Backstage Pass

This episode features a discussion with Jeff Calhoun and Jonathan Brielle about the new musical: A Complicated Woman. John Kenley was a theatre impresario who brought Hollywood stars like Gene Kelly and Ann Miller to Ohio’s summer stock stages. But when summer ended, he wintered in Florida where John disappeared… and Jean came to life. A Complicated Woman is a new musical that features a Golden Age score and a gender-diverse cast. Join us for the intriguing story of a theatre legend who had to navigate the joy, pain and pitfalls of leading a double life. A Complicated Woman is playing May 10 - June 12, 2024 at Goodspeed Musicals. This episode features the songs ‘The Man Who Runs The Show’, performed by Nora Bridgett Monahan and ‘Nina Mae’ performed by L Morgan Lee. Connect with Jeff Calhoun: Instagram: @thejeffcalhoun Connect with Jonathan Brielle: Instagram: @jonathanbrielle Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we continue our discussion with Jennifer Lucy Cook, T.J. Pieffer, and Shelby Solla about their new musical SALEM. Salem  Outlandish conspiracy theories; misinformation spreading like wildfire; and an infamously controversial trial in the early 90’s. Yep, this is 17th century New England.  SALEM is a dark musical comedy that follows two Puritan teenagers, Abby and Betty, as they plant accusations of witchcraft in an attempt to con their way out of the oppressive theocratic swamp town of Salem, Massachusetts. After pushing the limits of townie gossip, they find themselves centered in a web of witchy conspiracies more intricate than they ever could’ve imagined. With pamphleteers presented as 1690’s cable news anchors, deliciously danceable pop musical numbers, and an apparition of the Devil forged from the imagination of a teenage girl, this is not your high school English teacher’s take on "The Crucible.” This episode features the songs ‘An Idle Brain Invites the Devil In’, performed by Jennifer Lucy Cook and ‘Witch Hunter General’ performed by Peter White and Jennifer Lucy Cook. The musical tracks were co-produced by Jennifer Lucy Cook and Peter White. Connect with Jennifer Lucy Cook: Instagram: @jenlucycook Connect with T.J. Pieffer: Instagram: @tjpieffer Connect with Shelby Solla: Instagram: @shelbysolla Connect with Salem: Website: https://www.salemmusical.com/ Instagram: @salemthemusical Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features a discussion with Jennifer Lucy Cook, T.J. Pieffer, and Shelby Solla about their new musical Salem. Salem  Outlandish conspiracy theories; misinformation spreading like wildfire; and an infamously controversial trial in the early 90’s. Yep, this is 17th century New England.  SALEM is a dark musical comedy that follows two Puritan teenagers, Abby and Betty, as they plant accusations of witchcraft in an attempt to con their way out of the oppressive theocratic swamp town of Salem, Massachusetts. After pushing the limits of townie gossip, they find themselves centered in a web of witchy conspiracies more intricate than they ever could’ve imagined. With pamphleteers presented as 1690’s cable news anchors, deliciously danceable pop musical numbers, and an apparition of the Devil forged from the imagination of a teenaged girl, this is not your high school English teacher’s take on "The Crucible.” This episode features the song ‘Cursed’, performed by Jennifer Lucy Cook and Kay Sebal. Connect with Jennifer Lucy Cook: Instagram: @jenlucycook Connect with T.J. Pieffer: Instagram: @tjpieffer Connect with Shelby Solla: Instagram: @shelbysolla Connect with Salem: Website: https://www.salemmusical.com/ Instagram: @salemthemusical Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we continue our discussion with Justin Huertas about his musicals Lizard Boy and Lydia and the Troll. Lizard Boy If the world were against you, would you still save it? Trevor feels like a monster. Scaly and green-skinned, he rarely braves the city outside his apartment. When a powerful voice calls to him in a dream, he impulsively finds a date on Grindr, and begins an adventure, beyond his wildest apocalyptic nightmares. Sparks fly in this queer indie rock action romance and pulses with fierce conflict, and fiercer harmonies on its heart pounding journey of self-discovery. Lydia and the Troll Lydia is struggling to find her voice. As a Black woman on the brink of breaking through the music industry, her dreams of being a record producer feel just out of her reach. But when a mysterious stranger offers her a chance to level up, Lydia embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery to take back what is hers. Connect with Justin: Instagram: @Justinhuertas Connect with Lizard Boy: Website: https://www.lizardmusical.com/ Instagram: @lizardmusical Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features a discussion with Justin Huertas about his musicals Lizard Boy and Lydia and the Troll. Lizard Boy If the world were against you, would you still save it? Trevor feels like a monster. Scaly and green-skinned, he rarely braves the city outside his apartment. When a powerful voice calls to him in a dream, he impulsively finds a date on Grindr, and begins an adventure, beyond his wildest apocalyptic nightmares. Sparks fly in this queer indie rock action romance and pulses with fierce conflict, and fiercer harmonies on its heart pounding journey of self-discovery. Lydia and the Troll Lydia is struggling to find her voice. As a Black woman on the brink of breaking through the music industry, her dreams of being a record producer feel just out of her reach. But when a mysterious stranger offers her a chance to level up, Lydia embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery to take back what is hers. This episode features the song ‘Survive’ from Lydia and the Troll, with music and lyrics by Justin Huertas, and music production by Steven Tran. Connect with Justin: Instagram: @Justinhuertas Connect with Lizard Boy: Website: https://www.lizardmusical.com/ Instagram: @lizardmusical Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special BONUS episode of Backstage Pass features a discussion with Jenn Colella, L Morgan Lee, S.C. Lucier, Megan Rose, Héctor Flores, and Jessie MacBeth about Xena: Warrior Musical. On their way to the Amazon village to celebrate the naming ceremony of a promising new Junior Regent, Xena and Gabrielle learn of a Roman Warlord's plot to steal an invaluable and very powerful item from the tribe. With Joxer's help, Xena uncovers the details of the scheme, but not before our villain Kako attacks the Amazons and kidnaps leader-in-training, Myrina. With Ephiny injured and Myrina missing, Gabrielle has no choice but to promise her presence remains in the village, leading Xena down a path of traveling alone. Aphrodite and Ares manage to narrate the tale despite engaging in their signature battle of wits. Will the Amazons prevail in the face of an endless and devastating greed? Will their new leader, Myrina, live to restore strength to the Amazon Nation? Will Xena and Gabrielle ever express their feelings for one another or will they go their separate ways? This action-packed show is an exciting new way to experience the timeless characters of the Xenaverse. New Songs. New Story. Same hero. This episode features the songs ‘If We Were’ performed by Jessie MacBeth and Grace Hamashima, ‘Above It All’ performed by L Morgan Lee, and 'Asking Too Much' performed by Jenn Colella. Connect with Xena: Warrior Musical Website: https://www.xenawarriormusical.com/ Instagram: @xenawarriormusical Connect with Jenn Colella: Instagram: @jenncolella Connect with L Morgan Lee: Instagram: @lmorganlee Connect with S.C. Lucier: Instagram: @luci_lawless Connect with Meghan Rose: Instagram: @meghanrose.biteme Connect with Jessie MacBeth Instagram: @jesslouisemac Connect with Héctor Flores Instagram: @hectorfloresjr35 Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we continue our conversation with Rob Berliner, Harrison Bryan, and Aaron Kenny about their new musical A Hanukkah Carol, or GELT TRIP! The Musical. Narcissistic millennial influencer Chava Kanipshin (known to her followers as ”Queen Vava”) is obsessed with her social media empire… so much so that she has no time or energy for the real world, for actual friendships, or—least of all—for Hanukkah with her family. That is, until she is transported on an unforgettable trip that compels her to rethink everything… a trip led by Spirits of the Past, Present, and Future. Think you know this story? Think again! Irreverent playwright Harrison Bryan teams with composer Aaron Kenny and lyricist Rob Berliner to subvert—and convert—Dickens's holiday classic. This episode features the song ‘A Light in the Dark’ performed by Ben Fankhauser, Zachary Noah Piser, Benjamin Velez, Nate Richardson, and Daniel Mertzlufft. It also features the song ‘The Girl I Used to Know’ performed by Fernanda Douglas, Katie Luke, and Paul Libman. Connect with A Hanukkah Carol, or GELT TRIP! The Musical: Website: https://www.ahanukkahcarol.com/ Instagram: @ahanukkahcarol Connect with Rob Berliner: Instagram: @nutritiousjunkfood Connect with Harrison Bryan: Instagram: @hahaharrisonbryan Connect with Aaron Kenny Instagram: @akenny Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features a discussion with Rob Berliner, Harrison Bryan, and Aaron Kenny about their new musical A Hanukkah Carol or GELT TRIP! The Musical. Narcissistic millennial influencer Chava Kanipshin (known to her followers as ”Queen Vava”) is obsessed with her social media empire… so much so that she has no time or energy for the real world, for actual friendships, or—least of all—for Hanukkah with her family. That is, until she is transported on an unforgettable trip that compels her to rethink everything… a trip led by Spirits of the Past, Present, and Future. Think you know this story? Think again! Irreverent playwright Harrison Bryan teams with composer Aaron Kenny and lyricist Rob Berliner to subvert—and convert—Dickens's holiday classic. Connect with Rob Berliner: Instagram: @nutritiousjunkfood Connect with Harrison Bryan: Instagram: @hahaharrisonbryan Connect with Aaron Kenny: Instagram: @akenny Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second part of our interview with Nico Juber, we continue our discussion about her new pieces Millennials Are Killing Musicals and Winner.  We also play a game where we decide which musical theatre characters would thrive on social media. Millennials Are Killing Musicals (by Nico Juber) Meet Brenda: a single Millennial mom who wants to do better “adulting” like the seemingly perfect Jake’s Mom at her daughter’s school. Brenda is finally ready for love and creativity in her life when her younger #influencer sister Katrina shows up at her house, eight months pregnant, totally unprepared for motherhood.  The three women must shed the Greek chorus of social media filters on their lives to achieve their dreams. Winner (by Nico Juber and Joe Barros) It's 1999 and today is election day for the Y2K senior class of Riverside High School. Autumn has prepared her whole life for this election, and her chances of landing a college scholarship depend on her winning. But, when Autumn’s best friend (with benefits) Stevie gets added as a last-minute candidate running against her, tensions rise between the girls.  When Stevie unexpectedly wins the election, Autumn hacks into the new electronic system to discover that the election was rigged. Winner is an original story that asks the question: If everyone's losing, who wins?  Connect with Nico Juber: Instagram: @stuffnicolikes Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features a discussion with Nico Juber about her new musicals Millennials are Killing Musicals and Winner. Millennials are Killing Musicals (by Nico Juber) Meet Brenda: a single Millennial mom who wants to do better “adulting” like the seemingly perfect Jake’s Mom at her daughter’s school. Brenda is finally ready for love and creativity in her life when her younger #influencer sister Katrina shows up at her house, eight months pregnant, totally unprepared for motherhood. The three women must shed the Greek chorus of social media filters on their lives to achieve their dreams. Winner (by Nico Juber and Joe Barros) It's 1999 and today is election day for the Y2K senior class of Riverside High School. Autumn has prepared her whole life for this election, and her chances of landing a college scholarship depend on her winning. But, when Autumn’s best friend (with benefits) Stevie gets added as a last-minute candidate running against her, tensions rise between the girls. When Stevie unexpectedly wins the election, Autumn hacks into the new electronic system to discover that the election was rigged. Winner is an original story that asks the question: If everyone's losing, who wins?  This episode features the song ‘Eye on the Prize’ from Winner, performed by Jenna Pastuszek, Music/Lyrics by Nico Juber & Joe Barros, with Arrangements/Orchestrations by Bálint Varga. Connect with Nico Juber: Instagram: @stuffnicolikes Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second episode of Backstage Pass, we continue our conversation with Tony Award Winner Greg Kotis (Urinetown, Yeast Nation) about his new musical The End of All Flesh. We also play a game we designed just for Greg, Survival: The Musical. THE END OF ALL FLESH (by Greg Kotis) The End of All Flesh is a rollicking post-apocalyptic fable unfolding on a remote mountain top sometime in America's distant future. Having made it through the End Times, Ma and Pa fight to keep themselves and their son, Boy, alive, by hunting, gathering, and maintaining a healthy distrust of strangers. But Boy's near grown now, and his new friend Girl is putting some mighty funny ideas in his head about familial hierarchies and the Patriarchy. Expect plenty of picking (and some grim grinning) in a concert reading of a new dark comedy that explores environmental collapse, gender norms, generation gaps, survivalist practices, and the creative potential of a pandemic beard...in song! Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org  Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Backstage Pass! We’re premiering our podcast with a double release that features our conversation with Tony Award Winner Greg Kotis (Urinetown, Yeast Nation) about his new musical The End of All Flesh. Check out Episode 2 for the second part of our conversation. THE END OF ALL FLESH (by Greg Kotis) The End of All Flesh is a rollicking post-apocalyptic fable unfolding on a remote mountain top sometime in America's distant future. Having made it through the End Times, Ma and Pa fight to keep themselves and their son, Boy, alive, by hunting, gathering, and maintaining a healthy distrust of strangers. But Boy's near grown now, and his new friend Girl is putting some mighty funny ideas in his head about familial hierarchies and the Patriarchy. Expect plenty of picking (and some grim grinning) in a concert reading of a new dark comedy that explores environmental collapse, gender norms, generation gaps, survivalist practices, and the creative potential of a pandemic beard...in song! Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: newyorktheatrebarn.givingfuel.com/nytb-yea2024 Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features discussions about Zack Zadek and Peter Duchan’s Love, Rosie and Peter Hodgson and Kathleen Wrinn’s The Bridge. LOVE, ROSIE (by Peter Duchan & Zack Zadek) - Rosie and Alex meet at eighteen. They’re from different worlds, a gulf of misunderstanding between them, but they share a passion for music—and for each other. Two interconnected lives are tracked over the course of 30 years, asking the question: what is a love story? THE BRIDGE (by Peter Hodgson and Kathleen Wrinn) - The Bridge is an epic new musical based on the love story that built the Brooklyn Bridge. When Emily Roebling’s husband falls mysteriously ill and is unable to continue as Chief Engineer, Emily must do the impossible: secretly take her husband’s place as Chief, in an era half a century before women were allowed to vote. With a genre-defying score as vibrant as New York City itself, The Bridge explores the forces that unite and divide us. It is a story of mistakes and forgiveness. Of great sacrifice and even greater hope. Of finding a way forward, across the uncrossable. Together. Featuring performances from Zack Zadek, Peter Hodgson, and Kathleen Wrinn. Co-produced and edited by Hector Flores Jr. and Pauls Macs Connect with Zack Zadek: Instagram and Twitter: @zackzadek Connect with Peter Hodgson: Instagram: @phodgson11 Connect with Kathleen Wrinn:  Instagram and Twitter: @inittowrinnit  Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: nytheatrebarn.org/give Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org Joe’s personal Instagram: @bisforbarros Jen’s personal Instagram: @jensandler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features discussions about Kira Stone’s Salem and Truth Bachman and Zhailon Levingston’s Shapeshifters. SALEM (by Kira Stone) - In Salem, Susannah, Bridget, Miriam, Martha, Rebecca, & Mary are held hostage in a modern day courtroom for their collective trial by judge and jury. We marvel at the mass hysteria, we deliberate, and we ultimately are a part of deciding the fate of these six women. Follow the twists, switchbacks, and real-life discoveries that are made as we speculate: Why did this happen? How did this happen? And, heaven forbid, could it happen again now? Kira was joined by her director Sarna Lapine. SHAPESHIFTERS: A QUEER COMIC BOOK MUSICAL (by Truth Bachman and Direction & Development by Zhailon Levingston) - High school bully and comic book genius, Mel, discovers a hidden plane of existence called Queer Time, simply by drawing scenarios with pen and paper. In Queer Time, Mel joins the ranks of an underground network of Queer and Trans superheroes called The Shapeshifters. As Mel and the Shapeshifters sprint toward uncertain futures, this tribe of queer heroes must rely on community to persist, resist, and survive their living nightmares. Featuring performances from Truth Bachman, Basit Shittu, Antonio Cipriano (Jagged Little Pill) and Kira Stone Co-produced and edited by Hector Flores Jr. and Pauls Macs Connect with Kira Stone: Instagram: @kirabethstone Connect with Truth Bachman: Instagram: @truthbachman Twitter: @BachmanTruth Connect with Zhailon Levingston:  Instagram and Twitter: @zhailon Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: nytheatrebarn.org/give Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org Joe’s personal Instagram: @bisforbarros Jen’s personal Instagram: @jensandler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features discussions about AriDy Nox’s and Brandon Webster’s Metropolis and Mêlisa Annis and Jamie Floyd’s The King’s Wife. METROPOLIS (by AriDy Nox and Brandon Webster) - Metropolis is an epic tale that follows the Harmonizer-android-unit turned space-time-continuum anarchist Fari as she is wrenched across space and time. With the Apocalypse hot on her heels in the past and the future, Fari keeps finding herself at the center of world-defining moments. But will she be able to withstand the upheaval? Or will she crack under the pressure? THE KING’S WIFE (by Mêlisa Annis and Jamie Floyd) - The King’s Wife is a new musical that uniquely re-tells the relationship between Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, the first two wives of King Henry VIII of England. While historical accounts paint these women as bitter enemies, The King’s Wife (using historic clues) flips the script to tell their tale differently. It’s an untraditional period piece with a dark, progressive vibe, and a moving, hopeful story about female friendship and the detriment to the world when great women aren’t allowed to rise. Mêlisa and Jamie were joined by their producers Jennifer Kranz and Abigail Solomon.  Featuring performances from Cory Barrow, Jamie Floyd, Taylor Harris, Tyler McKenzie, Max Morter, Caleb Spainhour, Marthaluz Velez and HK Wall Co-produced and edited by Hector Flores Jr. and Pauls Macs Connect with AriDy Nox: Instagram and Twitter: @aridynox Connect with Brandon Webster: Instagram: @brandomitable  Connect with Mêlisa Annis:  Instagram and Twitter: @melisaannis Connect with Jamie Floyd: Instagram: @jamiefloyd Twitter: @jamiefloydmusic Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: nytheatrebarn.org/give Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org Joe’s personal Instagram: @bisforbarros Jen’s personal Instagram: @jensandler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features discussions about Nevada Lozano’s Ramona and Douglas Waterbury-Tieman’s Johnny & The Devil’s Box. RAMONA (by Nevada Lozano) - Based on the classic novel by Helen Hunt Jackson, Ramona tells the story of an orphan girl growing up on a Mexican hacienda in Southern California in the 1850s. She falls in love with a Native American ranchero, and together they journey across the new U.S. state in search of a place to call home. With a blend of American, Native American and Mexican musical styles, Ramona is an epic love story set during one of the most violent, tumultuous times in American history. JOHNNY & THE DEVIL'S BOX (by Douglas Waterbury-Tieman) - Johnny & The Devil’s Box tells the story of Johnny Baker, a young man who believes he’s the best fiddler that ever was, and aims to prove it. However, another fiddler who haunts the hills of North Georgia disagrees, the Devil himself. Now, Johnny must contend with the threat of the law, the hypocrisy of the church, young love and tempting fame as he navigates the balance between responsibility and pride. Johnny & The Devil’s Box proclaims the immense power of music to heal broken communities and relationships when we put aside our pride and join hands in jubilant song and dance. Douglas was joined by his collaborator Annabelle Fox, music supervisor Scott Wasserman, and dramaturg Annika Chapin. Johnny & The Devil’s Box: The Concept Album is available now. Featuring performances from Annabelle Fox, Amanda Robles (BSC’s Into The Woods), Shereen Pimentel (West Side Story) and Douglas Waterbury-Tieman (The Robber Bridegroom, SeaWife) Co-produced and edited by Hector Flores Jr. and Pauls Macs Connect with Nevada Lozano: Instagram: @nevadalozano Connect with Douglas Waterbury-Tieman: Instagram: @jdwtieman Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: nytheatrebarn.org/give Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org Joe’s personal Instagram: @bisforbarros Jen’s personal Instagram: @jensandler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features discussions about Nico Juber’s Millennials Are Killing Musicals and Justin Mortelliti and Shannon Hunt’s The Ladies Man. MILLENNIALS ARE KILLING MUSICALS (by Nico Juber) - Millennials Are Killing Musicals is an entirely original, irreverently funny, and heartfelt musical about the Millennial existential crisis, motherhood, and stereotypes that define a generation. Meet Brenda: a quirky, stressed-out, single mom who hates her job, longs to be a writer, and can’t help but compare herself to the seemingly perfect “Jake’s Mom” at school. Brenda is finally ready for love and creativity in her life when her #influencer sister Katrina shows up eight months pregnant, completely unprepared for motherhood. Torn between two men, juggling an opinionated mother and an increasingly unstable Katrina, Brenda must learn how to break her self-destructive patterns and live filter-free so she can achieve her dreams. Nico was also joined by her director Ryan O’Connor and her music director Ted Arthur. THE LADIES MAN (by Justin Mortelliti and Shannon Hunt) - The Ladies Man centers around Julian, an Italian-American boy from New Jersey who deals with the struggles of coming out and coming-of-age while escaping the shaming guilt of a Roman Catholic family and religion; searching for love, faith, God and himself while healing the wounds of childhood that continue to run deep. With the help of his colorful, hilarious and fiercely loyal friends plus an arsenal of New Jersey attitude, Julian navigates his way into adulthood, learning to face and accept the truth of himself at all costs.  Featuring performances from Amber Ardolino, (Moulin Rouge!, Hamilton), Andrew Chappelle (Hamilton), Casey Garvin (Mrs. Doubtfire, Miss Saigon), Asmeret Ghebremichael (The Book of Mormon, Dream Girls), Talya Groves (Mean Girls), Diana Huey (The Little Mermaid), Justin Mortelliti, Ryann Redmond (Frozen, If/Then), Jared Reinfeldt (HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant), Justin Showell (Hamilton), Brett Thiele (Escape To Margaritaville, Clueless) and Aidan Wharton. Co-produced and edited by Hector Flores Jr. and Pauls Macs Connect with Nico Juber: Instagram: @stuffnicolikes  Twitter: @nicolj Connect with Justin Mortelliti Instagram and Twitter: @justmort Connect with Shannon Hunt: Instagram: @shannonhuntmusic Twitter: @shannonhmusic Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: nytheatrebarn.org/give Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org Joe’s personal Instagram: @bisforbarros Jen’s personal Instagram: @jensandler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features discussions about Christine Toy Johnson and Jason Ma’s Broken Ground and Bobby Daye and Monica L. Patton’s Love & Southern D!scomfort. BROKEN GROUND (by Christine Toy Johnson & Jason Ma) - Taking place in 1912 on the cusp of a new era for China, Broken Ground tells the story of 18-year old Xuě Lán, as she sets out on the path created for her by tradition and her family to marry a young soldier. Still grieving the recent loss of her mother and twin brother and yearning to make peace with the new life before her, she seeks guidance from both Guān Yīn, the goddess of compassion, and the spirit of her mother. Transported to another space and time of an ancient myth via an embroidered story in NüShū, the centuries-old writing system created by and only for women, Xuě Lán connects to her mother’s wishes for her and discovers that she can indeed find happiness by both speaking her truth and honoring her destiny. ***This conversation was recorded in November 2020. LOVE & SOUTHERN D!SCOMFORT (by Bobby Daye & Monica L. Patton) - When dowager Mrs. Catheine Dejoie, of polite Louisiana society, dies, she leaves the entire estate to her estranged granddaughter, Milla, but only if Milla comes home from her self-imposed, decade-long exile to bury Catherine. Milla reluctantly leaves her life in France and returns to her ancestral home, a sprawling postbellum Southern mansion, and to her mother, a faded alcoholic debutante undone by the burden of bearing the family’s legacy. With the help of the family’s cherished maid, the women begin to repair their relationship until the reconciliation grinds to a sudden halt when a long-held secret is uncovered. Featuring performances from Nikki M. James, Ramona Keller, Anthony Wayne, Kennedy Kanagawa, and Jaygee Macapugay Connect with Christine Toy Johnson: Instagram and Twitter: @ctoyj Connect with Jason Ma: Instagram:@goldmountainthemusical Connect with Bobby Daye: Instagram : @Bobbydaye Twitter: @BobbyDaye2 Connect with Monica L. Patton: Instagram : @neogeishaforever Twitter: @neogeishaforeve Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: nytheatrebarn.org/give Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org Joe’s personal Instagram: @bisforbarros Jen’s personal Instagram: @jensandler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features discussions about Oliver Houser and Hunter Bird’s She Reached For Heaven and Adesha Adefela, Beau Lewis, and Ryan Nicole Austin’s Co-Founders. She Reached For Heaven (by Hunter Bird & Oliver Houser) - On the outside, high school senior Jes Holt is doing everything she’s supposed to. On the inside, she’s never felt more alone and longs for something she can’t name. Set against the backdrop of the greatest drug crisis in our country’s history, She Reached for Heaven is an original coming-of-age story about the devastations of addiction, and one woman’s journey to choose life rather than escape it. Co-Founders (by Adesha Adefela, Beau Lewis, Ryan Nicole Austin) - Co-Founders is the story of the two most unlikely partners in the history of Silicon Valley. Esata Thompson, a black female coder from Oakland, and Conway Delouche, a small town college dropout, take on the most competitive startup accelerator in the world - where the privileged make a killing while the people across the bridge grind to survive. Featuring performances from Austin Dean Ashford, Ryan Nicole Austin, Jeb Brown, Gerard Canonico, Julia Harriman, Oliver Houser and Amber Iman Connect with Oliver Houser: Instagram: @oliverhouser Twitter: @oliver_houser Connect with Hunter Bird: Instagram: @hunter_bird Connect with Adesha Adefela: Instagram and Twitter: @adeshamusic Connect with Beau Lewis: Instagram: @peeplittlebeau Connect with Ryan Nicole Austin: Instagram: @msryannicole Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: nytheatrebarn.org/give Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org Joe’s personal Instagram: @bisforbarros Jen’s personal Instagram: @jensandler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features discussions about Amy Engelhardt and Marc Acito’s Bastard Jones and Sara Cooper and Lynne Shankel’s Perpetual Sunshine & The Ghost Girls.  BASTARD JONES (by Amy Engelhardt and Marc Acito) - Bastard Jones is a sexy, smart, rollicking new musical comedy that combines a bouncy pop score with period farce. When charming, low-born Tom makes the mistake of wooing Sophia Shepherd, daughter of the pompous Reverend Shepherd, a chain of secrets, schemings and multiple bed-hoppings are set in motion. Based on Henry Fielding’s 1749 Brit lit satire Tom Jones, ths musical reimagines the young, irrepressible foundling Tom Jones as an electric guitar in a harpsichord world.  PERPETUAL SUNSHINE & THE GHOST GIRLS (by Sara Cooper and Lynne Shankel) - Perpetual Sunshine & the Ghost Girls is an all-woman+ through composed musical theatre piece about the capitalist exploitation of workers’ bodies and rights in the face of a national public health crisis. Featuring an original 1920s-2020s mashup score, the show is based on the true story of the women who worked in the factories and were knowingly poisoned by the United States Radium Corporation, and who fought back, changing United States labor laws forever. Perpetual Sunshine & the Ghost Girls is a 2022 Richard Rodgers Award winner. Featuring performances from Katelyn Baughman, Piper Bruce, Colette Caspari, Brian Davis, Amy Engelhardt, Audrey Hare, Don Howes, Autumn Key, Jessi Kirtley, Eden Mau, Claire Marie Miller, Alexa Lopez, Andie Peterson, Josh Raff, Evan Ruggiero, Lauren Senden, Bella Serano, Leila Shaye and Elena Wang Connect with Amy Engelhardt: Instagram: @amyengelhardt Connect with Sara Cooper: Instagram: @_saradioactive Twitter: @sarachnoid Connect with Lynne Shankel: Instagram: @shanktunes Twitter: @LynneShankel Connect with New York Theatre Barn: Support us: nytheatrebarn.org/give Twitter: @nytheatrebarn Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn  Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn nytheatrebarn.org Joe’s personal Instagram: @bisforbarros Jen’s personal Instagram: @jensandler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices