A Musical Theatre Podcast

MAN OF LA MANCHA may be almost 60 years old, but get ready to hear it in a whole new light. New York's Broadway Bimbo Kiki Ball-Change joins us to discuss the "drag" of Don Quixote, and what the hope of "The Impossible Dream" can symbolize for each new generation, including the current queer one. This is a funny and profound conversation about a musical that can stand the test of time. Follow the amazing Kiki Ball-Change on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and be sure to visit her live whenever possible! Remember the best way to support the podcast is to rate it and leave us a nice review! For more great content you can follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We also have PATREON! where for only $1 a month you get exclusive bonus episodes. And if you want to wear your podcast love, visit our TeePublic Store, our profits of which go to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To quote listener Casey in her request for us to cover SHREK THE MUSICAL, "This show has absolutely no right being as good as it is." And she's right. Even with two Pulitzer Prize winning writers behind it, you might be shocked to find how deep the psychology of "the first musical with a fart song" actually goes. This week fellow podcaster Martín Acuña joins us from Bogotá, Colombia to discuss fairy tales, animation, and what happened when they all came to Broadway in the form of a big, green ogre. Listen to Martín's podcast Backstage Talk wherever you listen to podcasts and follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. The best way to support "A Musical Theatre Podcast" is by giving us a nice rating and review! Also be sure to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter for more great content. If you're thirsty for more, we've got bonus episodes each month on PATREON! for only $1 a month. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store. The profits we receive from purchases there are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Most of all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do a Jeffrey Scott Parsons, Caseen Gaines, and Audra McDonald all make it to adulthood without knowing SHUFFLE ALONG? This isn't the beginning of a comedic bit by Miller & Lyles; it's the beginning of a wonderful conversation about a game changing musical too few people know about. Author of the new book "When Broadway Was Black" Caseen Gaines joins us this week on a trip back to 1921 and a musical theatre landscape rich in history and, possibly, modern cultural prophecies. This episode is guaranteed to build new bridges between our musical theatre past and future. Order Caseen's book "When Broadway Was Black" at whenbroadwaywasblack.com and follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok (where he's killing it!) Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. If you want to be awesome, subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month and don't forget about our TeePublic Store, the profits of which go to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Most of all, thank you for being part of the wonderful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY is often defined as the first "concept musical" in theatre history, but this week we explore how universal this legendary musical is. Here to help us are Nikki Renee Daniels ("Jenny" from the recent Tony-winning Broadway revival, and the first Black woman to play "Bobbie"), and Teri Ralston ("Jenny" from the original Tony-winning Broadway production). While their experiences (and productions) may have been separated by 50 years, the intention to use this musical as a way to understand both relationships and what it takes to "be alive" remains unchanged. Find out more about Nikki Renee Daniels at her website nikkireneedaniels.com and enjoy the amazing vocals she shares on her Instagram, Twitter and TikTok accounts. Teri Ralston lives in Southern California and performs regularly. Be on the look out for any opportunity to catch her live! Be sure to share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends and family! Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Don't forget to subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month to support the show and receive bonus episodes. We also have our TeePublic Store filled with designs that support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. More than anything, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There would be no OKLAHOMA! without SHOW BOAT. Hard stop. So why does the former get the glory of marking the beginning of modern musical theatre? Today, historian and author Thomas S. Hischak joins us to discuss the singular splash of the 1927 epic musical SHOW BOAT, and how its creators set out to make a truly American musical. Whether or not you know all the lyrics to "Ol' Man River" by heart, you'll want to after listening to this episode. To learn more about Tom, including his award-winning books and plays, visit https://www.thomashischak.com/ Remember for this month only, you get a free year of PATREON! if you write us a nice review and send a photo of it to amusicalpodcast@gmail.com! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We also have our TeePublic Store with lots of fun designs, the profits of which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Most of all, thank you so much for being part of this podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever listened to "A Musical Theatre Podcast," you already know a little bit about THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK. Find out how by tuning into our first episode of 2023 featuring one of the original "West End Witches," Lucie Arnaz (Broadway's THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, PIPPIN). Lucie gives us a generous look inside the creation of this sexy, magic-filled show and shares how she found musical theatre while growing up with television legend parents, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. Packed with funny stories and fascinating insights, this is definitely an episode you've been "wishing" for. Follow Lucie and see her upcoming tour dates by visiting luciearnaz.com New for January 2023, leave us a nice review and get a free year of PATREON! full of bonus episodes. Simply post the review, take a screenshot, and email it to amusicalpodcast@gmail.com. Also be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Don't forget about our TeePublic Store, the profits of which are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Most of all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the name of "Merry Christmas" and the holiday season, welcome to Israel! In 1961, MILK AND HONEY premiered on Broadway and brought with it the first major musical theatre representation of Jewish life as well as an introduction to a little, off-Broadway composer named Jerry Herman. Musical theatre creator, educator, and podcast host David Armstrong joins us to discuss this lesser known show with a giant sized cultural footprint. Enjoy your holidays everyone, and thank you for a beautiful 2022. Shalom! Follow David and his podcast Broadway Nation on Instagram at @davidatbroadwaynation and listen to it on the Broadway Podcast Network. Be sure to share, review and subscribe to "A Musical Theatre Podcast!" You can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. For only $1 a month, you can subscribe to PATREON! to support the regular show and receive monthly bonus episodes. Don't forget about our TeePublic Store, the profits of which are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Most of all, thank you for being a part of this beautiful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE SECRET GARDEN is a timeless story with a lot of layers, just like our two guests who were gracious enough to discuss it with us this week. Tony-winning Daisy Eagan ("Mary Lennox," herself) and John Cameron Mitchell (do you think of him as "Hedwig" first, or Dickon?) enjoy a mini reunion in this episode that has a bit of everything, including "earth." Come to the garden, and stay for the "T!" Daisy's podcast Strange and Unexplained with Daisy Eagan is available wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also follow her on Instagram @daisyeagan or learn more about her career at daisyeagan.com Follow John on Instagram @johncameronmitchell to witness all the creativity, including the recent benefit of REM music for Planned Parenthood that he mentions in the episode. Be sure to share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We have PATREON! that brings you bonus content for only $1 a month. Don't forget about our TeePublic Store that benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While it may have flopped on Broadway, DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES was a winner in Europe and our recent poll on PATREON! So if you're thinking you're too sophisticated for this episode, get ready to realize all the fun you've been missing while you've been rolling your eyes. Talented performer and podcast host Jake Saenz (Fear the Talking Queers) joins us this week for an irreverent discussion on the joys of treasure in trash, learning from mistakes, and singing goth pop at the top of your lungs. Learn more about Jake's podcast by checking out their Instagram @fearthetalkingqueers. While you're at it, give Jake a follow at @hellajaked. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. For only $1 a month, you can subscribe to PATREON! to support the regular show and receive bonus content. We also have a TeePublic Store where all our proceeds will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. More than anything, thank you for being part of this podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS ran for only two months on Broadway at the end of 2010, but in that short time it managed to spark controversy that not only brought protestors outside the theatre, but 12 Tony nominations the following Spring. Luckily our special guest this week is able to provide us with some context. Original off-Broadway and Broadway cast member Josh Breckenridge (COME FROM AWAY, THE BOOK OF MORMON) joins us to jump into some very difficult conversations with one intention in mind: to help us understand "the boys." Follow Josh on Instagram @j.breckenridge.music and visit his website at j-breckenridge.com. He can currently be heard on the new BPN comedy ROLLING CALLS. Be sure to share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends by leaving us a nice review or following us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. You can also subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month and receive bonus content each month. Don't forget about our TeePublic Store that benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Most of all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No need for cute introductory copy here. This week we are simply honored that Tony Award winning composing team Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (RAGTIME, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, ANASTASIA) stopped by to discuss their beautiful musical A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE. Don't miss this fun and poignant conversation about the power of theatre, community, and Terrence McNally's Bloomingdale visits. Also, feel free to weigh in on whether you pronounce it "Salomay" or "Salohmee." ;) Classic Stage Company's current revival of A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE directed by John Doyle runs through December 18th. (Run! Don't walk!) Tickets and more information are available at classicstage.org Be sure to share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends and, while you're at it, leave us a nice review and rating! For more great content follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We also have a TeePublic store where we donate all our profits to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Don't forget about PATREON! where for only $1 you support the regular show and receive bonus content including an upcoming Halloween special! Most of all, thank you for being part of this podcasting community. Thank you, Ralph. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The only thing more challenging than securing a big hit on Broadway is figuring out how to follow it up with another big hit. For the team of the juggernaut musical HAIRSPRAY, that follow up was a musical adaptation of Stephen Spielberg's hit film CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. And while this story of America's famed juvenile conman may not have been the resounding success they'd hoped for, there is still plenty to sing about. This week we welcome original Broadway cast member Jay Armstrong Johnson (HAIR, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) to stroll down memory lane and explore the soul of Frank Abagnale Jr, the glory of an amazing female ensemble, and... maypoles?? Special thanks to our listeners for requesting this title! Follow Jay on Instagram @jay_a_johnson to learn about his latest projects and, just in time for Halloween, get your tickets to his annual I Put a Spell on You (benefitting BC/EFA) which will be live this year at Sony Hall! Be sure to share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends by following us on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok! For only $1 a month, you can subscribe to PATREON! to support the show and receive bonus episodes. And don't forget about our TeePublic store, the profits from which are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. As always, thank you for being part of this podcast community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Never has a child changed the world so much by asking for seconds. The musical OLIVER! is somewhat of an outlier in 1960s musical theatre that's as dark as it is joyful and filled to the brim with wonderful characters. Here to discuss it this week is another wonderful character: historical chef, author and YouTube sensation Max Miller! Max dives into his love of musicals as he and Jeff discuss Charles Dickens, gruel, and how one could sing the catchiest tunes amidst the most impoverished conditions. Watch new episodes of Tasting History with Max Miller every Tuesday on YouTube. Here's his episode on little Oliver's favorite dish: What is Gruel? You can also follow Max on Instagram @tastinghistorywithmaxmiller Also, be sure to share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends and family and leave us a nice review! You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. We also have PATREON! where for only $1 a month you get bonus content that we don't cover on the regular show. Check out our TeePublic Store where all of the profits we receive are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS. Most of all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How on earth do you name a brand new musical SOMETHING ROTTEN, open it cold on Broadway and somehow still have a hit? Short answer: magic. Long answer: listen to this week's episode with original Tony-nominated Nostradamus, Brad Oscar! Brad dusts off his soothsayer powers to tell us everything about this show that loves musicals as much as it "hates" Shakespeare. Follow Brad on Instagram @bradoscar64 and don't miss him this week at 54 Below in Charles Kirsch's Backstage Babble LIVE on September 6th! Be sure to rate, review and share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends! Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. You can subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 and receive exclusive content. We also have a TeePublic store where 100% of the profits we receive will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's a little something to help you through the end of your week! Jeff brings you a mini episode spotlighting the latest offering on PATREON! in which author Adam Abraham drops by to talk about the release of his new book exploring the Cultural History of the musical Little Shop of Horrors. "Attack of the Monster Musical" is a must read, and this conversation is a must listen. Listen to the full episode and all other exclusive offerings on PATREON! for only $1 a month by subscribing to patreon.com/amusicalpodcast Follow Adam on Instagram at @abraham.author to see the amazing photos and art work that didn't make it into the book. Order "Attack of the Monster Musical" at https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/attack-of-the-monster-musical-9781350179325/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, it didn't take 100 years, but today is finally the day BRIGADOON comes to life on the podcast! Here to discuss the magical beauty of this 1947 musical is a Tony nominee from the 1980 revival, actor and educator Meg Bussert (BRIGADOON, CAMELOT, DAMN YANKEES). Tune in to hear Meg's first hand accounts of working alongside true musical theatre legends (including Alan Jay Lerner and Agnes de Mille), and learn what a legend like this story can teach us about the time in which it was written. One thing's for certain, if the last time you listened to BRIGADOON was in high school, you're missing out. Catch Meg Bussert as part of the all star lineup at Charles Kirsch's Backstage Babble LIVE Learn more about her wonderful career at megbussert.com Share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends! We're on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month and receive bonus content as a thank you. Check out our TeePublic Store where the profits we receive will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Finally, don't forget how grateful we are to be in this podcasting community with YOU! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RAISIN was named the Best Musical of 1974. Have you seen it? Can you sing a song from it? Here to argue why our answers to both of these questions should be "yes" is director, puppeteer, historian, and archivist Jerrell L Henderson. Tune in to hear how this musical adaptation of A RAISIN IN THE SUN is filled with integrity, history, and legendary star power. It's the next best thing to experiencing it live! Take advantage of Jerrell's incredible work by following either his professional Instagram account @directnu15 or his vinyl record account @black_theatre_vinyl_archive Be sure to like and review "A Musical Theatre Podcast" and share it with your friends. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. We're also on TikTok and have a TeePublic Store where profits go to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Don't forget about PATREON! For only $1 a month, you support the show and receive bonus episodes. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcast community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It might be the oldest title we cover on "A Musical Theatre Podcast" thanks to some well written listener requests! THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE found incredible success on Broadway over a century after it premiered there in 1879. Here to discuss composing team Gilbert & Sullivan and how PIRATES and their other iconic works changed everything is teacher and performer Gina Morgano. Join Jeff and Gina for this copyright free episode, and "boy oh boy" do they hope you break into song. Learn more about Gina by visiting her website www.ginamorgano.com and follow her on Instagram @ginamorgano Be sure to rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. You can subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month to receive bonus content as a special thank you. Visit our TeePublic store, and any profits we receive will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a rough month, so we're taking a Christmas in July vacation this week to discuss one of the very few holiday musicals to be nominated for Best Musical at the Tony Awards: A CHRISTMAS STORY. Joining us for a conversation about this wild and nostalgic look at the Christmas season is a guest who was with this show from version 1.0 to Broadway to the Live TV special and everything in between. It's Grammy-nominated musical director, Ian Eisendrath! Together Jeff and Ian talk presents, winter chaos, and the joy of making kids' dreams come true. Here's hoping we all take a moment this week to make some cookies with someone we love. Follow Ian on Instagram at @ianeisendrathmusic and check out his website at www.ianeisendrath.com Be sure to share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends! You can follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for more great content. For only $1 a month, you can subscribe to PATREON! and not only support the show but receive bonus episodes. We have a TeePublic Store with many designs, and the profits we receive from them will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Thank you so much for being part of our podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Pride month, and we're celebrating with the drag mother of musicals: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. Joining us to explore this traditional yet groundbreaking milestone is original Broadway cast member David Engel (FOREVER PLAID, SEUSSICAL, PUTTING IT TOGETHER). Please enjoy all the charming first hand accounts you could ever wish for plus a crash course in French and a beautiful reminder that 1983 was both the best of times and not. Guaranteed you'll be ready to "face life with a little guts and lots of glitter." David can currently be seen in THE CHER SHOW at the Ogunquit Playhouse www.ogunquitplayhouse.org Be sure to rate, review and share "A Musical Theatre Podcast" with your friends! Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. You can subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month to support the show and receive bonus content. Don't forget to check out our new designs in our TeePublic Store. As always, thank you for being part of this beautiful podcasting family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices