The Front Row Network

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome authors Paula Broussard and Lisa Royère to discuss their latest book, "Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance". The book chronicles Powell's life and work but is mostly is a testament to finding your personal gifts and nurturing them as best you can. Brandon, Paula and Lisa discuss some of Powell's expert skills as dancer and pay tribute to some of her greatest production numbers, We also discuss why she is long overdue for a renaissance with classic film fans. "Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance" is available from University Press of Kentucky wherever books are sold. Paula Broussard is an experienced journalist. In addition to her years as a newspaper reporter, she has written extensively on dance for such publications as Dance Magazine, LA Weekly, Dance Spirit, and Dance Teacher. She holds a BA in mass media/communications from Chapman University with a minor in dance and also studied French at the University of Paris, Sorbonne. Lisa Royère has a love of classic films, particularly musicals, and has extensive knowledge about the MGM era. Her years of dance training give her excellent critical insight into this field. An authority on Powell's career, she has written about Powell in American Classic Screen Profiles and served as a consultant on several book projects. Fluent in French, she has also done translation and editing work in the United States and France, where she lived for twenty-five years.

Front Row Classics is proud to welcome back Patricia Ward Kelly for her fourth appearance. Patricia is the widow and biographer of Gene Kelly. Brandon and Patricia discuss a film that both feel needs to garner more attention: 1948's The Pirate. Alongside Gene, the film stars Judy Garland and features a score by Cole Porter. This musical farce directed by Vincente Minnelli is a feast for the eyes and ears. Brandon and Patricia discuss the shooting history, musical number and many myths surrounding the difficult production. They also discuss whether or not the tongue-in-cheek tone of the movie may have been ahead of its time. Be sure to check out Gene Kelly The Legacy to see how Patricia is keeping Gene's legacy alive for future generations.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 50th anniversary of a true gem of 1970's cinema. We're taking a look at Peter Bogdonavich's Paper Moon from 1973. Matt Duffy from Reel Gold Rundown joins Brandon to discuss this road comedy-drama. The hosts discuss the tremendous chemistry between real life father and daughter, Ryan & Tatum O'Neal.  Tatum won an Oscar for what remains one of the greatest child performances in film history We also pay tribute to the late, great Madeline Kahn is an Oscar  nominated performance. This depression era film is filled with rich characters, stunning black & white cinematography and snappy dialogue. We hope our conversation inspires you to re-discover this American film classic.  

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome actor and social media personality, Brandon Johnston this week. We discuss his early love of classic film and how it had influenced his life and career. The advent of social media has been able to expose younger people to classic movies like never before. But, it has also paved the way for many myths and untruths about the era to spring forward. The two Brandons later discuss the film that probably has created the most myths over the years: The Wizard of Oz.  You can find Brandon Johnston at Hollywood History on Tik Tok. https://linktr.ee/brandonjohnston    

We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the seminal films of the 1970s. American Graffiti took audiences back to a more innocent era of malt shops and sock hops. Brandon is joined by Meghan Lowder-Paul and Jacqueline Keysear of "I Think You're Gonna Like This" to break down this ensemble dramedy. The hosts discuss the young cast of future stars including Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Ron Howard and Mackenzie Phillips. We also track how American Graffiti helped to usher in the concept of nostalgia. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the Best Picture winner of 1932, Grand Hotel. Emmett Stanton, once again, joins Brandon to discuss what may just be the very first all-star movie. MGM pulled out all the stops for this glamorous melodrama featuring the likes of Greta Garbo, Lionel Barrymore, John Barrymore and Joan Crawford. We discuss what still works about the film and why it may not be the best choice to introduce to someone just beginning to discover classic film.

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Karie Bible to the podcast this week. Karie is a film historian, author and in-house tour guide for Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Brandon and Karie discuss her background and love for classic film. We discuss her experience as tour guide for Hollywood Forever Cemetery as well as some of it's most famous residents.

Hi Barbie! Hi Barbie! Join us in Barbieland as Jacqueline and Meghan finally get to tell you all about the Barbie movie. It's PINK, it's hilarious, it's wonderful and we are just Ken and that is enough. The ladies of Like This Pod tackle the hit of the summer!

We're taking a look at another great film from 1939 this week on Front Row Classics. Dark Victory is one the great triumphs in the career of Bette Davis. Brandon is joined, once again, by author and film historian Sloan De Forest to discuss this classic tear jerker from Warner Bros. The hosts discuss Davis' Oscar nominated performance of a reckless woman who has to confront her own mortality. Davis is surrounded by an impressive supporting cast including the off-beat casting of both Humphrey Bogart and Ronald Reagan.

Before you head out to watch Barbenheimer, Front Row Flashbacks Host, Ryan Lootens gets all spoilery with one of the best movies of the summer. He is joined by Bryan Dressel from the After the Hype Network to discuss the most exhilarating entry in the Mission franchise to date.

Hello all you Lasso fans! Today we take a little timeout to discuss a matter of great importance to Hollywood and all of us that love entertainment. The WGA strike has been going on for over 70 days, and last week the writers were joined by SAG-AFTRA representing many of the actors in Hollywood on the picket line. We sat down with Marc Bernardin (Batman Beyond, Picard, Caste Rock) to discuss the issues that lead to the strike, and the conditions on the ground. It is an insightful conversation, and we hope you get a lot out of it.

We're celebrating the 70th anniversary of one Brandon's favorite films this week on Front Row Classics. The Band Wagon is one of the crown jewels of the Arthur Freed unit at MGM. Author and film historian, John DiLeo also counts the musical comedy as one of his favorites. Brandon and John recount all of their favorite moments and musical numbers from Vincente Minnelli's love letter to show business. From the romance of 'Dancing in the Dark' to the hilarity of the "Girl Hunt Ballet', The Band Wagon is a film that still charms seven decades later.

We recently sat down with super producers and writers Chris Miller, Phil Lord and Anthony King to talk about the 2nd Season of the hit Apple TV+ mystery-comedy "The Afterparty". This season returns stars Sam Richardson, Tiffany Haddish & Zoe Chao as a new murder at Zoe's sister's wedding brings a new cast of characters and suspects with their own unique stories to tell. We ask them how they keep the concept fresh, working with such a talented cast and what their go-to party drink is! Check out the new season NOW on Apple TV+.

Front Row Classics celebrates one of the most acclaimed films of the 1940's, The Grapes of Wrath. Brandon and Emmett Stanton take a look John Ford's celebrated adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel. The hosts pay tribute to the legendary performance of Henry Fonda as Tom Joad. We also discuss Gregg Toland's cinematography, Nunnally Johnson's screenplay and the impressive supporting cast. Emmett also brings to light the differences between the novel and  film.

Brandon recently had a chance to sit down for the fourth time with ,author and historian, Jeremy Arnold. On this special bonus episode, they'll be previewing Jeremy's latest stint on Turner Classic Movies. Jeremy, along with Ben Mankiewicz, will be presenting twenty B Movies every Thursday evening in July. Jeremy hand picked the twenty films which represent nine different studios. 8 of these films will also be making their TCM debut this month.  You can find the schedule and learn more by going to TCM.com

It's July 4th and Front Row Classics is taking a not-so-nice look at American government & politics. 1962's The Manchurian Candidate was an oddity when it was released. Yet, the ensuing decades have proven it to be eerily relevant and timeless. Ryan Lootens and Steve Sykes join Brandon to break down the political thriller. The hosts cover the unforgettable performances of Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey and Angela Lansbury. Lansbury's performance remains of the most menacing and diabolical portrayals in film history. We also cover topics such as the film's expert direction by John Frankenheimer, the many theories regarding Janet Leigh's character and the 2004 remake.

Front Row Classics is delighted to welcome Turner Classic Movies' host, Alicia Malone to the podcast for the first time. Alicia has been a long time wish list guest and she was worth the wait. She and Brandon discuss he classic film origin story as well as he background in media. We also cover topics such as her hiring at TCM, some favorite films and women finding their place in film study & criticism. NOTE: This episode was recorded before the recent news about TCM's re-structuring.  Alicia Malone is a host on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and the host of TCM Imports, showcasing cinematic treasures from around the world each Sunday. Malone is an authority on classic, independent, and foreign films, and is passionate about supporting women in film. As an author, Malone's three books – Backwards and in Heels, The Female Gaze, and Girls on Film: Lessons From a Life of Watching Women in Movies – explore the accomplishments and obstacles women have faced throughout cinema's history. She has also given two TEDx talks on the subject. Malone's dedication to film history and supporting women filmmakers saw her named one of LA Weekly's People of 2019, and one of 100 #WorthyWomen of 2016. She can also be seen on the Criterion Channel and as the host of Focus Features 'Reel Destinations' series. Malone is on the board of directors of The Strand Theatre, a historic movie house in Rockland, Maine. Previously, Malone was the host of FilmStruck, TCM's streaming service for movie lovers, and was the host and creator of Fandango's series ‘Indie Movie Guide.' Malone began her television career two decades ago in her native Australia, working behind the scenes as a writer, producer, and editor for movie-centric television shows. Her expertise in film saw her transition to host, interviewer, and film critic for television, radio, print, and online. In 2011, Malone moved to Los Angeles, and since then has appeared as a film expert on a variety of television channels and programs, including CNN's ‘The Movies' documentary series, MSNBC, Access Hollywood, E!, Entertainment Tonight, MTV, and ABC's 2019 ‘Live from the Red Carpet' Oscar pre-show. In high school, Malone was voted “Most Likely to See Her Name Up in Lights.” She campaigned hard for that title because she thought it would look good in her future biography.      

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the finest war films ever made this week. Brandon is joined by Jessica Pickens to discuss 1949's Battleground. Jessica is the creator of "Comet Over Hollywood" a website and blog dedicated to celebrating classics film. Brandon and Jessica discuss the impressive ensemble cast of reliable MGM contract actors. Each player gets to shine in this realistic depiction of the Battle of the Bulge. The hosts also pay tribute to ,director, William Wellman's use of light and space by setting the proper tone of suspense and isolation. You can find "Comet Over Hollywood" at https://cometoverhollywood.com/.

This week we prepare you to see the latest Pixar film, Elemental. We were given the tremendous opportunity by Disney/Pixar to screen the film in advance, as well as speak to the director Peter Sohn. Pete has been with Pixar for over 20 years and has worked on so many identifiable projects as an artist, director and even a voice actor. The crew breaks down their non-spoiler thoughts of the film to get you hyped up for the Father's Day weekend release.   Featuring: Vanessa Ferguson, Brett Rutherford and Craig McFarland.   JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network JOIN PODCAST PALS! – https://www.facebook.com/groups/186691492980265 FIND US ON TWITTER – https://twitter.com/BeyondMouse

Jeremy has the opportunity to sit down with the star, producer and creator of the new Lionsgate horror film Devilreaux. They talk about the amazing way he got started in acting, the incredible way this character came to him, the inspirations for the look of the character and the larger themes at play in the story.  In this story by Ward (The Walking Dead) and featuring Tony Todd (Candyman franchise), horrific and bloody revenge awaits just beyond the grave. After several thrill-seeking teens go missing, Detective Bobbie Briggs (Krista Grotte Saxon) investigates the lone survivor and her incredible tale of Devilreaux, an undead, shovel-wielding monster seeking revenge for murders committed long ago. Now, Briggs must visit the legend's abandoned farmhouse to confront Devilreaux himself – and try to survive his vengeful, razor-sharp shovel. DEVILREAUX is available NOW on VOD. Don't forget to follow/reach us at: Website: www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network Twitter: @frontrowreviewz Email: thefrontrowmoviereviews@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefrontrown... Instagram: frontrownetwork YouTube: https://bit.ly/2NyawO0

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back the Czar of Noir himself, Eddie Muller. Brandon and Eddie discuss his latest book, "Noir Bar: Cocktails Inspired by the World of Film Noir". The book  highlights 50 film noir film favorites. Each are carefully paired with a cocktail that perfectly highlights the film in discussion. Carefully curated by Muller, 'Noir Bar' also features dozens of movie stills, posters and sleek photography. Brandon also speaks with Eddie about the latest updates from the Noir City film festival and the Film Noir Foundation. "Noir Bar: Cocktails Inspired by the World of Film Noir" is available ,wherever books are sold, from TCM and Running Press. Eddie Muller, aka the “Czar of Noir,” is the host of TCM's Noir Alley, and the prolific author of novels, biographies, plays, films, and movie histories, including Dark City: Revised and Expanded Edition and the children's book Kid Noir. He also programs and hosts the Noir City film festival series, curates museums, and provides commentary for television, radio, and DVDs. As founder of the Film Noir Foundation (www.filmnoirfoundation.org/), Muller has been instrumental in restoring and preserving dozens of lost noir classics. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.      

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the Best Picture winner of 1934, Frank Capra's It Happened One Night. Brandon is joined by Lauren Van De Vendel to pay tribute to the original romantic comedy. Lauren is the creator of her own Instagram account, Polka Dots and Moonbeams, which pays tribute to classic Hollywood. Brandon and Lauren discuss the many romantic comedy tropes invented by this film. They also pay tribute to the timeless Oscar winning performances of Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.  You can find Lauren on Instagram at @_polka_dots_and_moonbeams_

We were recently invited by Apple to speak to Jane Lynch about health security and data privacy. She provides the voice over for a new public service announcement style spot from Apple. Craig also speaks to Jane about her recent visit to Springfield and her time as a visiting artist at Illinois State University.  Apple Spot "The Waiting Room" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-7jSoINyq4

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Sting. The Best Picture winner of 1973 is a perfect concoction of casting, direction and writing. Brandon welcomes back Reel Gold Rundown's Matt Duffy to discuss all aspects of the movie. We highlight the incomparable chemistry of Paul Newman and Robert Redford alongside a supporting cast of some of the best character actors in history. The hosts also pay tribute to the sleek direction of George Roy Hill, David Ward's intricate plot and the iconic musical score by Marvin Hamlisch. 

We have a special release for you this week as we prepare for The Little Mermaid. We were invited by Disney to an early press screening and press conference for the film. We give you our non-spoiler thoughts as well as speak about our excitement for the upcoming release. We will be back next week with our Full Disclosure breaking down the latest reimagined classic!   Featuring: Craig McFarland, Vanessa Ferguson and Brett Rutherford JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network JOIN PODCAST PALS! – https://www.facebook.com/groups/186691492980265

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Mark Vieira to the podcast this week. Brandon and Mark discuss his latest book, "Warner Bros: 100 Years of Storytelling". The book is the official centennial history of arguably the greatest studio in Hollywood's history. The complete Warner Bros story is chronicled through fascinating stories and glorious photographs from every era. Brandon and Mark discuss the studio's humble beginnings, it's Golden Age and struggles through the post-Covid world. They also cover such varied Warner's films as Casablanca, Batman, Bonnie & Clyde and Confessions of a Nazi Spy. "Warner Bros: 100 Years of Storytelling" is available wherever books are sold from Running Press. Mark A. Vieira is a filmmaker, photographer, and writer. He has written seventeen previous books, including Cecil B. DeMille and Forbidden Hollywood. He has lectured at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, UCLA, and USC, and he has appeared in documentaries such as Turner Classic Movies's Garbo. Vieira resides in Los Angeles.

  On this episode of Original Broadway Cast, our very own Gus Gordon sits down with the wonderful, Diana Rogers. Diana's credits include Mame. Thénardier in the National Tour and Broadway productions of Les Misérables. Other productions include Menopause the Musical, Beauty Queen of Leenane, A Skull in Connemara, Rabbit Hole, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Nunsense, Sound of Music, Romeo and Juliet, Steel Magnolias and several productions of Always Patsy Cline. Diana also enjoys writing and composing. Coupled The Musical has been seen at the Orlando Fringe Festival.

"Put the blame on Mame, boys". Front Row Classics welcomes Ben Burke of The Hollywood Babylonians podcast. Brandon and Ben discuss Gilda from 1946. This film noir classic cemented Rita Hayworth as one of the true icons of the 1940s. The movie, directed by Charles Vidor, was a rarity that gave depth to femme fatale leading lady. We discuss the incredible love/hate chemistry between Hayworth and Glenn Ford. The hosts also dissect the insane plot and naughty subtext that somehow got past Hollywood censors.

Welcome back everyone to MCU HQ; your hub for all things Marvel on the Front Row Network on NPR Illinois. Marvel is once again king of the box office as James Gunn's triology finale Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has hit theaters to the tune of $120+ milliion in its opening weekend. As such we've assembled our own rag-tag group to give our spoiler-filled review. This film contains a ton of heart, a ton of action, one of the best villains of the entire MCU and emotional send-off to our Guardians that none of us were ready for. If you saw it this weekend give our full spoiler review a listen and let us know what you thought!  FEATURING: Jeremy Goeckner,  Sara Baltusevich and Brandon Davis

"Life is a Cabaret" this week on Front Row Classics. We're taking a look at 1972's Cabaret as Emmett Stanton returns to discuss Bob Fosse's musical masterpiece. Brandon and Emmett break down the legendary performances of Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey and the rest of the impressive cast. Topics also include:  the inventive musical numbers, the dark themes which are still relevant today and how Cabaret went toe-to-toe with The Godfather at the 1973 Oscars.

Many past Front Row Classics guests were in attendance at the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival. Two-time guest, George Stevens Jr. was on hand to present his father's 1941 film, Penny Serenade. The film was presented alongside director, Alexander Payne, in a brand new restoration. Brandon got to sit down with Stevens for a short discussion of the film and importance of film preservation.

Brandon is back from Hollywood and ready to recap his time at the Turner Classic Movies' Classic Film Festival. Craig McFarland joins Brandon to recall the memorable experiences and screenings he experienced. Being around so many other classic film devotees, including several Front Row Classics guests, made for one memorable four-day festival.

Brandon is heading to the TCM Classic Film Festival! Earlier this week, he sat down with TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz for a preview of what is to come.Topics include the opening night presentation of Rio Bravo, Warner Brothers' 100th anniversary celebration and some of Ben's favorite aspects of the festival.   Ben Mankiewicz is the primetime host of Turner Classic Movies. When he made his TCM debut in September 2003, he became only the second host hired in the network's history.  During his career at TCM, he has introduced thousands of movies on the air. Additionally, he's become one of the best interviewers in the business, leading thoughtful and entertaining long-form conversations with more than two hundred of the industry's top talents, including Mel Brooks, Bruce Springsteen, Sophia Loren, Martin Scorsese, Warren Beatty, Ava DuVernay, Annette Bening, Robert Redford, Quentin Tarantino, Jodie Foster, Brad Bird, Faye Dunaway, Lou Gossett, Jr., and Michael Douglas.  Mankiewicz is the host of TCM's first podcast, The Plot Thickens. Each of the four seasons, I'm Still Peter Bogdanovich, The Devil's Candy, Lucy and Here Comes Pam were met with outstanding reviews and industry awards. Since 2019, Mankiewicz has served as a contributor to the Peabody and Emmy-winning news magazine, CBS News Sunday Morning, and has hosted the American Society of Cinematographers Awards since 2018. Prior to TCM, Mankiewicz worked as a reporter and anchor in Charleston, SC, and Miami, FL, twice being named Best Anchor in South Florida by The New Times. Additionally, he contributes to The Young Turks, an online political show he co-founded with Cenk Uygur in 2002. Mankiewicz moved to Los Angeles nearly 75 years after his grandfather, screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz (“Mank” to his all his friends), headed west to work in the movie business. Soon after arriving, Herman cabled his friend Ben Hecht in New York, "There are millions to be grabbed out here and your only competition is idiots. Don't let this get around." His grandson is now proudly one of those idiots. He's a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Tufts University, and Georgetown Day High School in Washington, DC, the school with the worst mascot in recorded history: the Grasshoppers. Mankiewicz lives in Santa Monica with his beautiful wife, their beautiful daughter, one perfect dog, and one other dog, who's available for adoption at any time. Seriously, please take him

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Scott McGee back to the podcast. Scott is the Senior Director of Original Programming for Turner Classic Movies. Brandon and Scott discuss his journey up the ranks at TCM and the many projects he has been involved with including the TCM Classic Film Festival. The importance of the community surrounding classic film fans is also discussed. McGee also mentions some favorite moments from past TCM Film Festivals.

Starring Rosa Speaker, Tom Brown, Zach Boblitt, and Steve Sykes! Did Larry retain the crown or did one of these four unseat him? 

A big thank you to all of our loyal listeners of Front Row Classics. Brandon is giving us a look at what's ahead for the next couple weeks on the podcast. He also announces an exciting change to win a bundle of digital movies in conjunction with Warner Bros. 100th anniversary.    

Join Front Row Classics for a special bonus episode this week. We're joining forces with Beyond the Mouse to bring you a special conversation with the legendary, Lesley Ann Warren.  From Broadway to movies to TV, Lesley has worked with some of the most influential people of the 20th century. Brett Rutherford joins Brandon as they listen to fascinating stories from this amazing career.

Front Row Classics welcomes author, critic and essayist, Kristen Lopez. Brandon and Kristen discuss her new book, "But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films". The book is a helpful guide both readers and cinephiles to programs their own book club or film festival. Films covered in the conversation range from Golden Age gems like The Thin Man & Rebecca to more modern classics like The Princess Bride and Jurassic Park.  "But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films" is available from Turner Classic Movies and Running Press wherever books are sold. Kristen Lopez is a pop culture essayist and TV editor for IndieWire. She has worked as an entertainment journalist for over 15 years, with her articles appearing at Variety, MTV, TCM, and Roger Ebert. A California native, Kristen was raised in a small suburb near Sacramento and graduated with a Masters in English from California State University, Sacramento. She is the creator of the classic film podcast, Ticklish Business. Based in Los Angeles, she enjoys reading and finding Old Hollywood connections in her neighborhood in her free time. But Have You Read the Book? is her first book.

Front Row Classics celebrates the 100th birthday of Warner Brothers with one of the best films to ever come out of the studio. Emmett Stanton and Jay Hoffman join Brandon to discuss 1948's, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. The hosts discuss the themes of greed and paranoia beautifully told in John Huston's uncompromising masterpiece. They also pay tribute to the unforgettable performances of Humphrey Bogart and Walter Huston. Topics also include the groundbreaking location shooting, the mystery surrounding the original novel and a certain iconic line about "stinking badges".

Front Row Classics celebrates one of the most critically acclaimed movies of all time. We're taking a look at Martin Scorsese's 1980 film, Raging Bull. Brandon is joined by Noah Henry and Guilty Pleasure's Lou Hare. The three hosts discuss the career defining performance of Robert DeNiro as real-life boxer, Jake LaMotta. They also pay tribute to Scorsese's approach of subverting all expectations of a typical boxing movie.

Front Row Classics celebrates the teaming of Rock Hudson and Doris Day in their signature romantic comedy, Pillow Talk. Brandon is joined by Erin McCabe from Front Row Flashbacks this week. The two hosts discuss the undeniable chemistry between the two leads along with the quirky supporting cast. They also touch upon the gender politics that permeate throughout the film. Topics also include the unique and colorful aesthetic created by the set designers and cinematographers. 

In the latest episode of #OriginalBroadwayCast, Gus Gordon welcomes Broadway mainstay Jason Graae   Jason starred in the Broadway productions of A Grand Night For Singing, Stardust, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, and Falsettos. His Off- Broadway credits include Forever Plaid, Olympus on My Mind, Snoopy, Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (Drama Desk Nomination- Best Actor in a Musical), and many more. Jason played the Wizard in the National Tour of Wicked and Harry Houdini in the Los Angeles production of Ragtime. He has appeared on dozens of musical theatre recordings, including the original or studio cast recordings of Forever Plaid, Drat the Cat, Lucky Stiff, and Olympus on My Mind and several solo albums for producer Bruce Kimmel. He has appeared in countless television shows, and was the voice of Lucky the Leprechaun in TV commercials for Lucky Charms cereal in the 1990's.   We hope you enjoy this conversation between Gus and Jason. __________________________________________ FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network JOIN PODCAST PALS! – https://www.facebook.com/thefrontrownetwork FIND US ON TWITTER – https://twitter.com/frontrowreviewz FIND US ON INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/frontrownetwork __________________________________________   Please enjoy this episode of ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST and as always, we'll see you in the front row!

It's one of our favorite annual traditions here at the Network! The Oscars Forum returns in 2023 where our personalities are breaking down the Best Picture nominated films! Hear from Ryan, Jay, Brandon, Steve and Larry as they discuss the first half of this year's films: Avatar 2, The Banshees of Inisherin, Triangle of Sadness, The Fabelmans & Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.   Featuring: Ryan Lootens, Larry Smith, Jay Hoffman, Steve Sykes, Brandon Davis & Tristan Tapscott   __________________________________________   FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network JOIN PODCAST PALS! – https://www.facebook.com/thefrontrownetwork FIND US ON TWITTER – https://twitter.com/frontrowreviewz FIND US ON INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/frontrownetwork __________________________________________   Please enjoy this SPECIAL OSCARS COVERAGE and as always, we'll see you in the front row!

Today on the podcast we're checking in on the state of the Oscars Race as we barrell towards the big night in one week's time. The major guilds have bestowed their awards and now all that's left are the top prizes. So our resident Oscar crazies Ryan and Jeremy are here to break down where all the categories stand and where you should place your bets come Oscar Sunday!   Featuring: Ryan Lootens and Jeremy Goeckner   __________________________________________   Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network JOIN PODCAST PALS! – https://www.facebook.com/groups/186691492980265 FIND US ON TWITTER – https://twitter.com/BeyondMouse FIND US ON INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemousepod __________________________________________   Please enjoy this SPECIAL OSCARS COVERAGE and as always, we'll see you in the front row!

This week in a special episode for Beyond the Mouse, we dive into our experiences at Fan Expo Portland. Episode includes some clips from panels with the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Matthew Lewis and Lea Thompson. Featuring: Craig McFarland and Jeremy Goeckner JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse __________________________________________ Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot! blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network JOIN PODCAST PALS! – https://www.facebook.com/groups/186691492980265 FIND US ON TWITTER – https://twitter.com/BeyondMouse FIND US ON INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemousepod __________________________________________ Please enjoy this episode of BEYOND THE MOUSE and as always, we'll see you in the front row!

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back celebrated author and historian, Joseph McBride. Brandon and Joe discuss his recent critical study of the career of Billy Wilder. "Billy Wilder: Dancing on the Edge" is a comprehensive look at the filmography of one of Hollywood's most celebrated writer/directors. Brandon and Joe discuss Wilder's origins along with some of his most famous and not-so-famous works.   "Billy Wilder: Dancing on the Edge" is available wherever books are sold from Columbia University Press.

All the way back in 2019 Craig and Jeremy (you know, the guys in charge and the ones with the wildly popular Ted Lasso show) approached Larry to do a show. Something different. Something new. Larry devised a useless debate show. So, the first episode was ready to be recorded in March of 2020...and, well, you know. But here it is! The show as it was always meant to be! Joined by comedians Rebecca Jaffe, Ryne Thorson, Richard Bailey, and The Front Row's very own Vanessa Ferguson, this "pilot" episode couldn't have gone any better! (Some mild language, but no worse than a congressperson's Twitter feed!)

It's awards season once again and that means the patented and unrivaled complete coverage from the Front Row Network! In this episode resident Oscars master Ryan Lootens leads a discussion with fellow gold statue nerds Jeremy & Erin to talk about the major nominations and what to expect as the season moves on from the biggest contenders. Join us to get a leg up on your Oscar pools this March! FEATURING: Ryan Lootens, Jeremy Goeckner & Erin McCabe

Welcome back to the Pod Cast of Us. Episode 6 of The Last of Us deepens our understanding of our main characters and raises the stakes for not only them but a whole new set of characters. Joel and Ellie continue their trek West but Joel is having a crisis of confidence that is starting to manifest in panic attacks. Against all odds, they find Joel's brother Tommy in the secluded and thriving town of Jackson in Wyoming. As Joel tries to convince Tommy to join them on the way to the Firefly base in Colorado, Ellie learns about what happened to Sarah forcing she and Joel to confront their deepening trust in each other. It's an episode filled with emotional reveals and raised stakes as our heroes get closer to their goal! Join Sara & Jeremy as they break down everything from the episode!

Front Row Classics welcomes attorney, Jason Isralowitz this week. Brandon and Jason discuss his latest book, "Nothing to Fear: Alfred Hitchcock and The Wrong Men" The book tells the story of one of Hitchcock's most unusual films and the real-life case of wrongful conviction that inspired it. Isralowitz chronicles the arrest of jazz musician Christopher "Manny" Balestrero for two robberies he did not commit. The interview covers the true story along with the documentary-like precision Hitchcock utilized to tell this disturbing story. We hope this conversation will inspire you to go back and discover this unusual film in the Hitchock canon. "Nothing to Fear: Alfred Hitchcock and The Wrong Men" is available wherever books are sold from Fayetteville Mafia Press. Jason Isralowitz has practiced law in Manhattan for almost three decades. He lives in Summit, New Jersey with his wife, Jennifer.  

Front Row Classics says "Bonjour, Paris!" as we celebrate 1957's Funny Face. Brandon is joined this week by Brett Rutherford and Vanessa Ferguson from Beyond the Mouse. The trio discuss Stanley Donen's classic musical, which features the only pairing of Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. The hosts discuss their favorite musical numbers and pay tribute to the talented artists who brought this film to the screen. Special attention is also given to the legendary Kay Thompson in one of her only screen roles. We hope you'll be saying this episode is truly S'wonderful!