The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast

Rachel and Jax have OnStage Blog Founder Chris Peterson on to discuss his ranking of the top 50 movie musicals to date, as of May 2025. Rachel and Jax share where they agree and hammer out their disagreements!Read Chris's rankings of #50-#25 here:https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2025/5/4/the-top-50-movie-musicals-of-the-past-25-years-50-26#25-#11 here: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2025/5/4/the-top-50-movie-musicals-of-the-past-25-years-25-11#10-#1 here: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2025/5/3/the-top-50-movie-musicals-of-the-past-25-yearsonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier update where their Broadway Bucket List stands in May 2025, and count down the remaining shows they still have left to see. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel Wagner and special guest Marc Bonanni of Broadway by Ghostlight (@bwayghostlight Instagram, X, Threads) react to the 2025 Tony nominations, including their analysis of the snubs, surprises, and where the nominations got it right. Also, Marc explains why Maybe Happy Ending is one of the best shows he has ever seen!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

In Part 1 of the Community Theatre Pet Peeves Podcast, Jacklyn Collier, OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast co-host, ranks her five biggest pet peeves against directors, with community theatre director veteran Chris Peterson responding on behalf of directors everywhere. Check out all of OnStage Blog's community theatre content on onstageblog.comonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel interviews theaterloversexperience.com's founder, Megan Gutierrez, about how she pulled off watching 11 Broadway shows in 5 days, including hit shows Othello and Glengarry Glen Ross, and discusses her reviews of each. The 11 shows Megan watched and discussed on this podcast are as follows:Real Women Have CurvesJohn Proctor Is The VillainThe Picture Of Dorian GrayDRAG: The MusicalGood Night And Good LuckGypsyMaybe Happy EndingThe OutsidersGlengarry Glen RossOh MaryOthelloonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

In a special Jane Austen-themed episode, Rachel Wagner interviews the playwrights of two Jane Austen plays she saw and discusses the challenges and thrills of producing Jane Austen's works for the stage.1st Guest: Melissa Leilani Larson, Pride & Prejudice https://www.melissaleilanilarson.com/pride-and-prejudice2nd Guest: Laura Bedore Lerwill, Emma (26:24)onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner and OnStage Blog's Chris Peterson preview the new Broadway productions coming to Broadway this Spring, including BOOP The Musical, Dead Outlaw, The Last 5 Years, Pirates! The Penzance Musical, and more! onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

OnStage Blog Founder Chris Peterson and Actor/Acting Coach Jacklyn Collier give advice to readers and reddit users asking for advice on all things theatre-related. Greg Ehrhardt guest hosts. Questions answered include:What to do if you can't make callbacks (https://www.reddit.com/r/Theatre/comments/1j4ukv2/question/)What to do if you don't have any chemistry with your acting partner (https://www.reddit.com/r/Theatre/comments/1j0t3o8/how_to_develop_chemistry_or_charisma_for_the_stage/)What to do if your significant other doesn't want you to kiss on stage (https://www.reddit.com/r/Theatre/comments/1j4bff7/boyfriend_doesnt_want_me_to_stage_kiss_in_dream/)How to counsel young people if they face teasing or bullying for being a musical there fan (reader question)Most obnoxious musical songs to blast to get back at someone who wronged you (https://www.reddit.com/r/musicals/comments/1j3tomd/weaponising_music/)Email us theatreadviceosb@gmail.com to have your question answered on the next Theatre Advice podcast or post on reddit or our social media channels. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier analyze the 2025 Olivier Award Nominations, which recognize the best of London Theatre. They also run through the latest shows they have attended or watched in the last few weeks, including the most recent national tour of Les Miserables, The Book of Mormon, Beautiful, Prince of Egypt, English, Gypsy, and more. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

On a Community Theatre edition of the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, Rachel and Jax sit down with OnStage Blog editor Chris Peterson to discusshow theatres can evolve in the wake of Trump's second term, how theatres should select shows for their seasons, important etiquette tips all performers should practice, and much more!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel and Jax discuss and debate the merits of the three movie musicals nominated for Best Picture for the 2025 Oscars: Emilia Perez, A Complete Unknown, and Wicked. For a complete breakdown of Wicked Part One, listen here.Check out all OnStage Blog's Wicked and movie musical content on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

In a special edition of the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, Editor-In-Chief Chris Peterson and Editorial Staff member Greg Ehrhardt react to the news that Donald Trump intends to fire many of the board members of The Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts and appoint himself Chairman of the Board. Can he do this? Does it matter? Are the arts nationwide in trouble? Chris and Greg give their thoughts on these questions and much more. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

OnStage Blog's Greg Ehrhardt joins Rachel Wagner to talk about his experience seeing "Harry Potter and The Cursed Child" on Broadway and why all future Harry Potter stories should only be adapted on stage in the future. Then, Broadway actress Zurin Villanueva joins Rachel and co-host Jacklyn Collier (17:20) to talk about her career, lessons she learned about when to leave a show, the hard lessons of Broadway, and her new eBook "Stay Booked: The Rules of Business on Broadway."Follow Zurin Villanueva on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/zurinspired/?hl=enonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

To kick off 2025,, Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier preview the 2025 Winter Broadway Season, including Redwood, Smash on Broadway, Boop, and much more. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

 In a special podcast exclusive, OnStage Blog's Rachel Wagner and Greg Ehrhardt sit down with Dave Solomon, the associate director of Elf: The Musical, to discuss his journey from a high school theatre enthusiast to a Broadway career. They explore the challenges of adapting Elf from screen to stage, his career highlights, and much more. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel Wagner recaps her trip to Broadway and reviews the shows she saw, including Drag: The Musical, Elf: The Musical, The Rockettes, Death Becomes Her, and more with co-host Jacklyn Collier. Check out all of OnStage Blog's reviews on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Broadway By Ghostlight's Marc Bonanni joins Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier to break down all of the songs, dances, and everything Broadway-related that they saw in this year's Thanksgiving parade in New York City.Find out more about Broadway history from Marc Bonanni on his YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@broadwaybyghostlight and stay up on all of the latest theatre and Broadway news on onstageblog.com.onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier explain why the cinematic adaptation of Wicked is a movie musical masterpiece and what made it work so well. Yes, it's that good!Check out onstageblog.com for more commentary on Wicked on stage and on screen!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel and Jacklyn talk with critic Mark Woodring of the Utah Film Critics Association about all things Evil Dead and how well the adaptation works on stage. Check out Mark's podcast on his website today! https://vsmoviepodcast.com/onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel and Jacklyn of The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast take a deep dive into Stephen Sondheim's hit, "Sweeny Todd." onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel Wagner and special guest Chris Peterson, the founder of OnStage Blog, discuss the controversy surrounding Cynthia Erivo calling out a fan-made Wicked Poster covering her eyes and changing the color of her lips. They also discuss Chris's viral editorial on the topic, which you can read here: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2024/10/17/dear-cynthia-erivoThey also share their thoughts on the upcoming Wicked movie and what aspects they are looking forward to.onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel and Jacklyn give the audience their selections for the best and worst songs from the most popular Broadway musicals today. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier debate the merits of producing jukebox musicals with director David Hanson, who recently directed a production of Mamma Mia in Utah.For more thoughts on the jukebox musical, read our editorial here on onstageblog.com: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2022/1/20/can-we-stop-bashing-jukebox-musicals-for-simply-being-jukebox-musicalsonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Podcast Hosts Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier peel back the curtain and interview each other about the origins of their love of theatre, some of their favorite productions, and play a game of Overrated/Underrated Broadway shows. They also reveal some of their personal favorite things in life beyond theatre. Have additional questions you want Rachel and Jacklyn to answer? Leave questions in the comments! And check out more Broadway and theatre content on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel and Jacklyn reveal their favorite leading ladies of Broadway and suggest revivals they'd want them to star in next. Check out more Broadway content on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel Wagner talks with Broadway actor and singer Julie Benko about her career and her performance in the recent live stream of the Theatre Raleigh chamber production "Jane Eyre." Then, Jacklyn Collier joins Rachel (24:21) to review the Jane Eyre production and share their all-time favorite Broadway pro shots.Visit onstageblog.com for all your theatre content needs!Follow Julie Benko on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jujujuliebeeonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier are joined by theatre actor and singer Josh Egbert to discuss Rachel's visit to the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Josh's performance as William Shakespeare in the stage adaptation of Shakespeare in Love. Josh talks about how he prepared for the role and some of the unique challenges in the intimacy and fight choreography involved in Shakespearean works. Follow Josh on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuaeldenegbert/Read more commentary about the best of Shakespeare's works on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

On this week's episode, Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier are joined by Frozen on Broadway actress Winter Donnelly for the podcast's first "Broadway Battle," in which they decide which show is better: Annie or Matilda.Categories include:Best Show OverallBest SongsBest VillainBest Lead Characterand much more!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Jacklyn and Rachel are back to rank the Disney theatrical productions with everything from The Lion King to Frozen. Check out all Disney Theatre content on onstageblog.com and the OnStage Blog YouTube Channel!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

"The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast" returns with co-hosts Rachel and Jacklyn diving into the hit musical 'Into the Woods' with Kensington Theatre director Toni Butler, who has directed the show three times. Is 'Into The Woods' overrated? Or is it the classic many believe it to be? They debate all aspects, from the characters to the songs to the story. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

On the latest episode of 'The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast', theatre critic Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier discuss what plays and musicals would make up the perfect community theatre season for their tastes. Check out more community theatre-related content on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner and brand new co-host Jacklyn Collier preview the new shows hitting Broadway in Fall 2024 for The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast. Shows previewed include:Oh MaryJobOnce Upon a MattressThe RoommateMcNealThe Hills of CaliforniaOur TownMaybe Happy EndingRomeo and JulietSunset BoulevardYellow FaceA Wonderful WorldTammy FayeDeath Becomes HerGypsyEureka DayLeft on TenthSwept AwayStay tuned to onstageblog.com for news and analysis on Broadway-related things.Episode available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

OnStage Blog's Chris Peterson and Greg Ehrhardt discuss why diversity in casting is important for certain plays and musicals (Hamilton), when it doesn't matter (Guys And Dolls), and when diversity should be eschewed (1776, The Sound of Music). Check out all of our theatre-related content on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner and Broadway By Ghostlight's Marc Bonanni break down the Tony Awards, including what they liked (The Outsiders, Water For Elephants, Chita Rivera) what they didn't like (ahem, Cabaret).Check out onstageblog.com for more content on the Tony Awards!Follow Marc on his youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@broadwaybyghostlightCheck out Rachel's stage reviews at https://rachelsreviewstheatre.com/

Rachel Wagner talks with BroadwayUpclose.com's Tim Dolan about how he started his tour guide business on Broadway, some of the more interesting nuggets he discovered about Broadway, his favorite Broadway shows of the season, and more. Check out much more theatre content on onstageblog.com!

OnStage Blog's Chris Peterson and Greg Ehrhardt celebrate the 10-year anniversary of onstageblog.com by recapping some of their biggest stories published and spilling some tea on those stories that had never been shared publicly before. They end the episode by addressing some of the most popular criticisms of the blog they have seen over the last few years and clearing up some misconceptions about how and why they cover the stories they publish.Check out all the content and accountability they bring to the theatre industry at onstageblog.com!

Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner interviews Tony-nominated composer Paul Gordon on several topics, including how he switched careers from a pop songwriter to a musical theatre composer, why he thinks most movie musicals are bad (except for Chicago), his creative process behind shows like Jane Eyre and Daddy Long Legs, and much more!, and much more!

Theatre critic Rachel Wagner and 'Broadway by Ghostlight''s Marc Bonanni break down the nominations for the 2024 Tony Awards. Check out current and future Tony award coverage on onstageblog.com!

In this latest episode of "The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast", Theatre critic Rachel Wagner is joined by OnStage Blog's Chris Peterson and Greg Ehrhardt to talk about Rachel seeing Of Mice and Men and Pretty Woman on stage (2:50). They also discuss when it is appropriate to walk out on a show before the show is over (14:27), and Christopher Durang's legacy in theatre (20:24). They close the episode by collaborating on a live ranking of 14 movie to stage adaptations from best to worst (22:40)Check out all of their theatre and movie related commentary on onstageblog.com!

Film and Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner discusses with OnStage Blog's Chris Peterson and Greg Ehrhardt the impact TikTok's potential ban would have on the theatre community (0:50), followed by a quick recap of Rachel seeing some productions down in Austin Texas during SXSW (15:30). Then, Greg asks Rachel and Chris how to review properly a theatre comedy you don't find funny (18:30), followed by a discussion of OnStage Blog's rankings of the top musicals of this decade (26:15)Greg finishes the pod by hosting a rousing game of "Would You Rather (Theatre Edition)", where he poses some outrageous theatre scenarios to Rachel and Chris and makes them choose one outcome or another (33:30)

Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner (Rachel Reviews Theatre) and OnStage Blog founder Chris Peterson give their picks for the most underrated Broadway shows today. Check out all of OnStage Blog's theatre content on onstageblog.com!

In this special edition of the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, film and theatre critic Rachel Wagner, OnStage Blog Founder Chris Peterson, and OnScreen Blog's Greg Ehrhardt and Ken Jones, along with the audience, gather together to vote on all of the major Oscar Categories as it applies to only movie musicals released since 1960. Categories include:Best PictureBest ActorBest ActressBest Supporting ActorBest Supporting ActressBest Original SongBest DirectorAll nominees had to have received an Oscar nomination in the year they were released. Lots of debates, fun arguments, voting, and revoting occur! Check it out before you watch the 2024 Oscars on March 10th. 

On the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, Film and Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner talks about trigger warnings in theatre (4:37) along with her top 5 favorite Broadway shows (19:37) with special guests Maren Scriven Swensen, President of the Utah Theatre Bloggers Association, and Scott Savage, Vice President of the Utah Theatre Bloggers Association.Subscribe to the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast streaming platforms!Check out all of OnStage Blog's theatre content on onstageblog.com

Film and Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner of Rachel's Reviews along with Chris Peterson and Greg Ehrhardt of OnStage Blog break down everything they loved about the Netflix movie adaptation of Tick, Tick...Boom! and their favorite hot takes stemming from the movie. Rachel also gives her thoughts on seeing the stage adaptation in Washington D.C. that was directed by Neil Patrick Harris. Check out all of OnStage Blog's theatre content on onstageblog.com and Rachel's numerous film and theatre reviews on rachelsreviews.net and rachelreviewstheatre.com

In the 3rd episode of "The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast," Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner and OnStage Blog's Chris Peterson and Greg Ehrhardt discuss "How To Dance In Ohio" closing (1:20), whether it is appropriate to make a musical comedy about the Salem Witch Trials (10:46), whether they would see the re-release of Les Misérables in theatres in February (21:53), and finishing with their recommendations on Broadway shows and movie musicals to take a date to for all stages of the relationship (33:41).

Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner and OnStage Blog Founder Chris Peterson discuss the news of "Shucked" being adapted into a feature film (10:12) and then reveal their list of overperformed musicals and what underrated musicals should be done in their place (14:35). 

Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner of Rachel's Reviews and OnStageblog.com founder Chris Peterson rate their excitement for every Broadway show opening in 2024 in the debut episode of "The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast". Shows discussed:The Days of Wines and Roses (12:46)Doubt: A Parable (15:44)The Notebook (17:55)Water For Elephants (21:47)My Son's a Queer (but What Can You Do?) (24:03)An Enemy Of The People (26:32)The Who's Tommy (28:19)The Outsiders (30:05)Lempicka (32:06)Hell's Kitchen (33:51)The Wiz (35:05)The Heart of Rock And Roll (36:39)Cabaret (38:45)Uncle Vanya (41:03)Mother Play (42:47)Mary Jane (45:34)Suffs (46:56)Home (49:03)