The Drama Book Show!
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Welcome to The Drama Book Show! This podcast is your gateway to the world of theater. Join hosts David Rigano and Mark-Eugene Garcia, both seasoned playwrights and close friends, as they engage in dynamic interviews with a diverse array of guests spanning from Broadway to Off-Broadway and beyond. Recording before a live audience at the Drama Book Shop, each week features a theater expert delving into realms both on and off the stage.
Follow @dramabookshowpodcast on instagram, check Eventbrite for events, and join our lively audience at the book shop, where drama unfolds!
Music by Paul Rigano
69 Episodes
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In this episode, composer, lyricist, and performer Seth Bisen-Hersh discusses The Making of a Musical: The 12-Year Journey of Love Quirks. He shares an insider’s look at the writing and producing process behind his award-winning off-Broadway musical, including detailed chapter analyses of every song and behind-the-scenes stories. Bisen-Hersh’s witty, comedic voice shines throughout, offering inspiration for Broadway hopefuls, underdog artists, and fans of perseverance.
The conversation is moderated by Ashley Wool, who made her Broadway debut originating the role of Jessica in How to Dance in Ohio and has collaborated with Seth for years, bringing her insight and perspective on musical theatre performance to the discussion.
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In this episode, actor and author Lewis J. Stadlen joins theater historian Laurence Maslon to discuss Stadlen’s new book Save Me a Seat! On the Road with Hello, Dolly!. Offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of a touring company, Stadlen shares candid stories of joy, frustration, and camaraderie from the 2018 national tour of Hello, Dolly!—spotlighting not only the actors but also the unseen crews who make the magic happen. With humor and honesty, Stadlen captures the triumphs and trials of life on the road, making this a theater book like no other.
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In this episode, we dive into The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged, a fast-paced, 80-minute romp through all of Austen’s beloved heroines, friends, and incisive social satire. Three nimble actors bring Austen’s masterpieces to life with humor, heart, and wit, making it a delight for both Janeites and newcomers.
The conversation features the play’s creative team: Jessica Bedford, Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast, and Meghan Winch, exploring the journey of adapting Austen’s works for the stage and the playful, inventive choices behind this celebrated production.
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In this episode, we’re joined by Salisha Thomas, in conversation with TyNia René Brandon, to talk about Salisha's book, Why Be a 9 When You Can Be a 10. Part memoir, part motivational guide, the book shares Salisha’s journey from self-doubt to Broadway stardom, offering tools to help readers step into their full potential. With humor, honesty, and empowering stories, she shows how to conquer rejection, silence inner criticism, and live a life that shines at a “10.”
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Award-winning Broadway director Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages, bare, Dear Dumb Diary) joins us to discuss her debut book, God, Sex, and Musical Theatre: Meditations for Unlocking the Powerful Self. Through poetry, musings, and autobiographical reflections, Kristin explores faith, desire, creativity, and self-expression, showing how spirituality, sexuality, and artistry intersect in the life of a creative soul.
This episode dives into the playful, passionate, and profound insights of Hanggi’s writing, offering listeners inspiration to embrace self-love, joy, and the freedom to fully express their unique selves.
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Join us for a lively conversation with actor and writer Maddie Corman and creativity coach and author Naomi Vladeck, moderated by Tony-nominated director and author Kristin Hanggi. Together, they’ll explore themes from Vladeck’s book Braving Creativity: Artists Who Turn the Scary Thrilling Messy Path of Change into Courageous Transformation, which shares the powerful stories of women artists—including her own—who faced fear and uncertainty at pivotal life moments and emerged transformed. Blending Corman’s theatrical perspective, Vladeck’s coaching insights, and Hanggi’s creative vision, this event offers inspiration, humor, and practical wisdom for anyone looking to embrace change and create boldly.
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Stan Zimmerman, the creative force behind The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls, joins us to discuss his new memoir, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. From a gawky Jewish boy in Detroit dreaming of Hollywood to a celebrated writer, producer, director, and playwright, Stan shares stories of his friendships with remarkable women, journal entries from his early career, and behind-the-scenes tales of some of television’s most iconic female ensembles.
The conversation is moderated by Tony Award-winning actress Marissa Jaret Winokur (Hairspray, What We Do in the Shadows), who brings her insight from Broadway, television, and film to explore Stan’s career, his creative process, and the enduring impact of the women who shaped his journey.
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In this episode, playwright Miranda Rose Hall joins Robert Duffley and Geoff Kanick of LubDub Theatre Co to discuss To Tell a Story About the Earth—a playful, inventive piece that’s part traditional play and part MadLib-style guide to creating original theatre about the natural world. Blending artistry, collaboration, and climate awareness, the conversation dives into how this ensemble-driven work invites communities to devise their own stories in celebration of Earth Day and beyond.
Learn more about their work and explore a devising guide at www.lubdubtheatre.com.
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In this episode, Javier Muñoz—star of Hamilton and In the Heights—sits down with author Daniel Pollack-Pelzner to explore Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist, the definitive look at how a creative kid from Washington Heights became one of the most influential storytellers of our time. Drawing from over 150 interviews, Pollack-Pelzner traces Miranda’s journey from high school musicals to global hits like Hamilton, Moana, and Encanto, uncovering the drive, collaboration, and cultural fusion that shaped his artistry. It’s an inspiring, behind-the-scenes portrait of genius, heart, and the making of a modern Broadway legend.
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In this episode, David Rigano sits down with Chris Adams, author of Out for Blood: A Cultural History of Carrie the Musical, for a deep dive into one of Broadway’s most notorious flops turned cult sensation. Joined by Tony and Olivier Award winner Jak Malone (Operation Mincemeat), composer Joe Iconis (Be More Chill), and some unforgettable audience cameos, the conversation explores the chaotic origins of Carrie, its spectacular crash, and the passionate fandom that brought it back to life. Stick around for a surprise finale you won’t want to miss!
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More than fifty years after Jesus Christ Superstar first shocked, thrilled, and redefined what a musical could be, we revisit the rock opera’s journey with journalist and playwright Ellis Nassour. Author of the definitive book on the making of Superstar, Nassour takes us behind the scenes of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s early collaborations, the risky leap from record to stage, and the controversies that followed. From avant-garde Broadway choices to the landmark film adaptation, he shares untold stories, rare photos, and insider interviews that bring this revolutionary work to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about how a “concept album” became a worldwide phenomenon, this episode is a deep dive into a piece of theater history that continues to resonate.
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In this episode, we explore three essential books on the craft of playwriting: Letters to a Young Playwright by Adam Szymkowicz, Playwriting with Purpose and Writing Adaptations and Translations for the Stage by Jacqueline Goldfinger. The discussion covers practical advice for early-career and emerging playwrights, from developing characters and writing dialogue to adapting works for stage performance, all enriched with insider tips and real-world insights from award-winning dramatists.
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In this episode, we explore Tommy Jamerson’s dynamic plays Amityville ‘74, The House on Haunted Hill, and The Jungle Book. Amityville ‘74 delves into the chilling events at the infamous Dutch Colonial where Ronald “Butch” Defeo committed a horrific family murder. The House on Haunted Hill brings Vincent Price’s classic to life with a twisted, humorous story of greed, ghosts, and betrayal. The Jungle Book reimagines Kipling’s timeless tale, following Mowgli’s adventures through the jungle with heart, action, and a fresh perspective.
The discussion is moderated by Mark-Eugene Garcia, highlighting Jamerson’s remarkable global reach, his diverse works for children and adults, and his signature blend of suspense, comedy, and theatrical innovation.
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Step into the world of audio drama with Barry M. Putt, Jr., renowned dramatist, screenwriter, and author of Stories Told Through Sound. This episode explores the essentials of crafting engaging audio dramas, including creating compelling characters, developing exciting plot twists, and building scripts that resonate with audiences.
Drawing on his prolific career—over fifty audio dramas for companies like Colonial Radio Theatre on the Air and Radio Theater Project—Barry shares practical strategies and hands-on guidance for developing a fully realized audio-drama script. Writers, storytellers, and audio enthusiasts alike will find inspiration and actionable insights to bring their stories to life in the ever-expanding world of audio drama.
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Think you know Broadway inside and out? In this episode, we sit down with theater historian, author, and Broadway commentator Peter Filichia to test your stage smarts. His latest book challenges even the most seasoned fans with brainteasers spanning decades of musicals—from Cats to Dear Evan Hansen. We’ll explore how he crafted these puzzles, swap a few tricky questions, and talk about what makes Broadway trivia so endlessly fun. With eight books, countless articles, and years of award committee experience under his belt, Filichia brings a lifetime of theater knowledge to the mic. Are you a Broadway genius? Tune in and find out!
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In this episode, playwright and memoirist Alvin Eng joins Shoshana Greenberg of the Thornton Wilder Society to discuss his book Our Laundry, Our Town. Eng reflects on growing up as the son of Chinese immigrants in 1970s Flushing, Queens—balancing life inside his parents’ hand laundry with the turbulent, inspiring world outside. His memoir traces the journey from punk rock and downtown theater to discovering the Chinese influence on Thornton Wilder’s Our Town––a result of Wilder spending part of his childhood in China.
This discovery of this influence, ultimately, helped Eng to reconnect with his ancestral and artistic roots in China. Together, Eng and Greenberg explore themes of identity, culture, and storytelling, while considering Wilder’s lasting legacy in American theater.
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In this episode, we explore Blood Type: RAGU, written and performed by Frank Ingrasciotta. This hilarious and heartfelt solo play follows Frank’s journey as the son of Sicilian immigrants in Brooklyn, blending food, family, and forgiveness in a story that’s equal parts comedy and drama. Having wowed audiences Off-Broadway and beyond with over 1,200 performances worldwide, Blood Type: RAGU showcases Frank’s tour-de-force portrayal of more than 20 unforgettable characters.
Frank joins us to share his journey from Off-Broadway to international acclaim, reflecting on culture, identity, and the joy of bringing family stories to life onstage.
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Mark-Eugene and Dylan dive into auditions, on-camera work, stage fright, and Dylan’s college journey. Later, David speaks with Ellen Novack about her book Taming the Cyclops, a guide to mastering on-camera auditions. With decades of experience as a casting director and teacher at Yale, Juilliard, and beyond, Ellen shares invaluable insights that have shaped the careers of actors like Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, and Brian Tyree Henry.
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Mark-Eugene and Dylan share stories from their performing journeys before David sits down with voice teacher Gabriel Weiner to discuss his book How to Sing Without Thinking. A celebrated singer, actor, and teacher, Weiner offers a fresh approach to singing—one rooted in trust, emotion, and rediscovering the voice we’re all born with. His philosophy: if you can laugh, cry, or speak, you can sing.
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Mark-Eugene and Dylan kick things off with an update on their latest playwriting adventures. Then, Paul Wontorek (Broadway World) sits down with six-time Tony nominee Chad Beguelin to discuss his debut novel Showmance—a funny and heartfelt story about a failed Broadway writer, a community theater revival, and the unexpected romance that blooms in his small hometown.
Beguelin, known for The Prom, Aladdin, and The Wedding Singer, draws from his own life as a queer theater kid turned Broadway vet. Showmance is a witty, warm, and redemptive tale about second chances, small-town surprises, and the messy truth about our pasts.
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