Get excited for what's being referred to by 'industry professionals' as "Musical Science Theatre 3000," "Just the schadenfreude I needed!" and "Something to listen to instead of the president's whining," when John and Mark, both 'industry professionals,' bring to you, Flop of the Heap, the podcast where failure is always an option! Like B-Movies? Try B-Musicals! Available now on your internet enabled device.
Mark Alpert and John Anker Bow
The Flop of the Heap podcast is an absolute pleasure to listen to. Hosted by John Bow and Mark Alpert, this podcast is a must-listen for theatre enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With their blend of knowledge, cleverness, creativity, and entertainment value, the hosts make each episode a delightful deep dive into musicals that didn't quite make the grade.
One of the best aspects of The Flop of the Heap podcast is the hosts' expertise and passion for musical theatre. Both John Bow and Mark Alpert have a deep understanding and appreciation for the art form, which shines through in their discussions. They provide in-depth analysis and historical context for each flop they cover, making it educational as well as entertaining. Their comedic wit and anecdotes add an extra layer of enjoyment to each episode.
Another great aspect of this podcast is its ability to shed light on forgotten or overlooked musicals. While some may consider these productions failures, John and Mark recognize that even unsuccessful shows can have interesting stories behind them. They bring attention to these often-neglected pieces of theatrical history and explain why they think they fell short. It's fascinating to hear their insights on what could have been done differently to potentially change the outcome of these shows.
While there aren't many negative aspects to The Flop of the Heap podcast, one minor criticism could be that it caters primarily to those already familiar with musical theatre. While John Bow and Mark Alpert do an excellent job connecting lesser-known shows to more well-known ones, someone without much knowledge or interest in Broadway might not fully appreciate all the references made throughout each episode. However, this doesn't detract from the overall quality and enjoyment of the podcast.
In conclusion, The Flop of the Heap podcast is a fantastic listen for anyone interested in musical theatre or curious about lesser-known productions that didn't succeed on Broadway. With its knowledgeable hosts, humorous banter, educational content, and engaging storytelling, this podcast is sure to entertain and inform. Whether you're a seasoned theatre lover or just looking for something fun and informative to listen to, The Flop of the Heap delivers on all fronts.
Marla & John chat about this & that and read some listener mail.June is Bustin' Out All Over!
Music by Max ShowalterLyrics by Peter WalkerBook by Michael StewartFeaturing music by Harrigan & HartDirected by Joe LaytonStarring Mark Hamill, Harry Groener, Chrisitne Ebersole, Armelia McQueen & Tudi RocheOpened on Broadway January 31, 1985
Music by Charles StrouseLyrics by Lee AdamsBook by David Newman & Robert BentonDirected & Produced by Harold PrinceStarring Jack Cassidy, Linda Lavin, Bob Holiday, Patricia Marand & Michael O'SullivanOpened on Broadway March 29, 1966
Music by George KleinsingerLyrics by Joe DarionBook by Joe Darion & Mel BrooksDirected by NobodyStarring Eartha Kitt & Eddie BrackenOpened on Broadway April 13, 1957
Music by Arthur SchwartzLyrics by Howard DietzBook by Kay Kanin & Michael KaninDirected by Gerald Freedman & Herbert RossStarring Walter Chiari, Barbara Cook, Jules Munshin, Loring Smith, Jack Adams & Elizabeth AllenOpened on Broadway November 18, 1961
Music by Stephen FlahertyLyrics by Lynn AhrensBook by Thomas Meehan & Sylvester StalloneDirected by Alex TimbersChoreography by Steven Hoggett & Kelly DevineStarring Andy Karl, Margo Seibert, Terence Archie, Danny Mastrogiorgio, Dakin Matthews & Jennifer MudgeOpened on Broadway March 13, 2014
Music by Lee HoldridgeLyrics by John ForsterBook by Jeff TamborinoDirected by Michael MaurerStarring Dean Jones, Thomas Batten, Susan Bigelow, Danny Gerard & Gordon StanleyOpened on Broadway October 22, 1986
with Special Guest Host Connor McAndrewsMusic by Mitch LeighLyrics by Phyllis Robinson & William AlfredBook by William Alfred & Albert MarreDirected by Albert MarreStarring Joan Diener, Steve Arlen, Robert Weede, Tommy Rall & Helen Gallagher.Opened on Broadway April 8, 1970
Music by Claude-Michel SchönbergLyrics by Alain Boublil, Richard Maltby, Jr. & John DempseyBook by Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg & Richard Maltby, Jr.Directed by Frank GalatiStarring Stephanie J. Block, Hadley Fraser, Linda Balgord, Marcus Chait, Jeff McCarthy & William YoumansOpened on Broadway April 5, 2007.
Music by Charles StrouseLyrics by Stephen SchwartzBook by Joseph SteinRevisions by David ThompsonDirected by Gene SaksStarring Teresa Stratas, Larry Kert, Lonny Price, Judy Kuhn, Terrence Mann & Dick LatessaOpened on Broadway August 21, 1986.
Marla & John read some listener mail and go off on several random tangents in this very special bonus episode!!!!
John & Marla break down the unmitigated disaster that was the Peggy Lee musical.Music by Paul HornerLyrics by Peggy LeeBook by Peggy Lee (originally by William Luce)Also featuring songs by Johnny Mercer, Joe McCoy, Richard Rodgers and Lieber & Stoller.Directed by Robert Drivas, replaced by Cy ColemanStarring Peggy LeeOpened on Broadway December 14, 1983.
Special Guest Host Connor McAndrews joins John to discuss this titanic Broadway flop!Music by Nöel CowardLyrics by Nöel CowardBook by Nöel CowardDirection by Nöel CowardPoster Design by Nöel CowardCasting by Nöel CowardRe-casting by Nöel CowardStarring Elaine Stritch (and some other people).Opened on Broadway October 3, 1961
John & Marla discuss the short-lived sequel to 'Bye Bye Birdie' in this tribute episode to the late Chita Rivera.Music by Charles Strouse.Lyrics by Lee AdamsBook by Michael StewartDirected, Choreographed (and Conceived!) by Joe LaytonStarring Chita Rivera, Donald O'Connor, Maria Karnilova, Marcel Forestieri, Robin Morse, Evan Seplow, Jeb Brown & Lynda Ferguson
Music by John KanderLyrics by Fred Ebb Book by George Abbott & Robert RussellOpened on Broadway May 11, 1965
Music by Cyril OrandelLyrics by Leslie BricusseBook by Wolf MankowitzOpened on Broadway October 4, 1965
John & Marla read listener mail, ask each other flop trivia and generally bitch about the Sweeney Todd revival stunt casting.
Guest host Connor McAndrews joins Marla AND John to discuss Andrew Lloyd Webber's spooky Victorian flop: THE WOMAN IN WHITE.Spooky Music by Andrew Lloyd WebberSpooky Lyrics by David ZippelSpooky Book by Charlotte JonesSpookily Directed by Trevor NunnStarring Maria Friedman, Michael Ball, Jill Paice, Adam Brazier & Ron Bohmer.Opened on Broadway November 17, 2005.
Guest host Connor McAndrews joins John to dissect this '80s flop: GRIND.Music by Larry GrossmanLyrics by Ellen FitzhughBook by Fay KaninDirected by Harold PrinceStarring Ben Vereen, Leilani Jones, Stubby Kaye & Timothy Nolen.Opened on Broadway April 16, 1985
Connor & John continue their exploration of I Had A Ball.Lots of song clips and more Buddy Hackett impressions.Enchanted Blissville in Old New Kissville.
Music & Lyrics by Jack Lawrence & Stan FreemanBook by Jerome ChodorovStarring Buddy HackettOpened on Broadway December 15, 1964
Marla & John read listener mail in this very special episode of FLOP OF THE HEAP!!!
Part 2 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's blind stab at teen pop realness.
Music by Andrew Lloyd WebberLyrics by David ZippelBook by Emerald Fennell & Alexis ScheerOpened on Broadway March 23, 2023
Part 2 of Dear World with guest host Connor McAndrews!Get ready forrrr..... Criticalllll..... Receptionnnnn!!!
Music & Lyrics by Jerry HermanBook by Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. LeeOpened on Broadway February 6, 1969Guest Host: Connor McAndrews
Music by Jerome KernBook & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein IIOpened on Broadway November 17, 1939
Music & Lyrics by Barry KeatingBook by Stuart Ross & Barry KeatingOpened on Broadway April 27, 1989
Music and Lyrics- Jerry HermanBook- Michael Stewart
Music and Lyrics- Jerry HermanBook- Michael Stewart
Breakfast at Tiffany's- 1966 - Majestic TheatreMusic/Lyrics- Bob MerrillBook- Edward Albee
Lysistrata Jones- Walter Kerr- 2011Music and Lyrics- Lewis FlinnBook- Douglas Carter Beane
Join John, Marla, and Special Guest, Connor McAndrews on our first Sondheim flop adventure. Find Connor on Insta @connormcandrews and @southphillybarefootcontessaAnyone Can Whistle- 1964- The MajesticMusic and Lyrics- Stephen SondheimBook- Arthur Laurents
Join John, Marla, and Special Guest, Connor McAndrews on our first Sondheim flop adventure. Find Connor on Insta @connormcandrews and @southphillybarefootcontessaAnyone Can Whistle- 1964- The MajesticMusic and Lyrics- Stephen SondheimBook- Arthur Laurents
Home Sweet Homer- 1976- The Palace TheatreThis one's a real Odyssey.Music- Mitch LeighLyrics- Charles Burr and Foreman BrownBook- Roland Kibbee and Albert Marre
Join John and special guest Marc Tumminelli, as they discuss a pageant of a disaster. If Marla is your least favorite co-host of Flop of the Heap, this is the episode for you!Smile- Lunt- Fontanne- 1986Book- Howard AshmanMusic- Marvin HamlischLyrics- Howard Ashman
The Halloween Special No One Asked For.Dance of the Vampires- The Minskoff Theatre- 2002Book- David Ives and Michael KunzeLyrics- Jim Steinman and Don Black
How could a musical with so many great actors fail so miserably? Triumph of Love- The Royal Theatre- 1998Book- James MagruderComposer- Jeffrey StockLyrics- Susan Birkenhead
We're serving up a legendary flop this week! What does a flamboyant Australian pop singer have in common with a ruthless New York mobster? Aside from having a pair of legs, probably not much.Legs Diamond- 1988- The Mark Hellinger TheatreMusic and Lyrics- Peter AllenBook- Harvey Fierstein
Join us as we explore Raggedy Ann, not the beloved children's' doll, but the brutally panned musical featuring said beloved children's' doll... and lots of death. How did a show written by the man who brought us "C is for Cookie" get so very dark? Let's find out!Raggedy Ann- 1986- Nederlander TheatreMusic and Lyrics- Joe RaposoBook- William Gibson
Strap on your rollerskates, as we follow Chita Rivera, Liza Minelli, and Jason Alexander on this journey that looks much more like a brutal roller derby match, than a relaxing lap around the rink.The Rink- The Martin Beck Theatre- 1984Music- John KanderLyrics- Fred EbbBook- Terrence McNally
John and Marla go West to search for Broadway Oil, and find only tar. Find out what made Lucille Ball's only musical performance so “lame.” Shenanigans ensue.Wildcat- 1960 - Alvin TheatreMusic- Cy ColemanLyrics- Carolyn LeighBook- N. Richard Nash
A very special pride episode! Heart on our sleeves, eye shadow in our creases, we take a trip to 1980s London, to meet Boy George and the Blitz Kids.Taboo- 2003- Plymouth TheatreMusic and Lyrics- Boy GeorgeBook- Mark Davies Markham and Charles Busch
Shall we friend? Shall we, friend? Shall we friend. Shall, we friend. Shall we friend! Shall, we, friend! Fan of Sci-fi? You won't be after this episode. Via Galactica- Uris Theatre- 1972Music- Galt MacDermotLyrics- Christopher GoreBook- Christopher Gore and Judith Ross
Tenderloin is on the menu, and it is a bit tough. If you are, both, pious and kick line-adverse, this is the show for you. Tenderloin- 1960- The Richard Rodgers TheatreMusic- Jerry BrockLyrics- Sheldon HarnickBook- George Abbott and Jerome Weidman
It's the end of the world as we know it!... for the cast and crew of this 1980s flop. Nuclear war has never been less interesting, and singing about it should help, but it doesn't. Take shelter, and give this one a listen.Dance A Little Closer- 1983- Minskoff TheatreMusic- Charles StrouseBook and Lyrics- Alan Jay Lerner
There's been a murder!... committed by all your favorite theatre critics. Can Paul Simon adeptly write a musical about a gang murder? Would Art have done better? Find out in this "Salsa Sunset Boulevard" of a musical.The Capeman- The Maquis- 1998Music- Paul SimonLyrics and Book- Paul Simon and Derek Walcott
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