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is Ted Chapin who’s captivating 2003 book Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical “Follies,” has recently been reissued in a revised and updated edition.  As you may know, this book is based on Ted’s first-hand experience as the production assistant on the original Broadway production of the Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, & James Goldman landmark musical Follies. Of course, the expression, “I just couldn’t put that book down” is a cliché – but in this case, it has been absolutely true – twice! -- both when I read this book when it was originally released, and again just a few weeks ago when I had the great pleasure of diving into it all over again. On last week’s episode, Peter Filichia, talked about wanting to be able to go back in time and be a “fly on the wall” to witness the inner workings of legendary musicals as they were being put together. Ted’s book allows all of us to do exactly that. This book makes you feel as it you are right there in the thick of it during Follies rehearsal period in New York, and in Boston during its out-of-town tryout’s many trials and tribulations. For 40 years Ted served as the President of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization a role that he was personally chosen by the Rodgers and Hammerstein families to take on. On his watch there were eight Tony Award winning Best Revivals of musicals in the R&H catalogue -- On Your Toes, Carousel, Show Boat, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, The King And I – twice! – and Oklahoma! He also supervised major R&H productions In London, on television, and around the world. And Ted is the co-founder of the acclaimed City Center Encores! series, and he currently serves on the boards of City Center, The Kurt Weil Foundation, and the American Theatre Wing. It is always a delight to speak with him – especially in regard to his one-of-a-kind experience of being in the rooms where Follies happened.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Inside The Creation of FOLLIES full 2 83 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest TED CHAPIN author of "Everything Was Possible - The Birth of the Musical FOLLIES" My guest this week is Ted Chapin who’s captivating 2003 book Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical “Follies,” has recently been reissued in a revised and updated edition.  As you may know, this book is based on Ted’s first-hand experience as the production assistant on the original Broadway production of the Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, & James Goldman landmark musical Follies. Of course, the expression, “I just couldn’t put that book down” is a cliché – but in this case, it has been absolutely true – twice! -- both when I read this book when it was originally released, and again just a few weeks ago when I had the great pleasure of diving into it all over again. On last week’s episode, Peter Filichia, talked about wanting to be able to go back in time and be a “fly on the wall” to witness the inner workings of legendary musicals as they were being put together. Ted’s book allows all of us to do exactly that. This book makes you feel as it you are right there in the thick of it during Follies rehearsal period in New York, and in Boston during its out-of-town tryout’s many trials and tribulations. For 40 years Ted served as the President of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization a role that he was personally chosen by the Rodgers and Hammerstein families to take on. On his watch there were eight Tony Award winning Best Revivals of musicals in the R&H catalogue -- On Your Toes, Carousel, Show Boat, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, The King And I – twice! – and Oklahoma! He also supervised major R&H productions In London, on television, and around the world. And Ted is the co-founder of the acclaimed City Center Encores! series, and he currently serves on the boards of City Center, The Kurt Weil Foundation, and the American Theatre Wing. It is always a delight to speak with him – especially in regard to his one-of-a-kind experience of being in the rooms where Follies happened.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is Ted Chapin who’s captivating 2003 book Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical “Follies,” has recently been reissued in a revised and updated edition. 

As you may know, this book is based on Ted’s first-hand experience as the production assistant on the original Broadway production of the Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, & James Goldman landmark musical Follies.

Of course, the expression, “I just couldn’t put that book down” is a cliché – but in this case, it has been absolutely true – twice! -- both when I read this book when it was originally released, and again just a few weeks ago when I had the great pleasure of diving into it all over again.

On last week’s episode, Peter Filichia, talked about wanting to be able to go back in time and be a “fly on the wall” to witness the inner workings of legendary musicals as they were being put together. Ted’s book allows all of us to do exactly that. This book makes you feel as it you are right there in the thick of it during Follies rehearsal period in New York, and in Boston during its out-of-town tryout’s many trials and tribulations.

For 40 years Ted served as the President of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization a role that he was personally chosen by the Rodgers and Hammerstein families to take on. On his watch there were eight Tony Award winning Best Revivals of musicals in the R&H catalogue -- On Your Toes, Carousel, Show Boat, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, The King And I – twice! – and Oklahoma! He also supervised major R&H productions In London, on television, and around the world.

And Ted is the co-founder of the acclaimed City Center Encores! series, and he currently serves on the boards of City Center, The Kurt Weil Foundation, and the American Theatre Wing.

It is always a delight to speak with him – especially in regard to his one-of-a-kind experience of being in the rooms where Follies happened.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2843 no Episode 82: Broadway Musical Debates, Disputes, & Disagreements https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is Peter Filichia who is the author of the new book that he calls The Book of Broadway Musical Debates, Disputes, and Disagreements. As a prolific theater journalist and critic Peter has written for Playbill, Theatermania, Broadway Select, Encore, and if you are in my age range you may even remember a magazine namedTheater Week! You can hear him every week on the Broadway Radio podcast This Week On Broadway. Most significantly he is the author of five previous books about Broadway including: The Great Parade: Broadway’s Astonishing Never To Be Forgotten 1963-1964 Season; Strippers, Showgirls And Sharks: A Very Opinionated History of Broadway Musicals That Did Not Win The Tony Award; Broadway Musicals MVPs: The Most Valuable Players of The Past 50 Seasons; Broadway Musicals: The Biggest Hit & the Biggest Flop of the Season, 1959 to 2009; and Let’s Put On A Musical. I’ve known Peter for many years, and it is always a delight to talk with him. As you will hear – much like me – Peter has never been shy about sharing his often very passionate opinions about all things Broadway, both past and present. We don’t always agree, but I'm always fascinated to hear what he has to say. This is a fun one that I feel certain you will enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Oct 2022 06:20:00 -0000 Broadway Musical Debates, Disputes, & Disagreements full 2 82 Broadway Podcast Network With Special guest Peter Filichia My guest today is Peter Filichia who is the author of the new book that he calls The Book of Broadway Musical Debates, Disputes, and Disagreements. As a prolific theater journalist and critic Peter has written for Playbill, Theatermania, Broadway Select, Encore, and if you are in my age range you may even remember a magazine namedTheater Week! You can hear him every week on the Broadway Radio podcast This Week On Broadway. Most significantly he is the author of five previous books about Broadway including: The Great Parade: Broadway’s Astonishing Never To Be Forgotten 1963-1964 Season; Strippers, Showgirls And Sharks: A Very Opinionated History of Broadway Musicals That Did Not Win The Tony Award; Broadway Musicals MVPs: The Most Valuable Players of The Past 50 Seasons; Broadway Musicals: The Biggest Hit & the Biggest Flop of the Season, 1959 to 2009; and Let’s Put On A Musical. I’ve known Peter for many years, and it is always a delight to talk with him. As you will hear – much like me – Peter has never been shy about sharing his often very passionate opinions about all things Broadway, both past and present. We don’t always agree, but I'm always fascinated to hear what he has to say. This is a fun one that I feel certain you will enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is Peter Filichia who is the author of the new book that he calls The Book of Broadway Musical Debates, Disputes, and Disagreements.

As a prolific theater journalist and critic Peter has written for Playbill, Theatermania, Broadway Select, Encore, and if you are in my age range you may even remember a magazine namedTheater Week! You can hear him every week on the Broadway Radio podcast This Week On Broadway.

Most significantly he is the author of five previous books about Broadway including: The Great Parade: Broadway’s Astonishing Never To Be Forgotten 1963-1964 Season; Strippers, Showgirls And Sharks: A Very Opinionated History of Broadway Musicals That Did Not Win The Tony Award; Broadway Musicals MVPs: The Most Valuable Players of The Past 50 Seasons; Broadway Musicals: The Biggest Hit & the Biggest Flop of the Season, 1959 to 2009; and Let’s Put On A Musical.

I’ve known Peter for many years, and it is always a delight to talk with him. As you will hear – much like me – Peter has never been shy about sharing his often very passionate opinions about all things Broadway, both past and present. We don’t always agree, but I'm always fascinated to hear what he has to say.

This is a fun one that I feel certain you will enjoy!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3401 no Special Encore Episode: Cameron Mackintosh & The British Invasion of Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ As you have probably heard, The Phantom Of The Opera – the longest running show in Broadway history –– recently announced that it will close this coming February, just over 35 years after it first opened on Broadway. This New York production of Phantom has been seen by nearly 20 million people and has grossed $1.3 billion dollars. Globally the show has been seen by 145 million people in 42 countries. Since this week marks the anniversaries of both CATS – which first opened on Broadway on October 7, 1982, and Les Misérables – which first opened in London on October 8, 1985, it seemed like the perfect time to bring back Episode 28 of Broadway Nation which is titled Cameron Mackintosh & The British Invasion of Broadway (or Sondheim vs. the Poperetta). In a recent interview in the New York Times, Mackintosh stated that the weekly running cost for TPOTO were more than $950,000, which is about $100,000 more than it was pre-Covid. And at the same time ticket sales have been down 10 to 15 percent on average.  And when asked why the show was so expensive to run, he went on to say this:  “Many of the long-runners — “Cats,” “Chicago,” “Chorus Line,” even “Hamilton,” which will be a long-runner — they’re all single-set shows with mostly limited costumes. We’ve got 27 musicians. It was a different world that Andrew and I created the show in. Most of my great shows were created during the ’80s, and that world has disappeared. We are in different times.” So, today I thought it would be interesting to journey back to those different times by revisiting one my favorite episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Oct 2022 06:20:00 -0000 Special Encore Episode: Cameron Mackintosh & The British Invasion of Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network (Or Sondheim vs. the Poperetta As you have probably heard, The Phantom Of The Opera – the longest running show in Broadway history –– recently announced that it will close this coming February, just over 35 years after it first opened on Broadway. This New York production of Phantom has been seen by nearly 20 million people and has grossed $1.3 billion dollars. Globally the show has been seen by 145 million people in 42 countries. Since this week marks the anniversaries of both CATS – which first opened on Broadway on October 7, 1982, and Les Misérables – which first opened in London on October 8, 1985, it seemed like the perfect time to bring back Episode 28 of Broadway Nation which is titled Cameron Mackintosh & The British Invasion of Broadway (or Sondheim vs. the Poperetta). In a recent interview in the New York Times, Mackintosh stated that the weekly running cost for TPOTO were more than $950,000, which is about $100,000 more than it was pre-Covid. And at the same time ticket sales have been down 10 to 15 percent on average.  And when asked why the show was so expensive to run, he went on to say this:  “Many of the long-runners — “Cats,” “Chicago,” “Chorus Line,” even “Hamilton,” which will be a long-runner — they’re all single-set shows with mostly limited costumes. We’ve got 27 musicians. It was a different world that Andrew and I created the show in. Most of my great shows were created during the ’80s, and that world has disappeared. We are in different times.” So, today I thought it would be interesting to journey back to those different times by revisiting one my favorite episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As you have probably heard, The Phantom Of The Opera – the longest running show in Broadway history –– recently announced that it will close this coming February, just over 35 years after it first opened on Broadway. This New York production of Phantom has been seen by nearly 20 million people and has grossed $1.3 billion dollars. Globally the show has been seen by 145 million people in 42 countries.

Since this week marks the anniversaries of both CATS – which first opened on Broadway on October 7, 1982, and Les Misérables – which first opened in London on October 8, 1985, it seemed like the perfect time to bring back Episode 28 of Broadway Nation which is titled Cameron Mackintosh & The British Invasion of Broadway (or Sondheim vs. the Poperetta).

In a recent interview in the New York Times, Mackintosh stated that the weekly running cost for TPOTO were more than $950,000, which is about $100,000 more than it was pre-Covid. And at the same time ticket sales have been down 10 to 15 percent on average.

 And when asked why the show was so expensive to run, he went on to say this:

 “Many of the long-runners — “Cats,” “Chicago,” “Chorus Line,” even “Hamilton,” which will be a long-runner — they’re all single-set shows with mostly limited costumes. We’ve got 27 musicians. It was a different world that Andrew and I created the show in. Most of my great shows were created during the ’80s, and that world has disappeared. We are in different times.”

So, today I thought it would be interesting to journey back to those different times by revisiting one my favorite episodes!

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]]> 2074 no Special ENCORE Episode: George Gershwin, Vincent Youmans & The Silver Age Of Broadway, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This special Encore episode of Broadway Nation celebrates the birthdays this week of two of Broadways greatest composers -- George Gershwin & Vincent Youmans. Both were born 124 years ago in 1898 and they came into the world just one day apart – Gershwin on September 26, and Youmans on September 27. And even though they were both born in NYC, they came from different worlds.  Gershwin’s parents were Russian-Jewish immigrants, and George grew up on the Lower East Side where his father worked in a shoe factory and George dropped put of school at 15 to go to work. Youmans, however, was born into the lap of luxury – his father was a wealthy hat manufacturer, and Vincent grew up in Larchmont, NY, attended the exclusive Trinity School, and eventually Yale University. But despite their differences, over the next 30 years their lives would often be intertwined. Both fell in love with music and show business, both began their careers as Tin Pan Alley song pluggers, and both served as rehearsal pianists on Broadway musicals that were composed by Victor Herbert.  Gershwin made his Broadway debut as a composer in 1918 and had his first hit song the following year with “Swanee”, which had lyrics by Irving Caesar. Their song became an absolute sensation when Al Jolson incorporated it into his hit show Sinbad. Youmans had to wait until 1921 to make his Broadway debut with the musical Two Little Girls In Blue. Interestingly, the lyrics for that show were written by George’s older brother, Ira Gershwin. Both Gershwin and Youmans achieved international fame and fortune on Broadway during the 1920s, creating hit shows and hit songs that still define the era. George archived his greatest successes when he finally teamed up with his brother, Ira. And Youmans biggest hits were created in collaboration with George’s early partner, Irving Caesar. All of this took place during the first decade of what I call the “Silver Age of Broadway” – which is the focus of this episode. Strangely, both composers would die young, way before their time -- Gershwin of a brain tumor in 1937, and Youmans of Tuberculosis a decade later. This episode is dedicated to them and to all the amazing men and women who epitomized the Jazz Age on Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Sep 2022 06:15:00 -0000 George Gershwin, Vincent Youmans & The Silver Age Of Broadway, part 1 full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Happy birthday, Gershwin & Youmans! This special Encore episode of Broadway Nation celebrates the birthdays this week of two of Broadways greatest composers -- George Gershwin & Vincent Youmans. Both were born 124 years ago in 1898 and they came into the world just one day apart – Gershwin on September 26, and Youmans on September 27. And even though they were both born in NYC, they came from different worlds.  Gershwin’s parents were Russian-Jewish immigrants, and George grew up on the Lower East Side where his father worked in a shoe factory and George dropped put of school at 15 to go to work. Youmans, however, was born into the lap of luxury – his father was a wealthy hat manufacturer, and Vincent grew up in Larchmont, NY, attended the exclusive Trinity School, and eventually Yale University. But despite their differences, over the next 30 years their lives would often be intertwined. Both fell in love with music and show business, both began their careers as Tin Pan Alley song pluggers, and both served as rehearsal pianists on Broadway musicals that were composed by Victor Herbert.  Gershwin made his Broadway debut as a composer in 1918 and had his first hit song the following year with “Swanee”, which had lyrics by Irving Caesar. Their song became an absolute sensation when Al Jolson incorporated it into his hit show Sinbad. Youmans had to wait until 1921 to make his Broadway debut with the musical Two Little Girls In Blue. Interestingly, the lyrics for that show were written by George’s older brother, Ira Gershwin. Both Gershwin and Youmans achieved international fame and fortune on Broadway during the 1920s, creating hit shows and hit songs that still define the era. George archived his greatest successes when he finally teamed up with his brother, Ira. And Youmans biggest hits were created in collaboration with George’s early partner, Irving Caesar. All of this took place during the first decade of what I call the “Silver Age of Broadway” – which is the focus of this episode. Strangely, both composers would die young, way before their time -- Gershwin of a brain tumor in 1937, and Youmans of Tuberculosis a decade later. This episode is dedicated to them and to all the amazing men and women who epitomized the Jazz Age on Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This special Encore episode of Broadway Nation celebrates the birthdays this week of two of Broadways greatest composers -- George Gershwin & Vincent Youmans.

Both were born 124 years ago in 1898 and they came into the world just one day apart – Gershwin on September 26, and Youmans on September 27. And even though they were both born in NYC, they came from different worlds. 

Gershwin’s parents were Russian-Jewish immigrants, and George grew up on the Lower East Side where his father worked in a shoe factory and George dropped put of school at 15 to go to work.

Youmans, however, was born into the lap of luxury – his father was a wealthy hat manufacturer, and Vincent grew up in Larchmont, NY, attended the exclusive Trinity School, and eventually Yale University.

But despite their differences, over the next 30 years their lives would often be intertwined. Both fell in love with music and show business, both began their careers as Tin Pan Alley song pluggers, and both served as rehearsal pianists on Broadway musicals that were composed by Victor Herbert. 

Gershwin made his Broadway debut as a composer in 1918 and had his first hit song the following year with “Swanee”, which had lyrics by Irving Caesar. Their song became an absolute sensation when Al Jolson incorporated it into his hit show Sinbad.

Youmans had to wait until 1921 to make his Broadway debut with the musical Two Little Girls In Blue. Interestingly, the lyrics for that show were written by George’s older brother, Ira Gershwin.

Both Gershwin and Youmans achieved international fame and fortune on Broadway during the 1920s, creating hit shows and hit songs that still define the era. George archived his greatest successes when he finally teamed up with his brother, Ira. And Youmans biggest hits were created in collaboration with George’s early partner, Irving Caesar.

All of this took place during the first decade of what I call the “Silver Age of Broadway” – which is the focus of this episode.

Strangely, both composers would die young, way before their time -- Gershwin of a brain tumor in 1937, and Youmans of Tuberculosis a decade later.

This episode is dedicated to them and to all the amazing men and women who epitomized the Jazz Age on Broadway.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1864 no Episode 81: RAZZLE DAZZLE: A Brief History of Lighting Design On Broadway, part 2. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:20:00 -0000 RAZZLE DAZZLE: A Brief History of Lighting Design On Broadway, part 2. full 2 81 Broadway Podcast Network With TONY winner KEN BILLINGTON Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 1768 no Episode 80: COLOR AND LIGHT: A Brief History of Broadway Lighting Design My guest on this episode is Tony Award winning lighting designer Ken Billington who created the lighting for an incredible 105 Broadway plays and musicals, including 21 productions that were directed by Harold Prince.  Ken’s career spans from his very first Broadway show in 1967 when he was the assistant to legendary lighting designer Tharon Musser, to his most recent Broadway show, the hit musical, Waitress.  Along the way he designed the original productions of Sweeney Todd, On The 20th Century, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Scottsboro Boys, The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In the Universe starring Lily Tomlin, three revivals of Fiddler On The Roof, two revivals of Sunday In The Park with George, and the still running 1996 revival of Chicago for which he received the Tony Award. I have had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Ken for more than 40 years, and it is always fascinating, and always a delight to speak with him. Theatrical lighting design is a very young art form. Its history begins primarily in the early 20th Century -- just as the Broadway musical was being invented. Lighting design’s earliest innovators include the American actress Maude Adams – most famous today for her performance as Peter Pan – and producer, director, playwright, and theater owner David Belasco.  One of the recurring themes of this podcast, and one of my obsessions, is how the art and craft of the Broadway Musical has been handed down directly – first hand – from artists to artists, from craftsperson to craftsperson.  Ken Billington’s long career and especially his early experiences as the assistant to the pioneering designers Peggy Clark, Pat Collins, Tom Skelton, William Rittman, and Tharon Musser make him the ideal guest for this episode. And of course, after Ken stopped being an assistant, he eventually became one of Broadway’s most acclaimed and most prolific lighting designers. And we’ll hear the story of how that came about on the next episode of Broadway Nation! You can learn more about Jean Rosenthal, Tharon Musser and other great women lighting designers on Episode 8 of Broadway Nation, which is titled, “Agnes DeMille & The Women That Invented Broadway”. It’s a fascinating episode and I encourage you to check it out. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me, David Armstrong. Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of Vashon, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Sep 2022 06:20:00 -0000 COLOR AND LIGHT: A Brief History of Broadway Lighting Design full 2 80 Broadway Podcast Network With TONY winner KEN BILLINGTON My guest on this episode is Tony Award winning lighting designer Ken Billington who created the lighting for an incredible 105 Broadway plays and musicals, including 21 productions that were directed by Harold Prince.  Ken’s career spans from his very first Broadway show in 1967 when he was the assistant to legendary lighting designer Tharon Musser, to his most recent Broadway show, the hit musical, Waitress.  Along the way he designed the original productions of Sweeney Todd, On The 20th Century, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Scottsboro Boys, The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In the Universe starring Lily Tomlin, three revivals of Fiddler On The Roof, two revivals of Sunday In The Park with George, and the still running 1996 revival of Chicago for which he received the Tony Award. I have had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Ken for more than 40 years, and it is always fascinating, and always a delight to speak with him. Theatrical lighting design is a very young art form. Its history begins primarily in the early 20th Century -- just as the Broadway musical was being invented. Lighting design’s earliest innovators include the American actress Maude Adams – most famous today for her performance as Peter Pan – and producer, director, playwright, and theater owner David Belasco.  One of the recurring themes of this podcast, and one of my obsessions, is how the art and craft of the Broadway Musical has been handed down directly – first hand – from artists to artists, from craftsperson to craftsperson.  Ken Billington’s long career and especially his early experiences as the assistant to the pioneering designers Peggy Clark, Pat Collins, Tom Skelton, William Rittman, and Tharon Musser make him the ideal guest for this episode. And of course, after Ken stopped being an assistant, he eventually became one of Broadway’s most acclaimed and most prolific lighting designers. And we’ll hear the story of how that came about on the next episode of Broadway Nation! You can learn more about Jean Rosenthal, Tharon Musser and other great women lighting designers on Episode 8 of Broadway Nation, which is titled, “Agnes DeMille & The Women That Invented Broadway”. It’s a fascinating episode and I encourage you to check it out. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me, David Armstrong. Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of Vashon, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest on this episode is Tony Award winning lighting designer Ken Billington who created the lighting for an incredible 105 Broadway plays and musicals, including 21 productions that were directed by Harold Prince.  Ken’s career spans from his very first Broadway show in 1967 when he was the assistant to legendary lighting designer Tharon Musser, to his most recent Broadway show, the hit musical, Waitress. 

Along the way he designed the original productions of Sweeney Todd, On The 20th Century, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Scottsboro Boys, The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In the Universe starring Lily Tomlin, three revivals of Fiddler On The Roof, two revivals of Sunday In The Park with George, and the still running 1996 revival of Chicago for which he received the Tony Award. I have had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Ken for more than 40 years, and it is always fascinating, and always a delight to speak with him.

Theatrical lighting design is a very young art form. Its history begins primarily in the early 20th Century -- just as the Broadway musical was being invented. Lighting design’s earliest innovators include the American actress Maude Adams – most famous today for her performance as Peter Pan – and producer, director, playwright, and theater owner David Belasco. 

One of the recurring themes of this podcast, and one of my obsessions, is how the art and craft of the Broadway Musical has been handed down directly – first hand – from artists to artists, from craftsperson to craftsperson.  Ken Billington’s long career and especially his early experiences as the assistant to the pioneering designers Peggy Clark, Pat Collins, Tom Skelton, William Rittman, and Tharon Musser make him the ideal guest for this episode.

And of course, after Ken stopped being an assistant, he eventually became one of Broadway’s most acclaimed and most prolific lighting designers. And we’ll hear the story of how that came about on the next episode of Broadway Nation!

You can learn more about Jean Rosenthal, Tharon Musser and other great women lighting designers on Episode 8 of Broadway Nation, which is titled, “Agnes DeMille & The Women That Invented Broadway”. It’s a fascinating episode and I encourage you to check it out.

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me, David Armstrong. Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of Vashon, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2289 no Episode 79: Further Scandals Of George White https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This episode is the second half of my conversation with Gary Flannery regarding the life and career of Broadway dancer, director, choreographer, writer and producer, George White.  Between 1919 and 1939 George White produced 19 Broadway shows including 13 editions of his own lavish and legendary revue – The George White Scandals. In part one Gary shared the story of George White’s unlikely rise from the slums of NY’s Lower East Side to his first triumphs on Broadway.  Gary also began making his very persuasive case that George White is the most underrated and neglected genius in the history of the Broadway, who should be considered of equal, or even greater, significance than Ziegfeld, Cohan, the Shubert Bros, and any of the other greatest showman in Broadway history.  As we ended part one George had just opened The George White Scandals of 1922, directed & staged by George White, costumes by Erte, and starring George White, W.C. Fields, and Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, all performing the music & lyrics of George Gershwin & Buddy De Sylva. In this episode we learn how George White put together the legendary songwriting team of De Sylva, Brown & Henderson, discovered Eleanor Powell and Ann Miller, and advanced the careers of Harry Richman, Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger, Burt Lahr, the Howard Brothers and more! If you enjoy this podcast, I feel certain that you will also enjoy joining our Broadway Nation Facebook group -- where you will find daily postings of images, videos, articles and links that relate to, and enhance, each and every episode of this podcast.   Just google “Broadway Nation Facebook group” and join the more than 2000 other fans of Broadway Nation. It’s always fun, fascinating and informative.  See you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Sep 2022 06:30:00 -0000 Further Scandals Of George White full 2 79 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Gary Flannery This episode is the second half of my conversation with Gary Flannery regarding the life and career of Broadway dancer, director, choreographer, writer and producer, George White.  Between 1919 and 1939 George White produced 19 Broadway shows including 13 editions of his own lavish and legendary revue – The George White Scandals. In part one Gary shared the story of George White’s unlikely rise from the slums of NY’s Lower East Side to his first triumphs on Broadway.  Gary also began making his very persuasive case that George White is the most underrated and neglected genius in the history of the Broadway, who should be considered of equal, or even greater, significance than Ziegfeld, Cohan, the Shubert Bros, and any of the other greatest showman in Broadway history.  As we ended part one George had just opened The George White Scandals of 1922, directed & staged by George White, costumes by Erte, and starring George White, W.C. Fields, and Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, all performing the music & lyrics of George Gershwin & Buddy De Sylva. In this episode we learn how George White put together the legendary songwriting team of De Sylva, Brown & Henderson, discovered Eleanor Powell and Ann Miller, and advanced the careers of Harry Richman, Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger, Burt Lahr, the Howard Brothers and more! If you enjoy this podcast, I feel certain that you will also enjoy joining our Broadway Nation Facebook group -- where you will find daily postings of images, videos, articles and links that relate to, and enhance, each and every episode of this podcast.   Just google “Broadway Nation Facebook group” and join the more than 2000 other fans of Broadway Nation. It’s always fun, fascinating and informative.  See you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode is the second half of my conversation with Gary Flannery regarding the life and career of Broadway dancer, director, choreographer, writer and producer, George White.  Between 1919 and 1939 George White produced 19 Broadway shows including 13 editions of his own lavish and legendary revue – The George White Scandals.

In part one Gary shared the story of George White’s unlikely rise from the slums of NY’s Lower East Side to his first triumphs on Broadway.  Gary also began making his very persuasive case that George White is the most underrated and neglected genius in the history of the Broadway, who should be considered of equal, or even greater, significance than Ziegfeld, Cohan, the Shubert Bros, and any of the other greatest showman in Broadway history. 

As we ended part one George had just opened The George White Scandals of 1922, directed & staged by George White, costumes by Erte, and starring George White, W.C. Fields, and Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, all performing the music & lyrics of George Gershwin & Buddy De Sylva.

In this episode we learn how George White put together the legendary songwriting team of De Sylva, Brown & Henderson, discovered Eleanor Powell and Ann Miller, and advanced the careers of Harry Richman, Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger, Burt Lahr, the Howard Brothers and more!

If you enjoy this podcast, I feel certain that you will also enjoy joining our Broadway Nation Facebook group -- where you will find daily postings of images, videos, articles and links that relate to, and enhance, each and every episode of this podcast.   Just google “Broadway Nation Facebook group” and join the more than 2000 other fans of Broadway Nation. It’s always fun, fascinating and informative. 

See you there!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1931 no Episode 78: George White And His Scandals! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the first part of my conversation with Gary Flannery who somehow, while pursuing his own spectacular career as dancer, also found time to become the leading expert on the tumultuous life and career of George White – the fabled Broadway producer, director, choreographer, writer, songwriter and dancer. White rose to fame in Vaudeville and as a featured performer in The Ziegfeld Follies and then, between 1919 and 1939, went on to produce 19 Broadway musicals including 13 editions of his own spectacular and legendary revue – The George White Scandals. It is Gary’s firm conviction that George White is the most underrated and neglected genius in the history of the Broadway musical. And, furthermore, he believes that if George White’s full legacy and impact were more fully acknowledged and recognized it would equal or surpass that of Ziegfeld, George M. Cohan, the Shubert Bros, and virtually every other great showman in Broadway history. Gary has certainly convinced me – and I suspect that after you’ve heard him tell George White’s amazing story -- you will be persuaded as well. Gary Flannery’s day job was as one of Bob Fosse’s favorite dancers and he appeared in the Broadway productions of both DANCIN’ and PIPPIN – and you have probably seen him as one of the leading dancers in Fosse’s film, All That Jazz.  He also toured the world dancing with Shirley MacLaine, was a featured dancer on many television variety shows, and today he directs, choreographs, writes, teaches and conducts master classes in all manner of Broadway dance and musical theater history. His research on George White is only one part of his Great American Revue project which includes lectures, books, documentaries and revivals in various stages of production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Sep 2022 09:36:39 -0000 George White And His Scandals! full 2 78 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Gary Flannery This is the first part of my conversation with Gary Flannery who somehow, while pursuing his own spectacular career as dancer, also found time to become the leading expert on the tumultuous life and career of George White – the fabled Broadway producer, director, choreographer, writer, songwriter and dancer. White rose to fame in Vaudeville and as a featured performer in The Ziegfeld Follies and then, between 1919 and 1939, went on to produce 19 Broadway musicals including 13 editions of his own spectacular and legendary revue – The George White Scandals. It is Gary’s firm conviction that George White is the most underrated and neglected genius in the history of the Broadway musical. And, furthermore, he believes that if George White’s full legacy and impact were more fully acknowledged and recognized it would equal or surpass that of Ziegfeld, George M. Cohan, the Shubert Bros, and virtually every other great showman in Broadway history. Gary has certainly convinced me – and I suspect that after you’ve heard him tell George White’s amazing story -- you will be persuaded as well. Gary Flannery’s day job was as one of Bob Fosse’s favorite dancers and he appeared in the Broadway productions of both DANCIN’ and PIPPIN – and you have probably seen him as one of the leading dancers in Fosse’s film, All That Jazz.  He also toured the world dancing with Shirley MacLaine, was a featured dancer on many television variety shows, and today he directs, choreographs, writes, teaches and conducts master classes in all manner of Broadway dance and musical theater history. His research on George White is only one part of his Great American Revue project which includes lectures, books, documentaries and revivals in various stages of production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the first part of my conversation with Gary Flannery who somehow, while pursuing his own spectacular career as dancer, also found time to become the leading expert on the tumultuous life and career of George White – the fabled Broadway producer, director, choreographer, writer, songwriter and dancer. White rose to fame in Vaudeville and as a featured performer in The Ziegfeld Follies and then, between 1919 and 1939, went on to produce 19 Broadway musicals including 13 editions of his own spectacular and legendary revue – The George White Scandals.

It is Gary’s firm conviction that George White is the most underrated and neglected genius in the history of the Broadway musical. And, furthermore, he believes that if George White’s full legacy and impact were more fully acknowledged and recognized it would equal or surpass that of Ziegfeld, George M. Cohan, the Shubert Bros, and virtually every other great showman in Broadway history. Gary has certainly convinced me – and I suspect that after you’ve heard him tell George White’s amazing story -- you will be persuaded as well.

Gary Flannery’s day job was as one of Bob Fosse’s favorite dancers and he appeared in the Broadway productions of both DANCIN’ and PIPPIN – and you have probably seen him as one of the leading dancers in Fosse’s film, All That Jazz.  He also toured the world dancing with Shirley MacLaine, was a featured dancer on many television variety shows, and today he directs, choreographs, writes, teaches and conducts master classes in all manner of Broadway dance and musical theater history. His research on George White is only one part of his Great American Revue project which includes lectures, books, documentaries and revivals in various stages of production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2133 Episode 77: 20 Years of HAIRSPRAY, Part 3. https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Continuing our celebration of the 20th Anniversary of HAIRSPRAY – The Musical, my guest this week is the show’s original choreographer JERRY MITCHELL who shares with us a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look into the creation of that Tony Award winning musical -- especially in regard to the how the show’s unique staging, choreography, design, as well as many of its most memorable moments were first dreamed up and executed!  You will also get an inside view of Jerry’s close collaborations with Hairspray’s director, Jack O’Brian, lead producer Margo Lion, set designer David Rockwell, and Tony Award winning songwriters Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman. You will also have the opportunity to hear excerpts from the show original "demo recording" featuring vocals by Annie Golden and Jenifer Lewis!  20 years ago I had the great privilege of being part of the birth of Hairspray – The Musical because at that time I served as the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater where the show received its World Premiere.    This is my 3rd episode celebrating HAIRSPRAY’s 20th. Last week I had the great pleasure of having Marc & Scott as my guests, and a few weeks ago, on Episode 71, my guest was one of the show’s original producer’s, Adam Epstein, who is now the host of his own podcast called Dirty Moderate. Please feel free to listen to these episodes on any order as each of my guests brings their own specific memories and perspectives to the celebration. Jerry Mitchell is a two time Tony Award winner whose work on Broadway includes the choreography for You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, The Rocky Horror Show, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, La Cage Ax Folles, and Catch Me If You Can - and the direction and choreography for Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, On Your Feet, and Pretty Woman.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:20:00 -0000 20 Years of HAIRSPRAY, Part 3. full 2 77 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest JERRY MITCHELL Continuing our celebration of the 20th Anniversary of HAIRSPRAY – The Musical, my guest this week is the show’s original choreographer JERRY MITCHELL who shares with us a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look into the creation of that Tony Award winning musical -- especially in regard to the how the show’s unique staging, choreography, design, as well as many of its most memorable moments were first dreamed up and executed!  You will also get an inside view of Jerry’s close collaborations with Hairspray’s director, Jack O’Brian, lead producer Margo Lion, set designer David Rockwell, and Tony Award winning songwriters Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman. You will also have the opportunity to hear excerpts from the show original "demo recording" featuring vocals by Annie Golden and Jenifer Lewis!  20 years ago I had the great privilege of being part of the birth of Hairspray – The Musical because at that time I served as the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater where the show received its World Premiere.    This is my 3rd episode celebrating HAIRSPRAY’s 20th. Last week I had the great pleasure of having Marc & Scott as my guests, and a few weeks ago, on Episode 71, my guest was one of the show’s original producer’s, Adam Epstein, who is now the host of his own podcast called Dirty Moderate. Please feel free to listen to these episodes on any order as each of my guests brings their own specific memories and perspectives to the celebration. Jerry Mitchell is a two time Tony Award winner whose work on Broadway includes the choreography for You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, The Rocky Horror Show, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, La Cage Ax Folles, and Catch Me If You Can - and the direction and choreography for Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, On Your Feet, and Pretty Woman.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Continuing our celebration of the 20th Anniversary of HAIRSPRAY – The Musical, my guest this week is the show’s original choreographer JERRY MITCHELL who shares with us a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look into the creation of that Tony Award winning musical -- especially in regard to the how the show’s unique staging, choreography, design, as well as many of its most memorable moments were first dreamed up and executed! 

You will also get an inside view of Jerry’s close collaborations with Hairspray’s director, Jack O’Brian, lead producer Margo Lion, set designer David Rockwell, and Tony Award winning songwriters Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman. You will also have the opportunity to hear excerpts from the show original "demo recording" featuring vocals by Annie Golden and Jenifer Lewis!

 20 years ago I had the great privilege of being part of the birth of Hairspray – The Musical because at that time I served as the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater where the show received its World Premiere.  

 This is my 3rd episode celebrating HAIRSPRAY’s 20th. Last week I had the great pleasure of having Marc & Scott as my guests, and a few weeks ago, on Episode 71, my guest was one of the show’s original producer’s, Adam Epstein, who is now the host of his own podcast called Dirty Moderate.

Please feel free to listen to these episodes on any order as each of my guests brings their own specific memories and perspectives to the celebration.

Jerry Mitchell is a two time Tony Award winner whose work on Broadway includes the choreography for You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, The Rocky Horror Show, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, La Cage Ax Folles, and Catch Me If You Can - and the direction and choreography for Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, On Your Feet, and Pretty Woman.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2860 no Episode 76: 20 Years of HAIRSPRAY, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guests on Broadway Nation today are the Tony Award winning songwriting team of Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman who join me to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Hairspray – The Musical. That’s right! It was 20 years ago, during the summer of 2002, that Hairspray first received its World Premiere in June at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre (where at that time I had the great pleasure and privilege of serving as that theater’s Producing Artistic Director). Then, just three months later, the show became an instant hit when it debuted on Broadway on August 15th at the Neil Simon Theatre, where it would go on to run for 2,642 performances! In this episode Marc & Scott take us inside the creation of Hairspray, how it began, how it developed over four workshops, and how they collaborated with a team of outstanding theatermakers including bookwriters Mark O’Donnell & Tom Meehan, director Jack O’Brian, choreographer Jerry Mitchell, lead producer Margo Lion, and John Waters who wrote and directed the quirky film on which the musical is based. Our conversation is filled with great behind the scenes stories that include: Harvey Fierstein’s contributions to the script, how they “tortured” Marissa Jaret Winokur, the many songs they wrote for “Velma Von Tussle” (Linda Hart), the legendary night the Seattle Men’s Chorus attended the show, and how Mathew Morrison is a lot like Shirley MacLaine! In short, it was an absolute delight to reminisce with Scott & Marc about that eventful summer 20 years ago that changed all of our lives! The episode ends with the inside scoop about their upcoming show, Some Like It Hot, which will open on Broadway in December.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:40:00 -0000 20 Years of HAIRSPRAY, part 2 full 2 76 Broadway Podcast Network With Tony Award winners Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman My guests on Broadway Nation today are the Tony Award winning songwriting team of Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman who join me to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Hairspray – The Musical. That’s right! It was 20 years ago, during the summer of 2002, that Hairspray first received its World Premiere in June at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre (where at that time I had the great pleasure and privilege of serving as that theater’s Producing Artistic Director). Then, just three months later, the show became an instant hit when it debuted on Broadway on August 15th at the Neil Simon Theatre, where it would go on to run for 2,642 performances! In this episode Marc & Scott take us inside the creation of Hairspray, how it began, how it developed over four workshops, and how they collaborated with a team of outstanding theatermakers including bookwriters Mark O’Donnell & Tom Meehan, director Jack O’Brian, choreographer Jerry Mitchell, lead producer Margo Lion, and John Waters who wrote and directed the quirky film on which the musical is based. Our conversation is filled with great behind the scenes stories that include: Harvey Fierstein’s contributions to the script, how they “tortured” Marissa Jaret Winokur, the many songs they wrote for “Velma Von Tussle” (Linda Hart), the legendary night the Seattle Men’s Chorus attended the show, and how Mathew Morrison is a lot like Shirley MacLaine! In short, it was an absolute delight to reminisce with Scott & Marc about that eventful summer 20 years ago that changed all of our lives! The episode ends with the inside scoop about their upcoming show, Some Like It Hot, which will open on Broadway in December.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guests on Broadway Nation today are the Tony Award winning songwriting team of Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman who join me to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Hairspray – The Musical.

That’s right! It was 20 years ago, during the summer of 2002, that Hairspray first received its World Premiere in June at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre (where at that time I had the great pleasure and privilege of serving as that theater’s Producing Artistic Director). Then, just three months later, the show became an instant hit when it debuted on Broadway on August 15th at the Neil Simon Theatre, where it would go on to run for 2,642 performances!

In this episode Marc & Scott take us inside the creation of Hairspray, how it began, how it developed over four workshops, and how they collaborated with a team of outstanding theatermakers including bookwriters Mark O’Donnell & Tom Meehan, director Jack O’Brian, choreographer Jerry Mitchell, lead producer Margo Lion, and John Waters who wrote and directed the quirky film on which the musical is based.

Our conversation is filled with great behind the scenes stories that include: Harvey Fierstein’s contributions to the script, how they “tortured” Marissa Jaret Winokur, the many songs they wrote for “Velma Von Tussle” (Linda Hart), the legendary night the Seattle Men’s Chorus attended the show, and how Mathew Morrison is a lot like Shirley MacLaine!

In short, it was an absolute delight to reminisce with Scott & Marc about that eventful summer 20 years ago that changed all of our lives!

The episode ends with the inside scoop about their upcoming show, Some Like It Hot, which will open on Broadway in December.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3321 no Episode 75: FINALE: Sunday In The Park, Into The Woods, Crazy For You & GEMIGNANI https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the fourth and final section of my conversation with author Margaret Hall, about her recent biography of Paul Gemignani that is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. If you missed the previous episodes in this series, you may want to catch up on those before listening to this one. Paul Gemignani served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including those that are the focus of this episode -- Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, Crazy For You, as well as the revivals of She Loves Me and Kiss Me Kate. If you are interested in purchasing a copy signed by both Paul Gemignani and Margaret Hall you can order it exclusively through the website of Buxton Books, an independent bookstore in Charleston, South Carolina. Many of Gemignani's collaborators are discussed in this episode including Stephen Sondheim, James lapine, Scott Ellis, Lonnie Price, Michael Cerveris, and Patti Lupone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:20:00 -0000 FINALE: Sunday In The Park, Into The Woods, Crazy For You & GRMIGNANI full 2 75 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Margaret Hall This is the fourth and final section of my conversation with author Margaret Hall, about her recent biography of Paul Gemignani that is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. If you missed the previous episodes in this series, you may want to catch up on those before listening to this one. Paul Gemignani served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including those that are the focus of this episode -- Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, Crazy For You, as well as the revivals of She Loves Me and Kiss Me Kate. If you are interested in purchasing a copy signed by both Paul Gemignani and Margaret Hall you can order it exclusively through the website of Buxton Books, an independent bookstore in Charleston, South Carolina. Many of Gemignani's collaborators are discussed in this episode including Stephen Sondheim, James lapine, Scott Ellis, Lonnie Price, Michael Cerveris, and Patti Lupone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the fourth and final section of my conversation with author Margaret Hall, about her recent biography of Paul Gemignani that is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond.

If you missed the previous episodes in this series, you may want to catch up on those before listening to this one.

Paul Gemignani served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including those that are the focus of this episode -- Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, Crazy For You, as well as the revivals of She Loves Me and Kiss Me Kate.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy signed by both Paul Gemignani and Margaret Hall you can order it exclusively through the website of Buxton Books, an independent bookstore in Charleston, South Carolina.

Many of Gemignani's collaborators are discussed in this episode including Stephen Sondheim, James lapine, Scott Ellis, Lonnie Price, Michael Cerveris, and Patti Lupone.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2908 no Episode 74: Sweeney, Merrily, Dreamgirls & Gemignani https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third part of my conversation with author Margaret Hall, whose captivating new book is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. If you missed the first two parts you may want to catch up on those episodes before listening to this one. As the title suggests Margaret’s book is a biography of Paul Gemignani who served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including the 3 shows that are the focus of this episode.  The first two are Sweeny Todd and Merrily We Roll Along and Gemignani’s contribution to these musicals and his close working relationship with Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince has been widely acknowledged but never to the level of detail and insight that Margaret brings to them. However, Gemignani’s enormous contribution to the development of Dreamgirls and his close collaboration with that show’s director and creator, Michael Bennett, has been a closely guarded secret for decades and was revealed for the first time in Margaret’s book. You will hear the reasons for all of this mystery and subterfuge later in the episode.  We also focus briefly on Paul's work on the Broadway musical EVITA and his interactions with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Patti Lupone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:25:00 -0000 Sweeney, Merrily, Dreamgirls & Gemignani full 2 74 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Margaret Hall This is the third part of my conversation with author Margaret Hall, whose captivating new book is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. If you missed the first two parts you may want to catch up on those episodes before listening to this one. As the title suggests Margaret’s book is a biography of Paul Gemignani who served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including the 3 shows that are the focus of this episode.  The first two are Sweeny Todd and Merrily We Roll Along and Gemignani’s contribution to these musicals and his close working relationship with Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince has been widely acknowledged but never to the level of detail and insight that Margaret brings to them. However, Gemignani’s enormous contribution to the development of Dreamgirls and his close collaboration with that show’s director and creator, Michael Bennett, has been a closely guarded secret for decades and was revealed for the first time in Margaret’s book. You will hear the reasons for all of this mystery and subterfuge later in the episode.  We also focus briefly on Paul's work on the Broadway musical EVITA and his interactions with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Patti Lupone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third part of my conversation with author Margaret Hall, whose captivating new book is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond.

If you missed the first two parts you may want to catch up on those episodes before listening to this one.

As the title suggests Margaret’s book is a biography of Paul Gemignani who served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including the 3 shows that are the focus of this episode. 

The first two are Sweeny Todd and Merrily We Roll Along and Gemignani’s contribution to these musicals and his close working relationship with Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince has been widely acknowledged but never to the level of detail and insight that Margaret brings to them. However, Gemignani’s enormous contribution to the development of Dreamgirls and his close collaboration with that show’s director and creator, Michael Bennett, has been a closely guarded secret for decades and was revealed for the first time in Margaret’s book. You will hear the reasons for all of this mystery and subterfuge later in the episode. 

We also focus briefly on Paul's work on the Broadway musical EVITA and his interactions with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Patti Lupone.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2557 no Episode 73: Sondheim, Prince & Gemignani https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my recent conversation with author Margaret Hall, the remarkable young theater historian whose new book is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. If you missed part one, you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one. Margaret spent much of the pandemic interviewing Paul Gemignani who is without a doubt one of the most significant figures in the history of modern Broadway musical. Beginning as a replacement with the original production of Follies in 1971 Gemignani served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including Sweeney Todd, Evita, Sunday In The Park With George, On The 20th Century, and Into The Woods to name only a few.  Margaret’s book takes us behind the scenes of those acclaimed productions and illuminates the crucial role that music directors play in the creation, development, and success of a musical. Paul Gemignani’s incredible talent and theatrical know how made him the first-choice music director, and indispensable collaborator of both Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince. As you will hear, after Sondheim and Prince ended their creative partnership and went their separate ways, Paul Gemignani was often pulled back and forth and caught in the middle between these two great artists and their various projects. As we ended the previous episode the legendary Music Director Hal Hasting’s had unexpectedly died and Paul Gemignani has suddenly been drafted to replace him as the Music Director of A Little Night Music the new Prince and Sondheim musical that has just opened.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:19:41 -0000 Sondheim, Prince & Gemignani full 2 73 Broadway Podcast Network With Margaret Hall, author of Gemignani - Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond This is the second part of my recent conversation with author Margaret Hall, the remarkable young theater historian whose new book is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. If you missed part one, you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one. Margaret spent much of the pandemic interviewing Paul Gemignani who is without a doubt one of the most significant figures in the history of modern Broadway musical. Beginning as a replacement with the original production of Follies in 1971 Gemignani served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including Sweeney Todd, Evita, Sunday In The Park With George, On The 20th Century, and Into The Woods to name only a few.  Margaret’s book takes us behind the scenes of those acclaimed productions and illuminates the crucial role that music directors play in the creation, development, and success of a musical. Paul Gemignani’s incredible talent and theatrical know how made him the first-choice music director, and indispensable collaborator of both Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince. As you will hear, after Sondheim and Prince ended their creative partnership and went their separate ways, Paul Gemignani was often pulled back and forth and caught in the middle between these two great artists and their various projects. As we ended the previous episode the legendary Music Director Hal Hasting’s had unexpectedly died and Paul Gemignani has suddenly been drafted to replace him as the Music Director of A Little Night Music the new Prince and Sondheim musical that has just opened.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my recent conversation with author Margaret Hall, the remarkable young theater historian whose new book is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond.

If you missed part one, you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one.

Margaret spent much of the pandemic interviewing Paul Gemignani who is without a doubt one of the most significant figures in the history of modern Broadway musical. Beginning as a replacement with the original production of Follies in 1971 Gemignani served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including Sweeney Todd, Evita, Sunday In The Park With George, On The 20th Century, and Into The Woods to name only a few. 

Margaret’s book takes us behind the scenes of those acclaimed productions and illuminates the crucial role that music directors play in the creation, development, and success of a musical.

Paul Gemignani’s incredible talent and theatrical know how made him the first-choice music director, and indispensable collaborator of both Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince. As you will hear, after Sondheim and Prince ended their creative partnership and went their separate ways, Paul Gemignani was often pulled back and forth and caught in the middle between these two great artists and their various projects.

As we ended the previous episode the legendary Music Director Hal Hasting’s had unexpectedly died and Paul Gemignani has suddenly been drafted to replace him as the Music Director of A Little Night Music the new Prince and Sondheim musical that has just opened.  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2362 no Episode 72: Broadway's First Choice - Paul Gemignani. part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest this week is Margaret Hall, a remarkable young theater historian who is the author of the celebrated new book Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. As you will hear, Margaret spent much of the pandemic interviewing Paul Gemignani who is without a doubt one of the most significant, and at the same time most under-appreciated, figures in the history of modern musical. Since 1971 Paul Gemignani has served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway productions including Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Evita, Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, and Crazy for You, to name only a few. His incredible talent and theatrical know-how made him the first-choice music director, and indispensable collaborator of Kander & Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Harold Prince. Margaret’s book not only takes us behind the scenes and into the orchestra pit of many of the most significant and acclaimed productions in Broadway history, it also illuminates the crucial role that music directors play in the creation, development, and performance of a musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Jul 2022 06:30:00 -0000 Broadway's First Choice - Paul Gemignani, part 1 full 2 72 Broadway Podcast Network With author Margaret Hall. My guest this week is Margaret Hall, a remarkable young theater historian who is the author of the celebrated new book Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. As you will hear, Margaret spent much of the pandemic interviewing Paul Gemignani who is without a doubt one of the most significant, and at the same time most under-appreciated, figures in the history of modern musical. Since 1971 Paul Gemignani has served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway productions including Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Evita, Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, and Crazy for You, to name only a few. His incredible talent and theatrical know-how made him the first-choice music director, and indispensable collaborator of Kander & Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Harold Prince. Margaret’s book not only takes us behind the scenes and into the orchestra pit of many of the most significant and acclaimed productions in Broadway history, it also illuminates the crucial role that music directors play in the creation, development, and performance of a musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest this week is Margaret Hall, a remarkable young theater historian who is the author of the celebrated new book Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond.

As you will hear, Margaret spent much of the pandemic interviewing Paul Gemignani who is without a doubt one of the most significant, and at the same time most under-appreciated, figures in the history of modern musical. Since 1971 Paul Gemignani has served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway productions including Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Evita, Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, and Crazy for You, to name only a few. His incredible talent and theatrical know-how made him the first-choice music director, and indispensable collaborator of Kander & Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Harold Prince.

Margaret’s book not only takes us behind the scenes and into the orchestra pit of many of the most significant and acclaimed productions in Broadway history, it also illuminates the crucial role that music directors play in the creation, development, and performance of a musical.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2102 no Special Encore Episode: Eubie Blake & The Black Artists Who Invented Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ The 1920's brought the second great era of musicals that were written by, staged by, and starring Black theater artists to Broadway. In this episode I profile these brilliant creators and stars including Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller & Aurbry Lyles, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and their musicals -- "Shuffle Along", "Runnin' Wild", "Blackbirds of 1929", "Hot Chocolates" and more. It also includes a brief history of that great African-American/Irish-American co-creation -- Tap Dancing. And featuring music by The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra -- for more music from this era check out their terrific "Black Manhattan" series of recordings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Eubie Blake & The Black Artists Who Invented Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network The 1920's brought the second great era of musicals that were written by, staged by, and starring Black theater artists to Broadway. In this episode I profile these brilliant creators and stars including Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller & Aurbry Lyles, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and their musicals -- "Shuffle Along", "Runnin' Wild", "Blackbirds of 1929", "Hot Chocolates" and more. It also includes a brief history of that great African-American/Irish-American co-creation -- Tap Dancing. And featuring music by The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra -- for more music from this era check out their terrific "Black Manhattan" series of recordings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The 1920's brought the second great era of musicals that were written by, staged by, and starring Black theater artists to Broadway. In this episode I profile these brilliant creators and stars including Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller & Aurbry Lyles, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and their musicals -- "Shuffle Along", "Runnin' Wild", "Blackbirds of 1929", "Hot Chocolates" and more. It also includes a brief history of that great African-American/Irish-American co-creation -- Tap Dancing.

And featuring music by The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra -- for more music from this era check out their terrific "Black Manhattan" series of recordings.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1700 no Special Encore Episode: Irving Berlin & The Immigrants Who Invented Broadway Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Irving Berlin & The Immigrants Who Invented Broadway full Broadway Podcast Network Encore Episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1979 no Encore Episode: "Yearning To Breathe Free": George M. Cohan & The Immigrants Who Invented The Broadway Musical https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special holiday rerelease of the very first episode of Broadway Nation. In this episode David Armstrong and Albert Evans begin to tell the remarkable story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African-Americans invented America's signature art form -- the Broadway Musical. This includes a special emphasis on George M. Cohan, the grandson of Irish immigrants who to a great extent invented the Broadway "Musical Comedy", as we know it. And after many years of controversy, recent research has revealed that he really was "born on the 4th of July" as he always claimed. The Broadway Musical was born around the turn of the last century and it emerged out of what we used to call “the melting pot” – that simmering confluence of cultures and races that were packed into the teeming tenement neighborhoods of New York City. To an enormous extent the Musical can be called an “Immigrant art form” – it certainly was originated almost entirely by men and women from outside of the mainstream of society.” What they created was something totally new. A popular, democratic kind of music-theater that -- like most great American inventions -- was inspired by both a strong desire to express oneself, and a strong necessity to put food on the table. The concept of “the melting pot” has lost favor with some historians, but, as you will hear, it remains a very apt description of how various multi-cultural artistic traditions blended together to create the American musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000 "Yearning To Breathe Free": George M. Cohan & The Immigrants Who Invented The Broadway Musical full Broadway Podcast Network Born On The 4th Of July (Yes, Really!) This is a special holiday rerelease of the very first episode of Broadway Nation. In this episode David Armstrong and Albert Evans begin to tell the remarkable story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African-Americans invented America's signature art form -- the Broadway Musical. This includes a special emphasis on George M. Cohan, the grandson of Irish immigrants who to a great extent invented the Broadway "Musical Comedy", as we know it. And after many years of controversy, recent research has revealed that he really was "born on the 4th of July" as he always claimed. The Broadway Musical was born around the turn of the last century and it emerged out of what we used to call “the melting pot” – that simmering confluence of cultures and races that were packed into the teeming tenement neighborhoods of New York City. To an enormous extent the Musical can be called an “Immigrant art form” – it certainly was originated almost entirely by men and women from outside of the mainstream of society.” What they created was something totally new. A popular, democratic kind of music-theater that -- like most great American inventions -- was inspired by both a strong desire to express oneself, and a strong necessity to put food on the table. The concept of “the melting pot” has lost favor with some historians, but, as you will hear, it remains a very apt description of how various multi-cultural artistic traditions blended together to create the American musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special holiday rerelease of the very first episode of Broadway Nation.

In this episode David Armstrong and Albert Evans begin to tell the remarkable story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African-Americans invented America's signature art form -- the Broadway Musical. This includes a special emphasis on George M. Cohan, the grandson of Irish immigrants who to a great extent invented the Broadway "Musical Comedy", as we know it. And after many years of controversy, recent research has revealed that he really was "born on the 4th of July" as he always claimed.

The Broadway Musical was born around the turn of the last century and it emerged out of what we used to call “the melting pot” – that simmering confluence of cultures and races that were packed into the teeming tenement neighborhoods of New York City. To an enormous extent the Musical can be called an “Immigrant art form” – it certainly was originated almost entirely by men and women from outside of the mainstream of society.” What they created was something totally new. A popular, democratic kind of music-theater that -- like most great American inventions -- was inspired by both a strong desire to express oneself, and a strong necessity to put food on the table. The concept of “the melting pot” has lost favor with some historians, but, as you will hear, it remains a very apt description of how various multi-cultural artistic traditions blended together to create the American musical.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1745 no Ep 71: Politics & Musicals: 20 Years of HAIRSPRAY https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week’s episode is a little different because it’s two podcasts in one! It’s a collab between David Armstrong’s Broadway Nation and Dirty Moderate With Adam Epstein.   My podcast is all about the history of the Broadway Musical, and Adam’s is all about current American politics – today we combine forces to discuss the many connections and intersections between the Broadway Musical and American politics. Twenty years ago Adam and I had the tremendous good fortune to both be involved in the creation of the Tony Award winning “Best Musical” HAIRSPRAY. Adam was part of that show’s original New York producing team, and I was the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre where the show received its World Premiere prior to Broadway. We use that joyous, delightful, and very political show to kick off our conversation. Most people probably don't think of musicals as being particularly political. But Adam and I both believe that over their 125+ year history, Broadway musicals have more often than not been overwhelmingly political, and have usually – overtly or subliminally – strongly advocated for democratic, humanist values and ideals that many people would label as being “progressive” or “liberal”. Adam and I have both taught courses on the history of the musical using the “American studies” concept that you can't separate US politics from its history, culture, and literature. And, we both have used the history of the musical to explore such topics as: what it means to be American, what it means to be othered, and how and why the “American experiment” has included, marginalized or excluded certain people and groups? Interestingly, many of those otherwise marginalized groups were included in the invention of the Broadway musical and contributed to not only moving the form forward, but also to instilling in it these progressive and humanist values.  During the first half of our conversation we discuss in detail the inspiration, early development, pre-Broadway tryout, and triumphant Broadway opening of Hairspray, as well as it’s political messages and ongoing impact and legacy. After the break we expand our discussion to the inherent pollical messages of other hit shows including Oklahoma, Guys & Dolls, Les Miserable, HAIR, Cabaret and Annie! If you would prefer not hear discussions or opinions about America’s current political situation – this is not the show for you!  However, I think most people will be fascinated to discover that many of their favorite musicals contain hidden-in-plain-sight political messages and advocacy that I believe truly has “changed America in the process”. Adam Epstein BIO: After receiving 46 Tony nominations and 12 Tony Awards, Adam Epstein took his last bow as a celebrated Broadway producer to focus on Act II; Political provocateur.  Spending time getting his MA in American Studies at Brown, guest lecturing at Harvard, bringing his sexy, gay Centrist perspective to Trish Regan’s FOX News program as a regular, and writing the hell out of the American political shit show for international outlets, Adam grew his core beliefs from observant, lifelong Democrat to the politically homeless host of Dirty Moderate with Adam Epstein, an extremely not extreme political podcast. Adam wanted a gaslight-free zone where a vibrant exchange of ideas could flow freely without falsehoods. A haven for rigorous analysis and lively debate, where people could gather and fearlessly agree to disagree. So he created it.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:19:00 -0000 Politics & Musicals: 20 Years of HAIRSPRAY full 2 71 Broadway Podcast Network A Broadway Nation / Dirty Moderate Collaboration This week’s episode is a little different because it’s two podcasts in one! It’s a collab between David Armstrong’s Broadway Nation and Dirty Moderate With Adam Epstein.   My podcast is all about the history of the Broadway Musical, and Adam’s is all about current American politics – today we combine forces to discuss the many connections and intersections between the Broadway Musical and American politics. Twenty years ago Adam and I had the tremendous good fortune to both be involved in the creation of the Tony Award winning “Best Musical” HAIRSPRAY. Adam was part of that show’s original New York producing team, and I was the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre where the show received its World Premiere prior to Broadway. We use that joyous, delightful, and very political show to kick off our conversation. Most people probably don't think of musicals as being particularly political. But Adam and I both believe that over their 125+ year history, Broadway musicals have more often than not been overwhelmingly political, and have usually – overtly or subliminally – strongly advocated for democratic, humanist values and ideals that many people would label as being “progressive” or “liberal”. Adam and I have both taught courses on the history of the musical using the “American studies” concept that you can't separate US politics from its history, culture, and literature. And, we both have used the history of the musical to explore such topics as: what it means to be American, what it means to be othered, and how and why the “American experiment” has included, marginalized or excluded certain people and groups? Interestingly, many of those otherwise marginalized groups were included in the invention of the Broadway musical and contributed to not only moving the form forward, but also to instilling in it these progressive and humanist values.  During the first half of our conversation we discuss in detail the inspiration, early development, pre-Broadway tryout, and triumphant Broadway opening of Hairspray, as well as it’s political messages and ongoing impact and legacy. After the break we expand our discussion to the inherent pollical messages of other hit shows including Oklahoma, Guys & Dolls, Les Miserable, HAIR, Cabaret and Annie! If you would prefer not hear discussions or opinions about America’s current political situation – this is not the show for you!  However, I think most people will be fascinated to discover that many of their favorite musicals contain hidden-in-plain-sight political messages and advocacy that I believe truly has “changed America in the process”. Adam Epstein BIO: After receiving 46 Tony nominations and 12 Tony Awards, Adam Epstein took his last bow as a celebrated Broadway producer to focus on Act II; Political provocateur.  Spending time getting his MA in American Studies at Brown, guest lecturing at Harvard, bringing his sexy, gay Centrist perspective to Trish Regan’s FOX News program as a regular, and writing the hell out of the American political shit show for international outlets, Adam grew his core beliefs from observant, lifelong Democrat to the politically homeless host of Dirty Moderate with Adam Epstein, an extremely not extreme political podcast. Adam wanted a gaslight-free zone where a vibrant exchange of ideas could flow freely without falsehoods. A haven for rigorous analysis and lively debate, where people could gather and fearlessly agree to disagree. So he created it.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week’s episode is a little different because it’s two podcasts in one! It’s a collab between David Armstrong’s Broadway Nation and Dirty Moderate With Adam Epstein. 

 My podcast is all about the history of the Broadway Musical, and Adam’s is all about current American politics – today we combine forces to discuss the many connections and intersections between the Broadway Musical and American politics.

Twenty years ago Adam and I had the tremendous good fortune to both be involved in the creation of the Tony Award winning “Best Musical” HAIRSPRAY. Adam was part of that show’s original New York producing team, and I was the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre where the show received its World Premiere prior to Broadway. We use that joyous, delightful, and very political show to kick off our conversation.

Most people probably don't think of musicals as being particularly political. But Adam and I both believe that over their 125+ year history, Broadway musicals have more often than not been overwhelmingly political, and have usually – overtly or subliminally – strongly advocated for democratic, humanist values and ideals that many people would label as being “progressive” or “liberal”.

Adam and I have both taught courses on the history of the musical using the “American studies” concept that you can't separate US politics from its history, culture, and literature. And, we both have used the history of the musical to explore such topics as: what it means to be American, what it means to be othered, and how and why the “American experiment” has included, marginalized or excluded certain people and groups? Interestingly, many of those otherwise marginalized groups were included in the invention of the Broadway musical and contributed to not only moving the form forward, but also to instilling in it these progressive and humanist values.

 During the first half of our conversation we discuss in detail the inspiration, early development, pre-Broadway tryout, and triumphant Broadway opening of Hairspray, as well as it’s political messages and ongoing impact and legacy. After the break we expand our discussion to the inherent pollical messages of other hit shows including Oklahoma, Guys & Dolls, Les Miserable, HAIR, Cabaret and Annie!

If you would prefer not hear discussions or opinions about America’s current political situation – this is not the show for you! 

However, I think most people will be fascinated to discover that many of their favorite musicals contain hidden-in-plain-sight political messages and advocacy that I believe truly has “changed America in the process”.

Adam Epstein BIO:

After receiving 46 Tony nominations and 12 Tony Awards, Adam Epstein took his last bow as a celebrated Broadway producer to focus on Act II; Political provocateur.

 Spending time getting his MA in American Studies at Brown, guest lecturing at Harvard, bringing his sexy, gay Centrist perspective to Trish Regan’s FOX News program as a regular, and writing the hell out of the American political shit show for international outlets, Adam grew his core beliefs from observant, lifelong Democrat to the politically homeless host of Dirty Moderate with Adam Epstein, an extremely not extreme political podcast.

Adam wanted a gaslight-free zone where a vibrant exchange of ideas could flow freely without falsehoods. A haven for rigorous analysis and lively debate, where people could gather and fearlessly agree to disagree. So he created it. 

 

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3563 no Episode 70: "The Show Must Go On" - Behind The Scenes Of The New Documentary https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guests are the mother/daughter team of Sammi Cannold & Dori Berinstein, who are the co-directors and co-producers of the new documentary The Show Must Go On -- a film that I found to be both fascinating and very moving. Sammi Cannold is a theater director whose recent projects include Evita at New York City Center, Endings at NY Theater Workshop, Ragtime on Ellis Island and Violet on a bus at American Repertory Theatre. In 2019 she was named one of Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30 in Hollywood and Entertainment”. Dori Berinstein is a four-time Tony award winning Broadway producer as well as an Emmy award winning director, producer and writer of film and television. She is also the founder and CEO of the Broadway Podcast Network. When in March of 2020 the global pandemic shut down live theatre around the world, South Korea was the only country that did not close its theaters. The Show Must Go On primarily follows the companies of two Korean productions -- The Phantom of The Opera and CATS -- which demonstrated how live theater could continue to operate safely in spite of the pandemic. In this episode you will hear the story of how Sammi journeyed to Korea to document the incredible difficulties, challenges and ultimate triumphs of these two productions. And we will also look at why Korea was able to to do something that theaters in the West could not accomplish. If you enjoy this podcast, please be sure to follow, rate, and review it wherever you listen. I am happy to say that Broadway Nation has received 75 Five Star reviews. The latest is from listener “Past0071” and it reads: “I never Knew! So informative! I can’t wait to hear them all, so much I didn’t know. The podcasters themselves are very charming. Looking forward to the next ones coming out." Thank you so much, “Past0071”. I am hoping that many of you will help me achieve the goal of 100 Five Star reviews before the end of the summer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:20:00 -0000 "The Show Must Go On" - Behind The Scenes Of The New Documentary full 2 70 Broadway Podcast Network With Co-Directors & Producers, Sammi Cannold & Dori Berinstein My guests are the mother/daughter team of Sammi Cannold & Dori Berinstein, who are the co-directors and co-producers of the new documentary The Show Must Go On -- a film that I found to be both fascinating and very moving. Sammi Cannold is a theater director whose recent projects include Evita at New York City Center, Endings at NY Theater Workshop, Ragtime on Ellis Island and Violet on a bus at American Repertory Theatre. In 2019 she was named one of Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30 in Hollywood and Entertainment”. Dori Berinstein is a four-time Tony award winning Broadway producer as well as an Emmy award winning director, producer and writer of film and television. She is also the founder and CEO of the Broadway Podcast Network. When in March of 2020 the global pandemic shut down live theatre around the world, South Korea was the only country that did not close its theaters. The Show Must Go On primarily follows the companies of two Korean productions -- The Phantom of The Opera and CATS -- which demonstrated how live theater could continue to operate safely in spite of the pandemic. In this episode you will hear the story of how Sammi journeyed to Korea to document the incredible difficulties, challenges and ultimate triumphs of these two productions. And we will also look at why Korea was able to to do something that theaters in the West could not accomplish. If you enjoy this podcast, please be sure to follow, rate, and review it wherever you listen. I am happy to say that Broadway Nation has received 75 Five Star reviews. The latest is from listener “Past0071” and it reads: “I never Knew! So informative! I can’t wait to hear them all, so much I didn’t know. The podcasters themselves are very charming. Looking forward to the next ones coming out." Thank you so much, “Past0071”. I am hoping that many of you will help me achieve the goal of 100 Five Star reviews before the end of the summer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guests are the mother/daughter team of Sammi Cannold & Dori Berinstein, who are the co-directors and co-producers of the new documentary The Show Must Go On -- a film that I found to be both fascinating and very moving.

Sammi Cannold is a theater director whose recent projects include Evita at New York City Center, Endings at NY Theater Workshop, Ragtime on Ellis Island and Violet on a bus at American Repertory Theatre. In 2019 she was named one of Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30 in Hollywood and Entertainment”.

Dori Berinstein is a four-time Tony award winning Broadway producer as well as an Emmy award winning director, producer and writer of film and television. She is also the founder and CEO of the Broadway Podcast Network.

When in March of 2020 the global pandemic shut down live theatre around the world, South Korea was the only country that did not close its theaters. The Show Must Go On primarily follows the companies of two Korean productions -- The Phantom of The Opera and CATS -- which demonstrated how live theater could continue to operate safely in spite of the pandemic.

In this episode you will hear the story of how Sammi journeyed to Korea to document the incredible difficulties, challenges and ultimate triumphs of these two productions. And we will also look at why Korea was able to to do something that theaters in the West could not accomplish.

If you enjoy this podcast, please be sure to follow, rate, and review it wherever you listen. I am happy to say that Broadway Nation has received 75 Five Star reviews.

The latest is from listener “Past0071” and it reads: “I never Knew! So informative! I can’t wait to hear them all, so much I didn’t know. The podcasters themselves are very charming. Looking forward to the next ones coming out." Thank you so much, “Past0071”.

I am hoping that many of you will help me achieve the goal of 100 Five Star reviews before the end of the summer. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1715 no Episode 69: Barry Bostwick & Marilu Henner - Fifty Years Of Grease, Part 3 http://www.broadway-nation.com/ 2022 marks the 5Oth Anniversary of one of the most popular musicals in the history of Broadway – GREASE.  My guests on this episode are two of the many stars that emerged from the original Broadway and touring productions of that long running, record breaking show – Barry Bostwick & Marilu Henner. Marilu Henner’s association with Grease goes back to the very beginning when as a teenager she created the role of “Marty” in the original Chicago production of the show. A few years later she played the role again in the First National Tour and then eventually on Broadway. Her other appearances in Broadway include the plays and musicals, Over Here!, Chicago, The Tale Of The Allergists Wife, and she starred in the National Tour of Annie Get Your Gun in 2000. She is of course best known for her role on the hit TV series Taxi, as well as her many other film and television appearances. Barry Bostwick created the role of “Danny Zuko” in the original Broadway production of GREASE for which he received a Tony nomination. He has appeared in seven Broadway plays and musicals including his Tony Award winning performance in The Robber Bridegroom. He has starred in dozens of film and television productions including the mini-series George Washington, the hit sitcom Spin City, and as “Brad Majors” in the cult classic the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Both Marilu and Barry have contributed anecdotes and memories to a new book that was released just last week, entitled Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All. In this delightful conversation Marilu shares impromptu performances of songs that never made it out of the Chicago production, and tells us why she turned down her initial offer to be in the show in New York. You will also hear about the wild times and amorous adventures that a dynamic young cast of future stars got up to on tour, as well as the immense contribution of Grease’s choreographer Pat Birch, the infamous tight pants that Barry thinks helped win him a Tony Award, and much, much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:51:00 -0000 Barry Bostwick & Marilu Henner - Fifty Years Of Grease, Part 3 full 2 69 Broadway Podcast Network Our 50 Years Of Grease Finale 2022 marks the 5Oth Anniversary of one of the most popular musicals in the history of Broadway – GREASE.  My guests on this episode are two of the many stars that emerged from the original Broadway and touring productions of that long running, record breaking show – Barry Bostwick & Marilu Henner. Marilu Henner’s association with Grease goes back to the very beginning when as a teenager she created the role of “Marty” in the original Chicago production of the show. A few years later she played the role again in the First National Tour and then eventually on Broadway. Her other appearances in Broadway include the plays and musicals, Over Here!, Chicago, The Tale Of The Allergists Wife, and she starred in the National Tour of Annie Get Your Gun in 2000. She is of course best known for her role on the hit TV series Taxi, as well as her many other film and television appearances. Barry Bostwick created the role of “Danny Zuko” in the original Broadway production of GREASE for which he received a Tony nomination. He has appeared in seven Broadway plays and musicals including his Tony Award winning performance in The Robber Bridegroom. He has starred in dozens of film and television productions including the mini-series George Washington, the hit sitcom Spin City, and as “Brad Majors” in the cult classic the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Both Marilu and Barry have contributed anecdotes and memories to a new book that was released just last week, entitled Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All. In this delightful conversation Marilu shares impromptu performances of songs that never made it out of the Chicago production, and tells us why she turned down her initial offer to be in the show in New York. You will also hear about the wild times and amorous adventures that a dynamic young cast of future stars got up to on tour, as well as the immense contribution of Grease’s choreographer Pat Birch, the infamous tight pants that Barry thinks helped win him a Tony Award, and much, much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 2022 marks the 5Oth Anniversary of one of the most popular musicals in the history of Broadway – GREASE.  My guests on this episode are two of the many stars that emerged from the original Broadway and touring productions of that long running, record breaking show – Barry Bostwick & Marilu Henner.

Marilu Henner’s association with Grease goes back to the very beginning when as a teenager she created the role of “Marty” in the original Chicago production of the show. A few years later she played the role again in the First National Tour and then eventually on Broadway. Her other appearances in Broadway include the plays and musicals, Over Here!, Chicago, The Tale Of The Allergists Wife, and she starred in the National Tour of Annie Get Your Gun in 2000. She is of course best known for her role on the hit TV series Taxi, as well as her many other film and television appearances.

Barry Bostwick created the role of “Danny Zuko” in the original Broadway production of GREASE for which he received a Tony nomination. He has appeared in seven Broadway plays and musicals including his Tony Award winning performance in The Robber Bridegroom. He has starred in dozens of film and television productions including the mini-series George Washington, the hit sitcom Spin City, and as “Brad Majors” in the cult classic the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Both Marilu and Barry have contributed anecdotes and memories to a new book that was released just last week, entitled Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All.

In this delightful conversation Marilu shares impromptu performances of songs that never made it out of the Chicago production, and tells us why she turned down her initial offer to be in the show in New York. You will also hear about the wild times and amorous adventures that a dynamic young cast of future stars got up to on tour, as well as the immense contribution of Grease’s choreographer Pat Birch, the infamous tight pants that Barry thinks helped win him a Tony Award, and much, much more.

Enjoy!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2582 no Episode 68: Fifty Years Of Grease, Part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guests on this episode are the original producer and director of the Broadway musical GREASE -- Ken Waissman and Tom Moore. This is the second half of our recent conversation. If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that first before listening to this one. This week marks the 50th Anniversary of Grease’s move from the Eden Theater on the Lower East Side to The Broadhurst -- the first of the three Broadway theaters Grease would play during its record breaking eight year run.  And it fact, on June 5th, just a few days after I spoke with them, Ken and Tom hosted an anniversary party at Sardi’s, where they and Grease's original cast had celebrated the show’s opening back in 1972.  Grease alumni attending the event included co-writer Jim Jacobs, choreographer Patricia Birch, and performers Marilu Henner, Judy Kaye, Jerry Zaks, Carole Demas, Ray DeMattis, Ilene Graff, Barry Bostwick (via Zoom) and many more. All of them also contributed their memories to the new book: Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All. I’ve been collecting photos and video of that event as well as the two recent Grease reunion shows at 54 Below and posting them in my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where I invite you to join me and more than 2000 other fans of this podcast -- who probably much like you are hooked on Broadway musicals.  Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/375627810176381 In this episode Tom and Ken share some fascinating stories about the development of the show including how they worked with the show’s authors to trim the original "phone book" size script down to a manageable size, how they inspired them to add some now classic hit songs to the score, and how they all survived a disastrous first preview and then reworked and revamped the show in just three weeks. Even though Ken was at that time the youngest producer on Broadway, your will hear how he masterminded some brilliant old school style producing tricks that helped turn a near flop into one of most successful musicals of all time!   My favorite part of this episode is in the second half when Ken relates how he had to wheel and deal with the Shuberts and Nederlanders, and go head to head with the “Abominable Showman” himself –- legendary producer David Merrick. It's "The Modern Era of Broadway" vs "The Golden Age"! It's quite a story! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Fifty Years Of Grease, Part 2 full 2 68 Broadway Podcast Network With special guests Tom Moore & Ken Waisman My guests on this episode are the original producer and director of the Broadway musical GREASE -- Ken Waissman and Tom Moore. This is the second half of our recent conversation. If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that first before listening to this one. This week marks the 50th Anniversary of Grease’s move from the Eden Theater on the Lower East Side to The Broadhurst -- the first of the three Broadway theaters Grease would play during its record breaking eight year run.  And it fact, on June 5th, just a few days after I spoke with them, Ken and Tom hosted an anniversary party at Sardi’s, where they and Grease's original cast had celebrated the show’s opening back in 1972.  Grease alumni attending the event included co-writer Jim Jacobs, choreographer Patricia Birch, and performers Marilu Henner, Judy Kaye, Jerry Zaks, Carole Demas, Ray DeMattis, Ilene Graff, Barry Bostwick (via Zoom) and many more. All of them also contributed their memories to the new book: Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All. I’ve been collecting photos and video of that event as well as the two recent Grease reunion shows at 54 Below and posting them in my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where I invite you to join me and more than 2000 other fans of this podcast -- who probably much like you are hooked on Broadway musicals.  Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/375627810176381 In this episode Tom and Ken share some fascinating stories about the development of the show including how they worked with the show’s authors to trim the original "phone book" size script down to a manageable size, how they inspired them to add some now classic hit songs to the score, and how they all survived a disastrous first preview and then reworked and revamped the show in just three weeks. Even though Ken was at that time the youngest producer on Broadway, your will hear how he masterminded some brilliant old school style producing tricks that helped turn a near flop into one of most successful musicals of all time!   My favorite part of this episode is in the second half when Ken relates how he had to wheel and deal with the Shuberts and Nederlanders, and go head to head with the “Abominable Showman” himself –- legendary producer David Merrick. It's "The Modern Era of Broadway" vs "The Golden Age"! It's quite a story! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guests on this episode are the original producer and director of the Broadway musical GREASE -- Ken Waissman and Tom Moore.

This is the second half of our recent conversation. If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that first before listening to this one.

This week marks the 50th Anniversary of Grease’s move from the Eden Theater on the Lower East Side to The Broadhurst -- the first of the three Broadway theaters Grease would play during its record breaking eight year run.  And it fact, on June 5th, just a few days after I spoke with them, Ken and Tom hosted an anniversary party at Sardi’s, where they and Grease's original cast had celebrated the show’s opening back in 1972. 

Grease alumni attending the event included co-writer Jim Jacobs, choreographer Patricia Birch, and performers Marilu Henner, Judy Kaye, Jerry Zaks, Carole Demas, Ray DeMattis, Ilene Graff, Barry Bostwick (via Zoom) and many more. All of them also contributed their memories to the new book: Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All.

I’ve been collecting photos and video of that event as well as the two recent Grease reunion shows at 54 Below and posting them in my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where I invite you to join me and more than 2000 other fans of this podcast -- who probably much like you are hooked on Broadway musicals. 

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/375627810176381

In this episode Tom and Ken share some fascinating stories about the development of the show including how they worked with the show’s authors to trim the original "phone book" size script down to a manageable size, how they inspired them to add some now classic hit songs to the score, and how they all survived a disastrous first preview and then reworked and revamped the show in just three weeks.

Even though Ken was at that time the youngest producer on Broadway, your will hear how he masterminded some brilliant old school style producing tricks that helped turn a near flop into one of most successful musicals of all time!  

My favorite part of this episode is in the second half when Ken relates how he had to wheel and deal with the Shuberts and Nederlanders, and go head to head with the “Abominable Showman” himself –- legendary producer David Merrick. It's "The Modern Era of Broadway" vs "The Golden Age"!

It's quite a story! Enjoy!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2260 no Episode 67: Fifty Years Of GREASE, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ It may be hard for some of us to believe, but this past Valentine’s Day – Feb 14, 2022 – marked the 50th Anniversary of the New York opening of the musical GREASE, at the Eden Theater on 2nd Avenue. And next week, June 7, will mark the 50th Anniversary of its official move to Broadway.  My guests this week are that Grease's original producer, Ken Waissman, and original director, Tom Moore, who along with Adrienne Barbeau (the original “Rizzo”) are the editors of the new book : Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All. Ken Waisman is a Tony Award winning producer who made his Broadway debut with the play And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little. In addition to Grease he went on to produce Over Here! starring the Andrews Sisters, and the long running plays Agnes Of God, and Torch Song Trilogy. Tom Moore is a leading theater, film and television director whose work on Broadway includes his debut with Grease, Over Here!, Moon Over Buffalo starring Carol Burnett, and Night Mother. Their new book is made up of a the personal, behind-the-scenes memories of the show’s creative and production teams, as well as scores of cast members from Grease’s original cast, five national tours, and record breaking eight-year run on Broadway. In this episode you will hear about how Ken discovered the show in a ramshackle community theater production in Chicago; why Ken chose Tom to direct the show instead of Michael Bennett; how Tom almost turned the show down; and how together they discovered and cast more future stars than probably any other musical in history! Grease alumni include Adrianne Barbeau, Barry Bostwick, Jeff Conaway, Carole Demas, Greg Evigan, Peter Gallagher, Richard Gere, Marilu Henner, Judy Kaye, Rex Smith, Patrick Swayze, John Travolta, Treat Williams, and Adrian Zmed. As well as the future Broadway directors Walter Bobbie, Scott Ellis, and Jerry Zaks. Has any other show produced that many stars?  Even if Grease is not your favorite show, I feel certain that you will be fascinated by their stories of how the show came together, as well as the casting stories of John Travolta, Patrick Swayze and Richard Gere. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me, David Armstrong. Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of Beautiful Vashon Island WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Jun 2022 06:43:39 -0000 Fifty Years Of GREASE, part 1 full 2 67 Broadway Podcast Network With Tom More & Ken Waisman It may be hard for some of us to believe, but this past Valentine’s Day – Feb 14, 2022 – marked the 50th Anniversary of the New York opening of the musical GREASE, at the Eden Theater on 2nd Avenue. And next week, June 7, will mark the 50th Anniversary of its official move to Broadway.  My guests this week are that Grease's original producer, Ken Waissman, and original director, Tom Moore, who along with Adrienne Barbeau (the original “Rizzo”) are the editors of the new book : Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All. Ken Waisman is a Tony Award winning producer who made his Broadway debut with the play And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little. In addition to Grease he went on to produce Over Here! starring the Andrews Sisters, and the long running plays Agnes Of God, and Torch Song Trilogy. Tom Moore is a leading theater, film and television director whose work on Broadway includes his debut with Grease, Over Here!, Moon Over Buffalo starring Carol Burnett, and Night Mother. Their new book is made up of a the personal, behind-the-scenes memories of the show’s creative and production teams, as well as scores of cast members from Grease’s original cast, five national tours, and record breaking eight-year run on Broadway. In this episode you will hear about how Ken discovered the show in a ramshackle community theater production in Chicago; why Ken chose Tom to direct the show instead of Michael Bennett; how Tom almost turned the show down; and how together they discovered and cast more future stars than probably any other musical in history! Grease alumni include Adrianne Barbeau, Barry Bostwick, Jeff Conaway, Carole Demas, Greg Evigan, Peter Gallagher, Richard Gere, Marilu Henner, Judy Kaye, Rex Smith, Patrick Swayze, John Travolta, Treat Williams, and Adrian Zmed. As well as the future Broadway directors Walter Bobbie, Scott Ellis, and Jerry Zaks. Has any other show produced that many stars?  Even if Grease is not your favorite show, I feel certain that you will be fascinated by their stories of how the show came together, as well as the casting stories of John Travolta, Patrick Swayze and Richard Gere. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me, David Armstrong. Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of Beautiful Vashon Island WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It may be hard for some of us to believe, but this past Valentine’s Day – Feb 14, 2022 – marked the 50th Anniversary of the New York opening of the musical GREASE, at the Eden Theater on 2nd Avenue. And next week, June 7, will mark the 50th Anniversary of its official move to Broadway. 

My guests this week are that Grease's original producer, Ken Waissman, and original director, Tom Moore, who along with Adrienne Barbeau (the original “Rizzo”) are the editors of the new book : Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All.

Ken Waisman is a Tony Award winning producer who made his Broadway debut with the play And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little. In addition to Grease he went on to produce Over Here! starring the Andrews Sisters, and the long running plays Agnes Of God, and Torch Song Trilogy.

Tom Moore is a leading theater, film and television director whose work on Broadway includes his debut with Grease, Over Here!, Moon Over Buffalo starring Carol Burnett, and Night Mother.

Their new book is made up of a the personal, behind-the-scenes memories of the show’s creative and production teams, as well as scores of cast members from Grease’s original cast, five national tours, and record breaking eight-year run on Broadway.

In this episode you will hear about how Ken discovered the show in a ramshackle community theater production in Chicago; why Ken chose Tom to direct the show instead of Michael Bennett; how Tom almost turned the show down; and how together they discovered and cast more future stars than probably any other musical in history!

Grease alumni include Adrianne Barbeau, Barry Bostwick, Jeff Conaway, Carole Demas, Greg Evigan, Peter Gallagher, Richard Gere, Marilu Henner, Judy Kaye, Rex Smith, Patrick Swayze, John Travolta, Treat Williams, and Adrian Zmed. As well as the future Broadway directors Walter Bobbie, Scott Ellis, and Jerry Zaks. Has any other show produced that many stars? 

Even if Grease is not your favorite show, I feel certain that you will be fascinated by their stories of how the show came together, as well as the casting stories of John Travolta, Patrick Swayze and Richard Gere.

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me, David Armstrong.

Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of Beautiful Vashon Island WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2805 Episode 66: "A Story Worth Telling": Inside The Creation of THE PROM https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guests today are writers Bob Martin & Chad Beguelin. Bob Martin is perhaps best known as the co-creator and original star (The Man In The Chair) of the hit Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone. He also co-created what I think is one of the greatest and most hilarious TV series of all time, Slings & Arrows. If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend that you find it and stream it immediately! Chad Beguelin is a six-time Tony nominee who wrote the book and lyrics for the Broadway musicals The Wedding Singer and Disney’s Aladdin. Together Bob and Chad collaborated on ELF: The Musical as well as the show they joined me to talk about on this week’s podcast – The Prom. The Prom is currently on tour across America and opens at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater – my old stomping grounds – on May 31st. Then over the summer it will play San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Bloomington, IN, and Buffalo, NY. In this episode Bob and Chad take us inside the creation, and eight-year development of The Prom, including the real events that inspired it. They give us at least a hint about the real people that some of the leading characters are modeled on. More on that below.  They also share the incredible impact that the story and themes of this show have had, and continue to have, on the audiences who see it.  In several previous episodes I have explored the question of whether any work of art – especially an upbeat musical comedy – can actually become a force for positive, tangible social or political change? As you will hear, this is one show where I can definitively say that the answer is, yes!   After you have listened, I have a challenge to you! If you think you know which real life theatrical personalities the characters of Dee Dee Allen, Barry Glickman, and might be based on please message me on Instagram (david@broadwaynation), Twitter (@PodastBroadway), or best of all join our Broadway Nation Facebook Group where you will find more than 2000 other fans of this podcast.  I can’t promise that I’ll be able to verify the winning guesses but it will certainly be fun seeing who you think might have inspired them!s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 May 2022 06:30:00 -0000 "A Story Worth Telling": Inside The Creation of THE PROM full 2 66 Broadway Podcast Network With writers Bob Martin & Chad Beguelin My guests today are writers Bob Martin & Chad Beguelin. Bob Martin is perhaps best known as the co-creator and original star (The Man In The Chair) of the hit Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone. He also co-created what I think is one of the greatest and most hilarious TV series of all time, Slings & Arrows. If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend that you find it and stream it immediately! Chad Beguelin is a six-time Tony nominee who wrote the book and lyrics for the Broadway musicals The Wedding Singer and Disney’s Aladdin. Together Bob and Chad collaborated on ELF: The Musical as well as the show they joined me to talk about on this week’s podcast – The Prom. The Prom is currently on tour across America and opens at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater – my old stomping grounds – on May 31st. Then over the summer it will play San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Bloomington, IN, and Buffalo, NY. In this episode Bob and Chad take us inside the creation, and eight-year development of The Prom, including the real events that inspired it. They give us at least a hint about the real people that some of the leading characters are modeled on. More on that below.  They also share the incredible impact that the story and themes of this show have had, and continue to have, on the audiences who see it.  In several previous episodes I have explored the question of whether any work of art – especially an upbeat musical comedy – can actually become a force for positive, tangible social or political change? As you will hear, this is one show where I can definitively say that the answer is, yes!   After you have listened, I have a challenge to you! If you think you know which real life theatrical personalities the characters of Dee Dee Allen, Barry Glickman, and might be based on please message me on Instagram (david@broadwaynation), Twitter (@PodastBroadway), or best of all join our Broadway Nation Facebook Group where you will find more than 2000 other fans of this podcast.  I can’t promise that I’ll be able to verify the winning guesses but it will certainly be fun seeing who you think might have inspired them!s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guests today are writers Bob Martin & Chad Beguelin.

Bob Martin is perhaps best known as the co-creator and original star (The Man In The Chair) of the hit Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone. He also co-created what I think is one of the greatest and most hilarious TV series of all time, Slings & Arrows. If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend that you find it and stream it immediately!

Chad Beguelin is a six-time Tony nominee who wrote the book and lyrics for the Broadway musicals The Wedding Singer and Disney’s Aladdin.

Together Bob and Chad collaborated on ELF: The Musical as well as the show they joined me to talk about on this week’s podcast – The Prom.

The Prom is currently on tour across America and opens at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater – my old stomping grounds – on May 31st. Then over the summer it will play San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Bloomington, IN, and Buffalo, NY.

In this episode Bob and Chad take us inside the creation, and eight-year development of The Prom, including the real events that inspired it. They give us at least a hint about the real people that some of the leading characters are modeled on. More on that below.

 They also share the incredible impact that the story and themes of this show have had, and continue to have, on the audiences who see it. 

In several previous episodes I have explored the question of whether any work of art – especially an upbeat musical comedy – can actually become a force for positive, tangible social or political change? As you will hear, this is one show where I can definitively say that the answer is, yes!  

After you have listened, I have a challenge to you! If you think you know which real life theatrical personalities the characters of Dee Dee Allen, Barry Glickman, and might be based on please message me on Instagram (david@broadwaynation), Twitter (@PodastBroadway), or best of all join our Broadway Nation Facebook Group where you will find more than 2000 other fans of this podcast.  I can’t promise that I’ll be able to verify the winning guesses but it will certainly be fun seeing who you think might have inspired them!s

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3193 no Episode 65: "Getting To Know Him": The Letters Of Oscar Hammerstein II https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest on this episode is Mark Eden Horowitz who joins me to talk about his fascinating new book, The Letters of Oscar Hammerstein II. Mark is Senior Music Specialist in the music division of the Library of Congress where he has been an archivist or co-archivist for the papers of Jerome Kern, Vernon Duke, Cole Porter, Frederick Loewe, Alan Jay Lerner, Leonard Bernstein, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein He is also the author of the award-winning book Sondheim On Music, and for ten years he served as the contributing editor for The Sondheim Review. This latest book contains hundreds of previously unpublished letters to and from Hammerstein that Mark compiled and edited. And through these letters we get to go inside the mind of Oscar Hammerstein and get an extraordinary, never before seen view of both his professional and personal life. It's one of those books where you can turn to any page and find something fascinating that you never knew before. Mark will also be joining me for a special Broadway Nation Livestream event on Friday, May 19, at 7pm EDT/4pm PDT. The event will include trivia contests, book give-aways, and the chance to ask Mark any question you may have about his new book, Oscar Hammerstein, or Mark's work at the Library of Congress. We will be streaming live on Broadway Nation's and the Broadway Podcast Network’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram feeds. And if you are not able to join us live we will be posting a recording of the event on our YouTube channels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 May 2022 08:40:19 -0000 "Getting To Know Him": The Letters Of Oscar Hammerstein II full 2 65 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Mark Eden Horowitz My guest on this episode is Mark Eden Horowitz who joins me to talk about his fascinating new book, The Letters of Oscar Hammerstein II. Mark is Senior Music Specialist in the music division of the Library of Congress where he has been an archivist or co-archivist for the papers of Jerome Kern, Vernon Duke, Cole Porter, Frederick Loewe, Alan Jay Lerner, Leonard Bernstein, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein He is also the author of the award-winning book Sondheim On Music, and for ten years he served as the contributing editor for The Sondheim Review. This latest book contains hundreds of previously unpublished letters to and from Hammerstein that Mark compiled and edited. And through these letters we get to go inside the mind of Oscar Hammerstein and get an extraordinary, never before seen view of both his professional and personal life. It's one of those books where you can turn to any page and find something fascinating that you never knew before. Mark will also be joining me for a special Broadway Nation Livestream event on Friday, May 19, at 7pm EDT/4pm PDT. The event will include trivia contests, book give-aways, and the chance to ask Mark any question you may have about his new book, Oscar Hammerstein, or Mark's work at the Library of Congress. We will be streaming live on Broadway Nation's and the Broadway Podcast Network’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram feeds. And if you are not able to join us live we will be posting a recording of the event on our YouTube channels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest on this episode is Mark Eden Horowitz who joins me to talk about his fascinating new book, The Letters of Oscar Hammerstein II.

Mark is Senior Music Specialist in the music division of the Library of Congress where he has been an archivist or co-archivist for the papers of Jerome Kern, Vernon Duke, Cole Porter, Frederick Loewe, Alan Jay Lerner, Leonard Bernstein, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein

He is also the author of the award-winning book Sondheim On Music, and for ten years he served as the contributing editor for The Sondheim Review.

This latest book contains hundreds of previously unpublished letters to and from Hammerstein that Mark compiled and edited. And through these letters we get to go inside the mind of Oscar Hammerstein and get an extraordinary, never before seen view of both his professional and personal life. It's one of those books where you can turn to any page and find something fascinating that you never knew before.

Mark will also be joining me for a special Broadway Nation Livestream event on Friday, May 19, at 7pm EDT/4pm PDT. The event will include trivia contests, book give-aways, and the chance to ask Mark any question you may have about his new book, Oscar Hammerstein, or Mark's work at the Library of Congress. We will be streaming live on Broadway Nation's and the Broadway Podcast Network’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram feeds. And if you are not able to join us live we will be posting a recording of the event on our YouTube channels.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3238 no Episode 64: The Other Broadway, Part 2 - "Satan's Circus" & The Lobster Palaces Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 May 2022 11:06:50 -0000 The Other Broadway, Part 2 - "Satan's Circus" & The Lobster Palaces full 2 64 Broadway Podcast Network The 2nd Episode Of A New Broadway Nation Mini-Series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2019 no Episode 63: THE OTHER BROADWAY, part 1: The Origins of New York Nightlife https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the first episode of a new Broadway Nation mini-series that explores what I am calling, “The Other Broadway”.  Today when we see or hear the word “Broadway”, we most likely think of New York’s Theater District and it’s 41 active theaters nestled in and around Times Square (where today 36 plays and musicals have thankfully returned to the stage!)  Or that word evokes the legendary cannon of shows that have played in those theaters, most especially those great, glorious Broadway musicals that up until now have been the principal subject of this podcast. That, however, is really only part of what “Broadway” has meant to most people during the first half of the 20th Century – when Broadway was at the center of American culture.  For more than 5 decades the word “Broadway” meant not just the performances in the legitimate theaters – those Plays, Musicals, and Revues.  But also, or even more so, it meant the Nightlife that surrounded them.  From the 1910s through the 1950s there were hundreds of cabarets, speakeasys and nightclubs crammed into the Theater District.  And they epitomized “Broadway” just as much as what was happening in the theaters,  In fact, the most famous songs about Broadway – those anthemic tributes that you hear on every Tony Awards show and every Broadway themed occasion such as “Give My Regards To Broadway”, “Lullaby Of Broadway” and “On Broadway” – all have lyrics that are much more about the nightlife than they are about the shows. During this series I will lead my listeners on a late night tour of Broadway’s most famous hot spots including Rector’s, Reisenweber’s, The El Fay Club, Club Durant, Club Richman, The Hotsy Totsy Club, Club Alabam, The Silver Slipper, The Pansy Club, The Stork Club, Casa Lopez, La Conga, 21, The Parody Club, The Rainbow Room, The Latin Quarter, El Morocco, The Astor Roof, The Cotton Club (it was in Times Square for a while), Billy Rose’s Diamond Horseshoe, The Copacabana and many more. There you will rub elbows with such stars as Vernon & Irene Castle, James Reese Europe, Sophie Tucker, Clifton Webb, George Raft, Rudolph Valentino, Gilda Gray, Texas Guinan, Ethel Waters, Florence Mills, Helen Morgan, Harry Richman, Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway, Desi Arnaz, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Fats Waller, and Clayton, Jackson, & Durante to name only a few. However, before we venture out into the night, we need to look back to the origins of this other side of Broadway, so in this first episode I explore exactly where New York nightlife began. I hope that you enjoy it.  I am now entirely obsessed and fascinated by this subject! Please let me know what you think!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 May 2022 06:20:00 -0000 THE OTHER BROADWAY, part 1: The Origins of New York Nightlife full 2 63 Broadway Podcast Network A New Broadway Nation Mini-Series This is the first episode of a new Broadway Nation mini-series that explores what I am calling, “The Other Broadway”.  Today when we see or hear the word “Broadway”, we most likely think of New York’s Theater District and it’s 41 active theaters nestled in and around Times Square (where today 36 plays and musicals have thankfully returned to the stage!)  Or that word evokes the legendary cannon of shows that have played in those theaters, most especially those great, glorious Broadway musicals that up until now have been the principal subject of this podcast. That, however, is really only part of what “Broadway” has meant to most people during the first half of the 20th Century – when Broadway was at the center of American culture.  For more than 5 decades the word “Broadway” meant not just the performances in the legitimate theaters – those Plays, Musicals, and Revues.  But also, or even more so, it meant the Nightlife that surrounded them.  From the 1910s through the 1950s there were hundreds of cabarets, speakeasys and nightclubs crammed into the Theater District.  And they epitomized “Broadway” just as much as what was happening in the theaters,  In fact, the most famous songs about Broadway – those anthemic tributes that you hear on every Tony Awards show and every Broadway themed occasion such as “Give My Regards To Broadway”, “Lullaby Of Broadway” and “On Broadway” – all have lyrics that are much more about the nightlife than they are about the shows. During this series I will lead my listeners on a late night tour of Broadway’s most famous hot spots including Rector’s, Reisenweber’s, The El Fay Club, Club Durant, Club Richman, The Hotsy Totsy Club, Club Alabam, The Silver Slipper, The Pansy Club, The Stork Club, Casa Lopez, La Conga, 21, The Parody Club, The Rainbow Room, The Latin Quarter, El Morocco, The Astor Roof, The Cotton Club (it was in Times Square for a while), Billy Rose’s Diamond Horseshoe, The Copacabana and many more. There you will rub elbows with such stars as Vernon & Irene Castle, James Reese Europe, Sophie Tucker, Clifton Webb, George Raft, Rudolph Valentino, Gilda Gray, Texas Guinan, Ethel Waters, Florence Mills, Helen Morgan, Harry Richman, Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway, Desi Arnaz, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Fats Waller, and Clayton, Jackson, & Durante to name only a few. However, before we venture out into the night, we need to look back to the origins of this other side of Broadway, so in this first episode I explore exactly where New York nightlife began. I hope that you enjoy it.  I am now entirely obsessed and fascinated by this subject! Please let me know what you think!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the first episode of a new Broadway Nation mini-series that explores what I am calling, “The Other Broadway”. 

Today when we see or hear the word “Broadway”, we most likely think of New York’s Theater District and it’s 41 active theaters nestled in and around Times Square (where today 36 plays and musicals have thankfully returned to the stage!)  Or that word evokes the legendary cannon of shows that have played in those theaters, most especially those great, glorious Broadway musicals that up until now have been the principal subject of this podcast.

That, however, is really only part of what “Broadway” has meant to most people during the first half of the 20th Century – when Broadway was at the center of American culture.  For more than 5 decades the word “Broadway” meant not just the performances in the legitimate theaters – those Plays, Musicals, and Revues.  But also, or even more so, it meant the Nightlife that surrounded them.  From the 1910s through the 1950s there were hundreds of cabarets, speakeasys and nightclubs crammed into the Theater District.  And they epitomized “Broadway” just as much as what was happening in the theaters, 

In fact, the most famous songs about Broadway – those anthemic tributes that you hear on every Tony Awards show and every Broadway themed occasion such as “Give My Regards To Broadway”, “Lullaby Of Broadway” and “On Broadway” – all have lyrics that are much more about the nightlife than they are about the shows.

During this series I will lead my listeners on a late night tour of Broadway’s most famous hot spots including Rector’s, Reisenweber’s, The El Fay Club, Club Durant, Club Richman, The Hotsy Totsy Club, Club Alabam, The Silver Slipper, The Pansy Club, The Stork Club, Casa Lopez, La Conga, 21, The Parody Club, The Rainbow Room, The Latin Quarter, El Morocco, The Astor Roof, The Cotton Club (it was in Times Square for a while), Billy Rose’s Diamond Horseshoe, The Copacabana and many more.

There you will rub elbows with such stars as Vernon & Irene Castle, James Reese Europe, Sophie Tucker, Clifton Webb, George Raft, Rudolph Valentino, Gilda Gray, Texas Guinan, Ethel Waters, Florence Mills, Helen Morgan, Harry Richman, Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway, Desi Arnaz, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Fats Waller, and Clayton, Jackson, & Durante to name only a few.

However, before we venture out into the night, we need to look back to the origins of this other side of Broadway, so in this first episode I explore exactly where New York nightlife began.

I hope that you enjoy it.  I am now entirely obsessed and fascinated by this subject! Please let me know what you think!

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1610 no Special Encore Episode: "Let The Sun Shine": The Rise Of The Pop/Rock Musical https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Although nobody knew it at the time, in April of 1968 “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”. To many HAIR, and the "Rock Musical", seemed like a total betrayal of the values, craftsmanship and traditions of Broadway. However, I see it, and the other new forms of musicals that rose to the forefront in The Modern Era, as just part of the inevitable ongoing evolution of a form that had always closely reflected what was going on in American culture. In the immediate wake of HAIR there were many shows that tried to emulate its triumph -- but only three found real success: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Later, the success of Godspell would lead directly to PIPPIN, and the success of Superstar led to Webber & Rice’s 1979 blockbuster EVITA, and the expansion and of their early musical Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat. The term “Rock Musical” is something of a misnomer. Rock music, in is purest form, actually does not lend itself very well to musical theater storytelling. It’s musical, rhythmic, and lyric forms are much too limited and repetitive. The most successful “Rock Musicals” – from HAIR to RENT -- would more actually be called “rock flavored” musicals that employ a variety of rock, pop, R&B, folk, and latin styles mixed with traditional forms of songwriting. Over the coming years both Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lloyd-Webber would move further and further away from Rock and do what Broadway composers had always done – combine the pop music of their day with an eclectic mix of musicals styles that best suited the story and characters they were dramatizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Apr 2022 06:19:39 -0000 "Let The Sun Shine": The Rise Of The Pop/Rock Musical full 2 Broadway Podcast Network In Celebration of the April 29th Anniversary of the 1968 Broadway Opening of HAIR. Although nobody knew it at the time, in April of 1968 “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”. To many HAIR, and the "Rock Musical", seemed like a total betrayal of the values, craftsmanship and traditions of Broadway. However, I see it, and the other new forms of musicals that rose to the forefront in The Modern Era, as just part of the inevitable ongoing evolution of a form that had always closely reflected what was going on in American culture. In the immediate wake of HAIR there were many shows that tried to emulate its triumph -- but only three found real success: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Later, the success of Godspell would lead directly to PIPPIN, and the success of Superstar led to Webber & Rice’s 1979 blockbuster EVITA, and the expansion and of their early musical Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat. The term “Rock Musical” is something of a misnomer. Rock music, in is purest form, actually does not lend itself very well to musical theater storytelling. It’s musical, rhythmic, and lyric forms are much too limited and repetitive. The most successful “Rock Musicals” – from HAIR to RENT -- would more actually be called “rock flavored” musicals that employ a variety of rock, pop, R&B, folk, and latin styles mixed with traditional forms of songwriting. Over the coming years both Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lloyd-Webber would move further and further away from Rock and do what Broadway composers had always done – combine the pop music of their day with an eclectic mix of musicals styles that best suited the story and characters they were dramatizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Although nobody knew it at the time, in April of 1968 “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”.

To many HAIR, and the "Rock Musical", seemed like a total betrayal of the values, craftsmanship and traditions of Broadway. However, I see it, and the other new forms of musicals that rose to the forefront in The Modern Era, as just part of the inevitable ongoing evolution of a form that had always closely reflected what was going on in American culture.

In the immediate wake of HAIR there were many shows that tried to emulate its triumph -- but only three found real success: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Later, the success of Godspell would lead directly to PIPPIN, and the success of Superstar led to Webber & Rice’s 1979 blockbuster EVITA, and the expansion and of their early musical Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The term “Rock Musical” is something of a misnomer. Rock music, in is purest form, actually does not lend itself very well to musical theater storytelling. It’s musical, rhythmic, and lyric forms are much too limited and repetitive. The most successful “Rock Musicals” – from HAIR to RENT -- would more actually be called “rock flavored” musicals that employ a variety of rock, pop, R&B, folk, and latin styles mixed with traditional forms of songwriting.

Over the coming years both Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lloyd-Webber would move further and further away from Rock and do what Broadway composers had always done – combine the pop music of their day with an eclectic mix of musicals styles that best suited the story and characters they were dramatizing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1869 no Episode 62: Exploring The Roots Of Broadway Dance https://www.broadway-nation.com/ “The story of Jazz Dance is the story of America.” My guests today are the creators of the acclaimed new film documentary: Uprooted – The Journey of Jazz Dance, which has been winning awards at film festivals around the world, and in the US can currently be seen on HBO Max.   All three of the film's creators are from the UK, they all have extensive training and backgrounds in dance, and with this movie they are all making their feature length film debuts. The film’s director is Khadifa Wong who trained as a dancer and actress but became frustrated by the lack of opportunities for performers of color, and then realized that her true passion lay behind the camera. Producer, Lisa Donmall-Reeve, migrated to film following a very successful twenty year career as a performer that included playing many leading roles on London's West End. And dancer, choreographer and educator, Zak Nemorin - who conceived the film - has appeared in seventeen West End musicals and is the Head of Jazz Dance at Millennium Performing Arts in London. To create the film they interviewed 70 experts - dancers, choreographers, educators and historians - regarding the history of Jazz dance as well as the evolution of its many roots and branches, including Debbie Allen, Josh Bergasse, Al Blackstone, Andy Blankenbuehler, Bob Boross, Camile Brown, Warren Carlyle, Graciela Danielle, George Faison, Thomas De Frantz, Karen Hubbard, Saleemah Knight, Bonnie Langford, Martine Mattox, Jerry Mitchell, Mandy Moore, Walter Painter, Travis Payne, Arlene Phillips, Chita Rivera, Susan Stroman, and Chet Walker to name only a few. Along the way they explore where Jazz dance originated and how it became the dance language of Broadway.  I highly recommend it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Apr 2022 06:15:00 -0000 Exploring The Roots Of Broadway Dance full 2 62 Broadway Podcast Network With the creators of the new documentary film Uprooted - The Journey Of Jazz Dance “The story of Jazz Dance is the story of America.” My guests today are the creators of the acclaimed new film documentary: Uprooted – The Journey of Jazz Dance, which has been winning awards at film festivals around the world, and in the US can currently be seen on HBO Max.   All three of the film's creators are from the UK, they all have extensive training and backgrounds in dance, and with this movie they are all making their feature length film debuts. The film’s director is Khadifa Wong who trained as a dancer and actress but became frustrated by the lack of opportunities for performers of color, and then realized that her true passion lay behind the camera. Producer, Lisa Donmall-Reeve, migrated to film following a very successful twenty year career as a performer that included playing many leading roles on London's West End. And dancer, choreographer and educator, Zak Nemorin - who conceived the film - has appeared in seventeen West End musicals and is the Head of Jazz Dance at Millennium Performing Arts in London. To create the film they interviewed 70 experts - dancers, choreographers, educators and historians - regarding the history of Jazz dance as well as the evolution of its many roots and branches, including Debbie Allen, Josh Bergasse, Al Blackstone, Andy Blankenbuehler, Bob Boross, Camile Brown, Warren Carlyle, Graciela Danielle, George Faison, Thomas De Frantz, Karen Hubbard, Saleemah Knight, Bonnie Langford, Martine Mattox, Jerry Mitchell, Mandy Moore, Walter Painter, Travis Payne, Arlene Phillips, Chita Rivera, Susan Stroman, and Chet Walker to name only a few. Along the way they explore where Jazz dance originated and how it became the dance language of Broadway.  I highly recommend it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices “The story of Jazz Dance is the story of America.”

My guests today are the creators of the acclaimed new film documentary: Uprooted – The Journey of Jazz Dance, which has been winning awards at film festivals around the world, and in the US can currently be seen on HBO Max.  

All three of the film's creators are from the UK, they all have extensive training and backgrounds in dance, and with this movie they are all making their feature length film debuts.

The film’s director is Khadifa Wong who trained as a dancer and actress but became frustrated by the lack of opportunities for performers of color, and then realized that her true passion lay behind the camera.

Producer, Lisa Donmall-Reeve, migrated to film following a very successful twenty year career as a performer that included playing many leading roles on London's West End.

And dancer, choreographer and educator, Zak Nemorin - who conceived the film - has appeared in seventeen West End musicals and is the Head of Jazz Dance at Millennium Performing Arts in London.

To create the film they interviewed 70 experts - dancers, choreographers, educators and historians - regarding the history of Jazz dance as well as the evolution of its many roots and branches, including Debbie Allen, Josh Bergasse, Al Blackstone, Andy Blankenbuehler, Bob Boross, Camile Brown, Warren Carlyle, Graciela Danielle, George Faison, Thomas De Frantz, Karen Hubbard, Saleemah Knight, Bonnie Langford, Martine Mattox, Jerry Mitchell, Mandy Moore, Walter Painter, Travis Payne, Arlene Phillips, Chita Rivera, Susan Stroman, and Chet Walker to name only a few.

Along the way they explore where Jazz dance originated and how it became the dance language of Broadway. 

I highly recommend it!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2304 no Special Encore Episode: Bye Bye Birdie & The Golden Age of Broadway, Part 3: The 1960s https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special Encore episode of Broadway Nation. I am reprising it not only because I think this is one the best episodes ever of this podcast, but also because it could not be more timely since it relates to a number of things happening on Broadway and in the world this week. First and foremost, April 14th, the day this episode is being released marks the 62nd Anniversary of the Broadway opening of Bye Bye Birdie. This is a show that I don’t think gets nearly the respect it deserves, both in regard to its writing, and for the several important roles it played in Broadway history. As you will hear, this “Best Musical” Tony Award winner was not only the first show to bring rock music to Broadway, It also marked the debuts of a remarkable young creative team that would revitalize Broadway in the 1960s and beyond.  Also, this episode’s in-depth look at the final decade of the Golden Age, at least as I define it, includes some discussion of Funny Girl. And, of course, the much talked about, and highly anticipated new revival of that show will open on Broadway on April 24th. In the final section I focus on Fiddler On The Roof – which unfortunately also has a direct connection to current events.   As most regular listeners will know, this podcast is spinoff of in the history of the Broadway musical course that I teach at the University of Washington School of Drama. A few weeks ago, as Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, my students had just completed an assignment to watch the film version of Fiddler On The Roof. The next day I showed them a map of “The Pale of Settlement”. From 1791 to 1917 was the only section of Imperial Russia in which Jews were allowed to live, and it included all of modern day Belarus, Lithuania, and Moldova, parts of Poland, and much of Ukraine. In fact, Sholem Aleichem, (the creator of the Tevye stories on which the musical is based) was born in a town about 8 miles south of Kiev, and the fictional town of Anatevka was based, in part, on a town called Boyarka that is about 14 miles south of Kiev. And, as you will remember, “Perchik”, the young revolutionary student who marries “Hodel” is from Kiev, and after the wedding he returns there to join what is called “the first Russian revolution”, during which he is arrested and sent to a work camp in Siberia. The final images in the film of Tevye and his family being forced to leave Anatevka closely paralleled the photos and video that my students had been seeing of Ukrainian refuges being forced to flee their homes. Of equal impact was the moment in which Tevye tells the Russian constable, "I have some advice for you. Get off my land! This is still my home, my land. Get off my land!" It never ceases to amaze me how much ongoing resonance these silly Broadway musicals continue to have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Apr 2022 06:15:00 -0000 Bye Bye Birdie & The Golden Age of Broadway, Part 3: The 1960s full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Celebrating Today's Broadwayversary - 62 Years of Bye Bye Birdie This is a special Encore episode of Broadway Nation. I am reprising it not only because I think this is one the best episodes ever of this podcast, but also because it could not be more timely since it relates to a number of things happening on Broadway and in the world this week. First and foremost, April 14th, the day this episode is being released marks the 62nd Anniversary of the Broadway opening of Bye Bye Birdie. This is a show that I don’t think gets nearly the respect it deserves, both in regard to its writing, and for the several important roles it played in Broadway history. As you will hear, this “Best Musical” Tony Award winner was not only the first show to bring rock music to Broadway, It also marked the debuts of a remarkable young creative team that would revitalize Broadway in the 1960s and beyond.  Also, this episode’s in-depth look at the final decade of the Golden Age, at least as I define it, includes some discussion of Funny Girl. And, of course, the much talked about, and highly anticipated new revival of that show will open on Broadway on April 24th. In the final section I focus on Fiddler On The Roof – which unfortunately also has a direct connection to current events.   As most regular listeners will know, this podcast is spinoff of in the history of the Broadway musical course that I teach at the University of Washington School of Drama. A few weeks ago, as Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, my students had just completed an assignment to watch the film version of Fiddler On The Roof. The next day I showed them a map of “The Pale of Settlement”. From 1791 to 1917 was the only section of Imperial Russia in which Jews were allowed to live, and it included all of modern day Belarus, Lithuania, and Moldova, parts of Poland, and much of Ukraine. In fact, Sholem Aleichem, (the creator of the Tevye stories on which the musical is based) was born in a town about 8 miles south of Kiev, and the fictional town of Anatevka was based, in part, on a town called Boyarka that is about 14 miles south of Kiev. And, as you will remember, “Perchik”, the young revolutionary student who marries “Hodel” is from Kiev, and after the wedding he returns there to join what is called “the first Russian revolution”, during which he is arrested and sent to a work camp in Siberia. The final images in the film of Tevye and his family being forced to leave Anatevka closely paralleled the photos and video that my students had been seeing of Ukrainian refuges being forced to flee their homes. Of equal impact was the moment in which Tevye tells the Russian constable, "I have some advice for you. Get off my land! This is still my home, my land. Get off my land!" It never ceases to amaze me how much ongoing resonance these silly Broadway musicals continue to have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special Encore episode of Broadway Nation. I am reprising it not only because I think this is one the best episodes ever of this podcast, but also because it could not be more timely since it relates to a number of things happening on Broadway and in the world this week.

First and foremost, April 14th, the day this episode is being released marks the 62nd Anniversary of the Broadway opening of Bye Bye Birdie. This is a show that I don’t think gets nearly the respect it deserves, both in regard to its writing, and for the several important roles it played in Broadway history. As you will hear, this “Best Musical” Tony Award winner was not only the first show to bring rock music to Broadway, It also marked the debuts of a remarkable young creative team that would revitalize Broadway in the 1960s and beyond. 

Also, this episode’s in-depth look at the final decade of the Golden Age, at least as I define it, includes some discussion of Funny Girl. And, of course, the much talked about, and highly anticipated new revival of that show will open on Broadway on April 24th.

In the final section I focus on Fiddler On The Roof – which unfortunately also has a direct connection to current events. 

 As most regular listeners will know, this podcast is spinoff of in the history of the Broadway musical course that I teach at the University of Washington School of Drama. A few weeks ago, as Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, my students had just completed an assignment to watch the film version of Fiddler On The Roof. The next day I showed them a map of “The Pale of Settlement”. From 1791 to 1917 was the only section of Imperial Russia in which Jews were allowed to live, and it included all of modern day Belarus, Lithuania, and Moldova, parts of Poland, and much of Ukraine.

In fact, Sholem Aleichem, (the creator of the Tevye stories on which the musical is based) was born in a town about 8 miles south of Kiev, and the fictional town of Anatevka was based, in part, on a town called Boyarka that is about 14 miles south of Kiev. And, as you will remember, “Perchik”, the young revolutionary student who marries “Hodel” is from Kiev, and after the wedding he returns there to join what is called “the first Russian revolution”, during which he is arrested and sent to a work camp in Siberia.

The final images in the film of Tevye and his family being forced to leave Anatevka closely paralleled the photos and video that my students had been seeing of Ukrainian refuges being forced to flee their homes. Of equal impact was the moment in which Tevye tells the Russian constable, "I have some advice for you. Get off my land! This is still my home, my land. Get off my land!"

It never ceases to amaze me how much ongoing resonance these silly Broadway musicals continue to have.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2395 no Episode 61: The Craft And Art Of Broadway Choreography , part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second half of my recent conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating new book is titled: Making Broadway Dance.  If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and she also has had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer. Interestingly, she is closely related to this subject matter of her book because her father was the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer, Peter Gennaro. He is profiled in the book as well as in this episode. By the end of Part 1, we had made it to the late 1940s when Agnes de Mille was dominating the field of Broadway choreography. Between 1943 and 1945, De Mille had four hits in a row – Oklahoma!, One Touch of Venus, Bloomer Girl, and Carousel – and three of them choreographed in her signature “Americana” style. This unprecedented string of successes made her the most powerful choreographer in the commercial theater, and soon led to her becoming the first director-choreographer of the “Golden Age” with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro. De Mille’s most significant contribution to the Broadway Musical was breaking the mold of the traditional Broadway chorus girl by insisting on hiring actor/dancers who could fully embody the characters that they were playing.  This new approach to Broadway dance, and this new kind of Broadway dancer, would be adopted by everyone who followed in her footsteps – especially Jerome Robbins – who years later would write, “Agnes broke the conception of what the Broadway dancer could be in the Broadway Musical. What they looked like, what was desired of them, and what their contribution to the show was.” And, as you will hear, Robbins took that idea and ran with it, just as De Mille’s “Americana” style was starting to lose its luster. That’s just the beginning Later in the episode Liza and I discuss Michael Kidd, Bob Fosse, Gower Champion, Michael Bennett, Graciela Daniele, Susan Stroman, Kathleen Marshall, Bill T. Jones, Stephen Hoggett, Lorin Latarro, Kelly Devine, Sergio Trujillo, Jerry Mitchell and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Apr 2022 06:16:05 -0000 The Craft And Art Of Broadway Choreography , part 2 full 2 61 Broadway Podcast Network "Robbins, Fosse, Bennett & Gennaro" with special guest Liza Gennaro author of Making Broadway Dance This is the second half of my recent conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating new book is titled: Making Broadway Dance.  If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and she also has had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer. Interestingly, she is closely related to this subject matter of her book because her father was the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer, Peter Gennaro. He is profiled in the book as well as in this episode. By the end of Part 1, we had made it to the late 1940s when Agnes de Mille was dominating the field of Broadway choreography. Between 1943 and 1945, De Mille had four hits in a row – Oklahoma!, One Touch of Venus, Bloomer Girl, and Carousel – and three of them choreographed in her signature “Americana” style. This unprecedented string of successes made her the most powerful choreographer in the commercial theater, and soon led to her becoming the first director-choreographer of the “Golden Age” with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro. De Mille’s most significant contribution to the Broadway Musical was breaking the mold of the traditional Broadway chorus girl by insisting on hiring actor/dancers who could fully embody the characters that they were playing.  This new approach to Broadway dance, and this new kind of Broadway dancer, would be adopted by everyone who followed in her footsteps – especially Jerome Robbins – who years later would write, “Agnes broke the conception of what the Broadway dancer could be in the Broadway Musical. What they looked like, what was desired of them, and what their contribution to the show was.” And, as you will hear, Robbins took that idea and ran with it, just as De Mille’s “Americana” style was starting to lose its luster. That’s just the beginning Later in the episode Liza and I discuss Michael Kidd, Bob Fosse, Gower Champion, Michael Bennett, Graciela Daniele, Susan Stroman, Kathleen Marshall, Bill T. Jones, Stephen Hoggett, Lorin Latarro, Kelly Devine, Sergio Trujillo, Jerry Mitchell and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second half of my recent conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating new book is titled: Making Broadway Dance. 

If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one.

Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and she also has had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer. Interestingly, she is closely related to this subject matter of her book because her father was the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer, Peter Gennaro. He is profiled in the book as well as in this episode.

By the end of Part 1, we had made it to the late 1940s when Agnes de Mille was dominating the field of Broadway choreography. Between 1943 and 1945, De Mille had four hits in a row – Oklahoma!, One Touch of Venus, Bloomer Girl, and Carousel – and three of them choreographed in her signature “Americana” style. This unprecedented string of successes made her the most powerful choreographer in the commercial theater, and soon led to her becoming the first director-choreographer of the “Golden Age” with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro.

De Mille’s most significant contribution to the Broadway Musical was breaking the mold of the traditional Broadway chorus girl by insisting on hiring actor/dancers who could fully embody the characters that they were playing. 

This new approach to Broadway dance, and this new kind of Broadway dancer, would be adopted by everyone who followed in her footsteps – especially Jerome Robbins – who years later would write, “Agnes broke the conception of what the Broadway dancer could be in the Broadway Musical. What they looked like, what was desired of them, and what their contribution to the show was.”

And, as you will hear, Robbins took that idea and ran with it, just as De Mille’s “Americana” style was starting to lose its luster.

That’s just the beginning Later in the episode Liza and I discuss Michael Kidd, Bob Fosse, Gower Champion, Michael Bennett, Graciela Daniele, Susan Stroman, Kathleen Marshall, Bill T. Jones, Stephen Hoggett, Lorin Latarro, Kelly Devine, Sergio Trujillo, Jerry Mitchell and more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2315 no Episode 60: Katherine Dunham & Agnes de Mille - The Craft & Art of Broadway Choreography https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the first half of my recent conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating new book is titled: Making Broadway Dance. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and prior to that she had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer on Broadway and with prominent theater companies across the country. Most notably she choreographed the hit Broadway revival of Frank Loessor’s The Most Happy Fella. As she writes in the introduction to her book, Liza came to her love and interest in musical theater dance genetically. Her father was Peter Gennaro, the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer of Broadway musicals and TV variety shows. And her mother, Jean Gennaro, was a ballerina turned Broadway dancer who danced for Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes De Mille, and Michael Kidd.  As you might imagine, Liza grew up immersed in the world of Broadway, and all manner of dance, and she is able to weave all of that life experience into this remarkable book. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to write it. Appropriately for the final day of Women’s History Month, this episode focuses largely on two great female choreographers -- Katherine Dunham and Agnes de Mille. I have stated that De Mille is arguably the most important woman in the history of Broadway musical – not including the star performers, of course – and she has received quite a bit of focus in previous episodes of this podcast. However, I am especially happy today to shine a spotlight on Katherine Dunham whose influence on Broadway dance – like that of many other black artists – has often been overlooked and undervalued. But her impact and significance cannot be denied.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:20:00 -0000 Katherine Dunham & Agnes de Mille - The Craft & Art of Broadway Choreography full 2 60 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Liza Gennaro, author of Making Broadway Dance This is the first half of my recent conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating new book is titled: Making Broadway Dance. Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and prior to that she had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer on Broadway and with prominent theater companies across the country. Most notably she choreographed the hit Broadway revival of Frank Loessor’s The Most Happy Fella. As she writes in the introduction to her book, Liza came to her love and interest in musical theater dance genetically. Her father was Peter Gennaro, the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer of Broadway musicals and TV variety shows. And her mother, Jean Gennaro, was a ballerina turned Broadway dancer who danced for Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes De Mille, and Michael Kidd.  As you might imagine, Liza grew up immersed in the world of Broadway, and all manner of dance, and she is able to weave all of that life experience into this remarkable book. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to write it. Appropriately for the final day of Women’s History Month, this episode focuses largely on two great female choreographers -- Katherine Dunham and Agnes de Mille. I have stated that De Mille is arguably the most important woman in the history of Broadway musical – not including the star performers, of course – and she has received quite a bit of focus in previous episodes of this podcast. However, I am especially happy today to shine a spotlight on Katherine Dunham whose influence on Broadway dance – like that of many other black artists – has often been overlooked and undervalued. But her impact and significance cannot be denied.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the first half of my recent conversation with author Liza Gennaro, whose fascinating new book is titled: Making Broadway Dance.

Liza is currently the Dean of Musical Theater at the Manhattan School of Music and prior to that she had a very active and successful career as a dancer and choreographer on Broadway and with prominent theater companies across the country. Most notably she choreographed the hit Broadway revival of Frank Loessor’s The Most Happy Fella.

As she writes in the introduction to her book, Liza came to her love and interest in musical theater dance genetically. Her father was Peter Gennaro, the Tony Award winning choreographer and star dancer of Broadway musicals and TV variety shows. And her mother, Jean Gennaro, was a ballerina turned Broadway dancer who danced for Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes De Mille, and Michael Kidd.

 As you might imagine, Liza grew up immersed in the world of Broadway, and all manner of dance, and she is able to weave all of that life experience into this remarkable book. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to write it.

Appropriately for the final day of Women’s History Month, this episode focuses largely on two great female choreographers -- Katherine Dunham and Agnes de Mille. I have stated that De Mille is arguably the most important woman in the history of Broadway musical – not including the star performers, of course – and she has received quite a bit of focus in previous episodes of this podcast. However, I am especially happy today to shine a spotlight on Katherine Dunham whose influence on Broadway dance – like that of many other black artists – has often been overlooked and undervalued. But her impact and significance cannot be denied. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1782 no Episode 59: Four Visions Of West Side Story https://www.broadway-nation.com/ When I realized that this week’s episode of Broadway Nation would come out just two days after what would have been Stephen Sondheim’s 92nd birthday, and only three days prior to the Oscars telecast where the new Stephen Spielberg remake of West Side Story will be in contention for seven Academy Awards including “Best Picture” – this seemed like the perfect time to devote an episode to comparing and contrasting the four major visions of this landmark show.  I knew, however, that I couldn’t do this topic justice without having Misha Berson as my special guest. Misha is the author of the acclaimed book Something’s Coming, Something Good – West Side Story and the American Imagination.  Misha was the chief theatre critic for The Seattle Times for 25 years and is now a freelance writer and teacher and her work appears in Crosscut, American Theatre and other publications, and her previous books include Between Worlds: Contemporary Asian-American Plays, and The San Francisco Stage – From Gold Rush To Golden Spike. Misha’s book has made her one of the leading experts on West Side Story and her insights are in demand nearly everywhere and every time the show is discussed, including in a New York Times article that you may remember, titled “The Great West Side Story Debate” that was published last December just before the film premiered. You will hear the behind the scenes story of that controversial article in the episode.  Misha’s tenure at the Seattle Times and my mine as the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre were mostly contemporaneous, and I am very proud that, as you will hear, her terrific book was, to a large part, inspired by a production of West Side Story (directed by Bill Berry, and with Jerome Robbins’ choreography recreated by Bob Richard) that I produced at The 5th in 2007 to celebrate the original stage version’s 50th anniversary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:45:00 -0000 Four Visions Of West Side Story full 2 59 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Misha Berson, author of Something's Coming, Something Good - West Side Story And The American Imagination When I realized that this week’s episode of Broadway Nation would come out just two days after what would have been Stephen Sondheim’s 92nd birthday, and only three days prior to the Oscars telecast where the new Stephen Spielberg remake of West Side Story will be in contention for seven Academy Awards including “Best Picture” – this seemed like the perfect time to devote an episode to comparing and contrasting the four major visions of this landmark show.  I knew, however, that I couldn’t do this topic justice without having Misha Berson as my special guest. Misha is the author of the acclaimed book Something’s Coming, Something Good – West Side Story and the American Imagination.  Misha was the chief theatre critic for The Seattle Times for 25 years and is now a freelance writer and teacher and her work appears in Crosscut, American Theatre and other publications, and her previous books include Between Worlds: Contemporary Asian-American Plays, and The San Francisco Stage – From Gold Rush To Golden Spike. Misha’s book has made her one of the leading experts on West Side Story and her insights are in demand nearly everywhere and every time the show is discussed, including in a New York Times article that you may remember, titled “The Great West Side Story Debate” that was published last December just before the film premiered. You will hear the behind the scenes story of that controversial article in the episode.  Misha’s tenure at the Seattle Times and my mine as the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre were mostly contemporaneous, and I am very proud that, as you will hear, her terrific book was, to a large part, inspired by a production of West Side Story (directed by Bill Berry, and with Jerome Robbins’ choreography recreated by Bob Richard) that I produced at The 5th in 2007 to celebrate the original stage version’s 50th anniversary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When I realized that this week’s episode of Broadway Nation would come out just two days after what would have been Stephen Sondheim’s 92nd birthday, and only three days prior to the Oscars telecast where the new Stephen Spielberg remake of West Side Story will be in contention for seven Academy Awards including “Best Picture” – this seemed like the perfect time to devote an episode to comparing and contrasting the four major visions of this landmark show.

 I knew, however, that I couldn’t do this topic justice without having Misha Berson as my special guest. Misha is the author of the acclaimed book Something’s Coming, Something Good – West Side Story and the American Imagination.

 Misha was the chief theatre critic for The Seattle Times for 25 years and is now a freelance writer and teacher and her work appears in Crosscut, American Theatre and other publications, and her previous books include Between Worlds: Contemporary Asian-American Plays, and The San Francisco Stage – From Gold Rush To Golden Spike.

Misha’s book has made her one of the leading experts on West Side Story and her insights are in demand nearly everywhere and every time the show is discussed, including in a New York Times article that you may remember, titled “The Great West Side Story Debate” that was published last December just before the film premiered. You will hear the behind the scenes story of that controversial article in the episode.

 Misha’s tenure at the Seattle Times and my mine as the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre were mostly contemporaneous, and I am very proud that, as you will hear, her terrific book was, to a large part, inspired by a production of West Side Story (directed by Bill Berry, and with Jerome Robbins’ choreography recreated by Bob Richard) that I produced at The 5th in 2007 to celebrate the original stage version’s 50th anniversary

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2944 no Episode 58: The Genius Of Sondheim https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special live and in person episode of Broadway Nation! It was recorded on March 6, 2022 live at the Vashon Center for The Arts where I was joined onstage by a terrific group of singers, and special guest Albert Evans, to pay tribute to the late, great Stephen Sondheim.  As you will hear, in these live events there is a little less talking and lot more music than in a regular episode, but I don’t think anyone will be disappointed by that - especially when the music and lyrics are by Mr. Sondheim.  The fantastic cast is: Anne Allgood, Joshua Carter, James Rocco, Billie Wildrick, and Evan Stults on the piano. My frequent co-host, Albert Evans, shares a fascinating story about the making of West Side Story that few people have heard. My wireless microphone was acting up a bit during the first part of the concert, but gets quickly replaced, and we have done our best to minimize the disruption in this recording.   If you would prefer to watch a video capture of the show you can view it at vashoncenterforthearts.org.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Mar 2022 06:15:00 -0000 The Genius Of Sondheim full 2 58 Broadway Podcast Network A special Broadway Nation Live event! This is a special live and in person episode of Broadway Nation! It was recorded on March 6, 2022 live at the Vashon Center for The Arts where I was joined onstage by a terrific group of singers, and special guest Albert Evans, to pay tribute to the late, great Stephen Sondheim.  As you will hear, in these live events there is a little less talking and lot more music than in a regular episode, but I don’t think anyone will be disappointed by that - especially when the music and lyrics are by Mr. Sondheim.  The fantastic cast is: Anne Allgood, Joshua Carter, James Rocco, Billie Wildrick, and Evan Stults on the piano. My frequent co-host, Albert Evans, shares a fascinating story about the making of West Side Story that few people have heard. My wireless microphone was acting up a bit during the first part of the concert, but gets quickly replaced, and we have done our best to minimize the disruption in this recording.   If you would prefer to watch a video capture of the show you can view it at vashoncenterforthearts.org.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special live and in person episode of Broadway Nation!

It was recorded on March 6, 2022 live at the Vashon Center for The Arts where I was joined onstage by a terrific group of singers, and special guest Albert Evans, to pay tribute to the late, great Stephen Sondheim. 

As you will hear, in these live events there is a little less talking and lot more music than in a regular episode, but I don’t think anyone will be disappointed by that - especially when the music and lyrics are by Mr. Sondheim. 

The fantastic cast is: Anne Allgood, Joshua Carter, James Rocco, Billie Wildrick, and Evan Stults on the piano. My frequent co-host, Albert Evans, shares a fascinating story about the making of West Side Story that few people have heard.

My wireless microphone was acting up a bit during the first part of the concert, but gets quickly replaced, and we have done our best to minimize the disruption in this recording.  

If you would prefer to watch a video capture of the show you can view it at vashoncenterforthearts.org.  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4333 no Special Encore Episode: Agnes de Mille & The Women Who Invented Broadway Choreography & Lighting Design https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special encore episode of Broadway Nation. March is “Women’s History Month”, so this seemed like the perfect time to revisit one my earliest episodes. Creative and talented women have played vital and important roles in the Broadway musical from the very beginning, but their contributions are often overlooked or undervalued. My students in the Broadway musical history course that I teach at the University of Washington School of Drama are always surprised to discover so many women in leadership positions in the world of theater, beginning even before women had the right to vote!  While we might expect that women would be well represented in the ranks of Broadway choreographers, what is perhaps more surprising is that women were the principal forces behind the artistic and technical creation and development of theatrical lighting design.  Appropriately, three of the women that I highlight in this episode have important March milestones: Hanya Holm was born March 3rd 1893, Onna White was born on March, 24th in 1922, and the original production of Brigadoon with choreography by Agnes de Mille opened on March 13, 1947. Once they get that proverbial time machine perfected, I would recommend that we all head back for our own Agnes de Mill "festival". That week you could experience her groundbreaking choreography of not just Brigadoon, but also the still running original productions of Oklahoma! and Carousel.  The sound balancing of this episode is not quite up to my current standards, but the content is fascinating, and I suspect that it will introduce even the most avid Broadway history buffs to some dynamic women that you have barely if ever heard of before. Here we go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Mar 2022 07:15:00 -0000 Agnes de Mille & The Women Who Invented Broadway Choreography & Lighting Design full 2 Broadway Podcast Network Special Women's History Month Episode This is a special encore episode of Broadway Nation. March is “Women’s History Month”, so this seemed like the perfect time to revisit one my earliest episodes. Creative and talented women have played vital and important roles in the Broadway musical from the very beginning, but their contributions are often overlooked or undervalued. My students in the Broadway musical history course that I teach at the University of Washington School of Drama are always surprised to discover so many women in leadership positions in the world of theater, beginning even before women had the right to vote!  While we might expect that women would be well represented in the ranks of Broadway choreographers, what is perhaps more surprising is that women were the principal forces behind the artistic and technical creation and development of theatrical lighting design.  Appropriately, three of the women that I highlight in this episode have important March milestones: Hanya Holm was born March 3rd 1893, Onna White was born on March, 24th in 1922, and the original production of Brigadoon with choreography by Agnes de Mille opened on March 13, 1947. Once they get that proverbial time machine perfected, I would recommend that we all head back for our own Agnes de Mill "festival". That week you could experience her groundbreaking choreography of not just Brigadoon, but also the still running original productions of Oklahoma! and Carousel.  The sound balancing of this episode is not quite up to my current standards, but the content is fascinating, and I suspect that it will introduce even the most avid Broadway history buffs to some dynamic women that you have barely if ever heard of before. Here we go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special encore episode of Broadway Nation.

March is “Women’s History Month”, so this seemed like the perfect time to revisit one my earliest episodes. Creative and talented women have played vital and important roles in the Broadway musical from the very beginning, but their contributions are often overlooked or undervalued. My students in the Broadway musical history course that I teach at the University of Washington School of Drama are always surprised to discover so many women in leadership positions in the world of theater, beginning even before women had the right to vote! 

While we might expect that women would be well represented in the ranks of Broadway choreographers, what is perhaps more surprising is that women were the principal forces behind the artistic and technical creation and development of theatrical lighting design. 

Appropriately, three of the women that I highlight in this episode have important March milestones: Hanya Holm was born March 3rd 1893, Onna White was born on March, 24th in 1922, and the original production of Brigadoon with choreography by Agnes de Mille opened on March 13, 1947. Once they get that proverbial time machine perfected, I would recommend that we all head back for our own Agnes de Mill "festival". That week you could experience her groundbreaking choreography of not just Brigadoon, but also the still running original productions of Oklahoma! and Carousel. 

The sound balancing of this episode is not quite up to my current standards, but the content is fascinating, and I suspect that it will introduce even the most avid Broadway history buffs to some dynamic women that you have barely if ever heard of before. Here we go!

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]]> 1749 no Episode 57: The Fall And Rise of Yiddish Theater -- How The Yiddish Theater Influenced Broadway, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Mar 2022 07:20:00 -0000 The Fall And Rise of Yiddish Theater -- How The Yiddish Theater Influenced Broadway, part 2 full 2 57 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Avi Hoffman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 2905 no Episode 56: From 2nd Avenue To Times Square - How The Yiddish Theater Influenced Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ On this episode my guest is acclaimed actor, singer, writer, producer and director Avi Hoffman who specializes in Jewish culture and Yiddish theater. His long running off-Broadway “Too Jewish” trilogy has been seen by millions on PBS and at theater venues around the world, and in 2016 he received rave reviews and a Drama Desk nomination for his performance as "Willy Loman" in the Yiddish language production of Death of Salesman. He is also the founder and CEO of the Yiddishkayt Initiative -- a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Jewish culture. Nearly 3.5 million Jews emigrated to the United States between 1881 and 1925, and even more than the synagogue or social clubs the Yiddish Theater, became the meeting place and the forum of the Jewish community in America. And it was wildly popular. In 1927, there were 24 Yiddish theaters across America, and most of those were on Second Avenue -- known as the “Yiddish Rialto” – on NYC’s Lower East Side. The Yiddish Theater was attended by rich and poor, educated and illiterate, religious and free-thinking, and most importantly for our purposes, it was attended by Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, Yip Harburg, Fanny Brice and many, many more of the inventors of Broadway who grew up smack in the center of the Yiddish theater district. I have long known that the Yiddish theater had a tremendous impact on the Broadway musical but surprisingly little has been written or documented about it. I am planning to have other experts like Avi as guests on future episodes of Broadway Nation.  Topics covered in this episode include: what exactly is Yiddish? Abraham Goldfaden and the birth of the Yiddish Theater. How the Yiddish Theater came to America. Yiddish Theater around the world. The influence of the Yiddish Theater on Tin Pan Alley. And the stars of the Yiddish Theater: Boris & Bessie Thomashefsky, Maurice Schwartz, Jacob Adler, Molly Picon, Ben Bonus, Fyvush Finkel, Jennie Goldstein, Paul Muni, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Feb 2022 07:20:00 -0000 From 2nd Avenue To Times Square - How The Yiddish Theater Influenced Broadway full 2 56 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Avi Hoffman On this episode my guest is acclaimed actor, singer, writer, producer and director Avi Hoffman who specializes in Jewish culture and Yiddish theater. His long running off-Broadway “Too Jewish” trilogy has been seen by millions on PBS and at theater venues around the world, and in 2016 he received rave reviews and a Drama Desk nomination for his performance as "Willy Loman" in the Yiddish language production of Death of Salesman. He is also the founder and CEO of the Yiddishkayt Initiative -- a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Jewish culture. Nearly 3.5 million Jews emigrated to the United States between 1881 and 1925, and even more than the synagogue or social clubs the Yiddish Theater, became the meeting place and the forum of the Jewish community in America. And it was wildly popular. In 1927, there were 24 Yiddish theaters across America, and most of those were on Second Avenue -- known as the “Yiddish Rialto” – on NYC’s Lower East Side. The Yiddish Theater was attended by rich and poor, educated and illiterate, religious and free-thinking, and most importantly for our purposes, it was attended by Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, Yip Harburg, Fanny Brice and many, many more of the inventors of Broadway who grew up smack in the center of the Yiddish theater district. I have long known that the Yiddish theater had a tremendous impact on the Broadway musical but surprisingly little has been written or documented about it. I am planning to have other experts like Avi as guests on future episodes of Broadway Nation.  Topics covered in this episode include: what exactly is Yiddish? Abraham Goldfaden and the birth of the Yiddish Theater. How the Yiddish Theater came to America. Yiddish Theater around the world. The influence of the Yiddish Theater on Tin Pan Alley. And the stars of the Yiddish Theater: Boris & Bessie Thomashefsky, Maurice Schwartz, Jacob Adler, Molly Picon, Ben Bonus, Fyvush Finkel, Jennie Goldstein, Paul Muni, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this episode my guest is acclaimed actor, singer, writer, producer and director Avi Hoffman who specializes in Jewish culture and Yiddish theater. His long running off-Broadway “Too Jewish” trilogy has been seen by millions on PBS and at theater venues around the world, and in 2016 he received rave reviews and a Drama Desk nomination for his performance as "Willy Loman" in the Yiddish language production of Death of Salesman. He is also the founder and CEO of the Yiddishkayt Initiative -- a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Jewish culture.

Nearly 3.5 million Jews emigrated to the United States between 1881 and 1925, and even more than the synagogue or social clubs the Yiddish Theater, became the meeting place and the forum of the Jewish community in America. And it was wildly popular. In 1927, there were 24 Yiddish theaters across America, and most of those were on Second Avenue -- known as the “Yiddish Rialto” – on NYC’s Lower East Side. The Yiddish Theater was attended by rich and poor, educated and illiterate, religious and free-thinking, and most importantly for our purposes, it was attended by Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, Yip Harburg, Fanny Brice and many, many more of the inventors of Broadway who grew up smack in the center of the Yiddish theater district. I have long known that the Yiddish theater had a tremendous impact on the Broadway musical but surprisingly little has been written or documented about it. I am planning to have other experts like Avi as guests on future episodes of Broadway Nation. 

Topics covered in this episode include: what exactly is Yiddish? Abraham Goldfaden and the birth of the Yiddish Theater. How the Yiddish Theater came to America. Yiddish Theater around the world. The influence of the Yiddish Theater on Tin Pan Alley.

And the stars of the Yiddish Theater: Boris & Bessie Thomashefsky, Maurice Schwartz, Jacob Adler, Molly Picon, Ben Bonus, Fyvush Finkel, Jennie Goldstein, Paul Muni, and more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2306 no Special Encore Episode: "Forgotten Forefathers" - The Black Artists Who Invented Broadway http://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week’s special Encore episode of Broadway Nation celebrates a unique "Broadwayversary": On February 18, 1903 – 119 years ago tomorrow – one of the very first Broadway musicals entirely written, staged, produced, and performed by black theater artists opened at the New York Theatre in the heart of Times Square. That musical was titled In Dahomey.  With music by Will Marion Cook, book by Jesse A. Ship & lyrics by Paul Laurence Dunbar (with additional lyrics by Alex Rodgers, Cecil Mack, Benjamin Shook, and James Weldon Johnson), this show was created to showcase four of the biggest Vaudeville stars of that era – the team of Bert Williams & George Walker and their wives and co-stars Lottie Williams and Ida Overton Walker. In Dahomey toured America for more than 3 years, including two runs on Broadway, and became a sensation in London where it played 252 performances at the Shaftesbury Theater and gave a command performance at Buckingham Palace for the royal family who apparently all danced the cakewalk.  If you have never heard of In Dahomey, you are not alone. It is part of an entire decade of extremely popular Broadway musicals created by black artists that today are largely overlooked and forgotten.  In light of this show’s anniversary, and Black History Month, it seemed like the perfect time to reprise one of Broadway Nation’s earliest episodes: Forgotten Forefathers – The Black Artists Who Invented Broadway. This episode explores the roots of black theater in America – in both its positive and negative aspects – and especially shines a light on the first decade of the 20th Century when dozens of black musicals, and hundreds of black theater artists took Broadway by storm, nearly 20 years before Shuffle Along would do it again.   Broadway Nation is written and produced by David Armstrong. Special thanks to Kyle Carter and James Rocco for their voice acting contributions and the the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra for there terrific recordings of songs from these songwriters and shows, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Feb 2022 07:15:00 -0000 "Forgotten Forefathers" - The Black Artists Who Invented Broadway full 2 Broadway Podcast Network A Special Encore episode celebrating Black History Month This week’s special Encore episode of Broadway Nation celebrates a unique "Broadwayversary": On February 18, 1903 – 119 years ago tomorrow – one of the very first Broadway musicals entirely written, staged, produced, and performed by black theater artists opened at the New York Theatre in the heart of Times Square. That musical was titled In Dahomey.  With music by Will Marion Cook, book by Jesse A. Ship & lyrics by Paul Laurence Dunbar (with additional lyrics by Alex Rodgers, Cecil Mack, Benjamin Shook, and James Weldon Johnson), this show was created to showcase four of the biggest Vaudeville stars of that era – the team of Bert Williams & George Walker and their wives and co-stars Lottie Williams and Ida Overton Walker. In Dahomey toured America for more than 3 years, including two runs on Broadway, and became a sensation in London where it played 252 performances at the Shaftesbury Theater and gave a command performance at Buckingham Palace for the royal family who apparently all danced the cakewalk.  If you have never heard of In Dahomey, you are not alone. It is part of an entire decade of extremely popular Broadway musicals created by black artists that today are largely overlooked and forgotten.  In light of this show’s anniversary, and Black History Month, it seemed like the perfect time to reprise one of Broadway Nation’s earliest episodes: Forgotten Forefathers – The Black Artists Who Invented Broadway. This episode explores the roots of black theater in America – in both its positive and negative aspects – and especially shines a light on the first decade of the 20th Century when dozens of black musicals, and hundreds of black theater artists took Broadway by storm, nearly 20 years before Shuffle Along would do it again.   Broadway Nation is written and produced by David Armstrong. Special thanks to Kyle Carter and James Rocco for their voice acting contributions and the the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra for there terrific recordings of songs from these songwriters and shows, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week’s special Encore episode of Broadway Nation celebrates a unique "Broadwayversary":

On February 18, 1903 – 119 years ago tomorrow – one of the very first Broadway musicals entirely written, staged, produced, and performed by black theater artists opened at the New York Theatre in the heart of Times Square. That musical was titled In Dahomey.  With music by Will Marion Cook, book by Jesse A. Ship & lyrics by Paul Laurence Dunbar (with additional lyrics by Alex Rodgers, Cecil Mack, Benjamin Shook, and James Weldon Johnson), this show was created to showcase four of the biggest Vaudeville stars of that era – the team of Bert Williams & George Walker and their wives and co-stars Lottie Williams and Ida Overton Walker. In Dahomey toured America for more than 3 years, including two runs on Broadway, and became a sensation in London where it played 252 performances at the Shaftesbury Theater and gave a command performance at Buckingham Palace for the royal family who apparently all danced the cakewalk.

 If you have never heard of In Dahomey, you are not alone. It is part of an entire decade of extremely popular Broadway musicals created by black artists that today are largely overlooked and forgotten. 

In light of this show’s anniversary, and Black History Month, it seemed like the perfect time to reprise one of Broadway Nation’s earliest episodes: Forgotten Forefathers – The Black Artists Who Invented Broadway.

This episode explores the roots of black theater in America – in both its positive and negative aspects – and especially shines a light on the first decade of the 20th Century when dozens of black musicals, and hundreds of black theater artists took Broadway by storm, nearly 20 years before Shuffle Along would do it again. 

 Broadway Nation is written and produced by David Armstrong.

Special thanks to Kyle Carter and James Rocco for their voice acting contributions and the the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra for there terrific recordings of songs from these songwriters and shows,

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2457 no Special Encore Episode: West Side Story vs. The Music Man http://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is special Encore edition of Broadway Nation! Today, February 10, 2022, marks the official opening night of the much delayed, much anticipated, much talked about big new Broadway revival of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster. And, just two days ago Steven Spielberg’s movie remake of West Side Story received seven Academy Award nominations, including “Best Picture.” So, this seemed like the perfect moment to revisit one of my favorite episodes of this podcast: West Side Story vs The Music Man. These two classic Golden Age musicals famously went head-to-head at the 1958 Tony Awards, and people still argue about which show should have won “Best Musical”.   On this episode Albert Evans and I compare and contrast these two great shows – two of the greatest of all time in our estimation – and we reveal that they actually have much more in common than most people think. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Feb 2022 07:08:37 -0000 West Side Story vs. The Music Man full 2 Broadway Podcast Network A Special Encore Episode This is special Encore edition of Broadway Nation! Today, February 10, 2022, marks the official opening night of the much delayed, much anticipated, much talked about big new Broadway revival of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster. And, just two days ago Steven Spielberg’s movie remake of West Side Story received seven Academy Award nominations, including “Best Picture.” So, this seemed like the perfect moment to revisit one of my favorite episodes of this podcast: West Side Story vs The Music Man. These two classic Golden Age musicals famously went head-to-head at the 1958 Tony Awards, and people still argue about which show should have won “Best Musical”.   On this episode Albert Evans and I compare and contrast these two great shows – two of the greatest of all time in our estimation – and we reveal that they actually have much more in common than most people think. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is special Encore edition of Broadway Nation!

Today, February 10, 2022, marks the official opening night of the much delayed, much anticipated, much talked about big new Broadway revival of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster. And, just two days ago Steven Spielberg’s movie remake of West Side Story received seven Academy Award nominations, including “Best Picture.”

So, this seemed like the perfect moment to revisit one of my favorite episodes of this podcast: West Side Story vs The Music Man. These two classic Golden Age musicals famously went head-to-head at the 1958 Tony Awards, and people still argue about which show should have won “Best Musical”.  

On this episode Albert Evans and I compare and contrast these two great shows – two of the greatest of all time in our estimation – and we reveal that they actually have much more in common than most people think. Enjoy!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2351 no Episode 55: The King Of Broadway - The Genius Of Tommy Tune, part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the third and final part of my recent conversation with Kevin Winkler, author of the fascinating new book: “Everything Is Choreography” – The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune.  If you missed parts one and two, you may want to go back and listen to those before starting on this one. As we ended the last episode, Tommy Tune had just received two 1990 Tony Awards for his direction and choreography of Grand Hotel, and, as Kevin noted, the following year he won two more Tonys for The Will Rodgers Follies, and became the first and only person to accomplish that feat two years in a row. The Will Rodgers Follies also received Tony Awards for “Best Costume Design”, “Best Lighting Design”, and most significantly, "Best Score” and “Best Musical” – beating out Miss Saigon in the process. Today we begin with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of that incredibly entertaining -- but today somewhat forgotten, musical. Along the way Kevin shares all of the backstage drama of The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public, the "Tommy Tune production" of Grease, the ill-fated Busker's Alley and more! Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, KVSH 101.9, the Voice of Vashon Island, WA, and the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Feb 2022 07:15:00 -0000 The King Of Broadway - The Genius Of Tommy Tune, part 3 full 2 55 Broadway Podcast Network With Kevin Winkler author of Everything Is Choreography - The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune This is the third and final part of my recent conversation with Kevin Winkler, author of the fascinating new book: “Everything Is Choreography” – The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune.  If you missed parts one and two, you may want to go back and listen to those before starting on this one. As we ended the last episode, Tommy Tune had just received two 1990 Tony Awards for his direction and choreography of Grand Hotel, and, as Kevin noted, the following year he won two more Tonys for The Will Rodgers Follies, and became the first and only person to accomplish that feat two years in a row. The Will Rodgers Follies also received Tony Awards for “Best Costume Design”, “Best Lighting Design”, and most significantly, "Best Score” and “Best Musical” – beating out Miss Saigon in the process. Today we begin with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of that incredibly entertaining -- but today somewhat forgotten, musical. Along the way Kevin shares all of the backstage drama of The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public, the "Tommy Tune production" of Grease, the ill-fated Busker's Alley and more! Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, KVSH 101.9, the Voice of Vashon Island, WA, and the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the third and final part of my recent conversation with Kevin Winkler, author of the fascinating new book: “Everything Is Choreography” – The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune. 

If you missed parts one and two, you may want to go back and listen to those before starting on this one.

As we ended the last episode, Tommy Tune had just received two 1990 Tony Awards for his direction and choreography of Grand Hotel, and, as Kevin noted, the following year he won two more Tonys for The Will Rodgers Follies, and became the first and only person to accomplish that feat two years in a row. The Will Rodgers Follies also received Tony Awards for “Best Costume Design”, “Best Lighting Design”, and most significantly, "Best Score” and “Best Musical” – beating out Miss Saigon in the process. Today we begin with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of that incredibly entertaining -- but today somewhat forgotten, musical.

Along the way Kevin shares all of the backstage drama of The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public, the "Tommy Tune production" of Grease, the ill-fated Busker's Alley and more!

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong.

Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, KVSH 101.9, the Voice of Vashon Island, WA, and the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2214 no Episode 54: "You Gotta Take Care Of Business" - The Genius of Tommy Tune, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my conversation with Kevin Winkler, author of the fascinating new book: Everything Is Choreography – The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune.  If you missed part one, you may want to go back and listen to that before embarking on this one. Today Kevin relates the saga of the all of the incredible behind-the-scenes drama that transpired during the rehearsals and out of town tryout of My One and Only – the “new” Gershwin musical that stared Tommy Tune and Twiggy. He also shares the story of how Tune transformed a 1950s musical flop into the one of the most acclaimed musicals of what I call “The Modern Era of Broadway”. That show, of course, was Grand Hotel.  Broadway Nation is written and produced by David Armstrong Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his assistance with editing, as well as KVSH 101.9 the Voice Of Vashon, and the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Jan 2022 07:17:23 -0000 "You Gotta Take Care Of Business" - The Genius of Tommy Tune, part 2 full 2 54 Broadway Podcast Network With Kevin Winkler, author of Everything Is Choreography - The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune This is the second part of my conversation with Kevin Winkler, author of the fascinating new book: Everything Is Choreography – The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune.  If you missed part one, you may want to go back and listen to that before embarking on this one. Today Kevin relates the saga of the all of the incredible behind-the-scenes drama that transpired during the rehearsals and out of town tryout of My One and Only – the “new” Gershwin musical that stared Tommy Tune and Twiggy. He also shares the story of how Tune transformed a 1950s musical flop into the one of the most acclaimed musicals of what I call “The Modern Era of Broadway”. That show, of course, was Grand Hotel.  Broadway Nation is written and produced by David Armstrong Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his assistance with editing, as well as KVSH 101.9 the Voice Of Vashon, and the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my conversation with Kevin Winkler, author of the fascinating new book: Everything Is Choreography – The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune. 

If you missed part one, you may want to go back and listen to that before embarking on this one.

Today Kevin relates the saga of the all of the incredible behind-the-scenes drama that transpired during the rehearsals and out of town tryout of My One and Only – the “new” Gershwin musical that stared Tommy Tune and Twiggy.

He also shares the story of how Tune transformed a 1950s musical flop into the one of the most acclaimed musicals of what I call “The Modern Era of Broadway”. That show, of course, was Grand Hotel. 

Broadway Nation is written and produced by David Armstrong

Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his assistance with editing, as well as KVSH 101.9 the Voice Of Vashon, and the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1731 no Episode 53: The Theatrical Genius Of Tommy Tune, part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Broadway Nation “Backstage Pass Club” Producer Level Members: Steven & Paula Reynolds.  Today my guest is Kevin Winkler, author of the new book: Everything Is Choreography – The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune.  Kevin’s much acclaimed and award winning first book, Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical, was released in 2018. And you may have seen Kevin as an on-screen commentator in the acclaimed documentary, Merely Marvelous: The Dancing Genius of Gwen Verdon. I was fascinated to read Kevin’s terrific new book – especially since I arrived in New York just as Tommy Tune’s career as a choreographer and director was kicking off, As a result I had the tremendous privilege of seeing first hand every one of Tommy Tune’s Broadway and off-Broadway productions that Kevin covers in the book. I began our recent conversation by asking Kevin about his two previous careers – as a dancer and a librarian – that have made him uniquely and unusually qualified to write books about Broadway’s great, groundbreaking director/choreographers. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, KVSH 101.9, the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA, and the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Jan 2022 07:15:00 -0000 The Theatrical Genius Of Tommy Tune, part 1 full 2 53 Broadway Podcast Network With Kevin Winkler, author of the new book: Everything Is Choreography -The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Broadway Nation “Backstage Pass Club” Producer Level Members: Steven & Paula Reynolds.  Today my guest is Kevin Winkler, author of the new book: Everything Is Choreography – The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune.  Kevin’s much acclaimed and award winning first book, Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical, was released in 2018. And you may have seen Kevin as an on-screen commentator in the acclaimed documentary, Merely Marvelous: The Dancing Genius of Gwen Verdon. I was fascinated to read Kevin’s terrific new book – especially since I arrived in New York just as Tommy Tune’s career as a choreographer and director was kicking off, As a result I had the tremendous privilege of seeing first hand every one of Tommy Tune’s Broadway and off-Broadway productions that Kevin covers in the book. I began our recent conversation by asking Kevin about his two previous careers – as a dancer and a librarian – that have made him uniquely and unusually qualified to write books about Broadway’s great, groundbreaking director/choreographers. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, KVSH 101.9, the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA, and the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Broadway Nation “Backstage Pass Club” Producer Level Members:

Steven & Paula Reynolds. 


Today my guest is Kevin Winkler, author of the new book: Everything Is Choreography – The Musical Theater of Tommy Tune. 

Kevin’s much acclaimed and award winning first book, Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical, was released in 2018. And you may have seen Kevin as an on-screen commentator in the acclaimed documentary, Merely Marvelous: The Dancing Genius of Gwen Verdon.

I was fascinated to read Kevin’s terrific new book – especially since I arrived in New York just as Tommy Tune’s career as a choreographer and director was kicking off, As a result I had the tremendous privilege of seeing first hand every one of Tommy Tune’s Broadway and off-Broadway productions that Kevin covers in the book.

I began our recent conversation by asking Kevin about his two previous careers – as a dancer and a librarian – that have made him uniquely and unusually qualified to write books about Broadway’s great, groundbreaking director/choreographers.

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong.

Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, KVSH 101.9, the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA, and the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2954 no Episode 52: The Other Musicals Of Meredith Willson https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Robert Braun who is a "Producer Level Member" of our Broadway Nation “Backstage Pass Club”. Information on how you can become a member of The Backstage Pass Club can be found here: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.com. What you are about to hear is the second half of my recent conversation with Dominick McHugh author of: The Big Parade – Meredith Wilson’s Musicals From The Music Man to 1491. In part one Dominic shared the amazing insights and discoveries that he made during his research into the development of Wilson's first and most famous musical, The Music Man. If you missed that episode you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this one.  Today we discuss Willson’s two follow up hits -- The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Here’s Love -- and his heartbreaking failure, 1491. And, of course, there is even more discussion of The Music Man, more comparing and contrasting it with West Side Story, as well as comparing the careers and output of Meredith Willson and Leonard Bernstein, some of which may send some hardline Bernstein fans into a tizzy! Dominic and I even get into a bit of a disagreement about the when The Golden Age Of Broadway actually ended. I think you will enjoy it! Just one note before we begin: Meredith Wilson is one of the major exceptions to the central premise of this podcast. He was not Jewish, Queer, black or an immigrant or child of an immigrant. No, along with George Abbott, Bob Fosse and just a small handful of other key inventors of the Broadway musical, he is one of the exceptions that proves the rule. Enjoy!       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Jan 2022 07:24:00 -0000 The Other Musicals Of Meredith Willson full 2 52 Broadway Podcast Network With Dominic McHugh, author of The Big Parade - Meredith Willson's Musicals From The Music Man to 1491 This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Robert Braun who is a "Producer Level Member" of our Broadway Nation “Backstage Pass Club”. Information on how you can become a member of The Backstage Pass Club can be found here: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.com. What you are about to hear is the second half of my recent conversation with Dominick McHugh author of: The Big Parade – Meredith Wilson’s Musicals From The Music Man to 1491. In part one Dominic shared the amazing insights and discoveries that he made during his research into the development of Wilson's first and most famous musical, The Music Man. If you missed that episode you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this one.  Today we discuss Willson’s two follow up hits -- The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Here’s Love -- and his heartbreaking failure, 1491. And, of course, there is even more discussion of The Music Man, more comparing and contrasting it with West Side Story, as well as comparing the careers and output of Meredith Willson and Leonard Bernstein, some of which may send some hardline Bernstein fans into a tizzy! Dominic and I even get into a bit of a disagreement about the when The Golden Age Of Broadway actually ended. I think you will enjoy it! Just one note before we begin: Meredith Wilson is one of the major exceptions to the central premise of this podcast. He was not Jewish, Queer, black or an immigrant or child of an immigrant. No, along with George Abbott, Bob Fosse and just a small handful of other key inventors of the Broadway musical, he is one of the exceptions that proves the rule. Enjoy!       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Robert Braun who is a "Producer Level Member" of our Broadway Nation “Backstage Pass Club”. Information on how you can become a member of The Backstage Pass Club can be found here: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.com.

What you are about to hear is the second half of my recent conversation with Dominick McHugh author of: The Big Parade – Meredith Wilson’s Musicals From The Music Man to 1491.

In part one Dominic shared the amazing insights and discoveries that he made during his research into the development of Wilson's first and most famous musical, The Music Man. If you missed that episode you may want to catch up with that one before listening to this one. 

Today we discuss Willson’s two follow up hits -- The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Here’s Love -- and his heartbreaking failure, 1491. And, of course, there is even more discussion of The Music Man, more comparing and contrasting it with West Side Story, as well as comparing the careers and output of Meredith Willson and Leonard Bernstein, some of which may send some hardline Bernstein fans into a tizzy! Dominic and I even get into a bit of a disagreement about the when The Golden Age Of Broadway actually ended. I think you will enjoy it!

Just one note before we begin: Meredith Wilson is one of the major exceptions to the central premise of this podcast. He was not Jewish, Queer, black or an immigrant or child of an immigrant. No, along with George Abbott, Bob Fosse and just a small handful of other key inventors of the Broadway musical, he is one of the exceptions that proves the rule. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2379 no Episode 51: The Musicals of Meredith Wilson, Part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week my guest is author Dominick McHugh, author of the recent book, The Big Parade – Meredith Wilson’s Musicals From The Music Man To 1491.  Dominick is Professor of Musicology at the University of Sheffield in the UK. His previous books include Loverly, The Life And times of My Fair Lady, Adapting The Wizard Of Oz – Musical Versions From Baum To MGM And Beyond, and he has also served as editor of The Letters Of Cole Porter, and The Complete Lyrics Of Alan Jay Lerner. As it turns out, the timing of this episode couldn’t be more perfect since, after being derailed when both of its stars contracted COVID, the big, new Broadway revival of The Music Man, starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster is supposed to return to Broadway tonight!  Many listeners will know by now that The Music Man is one of my all-time favorite musicals, and one that I consider to be one the greatest musicals of all-time as well. This is a show that I know backwards and forward, inside and out. Over my career I have danced in it, choreographed it, produced it, lectured about it, and seen it countless times. So, it was a great pleasure to discover in The Big Parade, and during this interview, so many remarkable and surprising things I didn’t know about the show. Especially the extraordinary challenges that Meredith Wilson grappled with during its development – including, as recently reported in the New York Times, his efforts to include a disabled character in the show who was in intended to be a major focus of the story.   Dominick also shares the story of Liza Redfield, who became the first woman to serve as the Conductor/Musical Director of a Broadway show when she took over that role during the original run of The Music Man. And that’s only half of the book! The second half cover Wilson's three other major musicals, about which I knew even less, and we will discuss that in next weeks episode. I found it fascinating, and I think you will as well.  This episode is made possible in part through the generous contributions of Backstage Pass Patron Level Members GARY FULLER & RANDY EVERETT. Thank you so much, Gary and Randy!  If you love this podcast and want to delve even deeper into the world of Broadway musicals, I invite you to become a member of the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club". For as little as $7.00 a month members will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of every Season Two interview, and many from Season One as well! I often record at least twice as much conversation as ends up in the public episodes, and this includes additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans. You will also have the opportunity to ask us any questions about Broadway musicals that you would like to hear answered and propose topics you would like me to cover -- all of which I will incorporate into a special series of “Ask Me Anything About Broadway” episodes. Last, but certainly not least, you will receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are feeling especially enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are Patron and Producer levels available as well. THANK YOU "Backstage Pass Club" Founding Members: Roger Klorese, Neil Hoyt, Chris Moad, Daniel Cox and Judy Hucka Patron Level Members: Gary Fuller & Randy Everett.   And Producer Level Members: Bob Braun, Steve & Paula Reynolds, and Tracy Wellens, Thank you all so much, and welcome to the club! Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help in editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 the Voice of Vashon, WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Jan 2022 07:42:00 -0000 The Musicals of Meredith Wilson, Part 1 full 2 51 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest Dominick McHugh author of The Big Parade -- Meredith Wilson's Musicals From The Music Man to 1491 This week my guest is author Dominick McHugh, author of the recent book, The Big Parade – Meredith Wilson’s Musicals From The Music Man To 1491.  Dominick is Professor of Musicology at the University of Sheffield in the UK. His previous books include Loverly, The Life And times of My Fair Lady, Adapting The Wizard Of Oz – Musical Versions From Baum To MGM And Beyond, and he has also served as editor of The Letters Of Cole Porter, and The Complete Lyrics Of Alan Jay Lerner. As it turns out, the timing of this episode couldn’t be more perfect since, after being derailed when both of its stars contracted COVID, the big, new Broadway revival of The Music Man, starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster is supposed to return to Broadway tonight!  Many listeners will know by now that The Music Man is one of my all-time favorite musicals, and one that I consider to be one the greatest musicals of all-time as well. This is a show that I know backwards and forward, inside and out. Over my career I have danced in it, choreographed it, produced it, lectured about it, and seen it countless times. So, it was a great pleasure to discover in The Big Parade, and during this interview, so many remarkable and surprising things I didn’t know about the show. Especially the extraordinary challenges that Meredith Wilson grappled with during its development – including, as recently reported in the New York Times, his efforts to include a disabled character in the show who was in intended to be a major focus of the story.   Dominick also shares the story of Liza Redfield, who became the first woman to serve as the Conductor/Musical Director of a Broadway show when she took over that role during the original run of The Music Man. And that’s only half of the book! The second half cover Wilson's three other major musicals, about which I knew even less, and we will discuss that in next weeks episode. I found it fascinating, and I think you will as well.  This episode is made possible in part through the generous contributions of Backstage Pass Patron Level Members GARY FULLER & RANDY EVERETT. Thank you so much, Gary and Randy!  If you love this podcast and want to delve even deeper into the world of Broadway musicals, I invite you to become a member of the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club". For as little as $7.00 a month members will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of every Season Two interview, and many from Season One as well! I often record at least twice as much conversation as ends up in the public episodes, and this includes additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans. You will also have the opportunity to ask us any questions about Broadway musicals that you would like to hear answered and propose topics you would like me to cover -- all of which I will incorporate into a special series of “Ask Me Anything About Broadway” episodes. Last, but certainly not least, you will receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are feeling especially enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are Patron and Producer levels available as well. THANK YOU "Backstage Pass Club" Founding Members: Roger Klorese, Neil Hoyt, Chris Moad, Daniel Cox and Judy Hucka Patron Level Members: Gary Fuller & Randy Everett.   And Producer Level Members: Bob Braun, Steve & Paula Reynolds, and Tracy Wellens, Thank you all so much, and welcome to the club! Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help in editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 the Voice of Vashon, WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week my guest is author Dominick McHugh, author of the recent book, The Big Parade – Meredith Wilson’s Musicals From The Music Man To 1491.

 Dominick is Professor of Musicology at the University of Sheffield in the UK. His previous books include Loverly, The Life And times of My Fair Lady, Adapting The Wizard Of Oz – Musical Versions From Baum To MGM And Beyond, and he has also served as editor of The Letters Of Cole Porter, and The Complete Lyrics Of Alan Jay Lerner.

As it turns out, the timing of this episode couldn’t be more perfect since, after being derailed when both of its stars contracted COVID, the big, new Broadway revival of The Music Man, starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster is supposed to return to Broadway tonight!

 Many listeners will know by now that The Music Man is one of my all-time favorite musicals, and one that I consider to be one the greatest musicals of all-time as well. This is a show that I know backwards and forward, inside and out. Over my career I have danced in it, choreographed it, produced it, lectured about it, and seen it countless times.

So, it was a great pleasure to discover in The Big Parade, and during this interview, so many remarkable and surprising things I didn’t know about the show. Especially the extraordinary challenges that Meredith Wilson grappled with during its development – including, as recently reported in the New York Times, his efforts to include a disabled character in the show who was in intended to be a major focus of the story.  

Dominick also shares the story of Liza Redfield, who became the first woman to serve as the Conductor/Musical Director of a Broadway show when she took over that role during the original run of The Music Man.

And that’s only half of the book! The second half cover Wilson's three other major musicals, about which I knew even less, and we will discuss that in next weeks episode.

I found it fascinating, and I think you will as well. 

This episode is made possible in part through the generous contributions of Backstage Pass Patron Level Members GARY FULLER & RANDY EVERETT. Thank you so much, Gary and Randy!

 If you love this podcast and want to delve even deeper into the world of Broadway musicals, I invite you to become a member of the

"Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club".

For as little as $7.00 a month members will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of every Season Two interview, and many from Season One as well! I often record at least twice as much conversation as ends up in the public episodes, and this includes additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans. You will also have the opportunity to ask us any questions about Broadway musicals that you would like to hear answered and propose topics you would like me to cover -- all of which I will incorporate into a special series of “Ask Me Anything About Broadway” episodes. Last, but certainly not least, you will receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are feeling especially enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are Patron and Producer levels available as well.

THANK YOU "Backstage Pass Club" Founding Members: Roger Klorese, Neil Hoyt, Chris Moad, Daniel Cox and Judy Hucka

Patron Level Members: Gary Fuller & Randy Everett.  

And Producer Level Members: Bob Braun, Steve & Paula Reynolds, and Tracy Wellens,

Thank you all so much, and welcome to the club!

Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help in editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 the Voice of Vashon, WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2388 no SPECIAL ENCORE EPISODE: "WHITE CHRISTMAS" -- THE STORY OF AMERICA'S MOST POPULAR SONG, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Dec 2021 07:35:00 -0000 "WHITE CHRISTMAS" -- THE STORY OF AMERICA'S MOST POPULAR SONG, part 2 full Broadway Podcast Network The second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org

In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway.

But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer!

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2585 no SPECIAL ENCORE EPISODE: "WHITE CHRISTMAS": THE STORY BEHIND THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR SONG, Part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is a special holiday encore of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes:. It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island in Washington State. Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. Now I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.  Next week we will be back with part 2. Happy Holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000 "White Christmas": The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, Part 1 full Broadway Podcast Network This holiday special is an encore of one of our most popular episodes which tells the story of how the great Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, not only played a huge role in the invention the Broadway Musical, but also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard. This episode is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island in Washington State. This is a special holiday encore of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes:. It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island in Washington State. Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. Now I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.  Next week we will be back with part 2. Happy Holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a special holiday encore of one of Broadway Nation's most popular episodes:. It's an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island in Washington State.

Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. Now I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.  

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans. 

Next week we will be back with part 2. Happy Holidays!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2005 no Episode 50: 100 YEARS OF SHUFFLE ALONG, part 4 http://www.broadway-nation.com/ This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Broadway Nation "Backstage Pass Club" Producer Level Member, Tracy Wellans.  For information on how to join the "Backstage Pass Club" please go the show notes for this episode at www.broadway-nation.com In this episode I continue my Centennial celebration of the groundbreaking musical Shuffle Along! with the second half of my conversation with Richard Carlin & Ken Bloom who are the co-authors of Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race – the very first full biography of Shuffle Along’s legendary composer. If you missed the first part of this conversation you may want to listen to episode 49 before continuing with this one. As we ended the previous episode, Sissle & Blake and Miller & Lyles – the two black Vaudeville teams that came together to create Shuffle Along – were finally about to open their new musical on Broadway following a very challenging pre-Broadway out of town tryout. The only New York theater they could get was really just a concert hall with a very shallow stage, and located on 63rd street at the extreme northern edge of the theater district – over a mile from 42nd Street. The small stage allowed for only minimal scenery, and the only costumes they could afford were sweat stained, hand me downs from previous Broadway shows. As a result, Shuffle Along, had no visibility or profile, or expectation from anyone that it would run more than a week. However, even with all of this stacked against it, Shuffle Along immediately became a giant hit – true over-night sensation!  To celebrate Broadway Nation’s 50th episode I am very pleased to announce the inauguration of the Broadway Nation “Backstage Pass Club”  If you love this podcast and want to delve even deeper into the world of Broadway musicals, I invite you to become a member of the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club". For as little as $7.00 a month members will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of every Season Two interview, and many from Season One as well! I often record at least twice as much conversation as ends up in the public episodes, and this includes additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans. You will also have the opportunity to ask us any questions about Broadway musicals that you would like to hear answered and propose topics you would like me to cover -- all of which I will incorporate into a special series of “Ask Me Anything About Broadway” episodes. Last, but certainly not least, you will receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are feeling especially enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are Patron and Producer levels available as well. To join please visit our website at www. Broadway-Nation.com. and just click the link included in the show notes for this episode. THANK YOU "Backstage Pass Club" Founding Members: Roger Klorese, Neil Hoyt, Chris Moad, and Daniel Cox And Producer Level members: Bob Braun, Steve & Paula Reynolds, Tracy Wellens, Gary Fuller & Randy Everett.   Thank you all so much, and welcome to the club! Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help in editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 the Voice of Vashon, WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Dec 2021 07:15:00 -0000 100 YEARS OF SHUFFLE ALONG, part 4 full 2 50 Broadway Podcast Network With RICHARD CARLIN & KEN BLOOM, the authors of EUBIE BLAKE: RAGS, RHYTHM, AND RACE This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Broadway Nation "Backstage Pass Club" Producer Level Member, Tracy Wellans.  For information on how to join the "Backstage Pass Club" please go the show notes for this episode at www.broadway-nation.com In this episode I continue my Centennial celebration of the groundbreaking musical Shuffle Along! with the second half of my conversation with Richard Carlin & Ken Bloom who are the co-authors of Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race – the very first full biography of Shuffle Along’s legendary composer. If you missed the first part of this conversation you may want to listen to episode 49 before continuing with this one. As we ended the previous episode, Sissle & Blake and Miller & Lyles – the two black Vaudeville teams that came together to create Shuffle Along – were finally about to open their new musical on Broadway following a very challenging pre-Broadway out of town tryout. The only New York theater they could get was really just a concert hall with a very shallow stage, and located on 63rd street at the extreme northern edge of the theater district – over a mile from 42nd Street. The small stage allowed for only minimal scenery, and the only costumes they could afford were sweat stained, hand me downs from previous Broadway shows. As a result, Shuffle Along, had no visibility or profile, or expectation from anyone that it would run more than a week. However, even with all of this stacked against it, Shuffle Along immediately became a giant hit – true over-night sensation!  To celebrate Broadway Nation’s 50th episode I am very pleased to announce the inauguration of the Broadway Nation “Backstage Pass Club”  If you love this podcast and want to delve even deeper into the world of Broadway musicals, I invite you to become a member of the "Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club". For as little as $7.00 a month members will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of every Season Two interview, and many from Season One as well! I often record at least twice as much conversation as ends up in the public episodes, and this includes additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans. You will also have the opportunity to ask us any questions about Broadway musicals that you would like to hear answered and propose topics you would like me to cover -- all of which I will incorporate into a special series of “Ask Me Anything About Broadway” episodes. Last, but certainly not least, you will receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are feeling especially enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are Patron and Producer levels available as well. To join please visit our website at www. Broadway-Nation.com. and just click the link included in the show notes for this episode. THANK YOU "Backstage Pass Club" Founding Members: Roger Klorese, Neil Hoyt, Chris Moad, and Daniel Cox And Producer Level members: Bob Braun, Steve & Paula Reynolds, Tracy Wellens, Gary Fuller & Randy Everett.   Thank you all so much, and welcome to the club! Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help in editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 the Voice of Vashon, WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Broadway Nation "Backstage Pass Club" Producer Level Member, Tracy Wellans. 

For information on how to join the "Backstage Pass Club" please go the show notes for this episode at www.broadway-nation.com

In this episode I continue my Centennial celebration of the groundbreaking musical Shuffle Along! with the second half of my conversation with Richard Carlin & Ken Bloom who are the co-authors of Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race – the very first full biography of Shuffle Along’s legendary composer.

If you missed the first part of this conversation you may want to listen to episode 49 before continuing with this one.

As we ended the previous episode, Sissle & Blake and Miller & Lyles – the two black Vaudeville teams that came together to create Shuffle Along – were finally about to open their new musical on Broadway following a very challenging pre-Broadway out of town tryout. The only New York theater they could get was really just a concert hall with a very shallow stage, and located on 63rd street at the extreme northern edge of the theater district – over a mile from 42nd Street. The small stage allowed for only minimal scenery, and the only costumes they could afford were sweat stained, hand me downs from previous Broadway shows. As a result, Shuffle Along, had no visibility or profile, or expectation from anyone that it would run more than a week. However, even with all of this stacked against it, Shuffle Along immediately became a giant hit – true over-night sensation! 

To celebrate Broadway Nation’s 50th episode I am very pleased to announce the inauguration of the Broadway Nation “Backstage Pass Club” 

If you love this podcast and want to delve even deeper into the world of Broadway musicals, I invite you to become a member of the

"Broadway Nation Backstage Pass Club".

For as little as $7.00 a month members will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of every Season Two interview, and many from Season One as well! I often record at least twice as much conversation as ends up in the public episodes, and this includes additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans. You will also have the opportunity to ask us any questions about Broadway musicals that you would like to hear answered and propose topics you would like me to cover -- all of which I will incorporate into a special series of “Ask Me Anything About Broadway” episodes. Last, but certainly not least, you will receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are feeling especially enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are Patron and Producer levels available as well.

To join please visit our website at www. Broadway-Nation.com. and just click the link included in the show notes for this episode.


THANK YOU "Backstage Pass Club" Founding Members: Roger Klorese, Neil Hoyt, Chris Moad, and Daniel Cox

And Producer Level members: Bob Braun, Steve & Paula Reynolds, Tracy Wellens, Gary Fuller & Randy Everett.  

Thank you all so much, and welcome to the club!


Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help in editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 the Voice of Vashon, WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

 

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]]> 2798 no Episode 49: 100 YEARS OF SHUFFLE ALONG!, part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Shuffle Along!, the groundbreaking musical that kicked off an entire decade of vibrant black musical theatre on Broadway which included more than a dozen shows that were created by black songwriters, black bookwriters, black producers, black directors and choreographers -- and these shows brought hundreds of black actors, singers, dancers, and musicians to Broadway. This landmark is being celebrated with the release of two wonderful new books. Earlier this season in Episodes 37 & 38, I had the great pleasure of chatting with author Cassen Gains about his book: Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way. Today my guests are the co-authors of the first full biography of Shuffle Along’s composer: Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race. Richard Carlin is the Grammy Award-winning author of numerous books on popular music, including Country Music, The Big Book of Country, and Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways. Ken Bloom is the Grammy Award-winning author of Show and Tell: The New Book of Broadway Anecdotes, Broadway Musicals: The 101 Greatest Shows of All Time, and Broadway: An Encyclopedia. He is the co-founder of Harbinger Records, has been a Broadway correspondent for NPR and the CBC, and has directed and produced shows at Town Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, among other venues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:43:31 -0000 100 YEARS OF SHUFFLE ALONG!, part 3 full 2 49 Broadway Podcast Network With RICHARD CARLIN & KEN BLOOM, the authors of EUBIE BLAKE: RAGS, RHYTHM, AND RACE This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Shuffle Along!, the groundbreaking musical that kicked off an entire decade of vibrant black musical theatre on Broadway which included more than a dozen shows that were created by black songwriters, black bookwriters, black producers, black directors and choreographers -- and these shows brought hundreds of black actors, singers, dancers, and musicians to Broadway. This landmark is being celebrated with the release of two wonderful new books. Earlier this season in Episodes 37 & 38, I had the great pleasure of chatting with author Cassen Gains about his book: Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way. Today my guests are the co-authors of the first full biography of Shuffle Along’s composer: Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race. Richard Carlin is the Grammy Award-winning author of numerous books on popular music, including Country Music, The Big Book of Country, and Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways. Ken Bloom is the Grammy Award-winning author of Show and Tell: The New Book of Broadway Anecdotes, Broadway Musicals: The 101 Greatest Shows of All Time, and Broadway: An Encyclopedia. He is the co-founder of Harbinger Records, has been a Broadway correspondent for NPR and the CBC, and has directed and produced shows at Town Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, among other venues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Shuffle Along!, the groundbreaking musical that kicked off an entire decade of vibrant black musical theatre on Broadway which included more than a dozen shows that were created by black songwriters, black bookwriters, black producers, black directors and choreographers -- and these shows brought hundreds of black actors, singers, dancers, and musicians to Broadway.

This landmark is being celebrated with the release of two wonderful new books. Earlier this season in Episodes 37 & 38, I had the great pleasure of chatting with author Cassen Gains about his book: Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way.

Today my guests are the co-authors of the first full biography of Shuffle Along’s composer: Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race.

Richard Carlin is the Grammy Award-winning author of numerous books on popular music, including Country Music, The Big Book of Country, and Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways.

Ken Bloom is the Grammy Award-winning author of Show and Tell: The New Book of Broadway Anecdotes, Broadway Musicals: The 101 Greatest Shows of All Time, and Broadway: An Encyclopedia. He is the co-founder of Harbinger Records, has been a Broadway correspondent for NPR and the CBC, and has directed and produced shows at Town Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, among other venues.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4604 no Episode 48: MY FIRST SONDHEIM with special guest Albert Evans https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week’s episode is a little different.  I recorded this just five days after it was announced that Stephen Sondheim had died and as it happened my friend, colleague and frequent co-host and contributor to Broadway Nation, Albert Evans, was spending the Thanksgiving weekend with me, and so we were together when this news began to break and during the incredible reaction and response this loss over the days that followed. The coverage of Sondheim’s life and legacy in both traditional and social media has been phenomenal including four full pages in the NY Times, extended tributes on TV, radio and other newspapers, trending on Twitter and a near total domination of all theater related social media -- all richly deserved of course – but still somewhat unexpected for someone who was primarily a theater artist.  I think this reflects the hidden importance and impact of the Broadway musical on American and world culture. Most of the time the media simply ignores Broadway but once in a while it breaks through and reveals how ingrained it is in the fabric of our lives.    Of course, Sondheim has been mentioned countless times over the 47 episodes of this podcast and 16 of those episodes have focused in a major way on his life and his work. I point you toward a few of those below and at the end of this episode.   But for this episode, rather than talk about Sondheim’s one of a kind place in the history of the Broadway musical and his impact on the form – as we have done on so many other episodes – Albert and I took our inspiration from the many personal memories that people have been posting and sharing about their own interactions with Sondheim, and especially how his shows and songs have impacted and affected their lives.   So, before the weekend was over Albert and I decided to switch on the microphone and look back to the very first times that the work of Stephen Sondheim entered our lives. We would love to hear about your first time experiencing of the artistry of Stephen Sondheim and feature those memories on an upcoming episode. And we have made it extremely easy for you to share them. Just go the Broadway nation website at www.Broadway-nation.com and on the bottom right corner of the home page you will find a microphone icon. Simply click on that and share with us you’re first Sondheim experiences! Broadway Nation is written and produced by me David Armstrong.   For more on the life and work of Stephen Sondheim I recommend that you listen to Episodes 11 and 12 in which we explore the legacy that was handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstien to Sondheim to Lin-Manuel Miranda.   You may also want to check out Episodes 19 and 20 which deal with West Side Story and Gypsy, Episode 26: titled Harold Prince and the Concept Musical and covers Prince and Sondheim’s collaboration’s on Company and Follies, and Episode 28 which is subtitled Sondheim vs the Poperetta. And his works figure prominently in all three episodes dedicated to the major themes of the Broadway musical.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Dec 2021 09:26:28 -0000 MY FIRST SONDHEIM with special guest Albert Evans full 2 48 Broadway Podcast Network Experiencing The Artistry of Stephen Sondheim For The Very First Time This week’s episode is a little different.  I recorded this just five days after it was announced that Stephen Sondheim had died and as it happened my friend, colleague and frequent co-host and contributor to Broadway Nation, Albert Evans, was spending the Thanksgiving weekend with me, and so we were together when this news began to break and during the incredible reaction and response this loss over the days that followed. The coverage of Sondheim’s life and legacy in both traditional and social media has been phenomenal including four full pages in the NY Times, extended tributes on TV, radio and other newspapers, trending on Twitter and a near total domination of all theater related social media -- all richly deserved of course – but still somewhat unexpected for someone who was primarily a theater artist.  I think this reflects the hidden importance and impact of the Broadway musical on American and world culture. Most of the time the media simply ignores Broadway but once in a while it breaks through and reveals how ingrained it is in the fabric of our lives.    Of course, Sondheim has been mentioned countless times over the 47 episodes of this podcast and 16 of those episodes have focused in a major way on his life and his work. I point you toward a few of those below and at the end of this episode.   But for this episode, rather than talk about Sondheim’s one of a kind place in the history of the Broadway musical and his impact on the form – as we have done on so many other episodes – Albert and I took our inspiration from the many personal memories that people have been posting and sharing about their own interactions with Sondheim, and especially how his shows and songs have impacted and affected their lives.   So, before the weekend was over Albert and I decided to switch on the microphone and look back to the very first times that the work of Stephen Sondheim entered our lives. We would love to hear about your first time experiencing of the artistry of Stephen Sondheim and feature those memories on an upcoming episode. And we have made it extremely easy for you to share them. Just go the Broadway nation website at www.Broadway-nation.com and on the bottom right corner of the home page you will find a microphone icon. Simply click on that and share with us you’re first Sondheim experiences! Broadway Nation is written and produced by me David Armstrong.   For more on the life and work of Stephen Sondheim I recommend that you listen to Episodes 11 and 12 in which we explore the legacy that was handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstien to Sondheim to Lin-Manuel Miranda.   You may also want to check out Episodes 19 and 20 which deal with West Side Story and Gypsy, Episode 26: titled Harold Prince and the Concept Musical and covers Prince and Sondheim’s collaboration’s on Company and Follies, and Episode 28 which is subtitled Sondheim vs the Poperetta. And his works figure prominently in all three episodes dedicated to the major themes of the Broadway musical.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week’s episode is a little different. 

I recorded this just five days after it was announced that Stephen Sondheim had died and as it happened my friend, colleague and frequent co-host and contributor to Broadway Nation, Albert Evans, was spending the Thanksgiving weekend with me, and so we were together when this news began to break and during the incredible reaction and response this loss over the days that followed.


The coverage of Sondheim’s life and legacy in both traditional and social media has been phenomenal including four full pages in the NY Times, extended tributes on TV, radio and other newspapers, trending on Twitter and a near total domination of all theater related social media -- all richly deserved of course – but still somewhat unexpected for someone who was primarily a theater artist. 


I think this reflects the hidden importance and impact of the Broadway musical on American and world culture. Most of the time the media simply ignores Broadway but once in a while it breaks through and reveals how ingrained it is in the fabric of our lives. 

 

Of course, Sondheim has been mentioned countless times over the 47 episodes of this podcast and 16 of those episodes have focused in a major way on his life and his work. I point you toward a few of those below and at the end of this episode.

 

But for this episode, rather than talk about Sondheim’s one of a kind place in the history of the Broadway musical and his impact on the form – as we have done on so many other episodes – Albert and I took our inspiration from the many personal memories that people have been posting and sharing about their own interactions with Sondheim, and especially how his shows and songs have impacted and affected their lives.

 

So, before the weekend was over Albert and I decided to switch on the microphone and look back to the very first times that the work of Stephen Sondheim entered our lives.

We would love to hear about your first time experiencing of the artistry of Stephen Sondheim and feature those memories on an upcoming episode. And we have made it extremely easy for you to share them. Just go the Broadway nation website at www.Broadway-nation.com and on the bottom right corner of the home page you will find a microphone icon. Simply click on that and share with us you’re first Sondheim experiences!

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me David Armstrong.

 

For more on the life and work of Stephen Sondheim I recommend that you listen to Episodes 11 and 12 in which we explore the legacy that was handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstien to Sondheim to Lin-Manuel Miranda.

 

You may also want to check out Episodes 19 and 20 which deal with West Side Story and Gypsy, Episode 26: titled Harold Prince and the Concept Musical and covers Prince and Sondheim’s collaboration’s on Company and Follies, and Episode 28 which is subtitled Sondheim vs the Poperetta. And his works figure prominently in all three episodes dedicated to the major themes of the Broadway musical.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2278 no Episode 47: "Listening To The Audience" https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my recent conversation with Irene Sankoff & David Hein -- the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the international smash hit musical Come From Away. Five productions of Come From Away have recently reopened around the world: Broadway, Toronto, London, Sydney and on tour across America. A new Dutch production has just opened, as well, and a live filmed version of the show is streaming on Apple TV+. On the previous episode Irene and David related how they got hooked on musicals, and how they went from their first show based on a true story -- My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding -- to deciding to create a musical based on the real life events that happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in the days following 9/11. They also described what it was like to attend the 10th Anniversary of the events in Gander and then begin to transform the stories they heard there into a musical during an early workshop production at The Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College. We also explored the classic Broadway shows that influenced and inspired the writing of their book, music, and lyrics for Come From Away. If you missed part one you may want to go back and catch up on that episode before you listen to this one. Today we look at the extensive development process that CFA went through on its journey to Broadway - including a workshop in Seattle, a series of productions at the La Jolla Playhouse, The Seattle Rep, Ford’s Theater in DC. and the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, as well as a thrilling concert presentation in Gander where it all began.  Back in 2015, I served as the Executive Producer and Artistic Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle and, as such, I had the great pleasure of co-producing that original Seattle workshop of Come From Away. This was the first time that the show’s Tony award winning director Christopher Ashley and choreographer, Kelly Devine began to work on the show -- and it was great fun to recall that exciting experience with Irene and David. Come From Away is the fifth musical to originate in Canada and eventually open on Broadway.  The first was 1974’s Rockabye Hamlet with book, music and lyrics by Cliff Jones. This rock musical adaptation of Shakespeare was originally titled Kronborg 1582 and was well received, first as a radio series on the CBC, and then at the Charlottetown Theatre Festival and on tour in Canada, before being retitled and opening on Broadway with Gower Champion as the director. It became a legendary flop and closed after 7 performances. Next, in 1980 came the intimate and engaging Billy Bishop Goes To War written by John McLachlan Gray the show featured one actor to playing18 different roles to tell the story of real life Canadian fighter pilot Billy Bishop during the first World War. This show nearly doubled the run of Rockabye Hamlet closing after 12 performances. However, over the next ten years Billy Bishop Goes To War received scores of productions at theaters all across North America.  The Story Of My Life, with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill, opened on Broadway in 2009. Unfortunately, it had an even shorter run than either of the previous two Canadian shows. However, one year earlier, a group of Canadian writers finally scored a significant hit with The Drowsy Chaperone – book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison. This delightful show opened on Broadway in 2008, received Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score, and ran for 674 performances.   There have been a few other Canadian writers that found success on Broadway – Galt McDermott being the most famous of them – but that was with shows that originated in the US.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Nov 2021 07:30:00 -0000 "Listening To The Audience" full 2 47 Broadway Podcast Network The Making of COME FOM AWAY, part 2, with authors IRENE SANKOFF & DAVID HEIN This is the second part of my recent conversation with Irene Sankoff & David Hein -- the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the international smash hit musical Come From Away. Five productions of Come From Away have recently reopened around the world: Broadway, Toronto, London, Sydney and on tour across America. A new Dutch production has just opened, as well, and a live filmed version of the show is streaming on Apple TV+. On the previous episode Irene and David related how they got hooked on musicals, and how they went from their first show based on a true story -- My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding -- to deciding to create a musical based on the real life events that happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in the days following 9/11. They also described what it was like to attend the 10th Anniversary of the events in Gander and then begin to transform the stories they heard there into a musical during an early workshop production at The Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College. We also explored the classic Broadway shows that influenced and inspired the writing of their book, music, and lyrics for Come From Away. If you missed part one you may want to go back and catch up on that episode before you listen to this one. Today we look at the extensive development process that CFA went through on its journey to Broadway - including a workshop in Seattle, a series of productions at the La Jolla Playhouse, The Seattle Rep, Ford’s Theater in DC. and the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, as well as a thrilling concert presentation in Gander where it all began.  Back in 2015, I served as the Executive Producer and Artistic Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle and, as such, I had the great pleasure of co-producing that original Seattle workshop of Come From Away. This was the first time that the show’s Tony award winning director Christopher Ashley and choreographer, Kelly Devine began to work on the show -- and it was great fun to recall that exciting experience with Irene and David. Come From Away is the fifth musical to originate in Canada and eventually open on Broadway.  The first was 1974’s Rockabye Hamlet with book, music and lyrics by Cliff Jones. This rock musical adaptation of Shakespeare was originally titled Kronborg 1582 and was well received, first as a radio series on the CBC, and then at the Charlottetown Theatre Festival and on tour in Canada, before being retitled and opening on Broadway with Gower Champion as the director. It became a legendary flop and closed after 7 performances. Next, in 1980 came the intimate and engaging Billy Bishop Goes To War written by John McLachlan Gray the show featured one actor to playing18 different roles to tell the story of real life Canadian fighter pilot Billy Bishop during the first World War. This show nearly doubled the run of Rockabye Hamlet closing after 12 performances. However, over the next ten years Billy Bishop Goes To War received scores of productions at theaters all across North America.  The Story Of My Life, with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill, opened on Broadway in 2009. Unfortunately, it had an even shorter run than either of the previous two Canadian shows. However, one year earlier, a group of Canadian writers finally scored a significant hit with The Drowsy Chaperone – book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison. This delightful show opened on Broadway in 2008, received Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score, and ran for 674 performances.   There have been a few other Canadian writers that found success on Broadway – Galt McDermott being the most famous of them – but that was with shows that originated in the US.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my recent conversation with Irene Sankoff & David Hein -- the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the international smash hit musical Come From Away.

Five productions of Come From Away have recently reopened around the world: Broadway, Toronto, London, Sydney and on tour across America. A new Dutch production has just opened, as well, and a live filmed version of the show is streaming on Apple TV+.

On the previous episode Irene and David related how they got hooked on musicals, and how they went from their first show based on a true story -- My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding -- to deciding to create a musical based on the real life events that happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in the days following 9/11. They also described what it was like to attend the 10th Anniversary of the events in Gander and then begin to transform the stories they heard there into a musical during an early workshop production at The Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College. We also explored the classic Broadway shows that influenced and inspired the writing of their book, music, and lyrics for Come From Away.

If you missed part one you may want to go back and catch up on that episode before you listen to this one.

Today we look at the extensive development process that CFA went through on its journey to Broadway - including a workshop in Seattle, a series of productions at the La Jolla Playhouse, The Seattle Rep, Ford’s Theater in DC. and the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, as well as a thrilling concert presentation in Gander where it all began. 

Back in 2015, I served as the Executive Producer and Artistic Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle and, as such, I had the great pleasure of co-producing that original Seattle workshop of Come From Away. This was the first time that the show’s Tony award winning director Christopher Ashley and choreographer, Kelly Devine began to work on the show -- and it was great fun to recall that exciting experience with Irene and David.

Come From Away is the fifth musical to originate in Canada and eventually open on Broadway. 

The first was 1974’s Rockabye Hamlet with book, music and lyrics by Cliff Jones. This rock musical adaptation of Shakespeare was originally titled Kronborg 1582 and was well received, first as a radio series on the CBC, and then at the Charlottetown Theatre Festival and on tour in Canada, before being retitled and opening on Broadway with Gower Champion as the director. It became a legendary flop and closed after 7 performances.

Next, in 1980 came the intimate and engaging Billy Bishop Goes To War written by John McLachlan Gray the show featured one actor to playing18 different roles to tell the story of real life Canadian fighter pilot Billy Bishop during the first World War. This show nearly doubled the run of Rockabye Hamlet closing after 12 performances. However, over the next ten years Billy Bishop Goes To War received scores of productions at theaters all across North America. 

The Story Of My Life, with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill, opened on Broadway in 2009. Unfortunately, it had an even shorter run than either of the previous two Canadian shows.

However, one year earlier, a group of Canadian writers finally scored a significant hit with The Drowsy Chaperone – book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison. This delightful show opened on Broadway in 2008, received Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score, and ran for 674 performances.  

There have been a few other Canadian writers that found success on Broadway – Galt McDermott being the most famous of them – but that was with shows that originated in the US.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2154 no Episode 46: "ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS" https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guests today are Irene Sankoff & David Hein – the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the giant international smash hit musical Come From Away. Five productions of Come From Away have recently reopened around the world: Broadway, Toronto, London, Sydney and on tour across America. A live filmed version of the show is also streaming on Apple TV+. Irene and David won the 2019 Olivier Award and were nominated for the 2018 Grammy Award and the 2017 Tony Award for their book and score for Come From Away, with the show itself winning the 2019 Olivier Award for Best Musical, three 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, five Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical. David and Irene were also the recipients of the 2017 Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for Best Book. A live filmed version of Come From Away is now streaming on Apple TV+. Their first show, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (based on David’s mother’s true story) was produced by Mirvish Productions in Toronto and played and won Best Musical awards across North America, with Sankoff and Hein performing in most productions. They are currently working on projects with Disney, Warner Bros. and Netflix. Irene and David are the recipients of the Good Neighbour Award from the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada. They are proud members of the Dramatists Guild, Writer’s Guild East and ASCAP. @sankoffandhein In this conversation we explore the how Come From Away fits into the history of the Broadway musical – which musical theater writers from the past influenced Irene and David, and what classic shows inspired them. And we will look back at their first musical which has the memorable title: My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding. But first I wanted to find out how they got started down this path in the first place.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:15:00 -0000 "ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS" full 2 46 Broadway Podcast Network Inside the creation of COME FOM AWAY with authors IRENE SANKOFF & DAVID HEIN My guests today are Irene Sankoff & David Hein – the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the giant international smash hit musical Come From Away. Five productions of Come From Away have recently reopened around the world: Broadway, Toronto, London, Sydney and on tour across America. A live filmed version of the show is also streaming on Apple TV+. Irene and David won the 2019 Olivier Award and were nominated for the 2018 Grammy Award and the 2017 Tony Award for their book and score for Come From Away, with the show itself winning the 2019 Olivier Award for Best Musical, three 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, five Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical. David and Irene were also the recipients of the 2017 Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for Best Book. A live filmed version of Come From Away is now streaming on Apple TV+. Their first show, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (based on David’s mother’s true story) was produced by Mirvish Productions in Toronto and played and won Best Musical awards across North America, with Sankoff and Hein performing in most productions. They are currently working on projects with Disney, Warner Bros. and Netflix. Irene and David are the recipients of the Good Neighbour Award from the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada. They are proud members of the Dramatists Guild, Writer’s Guild East and ASCAP. @sankoffandhein In this conversation we explore the how Come From Away fits into the history of the Broadway musical – which musical theater writers from the past influenced Irene and David, and what classic shows inspired them. And we will look back at their first musical which has the memorable title: My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding. But first I wanted to find out how they got started down this path in the first place.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guests today are Irene Sankoff & David Hein – the dynamic writing team and married couple that created the giant international smash hit musical Come From Away.

Five productions of Come From Away have recently reopened around the world: Broadway, Toronto, London, Sydney and on tour across America. A live filmed version of the show is also streaming on Apple TV+.

Irene and David won the 2019 Olivier Award and were nominated for the 2018 Grammy Award and the 2017 Tony Award for their book and score for Come From Away, with the show itself winning the 2019 Olivier Award for Best Musical, three 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, five Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical. David and Irene were also the recipients of the 2017 Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards for Best Book. A live filmed version of Come From Away is now streaming on Apple TV+. Their first show, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (based on David’s mother’s true story) was produced by Mirvish Productions in Toronto and played and won Best Musical awards across North America, with Sankoff and Hein performing in most productions. They are currently working on projects with Disney, Warner Bros. and Netflix. Irene and David are the recipients of the Good Neighbour Award from the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada. They are proud members of the Dramatists Guild, Writer’s Guild East and ASCAP. @sankoffandhein

In this conversation we explore the how Come From Away fits into the history of the Broadway musical – which musical theater writers from the past influenced Irene and David, and what classic shows inspired them. And we will look back at their first musical which has the memorable title: My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding. But first I wanted to find out how they got started down this path in the first place.

 

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2269 no Episode 45: CHILDREN WILL LISTEN, part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This episode continues my conversation with author Stacy Wolf about her most recent book: Beyond Broadway: The Pleasure And Promise of Musical Theater Across America , where she relates her cross-country journey from Maine to California during which she visited grade schools, middle schools, high schools, summer camps, festivals, and community theater in cities and towns, large and very small, and along the way discovered that the Broadway musical is alive and thriving! Beyond Broadway also explores the relationship between the worlds of amateur and professional musical theater and why that interaction is so crucial to the health and future of The Broadway Musical.  Stacy is a Professor of Theater at Princeton University and the author of the acclaimed books Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical, A Problem Like Maria: Gender and Sexuality in the American Musical – and she also co-edited The Oxford Handbook of the American Musical.  If you missed part one you may want to go back and listen to that episode before you continue with this one.  Shows and topics we discuss include high schools producing Into The Woods, The Jimmy Awards, the history of Community Theaters in America, The Sound Of Music, the Zilker Theater in Austin, Texas, the Kelsey Theater in West Windsor, NJ, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:15:00 -0000 CHILDREN WILL LISTEN, part 2 full 2 45 Broadway Podcast Network Going Beyond Broadway with author Stacy Wolf This episode continues my conversation with author Stacy Wolf about her most recent book: Beyond Broadway: The Pleasure And Promise of Musical Theater Across America , where she relates her cross-country journey from Maine to California during which she visited grade schools, middle schools, high schools, summer camps, festivals, and community theater in cities and towns, large and very small, and along the way discovered that the Broadway musical is alive and thriving! Beyond Broadway also explores the relationship between the worlds of amateur and professional musical theater and why that interaction is so crucial to the health and future of The Broadway Musical.  Stacy is a Professor of Theater at Princeton University and the author of the acclaimed books Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical, A Problem Like Maria: Gender and Sexuality in the American Musical – and she also co-edited The Oxford Handbook of the American Musical.  If you missed part one you may want to go back and listen to that episode before you continue with this one.  Shows and topics we discuss include high schools producing Into The Woods, The Jimmy Awards, the history of Community Theaters in America, The Sound Of Music, the Zilker Theater in Austin, Texas, the Kelsey Theater in West Windsor, NJ, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode continues my conversation with author Stacy Wolf about her most recent book: Beyond Broadway: The Pleasure And Promise of Musical Theater Across America , where she relates her cross-country journey from Maine to California during which she visited grade schools, middle schools, high schools, summer camps, festivals, and community theater in cities and towns, large and very small, and along the way discovered that the Broadway musical is alive and thriving! Beyond Broadway also explores the relationship between the worlds of amateur and professional musical theater and why that interaction is so crucial to the health and future of The Broadway Musical. 

Stacy is a Professor of Theater at Princeton University and the author of the acclaimed books Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical, A Problem Like Maria: Gender and Sexuality in the American Musical – and she also co-edited The Oxford Handbook of the American Musical. 

If you missed part one you may want to go back and listen to that episode before you continue with this one. 

Shows and topics we discuss include high schools producing Into The Woods, The Jimmy Awards, the history of Community Theaters in America, The Sound Of Music, the Zilker Theater in Austin, Texas, the Kelsey Theater in West Windsor, NJ, and more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1755 no Episode 44: Children Will Listen https://www.broadway-nation.com/ I recently had the pleasure of to chatting with author Stacy Wolf about her most recent book entitled, Beyond Broadway: The Pleasure And Promise of Musical Theater Across America. Stacy is a Professor of Theater at Princeton University and the Director of their Program in Music Theater. She is also a leading scholar of musical theater, and her other acclaimed books include Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical, A Problem Like Maria: Gender and Sexuality in the American Musical. In addition she co-edited The Oxford Handbook of the American Musical.  As the title suggests, in her new book Stacy Woolf take us beyond Broadway on a cross country journey that stretches from Maine to California. Along the way she meets and interviews more than 200 people and discovers that the Broadway musical is alive and thriving in grade schools, middle schools, high schools, summer camps, festivals, and community theater in cities and towns both large and very small all across America. Perhaps most importantly she illuminates how and why the relationship and interaction between the worlds of professional and amateur musical theater is so crucial to the health and future of The Broadway Musical.  The topics, people and shows that we discuss include Stephen Sondheim, Freddie Gershan, Into The Woods, Junior Theater Festival, Music Theatre International (MTI). Fiddler On The Roof, Annie, Frank Loessor, Summer Camps, The Mountain Play, Guys & Dolls, and “ the Backstage Diva. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. If you enjoyed this podcast, you can help other like-minded people find Broadway Nation by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It really does help spread the word about Broadway Nation. Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:10:00 -0000 Children Will Listen full 2 44 Broadway Podcast Network Going Beyond Broadway with author Stacy Wolf I recently had the pleasure of to chatting with author Stacy Wolf about her most recent book entitled, Beyond Broadway: The Pleasure And Promise of Musical Theater Across America. Stacy is a Professor of Theater at Princeton University and the Director of their Program in Music Theater. She is also a leading scholar of musical theater, and her other acclaimed books include Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical, A Problem Like Maria: Gender and Sexuality in the American Musical. In addition she co-edited The Oxford Handbook of the American Musical.  As the title suggests, in her new book Stacy Woolf take us beyond Broadway on a cross country journey that stretches from Maine to California. Along the way she meets and interviews more than 200 people and discovers that the Broadway musical is alive and thriving in grade schools, middle schools, high schools, summer camps, festivals, and community theater in cities and towns both large and very small all across America. Perhaps most importantly she illuminates how and why the relationship and interaction between the worlds of professional and amateur musical theater is so crucial to the health and future of The Broadway Musical.  The topics, people and shows that we discuss include Stephen Sondheim, Freddie Gershan, Into The Woods, Junior Theater Festival, Music Theatre International (MTI). Fiddler On The Roof, Annie, Frank Loessor, Summer Camps, The Mountain Play, Guys & Dolls, and “ the Backstage Diva. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. If you enjoyed this podcast, you can help other like-minded people find Broadway Nation by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It really does help spread the word about Broadway Nation. Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I recently had the pleasure of to chatting with author Stacy Wolf about her most recent book entitled, Beyond Broadway: The Pleasure And Promise of Musical Theater Across America.

Stacy is a Professor of Theater at Princeton University and the Director of their Program in Music Theater. She is also a leading scholar of musical theater, and her other acclaimed books include Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical, A Problem Like Maria: Gender and Sexuality in the American Musical. In addition she co-edited The Oxford Handbook of the American Musical. 

As the title suggests, in her new book Stacy Woolf take us beyond Broadway on a cross country journey that stretches from Maine to California. Along the way she meets and interviews more than 200 people and discovers that the Broadway musical is alive and thriving in grade schools, middle schools, high schools, summer camps, festivals, and community theater in cities and towns both large and very small all across America. Perhaps most importantly she illuminates how and why the relationship and interaction between the worlds of professional and amateur musical theater is so crucial to the health and future of The Broadway Musical. 

The topics, people and shows that we discuss include Stephen Sondheim, Freddie Gershan, Into The Woods, Junior Theater Festival, Music Theatre International (MTI). Fiddler On The Roof, Annie, Frank Loessor, Summer Camps, The Mountain Play, Guys & Dolls, and “ the Backstage Diva.

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong.

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can help other like-minded people find Broadway Nation by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It really does help spread the word about Broadway Nation.

Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2940 no Episode 43: TAILS OF BROADWAY! with theatrical animal trainer BILL BERLONI https://www.broadway-nation.com/ My guest today is theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni. Beginning with the original production of ANNIE in 1977, Bill has provided and trained animals of all species and sizes for 27 Broadway musicals and plays, as well as for countless Off-Broadway shows, National Tours, regional theaters, movies, television shows, commercials and the NYC Ballet – and he found almost all of those animal actors in shelters, humane societies and rescue leagues.  His awards include a 2011 Tony Honor for “Excellence in the Theater”, a 2014 Outer Critics Circle Award for “Special Achievement”, and a 2017 Drama League Award for “Unique Contribution to the Theatre” all in acknowledgment of an incredible Broadway career that has included two revivals of Annie, The Woman In White, Gypsy, Legally Blonde, The Lt of Inishmore, A Christmas Story, and The Ferryman.  Bill recently released a third edition of his book, Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories Of Rescued Dogs Who Became Show Biz Superstars. I have to say it’s a surprisingly affecting book, and I was not expecting to be tearing up a many times as I did when I was reading the new edition in preparation for this podcast. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. I invite you to follow Broadway Nation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – where you can find out more about my guests and episodes and interact with large and lively community of Broadway fans. Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Oct 2021 06:15:00 -0000 TAILS OF BROADWAY! with theatrical animal trainer BILL BERLONI full 2 43 Broadway Podcast Network Go behind the scenes of ANNIE, LEGALLY BLONDE and more with Broadway's legendary animal trainer BILL BERLONI! My guest today is theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni. Beginning with the original production of ANNIE in 1977, Bill has provided and trained animals of all species and sizes for 27 Broadway musicals and plays, as well as for countless Off-Broadway shows, National Tours, regional theaters, movies, television shows, commercials and the NYC Ballet – and he found almost all of those animal actors in shelters, humane societies and rescue leagues.  His awards include a 2011 Tony Honor for “Excellence in the Theater”, a 2014 Outer Critics Circle Award for “Special Achievement”, and a 2017 Drama League Award for “Unique Contribution to the Theatre” all in acknowledgment of an incredible Broadway career that has included two revivals of Annie, The Woman In White, Gypsy, Legally Blonde, The Lt of Inishmore, A Christmas Story, and The Ferryman.  Bill recently released a third edition of his book, Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories Of Rescued Dogs Who Became Show Biz Superstars. I have to say it’s a surprisingly affecting book, and I was not expecting to be tearing up a many times as I did when I was reading the new edition in preparation for this podcast. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. I invite you to follow Broadway Nation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – where you can find out more about my guests and episodes and interact with large and lively community of Broadway fans. Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My guest today is theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni.

Beginning with the original production of ANNIE in 1977, Bill has provided and trained animals of all species and sizes for 27 Broadway musicals and plays, as well as for countless Off-Broadway shows, National Tours, regional theaters, movies, television shows, commercials and the NYC Ballet – and he found almost all of those animal actors in shelters, humane societies and rescue leagues. 

His awards include a 2011 Tony Honor for “Excellence in the Theater”, a 2014 Outer Critics Circle Award for “Special Achievement”, and a 2017 Drama League Award for “Unique Contribution to the Theatre” all in acknowledgment of an incredible Broadway career that has included two revivals of Annie, The Woman In White, Gypsy, Legally Blonde, The Lt of Inishmore, A Christmas Story, and The Ferryman. 

Bill recently released a third edition of his book, Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories Of Rescued Dogs Who Became Show Biz Superstars. I have to say it’s a surprisingly affecting book, and I was not expecting to be tearing up a many times as I did when I was reading the new edition in preparation for this podcast.

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong.

I invite you to follow Broadway Nation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – where you can find out more about my guests and episodes and interact with large and lively community of Broadway fans.

Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2859 no Episode 42: Fifty Years On Broadway with Lee Roy Reams!, Part 3 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the final part of my conversation with Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer Lee Roy Reams, at least for now. I am sure I will have Lee Roy back for another discussion in the not so distant future. There is no end to the amazing insights and classic show-biz stories that he has locked in his memories. If you missed the first two parts you may want to listen to those episodes first.  We begin this episode with Lee Roy sharing his experience playing "Cornelius Hackle" in the 1978 Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! which was directed by an amazing woman named Lucia Victor. During her 45 year career on she was involved in more than 30 Broadway shows as a performer, producer, Casting director, stage manager and most significantly as the Production Stage Manager, Assistant To Gower Champion, and/or Production Supervisor on the original productions of Hello, Dolly, I Do, I Do, and 42nd Street. Along the way you will hear hilarious and heartbreaking stories about Carol Channing, David Merrick, Marge Champion, Bob Fosse and more! And most thrillingly Lee Roy takes us inside the creation of the smash his Broadway musical 42nd Street, illustrates the genius of its director & choreographer, Gower Champion, and shares all the incredible drama of its legendary Opening Night! Broadway Nation is written and produced by me David Armstrong. If you enjoy this podcast please follow, rate and review the Broadway Nation on apple podcasts or wherever you listen. This will really does help other people who may be interested to discover the show as you have. Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of beautiful Vashon,, Island, WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network..   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:20:00 -0000 Fifty Years On Broadway with Lee Roy Reams!, Part 3 full 2 42 Broadway Podcast Network Lee Roy Remembers Hello, Dolly!, 42nd Street & the Genius of Gower Champion! This is the final part of my conversation with Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer Lee Roy Reams, at least for now. I am sure I will have Lee Roy back for another discussion in the not so distant future. There is no end to the amazing insights and classic show-biz stories that he has locked in his memories. If you missed the first two parts you may want to listen to those episodes first.  We begin this episode with Lee Roy sharing his experience playing "Cornelius Hackle" in the 1978 Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! which was directed by an amazing woman named Lucia Victor. During her 45 year career on she was involved in more than 30 Broadway shows as a performer, producer, Casting director, stage manager and most significantly as the Production Stage Manager, Assistant To Gower Champion, and/or Production Supervisor on the original productions of Hello, Dolly, I Do, I Do, and 42nd Street. Along the way you will hear hilarious and heartbreaking stories about Carol Channing, David Merrick, Marge Champion, Bob Fosse and more! And most thrillingly Lee Roy takes us inside the creation of the smash his Broadway musical 42nd Street, illustrates the genius of its director & choreographer, Gower Champion, and shares all the incredible drama of its legendary Opening Night! Broadway Nation is written and produced by me David Armstrong. If you enjoy this podcast please follow, rate and review the Broadway Nation on apple podcasts or wherever you listen. This will really does help other people who may be interested to discover the show as you have. Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of beautiful Vashon,, Island, WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network..   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the final part of my conversation with Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer Lee Roy Reams, at least for now. I am sure I will have Lee Roy back for another discussion in the not so distant future. There is no end to the amazing insights and classic show-biz stories that he has locked in his memories. If you missed the first two parts you may want to listen to those episodes first. 

We begin this episode with Lee Roy sharing his experience playing "Cornelius Hackle" in the 1978 Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! which was directed by an amazing woman named Lucia Victor. During her 45 year career on she was involved in more than 30 Broadway shows as a performer, producer, Casting director, stage manager and most significantly as the Production Stage Manager, Assistant To Gower Champion, and/or Production Supervisor on the original productions of Hello, Dolly, I Do, I Do, and 42nd Street.

Along the way you will hear hilarious and heartbreaking stories about Carol Channing, David Merrick, Marge Champion, Bob Fosse and more! And most thrillingly Lee Roy takes us inside the creation of the smash his Broadway musical 42nd Street, illustrates the genius of its director & choreographer, Gower Champion, and shares all the incredible drama of its legendary Opening Night!

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me David Armstrong.

If you enjoy this podcast please follow, rate and review the Broadway Nation on apple podcasts or wherever you listen. This will really does help other people who may be interested to discover the show as you have. Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of beautiful Vashon,, Island, WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network..

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1783 no Episode 41: Fifty Years On Broadway -- with Lee Roy Reams! https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This is the second part of my conversation with Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer Lee Roy Reams whose nine Broadway musicals span from Sweet Charity in 1966 to The Producers in 1996, and as you will hear – he is still going strong! If you missed Part 1 you may want to listen to that episode first. We left off there with Lee Roy leaving his job as a dancer on the Carol Burnett Show in Hollywood and heading back to NYC because he was determined to move out of the chorus and start playing principal roles. The many shows, stars and Broadway creators that we discuss include Richard Rodgers, Agnes DeMille, Gemze De Lappe and the 1969 Lincoln Center revival of Oklahoma!; Lauren Bacall, Penny Fuller, Bonnie Franklin, Ron Field and the Tony Award winning Best Musical Applause; as well as Carol Channing, Comden & Green, Joe Layton, Ernie Flatt, Peter Gennaro, and the musical Lorelie. And more!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Oct 2021 06:14:56 -0000 Fifty Years On Broadway -- with Lee Roy Reams! full 2 41 Broadway Podcast Network On Richard Rodgers, Agnes DeMille & Making Gay History in Applause This is the second part of my conversation with Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer Lee Roy Reams whose nine Broadway musicals span from Sweet Charity in 1966 to The Producers in 1996, and as you will hear – he is still going strong! If you missed Part 1 you may want to listen to that episode first. We left off there with Lee Roy leaving his job as a dancer on the Carol Burnett Show in Hollywood and heading back to NYC because he was determined to move out of the chorus and start playing principal roles. The many shows, stars and Broadway creators that we discuss include Richard Rodgers, Agnes DeMille, Gemze De Lappe and the 1969 Lincoln Center revival of Oklahoma!; Lauren Bacall, Penny Fuller, Bonnie Franklin, Ron Field and the Tony Award winning Best Musical Applause; as well as Carol Channing, Comden & Green, Joe Layton, Ernie Flatt, Peter Gennaro, and the musical Lorelie. And more!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my conversation with Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer Lee Roy Reams whose nine Broadway musicals span from Sweet Charity in 1966 to The Producers in 1996, and as you will hear – he is still going strong!

If you missed Part 1 you may want to listen to that episode first. We left off there with Lee Roy leaving his job as a dancer on the Carol Burnett Show in Hollywood and heading back to NYC because he was determined to move out of the chorus and start playing principal roles.

The many shows, stars and Broadway creators that we discuss include Richard Rodgers, Agnes DeMille, Gemze De Lappe and the 1969 Lincoln Center revival of Oklahoma!; Lauren Bacall, Penny Fuller, Bonnie Franklin, Ron Field and the Tony Award winning Best Musical Applause; as well as Carol Channing, Comden & Green, Joe Layton, Ernie Flatt, Peter Gennaro, and the musical Lorelie. And more!

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1989 yes Episode 40: FIFTY YEARS ON BROADWAY! with LEE ROY REAMS https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast I recently had the delightful opportunity to chat with beloved Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer Lee Roy Reams whose nine Broadway musicals span from Sweet Charity in 1966 to The Producers in 1996, and he is still going strong having recently celebrated his 79th birthday with performances at 54 Below and The York Theatre Company! Our conversation ranges from his childhood dancing schools in his hometown of Covington, Kentucky, to college in Cincinnati, to his dancing with the stars in summer stock, nightclubs, and on most of the big TV variety shows, and along the way working with many of the greatest directors and choreographers in Broadway history.  Hang on to your hats – talking with Lee Roy is always a wild and irreverent ride! You can see Lee Roy dance the "Cool Hand Luke" number that is mentioned in this episode (along with several other of his fabulous TV appearances with Gwen Verdon and other stars) on YouTube -- and I have included links to those in the Broadway Nation Facebook Group.  Next week on October 13 and 14 the Fosse-Verdon Legacy will present a piece entitled the “Sweet Gwen Suite” as part of the New York City Center Fall for Dance Festival. This new dance piece is adapted from three dance numbers that were performed by Gwen Verdon on television including “Cool Hand Luke”. On the next episode of Broadway Nation we will follow Lee Roy back to NY where he will indeed break out of the chorus and make history playing one of the first openly gay characters in Broadway musical history. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. If you enjoyed this podcast, you can help other like-minded people find Broadway Nation by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. I thank you in advance for helping to spread the word about Broadway Nation. Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Note: This episode contains some salty language as well as a vintage lyric that includes a nickname for Broadway dancers that many consider to be offensive today.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Oct 2021 06:29:00 -0000 FIFTY YEARS ON BROADWAY with LEE ROY REAMS full 2 40 Broadway Podcast Network Lee Roy Reams remembers Fosse, Verdon, Gennaro and more! I recently had the delightful opportunity to chat with beloved Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer Lee Roy Reams whose nine Broadway musicals span from Sweet Charity in 1966 to The Producers in 1996, and he is still going strong having recently celebrated his 79th birthday with performances at 54 Below and The York Theatre Company! Our conversation ranges from his childhood dancing schools in his hometown of Covington, Kentucky, to college in Cincinnati, to his dancing with the stars in summer stock, nightclubs, and on most of the big TV variety shows, and along the way working with many of the greatest directors and choreographers in Broadway history.  Hang on to your hats – talking with Lee Roy is always a wild and irreverent ride! You can see Lee Roy dance the "Cool Hand Luke" number that is mentioned in this episode (along with several other of his fabulous TV appearances with Gwen Verdon and other stars) on YouTube -- and I have included links to those in the Broadway Nation Facebook Group.  Next week on October 13 and 14 the Fosse-Verdon Legacy will present a piece entitled the “Sweet Gwen Suite” as part of the New York City Center Fall for Dance Festival. This new dance piece is adapted from three dance numbers that were performed by Gwen Verdon on television including “Cool Hand Luke”. On the next episode of Broadway Nation we will follow Lee Roy back to NY where he will indeed break out of the chorus and make history playing one of the first openly gay characters in Broadway musical history. Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. If you enjoyed this podcast, you can help other like-minded people find Broadway Nation by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. I thank you in advance for helping to spread the word about Broadway Nation. Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Note: This episode contains some salty language as well as a vintage lyric that includes a nickname for Broadway dancers that many consider to be offensive today.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I recently had the delightful opportunity to chat with beloved Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer Lee Roy Reams whose nine Broadway musicals span from Sweet Charity in 1966 to The Producers in 1996, and he is still going strong having recently celebrated his 79th birthday with performances at 54 Below and The York Theatre Company!

Our conversation ranges from his childhood dancing schools in his hometown of Covington, Kentucky, to college in Cincinnati, to his dancing with the stars in summer stock, nightclubs, and on most of the big TV variety shows, and along the way working with many of the greatest directors and choreographers in Broadway history. 

Hang on to your hats – talking with Lee Roy is always a wild and irreverent ride!

You can see Lee Roy dance the "Cool Hand Luke" number that is mentioned in this episode (along with several other of his fabulous TV appearances with Gwen Verdon and other stars) on YouTube -- and I have included links to those in the Broadway Nation Facebook Group. 

Next week on October 13 and 14 the Fosse-Verdon Legacy will present a piece entitled the “Sweet Gwen Suite” as part of the New York City Center Fall for Dance Festival. This new dance piece is adapted from three dance numbers that were performed by Gwen Verdon on television including “Cool Hand Luke”.

On the next episode of Broadway Nation we will follow Lee Roy back to NY where he will indeed break out of the chorus and make history playing one of the first openly gay characters in Broadway musical history.

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me – David Armstrong. If you enjoyed this podcast, you can help other like-minded people find Broadway Nation by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. I thank you in advance for helping to spread the word about Broadway Nation.

Special thanks to KVSH 101.9 the voice of beautiful Vashon Island, WA and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.


Note: This episode contains some salty language as well as a vintage lyric that includes a nickname for Broadway dancers that many consider to be offensive today.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2290 yes Episode 39: Carolyn, Dorothy, David and More: Cy Coleman's Lyricists https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast During an incredible Broadway career that stretched from 1953 to 1998, composer Cy Coleman created the music for 12 Broadway musicals. Unlike most Broadway composers, however, he was never part of an ongoing songwriting team but instead worked with seven very talented but very different collaborators. My guest today is one of those esteemed lyricists -- David Zippel who partnered with Cy Coleman on the score for the 1990 Tony Award winning "Best Musical", City Of Angels the hit musical that altogether received 10 Tony Awards including Coleman and Zippel’s win for Best Score. That show launched David on his own stellar career which has honored with two Academy Award nominations, two Grammy Award nominations, and three Golden Globe nominations. His songs can be heard on over twenty-five million CDs around the world that include recording by Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Mel Torme, Ricky Martin, Cleo Laine, Barbara Cook, Nancy LaMott, and include the Original Broadway Cast and Soundtrack recordings of The Goodbye Girl, The Women In White, The Swan Princess and Disney’s Hercules and Disney’s Mulan. David and I first met shortly after we had both arrived in NY in the early 1980’s and have remained friends and colleagues ever since. Today we begin our conversation talking about Coleman’s Russian-Jewish heritage. So many Broadway songwriters -- Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Leonard Bernstein to name just a few were the children or grandchildren of Russian-Jewish immigrants. If you enjoy this podcast, I invite to join my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where there is a large and lively community of musical theater enthusiasts. We have a great deal of fun and I feel certain that you will too! And If you would like to hear more about Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, Betty Comden and other women who invented the Broadway musical, you may want to check out Episode 7 and 8 of Broadway Nation. Special thanks Special thank the Julia Murney and David David Burnham, everyone at KVSH 101.9 FM the voice of beautiful Vashon, Island Washington, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:30:00 -0000 Carolyn, Dorothy, David and More: Cy Coleman's Lyricists full 2 39 Broadway Podcast Network With special guest -- Tony Award winner David Zippel During an incredible Broadway career that stretched from 1953 to 1998, composer Cy Coleman created the music for 12 Broadway musicals. Unlike most Broadway composers, however, he was never part of an ongoing songwriting team but instead worked with seven very talented but very different collaborators. My guest today is one of those esteemed lyricists -- David Zippel who partnered with Cy Coleman on the score for the 1990 Tony Award winning "Best Musical", City Of Angels the hit musical that altogether received 10 Tony Awards including Coleman and Zippel’s win for Best Score. That show launched David on his own stellar career which has honored with two Academy Award nominations, two Grammy Award nominations, and three Golden Globe nominations. His songs can be heard on over twenty-five million CDs around the world that include recording by Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Mel Torme, Ricky Martin, Cleo Laine, Barbara Cook, Nancy LaMott, and include the Original Broadway Cast and Soundtrack recordings of The Goodbye Girl, The Women In White, The Swan Princess and Disney’s Hercules and Disney’s Mulan. David and I first met shortly after we had both arrived in NY in the early 1980’s and have remained friends and colleagues ever since. Today we begin our conversation talking about Coleman’s Russian-Jewish heritage. So many Broadway songwriters -- Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Leonard Bernstein to name just a few were the children or grandchildren of Russian-Jewish immigrants. If you enjoy this podcast, I invite to join my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where there is a large and lively community of musical theater enthusiasts. We have a great deal of fun and I feel certain that you will too! And If you would like to hear more about Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, Betty Comden and other women who invented the Broadway musical, you may want to check out Episode 7 and 8 of Broadway Nation. Special thanks Special thank the Julia Murney and David David Burnham, everyone at KVSH 101.9 FM the voice of beautiful Vashon, Island Washington, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices During an incredible Broadway career that stretched from 1953 to 1998, composer Cy Coleman created the music for 12 Broadway musicals. Unlike most Broadway composers, however, he was never part of an ongoing songwriting team but instead worked with seven very talented but very different collaborators. My guest today is one of those esteemed lyricists -- David Zippel who partnered with Cy Coleman on the score for the 1990 Tony Award winning "Best Musical", City Of Angels the hit musical that altogether received 10 Tony Awards including Coleman and Zippel’s win for Best Score. That show launched David on his own stellar career which has honored with two Academy Award nominations, two Grammy Award nominations, and three Golden Globe nominations. His songs can be heard on over twenty-five million CDs around the world that include recording by Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Mel Torme, Ricky Martin, Cleo Laine, Barbara Cook, Nancy LaMott, and include the Original Broadway Cast and Soundtrack recordings of The Goodbye Girl, The Women In White, The Swan Princess and Disney’s Hercules and Disney’s Mulan.

David and I first met shortly after we had both arrived in NY in the early 1980’s and have remained friends and colleagues ever since. Today we begin our conversation talking about Coleman’s Russian-Jewish heritage. So many Broadway songwriters -- Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Leonard Bernstein to name just a few were the children or grandchildren of Russian-Jewish immigrants.

If you enjoy this podcast, I invite to join my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where there is a large and lively community of musical theater enthusiasts. We have a great deal of fun and I feel certain that you will too!

And If you would like to hear more about Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, Betty Comden and other women who invented the Broadway musical, you may want to check out Episode 7 and 8 of Broadway Nation.

Special thanks Special thank the Julia Murney and David David Burnham, everyone at KVSH 101.9 FM the voice of beautiful Vashon, Island Washington, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2856 yes Episode 38: 100 Years of Shuffle Along, Part 2 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This week I continue my conversation with author Cassen Gaines whose fascinating new book Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way tells the story of how in 1921 four talented and determined young black vaudevillians -- Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles -- against incredible odds, teamed up to produce a runaway Broadway hit that ushered in a vibrant decade of Black Musicals on Broadway. If you missed the first episode of this series you may want to go back and listen to that before you continuing with this one. Although we now know that Shuffle Along became a giant, unprecedented hit -- no one, except for possibly the shows four creators, could have expected that it would have any chance of success. There had not been a black musical on Broadway in more than 10 years, and some people were even suggesting if Shuffle Along opened it might insight a race war! That's where we begin out conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0000 100 Years of Shuffle Along, Part 2 full 2 38 Broadway Podcast Network Part two of my conversation with Caseen Gaines, author of the new book, FOOTNOTES: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way This week I continue my conversation with author Cassen Gaines whose fascinating new book Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way tells the story of how in 1921 four talented and determined young black vaudevillians -- Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles -- against incredible odds, teamed up to produce a runaway Broadway hit that ushered in a vibrant decade of Black Musicals on Broadway. If you missed the first episode of this series you may want to go back and listen to that before you continuing with this one. Although we now know that Shuffle Along became a giant, unprecedented hit -- no one, except for possibly the shows four creators, could have expected that it would have any chance of success. There had not been a black musical on Broadway in more than 10 years, and some people were even suggesting if Shuffle Along opened it might insight a race war! That's where we begin out conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week I continue my conversation with author Cassen Gaines whose fascinating new book Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way tells the story of how in 1921 four talented and determined young black vaudevillians -- Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles -- against incredible odds, teamed up to produce a runaway Broadway hit that ushered in a vibrant decade of Black Musicals on Broadway.

If you missed the first episode of this series you may want to go back and listen to that before you continuing with this one.

Although we now know that Shuffle Along became a giant, unprecedented hit -- no one, except for possibly the shows four creators, could have expected that it would have any chance of success. There had not been a black musical on Broadway in more than 10 years, and some people were even suggesting if Shuffle Along opened it might insight a race war! That's where we begin out conversation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1927 no Episode 37: 100 Years of SHUFFLE ALONG!, Part 1 https://www.broadway-nation.com/ This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Shuffle Along! The groundbreaking musical that kicked off a decade of vibrant black musical theatre on Broadway which included more than a dozen shows created by black songwriters, black bookwriters, black producers, black directors and choreographers -- and these shows brought hundreds of black actors, singers, dancers, and musicians to Broadway. This landmark event is being celebrated with the release of two wonderful new books – including the first full biography of Shuffle Along’s composer titled -- Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race by Richard Carlin & Ken Bloom And Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way by Caseen Gaines. I have had the great pleasure of interviewing the authors of both of these books and you have the opportunity to meet all three of them in a series of upcoming episodes.  This week it is my honor to introduce you to Caseen Gaines whose extraordinary book, Footnotes, tells the story of how four young black artists -- Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles overcame poverty, racism, violence and the legacy of slavery to produce a runaway Broadway hit that ushered in both the Harlem Renascence and the “Jazz Age” on Broadway. If you pay close attention to Broadway, as I know many of my listeners do, you will remember the that in 2016, writer and director George C. Wolfe created a star-studded Broadway musical which he tittled “Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed”. As that title suggests, this was not a revival or revisal of the of the original show but instead it attempted to tell the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Shuffle Along. You will also remember that it closed rather abrubtly and unexpectedly less than 3 months after it opened. There was, however, at least one positive outcome from the early demise of that show -- and that’s where my conversation with Caseen begins.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000 100 Years of SHUFFLE ALONG!, Part 1. full 2 36 Broadway Podcast Network A conversation with Caseen Gaines, author of FOOTNOTES: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Shuffle Along! The groundbreaking musical that kicked off a decade of vibrant black musical theatre on Broadway which included more than a dozen shows created by black songwriters, black bookwriters, black producers, black directors and choreographers -- and these shows brought hundreds of black actors, singers, dancers, and musicians to Broadway. This landmark event is being celebrated with the release of two wonderful new books – including the first full biography of Shuffle Along’s composer titled -- Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race by Richard Carlin & Ken Bloom And Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way by Caseen Gaines. I have had the great pleasure of interviewing the authors of both of these books and you have the opportunity to meet all three of them in a series of upcoming episodes.  This week it is my honor to introduce you to Caseen Gaines whose extraordinary book, Footnotes, tells the story of how four young black artists -- Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles overcame poverty, racism, violence and the legacy of slavery to produce a runaway Broadway hit that ushered in both the Harlem Renascence and the “Jazz Age” on Broadway. If you pay close attention to Broadway, as I know many of my listeners do, you will remember the that in 2016, writer and director George C. Wolfe created a star-studded Broadway musical which he tittled “Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed”. As that title suggests, this was not a revival or revisal of the of the original show but instead it attempted to tell the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Shuffle Along. You will also remember that it closed rather abrubtly and unexpectedly less than 3 months after it opened. There was, however, at least one positive outcome from the early demise of that show -- and that’s where my conversation with Caseen begins.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Shuffle Along! The groundbreaking musical that kicked off a decade of vibrant black musical theatre on Broadway which included more than a dozen shows created by black songwriters, black bookwriters, black producers, black directors and choreographers -- and these shows brought hundreds of black actors, singers, dancers, and musicians to Broadway.

This landmark event is being celebrated with the release of two wonderful new books – including the first full biography of Shuffle Along’s composer titled -- Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race by Richard Carlin & Ken Bloom

And Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way by Caseen Gaines.

I have had the great pleasure of interviewing the authors of both of these books and you have the opportunity to meet all three of them in a series of upcoming episodes. 

This week it is my honor to introduce you to Caseen Gaines whose extraordinary book, Footnotes, tells the story of how four young black artists -- Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles overcame poverty, racism, violence and the legacy of slavery to produce a runaway Broadway hit that ushered in both the Harlem Renascence and the “Jazz Age” on Broadway.

If you pay close attention to Broadway, as I know many of my listeners do, you will remember the that in 2016, writer and director George C. Wolfe created a star-studded Broadway musical which he tittled “Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed”. As that title suggests, this was not a revival or revisal of the of the original show but instead it attempted to tell the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Shuffle Along. You will also remember that it closed rather abrubtly and unexpectedly less than 3 months after it opened.

There was, however, at least one positive outcome from the early demise of that show -- and that’s where my conversation with Caseen begins.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1797 no Episode 36: Everything Sondheim: Inside the Creation of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia with author Rick Pender https://www.broadway-nation.com/ Author Rick Pender takes us inside the creation of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia.  Rick Pender is a longtime member and former chair of the American Theater Critics Association. He first began reviewing theater in 1985 for a public radio station he managed at Northern Kentucky University. He later became the theater critic for CityBeat – Cincinnati’s alternative weekly newspaper -- and eventually became its arts and culture editor. He also often contributed articles to The Sondheim Review, a quarterly magazine that I know many of you remember fondly, and for 12 years, from 2004 to 2016, he served as its managing editor.  His latest venture, The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia, is a 638 page overview of anything and everything related to Sondheim’s work, life and career. It was published earlier this year and has been selling briskly and receiving rave reviews. The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia is available in hardcover and e-book from Rowman & Littlefield. However, if you go to Rick Pender’s website, rickpenderwrites.com, you will find a code that will provide you with a 30% discount.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:11:24 -0000 Everything Sondheim! Inside the Creation of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia with author Rick Pender full 2 36 Broadway Podcast Network Today my guest is Rick Pender, author of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia, the new and extraordinarily comprehensive guide to everything Sondheim. Author Rick Pender takes us inside the creation of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia.  Rick Pender is a longtime member and former chair of the American Theater Critics Association. He first began reviewing theater in 1985 for a public radio station he managed at Northern Kentucky University. He later became the theater critic for CityBeat – Cincinnati’s alternative weekly newspaper -- and eventually became its arts and culture editor. He also often contributed articles to The Sondheim Review, a quarterly magazine that I know many of you remember fondly, and for 12 years, from 2004 to 2016, he served as its managing editor.  His latest venture, The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia, is a 638 page overview of anything and everything related to Sondheim’s work, life and career. It was published earlier this year and has been selling briskly and receiving rave reviews. The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia is available in hardcover and e-book from Rowman & Littlefield. However, if you go to Rick Pender’s website, rickpenderwrites.com, you will find a code that will provide you with a 30% discount.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Author Rick Pender takes us inside the creation of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia. 

Rick Pender is a longtime member and former chair of the American Theater Critics Association. He first began reviewing theater in 1985 for a public radio station he managed at Northern Kentucky University. He later became the theater critic for CityBeat – Cincinnati’s alternative weekly newspaper -- and eventually became its arts and culture editor. He also often contributed articles to The Sondheim Review, a quarterly magazine that I know many of you remember fondly, and for 12 years, from 2004 to 2016, he served as its managing editor.  His latest venture, The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia, is a 638 page overview of anything and everything related to Sondheim’s work, life and career. It was published earlier this year and has been selling briskly and receiving rave reviews.

The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia is available in hardcover and e-book from Rowman & Littlefield. However, if you go to Rick Pender’s website, rickpenderwrites.com, you will find a code that will provide you with a 30% discount. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2502 no Episode 35: "Sensory Abundance!": or, Why We Are Hooked On Musicals https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast Why are the great Musicals so unforgettable? Why do musicals have so much power and impact? How is it that they are able to live in our hearts and memories for a lifetime? Musicals are experiences that get embedded in our psyche. We remember them forever -- vividly and in often in great and specific detail. And they get embedded in our emotional and physical memory as well. Our bodies and nervous systems recall how we felt when we experienced them years, even lifetimes later. In this Season One finale Episode Albert Evans and I tell our own stories of when, how, and why we fell in love with Broadway Musicals and suggest why this happens to so many of us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 22 Jan 2021 19:43:00 -0000 "Sensory Abundance!": or, Why We Are Hooked On Musicals full 1 35 Broadway Podcast Network Why are the great Musicals so unforgettable? Why do musicals have so much power and impact? How is it that they are able to live in our hearts and memories for a lifetime? In this Season One finale Episode Albert Evans and I tell our own stories of when, how, and why we fell in love with Broadway Musicals and suggest why this happens to so many of us. Why are the great Musicals so unforgettable? Why do musicals have so much power and impact? How is it that they are able to live in our hearts and memories for a lifetime? Musicals are experiences that get embedded in our psyche. We remember them forever -- vividly and in often in great and specific detail. And they get embedded in our emotional and physical memory as well. Our bodies and nervous systems recall how we felt when we experienced them years, even lifetimes later. In this Season One finale Episode Albert Evans and I tell our own stories of when, how, and why we fell in love with Broadway Musicals and suggest why this happens to so many of us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Why are the great Musicals so unforgettable? Why do musicals have so much power and impact? How is it that they are able to live in our hearts and memories for a lifetime?

Musicals are experiences that get embedded in our psyche. We remember them forever -- vividly and in often in great and specific detail. And they get embedded in our emotional and physical memory as well. Our bodies and nervous systems recall how we felt when we experienced them years, even lifetimes later. In this Season One finale Episode Albert Evans and I tell our own stories of when, how, and why we fell in love with Broadway Musicals and suggest why this happens to so many of us.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1807 no Episode 34: Community: The Major Themes Of The Broadway Musical, part 3 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast Over the past two episode we’ve explored the principal themes that underly the greatest number of Broadway Musicals. Two weeks ago we looked at “Transgressive Women”, last week it was “Equity, Justice and Inclusion”, and today we explore “Community”.  The Musical theater is a very effective form for dramatizing entire communities of people – and often the community itself becomes a major character in the drama. Because of this natural ability, dozens of Broadway musicals - including many of the most popular, acclaimed and influential - focus nearly as much on the triumphs and tribulations of the community in the story, as they do the of the individual central characters. In these shows the fate and fortunes of hero and heroine are completely tied into , and dependent on the ability of the community to thrive and function – and visa versa. In this episode I explore the ways in which Community central to the musicals Fiddler On The Roof, Oklahoma!, Brigadoon, A Chorus Line, Pippin, The Music Man, Cats, Sweeney Todd, Come From Away and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Jan 2021 23:31:00 -0000 Community: The Major Themes Of The Broadway Musical, part 3 full 1 34 Broadway Podcast Network Musical theater is a very effective form for dramatizing entire communities of people – and often the community itself becomes a major character in the drama. Because of this natural ability, dozens of Broadway musicals - including many of the most popular, acclaimed and influential - focus nearly as much on the triumphs and tribulations of the community in the story, as they do the of the individual central characters. In this episode I explore the ways in which Community central to the musicals Fiddler On The Roof, Oklahoma!, Brigadoon, A Chorus Line, Pippin, The Music Man, Cats, Sweeney Todd, Come From Away and more! Over the past two episode we’ve explored the principal themes that underly the greatest number of Broadway Musicals. Two weeks ago we looked at “Transgressive Women”, last week it was “Equity, Justice and Inclusion”, and today we explore “Community”.  The Musical theater is a very effective form for dramatizing entire communities of people – and often the community itself becomes a major character in the drama. Because of this natural ability, dozens of Broadway musicals - including many of the most popular, acclaimed and influential - focus nearly as much on the triumphs and tribulations of the community in the story, as they do the of the individual central characters. In these shows the fate and fortunes of hero and heroine are completely tied into , and dependent on the ability of the community to thrive and function – and visa versa. In this episode I explore the ways in which Community central to the musicals Fiddler On The Roof, Oklahoma!, Brigadoon, A Chorus Line, Pippin, The Music Man, Cats, Sweeney Todd, Come From Away and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the past two episode we’ve explored the principal themes that underly the greatest number of Broadway Musicals. Two weeks ago we looked at “Transgressive Women”, last week it was “Equity, Justice and Inclusion”, and today we explore “Community”. 


The Musical theater is a very effective form for dramatizing entire communities of people – and often the community itself becomes a major character in the drama. Because of this natural ability, dozens of Broadway musicals - including many of the most popular, acclaimed and influential - focus nearly as much on the triumphs and tribulations of the community in the story, as they do the of the individual central characters. In these shows the fate and fortunes of hero and heroine are completely tied into , and dependent on the ability of the community to thrive and function – and visa versa.


In this episode I explore the ways in which Community central to the musicals Fiddler On The Roof, Oklahoma!, Brigadoon, A Chorus Line, Pippin, The Music Man, Cats, Sweeney Todd, Come From Away and more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2261 no Episode 33: Equity, Justice & Inclusion: The Major Themes of the Broadway Musical, part 2 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast At the beginning of each episode of this podcast I state that the Broadway Musical was invented by various marginalized and disenfranchised people, and that in the process of creating it, they transformed American culture as well. This is the second of several episodes in which I demonstrate exactly why I think that is true, and how it happened. When we consider the people who created the musical it certainly should not be surprising that there are at least 30 popular and successful Broadway musicals that have stories, plots and themes that explicitly deal with Equity, Justice, and Inclusion in regard to Race, Ethnicity and Culture.  People are sometimes surprised when I tell them that this is one the Broadway musical’s principal themes. They don’t think of musicals in that way. But as we have seen over the past 32 episodes -- musicals have always closely reflected American culture, and from the very beginning, these issues have been at the center of America’s story and our country’s many attempts -- and recurring failures -- to fulfill and achieve its founding principal -- that all people are created equal.  The great musicals that I profile today include The Red Moon, As Thousands Cheer, Show Boat, South Pacific, The King And I, West Side Story, Fiddler On The Roof, Cabaret, Ragtime, Hairspray, and Wicked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0000 Equity, Justice & Inclusion: The Major Themes of the Broadway Musical, part 2 full 1 33 Broadway Podcast Network At least 30 popular and successful Broadway musicals have stories, plots and themes that explicitly deal with Equity, Justice, and Inclusion in regard to Race, Ethnicity and Culture. The great musicals that I profile today include The Red Moon, As Thousands Cheer, Show Boat, South Pacific, The King And I, West Side Story, Fiddler On The Roof, Cabaret, Ragtime, Hairspray, and Wicked. At the beginning of each episode of this podcast I state that the Broadway Musical was invented by various marginalized and disenfranchised people, and that in the process of creating it, they transformed American culture as well. This is the second of several episodes in which I demonstrate exactly why I think that is true, and how it happened. When we consider the people who created the musical it certainly should not be surprising that there are at least 30 popular and successful Broadway musicals that have stories, plots and themes that explicitly deal with Equity, Justice, and Inclusion in regard to Race, Ethnicity and Culture.  People are sometimes surprised when I tell them that this is one the Broadway musical’s principal themes. They don’t think of musicals in that way. But as we have seen over the past 32 episodes -- musicals have always closely reflected American culture, and from the very beginning, these issues have been at the center of America’s story and our country’s many attempts -- and recurring failures -- to fulfill and achieve its founding principal -- that all people are created equal.  The great musicals that I profile today include The Red Moon, As Thousands Cheer, Show Boat, South Pacific, The King And I, West Side Story, Fiddler On The Roof, Cabaret, Ragtime, Hairspray, and Wicked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices At the beginning of each episode of this podcast I state that the Broadway Musical was invented by various marginalized and disenfranchised people, and that in the process of creating it, they transformed American culture as well. This is the second of several episodes in which I demonstrate exactly why I think that is true, and how it happened.

When we consider the people who created the musical it certainly should not be surprising that there are at least 30 popular and successful Broadway musicals that have stories, plots and themes that explicitly deal with Equity, Justice, and Inclusion in regard to Race, Ethnicity and Culture. 

People are sometimes surprised when I tell them that this is one the Broadway musical’s principal themes. They don’t think of musicals in that way. But as we have seen over the past 32 episodes -- musicals have always closely reflected American culture, and from the very beginning, these issues have been at the center of America’s story and our country’s many attempts -- and recurring failures -- to fulfill and achieve its founding principal -- that all people are created equal. 

The great musicals that I profile today include The Red Moon, As Thousands Cheer, Show Boat, South Pacific, The King And I, West Side Story, Fiddler On The Roof, Cabaret, Ragtime, Hairspray, and Wicked.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2242 no Special Bonus Episode: "White Christmas": The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, Part 2 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0000 "White Christmas": The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, Part 2 full 1 Broadway Podcast Network This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway. But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer! This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second of two special holiday bonus episodes of Broadway Nation. Just like the first, this is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was given in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island, WA. If you prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org

In Part One we looked at how the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin -- in addition to being one of the prime inventors of the Broadway Musical -- also created an entirely new category of popular song: “the Christmas Standard”. In this episode we explore how Berlin was aided and abetted in that endeavor by the son of Irish and German immigrants from Washington State who became one of the most popular performers of all time -- Bing Crosby. Along with Judy Garland I call Bing one of Broadway’s greatest stars who never appeared on Broadway.

But first, we start off with Albert Evans’ amazing in-depth analysis of the genius of Irving Berlin, and the inspiration and craft that is behind the most popular song of all time. As you will remember the last episode ended with me introducing Albert and asking him this question: “Why? Why, is White Christmas the most popular song of all time?” You won’t want to miss his answer!

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris DiStefano, and Albert Evans.   Happy New Year!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2477 no Special Bonus Episode: "White Christmas": The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, Part 1 http://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast This special holiday bonus episode of Broadway Nation is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island in Washington State. If you would prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. Now I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris Distefano, and Albert Evans. Next week we will be back with part 2. Happy holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0000 "White Christmas": The Story Behind The World's Most Popular Song, Part 1 full 2 Broadway Podcast Network This week’s special holiday episode tells the story of how the great Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, not only played a huge role in the invention the Broadway Musical, but also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard. This episode is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island in Washington State. This special holiday bonus episode of Broadway Nation is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island in Washington State. If you would prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. Now I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.   This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris Distefano, and Albert Evans. Next week we will be back with part 2. Happy holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This special holiday bonus episode of Broadway Nation is an audio version of a Broadway Nation Live! performance that was presented in December of 2019 at the Vashon Center For The Performing Arts on Vashon Island in Washington State. If you would prefer to watch a video of this performance you can stream it on their website at: vashoncenterforthearts.org

Several previous episodes of Broadway Nation have explored the crucial role that the Jewish-Russian immigrant songwriter, Irving Berlin, played in the invention of the Broadway Musical. Now I share the story of how he also invented an entirely new category of popular song – the Christmas standard.  

This live show features musical performances by Cayman Ilika, Eric Ankrim, Chris Distefano, and Albert Evans. Next week we will be back with part 2. Happy holidays!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1934 no Episode 32: Transgressive Women: Major Themes of the Broadway Musical, part 1. https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast This is the first of three episodes highlighting the principal themes of the Broadway Musical.  Today I look at the single most ubiquitous and pervasive theme: “Transgressive Women”. For more than 100 years an overwhelming majority of musicals have featured transgressive female characters who break the rules, and refuse to follow the path that society has set out for them. And more often than not they are the protagonist, or co-protagonist, of the story. However, for some reason musicals are not generally perceived in this way. Most people would not identify this as one of the Broadway Musicals principal attributes. I believe that is part of their subversive power. In fact I would contend that the musicals themselves, as well as the characters, are transgressive. From “Laurey” in Oklahoma! to “Elphaba” in Wicked. From “Annie Oakley” to “Tracy Turnblad”. From “Maria” in The Sound Of Music to “Effie” in Dreamgirls. Dynamic women have always been at the center of America’s signature Art Form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0000 Transgressive Women: Major Themes of the Broadway Musical, part 1. full 1 32 Broadway Podcast Network This is the first of three episodes highlighting the principal themes of the Broadway Musical. Today I look at the single most ubiquitous and pervasive theme: “Transgressive Women”. From “Laurey” in Oklahoma! to “Elphaba” in Wicked. From “Annie Oakley” to “Tracy Turnblad”. From “Maria” in The Sound Of Music to “Effie” in Dreamgirls. Dynamic women who break the rules and refuse to follow the path that society has set out for them have been at the center of America’s signature Art Form. This is the first of three episodes highlighting the principal themes of the Broadway Musical.  Today I look at the single most ubiquitous and pervasive theme: “Transgressive Women”. For more than 100 years an overwhelming majority of musicals have featured transgressive female characters who break the rules, and refuse to follow the path that society has set out for them. And more often than not they are the protagonist, or co-protagonist, of the story. However, for some reason musicals are not generally perceived in this way. Most people would not identify this as one of the Broadway Musicals principal attributes. I believe that is part of their subversive power. In fact I would contend that the musicals themselves, as well as the characters, are transgressive. From “Laurey” in Oklahoma! to “Elphaba” in Wicked. From “Annie Oakley” to “Tracy Turnblad”. From “Maria” in The Sound Of Music to “Effie” in Dreamgirls. Dynamic women have always been at the center of America’s signature Art Form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the first of three episodes highlighting the principal themes of the Broadway Musical.  Today I look at the single most ubiquitous and pervasive theme: “Transgressive Women”.

For more than 100 years an overwhelming majority of musicals have featured transgressive female characters who break the rules, and refuse to follow the path that society has set out for them. And more often than not they are the protagonist, or co-protagonist, of the story.

However, for some reason musicals are not generally perceived in this way. Most people would not identify this as one of the Broadway Musicals principal attributes. I believe that is part of their subversive power. In fact I would contend that the musicals themselves, as well as the characters, are transgressive.

From “Laurey” in Oklahoma! to “Elphaba” in Wicked. From “Annie Oakley” to “Tracy Turnblad”. From “Maria” in The Sound Of Music to “Effie” in Dreamgirls. Dynamic women have always been at the center of America’s signature Art Form.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2048 no Episode 31:"Defying Gravity" - The Broadway Musical in the 21st Century https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast In today’s episode I focus on the Broadway Musicals of the 21st Century. Perhaps surprisingly, the current generation of Broadway creators has re-embraced and reinvigorated both the “Musical Comedy” and the “Musical Play” in ways that I think would make Rodgers & Hammerstein very proud. At the same time they have introduced something sort of new – the “Jukebox Musical”. In the process, and with a major assist from the Walt Disney Company, the Broadway Musical has achieved new heights of prosperity, popularity and cultural relevance in the 21st Century. The new-fashioned, 21st Century musical comedies highlighted in this episode include: Hairspray, Avenue Q, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Legally Blonde, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Drowsy Chaperone, Curtains, The Book of Mormon, Kinky Boots, A Christmas Story, A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love And Murder, ELF, Something Rotten, The Prom, Beetlejuice, and the upcoming Mrs. Doubtfire.       The most recent major innovation in musicals are shows that are often called “Jukebox Musicals”. This new kind of musical emerged at the dawn of the 21st Century and has become enormously popular and somewhat controversial. What exactly is a “Jukebox Musical”? My definition is that they are musicals that tell their story using a collection of previously existing songs rather than songs that were written specifically for the show. Most often these are pop songs that were not originally conceived for the theater. There are really two different kinds of jukebox musicals: biographical musical that dramatizes the life and times of a legendary performer, songwriter, group, or band and is built around the music and lyrics they created and/or made famous. - and shows like Mamma Mia! that employ pre-existing hit songs to tell new, original stories. Finally, that brings us to the “Musical Play”. This durable form is still going strong!   The first hit “musical play” of the 21st Century was Wicked. With music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holtsman, this musical is adapted from Gregory Maguire’s best-selling 1995 novel titled Wicked: The Life And Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. So far, Wicked has been playing 17 years on Broadway and is the 5th longest running show of all time.  Wicked has been followed by a string of vibrant, popular and acclaimed musical plays that do not shy away from tackling important and provocative subject matter. These include The Color Purple, Spring Awakening, The Light In The Piazza, Grey Gardens, In The Heights, Billy Elliott, Next To Normal, Memphis, Once, Fun Home, Hamilton, Waitress, Dear Evan Hanson, Come From Away, The Great Comet, The Band’s Visit and Hadestown. Not one of them is a conventional love story. Seven of them deal with issues racial equity, social justice and inclusion. Four of them deal with mental health issues. Six of them include queer leading characters. Almost all of them focus on transgressive women who reject and break the rules of society. And almost all deal with the challenges of forming and maintaining a community. And these three themes – Racial and social justice, Transgressive women and community -- dominate the 21st century musical comedies as well. None of this should be a surprise because -- as we will discover on the next episode of Broadway Nation -- these have been the primary and most prevalent themes of the Broadway musical throughout its history. One of these 3 themes are at the center of almost every musical, and they are what have made this art form so powerful, popular, and subversive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0000 "Defying Gravity" - The Broadway Musical in the 21st Century full 1 31 Broadway Podcast Network Perhaps surprisingly, the current generation of Broadway creators has re-embraced and reinvigorated both the “Musical Comedy” and the “Musical Play” in ways that I think would make Rodgers & Hammerstein very proud, with shows such as Hairspray and Wicked, At the same time they have introduced something sort of new – the “Jukebox Musical” including Mamma Mia and Jersey Boys. In the process, and with a major assist from the Walt Disney Company, the Broadway Musical has achieved new heights of prosperity, popularity and cultural relevance in the 21st Century. In today’s episode I focus on the Broadway Musicals of the 21st Century. Perhaps surprisingly, the current generation of Broadway creators has re-embraced and reinvigorated both the “Musical Comedy” and the “Musical Play” in ways that I think would make Rodgers & Hammerstein very proud. At the same time they have introduced something sort of new – the “Jukebox Musical”. In the process, and with a major assist from the Walt Disney Company, the Broadway Musical has achieved new heights of prosperity, popularity and cultural relevance in the 21st Century. The new-fashioned, 21st Century musical comedies highlighted in this episode include: Hairspray, Avenue Q, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Legally Blonde, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Drowsy Chaperone, Curtains, The Book of Mormon, Kinky Boots, A Christmas Story, A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love And Murder, ELF, Something Rotten, The Prom, Beetlejuice, and the upcoming Mrs. Doubtfire.       The most recent major innovation in musicals are shows that are often called “Jukebox Musicals”. This new kind of musical emerged at the dawn of the 21st Century and has become enormously popular and somewhat controversial. What exactly is a “Jukebox Musical”? My definition is that they are musicals that tell their story using a collection of previously existing songs rather than songs that were written specifically for the show. Most often these are pop songs that were not originally conceived for the theater. There are really two different kinds of jukebox musicals: biographical musical that dramatizes the life and times of a legendary performer, songwriter, group, or band and is built around the music and lyrics they created and/or made famous. - and shows like Mamma Mia! that employ pre-existing hit songs to tell new, original stories. Finally, that brings us to the “Musical Play”. This durable form is still going strong!   The first hit “musical play” of the 21st Century was Wicked. With music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holtsman, this musical is adapted from Gregory Maguire’s best-selling 1995 novel titled Wicked: The Life And Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. So far, Wicked has been playing 17 years on Broadway and is the 5th longest running show of all time.  Wicked has been followed by a string of vibrant, popular and acclaimed musical plays that do not shy away from tackling important and provocative subject matter. These include The Color Purple, Spring Awakening, The Light In The Piazza, Grey Gardens, In The Heights, Billy Elliott, Next To Normal, Memphis, Once, Fun Home, Hamilton, Waitress, Dear Evan Hanson, Come From Away, The Great Comet, The Band’s Visit and Hadestown. Not one of them is a conventional love story. Seven of them deal with issues racial equity, social justice and inclusion. Four of them deal with mental health issues. Six of them include queer leading characters. Almost all of them focus on transgressive women who reject and break the rules of society. And almost all deal with the challenges of forming and maintaining a community. And these three themes – Racial and social justice, Transgressive women and community -- dominate the 21st century musical comedies as well. None of this should be a surprise because -- as we will discover on the next episode of Broadway Nation -- these have been the primary and most prevalent themes of the Broadway musical throughout its history. One of these 3 themes are at the center of almost every musical, and they are what have made this art form so powerful, popular, and subversive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In today’s episode I focus on the Broadway Musicals of the 21st Century.

Perhaps surprisingly, the current generation of Broadway creators has re-embraced and reinvigorated both the “Musical Comedy” and the “Musical Play” in ways that I think would make Rodgers & Hammerstein very proud. At the same time they have introduced something sort of new – the “Jukebox Musical”. In the process, and with a major assist from the Walt Disney Company, the Broadway Musical has achieved new heights of prosperity, popularity and cultural relevance in the 21st Century.

The new-fashioned, 21st Century musical comedies highlighted in this episode include: Hairspray, Avenue Q, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Legally Blonde, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Drowsy Chaperone, Curtains, The Book of Mormon, Kinky Boots, A Christmas Story, A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love And Murder, ELF, Something Rotten, The Prom, Beetlejuice, and the upcoming Mrs. Doubtfire.      

The most recent major innovation in musicals are shows that are often called “Jukebox Musicals”. This new kind of musical emerged at the dawn of the 21st Century and has become enormously popular and somewhat controversial.

What exactly is a “Jukebox Musical”? My definition is that they are musicals that tell their story using a collection of previously existing songs rather than songs that were written specifically for the show. Most often these are pop songs that were not originally conceived for the theater.

There are really two different kinds of jukebox musicals: biographical musical that dramatizes the life and times of a legendary performer, songwriter, group, or band and is built around the music and lyrics they created and/or made famous. - and shows like Mamma Mia! that employ pre-existing hit songs to tell new, original stories.

Finally, that brings us to the “Musical Play”. This durable form is still going strong!  

The first hit “musical play” of the 21st Century was Wicked. With music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holtsman, this musical is adapted from Gregory Maguire’s best-selling 1995 novel titled Wicked: The Life And Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. So far, Wicked has been playing 17 years on Broadway and is the 5th longest running show of all time. 

Wicked has been followed by a string of vibrant, popular and acclaimed musical plays that do not shy away from tackling important and provocative subject matter. These include The Color Purple, Spring Awakening, The Light In The Piazza, Grey Gardens, In The Heights, Billy Elliott, Next To Normal, Memphis, Once, Fun Home, Hamilton, Waitress, Dear Evan Hanson, Come From Away, The Great Comet, The Band’s Visit and Hadestown.

Not one of them is a conventional love story. Seven of them deal with issues racial equity, social justice and inclusion. Four of them deal with mental health issues. Six of them include queer leading characters. Almost all of them focus on transgressive women who reject and break the rules of society. And almost all deal with the challenges of forming and maintaining a community.

And these three themes – Racial and social justice, Transgressive women and community -- dominate the 21st century musical comedies as well. None of this should be a surprise because -- as we will discover on the next episode of Broadway Nation -- these have been the primary and most prevalent themes of the Broadway musical throughout its history. One of these 3 themes are at the center of almost every musical, and they are what have made this art form so powerful, popular, and subversive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1609 no Episode 30: "Razzle Dazzle": The Broadway Musicals Of The 1990s, Part 2 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast In the second half of my interview with NY Post columnist Michael Riedel about his new book, Singular Sensation – The Triumph of Broadway we continue the story of the Broadway Musical as it moved from the final decade of the 20th Century into the new millennium. Last week’s episode ended with our discussion of the musical Crazy For You and the 1992 revival of Guys & Dolls, two productions that laid the seeds of what soon became a major trend on Broadway – the return of the Musical Comedy. Today we pick up with another herald of that development -- the stripped down, bare stage, modern dress revival of the Bob Fosse, Kander & Ebb musical CHICAGO that opened on Broadway in 1996 and – up until the shutdown – was still running 24 years later. These three shows helped to spark a triumphant comeback for brand new musical comedies (which had been missing from Broadway for nearly 10 years) beginning with The Full Monty and Mel Brook’s The Producers.  Meanwhile another major development of the 90s was taking place – the rise of Disney on Broadway, and the unprecedented popularity of their unconventional, bold, risk taking production of The Lion King. We close with a timely discussion of the tremendous challenges Broadway faced in the days, weeks and months following 9/11, and the roadmap that may or may not provide for the theater industry’s reopening and recovery as we move out of the pandemic over the next year. Along the way you will hear insider stories about some of Broadway’s brightest lights – Nathan Lane, Mathew Broderick, David Yasbeck, Susan Stroman, Mel Brooks, Julie Taymor and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0000 "Razzle Dazzle": The Broadway Musicals Of The 1990s, Part 2 full 1 30 Broadway Podcast Network The second half of my interview with NY Post columnist Michael Riedel about his new book, Singular Sensation – The Triumph of Broadway continues the story of the Broadway Musical in the 1990s including the musicals CHICAGO, The Full Monty, The Producers, and The Lion King. In the second half of my interview with NY Post columnist Michael Riedel about his new book, Singular Sensation – The Triumph of Broadway we continue the story of the Broadway Musical as it moved from the final decade of the 20th Century into the new millennium. Last week’s episode ended with our discussion of the musical Crazy For You and the 1992 revival of Guys & Dolls, two productions that laid the seeds of what soon became a major trend on Broadway – the return of the Musical Comedy. Today we pick up with another herald of that development -- the stripped down, bare stage, modern dress revival of the Bob Fosse, Kander & Ebb musical CHICAGO that opened on Broadway in 1996 and – up until the shutdown – was still running 24 years later. These three shows helped to spark a triumphant comeback for brand new musical comedies (which had been missing from Broadway for nearly 10 years) beginning with The Full Monty and Mel Brook’s The Producers.  Meanwhile another major development of the 90s was taking place – the rise of Disney on Broadway, and the unprecedented popularity of their unconventional, bold, risk taking production of The Lion King. We close with a timely discussion of the tremendous challenges Broadway faced in the days, weeks and months following 9/11, and the roadmap that may or may not provide for the theater industry’s reopening and recovery as we move out of the pandemic over the next year. Along the way you will hear insider stories about some of Broadway’s brightest lights – Nathan Lane, Mathew Broderick, David Yasbeck, Susan Stroman, Mel Brooks, Julie Taymor and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the second half of my interview with NY Post columnist Michael Riedel about his new book, Singular Sensation – The Triumph of Broadway we continue the story of the Broadway Musical as it moved from the final decade of the 20th Century into the new millennium. Last week’s episode ended with our discussion of the musical Crazy For You and the 1992 revival of Guys & Dolls, two productions that laid the seeds of what soon became a major trend on Broadway – the return of the Musical Comedy. Today we pick up with another herald of that development -- the stripped down, bare stage, modern dress revival of the Bob Fosse, Kander & Ebb musical CHICAGO that opened on Broadway in 1996 and – up until the shutdown – was still running 24 years later.

These three shows helped to spark a triumphant comeback for brand new musical comedies (which had been missing from Broadway for nearly 10 years) beginning with The Full Monty and Mel Brook’s The Producers. 

Meanwhile another major development of the 90s was taking place – the rise of Disney on Broadway, and the unprecedented popularity of their unconventional, bold, risk taking production of The Lion King.

We close with a timely discussion of the tremendous challenges Broadway faced in the days, weeks and months following 9/11, and the roadmap that may or may not provide for the theater industry’s reopening and recovery as we move out of the pandemic over the next year.

Along the way you will hear insider stories about some of Broadway’s brightest lights – Nathan Lane, Mathew Broderick, David Yasbeck, Susan Stroman, Mel Brooks, Julie Taymor and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2359 no Episode 29: "The Triumph Of Broadway": The Musicals Of The 1990s, part 1 - with special guest Michael Riedel https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast I recently had a chance to interview NY Post columnist Michael Riedel about his new book, Singular Sensation, and that conversation proved to be the perfect vehicle to tell the story of the Broadway Musical during the final decade of the 20th Century. Michael not only had covered the events and personalities of this period first-hand in his newspaper columns during 1990s -- for the book he also reached out and interviewed more than 100 key people -- from Andrew Llyod Webber to Patti Lupone -- so that he could really flesh out the full story of this momentous time.  During the course of our conversation we cover the sudden demise of the British Invasion with Sunset Blvd., the return of the rock musical with RENT, and the return of the musical comedy with Crazy For You and the revival of Guys & Dolls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000 "The Triumph Of Broadway": The Musicals Of The 1990s, part 1 - with special guest Michael Riedel full 1 29 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode I interview NY Post columnist Michael Riedel about his new book, "Singular Sensation - The Triumph Of Broadway", and that conversation is the perfect vehicle to continue to tell the story of the Broadway Musical during the final decade of the 20th Century. I recently had a chance to interview NY Post columnist Michael Riedel about his new book, Singular Sensation, and that conversation proved to be the perfect vehicle to tell the story of the Broadway Musical during the final decade of the 20th Century. Michael not only had covered the events and personalities of this period first-hand in his newspaper columns during 1990s -- for the book he also reached out and interviewed more than 100 key people -- from Andrew Llyod Webber to Patti Lupone -- so that he could really flesh out the full story of this momentous time.  During the course of our conversation we cover the sudden demise of the British Invasion with Sunset Blvd., the return of the rock musical with RENT, and the return of the musical comedy with Crazy For You and the revival of Guys & Dolls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I recently had a chance to interview NY Post columnist Michael Riedel about his new book, Singular Sensation, and that conversation proved to be the perfect vehicle to tell the story of the Broadway Musical during the final decade of the 20th Century. Michael not only had covered the events and personalities of this period first-hand in his newspaper columns during 1990s -- for the book he also reached out and interviewed more than 100 key people -- from Andrew Llyod Webber to Patti Lupone -- so that he could really flesh out the full story of this momentous time. 

During the course of our conversation we cover the sudden demise of the British Invasion with Sunset Blvd., the return of the rock musical with RENT, and the return of the musical comedy with Crazy For You and the revival of Guys & Dolls.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1746 Episode 28: Cameron Mackintosh & The British Invasion of Broadway (or Sondheim vs the Poperetta) https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast In this episode I explore what is often called “The British Invasion of Broadway” – a ten-year period during which it seemed that writers, directors, designers, producers and even performers from the UK had sailed in, taken over Broadway, and commandeered America’s signature art form – the Musical. At the center of this revolution was trio of spectacular and bombastic “Mega Musicals” that dominated Broadway during the 1990s – Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera, and Miss Saigon. All of them were first produced on London’s West End before coming to Broadway, and they all went on to became worldwide sensations. Perhaps most unexpectedly, together they brought the Operetta back to Broadway. These “Poperettas” as they are appropriately called all have one other thing in common: producer Cameron Mackintosh. There were still a few Americans that figured prominently during this period: Harold Prince, who directed Phantom Of The Opera, and Stephen Sondheim who, in great contrast to the bombastic “Brit Hits”, created a series of small-scale, artsy, concept musicals – Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, and Passion – in collaboration with a new partner, director and playwright James Lapine. Finally, I profile the one American who achieved a measure of success through adopting the British Poperetta model – composer Frank Wlidhorn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000 Cameron Mackintosh & The British Invasion of Broadway (or Sondheim vs the Poperetta) full 1 28 Broadway Podcast Network The Modern Era of Broadway, part 7. In this episode I explore what is often called “The British Invasion of Broadway” – a ten-year period during which it seemed that writers, directors, designers, producers and performers from the UK had sailed in and taken over Broadway with musicals such as Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera, and Miss Saigon. . In this episode I explore what is often called “The British Invasion of Broadway” – a ten-year period during which it seemed that writers, directors, designers, producers and even performers from the UK had sailed in, taken over Broadway, and commandeered America’s signature art form – the Musical. At the center of this revolution was trio of spectacular and bombastic “Mega Musicals” that dominated Broadway during the 1990s – Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera, and Miss Saigon. All of them were first produced on London’s West End before coming to Broadway, and they all went on to became worldwide sensations. Perhaps most unexpectedly, together they brought the Operetta back to Broadway. These “Poperettas” as they are appropriately called all have one other thing in common: producer Cameron Mackintosh. There were still a few Americans that figured prominently during this period: Harold Prince, who directed Phantom Of The Opera, and Stephen Sondheim who, in great contrast to the bombastic “Brit Hits”, created a series of small-scale, artsy, concept musicals – Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, and Passion – in collaboration with a new partner, director and playwright James Lapine. Finally, I profile the one American who achieved a measure of success through adopting the British Poperetta model – composer Frank Wlidhorn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode I explore what is often called “The British Invasion of Broadway” – a ten-year period during which it seemed that writers, directors, designers, producers and even performers from the UK had sailed in, taken over Broadway, and commandeered America’s signature art form – the Musical.

At the center of this revolution was trio of spectacular and bombastic “Mega Musicals” that dominated Broadway during the 1990s – Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera, and Miss Saigon. All of them were first produced on London’s West End before coming to Broadway, and they all went on to became worldwide sensations. Perhaps most unexpectedly, together they brought the Operetta back to Broadway. These “Poperettas” as they are appropriately called all have one other thing in common: producer Cameron Mackintosh.

There were still a few Americans that figured prominently during this period: Harold Prince, who directed Phantom Of The Opera, and Stephen Sondheim who, in great contrast to the bombastic “Brit Hits”, created a series of small-scale, artsy, concept musicals – Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, and Passion – in collaboration with a new partner, director and playwright James Lapine. Finally, I profile the one American who achieved a measure of success through adopting the British Poperetta model – composer Frank Wlidhorn.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2015 no Episode 27: Broadway Comes Out: Gay Liberation & The AIDS Crisis On Broadway - The Modern Era, part 6 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast The progressive and disruptive social movements of the 1960s and 70s had a huge impact on the Broadway Musical and were reflected back into the culture by them. These include the Civil Rights movement, Women’s Liberation, Black Power, and the Gay Liberation Movement. The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 brought gay issues into the mainstream and during the 1970s LGBTQ+ people would become “out, loud, and proud” in significant numbers. Of course, it makes sense that this new visibility and feeling of liberation would be felt on Broadway where there had always been a large representation of queer people throughout the industry, including in positions of leadership. As a result queer characters and stories began appearing on Broadway -- especially in plays -- but also in a few musicals as well. In this episode I explore the growing visibility of openly queer content on Broadway in musicals such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, and the works of William Finn. I also recount the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s and 90s when a whole generation of creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease.  AIDS claimed the lives of hundreds of actors, singers, musicians, stage managers, production assistants, and designers -- as well as scores of dancers that had been trained by Bennett, Fosse, Champion, and Tune and might have one day become influential directors and choreographers themselves. The devastation of AIDS opened the door to the “British Invasion” that would soon dominate Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000 Broadway Comes Out: Gay Liberation & The AIDS Crisis On Broadway - The Modern Era, part 6 full 1 27 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode I explore the growing visibility of queer stories, themes and characters on Broadway in musicals such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, and La Cage Aux Folles, as well as the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s and 90s when a whole generation of creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease. The progressive and disruptive social movements of the 1960s and 70s had a huge impact on the Broadway Musical and were reflected back into the culture by them. These include the Civil Rights movement, Women’s Liberation, Black Power, and the Gay Liberation Movement. The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 brought gay issues into the mainstream and during the 1970s LGBTQ+ people would become “out, loud, and proud” in significant numbers. Of course, it makes sense that this new visibility and feeling of liberation would be felt on Broadway where there had always been a large representation of queer people throughout the industry, including in positions of leadership. As a result queer characters and stories began appearing on Broadway -- especially in plays -- but also in a few musicals as well. In this episode I explore the growing visibility of openly queer content on Broadway in musicals such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, and the works of William Finn. I also recount the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s and 90s when a whole generation of creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease.  AIDS claimed the lives of hundreds of actors, singers, musicians, stage managers, production assistants, and designers -- as well as scores of dancers that had been trained by Bennett, Fosse, Champion, and Tune and might have one day become influential directors and choreographers themselves. The devastation of AIDS opened the door to the “British Invasion” that would soon dominate Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The progressive and disruptive social movements of the 1960s and 70s had a huge impact on the Broadway Musical and were reflected back into the culture by them. These include the Civil Rights movement, Women’s Liberation, Black Power, and the Gay Liberation Movement.

The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 brought gay issues into the mainstream and during the 1970s LGBTQ+ people would become “out, loud, and proud” in significant numbers.

Of course, it makes sense that this new visibility and feeling of liberation would be felt on Broadway where there had always been a large representation of queer people throughout the industry, including in positions of leadership. As a result queer characters and stories began appearing on Broadway -- especially in plays -- but also in a few musicals as well.

In this episode I explore the growing visibility of openly queer content on Broadway in musicals such as Hair, Coco, Applause, Seesaw, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, and the works of William Finn.

I also recount the devastating effect that the AIDS Crisis had on Broadway during the 1980s and 90s when a whole generation of creative talent was eliminated or sidelined by the disease. 

AIDS claimed the lives of hundreds of actors, singers, musicians, stage managers, production assistants, and designers -- as well as scores of dancers that had been trained by Bennett, Fosse, Champion, and Tune and might have one day become influential directors and choreographers themselves.

The devastation of AIDS opened the door to the “British Invasion” that would soon dominate Broadway.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1769 no Episode 26: Harold Prince & the Concept Musical - The Modern Era of Broadway, part 5 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast In this episode I explore the history of what is called the “Concept Musical”, including its key creators: Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Kander & Ebb, Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett and their game changing musicals Cabaret, Company, Follies, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Cats, and Dreamgirls. The central figure in the emergence of the Concept Musical is Harold Prince.  In a career that lasted more than 60 years, Prince produced and/or directed more than 40 Broadway shows, and in the process received 21 Tony awards more than any other single individual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000 Harold Prince & the Concept Musical - The Modern Era of Broadway, part 5 full 1 26 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode I explore the history of what is called the “Concept Musical”, including its key creators: Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Kander & Ebb, Michael Bennett and their game changing musicals Cabaret, Company, Follies, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Cats, and Dreamgirls. In this episode I explore the history of what is called the “Concept Musical”, including its key creators: Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Kander & Ebb, Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett and their game changing musicals Cabaret, Company, Follies, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Cats, and Dreamgirls. The central figure in the emergence of the Concept Musical is Harold Prince.  In a career that lasted more than 60 years, Prince produced and/or directed more than 40 Broadway shows, and in the process received 21 Tony awards more than any other single individual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode I explore the history of what is called the “Concept Musical”, including its key creators: Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Kander & Ebb, Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett and their game changing musicals Cabaret, Company, Follies, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Cats, and Dreamgirls.

The central figure in the emergence of the Concept Musical is Harold Prince.  In a career that lasted more than 60 years, Prince produced and/or directed more than 40 Broadway shows, and in the process received 21 Tony awards more than any other single individual.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1865 no Episode 25: The Black Musical Returns! - The Modern Era of Broadway, part 4. https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast Over the last three episodes I charted the rise of the Rock Musical – from HAIR to EVITA, - as well as the very unlikely “Nostalgia Craze” that swept Broadway and America during the 1970’s. 1970s Broadway experienced another blast from the past with the return of the Black Musical. More than a dozen hit black musicals opened during the decade, and three of them won the Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL. About half of these were new, original musical plays – mostly adaptations of popular plays or novels. All of them employed a combination of rhythm & blues, pop, rock, jazz and traditional Broadway style music to help tell their stories.  The other half were musical revues that showcased the classic songs of the great black songwriters of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. These shows represented a significant black wing of the ongoing Nostalgia Craze. Please join me as I explore the musical plays PURLIE, RAISIN, and THE WIZ,; the gospel musicals DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE, AND YOUR ARMS TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD.; and the songbook revues BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, EUBIE!, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, and BLACK AND BLUE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000 The Black Musical Returns! - The Modern Era of Broadway, part 4. full 1 25 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode I celebrate 1970s Broadway, and the return of the Black Musical. More than a dozen hit black musicals opened during the decade, and three of them won the TONY Award for "Best Musical"! About half of them were dynamic new, original musical plays – mostly adaptations of popular plays or novels – and all of them employed a combination of rhythm & blues, pop, rock, jazz and traditional Broadway style music to help tell their stories. The other half were musical revues that showcased the classic songs of the great black songwriters of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. These shows represented a major black wing of the ongoing Nostalgia Craze. Join me as I explore the musicals PURLIE, RAISIN, THE WIZ, DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE, and YOUR ARMS TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD, as well as the dynamic songbook revues BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, EUBIE!, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, and BLACK AND BLUE. Over the last three episodes I charted the rise of the Rock Musical – from HAIR to EVITA, - as well as the very unlikely “Nostalgia Craze” that swept Broadway and America during the 1970’s. 1970s Broadway experienced another blast from the past with the return of the Black Musical. More than a dozen hit black musicals opened during the decade, and three of them won the Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL. About half of these were new, original musical plays – mostly adaptations of popular plays or novels. All of them employed a combination of rhythm & blues, pop, rock, jazz and traditional Broadway style music to help tell their stories.  The other half were musical revues that showcased the classic songs of the great black songwriters of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. These shows represented a significant black wing of the ongoing Nostalgia Craze. Please join me as I explore the musical plays PURLIE, RAISIN, and THE WIZ,; the gospel musicals DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE, AND YOUR ARMS TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD.; and the songbook revues BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, EUBIE!, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, and BLACK AND BLUE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the last three episodes I charted the rise of the Rock Musical – from HAIR to EVITA, - as well as the very unlikely “Nostalgia Craze” that swept Broadway and America during the 1970’s.

1970s Broadway experienced another blast from the past with the return of the Black Musical. More than a dozen hit black musicals opened during the decade, and three of them won the Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL.

About half of these were new, original musical plays – mostly adaptations of popular plays or novels. All of them employed a combination of rhythm & blues, pop, rock, jazz and traditional Broadway style music to help tell their stories. 

The other half were musical revues that showcased the classic songs of the great black songwriters of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. These shows represented a significant black wing of the ongoing Nostalgia Craze.

Please join me as I explore the musical plays PURLIE, RAISIN, and THE WIZ,; the gospel musicals DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE, AND YOUR ARMS TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD.; and the songbook revues BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, EUBIE!, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, and BLACK AND BLUE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1619 no Episode 24: Crazy For Nostalgia - The Modern Era of Broadway, part 3 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast In this episode I continue my review of Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s and beyond. Many of the musicals that emerged in the late 60s and very early 70s were also influenced by the incipient Nostalgia Craze, even if overall their shows were decidedly modern. HAIR, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Applause  all included musical sequences that recalled the Vaudeville era and Silver Age of Broadway. So nostalgia was in the air, and then No, No, Nanette sent it into the stratosphere! And all of this was before the nostalgia craze expanded to include the 1950s. Almost exactly one year after the premiere of Nanette the musical Grease opened on Broadway. It became wildly popular and ran for eight years on Broadway passing Fiddler to become the longest running musical of all time until A Chorus Line passed it. And Grease’s enormous success set into motion a 1950s wing of the nostalgia craze by inspiring both the movie American Grafiiti (1973) and the TV show Happy Days (1974). The success of Nanette led directly to a 1973 revival Irene, the smash hit musical that opened in 1919 and became the longest running musical of its day. And Grease led directly to Over Here !, the 1974 musical in which the director, choreographer and producers of Grease attempted to do for the 1940s, what their previous show had done for the 1950s. The two still living Andrews Sisters, Patty and Maxine, where enticed to star in Over Here!, and the Sherman Brothers, of Disney fame, provided a terrific set of brand new very authentic sounding Big Band era style songs for them to swing. Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze continued with a hit 1975 revival of the Jerome Kern Princess Theater musical Very Good Eddie, then in 1979 both the 1928 Edie Cantor vehicle Whoopee! and the 1930’s style classic Burlesque show, Sugar Babies.  It was inevitable that the movie 42nd Street itself would be transformed into a Broadway stage musical in 1980. That same season there was the Marx Brothers inspired revusical A Day In Hollywood A Night In The Ukraine. 1983 brought a hit revival of Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes, and over the next decade there would be two Gershwin “revisals”, both of them so heavily reworked that they were given new titles: My One And Only in 1983, and Crazy For You in 1993. In between, came the Broadway debut of a 1937 London hit Me And My Girl in 1986. I would even include the 1980 blockbuster Annie in this category. Although it was, of course, an entirely new musical it certainly played on nostalgia for the comic strip and radio show Little Orphan Annie from the Depression Era, and smartly used that to echo the recession of the 1970’s. Some people would say that the Nostalgia Craze never ended, at least as far as Broadway is concerned.  Although, revivals of popular musicals have been part of the Broadway mix throughout most of its 120+ year history, the success of No, No, Nanette and its successors created a pattern and expectation that in every season – there should be at least enough revivals to fill out a Tony Award “Best Revival” category. And you could say that the immense popularity of City Center’s Encore Series is an extension of the Nostalgia Craze, as well. I for one hope that we will never tire of rediscovering and reinventing the great musicals of the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Crazy For Nostalgia - The Modern Era of Broadway, part 3 full 1 24 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode I continue my review of Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s and beyond. This includes the musicals Grease, Irene, Over Here!, Very Good Eddie, Whoopee!, Sugar Babies, 42nd Street A Day In Hollywood A Night In The Ukraine, On Your Toes, My One And Only, Crazy For You, Me And My Girl and even ANNIE, as well as how this passion for the 1920’s, 30s and 40s affected every aspect of American culture, Art and entertainment. In this episode I continue my review of Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s and beyond. Many of the musicals that emerged in the late 60s and very early 70s were also influenced by the incipient Nostalgia Craze, even if overall their shows were decidedly modern. HAIR, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Applause  all included musical sequences that recalled the Vaudeville era and Silver Age of Broadway. So nostalgia was in the air, and then No, No, Nanette sent it into the stratosphere! And all of this was before the nostalgia craze expanded to include the 1950s. Almost exactly one year after the premiere of Nanette the musical Grease opened on Broadway. It became wildly popular and ran for eight years on Broadway passing Fiddler to become the longest running musical of all time until A Chorus Line passed it. And Grease’s enormous success set into motion a 1950s wing of the nostalgia craze by inspiring both the movie American Grafiiti (1973) and the TV show Happy Days (1974). The success of Nanette led directly to a 1973 revival Irene, the smash hit musical that opened in 1919 and became the longest running musical of its day. And Grease led directly to Over Here !, the 1974 musical in which the director, choreographer and producers of Grease attempted to do for the 1940s, what their previous show had done for the 1950s. The two still living Andrews Sisters, Patty and Maxine, where enticed to star in Over Here!, and the Sherman Brothers, of Disney fame, provided a terrific set of brand new very authentic sounding Big Band era style songs for them to swing. Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze continued with a hit 1975 revival of the Jerome Kern Princess Theater musical Very Good Eddie, then in 1979 both the 1928 Edie Cantor vehicle Whoopee! and the 1930’s style classic Burlesque show, Sugar Babies.  It was inevitable that the movie 42nd Street itself would be transformed into a Broadway stage musical in 1980. That same season there was the Marx Brothers inspired revusical A Day In Hollywood A Night In The Ukraine. 1983 brought a hit revival of Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes, and over the next decade there would be two Gershwin “revisals”, both of them so heavily reworked that they were given new titles: My One And Only in 1983, and Crazy For You in 1993. In between, came the Broadway debut of a 1937 London hit Me And My Girl in 1986. I would even include the 1980 blockbuster Annie in this category. Although it was, of course, an entirely new musical it certainly played on nostalgia for the comic strip and radio show Little Orphan Annie from the Depression Era, and smartly used that to echo the recession of the 1970’s. Some people would say that the Nostalgia Craze never ended, at least as far as Broadway is concerned.  Although, revivals of popular musicals have been part of the Broadway mix throughout most of its 120+ year history, the success of No, No, Nanette and its successors created a pattern and expectation that in every season – there should be at least enough revivals to fill out a Tony Award “Best Revival” category. And you could say that the immense popularity of City Center’s Encore Series is an extension of the Nostalgia Craze, as well. I for one hope that we will never tire of rediscovering and reinventing the great musicals of the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode I continue my review of Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s and beyond.

Many of the musicals that emerged in the late 60s and very early 70s were also influenced by the incipient Nostalgia Craze, even if overall their shows were decidedly modern. HAIR, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Applause  all included musical sequences that recalled the Vaudeville era and Silver Age of Broadway. So nostalgia was in the air, and then No, No, Nanette sent it into the stratosphere!

And all of this was before the nostalgia craze expanded to include the 1950s.

Almost exactly one year after the premiere of Nanette the musical Grease opened on Broadway. It became wildly popular and ran for eight years on Broadway passing Fiddler to become the longest running musical of all time until A Chorus Line passed it. And Grease’s enormous success set into motion a 1950s wing of the nostalgia craze by inspiring both the movie American Grafiiti (1973) and the TV show Happy Days (1974).

The success of Nanette led directly to a 1973 revival Irene, the smash hit musical that opened in 1919 and became the longest running musical of its day. And Grease led directly to Over Here !, the 1974 musical in which the director, choreographer and producers of Grease attempted to do for the 1940s, what their previous show had done for the 1950s. The two still living Andrews Sisters, Patty and Maxine, where enticed to star in Over Here!, and the Sherman Brothers, of Disney fame, provided a terrific set of brand new very authentic sounding Big Band era style songs for them to swing.

Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze continued with a hit 1975 revival of the Jerome Kern Princess Theater musical Very Good Eddie, then in 1979 both the 1928 Edie Cantor vehicle Whoopee! and the 1930’s style classic Burlesque show, Sugar Babies. 

It was inevitable that the movie 42nd Street itself would be transformed into a Broadway stage musical in 1980. That same season there was the Marx Brothers inspired revusical A Day In Hollywood A Night In The Ukraine. 1983 brought a hit revival of Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes, and over the next decade there would be two Gershwin “revisals”, both of them so heavily reworked that they were given new titles: My One And Only in 1983, and Crazy For You in 1993. In between, came the Broadway debut of a 1937 London hit Me And My Girl in 1986.

I would even include the 1980 blockbuster Annie in this category. Although it was, of course, an entirely new musical it certainly played on nostalgia for the comic strip and radio show Little Orphan Annie from the Depression Era, and smartly used that to echo the recession of the 1970’s.

Some people would say that the Nostalgia Craze never ended, at least as far as Broadway is concerned.  Although, revivals of popular musicals have been part of the Broadway mix throughout most of its 120+ year history, the success of No, No, Nanette and its successors created a pattern and expectation that in every season – there should be at least enough revivals to fill out a Tony Award “Best Revival” category. And you could say that the immense popularity of City Center’s Encore Series is an extension of the Nostalgia Craze, as well. I for one hope that we will never tire of rediscovering and reinventing the great musicals of the past.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1501 no Episode 23: "Everything Old Is New Again": The Modern Era of Broadway, Part 2. https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast In the last episode I outlined how a new wave of brash young songwriters swept aside the Golden Age and ushered in Broadway’s Modern Era with shows such as Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell and Two Gentleman of Verona.  But surprisingly, in the midst of this ongoing triumph and ascendance of the Rock Musical, the biggest hit of 1971 was a revival of the Silver Age musical comedy, NO, NO, NANETTE. That’s right the Vincent Youmans musical that has introduced the songs “Tea For Two” and “I Want To Be Happy” way back in the Roaring 20s. With a heavily retooled book, sparkling new orchestrations and arrangements, and a snazzy, art deco inspired set and costume design, this reincarnation of No, No, Nanette was billed as “the new 1925 musical”. And it became a smash hit, running for 861 performances, and winning 4 Tony Awards for Choreography, Costume Design, and for two of its stars Helen Gallagher, and another vintage movie star, comedian Patsy Kelly. And, after years of it being almost entirely absent from Broadway -- Nanette brought tap dancing back into fashion in a major way. Most significantly, Nanette fanned a mania for everything and anything that recalled the music, style, and glamour of the 20s, 30s and 40s. The press dubbed this mania “The Nostalgia Craze” as it quickly spread into every aspect of American life. In this episode Albert Evans and I explore the origins of Broadway’s “Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s” -- where it came from, and what artistic, social and cultural forces came together to spark this unlikely phenomenon. We look at its roots in the counterculture youth rebellion of the 1960’s, the rediscovery of classic films from the 1930s and 40s on television, and in the popularization of gay camp culture via the off-off Broadway mega hit DAMES AT SEA. All of this would lead to the triumphant 1971 Broadway revival of NO, NO, NANETTE, which was billed as “the new 1925 musical”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Oct 2020 18:00:00 -0000 "Everything Old Is New Again": The Modern Era of Broadway, Part 2. full 1 23 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode Albert Evans and I explore the origins of Broadway’s “Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s” -- where it came from, and what artistic, social and cultural forces came together to spark this unlikely phenomenon. We look at its roots in the counterculture youth rebellion of the 1960’s, the rediscovery of classic films from the 1930s and 40s on television, and in the popularization of gay camp culture via the off-off Broadway mega hit DAMES AT SEA. All of this would lead to the triumphant 1971 Broadway revival of NO, NO, NANETTE, which was billed as “the new 1925 musical”. In the last episode I outlined how a new wave of brash young songwriters swept aside the Golden Age and ushered in Broadway’s Modern Era with shows such as Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell and Two Gentleman of Verona.  But surprisingly, in the midst of this ongoing triumph and ascendance of the Rock Musical, the biggest hit of 1971 was a revival of the Silver Age musical comedy, NO, NO, NANETTE. That’s right the Vincent Youmans musical that has introduced the songs “Tea For Two” and “I Want To Be Happy” way back in the Roaring 20s. With a heavily retooled book, sparkling new orchestrations and arrangements, and a snazzy, art deco inspired set and costume design, this reincarnation of No, No, Nanette was billed as “the new 1925 musical”. And it became a smash hit, running for 861 performances, and winning 4 Tony Awards for Choreography, Costume Design, and for two of its stars Helen Gallagher, and another vintage movie star, comedian Patsy Kelly. And, after years of it being almost entirely absent from Broadway -- Nanette brought tap dancing back into fashion in a major way. Most significantly, Nanette fanned a mania for everything and anything that recalled the music, style, and glamour of the 20s, 30s and 40s. The press dubbed this mania “The Nostalgia Craze” as it quickly spread into every aspect of American life. In this episode Albert Evans and I explore the origins of Broadway’s “Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s” -- where it came from, and what artistic, social and cultural forces came together to spark this unlikely phenomenon. We look at its roots in the counterculture youth rebellion of the 1960’s, the rediscovery of classic films from the 1930s and 40s on television, and in the popularization of gay camp culture via the off-off Broadway mega hit DAMES AT SEA. All of this would lead to the triumphant 1971 Broadway revival of NO, NO, NANETTE, which was billed as “the new 1925 musical”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the last episode I outlined how a new wave of brash young songwriters swept aside the Golden Age and ushered in Broadway’s Modern Era with shows such as Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell and Two Gentleman of Verona. 


But surprisingly, in the midst of this ongoing triumph and ascendance of the Rock Musical, the biggest hit of 1971 was a revival of the Silver Age musical comedy, NO, NO, NANETTE. That’s right the Vincent Youmans musical that has introduced the songs “Tea For Two” and “I Want To Be Happy” way back in the Roaring 20s.


With a heavily retooled book, sparkling new orchestrations and arrangements, and a snazzy, art deco inspired set and costume design, this reincarnation of No, No, Nanette was billed as “the new 1925 musical”. And it became a smash hit, running for 861 performances, and winning 4 Tony Awards for Choreography, Costume Design, and for two of its stars Helen Gallagher, and another vintage movie star, comedian Patsy Kelly. And, after years of it being almost entirely absent from Broadway -- Nanette brought tap dancing back into fashion in a major way.


Most significantly, Nanette fanned a mania for everything and anything that recalled the music, style, and glamour of the 20s, 30s and 40s. The press dubbed this mania “The Nostalgia Craze” as it quickly spread into every aspect of American life.

In this episode Albert Evans and I explore the origins of Broadway’s “Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s” -- where it came from, and what artistic, social and cultural forces came together to spark this unlikely phenomenon. We look at its roots in the counterculture youth rebellion of the 1960’s, the rediscovery of classic films from the 1930s and 40s on television, and in the popularization of gay camp culture via the off-off Broadway mega hit DAMES AT SEA. All of this would lead to the triumphant 1971 Broadway revival of NO, NO, NANETTE, which was billed as “the new 1925 musical”.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1866 no Episode 22: "Let The Sun Shine In" -- The Modern Era Of Broadway, Part 1 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast Although nobody knew it at the time, in April of 1968 “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”. To many HAIR, and the "Rock Musical", seemed like a total betrayal of the values, craftsmanship and traditions of Broadway. However, I see it, and the other new forms of musicals that rose to the forefront in The Modern Era, as just part of the inevitable ongoing evolution of a form that had always closely reflected what was going on in American culture. In the immediate wake of HAIR there were many shows that tried to emulate its triumph -- but only three found real success: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Later, the success of Godspell would lead directly to PIPPIN, and the success of Superstar led to Webber & Rice’s 1979 blockbuster EVITA, and the expansion and of their early musical Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat. The term “Rock Musical” is something of a misnomer. Rock music, in is purest form, actually does not lend itself very well to musical theater storytelling. It’s musical, rhythmic, and lyric forms are much too limited and repetitive. The most successful “Rock Musicals” – from HAIR to RENT -- would more actually be called “rock flavored” musicals that employ a variety of rock, pop, R&B, folk, and latin styles mixed with traditional forms of songwriting. Over the coming years both Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lloyd-Webber would move further and further away from Rock and do what Broadway composers had always done – combine the pop music of their day with an eclectic mix of musicals styles that best suited the story and characters they were dramatizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000 "Let The Sun Shine In" -- The Modern Era Of Broadway, Part 1 full 1 22 Broadway Podcast Network In April of 1968, “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”. Although nobody knew it at the time, in April of 1968 “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”. To many HAIR, and the "Rock Musical", seemed like a total betrayal of the values, craftsmanship and traditions of Broadway. However, I see it, and the other new forms of musicals that rose to the forefront in The Modern Era, as just part of the inevitable ongoing evolution of a form that had always closely reflected what was going on in American culture. In the immediate wake of HAIR there were many shows that tried to emulate its triumph -- but only three found real success: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Later, the success of Godspell would lead directly to PIPPIN, and the success of Superstar led to Webber & Rice’s 1979 blockbuster EVITA, and the expansion and of their early musical Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat. The term “Rock Musical” is something of a misnomer. Rock music, in is purest form, actually does not lend itself very well to musical theater storytelling. It’s musical, rhythmic, and lyric forms are much too limited and repetitive. The most successful “Rock Musicals” – from HAIR to RENT -- would more actually be called “rock flavored” musicals that employ a variety of rock, pop, R&B, folk, and latin styles mixed with traditional forms of songwriting. Over the coming years both Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lloyd-Webber would move further and further away from Rock and do what Broadway composers had always done – combine the pop music of their day with an eclectic mix of musicals styles that best suited the story and characters they were dramatizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Although nobody knew it at the time, in April of 1968 “The Golden Age of Broadway” came to an abrupt end on the opening night of the “tribal rock musical” HAIR, which took America by storm and created a shocking jump cut into what I call “The Modern Era" of the Broadway Musical. In this episode I share the story of the emergence and rise of the so called “Rock Musical”.

To many HAIR, and the "Rock Musical", seemed like a total betrayal of the values, craftsmanship and traditions of Broadway. However, I see it, and the other new forms of musicals that rose to the forefront in The Modern Era, as just part of the inevitable ongoing evolution of a form that had always closely reflected what was going on in American culture.

In the immediate wake of HAIR there were many shows that tried to emulate its triumph -- but only three found real success: Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Later, the success of Godspell would lead directly to PIPPIN, and the success of Superstar led to Webber & Rice’s 1979 blockbuster EVITA, and the expansion and of their early musical Joseph And His Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The term “Rock Musical” is something of a misnomer. Rock music, in is purest form, actually does not lend itself very well to musical theater storytelling. It’s musical, rhythmic, and lyric forms are much too limited and repetitive. The most successful “Rock Musicals” – from HAIR to RENT -- would more actually be called “rock flavored” musicals that employ a variety of rock, pop, R&B, folk, and latin styles mixed with traditional forms of songwriting.

Over the coming years both Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lloyd-Webber would move further and further away from Rock and do what Broadway composers had always done – combine the pop music of their day with an eclectic mix of musicals styles that best suited the story and characters they were dramatizing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1869 no Episode 21: Jerry Herman & The Golden Age of Broadway, part 3. https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast As the 1950’s came to a close, Broadway Musicals were at the very center of American culture. Then in 1960, as if on cue, two immensely popular shows – The Fantasticks, and Bye, Bye Birdie – kick off the decade by foreshadowing several major changes in American culture that will dramatically affect the Broadway Musical, and by the end of the decade, leave its very future in doubt.  The brilliant creators profiled in this episode include Schmidt & Jones, Strouse & Adams, Michael Stewart, Gower Champion, Jerry Herman, and Bock & Harnick. As well as the string of classic musicals that bring the “Golden Age Of Broadway” to its climax – Oliver!; Stop The World I Want To Get Off; The Roar Of The Greasepaint And The Smell Of The Crowd, Man Of La Mancha; Fiddler On The Roof, and what I call the "Big Transgressive Lady" Shows – Hello, Dolly!, Sweet Charity, and Mame. If you enjoy BROADWAY NATION please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Jerry Herman & The Golden Age of Broadway, part 3. full 1 21 Broadway Podcast Network As the 1950’s came to a close, Broadway Musicals were at the very center of American culture. Then in 1960, as if on cue, two immensely popular shows – The Fantasticks, and Bye, Bye Birdie – kick off the decade by foreshadowing several major changes in American culture that by the end of the decade will leave the the Broadway Musicals future in doubt. The brilliant Broadway creators profiled in this episode include Schmidt & Jones, Strouse & Adams, Michael Stewart, Gower Champion, Jerry Herman, and Bock & Harnick. As well as the classic musicals that bring the “Golden Age Of Broadway” to its climax – Oliver!; Stop The World; The Roar Of The Greasepaint;, Man Of La Mancha; Fiddler On The Roof, and what I call the "Big Transgressive Lady" Shows – Hello, Dolly!, Sweet Charity, and Mame. As the 1950’s came to a close, Broadway Musicals were at the very center of American culture. Then in 1960, as if on cue, two immensely popular shows – The Fantasticks, and Bye, Bye Birdie – kick off the decade by foreshadowing several major changes in American culture that will dramatically affect the Broadway Musical, and by the end of the decade, leave its very future in doubt.  The brilliant creators profiled in this episode include Schmidt & Jones, Strouse & Adams, Michael Stewart, Gower Champion, Jerry Herman, and Bock & Harnick. As well as the string of classic musicals that bring the “Golden Age Of Broadway” to its climax – Oliver!; Stop The World I Want To Get Off; The Roar Of The Greasepaint And The Smell Of The Crowd, Man Of La Mancha; Fiddler On The Roof, and what I call the "Big Transgressive Lady" Shows – Hello, Dolly!, Sweet Charity, and Mame. If you enjoy BROADWAY NATION please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the 1950’s came to a close, Broadway Musicals were at the very center of American culture.

Then in 1960, as if on cue, two immensely popular shows – The Fantasticks, and Bye, Bye Birdie – kick off the decade by foreshadowing several major changes in American culture that will dramatically affect the Broadway Musical, and by the end of the decade, leave its very future in doubt. 

The brilliant creators profiled in this episode include Schmidt & Jones, Strouse & Adams, Michael Stewart, Gower Champion, Jerry Herman, and Bock & Harnick.

As well as the string of classic musicals that bring the “Golden Age Of Broadway” to its climax – Oliver!; Stop The World I Want To Get Off; The Roar Of The Greasepaint And The Smell Of The Crowd, Man Of La Mancha; Fiddler On The Roof, and what I call the "Big Transgressive Lady" Shows – Hello, Dolly!, Sweet Charity, and Mame.

If you enjoy BROADWAY NATION please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2219 no Episode 20: GYPSY vs. THE SOUND OF MUSIC & The Golden Age Of Broadway https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast The 1950s were crowned by four legendary musicals that went head to head for the “Best Musical” prize at the TONY Awards. In the last episode we looked at the 1958 contest of West Side Story vs. The Music Man,. In this episode I focus on the 1959–1960 which brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. And you could subtitle this episode Ethel Merman vs. Mary Martin! Spoiler alert: There was a tie for the Best Musical Tony Award that season, but if you don’t already know the story, it probably didn’t end up the way you think it would have. As with the previous pair, there are still Broadway mavens that remain outraged over which show won, and which musical was in their view unjustly denied its rightful award! And in addition to Merman and Martin, the giants of Broadway that are figure significantly in this episode include: David Merrick, Leland Hayward,, July Styne, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, Joe Layton and, of course, Rodgers & Hammerstein, WARNING:: There are a few historically correct curse words used in this episode. You know how theater people are! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0000 GYPSY vs. THE SOUND OF MUSIC & The Golden Age Of Broadway full 1 20 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode I focus on the 1959–1960 which brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. And you could subtitle this episode Ethel Merman vs. Mary Martin! Spoiler alert: There was a tie for the Best Musical Tony Award that season, but if you don’t already know the story, it probably didn’t end up the way you think it would have. There are still Broadway mavens that remain outraged over which show won, and which musical was in their view unjustly denied its rightful award! Which shoe do you think should have won? The 1950s were crowned by four legendary musicals that went head to head for the “Best Musical” prize at the TONY Awards. In the last episode we looked at the 1958 contest of West Side Story vs. The Music Man,. In this episode I focus on the 1959–1960 which brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. And you could subtitle this episode Ethel Merman vs. Mary Martin! Spoiler alert: There was a tie for the Best Musical Tony Award that season, but if you don’t already know the story, it probably didn’t end up the way you think it would have. As with the previous pair, there are still Broadway mavens that remain outraged over which show won, and which musical was in their view unjustly denied its rightful award! And in addition to Merman and Martin, the giants of Broadway that are figure significantly in this episode include: David Merrick, Leland Hayward,, July Styne, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, Joe Layton and, of course, Rodgers & Hammerstein, WARNING:: There are a few historically correct curse words used in this episode. You know how theater people are! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The 1950s were crowned by four legendary musicals that went head to head for the “Best Musical” prize at the TONY Awards. In the last episode we looked at the 1958 contest of West Side Story vs. The Music Man,. In this episode I focus on the 1959–1960 which brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. And you could subtitle this episode Ethel Merman vs. Mary Martin!

Spoiler alert: There was a tie for the Best Musical Tony Award that season, but if you don’t already know the story, it probably didn’t end up the way you think it would have. As with the previous pair, there are still Broadway mavens that remain outraged over which show won, and which musical was in their view unjustly denied its rightful award!

And in addition to Merman and Martin, the giants of Broadway that are figure significantly in this episode include: David Merrick, Leland Hayward,, July Styne, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, Joe Layton and, of course, Rodgers & Hammerstein,

WARNING:: There are a few historically correct curse words used in this episode. You know how theater people are!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2438 yes Episode 19: West Side Story vs. The Music Man & The Golden Age of Broadway https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast Every Broadway theater season during the 1950’s gave us at least one great, classic Golden Age musical – and a number of seasons produced several. The decade was crowned by four legendary musicals that went head to head for the “Best Musical” prize at the TONY Awards. During the 1957–1958 season it was West Side Story vs. The Music Man, and 1959–1960 brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. Of course, there are still Broadway aficionados that remain upset over which shows won, and which musicals were “robbed” of the award! In this episode, Albert Evans and I take an in-depth look at that first pairing: West Side Story vs. The Music Man. We explore the conception, development and storied history of these legendary shows, and look “under the hood” to discover just what it is that makes them so great. We also profile their illustrious creators: Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, Stephen Sondheim, Meredith Wilson and more. Perhaps most interestingly, we look past their seemingly very different surfaces to discover that they actually have a great deal in common! And after you listen, let me know which show you think truly deserved the TONY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000 West Side Story vs. The Music Man & The Golden Age of Broadway full 1 19 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode, Albert Evans and I take an in-depth look at two classic musicals that went head to head at the 1958 TONY Awards -- .West Side Story and The Music Man. We explore the conception, development and storied history of these legendary shows, and look “under the hood” to discover just what it is that makes them so great. After you listen, let me know which show you think truly deserved to win the prize for "Best Musical"!. Every Broadway theater season during the 1950’s gave us at least one great, classic Golden Age musical – and a number of seasons produced several. The decade was crowned by four legendary musicals that went head to head for the “Best Musical” prize at the TONY Awards. During the 1957–1958 season it was West Side Story vs. The Music Man, and 1959–1960 brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. Of course, there are still Broadway aficionados that remain upset over which shows won, and which musicals were “robbed” of the award! In this episode, Albert Evans and I take an in-depth look at that first pairing: West Side Story vs. The Music Man. We explore the conception, development and storied history of these legendary shows, and look “under the hood” to discover just what it is that makes them so great. We also profile their illustrious creators: Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, Stephen Sondheim, Meredith Wilson and more. Perhaps most interestingly, we look past their seemingly very different surfaces to discover that they actually have a great deal in common! And after you listen, let me know which show you think truly deserved the TONY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Every Broadway theater season during the 1950’s gave us at least one great, classic Golden Age musical – and a number of seasons produced several.

The decade was crowned by four legendary musicals that went head to head for the “Best Musical” prize at the TONY Awards. During the 1957–1958 season it was West Side Story vs. The Music Man, and 1959–1960 brought us Gypsy vs. The Sound Of Music. Of course, there are still Broadway aficionados that remain upset over which shows won, and which musicals were “robbed” of the award!

In this episode, Albert Evans and I take an in-depth look at that first pairing: West Side Story vs. The Music Man. We explore the conception, development and storied history of these legendary shows, and look “under the hood” to discover just what it is that makes them so great. We also profile their illustrious creators: Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, Stephen Sondheim, Meredith Wilson and more.

Perhaps most interestingly, we look past their seemingly very different surfaces to discover that they actually have a great deal in common! And after you listen, let me know which show you think truly deserved the TONY.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2295 no Episode 18: Patricia Zipprodt & The Women That Invented Broadway https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour This is the second part of my discussion with Tony Award winning Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward in which we trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design expertise that was handed down directly over a 100 year period from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharriff to Patricia Zipprott to Ann Hould-Ward, herself. If you missed the previous episode you may want to listen to that first. During our discussion was also touch on the careers of the legendary designers Florence Klotz, Ann Roth, Willa Kim, and Theaoni Aldredge. All in all, these amazing women designed more than 500 Broadway plays and musicals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Patricia Zipprodt & The Women That Invented Broadway full 1 18 Broadway Podcast Network This is the second part of my discussion with Tony Award winning Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward in which we trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design expertise that was handed down directly over a 100 year period from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharriff to Patricia Zipprott to Ann Hould-Ward, herself. This is the second part of my discussion with Tony Award winning Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward in which we trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design expertise that was handed down directly over a 100 year period from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharriff to Patricia Zipprott to Ann Hould-Ward, herself. If you missed the previous episode you may want to listen to that first. During our discussion was also touch on the careers of the legendary designers Florence Klotz, Ann Roth, Willa Kim, and Theaoni Aldredge. All in all, these amazing women designed more than 500 Broadway plays and musicals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second part of my discussion with Tony Award winning Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward in which we trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design expertise that was handed down directly over a 100 year period from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharriff to Patricia Zipprott to Ann Hould-Ward, herself. If you missed the previous episode you may want to listen to that first. During our discussion was also touch on the careers of the legendary designers Florence Klotz, Ann Roth, Willa Kim, and Theaoni Aldredge. All in all, these amazing women designed more than 500 Broadway plays and musicals!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1784 no Episode 17: Irene Sharaff And The Women That Invented Broadway https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour Irene Sharraff is the legendary Broadway costume designer whose incredible 56 year career spanned from 1933 to 1989. She designed the costumes for more than 52 Broadway musicals including As Thousands Cheer, Jubilee, On Your Toes, The Boys From Syracuse, Lady In The Dark, The King And I, West Side Story, Flower Drum Song, Funny Girl, Sweet Charity, and Jerome Robbins Broadway. She was nominated for six Tony Awards and won the Tony for The King And I, and she recieved five Academy Awards for her designs for the now classic films An American In Paris, The King And I, West Side Story, Cleopatra, and Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf. One of the main threads of this podcast is how the arts and crafts of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly from one practitioner to the next, generation to generation. Irene Sharaff is at the center of a succession of dynamic women that goes back more than 100 years to the earliest days of the Broadway Musical, and continues right up to today. All of these women were mentored by one or more of the great female designers that came before them, all of them became Tony Award winning star designers in their own right, and all of have passed on the art and craft of theatrical costume design to the next generation. In this episode I trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design that was handed down from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharaff to Patricia Zipprott to Ann Hould-Ward. I recently had the pleasure of discussing all this with Ann Hould-Ward herself. Ann Hould-Ward is the Tony Award winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the revival of The Color Purple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Irene Sharaff And The Women That Invented Broadway full 1 17 Broadway Podcast Network One of the main threads of this podcast is how the arts and crafts of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly from one practitioner to the next, generation to generation. In this episode I trace the legacy chain of Broadway Costume Design that was handed down directly from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharaff to Patricia Zipprott to Ann Hould-Ward. I recently had the pleasure of discussing all this with Ann Hould-Ward herself. Hould-Ward is the Tony Award winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the recent revival of The Color Purple. Irene Sharraff is the legendary Broadway costume designer whose incredible 56 year career spanned from 1933 to 1989. She designed the costumes for more than 52 Broadway musicals including As Thousands Cheer, Jubilee, On Your Toes, The Boys From Syracuse, Lady In The Dark, The King And I, West Side Story, Flower Drum Song, Funny Girl, Sweet Charity, and Jerome Robbins Broadway. She was nominated for six Tony Awards and won the Tony for The King And I, and she recieved five Academy Awards for her designs for the now classic films An American In Paris, The King And I, West Side Story, Cleopatra, and Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf. One of the main threads of this podcast is how the arts and crafts of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly from one practitioner to the next, generation to generation. Irene Sharaff is at the center of a succession of dynamic women that goes back more than 100 years to the earliest days of the Broadway Musical, and continues right up to today. All of these women were mentored by one or more of the great female designers that came before them, all of them became Tony Award winning star designers in their own right, and all of have passed on the art and craft of theatrical costume design to the next generation. In this episode I trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design that was handed down from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharaff to Patricia Zipprott to Ann Hould-Ward. I recently had the pleasure of discussing all this with Ann Hould-Ward herself. Ann Hould-Ward is the Tony Award winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the revival of The Color Purple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Irene Sharraff is the legendary Broadway costume designer whose incredible 56 year career spanned from 1933 to 1989. She designed the costumes for more than 52 Broadway musicals including As Thousands Cheer, Jubilee, On Your Toes, The Boys From Syracuse, Lady In The Dark, The King And I, West Side Story, Flower Drum Song, Funny Girl, Sweet Charity, and Jerome Robbins Broadway. She was nominated for six Tony Awards and won the Tony for The King And I, and she recieved five Academy Awards for her designs for the now classic films An American In Paris, The King And I, West Side Story, Cleopatra, and Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf.

One of the main threads of this podcast is how the arts and crafts of the Broadway Musical have been handed down directly from one practitioner to the next, generation to generation.

Irene Sharaff is at the center of a succession of dynamic women that goes back more than 100 years to the earliest days of the Broadway Musical, and continues right up to today. All of these women were mentored by one or more of the great female designers that came before them, all of them became Tony Award winning star designers in their own right, and all of have passed on the art and craft of theatrical costume design to the next generation.

In this episode I trace the legacy chain of Broadway costume design that was handed down from Aileen Bernstein to Irene Sharaff to Patricia Zipprott to Ann Hould-Ward. I recently had the pleasure of discussing all this with Ann Hould-Ward herself.

Ann Hould-Ward is the Tony Award winning costume designer whose work includes the original Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos, and the revival of The Color Purple.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1870 no Episode 16: Jule Styne, Frank Loesser & The Golden Age of Broadway, Part 2 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour The Golden Age of Broadway’s new revolutionary way of writing musicals did not just apply to musical plays like those of Rodgers & Hammerstein and Lerner & Loewe – it also transformed the Musical Comedy. These shows too would now need to have well-structured plots, and three dimensional, captivating characters. Two unlikely “Silver Age” songwriters would pioneer this new development – Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. In this episode I share the stories of how their success with Annie Get Your Gun and Kiss Me Kate inspired a new generation of writers, directors, choreographers, stars and producers including Jule Styne, Frank Loessor, Adler & Ross, Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon and Michael Kidd to bring the Musical Comedy to new heights!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Jule Styne, Frank Loesser & The Golden Age of Broadway, Part 2 full 1 16 Broadway Podcast Network The Golden Age of Broadway’s new revolutionary way of writing musicals did not just apply to musical plays like those of Rodgers & Hammerstein and Lerner & Loewe – it also transformed the Musical Comedy. In this episode I share the stories of how their success with Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun and Cole Porter's Kiss Me Kate inspired a new generation of writers, directors, choreographers, stars and producers including Jule Styne, Frank Loessor, Adler & Ross, Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon and Michael Kidd to bring the Musical Comedy to new heights! The Golden Age of Broadway’s new revolutionary way of writing musicals did not just apply to musical plays like those of Rodgers & Hammerstein and Lerner & Loewe – it also transformed the Musical Comedy. These shows too would now need to have well-structured plots, and three dimensional, captivating characters. Two unlikely “Silver Age” songwriters would pioneer this new development – Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. In this episode I share the stories of how their success with Annie Get Your Gun and Kiss Me Kate inspired a new generation of writers, directors, choreographers, stars and producers including Jule Styne, Frank Loessor, Adler & Ross, Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon and Michael Kidd to bring the Musical Comedy to new heights!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Golden Age of Broadway’s new revolutionary way of writing musicals did not just apply to musical plays like those of Rodgers & Hammerstein and Lerner & Loewe – it also transformed the Musical Comedy. These shows too would now need to have well-structured plots, and three dimensional, captivating characters. Two unlikely “Silver Age” songwriters would pioneer this new development – Irving Berlin and Cole Porter.

In this episode I share the stories of how their success with Annie Get Your Gun and Kiss Me Kate inspired a new generation of writers, directors, choreographers, stars and producers including Jule Styne, Frank Loessor, Adler & Ross, Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon and Michael Kidd to bring the Musical Comedy to new heights! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1762 no Episode 15: Trude Rittman & The Women That Invented Broadway https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour You may not know the name, Trude Rittman, but you have certainly heard her music. During the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond) she composed music for 33 Broadway musicals including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot.  In this episode Albert Evans and I tell the story of one of the least known, but most significant, women that invented the musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Trude Rittman & The Women That Invented Broadway full 1 15 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode Albert Evans and I tell the story Trude Rittman who during the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond) composed music for 33 Broadway musicals including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot. You may not know the name, Trude Rittman, but you have certainly heard her music. During the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond) she composed music for 33 Broadway musicals including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot.  In this episode Albert Evans and I tell the story of one of the least known, but most significant, women that invented the musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You may not know the name, Trude Rittman, but you have certainly heard her music. During the "Golden Age of Broadway" (and beyond) she composed music for 33 Broadway musicals including Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fininan’s Rainbow, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, and Camelot.  In this episode Albert Evans and I tell the story of one of the least known, but most significant, women that invented the musical.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1752 no Episode 14: Lerner & Loewe and the "Golden Age of Broadway", Part 1 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour Over the last few episodes we explored how Oklahoma! and Carousel created a groundbreaking disruption that changed the Broadway Musical forever, and ushered in the “Golden Age of Broadway” -- which in my estimation began on the opening night of Carousel and extended through the 1960’s. However, not all of the credit for can be given to Hammerstein and Rodgers for inspiring this revolution. In this episode I will explore two other musicals that led to this Golden Age -- Lady In The Dark and On The Town. And I highlight the career of Lerner & Loewe, the first major team to follow in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s footsteps, and rival their achievements with their musicals Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, and Camelot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Lerner & Loewe and the "Golden Age of Broadway", Part 1 full 1 14 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode I explore two musicals that led to the "Golden Age of Broadway" -- Lady In The Dark and On The Town. And I highlight the career of Lerner & Loewe, the first major team to follow in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s footsteps, and rival their achievements with their musicals Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, and Camelot! Over the last few episodes we explored how Oklahoma! and Carousel created a groundbreaking disruption that changed the Broadway Musical forever, and ushered in the “Golden Age of Broadway” -- which in my estimation began on the opening night of Carousel and extended through the 1960’s. However, not all of the credit for can be given to Hammerstein and Rodgers for inspiring this revolution. In this episode I will explore two other musicals that led to this Golden Age -- Lady In The Dark and On The Town. And I highlight the career of Lerner & Loewe, the first major team to follow in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s footsteps, and rival their achievements with their musicals Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, and Camelot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the last few episodes we explored how Oklahoma! and Carousel created a groundbreaking disruption that changed the Broadway Musical forever, and ushered in the “Golden Age of Broadway” -- which in my estimation began on the opening night of Carousel and extended through the 1960’s. However, not all of the credit for can be given to Hammerstein and Rodgers for inspiring this revolution.

In this episode I will explore two other musicals that led to this Golden Age -- Lady In The Dark and On The Town. And I highlight the career of Lerner & Loewe, the first major team to follow in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s footsteps, and rival their achievements with their musicals Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, and Camelot!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1813 no Episode 13: How "The Bench Scene" Changed Broadway https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour Stephen Sondheim considers "The Bench Scene" in Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL to be “the singular most important moment in the evolution of contemporary musicals.”  In this episode the amazing Albert Evans takes us inside the music with a fascinating, in-depth look at this landmark musical sequence, and explains how and why it was such a crucial and important development in the invention of the Broadway Musical.  The Bench Scene's innovations would go on to inspire nearly every musical theater writer, from Golden Age right up to today, and its influence can clearly be seen in the shows such as West Side Story, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Ragtime, Les Miserable, Hadestown, and Hamilton -- to name only a few. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000 How "The Bench Scene" Changed Broadway full 1 13 Broadway Podcast Network Stephen Sondheim considers "The Bench Scene" in Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL to be “the singular most important moment in the evolution of contemporary musicals.” In this episode the amazing Albert Evans takes us inside the music with his fascinating, in-depth look at this landmark musical sequence. Stephen Sondheim considers "The Bench Scene" in Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL to be “the singular most important moment in the evolution of contemporary musicals.”  In this episode the amazing Albert Evans takes us inside the music with a fascinating, in-depth look at this landmark musical sequence, and explains how and why it was such a crucial and important development in the invention of the Broadway Musical.  The Bench Scene's innovations would go on to inspire nearly every musical theater writer, from Golden Age right up to today, and its influence can clearly be seen in the shows such as West Side Story, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Ragtime, Les Miserable, Hadestown, and Hamilton -- to name only a few. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Stephen Sondheim considers "The Bench Scene" in Rodgers & Hammerstein's CAROUSEL to be “the singular most important moment in the evolution of contemporary musicals.”  In this episode the amazing Albert Evans takes us inside the music with a fascinating, in-depth look at this landmark musical sequence, and explains how and why it was such a crucial and important development in the invention of the Broadway Musical.  The Bench Scene's innovations would go on to inspire nearly every musical theater writer, from Golden Age right up to today, and its influence can clearly be seen in the shows such as West Side Story, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Ragtime, Les Miserable, Hadestown, and Hamilton -- to name only a few.


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]]> 1731 no Episode 12: The Harbach, Hammerstein, Sondheim, Miranda Connection, Part 2 https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour In this episode Albert Evans and I continue our exploration of the amazing "legacy chain" during which the art and craft of writing Broadway Musicals was handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manwell Miranda. The shows of these four great artists encompass nearly the entire 125 year history of the Musical and demonstrate how the Musical evolved from "Silver Age" to "Golden Age" to the "Modern Era", and right up to HAMILTON today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0000 The Harbach, Hammerstein, Sondheim, Miranda Connection, Part 2 full 1 12 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode Albert Evans and I continue our exploration of the amazing "legacy chain" during which the art and craft of writing Broadway Musicals was handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manwell Miranda. The shows of these four great artists encompass almost the entire 125 year history of the Musical and demonstrate how the Musical evolved from "Silver Age" to "Golden Age" to the "Modern Era", and right up to HAMILTON today. In this episode Albert Evans and I continue our exploration of the amazing "legacy chain" during which the art and craft of writing Broadway Musicals was handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manwell Miranda. The shows of these four great artists encompass nearly the entire 125 year history of the Musical and demonstrate how the Musical evolved from "Silver Age" to "Golden Age" to the "Modern Era", and right up to HAMILTON today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode Albert Evans and I continue our exploration of the amazing "legacy chain" during which the art and craft of writing Broadway Musicals was handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manwell Miranda. The shows of these four great artists encompass nearly the entire 125 year history of the Musical and demonstrate how the Musical evolved from "Silver Age" to "Golden Age" to the "Modern Era", and right up to HAMILTON today.

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]]> 1929 no Episode 11: The Harbach, Hammerstein, Sondheim, Miranda Connection, Part 1. https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayNationPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour The art and a craft of creating Broadway Musicals has been passed down directly from one artist to the next, generation to generation, for more than 125 years. We can literally trace the first-hand connections between composers, lyricists, bookwriters, directors, producers and performers from the earliest days of the musical right up to those working on Broadway today. In this episode and the next Albert Evans and I explore one of the most significant examples of this kind of "legacy chain" -- the knowledge, understanding, and skills that were handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manwell Miranda. Listen to the story of how the Musical evolved from "Silver Age" to "Golden Age" and right up to HAMILTON today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0000 The Harbach, Hammerstein, Sondheim, Miranda Connection, Part 1. full 1 11 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode and the next Albert Evans and I explore the knowledge, understanding, and skills that were handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manwell Miranda. Listen to the story of how the Musical evolved from "Silver Age" to "Golden Age" and right up to HAMILTON today. The art and a craft of creating Broadway Musicals has been passed down directly from one artist to the next, generation to generation, for more than 125 years. We can literally trace the first-hand connections between composers, lyricists, bookwriters, directors, producers and performers from the earliest days of the musical right up to those working on Broadway today. In this episode and the next Albert Evans and I explore one of the most significant examples of this kind of "legacy chain" -- the knowledge, understanding, and skills that were handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manwell Miranda. Listen to the story of how the Musical evolved from "Silver Age" to "Golden Age" and right up to HAMILTON today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The art and a craft of creating Broadway Musicals has been passed down directly from one artist to the next, generation to generation, for more than 125 years. We can literally trace the first-hand connections between composers, lyricists, bookwriters, directors, producers and performers from the earliest days of the musical right up to those working on Broadway today.

In this episode and the next Albert Evans and I explore one of the most significant examples of this kind of "legacy chain" -- the knowledge, understanding, and skills that were handed down directly from Otto Harbach to Oscar Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manwell Miranda. Listen to the story of how the Musical evolved from "Silver Age" to "Golden Age" and right up to HAMILTON today.

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]]> 1573 no Ep 9: George Gershwin & "The Silver Age" of Broadway! Most historians have labeled the entire period from the 1920’s through the 1960’s, “The Golden Age of Broadway”, but I find it much more useful to call the era that spans from the end of WWI to the opening of Carousel in 1945, “The Silver Age of Broadway”. During this vibrant time more than 300 musical comedies, operettas, and revues opened on Broadway, and overwhelmingly they were the creation of a second wave of Jewish, Irish, African-American, and Queer men and women. In this episode I focus on the the 1920’s – “The Jazz Age” – and the contributions of George & Ira Gershwin; Rudolf Friml; Rodgers & Hart; Vincent Youmans & Irving Ceasar; DeSylva, Brown & Henderson and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0000 George Gershwin & "The Silver Age" of Broadway! full 1 9 Broadway Podcast Network This episode explores at the first half of what I call "The Silver Age Of Broadway" -- a period that spans from the end of WWI to the opening of CAROUSEL in 1945. "The Roaring '20s" brought The Jazz Age to Broadway via a new crop of brilliant young songwriters including George & Ira Gershwin; Rudolf Friml, Rodgers & Hart; Vincent Youmans & Irving Ceasar; DeSylva, Brown & Henderson and more! Most historians have labeled the entire period from the 1920’s through the 1960’s, “The Golden Age of Broadway”, but I find it much more useful to call the era that spans from the end of WWI to the opening of Carousel in 1945, “The Silver Age of Broadway”. During this vibrant time more than 300 musical comedies, operettas, and revues opened on Broadway, and overwhelmingly they were the creation of a second wave of Jewish, Irish, African-American, and Queer men and women. In this episode I focus on the the 1920’s – “The Jazz Age” – and the contributions of George & Ira Gershwin; Rudolf Friml; Rodgers & Hart; Vincent Youmans & Irving Ceasar; DeSylva, Brown & Henderson and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Most historians have labeled the entire period from the 1920’s through the 1960’s, “The Golden Age of Broadway”, but I find it much more useful to call the era that spans from the end of WWI to the opening of Carousel in 1945, “The Silver Age of Broadway”. During this vibrant time more than 300 musical comedies, operettas, and revues opened on Broadway, and overwhelmingly they were the creation of a second wave of Jewish, Irish, African-American, and Queer men and women. In this episode I focus on the the 1920’s – “The Jazz Age” – and the contributions of George & Ira Gershwin; Rudolf Friml; Rodgers & Hart; Vincent Youmans & Irving Ceasar; DeSylva, Brown & Henderson and more!

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]]> 1700 no Ep 8: Agnes DeMille & The Women That Invented Broadway https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/broadway-nation/ Women have played a much more significant role in the history of the Broadway Musical than they are generally given credit for. In this episode, I share the often overlooked stories of Broadway's groundbreaking female choreographers, including Aida Overton Walker, Gertrude Hoffman, Albertina Rauch, Hanya Holm, Onna White, and especially Agnes DeMille, who may be the most important woman in the history of the Musical. I also profile the women who direct and choreograph during the modern era, and the two queer women who basically invented the art and craft of Broadway lighting design: Jean Rosenthal & Tharon Musser. Special thanks to Alan Fitzpatrick for his vocal acting contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Agnes DeMille & The Women That Invented Broadway full 1 8 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode I share the often overlooked stories of Broadway's groundbreaking female choreographers including Aida Overton Walker, Gertrude Hoffman, Albertina Rauch, Hanya Holm,, Onna White, and especially Agnes DeMille who is arguably the most important woman in the history of the Musical. I also profile the two queer women that invented the art and craft of Broadway lighting design as we know it: Jean Rosenthal & Tharon Musser. Special thanks to Alan Fitzpatrick for his vocal acting contributions. Women have played a much more significant role in the history of the Broadway Musical than they are generally given credit for. In this episode, I share the often overlooked stories of Broadway's groundbreaking female choreographers, including Aida Overton Walker, Gertrude Hoffman, Albertina Rauch, Hanya Holm, Onna White, and especially Agnes DeMille, who may be the most important woman in the history of the Musical. I also profile the women who direct and choreograph during the modern era, and the two queer women who basically invented the art and craft of Broadway lighting design: Jean Rosenthal & Tharon Musser. Special thanks to Alan Fitzpatrick for his vocal acting contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Women have played a much more significant role in the history of the Broadway Musical than they are generally given credit for. In this episode, I share the often overlooked stories of Broadway's groundbreaking female choreographers, including Aida Overton Walker, Gertrude Hoffman, Albertina Rauch, Hanya Holm, Onna White, and especially Agnes DeMille, who may be the most important woman in the history of the Musical. I also profile the women who direct and choreograph during the modern era, and the two queer women who basically invented the art and craft of Broadway lighting design: Jean Rosenthal & Tharon Musser. Special thanks to Alan Fitzpatrick for his vocal acting contributions.

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]]> 1658 no Ep 7: Dorothy Fields & The Women Who Invented Broadway https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/broadway-nation/ Women have had a much more significant impact on the Broadway Musical than has generally been reported or acknowledged. In fact, talented, dynamic women have been a major force in the creation and development of the American musical theater from the very beginning and right up to today. In this episode my special guest Albert Evans and I will share the often overlooked stories of songwriters and bookwriters Rida Johnson Young, Dorothy Donnelly, Nora Bays, Ann Ronell, Kay Swift, Betty Comden, Bella Spewack, Mary Rodgers, Carolyn Leigh, and especially Dorothy Fields, whose amazing 50-year career stretched from the vaudeville era to the age of rock! Special thanks to Billie Wildrick for her voice acting contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 20 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Dorothy Fields & The Women That Invented Broadway full 1 7 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode my special guest Albert Evans and I will share the often overlooked stories of Broadway's female songwriters and bookwriters including Dorothy Donnelly, Betty Comden, Bella Spewack, Mary Rodgers, Carolyn Leigh, and Dorothy Fields - whose amazing 50-year career stretched from the vaudeville era to the age of rock! Women have had a much more significant impact on the Broadway Musical than has generally been reported or acknowledged. In fact, talented, dynamic women have been a major force in the creation and development of the American musical theater from the very beginning and right up to today. In this episode my special guest Albert Evans and I will share the often overlooked stories of songwriters and bookwriters Rida Johnson Young, Dorothy Donnelly, Nora Bays, Ann Ronell, Kay Swift, Betty Comden, Bella Spewack, Mary Rodgers, Carolyn Leigh, and especially Dorothy Fields, whose amazing 50-year career stretched from the vaudeville era to the age of rock! Special thanks to Billie Wildrick for her voice acting contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Women have had a much more significant impact on the Broadway Musical than has generally been reported or acknowledged. In fact, talented, dynamic women have been a major force in the creation and development of the American musical theater from the very beginning and right up to today.

In this episode my special guest Albert Evans and I will share the often overlooked stories of songwriters and bookwriters Rida Johnson Young, Dorothy Donnelly, Nora Bays, Ann Ronell, Kay Swift, Betty Comden, Bella Spewack, Mary Rodgers, Carolyn Leigh, and especially Dorothy Fields, whose amazing 50-year career stretched from the vaudeville era to the age of rock!

Special thanks to Billie Wildrick for her voice acting contributions.

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]]> 2182 no Ep 5: Cole Porter & The Queers Who Invented Broadway https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/broadway-nation/ From its earliest days, the Broadway Musical has to a very large degree, been a Queer creation. In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories of early queer producing and life partners Charles Frohman and Charles Dillingham; the first great gay director Hassard Short; drag superstars Julian Eltinge & Bert Savoy; the "Pansy Craze"; and the delightful, delicious and delovely Cole Porter! Special thanks to Billie Wildrick and David Sabella for their vocal contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 06 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Cole Porter & The Queers That Invented Broadway full 1 5 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories of early queer producing and life partners Charles Frohman and Charles Dillingham; the first great gay director Hassard Short, drag superstars Julian Eltinge & Bert Savoy, the "Pansy Craze", and the immortal Cole Porter! From its earliest days, the Broadway Musical has to a very large degree, been a Queer creation. In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories of early queer producing and life partners Charles Frohman and Charles Dillingham; the first great gay director Hassard Short; drag superstars Julian Eltinge & Bert Savoy; the "Pansy Craze"; and the delightful, delicious and delovely Cole Porter! Special thanks to Billie Wildrick and David Sabella for their vocal contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From its earliest days, the Broadway Musical has to a very large degree, been a Queer creation. In this episode David Armstrong shares the fascinating stories of early queer producing and life partners Charles Frohman and Charles Dillingham; the first great gay director Hassard Short; drag superstars Julian Eltinge & Bert Savoy; the "Pansy Craze"; and the delightful, delicious and delovely Cole Porter!

Special thanks to Billie Wildrick and David Sabella for their vocal contributions.

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]]> 2138 no Episode 2 - Irving Berlin & The Immigrants That Invented Broadway https://www.broadway-nation.com/ In this episode David Armstrong and special quest Albert Evans continue the amazing story of how Jewish, Irish and other immigrants invented the Broadway Musical -- including the immortal contributions of Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, McCarthy & Tierney, Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, and Florenz Ziegfeld. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 16 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Irving Berlin and the Immigrants Who Invented Broadway full 1 2 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode David Armstrong and special quest Albert Evans continue the amazing story of how Jewish, Irish and other immigrants invented the Broadway Musical -- including the immortal contributions of Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, McCarthy & Tierney, Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice,, and Florenz Ziegfeld. In this episode David Armstrong and special quest Albert Evans continue the amazing story of how Jewish, Irish and other immigrants invented the Broadway Musical -- including the immortal contributions of Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, McCarthy & Tierney, Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, and Florenz Ziegfeld. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode David Armstrong and special quest Albert Evans continue the amazing story of how Jewish, Irish and other immigrants invented the Broadway Musical -- including the immortal contributions of Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, McCarthy & Tierney, Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, and Florenz Ziegfeld.

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]]> 2010 no Episode 1 - George M. Cohan & The Immigrants That Invented Broadway https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/broadway-nation/ In this episode, host David Armstrong, along with special guest, Albert Evans, begin to tell the amazing story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African-Americans invented America's signature art form -- the Broadway Musical. The Broadway Musical was born around the turn of the last century and it emerged out of what we used to call “the melting pot” – that simmering confluence of cultures and races that were packed into the teeming tenement neighborhoods of New York City. To an enormous extent the Musical can be called an “Immigrant art form” – it certainly was originated almost entirely by men and women from outside of the mainstream of society.” What they created was something totally new. A popular, democratic kind of music-theater that -- like most great American inventions -- was inspired by both a strong desire to express oneself, and a strong necessity to put food on the table. The concept of “the melting pot” has lost favor with some historians, but it remains a very apt description of how various multi-cultural artistic traditions blended together to create the American musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Apr 2020 21:40:00 -0000 George M. Cohan & The Immigrants That Invented Broadway full 1 1 Broadway Podcast Network In this episode, host David Armstrong, along with special guest, Albert Evans, begin to tell the amazing story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African-Americans invented America's signature art form -- the Broadway Musical. In this episode, host David Armstrong, along with special guest, Albert Evans, begin to tell the amazing story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African-Americans invented America's signature art form -- the Broadway Musical. The Broadway Musical was born around the turn of the last century and it emerged out of what we used to call “the melting pot” – that simmering confluence of cultures and races that were packed into the teeming tenement neighborhoods of New York City. To an enormous extent the Musical can be called an “Immigrant art form” – it certainly was originated almost entirely by men and women from outside of the mainstream of society.” What they created was something totally new. A popular, democratic kind of music-theater that -- like most great American inventions -- was inspired by both a strong desire to express oneself, and a strong necessity to put food on the table. The concept of “the melting pot” has lost favor with some historians, but it remains a very apt description of how various multi-cultural artistic traditions blended together to create the American musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode, host David Armstrong, along with special guest, Albert Evans, begin to tell the amazing story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African-Americans invented America's signature art form -- the Broadway Musical.

The Broadway Musical was born around the turn of the last century and it emerged out of what we used to call “the melting pot” – that simmering confluence of cultures and races that were packed into the teeming tenement neighborhoods of New York City. To an enormous extent the Musical can be called an “Immigrant art form” – it certainly was originated almost entirely by men and women from outside of the mainstream of society.” What they created was something totally new. A popular, democratic kind of music-theater that -- like most great American inventions -- was inspired by both a strong desire to express oneself, and a strong necessity to put food on the table. The concept of “the melting pot” has lost favor with some historians, but it remains a very apt description of how various multi-cultural artistic traditions blended together to create the American musical.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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