Musical Theatre Radio presents "Be Our Guest"

Follow Musical Theatre Radio presents "Be Our Guest"
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

A mystery guest or guests joins Jean-Paul Yovanoff to share their love of musical theatre. Some one famous or just a lover of showtunes, you never know who's going to be on the air each week. Produced in conjunction with the internet radio station www.musicaltheatreradio.com

Jean Paul Yovanoff


    • Sep 29, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 546 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Musical Theatre Radio presents "Be Our Guest" with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Musical Theatre Radio presents "Be Our Guest"

    Discover A New Musical with Jodie Fox (Velvet Curtain)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2026 15:54


    Playwright/composer Jodie Fox's original comedic musical is set in 1926 NYC, a struggling theatre has just lost its director and star actor. To matters worse, motion picture companies are taking over and turning live theatres into movie houses. The Velvet Curtain theatre needs their next theatre show to be a big hit or it's lights out forever. The city's first female director steps up, but the owner has his doubts as the cast is in disarray, love triangles form, and the stagehands try to hold it together. See if they can all come together to make it happen...or if the Velvet Curtain will close forever.

    Discover A New Musical with Maria Isabella Andreoli and EmmaLee Kidwell (The Waiting)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2026 12:40


    The Waiting takes place in a mystical purgatory in rural Vermont, telling the story of grief from the perspective of the dead. The musical was recently showcased at the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop, where the writers presented the show to a sold-out audience and received feedback from Winnie Holzman, Robert L. Freedman and Irene Mecchi. The workshop cast included recent Hadestown tour stars Megan Colton and Bryan Munar, alongside Shannon Purser (Stranger Things).The musical had a Developmental Premiere in 2025 with Playhouse Stage Company, where it played a weekend-long run of shows at Cohoes Music Hall.“To Be A Butterfly” was recently selected as a finalist for the Write Out Loud competition and was subsequently performed at 54 Below by Mary Kate Morrisey (Wicked). The song is sung by Margo, a character who has been stuck in the purgatory of “The InBetween” for centuries. They pass the time working in their garden and watching the butterflies, dreaming of one day being able to leave. “To Be A Butterfly,” the first single from the upcoming concept album for their developing folk musical The Waiting, was released on October 1.

    New Album Update with Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy - New York City Center Cast Recording)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2026 40:40


    GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS and YELLOW SOUND LABEL have announced that the NEW YORK CITY CENTER Gala production of Bat Boy: The Musical (New York City Center Cast Recording) is available in digital and streaming formats today, Friday, August 28. A CD edition will be released later this year. Bat Boy features a pulsing pop-rock score by Tony Award nominee Laurence O'Keefe and book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming. This new album shines fresh light on a beloved score with several brand-new songs and revised book by the original creators, and expanded orchestrations for twelve musicians by Laurence O'Keefe and Ben Green, delving deeper into the musical's themes of identity, acceptance, and the healing power of love. The recording is produced by Michael Croiter, Laurence O'Keefe, Andrew Resnick, and Jenny Gersten, with executive producers Ben Simpson, Patrick Catullo, LD Entertainment, and Nancy Gibbs, and co-producers Aleff Productions and Adam Zell. Stream or download the album at ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/BatBoy2025Cast.

    New Album Update with Miu Sato (To Let Me Be Me)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2026 16:34


    To Let Me Be Me explores identity, cultural perception, and the complexities of living between cultures, while showcasing Sato's multifaceted talents as a songwriter, arranger, orchestrator, producer, mixer, and pianist. Born and raised primarily in Singapore, with time spent in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and New York, Sato draws on her multicultural upbringing to explore belonging, acceptance, and the desire to be understood.Miu Sato is a New York-based Japanese composer, songwriter, producer, and orchestrator for screen and stage. A proud Third Culture Individual, she was born and primarily raised in Singapore and grew up across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and New York. Through her work as a composer and songwriter, she is committed to telling stories that amplify underrepresented voices.Most recently, Miu composed the theme music and original score for MSNOW's Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order, and orchestrated and performed her original song “Home” at a tribute concert honoring Disney Legend Alan Menken. She has also scored numerous award-winning independent films, with her music featured at festivals including Chelsea, New York Shorts, San Diego LGBTQ+, and Silicon Valley AAPI. She is currently a composer in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop and is a co-founder of Her Voice, a film festival dedicated to amplifying the work of women and non-binary film composers.  https://www.miusatomusic.com/

    Discover A New Musical with Brian Belding (White Rose)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2026 23:28


    Based on the true story of young people bravely standing up to injustice, White Rose: The Musical is a powerful new musical that follows the inspiring story of a courageous group of university students who stood up to Hitler. Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, the musical follows Sophie and Hans Scholl and a group of young activists as they create and distribute leaflets challenging Hitler's propaganda. Through its dynamic and hopeful portrayal, the musical vividly captures the unwavering spirit of youthful resistance against oppression, making for a compelling and heartwarming theatrical experience. 

    Be Our Guest with Matt Rodin

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2026 24:55


    I grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, staging living room shows from the time I was 5. The first time I saw the VHS of Mary Martin's Peter Pan, I was hooked.As a boy, I played Harold Hill, Nathan Detroit, and Tevye—the last of those while missing my two front teeth. I skated for the Northbrook Bluehawks until I was fifteen.Every summer from ten to twenty-two I was at Camp Timberlane, learning guitar, learning to waterski, and losing my voice screaming through all-camp competitions.I trained at The Boston Conservatory, where I earned a BFA in Musical Theater with an emphasis in acting and songwriting.When I'm not in a show, I'm typically writing something, creating something, or sharing original songs and stories—trying to conjure collective effervescence wherever I go.I live with my husband Sam and our perfect dog, Penny.

    Discover A New Musical with Al Hammerman (36q The Musical)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2026 13:34


    To save his job, a cocky modern-day Cupid must go undercover to prove that true and lasting love cannot be reduced to an algorithm — only to discover that love itself may need saving too.Website

    Discover A New Musical with The Lazours Daniel and Patrick (Night Side Songs)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2026 25:05


    Night Side Songs traces the reverberations that ripple between life's defining moments: the conversations by the bedside, the hopes whispered or withheld, the jokes that break tension, the silences that linger. It's about those drawn into the orbit of someone's life – family, friends, strangers – reaching for one another in ways both imperfect and profound. What emerges is not just a portrait of care, but of connection: how we grasp onto each other, onto faith or doubt, onto memory, meaning, music. The things that help us endure. Sometimes alone. Often together. Night Side Songs is a testament to the fragile, fierce humanity that carries us through the night and to the healing that can happen when we truly listen. 

    Be Our Guest with Ella Olesen

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2026 47:52


    Ella is a New York City-based actress. She is a company member of New York's Ensemble Shakespeare Company (ESC), and holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan (Highest Honors) and a Certificate in Shakespeare from the British American Drama Academy (University of Oxford). She regularly practices the teachings of Patsy Rodenburg and Bob Krakower.Ella grew up in competitive dance and singing, which garnered her much recognition (particularly for her impersonations of various male characters), as well as awards and scholarships.​  Offstage, Ella can be found hitting the gym, experimenting with DSLR photography, hiking in any weather, and reading by candlelight. 

    Be Our Guest with Amanda Fischler (Twelve Maids)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2026 13:51


    Twelve Maids is a dynamic new musical that flips The Odyssey on its head. Help us take Penelope's palace maids from the Bronze Age to the Off-Broadway stage for a residency at The Players Theatre in summer 2027! The myth you know... the maids you don't.Our mission is to take Penelope's maids, relegated to the background of The Odyssey throughout history, and prove through heart, humor, and a dazzling score that these overlooked women deserve the spotlight just as much as the heroes who have dominated Ithaca's narrative for millennia.Fundraiser Link

    New Album Release with Barbara Bellman, Emiliano Messiez & Joan Ross Sorkin (Bordello Concept Album)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2026 30:05


    Bordello is a new musical inspired by the true story of Raquel Liberman, a Jewish immigrant who risks everything to expose an international sex-trafficking organization.Listen to Album

    Be Our Guest with Hank Temple & Gideon Temple (Star Machine) Aug 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2026 17:06


    Set in the summer of 2002 in Los Angeles, the story follows two sisters, Jaz and Nikki, who audition for an outrageous and wildly popular TV talent show called Star Machine.

    Discover A New Musical with Stephen H. Gardner (Once in a Lifetime Again)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2026 14:29


    It  was love at first sight when Jesse and Lydia met at a college party in 1974. Soon enough, they were one of many couples in the generation thrown into new gender roles: two careers, shared parenting —and with that, new stresses, conflict, and pressures.When Lydia dies of cancer in her late fifties, Jesse is devastated by grief and remorse that he had allowed his all-consuming career to take priority over his love for Lydia. After lashing out at work, he is told he must begin therapy.We meet Jesse as he begins seeing Dr. Carrie Little, a therapist who has little patience for his skepticism and unwillingness to engage. Through their work, Jesse discovers that he can examine his failings and regrets with unsparing honesty by writing original songs. Finally ready to try again, 65 years old and a bit lost in a dating world with new rules, Jesse sets out on an occasionally awkward, often comic, and always tender search to find love anew.Website

    Discover A New Musical with Stephen Trask & Peter Yanowitz (This Ain't No Disco)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2026 25:02


    Part rock opera, part impressionist tone poem set in the nightclubs and art world of 1979 New York City, This Ain't No Disco interweaves the stories of strivers, dreamers and drifters searching for their place at Studio 54 and Mudd Club, the art scene and downtown lofts. In their uptown/downtown quest for revelry and kinship, this disparate group, in different stages of becoming and falling apart, find themselves and each other in a city on the verge of a massive cultural shift. 

    Discover a New Musical with Jillian Hethermanand Charlene Tashnizi (Majority Rules)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 27:07


    Majority Rules is a satirical pop musical that follows Chad Smith, a charismatic but directionless frat star whose campus kingdom collapses when the Green Party moves to ban Greek life nationwide. Recruited by his hyper-competent ex, sorority president Claire Kerr, Chad runs for U.S. President - only to be trapped by a new amendment requiring a life partner for candidates. Enter Pledge Peter, a freshman pressed into political matrimony.As scandals, schemes, and showstoppers erupt, Chad learns that real leadership means stepping aside when it's someone else's turn to have a say. Because when it comes to politics, majority rules.

    Wanna See A Musical with Ainsley Tsokwenion & Erin Yardley-Jones (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 14:27


    Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd... an infamous tale and an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which, he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun!

    Be Our Guest with Harper Craven and Ray Bernard (Christopher Robin & Pooh)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 10:59


    Christopher Robin and Pooh is a new TYA Musical for the child in all of us. With Script, Music, and Lyrics by Harper Craven and additional lyrics by none other than A. A. Milne, himself. Christopher Robin is growing up and heading off to school, Pooh and his friends are processing saying goodbye to him. All beloved characters from generations of childhoods. Focusing on themes such as Friendship, Growing Up, and Self-Worth.This show has been in development for about 4 years; releasing several singles on SoundCloud, a few Zoom Readings, and most recently a concert version of it at Green Room 42! Now we need YOUR help to take it to the next level. What level is that? I'm glad you asked! A FULL CAST ALBUM!! Cast with seasoned musical theatre professionals, this beautiful charming new musical is bound to make children and children of heart of all ages smile :)Each and every donation will go towards paying our singers, production team, and studio space. Any little something you're able to donate will go a LONG way towards bringing this show to life!!!

    Wanna See A Musical with Larissa Mair and Marcus Ngo (Treasure Island: The Pirates Musical)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 18:00


    When a mysterious pirate takes lodging at the inn run by Jim's mother, it sets in motion the adventure of a lifetime.On his deathbed, the infamous Billy Bones entrusts Jim with a map to the legendary Treasure Island. With the help of a well-meaning — and slightly bumbling — doctor, Jim sets sail in search of buried treasure and the promise of something greater.But not everyone aboard can be trusted. A motley crew of pirates plot and deceive as the journey unfolds — yet Jim's kindness and courage begin to soften even the toughest hearts, including that of the formidable Long John Silver.This lively, pantomime-inspired adaptation of the classic tale is filled with humour, audience interaction, and larger-than-life characters.https://theatrebythebay.com/shows/treasure-island

    New Album Update with Kennedy Caughell (Just the Beginning)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 33:14


    Just the Beginning highlights a variety of stellar musicals in which Caughell has appeared, including Wicked (“I'm Not That Girl” / “Defying Gravity”), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”), 9 to 5 (“Get Out and Stay Out”), Waitress (“You Matter to Me”), and Paradise Square (“Heaven Save Our Home”). The album also includes “Janey with the Light Brown Hair,” a number cut from the Broadway production of Paradise Square. The Paradise Square tracks, both world premiere recordings, are arranged and orchestrated by the musical's composer Jason Howland. Also represented are selections from classic musicals such as Company (“Being Alive') and Annie Get Your Gun (“I Got the Sun in the Morning”), in addition to newer works like The Notebook (“My Days”) and Violet (“Let It Sing”). The album's title number, a world premiere recording from the new musical Far from Canterbury, has music and lyrics by Danny K. Bernstein. Just the Beginning features guest vocal appearances by Jason Gotay (Floyd Collins), Ben Fankhauser (Newsies), Shoba Narayan (Aladdin), and Isaiah Bailey (National Tour, The Phantom of the Opera). “Growing up, I always felt most understood by the melodies of musical theater,” says Kennedy. “I would lose myself in those stories and, for a little while, become the hero — the one who saves herself and those around her. She laughed without fear of the future, loved fiercely, and faced the world as her truest self. This album is for her. If I've learned anything, it's how easy it is to let fear and self-doubt keep us from becoming who we're meant to be. That's part of being human. But eventually, we all have a choice: to keep shrinking ourselves or to step into the person our younger selves always believed we could become.” “This album is my invitation to choose courage,” she continues. “It's a love letter to the music that shaped me — from Broadway and beyond — and a celebration of the stories that remind us who we are. In a world that can feel heavy, my hope is that these songs bring a little more joy, a little more hope, and a little more light. If someone walks away feeling seen, inspired, or simply believing in themselves again, then this album has already become everything I hoped it would be. May these songs remind us that our story is still unfolding. This is just the beginning.”

    Discover A New Musical with Justino Tesoro and Jesse Ayala (Marlise!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 15:26


    A musical romp aboutMurder!Movies!Moses?Mommy Issues...When Hollywood star Marlise is framed live at the 1954 Oscars for murder, the only one who believes she's innocent is the studio prop boy who is obsessed with her.

    Be Our Guest with Jaime Lozano and Nancy Cheser (When Voices Rise Songwriting Contest and Concert)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 22:34


    The When Voices Rise Songwriting Contest announced the winners and finalists of its inaugural national competition, recognizing original songs that confront urgent social issues while celebrating music's enduring ability to inspire action, foster community, and challenge injustice.At a time when journalists, musicians, and cultural commentators have questioned why today's political and social upheavals have not sparked a protest-song movement on the scale of the 1960s, more than 200 songwriters from across the United States responded with powerful works reflecting the urgency, complexity, and hope of the current moment.The 2026 winners are:First Prize ($1,000): Crys Matthews — Forged in FireSecond Prize ($500): Karina Daza — ExtranjeraThird Prize ($500): Rissi Palmer — SeedsThe three winning songs, along with the eight remaining finalists, will be showcased during a special concert at New York City's acclaimed Joe's Pub on August 21, 2026. Hosted by acclaimed Mexican composer and musical theater storyteller Jaime Lozano, the evening will celebrate the role of music as both artistic expression and social conscience."Art should be a reflection of the times, and what better way to speak up than through music and song," said Jaime Lozano, co-creator of the contest and co-founder of The Familia Org.The contest attracted participants from across generations. Entrants ranged in age from 18 to over 75 years old. Among survey respondents, more than one-third were age 65 or older, while nearly one-third were under age 45.

    Discover A New Musical with Pete White and Fermin Suero, Jr. (Bludline)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 32:24


    The 10-year Trojan War finally wraps, thanks to the brilliant Trojan Horse. Its mastermind? King Odysseus of Ithaca, who leads the Greeks in wild celebration. But his trip home turns into years of detours, stacked with monsters and temptations, including Cyclops, the Sirens, and Circe. Meanwhile back in Ithaca, things are falling apart. His wife Penelope is holding her ground as best she can against swarms of suitors, while their son Telemachus is forced to step up, growing into a man under the long shadow of a legendary father he's never met.Blending the timeless drama of Homer's Epic with the swag and humor of contemporary Hip-Hop and R&B, BLUDLINE has quickly gathered accolades in the new musical world, winning the prestigious Richard Rodgers Award, the Pipeline Arts Foundation Grand Prize, and development through the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat and Drama Club Camp. BLUDLINE is the brainchild of Fermin Suero, Jr. and Pete White. Coming from very different worlds both personally and professionally, they have found an alchemy of their experiences in the studio and live theater to create a truly unique and ground-breaking work.

    Discover A New Musical with Randall Craig and Linda Craig (Who Is Esther)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 28:47


    A modern day heronine who inspires people to believe thateach person can make a difference.The story itself has a long pedigree: like Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, the Esther story is 2500 years old. Who is Esther is set in the present day, and like our diverse society, has a diverse musical style - from funk, to rock, rap, and fusion.Esther's timely message resonates strongly in today's world of #Metoo, #BLM, corporate greed, love, and the ability to drive change.

    Be Our Guest with James A Rocco (Thirty Saints Music Licensing)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 35:28


    Thirty Saints Music LicensingWe specialize in music licensing and make the process fun and straightforward for you. When you work with us, you're partnering with experts who value the importance of obtaining permission from rights holders, ensuring royalties are paid correctly.A step-by-step course teaching writers, producers, and theatre makers how to legally clear songs for stage productions. No guesswork. No legal confusion. Just a clear, repeatable method.The Thirty Saints Music Licensing Method™A proven, five-step process to clear your theatrical music rights before rehearsals even begin.https://course.thirtysaintsmusiclicensing.com/music-licensing-101

    Discover a New Musical with Billy Recce and Sheryl Berk (Big Man A New Musical)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 17:12


    BIG MAN: A NEW MUSICAL pulls audiences into the inner world of a man living with Alzheimer's, where reality gives way to a dazzling 1960s Vegas fantasy. Blending the swagger of big band spectacle with raw, contemporary storytelling, the piece pushes musical theater into bold new territory: joyfully theatrical, musically eclectic, and emotionally unflinching. The musical features music by Billboard-charting songwriter Billy Recce (Little Black Book, Fowl Play), book and lyrics by Sheryl Berk (New York Times bestselling author)

    Discover a New Musical with Robert Barham (Mother Earth)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 15:13


    Who's there in the dark, when you're lost. Cadet Earth is on a mission across the stars. When a sun-stroked tyrant sets eyes on the inbound planets she will have to turn to a new community for support. No matter how small they may be.Mother Earth's premier is created by writer and producer Robert Barham, director and costumedesigner Mo Serby, associate producer Orla Bentley, choreographer Grace Barham, videographic designer Neil Culley, lighting and sound designer Mike Serby, sound designer JoshRose, and social media manager Anna Serby.

    Discover a New Musical with Sara Porter (Hello Sunshine!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 14:06


    Hello Sunshine! is a one-woman “more than a musical” and multidisciplinary dance about her experience living with sun allergy—the social, personal, and logistical challenges of negotiating an invisible disability.While living in Scotland, at the age of 27, Sara was diagnosed with Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE) an autoimmune condition that makes her acutely reactive to UV radiation. Developed through her travels to rainy Scotland, and 24-hour darkness in  Northern Norway, Hello Sunshine! offers an absurdist account of inventive living set against a backdrop of pop songs about sunshine.

    Discover A New Musical with Joey Herbison and Cara Pantalone (RJ and Joni)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 12:00


     R&J and Joni, co-created by Joey Herbison, Julia Nish-Lapidus, Cara Pantalone, and James Wallis with text and music by William Shakespeare and Joni Mitchell. This world-premiere adaptation of Romeo and Juliet brings Shakespeare's words together with the timeless music of Canadian icon Joni Mitchell in a fully staged musical. Directed by Julia Nish-Lapidus, with Music Direction by Joey Herbison, audiences will experience a new way of seeing and hearing one of the most famous plays in the English language, with a unique musical perspective.

    Discover A New Musical with Grace Yurchuk (Caesar The Musical)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 13:30


    Caesar: The Musical is a new adaptation of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, reimagined for a cast of all women. With book, music, and lyrics by Grace Yurchuk, the work remains rooted in Shakespeare's original text while introducing a bold contemporary score.

    Discover a new Musical with Matthew Harry Dodd (Woof! A Dogs Tale)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 15:16


    It has often been said that a dog with no tail is no dog at all. At least, that's what Sam believes a teenage pup born with this very uniqueness. Hidden away from society and searching for a place to belong, Sam sets out on a wild adventure, encountering dangerous terrains, romantic entanglements, a mythical prophecy, and a host of barking-mad characters along the way.Woof!: A Dog's Tale is a new musical fairy tale for the modern age. At its heart, it's a story of identity struggles, belonging, and the realisation that self acceptance-and finding your tribe-can lead to brighter, happier dog days.

    Discover A New Musical with Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean and Eva Steinmetz (Penelope)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 21:49


    Penelope waited twenty years for Odysseus to return from the Trojan War. Now she's ready to share her side of the story – but she's going to need a drink first. Sharp, funny and unexpectedly moving, this is Penelope's Odyssey. Penelope is inspired by the composer's experience of being forced to quarantine in separate cities from his romantic partner during the COVID pandemic. This musical for one actor and a five-piece band uses folk-pop songs, irreverent comedy, poetic physical gesture, and stirring instrumental pieces to tell the story of a day in the life of Penelope of Ithaca, stuck waiting for Odysseus to return.

    Discover A New Musical with Greta Gertler Gold (Picnic at Hanging Rock)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 19:30


    A tale that came to author Joan Lindsay in a dream, Picnic at Hanging Rock unfolds against a backdrop of Australia's wild natural beauty, exploring the fates of spirited young women determined to navigate the constraints of their futures. In giving voice to those who have been kept silent, it also brings a compelling First Nations perspective to light. Prepare to be captivated by a haunting exploration of innocence, mystery, and the unseen forces shaping our destinies.

    Be Our Guest with Sam LaFarge

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 18:10


    Sam LaFrage is the founder and Artistic Director of Ragtag Theatre Company. Winner of the Best Performing Arts Company (KidsPass Parent's Choice Award), Ragtag Theatre Company is a group of diverse artists dedicated to creating fresh and inclusive LGBTQ+ theatre for families.

    Discover A New Musical with Susan Cinoman And Maia Sharrp (You Are Mine)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 23:41


    “You Are Mine” takes place in a broken-down suburban apartment shared byMaryanne, the manager of The Copper Door bar and restaurant, along withher friend Heidi (a waitress) and Vogel (the dishwasher who plays guitar and isoff to college in the fall). Maryanne is haunted by her past with an uptownsophisticate, Tracy, when she's getting ready for her first date with Dani, whosells Subarus down the street. Heidi pushes back her feelings for Vogel whopursues her, dreaming of proving his love. Sue (the waitress lifer) and the in-recovery Jerry (the cook) barrel into the apartment with their tempestuouspast. Messy lives dovetail with the soulful Americana music of Maia Sharp. Thesongs sit adjacent to the play, and reveal its larger themes: finding love andhaving the courage to let go of the past.

    Discover A New Musical with Kiely Sugayan & Jessie Ballard (January 6th the Musical)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 13:37


    When violent insurrectionists stormed the United States Capitol on 6th January 2021, they ruined a birthday forever. Kiely and Jessie are best friends who share the same birthday and the same big dreams of theatrical stardom. On the fateful day of the insurrection, their birthday goes from bad to worse when allegations emerge of their involvement in the attempted coup. Faced with their special day going down in infamy and spending the rest of their lives in prison, can Kiely and Jessie sing and dance their way to innocence?

    Wanna See A Musical with Cornell Christianson (Marilyn Exposed)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 25:57


    MARILYN EXPOSED is the new musical exploring the public mythology and private complexity of one of the 20th century's most iconic cultural figures, an empowered woman many only saw as a sex symbol.Blending music, movement, and dramatic storytelling, the production seeks to revisit Monroe not simply as a Hollywood symbol, but as an ambitious artist, entrepreneur, and woman navigating fame, power, and personal reinvention.The production examines Monroe's legacy through a contemporary theatrical lens, inviting audiences to reconsider the woman behind the image and the cultural forces that shaped her story.

    Wanna See A Musical with Kaor Limi, Jessica Corkal, Eloise Federer & Alec Freilich

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 13:07


    Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn't everything.THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEEMusic and Lyrics by William FinnBook by Rachel SheinkinConceived by Rebecca FeldmanAn eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.Produced by Blue Light Theatre Ensemble and Vanier College ProductionsDirected by Kaori Lim and Jessica CorkalMusic Directed by Karleigh Martin and Matt CurranStage Managed by Kaori Lim and Jessica CorkalChoreographed by Sydney JadeLighting Designed by David MorhartCostume Designed by Eloise FedererSet and Props Designed by Kaori Lim and Jessica CorkalAdditional Material by Jay ReissOriginally Directed on Broadway by James LapineOriginally produced on Broadway by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Barrington Stage Company, Second Stage TheatreJul. 24 – Jul. 26, 2026Fri-Sun @ 7:30pmSat-Sun @ 2:30pmFred Thury Studio Theatre, 258 Vanier CollegeTo reach the theatre, take the stairs or elevator on the east side of Vanier College to the second floor.Ticket Pricing:Students – $15 | General – $25 | Top Speller (Donor) – $50Available online, in advance or at the door.Email: bluelighttheatreensemble@gmail.comInstagram: @bluelighttheatreensembleTikTok: @blue.light.theatr

    Discover A New Musical with Timothy L. Michuda (Turing)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 17:22


    TURING encapsulates the true story of Alan Turing, a man caught between love and logic, who simply longs to be understood. The project features an impressive lineup of talent, including Vincent Jamal Hooper, known for his roles in The Lion King and Hamilton, James Olivas from the West End production of EVITA, and Mason Olshavsky, who is currently in Lost Boys on Broadway and has appeared in EPIC and Off-Broadway's The Baker's Wife. Their participation adds a layer of depth and talent to the project, enhancing the emotional resonance of Turing's narrative. Also joining the TURING EP are talented UK performers Jacob Fowler and Aiden Carson.TURING unfolds through three pivotal stages of Alan Turing's life, exploring his relationships at ages sixteen, twenty-eight, and forty. With book, music, and lyrics crafted by Michuda and Ward, the narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, skillfully weaving together moments of joy, discovery, love, and despair. This innovative approach allows listeners to engage with Turing's life on multiple levels, highlighting the profound impact of his work against the backdrop of a society that condemns you for being gay, no matter your status or contributions.The TURING EP will be available on all major streaming platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience. The EP will be progressively released over the next few months. Following its release, there are hopes to explore live performances and a full production of the musical 'TURING', which successfully ran at the Greenhouse Theater Center in Chicago as a production of DePaul University's Blue Demon Theatre. TURING was also awarded “Best Musical” and “Best Lyrics” out of 18 musicals featured at the 2024 Theatre on the Verge New Musicals Festival. This exciting project not only highlights Turing's significant contributions to science but also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and acceptance in society.

    Discover A New Musical with Neyla Pekarek (Queen of Magic)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 14:29


    The Queen of Magic is the untold story of Adelaide Hermann, world famous magician, artistic visionary, and fierce businesswoman. A contemporary of magical greats such as Harry Houdini, Adelaide not only excelled in her field, she reshaped it entirely, taking the old 19th century magic show standard and creating the theatrical spectacle we know and love today. Adelaide's legacy lives on for the next generation of magic lovers and makers in this heart-warming, humorous, and at times harrowing musical tale.Neyla Pekarek began playing cello at age nine in her hometown of Aurora, Colorado. She studied musical theater and earned a degree in Music Education at UNC in Greeley, CO. In 2010, she joined the Denver folk-rock group The Lumineers as a cellist and vocalist, and spent eight years touring the world and recording with the band. In January 2019, she released her debut album, Rattlesnake, on S-Curve records, and was commissioned by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts to develop her album into a musical production entitled, Rattlesnake Kate, which had its world premiere at the DCPA in February 2022. Neyla wrote the music and lyrics, and garnered a Best Supporting Actress Henry Award for her portrayal of the cello playing horse, Brownie. She recorded the companion EP, Western Woman, released in June 2023. Neyla is a proud member of Sweet Adelines International and The Barbershop Harmony Society, two organizations that nurture the craft of Barbershop Quartet Singing, and is a member of the 2025 Sweet Adelines International Champion Quartet, Clever Girl.

    Discover A New Musical with Harrison David Rivers & Ted Shen (We Shall Someday)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 22:41


    Uplifted by a sweeping, jazz-infused score, We Shall Someday is an original musical following three generations of a southern Black family, as they each encounter and confront acts of racial injustice. Offering an exploration of our past to propel us forward with conviction and hope, We Shall Someday ​​examines how we​ continue the fight ​for freedom and justice. The show begins in 1961 when Julius makes the decision to join the Freedom Rides. The second act follows his daughter, Ruby, as she wrestles with how to respond when Jay, her teen son, is brutally attack​ed by the police. The third and final act continues in 1992, on the heels of the Rodney King verdict, with Jay, as he weighs his choice to join the movement. With searing vocals and deeply personal truths, We Shall Someday is a galvanizing and moving new work about the family bonds that hold us together and the courage, resolve, and direction needed to keep moving forward. 

    Fringe in 15 with Fynn Cuthbert, Brittany Miranda & Saphire Demitro (Grey Spaces)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 11:17


    Rowan Grey, a Torontonian stuck in the daily grind, meets his untimely demise shortly after meeting the girl of his dreams. He finds himself in a place between life and death where a processing agent named Min reveals that he has a choice: move on or return to Earth and relive his life. Grey Spaces is a contemporary pop musical that explores the fatal and existential errors of chasing perfectionism, and how the pressures to succeed in life can cause us to miss the beauty in the ordinary.

    Fringe in 15 with Marla Torgerson (Sinner. A Musical Tragicomedy About Breaking Up With White Jesus)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 15:55


    SINNER. is a one-woman musical tragicomedy by singer-songwriter Marla Torgerson. Raised in Alberta's Bible Belt, Marla blends virtuosic vocals, razor-sharp comedy, and poetic storytelling to unpack purity culture, family mythology, and what happens when faith stops holding water. Through unforgettable original songs and irreverent biblical imagery, she navigates heartbreak, identity, and the strange freedom of starting over.If Fleabag went to Bible college.Come for the comedy. Stay for the catharsis.“The soul healing I didn't know I still needed.”

    Fringe in 15 with Diane Currie Sam and Jessica Carmona (Olivia O The Musical)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 14:03


    Olivia O Musical is a powerful coming-of-age story about Olivia Ortiz, a 14-year-old undocumented immigrant who is separated from her mother at the US-Mexican border and her aunt who builds a community of activism in an effort to find her and reunite families separated by cruel immigration policies. As Olivia navigates the challenges and heartbreaks confronting her, we see a community coming together, a couple falling in love, and a shady preacher with his own nefarious plans.Get your tickets today for this captivating musical theatre performance and be prepared for Olivia O to capture your heart.

    Fringe in 15 with Nathalie Younglai, Josette Jorge & Damon Bradley Jang (First Kiss)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 13:11


    It's 1985. A socially awkward teenager yearns for her FIRST KISS before she turns sixteen in the suburbs. But life is not a John Hughes rom-com for an Asian girl like her. This one-woman musical romp is like totally radical and retro, dude.A nostalgic trip revisiting 80s movies like 16 Candles and Breakfast Club backed by a live band playing 80s hits like Maniac, Wild Thing and Prince's Kiss on keyboards, harp, violin, cello and drums.

    Be Our Guest with Joshua Rosenblum (Maury Yeston and His Singular Path to Broadway and Beyond)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 19:02


    Maury Yeston, the celebrated composer and lyricist of the Tony Award–winning musicals , and , has not, until now, been the subject of a full-length study of his career and work. Now, through this comprehensive text, readers can appreciate the full scope of Yeston's output and his place in musical theater history. is a career chronicle combined with close examinations of some of Yeston's most noteworthy compositions, including songs from his famous musicals as well as his lesser-known works. Joshua Rosenblum gives behind-the-scenes accounts of Yeston's Broadway shows and appraises his songs with revelatory analyses that can be appreciated by musicians and lay readers alike. In addition to having full access to the composer's archive, the author conducted over a dozen interviews with Yeston, an unusually articulate, charming, and enlightening subject who offers priceless insights into his work and his process. The book also highlights the numerous well-known artistic figures and collaborators who have featured prominently in Yeston's life, including Stephen Sondheim, Placido Domingo, Federico Fellini, Jane Krakowski, Alan Jay Lerner, Yo-Yo Ma, Alan Menken, Mike Nichols, Barbra Streisand, Tommy Tune, and Jonathan Tunick. As a bonus, "Advice to Young Composers," Yeston's legendary discourse, is included in full as an appendix.

    Finge in 15 with Rielle Braid, Alysa Pires & Kevin Wong (A Moment For Frayed Nerves )

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 13:15


    Anime meets musical in A MOMENT FOR FRAYED NERVES, with Music & Lyrics by Kevin Wong (Patrons' Pick winning creator of Polly Peel and Drama 101) and Choreography by Alysa Pires (National Ballet of Canada, New York City Ballet). A wacky ensemble sings and dances through emotionally-linked vignettes inspired by Ghibli cooking scenes, lo-fi study mixes, warm baths, and the quest for existential meaning.This show was conceived from the desire to offer something specific, delightful, introspective, and comforting. It is a love letter to the ways our modern human experience is at once heartening, confounding, counterintuitive, and everything to us.

    Fringe in 15 with Katherine Elder, Victoria Zhou & Isobel Arseneau (Little Astronaut)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 18:17


    Little Astronaut is a bold original musical playing Native Earth Performing Arts as part of the 2026 Toronto Fringe Festival. Dear Evan Hansen meets John Proctor Is the Villain: Little Astronaut asks what it costs women to survive in spaces that want them to be smaller, quieter, and easier to control. It is a story about what it takes to hold your ground, and what changes when you stop doing it alone. Hazel and Lily arrive for their first day of engineering with everything to prove.Hazel is bold, fierce, and chasing her dream of being an astronaut. Lily is quietly brilliant, steady, and less sure of where she is headed but certain of who she is. As they move through the competitive and isolating environment, Hazel burns out fighting every battle while Lily retreats farther inward. They become lab partners, but every attempt at a real connection gets interrupted and derailed by the men around them.Little Astronaut is an unflinching and honest big-band musical about ambition, friendship, and refusing to disappear. Come see what it looks like when the people who lived the story are the ones telling it, on their own terms, with a 15-piece band behind them.

    Fringe in 15 with Declan Meagher & Natalie Kay (1920's Walking Around In A Dream)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 15:04


    Grab your glad rags, we're putting on the Ritz! Fun flappers & zany bootleggers have madcap love affairs in the Roaring Twenties in this witty screwball musical comedy inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream. 1920's music by Cole Porter, Fats Waller, Jerome Kern & more in new musical arrangements by Director Declan Meagher, recently of Disney Cruise Line.Written by award-winning playwright Natalie Kaye, co-writer of 2025's Toronto Fringe #1 Clown Comedy With Victor & Priscilla, praised by press as: "hilarious" -Toronto Star; "side-splittingly funny" -Fringe Review UK; "bursting with theatrical joy" -Parton & Pearl.The musical will have added shows August 8,9,15,16 in an outdoor family-friendly version at St. James Park Saturday and Sunday at 4pm & 7pm, presented by Old Town BIA and Alumnae Theatre.Unspoken Theatre is in our 15th year! Recent Productions: "Dead Of Winter Festival's The Matchmaker" with spindle collective & Eldritch Theatre. "Victor & Priscilla Go To The Circus" with Theatre Gargantua.PG-13 for mature themes, smoking, alcohol & sex references. An Educational Guide is available online.We will also perform at a Toronto Fringe Musicals free preview event on Sat June 27 at 2pm, called "Stage Meets Pitch" outdoors at Dundas and Bathurst.We donate to the environmental charity Don't Mess With The Don! Find out more about them here: https://www.dontmesswiththedon.ca/We have not used AI in the creation or marketing of this production.

    Fringe in 15 with Brian Morton (A Non-Canonical Musical Adventure With Pookamhura: Mistress Of B-Roll)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 23:23


    While waiting to begin a dungeon run, a random group of MMO players encounter Pookamhura, a gnome rogue inspired by Shakespeare's Puck. As they wait, they reflect on their shared history as gamers and people, using original songs and humour. One player reveals a secret that causes tension and challenges the group, forcing them to confront their prejudices and make difficult choices. The story explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and the complexities of life's adventures."The original music written by Chris Cracknell, will have you clapping and laughing; the choreography and lore are rich, the dwarves are mighty!”

    Fringe in 15 with Sydney Page and Sierra Philbert (Cold Maple Cloth: The Farewell Tour of a Delusional Diva)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 9:49


    Who says you have to be a success to go out with a bang?Sydney is a 27 year old failing musical theatre actress, and she is ready to quit for good! Not without a little attention first.. But when an unexpected visitor from her past interrupts her show, could it help her see things differently?Deemed “Everything Fringe theatre should be- funny, poignant, sincere.” At it's premiere at the Lambeth Fringe in London (U.K.) this musical comedy which brings new twists to musical theatre clichés is not a show you will want to miss!

    Fringe in 15 Lily Librach and Sarah O'Brecht (I Belong Here)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 13:35


    At 26, Lily Librach was living her dream—until a virus attacked her vocal cords and left her unable to speak, let alone sing. Suddenly, she was forced to confront a question she never expected: Who am I when the thing that defines me is taken away?I Belong Here: Reclaiming My Voice is a heartfelt and inspiring one-woman musical about identity, resilience, and the lifelong search for belonging. Through personal stories, humour, and music spanning folk, pop, musical theatre, and classical genres, Lily takes audiences on a behind-the-scenes journey from childhood to the present, tracing how she discovered her voice at age six, lost it, and is now learning what it truly means to reclaim it.Featuring an original song by acclaimed composer Jack Lenz, this moving and uplifting show explores what it means to lose your voice, find your way back to yourself, and discover that your true voice was there all along.If you've ever questioned where you belong, struggled with perfectionism, or had to rebuild after life took an unexpected turn, this story is for you.

    Claim Musical Theatre Radio presents "Be Our Guest"

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel