Giants in the Sky

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This is an unparalleled look behind the scenes and between the lines of the landmark musical Into the Woods. Ben Rimalower produces and hosts candid conversations with the original stars and creatives of Into the Woods offering their unique perspectives on the development process of its iconic original production. Guests include writer-director director James Lapine, dramaturg Ira Weitzman, and original stars Chip Zien and Joanna Gleason.

Broadway Podcast Network


    • Mar 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 52m AVG DURATION
    • 66 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Giants in the Sky podcast is an absolute gem for fans of the musical Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim, and musical theater in general. Hosted by Ben Rimalower, this podcast provides a deep dive into the creation and behind-the-scenes stories of Into the Woods, featuring interviews with cast members, creative team members, and other industry professionals. As someone who was initially not a fan of Into the Woods, this podcast has completely transformed my understanding and appreciation of the show, making it one of my top 5 Sondheim shows.

    One of the best aspects of The Giants in the Sky podcast is Ben Rimalower's skills as an interviewer. He expertly guides each conversation, allowing each artist to share their unique perspective on the events surrounding Into the Woods. Rimalower's passion for the show shines through in every episode, making for engaging and insightful discussions. It's fascinating to hear personal stories, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes details that provide a deeper understanding of how such an iconic musical came to be.

    Another great aspect is how comprehensive this podcast is. Rimalower interviews a wide range of individuals involved in Into the Woods, from actors to directors to designers. This ensures that listeners get a well-rounded view of all aspects of creating a musical production. The conversations are filled with interesting tidbits and unheard stories that add richness to our understanding of this beloved show.

    However, there are some minor drawbacks to The Giants in the Sky podcast. One issue that arises occasionally is inconsistent sound levels among guests. Some guests may come through more clearly than others, which can make it difficult to fully engage with certain episodes.

    In conclusion, The Giants in the Sky podcast is an absolute must-listen for fans of Into the Woods or anyone interested in musical theater. Ben Rimalower's expertise as an interviewer combined with his deep love for the show create a captivating listening experience. This podcast provides invaluable insights into the creation and legacy of Into the Woods, making it an essential resource for any Sondheim lover.



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    Latest episodes from Giants in the Sky

    #65 - Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Legacy of Into the Woods

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 62:54


    Lin-Manuel Miranda shares Sondheim's hilarious request for Spanish translation of "I Feel Pretty" and reflects upon the legacy of Into the Woods. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #64 - Donna Murphy, the Witch at the Delacorte and Original Auditionee

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 117:50


    Donna Murphy charts her decades long journey with the seminal show and finally sets the record straight on the rumor she recored Meryl Streep's vocals for the film. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #63 - Dana Ivey, the Witch in the Playwrights Horizons Reading

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 24:20


    Dana Ivey shares her experience working in musical theater for a change--and explains why it was so enjoyable for her. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #62 - Heidi Ettinger, the Original Producer and Graphic Designer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 31:08


    Heidi Ettinger explains how a she came to design the logo art for Into the Woods while producing the show. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #61 - Mary D'Arcy, Cinderella in the Playwrights Horizons Workshop

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 32:44


    Mary D'Arcy recalls Paul Gemignani teaching her the score to Act One of Into the Woods and speculates on why she wasn't cast when the production moved forward. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #60 - Michael Chybowski, First Assistant to the Lighting Designer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 35:18


    Michael Chybowski shares what it was like to work under Richard Nelson in designing the lighting for the original Broadway production of Into the Woods. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #59 - Patti LuPone, Broadway Legend/Rejected Cinderella

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 26:35


    Patti LuPone spills all the tea about her audition to play Cinderella in Into the Woods, why she passed on playing the Witch twice, and whether she might be up for taking a crack at the role now. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #58 - Tom Galantich, Replacement Prince on Broadway

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 30:45


    Tom Galantich talks about his time on Broadway as an understudy and replacement in the original Broadway production. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #57 - Stuart Zagnit, Replacement Steward on Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 43:40


    Stuart Zagnit gives the ins and outs of acting on a national tour, and drops some delicious show biz tidbits along the way, including a hilarious experience with Carol Channing and Betty White. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #56 - Judy McLane, Replacement Baker's Wife on Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 29:41


    Judy McLane checks in from the current national tour of Company to talk about this full circle Sondheim moment in her long and varied career. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Listen Now - Singular Sensation: The Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2024 10:10


    Join us for an extraordinary deep dive inside the most transformative decade on Broadway through gripping behind-the-scenes accounts of shows such as Sunset Boulevard, Rent, Angels in America, Chicago, The Lion King, and The Producers - shows that changed the history of the American theater. Host Michael Riedel, author of the best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway, has created a companion podcast featuring his never-before-heard, taped audio interviews with legendary artists from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Patti LuPone, and so many more. Michael presents the drama behind the decade's mega-hits and shocking flops, bringing readers into high-stakes premieres, fraught rehearsals, tough contract negotiations, intense Tony Award battles, and more. From the bitter feuds to the surprising collaborations, all the intrigue of a revolutionary era in the Theater District is packed into Singular Sensation. Broadway has triumphs and disasters, but the show always goes on. Enjoy Singular Sensation: The Podcast everywhere you get your podcasts or use http://bpn.fm/singularsensation to listen and learn more, and be sure to get the book here: https://amzn.to/4cNdfO3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #55 - Robert Duncan McNeill, Jack on the National Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 85:23


    Robert Duncan McNeill remembers the good times on tour with Into the Woods and reveals his participation in the Public Theater workshop of Sondheim and Lapine's Muscle, including some major co-Stars! Plus Ben discovers the original table reading cast of Into the Woods! Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #54 - Eric Stern, Co-Musical Director at The Old Globe

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 42:34


    Eric Stern recalls how Paul Gemignani mapped out their sharing of musical director duties as well as his own contributions to the underscoring. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #53 - Marianne Cane, Stage Manager on Broadway

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 61:21


    Marianne Cane offers a detailed depiction of the rehearsal process for Into the Woods on Broadway and in the final workshop, including vivid descriptions of Betty Buckley's vocal performance, and what it was like to be in the room with her. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #52 - Robert Sean Leonard, Jack in the Playwrights Horizons Workshop

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 41:11


    Robert Sean Leonard remembers working on the early incarnation of Into the Woods and how James Lapine told him he wouldn't be going forward with the show. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #51 - Maureen Davis, the Original Sleeping Beauty and Stunt Witch

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 50:25


    Maureen Davis explains how all the magic worked transforming Bernadette Peters from the old crone to the beautiful enchantress. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #50 - Bernadette Peters, the Original Witch

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 42:54


    Bernadette Peters opens up about when she first fell in love with Stephen Sondheim's songs and how James Lapine pulled her back from the broad comedy she initially brought to the role of the Witch. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #49 - RJ Cutler, Assistant to the Director (Broadway and Final Workshop)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 55:07


    RJ Cutler remembers walking Betty Buckley's dog and and waiting with bated breath for the big songs that would complete Act Two of Into the Woods. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #48 - Jean Louisa Kelly, the original Snow White

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 33:02


    Jean Louisa Kelly was excited and scared to join Broadway star Bernadette Peters in Into the Woods as Snow White and understudy to Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood. She left the cast to resume her normal high school life just in time to miss filming the show for PBS, but went on to a successful Hollywood career anyway. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #47 - David Warren, Assistant to the Director (Playwrights Horizons, Old Globe, and National Tour)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 71:07


    David Warren was in the room where it happened and remembers everything from the moment he first heard No One Is Alone to leaving Sondheim lost in the middle of San Diego. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #46 - Kay McClelland, the original Florinda and Replacement Baker's Wife

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 64:33


    Kay McClelland comes clean on how she never felt her job was safe in her three years with Into the Woods and how the only job security she got was, as the Baker's Wife at the end of the run, being told the show would close soon so it was too late to replace her. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #45 - Tony Straiges, the original Set Designer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 41:30


    Tony Straiges tells all the secrets of his magical scenic design. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #44 - Phylicia Rashad, Replacement Witch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 35:26


    Phylicia Rashad recalls her happiness at being asked to audition for Into the Woods and recounts her embrace of the challenges of performing Stephen Sondheim's songs. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #43 - Daniel Henning, the Witch in James Lapine's Blocking Exercises

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 46:28


    Daniel Henning was a Senior at NYU when he got the opportunity of a lifetime, to play the Witch in James Lapine's blocking exercises. His vivid memories set the tone for a far-ranging and colorful conversation about the show and the actors who came before and after him in it. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #42 - Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Auditioned Choreographer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 40:40


    Marcia Milgrom Dodge dishes on her audition to choreograph Into the Woods and how--at the eleventh hour--James Lapine invited her back to the final workshop for one more look, just in case. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #41 - Jacqui Dankworth, Cinderella in London & Cleo Laine's Daughter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 40:53


    Jacqui Dankworth fell in in love with Into the Woods watching her legendary mother Cleo Laine play the Witch in the National Tour. Little did she know, she'd be originating the role Cinderella on the West End just under two years later. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #40 - Jonathan Hadley, Rapunzel's Prince on the National Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2023 59:23


    Jonathan Hadley has vivid memories of his time on tour with Into the Woods, recalling everything from his abbreviated rehearsal process as standby to Charlotte Rae's plastic covered furniture and star Cleo Laine's salty sense of humor backstage. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #39 - Tracy Katz Paladini, Little Red Riding Hood on the National Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 52:38


    Tracy Katz Paladini got the plum role of Little Red Riding Hood on the National Tour of Into the Woods fresh out of school, but her talent and training could hardly have prepared her for the strain of life on the road. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #38 - Douglas Sills, Rapunzel's Prince on the National Tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 78:47


    Douglas Sills opens up about everything from the challenges of being an out actor in the 80s and 90s to his almost #MeToo moment with Sondheim and message from the master beyond the grave. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #37 - Ben Wright, the Original Jack

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 47:29


    Ben Wright confesses how he struggled with the high notes and explains why he had thought Betty Buckley wasn't taken to Broadway. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #36 - Steve Saklad, Assistant to the Set Designer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 43:43


    Steve Saklad shares his experience assisting Set Designer Tony Straiges, with fascinating tidbits on color and light and Rapunzel's tower. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #35 - Nancy Dussault, Replacement Witch

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2023 67:35


    Nancy Dussault opens up about her work with Stephen Sondheim and other legends across a career that straddles several eras from following Mary Martin in the original Sound of Music to following Bernadette Peters in Into The Woods. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #34 - Joshua Ellis, Broadway Press Agent

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 78:33


    Joshua Ellis shares the secret to good press photos and confesses to his nightmare typo in the opening night Playbill. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #33 - Colleen Fitzpatrick, Broadway Understudy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 55:30


    Colleen Fitzpatrick shares why Sondheim is like Mozart and how Paul Gemignani graded all singers on a scale of A to F. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #32 - Stephen Dolginoff, Jack in James Lapine's Blocking Exercises

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 48:28


    Stephen Dolginoff "played" Jack at the Westbeth Theater so James Lapine could experiment with staging ideas before starting rehearsals for the Old Globe premiere and he remembers every moment of this seminal experience from his time studying theater at NYU. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #31 - Terry Burrell, Original Understudy and Replacement Lucinda

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2023 49:17


    Terry Burrell talks about her trepidations over "non-traditional casting" when she got the offer to understudy both stepsisters, how proud she was when Phylicia Rashad took over as the Witch (and later when Vanessa Williams starred in the revival). Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #30 - Maureen Moore, the Witch on the Demos

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 69:44


    Maureen Moore makes light of having to memorize "Boom Crunch" in order to keep up with her more musically literate costars on the demo recording and even how she had to quit Falsettos to convince to producers to let her out for Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #29 - John Bell, Sondheim's Intern at the Old Globe

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2023 82:33


    As Sondheim's intern at the Old Globe, John Bell has fascinating insights into the lesbian subtext between the Witch and Rapunzel, why Ellen Foley was really replaced, and when Bernadette Peters first saw the show. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #28 - Johnna Murray, the Original Stage Manager

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 72:24


    Original Broadway Stage Manager Johnna Murray was in the trenches from the earliest readings and workshops and still has the scripts and scores to prove it, finally filling in some big holes about who did what and when! Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #27 - Pamela Winslow Kashani, the original Rapunzel

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 52:42


    Original Broadway Rapunzel Pamela Winslow Kashani shares how she came up with the idea to sing the "ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah" obligado up the octave. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #26 - Burke Moses, the Prince in the Final Workshop

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 58:40


    For the first time ever, Burke Moses tells his harrowing (and hilarious) tale of getting hired for--and then promptly fired from--the original production of Into the Woods, just weeks before it was set to begin its Broadway production. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #25 - Mary Gordon Murray, the Baker's Wife on Tour and Broadway Replacement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 36:33


    Mary Gordon Murray muses on the challenges of following in Joanna Gleason's footsteps and offers some insight into how the failure to move to Broadway by James Lapine's 1985 La Jolla Playhouse Merrily We Roll Along led to the birth of Into the Woods. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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