The Conner & Smith Show

Episode 182 – My Favorite ThingsWelcome to a very special holiday edition of The Conner & Smith Show!On today's episode, Matt turns the tables and interviews me about all of my very favorite holiday things — the memories, the music, the traditions, and the inspirations that shaped my upcoming holiday cabaret, My Favorite Things, happening Tuesday, December 9th at Creative Cauldron.We dive into everything from the pink-tinsel aesthetic to the stories behind some of the songs in the show, plus a few surprises about what the holidays truly mean to me. If you want a behind-the-scenes peek before the performance, this episode is it.

Day 31 – Episode 181: Clown in a Cornfield (2025)Happy Halloween!On Day 31 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Matt and Ryan take over the podcast to discuss Clown in a Cornfield — a movie Matt has never seen! While I was busy entertaining friends, the boys decided to close out our spooky season with chaos, laughter, and some truly wild takes. The results are absolutely hilarious. (P.S. — not that anyone asked me, but I love this movie.)Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 30 – Episode 180: Together (2025)On Day 30 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, I'm flying solo to talk about Together (2025) — starring real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie. I really wanted to like this one, especially with its promising setup and the duo's natural chemistry, but what starts as a tense psychological thriller quickly veers into something closer to a satire on codependency. The film toys with horror aesthetics — eerie silences, blurred identities, emotional gaslighting — but ultimately lands more as a dark relationship dramedy than a true horror entry. It's an interesting experiment, but one that left me wishing for a bit more bite beneath the meta commentary.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 29 – Episode 179: Weapons (2025)On Day 29 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I are joined by Matt to discuss Weapons (2025) — and we all absolutely loved it. Zack Cregger delivers a bold, haunting, and masterfully constructed film that blurs the lines between nightmare and social commentary. With layered performances, an intricate structure, and imagery that lingers long after the credits, Weapons cements Cregger as one of the most daring voices in modern horror. We dig into the film's cryptic themes, the meaning of the recurring “1948” motif, and why this movie hit all of us so hard.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 28 – Episode 178: Smile 2 (2024)On Day 28 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I dive into Smile 2 — and we love every second of it. This sequel amps up everything we enjoyed about the first film: the dread, the tension, and the twisted psychological horror. Naomi Scott delivers a powerhouse performance as a pop star haunted by an unstoppable curse, and director Parker Finn once again proves he knows exactly how to weaponize sound, silence, and the uncanny smile. It's creepy, clever, and full of unnerving surprises that kept us grinning (and squirming) the whole time.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 27 – Episode 177: Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)On Day 27 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, I'm flying solo to discuss Ju-On: The Grudge (2002) — Takashi Shimizu's chilling tale of a curse born from rage that infects anyone who enters its haunted Tokyo home. While I respect the film's legacy as one of the defining J-horror classics, I can't help but feel a bit of déjà vu this week — so many titles on my list explore similar territory of ghosts, curses, and eerie VHS-era hauntings. Still, Ju-On remains a masterclass in atmosphere, with its disjointed storytelling, pale-faced specters, and bone-cracking sound design that creeps under your skin long after it's over.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 26 – Episode 176: The Cabin in the Woods (2012)On Day 26 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I dive into The Cabin in the Woods (2012) — Drew Goddard's genre-bending twist on the classic horror setup. We debate whether the film truly qualifies as a horror movie or if it's more of a sharp, self-aware satire of horror tropes. With its blend of meta-humor, monsters, and mayhem, this film deconstructs everything from the “final girl” to the ritual of audience expectation itself. Is it scary, funny, or both? We try to pin down exactly what makes this movie such a unique entry in our 31 Days of Halloween. .Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 25 – Episode 175: Insidious (2010)On Day 25 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, I'm flying solo with Insidious (2010) — a film I like and respect well enough, even if I sometimes mix it up with The Conjuring. And honestly, who could blame me? With James Wan directing, Leigh Whannell writing, and Patrick Wilson starring, the overlap is real. Still, Insidious stands on its own as a stylish, eerie descent into the world of astral projection and haunted dreams. The film's use of sound, pacing, and surreal visuals make it a standout in modern horror — even if the infamous red-faced demon will forever remind me a little too much of Darth Maul.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 24 – Episode 174: The Ring (2002)On Day 24 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I revisit Gore Verbinski's The Ring (2002) — the film that defined early 2000s horror and made us all afraid of our TVs. We dive into how influential this American remake of Ringu truly was, from its haunting aesthetic to its eerie use of analog technology. Naomi Watts delivers a powerhouse performance as Rachel Keller, grounding the supernatural mystery in raw emotion and fear. We also try to wrap our heads around how exactly Samara manages to cross over through VHS tapes and landlines — a mystery that still chills us decades later.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 23 – Episode 173: Mandy (2018)On Day 23 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I dive into Mandy (2018) — a strange and surreal operatic fantasia descending into the madness of revenge. Nicolas Cage delivers one of his most unhinged and haunting performances in this neon-soaked fever dream by director Panos Cosmatos. It's a heavy-metal horror symphony of grief, rage, and hallucinatory visuals — a movie that feels less watched than experienced. Equal parts hypnotic and horrifying, Mandy takes the revenge genre to mythic extremes, forging something uniquely feral and transcendent.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 22 – Episode 172: Grave Encounters (2011)On Day 22 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, I'm flying solo with Grave Encounters (2011) — and honestly, at this point, I think we've officially hit found-footage fatigue. This movie feels like Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum all over again, just with a different group of ghost-hunting YouTubers trapped in an abandoned psychiatric hospital. It's got the same eerie setup, flickering lights, and night-vision screams, but after so many of these, the scares feel a little recycled. Still, credit where it's due — Grave Encounters helped shape the modern haunted-asylum subgenre and delivers a few solid chills along the way.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 21 – Episode 171: Us (2019)On Day 21 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I dive into Jordan Peele's Us (2019) — a chilling and complex exploration of duality, privilege, and identity. This isn't just a home-invasion thriller; it's a layered allegory packed with symbolism, social commentary, and unforgettable performances. From the haunting use of “I Got 5 on It” to the eerie concept of the Tethered, Peele crafts a film that rewards multiple viewings and endless interpretation. It's both terrifying and thought-provoking — the kind of horror that lingers long after the credits roll.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 20 – Episode 170: Bring Her Back (2025)On Day 20 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I discuss Bring Her Back (2025) — a film that left us both cold. Despite its stylish look and ambitious setup, we found it to be a mean-spirited movie with little emotional payoff. What could have been a dark, thoughtful supernatural thriller instead felt cruel for cruelty's sake. Sometimes horror can be cathartic, but this one just felt punishing — and not in a good way.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 19 – Episode 169: An American Werewolf in London (1981)On Day 19 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I head across the pond to revisit An American Werewolf in London (1981) — John Landis's genre-blending masterpiece that's equal parts horror, comedy, and tragedy. This film not only redefined transformation effects (earning Rick Baker the very first Academy Award for Best Makeup), but it also became a personal “gay gateway” for me — with its dark humor, male vulnerability, and the unforgettable charm and body of David Naughton. We talk about how Landis's tonal tightrope still works today, why the movie's blend of wit and carnage feels so unique, and how that haunting ending still hits like a punch to the gut.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 18 – Episode 168: 28 Years Later (2025)On Day 18 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I dive into 28 Years Later — the long-awaited and utterly breathtaking continuation of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's apocalyptic saga. What we expected to be another grim survival horror instead left us both deeply moved, even brought to tears by its haunting beauty, humanity, and poetic sense of closure. The film honors the legacy of 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later while evolving into something profoundly emotional — a meditation on time, trauma, and the cost of rebuilding. This isn't just another sequel; it's a requiem for the world we once knew.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 17 – Episode 167: Paranormal Activity (2007)On Day 17 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, I'm flying solo with Paranormal Activity (2007) — the little indie that launched a massive horror franchise. Maybe we should've started our found-footage week with this one, because after the relentless terror of [REC] and Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, this one feels like… a bit of a snooze. Still, it's impossible to deny how groundbreaking this film was in 2007 — proving that a few cameras, a creaky floorboard, and a whole lot of suggestion could terrify audiences (and make millions). It's horror by minimalism — even if, by now, we've seen it all before.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:

Day 16 – Episode 166: Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)On Day 16 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I confront one of the most terrifying found-footage films ever made — Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018). This South Korean nightmare follows a group of online ghost hunters who livestream their exploration of a real abandoned asylum… and quickly discover that some legends are better left alone. The movie's slow build, eerie realism, and escalating terror make it almost too effective — I'll be honest, it scared me very much. Too much.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Day 15 – Episode 165: [REC] (2007)On Day 15 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I dive into the terrifying chaos of [REC] (2007) — one of the most intense and genuinely frightening found-footage films ever made. This Spanish horror masterpiece traps viewers inside a quarantined apartment building as a news reporter and her cameraman document a mysterious outbreak that spirals into pure nightmare fuel. With its relentless pacing, claustrophobic setting, and shocking realism, [REC] remains one of the genre's most effective examples of fear caught on tape.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Day 14 – Episode 164: The Innkeepers (2011)On Day 14 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I check into Ti West's The Innkeepers (2011) — a modern ghost story that proves atmosphere and slow-burn tension can be just as scary as jump scares. Set in the real-life Yankee Pedlar Inn, the film follows two quirky hotel employees during the inn's final weekend before closing, as they attempt to document its haunted history. What starts as harmless ghost-hunting turns into something genuinely chilling, thanks to West's mastery of mood, character, and creeping dread.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Day 13 – Episode 163: Session 9 (2001)On Day 13 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, I'm flying solo with one of the creepiest psychological horror films of the early 2000s - Session 9 (2001). This slow-burn nightmare follows an asbestos cleanup crew working in an abandoned mental hospital, where paranoia and dread begin to consume them all. What makes it even more chilling? It was actually filmed inside the real Danvers State Mental Hospital in Massachusetts - one of the most infamous asylums in American history and the rumored inspiration for H.P. Lovecraft's “Arkham.”I talk about how Session 9 builds its terror through atmosphere, sound, and suggestion - and why its decaying setting might be the scariest character of all.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day 12 of The Conner & Smith Show's 31 Days of Halloween, I'm joined by Ryan Dean Halbrook as we dive into Brian De Palma's Carrie (1976). Nearly fifty years later, this chilling adaptation of Stephen King's debut novel still holds up as one of the greatest horror films ever made. From Sissy Spacek's haunting performance to Piper Laurie's unhinged turn as her mother, Carrie remains a masterclass in tension, tragedy, and teenage terror. We talk about why it still works so well today—and how much we absolutely love it.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day 11 of our 31 Days of Halloween, I'm flying solo with Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). This is the only one in the whole series that I find even halfway scary—until the infamous ending, when the inflatable mom gets yanked through the front door window and all the terror goes right out with her. Still, there's no denying that Freddy Krueger's debut remains one of horror's most iconic nightmares, blending surreal dream logic with slasher dread to unforgettable effect.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day 10 of our 31 Days of Halloween, episode 160, I'm flying solo with Clive Barker's Hellraiser (1987). This one is pure nightmare fuel, yet I can't help but admire the gorgeous grotesque artistry of it all. From the unforgettable Cenobites to the exquisite gore, Barker creates a world that's both bleak and strangely beautiful. This is horror that doesn't just scare—it mesmerizes, leaving you caught between revulsion and awe.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day 9 of our 31 Days of Halloween, I'm flying solo again with Adam Wingard's Blair Witch (2016). I know it's considered blasphemous in the horror community, but honestly—I kind of like this one. There's something strangely satisfying about finally seeing something in the woods, and seeing it in full color. While it doesn't capture the raw, groundbreaking energy of the 1999 original, it expands the mythos with new technology, eerie set pieces, and a fresh sense of dread that kept me hooked.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day 8 of our 31 Days of Halloween, I go solo again to cover David Robert Mitchell's It Follows (2014). I think this one is brilliant—an eerie, slow-burn horror that redefines the rules of dread with its simple but terrifying premise. I'll explore its haunting atmosphere, striking visual style, and the ways it taps into universal fears about mortality and intimacy. This modern classic proves that sometimes the scariest monster is the one that never stops coming.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day 7 of our 31 Days of Halloween, I go solo with Jennifer Kent's modern horror classic The Babadook (2014). While the film is often praised for its psychological depth and chilling metaphor for grief, I'll be honest—it isn't one of my favorites, largely because of the upsetting dog violence. Still, I explore its lasting cultural impact, unforgettable performances, and why it continues to spark debate among horror fans more than a decade later.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day 6 of our 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan, Matt, and I dive into Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg's 1982 classic Poltergeist. This suburban nightmare about a family haunted by restless spirits is one of our all-time favorite horror films, blending heart, humor, and hair-raising terror. We share our love for its unforgettable characters, groundbreaking special effects, and eerie moments that still hold up today. From “They're here” to the terrifying clown and beyond, we celebrate why Poltergeist remains a cornerstone of supernatural horror.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day 5 of our 31 Days of Halloween, Ryan and I discuss M. Night Shyamalan's haunting classic The Sixth Sense (1999). This supernatural thriller became a cultural phenomenon, blending chilling atmosphere with one of cinema's most unforgettable twist endings. We explore Haley Joel Osment's powerful performance as a boy who “sees dead people,” Bruce Willis's understated turn, and how the film redefined modern ghost stories. From its iconic reveals to its lasting influence on psychological horror, we dive into why The Sixth Sense still resonates more than two decades later.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day 4 of our 31 Days of Halloween, I take a look at James Wan's breakout horror film Saw (2004). This low-budget psychological thriller changed the landscape of 2000s horror, introducing audiences to the twisted games of Jigsaw and kicking off a franchise that would define the “torture horror” era. While I dive into its cultural impact and the film's infamous final twist, I'll also be honest—this one really isn't for me. Still, there's no denying Saw left its mark on the genre, inspiring countless imitators and even helping spark the escape-room craze years later.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day Three of our 31 Days of Halloween, Stephen is joined by Ryan Dean Halbrook for a terrifying deep dive into James Wan's supernatural smash hit The Conjuring (2013). We explore the film's spine-chilling atmosphere, its basis in the real-life investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, and how Wan revitalized the haunted house genre with his masterful direction. From the unforgettable “hide and clap” sequence to Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson's iconic performances, we break down what makes The Conjuring one of the scariest and most influential horror films of the 2010s.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

On Day Two of our 31 Days of Halloween, Stephen is joined by co-host Ryan Dean Halbrook for a chilling deep dive into Alejandro Amenábar's gothic horror masterpiece The Others (2001). We unravel the film's haunting atmosphere, masterful use of suspense, and unforgettable twist ending. From Nicole Kidman's riveting performance to the film's exploration of grief, faith, and the supernatural, we break down what makes The Others a modern ghost story classic.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

We're kicking off the 31 Days of Halloween with a chilling deep dive into Jordan Peele's modern horror classic Get Out (2017). Stephen is joined by co-host Ryan Dean Halbrook as we explore how Peele's razor-sharp blend of social commentary and suspense reshaped the horror genre. From the film's iconic symbolism (the Sunken Place, teacup hypnosis) to its cultural impact and Oscar-winning script, we break down what makes Get Out both terrifying and unforgettable.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

The Sound of Henry James – Part 2Performances begin this Thursday, and Matt is back with more music from our new adaptation of The Turn of the Screw. This time, he shares the rest of the score—unveiling the melodies and moods that shape Henry James's ghost story for the stage.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

What does Henry James sound like when set to music? In this episode, Matt shares tracks from our new musical inspired by The Turn of the Screw and walks us through how he found the melodies, moods, and motifs that bring James's words to life. We explore the sparks of inspiration behind the score, the challenges of capturing James's haunting ambiguity in song, and how music transforms the ghostly atmosphere of the novella for the stage.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

In this episode, we put our own script for The Turn of the Screw to the test — running it through ChatGPT for a side-by-side analysis with Henry James's original novella. What did we preserve from James's haunting classic, and where did we take creative liberties? From framing devices to ghostly ambiguity, we explore the choices that make our adaptation uniquely theatrical while staying true to the spirit of the source. If you've ever wondered how a literary masterpiece evolves when it moves to the stage, this episode gives you both the blueprint and the behind-the-scenes perspective on our Creative Cauldron production.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

In this episode, we're giving you Henry James 101 — a crash course in the life, style, and legacy of one of literature's most complex storytellers. From his mastery of psychological nuance to his lasting influence on modern fiction, we'll unpack what makes James essential reading. Then, we pivot to the stage with a sneak peek into our latest production of his chilling classic The Turn of the Screw at Creative Cauldron. Whether you're new to James or revisiting his haunting world, this episode blends literary insight with behind-the-scenes perspective on bringing his work to life in 2025.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

In this episode, we wrap up Summer 2025 — from the personal milestones to the cultural moments that defined the season — and look ahead to what's coming this fall. From highlights that made the summer memorable to the events and projects on the horizon, it's part reflection, part preview, and all conversation.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

In this episode, we take on the headlines of the day — not with seriousness, but with satire. From the absurd to the all-too-familiar, we lampoon the news cycle, poking fun at the stories that dominate our feeds and laughing at the way they're told. Think of it as a real-time roast of the world's current events, with our own twists, tangents, and plenty of humor along the way.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

In this episode, we dive into what's trending on TikTok — from the videos filling our For You pages to the oddly specific corners of the app that pop up in our own feeds. Along the way, we compare notes on our personal algorithms, laugh at how different (and sometimes eerily accurate) they can be, and even roll with an unexpected phone call that briefly interrupts the recording (don't worry, we're back after just a couple of seconds). It's a laid-back, real-time look at the wild world of TikTok through our own scrolling habits.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

In this episode, we switch things up with a grab bag of surprise questions — each written in secret and revealed on the spot. From dream vacations to the movies and documentaries we've been watching lately, no topic was off-limits. The result is a funny, freewheeling conversation full of unexpected tangents, shared stories, and plenty of laughs. If you're into spontaneous, unfiltered chats that wander wherever curiosity takes us, this one's for you.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

In this episode, we dive headfirst into our love for the groundbreaking 2001 film Hedwig and the Angry Inch. From its punk-rock heart to its soul-baring storytelling, we explore what makes this cult classic so enduring—and so personal to us. We unpack the mythology behind “The Origin of Love,” dig into the dual versions of “Wicked Little Town,” and share how Hedwig shaped our own creative journeys. Whether you first saw it onstage or discovered it on screen, this one's for the misfits, dreamers, and lovers of bold, beautiful storytelling.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Broadway performer and creative force PJ Adzima joins us for a lively conversation about his journey from The Book of Mormon to launching Stage Time, a late-night cabaret series that celebrates spontaneity and self-expression. We explore the origins of this after-hours tradition, the joy of building community through performance, and the many ways PJ continues to nurture creativity on and off the stage. It's an inspiring look at the heart of a true artist who knows how to keep the spotlight shining—long after curtain call.Learn more about PJ Adzima's “ Stage Time” here: https://stagetimenyc.com/Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Join Matt and me for Episode 140 as we catch up with our friend, fellow Shenandoah University alum, and Broadway star J. Robert Spencer! You may know him from Jersey Boys and Next to Normal, but today he's here to talk about hosting the upcoming Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre benefit concert on August 3rd.Plus, we'll let you know how you can score two FREE tickets to the show!Don't miss this fun conversation with one of Broadway's finest—stream it now wherever you listen to podcasts.Get tickets to the SSMT Benefit here:https://tickets.su.edu/25-ssmt-special-events/25-08-ssmt-benefit-concertSupport The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Join Matt and me for Episode 139 as we let the sunshine in—but only a little—as we revisit the 1979 film adaptation of Hair. While the stage musical is a landmark of counterculture theatre, the movie left us… less than groovy.We talk about what didn't quite work: the disjointed plot, the lack of emotional connection, and a few choices that left us scratching our heads instead of tossing our hair. That said, there are some bright spots—tremendous choreography, iconic songs, and a few powerful performances that deserve their flowers.If you're a fan of Hair, you might want to brace yourself. If you're not, well… you're not alone. Either way, we dig into the era, the legacy, and why this one didn't quite hit the high notes for us.Let the sun not completely shine in.

Join Matt and me for Episode 138 as we dance our way into the high-energy, heart-filled world of Hairspray (2007)! This dazzling movie musical might look like just another retro romp, but don't be fooled—it's a Trojan horse of a film, delivering a powerful social message wrapped in a beehive and a beat you can't ignore.We break down why Hairspray is so much more than catchy tunes and bold choreography. From its infectious optimism to its unwavering call for racial justice and body positivity, this adaptation of the Broadway hit (based on John Waters' original cult classic) still packs a punch. We celebrate the standout performances, iconic musical numbers, and the way it challenges norms while making you want to dance.You can't stop the beat—and you won't want to miss this episode!Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Join Matt and me for Episode 137 as we slide into our leather jackets and dive into the iconic 1978 film Grease! This one's the word, folks. From the electrifying opening credits to the carnival finale that defies logic (but who cares?), we're hopelessly devoted to this movie.We talk about what makes Grease such a standout in the movie musical canon: the endlessly quotable lines, the legendary soundtrack, and the chemistry between John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John that could practically start a grease fire. And of course, we give Rizzo—queen of biting wit and belted ballads—her due. “There are worse things we could do” than spend a whole episode gushing about Grease, and so we do.It's automatic, systematic, and hydromatic—don't miss it!Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fanTHANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

Join Matt and me for Episode 136 as we take a look at Bye Bye Birdie (1995), the made-for-TV adaptation of the beloved stage musical. Featuring a standout cast including Jason Alexander, Vanessa Williams, Chynna Phillips, and Marc Kudisch, this version had all the ingredients for a great revival.While we appreciated the performances and some fun moments throughout, the film as a whole didn't quite soar for us. We talk through what worked, what didn't, and how this adaptation compares to other versions of Birdie on stage and screen.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Join Matt and me for Episode 135 as we take on Annie (1982), a vibrant and enduring entry in the movie musical canon. With a powerhouse cast including Carol Burnett, Albert Finney, Ann Reinking, Bernadette Peters, and Tim Curry, this adaptation of the Broadway hit brings bold choreography, memorable performances, and timeless songs like “It's the Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” to the screen.Directed by John Huston, Annie is a strong movie musical that holds up over time. We dig into the film's direction, its musical highlights, and the cinematic choices that make this Depression-era tale of hope and found family still resonate today.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Join Matt and me for Episode 134 as we tackle A Chorus Line (1985), a movie musical that boldly asked, “What if we took a Broadway masterpiece… and made it worse?” Directed by Richard Attenborough (yes, really) and starring Michael Douglas as Zach (also… yes, really), this adaptation swaps out two iconic songs for original numbers that absolutely no one asked for—and makes the whole thing feel more like an 80s street dance audition than a tribute to Broadway's beating heart.Gone is the original choreography. Gone is the emotional depth. What's left? Perms, sweatbands, and a lot of bewildered sighing from us. We break down the baffling choices, the missed opportunities, and why this one might just top our list of “what were they thinking?” movie musicals.Support the Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Join Matt and me for Episode 133 as we take on Les Misérables (2012), Tom Hooper's ambitious, emotionally raw adaptation of the beloved stage musical. From Anne Hathaway's unforgettable “I Dreamed a Dream” to the sweeping visuals and live-on-set vocals, this film aimed to bring Victor Hugo's epic to the screen with intensity and heart.We explore the performances, the directorial choices, and the moments that moved us most (yes, there were tears). Love it or not, this version of Les Mis sparked conversation, captured audiences, and left a lasting impression.Support the Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Join Matt and me for Episode 132 as we close out our journey through Andrew Lloyd Webber's movie musicals with the most baffling, bedazzled entry of them all: Cats (2019). Yes, that movie—the one with digital fur technology, floating Judi Dench monologues, and enough odd choices to fill a Heaviside Layer of think pieces.We're joined by Ryan Halbrook as we unravel what went wrong—and what maybe could've gone right. Matt actually really liked it (bless his Jellicle heart), so we promise this isn't just a cinematic roast. There's magic somewhere under all that CGI… probably.Support the Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan