Podcasts about musical writing

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Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp are the creators and stars of the most absurd and raunchy movie to hit theatres this year, “Dicks: The Musical.” It's a profane spoof of the movie “The Parent Trap,” based on a show that Aaron and Josh created while they were young improv comedians with the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York. They talk to Tom about coming up with the idea, getting Megan Thee Stallion to be in their movie, and why it's time for queer cinema to embrace more absurdity.

Kara talks to musical theater composer/lyricist Adam Gwon about his day. Big moments include building the foundation for a sequence song, becoming a morning person while on the road, writing advice he received from Lynn Ahrens, and more.More about Adam: adamgwon.comInstagram: @gwonsterTwitter: @adamgwonMentions in the episode: Adam's lyric writing classes at Primary Stages Adam's class at the Dramatists Guild Institute Witnesses, the musical produced in California Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellows program founded by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalPurchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Topics of earlier episodes are boiled down to sixteen points, and we'll talk about them briefly.  Also, here are some things we can do to make our sentence-by-sentence writing more pleasing to readers' eyes and ears.

Today we talk way too long about the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile again, as well as some hobbies and some fantastic movies. We hope you all enjoy and if you want to be featured in our next episode, or if you want to leave some constructive criticism, be sure to check out our Instagram @thislltakeaminute and/or send us an email thislltakeaminute@gmail.com. Thank you all so much for listening, we hope you enjoy the show! Game we played today: Pen Pals! How it works: Two performers write letters back and forth to each other based off of a given variable, they have to continue a story based off of the tone set by the music playing

Ep.8- Play and musical writing. by J.R Bancroft

Lyricist Lynn Ahrens (1998 for Tony for Best Original Score with Ragtime), producer Garth Drabinsky (Tony Award winner for Kiss of the Spider Woman), composer Stephen Flaherty (1998 for Tony for Best Original Score with Ragtime), director Frank Galati (two 1990 Tony Awards for The Grapes of Wrath), book writer Terrence McNally (four-time Tony Award winner for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class and Ragtime), and advertising representative Jon Wilner discuss the journey of the American musical Ragtime -- from adapting E.L. Doctorow's novel, to comparisons with the 1981 film, through numerous workshops, to the full-scale Toronto and Broadway productions.

Lyricist Lynn Ahrens, producer Garth Drabinsky, composer Stephen Flaherty, director Frank Galati, book writer Terrence McNally, and advertising representative Jon Wilner discuss the journey of the American musical "Ragtime" -- from adapting E.L. Doctorow's novel, to comparisons with the 1981 film, through numerous workshops, to the full-scale Toronto and Broadway productions.

With backgrounds rooted in rock and roll, television comedy and comics, our 4 guests have made the leap from their day jobs to the stages of Broadway and Off Broadway with their musicals. Ben Katchor (The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island), David Javerbaum (Cry-Baby), Heidi Rodewald (Passing Strange) and Stew (2008 Tony Award for Best Book for Passing Strange) discuss adjusting to the collaborative world of theatre, the rules of theatre they think were made to be broken, their reaction to producers' notes, and how they feel their shows fit within the context of traditional musicals.

With backgrounds rooted in rock and roll, television comedy and comics, our 4 guests have made the leap from their day jobs to the stages of Broadway and Off Broadway with their musicals. Ben Katchor ("The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island"), David Javerbaum ("Cry-Baby"), Heidi Rodewald ("Passing Strange") and Stew ("Passing Strange") discuss adjusting to the collaborative world of theatre, the rules of theatre they think were made to be broken, their reaction to producers' notes, and how they feel their shows fit within the context of traditional musicals.

The production team for The Civil War -- producer Pierre Cossette (Tony winner for The Will Rogers Follies), producers Gary Gunas and Scott Zieger of Pace Theatrical, lyricist Jack Murphy, composer Frank Wildhorn, and marketing representative Norman Zagier -- cover the musical's journey from inception at Houston's Alley Theatre, through two studio albums, readings and workshops, to the Broadway production.

The production team for "The Civil War" -- producer Pierre Cossette, producers Gary Gunas and Scott Zieger of Pace Theatrical, lyricist Jack Murphy, composer Frank Wildhorn, and marketing representative Norman Zagier -- cover the musical's journey from inception at Houston's Alley Theatre, through two studio albums, readings and workshops, to the Broadway production.

A panel of acclaimed, Tony Award-winning composers and lyricists - Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, William Finn and Adam Guettel - discuss their first theatrical experiences, the process of writing and composing, what's involved in working with a partner, early influences on their music, and where they find inspiration; offer advice for students; and demonstrate their craft by playing a bit of their work.

A panel of acclaimed, Tony Award-winning composers and lyricists -- Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (1998 for Best Original Score with Ragtime), William Finn (1992 Best Book and Score for Falsettos) and Adam Guettel (2005 for the score and orchestration of Light in the Piazza) -- discuss their first theatrical experiences, the process of writing and composing, what's involved in working with a partner, early influences on their music, and where they find inspiration; offer advice for students; and demonstrate their craft by playing a bit of their work.

Oscar, Emmy and five-time American Theatre Wing Tony Award winner, Peter Stone (Tony Awards for 1776, Woman of the Year and Titanic) moderates this discussion with lyricist Susan Birkenhead (Triumph of Love, Jelly's Last Jam), composers/lyricists John Kander and Fred Ebb (Tony Award winner for Best Original Score in 1967 for Cabaret, 1981 for Woman of the Year and 1993 for Kiss of the Spider-Woman), composer Marvin Hamlisch (A Chorus Line, for which he won a Tony, They're Playing Our Song, Sweet Smell of Success), and award-winning country songwriter/composer Don Schlitz (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer). The panel talks about the process of musical songwriting, collaboration with other writers, writing songs in conjunction with the book, learning from influential composers, through-composed shows compared to book musicals, pros and cons of workshops, their backgrounds, and their first shows.

Oscar, Emmy and five-time American Theatre Wing Tony Award winner, Peter Stone moderates this discussion with lyricist Susan Birkenhead ("Triumph of Love", "Jelly's Last Jam"), composers/lyricists John Kander and Fred Ebb ("Cabaret", "Chicago", "Woman of the Year", "Steel Pier", "The Act"), composer Marvin Hamlisch ("A Chorus Line", "They're Playing Our Song", "The Sweet Smell of Success"), and award-winning country songwriter/composer Don Schlitz ("The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"). The panel talks about the process of musical songwriting, collaboration with other writers, writing songs in conjunction with the book, learning from influential composers, through-composed shows compared to book musicals, pros and cons of workshops, their backgrounds, and their first shows.

Terrence McNally talks about "The Ritz" then (1975) and now (the current Roundabout revival) and reveals his own cameo performance at the show's first opening night; describes his emergence as a playwright in the Off-Off-Broadway scene of the 1960s; considers the extraordinary run of productions he had at Manhattan Theatre Club from the mid-80s to mid-90s, as well as their culmination in the controversial production of Corpus Christi; remembers his work on such musicals as "The Rink", "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "Ragtime"; and explains the difference between writing musicals and opera, specifically his adaptation of "Dead Man Walking". Original air date - November 16, 2007.

Terrence McNally talks about "The Ritz" then (1975) and now (the current Roundabout revival) and reveals his own cameo performance at the show's first opening night; describes his emergence as a playwright in the Off-Off-Broadway scene of the 1960s; considers the extraordinary run of productions he had at Manhattan Theatre Club from the mid-80s to mid-90s, as well as their culmination in the controversial production of Corpus Christi; remembers his work on such musicals as "The Rink", "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "Ragtime"; and explains the difference between writing musicals and opera, specifically his adaptation of "Dead Man Walking". Original air date - November 16, 2007.

Terrence McNally (Tony winner for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class and Ragtime) talks about The Ritz then (1975) and now (the current Roundabout revival) and reveals his own cameo performance at the show's first opening night; describes his emergence as a playwright in the Off-Off-Broadway scene of the 1960s; considers the extraordinary run of productions he had at Manhattan Theatre Club from the mid-80s to mid-90s, as well as their culmination in the controversial production of Corpus Christi; remembers his work on such musicals as The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime; and explains the difference between writing musicals and opera, specifically his adaptation of Dead Man Walking.

This panel of artists -- playwright/actress Pamela Gien, playwright/director/actor Lonny Price, choreographer/director Randy Skinner, director Rebecca Taylor, playwright August Wilson (Tony winner for Fences), and director Joel Zwick -- who provide the creative heart of the theatre and breathe life into their stage productions discuss their work, backgrounds, and education; becoming a choreographer; building a book show around pre-existing songs; and how poetry relates to stage work.

This panel of artists - playwright/actress Pamela Gien, playwright/director/actor Lonny Price, choreographer/director Randy Skinner, director Rebecca Taylor, playwright August Wilson, and director Joel Zwick - who provide the creative heart of the theatre and breathe life into their stage productions discuss their work, backgrounds, and education; becoming a choreographer; building a book show around pre-existing songs; and how poetry relates to stage work.

The production and creative team for the musical The Producers -- press representative John Barlow, creator and producer Mel Brooks (who won a Tony for The Producers), producer Richard Frankel (Tony Award winner for the 2007 revival of Company), general manager Laura Green, book writer Thomas Meehan (Tony Awards for Annie, The Producers and Hairspray), and five-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman (for Crazy for You, Showboat, Contact, and 2 awards for The Producers) -- discuss taking the cult film to the Broadway stage, including the out-of-town run in Chicago, budgeting a huge musical, and the overwhelming interest from producers, investors, publicists, and ticketbuyers.

The production and creative team for the musical "The Producers" - press representative John Barlow, creator and producer Mel Brooks, producer Richard Frankel, general manager Laura Green, book writer Thomas Meehan, and director and choreographer Susan Stroman - discuss taking the cult film to the Broadway stage, including the out-of-town run in Chicago, budgeting a huge musical, and the overwhelming interest from producers, investors, publicists, and ticketbuyers.

The creative team of worldwide hit musical "Mamma Mia!" - press representative Adrian Bryan-Brown, producer Judy Craymer, book writer Catherine Johnson, director Phyllida Lloyd, and composer/lyricist Björn Ulvaeus - discuss the multi-year journey that brought ABBA's songs to Broadway.

Thoroughly Modern Millie's creative and production team -- Tony Award-winning choreographer Rob Ashford (for Thoroughly Modern Millie), general manager Nina Lannan, producer Hal Luftig (Tony Awards for Annie Get Your Gun and Thoroughly Modern Millie), Tony Award winning-director Michael Mayer (for Spring Awakening), book writer/lyricist Dick Scanlan and composer Jeanine Tesori -- discuss the Tony Award winning musical's journey to Broadway; obtaining the rights to the 1967 Universal Pictures film written by Richard Morris and starring Julie Andrews; years of development in workshops and readings; how the production team came together, including Rob Ashford's choreographer audition; the mixture of existing songs and new Tesori compositions; the advantages and disadvantages of mounting the show in partnership with La Jolla Playhouse; the many producers involved, including road presenters; the decision and budgetary considerations in opening on Broadway with a rigious preview period versus a second out-of-town tryout.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie"'s creative and production team -- choreographer Rob Ashford, general manager Nina Lannan, producer Hal Luftig, director Michael Mayer, book writer/lyricist Dick Scanlan and composer Jeanine Tesori -- discuss the Tony Award winning musical's journey to Broadway; obtaining the rights to the 1967 Universal Pictures film written by Richard Morris and starring Julie Andrews; years of development in workshops and readings; how the production team came together, including Rob Ashford's choreographer audition; the mixture of existing songs and new Tesori compositions; the advantages and disadvantages of mounting the show in partnership with La Jolla Playhouse; the many producers involved, including road presenters; the decision and budgetary considerations in opening on Broadway with a rigious preview period versus a second out-of-town tryout.

The creative team behind the Broadway musical Hairspray, producers Richard Frankel (Tony Award winner for the 2007 revival of Company) and Margo Lion (Tony Awards for Hairspray in 2003 and Elaine Stritch at Liberty in 2002), co-book writer Thomas Meehan (Tony Awards for Annie, The Producers and Hairspray), choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Tony winner for the 2005 revival of La Cage aux Folles), director Jack O'Brien (Tony Winner for Hairspray, Henry IV in 2004 and The Coast of Utopia), co-book writer Mark O'Donnell (Tony Award for Hairspray) andTony winning-composer/lyricist team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (for Hairspray) outline the journey the piece took from being a John Waters and Divine cult movie to hitting the Broadway stage; offer a peek at the process that created this smash hit and discuss the social messages that the show sends, both in its content and it's non-traditional casting.

The creative team behind the Broadway musical "Hairspray", producers Richard Frankel and Margo Lion, co-book writer Thomas Meehan, choreographer Jerry Mitchell, director Jack O'Brien, co-book writer Mark O'Donnell, composer Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott Wittman outline the journey the piece took from being a John Waters and Divine cult movie to hitting the Broadway stage; offer a peek at the process that created this smash hit and discuss the social messages that the show sends, both in its content and it's non-traditional casting.

The team of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil talk about why they broke from their usual practice of originating their own projects and took on writing "The Pirate Queen"; how they first began to collaborate in the wake of "Jesus Christ Superstar"; the immediate success of the concept album and stage version of their first musical, "La Révolution Française"; what happened in the five year gap between "Les Misérables"’ Paris and London debuts; and why they continue to tweak their "Martin Guerre", 11 years after its London debut. Original air date – May 4, 2007.

The team of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil (winners of Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Musical for Les Miserables) talk about why they broke from their usual practice of originating their own projects and took on writing The Pirate Queen; how they first began to collaborate in the wake of Jesus Christ Superstar; the immediate success of the concept album and stage version of their first musical, La Révolution Française; what happened in the five year gap between Les Misérables? Paris and London debuts; and why they continue to tweak their Martin Guerre, 11 years after its London debut.

The team of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil talk about why they broke from their usual practice of originating their own projects and took on writing "The Pirate Queen"; how they first began to collaborate in the wake of "Jesus Christ Superstar"; the immediate success of the concept album and stage version of their first musical, "La Révolution Française"; what happened in the five year gap between "Les Misérables"’ Paris and London debuts; and why they continue to tweak their "Martin Guerre", 11 years after its London debut. Original air date – May 4, 2007.

Members of the creative team of the Tony-winning musical "Avenue Q" -- Robert Lopez (Composer/Lyricist), Rick Lyon (Puppet Designer/Actor), Jeff Marx (Composer/Lyricist),and Jeff Whitty (Book Writer) -- along with producers Robyn Goodman and Jeffrey Seller explain how the pieces came together to create this unique puppet musical, the journey from its early days at the BMI Workshop and the O'Neill Theater Center to the Vineyard Theatre/New Group production to Broadway, including the challenge of expanding a show in scale when the central characters, namely the puppets, can't grow along with the size of the theatre.

Members of the Tony Award-winning creative team of the Tony-winning musical Avenue Q -- Robert Lopez (Tony Award as Composer/Lyricist), Rick Lyon (Puppet Designer/Actor), Jeff Marx (Tony Award as Composer/Lyricist), and Jeff Whitty (Tony Award as Book Writer) -- along with producers Robyn Goodman (Tony Award for the show) and Jeffrey Seller (Tony Award for the show as well as for Rent, In The Heights and Hair, to name a few) explain how the pieces came together to create this unique puppet musical, the journey from its early days at the BMI Workshop and the O'Neill Theater Center to the Vineyard Theatre/New Group production to Broadway, including the challenge of expanding a show in scale when the central characters, namely the puppets, can't grow along with the size of the theatre.

On "The Evolution of Encores!", guests Judith E. Daykin (founder), Rob Fisher (music director from founding to 2006), David Ives (book adapter for 18 productions) and Jack Viertel (artistic director since 2001) discuss the growth and success of the acclaimed musical concert series at New York's City Center, exploring how "Encores!" grew out of a concert at BAM in the late 80s; how the international success of "Chicago" impacted the series; how shows are selected; whether the addition of costumes, choreography and other "production" elements have moved the series away from its original goals; and whether there are shows they shouldn't have done or wish they could do again.

On "The Evolution of Encores!", guests Judith E. Daykin (founder), Rob Fisher (music director from founding to 2006), David Ives (book adapter for 18 productions) and Jack Viertel (artistic director since 2001) discuss the growth and success of the acclaimed musical concert series at New York's City Center, exploring how "Encores!" grew out of a concert at BAM in the late 80s; how the international success of "Chicago" impacted the series; how shows are selected; whether the addition of costumes, choreography and other "production" elements have moved the series away from its original goals; and whether there are shows they shouldn't have done or wish they could do again.

Joanne Bogart and Eric Rockwell discuss the genesis of "The Musical of MusicalsóThe Musical!" and whether they'll get to quit their day jobs as a result of its success. Original air date - July 16, 2004.

Joanne Bogart and Eric Rockwell discuss the genesis of "The Musical of MusicalsóThe Musical!" and whether they'll get to quit their day jobs as a result of its success. Original air date - July 16, 2004.

The development of the musical "Caroline, or Change" and its move from The Public Theatre to Broadway is explored with Tony Kushner (writing a musical book and lyrics for the first time), composer Jeanine Tesori, choreographer Hope Clarke and actors Tonya Pinkins and Veanne Cox.

The development of the musical Caroline, or Change and its move from The Public Theatre to Broadway is explored with Tony Kushner (writing a musical book and lyrics for the first time and winner of two Tony Awards for both parts of Angels in America), composer Jeanine Tesori, choreographer Hope Clarke and actors Tonya Pinkins (Tony winner for Jelly’s Last Jam) and Veanne Cox.

The "Grey Garden"'s creative team, Scott Frankel (composer), Michael Korie (lyricist) and Doug Wright (book writer) discuss the genesis of this new, highly acclaimed Broadway musical - why they chose this "cult" documentary to be the basis for a musical; how they all came together as collaborators; and what it took to make these characters "sing". Later in the show the stars Erin Davie, Christine Ebersole and Mary Louise Wilson join director Michael Greif to talk about how they worked together to inhabit the "Edies", as well as their personal connections with the characters in the piece.

Composer William Finn explains how he became involved in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and what drew him to the show's quirky characters; charts the development of the "Marvin" trilogy, including "March Of The Falsettos" and "Falsettoland", and talks about the differing approaches of James Lapine and Graciela Daniele to that material; tells the story of his own early-1990s medical crisis and how that became the basis for "A New Brain"; and recounts his extreme trepidation about the new revue of his songs, "Make Me A Song", during its debut in Connecticut. Original air date - December 1, 2006.

Composer William Finn explains how he became involved in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and what drew him to the show's quirky characters; charts the development of the "Marvin" trilogy, including "March Of The Falsettos" and "Falsettoland", and talks about the differing approaches of James Lapine and Graciela Daniele to that material; tells the story of his own early-1990s medical crisis and how that became the basis for "A New Brain"; and recounts his extreme trepidation about the new revue of his songs, "Make Me A Song", during its debut in Connecticut. Original air date - December 1, 2006.

Composer William Finn explains how he became involved in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and what drew him to the show's quirky characters; charts the development of the "Marvin" trilogy, including "March Of The Falsettos" and "Falsettoland", and talks about the differing approaches of James Lapine and Graciela Daniele to that material; tells the story of his own early-1990s medical crisis and how that became the basis for "A New Brain"; and recounts his extreme trepidation about the new revue of his songs, "Make Me A Song", during its debut in Connecticut. Original air date - December 1, 2006.

Lyricist Sheldon Harnick explains the genesis of "The Apple Tree" as he prepares for its first Broadway revival, recalls his days as a writer of revue songs and his early encouragement from famed broadcaster Dave Garroway, recounts how he began his collaboration with composer Jerry Bock, shares why he's particularly proud of the title song from "She Loves Me", and reflects on the experience of hearing his words to "Fiddler On The Roof" sung in Scandinavian languages. Original air date - November 17, 2006.

Lyricist Sheldon Harnick explains the genesis of "The Apple Tree" as he prepares for its first Broadway revival, recalls his days as a writer of revue songs and his early encouragement from famed broadcaster Dave Garroway, recounts how he began his collaboration with composer Jerry Bock, shares why he's particularly proud of the title song from "She Loves Me", and reflects on the experience of hearing his words to "Fiddler On The Roof" sung in Scandinavian languages. Original air date - November 17, 2006.

Lyricist Sheldon Harnick explains the genesis of "The Apple Tree" as he prepares for its first Broadway revival, recalls his days as a writer of revue songs and his early encouragement from famed broadcaster Dave Garroway, recounts how he began his collaboration with composer Jerry Bock, shares why he's particularly proud of the title song from "She Loves Me", and reflects on the experience of hearing his words to "Fiddler On The Roof" sung in Scandinavian languages. Original air date - November 17, 2006.

In advance of his "new Elvis" musical "All Shook Up", author Joe DiPietro talks about the process of incorporating pop songs into musical theatre, and reflects on the never-ending success of his show, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change". Original air date - September 24, 2004.

In advance of his "new Elvis" musical "All Shook Up", author Joe DiPietro talks about the process of incorporating pop songs into musical theatre, and reflects on the never-ending success of his show, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change". Original air date - September 24, 2004.

In advance of his "new Elvis" musical "All Shook Up", author Joe DiPietro talks about the process of incorporating pop songs into musical theatre, and reflects on the never-ending success of his show, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change". Original air date - September 24, 2004.

With the world's longest-running musical, "The Fantasticks", back on stage in New York after a short hiatus, author Tom Jones recounts the time-honored tale of how he and Harvey Schmidt created this theatrical legend; reflects on their subsequent ventures on Broadway, including the soon-to-be-revived "110 In The Shade"; and talks about the hubris that surrounded their creation of a theatrical development workshop, the Portfolio Studio, in the wake of the early successes. Original air date - September 8, 2006.

With the world's longest-running musical, "The Fantasticks", back on stage in New York after a short hiatus, author Tom Jones recounts the time-honored tale of how he and Harvey Schmidt created this theatrical legend; reflects on their subsequent ventures on Broadway, including the soon-to-be-revived "110 In The Shade"; and talks about the hubris that surrounded their creation of a theatrical development workshop, the Portfolio Studio, in the wake of the early successes. Original air date - September 8, 2006.

An in-depth look at the creation of the Broadway musical comedy with authors Jeffrey Lane and David Yazbek, director Jack O'Brien, choreographer Jerry Mitchell and actors Norbert Leo Butz and Sherie Rene Scott.

An in-depth look at the creation of the Broadway musical comedy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, with actors Norbert Leo Butz (winner of a Tony Award for his role in the show) and Sherie Rene Scott, authors Jeffrey Lane and David Yazbek, director Jack O'Brien (Tony Winner for Hairspray, Henry IV in 2004 and The Coast of Utopia), and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Tony winner for the 2005 revival of La Cage aux Folles).

Artists with their feet in both pop music and musical theatre—Stephen Bray and Allee Willis ("The Color Purple"), Rupert Holmes ("The Mystery of Edwin Drood"), Lucy Simon ("The Secret Garden") and David Yazbek ("The Full Monty")—talk about the parallels and intersections of those two worlds.

An in-depth look at the creation of the Off-Broadway musical, with author Michael John LaChiusa, director Ted Sperling, musical stager Jonathan Butterell and actors Marc Kudisch and Mary Testa.

An in-depth look at the creation of the Off-Broadway musical, See What I Wanna See, with author Michael John LaChiusa, director Ted Sperling (who won a Tony for his orchestrations of Light in the Piazza), musical stager Jonathan Butterell and actors Marc Kudisch and Mary Testa.

Artists with their feet in both pop music and musical theatre—Stephen Bray and Allee Willis (The Color Purple), Rupert Holmes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Tony Award), Lucy Simon (The Secret Garden) and David Yazbek (The Full Monty)—talk about the parallels and intersections of those two worlds.

Actor and author Bob Martin chronicles the journey of "The Drowsy Chaperone" from sophisticated bachelor party entertainment to success on the Toronto fringe to its current berth as a full-scale Broadway musical, and talks about the creation of his critically acclaimed television series "Slings & Arrows", which portrays life on stage and off at a Canadian Shakespeare festival. Original air date - June 2, 2006.

Actor and author Bob Martin chronicles the journey of "The Drowsy Chaperone" from sophisticated bachelor party entertainment to success on the Toronto fringe to its current berth as a full-scale Broadway musical, and talks about the creation of his critically acclaimed television series "Slings & Arrows", which portrays life on stage and off at a Canadian Shakespeare festival. Original air date - June 2, 2006.

Actor and author Bob Martin chronicles the journey of "The Drowsy Chaperone" from sophisticated bachelor party entertainment to success on the Toronto fringe to its current berth as a full-scale Broadway musical, and talks about the creation of his critically acclaimed television series "Slings & Arrows", which portrays life on stage and off at a Canadian Shakespeare festival. Original air date - June 2, 2006.

Lyricist and director Richard Maltby, Jr. talks about how he grew to be fond of Johnny Cash (who he never met) as he developed the musical "Ring of Fire", recalls creating "Ain't Misbehavin'" in the cabaret of the original Manhattan Theatre Club, describes the process of his four-decade-long collaboration with composer David Shire, explains his role in the writing of "Miss Saigon" and expresses some significant ambivalence over being labeled as "the father of the jukebox musical." Original airdate - April 7, 2006.

Lyricist and director Richard Maltby, Jr. talks about how he grew to be fond of Johnny Cash (who he never met) as he developed the musical "Ring of Fire", recalls creating "Ain't Misbehavin'" in the cabaret of the original Manhattan Theatre Club, describes the process of his four-decade-long collaboration with composer David Shire, explains his role in the writing of "Miss Saigon" and expresses some significant ambivalence over being labeled as "the father of the jukebox musical." Original airdate - April 7, 2006.

Lyricist and director Richard Maltby, Jr. talks about how he grew to be fond of Johnny Cash (who he never met) as he developed the musical "Ring of Fire", recalls creating "Ain't Misbehavin'" in the cabaret of the original Manhattan Theatre Club, describes the process of his four-decade-long collaboration with composer David Shire, explains his role in the writing of "Miss Saigon" and expresses some significant ambivalence over being labeled as "the father of the jukebox musical." Original airdate - April 7, 2006.

Composer Michael John LaChiusa explains his longtime fascination with the works of Lorca, which led to his new musical work "Bernarda Alba"; how he transformed a trio of Japanese stories into "See What I Wanna See"; tantalizingly hints at other literary works that he may pull off his shelf and adapt one day; and describes writing for the voices of performers like Audra McDonald and others. Original airdate - March 24, 2006.

Composer Michael John LaChiusa explains his longtime fascination with the works of Lorca, which led to his new musical work "Bernarda Alba"; how he transformed a trio of Japanese stories into "See What I Wanna See"; tantalizingly hints at other literary works that he may pull off his shelf and adapt one day; and describes writing for the voices of performers like Audra McDonald and others. Original airdate - March 24, 2006.

With the cast album of "Dessa Rose" now in stores, here's the "Downstage Center" March 2005 interview with Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty in which they survey their career from jingle writing to "Ragtime" and everything in between (including "Once on this Island" and "My Favorite Year"), with Stephen briefly at the keyboard to illuminate a few stories. Original airdate - March 25, 2005.

Legendary composer Jerry Herman plays and sings snippets of some of his most famous compositions as he recalls the creation of such seminal musicals as "Hello Dolly", "Mame" and "La Cage aux Folles" in this one-of-a-kind interview from November 2004. Original airdate - November 5, 2004.

With the cast album of "Dessa Rose" now in stores, here's the "Downstage Center" March 2005 interview with Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty in which they survey their career from jingle writing to "Ragtime" and everything in between (including "Once on this Island" and "My Favorite Year"), with Stephen briefly at the keyboard to illuminate a few stories. Original airdate - March 25, 2005.

Legendary composer Jerry Herman plays and sings snippets of some of his most famous compositions as he recalls the creation of such seminal musicals as "Hello Dolly", "Mame" and "La Cage aux Folles" in this one-of-a-kind interview from November 2004. Original airdate - November 5, 2004.

Legendary composer Jerry Herman plays and sings snippets of some of his most famous compositions as he recalls the creation of such seminal musicals as "Hello Dolly", "Mame" and "La Cage aux Folles" in this one-of-a-kind interview from November 2004. Original airdate - November 5, 2004.

With the cast album of "Dessa Rose" now in stores, here's the "Downstage Center" March 2005 interview with Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty in which they survey their career from jingle writing to "Ragtime" and everything in between (including "Once on this Island" and "My Favorite Year"), with Stephen briefly at the keyboard to illuminate a few stories. Original airdate - March 25, 2005.

On the eve of his debut as a film director, Craig Lucas discusses transforming "The Dying Gaul" from play to screenplay and talks about his journey from a narrow-minded Philadelphia suburb to the chorus of musicals like "Sweeney Todd" and "Shenandoah" to his place as one of our most adventurous and outspoken playwrights. Original airdate - November 11, 2005.

On the eve of his debut as a film director, Craig Lucas discusses transforming "The Dying Gaul" from play to screenplay and talks about his journey from a narrow-minded Philadelphia suburb to the chorus of musicals like "Sweeney Todd" and "Shenandoah" to his place as one of our most adventurous and outspoken playwrights. Original airdate - November 11, 2005.

Gerard Alessandrini shares the process of turning Broadway into "Forbidden Broadway" and why after all these years of skewering stage stars and shows, he's still an optimistic fan of the theatre. Original airdate - September 30, 2005.

Gerard Alessandrini shares the process of turning Broadway into "Forbidden Broadway" and why after all these years of skewering stage stars and shows, he's still an optimistic fan of the theatre. Original airdate - September 30, 2005.

Gerard Alessandrini shares the process of turning Broadway into "Forbidden Broadway" and why after all these years of skewering stage stars and shows, he's still an optimistic fan of the theatre. Original airdate - September 30, 2005.