Welcome to Before the Down Beat. On this podcast we will be talking all about musicals. What are our favourite songs, which songs do we skip, should this musical be revived today. All these topics will give you the most in-depth looks at musical theatre. Enjoy!
After the overwhelmingly positive response to our Wicked: Part I coverage, we're back with the first instalment in our deep dive into the highly anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good. Join host and producer Mackenzie as he breaks down the first teaser trailer shot by shot, highlighting what's new for the screen and what's been adapted from the stage. Plus, Mackenzie pieces together a surprisingly complete outline of the film's narrative based on the trailer's footage.Head over to our YouTube page to watch this shot by shot break down.Here's the link: https://youtu.be/KiZYLYeLgWQ
Next week, it's all about Ruprecht as Scott and Mackenzie dive into the musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels! Together they explore the twist ending of the show. They also unpack how much impact the casting of John Lithgow had on the production. Plus Scott and Mackenzie discuss the upcoming production being mounted at the Stratford FestivalAll this and a chimp in a suit on next Friday's all new episode!Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagram
This week, Maris and Mackenzie have the sun in the morning and the moon at night as they take aim at the sharpshooting musical classic Annie Get Your Gun. Maris shares memories of performing in the show during her youth—while trying to recall which elements were cut or changed from the original version, and which parts of their production didn't make it into future revivals. The duo also dives into the musical's problematic ending and how it influences their answer to this podcast's usual final revival question. Plus, they explore which historical elements hit the mark and which ones wildly miss the target.All this and they say that falling in love is wonderful, it's wonderful, so they say in this all new episode. Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagram
Next week, there's no business like show business as Maris and Mackenzie dive into the classic musical Annie Get Your Gun! Maris reminisces about her time performing in the show, and together they explore how the ending has evolved over the years. They also unpack how the musical began as the passion project of Dorothy Fields—before creative control was ultimately taken from her.All this and doin' what comes natur'lly on next Friday's all new episode!Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagram
This week, Scott and Mackenzie have magic to do and miracle plays to play as they delve into Stephen Schwartz's coming-of-age musical Pippin. They explore whether audiences are meant to like—or even identify with—the show's title character, and unpack why Mackenzie ranks the piece in the lower-middle of the Schwartz canon. Plus, Scott shares how he's de-Fosse-ing his own production as he directs Pippin with a fresh perspective.All this and an ordinary kind of woman in this this all new episode!Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagram
Next Friday Scott and Mackenzie are searching for their corner of the sky as they discuss the Stephen Schwartz musical Pippin. They'll explore the creative difficulties this show faced as Schwartz and director Bob Fosse developed it in the rehearsal room. Scott and Mackenzie debate who is the actual lead of the show between the titular Pippin and the Leading Player . Plus hear Scott discuss his recent experiences directing this musical.All this and some cheese you left to sour on next Friday's all new episode!Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagram
This week, we have a special bonus episode for our wonderful viewers and listeners! Join Mackenzie as he virtually sits down with co-host Scott Hurst and the multi-talented Andrew Prashad — actor, dancer, and devoted father. Together, they dive into Andrew's remarkable career and his powerful one-man show, One Step at a Time. Directed by Scott, the show explores Andrew and his family's journey raising a son with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, while he continues to work on his growing career in the arts. Mackenzie learns the story behind the show's conception, while finding out how Andrew and Scott collaborated on integrating improvised dance into the staging. Plus discover whether Andrew has plans to develop a sequel to this deeply personal piece.You see Andrew's one man show at Theatre Orangeville from Apr 4–Apr 6Tickets here: https://www.theatreorangeville.ca/show/one-step-at-a-timeFollow for more upcoming show datesFacebook: @Andrew Prashad's ONE STEP AT A TIME Website: andrewprashad.com/OneStepAtATime
This week, Mackenzie and Scott sense that something funny's going on as they dive into Ahrens and Flaherty's first musical outing, Lucky Stiff. They break down where the film adaptation missed the mark, explore the score to trace hints of the duo's future brilliance, and reveal which Transformers actress starred in the original Off-Broadway production.All this and six million bucks in diamonds in a heart shaped box in this all new episode!Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagram
Next Friday, Mackenzie and Scott head to Monte Carlo to discuss the musical farce Lucky Stiff. They'll explore how this show launched one of musical theatre's most successful collaborations—Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The conversation examines why Lucky Stiff never made it to Broadway and whether it deserves a larger theatrical life. Plus, Scott shares his mixed feelings on the film adaptation.All this and the loving dogs of the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn on next Friday's all new episode!Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagram
This week, Mackenzie and Scott are off to the races and the English music hall as they choose their preferred ending in a discussion of the Dickinson musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood. They break down why some songs, like the opening number, work better in a live performance than on the cast album. The duo also debates how to tackle the problematic characters of Neville and Helena Landless in a revival. Plus, they explore and daydream about the potential magic of casting Canadian icon Catherine O'Hara as Princess Puffer.All this and the writing on the wall in this all new episode!Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagramTwitter
Next Friday, two kinsmen more than brothers, Mackenzie and Scott, will head into Dickinson London to discuss the musical with multiple endings, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. They'll explore why singer-songwriter Rupert Holmes saw the unfinished source material as the perfect fit for the stage. The conversation delves into the unique casting choice of using an actress in the leading male role and why it worked so well. Plus, Scott shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time working on this musical. All this and the wages of sin on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram
This week, podcast listeners we bid you welcome to our latest episode where Mackenzie, Scott, and special guest Ryan Borochovitz, Co-Artistic Producer of Cup of Hemlock Theatre, discuss the often underrated Sondheim musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Together, they explore the numerous songs that were cut and re-added throughout various productions. They also discuss why Sondheim felt he wasn't the right fit for the show. Plus, the trio breaks down why none of them feel particularly attached to the Hero and Philia storyline. All of this and everybody ought to have a maid in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram
Next week, Scott and Mackenzie will be donning their togas alongside special guest Ryan Borochovitz, Co-Artistic Producer of Cup of Hemlock Theatre, as they delve into the world of Stephen Sondheim's musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The trio will take a deep dive into the ancient Roman plays of playwright Plautus and examine how his works influenced Sondheim, Shevelove, and Gelbart. They'll also explore the profound impact of lead actor Zero Mostel's portrayal of Pseudolus had on the shaping of the musical. Plus, Ryan will share his controversial perspective on why Forum is his favourite Sondheim musical. All of this and tragedy tomorrow and comedy on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram
Fellow Ozians, the wait is over! The much-anticipated review of the movie musical that's defying gravity, Wicked, is finally here. Join host Mackenzie and special guest Jessica Maxwell as they delve into their thoughts on this dazzling adaptation. Hear these longtime friends sing the praises of the film's leading ladies, and how Ariana Grande-Butera exceeded their expectations. They uncover the clever Easter eggs director Jon M. Chu sprinkled throughout the film for eagle-eyed fans to discover. Plus, they share what they're most excited to see in the highly anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good. All of this and a trip to the Ozdust Ballroom in this all new episode! Head over to our YouTube page to watch the video version of this podcast.
This week, Mackenzie and Maris are finding new ways to dream as they discussion the Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard. Together, they delve into the tumultuous creative process behind Sunset Boulevard and its profound impact on the original Norma, Patti LuPone. They debate which Norma solo reigns supreme: "With One Look" or "As If We Never Said Goodbye." Plus, discover why Mackenzie believes the song "The Lady's Paying" missed the mark. All this and eternal youth is worth a little suffering in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next week Mackenzie and Maris are getting ready for their close ups as they discuss the film noir musical Sunset Boulevard. Hear Maris and Mackenzie explore the concepts of ageism in the entertainment industry and when you could be too old to play Norma. They make the tough decision who was the better Norma between Patti LuPone and Glenn Close. Plus, Maris gives her review of the most recent revival production starring Nicole Scherzinger. All of this and many rewrites of the Salome screenplay on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram
This week, Mackenzie and Scott are exploring 'King's Dilemma' as they discussion the troublesome musical comedy Victor/Victoria. Together these two unpack why some of the songs from the Oscar nominated film didn't make it into the stage show. They explore why the keys to the songs didn't quite sit right with either Julie Andrews or audiences. Plus hear how these two find correlations between this musical comedy and the Tony winning musical La Cage Aux Folles! All this and Paris by Night in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next week Mackenzie and Scott are jetting off to the night clubs of Paris, France as they discuss the musical comedy Victor/Victoria. Hear Scott and Mackenzie explore the score as they decipher the differences between Mancini and Wildhorn's compositions. They give their lists of who they think would work in leading this musical in a revival. Plus, discover the Tony Award drama that surrounds this show. All of this and Paris makes us horny on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram
This week, Mackenzie, Scott, and special guest John Rocha are breaking out their blank page or canvas to celebrate a milestone 75th episode with a discussion of the Sondheim and Lapine musical Sunday in the Park with George. Together, they explore how the piece reflects Sondheim's relationship with his former collaborator, Hal Prince. Discover the plot point Bernadette Peters insisted on changing before signing on to the show, and which actor from the hit TV comedy Cheers was almost part of the original Broadway production! All this and a malfunctioning Chromolume #7 in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next week it's our 75th episode and to honour this milestone join Mackenzie, Scott, and special guest John Rocha as they breakdown the art of making art as they discuss Sondheim and Lapine musical Sunday in the Park with George. Find out all fun the hidden musical details Sondheim wrote into this piece. Hear why Mandy Patinkin almost left the original Broadway production. Plus, discover the Star Trek connection to this musical. All of this and Chromolume #7 on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week, Mackenzie and Scott are ‘putting their minds to it' as they honor the late, great three-time Tony winner Hinton Battle with a discussion of the super soul musical The Wiz. Together these two unpack why Scott prefers the more uptempo numbers of this show compared to the ballads. They explore the innovative marketing campaign that saved the original Broadway production. Plus hear what other classic texts or films they think deserve a reinterpretation/reinvention! All this and in your own way, be a lion in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next week, join Mackenzie and Scott as they ease on down the road to explore the groundbreaking musical The Wiz and honour the late Hinton Battle, the Tony-winning originator of the Scarecrow on Broadway. Hear how The Wiz ranks among other Oz-inspired musicals and the unique marketing campaign that saved the original Broadway production. Plus, discover the surprising connection between James Bond and this super soul musical. All of this and no bad news on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week Mackenzie and Scott are coming up to the laband seeing what's on the slab as they discuss the spooktacular cult hit musical The Rocky Horror Show. Together these two unpack what makes the song 'Time Warp' such an audience favourite. They explore how Tim Curry created his iconic performance of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Plus hear all about Scott's experiences seeing the film version and how one occasion resulted in a run in with the police! All this and It's just a jump to the left and then a step to the right in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next week Mackenzie and Scott are getting in touch with the spooky halloween vibes of the season as they head up to the lab to discuss the true classic cult musical The Rocky Horror Show! Hear them discuss why this musical was so impactful with the LGBTQIA+ community when it premiered in the 1970s and why it still has such resonance today. They explore why the original Broadway run failed despite its success in the West End and LA. Plus find out which iconic Canadian performers were part of the original Toronto production. All of this and a sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This Friday on Before the Downbeat it's the premiere episode of season 6. For this episode Mackenzie and Maris are seeking to solve a problem like Maria as they discuss this final Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music. Together these two yodellers discuss the impact the iconic film adaptation has had on the revivals of the stage show. They breakdown why the song 'Something Good' is a much better love duet for the Captain and Maria compared to their original song 'An Ordinary Couple'. Plus find out which alternate title for the show they wouldn't have been opposed to. All this and a few of our favourite things in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next week the hills are live with sound of Before the Downbeat season 6! Mackenzie and Maris kick off this new season with a trip to the Austrian alps in their clothes made of drapes as they discuss the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music! Hear them discuss why they think this musical is such a hit across multiple generations. They debate whether it was right to remove the political songs from the film. Plus they discuss why the song 'I Have Confidence' doesn't translate well to the stage. All of this and a some edelweiss on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Break out your pink outfits and get ready for a special, long-awaited review of Mean Girls: The Musical! Join Mackenzie and returning guest Graeme McClelland as they dive deep into this fetch yet divisive adaptation. In this episode, they explore the film's choice to shy away from its musical and camp elements, unpack the cut songs (with a surprising focus on the numbers featuring Damian), and share their thoughts on how they would have more effectively marketed the movie. Don't miss it! All of this and one candy cane, please on this Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Get excited because Shug Avery is coming to town, and the long-awaited special review episode of The Color Purple movie musical remake is finally here! Join Scott and Mackenzie, along with special guest Arlene Duncan, as they dive deep into this stunning adaptation. In this episode, they explore how the new film compares to the often overlooked 1985 movie and the beloved stage show. Plus, they unpack the unique dramaturgical choreography that sets this version apart in today's world of movie musicals. Tune in to find out which cut songs they wish had made it into the final film! All of this and a very spiffy pair of Miss Celie's pants on this Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Well we have now wrapped on Season 5 but we still have some audio goodies for you! As you probably know, not all material makes it into the given episode for many reasons and instead becomes a deleted scene. Well here is one of those fun side conversations that was had as Scott and Mackenzie were wrapping up their season finale episode of Spamalot. This conversation deals with the topic of the current of the musical theatre landscape and where they hope it is going to. So sit back and enjoy this and be sure to let us know if you want more of this content because we have lots more audio treasures just like these! Plus don't forget the season 5 feedback survey! This time around you can win a $50.00 Amazon gift certificate and 2 1 hour virtual acting classes with Scott! Here's the link...https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/76ZWD7J Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are looking on the bright side of life as they discuss the musical comedy Spamalot! Together Mackenzie and Scott explore the Pythons' mixed reactions to this piece that some of them dubbed Python light. They debate the Fisch Schlapping Song. Plus they examine where the balance is between substantive theatre material and light theatrical fare. All of this and some debate over the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow in this all new episode! Plus don't forget the season 5 feedback survey! This time around you can win a $50.00 Amazon gift certificate and 2 1 hour virtual acting classes with Scott! Here's the link...https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/76ZWD7J Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott are searching for both a shrubbery and the Holy Grail as they discuss the musical Spamalot! Hear them discuss their favourite Monty Python sketches. They debate whether this piece actually has substance or if it's just Python light as it was described by some of the Pythons. Plus they discuss if the placement for the iconic 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' song works for the show. All of this and a Trojan rabbit on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
It's a big week for the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked! We have new poster, a featurette, and the first official trailer being released all within 72 hours! So join host Mackenzie as he does a shot by shot breakdown of the film's first official trailer. This is mega size trailer that not only lays out the plot of the film but also gives us listen to some of the iconic songs from the musical. We analyze beautifully composed shots from such numbers 'No One Mourns the Wicked' and 'Defying Gravity'! Plus we get our first look at divisive character of Doctor Dillamond! Head over to our YouTube page to watch this shot by shot break down!
It's a big week for the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked! We have new poster, a featurette, and the first official trailer being released all within 72 hours! So join host Mackenzie as he does a shot by shot breakdown of this new behind the scenes featurette where director Jon M. Chu and leading ladies Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande discuss their background connections to this musical and how they brought their love for the source material to the screen. There is surprisingly quite a bit of new footage to discuss from several shots of the opening musical number to moments from the song 'Dancing Through Life' and potentially a brief look at the Wizards solo number 'Wonderful'! Head over to our YouTube page to watch this shot by shot break down of this featurette.
This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are throwing out books by Norman Mailer and discussing the musical A New Brain! Together Mackenzie and Scott explore William Finn's fascination with the last name Delli-Bovi as he also used it in March of the Falsettos too. They debate the characterization of Gordon's mother Mimi. Plus discover if Mackenzie has found an appreciation for this musical after going into this episode knowing nothing about this piece All of this and some time and music in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott are having some calamari and ziti as they've watch Mr. Bungee and discuss the musical A New Brain! Hear them debate where they would rank this musical against the other William Finn pieces of Falsettos and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. They breakdown the differences between the 1998 and the 2015 versions of the show . Plus they discuss the pros and cons of using theatre as a form of therapy. All of this and the homeless lady's revenge on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott celebrating that the best of time is now by discussing the musical La Cage aux Folles! Together these two explore the generational divisions between the creative team that caused much friction during the creation process of this musical. They debate if Jean-Michel's big number "With Anne on My Arm" is deep and complex. Plus discover why Scott is not a fan of the opening number "We Are What We Are". All of this and a green Givenchy gown in the loo in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott head down to the "jewel" of the Riviera to discuss the musical La Cage aux Folles! Hear them debate if this musical should have won Best Musical at the Tony Awards over the Sondheim musical 'Sunday in the Park with George'. They breakdown the conflicts that arose between the creative team about how to tackle the LGTQIA+ representation in this piece. Plus they discuss whether or not this musical gives Jean-Michel a proper resolution with Albin. All of this and some girdles and jocks on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are heading out to prince's ball and along the way they discuss the musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella! Together these two explore why this particular fairy tale has sparked so many musical adaptations. They debate which names for the step sisters they prefer across the various versions of this piece. Plus discover which of the added trunk songs from other Rodgers and Hammerstein shows they think fits best with this piece. All of this and a world that is full of zanies and fools who don't believe in sensible rules in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott are leaving their own little corners to discuss the musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella! Hear them debate if this adaptation of the Cinderella fairytale is the best. They breakdown the various changes that have been made to the musical with each adaptation. Plus they discuss where this musical ranks for each of them within the Rodgers and Hammerstein canon. All of this and a invitation to the ball for Prince Christopher Rupert Windemere Vladimir Karl Alexander François Reginald Launcelot Herman Gregory James on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are certain to meet in the bedroom, the parlor or even the street the alluring Aurora with her velvet cape as they discuss the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman! Together these two explore surprising amount of Canadian connections this musical has. They debate whether or not the critics should have attended and reviewed that very first workshop performance. Plus they imagine what a version of this musical would have been like with Sondheim tackling it. All of this and the the final reel of Flame of St. Petersburg in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott going over the wall as they discuss the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman! Hear them debate whether this musical's story is more focused on Aurora or Molina as the musical did lean heavily into the star power of the original Aurora, Chita Rivera. They breakdown the relationship between Molina and Valentin and how it would have to be adjusted for todays' audiences. Plus they discuss the recently announced film adaptation that is starring and co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez. All of this and a Balenciaga scarf on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are opening up their eyes and looking at what god has done as they discuss the musical The Color Purple! Scott and Mackenzie explore whether or not the character of Mister is redeemed by the end. They debate if the musical went far enough in portraying the queer relationships that are present in the source material. Plus discover if Scott and Mackenzie think this musical needed an overture. All of this and a blade of corn in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott are exploring an adaptation of a beloved novel the musical The Color Purple! Hear them discuss why this musical's revival is an improvement over the original Broadway production. They breakdown the concepts of spirituality verses faith and how this musical's message on this topic is one people need now more than ever. Plus they discuss how both major productions of this musical were directed by white men and the impacted this has had on how this story was interpreted. All of this and Shug Avery is comin' to town on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week on Before the Downbeat, we have our first official episode with our new co-host Scott Hurst! Join Mackenzie and Scott who are attempting to glitter and be gay as they work hard to make their gardens grow while they discuss the musical and Bernstein's passion project Candide! Scott and Mackenzie explore the ongoing and ever troubled writing process that has resulted in multiple versions of this show being produced. They debate when and if politics should influence and at time censor art. Plus discover how Mackenzie shocked Scott with his number 1 song choice! All of this and some singing sheep from El Dorado in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat we have our first official episode with our new co-host Scott Hurst! For their first outing Mackenzie and Scott are off to Westphalia to learn why this is the best of all possible worlds and to discuss the complex musical Candide! Hear them discuss why this musical's overture is so iconic and may even be the best part of the whole show. They breakdown the many revisions this show as gone through and they debate which version is the best. Plus find out which song Scott and Mack can't get out of their heads! All of this and an auto-da-fé on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
As we revealed in our 42nd Street episode the shoes of our wonderful Canadian Bea Arthur Autumn Smith left were just too big to fill for one co-host. So the decision was made to split the co-hosting duties between two wonderful hosts and you've met Maris Lyons and now we are excited to introduce you to our new and other permanent co-host Scott Hurst! Scott is a survivor of 48 years in professional & community theatre, Scott has earned a living as an actor, singer, dancer, director, writer & producer, and his resume includes seasons at the Stratford Festival, Charlottetown Festival, Blyth Festival, Thousand Islands Playhouse, the National Arts Centre and a side trip to the MDM Theatre in Moscow. A recipient of an Excellence in the Arts award at the 2009 Barrie Arts Awards, Scott is known locally for his extensive work with The South Simcoe Theatre, Kempenfelt Community Players, Talk is Free Theatre, Theatre by the Bay, Huronia Players, and the Orillia Sunshine Festival. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for The South Simcoe Theatre and is helping to develop a training program for actors, directors, singers and production teams. A proud member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, Scott is now considered by some to be a Gay Elder and he's grateful to have lived long enough to achieve that status. 3TY Rob! We are so excited to have Scott on our team and please joy this introductory interview where Mackenzie and Scott discuss Scott's theatrical background and we explore his thoughts on the current musical theatre landscape. Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week on Tuesday January 30th the theatre community lost two very important and influential members Chita Rivera & Hinton Battle. Today we turn our focus to Ms. Rivera who was not only a multi awarding artists (including two Tony Awards for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Tony Award, two Drama Desk Awards, a Drama League Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom) but also a performer who was the consummate professional who worked tirelessly at her craft and lit up the stage with her dazzling charisma and incredible dancing. She was a true trailblazer whether it was through her origination of many iconic stage roles like Anita in West Story, Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Anna in The Rink or Aurora in Kiss of the Spiderwoman or through her accolades including being the first Latina and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002. She was someone who continually inspired and mentored so many artists and had one of the most infectious laughs that could fill up any room she was in or an stage she was on. Chita Rivera was a true old school Broadway artist who kept their head down and focused on their work and we will certainly not see the likes of her again any time soon. So in honour of her passing we are revisiting our episode on Bye Bye Birdie which is the musical she earned her first Tony nomination for. We will also dive deeper into her work this season when we tackle Kiss of the Spiderwoman in a few weeks. But for now listen and enjoy this special tribute to a one of a kind artist. Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week on Tuesday January 30th the theatre community lost two very important and influential members Chita Rivera and Hinton Battle. So to honour both these trailblazers we here at Before the Downbeat will be releasing remastered tribute episodes of musicals they were heavily involved in. For today we turn our focus to Mr. Battle who was not only an incredible dancer but also a 3 time Tony Award winner. He won his 3 awards in the cateogory of Best Supporting Actor in a Musical and this makes him the most award performer for single cateogory. His career spanned multiple mediums from his stage work where he originated the role of the Scarecrow in The Wiz and John in Miss Saigon to his cross over to TV and film, making appearances in Dreamgirls, Smash, These Old Broads, Quantum Leap, Touched by an Angel, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer and he even choreographed the 65th and 66th Academy Awards. So in honour of his passing we are revisiting our episode on Miss Saigon which is musical he won his 3rd Tony Award for. We will also dive deeper into his work next season when tackle The Wiz. But for now listen and enjoy this very special tribute. Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
This week we lost a truly great film director and Canadian cinema icon Norman Jewison. He has a long history of working on music videos and movie musicals including Fiddler on the Roof and Jesus Christ Superstar. Beyond his musical work he also directed many notable and award winning films including 'In the Heat of the Night' and 'Moonstruck'. So in honour of his passing we are revisiting our Live Movie Musical Commentary of his highly praised film adaption of Fiddler on the Roof! Together in this live commentary, Ryan and Mackenzie explored why this film continues to speak to so many generations and they analyze how Jewison was able to so expertly and cinematically interpret a musical number for the big screen. His work will continually be studied for the years to come and the mentorship he provided will certainly be missed by many aspiring directors. Please listen and enjoy this very special tribute. Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Enjoy the final episode the first season of our review miniseries of the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz as they head off on a secret mission and discover some Shakespearian connections in this episode. They give their final ranking of all the episodes this season. Plus they explore the softer side of Gareth and how editing can sway the emotional pull of a song. All this but first another drink da, da, da, da, da, da in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
Enjoy the latest episode of our review miniseries of the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz as they select a champion to fight to the death for them. They breakdown whether the backstory for Gal shown in this episode lines up with his character we've seen so far. They explore how this episode might have been extended if one of the earlier season episodes had been removed. Plus find out how Ryan feels about deadly allergies are portrayed in TV and film. All this and picture that great big pool of puke and stool a happy ending for us in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Facebook Instagram Twitter
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