Podcasts about Sondheim

In Episode 107, Brennan is joined by San Francisco-based writer/ director/ standup comedian/ etc., Nova Bradford, as they discuss the Bay Area art scene, fringe theatre, and the creation of "Luigi: The Musical"! Taking risks is the name of the game in this business, but it's also the best way to create some real, gritty, meaningful art that can actually make a difference in the world!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on this year's 79th Annual Tony Awards! In our annual post-Tony's episode we are giving you the breakdown of all performances, awards, and general goings on at this year's awards ceremony!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In Episode 106, Brennan is joined by LA actor James Tolbert, as they discuss the discovery of MT BFA culture, the decision to transition from NYC to LA, and the desire and benefits of being a true multi-hyphenate! In a world of shiny, commercialized art-media, you gotta stay true to yourself and chase those ventures that truly make your heart happy!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In Episode 105, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Ben Jackson Walker, as they talk about the dangers of perfectionism, and how your own harshest critic is often yourself! While having standards for yourself is important, the need for perfection is often actually just the fear of failure!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

KPFA Theatre Critic Richard Wolinsky reviews “The Lunchbox” at Berkeley Rep‘s Roda Theatre through July 5, 2026.             TEXT OF REVIEW The golden age of the Broadway musical died over a half century ago. The post-golden age of Sondheim and the rock opera faded before the new century. Since then, we've had corporate movie adaptations, jukebox junk and an increasing number of parody meta-musicals. But good and great shows do slip through the cracks. Hamilton, certainly, but also Fun Home, Next to Normal, Suffs and others. It's quite possible that another gem eventually to hit New York, is currently at Berkeley Rep's Roda Theatre through July 5th, and that's The Lunchbox, created by the team of Ritesh Batra and The Lazours.

Based on a 2013 film of the same name, The Lunchbox is about one of those one in a million chance meetings that change people and the direction of their lives. Mumbai, or Bombay as it was known, has a complex system in which business people's hot lunches are delivered from home to workplace in the middle of the day via a phalanx of what are known as dabbawallahs. Despite millions of people and a gigantic metropolis, this system is incredibly accurate with spectacular on-time deliveries.

But there are screwups. One day, a young wife, Ila, sends her lunch canister to her husband's office — the canisters have multiple smaller bowls — which never arrives. Somehow, it winds up on the desk of Sajaan, an older widower on the verge of retirement.He sends back a note. She responds. He's decades older, she's married with a daughter; romance may not be in the cards, but connection is. What makes The Lunch Box work so well is both its familiarity with musical theater tropes and its differences. You can hear a bit of Sondheim in the way music and lyrics meld to further the story, but there's also the very distinctive sound of South Asian melody, harmony, instruments and rhythm, punctuated by Bollywood style ensemble dances. The result is organic, it feels right. The Lunchbox unites the two art forms into one, with the spectacle never overwhelming the delicacy of the story, songs, or performances, all of which, by the way, are very, very good, as is the gorgeous set design. The show is kind of a miracle, code-switching in a way that feels wholly original, while maintaining the sensibility and sensitivity of its source material. A note of caution: The Lunch Box is a soufflé. Any attempt to fix it, to make it more big ticket-friendly, could kill it. The show is perfect as it is. The Lunchbox plays at Berkeley Rep's Roda Theatre through July 5th. For more information you can to go berkeleyrep.org. I'm Richard Wolinsky on Bay Area theatre for KPFA. The post Review: “The Lunchbox” at Berkeley Rep Roda Theatre appeared first on KPFA.

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on a beloved Broadway musical: The Rocky Horror Show. THE cult-classic of cult-classics, this show has become a ritualistic experience around the world and has accrued a diverse fandom of all ages, genders, sexualities, etc. There are many ways to experience The Rocky Horror Show these days, but it all started on the stage!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Daniel Okrent is the author of seven books, most recently, “Stephen Sondheim Art Isn't Easy,” of which The Guardian said: “The entire book is sheer delight and Okrent, formerly an editor at The New York Times and a baseball fanatic who effectively invented the modern fantasy baseball league, does a terrific job of telling Sondheim's life story alongside shrewd analysis of his body of work.”Other reviews have been just as positive, and why not?  It's the most comprehensive story yet of Stephen Sondheim the man and Stephen Sondheim the composer.  It's a real pleasure to have him with me on this episode.  

Content Advisory: The following episode contains conversations surrounding topics that may be triggering, such as eating disorders and suicide.In Episode 104, Brennan is joined by NYC-based performer and founder of the Broadway Mental Health Foundation, Emerson Valentina, as they discuss the hazards of some "traditional" musical theatre/ dance education, and the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces across the industry. For too long now, performers have been encouraged and demanded to put unsafe levels of stress on their body and mind, and told it was the only way to succeed, and it's important that we don't continue to spread those falsehoods to the generations to come!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Melissa Errico is a Tony-nominated actress, singer, recording artist, and writer. She is known for her iconic Broadway musical roles such as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and the title role in One Touch of Venus. She is also recognized from her roles on TV series such as Billions, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Blue Bloods, The Good Wife, Law & Order, A Gifted Man, Ed, and Miss Match opposite Alicia Silverstone. In addition to her work on stage and screen, Errico is highly regarded for her recordings of musical theater classics, including albums of songs by Stephen Sondheim and Michel Legrand. Her 2018 album “Sondheim Sublime” was described by the Wall Street Journal as “the best all-Sondheim album ever recorded”. In a review for her 2024 album “Sondheim in the City”, the New York Times described Errio as “one of Sondheim's deepest-hearted yet lightest-touch interpreters.” Errico’s interpretation of Legrand’s music is equally highly praised, so much so that she was asked to write his eulogy for the Times and was the only American singer invited to perform at Legrand’s memorial at Le Grand Rex in Paris. In recent years, Errico has become a contributing writer to The New York Times and served on the National Endowment for the Arts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on a lesser known, sci-fi Broadway musical, Starmites. This niche, superhero/ space adventure/ boyband musical is camp to the max, and a whole lot of fun! So, let's show it some love!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

What do crossword puzzles have to do with "Send in the Clowns"? More than you'd think. This episode, Shoshana is joined by Barry Joseph, author of Matching Minds with Sondheim, to explore Stephen Sondheim's lifelong obsession with puzzles and games, and how that obsession quietly shaped everything from his lyrics to his show structures to his closest relationships. In the "Why Is This So Good?" segment, Shoshana and Barry dig into "Good Enough to Eat" from Schmigadoon! Season 2. Music featured: "Ten Years Old (The Fabulous Fifties, 1960)" from Sondheim Sings Vol. II (1946–1960) "Hesitation (Reprise)" from Here We Are "A Little Priest" from Sweeney Todd "Good Enough to Eat" from Schmigadoon! Season 2 You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you'd like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at "Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast." Be sure to sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at http://scenetosong.substack.com , and consider supporting the show on Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

It is not hyperbole to say that Stephen Sondheim was among the most important creative voices in 20th Century American musical theater. From the 1950s through to the 2020s, he wrote the lyrics, music, or both for some of the most critically and commercially successful shows of our lifetimes. Sondheim's shows are beloved not only for their incredibly catchy songs, but also for their insightful stories exploring the nature of art, history, and most importantly, the fragile and fault-riddled human condition. Though we lost Mr. Sondheim in 2021, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to look back on his works as we attempt to name the Best Stephen Sondheim Musical of all time.Musicals discussed: Sweeney Todd, Saturday Night, West Side Story, Merrily We Roll Along, Passion, Sunday in the Park with George, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Assassins, Pacific Overtures, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, Anyone Can Whistle, Gypsy, FolliesJoin host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Kevin Dillon, Michael Schwarz, and Trey Radu-Blackburn as they discuss and debate 16 of Sondheim's most enduring works.For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss our personal experiences with Sondheim shows, and the Sondheim shows that didn't make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks.EPISODE CREDITSHost: Eric RezsnyakPanelists: Kevin Dillon, Michael Schwarz, Trey Radu-BlackburnProducer: Bob ErlenbackEditor: Jim Czadzeck#sondheim #stephensondheim #musical #broadway #broadwaymusicals #sweeneytodd #company #intothewoods #westsidestory #merrilywerollalong #sundayintheparkwithgeorge #gypsy #follies #assassins #bernadettepetersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

durée : 01:00:54 - par : Laurent Valière - En direct et en public du Studio 105 de la Maison de la Radio et de la Musique. - réalisation : Céline Parfenoff, Martine Mony Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France

Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller played a key role in the production of RENT, Hamilton, In the Heights, Avenue Q, and the revival of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd that starred Josh Groban. His memoir traced his path from ‘Theater Kid' to producer of Broadway mega-hits. Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews ‘Silent Friend.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller played a key role in the production of RENT, Hamilton, In the Heights, Avenue Q, and the revival of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd that starred Josh Groban. His memoir traced his path from ‘Theater Kid' to producer of Broadway mega-hits. Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews ‘Silent Friend.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In Episode 103, Brennan is joined by NYC actor, Cambria Klein, as they mourn the soon to be death of the EMC program and try to figure out what the heck they're gonna do now! The decision is a very complex one to make and there are 1 million factors to take into consideration. However at the end of the day, it's a decision only you can make for yourself, so you gotta trust your heart!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week on Sidetracks, we take a look at the controversial premier of EUPHORIA Season 3, dive deep into some classic movies, react to the latest seasons of GEN V and THE BOYS, and talk about the latest pro-shot of the Sondheim musical MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.Next week for our anniversary episode we'll be watching the controversial THE DEVILS (1971)Thanks for listening and stay spoopy ya'll!Timestamps:00:00:27 Intro and Hellos00:02:13 RESIDENT EVIL Games (REQUIEM and RE2)00:14:22 SINGING IN THE RAIN (HBO Max)00:20:19 Brit's Classic Movie List (Thoughts on BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY's)00:29:24 Bravo Breakdown (SUMMER HOUSE S10 and RHORI S1)00:34:26 GOT Movie Announcement00:35:37 A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS (HBO Max)00:40:31 EUPHORIA Season 3 Premier (HBO Max) (Light SPOILERS)00:51:04 GEN V Season 2 (Prime Video) (SPOILERS)00:56:37 THE BOYS Season 5 Ep 1-2 (PRIME VIDEO) (SPOILERS)01:1025 MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Pro-shot (Netflix) and Theatre Talk Sidetrack01:34:57 FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S 2 (PEACOCK)01:42:40 Wrap Up01:43:16 Next Time (THE DEVILS on AMC+/Shudder) and GoodbyesThe Grindhouse Girls Podcast is created by Katie Dale and Brit Ray. This week's episode is edited by Katie Dale.Part of the Redacted Entertainment Network.Royalty free music used: Ready Set Go and Outro White SmokeCopyright 2020 Grindhouse Girls PodcastThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the hit JRB musical, The Last 5 Years! With the current concert production flooding everyone's feed, tons of people are being exposed to this 2 person show, and it sure is a good one to know!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

As the 1950s came to a close, Broadway continued to push and expand what could be done in a musical and what was expected of a night at the theater. Stars were becoming less powerful and less of a draw, though some stars found ways to maintain their status by proving that they had a place in the new style of show tha cared more about the truth of a character than simply star power. Once such star was Ethel Merman, and her final original stage role was also her greatest: playing Rose in 1959's Gypsy. Composer Jule Styne joined most of the West Side Story Team -- Robbins, Bernstein, and Sondheim -- to tell this story of the ultimate stage mother. It was Robbins and Sondheim, however, who created the show's 11 o'clock number, and one of the greatest star turns in Broadway history: "Rose's Turn." It has challenged Broadway divas ever since. All clips are from the cast album of the 2024 revival of Gyspy featuring Audra McDonald and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify! Follow SMSTS on Instagram: @somuchstufftosing Email the show: somuchstufftosing@gmail.com Recommended Reading/Viewing: https://unhummable.wordpress.com/2010/05/31/breaking-down-a-song-roses-turn/ Ethan Mordden, Anything Goes: A History of American Musical Theater (Mordden's other volumes are also excellent resources for more in-depth discussion) Broadway: The American Musical

In Episode 102, Brennan is joined by NY actor and podcaster, Erica Ito, as they talk about lowering the stakes of school, embracing cringe, and her journey of joining the tour of Wicked! They also touch on developing the skill (and yes it is a skill) of not caring so much about certain things in order to keep your eyes on the true goal!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, QUEER VOICES dives into the theater. We have Derek Charles Livingston, who is the artistic director of STAGES HOUSTON. He breaks down his coming season. Jack Wagner tells us about a TRUMP musical called STABLE GENIUS that is premiering right here in Houston. Finally, Logan Vaden turns 35 for his special production of COMPANY from THE GARDEN THEATRE.Stages Houston - https://stageshouston.com/STABLE GENIUS - https://matchouston.org/events/2026/stable-geniusCOMPANY - https://matchouston.org/events/2026/company Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here.  Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond.  Check out our socials at:https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ andhttps://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE  | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Book by James Lapine Works Consulted & Reference : Sunday in the Park Withe George (Original Libretto) by James Lapine & Stephen Sondheim Look, I Made A Hat by Stephen Sondheim Putting It Together by James Lapine Music Credits: "Overture" from Dear World (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music by Jerry Herman | Performed by Dear World Orchestra & Donald Pippin "The Speed Test" from Thoroughly Modern Millie  (Original Broadway Cast Recording) | Music by Jeanine Tesori, Lyrics by Dick Scanlan | Performed by Marc Kudisch, Sutton Foster, Anne L. Nathan & Ensemble "Why God Why" from Miss Saigon: The Definitive Live Recording  (Original Cast Recording  / Deluxe)  | Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Lyrics by Alain Boublil & Richard Maltby Jr.  | Performed by Alistair Brammer "Back to Before" from Ragtime: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music by Stephen Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens | Performed by Marin Mazzie "Chromolume #7 / Putting It Together" from Sunday in the Park with George (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Performed by Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Judith Moore, Cris Groenendaal, Charles Kimbrough, William Parry, Nancy Opel, Robert Westenberg, Dana Ivey, Kurt Knudson, Barbara Bryne "What's Inside" from Waitress (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music & Lyrics by Sara Bareilles | Performed by Jessie Mueller & Ensemble "Finishing the Hat" from Sunday in the Park With George (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Performed by Mandy Patinkin "Maria" from The Sound of Music (Original Soundtrack Recording)  | Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II | Performed by Evadne Baker, Anna Lee, Portia Nelson, Marni Nixon "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music (Original Soundtrack Recording) | Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II | Performed by Julie Andrews "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin (New Broadway Cast Recording) | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz | Performed by Matthew James Thomas “What Comes Next?” from Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) | Music & Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda | Performed by Jonathan Groff

Claybourne Elder joins the podcast to discuss his latest album If the Stars Were Mine. Plus, he reveals where he feels the spirit of Sondheim to this day. Center Stage Records is behind the release of If the Stars Were Mine, the debut album from Claybourne Elder who is best known for starring in HBO's The Gilded Age and Broadway's Company. Bryan Perri and Rodney Bush serve as music directors, and also provide arrangements and orchestrations. If the Stars Were Mine is produced by Claybourne Elder and Andrew House, and co-produced by Bryan Perri. Purchase or download the album by clicking here.Send feedback to puttingittogetherpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/puttingittogetherpodcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Claybourne Elder is a Grammy, SAG, Drama Desk, and Lucille Lortel nominee. He played John Adams on HBO's hit series “The Gilded Age” and was most recently seen on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning revival of Company, starring Patti LuPone. He is known for his performances on Broadway in Bonnie and Clyde, Sunday in the Park with George, Torch Song, and Sondheim on Sondheim at the Hollywood Bowl. Other New York performances include Hollis in Sondheim's Road Show, Strike Up the Band at Carnegie Hall, Do I Hear a Waltz? at New York City Center, and Allegro at Classic Stage Company. He has been hailed as “handsome and intense” (Observer), “tough and tender” (New York Daily News) and “stupid funny as he is drop-dead buff!” (The Wrap). Recently Elder launched an initiative called City of Strangers to provide free tickets to Broadway shows for people who might not have the means. They have given away over 3,000 tickets and have gained unexpected attention nationally, being featured on “This American Life,” “CBS This Morning,” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” @claybourneelderCENTER STAGE RECORDS has announced the release of If the Stars Were Mine, the debut album from Claybourne Elder – best known for starring in HBO's “The Gilded Age” and Broadway's Company – in digital and streaming formats on Friday, April 3. The recording will be available on CD on Friday, April 10 and on vinyl later this year. Bryan Perri and Rodney Bush serve as music directors, and also provide arrangements and orchestrations. If the Stars Were Mine is produced by Claybourne Elder and Andrew House, and co-produced by Bryan Perri. Pre-add or pre-save the digital album, or pre-order the CD or vinyl, please visit ⁠orcd.co/ifthestarsweremine⁠. Elder will celebrate the album with three concerts at the New York nightclub 54 Below on April 3, April 4, and April 15. For tickets, please visit the venue's website ⁠HERE⁠. Prior to these shows, he will star in the New York City Center Encores! production of Michael John LaChiusa's The Wild Party from March 18-29. Using sensitive and passionate musical arrangements – alternating between pop-inspired and swinging jazz – If the Stars Were Mine features Elder's favorite numbers from Broadway musicals ranging from Sunday in the Park with George and Floyd Collins to Into the Woods and If/Then, in addition to songs made famous by Whitney Houston, Eartha Kitt, and Melody Gardot, while weaving in themes of sex, fatherhood, and religion. Elder has performed the live show to sold-out crowds across the country. ------------------------------------------------------  

We talk with John Lithgow, veteran of hundreds of performances on stage, screen and television. He's currently starring in the play ‘Giant' on Broadway. He plays renowned children's book author Roald Dahl, caught in a public controversy after he wrote an article laced with antisemitic statements. Also, we'll talk about Stephen Sondheim's life and music with Daniel Okrent, author of a new book ‘Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn't Easy.'  To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We talk with John Lithgow, veteran of hundreds of performances on stage, screen and television. He's currently starring in the play ‘Giant' on Broadway. He plays renowned children's book author Roald Dahl, caught in a public controversy after he wrote an article laced with antisemitic statements. Also, we'll talk about Stephen Sondheim's life and music with Daniel Okrent, author of a new book ‘Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn't Easy.'  See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In this episode, we celebrate To Steve With Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim, a heartfelt tribute to one of musical theatre's greatest legends, Stephen Sondheim. Emmy winner and Tony and Grammy nominee Liz Callaway is joined by special guest Jim Walton for an evening of stories, music, and reflection on a career deeply intertwined with Sondheim's work. Recorded live at 54 Below, the Grammy-nominated album offers a personal and nostalgic look at Sondheim's legacy and the profound impact his work has had on performers and audiences alike. Liz shares behind-the-scenes memories, celebrates the music that shaped her career, and honors the enduring brilliance of a composer who forever changed the landscape of musical theatre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 101, Brennan is once again joined by Broadway's Michael Ivan Carrier, as they talk about all the amazing things Michael has been up to since the last time they were on our show! From their first co-star on tv, to stepping into a principal role full time on Broadway, it's been a busy couple years! Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the Broadway musical Xanadu! This movie to stage musical is a fun cult classic filled with roller skates, fake Australian accents, Greek mythology, and more! If that doesn't check all the boxes, then I don't know what does!!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Let's put on a show! It's season 8 for Paul and Corey Cross the Streams, and this season we're watching musicals. It's a singular art form with a dynamic history, and we get to listen to a lot of cast recordings... Attend the podcast on Sweeney Todd! Yes, this week Corey chose the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp joint Sweeney Todd (2007). This adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's brilliant musical from 1979, was...bad. Which is too bad because the musical is one that Corey and Paul both love very much. In the episode, they discuss Stephen Sondheim's body of work and his singular style; the history of the archetypical characters of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett; Tim Burton's career (and artistic limitations); whether the musical is, as original director, Hal Prince, claimed and Sondheim disagreed, a satire of "the Industrial Revolution;" and most importantly why and in what ways this adaptation struggles with its source material. (A factory whistle blows)

On this bonus episode of the WhatsOnStage Podcast, we meet the new Witch taking over from Kate Fleetwood in the Bridge Theatre's multi-award-nominated production of Into the Woods at the Bridge Theatre. A beloved WhatsOnStage Award-winning star, she's tackling Sondheim for the very first time! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our very special 100th episode, Brennan is joined by Tony Award winner and Broadway legend, Beth Leavel as they discuss the relationship of discipline and passion for the craft, as well as the balance one must have between work and life in order to truly find success! Beth is well known for being not only an incredible talent, but also just an incredible person, and after listening to this episode, there's no doubt that it's the truth!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In honour of Sondheim's birthday this is a conversation with Laurent Ziliani about his new album Anyone Can Whistle: A Sondheim Journey which is a deeply personal album reimagining the music of Stephen Sondheim through jazz, big band, and intimate vocal arrangements.Available now on all platforms!Send feedback to puttingittogetherpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/puttingittogetherpodcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Daniel Okrent's new biography, ‘Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn't Easy,' offers new insights into the renowned Broadway composer and lyricist. Okrent talks with Terry Gross about Sondheim's often toxic relationship to his mother, his drinking and substance use, and finding himself through his art. “There are two major arcs to [Stephen Sondheim's] life. One is from absolute alienation to finally, near the end of his life, connection,” he says. “The other is from an ambivalence that could be crippling at times, to resolution, to knowing who he was and what he was capable of doing.”Also, book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the novel ‘Now I Surrender.'To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In Episode 99, Brennan is joined by Senior Theatre/TV/Film Agent from Take 3 Talent, Michele Cavallero, as they break down the agent/actor relationship and address all the responsibilities that come along with it! A lot of folks believe the misconception that having an agent will solve all their problems and remove so much of their responsibilities, but there is so much teamwork that goes into making that relationship fruitful for all!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this week's mini-sode we are shining the spotlight on Broadway's Twelfth Night- inspired, Elvis Presley jukebox musical "All Shook Up"! Yeah, you heard that right! A Broadway musical inspired by a Shakespeare play, set to the tunes of Elvis Presley! What more could you ask for??Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Disney, Trivia Contests, Escape Rooms, Stephen Sondheim, Crosswords, and Puzzles Eagerly awaiting the next season of Reality Escape Pod? Great news! Season 11 is just around the corner. While you wait, enjoy a special compilation from Season 10. Our editor Steve Ewing, has chosen a memorable clip from every episode. It's the ideal way for new listeners to get acquainted with the podcast, and the perfect trip down memory lane for our devoted fans. This season featured a variety of talented creators, escape room owners, designers, game makers, and even a live audio escape room that first debuted at RECON Remote in 2025. One of our dream guests launched the season: Puzzlemaster Will Shortz. This episode was filled with fascinating stories about his time working at Games Magazine and his early years editing the puzzle section for the New York Times. Other veteran creatives this season included Jim “The Oz” Olivia, who helps run the World's Largest Trivia Contest, and Doris Hardoon whose years as an Imagineer at Disney yielded many insights for us into what it took to create “the happiest place on earth” at EPCOT and later at Shanghai Disney Resort. We uncovered the parlor game and puzzle obsessions of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim with author Barry Joseph, who has published an in-depth look at a little-examined facet of Sondheim's genius.  Adam Bellow detailed the process of developing escape room-inspired educational kits for classrooms all over the world through the work of his company, Breakout EDU. Of course, we had many standout escape room owners share their trials, tribulations, and moments of triumph. Will & Kim Rutherford, owners of Escape Artist Greenville, Stephen & Stevie Kristof of 60 to Escape in the Chicago area, and Jonathan Driscoll & Sacha St. Dennis of Escaparium in Montreal, where RECON will be held in August of 2026.  Zach Sherwin will be at RECON Montreal, running his hilarious act The Crossword Show. He joined David & Peih-Gee to chat about its development, and what it's like to be a comedy rap star on YouTube! And we caught up with Rita Orlov & Lauren Bello of PostCurious to learn about their latest collaboration in the world of boxed puzzle games.  As always, we featured a couple episodes that were pure fun. Yannick Trapman-O'Brien & Lyra Levin played Mark Larson's audio escape room: BLOT. On our Holiday Special, REA team members Theresa Piazza and Andrew Reynolds tested their mettle against Peih-Gee's Playhouse word puzzles. Finally, we received the yearly industry report from RoomEscapeArtist.com Editor-In-Chief Lisa Spira. She walked us through her data analysis concerning escape rooms in 2025, including trends in booking times, revenue, and the growth of challenge arcades. Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors: Buzzshot and Patreon supporters like you.    Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   Become a Patron Today! Supporitng us on Patreon helps to fund our work, pay our team, and it grants you access to an incredible library of bonus content including:  The REPOD Bonus Show The Spoilers Club The Travelogue Series Thank you to all of our ongoing supporters

Episode 193 — Revisiting Sondheim: Merrily We Roll AlongWelcome back to The Conner & Smith Show!This week we return to our ongoing Stephen Sondheim deep dive series with a long-overdue update — inspired by the extraordinary filmed stage version of Merrily We Roll Along.For years, Merrily has been known as the fascinating “problem child” of the Sondheim canon — a brilliant score paired with a notoriously difficult structure. But the recent filmed Broadway production, directed by Maria Friedman, offers a revelatory take on the show that made both of us fall in love with it all over again.In this episode we talk about:​Why Merrily We Roll Along has had such a complicated history​How smart direction can solve the storytelling challenges of the show's reverse timeline​Why this particular production finally makes the emotional arc land​The power of Sondheim's score when the story is clearly staged and grounded​And why this filmed version might be the definitive way many people experience the showWe also revisit our earlier thoughts about the piece from our original Sondheim series and discuss how seeing this production shifted our perspective.If you love Stephen Sondheim, musical theatre history, and the rare revival that truly cracks the code of a difficult show — this episode is for you.

In Episode 98, Brennan is joined by the creator of "Meet the Robinsons the Unofficial Concept Album", Elijah Zurek, as the two of them discuss bravery, confidence, tenacity, and the sheer need to just keep moving forward! You know when you sign up for a career in this industry that it is going to be hard, but sometimes you just need to say "This is going to be successful" and don't stop til its true!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on Disney's Frozen the Musical. Perhaps one of Disney's most well known franchise, the stage adaptation took on a different lens to cater more towards an adult audience. The life of the show on Broadway was cut short by the pandemic, but the production is still going strong in the regional market across the US!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

The composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim was an icon. As the creative force behind a string of huge musicals — including West Side Story and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum — he is widely regarded as the 'Shakespeare of the musical'.Sondheim's life and legacy are the subject of a new podcast entitled Loving You: The Untold Sondheim, hosted by two close friends of the composer, Martin Milnes and Peter E. Jones, which is out on March 5, 2026. We're delighted that Martin and Peter joined James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast to talk about their own upcoming show.Loving You: The Untold Sondheim features contributions from many people who knew and worked with Sondheim during his life, from Dame Julie Andrews to Dame Judi Dench, and from Mia Farrow to Lin-Manuel Miranda.Loving You: The Untold Sondheim will be available on all streaming platforms from March 5. A trailer is available on Apple, Spotify and Amazon.Subscribe to the Country Life podcast on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the Country Life podcast on SpotifySubscribe to the Country Life podcast on AudibleEpisode creditsHost: James FisherGuests: Martin Milnes and Peter E. JonesProducer and editor: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 97, Brennan is joined by Broadways Claybourne Elder, as they talk about his journey studying theatre in several countries, nearly quitting the industry, and how to maintain your self identity amidst the highest high and the lowest low! It's so important that we ground ourselves in life so that we can celebrate the highs, and then when they dissipate the lows don't feel as hard!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this first mini-sode of year 3, we are shining the spotlight on the Broadway musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". While we did spend a quarter of this episode talking about the Traitors, we promise this is a great show to know, especially for all our character actors out there!!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Lawrence Zarian hosts an episode of “You Are Beautiful” with guest Melissa Errico, beginning with a candid, humorous setup about lighting, auditions, and aesthetics before moving into Lawrence's background as a longtime TV makeover expert and QVC clothing designer behind “Beautiful by Lawrence Zarian.” They talk about how fashion is less about how you look and more about how you feel, share favorite pieces from Lawrence's line (including blues, an off-the-shoulder rosette top, and a scalloped V-neck stripe), and discuss what Melissa wears to feel confident—V-necks, black-and-white Breton stripes, vintage biker boots, and eclectic, artsy combinations. Lawrence and Melissa also answer a mirror question about what they like seeing in themselves that day, including Melissa's healing from an eye stye, feeling rested, and fresh red hair, and Lawrence's enjoyment of wearing blue, having a good hair day after hair loss post-COVID, and embracing turning 60. The conversation expands into Melissa's artistry and origins: her father playing Michel Legrand at home during the Vietnam era, how that music later led to Melissa's close collaboration with Legrand on Broadway and on a symphonic record (“Legrand Affair” with the Brussels Philharmonic), and her formative experience seeing “On Your Toes” on Broadway that made her sob and sparked her desire to perform. They discuss Sondheim's “Beautiful” from “Sunday in the Park with George,” which Melissa reads aloud to frame beauty as something that changes, and Lawrence's intent to focus his podcast on the essence of people rather than projects. Melissa then describes her evolving relationship with Barbra Streisand—how Malcolm Gets pushed her to truly listen, how Streisand's artistry feels like a force of nature, and how Melissa's “The Streisand Effect” concert is an homage exploring what Streisand made possible rather than a tribute imitation. They share personal connections to Broadway (including Lawrence's first love story with Hugh Panaro after seeing “Les Misérables,” and plans to coordinate seeing him perform again), and Melissa recounts meeting Streisand briefly backstage at Madison Square Garden. Melissa also describes creating a new song concept, “Daughter of Fire,” inspired by Streisand's memoir and a moment with her own daughter, and she closes by sharing her current release: an album titled “I Can Dream, Can't I?” rolled out as weekly singles via a “waterfall release,” featuring classic American songs and ending with Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now.” The episode ends with Lawrence's signature prompt—Melissa answering “I am beautiful because…”—and she responds that she is beautiful because she feels music deeply as something precious that passes through her.Timestamp Menu: 00:51 Broadway Beginnings and My Fair Lady01:49 Meet Lawrence and the Beauty Theme02:46 Fashion Crushes and QVC Picks04:24 How a Designer Is Made08:31 Podcast Origin and Mirror Question09:32 Melissa on Exhaustion and Healing12:38 Three Things You Like Today15:14 Aging and Self Acceptance at 6017:24 Sondheim Beautiful Reading21:58 Melissa Musical Spark and Legrand26:56 Broadway Awakening and Les Mis30:48 Broadway Crush Memories31:30 Broadway Boyfriends Bond32:14 Streisand Effect Origins37:05 Meeting Barbra Briefly39:40 Daughter of Fire Song42:26 Style That Feels Fire48:21 Wardrobe Tips After 4053:37 New Album Dreaming56:32 Beautiful Because Music58:35 Blue Love Farewell

In Episode 96, Brennan is once again joined by actor and now casting assistant, Sarah Hogewood, as they talk about TYA, the fear of cringe, the idea of "play", and the ways being on the casting side of the process has influenced how she approaches the acting side now! Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Send a textListen to the music of the night! Al & Siena are making meat pies and unmasking musicians for this monstrous musical pairing on SWEENEY TODD (2007) x THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (2004)! Learn about the bizarre materials—and colors—that went into making Benjamin Barker's blood, uncover the real backstory behind the divisive Gerard Butler casting, and spot how Sondheim uses medieval music to foreshadow each throat-slitting on this song-filled slasher edition of Splice & Splatter. You can scream new episodes every other Monday with full video episodes on Youtube!Hosts: Al LaFleur and Siena Sofia BergtTheme Song: Theodore SchaferSplice & Splatter is a New Mexico x Michigan podcast productionFollow us on social media at linktr.ee/spliceandsplatterpodSupport the show

My guest this week is Barry Joseph, the author of the recent book, Matching Minds with Sondheim. Since his death,  there have been so many books about Stephen Sondheim and various aspects of his life and his career, including an amazing number of really terrific books, and I have had the honor of having many of the authors of those books as guests on this podcast. And Barry Joseph's book is right up there with the best of them, but it is also a completely unique and original way of looking at Sondheim. As Barry describes it, Matching Minds with Sondheim is “an exploration into the barely understood, hardly known, side-aspect of who Steven Sondheim was when he was not writing lyrics and composing music. Puzzles and games were a side hobby of his that he had a passion for throughout his life — from when he was very young until he passed away. And throughout those many decades, through parlor games, board games, treasure hunts, word puzzles, mechanical puzzles and video games, his passion, interest and creativity was expressed in a whole other way than we get to see when it's on the stage.” The book also serves as a sort of “alternate biography” of Sondheim and explores how his life, Broadway career, and gaming hobby were intricately intertwined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saturday Nights turns into Sunday Afternoons. Christine Chen joins Kyle to continue the discussion about Sondheim first show that was shelved for five decades. Christine's Blog: https://acrossthearch.wordpress.comChristine's Twitter: https://twitter.com/AcrossTheArchChristine's podcast, Bottomless Broadway: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bottomless-broadway/id1457465060Its Twitter: https://twitter.com/bottomlessbwayAnd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bottomlessbway/Send feedback to puttingittogetherpodcast@gmail.comKeep up to date with Putting It Together by following its social media channels.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puttingittogetherpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/sondheimpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sondheimpodcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What would have happened had Saturday Night come out in the mid-1950s? Eric Henwood-Greer joins Kyle to discuss that and other matter related to a young man's first work. Send feedback to puttingittogetherpodcast@gmail.comKeep up to date with Putting It Together by following its social media channels.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puttingittogetherpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/sondheimpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sondheimpodcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Kind is the announcer and host sidekick on the Netflix show ‘Everybody's Live with John Mulaney.' "I don't know what the hell I'm doing. You must understand — it's anarchy," he says of the show. He spoke with Terry Gross about having ego but no confidence, working with Sondheim, and working in his father's jewelry store as a teen.Jazz historian Kevin Whitehead has as remembrance of musicians we lost this year. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy