Podcasts about Sondheim

In honor of The New Yorker's centennial this year, the magazine's staff writers are pulling out some classics from the long history of the publication. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker's sports correspondent, naturally gravitated to a story about baseball with a title only comprehensible to baseball aficionados: “Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu.” The essay was by no less a writer than the author John Updike, and the “Kid” of the title was Ted Williams, the Hall of Fame hitter who spent nineteen years on the Boston Red Sox. By happenstance, Updike joined the crowd at Fenway Park for Williams's last game before his retirement, in 1960. Thomas, looking at subtle word changes that Updike made as he was working on the piece, reflects on the writer's craft and the ballplayer's. “Marginal differences really matter,” she says. “And it's those marginal differences that are the difference between a pop-up, a long fly, and a home run. Updike really understood that, and so did Williams.”Plus, a visit with one of the great modern practitioners of the earworm, Charles Strouse, who wrote music for “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Annie,” and the theme to “All in the Family.” Strouse died this month at ninety-six. In one of his last interviews he gave, in 2023, he spoke with the Radio Hour's Jeffrey Masters about his rivalry with Stephen Sondheim. “Stephen and I were friendly enemies. He didn't like me much. I didn't like him less.” 

The staff of Penn Career Services have put together a summer playlist of career related songs! Michael and Natty walk us through each track and discuss the career-related ideas they conjure up in this celebratory tenth season finale! We'll be taking a hiatus for the summer, but we'll be back in September with all new shows! We'll see you next time...Special thanks to Chris Klaniecki for helping to produce our episodes this semester!Mentioned in this episode:Our Career Playlist on Spotify  Our theme music is “The Strip” by Mala, used under a Creative Commons Attribution license. CS Radio is also available as a video podcast! Visit our YouTube channel to watch!

Beyond allowing for costume and scene changes are there thematic reasons for the transitions in Passion? Alex Asp returns to offer insight into three songs that stem from the fallout of "Is This What You Call Love."Follow Alex on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/alexasp44/Look at the Sondheim Database project here: https://www.sondheimdatabase.com/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 ★

Achoo! We're falling in love with the one and only Faith Prince. You Might Know Her From Modern Family, Emily in Paris, Melissa & Joey, Spin City, My Father the Hero, The Last Dragon, and Broadway productions of Guys & Dolls, A Catered Affair, Bells Are Ringing, and BOOP!  Faith talked to us about grounding her character, Valentina, in the cartoonish plot of BOOP!, coping with fame during her star-making turn in Guys & Dolls, and leaning on her co-star Gerard Depardieu in one of her first leading roles on camera in My Father the Hero.  Faith also shared stories from working as a Broadway replacement in the cumbersome costume of Ursula in The Little Mermaid and the notoriously “realistic” production of Anne as Miss Hannigan. All that, plus working with theatre legends like Jerome Robbins, Abe Burrows, Betty Comden & Adolph Green, doing dialect work at Joey Lawrence and Lily Collins, doing her best Cyndi Lauper in cult fave The Last Dragon (and making pals with Berry Gordy, and working with Jean Smart and Mary McDonnell in the short-lived High Society.   This one was a HOOT.  Patreon: www.patreon.com/youmightknowherfrom Follow us on social media: @youmightknowherfrom || @damianbellino || @rodemanne Discussed this episode: Evergreen topics for Anne and Damian: Tyne Daly in Gypsy, Grease, Spice Girls track listings, we look like cats in Heathcliff, the cast of Mannequin 2 aka is it Jonathan Silverman, no it's William Ragsdale in Herman's Head, Sex and the City/AJLT Cynthia Nixon's kitchen tour Tom and Lorenzo and their SJP adventure Plays Valentina in Boop on Broadway We love Dancer/Choreographer Rachelle Rak Coughing as Adelaide was tougher than talking and singing in character voice Bob Saget used his stand-up to differentiate himself from Danny Tanner  Nathan & Adelaide are famously the SOUBRETTES in Guys & Dolls so Jerry Zaks put them forward instead of Sky and Sarah (this changed how future productions positioned the 2 couples)  Jerry Mitchell says it's important to pass the baton down to the next generation of musical theatre stars Arthur Laurents aka “the meanest man in show-business”, Jerry Gutierrez, Abe Burrows, Comden & Green, Sondheim, Barishnykov, Howard Ashman, Jack Plotnick, Tina Landau,  My Father the Hero w/ Gerard Depardieu “Dirty Books” from The Last Dragon / Suzanne de Passe and Berry Gordy produced the soundtrack. Berry Gordy took her OUT and called her “baby” “One More Time” in First Wives Club “How do you know if someone has lived through trauma — by the way they get someone who doesn't like them, to like them.” Cole Escola of Oh, Mary! on CBS Sunday Morning Was in first 6 episodes of High Society with Jean Smart and Mary McDonnell (based on AbFab and Faith played the Saffy character) Faith Prince's “Men” from Nick & Nora. The show was a notorious flop. Arthur told Faith she was making a big mistake by leaving show to do Guys & Dolls. Mary Rodgers told her she could find a way into Anna through Gertrude Lawrence, who was a comedienne.  Was offered the role of Audrey in the original Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors Went to CCM with Jim Walton Had taken the revue, Scrambled Feet and was doing an IBM industrial so couldn't' take LSOH Lance Roberts is currently in Just in Time Ellen Greene did Adelaide at The Hollywood Bowl  Studied Donna Murphy who she replaced in The King & I and then did Wonderful Town (at LA Opera) Katie Finneran talked with us about James Lapine's realistic interpretation of Annie and Miss Hannigan in the 2012 revival. Said it was a challenge in the NYT. Re the 2012 revival of Annie: Andrea McArdle said “I didn't know we were doing Secret Garden” Associate Director Wes Grantham LOVES HUMOR, unlike Lapine Martin Charnin & Charles Strouse KISSED HER FEET when they visited her backstage John Doyle who directed A Catered Affair also backs away from the humor We love Bells are Ringing - Faith starred in the 2001 Broadway revival. Difficult because of Mitchell Maxwell who produced Had to ride an actor in Grey's Anatomy because character's IUD got stuck on her ex-husband's Prince Albert penis piercing Does some great character work in the indie film Our Very Own (got gig from doing reading of The Women with Allison Janney) IMDB lists her on an ep of Mad Men. INCORRECT. Martin Short was in Dennis Quaid movie, Innerspace My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies was an incredible, formative concert Managing Ursula costume in The Little Mermaid was worse than managing the wig in her Lifetime movie with Kathleen Turner, Friends at Last Vicki Lewis told us she held Dixie Carter's spit cup in a production of Mame she was in with Faith Christopher Walken kept pickled things in the pockets of his costume during James Joyce's The Dead (Marni Nixon was also in the show) We interviewed Annaleigh Ashford who is maybe made  in the mold of Faith Prince Damian is seeing an Italian production of Cats / Anne is seeing her nephew do Grease Jr.  in Sicily DUCK ASS HAIR for Danny Zuko

David Benedict and Viv Groskop review Stephen Sondheim's final musical, Here We Are, a surreal story of brunch and existential dread; French film about about grassroots music, The Marching Band and Daniel Kehlmann's new novel, The Director, about a real life German filmmaker navigating the Third Reich.Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Simon Richardson

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH | Text by John Cameron Mitchell | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Trask Works Consulted & Reference :Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Original Libretto) by John Cameron Mitchell & Stephen TraskHedwig and the Angry Inch (Broadway Libretto) by John Cameron Mitchell & Stephen Trask, Directed by Michael Mayer"John Cameron Mitchell reflects on 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' - Q with Tom Power" Podcast InterviewNew York TimesTalks Interview of Neil Patrick Harris, John Cameron Mitchell, & Stephen Trask" 'Midnight Radio' with John Cameron Mitchell | Queer the Music with Jake Shears Ep. 14" Podcast InterviewMusic 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"Wicked Little Town" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Original  Cast Recording)  | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz | Performed by John Cameron Mitchell "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

In this episode, we dive into one of the most groundbreaking musicals in Broadway history: Company. More than half a century ago, in 1970, Company burst onto the scene and forever changed the landscape of musical theatre. With both music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, already renowned for his work on West Side Story and Gypsy, this show marked his first collaboration with legendary director Hal Prince. Company introduced audiences to Robert, a perpetually single man navigating love, commitment, and connection through a series of vignettes rather than a traditional linear plot. This “concept musical” broke new ground, blending sharp social commentary with an unforgettable score that includes songs like “Being Alive,” “Getting Married Today,” and “The Ladies Who Lunch.” It earned 14 Tony nominations and won six, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, cementing Sondheim's place as a musical theatre titan. From its original 705-performance run to its acclaimed revivals in 1995, 2006, 2018, and 2021, Company remains as vital, funny, and thought-provoking as ever. Check out our Company playlist on our YouTube channel, and join us over on our Facebook and Instagram pages to tell us what you think!                 

Julia Lester brings heart, humor, and honesty to this deep-dive into her journey from a theatre-loving kid in LA to a Tony-nominated Broadway star. She talks about growing up surrounded by performers, how Into the Woods became a defining chapter in her career, and the surreal moment when Stephen Sondheim personally approved her audition tape. Julia also shares the backstage magic of working with legends like Phillipa Soo and Gavin Creel, and how those experiences shaped her as both an artist and collaborator. Currently starring in the Off-Broadway play All Nighter, Julia reflects on the thrill of originating a role, her love of well-crafted comedy, and why staying true to the text is so important to her process. She also opens up about her identity as a queer woman, her hopes for future creative opportunities, and what it's been like stepping into the world of television again — this time as Steve Carell's daughter in Netflix's upcoming The Four Seasons. Julia Lester is a Tony-nominated actress best known for her breakout Broadway role as Little Red in Into the Woods. She starred as Ashlyn Caswell in all four seasons of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, appeared in Hulu's Prom Dates, and recently performed in I Can Get It for You Wholesale at Classic Stage Company. She's now starring Off-Broadway in All Nighter and appears in Netflix's The Four Seasons alongside Steve Carell and Tina Fey. Connect with Julia: Instagram: @julialester TikTok: @jujthefirst Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. We break down the show's production design, direction, and standout performances from Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga. We also talk about Sondheim's legacy, the orchestra's role, and the emotional impact of the music. Tune in for our full thoughts on the show and what Old Friends means for the future of musical theater.  Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on Old Friends with us in the comments, and leave us a review if you enjoyed the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the Stephen Sondheim television special: Evening Primrose! This 45-minute ABC special is a weird delight, and it's a must see for any Sondheim fan!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

All Giorgio wanted to do was sit underneath a tree and read about how Clara is getting grey hairs. Instead he's being watch by Fosca and he must release all his pent up anger. Tyler Joseph Ellis returns to discuss this pivotal scene from the show. You can follow Tyler on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerjosephellis/?hl=enOr on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tylerjosephellisSend 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 ★

We're talking The Frogs, perhaps the ultimate curio in the Sondheim canon. Originally staged at Yale as a side project during Sondheim's golden 70s, the show was eventually brought to Broadway in 2004 -- still the most recent Broadway debut for Sondheim -- by Nathan Lane, who expanded the original version and got Steve to write some new songs. Now a more recognizable work -- though still an off-beat one -- another major production is set for the London stage. But where do Shannon and Erik come down on this most peculiar of Sondheim shows? We discuss "It's Only a Play." All clips are from 2004's The Frogs: Original Broadway Cast Recording featuring Nathan Lane and Peter Bartlett 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

What's it like to watch Sweeney Todd in Portuguese? Gustavo Brunetti joins Kyle to discuss his experience seeing two different productions, and what the future of Sondheim looks like in Brazil. 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 ★

Patrick shares stories of his mother and her ability to light up a room whenever she walks in. "She's always herself," beams Patrick. Patrick attributes, her sense of humor to her brothers and he says "she's a little butch, not too feminine."  And all of that and more makes him love his mother even more. "She unadulterated herself. She never code switches or changes her behavior depending on the crowd. She always her most authentic self."Eight years of piano lessons was tough for Patrick. He didn't like the repetitive method that his teacher was using and he was bored. His mom eventually had to ground him for not practicing. But that's when he started exploring with little chunks, the melodies, the notes, breaking things down, playing them backwards and forwards until he absolutely fell in love with playing the piano. Patrick claims that his mom "gave him that space to be able to do that and what a privilege." He also admits that his ADHD was most likely a big part of the problem and today, finds great relief by taking a prescribed medication. Patrick's philosophy "even though life around you is chaos, you can still find an inner calm/inner peace, and my mom has that in spades. She can re-infect a room with her vibrancy so easily.She walks into a room and it lights up.""My mother knows that she's infectious around everybody else and so she's able to kind of manipulate that too to better suit the environment a little bit. She thinks everyone should be themselves, most authentically all the time.Below is the first first email response that I got from Patrick having asked if he'd be interested in joining me on SHLTMM."Hey Jackie. Thanks for reaching out! I love this concept for a podcast. My story fits perfectly for this since she's been a freelance true crime documentary writer for decades and she allowed me to feel confident in that space, just seeing her succeed and talking about the struggles in that space. I had a good role model. And also… she was the one who grounded me if I didn't practice piano lol, and now I'm a professional pianist so… I owe it to her for a lot of who I am today 

Emmy, Tony, and SAG Award nominee Norm Lewis joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss leading a cast with kindness, the unique way advertising influenced his career, his new show Ceremonies in Dark Old Men and more. NORM LEWIS was recently seen onstage starring in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning production of A Soldier's Play and in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End Concert of Love Never Dies. He starred in Spike Lee's critically acclaimed, "Da 5 Bloods," and in the groundbreaking FX series, Pose. Additionally, Mr. Lewis can be seen starring opposite Hilary Swank in the feature "The Good Mother," Amazon Prime's newest series, Swarm, and Hulu's, Up Here. He was also seen as 'Caiaphas' in the award-winning NBC television special, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!,” alongside John Legend, Sara Bareilles, and Alice Cooper. Mr. Lewis returned to Broadway in the Fall of 2021, starring in Chicken and Biscuits at the Circle In The Square Theatre. He previously appeared in the Broadway revival of Once on This Island and as Sweeney Todd in the Off-Broadway production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Barrow Street Theatre, receiving the AUDELCO Award for his performance. In May of 2014, he made history as The Phantom of the Opera's first African American Phantom on Broadway. He has been seen on PBS in the Live From Lincoln Center productions of Showboat with Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis: Who Am I?, New Year's Eve: A Gershwin Celebration with Diane Reeves, as well as American Voices with Renée Fleming and the PBS Specials First You Dream – The Music of Kander & Ebb and Ella Wishes You A Swingin' Christmas. He can be seen recurring in the VH1 series, Daytime Divas, also alongside Vanessa Williams. His additional television credits include Women of The Movement, Law & Order, Dr. Death, Mrs. America, Better Things, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Bull, Chicago Med, Gotham, The Blacklist, and Blue Bloods, as well as in his recurring role as Senator Edison Davis on the hit drama Scandal. Mr. Lewis is a proud, founding member of Black Theatre United, an organization which stands together to help protect Black people, Black talent and Black lives of all shapes and orientations in theatre and communities across the country. He received Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle award nominations for his performance as Porgy in the Broadway production of The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess. Other Broadway credits include Sondheim on Sondheim, The Little Mermaid, Les Misérables, Chicago, Amour, The Wild Party, Side Show, Miss Saigon, and The Who's Tommy. In London's West End he has appeared as Javert in Les Misérables and Les Misérables: The 25th Anniversary Concert, which aired on PBS. Off-Broadway Mr. Lewis has performed in Dessa Rose (Drama Desk nomination, AUDELCO Award), Shakespeare in the Park's The Tempest, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Drama League nomination), Captains Courageous, and A New Brain. His regional credits include Porgy in The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (A.R.T.), Ragtime, Dreamgirls (with Jennifer Holliday), First You Dream, Sweeney Todd, and The Fantasticks. His additional film credits include Christmas In Tune (starring opposite Reba McEntire), Magnum Opus, Winter's Tale, Sex and the City 2, Confidences, and Preaching to the Choir. Norm's albums "The Norm Lewis Christmas Album" & "This is The Life" can be found on Amazon.com as well as cdbaby.com. Ceremonies in Dark Old Men Tickets: https://www.thepeccadillo.com/ Follow Norm: @thenormlewis Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to get some backstory! Shannon Migliore returns to pick apart the lengthly Flashback sequence from Passion which explains Fosca, and very well may explain Giorgio's choice at the end.Follow Shannon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_pretty_sleeperSend 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 ★

“general resemblance to an itinerant” [VALL]  A term we don't hear as frequently these days is "gypsy." Unless you're headed to see a Sondheim musical, which is about an entirely different Gypsy (and one with Sherlockian connections too). Anyway, our focus here is on stories in which gypsies are mentioned (there are two; can you name them?) and a bit of historical context of gypsies in the Victorian era, including the documented experience of one exalted person. It's just a Trifle.    Another "Trifling Trifles" episode — short-form content that doesn't warrant a full episode — is coming your way in a few days. As a reminder, this is exclusively for our paying subscribers. Check it out (Patreon | Substack).   Leave Trifles a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to this episode here or wherever you get podcasts     Links Gypsies, Roma, or Travellers (Victorian Web) Queen Victoria's Journals (Romani) All of our social links: https://linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock Email us at trifles @ ihearofsherlock.com    Music credits Performers: Uncredited violinist, US Marine Chamber Orchestra Publisher Info.: Washington, DC: United States Marine Band. Copyright: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0      

Who hasn't forced the person they're obsessing over to write them a love letter? Jim Cullen returns to discuss the operatic (sorry, Sondheim) nature of Passion and how this song impacts the rest of the show. 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. Ken Tucker reviews Kendrick Lamar and SZA's single "Luther."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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. Ken Tucker reviews Kendrick Lamar and SZA's single "Luther."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this conversation, we dive into the extraordinary creative partnership between two of the most celebrated figures in contemporary opera—librettist Gene Scheer and composer Jake Heggie. Together, Gene and Jake have brought to life some of the most powerful operatic works of our time, including Moby-Dick, Three Decembers, and It's a Wonderful Life. Their collaboration is not only rooted in artistic brilliance but also in a deep, long-standing friendship.Individually, their accomplishments are equally impressive. Gene Scheer has worked with a range of renowned composers, including Jennifer Higdon on Cold Mountain and Tobias Picker on An American Tragedy. He's also an accomplished composer in his own right—his song American Anthem was featured in Ken Burns' Emmy Award-winning documentary on World War II.Jake Heggie's groundbreaking first opera, Dead Man Walking, with a libretto by Terrence McNally, launched him into the spotlight. Since then, his work in art song and opera has made a lasting impact, earning him the title of Musical America's 2025 Composer of the Year. So who better to explore the dynamic between a librettist and a composer? In this two-part conversation, we unpack what makes a successful collaboration and how words and music come together to create something truly unforgettable.Part One's conversation took place during a particularly exciting time—Moby-Dick was being performed at the Metropolitan Opera. Throughout our discussion, the opera serves as a touchstone for understanding the creative process. We begin with a fundamental question: how do they do it? Specifically, how do hard work and patience shape their creative journey?We get into the nuts and bolts of collaboration—how they challenge and inspire each other to reach new heights. Gene shares insights into the stages of researching and writing a libretto, including the story of how saving $100 unexpectedly launched his career. And in his own words, Gene describes his role simply and powerfully: “My job is to write a libretto that inspires music.”[Subscriber Content]: In Part Two, we step back and learn more about Gene's early experiences—his time studying and singing in Vienna (including the month he saw 27 operas!). Jake opens up about the legendary Stephen Sondheim, a mentor and inspiration, and how Sweeney Todd changed his life. In fact, Jake dedicated Moby-Dick to Sondheim.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more! As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including: Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again. Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!

I'm just a Broadway Baby! and living my theatre kid dreams once again chatting with ICONS like Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, Beth Leavel, Bonnie Langford, and more of the cast of Sondheim's Old Friends on the opening night red carpet! Plus some fabulous VIP guests including Lorna Luft, Charlotte d'Amboise, Hannah Cruz, and many more! Connect with GOOD SHOW! Instagram: @goodshowpodcast  Tik Tok: @goodshowpodcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Matt and me for Episode 128—our final bow in the Sondheim series—as we dive into Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1993).It's Broadway's best doing what they do best: belting, emoting, and worshipping at the altar of Sondheim. We're talking LuPone, Peters, Buckley, Minnelli—more divas than dressing rooms.It's grand. It's over-the-top. It's Sondheim with a full orchestra and zero chill. And yes, it was filmed—bless the archival gods.Watch it before we talk—we've got thoughts, feels, and at least three standing ovations.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

 Into the Woods: Oregon Community Theatre's Enchanting Journey. Stage Door takes you deep Into the Woods with Oregon Community Theatre's magical production! We chat about the cast, the music, and the timeless themes of Sondheim's masterpiece. From beloved fairy tale characters to the show's emotional depth, we cover it all. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at a fantastic local production!

A devastating letter bookended by transitions. Will C. White returns to discuss rhapsodies, epistolary works, and trains.Check out Will's website.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 ★

Send us a textWhat makes a composer tick? In this absorbing conversation with Dylan Glatthorn, we explore the unexpected creative influences that have shaped his musical identity. From a shy child with a toy piano to an accomplished composer for theater, film, and television, Dylan's journey reveals how early artistic experiences can profoundly shape a creative career.Dylan takes us back to his childhood in Tampa Bay, where The Beatles served as the "connecting glue" between his parents' different musical tastes – especially meaningful after their divorce. This early exposure to melodic innovation established his appreciation for music that balances emotional vulnerability with technical precision, a hallmark of his own compositional approach.The conversation delves into the nuanced storytelling of Sondheim's "Assassins," which captivated Dylan with its ability to navigate morally complex territory while balancing serious themes with sharp comedy. Similarly, Laura Marling's album "Once I Was an Eagle" demonstrates the power of music that is "both tender and subtle but also big and heartbreakingly forward" – a quality Dylan strives for in his own work.When discussing Spielberg's "Jurassic Park," Dylan analyzes how John Williams' score enhances the story without overpowering it, while Paul Thomas Anderson's "There Will Be Blood" showcases Johnny Greenwood's experimental approach to film music. These contrasting influences reflect Dylan's versatility as a composer who can move between traditional melodic structures and more innovative techniques.Throughout our conversation, Dylan articulates a creative philosophy centered on authenticity: "Keep writing what you like, not what you think other people will like." This principle guides his current project "The Pelican," a musical about a coastal Florida town facing complete destruction from an approaching hurricane. Whether you're a fellow creator or simply curious about the artistic process, this episode offers valuable insights into how diverse influences coalesce into a unique creative voice.Check Out Dylan's WorkFollow My Pop Five: @mypopfive on all platforms We'll see you next time. But until then, what's your Pop Five?

Sarah Armstrong—forever Sarah Oakden to me, no matter what the legal documents say—isn't just my best friend. She's my first college friend, my musical theater soulmate, and the first person who truly saw me as an artist. She was there when I walked onto Binghamton's campus, and she was there when I walked into cancer hell. And, because we're nothing if not in sync, a few decades later, she got her own cancer badge of honor, and I was right there with her every step of the way.This episode is a love letter to friendship, music, and those moments that change your life forever. We nerd out over Sondheim, Binghamton's infamous "Theater 101 with Dr. Susan Peters." and the weird and wonderful rabbit holes that turn into entire alternate realities across decades of aging gracefully and falling with style.We talk about how cancer is the worst club with the best people and how surviving it together just adds another verse to the song we've been singing for 30 years. It's funny. It's real. It's a master class in love, laughter, and musicals that should have been bigger; with a big tip of the hat to Nancy Ford and Gretchen Cryer for their acclaimed musical "I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road"Oh, and RIP to the legendary Denny's on Vestal Parkway. You will be missed.FEEDBACK:Like this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It is our annual tribuite to the God of Musical Theater, Stephen Sondheim, and for this year's festival we are exploring some songs of his from the shows that people rarely place among their favorites. The unloved, the ignored, the obscure, and the forgotten. Or, in this case, a show that many know, but doesn't tend to get thought of as a "Sondheim" show. It's time for a song from his first produced show writing both music and lyrics: "Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. All clips are from the 1996 revival cast recording of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum featuring Nathan Lane 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

In Episode 57, Brennan is joined by NYC-actress Jaime Lyn Beatty as they talk about her experience of theatre-education on multiple levels and ways to live life more creatively! Above all, when having a career in theatre, you have to make sure you're always following the happiness!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Imogen Bailey (Newsies / Shrek) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Imogen discuss the new Wicked cast (Apollo Victoria), Hannah Lowther's How Very Hannah podcast launch, Austenland (Savoy Theatre), Snow White starring Rachel Zegler (Disney) and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre) as well as the latest news about the Olivier Awards, 2:22 starring Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, Sondheim's The Frogs, The Addams Family, MTFest and more.Imogen's theatre credits include understudy Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical (Eventim Apollo / UK & Ireland Tour), original cast of Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park), understudy Jan and Patty in Grease (Dominion Theatre), Shelly and understudy Tracy in Hairspray (London Coliseum) and Kate in Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre). She has also starred in multiple pantos in Weston-super-Mare and Portsmouth. Imogen is also a YouTuber, vlogging her experiences as a musical theatre performer.Follow Imogen on Instagram: @immie_bCheck out Imogen's vlog: @imogenbailey2837This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 177 with guest @blockedanddeletedangel is now LIVE on Youtube. On this episode I talked with Emily about all she's done since the last time we talked, including the life changing experience of performing in her favorite musicals such as “Sunday in the Park with George” at CCAE and “Cabaret” with Altadena Music Theatre, plus performing at Escape Hotel in Hollywood and how that experience was unique as a performer for her. Performing with For The Record Live, emphasizing it's unique style of immersive theatrical shows, their new traveling venue, The CineVita which is currently in Inglewood, the exceptional talent of the FTR team, the unique atmosphere of The CineVita, and the high stakes involved in productions there, her artistic evolution with her new band, Leopard Skin Dolcinea, upcoming gigs, people who influence her, her desire to play every female Sondheim role and other classic characters, and much more!

Tony award winner Beth Leavel stops by "Up Next" to talk about her new Broadway show, "Sondheim's Old Friends". 

Join Matt and me as we dive headfirst into Follies in Concert (1985)—the most glamorous, chaotic, star-packed night Broadway never quite recovered from. Imagine Elaine Stritch growling, Barbara Cook soaring, Carol Burnett emoting, and Mandy Patinkin… well, Mandy Patinkining all over the place. It was supposed to be a one-night concert, but someone said, “Hey, what if we film this fever dream?” And thank goodness they did.There's drama. There's divas. There's a chorus that's definitely not ready. It's Sondheim with a side of backstage panic, and we're here for every second.Watch before we talk about it—you'll want to know what we're screaming about.Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

In Episode 56, Brennan is joined by actress Mariah Rose Faith Casillas as they talk about letting your guard down and letting some whimsy into your art! You fell in love with theatre for a reason, so don't let yourself lose sight of what that is!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

The Liaisons Project, conceived by Anthony de Mare, is a landmark commissioning and concert project based on the songs of Stephen Sondheim. The original project brought together 36 of the world's leading composers of classical, jazz, film, indie, pop and musical theater to re-imagine one of Sondheim's songs as a solo piano piece. Now the sequel has been released adding 14 songs to the series. Purchase the albumListen on SpotifyListen on Apple MusicSend 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 ★

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on yet another Sondheim Broadway musical: Merrily We Roll Along! Although in recent years it has became a huge staple in musical theatre, it has a history fraught with stumbles and failure. So make sure you tune in to learn how exactly they turned everything around for this lovely show!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This is the introduction of Fosca into the narrative. Eric Henwood-Greer joins Kyle to discuss how this song sets up a lot of the drama that will unfold throughout the rest of the musical, and how Sondheim used the language of the novel to craft his lyrics. 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 ★

Sally Durant Plummer: Victoria Clark Young Sally: Katie Klaus Phyllis Rogers Stone: Donna Murphy Young Phyllis: Jenny Powers Heidi Schiller: Lucine Amara Young Heidi: Leena Chopra Stella Deems: JoAnne Worley Hattie Walker: Mimi Hines Solange LaFitte: Yvonne Constant Carlotta Campion: Christine Baranski Emily Whitman: Anne RogersBenjamin Stone: Victor Garber Young Ben: Colin Connell Buddy Plummer: Michael McGrath Young Buddy: Curtis Holbrook Roscoe: Arthur Rubin Theodore Whitman: Robert E. Fitch Dimitri Weismann: Philip Bosco Conductor: Eric Stern Encores at City Center February 2007 In-house recording

Matt Doyle has built an impressive career on stage, from originating roles on Broadway to stepping into legendary ones. He reflects on his journey, from his early breakout in Spring Awakening to his Tony-winning turn as Jamie in Company. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from unexpected career pivots, the realities of show business, and how he navigates the highs and lows of performing eight shows a week. His recent role as Frank Sinatra in Sinatra: The Musical marked a thrilling West End debut, and he's now captivating audiences off-Broadway in Conversations with Mother, a deeply personal and heartfelt play. Matt opens up about the moment he realized he needed a perspective shift early in his career, the intense experience of performing "Getting Married Today" the night Stephen Sondheim passed, and how his struggles with anxiety have shaped his performances. He also shares how his upbringing and personal relationships inform his work, especially in roles that explore complex family dynamics. From personal anecdotes to industry insights, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and a candid look at the life of a working actor. Matt Doyle is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning actor best known for his performance as Jamie in the Broadway revival of Company. His Broadway credits include Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, War Horse, and Bye Bye Birdie, while his Off-Broadway work features Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, and Brooklynite. He made his West End debut as Frank Sinatra in Sinatra: The Musical and currently stars opposite Caroline Aaron in Conversations with Mother Off-Broadway. A frequent concert performer, he has headlined sold-out solo shows in New York and beyond, and has appeared with symphonies across the country. Connect with Matt:

In Episode 55, Brennan is once again joined by fan-favorite: Brandon Walters as they break down the procedures of attending an EPA or ECC. Securing an audition slot can be hard enough, but you also need to know what times the different venues open, when you can sign up on certain lists, etc. So tune in to ensure your best chance of having a successful audition day!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Lin-Manuel Miranda shares Sondheim's hilarious request for Spanish translation of "I Feel Pretty" and reflects upon the legacy of Into the Woods. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Matt and me as we continue our Movie Musicals era, diving into the world of Stephen Sondheim on film. This week, we're changing things up with a documentary: HBO's Six by Sondheim (2013). This captivating deep dive explores the genius of Sondheim through six of his most iconic songs, blending rare archival footage, personal reflections, and stunning performances. If you're a fan of musical theater, this is essential viewing—a rare glimpse into the mind of a master.Don't miss out, and be sure to watch before we discuss!Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

Happy Year 2! In Episode 54, Brennan is joined by David Dines (a.k.a. Hanukah Lewinsky) as they talk about David's journey as a New York City drag queen! Drag has always been such a beautiful, multi-faceted art form, and a staple in the queer community, and it walks hand in hand with theatre performance as a viable career!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Aaron is back with yet another British version of a very American musical. He and Jon get into the Sondheim of it all, the alleged movie version, and accents.Aaron's Socials: @trueaaronchoiPodcast Socials -Email: butasongpod@gmail.comFacebook: @butasongpodInstagram: @butasongpodTikTok: @butasongpodTwitter: @butasongpodNext episode: The Greatest Showman!

The show opens with a naked couple in bed singing about how happy they are. Obviously that means everything will turn out great. Christine Chen returns to discuss the opening number of Passion.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 ★

The Broadway musical as we know it would not exist without the generations of Jewish songwriters who brought not only their talent but their heritage and perspective to their art. With A Place for Us, Axelrod has gathered a collection of this cherished work through which he finds healing and a sense of home and community, echoing the refuge generations of Jews have sought in the American theater. Follow Ari on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariaxelrodSend 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 ★

On this On the Rocks, curtain up, light the lights! We welcome the Boys of Broadway, double Tony nominee Gavin Lee from Mary Poppins, SpongeBob SquarePants, Les Miz, and more with theatre stud Jacob Dickey from Aladdin and Company, as we chat about their career, playing iconic Disney characters, handling mental health on the road, being star struck, and all about their time in Sondheim's Old Friends alongside Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga headed to Broadway...hosted by your sassy host with the sassy most, Alexander Rodriguez. Raise a glass, it's On the Rocks!

Sondheim was inspired to create a musical because of this movie. Joel DeCandio returns to discuss the differences and many similarities between this and the eventual stage show.Joel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeldecandio/Watch The Sondheim Sessions here: https://www.youtube.com/@thesondheimsessionsWatch the full movie of Passione d'amore here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjZFJwtQPMSend 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 ★

Hell has broken loose in the Dark Universe, and we could really use some levity — both there and in the real world! Fear not, for our heroes may be dead, but at least there's, uh, these guys. Time to meet Dark Universe MYSTERY MEN! For the first time, the Didactic Mr. Dylan has (mostly) stepped off his political soapbox to deliver a pure action-adventure romp whose primary objective is to show the fans at home a good time. Hear how Dylan took his mission to create some frivilous fan-service way too seriously and wrote a massive tome that had to be cut almost in half to make it to air. PLUS: A clip from our latest bonus episode, in which D&D workshop a Dark Universe version of Sondheim's "Into the Woods." TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Start 00:06:03 - Fan Expectations 00:14:24 - Act One 00:40:13 - Discussion 00:45:11 - Act Two Part One 01:07:54 - Discussion 01:13:41 - Act Two Part Two 01:29:37 - Discussion 01:37:07 - Act Three 02:10:56 - Mid-Credits Scene 02:12:27 - Post-Credits Scene 02:13:44 - Discussion

JULIE ANDREWS (Oscar, Tony & Pulitzer Prize-winning Actress & Singer · The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins) Andrews shares her experience working on Mary Poppins, revealing behind-the-scenes secrets about the character. She reminisces about her collaboration with Walt Disney and Tony Walton.ETGAR KERET (Cannes Film Festival Award-winning Director & Author) Keret discusses the profound impact of his parents' survival stories from the Holocaust on his work. He explores how extreme human experiences can lead to extraordinary resilience and creativity,JOHN PATRICK SHANLEY (Oscar, Tony & Pulitzer Prize-winning Writer/Director · Doubt, Moonstruck, Joe Versus the Volcano) Shanley highlights the invaluable lessons and life experiences gained from his time in the Marine Corps. He emphasizes the significance of diverse interactions and communal living, underscoring how these experiences shape both his artistic vision and societal views.JOY GORMAN WETTELS (Exec. Producer of 13 Reasons Why, UnPrisoned · Founder of Joy Coalition) Joy Gorman Wettels reflects on her theatrical upbringing and the influence of her mother's passion for Sondheim and Neil Simon. She shares touching memories of the LGBTQ+ community in her life and how these early experiences cultivated her love for storytelling and community theater.PAUL SCHRADER (Screenwriter/Director · Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, First Reformed) Schrader analyzes the lasting impact of Taxi Driver on his work. He details his technique of immersing the audience into the protagonist's perspective and psychology.CHAYSE IRVIN (Award-winning Cinematographer · Blonde starring Ana de Armas · Beyonce: Lemonade · Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman) Irvin discusses using mise-en-scène to represent characters' psychological states.MANUEL BILLETER (Cinematographer · The Gilded Age · Inventing Anna · Jessica Jones · Luke Cage) Billeter recounts his early inspirations from masters like Fellini and Antonioni and his invaluable learning experiences while working alongside Alfonso Cuarón.To hear more from each guest, listen to their full interviews.Episode Websitewww.creativeprocess.info/podInsta:@creativeprocesspodcast