Anything Goes

This is the first of a three-part program paying tribute to legendary Broadway director and producer Harold “Hal” Prince, known for among many other shows, WEST SIDE STORY, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and SWEENEY TODD. Celebrating Prince’s 55th birthday, this episode features music from his iconic shows, including WONDERFUL TOWN, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, EVITA, THE PAJAMA GAME, DAMN YANKEES, and NEW GIRL IN TOWN.  Featured songs: “CHRISTOPHER STREET,” “PRETTY LITTLE PICTURE,” “BUENOS AIRES,” “RACING WITH THE CLOCK,” “WHATEVER LOLA WANTS,” and “SUNSHINE GIRL.” Originally produced and broadcast in 1983. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conclusion of a three-part program paying tribute to the extraordinary Ethel Merman, known for starring in Broadway shows like CALL ME MADAM, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and GYPSY. This episode includes an archival interview with Stephen Sondheim and a rare recording of Merman rehearsing an early draft of “HAVE AN EGGROLL, MR GOLDSTONE.” It highlights music from such shows as HELLO, DOLLY, HAPPY HUNTING and several, rare, live performances.   Featured songs: “HAVE AN EGGROLL, MR GOLDSTONE,” “LITTLE LAMB,” “MR. GOLDSTONE, I LOVE YOU,” “ROSE’S TURN,” “WORLD, TAKE ME BACK,” “THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS,” “OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER,” “JUST A MOMENT AGO,” and “THAT’S THE KIND OF DAME I AM.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1984. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second of a three-part program paying tribute to the extraordinary Ethel Merman, known for starring in Broadway shows like CALL ME MADAM, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and GYPSY. This episode includes archival material with Merman discussing her collaborations with icons like Jimmy Durante and Irving Berlin. It highlights music from such shows as STARS IN YOUR EYES, DU BARRY WAS A LADY, PANAMA HATTIE, SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS, and HAPPY HUNTING.   Featured songs: “IT’S ALL YOURS,” “A LADY NEEDS A CHANGE,” “FRIENDSHIP,” “I’VE STILL GOT MY HEALTH,” “SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS,” “HEY, GOOD LOOKIN’,” “I GOT THE SUN IN THE MORNING,” “I GOT LOST IN HIS ARMS,” “I WONDER WHY,” “HAPPY HUNTING,” and “GEE, BUT IT’S GOOD TO BE HERE.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1984. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the first of a three-part program paying tribute to the extraordinary Ethel Merman, known for starring in Broadway shows like CALL ME MADAM, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and GYPSY. This episode includes archival material with Merman discussing her collaborations with musical theatre icons like The Gershwins, Cole Porter, and William Gaxton. It highlights music from such shows as GIRL CRAZY, TAKE A CHANCE, ANYTHING GOES, and RED HOT AND BLUE.  Featured songs: “Medley of songs performed by Ethel Merman,” “I GOT RHYTHM,” “LIFE IS JUST A BOWL OF CHERRIES,” “EADIE WAS A LADY,” “YOU’RE THE TOP,” “BLOW, GABRIEL, BLOW,” “RED HOT AND BLUE,” and “DOWN IN THE DEPTHS.”  Originally produced and broadcast in 1984. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conclusion of a three-part series featuring extraordinary composer Stanley Silverman, known for his cutting-edge music/theatre collaborations with director Richard Foreman. In this program, Silverman discusses working with Foreman and features music from their shows, DR. SELAVY’S MAGIC THEATRE and HOTEL FOR CRIMINALS. Additionally, there is a bonus song, featuring noted singer, Sting, from the album IN CELEBRATION: THE PIANO TRIOS OF STANLEY SILVERMAN. Featured songs: “DOESN’T IT BUG YOU?” “COME AND PLAY,” “DON’T GO NEAR MY DAUGHTER,” “OH IRMA,” “FEAR NO MORE THE HEAT O’ THE SUN,” and a reprise of “SWINGING AT THE STOCK EXCHANGE.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1980. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second of a three-part series featuring extraordinary composer Stanley Silverman, known for his cutting-edge music/theatre collaborations with director Richard Foreman. Silverman discusses his early career and creative process with Foreman. This program features music from such shows as ELEPHANT STEPS and DR. SELAVY’S MAGIC THEATRE.   Featured songs: “PHOTOGRAPH SONG,” “STOP SEEING REINHARDT,” “WATCH ME PUT MY RIGHT FOOT,” “WE SIT IN THE WINDOW,” “JINGLE,” “FIRST DAY’S TREATMENT,” “THE MORE YOU GET,” “MONEY IN THE BANK,” “IF YOU’RE PROPOSING” (SWINGING AT THE STOCK EXCHANGE), and “LIFE ON THE INSIDE.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1980. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first of a three-part series featuring extraordinary composer Stanley Silverman, known for his cutting-edge music/theatre collaborations with director Richard Foreman. Silverman discusses his early career and why he became a composer. This program features music from such shows as ELEPHANT STEPS, DR. SELAVY’S MAGIC THEATRE and BENT.   Featured songs: “YOU’RE ON THE RADIO,” “I LIVE BY MY WITS,” “POOR BOY,” “STREETS OF BERLIN,” and “ELEPHANTS.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1980. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest hosted by Jeff Lunden, this is the conclusion of a three-part program paying tribute to iconic lyricist Ira Gershwin known for his collaborations with his brother George, Jerome Kern and Harold Arlen, to name a few, and his numerous Broadway shows including FUNNY FACE, GIRL CRAZY, PORGY AND BESS and OF THEE I SING. This tribute includes an archival interview from 1969 with the lyricist discussing his successful career alongside his composer brother, George. Additionally, this episode includes rare recordings of Ira Gershwin singing his own songs and features music from DAMSEL IN DISTRESS, SHALL WE DANCE, OF THEE I SING, FUNNY FACE and THE GOLDWYN FOLLIES.   Featured archival acetate recordings: “HI-H0,” “WHO CARES?” “STIFF UPPER LIP,” “THE BABBIT AND THE BROMIDE,” plus bonus modern recordings of “I GOT RHYTHM,” and “LOVE IS HERE TO STAY.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1983. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest hosted by Jeff Lunden, this is the second of a three-part program paying tribute to iconic lyricist Ira Gershwin known for his collaborations with his brother George, Jerome Kern and Harold Arlen, to name a few, and his numerous Broadway shows including FUNNY FACE, GIRL CRAZY, PORGY AND BESS and OF THEE I SING. This episode features the second half of a tribute to Gershwin as star-studded guests share personal anecdotes and perform Ira’s songs including Tony Bennett, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Arthur Schwartz, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland (via a movie clip), Tommy Tune and Twiggy.          Featured songs: “THEY ALL LAUGHED,” “LADY BE GOOD,” “WHO CARES?” “EMBRACEABLE YOU,” “BUT NOT FOR ME,” “THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY,” “LETS CALL THE WHOLE THING OFF,” and “LOVE IS HERE TO STAY.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1983. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest hosted by Jeff Lunden, this is the first of a three-part program paying tribute to iconic lyricist Ira Gershwin known for his collaborations with his brother George, Jerome Kern and Harold Arlen, to name a few, and his numerous Broadway shows including FUNNY FACE, GIRL CRAZY, PORGY AND BESS and OF THEE I SING. This episode features a tribute to Gershwin as star-studded guests share personal anecdotes and perform his songs including Hal David, Margaret Whiting, Cab Calloway, Jonathan Sprague, Priscilla Baskerville, and Bruton Lane.   Featured songs: “MY SHIP,” “SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME,” “IT AIN’T NECESSARILY SO,” “BESS, YOU IS MY WOMAN NOW,” “OF THEE I SING,” and “PUT ME TO THE TEST.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1983. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conclusion of a three-part program featuring musical theater historian Alfred Simon discussing iconic composer Vincent Youmans, best known for writing the hit song “TEA FOR TWO.” On what would have been Youmans’ 83rd birthday, this tribute explores the composer’s prolific career and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his untimely death. The episode includes songs from TAKE A CHANCE and FLYING DOWN TO RIO. Additionally, there is a bonus tribute to composer George Gershwin and features music from OF THEE I SING, PORGY AND BESS, and LADY BE GOOD.   Featured songs: “I WANT TO BE WITH YOU,” “RISE AND SHINE,” “MUSIC MAKES ME,” “CARIOCA,” “FLYING DOWN TO RIO,” “HELLO, GOOD MORNING,” “PORGY AND BESS,” “FASCINATING RHYTHM” and “TEA FOR TWO.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1981. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second of a three-part program featuring musical theater historian Alfred Simon discussing iconic composer Vincent Youmans, best known for writing the hit song “TEA FOR TWO”. On what would have been Youmans’ 83rd birthday, this tribute explores the composer’s early work and features songs from HIT THE DECK, RAINBOW, GREAT DAY, SMILES, and THROUGH THE YEARS.   Featured songs: “HALLELUJAH,” “SOMETIMES I’M HAPPY,” “THE ONE GIRL,” “MORE THAN YOU KNOW,” “GREAT DAY,” “WITHOUT A SONG,” “IF I WERE YOU, LOVE,” “THROUGH THE YEARS,” and “DRUMS IN MY HEART.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1981. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first of a three-part program featuring musical theater historian Alfred Simon discussing iconic composer Vincent Youmans, best known for writing the hit song “TEA FOR TWO”. On what would have been Youmans’ 83rd birthday, this tribute explores the composer’s early life and prolific career. The episode features songs from WILDFLOWER, OH, PLEASE! and NO, NO, NANETTE. Additionally, a rare recording of Youmans himself at the piano.           Featured songs: “Medley from NO, NO NANETTE,” “WILDFLOWER,” “I WANT TO BE HAPPY,” “PEACH ON THE BEACH,” “A MOMENT AGO,” “LIKE HE LOVES ME,” and “I KNOW THAT YOU KNOW.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1981. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest hosted by Associate Producer Jeff Lunden, this is the conclusion of a two-part program featuring director/choreographer Martha Clarke and composer Richard Peaslee. Clarke is known as one of the founders of Pilobolus Dance Theater, and Peaslee for composing scores to such shows as Peter Brook’s MARAT/SADE and TELL ME LIES. Clarke and Peaslee discuss their collaboration on the dance/music/theatre piece THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS based on the Hieronymus Bosch painting.   Featured music: Instrumental selections from “THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS,” featuring musicians Eugene Friesen (cello), William Ruhl (percussion), and Steven Silverstein (18 reed instruments), recorded exclusively for this program.   Originally produced and broadcast in 1984. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest hosted by Associate Producer Jeff Lunden, this is the first of a two-part program featuring director/choreographer Martha Clarke and composer Richard Peaslee. Clarke is known as one of the founders of Pilobolus Dance Theater, and Peaslee for composing scores to such shows as Peter Brook’s MARAT/SADE and TELL ME LIES. Clarke and Peaslee discuss their collaboration on the dance/music/theatre piece THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS based on the Hieronymus Bosch painting. Part One also features early work by Peaslee.   Featured music: “Medley of songs from MARAT/SADE,” “THE CORDAY WALTZ,” “BRANCHES” and “LET’S HAVE A PARTY” from a Peaslee/ Jean Claude Van Italie collaboration entitled KING OF THE U.S., plus a song called “ALICE” featuring the words of Lewis Caroll. Instrumental selections from “THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS” featuring the musicians, Eugene Friesen, Bill Ruyle, and Steven Silverstein.   Originally produced and broadcast in 1984. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conclusion of a three-part program featuring legendary composer Richard Rodgers, known for OKLAHOMA!, BABES IN ARMS, PAL JOEY, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. On what was then the fifth anniversary of his passing, this tribute explores Rodgers entire career focusing on his most noteworthy collaborations with wordsmiths Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. The episode employs rarely heard songs and “off-the-beaten track” performances. Part Three features archival interviews with Rodgers, Sheldon Harnick, Liv Ullmann and George Hearn and a discussion about the origin of OKLAHOMA.   Featured songs: “LONELY ROOM,” “MY GIRL BACK HOME,” “IN MY OWN LITTLE CORNER,” “NO SONG MORE PLEASING,” “YOU COULD NOT LOVE ME MORE.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1984. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second of a three-part program featuring legendary composer Richard Rodgers, known for OKLAHOMA!, BABES IN ARMS, PAL JOEY, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. On what was then the fifth anniversary of his passing, this tribute explores Rodgers entire career focusing on his most noteworthy collaborations with wordsmiths Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. The episode employs rarely heard songs and “off-the-beaten track” performances. Part Two focuses on Rodgers’ work with lyricist, Lorenz Hart. In an archival interview with Arnold Michaelis, Rodgers discusses the inspiration for "My Heart Stood Still.”   Featured songs: “THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE,” “WHERE THE HUDSON RIVER FLOWS,” “MY HEART STOOD STILL,” “A TREE IN THE PARK,” “IT’S EASY TO REMEMBER,” “I’VE GOTTA GET BACK TO NEW YORK,” THE LADY IS A TRAMP,” and “WAY OUT WEST ON WEST END AVENUE.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1984. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first of a three-part program featuring legendary composer Richard Rodgers, known for OKLAHOMA!, BABES IN ARMS, PAL JOEY, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. On what was then the fifth anniversary of his passing, this tribute explores Rodgers entire career focusing on his most noteworthy collaborations with wordsmiths Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. The episode employs rarely-heard songs and off-the-beaten track performances. Part One covers both editions of THE GARRICK GAIETIES in the 20s. Additionally, three songs are featured from a then contemporary show, THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI by Mark St. Germain and Randy Courts.   Featured songs: “THE CAROUSEL WALTZ,” “MANHATTAN,” “WHAT’S THE USE OF TALKING,” “THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI,” “BUM LUCK,” “POCKETS.”    Originally produced and broadcast in 1984. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conclusion of a two-part program featuring talented composer-lyricist William Finn, known for his musicals FALSETTOS, A NEW BRAIN and SPELLING BEE. In this program, Finn discusses writing MARCH OF THE FALSETTOS and his collaboration with orchestrator Michael Starobin. Additionally, Finn performs a rare-to-find song cut from IN TROUSERS. Featured songs: “THE PASSION OF RHODA,” “THE CHESS GAME,” “MAKING A HOME,” “THE GAMES I PLAY,” “MARVIN HITS TRINA,” “I NEVER WANTED TO LOVE YOU,” and “FATHER TO SON.”  Originally produced and broadcast in 1981. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first of a two-part program featuring talented composer-lyricist William Finn, known for his musicals FALSETTOS, A NEW BRAIN and SPELLING BEE. In this program, Finn takes us through his early theatrical experiences as he discusses the unproduced show, JOCKS and his first produced show, IN TROUSERS.   Featured songs: “HEAVY OBJECTS,” “WHEN HE STARTS TO FALL,” “ARE YOU REALLY COMMITTED TO SAVING BUDDY?” “WE PLAY BALL,” “LADY FEELS NO SHAME,” “MY HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART,” “SET THOSE SAILS.”   Originally produced and broadcast in 1981. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/Anything Goes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices