The Movie Musical Shakedown

Follow The Movie Musical Shakedown
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

A weekly deep dive into the treasure trove of movie musicals. We cover the greats and not-so-great.

Klamor Media


    • May 31, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 58m AVG DURATION
    • 50 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The Movie Musical Shakedown with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Movie Musical Shakedown

    "Cyrano"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 34:38


    For our season premiere, we deep dive into one of the best movie musicals in recent years, 2021's 'Cyrano', starring Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett and Kelvin Harrison Jr.

    "Babes in Arms"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 57:10


    This week, Chris and guest host Ashley Griffin ("Stage Directions") take a look at a classic Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland musical. We discuss everything from Judy's star-making performance to the incredibly shocking end that's hard to watch in 2021.

    arms babes stage directions
    "Flower Drum Song"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2021 63:08


    This week, Chris and Nicole take a look at 1961's "Flower Drum Song". While not considered one of Rodgers & Hammerstein's classics, this movie is one of the few Hollywood studio films to feature an all-Asian cast.And while it might be a point of pride for many Asian theatre fans, that's not to say this film doesn't contain some issues as well.

    "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2021 63:38


    This week Chris and Nicole take a look at a movie that features some incredible choreography sandwiched between infamously bad storytelling, 1954's "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers".

    "Jesus Christ Superstar"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 68:57


    And we're back! After a hiatus, we're opening season 3 of this podcast with one of the most iconic and polarizing movie musicals of all-time, 1973's "Jesus Christ Superstar"! Given that Easter is right around the corner, and that we've already done "Godspell", we figured what better time to dip into this Andrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice classic. Not to mention directed by Norman Jewison who also helmed "Fiddler on the Roof".

    "Cabaret"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2020 38:58


    This week Chris and Nicole dig into one of the greatest movie musicals of all-time, 1972's "Cabaret". While Nicole doesn't like Chris's rating for Bob Fosse's choreography, there is no doubt that this is an equally entertaining and disturbing film.

    "A Goofy Movie"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 59:30


    To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this vastly underrated classic, Chris and special guest, Ned Donovan, are deep-diving into one of their personal faves, "A Goofy Movie". They get into the incredible music, voice-acting and how watching this movie as a father was different than watching it as a teenager.

    "Godspell"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 59:52


    We've been putting this one off for a while, but it's about time we deep dove into 1973's "Godspell". An iconic piece of musical theatre, it's one of the few to be adapted before it had premiered on Broadway. Chris has a personal connection to the piece which he gets into as well.

    "Mulan" (1998)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2020 57:52


    This week Grace and Chris deep dive into one of their Disney faves, "Mulan". Both being Asian-American, this is a special one for both of them. They discuss the incredible voice talents, art direction and underrated music.

    "The Sound of Music"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2020 44:34


    We're kicking off Season 3 of the Movie Musical Shakedown with one of the most iconic movie musicals of all-time, "The Sound of Music". Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture, this has easily become a family viewing tradition in many a households.

    "Sing Street"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2020 30:00


    This week's episode was recorded live at BroadwayCon in NYC. Grace and I had a great time talking about one of our personal faves which is making its way to Broadway this spring!

    "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2020 42:02


    This week, Chris and Nicole take a look a the 1971 classic, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory". By far one our favorite movie musicals growing up.

    "FernGully: The Last Rainforest"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2019 41:39


    This week, Chris and Grace kick off the holiday season by looking at 1992's "FernGully: The Last Rainforest". The film was one of the first major films to address environmental issues and almost 30 years later, Grace and Chris wonder if its message landed.

    ferngully the last rainforest
    "Enchanted"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2019 47:16


    This week Grace and Chris dig into 2007's "Enchanted". This movie marked a return of strong Disney movie musicals and blended animation with live-action for a truly original story. We talk about everything from the outstanding Amy Adams, the music and all the "hidden Mickeys" throughout the film.

    "Les Misérables"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2019 70:57


    This week Grace and Chris dig into 2012's visually stunning epic "Les Misérables". Will Russell Crowe win the Russell Crowe Award? Who else was considered for some of these roles? Did the live singing help or hurt the film? We tackle all of it this week.

    "Little Shop of Horrors"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2019 49:40


    This week, Grace and Chris dive into 1986's "Little Shop of Horrors". Featuring one of the greatest comedic casts ever assembled, this movie went on to be nominated for two Oscars. We dig into everything from the songs to the special effects to the alternate ending.

    "The Greatest Showman"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2019 53:55


    This week Grace and Chris discuss Hugh Jackman's dream project, "The Greatest Showman". A movie that really should have worked better than the finished product. But we dig into everything from the film's casting, interesting music choices and generous historical take on P.T. Barnum.

    "Into the Woods"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2019 52:58


    This week, Chris and Ashley Griffin dive into 2014's "Into the Woods". This film which beautifully shot, is not without its flaws. We discuss everything from its questionable castings and disappointing changes from the original show.

    "A Star is Born" (2018)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2019 50:03


    We're kicking off season two of the Movie Musical Shakedown with the gigantic 2018 hit, "A Star is Born". The 4th and arguable best incarnation of this story, Chris and new permanent co-host Grace Aki deep dive into everything from Cooper & Gaga's chemistry, the music and answer some tough questions about the film.

    "Anastasia"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2019 52:46


    This week we're deep diving into 1997's hit, "Anastasia." One of the great non-Disney animate move musical, this has become quite popular sparked the Broadway adaptation which turned out much different than the movie...

    "Cats Don't Dance"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 65:08


    This week, Chris and guest co-host, Ned Donovan, deep dive into 1997's "Cats Don't Dance". Initially a box office flop, this movie has found a second life with fans nearly 25 years later. Join Chris and Ned as they break down Randy Newman's score, strong voice acting and the movie's references to the golden age of Hollywood.

    "The Little Mermaid" (1989)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2019 83:25


    This week, Chris and guest Ashley Griffin dig into Disney's 1989 classic, "The Little Mermaid". We talk about everything from its glorious score, incredible voice-acting and discuss the Broadway musical and live action adaptation.

    "Moulin Rouge"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 73:47


    This week we deep dive into 2001’s “Moulin Rouge”. Arguably Baz Luhrmann’s best film, it went to nab 8 Oscar nominations including Best Picture. My guest co-host, Grace Aki, and I take a look at everything from its music, gorgeous design and smart casting choices. It should be a spectacular spectacular podcast!

    "Coco"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2019 61:50


    This week, given Pixar’s release of Toy Story 4, we dig into the company’s one and only movie musical, Coco. With guest co-host, Melody Nicolette, we take a look at everything from the movie’s celebration of Mexican culture to its music and language.

    "A Chorus Line"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2019 61:50


    This week, Nicole and I take a look at a movie musical that has become quite polarizing with fans, 1985’s “A Chorus Line.” Based on the gigantic Broadway hit, it seems this movie is one that either people love or hate with little in between.

    “Aladdin” (1992)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 51:01


    This week Chris and Nicole shakedown Disney's 1992 animated classic, "Aladdin". We chat about the design, music and the incomparable Robin Williams. We also answer the question, "Should this get a remake"...do we ever.

    “Singin’ in the Rain”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 63:32


    This week, Nicole and Chris tackle what many consider is the greatest movie musical of all time. We've been putting it off long enough. It's time to do "Singin' in the Rain."

    "Fiddler on the Roof"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 44:16


    This week, guest co-host Tracy Danoff and I break down 1971's "Fiddler on the Roof". The film was a commercial and critical hit, going on to win 3 Oscars.

    "Center Stage"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 49:03


    Yes, you read that correctly. This week we're deep diving into the film that ignited the Dance Movie Trend of the early 2000's, Center Stage. So fire up some "Higher Ground" and dance the sh*t out of it!

    "Hedwig and the Angry Inch"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 38:09


    This week we take a look at the 2001 cult hit, "Hedwig and the Angry Inch". A film that broke barriers, opened minds and created a legion of fans resulting in a Broadway revival of the show.

    "Reefer Madness"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 75:23


    This week we deep dive into the 2005 cult hit, "Reefer Madness", which feels more relevant today than ever.

    “Pocohontas”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 94:31


    This week, we're shaking down Disney's 1995 animated film, "Pocahontas". While I wouldn't call this one of their classics, the film does have a few praiseworthy aspects. My guest co-host Melody Nicolette and I will be discussing the film's incredible cast, music, and making sure that some of the historical inaccuracies are rightfully pointed out.

    "Damn Yankees"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 55:00


    Just in time for the start of the baseball season, we're doing 1958's "Damn Yankees". As a Red Sox fan myself, I love this title. Nicole and I talk about everything from Gwen Verdon's brilliance, seeing Bob Fosse dance to the incomparable, Ray Walston.

    "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 61:40


    This week we're shaking down a movie that's hard to watch in any lens, let alone 2019, 1967's "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". We're going to discuss everything from whether or not this movie satirizes or makes light of sexual harassment, Bob Fosse coming to save the movie's choreography and Robert Morse's weird need to nuzzle his co-stars.

    "Sweeney Todd"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 67:18


    This week we're tackling 2007's "Sweeney Todd". While Tim Burton perfectly nailed the tone and look for the piece, did the cast live up to Sondheim's amazing score? My guest co-host Dr. Alisa Hurwitz, aka Dr. Drama, and I break it all down.

    "Hairspray"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 47:48


    This week we're looking at the 2007 hit, "Hairspray", which is widely considered as one of the best movie musicals in recent memory. I don't know if I'd go that far. But Erin and I break it all down from John Travolta to asking is Velma actually a good mother?

    "Mamma Mia!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 60:50


    Because we all love a good guilty pleasure now and then, this week's shakedown is a perfect movie to use as an escape for a couple of hours. That's right, we're doing Mamma Mia this week! My guest, Denise Smoker, and I talk about everything from the music, to the look of the film and Pierce Brosnon...

    "Hercules"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 57:38


    Today we're breaking the seal on the Disney animated musical treasure trove and doing one of my favorites, "Hercules". My guest co-host, Drew Boudreau, and I discuss all this glorious about this movie. Enjoy!

    "Carousel"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 80:23


    This week we're deep diving into a movie that was likely as problematic in 1956 as it is in 2019. While it contains a gorgeous score, much of the story is hard to watch with a present day lens. But guest co-host Tracy Danoff and I discuss all of that and more. It's "Carousel"! Right here on the Movie Musical Shakedown.

    "Newsies"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 55:34


    My wife has two rules in our house: 1. Put the cap back on the toothpaste. 2. Don’t talk bad about Newsies. With this episode, I’ve broken both rules. This week we're discussing one of the most influential movie musicals of the past 25 years and arguably, Disney's 2nd most popular live-action musicals of all time. That's right, it's time to Seize the Day, it's Newsies!

    "RENT"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 74:48


    This week, just in time for Fox's "RENT Live!", we're looking back at the 2005 adaptation of the Jonathan Larson classic. This film famously divided the RENT fan-base and needless to say, we have some strong opinions on this episode.

    "All That Jazz"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 70:43


    On this episode, we’re going to be looking at a movie musical that the great Stanley Kubrick called one the best films he’s ever seen, "All That Jazz". I’m going to be joined by my co-host and wife, Nicole, who is a big fan of this movie and as a dancer, incredibly qualified to break down this film. It’s Showtime folks!

    "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 60:29


    Bombs are flying, people are dying, children are crying, politicians are lying too. Cancer is killing, Texaco's spilling, the whole world's gone to hell, but how are you? This week we dive into our first animated movie musical, "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut". Surprisingly, one of the best movie musicals of the last 25 years.

    cancer longer bombs uncut texaco south park bigger longer
    Bonus Episode - "The Muppets Christmas Carol"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 86:33


    On this episode, we’ll be shaking down 1992’s, The Muppets Christmas Carol. We’ll be discussing everything from the movie’s songs, incredible performance and its copious amounts of “chaîné turns.

    "White Christmas"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 68:38


    Given that we’re in peak holiday season mode, what better time to take a look at the wintertime classic, “White Christmas” We’re breaking down everything from Bing Crosby’s iconic tune to Rosemary Clooney’s lack of dancing and Vera-Ellen’s lack of singing. Also is calling someone a “weird-mobile” an insult? My special guest and wife, Nicole Peterson, talk about it all on this week’s episode of the Movie Musical Shakedown.

    "Mary Poppins"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2019 57:49


    Winds in the east, there's a mist comin' in Like somethin' is brewin' and 'bout to begin...This week I'm breaking down the iconic Disney classic "Mary Poppins", just in time for the release of its sequel "Mary Poppins Returns". On this episode, I talk about the films legendary struggle to production, its amazing cast, and some lingering questions.

    "The Last Five Years"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2019 57:52


    This week, we talk about a movie-musical that my wife used lyrics from for our wedding vows….and we’re still together after 9 years! 4 more than Jamie and Cathy. Guest Co-host Erin Shaughnessy and I break down, in our opinion, one of the best movie-musicals of this century, The Last Five Years.

    "The Phantom of the Opera"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2019 54:49


    This week we're taking on the movie adaptation of one of the most iconic musicals of all-time, "The Phantom of the Opera". Guest co-host Karli Marie Gundersen and I chat about the things we love, things we didn't love and...Gerard Butler.

    "Camp"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2019 69:32


    Hey! Do you wanna come out and play the game? Guest co-host Noah Golden and I are breaking down all things “Camp” on this episode of the Musical Movie Shakedown!

    "Grease"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2019 55:10


    On the very first episode of this podcast, we shakedown one of the most popular movie musicals of all-time. No seriously, there are statistics to back that claim up. It’s Grease! Right here on the first episode of the Movie Musical Shakedown.

    Claim The Movie Musical Shakedown

    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