The Off-Book Club

It's tiiiiiiiiiime!!!!   It is officially the holiday season here at the Off-Book club and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than this Christmas CLASSIC. So pop on some Christmas music in the background, and dive into this episode with us!   We're gonna explore character and depth and language and just a little bit of everything with this GIFT that Charles Dickens has given us, in the spirit of the Christmas season.   As always, we hope all spirits past present and future are being kind to you this holiday season, and we couldn't be more appreciative that you've spent time in our little bubble this year.   That is a wrap on this YEAR and on this SEASON of the Off-Book Club!! See you next you for SO MANY more exciting things coming your way.  Now get to listening!! xoxo, E&B

Oh! I'm so sorry. Did you think we were done discussing Wicked???? Not even a little bit!! As you know, the smash hit musical is now a major motion picture. Obviously, your devoted cohosts of COURSE rushed to the theatre to see it, and are now here to report back! Elle and Brady are diving into ALL THINGS OZ this episode. Discussing new and improved highlights from the film, easter eggs that you possibly may have missed, and of course our new fav riffs by this stunning cast. We think this film is perfect. We have basically no notes. And we hope you all can rush to a theatre near you to enjoy it as well. And once you do, follow the yellow brick road straight to your preferred listening platform, and nerd out about it with us here at the Off-Book Club!! xoxo, E&B

GOOD NEEEEEEEEWS! She's DEEEAADDD!! ...well she may be dead, but Elle and Brady are VERY much alive and simply cannot stop yapping about one of the most thrillifying musicals of all time! With the release of the brand new movie coinciding with our episode release, we simply couldn't pass up this opportunity to pay homage to the source material. So pop into your floating bubble, skip down the yellow brick road, or hop on to your flying broomstick, because it's time to get ozmopolitan! We absolutely cannot wait for you to listen to this newest episode of the most swankified pod in town. We guarantee that after joining us on this (admittedly VERY LONG - sorry bout that) journey, you will be changed FOR GOOD. With so much love and gratitution, xoxo E&B

Is it charm? Is it poise? NO! It's HAIRSPRAY!!   Welcome to this very special installment of The Off Book Club!! Today we're putting on our dancing shoes, ratting up our hair, and doo wap-ing our way back to the 60s!   This timeless musical allows Elle and Brady to dive into a whole host of themes, including racism, fatphobia, classism, and discrimination based on inappropriate hair height. Whether you're tuning into the original classic non-musical movie, the rousing stage show, or the unmatched musical movie adaptation of 2007, you're sure to have a swell time in Baltimore with Tracy Penny, Seaweed, and the rest of the crew!   One things for sure with this episode: You can't stop the beat, and you CERTAINLY can't stop our two goofy cohosts from gushing about how much they love this darn show. So tune in now! We may not be the Corny Collins show, but we're just as fun, I promise!   xoxo, E&B

It's just a jump to the left……   AND THEN A STEP TO THE RIIIIGHT!!!   If you're not Time Warping along while listening to our newest ep, what are you even doing??? This time Elle and Brady are teleporting directly into the crazy world of Dr. Franknfurter and Transylvania!   There are few things quite as zany, culty, participatory, and ROCKY as this musical right here. So what are you waiting for?? Grab your rice, and your toast, and your newspaper, and push play!! I'm shivering with antici-……PATION!! xoxo, E&B

Have you ever gotten a haircut that was almost DEADLY?? If not, you certainly haven't paid a visit to the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Mr. Sweeney Todd!! It's officially October!! Which means we're settling in to the ooky spooky vibes of the autumnal season. And while musical theatre doesn't seem like the first place you'd go to get your fright on, this musical begs to differ. Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim is an absolute masterclass in dark comedy horror, and a musical masterpiece. Elle and Brady dive all the way into it in this next episode of the Off Book Club! So get your razors ready, it's time for a shave! xoxo, E&B

Okay listeners, I'm about to mention something possibly terrifying, but I'm going to need you to take a deep breath! We're gonna get through this together. This episode we are diving into...... SHAKESPEARE !! *GASP* I know. I know. I know exactly what you're thinking! "Ew, guys, I don't want to feel like I'm in high school English class studying some OLD UNINTELLIGIBLE language!!" Well, buckle up! Because we're doing it. And I'm willing to bet that by the end of this episode, your perception of Shakespeare and his genius will be reinvigorated!   In this episode of the OBC we're starting so MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. One of willy shakes' most beloved comedies. It has loyalty, deception, love, mischief, and SO MUCH SHAADE being thrown! It's practically an episode of real housewives. okay okay I'm done rambling. Just trust me that it'll be worth your while to listen! We love you! xoxo, E&B

Welcome to this episode of The Off-Book Club. Before we dive into today's episode, we want to let you know that the discussion will touch on some deeply sensitive topics. We will be exploring themes related to prescription and recreational drug use and abuse, the heartbreaking loss of an infant, experiences with suicide attempts, struggles with mental illness, crude language, and shock therapy. We approach these subjects with the utmost care and compassion, but we understand they can be challenging for some listeners. Please take care of yourself as you listen, and remember that it's okay to step away if you need to. If you or someone you know needs support, there are resources available, and you don't have to go through this alone. Thank you for being with us and for your understanding. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In this world, is anything or anyone really NORMAL? At this point, all we can really hope for is a life that is somewhere NEXT to normal. That's exactly what Diana Goodman and her family are grappling with in this gripping musical we're discussing this week on the pod!   Intertwined with heartbreaking lyrics, and energetic melodies, Brady and Elle dive into this beloved contemporary musical that rocked the musical theatre world. Literally! We (specifically Elle) can barely contain ourselves and the excitement we have to share this story with you.   If you haven't heard of this one, strap in, because you're in for a wild ride. One that is anything but normal!!  xoxo, E&B  

Have you ever heard the harrowing tale of 76 trombones leading the big parade?? Legend states that there were even 100 and ten cornets just the same!!!   If you're in the market for some TITILLATING (with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for Pool) discussion, then look no further!! This episode we are diving into a musical more American than apple pie. You've seen it at your cousin's high school, or your local community theatre, and now you're hearing about it on the off book club!!!   It's THE Music Man ladies and gents. And it's actually such a warm and entertaining musical. Let's get into it!!   And as always, thanks for listening.  xoxo E&B

Have you heard, that GREASE is the word? It's the time, it's the place, it's the motion, it's the topic of this week's episode! This show holds a very dear place in our hearts, and the hearts of many theatre lovers everywhere.   So put on your T-Bird leather jackets and poodle skirts. If you listen, like, comment, and review, we'll be forever Hopelessly Devoted to you

As another iconic duo once said... "WE WERE ON A BREAK!!!"   We know that we went a little radio silent for a bit...but it was for a good reason. One of our lovely cohosts is now MARRIED!! So first and foremost we want to thank you for your patience. And secondly, as a treat, we prepared a very special episode for you all!!!   We truly could not have made this happen without your participation. Your devoted listening, your online engagement, and your eagerness to submit questions astonishes us every day.   So to say thank you, on this SEASON FINALE episode, please enjoy us just being us! Get to know us a little better, and 

Where are we all gonna be five years from now?? Where were we five years ago? Did five years ago Me think that Future Me would be here now??? ALL great questions! And all questions I'm sure the characters in the show we're discussing this episode asked themselves many times over!   Let's review THE LAST FIVE YEARS. Sometimes looking back in time is scary, but what if you could see the past and the future all at once!! This show allows us to do just that. Are you confused yet? Well, allow us to attempt to shed some light! This episode Brady and Elle try to dive into the genius mind of Jason Robert Brown and one of his most heart breaking love stories. Spanning the course of a five year relationship, we'll ask the tough questions and get down to the nitty gritty of the pain that can come from falling in love.   Put on your #TeamJamie or #TeamKathy merch and venture with us through The Last Five Years! xoxo E&B

Did you take some pre workout?? Have you done your stretches?? Because we are strapping in for a MARATHON. If you've ever tried to condense a 1,4oo page novel, turned into a 3 hour musical, into a ONE HOUR (ish) PODCAST you will empathize with Brady and Elle this week.   We are tackling a MAJOR mega musical that is known, loved, and world renowned. Get ready to zip back to early 1800's France off-book clubbers, because we are diving into Les Miserables!! Many many people have held this show near and dear to their hearts for many many years, and we are no different. Join us as we traverse through the fastest and most entertaining history lesson of the French Revolution you can get your hands on!!   Brush up on your French, grab your big red flag, and tune into this REVOLUTIONARY episode!! xoxo - E&B

HERE WE GO AGAIN!! Back for another episode of The Off-Book Club! This episode we're jumping from stage to screen and gushing over the importance of jukebox musicals, specifically in movie musical form.   Extra points for anyone who can count how many lines we quote from the movie,  how often we get off track reminiscing, or the amount of times you can hear Elle's phone vibrating on the table....(my apologies, won't happen again).   Channel your inner Dancing Queens and Super Troopers folks, because it's time to ship off to the beautiful island of Kalokairi and dive into MAMMA MIA!   xoxo, E & B

Welcome back to another episode of THE OFF BOOK CLUB!! This episode we dive into an extreme classic. Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire.    Listen, I think at this point, we've all ridden that streetcar named, but while delving into this play, we realize that not everything is as black and white as it may seem. That's the beauty of such well written art. And although we do our best to delve into it all, we would LOVE nothing more than to hear your thoughts on this classic of theatre literature.   Join us, Blanche, Stella, and Stanley on this bumpy ride on the Streetcar named Desire! xoxo, E&B 

What do Pinnochio, a talking donkey, a beautiful princess, and a grumpy ogre have in common?? No No, this isn't your recent D&D campaign, it's SHREK the musical!!   Everyone knows and loves the cult classic film that brought us all to the swamp and released the ogres within us. But did you know that it was adapted into a thrilling and captivating big time broadway musical? We sure did! So journey with us to Duloc and find out what these band of misfits get into on their quest for true love and acceptance.   Hey now, you'd be an ALL STAR if you tuned in. I'M A BELIEVER that you won't regret it!   See you in the swamp, xoxo E&B

The hills are aliiiiiiive with the sound of....THE OFF BOOK CLUB!   This episode, join Brady and Elle as they traverse through the lush Austrian hillside with a feisty governess, a tight military captain, and seven rambunctious children. This Rogers and Hammerstein classic is one that truly can't be missed. So whether you're joining us in your curtain drape play clothes, or rocking that nun habit, get ready to cozy on up in the world of Golden Age musical theatre.   As always, we love ya, you're all a few of our favorite things. xoxo E&B

A wise poet once said, "a gay has his girls, just as a girl has her gay." And this could not ring more true for this week's show! Well...and for Elle and Brady...   We are dipping our size 12 forest green converse into something slightly different this week! A whole non-musical, no dancing, minimal singing, straight play! Join in with us as we discuss Significant Other by Joshua Harmon. We aren't sure how often we are going to stray from the musical theatre strata, but this fun funky fresh contemporary play felt right for us for episode 3.   We hope you feel SIGNIFICANT as you listen, and that we hold a space no OTHER podcast has in your heart! xoxo - E&B

What do corn nuts, slurpees, croquet mallets, and MURDER have in common??? HEATHERS the musical!   Join us as we discuss the popular power rangers themselves- the heathers, and Veronica Sawyer's tumultuous journey with them.   THANK YOU for continuing on this journey with us as we learn and grow and make this podcast bigger and better!! xoxo E&B   ****CONTENT WARNING**** This show contains a lot of sensitive topics including murder, eating disorders, suicide, drugs, bombs, etc. Although we do our best to lead with grace and prepare everyone for these topics, we advise listener discretion. Love you all!!

Places everyone! Curtain up! This is the first official Episode of the Off-Book Club podcast!!   We are so thrilled to begin this exciting adventure with all of you. And what better to get started, than the show that started our friendship to begin with.   Get excited. We know we are. Enjoy the first (hopefully of many) episode: Friday on the Pod with Elle and Brady! xoxo - E&B

Who's Elle? Brady who? Why are these two corn-fed Nebraskans starting a theatre podcast? All questions that will be answered in this exclusive mini preview episode. Before we dive into shows and spectacles, we wanted to provide a little introduction and showcase why YOU should be a listener of The Off-Book Club podcast!! xoxo- E&B