Podcasts about Sweeney Todd

The girls are back, and this week's episode is a perfect little haunted-theater, true-crime anxiety spiral. Cute? No. Creepy? Extremely. First, Monique tells the story of British comedian Jason Manford, who got cast in the West End revival of Sweeney Todd at London's historic Adelphi Theatre. Every night after getting his throat slashed onstage, Jason would clean off the fake blood and FaceTime his wife and twin daughters before bed. How sweet. Until his three-year-old daughter asked, “Daddy, who's that man behind you?” A tall man with dark hair, a mustache, and a soldier's uniform: a description that matched William Terriss, the beloved Victorian actor who was stabbed to death at the Adelphi stage door in 1897 while wearing a Union Army captain's costume. The theatre ghosts really said: yes, and? Then Amy brings us into the 1977 death of Charles “Chuck” Morgan, a Tucson escrow company president whose case is so suspicious it feels personally insulting that anyone tried to rule it as a suicide. Chuck disappeared, came home three days later missing a shoe, bound in plastic handcuffs, unable to speak and writing that he had been kidnapped and tortured. He hinted at a secret government identity, got paranoid (naturally), wore a bulletproof vest, carried a gun and told his family he had written a letter naming who was responsible if anything happened to him. Then he disappeared again. Nine days later, a mystery woman called “Green Eyes” phoned his wife with an ominous Bible passage and soon after, Chuck was found in the desert wearing his bulletproof vest, shot in the back of the head, with a $2 bill pinned to his underwear and absolutely no reasonable explanation. Police ruled it suicide. Monique and Amy, correctly, said: no, girl, no. If you take anything away from this episode, let it be this: when a three-year-old sees a crying soldier behind you, maybe believe the fucking child.

This is the second part of my recent conversation with author Margaret Hall, the remarkable young theater historian whose new book is titled Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. If you missed part one, you may want to catch up on that episode before listening to this one. Margaret spent much of the pandemic interviewing Paul Gemignani who is without a doubt one of the most significant figures in the history of modern Broadway musical. Beginning as a replacement with the original production of Follies in 1971 Gemignani served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway musicals including Sweeney Todd, Evita, Sunday In The Park With George, On The 20th Century, and Into The Woods to name only a few.  Margaret's book takes us behind the scenes of those acclaimed productions and illuminates the crucial role that music directors play in the creation, development, and success of a musical. Paul Gemignani's incredible talent and theatrical know how made him the first-choice music director, and indispensable collaborator of both Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince. As you will hear, after Sondheim and Prince ended their creative partnership and went their separate ways, Paul Gemignani was often pulled back and forth and caught in the middle between these two great artists and their various projects. As we ended the previous episode the legendary Music Director Hal Hasting's had unexpectedly died and Paul Gemignani has suddenly been drafted to replace him as the Music Director of A Little Night Music the new Prince and Sondheim musical that has just opened.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soundsworks Productions presents Sweeney Todd in a deconsecrated chapel.  Director Benjamin Samuel joins us for a discussion about the production at Chapel Off Chapel, September 11 to 20.  Sweeney Todd: A Musical Thriller | Chapel Off Chapel

Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd... an infamous tale and an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which, he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun!

My guest this week is Margaret Hall, a remarkable young theater historian who is the author of the celebrated new book Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond. As you will hear, Margaret spent much of the pandemic interviewing Paul Gemignani who is without a doubt one of the most significant, and at the same time most under-appreciated, figures in the history of modern musical. Since 1971 Paul Gemignani has served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway productions including Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Evita, Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, and Crazy for You, to name only a few. His incredible talent and theatrical know-how made him the first-choice music director, and indispensable collaborator of Kander & Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Harold Prince. Margaret's book not only takes us behind the scenes and into the orchestra pit of many of the most significant and acclaimed productions in Broadway history, it also illuminates the crucial role that music directors play in the creation, development, and performance of a musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The musical Sweeney Todd is about a barber who goes on a killing spree and disposes of his victims by baking them into meat pies. In an off-Broadway production, they serve you an actual meat pie before the show begins. Dr. Pamela Dalton, a researcher at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, helps us understand how food flavors and smells can affect our brains while we're watching this kind of immersive theater. Then, food Helen Rosner joins Dan to eat the pies, see the show, and report back. This episode originally aired on April 24, 2017, and was produced by Dan Pashman, Anne Saini, and Dan Charles. The Sporkful team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell. This update was produced by Gianna Palmer. Every Friday, we reach into our deep freezer and reheat an episode to serve up to you. We're calling these our Reheats. If you have a show you want reheated, send us an email or voice memo at hello@sporkful.com, and include your name, your location, which episode, and why. Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.This week we are off to London's Fleet Street for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre's revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece ‘Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street' by REP Artistic Director Joe Murphy with description by Professional Audio Describer Caroline Burn.About ‘Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street'“Swing your razor wide, Sweeney!”Wrongfully imprisoned for 15 years, Benjamin Barker returns to Victorian London as the mysterious barber, Sweeney Todd. Upon finding out he's lost everything he ever loved, Sweeney swears revenge and so begins a chilling tale of macabre murder and Mrs Lovett's pies! A deliciously bloodcurdling version of Stephen Sondheim's musical” First performed on Broadway in 1979, Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler‘s 12-time Tony Award-winning masterpiece is considered one of the greatest musicals ever written.For more about access at the Birmingham REP do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

A few moments with Appalachian hikers Daniel Farris and his wife, Raychel Pepperman, began hiking the Appalachian Trail on Feb. 22 at Springer Mountain in Georgia, the starting point. By the time they reached Philipstown two weeks ago, they had trekked 1,400 miles and resolved a marital dispute: Farris was walking too fast. "I understand that you're frustrated, but I can't go any faster," Pepperman said she told her husband. Farris slowed down. "The trail has been helpful for our communication skills," said Pepperman, a therapist in Chattanooga. "If one of us gets upset with the other, you have time to think about it while you're hiking, instead of just reacting." The couple is among the many hikers who stop this time of year at the Appalachian Market at Route 9 and Route 403, where they often occupy the picnic tables. About 10 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail meanders through Putnam County, much of it inside Fahnestock State Park. About 3,000 people each year attempt to hike the entire 2,197.9-mile route through 14 states to Mount Katahdin in Maine, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and about a third succeed. Millions of others hike segments. When they stopped at the Appalachian Market in late July, Farris and Pepperman hoped to cover the final 800 miles by mid-September to attend a wedding in Nashville. To fellow hikers, Pepperman, 29, is known as "Chapstick" because of the lip balm she needed on the trail in February. Farris, 31, who sells outdoor gear, goes by "Mossman" because he likes to photograph moss. The market was also a refueling stop for Diver, 26, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He declined to give his legal name but said his trail name was bestowed after he was seen dumpster diving near a shelter in Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. He said he was retrieving his hiking cap, which had been thrown away, along with dozens of empty pizza boxes. Diver said he is hiking the trail because "I wanted to spend as much time outside as possible." He just completed five years in the U.S. Air Force sitting at a computer doing "logistics and stuff." He loves drinking from the springs he encounters. "It's the best water you'll ever get," he said. "It's so cold coming right out of the mountains." Also resting at the Appalachian Market was "Sidequest McMurphy," who said his "government name" is Seth Harper. He's a 23-year-old Eagle Scout who just graduated from the University of Tennessee. When he left Springer Mountain on March 9, Harper's trail name was McMurphy because, according to his former scoutmaster, he resembles the rebellious R.P. McMurphy in Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Harper added Sidequest because "I tend to get sucked into lots of sidequests," such as several days in the reading room at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn in Hot Springs, North Carolina. "Every room has a copy of Leaves of Grass and the Tao Te Ching," said Harper, who plans to attend graduate school and teach history. Harper said he is hiking for the same reason that Henry David Thoreau went to live by Walden Pond: "because I wanted to live deliberately." Hiking across Route 9 on his way to Fahnestock, he said he was listening to the audio version of Alexander Hamilton, by Ron Chernow, which runs 36 hours. Resting at a picnic table, Amanda Edwards, 21, said the last time she did any real travel was in eighth grade, when her class visited Washington, D.C. "Since we passed Maryland, every step I take is the furthest north I've ever been," she said. After graduating in December from Georgia Southern University, Edwards said, "I wanted to do something hard, something I wasn't sure I could finish." Her trail name, "Jukebox," comes from her singing. Climbing Kuwohi Mountain in the Smokies, she sang songs from Sweeney Todd. Also known as Clingmans Dome, the 6,644-foot peak is the highest point on the trail. A few miles before reaching the Appalachian Market, Edwards crossed the lowest point, the Bear Mountain Br...

Hello friends! Welcome back as we wander our way through the SUMMER OF THE HORROR MUSICAL!  We are joined this episode by Dave Z of the Exploding Heads Podcast AND Jay of the Dead from Jay of the Dead's New Horror Movies Podcast to review Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd.  Hop on our socials and let us know what you think of the SUMMER OF THE HORROR MUSICAL so far!

This is the third and final part of my conversation with Ben Francis whose amazingly compelling new book is titled Careful the Spell You Cast — How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical. Just like the book, our discussion has been structured around Sondheim's collaborators. In this episode we discuss his work with George Furth, John Weidman, Hugh Wheeler & James Lapine. And, as always, Sondheim's mentor and surrogate father Oscar Hammerstein II plays a big role in this conversation as well. Along the way nearing everyone of Sondheim's musicals are discussed including A Little Night Music, Anyone Can Whistle, Assassins, Company, Do I Hear A Waltz?, Follies, Gypsy, Into the Woods, Merrily We Roll Along, Passion, Road Show, Sunday In The Park With George, Sweeney Todd, and West Side Story as well as Rodgers & Hammerstein's Allegro. Ben Francis' other works include contributions to the Oxford Handbook Of Sondheim Studies, the Oxford Handbook of British Musicals, and the Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare and Music, as well as Christopher Hampton: Dramatic Ironist. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Broadway Nation Patron Club members including our inaugural members Roger Kloresse, Neil Hoyt, and Chris Moad. My sincere thanks to all three of you for your loyal support! If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast.  All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Still Talking, about Sweeney Todd. Sometimes there's a lot more stuff to talk about after the "stop recording" button has been pushed. Here is just a little clip⁣Spotify:⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/214M4OKBbWcDivndnc2MTu⁣⁣Apple Podcasts:⁣https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stage-door-a-theatre-podcast-hosted-by-two-regular-guys/id1573865415⁣

An interview with Corinne Hogan (librarian) and Georgina Thompson (archivist) of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. We talk about history, what records are available (you may be surprised as to what is covered), Sweeney Todd, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Plarr's Lives of the Fellows, the first female members and fellows, military surgeons, the East India Company and much more.

What happens when some of Northwest Ohio's most talented young performers take on one of Broadway's most challenging musicals?Stage Door , sits down with director Andrea and cast members Avery (Joanna) and Colin (Anthony) to explore Toledo Rep's Teen production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd.Toledo Rep Teen presents Sweeney ToddAugust 14–16Four performances onlyTickets available at the Toledo Rep website

HORA 15 con Romina Zuasnabar 24-07-2026 Entrevistas a: Ana Clara Pedotti @aclarapedotti (Finanzas y Mercados) Gabriel Sánchez Zinny @gzinny (Jefe de Gabinete del gobierno de la ciudad de Bs As @gcba ) Anabela Borón (Actriz en musical "Sweeney Todd")

Anabela Borón (Actriz en musical "Sweeney Todd") Hora 15 @Hora15ECO

The end of the 70s and, in some ways, the end of an era. Starting with Cabaret, we have traced the changes happening in theater in the wake of the end of the Golden Age. More mature themes and language, less traditional storytelling, new kinds of music, and simply a broader range of acceptable topics -- all of these changes and more occurred extrmely rapidly. And while it's hard to pinpoint exact when this period ended, Sweeney Todd feels like as good as a place as any. An artistic masterpiece, a Tony triumph, a cultural landmark, but ultimately a commercial failure, and maybe the last big swing that Broadway was willing to tolerate for a while. We talk all this, and more, with "Epiphany." Two editor's notes: Sweeney Tood is not exactly a family friendly show, so listener discretion is advise, though I have removed the swear word from the song itself. Also, Shannon's audio track had some issues and she sounds a bit strange. Our apologies. All clips are from the 1979 original cast album of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street featuring Len Carious 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: 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

ONE LAST CHAPTER. ONE FINAL GOODBYE. NICK & CHARLIE FOREVER! Greg Alba & John Humphrey react to Heartstopper Forever, Netflix's feature-length Heartstopper finale starring Kit Connor as Nick Nelson and Joe Locke as Charlie Spring. In this Heartstopper Forever movie reaction and review, they experience the emotional final chapter as Nick prepares for university, Charlie embraces greater independence, and their friends confront major changes in love, friendship, and growing up. Alice Oseman from the Heartstopper graphic novels and Nick and Charlie novella, the film delivers more mature romance, heartfelt character moments, and a moving farewell to the beloved Netflix series. Heartstopper Forever Reaction (Full-Length Watch-Along):   / thereelrejects   Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code REJECTS at https://www.huel.com/REJECTS. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Directed by Wash Westmoreland (Still Alice, Colette), Heartstopper Forever stars Kit Connor as Nick Nelson (The Wild Robot, Rocketman), Joe Locke as Charlie Spring (Agatha All Along, Sweeney Todd), Yasmin Finney as Elle Argent (Doctor Who, Mars), William Gao as Tao Xu (Sunrise, Heartstopper), Corinna Brown as Tara Jones, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy Olsson, Tobie Donovan as Isaac Henderson, Rhea Norwood as Imogen Heaney, and Anna Maxwell Martin as Sarah Nelson (Motherland, Line of Duty). Greg & John react to Charlie finding his confidence at school, Nick preparing to leave for university, the group confronting major changes in love and friendship, the film's more mature romantic scenes, Olivia Rodrigo's “stupid song,” and the heartfelt ending that brings the Heartstopper series to a close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new production of the musical SWEENEY TODD, written by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, opened earlier this week at the Birmingham Rep in the UK.The revival, which stars Ramin Karimloo and Meow Meow, features a condensed company and orchestra, offering a chamber-style reinterpretation of the usually grand piece, as well as shifting its setting around a century earlier.Find out more about this production, the winning material, and these new performances in this full review...check out Mickey-Jo's free substack newsletter:www.mickeyjotheatre.substack.com•00:00 | introduction02:36 | the material10:25 | this revival21:46 | the performances30:39 | conclusionAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

THE BEAUTIFUL COMING-OF-AGE LOVE STORY WE'VE BEEN WAITING TO FINISH! Before Heartstopper Forever arrives on Netflix, Greg Alba & John Humphrey binge Heartstopper Season 3 Episodes 1–8 for the first time, experiencing the emotional highs, heartbreaking lows, and heartfelt moments that bring Nick and Charlie's relationship to a whole new chapter. From Charlie's mental health journey and Nick's future decisions to unforgettable romantic moments and powerful character growth, this Heartstopper Season 3 full reaction celebrates one of Netflix's most beloved coming-of-age series. Heartstopper Season 3 (Full Length Watch Along):   / thereelrejects   The best businesses aren't built in boardrooms. They're built by people who just started. Free trial at shopify.com/rejects In this Heartstopper Season 3 reaction, Netflix reaction, and review, Greg & John experience the complete third season starring Kit Connor as Nick Nelson (The Wild Robot, Warfare), Joe Locke as Charlie Spring (Agatha All Along, Sweeney Todd), Yasmin Finney as Elle Argent (Doctor Who, Doctor Who: Unleashed), William Gao as Tao Xu (Sunset Blvd., Heartstopper), Corinna Brown as Tara Jones (The Essex Serpent, My Murder), Kizzy Edgell as Darcy Olsson (The School for Good and Evil, Heartstopper), Jenny Walser as Tori Spring (Call the Midwife, Heartstopper), Rhea Norwood as Imogen Heaney (Consent, Your Christmas or Mine 2), Tobie Donovan as Isaac Henderson, and Hayley Atwell (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Captain America: The First Avenger) as Aunt Diane. Featuring some of the series' most emotional moments—including Charlie's healing journey, Nick and Charlie navigating the future of their relationship, heartfelt family conversations, unforgettable romantic milestones, university decisions, and the powerful Season 3 finale—Heartstopper continues to balance hope, love, and authenticity in a way few coming-of-age stories can. With Heartstopper Forever on the horizon, Greg & John revisit the season that lays the emotional foundation for the final chapter of Alice Oseman's beloved story. Intense Suspense by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ Follow Us On Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/  Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reelrejects?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/reelrejects Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ Music Used In Ad:  Hat the Jazz by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... POWERED BY @GFUEL Visit https://gfuel.ly/3wD5Ygo and use code REJECTNATION for 20% off select tubs!! Head Editor: https://www.instagram.com/praperhq/?hl=en Co-Editor: Greg Alba Co-Editor: John Humphrey Music In Video: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Ask Us A QUESTION On CAMEO: https://www.cameo.com/thereelrejects Follow TheReelRejects On FACEBOOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM:  FB:  https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thereelrejects Follow GREG ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/thegregalba/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thegregalba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary screenwriter, producer, and director John Logan (MICHAEL, SWEENEY TODD, GLADIATOR, THE AVIATOR, HUGO, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, SKYFALL, SPECTRE, PENNY DREADFUL, RANGO, ALIEN: COVENANT, RED, THE LAST SAMURAI, STAR TREK: NEMESIS, THEY/THEM) returns to continue discussing his incredible career with Adam and Joe. Tired of commercials? Support THE MOVIE CRYPT for just $1 a month and start getting every episode commercial-free! Visit www.Patreon.com/TheMovieCrypt to sign-up today!

This week we have a look at the 1981 Slasher film JUST BEFORE DAWN. This is Episode 488! JUST BEFORE DAWN is a 1981 American slasher film directed by Jeff Lieberman and starring Chris Lemmon, Gregg Henry, Deborah Benson, Ralph Seymour, Jamie Rose, and George Kennedy. The film follows a group of hikers who travel into a mountainous region of Oregon to visit property inherited by one of them, only to be hunted by a ruthless backwoods killer. PLUS, once more we are joined by very special guest JOHN LOGAN-- John has been nominated for the Oscar three times and has received Golden Globe, BAFTA, WGA and Edgar awards. His film work includes Skyfall, Gladiator, The Aviator, Hugo, Rango, Sweeney Todd, They/Them, The Last Samurai, and Any Given Sunday. His most recent release is the movie Michael, about Michael Jackson. Michael has been a monumental commercial success, the highest-grossing biopic of all time, the highest-grossing musical biopic and the biggest film in Lions Gate's history. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/castle-of-horror-podcast--4268760/support.

The Movies That Made WE returns in chaotic form when Rain Supreme, Petra Fried, and Maggie McMuffin go on and on with Viktor Devonne about the movie musicals (and we're allowing some laxity with both terms so don't write in about it) that MADE them up.  Films include School Daze, Prince of Egypt, Sweeney Todd in Concert, Little Shop of Horrors, and more.   Produced by Viktor Devonne for the WEBurlesque Podcast Network In memory of Lucky Charming Feedback and Curiosities: weburlesquepodcast@gmail.com  (this conversation was recorded on 4-6-2026)... all opinions are those of our guests; this is a production of WEBurlesque, executive produced by Viktor Devonne)

Stephen Sondheim was the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and lyricist who wrote Into the Woods, West Side Story, Sunday in the Park with George, Company, Assassins, and more. This hour, a look at the life and music of Sondheim. And, on the occasion of the new Hartford Stage/TheaterWorks Hartford co-production, we dig into the story and music of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. GUESTS: Daniel Okrent: Author of Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn’t Easy Wiley DeWeese: Music director, arranger, orchestrator, and conductor. He is currently Music Director for The Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford’s co-production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Music featured (in order): Prologue: Into the Woods – 2022 OBC and Disney Theatrical Instrumental Anyone Can Whistle – Bernadette Peters Our Time – 2023 Merrily We Roll Along New OBC I Know Things Now – Danielle Ferland, Into the Woods OBC Someone in a Tree – Pacific Overtures OBC CUT FOR TIME Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd – Sweeney Todd OBC Pretty Women – Sweeney Todd OBC Prelude: Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd – Sweeney Todd OBC Concerto Macabro (Excerpt) – Bernard Herrmann Johanna (Mea Culpa) – Sweeney Todd OBC Corn Puddin’ – Schmigadoon! The Worst Pies in London – Sweeney Todd OBC A Little Priest – Sweeney Todd OBC Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mickey-Jo recently had the enormous privilege of sitting down with Ramin Karimloo, Meow Meow, and David Bedella from Birmingham Rep's upcoming revival of SWEENEY TODD.Check out what the stage stars had to say about this exciting new production, tackling Sondheim, and even their favourite kind of pie.You can still get tickets to see the production at Birmingham Rep between 4 July and 15 August.check out Mickey-Jo's free substack newsletter:www.mickeyjotheatre.substack.comAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tale of Sweeney Todd has had many incarnations, most famously the stage and movie musical by Stephen Sondheim. But it all started in 1846 with a serialized telling of the story titled “The String of Pearls” in the weekly magazine “The People's Periodical and Family Library”. Called by some a romance, by others a horror story, it is one of the earliest murder mysteries. In “The String of Pearls”, Sweeney Todd is less sympathetic than in some of his later incarnations – a perfect villain, totally self-seeking with no redeeming qualities. How the deeds of Todd are uncovered and how he is brought to justice make a most intriguing tale, but one probably not suited for the very young and certainly not for the squeamish. This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The tale of Sweeney Todd has had many incarnations, most famously the stage and movie musical by Stephen Sondheim. But it all started in 1846 with a serialized telling of the story titled “The String of Pearls” in the weekly magazine “The People's Periodical and Family Library”. Called by some a romance, by others a horror story, it is one of the earliest murder mysteries. In “The String of Pearls”, Sweeney Todd is less sympathetic than in some of his later incarnations – a perfect villain, totally self-seeking with no redeeming qualities. How the deeds of Todd are uncovered and how he is brought to justice make a most intriguing tale, but one probably not suited for the very young and certainly not for the squeamish. This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The tale of Sweeney Todd has had many incarnations, most famously the stage and movie musical by Stephen Sondheim. But it all started in 1846 with a serialized telling of the story titled “The String of Pearls” in the weekly magazine “The People's Periodical and Family Library”. Called by some a romance, by others a horror story, it is one of the earliest murder mysteries. In “The String of Pearls”, Sweeney Todd is less sympathetic than in some of his later incarnations – a perfect villain, totally self-seeking with no redeeming qualities. How the deeds of Todd are uncovered and how he is brought to justice make a most intriguing tale, but one probably not suited for the very young and certainly not for the squeamish. This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The tale of Sweeney Todd has had many incarnations, most famously the stage and movie musical by Stephen Sondheim. But it all started in 1846 with a serialized telling of the story titled “The String of Pearls” in the weekly magazine “The People's Periodical and Family Library”. Called by some a romance, by others a horror story, it is one of the earliest murder mysteries. In “The String of Pearls”, Sweeney Todd is less sympathetic than in some of his later incarnations – a perfect villain, totally self-seeking with no redeeming qualities. How the deeds of Todd are uncovered and how he is brought to justice make a most intriguing tale, but one probably not suited for the very young and certainly not for the squeamish. This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The tale of Sweeney Todd has had many incarnations, most famously the stage and movie musical by Stephen Sondheim. But it all started in 1846 with a serialized telling of the story titled “The String of Pearls” in the weekly magazine “The People's Periodical and Family Library”. Called by some a romance, by others a horror story, it is one of the earliest murder mysteries. In “The String of Pearls”, Sweeney Todd is less sympathetic than in some of his later incarnations – a perfect villain, totally self-seeking with no redeeming qualities. How the deeds of Todd are uncovered and how he is brought to justice make a most intriguing tale, but one probably not suited for the very young and certainly not for the squeamish. This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The tale of Sweeney Todd has had many incarnations, most famously the stage and movie musical by Stephen Sondheim. But it all started in 1846 with a serialized telling of the story titled “The String of Pearls” in the weekly magazine “The People's Periodical and Family Library”. Called by some a romance, by others a horror story, it is one of the earliest murder mysteries. In “The String of Pearls”, Sweeney Todd is less sympathetic than in some of his later incarnations – a perfect villain, totally self-seeking with no redeeming qualities. How the deeds of Todd are uncovered and how he is brought to justice make a most intriguing tale, but one probably not suited for the very young and certainly not for the squeamish. This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The tale of Sweeney Todd has had many incarnations, most famously the stage and movie musical by Stephen Sondheim. But it all started in 1846 with a serialized telling of the story titled “The String of Pearls” in the weekly magazine “The People's Periodical and Family Library”. Called by some a romance, by others a horror story, it is one of the earliest murder mysteries. In “The String of Pearls”, Sweeney Todd is less sympathetic than in some of his later incarnations – a perfect villain, totally self-seeking with no redeeming qualities. How the deeds of Todd are uncovered and how he is brought to justice make a most intriguing tale, but one probably not suited for the very young and certainly not for the squeamish. This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The tale of Sweeney Todd has had many incarnations, most famously the stage and movie musical by Stephen Sondheim. But it all started in 1846 with a serialized telling of the story titled “The String of Pearls” in the weekly magazine “The People's Periodical and Family Library”. Called by some a romance, by others a horror story, it is one of the earliest murder mysteries. In “The String of Pearls”, Sweeney Todd is less sympathetic than in some of his later incarnations – a perfect villain, totally self-seeking with no redeeming qualities. How the deeds of Todd are uncovered and how he is brought to justice make a most intriguing tale, but one probably not suited for the very young and certainly not for the squeamish. This is a collaborative reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Riesen is an award winning tenor singer. His genres include opera, musical theatre, oratorio, studio recording, and concerts. He's released 2 albums and over 130 commercial recordings. He is also an associate producer on the Grammy nominated project The Impossible Dream. He was on America's Got Talent as part of the group Metaphysic. He's performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Dallas Symphony. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in Carmina Burana. He's also performed in Sweeney Todd, Carmen, Handel's Messiah, The Pirates of Penzance, and HMS Pinafore. His newest project is Aria Nouveau, his duet program with soprano Laura Auer. My featured song is my new single called “The Buzz”. Spotify link. —----------------------------------------------------------- The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries! Click here for Start Here Click here for All Episodes  Click here for Guest List  Click here for Guest Testimonials Click here for Reflections Click here for Special Collections Click here for Robert's Project Grand Slam Click here for Legends Click here to Subscribe  Click here to receive our Email Updates Click here to Rate and Review the podcast —---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH JOHN:www.johnriesen.com —---------------------------------------- ROBERT'S NEWEST RELEASE:“THE BUZZ” - Ft. Darius de Haas (vocals) and Dave Eggar (Celo). Short, Sweet and Totally Different CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL VIDEO CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS —-------------------------------------- Audio production: Jimmy RavenscroftKymera FilmsConnect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comFollow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.com    

This episode we are joined by Tony nominated performer Norm Lewis! Norm is known for his roles in Porgy and Bess, Les Miserables and The Phantom of Opera. Many of his other theater credits include The Who's Tommy, Miss Saigon, Sweeney Todd, Once on This Island, The Little Mermaid, Monte Cristo and Chicken & Biscuits. And let's not also forget Norm was on Scandal! Norm is making his return to 54 Below from June 14th to June 20th for his show Broadway and Beyond! To get your tickets, visit 54below.org.We talk with Norm about how he got his start, his many different roles he's played over the years, working on Scandal, his upcoming concert and 54 Below and much more! Also, Norm did give us some exclusives during our conversation...!

Andrew Litton is the Music Director of the New York City Ballet and the Conductor Laureate of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He was previously Music Director of Norway's Bergen Philharmonic. He has led opera performances at the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden among many other venues. And he's also an accomplished pianist, and he plays jazz too. He recorded a solo album, A Tribute To Oscar Petererson. In total he's recorded over 140 recordings, receiving a Grammy nomination for Sweeney Todd with the New York Philharmonic and Patti LuPone.  My featured song is “Juliet Dances”. Spotify link. —----------------------------------------------------------- The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries! Click here for All Episodes  Click here for Guest List  Click here for Guest Testimonials Click here for Reflections Click here for Special Collections Click here for Legends Click here to Subscribe  Click here to receive our Email Updates Click here to Rate and Review the podcast —---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH ANDREW:www.andrewlitton.com —---------------------------------------- ROBERT'S NEWEST RELEASE:“THE BUZZ” - Short, sweet and totally different CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL VIDEO CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS —-------------------------------------- Audio production: Jimmy RavenscroftKymera FilmsConnect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comFollow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.com      

This week, I'm joined by bass Barnaby Rea for a longer-than-usual opera special I mean if we're doing opera, we've gotta go long, right?!), recorded backstage at the Royal Opera House, London.Barnaby is a British/Irish bass who trained at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the National Opera Studio. He was a Harewood Artist at English National Opera and a member of the Oper Frankfurt solo ensemble. He has also appeared with companies including the Royal Opera House, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Zurich Opera, Teatro Real, Opéra de Lyon, Scottish Opera and Opera North.We recorded this while Barnaby was performing Doctor Grenvil in Verdi's La traviata, in Richard Eyre's long-running Royal Opera production.This episode was also partly inspired by a recent visit to Milan and the extraordinary Teatro alla Scala, which got me thinking about opera not just as music, but as architecture, social ritual, commerce, class, spectacle and power.So this is partly a conversation about opera singing, partly a look at the machinery of a major opera house, and partly an attempt to understand why opera can feel both thrillingly immediate and socially intimidating.We talk about opera vs musical theatre, why singers train for so long, how a voice can fill a huge theatre without amplification, what “placement” and resonance mean, and why vibrato is not just decorative wobbling.We also get into opera's social context: boxes, gods, stalls, ticket prices, access, prestige, and whether opera's elitist reputation is entirely fair.There's also a wider reflection on live music now: why huge arena shows can dominate the public story of the music industry while smaller venues, grassroots promoters, festivals and independent musicians are struggling.This is a longer episode than usual, but that feels fitting for opera: there is a lot of voice, history, scale and backstage machinery to get into.In this episode00:00 – Steve introduces the opera special, Barnaby Rea, the Royal Opera House and the Milan / La Scala inspiration01:35 – Barnaby's route into opera: school swing band, musical theatre, Sweeney Todd, Guys and Dolls and early training07:30 – Guildhall, opera school, learning the craft, and why opera takes so long to train for properly12:30 – Singing in different languages and understanding what you are actually saying15:40 – Opera vs musical theatre: amplification, stamina, acting, dancing and vocal demands20:45 – Inside the Royal Opera House: backstage scale, sets, docks, ballet and multiple productions24:45 – La Scala, opera boxes, social hierarchy, standing tickets and opera as mass entertainment30:05 – Arena economics, struggling grassroots venues, festivals and why smaller gigs matter36:50 – Is opera elitist? Ticket prices, access, class, prestige and opera culture in Europe42:35 – Entertaining Noises: Barnaby demonstrates the bass voice43:00 – Breath, resonance, placement, formant, range and preparing different roles50:15 – Show days, double casting, vocal recovery, travel, jump-ins and the pressure of saying yes55:00 – Berg, volume, singing without microphones, working with the room, and breathing with the orchestra01:00:30 – Vibrato: what it is, why it exists, and why it is not just decorative wobbling01:03:10 – Steve attempts a brief opera lesson01:07:40 – Learning roles, memory, punctuality, preparation and what performers can control01:12:45 – What is music for? Barnaby on release, escape, connection and performance01:15:50 – Music as personal soundtrack, film scoring, galleries, headphones and emotional recontextualising01:16:40 – Barnaby's links, La traviata and walking into productions with decades of history01:18:35 – Outro: Peter Grimes, Wilton's Music Hall, Ocean Songs, the website and what's coming nextGuestFind Barnaby Rea at barnabyrea.com and on Instagram at @barnabyrea_bass.Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePiecesStay musically curious! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 a long-awaited catch-up, singer, songwriter and actor Josh Groban stops by the Q studio to talk about his upcoming album Cinematic. The record is a tribute to the iconic soundtracks of some of his favourite films, from The Lion King to James Bond. He tells Tom about his touching collaboration with his father on the record, what it was like to play Sweeney Todd on Broadway given his lifelong love of Stephen Sondheim, and his spontaneous cameo at this year's Oscars.

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

Taylor Helms from Mon County Parks on the Ramp Dinner coming up at Mason Dixon Park A conversation with Attorney General J.B. McCuskey Ashok Argarwal and Mike Green on the reboot of 100 people That Care and their meeting coming up April 27 Cambrie Gerdes on the Morgantown Theater Company production of Sweeney Todd to be presented at the Met in downtown Morgantown in May 

See Alex 4/18 in Pottstown, PA - https://souljoels.com/shop/tickets/alexpearlman/ Social Media Workshop 4/18 in Pottstown, PA - https://souljoels.com/shop/merch/socialmediaworkshop/ Mr. and Mrs. P return to the christian movie guide to see what MAGA thinks of their favorite  (and least favorite) musicals. From Sweeney Todd, A Star is Born, Moulin Rouge!, Chiago to the Sound of Music, Les Mis and of course The Greatest Showman. It goes exactly as you would expect, hilarious, enraging and sometimes downright confusing. JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY -

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)

Brad Oscar is a two-time Tony Award nominee for his performances on Broadway as Franz Liebkind in Mel Brooks' The Producers and as Thomas Nostradamus in Something Rotten!Brad has performed in more than 15 shows on Broadway, including being in the original casts of the stage version of Schmigadoon, Mrs. Doubtfire, Big Fish, Aspects of Love, and a show I know a little bit about called Jekyll & Hyde. He's performed in Wicked, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Addams Family, and Spamalot. He's also starred in The Producers in both the West End and Las Vegas productions.National tours in which Brad has performed include: The Phantom of the Opera, Young Frankenstein, and, of course, Jekyll & Hyde. Off-Broadway, Brad has appeared in Little Shop of Horrors, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Sweeney Todd, and Forbidden Broadway. Stages he's worked on in America include: the Arena Stage, the Old Globe, the La Jolla Playhouse, the McCarter, Barrington Stage, and more.In film and on TV, you can find Brad on such shows as: Ghost Town, The Producers, Smash, The Good Wife, and three Law & Orders.

Coffee is a connector. I think we all have seen this in our personal lives, our social lives, and in the community we help facilitate through our shops. In the fast paced often stessful world of cafes and the vocation of coffee, we need to take some time, and leave some room for appreciating the real impact a simple cup can have on people.  On today's episode we will be talking all about the ways coffee does this and how we can use coffee to advance understanding, exploration, and connection with the Director of Room for Cream, Grant Garry! Grant Garry is an award winning filmmaker, actor, singer, and Certified Grief Educator. He is the director of the documentary Meet Me Where I Am -  Grant has played The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz at Opera San Luis Obispo as Disney's Beauty and the Beast, NCIS: Los Angeles, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Black Cat, Night of the Living Deb, Sweeney Todd, and Cinderella.   He hosts the podcast Where I Am on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. A long-form discussion based show about love, loss, and finding meaning as we move forward.     His recent release and project is called "Room for Cream", a series dedicated to the exploration of coffee, coffee culture, and the ways coffee facilitates connection. Related episodes:  165 : The Art of Deep Listening w/ Oscar Trimboli 415: The Best Lessons On How to Listen w/ Listening Expert, Oscar Trimboli 230 : Making room for Community in your Shop Founder Friday! Youth, Foster Care, and Human Connections Through Coffee | w/ Miah Sommer of Astute Coffee in Omaha, NE 334 : How to Approach Deescalation w/ Melissa Tucker of Mind Over Matters and Pathways to Peace   KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS! Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   

It can be a tender thing to launch a creative project into the world. That's true whether you're an actor, a baker, a musician, a quilter, or almost any other artisan. As a writer, releasing a book often feels like that scene in early Gray's Anatomy where Meredith stands before Derek and says, “Pick me, choose me, love me.”In short, it's a little bit vulnerable.When I launched my first book back in 2019, Daryl took me to see Sweeney Todd at our local theater, to distract me from all of the big feelings. (A murdering, singing barber will do that!) These days, I've learned to notice and honor the feelings as they come and pass. There are a lot of them, in the week leading up to a book launch.And these feelings aren't just about whether people will like the book. That's part of it, for sure—no author wants to be panned or ignored. But they go beyond just wanting the book to hit well. They run the full gamut from excitement to terror. To paraphrase my writer-friend Ruth, the only thing scarier than no one is reading your book is people actually, you know, reading your book.But here's the thing: being part of the literary world is one of the great joys of my life. And that joy is a wonderful balm for all of the BIG FEELINGS™ that show up on launch week.I love my writing communities. That's you, beloved SubStack friends. It's the writers who read early drafts of my work (thank you, Steve! thank you, Aarik!) and gave me honest feedback. It's the writers whose books I love who have helped me grow in the craft. It's fellow writers in the trenches being honest about what it takes to turn a beautiful phrase and keep pursuing what is beautiful and true in a world filled with AI slop and lazy shortcuts. It's writers who are also bookstore owners (I love you, Nooks!) who foster community spaces where people can be together, heartened, seen, and read.Each time I publish a book and begin to feel all the feelings (hooray! oh no! how are my numbers doing? what have I forgotten?), I remember that you and each fellow reader and writer out there are the biggest gifts of all.I'd be honored if you'd give Weathering Change a look. Preorders matter, and this is the last week you can sneak one of those in, at Amazon or Nooks or anywhere you love buying your books. (You can also request it at your local library, which is free to you!)But above all, please know that I am so grateful that you're with me on this journey of words, seeking to make meaning out of life.Today's podcast is short and sweet—just 25 minutes. In it I read chapter one from Weathering Change. Many thanks to my publisher, InterVarsity Press, for giving me permission to share it with you today. If you'd prefer to read it rather than listen to it, you can find it here.Thank you for your love and support. I am so excited to share this book with you! Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

Canadian theatre legend Louise Pitre is back on stage in Canada in the Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo. It tells the story of a teenage girl who has a rare genetic condition that ages her four times as fast as her classmates. Recognized as Canada's first lady of musical theatre, Louise has led productions of Les Misérables, Piaf, Sweeney Todd, and she originated the part of Donna in Mamma Mia! on Broadway, but she says Kimberly might be the most perfect part for her right now. She sits down with guest host Talia Schlanger to tell us why as she reflects on her acclaimed stage career.

Alex Lacamoire is back for round two and I hope you're ready because not only does he put that keyboard to very good use, but Alex was also kind enough to bring isolated stems from the Hamilton cast album. Yep, I know, it's insane. Not only does he play some of his favorite parts (the Stevie Wonder moment in One Last Time and the Eleanor Rigby part of the opening number, for example) but Alex gives us a tour around the orchestra, one instrument at a time: strings from Burn, percussion from Guns and Ships, guitar in Helpless, stride piano in The Room Where It Happens, the list goes on and on and onnnnn.  Plus! We talk Billy Joel, Chopin, Steven Sondheim, Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl, the connection between The Beatles and Sisqó, and Alex shares fantastic stories from his experience working on Sweeney Todd. This is such a deep dive and I promise that you'll love every second of it! Seriously, this barely scratches the surface of Lac's generosity. What'd I tell you? The vibes. are. PRISTINE.  This episode was recorded in November of 2025 at WTF Media Studios in Manhattan and produced with Natalie Grillo from Any Moment Productions in collaboration with Meghan Miles. #126: Alex Lacamoire // Part One (2018) #127: Alex Lacamoire // Part Two (2018) #128: Alex Lacamoire // Part Three (2018) /// MUSE: Musicians United for Social Equality Alex Lacamoire on Instagram /// #118: Andrés Forero: When you knock me down I get the fuck back up again // Part One #119: Andrés Forero: When you knock me down I get the fuck back up again // Part Two #475: Jonathan Dinklage // Hamilton Broadway's Concertmaster // Part One #476: Jonathan Dinklage // Hamilton Broadway's Concertmaster // Part Two /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on TikTok The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps