A Musical Theatre Podcast

We have a theme this month! Both of the musicals we're covering this April are powerful examples of "pastiche" in musical theatre. The way the composers of these shows reference styles and works of the past bring depth and context to their stories and characters. First up, the 2004 musical DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, a show as raucous as it is sophisticated! Here to describe it as, "one of the greatest times of her life," is one of the musical's original stars, Sara Gettelfinger (SEUSSICAL, NINE, and currently WATER FOR ELEPHANTS). Sara joins us from backstage at the Imperial Theatre (where she originated the role of oil money heiress, Jolene Oakes) to share her memories of cast bonding and the joys of "not giving a f**k" in comedy. You can currently see Sara at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. Buy tickets by visiting https://waterforelephantsthemusical.com You can also jump on Instagram to see more about the show @w4emusical and Sara herself @saragettelfinger. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out our episode on David Yazbek's Tony-winning musical, THE BAND VISIT. Broadway Podcast Network - THE BAND'S VISIT with Marc Ginsburg Want to support "A Musical Theatre Podcast?" Send a nice rating and review in our direction! You can also join PATREON! for only $1 a month to receive a bonus episode each month. Don't forget about our Instagram, X, and TikTok accounts where we regularly post more great content. And we still have our TeePublic Store, the profits from which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS. As always, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

STEEL PIER didn't win any of its eleven Tony nominations back in 1997, but it was the winner of our PATREON! poll earlier this year. That's why this week we're dedicating a full episode to this golden-aged, millennial musical. Joining us is STEEL PIER's all-time biggest fan, Colden Lamb. No matter what you might think of this show, it might be time to give it a "second chance." If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out Tony-winner Karen Ziemba in our CONTACT episode: Broadway Podcast Network - CONTACT with Karen Ziemba Colden's website coldenlamb.com is full of great content including his analysis, STEEL PIER at 25. You can also follow him on Instagram @coldenlamb Be sure to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X. Join us on PATREON! for only $1 a month to receive bonus episodes and participate in voting like the one that created this episode! Don't forget to visit our TeePublic Store where all our profits are 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

In 1949, KISS ME KATE won the first ever Best Musical Tony Award. Now it's 2024... and we still love it! Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita (Broadway's MATILDA, DAMES AT SEA) joins us to celebrate women and Cole Porter (in that order) as we dive headfirst into this silly and often deeply romantic show. Bonus points to those who can recite "We Open in Venice" correctly. Follow Lesli on Instagram and Twitter/X. Her wisdom knows no bounds. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out our Anything Goes episode featuring Broadway Barbara for even more laughs. Broadway Podcast Network - ANYTHING GOES with Barbara Dixon Don't forget to Rate, Review, and Subscribe to support "A Musical Theatre Podcast." For more great content, you can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X. For only $1 a month, subscribe to PATREON! and receive a bonus episode each month. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store where you can use our designs to make great products, all while supporting 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

NINE surprised Broadway in 1982 when it opened last minute and proved to be a formidable foe to the other big hit of the season, DREAMGIRLS. It was also a musical that couldn't seem to escape drama, whether onstage at the hands of lead character Guido Contini or off. Here this week to discuss the highs and lows of this stylish and somewhat avant-garde musical is original Broadway cast member Kim Criswell (THE FIRST, BABY, THE THREEPENNY OPERA). From last minute costume shopping at a Times Square lingerie shop to wearing Tony-winning couture gowns, Kim spills the T on one of the most memorable musical seasons in Broadway history, and the unforgettable people who made it so. Learn more about Kim, including her many recordings and upcoming performances by visiting kimcriswell.net. If you enjoyed this episode, try our past episodes on Michael Bennett's A CHORUS LINE and Tommy Tune's THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. Remember the best way to support the show is to rate, review, and share with your friends! You can also subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month and receive bonus episodes, including a brand-new DIVAS episode dedicated to Tommy Tune. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X for more great content. And take a look at our TeePublic Store, the profits from which we donate to 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

Happy Groundhog Day! We're celebrating with a special Friday release about, you guessed it, the musical GROUNDHOG DAY. It's a show you've either enjoyed seeing in the West End, on Broadway, in Melbourne, or you missed it. Well, if you think not seeing it means you're getting an early spring this year, you're wrong! Six more weeks of winter for you. Original West End cast member Ste Clough joins us to discuss the blood, sweat, and tears that went into bringing this surprisingly moving story to the stage. And be sure to listen through to the end of the episode where we have a special visit from listener Michael Lindner, currently appearing alongside original star Andy Karl in the new Australian production! Follow Ste on Instagram to see his new projects and beautiful family. If you're in Australia between now and April 2024, visit Michael and the new production of GROUNDHOG DAY by purchasing tickets at groundhogdaymusical.com.au If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to listen to our MATILDA episode with Broadway cast member Cassie Silva (SIX, ROCK OF AGES) at Broadway Podcast Network - MATILDA with Cassie Silva Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X for more great content. Interested in PATREON! and bonus episodes each month? Subscribe for only $1 or write a nice review of the show in February and send it to us at amusicalpodcast@gmail.com to receive a free one-year subscription! Finally, don't forget about our TeePublic Store. Our profits from the designs are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS each year. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're ushering in Black History Month with an episode dedicated to FINIAN'S RAINBOW, a 1947 musical with a pitch perfect score ("Old Devil Moon," anyone?), zany satirical book, and surprisingly groundbreaking history. Broadway cast alum from the 2009 revival Joe Aaron Reid (CHICAGO, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, IF/THEN) joins us for a magically delicious conversation you won't want to miss. Follow Joe on Instagram and Threads to catch his latest projects and see his cute kids. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out our HEATHERS episode that includes a great discussion on musical satire and our SHUFFLE ALONG episode celebrating one of the most important musicals in black theatre history. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X for more great content. As a PATREON! subscriber this month, you can take another trip with us to "The Flop Shop" for only $1 and vote for what musical we'll cover on the regular feed in March! Don't forget about our TeePublic Store where we give our profits 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

It's a tale as old as "dressing like merchandise from Bed Bath & Beyond." This week we're looking at the blockbuster musical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a show that changed Broadway (to steal a line from another musical megahit with a strong female protagonist) "for good." Original cast member Kim Huber (SUNSET BOULEVARD, MARIE CHRISTINE) joins us to provide context, insight, and hilarious anecdotes to a show that rightfully deserves all three. Tune in and feel "human again." Looking to send Kim a message? You can always find her on Facebook. If you liked this episode, you'll definitely enjoy our episode on THE LITTLE MERMAID featuring original cast member Chelsea Morgan Stock. The best way to support "A Musical Theatre Podcast" is to give us a nice rating and review! For more great content, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X. Bonus episodes are released every month on PATREON! for only $1. You can also go shopping at our TeePublic Store, the profits from which we donate to 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

It's our last episode of 2023, just in time for Christmas, just like the new film version of the stage musical THE COLOR PURPLE. It's a piece that has only deepened in our cultural psyche since it premiered on Broadway in 2005, but for those who experienced "the purple effect" from the beginning, this has always been a monumental work. Actress, teacher, and motivational speaker Angela Robinson (PLAY ON!, WONDERFUL TOWN, "The Haves and Have Nots") was one of those artists. Enjoy as she brings the healing of this incredible story to all of our hearts. What a gift! Follow Angela on all of her socials to see more inspirational and creative content: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Looking to give "A Musical Theatre Podcast" something for the holidays? Consider leaving us a nice review and rating wherever you listen. You can also subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 to receive a bonus "mystery episode" this month. Don't forget us on Instagram, TikTok, and X. We also have our TeePublic Store, our profits of which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. More than anything, know how grateful we are to have you in this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And now for this year's, "Musical You Didn't Know is Actually a Christmas Musical..." THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD. This 1985 crowd pleaser is maybe the first (if not only) Broadway musical who's ending depended completely on the audience (and we're not just talking about the length of the curtain call). Put on your detective caps and join author and podcaster Eila Mell (Designing Broadway, The Tony Awards) as we discuss the history of the show, comb through the evidence of the plot, and vote for who we think "did it." Follow Eila on Instagram @eilamell and visit Amazon to buy Designing Broadway and preorder The Tony Awards. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X. For only $1 a month, you can subscribe to PATREON! (where you'll receive a holiday gift next week!). And don't forget about our TeePublic Store for the holidays. The profits we receive are donated to 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

If two's company and three's a crowd, then what's four? A party? Well then that's what we've got this week, and the party's theme is the musical NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812. Kyle, Jeremy, and Dana from the musical mockumentary series "Act of Faith" join us to prove just how much they love this unique, electropop opera from 2016. And whether you're already in with or late to Tolstoy (cue Jeff), you'll feel right at home. Who's bringing the pierogies? Give some love to "Act of Faith" by watching their show and following them on socials. Visit actoffaithshow.com to find out how! Remember the best way to support our show is to give us a nice rating and review! Don't forget to check out more great content on our Instagram, TikTok, and X accounts. Subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month to receive bonus episodes including great conversations that didn't make it into this week's episode. We also have new designs in our TeePublic Store, the profits from which we donate to 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

Coming in at a healthy 1 hour and 40 minutes, this match, I mean episode, on DEAR EVAN HANSEN explores it all. In one corner, a podcast host fighting for empathy. In another, a podcast host fighting for justice. Who will win?! We couldn't have asked for a better guest this week than talented performer and host of The Roundtable on the Broadway Podcast Network, Robert Bannon. Robert brings humor, heart, and curiosity to this conversation (and musical) filled with subjects that otherwise might feel scary or unapproachable. Pop in the ear buds and enjoy. All you'll see is sky. Follow Robert on his... socials: Instagram and TikTok. For links to his latest album "Rewind," visit his website robertbannon.com. Don't forget to give us a wave through your window on Instagram, X, and TikTok. We also have PATREON! where for only $1 a month you can receive bonus episodes. And find brand new designs on our TeePublic Store, the profits of which we receive are donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time to celebrate (and modulate) this year's spooky season with an episode on the gothic pop musical sensation JEKYLL & HYDE. Not only is this listener request's road to Broadway an epic journey, so is our guest's relationship to it. Rebecca Spencer originated the role of Lisa (Emma) Carew in the world premiere of JEKYLL & HYDE in 1990 only then to find herself coming full circle with the show on Broadway in 1997. Becky grew up both literally and figuratively with this musical and possesses one of the most infectious laughs in the business, so this week you're in store for much more treat than trick! Explore Becky's extensive photo gallery, listen to her albums, and so much more by visiting her website www.rebeccaspencer.com And check out the promo for her upcoming November concert celebrating the lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Remember the best way to support "A Musical Theatre Podcast" is by giving us a nice review and rating wherever you're listening! Be sure to check us out on Instagram, TikTok, and X for more great Becky stories we couldn't fit into our regular episode. You can also subscribe to PATREON! where for only $1 a month you'll receive bonus episodes made exclusively for you. Don't forget about our TeePublic Store where profits we receive will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Most of all, thank you for being part of this beautiful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PIPPIN. It's a musical with a lot to discuss which is probably why so many of you have requested it! This week, we welcome two wonderful guests with "magic to do" that will help make it happen. Podcaster and author Chris Adams (Out for Blood) joins us from the UK to talk about the hills & valleys and eagles & rivers that went into making a musical as fascinating as it is entertaining. Then, Tony-winner John Rubinstein (Children of a Lesser God, Ragtime, and the original "Pippin" himself) brings context (and first hand accounts) to the original production, including what it was like to be in a rehearsal room with Bob Fosse. Spoiler alert: he never yelled. Order Chris' new book Out for Blood: A Cultural History of Carrie the Musical. Follow the podcast on Instagram at @outforbloodpodcast or listen to it from the beginning on Broadway Podcast Network. See John in his latest play Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, playing Off-Broadway in New York during the month of October. Visit eisenhowertheplay.com for more information. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X for more great content. If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do so is by giving us a nice rating and review wherever you listen! You can also subscribe to PATREON! where for only $1 a month you'll receive bonus episodes made exclusively for you. Don't forget about our TeePublic Store where profits we receive will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. More than anything, know how grateful we are you're part of this podcasting community and remember you can "pull a Catherine" whenever you like! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A great musical will often grow and change as its audience does, and as the people of Maui continue the long road of processing the recent devastation left by deadly wildfires, we realized it was time to relook at the musical COME FROM AWAY. In this newly edited reissue from 2020, Jeff not only speaks with original Broadway cast member Geno Carr about the magic of creating COME FROM AWAY, he also welcomes actress, director, and born & raised Maui girl Hōkū Pavao for an updated conversation exploring the similarities between the selfless responses on the islands of Newfoundland and Maui. Hear first hand about the spirit of Aloha and how it has ruled this recent Maui tragedy with a whisper. For a deeper look into the complexities of Hawai'i and its relationship to the western musical theatre art form, make sure you're subscribed to PATREON! to receive our latest bonus episode also featuring Hōkū. Looking for ways to help the island of Maui? Here is the list of vetted Go Fund Me and Venmo accounts of Lahaina survivors: Help Maui Rise Kāko'o Maui Fund- from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, this fund supports local organizations doing everything from providing legal advice to securing internet for the west side of Maui. Hawai'i Community Foundation- the Maui Strong Fund works in close collaboration with state and county leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community members. A Few Local Businesses Jeff loves that could use your support- Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, Ululani's Shave Ice, Leoda's Pie Shop We'll definitely be posting more throughout the week, so don't forget to follow "A Musical Theatre Podcast" on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Mahalo for being part of this wonderful podcasting 'ohana! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IMPORTANT: In the wake of the Maui fires this past month, thank you for your patience as Jeff prioritized his schedule. We hope you enjoy this new episode of "A Musical Theatre Podcast." In the year 1966, many iconic characters arrived on Broadway, among them: Mame Dennis, Don Quixote, and the focus of today's episode, Charity Hope Valentine. Her musical SWEET CHARITY allowed both Bob Fosse to continue his journey as a daring theatre artist as well as countless women to shine in the title role. One of them joins us this week. Dylis Croman (Broadway's CHICAGO, DANCIN', FOSSE) is a true triple threat who learned the Fosse style at the hand of the great Ann Reinking. Tune in as Dylis shares thoughts on her time with the 2000s revival of SWEET CHARITY and tells one of the greatest stories we've ever heard on the podcast. Follow Dylis on Instagram at @dycro33 and look for her as Roxie Hart in CHICAGO this Labor Day Weekend at the Ambassador Theater on Broadway. Want to support "A Musical Theatre Podcast?" Give us a nice rating and review wherever you might be listening! You can also follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more great content. For only $1 a month, you can subscribe to PATREON! to receive bonus episodes (and a new theme song). Don't forget about our TeePublic Store where the profits our designs bring us go to 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

In 2017, the original cast album of BE MORE CHILL was one of the most streamed cast recordings of the year, and it had yet to premiere on Broadway. In fact, it hadn't been performed since its world premiere in New Jersey two years earlier! The epic story of how this modern Faustian musical became a fan favorite is one for the ages, and this week, we have its composer to tell us the tale. Tony-nominated for writing the music and lyrics of BE MORE CHILL, Joe Iconis joins us to review his hit musical that teaches how to make peace with the "voices in our head." Don't miss Joe's new musical THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL playing this summer at LaJolla Playhouse. For tickets, visit https://lajollaplayhouse.org/show/hunter-s-thompson-musical/ You can also follow Joe on Instagram and TikTok to learn about his latest shows and performances. Remember the best way to help "A Musical Theatre Podcast" is to leave a nice review and rating wherever you might be listening. For more content, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. You can also subscribe to PATREON! for bonus episodes made exclusively for you! Be sure to submit your designs for our TeePublic Store! We'll be picking a new design this summer, and all profits we receive from orders will be donated to 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

Chances are if you're alive in 2023, you've been to Urinetown... the place not the musical. That's because despite being a hit back in 2001, the near apocalyptic state that URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL hilariously captures is somehow more relatable than ever: greedy corporate CEO's, environmental disasters, progressives with grand platitudes... sound familiar? This week professor, director, and choreographer Kikau Alvaro is our guest to explore this brilliantly unique piece of musical theatre that inspires us to create art (no matter how weird it may seem) and laugh our way into having tough conversations. Follow Kikau on Instagram and Twitter where you'll find info on his podcast "Carefully Taught." You can also see what he's up to at University of the Arts by visiting https://www.uarts.edu/kikau-alvaro Want to support "A Musical Theatre Podcast?" Be sure to leave us a nice rating and review! You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for more great content. For only $1 a month you can receive bonus episodes on PATREON! And don't forget about our TeePublic Store where the profits we receive are donated to Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PASSION has maybe the most complex approach to exploring love in all of Musical Theatre, so of course the legends Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine were behind it. Here this week to discuss these collaborators and their evocative "passion project" is Ben Rimalower, whose latest project is a podcast spotlighting another of their collaborations, INTO THE WOODS. Warning: this episode requires you to access "the feels," so let that unibrow go and pop in those earbuds, cuz we're going full Fosca! Check out Ben on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and listen to his podcast "Giants in the Sky: How Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods" on the Broadway Podcast Network. Remember the best way to support "A Musical Theatre Podcast" is to give a nice rating or review wherever you listen! You can also subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month (we have a brand new episode for subscribers next week!), and don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for more great content. We also have our TeePublic Store, the profits of which are 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

CARNIVAL! is a 1961 musical that is simultaneously beautiful, hopeful, sad, and a great exercise for us in 2023. Set those literal minds on standby as Tony-winner Debbie Gravitte (JEROME ROBBINS' BROADWAY, ZORBA, CHICAGO) joins us to remember this special piece from our musical theatre history and the 2002 Encores! production in which she starred with Brian Stokes Mitchell and, fresh off "The Princess Diaries," future Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway. Apologies in advance if you can't get "Love Makes the World Go Round" out of your head. Learn more about Debbie and her production company by visiting debbiegravitte.com Thank you so much for tuning in! Be sure to leave us a nice review and rating wherever you're listening! You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for more great content. For only $1 a month, subscribe to PATREON! to receive bonus episodes including our recent Tony Awards specials. Finally, don't forget about our TeePublic Store where the profits we receive are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. We're so happy you're part of this great podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A brand new episode mid week?? What is happening? Short answer: The Tony Awards. This Sunday we celebrate the most recent Broadway season by honoring the best of the best, and it just so happens our guest this week is one of the nominees! Taylor J. Williams has helped create more Broadway musicals than most of us have seen in person, and he also happens to be a life long "Renthead." Who better, then, to discuss the journey of being a musical theatre artist as told through the singular voice of Jonathan Larson? Buckle up, "come to your senses," and enjoy this conversation that covers everything from Subway sandwiches to Lin Manuel Miranda's grammar obsession. Remember to send some good thoughts to Taylor this week, especially concerning "Best Sound Design of a Play!" You can find out more about him at taylorjwilliams.com. You can also find him on Instagram @taylorjwmusic. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for more great content. We also have bonus episodes waiting for you at PATREON! for only $1 a month. Don't forget about our TeePublic Store, the profits from which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. And if you want to be one of Jeff's favorite listeners, leave us a nice rating and review wherever you're listening. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices