Broadway Babies: A Musical Theatre Podcast

The Broadway Babies are back to the dirty streets of the Paris slums, in our second take on the classic, iconic, epic musical "Les Misérables." This week, we're hot-taking the 2012 movie musical, featuring plenty of Hollywood's biggest stars, out in the darkness. So let's hear the people sing the songs of angry men — in close-up and with mostly improper vocal technique! Also, bonus surprise: Later this week, we'll also be posting on our Facebook page our video recording of this episode, which will be shown during a fundraising livestream by the Gaslight Theatre in Enid, Oklahoma!   Where to watch: Netflix   Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and original lyrics by Alain Boublil, English version by Herbert Kretzmer   Show Notes Behind the scenes of the movie filming, including the set design, the costuming and filming, where you see there were other cameras used in scenes besides close-ups...   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

There's always time for a song for the Broadway Babies! This week, we're going to keep looking at the wild AF hellscape corner of the internet with another fever-dream musical, the British children's show-surreal-horror-satire-web series "Don't Hug Me I'm Scared." So today, let's go on a journey and talk about about the ups and downs of learning to get creative while also learning to live in a society.   Where to watch: YouTube   Music and lyrics by Joseph Pelling   Show Notes A couple theories about children and the media (like bringing in the BBC licensing and ITV being created) Another video theory about the dreaming Red Guy refusing to grow up even though he’s tired of being a kid (and the other two are his imaginary puppet friends) Roy having some choice words for his son. An update on the DHMIS TV show — is it still happening?   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

It takes a lot to make a stew, and Alex and Daisha have had their fill in this disturbing episode. Hang on tight, y’all!   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies  Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast   Where to listen: YouTube    Music by Shawn Coleman and Michael Kohler Lyrics by Casper Kelly Distributed by Adult Swim    Show Notes An oral history of "Too Many Cooks"

There was a "Broadway Album"-sized hole in Alex and Daisha’s heart after ending the Barbra season last week, so they filled it. Join the Broadway Babies in a continuation of their already drawn-out season. Is this the actual conclusion to their Barbra season or will they keep making episodes about the rest of her 36 studio albums? Stay tuned and find out next week!!    Where to listen: YouTube | Spotify   Music by omg Sondheim, Rogers & Hammerstein, Bernstein, Frank Loesser, The Gershwins, Jerome Kern, Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and  Björn Ulvaeus Distributed by Columbia    Show Notes: If you like the genre/style shifts in this, opera star Joyce DiDonato recently made an album doing this very same thing with musical theatre, opera, and art song.  Here's all the Barbra Archives stuff on the album!    Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Phewwww, after a long hiatus because of COVID and computer issues, the Broadway Babies are ready and able to finish off this season of Barbra Streisand movie musicals at the start of the new year! Alex and Daisha are taking y’all on a trip to Eastern Europe at the turn of the 20th century in Barbra’s final movie musical, 1983's "Yentl," as she makes her final metamorphosis into the multi-hyphenate superstar we know and love. The Bbys hope you enjoyed this season as much as they did and want to know: what’s your ranking of this season’s movies?   Where to watch: YouTube | Amazon    Music by Michel Legrand; lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman  Distributed by MGM/UA Entertainment Company   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

That's right, dearest darlingest listeners — another star is born! This week's Barbra Streisand episode tackles another long-ass movie-musical romance, this time her (let's say, controversial) iteration of the "Star Is Born" cinematic universe, with Kris Kristofferson and the awkwardly overbearing influence of Barbra's producer-boyfriend. So let's get our perms done, breakfast pizza out of the oven, and talk such amazing topics like extra backlighting, awkward racial undertones and side-boob!   Music by Barbra Streisand, Paul Williams, Kenneth Asher, etc. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures   Show Notes The YouTube channel Be Kind Rewind's overview and comparison of all the ASIB movies Podcast You Must Remember This' episode about the making of Barbra's "A Star is Born"   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, our dear listeners! For this Very Special Holiday Episode, the Broadway Babies have some things to say about the recently released Netflix movie-musical about a humbug inventor/toymaker who just needs to believe in the power of love to save the day! Did you think this original Christmas story was as cheesy as we did — and is that a bad thing?  Also a special mention to the recent passings of Broadway legends Ann Reinking and Rebecca Luker — both incomparably talented, lovely women gone too soon.   Music by Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, Michael Diskint and John Legend.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Mamma Mia, here we go again! in another episode about Barbra Streisand and another episode about Barbra playing Fanny Brice! This week the Broadway Babies are covering Ms. Streisand’s fourth movie musical: the less popular, underrated sequel to Funny Girl: 1975’s "Funny Lady." Join Alex and Daisha as they track both Fanny Brice and Barbra’s evolution and maturation in this dark-and-gritty sequel, with music by Kander and Ebb. The Bbys hope that you enjoy this interesting and compelling movie musical. Let them know what you think via the “Broadway Babies: A Musical Theatre Podcast” Facebook page!   Where to watch: YouTube | Amazon    Original music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb Distributed by Columbia Pictures   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies  Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Hello everyone! We had a not-so-brief hiatus, but are back and ready to continue our Barbra Streisand movie musical season with her third movie musical, "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever." Somehow, this movie manages to be just as extra as the previous two with a fraction of the budget because of the costumes, the special effects, and well, Ms. Streisand herself! Join Alex and Daisha as they unravel the deeper message (in their opinion) behind this strange yet endearing musical.    Where to watch: YouTube | Amazon    Music by Burton Lane, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Distributed by Paramount Pictures   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Hello, Listeners! It's so nice to have you back where you belong! Alex and Daisha hope y’all exercised your right to vote and are staying safe. Hopefully this light-hearted episode (which was recorded well before Election Day) will quell some of your election anxieties. The Broadway Babies are comin’ at ya with a new episode in their Barbra Streisand season! This week is Barbra’s second movie musical and perhaps her most extravagant. In this movie, a young Babs plays a woman about 20 years her senior and absolutely slays. Get ready for "Hello, Dolly!"   Where to watch: Disney+ | Amazon  Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman Distributed by 20th Century Fox   Show Notes: Here’s some Carol.  Here’s some Bernadette.  Here’s some Ethel.  Here’s some Bette.  Here’s some Louis.  Here’s some Pearl! (Plus the announcement of her special win!)   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Hello Listeners! We won’t be raining on your parade with this upcoming season! Welcome to a new string of episodes dedicated to beloved Broadway icon: Barbra Streisand! The Broadway Babies are marching through Streisand’s movie musicals, starting with her first: "Funny Girl"! We hope you enjoy the evolution of Babs on the Silver Screen. She’s a star on screen, on the stage, and in our hearts! Spend some quality listening time with Alex and Daisha as they chat about this fun classic.   Where to watch: Amazon | iTunes  Music by Jule Styne Lyrics by Bob Merrill Distributed by Columbia Pictures   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Alex and Daisha finally managed to categorize this season just in time for its finale! Together, we have trudged through most iterations of the "stars-being-birthed genre." Some were better than others, but they all pretty much had the same floor plan. Now, in their final episode, The Broadway Babies have decided to end with a mockumentary. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the general public seems to be exhausted with celebrity culture, and “This is Spinal Tap” lets us know that celebrity ego hasn’t changed much in 36 years. Let us know what you thought about our season on Facebook or Twitter. How would you rank the movies we covered from favorite to least-favorite?   Where to watch: YouTube | iTunes  Distributed by Embassy Pictures   Songs: "Big Bottom" "Listen to the Flower People" “Sex Farm” “Stonehenge” All songs performed by Spinal Tap Music by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer Rob Reiner Distributed by Universal Music   Show Notes: The real inspo behind Spinal Tap If you're interested in Christopher Guest's other movies, here's a, let's say, teaser. Nigel, David and Derek share their wisdom about how jazz is “an accident waiting to have happened” in an exclusive 2009 interview! The core four reunited talking about the making of the film last year.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Now for something that is supposed to be similar to “A Star Is Born”, but is completely different:  Your two favorite shit-talkers are never too far from going off the deep-end, but this episode might send Daisha over the edge. The Broadway Babies venture through over-charted territory in another attempt at the artist’s journey film: Mariah Carey’s star vehicle crash "Glitter." Alex and Daisha try to make sense of the plot while also chatting about the D R A M A surrounding this period in Mariah’s life.    Full show notes at broadwaybabies.libsyn.com/website   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies  Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast   Where to watch: HBO Max | Hulu  Distributed by 20th Century Fox   Songs: “Loverboy” performed by Mariah Carey ft. Cameo “Didn’t Mean to Turn You On” by Mariah Carey*  “Reflections (Care Enough)," by Mariah Carey** “Never Too Far," by Mariah Carey Music by Mariah Carey, James Harris III and Terry Lewis, Philippe Pierre, and Larry Blackmon and Thomas Jenkins Distributed by Virgin Records   Show Notes: The riff we kept talking about (starts at :59) If ya want a lil analysis of the riff In case you want to learn how to sing the LTW riff Mariah talking about Jennifer “I don’t know her” Lopez and then playing “Does! She! Know! Her!?” on WWHL because Andy Cohen is a messy bicth who loves drama Now let’s talk about her acting…  Mariah’s 1991 SNL rehearsal of Vanishing How Mariah’s Lambily made #JusticeforGlitter happen:  An interview from 2001 about Glitter Pre-order Mariah’s memoir out in September…she’s gonna talk about “Glitter” 

The Broadway Babies hope all of y’all are thriving in the summer heat and staying safe! Here’s part 2 of “A Star is Born.” Let Alex and Daisha know what you think about the movie on Facebook or Twitter!  TW/CW: suicide and extreme drug use    Where to watch: HBO Max | Amazon    Songs: “Always Remember Us This Way” performed by Lady Gaga “Why Did You Do That?” by Lady Gaga “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga  Music by Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Lady Gaga, Diane Warren, Aaron Raitiere, Natalie Hemby, Mark Nilan Jr., Nick Monson, Paul “DJWS” Blair Distributed by Interscope Records   Show Notes: Naya Rivera singing Valerie Naya singing Landslide and then a clip of her talking about it Nick Cordero singing “You’ll Still be Mine”  Just look at the chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in their performance of Shallow at the 2019 Oscars!     Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies  Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Dearest listeners, this week we are going off the deep end over our more somber picks of the season. It’s a tale as old as time, unfortunately, and a very common story in the showbiz movie genre. Watch the Broadway Babies dive in as they discuss the 2018 remade of “A Star is Born”, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga! In this first part, Alex and Daisha chat about the foundational aspects of movies like this, just how Hollywood decided to give this story a fourth go-around, and maybe if it's time to let the old ways die. TW/CW: suicide and extreme drug/alcohol use    Where to watch: HBO Max | Amazon  Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures   Songs: “Maybe It's Time," performed by Bradley Cooper (written by Jason Isbell) "Shallow," by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (written by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt) Released by Interscope Records   Show Notes: Bradley Cooper on how hard it was to get ASIB... off the ground  Easter eggs in ASIB “I probably said this earlier but...”:  The YouTube channel Be Kind Rewind has several interesting video essays about both the movie franchise’s history and both the Best Actress Oscar races for the Judy Garland and Lady Gaga years...and why neither of them won Lady Gaga at the Oscars doing "Sound of Music," probably when we all realized (again) that she could sing.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies  Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Pack up your troubles, c’mon get happy, and meet Alex and Daisha Over the Rainbow (or in your car, or in your homes) to talk about one of the biggest household names of the 20th century: Judy Garland. The Broadway Babies are continuing their ever-evolving music biz-themed season with Judy's 2019 biopic titled..."Judy." The Babies discuss some heavy topics as they trudge through the content-heavy plot, and try to unpack the message the team behind the movie was trying to send. Let Alex and Daisha know what you think about Judy the person AND “Judy” the movie on Facebook or Twitter!    Where to watch: YouTube | Amazon  Songs: “Come Rain or Come Shine,” performed by Renée Zellweger "The Trolley Song" “San Francisco” “All By Myself" “Over the Rainbow” All songs performed by Zellweger Music orchestrated by Gabriel Zared  Released by Decca Records   Show Notes: Watch this Judy TV performance, please! And how could we not forget...Judy "hates" Barbra lmao Judy truly wanted to be known as a happy person who had a happy life. Renée on learning to play and understand Judy A really great podcast episode about Judy’s life and death Let’s debate the myth that Judy’s funeral inspired the Stonewall Riots A review from the Guardian (the Observer) of her 1968 show   How you can help right now: Sign the petitions to bring justice to the victims of police killings. Donate to the Louisville Community Bailout Fund, or refer to the list of U.S. bailout fund donations here.  Donate to the fund for the community of black trans women who live in Atlanta and are sex workers and/or homeless.  Educate yourself on issues facing the Black Lives Matter movement. Learn how to be safe if you're out protesting and getting tested for COVID-19. And finally: REGISTER TO VOTE!   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies  Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Well I think it’s gonna be a long, long time before we watch a biopic this fun and fresh! Hello listeners, blast off with Alex and a Daisha into a new episode about "Rocketman," the 2019 musical biopic about the effervescent rock icon, Elton John! The Babies are discussing how the importance of ethical representation, abuse and addiction, and how the gorgeous fantasy elements changes the impact of what could have been a run-of-the-mill biopic. So wash your hands, take a seat, put on your electric boots and mohair suit, and enjoy the episode (which we'll be releasing on Thursdays now to better fit Alex's work schedule)! Also, arrest the cops who murdered Breonna Taylor.    Where to watch: Hulu | Amazon    Songs: “The Bitch Is Back” performed by Taron Egerton “Crocodile Rock” “Your Song”  “Rocket Man” Music by Elton John and Bernie Taupin Released by Virgin EMI Records   Show Notes: The Laverne Cox clip Daisha was talking about is actually not a clip but in the documentary itself, which is here.  Elton’s Guardian tell-all  The costumesssss Rolling Stone’s article on fact checking the obviously super-factual “Rocketman” Elton in Kingsman 2 kicking ass and smashing guys' heads with pianos. I guess Taron’s audition for Rocketman?   How you can help right now: Donate to the charity for George Floyd‘s daughter, Gianna Floyd. Sign the petitions to bring justice to the victims of police killings. Donate to the Louisville Community Bailout Fund, or refer to the list of U.S. bailout fund donations here.  Donate to the fund for the community of black trans women who live in Atlanta and are sex workers and/or homeless.  Educate yourself on issues facing the Black Lives Matter movement. Learn how to be safe if you're out protesting and getting tested for COVID-19. And finally: REGISTER TO VOTE! And finally finally: Learn more about what and how the Elton John AIDS Foundation funds (mostly organizations that deliver HIV programs to marginalized groups)   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies  Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Listeners, we're here to make you happy with another episode about the blockbuster 2006 musical-movie "Dreamgirls"! Now that we've covered the background of the movie (and Alex got his power back on!), we're going to go all-in on this epic af plot, full of iconic cultural resets. Let's get into in the drama!   Where to watch: Amazon Prime | iTunes | YouTube Movies    Songs: "Patience," performed by Eddie Murphy and Anika Noni Rose* "I Am Changing," by Jennifer Hudson "Jimmy's Rap," by Eddie Murphy "Listen," by Beyoncé Knowles** Music by Henry Krieger, lyrics by Tom Eyen *Lyrics by Henry Krieger and Willie Reale **Lyrics by Henry Krieger, Anne Preven, Scott Cutler and Beyoncé Knowles Released by Sony Music Entertainment   Show Notes: Meet the Supremes! Listen to probably Florence Ballard's best B-side solo, which is very Etta James meets Martha Vandella The real-life Lorrell Mary Wilson talks out about Flo and her problems that led to alcoholism and eventually her death. And here she talks about how she was snubbed for the 2000 reunion tour. "Diane...is Diane, that's something," omg. On a different note: Here's more information on the five-day Detroit Riots of 1967. Michael Jackson performed "Billie Jean" and debuted the moonwalk — and the iconic white glove — at Motown's 25th anniversary TV special in 1983. It was a true cultural reset. Jennifer Hudson talks on Oprah about how she got the role and gets an apology from Simon Cowell for being shady, plus Anika talks about her drama! And last but NOT LEAST: Both Jennifers Holliday and Hudson take the stage together for an iconic powerhouse "And I Am Telling You" to destroy everyone ever.   How you can help right now: Donate to the charity for George Floyd‘s daughter, Gianna Floyd. Sign the petitions to bring justice to the victims of police killings. Donate to the Louisville Community Bailout Fund, or refer to the list of U.S. bailout fund donations here.  Donate to the fund for the community of black trans women who live in Atlanta and are sex workers and/or homeless.  Educate yourself on issues facing the Black Lives Matter movement. Learn how to be safe if you're out protesting and getting tested for COVID-19. And finally: REGISTER TO VOTE!   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Ladies and gentlemen, the Broadway Babies are proud to present the "Dreamgirls," in their return appearance on the podcast! We're steppin' to the bad side this week to talk about the 2006 movie adaptation of the musical. Gorgeous direction and a star-studded all-black cast, including Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson in her star-is-born role, breathe new life into this iconic story ... for the most part. Let's get into all the drama, in part one of our convo! (Because Alex's power went out AGAIN, mid-recording...which is why we're a date late!) We also want to take a moment to address what's going on in our country at the moment. It's our role as people with a public platform to use that to support those who need that kind of amplifying, which we'll continue to commit to doing every week. We 100% support ending police brutality and systemic racial injustice, and empowering the Black Lives Matter movement!   Where to watch: Amazon Prime | iTunes | YouTube Movies    Songs: "I'm Lookin' for Something Baby," performed by Maxi Anderson, Charlene Carmen and Kesha Ealy "Dreamgirls," by Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson "Love You I Do," by Jennifer Hudson* "Family," by Keith Robinson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose and Jamie Foxx Music by Henry Krieger, lyrics by Tom Eyen *Lyrics by Siedah Garrett Released by Sony Music Entertainment   Show Notes: We'll have our complete show notes next week!   How you can help right now: Donate to the charity for George Floyd‘s daughter, Gianna Floyd. Sign the petitions to bring justice to the victims of police killings. Donate to the Louisville Community Bailout Fund, or refer to the list of U.S. bailout fund donations here.  Donate to the fund for the community of black trans women who live in Atlanta and are sex workers and/or homeless.  Educate yourself on issues facing the Black Lives Matter movement. Learn how to be safe if you're out protesting and getting tested for COVID-19. And finally: REGISTER TO VOTE!   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Hello Daddy! Hello Mom! (jk they don’t listen to this podcast) Alex and Daisha hope all of our listeners are thriving and demanding justice at every turn. This week, the bbys are discussing the 2010 biopic, "The Runaways"! Tune in for the Broadway Babies’ ever-evolving *opinions* on the movie, its message, and the girl-band legacy of The Runaways, particularly the legacies of Cherie Currie and Joan Jett. **This episode was recorded before the murder of George Floyd. We are releasing the epi as planned, but are not being silent and are consciously speaking out on our respective platforms. Black lives matter to us all day, every day.   Where to watch: Netflix | Amazon Prime    Songs: "Cherry Bomb," performed by Dakota Fanning "California Paradise," by Dakota Fanning “Queens of Noise," by Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning “Dead End Justice," by Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning   Show Notes: Rover’s Morning Glory interviews Cherie Currie Jackie Fuchs talks about her rape Cherie Currie interview Cherry Bomb live in Japan from 1977 The K-Stew Totinos skit Cherie Currie, chainsaw extraordinaire  How you can help right now: Donate to the charity for George Floyd‘s daughter, Gianna Floyd. Sign the petitions to bring justice to the victims of police killings. Donate to the Louisville Community Bailout Fund, or refer to the list of U.S. bailout fund donations here.  Donate to the fund for the community of black trans women who live in Atlanta and are sex workers and/or homeless.  Educate yourself on issues facing the Black Lives Matter movement. Learn how to be safe if you're out protesting and getting tested for COVID-19. And finally: REGISTER TO VOTE!   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

In an unexpected twist, the Broadway Babies have started a new season during these weird ass times we are in: Not Another QuaranTEEN movie: reviewing movies about teenage coming-of-age bands! Join Alex and Daisha this week as they stroll down memory lane with 2001’s live-action "Josie and the Pussycats"! There will be jokes, there will be poor fashion choices, there will be pop rock. We hope you think this movie is as iconic as we do! Stay safe!   Where to watch: Hulu (via Cinemax) | Amazon    Songs: "Josie and the Pussycats" theme song* “3 Small Words" “Pretend to Be Nice”  “You’re a Star” Performed by Josie and the Pussycats Music by Babyface, Adam Duritz, Adam Schlesinger, Dave Gibbs and more! *(Theme song by William Hanna, Joseph Barbera and Hoyt Curtin) Distributed by Sony Music Soundtrax and Playtone Records.   Show Notes: JATP was ahead of its time and has a cult following of millennials. Here’s a “fun fact” Buzzfeed listicle!  That Ebert review we talked about. A replica of the thoughts going through Alex and Daisha’s mind while watching this movie https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/67-thoughts-we-had-while-watching-josie-and-the-pussycats Info on the 2016 comics  reboot!   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Beloved Listeners, we are back, stuck in the house, spiraling mentally, and better than ever! The Broadway Babies are interrupting your regularly scheduled social media scrolling to honor a very special creative who left us too soon: THE Adam Schlesinger. Join us in a special episode covering the 1996 teen band comedy (this is a made-up genre) “That Thing You Do” featuring Schlesinger’s ear worm of a title song that kept our toes tapping each time we heard it. Alex and Daisha wish all of their listeners health and happiness as we all cope with the effects of COVID-19 around the world. Stay safe and healthy, and they hope their goofy asses can bring a little levity into your lives during these heavy times.    Where to watch: Hulu (via Cinemax) | YouTube   Songs: “That Thing You Do” performed by The Wonders Music by Adam Schlesinger  Distributed by 20th Century Fox   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast   Show Notes: So this happened right after recording…. NPR remembering Schlesinger Link to the Artist Relief Fund Link to the Artist Relief Tree  

Arrr ya ready, listeners?! This week, we're heading under the sea to the cartoon paradise of Bikini Bottom to talk about the TV airing of the "SpongeBob SquarePants" musical. Featuring a hunky, bendy leading man, this isn't your regular theme-park show, either — we're talking fun and funky thrift store costumes, pool noodles for kelp, and jellyfish made of umbrellas. We've got (almost) nothing but good things to say about this original take on the modern Nickelodeon classic...five...hours...later.   Where to watch: Amazon Prime   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast Playbill article about the live broadcast  Everybody loves Ethan! Ethan Slater not singing Spongebob  Looolll this laugh tutorial  Plankton as Emcee

Happy New Queers! How crazy it's been we've been doing this damn thing for two full years now? To start the year off with a bang or two, we're talking more "Frozen" this week, today all about the new-ish sequel to the 2013 animated smash. Our thoughts? We do keep saying we liked it, but there are lots of points to be made about Elsa's continuing gay sub-narrative, the film's maybe-too-tidy themes of reparations and mixed heritage, and how much more mature this story felt this go-around. Let us know your thoughts on "Frozen 2"!    Soundtrack: iTunes | Amazon | Spotify   Show Notes More on how Disney Animated Studios and the "Frozen 2" creative team worked with the Sami people in an official capacity.  Check out Brendon Urie & Panic's official cover of "Into the Unknown"...in the same damn key, this hoe! Meanwhile, it's fun to watch this music producer react to Idina's version. This article saying "Into the Unknown" isn't the best song in the film...hard disagree, but Vox makes a lot of comparisons to the score of "Wicked," which we didn't have time for. And mentions the bonus tracks, which are great.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

It's Yule tidings once again, listeners, so the Broadway Babies have a special, appropriately festive episode this Xmas — Disney's runaway 2013 blockbuster "Frozen," or alternatively titled: "Gloves and Accidents." Part classic Snow Queen fairy tale and part coming-of-age story of two very different sisters, this movie is bursting with catchy music, gorgeous 3-D animation, hilarious side characters and the Mouse's attempts at making up for past...let's say choices. We'll talk about if they succeeded, how this winter's tale turned into a phenomenon and where they can go from here.   Soundtrack: iTunes | Amazon | Spotify Film: iTunes | Amazon | Disney Plus   Show Notes The “wickedly talented” …. Adele Dazeem More on the Frozen merch shortages from 2014. The Ice Hotel in Quebec City Coco Peru gives a better "Frozen" plot summary than we could ever dream of. If you're interested in the Broadway production, here's a good showcase of how it's different enough from the movie. Tickets are available for the touring production.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Because we're honestly very ready to move on from the Big Apple, we're giving you a two-for-one episode about the latter two shows we spent the rest of our New York trip seeing (most of...). "The Inheritance" by Matthew Lopez is an emotional story that examines, maybe a little clumsily and excessively, what it means to be a gay man in present-day New York, inspired by "Howard's End" by E.M. Forster. Does it succeed as a new addition to the canon of "epic gay theatre"? And on our last day together, we got just a little touch of star quality listening to Solea Pfeiffer belt the living hell out of the title role in the City Center production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice favorite, "Evita." Joined by a talented bunch of supporting actors and a killer ensemble, let's break down what changes made this one stand out from all the others.   Show Notes: Tickets for "The Inheritance" available here.  Highlights from "Evita" at City Center. And we found this "Rainbow High" clip online, too...shhh don't tell anyone. Listen to how she ends the first song!   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Woo LAWD. Here we go, our big 50th episode! The Broadway Babies dove head-first into their first play of our podcast, as part of our Broadway Babies Take Manhattan Tour. Join Alex and Daisha as they navigate the psychosexual minefields, major surprises and even their own personal struggles in the polarizing new Broadway play "Slave Play." (We do discuss spoiler details about this uncomfortable saga of three interracial couples, so proceed with caution!) *This episode does feature a lot of discussion about slavery, violence and sexual behaviors, often simultaneously. We try to stay mostly lighthearted, much like the play itself, but these can be heavy themes regardless. So if this is a subject you're sensitive about, here's fair warning about that, as well.* Play by Jeremy O. Harris Directed by Robert O'Hara Show Notes: White women? Getting offended at being called out? Groundbreaking. (But honestly, kind of the play's intention.) If you're interested in the idea of generational trauma and historical legacy...Y'all need to watch HBO's "Watchmen," too.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry when this dark revival comes around. Hello listeners! The Broadway Babies had a small stint in the Big Apple and have a whole line up of Broadway plays and musicals to chat about with you! First on the list is the revival that stole our hearts (and the "Best Revival of a Musical" Tony): Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! Alex and Daisha will discuss the complicated emotions that resulted from watching this revised version of a Golden Age favorite!  Soundtrack: iTunes | Amazon | Spotify   Show Notes: Official site Daisha really likes the NY Times article on it WOOF. Tell us how you really feel, Rex Reed Variety has some opinions too!   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Could it be? Yes, it could. Something's coming, something good: A new episode!!! Hello Sharks and Jets, the Broadway Babies are headed to the West Side to review an adaptation of one of the most well-known stories ever told: Romeo and Juliet. Bernstein's "West Side Story" grabs ahold of racial and socioeconomic disparities of poor folks in a neighborhood and mixes them with Shakespearean tragedy to create this masterpiece that is still relevant today. Alex and Daisha will discuss the plot, production history, Bernstein's musical daring, and would it be an episode of Broadway Babies if Stephen Sondheim weren't in the mix somewhere? Do you love this musical classic? Tell us why on Facebook or Twitter!   Soundtrack: iTunes | Amazon | Spotify Film: YouTube | Amazon | iTunes   Songs: "Jets Song," performed by Russ Tamblyn "Maria," by Jim Bryant "America," by Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, the Sharks  "I Feel Pretty," by Marni Nixon, Yvonne Othon, Suzie Kaye, Joanne Miya  "I Have a Love," by Marni Nixon and Betty Wand Music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Distributed by Classic Music International    Show Notes: A lil WSS history...  And the DRAMA Info about dubbing in Hollywood  Super amazing gender-bent performance of "I Feel Pretty" Jeremy Jordan is bae and sings the shit out of "Maria" Some music analysis, if ya want it Rita talking about brownface Rita Moreno's Oscars dress in 1962 AND 2018! One of Daisha's favorite things: Cher playing all the roles in WSS.  A little bit of another icon, Chita Rivera, singing Anita. Chita on Rita: Interviewers asking Chita what she things about Rita Moreno starring as Anita instead of her.    Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Happy Halloween, fellow slayers! We are celebrating the day AND ending our sPoOkY musical season with a bang...or a fang in this case. Join Alex, Daisha, and the Scooby Gang as they all embark on the TV show musical episode that started it all: “Once More, with Feeling,” from Joss Whedon’s cult series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"! Alex and Daisha gush over the show and its the concept, as well as break down the episode, and share our thoughts about the music and how it was executed. Now sit back, relax, and binge on expensive candy you pretended to buy for the trick-or-treaters and enjoy the show! It'll give you something to sing about!   Cast recording: YouTube | Amazon | Spotify Episode: YouTube | Amazon | Hulu (entire series with subscription)   Songs: "Going Through the Motions," performed by Sarah Michelle Gellar "I'll Never Tell," by Emma Caulfield and Nicholas Brendon "Under Your Spell," by Amber Benson "Walk Through the Fire," by the cast of "Buffy TVS" Music and lyrics by Joss Whedon Released by Rounder Records, distributed by Concord Music Group   Show Notes: The season DVD's behind-the-scenes of this episode! Before any of you other nerds ask, yes there is sheet music for this episode, and we've found it all for you! We didn't have much time to talk about Buffy studies, but check out more info on the rise of “Buffy” as a field of academic study  This year's EW cast reunion!!!  Super detailed blog post about the epi. Sarah Michelle Gellar as the damsel not-so-in-distress  of another “Scooby Gang” SMG on how she almost got dubbed! If you loved this, you'll probably also fall for Whedon’s next musical project, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog.” Not required viewing, but if you wanna watch "OMWF" live, The Duplex piano bar did an amazing live show last year and FILMED IT.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Dystopian trash city à la Mad Max/Sin City? Check. Big-pharma corporatocracy? Check.  Unnecessary gore? Plenty. Alexa Vega from Spy Kids and Anthony Head from Buffy? Check AND check. Music???? I guess. There’s nothing much to say about this gothic-rock-musical-horror film (thanks Wikipedia), so hold on for dear life as The Broadway Babies try their darndest to wade through the murky waters of “Repo! The Genetic Opera.” Alex and Daisha get tangled up in the plot of this zany gore-fest and just confused as a whole. Tune into the episode, and don’t forget to tell us what you liked or disliked about the “Repo!” On Facebook or Twitter!    Cast recording: Amazon | Spotify Film: YouTube | Amazon | iTunes   Songs: "Legal Assassin," performed by Anthony Stuart Head "Zydrate Anatomy," by Terrance Zdunich, Alexa Vega and Paris Hilton "Chromaggia," by Sarah Brightman Music by Darren Smith and Terrance Zdunich Distributed by Twisted Pictures   Show Notes: The struggle is real.  “It’s a gift to goths.” Alexa Vega's other gig. The story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mom who had Münchausen's by proxy...it's kind of morbidly fascinating.    Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast  

On the twenty-first day of the month of September  in an early year of a decade not too long before our own, the human race suddenly encountered a deadly threat to its very existence... and Alex and Daisha are here to talk about it! Join the Broadway Babies as they continue their Spooky Halloween season with a musical about a mean green mother from outer space: "Little Shop of Horrors." Alex and Daisha watch the 1986 cult classic in all its grungy glory and discuss the sheer craftsmanship of Audrey II, the tightness of the plot, and a comparison of the two endings to the story.    Cast recording: Amazon | Spotify Film: YouTube | Amazon    Songs: "Little Shop of Horrors” (performed by Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell) "Grow for Me” (Rick Moranis, Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell) "Feed Me (Git It)” (Rick Moranis, Levi Stubbs, Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell) "Suddenly Seymour" (Ellen Greene, Rick Moranis, Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell) "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space” (Levi Stubbs and Chorus) Music by Alan Menken and Lyrics by Howard Ashman Distributed by UMG Recordings Inc.   Show Notes: Since we were pressed for time: The story of the Broadway revival’s butchering and fixing. Frank Oz recounts the story of the original ending and its re-release. "Suddenly Seymour" from the Pasadena Playhouse production on the Late-Late Show.  Ellen Greene doing Audrey live at Encores in 2015, get it gurl! The Encores version with Audrey II’s actor actually on stage. A first look at the new off-Broadway revival A cute Groff interview Would Gaga be a good Audrey?   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

“There's a hole in the world like a big black pit who are filled with people who are filled with shit, and the vermin of the world inhabit it.” Aaaand on that note, let’s brood our way into the Halloween season with Alex and Daisha! What better way to start off a fresh new batch up episodes than with a Sondheim musical? Hold on to your jugulars, it’s about to get bloody: The Broadway Babies are reviewing the 1979 recording of "Sweeney Todd"! We're are swinging razors, opinions, and of course, the facts surrounding Sondheim’s most popular musical, as we discuss the history of Sweeney, the versatility of the show, and musical elements that make Sweeney so special. So what are you waiting for?! Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd with the Broadway Babies as they take a deep dive into the spooky vengeance musical to end all spooky vengeance musicals. Be sure to let us know your favorite production of Sweeney Todd on Facebook or Twitter!!!    Cast recording: Amazon | Spotify Film (only the George Hearn version): iTunes | Amazon    Songs: "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” (performed by Len Cariou and Ensemble) "A Little Priest” (Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou) "God That’s Good” (Angela Lansbury, Ken Jennings, and Ensemble) "Not While I’m Around” (Ken Jennings) "Final Sequence” (Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou) Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim    Record produced by Masterworks Broadway   Show Notes: Super cool audio of Sondheim and Hal Prince trying to sell an unfinished Sweeney to backers! Sondheim talking about how hard Epiphany was to write Sondheim teaches My Friends A Sondheim interview about Sweeney! Majorly cool playlist of someone who actually analyzed Sweeney Todd if you want something more in depth and theory based  Emma Thompson as Lovett  Patti doing what she does best  One of Daisha’s fave classical sopranos singing Green Finch in concert    Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

I really, really, really wanna zig-a-zig ahhhh (and a new episode!) As you all know by now, Alex and Daisha make their own rules, so it shouldn’t surprise you that they are doing an episode on the not-really-movie-musical movie based on the greatest girl band of all time: "Spice World"! Join the Broadway Babies as they fan-girl over this hilarious, kooky, British movie about a week-in-the-life of the Spice Girls. With all that said, Alex and Daisha have one question for you: Which Spice Girl are you? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter, and tune in until the end of the episode to find out which ones they are.    "Soundtrack": Amazon Prime | Apple Music | Spotify Film (for purchase only): Amazon   Songs: "Too Much" "Say You'll Be There" "Viva Forever" "Wannabe" "Spice Up Your Life" "Lady is a Vamp" Music all written and performed by the Spice Girls.  Released by Virgin Records.   Show Notes: The behind-the-scenes featurette of "Spice World." Too Much music video of their personas vs. the Holler video as random queens of the elements  The Spice Bus was available on AirBNnB! A real thorough Vice story about the transformation of feminism in the '90s through the filter of the Spice Girls' "Girl Power" and its more radical origins. Meanwhile, here's another story about the girls'  Here's exactly what the dress code was at that London club. Megafan Liz West is an angel for this. Spice Girls without the spice! Geri | Mel C. & Emma   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

The Broadway Babies are dusting off our VHS tapes and pulling out our Lisa Frank gel pens to tackle this iconic production: The Wonderful World of Disney’s “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”! Starring Brandy “sittin up in her cellar” Norwood, Whitney “I am your actual boss” Houston, and Bernadette “how can I make this power dynamic less problematic” Peters! Join Alex and Daisha as they sift through this fairy tale's long production history, the behind-the-scenes drama and the optics of color-blind casting, and discuss whether or not this movie was as progressive as it wanted to be at its inception.    Cast recording: ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Film: Amazon   Songs: "Impossible," performed by Whitney Houston “My Own Little Corner,” by Brandy Norwood “Falling in Love With Love,” by Bernadette Peters "Stepsisters' Lament," by Natalie Deselle and Veanne Cox "It's Possible," by Brandy and Whitney Houston Music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II   Show Notes: Shondaland.com's 20th anniversary herstory of the Cinderella film has all the tea, listeners. WHY ARE YOU DOWN THERE: This behind-the-scenes video special on Brandy and Whitney's relationship shows more than just the memes. Like night and day: Brandy's take on "Roxie" was just bursting with personality, no wonder they waited outside in lights to see her! Audra McDonald and Mary Testa's own version of the "Stepsisters' Lament" is its own level of iconic. Speaking of the Stepsisters, Veanne Cox might also just have one of the best renditions of "Getting Married Today." Veanne has the range: Here she is getting destroyed by Julia Roberts for having two wrong feet with ugly shoes. The 1965 version with Ginger Rogers is free via YouTube TV! If you would just like the entire movie retold in GIFs   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

The devil took the hindmost with this confusing sorta-sequel to everyone's favorite "opera." Join Alex and Daisha as they strap into this carnival ride of a musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Love Never Dies." The Broadway Babies are up to their usual shenanigans with the additional tasks of detangling this confusing plot, comparing the sequel to "Phantom of the Opera," and giving their final verdict on the 2012 Australian production. Is this musical a dud, or does it need one more new production team in the mix?   Cast recording: Amazon | Spotify | Apple Music Video recording: BroadwayHD | Amazon Songs: "Til I Hear You Sing," performed by Ben Lewis "Beneath a Moonless Sky," by Ben Lewis and Anna O'Byrne "Dear Old Friend," by Anna O'Byrne, Simon Gleeson, Sharon Millerchip and Maria Mercedes "Love Never Dies," by Anna O'Byrne Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Glenn Slater and Charles Hart Produced by The Really Useful Group Ltd., under exclusive license to Polydor Limited to release. Show Notes: A story of the show for NPR from before it debuted in London.  Could "Love Never Dies" come to Broadway? Because the tour did well? Let's guess! ALW and The Wizard of Oz ... as he talks to the New York Times about why he thinks the show didn't go well and what he planned next in 2012 (aka a puff piece). The show's 'World Tour' website seems pretty dry...but you can get on the waitlist! "Like the Phantom himself, this new show lives in anguish, yearning to reveal itself and be loved."  Oh boy... ALW loves having popular singers do singles of his big songs. Barbra, this ain't. Who is your fave Christine? Sierra and ALW performing the title song!   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Welcome back, dear friends! This week we're dishing on the 2016 revival of one of the loveliest musicals around the corner, "She Loves Me." Boasting one of the best ensemble casts this side of Hungary, this revival starring podcast fave Laura Benanti and a charming Zachary Levi as sparring coworkers/pen-pal lovers (who don't quite know it yet) is as delicious as sweets from a musical box. So grab a carton of vanilla ice cream and enter the wonderful, ordinary world of Maraczek's Parfumerie. Do call again, won't you?   Film: Amazon | BroadwayHD  Cast recording: Spotify | Apple Music   Music "Tonight at Eight," performed by Zachary Levi "Ilona," by Gavin Creel, Jane Krakowski, Nicholas Barasch and Michael McGrath "Dear Friend," by Laura Benanti "Try Me," by Nicholas Barasch "Bows," by "She Loves Me" company Licensed by Ghostlight Records Inc. Released by Razor & Tie Recordings via Concord Music Group Inc.    Show Notes There are so, so many things to show why Laura Benanti is iconic, but what could be more on-brand than watching her as Fosca from "Passion" in Times Square? OK fine, here's this too, her now-annual tradition! Sweetheart Jane Krakowski has the most touching story about doing the show as Ilona, and got a whole profile feature on CBS Morning News about it. But then here's Jane being iconic with her extra-ness ... which won her a Tony as soon as she first came down the ceiling. "Vanilla Ice Cream" is so overdone, but sometimes a soprano really pulls it off at her recital, gurl. Barbara Cook. The legend.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies | Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Oh, what a little sunlight can do! The Broadway Babies are back from our summer vacation, and we're diving right into the deep end with our next show: Audra McDonald's star turn as doomed jazz singer Billie Holiday in the "musical play" "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill." Originally a Broadway revival in 2014, the show was filmed for a TV movie that aired on HBO in 2016 — and we're here to talk Billie's life story and how its leading lady elevates the play's iffy dialogue and plot.    TV movie available online at HBO.com Cast recording: Spotify | Amazon | Apple Music   Music "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" "God Bless the Child" "Strange Fruit" "Deep Song" All songs performed by Audra McDonald. Released by PS Classics.   Show Notes To keep from going into a whole YouTube concert of her, here’s two of Audra’s iconic performances that really show her range and talent, both vocal and acting: ”The Glamorous Life” and “Down With Love”. There will be more to come…  She always gives the best Tony speeches, by the way.  And the best interviews because she’s just so down to earth but also earth-shatteringly talented...she’s classy, sassy, and just a touch bit ass-y.  “All Stars 4” co-winner Monet X Change made a powerful music video of “Strange Fruit” that, let’s say, modernizes the song. And last but definitely not least, here’s the real Billie really singing “Strange Fruit” in 1959, the same year the play takes place and the year she died.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies | Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

OK, lions, now let's get in formation! The Broadway Babies are back from a much-needed summer break to share our thoughts on Disney's latest remake, "The Lion King," which has roared through the box office and left fans of the original divided over the movie's photorealistic yet dulled CGI'd Pridelands, its confusingly changed plot and somewhat questionable vocal talents.  Show Notes Moira Kelly (the original voice of Nala) talks about how hard the voice acting experience is Since we do draw a line between "The Jungle Book" and "The Lion King," here's a more detailed comparison about the successes and failures of both movies. A really interesting (albeit all about economic theory, so bear with us) video essay take on the financial reasons behind all the recent Disney remakes… spoiler alert: It’s capitalism’s fault!!! Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Back to Paris again, dearest listeners, where we tackle our most special show yet: the original production of Stephen Sondheim's personal opus "Sunday in the Park with George." Filled with color and light and based on French painter Georges Seurat's own influential artwork, this musical has left a major impact on us and many other Broadway babies around the world since its debut in 1984. Put down your pastries and your parasols as we sing the praises of Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin, discuss the topsy-turvy energy of its production history and wonder why this show makes us feel such feelings. It's getting orange!   DVD: Amazon | Apple Video Cast recording: Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify   Music “Sunday in the Park with George,” performed by Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin “Color and Light,” by Peters and Patinkin “Finishing the Hat,” by Patinkin “Children and Art,” by Peters “Move On,” by Peters and Patinkin “Sunday (reprise),” by company, Peters and Patinkin Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Released by BMG Music Inc.   Show Notes Again plugging Sondheim’s Hat Box collection of his lyrics from all his major shows: It’s such an eye-opening page turner from “Saturday Night” to “Road Show.” Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters reunited to “move on” at a recent Sondheim birthday concert, and it’s as touching as you’d expect A-list Actór Jake Gyllenhaal recently starred in a Broadway revival and showed just how skilled a singer he is in a music video of “Finishing the Hat.” Also, that production, with Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford, was JUST announced to be transferring to the West End in 2020 ... like, the day after we recorded this... Finally, just take this in: Steve performing "Move On" at Michael Bennett's funeral.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Listen...when Stephanie J. Block and Rachel Chavkin finally win their Tonys, you know Pride Month is gonna be OK. And Sunday night's ceremony proved all was right on Broadway, with many Bway vets and capital-I Important productions getting their dues. Let's talk about the highlights, the lowlights and everything in between as the Broadway Babies do their play-by-play of the biggest night on the Great White Way.  Show Notes: Billy Porter is the goddess-send we need this Pride, talking about casting double standards and then slaying red carpets left and right, honey. Cher is Stephanie's biggest fan, honestly. Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Get out your hymn books and habits — for this week's musical service, we're dishing on the joyful noise of Broadway's "Sister Act." The Broadway Babies have lots to say about this screen-to-stage adaptation (our second Whoopi movie!), including its original 1992 film, pond-hopping production history, and star-making turn for Patina Miller, who doesn't quite get enough to do in this show. Featuring a scene-stealing Victoria Clark as the holier-than-thou Mother Superior, "Sister Act" is a rollicking time at the theatre that'll take you straight to church!  Cast recording (West End): Spotify | iTunes Music:  "Take Me to Heaven," performed by Patina Miller, Debbie Kurup and Amy Booth Steel "Fabulous, Baby," by Patina Miller, Debbie Kurup and Amy Booth Steel "Raise Your Voice," by Patina Miller and company "Bless Our Show," by Patina Miller and company "Sister Act," by Patina Miller Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater Distributed by Ghostlight Records. Show Notes: This is more an added CXG show note, but this is the season 1 sheet music from the CW website for anyone interested. Patina Miller SANGS about being...a "Random Black Girl."  Here, she meets Whoopi for the first time. We didn't talk much about the sequel movie, "Back in the Habit" (...sigh), but Lauryn Hill, ladies and gents. Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Welcome to West Covina — only two hours from the beach! With brand new pals and new career, unhappy lawyer Rebecca Bunch makes the biggest move of her life to follow the boy she definitely doesn't love...all with musical numbers! We sit down this week to talk all things crazy on the CW musical-comedy "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's" first episode, "Josh Just Happens to Live Here!"  Trigger warning: There is some talk in the beginning about suicide and depression, so please skip ahead to the first musical break if this conversation is too sensitive a topic. Also, audio warning: Yes, there's some faint music playing in the background of Alex's audio — his headphones were picking up the local Christian music station (perfect timing) because technology is weird, but it's being Olivia Pope-handled! TV show: Netflix | CW.com | Amazon | iTunes Season 1, vol. 1 soundtrack: iTunes | Spotify | Amazon Music:  "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Theme," performed by Rachel Bloom "West Covina," by Rachel Bloom (written by Bloom and Jerome Kurtenbach) "The Sexy Getting Ready Song," by Rachel Bloom feat. Nipsey Hussle (written by Bloom, Jack Dolgen and Mike Geier) "West Covina (reprise)," by Rachel Bloom and Donna Lynne Champlin (written by Bloom and Jerome Kurtenbach) Music and Lyrics by Rachel Bloom, Jack Dolgen and Adam Schlesinger Distributed by Warner Bros. Entertainment. Show Notes: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 and Lifeline chat Rachel Bloom, Aline Brosh-McKenna, Adam Schlesinger and Jack Dolgen also recorded a commentary album discussing the writing and filming of each and all the songs of season 1. The show's creators (Rachel and Aline) talk about working with the late Nipsey Hussle on filming the "Sexy Getting Ready Song."  She's more known for "Fuck Me, Ray Bradbury," but this song is basically Rachel Bloom's chaotic musical energy in a nutshell. Actually, here’s just her entire YouTube channel, with most of her old stuff at the bottom Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Hey, big spenders! Willkommen to another warm take episode, as the Broadway Babies gab about the first episode of FX's dazzling true-Broadway-story miniseries, "Fosse/Verdon." Starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams as the performing legends, the series promises a look behind the red curtain and features a supporting gallery of Broadway icons — and we're here to dish about all of it. Now let us show you fun, laughs and a good time! Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, listeners! It's Daisha's turn to pick one of her favorite musicals, and leapin' lizards, she picked the original "Annie" movie musical from 1982! Let's take a trip down Easy Street to Miss Hannigan's Orphanage for Girls and Oliver Warbucks' amazing mansion as we talk shop on the history of the movie, its theatre and comic strip source material and the odd changes made from stage to screen.  Film Amazon Prime | iTunes  Music "Tomorrow," performed by Aileen Quinn "Hard Knock Life," by Aileen Quinn and orphan girls "Maybe," by Aileen Quinn "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here," by Ann Reinking, Aileen Quinn and servants "Little Girls," by Carol Burnett "Let's Go to the Movies," by Ann Reinking, Albert Finney and ensemble "Easy Street," by Tim Curry, Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters Soundtrack available on Amazon Prime.  Released by Sony Legacy. Music by Charles Strouse; lyrics by Martin Charnin Show Notes Like we said, there are only two important show notes this week: Carol Burnett giving an iconic master class on playing drunk Bernadette Peters being iconic on the Playboy cover   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Welcome back listeners, as we take a troika ride to the past to 19th century Russia, where everyone's got nine different names in Dave Malloy's take on the Russian literary paperweight "War & Peace." His electropop opera, "Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812," follows the young Natasha fumbling her way into Moscow high society, while there's a war going on out there somewhere ... and what about Pierre? Join us as we try to unpack the story of this ambitious stage adaptation, its incredible diversity of music and casting, and its own meteoric rise to Broadway — and how it burned out so quickly. Raz, dva, tri!  Broadway cast recording: iTunes | Spotify | Amazon Prime Original cast recording: iTunes | Spotify | Amazon Music:  "Prologue," performed by Josh Groban and cast "No One Else," by Denee Benton "Charming," by Amber Gray  "Letters," by Lucas Steele and cast "Sonya Alone," by Brittain Ashford "Dust and Ashes," by Josh Groban and cast Music, Lyrics, and Book by Dave Malloy  Distributed by Release Records. Show Notes: Dave Malloy left super interesting verified notes on the Genius lyrics for both the original and Broadway cast recordings. Both Sonyas, Ingrid Michaelson and Brittain Ashford, harmonizing “Sonya Alone” Cabaret night at Green Room 42 of a bunch of the cast doing songs from different musicals that inspired Dave for the show — Lucas Steele even steals THIS SHOW with his Hedwig number Dave Malloy and “Great Comet” cast perform his song “Squeeze of the Hand” from his version of “Moby Dick” Dave’s website, which talks about his plans for “Moby Dick” Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

What's new, pussycats? This week we're taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming to talk about "Documentary Now's" episode about the recording of a musical cast album, "Co-op: The Musical." Written by John Mulaney and Seth Meyers, the episode is a loving yet biting sendup of the making of Stephen Sondheim's "Company" cast album in 1970 and shows us the ups and downs of one grueling overnight recording session, with Mulaney as silently demanding genius-savant composer Simon Sawyer (ring any bells?).  Episode: Amazon Video  Cast recording: YouTube   Show Notes: More about Stephen Sondheim's iconic take on "Co-op" and its music. Here's him master-classing and also shading students doing "Getting Married Today."   Probably the crown jewel of John Mulaney's standup repertoire, which is saying something: The Salt and Pepper Diner. OK, fine, here's another one: The One Thing You Can't Replace. John Mulaney also wrote all the sketches of Stefon, the gay, Ed Hardy-wearing event correspondent who's in love with Seth Meyers. Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Before you roll your eyes, we are reviewing THE MOVIE, OKAY?!?! Dear listeners, if we are doing a season on musicals we love, Daisha has to include Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years or she will explode. Join Alex and Daisha as they compare the movie with the musical and talk about how movie adaptations can add to a story when visual elements are used tastefully. What do you think about film adaptations of musicals? Let us know in the comments, through email, or via our social media accounts! Film: Amazon Video  Cast recording: iTunes | Spotify Music:  "Moving Too Fast," performed by Jeremy Jordan "Summer in Ohio," by Anna Kendrick "If I Didn’t Believe in You," by Jeremy Jordan "Goodbye Until Tomorrow/I Could Never Rescue You," by Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan Music, Lyrics, and Book by Jason Robert Brown Film distributed by Radius-TWC  Show Notes:  Reunited, and it feels SO GOOD! Come and play with us, Jamie !!!!!!! People (Broadway people) have been freaking out over Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes’ mash-up of “Ten Minutes Ago/Next Ten Minutes,” but they did this at a show like five years ago lmao Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Happy New-ish Year, listeners, and hello, young lovers! After a few weeks away, shall we tell you what we think of one of the most romantic, epic musicals of all time — Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I"? The 2018 West End production starring Queen Kelli O'Hara and Ken Watanabe is something wonderful — and we adore it so much we decided to start a season on musicals we love, to start off 2019 (and Valentine's) with a happy tune. The Broadway Babies will go over the backstage drama that surrounded this musical from the beginning, how iconic Ruthie Ann Miles' Lady Thiang is, the racial tensions both in and out of the show, etc. etc. etc. Now, come...shall we dance? Film: Amazon Video | BroadwayHD Cast recording: iTunes | Spotify Music:  "Getting to Know You," performed by Kelli O'Hara "A Puzzlement," by Ken Watanabe "Hello, Young Lovers," by Kelli O'Hara "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You," by Kelli O'Hara "Something Wonderful," by Ruthie Ann Miles "Shall We Dance," by Kelli O'Hara, Ken Watanabe, conducted by Ted Sperling "Finale Ultimo," conducted by Ted Sperling Music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; copyright owned by the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization. Album distributed by Universal Music Classics, a division of UMG Recordings Inc. Show Notes: A discussion of race in The King and I when it was staged in Australia in 2014, referring to both the movie and the 1991 production that moved to Broadway. A portrait of the OG Anna in the OG ballgown, Gertrude MFin' Lawrence The King and I animated trailer … with tigers and dragons and Julie Andrews-lite Anna, oh my! Lincoln Center Theatre’s LincTix discount program for 21-35-year-olds, where tickets are like half off! Get ready for "Disobedience," (2017) starring Anna and Lady Thiang. It's a 'ship. Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Happy new year, listeners! Christmas bells aren't ringing anymore, but we're here to measure a year in the life of those iconic bohemians, artists and lovers once more with our semi-hot take on last week's "Rent (Not-so-)Live!" We give our thoughts on the backstage drama that affected the production and resulted in the lowest ratings for a live musical yet, reveal what surprising changes we loved, and mispronounce Keala Settle's name repeatedly (yes, we know).    Watch the broadcast online here.   Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast

Merry Christmas, fellow filthy Broadway animals! We've moved on from the movie musical into the holidays, and this Irving Berlin musical covers all of them. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Arbor Day, Labor Day... Let's check into the Broadway adaptation of the classic ’40s movie musical "Holiday Inn," filmed live in 2017 for Broadway HD. This musical has everything: jump rope tapping, firework dancing, and a little Hallmark Channel romance realness. So snuggle up with your apple pie and a cup of hot chocolate (or whatever floats your Christmas boat), and welcome to the Holiday Inn!   Note: This episode contains some (mostly irreverent, but still) discussion of blackface. If this topic is any way triggering for you, skip ahead after the plot summary to the next musical break.  --- Film: BroadwayHD | Amazon Video Cast recording: iTunes | Spotify | Amazon Prime  Filmed and distributed exclusively by Broadway HD Music:  "I'll Capture Your Heart," performed by Bryce Pinkham and Corbin Bleu "Blue Skies," by Bryce Pinkham "Heat Wave," by Corbin Bleu and Megan Sikora "You're Easy to Dance With," by Corbin Bleu and Ensemble "Shaking the Blues Away," by Megan Lawrence, Bryce Pinkham and Ensemble "White Christmas," by Lora Lee Gayer and Bryce Pinkham Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin Album distributed by Ghostlight Records Show Notes: No show notes this week, just this music video of Holidae In by Chingy that should've been a musical number. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  Podcast cover art: David Taylor Twitter: @bwaybabies Facebook: Facebook.com/broadwaybabiespodcast