Backstage Babble (cbroadwaypodcast)

Today, I am so honored to announce my episode with Tony-winning composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman, writer of the current Broadway smash hit Some Like it Hot. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his long career, including the joy of working with Peter Allen, the disappointment of bringing Leader of the Pack to Broadway, the musical that started out as an adaptation of Stage Door, the bipolarity of working on Smash, what makes Bette Midler genius, starting out as an underage piano bar player, some of the small but important changes that Harvey Fierstein made to Hairspray, the inspiration behind Some Like it Hot, an unusual request from Rob Marshall, writing additional lyrics for The Music Man, the advice he would give to young writers, and more.

I am so happy to announce the release of Backstage Babble's 99th episode with Tony-winning musical director and  orchestrator Ted Sperling. In addition to his Broadway career, Ted is also the artistic director of Mastervoices, under whose auspices he will be presenting an all-star concert of Anyone Can Whistle at Carnegie Hall this Thursday, March 10, starring Vanessa Williams and Elizabeth Stanley. It’s a must-see event for all theater fans, and tickets are available here:

Anyone Can Whistle

In the meantime, tune in today to hear Ted tell some of the stories of his illustrious career, including getting his start from Paul Gemignani, his long partnership with Victoria Clark, why he decided to leave Ragtime, the tense environment of Titanic, what it was like casting My Fair Lady, the uniqueness of William Finn, building his own circle of collaborators, the very strange experience of Roza, his collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, why Anyone Can Whistle is relevant today, and so much more.

Today, I am so happy to announce my episode with veteran actor Jonathan Hadary, who starred on Broadway in Gypsy, Guys and Dolls, Torch Song Trilogy, and so many more shows. Jonathan can currently be seen in the wonderful play Epiphany at Lincoln Center, running through July 24. Tickets for that can be found here:

Epiphany

Tune in today to hear him tell some of the stories of his legendary career, including the varying reactions he got to the original Assassins, why his first trip to New York made him think he could be on Broadway, the long audition process for Torch Song Trilogy, a way that Gypsy could be re-imagined, why Epiphany took on more significance during the pandemic, and so many more.

The final episode of Backstage Babble in 2023 is a doozy! I’m lucky to talk to many legends, but sometimes they don’t have time for a full conversation. That being said, the two Tony-winning actors who I’m presenting “mini” interviews with today had such valuable thoughts and stories that I wanted to share them publicly. First, Tyne Daly, who it was announced after the interview is returning to Broadway in Spring 2024 with Doubt, talks about her legendary career, with stories including how an appearance with Dolly Parton got her the role of Mama Rose, the valuable lesson about auditioning she learned at the Mark Taper Forum, why she turns down all horror movies, and so much more. Then, an inspiring conversation with Ben Vereen where he discusses the genius of Galt MacDermot and Bob Fosse, how Vinnette Carroll discovered him, why theater and spirituality are deeply intertwined, and so much more! You won’t want to miss these two conversations.

Today, Backstage Babble is excited to welcome Robert Viagas, the editor of the newest theater magazine Encore Monthly. Created specifically as the premiere lifestyle magazine for theatre lovers nationwide, Encore Monthly will connect readers to the stage and to each other, with features covering what happens onstage and in the wings as well as all the places theatre fans come together - in the aisles at intermission; in living rooms and dorm rooms; and on laptops and cell phones across the country - and what fans enjoy when not sitting in their theatre seats. Robert also talks about the other aspects of his illustrious career, including an all-night phone call with Donna McKechnie, what went wrong with the musical Metro, the inside story of what it’s like to be a Tony Awards nominator, what makes a great Broadway star, disastrous interviews, and more stories about Jerry Orbach, Charlotte St. Martin, Baayork Lee, and others.

Today, I’m so happy to announce my interview with Tony nominee Josie De Guzman, whose solo show Back Where I Started will be playing at The Green Room 42 on September 8th and 10th. Tickets are available here:

Buy Now!

Tune in today to hear the stories of her legendary career, including getting shot out of a cannon into Guys and Dolls, the show that Elizabeth Swados wrote for her, her experiences at The Alley Theater, rehearsing with Leonard Bernstein, working with Arthur Laurents on Nick & Nora, returning to singing after many years, and much more.

Backstage Babble is BACK this week, this time featuring an interview with the extremely talented Michael Rupert. Hear him talk about cut Sondheim songs, how to audition for William Finn, and Gwen Verdon as Bob Fosse's memory aide. Michael Rupert has had a truly legendary career in the theater, and I am honored that he shared it with me today.

There’s no better way to send off 2021 than by listening to Part 2 of my episode with amazing choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter. Tune in today for a revealing and fascinating conversation about her choreography career, which includes such shows as School of Rock, Disaster, On a Clear Day, and more. Stories and insights abound: what she looks for in auditions, why it’s hard to cast child actors, preparing the Tonys number for Spring Awakening, how she cast Prince Charming in Cinderella, why she never writes anything down, why Disaster didn’t find as much success as it could have, having a meeting with Jerry Lewis, what it’s like collaborating with Barry Manilow, and so much more.

Today, I am thrilled to announce my episode with double-EGOT winning songwriter Robert Lopez. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his incredible career, including how he first met Stephen Sondheim, giving William Finn a backrub, staging a show in the Yale swimming pool, why he decided not to write the book for Avenue Q, the rushed process behind Frozen 2, the inspiration for his new show Up Here, how “Let it Go" came from his high school experience, his Disney project that was shelved, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this fascinating conversation with one of the funniest and most talented living songwriters.  

Today, I am thrilled to announce the release of my interview with Broadway legend Sherie Rene Scott, who is currently starring as Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her career, including how she discovered theater growing up, the process of training for THE LAST FIVE YEARS, transferring EVERYDAY RAPTURE to Broadway in twelve days, the challenges she faced as a replacement in RENT, deciding between two roles in GREASE, the joys of working with Disney on AIDA, learning from her Broadway debut in TOMMY, the roles she almost played in CABARET and NEXT TO NORMAL, a last-minute audition for OVER AND OVER, how an opening night gift for WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN led to her show WHORL INSIDE A LOOP, learning to fall out of a window in THE FRONT PAGE, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s best.

Today, I am so excited to bring you the audio version of my recent reunion of the 1970 hit show APPLAUSE, which is available in full video with photos included here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex5cr3T7ASc

Participants include Tony Winner and Broadway Legend Len Cariou, Previous Guests Penny Fuller, Lee Roy Reams, Brandon Maggart, and Susan L. Schulman, 9-Time Tony nominated Lighting Designer Ken Billington, Arranger and Orchestrator Mel Marvin, and dancers Michael Misita, Marilyn D'Honau, and Patti D'Beck.

Wonderful stories abound about the creation of this legendary musical.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Scott Wittman, who is the lyricist of Broadway’s newest sensation SMASH. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his amazing career, including why CATCH ME IF YOU CAN appealed to him as a follow-up to HAIRSPRAY, putting together MATTERS OF THE HEART with Patti LuPone, why CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY was at its best in workshops, his experiences with Dame Edna and Elaine Stritch, watching Disney animators at work during MARY POPPINS RETURNS, being influenced by John Waters, how Matthew Lopez convinced him to adapt SOME LIKE IT HOT, the upcoming project he’s working on with Bridget Everett, why John Slattery and Talia Balsam were perfect for THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this chat with one of Broadway’s best writers.

Today, I am so excited to welcome the extraordinarily funny Jason Graae to the podcast. He has put smiles on the faces of anyone who’s ever seen him perform, be it on Broadway in Stardust and Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up, off-Broadway in Forever Plaid and Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, or on screen! Tune in to hear him talk about his legendary career, including: a cryptic comment from James Lapine, his two favorite Friends, getting comedy advice from Jerry Herman, how Jose Ferrer messed up his debut, the show that Vicki Lewis misjudged, teasing Thommie Walsh, imitating Ken Jennings, changing the plot of Camelot, and more! Plus his imitations of William Finn, Karen Morrow, and Valerie Cherish!

Today, I am so excited to announce the release of my episode with Tony-winner BD Wong. BD is currently the director of Yes, I Can Say That! at 59e59 Theaters, the hilarious new solo show starring Judy Gold about the intersection between comedy and cancel culture. You can find tickets to that here:

https://www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/yes-i-can-say-that/

Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including why M. Butterfly was so successful, the abuse he suffered at the hands of John Dexter, coming in to Face Value for its New York run, being the first male Peter Pan, contrasting TV experiences with Awkwafina and Margaret Cho, the simplicity that You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, collaborating with Stephen Sondheim, his newfound interest in directing, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this inspiring, honest interview with one of the best actor/directors in the business.   

Today, I am so happy to announce my new episode with  Broadway star Will Roland, who is  currently appearing in the hilarious The Panic of ’29 at 59E59 Theaters. You can purchase tickets for that show here:

The Panic of '29

Tune in today to hear some of the stories of Will’s career, including the changes in the tone of Dear Evan Hansen, the reason why Jeremy Heere is a universally relatable character, why all of social media is a “performance,” why adult audiences were pre-disposed against Be More Chill, the non-Cinderella story of The Black Suits, making a difference in the world through theater with The Bus, the type of comic role that he would like to play next, and more.

You won’t want to miss this honest but humorous conversation about how social media and theatrical success intersect in the modern day, featuring someone who has been part of two fascinating examples.

54 Below

Today, I am so thrilled to announce the 2nd part of my episode with the great Austin Pendleton. Tune in today to hear him to tell more of the stories of his long and legendary career, including: being directed by Samuel Beckett’s assistant, why Barbra Streisand is a great scene partner, the number 1 mistake among actors at auditions, what he thinks it will be like to return to The Minutes, why he’s banned from doing any Neil Simon plays, how he had to be kept a secret from Tommy Tune, and so much more. You can't help but be inspired by Austin Pendleton: a true man of the theater who has collected countless insights and stories from his wide-ranging career.

Happy Holidays everyone! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than listening to an in-depth interview with Broadway legend and 4-time Tony nominee Faith Prince. Tune in to hear her tell many of the fascinating stories of her career, including the failed Terrence McNally play that she worked on with Nathan Lane, the major Broadway revival she turned down, why a rehearsal with Arthur Laurents caused her to call her therapist, a short-lived feud with Jerome Robbins, how Terrence McNally got her into doing straight plays, why Bells Are Ringing couldn’t run as long as it should’ve, why she worked personally with Christopher Renshaw on The King and I, what she learned while touring with Billy Elliot, and more. You won’t want to miss this fascinating conversation.

I am so happy to announce my episode with veteran performer David Jackson. David Jackson will be headlining at 54 Below on August 23rd. Tickets to see his wonderful show are available here:

https://54below.com/events/david-jackson/

Meanwhile, you can tune in today to hear some of the stories of David’s career, including: bearing witness to the start of the Easter Bonnet Competition, getting to perform onstage with Cyd Charisse, the two people who were supposed to headline La Cage on Broadway when it closed, the different ways that Grand Hotel can be interpreted, why Tommy Tune is a great collaborator, the reason he stopped dancing on Broadway, why his Broadway career made him a good salesman, the process of creating his upcoming show, and so much more!

You won’t want to miss this conversation with a true man of the theater—and you won’t want to miss his show.

Today, I am so thrilled to announce my episode with Company’s original Jenny, Teri Ralston, whose many other credits include A Little Night Music, The Baker’s Wife, and more. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the original problem with the pot scene in Company, why Michael Bennett was an unusual choreographer, the three shows she saw and knew she had to be in, the meaning of the Greek chorus in A Little Night Music, the perfect way to sing the ending of “Send in the Clowns,” how Peggy Lee decorated her apartment, the saga of The Baker’s Wife that ended in a physical fight, the director that made her cry, and so much more.

Today, Michael Rupert is back! He talks about his experiences starring in City of Angels, Ragtime, Elegies, On The Town, Legally Blonde, and more! Here about trading replacements with John Rubinstein, developing "I Understand," his directing career, how William Finn changed, and more.

Today’s guest Bob Fitch truly is the greatest showman. Tune in to hear him talk about mediating between Ray Bolger and Donald O’Connor, testifying in the suit between Jerry Lewis and Alex Cohen, Clive Revill’s pre-show routine, why Angela Lansbury would never look you in the eye, recording taps for Bob Fosse, why he turned down choreographing Lorelei, winning a tap contest against Pat Boone, and stories about Liza Minnelli, Noel Coward, Jose Ferrer, and more.

Tune in to hear the 2nd part of my episode with Broadway dancer Mary Jane Houdina. Listen to the episode to hear her talk about jumping into a fountain during The Great Gatsby, why Peter Gennaro reduced an audience to tears every night, how she ended up going on as Annie during a rehearsal, unburdening Danny Gerard during Into the Light, the role that got away, and more.

Today, I’m so happy to announce my episode with Tony nominee Mary Beth Peil. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the challenges of her opera background, falling in love with Yul Brynner, the type of feedback Stephen Sondheim always gave her, the show that came to Broadway too quickly, why she had been practicing for many years for Anastasia, being directed by Edward Albee, working with Roger Rees on The Visit, how she ended up in a starring role on Dawson’s Creek, taking on the role of King Duncan in Macbeth, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with a legend of the stage.

Today, I am so happy to announce Part 2 of my celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Grease,  featuring its producer, Ken Waissman. In addition to Grease, Ken Waissman’s other producing credits include Agnes of God, Torch Song Trilogy, and more. But before you listen, make sure to purchase Ken’s new book Grease: Tell Me More, Tell Me More: Stories from the Broadway Phenomenon, which can be found here:

Purchase Tell Me More, Tell Me More

But first, tune in today to here fascinating stories including: the theater on Broadway that Ken named, the strategies he used to launch Grease at the beginning, the process of persuading Harvey Fierstein to bring Torch Song to Broadway, firing Lee Remick, the ways in which The Andrews Sisters tortured each other, ridiculous demands from David Merrick, why Over Here couldn’t go on the road, why he decided to leave the business, and so much more!

You won’t want to miss this episode with a true man of the theater.

After a short break, Backstage Babble is BACK, and I am so proud to present my episode with the extraordinarily talented singer, actress, and comedian Christine Pedi. With a career spanning three Broadway shows, a daily radio show on Sirius XM, long-running stints off-Broadway in two hit parody shows, several York Theater revivals, appearances on quite a few hit TV shows, and an ever-growing cabaret career, how could she not have stories to tell? Tune in to hear her talk about how she surprised her parents with her role in Chicago, the Forbidden Broadway skit that she suggested, the magic of Alvin Colt, the advice Jerry Herman gave her, getting compliments from Helen Gurley Brown, imitating Suze Orman to Suze Orman, the logistics of putting together a radio show, how Act One affected her Father, and what she hopes everyone will have learned from Covid. Plus: Angela Lansbury, Gerard Alessandrini, Rick Crom, Fran Weissler, and more!

Today, I am so happy to announce my interview with star of stage and screen Joyce Bulifant. On Saturday, October 8th, Joyce Bulifant will be performing her solo show, Remembering Helen Hayes with Love, in Rockland County. She will also be doing a conversation with Richard Skipper. You can find tickets to the event here:

https://www.nyackartsfestival.com/helen-hayes-memorial

And you can tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the upstaging techniques of Gypsy Rose Lee, how she got let go from The Brady Bunch, the hit movie that no one on the set was sure was funny, the directing style of Herman Shumlin, balancing dyslexia with a career in the arts, the magic of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the dance she taught Fred Astaire, how she got her part in The Happiest Millionaire, the process of writing her memoir, why Lillian Gish was like a “fairy godmother” to her, and so much more.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway veteran Betsy Joslyn. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including why she crossed her eyes while singing “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” in SWEENEY TODD, preparing to go on at the last minute in THE GOODBYE GIRL, the many changes that were made to A DOLL’S LIFE, how she ended up with the final bow in INTO THE WOODS, a treasured piece of art from her time in THE FANTASTICKS, why she decided to leave the business after LES MIS, the kindness of Stacy Keach during CAMELOT, what she learned from Bernadette Peters and Angela Lansbury, playing cards during HIGH SOCIETY, her one performance in A FEW GOOD MEN, why you should never be funnier than Mel Brooks, how she convinced George Hearn to star in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with one of Broadway’s best leading ladies. 

Today, I am so thrilled to announce my episode with Emmy Award Winner Sherman Yellen. On TV, his projects include Beauty and the Beast, An Early Frost, and The Adams Chronicles, and on stage he has written the book for Rex, The Rothschilds, and more. Tune in today to hear the many stories of his long career, including sitting under a piano with Marilyn Monroe, why he thought he caught tuberculosis from Harold Pinter, hiring Nicol Williamson, revising The Rothschilds, how he thinks theater has changed, his hit sketch for Oh, Calcutta!, analyzing Richard Rodgers, why he related to Sinclair Lewis, the antisemitism of Maureen O’Hara, why he thinks his newest plays are the best yet, and reflects on the world of opportunity in which he grew up. Mr. Yellen’s new book, Absent Friends, will be available soon.

Today, I am so thrilled to announce my episode with one of the theater’s most influential minds, the New York Times’s chief theater critic Jesse Green. Tune in today for an in-depth interview as Jesse discusses his varied career. Highlights include: working with Hal Prince on A Doll’s Life, why he decided to stop working on Broadway, his view of the role of a critic, covering the “Tear Beat,” the off-Broadway show this season he has been looking forward to, being begged by John Kander not to become a critic, the play he regrets reviewing, the exciting profile that fell apart, his hopes for the future of Broadway, his rule for standing ovations, his three-laugh-a-page rule for Shy, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this fascinating conversation.

Note: This interview was recorded in February 2023.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with Tony winning actress Celia Keenan- Bolger, who is currently starring in Mother Play at the Helen Hayes Theater. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including what it was like working with Sondheim on her first major job, her long journey with THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, how she got William FInn to write a song for her, how she made the transition between performing in musicals and plays, balancing being a mother with being an actress, what she learned from working with Bartlett Sher and his wife, the role she always wanted to play, the ins and outs of being nominated for a Tony, having Paula Vogel write a play for her, how THE GLASS MENAGERIE overcame her initial skepticism, the joy of performing in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with one of theater’s brightest lights.

Today, I am so happy to announce the release of my  interview with star of stage and screen,  Mrs. Anna herself, Constance Towers. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career including: the sage advice that John Wayne gave, the scene that George Abbott wouldn’t direct, why Yul Brynner insisted on brown dressing rooms, dealing with “The King” onstage and off, the song that was the hardest to memorize, the role that she turned down, the film director that would shoot off a gun to get attention, how she began her charitable organization Project Connie, why she didn’t think she was right for her role in Showboat, her relationship with Richard Rodgers, the role that she performed the most times, working with Lillian Gish, the genius of John Ford, and so much more.

54 Below: https://54below.com/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live/

This is the 2nd episode of the new podcast, Backstage Babble. Today, I sit down with Ken Bloom, Grammy-Award winner, acclaimed author of such books as Show and Tell and American Song Pts. 1 and 2, and creator and producer of several revues with Barry Kleinbort. I hope you all have as much fun listening to this conversation as I did having it! Remember to tune in on Monday when we are joined by Peter Filichia.

I am so happy to be joined for the latest installment in Backstage Babble’s Pride Month series by international musical theater star Tony Sheldon. His immense body of work in Australia including starring roles in productions of TORCH SONG TRILOGY, I HATE HAMLET, INTO THE WOODS, PRIVATE LIVES, FALSETTOS, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, COMPANY, THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG, NOISES OFF, ONCE IN A LIFETIME, and more. Today he talks about all of that and more in Part 1 of the in-depth conversation. Hear him talk about singing on TV at the age of 7, growing up with performing legends Toni Lamond (his mother) and Helen Reddy (his aunt), how he accidentally exposed the homophobia of a major casting agency, why it took a bomb scare to meet Harvey Fierstein, Cyd Charisse’s unexpected shortcoming, why The Producers was “a nightmare,” the basic history of Australian musical theater, plus stories about Yvonne DeCarlo, Bob Fosse, Mel Brooks, and more.

Today, I’m honored to announce the release of my interview with Broadway star Wanda Richert, who played Peggy Sawyer in the original production of 42nd Street. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her love story with Gower Champion, understudying Gwen Verdon, working with Michael Bennett on A Chorus Line, the challenges of playing Carla in Nine, the show that almost got her to return to New York, the experience of being a prodigy, her last Broadway performance, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this exclusive conversation!

Today, I am so happy to announce my episode with Tony-nominated director and actor Gabriel Barre. Gabriel Barre is the director of the December 12 performance YOUR OWN THING, which will benefit The Red Bull Theatre and feature an all-star cast including Santino Fontana and Lesli Margherita. You can find tickets to that here:

https://www.redbulltheater.com/your-own-thing

And meanwhile, tune in today to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the three-page letter he received from Hal Prince, why RAGS couldn’t succeed on Broadway, the art of performing as a mime, the inside story of THE WILD PARTY, the old-fashioned politeness of Eartha Kitt, why young writers are more reticent to cut material, the power of ALMOST, MAINE, the process of writing his new musical HERE YOU COME AGAIN, and so much more.

Today I am joined by Emmy-Winning choreographer Josh Bergasse. He worked on NBC's Smash, and his work has also been seen on Broadway in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, On The Town, Gigi, and more. He has also worked numerous times at City Center, Barrington Stage, and more.

Today, I am so excited to announce the first part of my celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Grease with it’s original director Tom Moore. In addition to Grease, Tom Moore’s Broadway credits include ‘Night, Mother, Over Here, and Frankenstein. If you want to hear even more about the creation of Grease, make sure to purchase the recently released book Grease, Tell Me More, Tell Me More: Stories from the Broadway Phenomenon That Started it All, coauthored by Tom Moore, Ken Waissman, and Adrienne Barbeau. You can find it here:

Purchase the Book

But first, tune in today to hear some of the stories of Tom’s amazing life and career, including: why Frankenstein never got its chance, the stars he thought were dead before he worked with them, his initial hesitance to accept Grease, the art to meeting with Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, why he wanted to revive Once in a Lifetime, the show he feels was the best work he ever did, the idea he never used for the film of ‘Night, Mother, the two shows he thinks weren’t right for Broadway, the perfect pairing of stars for Moon Over Buffalo, and so much more.

You won’t want to miss this masterclass in directing peppered with fantastic anecdotes.

Today, I am so happy to announce my new episode with Sam Pinkleton, movement director of the current Macbeth and choreographer of Amelie, Soft Power, and more. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his career, including why he chose not to be a performer, the unusual Macbeth rehearsal process, adding a dance break to Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, fighting his “musical theater demons” with Soft Power, the influence of Elizabeth Swados, creating a tango for Heisenberg, the changes he wants to see in the musical theater art form, and so much more.

Make sure to tune in today for an inspiring conversation with one of the people leading the charge to change the face of American theater.

Today, I’m so happy to announce the release of my episode with veteran actress Marylouise Burke, who is currently starring in Infinite Life in London after premiering it at the Atlantic Theater Company. Tune in to hear the stories of her legendary career, including her beginnings in a Pennsylvania steel town, how she decided to move to New York, attending a Nets game with Larry David, dealing with George C. Scott’s alcoholism, her close relationship with David Lindsay-Abaire, figuring out her costumes for Kimberly Akimbo, handling the pauses in Infinite Life, taking on a musical role with Into the Woods, and so much more. 

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony-winning director Michael Mayer, whose musical SWEPT AWAY is playing on Broadway through December 15th. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the process of bringing SWEPT AWAY to Broadway, how Howard Ashman inspired his revival of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, working with new faces on SPRING AWAKENING and AMERICAN IDIOT, how Giulietta Massina inspired his take on FUNNY GIRL, working with Charles Schulz on YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, directing MARNIE and GROUNDED at the Metropolitan Opera, the process of reviving ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER, a last-minute switch with UNCLE VANYA, working with Arthur Miller on AFTER THE FALL and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, his current work on GALILEO, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s best directors. 

NOTE: This interview was recorded in April 2022, so all mentions of time reflect that period.

Today, I am so happy to annnounce my interview with veteran actor Simon Jones, star of The   Real Thing, Trouble in Mind, Waiting in the Wings, The Gilded Age, and so many more shows. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his long career, including: a murderous slip-of-the-tongue by Angela Lansbury, the role that Lauren Bacall refused to play correctly, an ungracious invite from Joan Collins, his family connection to Daniel Craig, the rivalry between Rex Harrison and Claudette Colbert, how he knocked his teeth out during My Fair Lady, an alcoholic backstage ritual during Farinelli and the King, the young actor that Lawrence Olivier wanted to punch, the oddness of rehearsing with Nicol Williamson, a cryptic answer from Tom Stoppard, running the theater company TACT, the many reunions involved in The Gilded Age, his strange experience with Covid, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this episode with a delightfully funny gentleman of the theater.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with legendary lyricist Susan Birkenhead. Tune in to hear the stories of her great career, including how Shirley Bernstein introduced her to Mary Rodgers, the song of hers that was cut from WORKING, the Patti LaBelle-led project that led to JELLY’S LAST JAM, the show she gets recognized for the most, the hardest role to cast in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, how she became involved in BOOP, the lyric that Frank Sinatra loved, how Jule Styne became her mentor, the advice she got from Stephen Sondheim, workshopping the music of Cole Porter with Carolee Carmello, why she ultimately pulled out of FANNY HACKABOUT JONES, the musical she initiated, how she ended up in Lehman Engel’s workshop, adapting MOONSTRUCK, working with Cy Coleman on SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of theater’s most fascinating figures.

Today, I am so happy to announce the release of my episode with one of Broadway’s best living directors, the great James Lapine. Tune in today to hear him share some of the stories and wisdom of his legendary career, including what he wanted to fix about the original Into the Woods, why he chose to dramatize Act One, his influences in avant-garde theater, his collaboration with William Finn, what it’s been like to return with Flying Over Sunset, the unique take he had on Annie, collaborating with the late, great Stephen Sondheim, his advice to young directors, and more. You won’t want to miss this interview with a true master of the theatrical art form.

This is the first episode of Backstage Babble. Today I am joined by guest Harold Holzer of the Metropolitan Museum, Channel 13, and the 42nd Street Redevelopment Project. Tune in on Friday when I'm joined by Ken Bloom!

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony nominated actress Isabel Keating, who will be performing in my upcoming concert of the Katharine Hepburn musical COCO at 54 Below. You can find in-person and livestream tickets to that event at this link:

https://54below.org/events/54-sings-coco-by-alan-jay-lerner-and-andre-previn/

Tune in to hear some of the stories of Isabel’s legendary career, including what her research process was like playing Judy Garland in THE BOY FROM OZ, going on at the last minute in IT’S ONLY A PLAY, how she ended up taking over for Tyne Daly in last season’s revival of DOUBT, a full-circle moment with John Patrick Shanley, why Madame Morrible in WICKED is misunderstood, how her time in Europe influenced her theater career, making her Carnegie Hall debut with FOLLIES, the experience of processing her personal grief while starring in SPIDERMAN on Broadway, the many changes that were made to that musical, her experiences with the real-life QUEEN OF VERSAILLES, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this open conversation with one of Broadway’s best leading ladies.

Today, I am so excited to announce my episode with one of Broadway’s most influential figures, 38-time Tony nominated producer Daryl Roth. Currently, Daryl is producing Life of Pi on Broadway, which begins performances on March 9. Tune in today to hear some of the stores of her long career, including the play she produced that ended up being performed in medical schools, why raising money is her least favorite part of producing, how she converted a bank into a theater, why she chose not to take Edward Albee’s The Goat out of town, the process of reuniting the original cast of How I Learned to Drive, why London is a good breeding ground for Broadway transfers, opening theater up post-pandemic with Blindness, the famous actress who insisted on being barefoot on stage, and so much more.

Today, I am honored to welcome legendary artist and illustrator Hilary Knight to the podcast. Tune in to hear about designing a costume for Elaine Stritch, why he had to fly to Rome for Kay Thompson, the children’s book series he didn’t enjoy working on, his three exotic influences, where the design for Eloise really came from, painting a mural for Tommy Hilfiger, Eloise’s real life room at the Plaza, plus stories about George Abbott, Irene Sharaff, Andy Warhol, and more.

Today, I am honored to be able to present my interview with the legendary Tom Jones, author of The Fantasticks, 110 In The Shade, I Do, I Do, Philemon, Celebration, and more!

Listen to hear about a David Merrick joke, Mary Martin's last project, Diana Rigg's "vulnerability," his ideas for theater today to make it less costly and more true to form, an unlikely basis for a musical (A book of Mesopotamian rituals!) and more.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with legendary comedian and Broadway performer Rita Rudner. Tune in to hear her talk about all the facets of her career, including learning wings for Gower Champion, the show she calls “the first feel-bad musical,” the advantages of working with her husband, the difficult transition from musical theater into comedy, why she doesn’t do topical material, the ins and outs of making jokes about your family, why Bob Fosse would never hire her, how she almost did a musical with Gary Beach, running into Robert Morse at Starbucks, adapting her novel into a play, the ageism she’s faced in the comedy business, why she was never in A Chorus Line, the word she’s removed from her act, forming a close friendship during Follies, the skills she learned in The Magic Show, opening a new theater with So Long, 174th Street, and so much more.

Today is PART 1 of my interview with theater legend Penny Fuller. Penny Fuller has starred in Applause, Rex, Barefoot in the Park, Cabaret, Dividing the Estate, A New Brain, and most recently Anastasia. She did her acclaimed solo turn in 13 Things About Ed Carpolotti. She is also an Emmy Winer for her performance in The Elephant Man, and recently has been performing in Sunday in the Park With George and in cabarets across the country alongside Anita Gillette in the show Sin Twisters. I hope you enjoy hearing about the first half of Ms. Fuller’s life in the theater. And I hope that it leaves you wanting more!

Today, I am so thrilled to announce my episode with Tony-winning librettist Robert Horn, currently the author of Broadway’s funniest hit Shucked and the Disney adaptation Hercules, now playing at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Tune in today for a deep dive into the history of Shucked, plus stories about a surprise phone call from Bette Midler, comiing in on the musical 13 out of town, the challenges of adapting Tootsie during the #MeToo movement, taking over the TV series Designing Women, three favorite pilots of his that didn’t get picked up, how he almost adapted Funny Girl, being mentored by Thomas Schumacher and Bob Boyett, his many new projects, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this masterclass from one of Broadway’s funniest people!

I am so happy to be joined today by the amazing dancer, choreographer, actor, and producer Lawrence Leritz. With the amount of varied and prestigious projects he has been a part of, it’s no wonder that our conversation turned into two parts! Tune in today to discuss the movie that Bob Fosse got him, his brief involvement with the American Dance Machine, Alvin Ailey’s wild lifestyle, yawning in front of Alexandra Danilova, the problem with the Uris/Gershwin Theater, getting picked from a dance class by Sir Frederick Ashton, bonding with Tommy Tune, and more!

It's the second half of my interview with Charles Busch! Listen to hear about his career from Flipping My Wig all the way up to his amazing virtual readings.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Sara Gettelfinger, who is currently returning to Broadway after a 10-year hiatus to star as Barbara in Water for Elephants. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how her persistence got her into CCM, why Michele Pawk was an early hero of hers, rehearsing with Gwen Verdon, a special audition for Jack O’Brien, working with Jerry Zaks on The Addams Family, the shows she’d like to see done at Encores!, the importance of Rick Elice’s work in her return to acting, the thrills and challenges of working with George C. Wolfe, how she created the character of Little Edie Beale, the process of being let go from Grey Gardens, and so much more. She also shares the moving and inspiring details of her hard-won journey back to Broadway. You won’t want to miss this intimate conversation with one of Broadway’s best.

Today I am joined by Broadway legend Anita Gillette. Anita Gillette is a Tony-nominated Broadway veteran who has appeared in All American, Jimmy, Cabaret, Kelly, Chapter Two, Don’t Drink the Water, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Carnival, and more. She made a big splash with the song “The Secret Service” in Mr. President, and was awarded a Theater World for Russell Patterson’s Sketchbook. Her equally long and lauded movie career has spanned such illustrious projects as 30 Rock, Moonstruck, and Quincy, M.E. I hope everyone enjoys this episode! I know I did!

Today, I am thrilled to announce my episode with the great Paulo Szot, who is currently starring as Lance DuBois in Broadway’s smash hit & Juliet—a joyous show which I highly recommend! Tune in today to hear Paulo tell some of the stories of his fantastic career in the opera and Broadway worlds: growing up in Brazil in a family that encouraged the arts over all else, the musical movie that inspired him, working with Luciano Pavarotti, the challenge of singing in modern operas, the ways that he keeps up his voice during a long run, what he brought to his South Pacific audition, the experience of re-opening Broadway with Chicago, what Erika Jayne brought to the role of Roxie, bringing his classical training to theater and pop scores, and of course the saga of & Juliet! You won’t want to miss this candid conversation with one of Broadway’s best voices!

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with veteran actor Richard Topol, who is starring in Our Class at BAM through February 4th. Tune in to hear fascinating stories, including: how he almost went on for Al Pacino, what it was like acting with Larry David, how he got Covid at a theater in March 2020, a mask mishap during PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, the power of Larry Kramer’s JUST SAY NO, working on THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL with Tony Randall, the loyalty of Denzel Washington, the Rubik’s Cube of INDECENT, and so much more.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with theater veteran Michael Berresse. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including his brief moment being directed by Jerome Robbins during FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the process of bringing TITLE OF SHOW to Broadway, creating his version of “Bianca” in KISS ME, KATE, understudying the lead role in DAMN YANKEES, bringing Bob Mackie to the stage in THE CHER SHOW, how he became artistic director of The Weston Playhouse, staging a revival of THE GOLDEN APPLE at Encores!, his onstage accident during BUSKER ALLEY, the isolation of playing Zach in A CHORUS LINE, auditioning for Ann Reinking for CHICAGO, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s best actors and directors.

Today, I am so happy to announce my episode with my  second guest this week to have starred in the original cast of Company: its original Sarah, Barbara Barrie, whose other credits include The Prisoner of Second Avenue, Torch Song Trilogy, and Signficant Other. Tune in to hear some of the fascinating stories of her long career, including the battle she had with Hal Prince and Equity over Original Cast Album: Company, the part she turned down but later got to replace as, the Neil Simon show in which she felt her part was undeveloped, the challenges of balancing motherhood and acting, the difference between Art Carney and Hector Elizondo as co-stars, how she landed her Broadway debut, the differences between starring on stage and screen, the “total disaster” that was The Selling of the President, how she almost got held in a mental asylum while researching a part, acting with Tony Randall on The Odd Couple: Together Again, working with Barbara Baxley on A Little Night Music, what would make her come back to Broadway now, and so much more.

You won’t want to miss this fascinating look into the Golden Age of Broadway with one of its most skilled actresses.

Today, I am so happy to announce my episode with  legendary Broadway dancer and  choreographer Baayork Lee, whose credits include A Chorus Line, My One and Only, The King and I, Flower Drum Song, and more. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her life and career, including the song for her and Ronald Dennis that was cut from A Chorus Line, the Broadway directing job she turned down, the process of saving Seesaw, being a dancing amoeba in Henry, Sweet Henry, befriending stage hands at 5 years old, founding the National Asian Artists Project, meeting Tommy Tune on A Joyful Noise, how Michael Bennett met John Raitt, and so much more.

Make sure to tune in for an entertaining and informative conversation with one of Broadway’s greats.

Today, I’m so excited to announce the release of an exclusive, in-depth career interview with two-time Tony nominee Leland Palmer. Tune in today to hear the fascinating stories of Leland’s career, including why Bob Fosse dubbed her his “Yellow Towel Lady,” participating in the recent Pippin concert at 54 Below, the gift she got from Lauren Bacall, two hilarious onstage mishaps, her unique audition for Bajour, the actress she emulated in All That Jazz, the challenge of playing Minnie Fay, the difficulty of working with Donald Driver, how she feels about fictional portrayals of Bob Fosse, why A Chorus Line led her to take a break from theater, her decision to live away from New York, the importance of living in the present, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this fascinating talk with a theatrical legend.

Today, I am thrilled to announce my episode with star of stage and screen Annie Golden. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including being discovered by Milos Forman at CBGB’s, how Marc Shaiman played her HAIR audition, why LEADER OF THE PACK didn’t work on Broadway, how her role in ASSASSINS was inspired by Kate Bush, learning from Colleen Dewhurst during AH, WILDERNESS!, rehearsing with Kathleen Freeman for THE FULL MONTY, recording demos for HAIRSPRAY, being directed by Howard Ashman in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, workshopping BROADWAY BOUNTY HUNTER at the West Bank Cafe, performing with Veanne Cox in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CLASS OF ’86, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a theater veteran. 

Today, I am so excited to announce my interview with  four-time Tony winner Tovah Feldshuh, who is currently starring opposite Lea Michele as Rosie Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including what her research process was like for her current role, the classic sitcom that she turned down, the time she was compared to Elizabeth Taylor, why Lea Michele is perfect for “the most extraordinary female role in musical theater history,” the advice she got from Sam Levene, the irony of Rodgers & Hart, the great actress who officiated her wedding, the song that Comden and Green wrote for her, the George Bernard Shaw play she’d like to star in, and what the process was like of penning her successful memoir Lilyville. Plus, she shares her Tallulah Bankhead impression!

You won’t want to miss this fascinating and fun conversation with one of Broadway’s brightest lights.

Today I sit down with the many employees of the piano bar Marie's Crisis! Hear them talk about memorable nights, how they've adapted to virtual entertainment, and what is the future for them to come back in person.

Featuring: Alex Barylski, Dan Daly, Kenney M. Green, Maddie McClouskey, James Merillat, and Drew Wutke

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony winner Jonathan Groff, who is currently starring as Bobby Darin in JUST IN TIME. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary carer, including why he never felt ownership over the role of King George in HAMILTON, what he learned from his experiences with fans during SPRING AWAKENING, why MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG is a love story, why he turned down the role of Finn on GLEE and HAIR on Broadway, his lack of formal training as a singer, working with Olympia Dukakis on THE SINGING FOREST, why he chose THE SOUND OF MUSIC tour over going to college, the serendipity of starring in A NEW BRAIN at Encores!, how Gavin Creel inspired him to publicly come out, what he learned from getting bad reviews for THE BACCHAE, working with Larry Kramer on the film of THE NORMAL HEART, JUST IN TIME’s journey from the 92nd Street Y to Broadway, and so much more. Don’t miss this honest conversation with a true Broadway star.

Today, I’m so excited to announce my interview with legendary actress Cherry Jones. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her distinguished career, including how Andrei Serban taught her how to act, why Colleen Dewhurst was her biggest inspiration, witnessing the difficult relationship between Glenda Jackson and Zoe Caldwell on Macbeth, her theories about the plot of Doubt, the process of flying as the title character in Angels in America, the celebration she planned for the closing night of her first Broadway show, why Major Barbara was an easier role to do, the two plays from last season that she liked the most, why she relies heavily on directors, and so much more.

Today I am honored to be joined once again by veteran press agent Susan L. Schulman. Tune in to hear her talk about making Richard Dreyfuss jealous, saving an interview with Mary Martin, her suspicions about David Merrick, the workshop process of Angels in America, the odd role of press agents at the Tonys, and more. 

Buy her book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DLQT9V/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with veteran of Broadway, West End, and Australian stages, who is currently starring as Lottie Gee in All Roads Theatre’s production of Mack and Mabel. Tickets to that production are available here: https://allroadstheatreco.org/ Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her many experiences with Mack and Mabel, auditioning for Baz Luhrmann, a special call from Hal Prince, making her Broadway debut with Chicago at the same time the movie came out, singing as Ethel Merman for Kevin Kline, the note she got from Stephen Sondheim, playing both starring roles in The Rink, why she relates to the play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, the art of playing Fanny Brice and not Barbra Streisand, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this fun-filled conversation!

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with one of theater’s most brilliant directors, Daisy Prince. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how she first met Jason Robert Brown at a piano bar, the way in which Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince were opposite sides of a coin, the day that THE LAST FIVE YEARS was performed in chronological order, meeting her husband during THE PETRIFIED PRINCE, why she wasn’t shocked by the closing of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, how a Yoko Ono musical led to SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, the mentorship she has received from Paula Vogel, Richard Maltby, Jr., and other great theater artists, how she came up with the idea for THE CONNECTOR, casting Ben Levi Ross and Hannah Cruz in starring roles, the rewards of staging a period piece, and so much more, including a heartfelt tribute to Gavin Creel given on the day of his tragic passing. You won’t want to miss this conversation with a theater artist whose legacy has spanned generations. 

Today, I am so happy to announce Part 2 of my episode with Broadway actress Beth Fowler, star of Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, The Boy From Oz, and more. Tune in today to hear more of the amazing stories of her career, including what it was like working with Whoopi Goldberg, her New York Times review for Inherit the Wind, the mistake with the revival of Bells are Ringing, her collaboration with Bob Gunton, why Take Me Along shouldn't have come to Broadway, plus anecdotes about Hugh Jackman, Jerry Zaks, Faith Prince, and more. 

Today, I am so honored to announce my interview with  Jennifer Ashley Tepper, who has been  Creative and Programming Director of 54 Below since 2013. Today, she’s here to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the legendary cabaret room. On May 2nd, you can see a fabulous celebration called Ten Years of Musical Theater History at 54 Below:

Tickets Here

Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including presenting the premiere of A Strange Loop, choosing concerts to present virtually, which Broadway stars she’d love to have perform there, creating the schedule, setting prices for shows, having the Real Housewives film there, the difference between 7 and 9:30 PM programming, how the club has changed over the years, what it’s like marketing a 54 Below show, finding the line between fan and producer, and so much more.

For the penultimate installment in Backstage Babble’s Pride Month, I could not be more thrilled to welcome the amazing Steven Brinberg. As the premiere Barbra Streisand impersonator, he has performed in such venues as the Kennedy Center and Avery Fisher Hall, plus on Broadway with the concert of Funny Girl. Today, he joins me to tell some of the stories of his amazing career: how he edited Terrence McNally, making quips and eating ice cream with Marvin Hamlisch, competing offers from Barbra and Bette, a disappointing appearance with Rosie O’Donnell, writing a song with Stephen Sondheim, how Barbra sometimes takes his suggestions, what his dream show would be (hint: in Las Vegas, and directed by the lady herself!), and what makes Barbra a gay icon. Plus: Diana Rigg, Lainie Kazan, Jerry Springer, and more!

Today, I am so honored to announce my episode with Pulitzer Prize Winner Alfred Uhry. Alfred Uhry recently enjoyed great success with a revival of his musical Parade at Encores!, and he joins me today for a conversation about his legendary career, including what it was like being mentored by Frank Loesser, how he met Terrence McNally through John Steinbeck, when John Houseman introduced him to Patti LuPone, how figures from his childhood reacted to characters based on themselves, the art to writing a screenplay, why he admires A Strange Loop and Hamilton, the process of casting Driving Miss Daisy, why Alex Timbers is a brilliant director, the play that was about his parents, why Parade is relevant today, the dance piece that required a lot of research, and so much more.

A Note: This interview was recorded in April 2022, so all viewpoints reflect that time.

Today, I am so honored to announce my episode with Robert Viagas, author of Good Morning, Olive: Haunted Theatres of Broadway and Beyond, available here:

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Olive-Theatres-Broadway/dp/1493064533/ref=asc_df_1493064533/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564758369972&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4273849164588888770&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9067609&hvtargid=pla-1636952550220&psc=1

You can go back and hear my full interview with Robert from June 2021, but today, he joins me for a late Halloween celebration to talk about theater’s many ghosts! You won’t want to miss this fun-filled and spooky conversation.

I am so happy to announce Part 2 of my episode with Broadway legend Brandon Maggart. He discusses the second half of his amazing career with me, including: how he almost missed a performance of Lorelei, the machinations of Carol Channing, the reason One Night Stand didn’t play well to audiences, the most touching audience response he ever received, how a nightclub performance led to Sesame Street, the TV show he almost originated (hint: it happens every Saturday night), playing a trick on Howard Keel, and the Broadway show he contributed to. He also opens up about his struggle with addiction and the loss of his daughter. Brandon is inspiring, thoughtful, funny, wise—-truly one of a kind. You can’t miss this!

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with star of stage and screen Allan Corduner, who just finished a run as Hume Cronyn in THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE on the West End. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including crawling on the floor with Barbra Streisand, the unique process of working with Mike Leigh on TOPSY TURVY, how a coffee with Bartlett Sher led to MY FAIR LADY, dealing with technical issues during TITANIC, the antisemitism he faced in the British entertainment world, working with Joseph Papp on SERIOUS MONEY, the actor who died during the table read of YENTL, why he was more impressed by John Gielgud than Laurence Olivier, working with Mike Ockrent on his theater debut, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of our most charming and delightful stars.

Today, I’m so excited to announce my interview with three-time Tony nominee Terrence Mann. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including a private notes session with Jerome Robbins, where he drew inspiration from for the Rum Tum Tugger, the audience response at The Rocky Horror Picture Show, making his Broadway debut two weeks after moving to New York, the challenges of filming A Chorus Line, the subtext Stephen Sondheim gave him about Assassins, the biblical connotations of Les Miserables, taking inspiration from a Pepperidge Farm commercial, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth interview with a true Broadway star.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Samuel D. Hunter, whose play GRANGEVILLE is currently playing at the Signature Theater with Paul Sparks and Brian J. Smith. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how his experiences teaching expository writing led to THE WHALE, working with Darren Aronofsky on adapting the play into a film, the pushback he received for writing about conversion therapy in A GREAT WILDERNESS, dealing with pathology onstage, how GREATER CLEMENTS was his take on a Trump play, premiering LEWISTON/CLARKSTON as separate plays, writing for TV with BASKETS, his religious upbringing, the mentors who influenced his work, reviving A BRIGHT NEW BOISE in 2023, the economic realities of writing for the theater, how he decided to rewrite THE FEW, developing THE HEALING for a cast of disabled actors, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of American theater’s best writers.

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with Maryann Plunkett, who is currently starring as Older Allie in Broadway’s The Notebook. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the significance of the first line she said on a Broadway stage, performing on the night of the 2016 election, her numerous costars in Sunday in the Park with George, the power of Me and My Girl, how she met her husband Jay O. Sanders and the play she’d love to do with him, the joy of performing in rep at National Actors’ Theater, how acting cured her shyness, early stages of Zoom theater, an upcoming play with Marie Mullen, the new take on Macbeth she workshopped, what singing means to her character in The Notebook, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with a veteran actress.

As Backstage Babble approaches it’s year anniversary, I will be airing some of the episodes that best exemplify what I have been trying to do with this podcast. And certainly my conversation with the legendary Alan Bergman fits in that category. At 95, he was able to offer incredible wisdom and stories that are a must-hear for younger generations. He shares the secret to movie scoring, how Fred Astaire made an exception for him, Frank Sinatra’s nickname for him, the unusual prompt that led him to “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?,” which comes first: the lyrics or the music, the secret to his long-lasting partnership with his wife, Marilyn Bergman, how the idea for Something More! Came about, his musical influences growing up, and the two books every young songwriter must read. Plus: Norman Lear, Barbra Streisand, Michel LeGrand, and more!

I’m honored to announce my interview with Tony nominee Mark Jacoby, who is currently starring as Neil Diamond-Now in A Beautiful Noise. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the advice Bob Fosse gave him, the joys of singing with Rebecca Luker, his and John Doyle’s unique interpretation of Judge Turpin, his long experience with The Visit, how playing the phantom atrophied his voice, working with Neil Diamond, and so much more.

Today I could not be more honored to say "Ugg-A-Wugg" to the original Tiger Lily, Sondra Lee. This episode was a pure joy from start to finish. Ms. Lee is so warm and gracious that I hope you will all join me in wishing her a Happy Birthday today, September 30th! And as a birthday present her and yourself, listen to this episode.

Today, I’m so honored to announce my episode with Broadway actress D’Jamin Bartlett, who will be performing “The Miller’s Son” at Backstage Babble Live on July 17. Tune in today to this interview from July 2022 to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including coming in out of town on A Little Night Music, auditioning for Stephen Sondheim, raising children as an actress, being upstaged by Liza Minelli, how she settled on her stage name, the role she regrets turning down, almost appearing in Billy Elliot, and so much more.

This is Part 1 of my exhaustive interview with drag legend, actor, performer, and playwright Charles Busch. He is the author of Tale of the Allergists’ Wife, Times Square Angel. Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, Red Scare on Sunset, and most recently, The Confession of Lily Dare. He is also the author of the book to Boy George’s Taboo, as well as the writer of the novel Whores of Lost Atlantis. He is a Tony Award Nominee and 2 time Mac Award Winner for his cabarets that he performs around the country with Tom Judson. This episode was an honor for me to record, and I hope that you'll enjoy the inside scoop on the first half of his career.

Today is a new kind of episode on Backstage Babble-a book launch! I sit down with respected scholars Ken Bloom and Richard Carlin to talk about their brilliant new biography, Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race. They talk about Sissle's many affairs, what made him the "living, breathing symbol of ragtime's vitality," the recent revival of Shuffle Along, and more.

To buy the book, click here. https://www.amazon.com/Eubie-Blake-Rags-Rhythm-Race/dp/0190635932/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=eubie+blake&qid=1598109524&sr=8-2.

Today, I am honored to be joined once again by the luminous Christine Andreas. In Part 2 of our conversation, she discusses her much-lauded cabaret career as well as her stage performances in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Fields of Ambrosia, La Cage Aux Folles, and more. Hear her talk about collaborating with Frank Wildhorn, overestimating the British, sharing a dressing room with Veanne Cox, embodying Judy Garland, how she crafts a cabaret show, the meaning behind “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” plus stories about Terrence Mann, Kelsey Grammer, and her husband Martin Silvestri.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with one of musical theater’s fastest-rising stars, Anna Zavelson, who is currently starring in Broadway’s THE NOTEBOOK. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her fantastic career, including collaborating with her fellow Allies Maryann Plunkett and Aisha Jackson, working with Michael Greif and Schele Williams to find her unique take on the role, her audition process for THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at Encores!, the challenges and rewards of staying in school while performing in New York, putting together her solo show, her two thwarted attempts at starring in SPELLING BEE, her lasting friendship with Andrea Burns, the ins and outs of performing in the Jimmy Awards, her dream jukebox musicals, the secret weapon she uses for an eight-show week, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this chat with one of Broadway’s best! 

Today, I am so happy to announce my interview with Steven Skybell, most recently the star of the enormously popular Fiddler Afn Dakh at New World Stages. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his great career, including what he learned from Jason Robards and Colleen Dewhurst, why Tevye is similar to Shakespearean roles, Bartlett Sher’s unique approach to the character of Lazar Wolf, working with Joseph Papp on Cafe Crown, how his role in the film The Cradle Will Rock got expanded, why Joel Grey’s acting experience makes him a great director, working with Julie Taymor, the show he turned down, and so much more.

I’m so happy to announce the release of my episode with theater writer Douglas J. Cohen, whose book How to Survive a Killer Musical just came out, and can be purchased at this link:

Buy Here

A studio recording of his musical The Big Time, starring Jackie Hoffman and Santino Fontana, is also out now. Tune in today to hear him tell the stories of his life and career, including his friendship with Frank Gilroy, adapting No Way to Treat a Lady for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the directors he’d like to collaborate with, receiving advice from Charles Strouse and Jule Styne, adapting the story of Rudolph Valentino into a musical, how No Way to Treat a Lady almost reached Broadway, his experiences teaching and mentoring, and more. You won’t want to miss this fascinating book and conversation.

Today, I am honored to be joined by Richard Seff, actor, agent, director, writer, critic, and interviewer. 

Tune in to hear him talk about his involvements with the original productions of My Fair Lady, the movie of Cabaret, why he got paid for Hello, Dolly, standing in the back of the house with Donald Trump, why Brooks Atkinson's departure hurt his show, how his acting career has formed his perspective as a critic, why Elaine Stritch was a difficult client, and more!

I am so excited to announce my episode today with a true man of the theater, the great Austin Pendleton. With countless legendary stage and screen credits including Fiddler on the Roof, The Little Foxes, My Cousin Vinny, and others, Austin has achieved fame as an actor, singer, playwright, director, teacher, and more. He’s very much still part of the theater community, and you can go see him now in The Dark Outside at the Theater for the New City:

The Dark Outside

Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including why Barbara Harris didn’t want to be a star, a frank conversation with Jerome Robbins, what it was like being friends with Lillian Hellman, how Fiddler on the Roof almost closed in Detroit, his long partnership with Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford, the role he asked Mike Nichols to play, directing his mother in The Glass Menagerie, conversations with Otto Preminger, and so many more.

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with legendary Broadway and ballet choreographer Lar Lubovitch. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how he got involved in the musical theater world, founding his own dance company, Stephen Sondheim’s resistance to too much movement in Into the Woods, why Stanley Donen’s vision for The Red Shoes was unsuccessful, how standards of behavior have changed in the dance world, the story behind his dance piece Men’s Stories, choreographing the Dance of the Seven Veils, creating a darker Oklahoma with Christopher Renshaw, developing The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Germany, and so much more.

Today, I am thrilled to announce my episode with the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Auburn, whose play Summer, 1976 is currently running at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater on Broadway. Tune in to hear some of the stories of David’s career, including the method of putting replacement casts into Proof, the play idea he abandoned about Harry Houdini, the original intention for Summer, 1976, working with John Lithgow, his research process, what it was like editing Tick…Tick…BOOM! for the stage, adapting the play The New York Idea for the modern day, his new adaptation of The Wild Duck (which is about to be read at Classic Stage Company), and more. You won’t want to miss this conversation.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with one of stage and screen’s funniest comedians, Lea DeLaria. You can buy tickets to her “Brunch is Gay” series at 54 Below at this link: https://54below.org/events/lea-delaria-brunch-is-gay-2/ 

Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how she made everyone break during POTUS, winning over Adolph Green at her ON THE TOWN audition, a memorable ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW stage door encounter, going solo in HAPPY DAYS, her friendship with Elaine Stritch, the joy of working with Gavin Creel on PROMETHEUS BOUND, being the first openly gay comedian on TV, her journey to playing “Big Boo” on ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, developing SOME LIKE IT HOT and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, starring in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS in California, why she thinks LIL’ ABNER should be revived, sharing a special moment with Austin Pendleton during NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, and the current Broadway show she would love to star in. You won’t want to miss this honest and hilarious conversation with a beloved star.

Today, I’m thriilled to announce my episode with one of Broadway’s best directors, Kenny Leon, who’s producttion of Purlie Victorious began previews this week. Tune in today to hear him discuss his process and career, including his collaboration with Adrienne Kennedy in Ohio State Murders, his upcoming projects Our Town and The Help, the project he feels should’ve transferred to Broadway, what he learned about visual storytelling during Children of a Lesser God, why he felt it was important to join the producing team of Some Like it Hot, his process when he first receives a play, his conversations with August Wilson, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this masterclass in directing.

Today, I am so happy to announce my interview with star of stage and screen Michael Urie. Tune in for a funny, fascinating conversation about his varied career, including the type of work he wanted to do coming out of college, being on stage when Patti LuPone took an audience member’s cellphone, the genius of Jane Alexander and Mercedes Ruehl, how he won, lost, and won the role of Bud Frump, reading a gay Company for Stephen Sondheim, auditioning for Harvey Fierstein, coming back from Covid with Chicken and Biscuits, smart advice from Tony Kushner and Jerry Zaks, being out in Hollywood, how he almost did Avenue Q, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview.

Today, I’m thrilled to present my interview with star of stage and screen Mario Cantone. Tune in to hear the stories of his legendary stage career, including how a phone call with Joe Mantello led to ASSASSINS, an early audition for TORCH SONG TRILOGY, when he almost co-starred with Pamela Adlon in THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE, why he turned down THE PRODUCERS and THE LION KING, his struggle to find the comedy in THE TEMPEST, how a birthday party performance led to his Broadway solo show LAUGH WHORE, why a good impressionist is like a caricaturist, his friendships with Dorothy Loudon and Fred Ebb during OVER AND OVER, talking about Joan Crawford with Stephen Sondheim, developing BLISS out of town, the audition he walked out of, how AND JUST LIKE THAT has changed his life, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of the funniest men in show business.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the kickoff of Backstage Babble’s “Week of Wine and Roses” with legendary composer and lyricist Adam Guettel. Tune in to hear some of the stories and insights of his great career, including why THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA needed a romantic sound, advice he got from Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents, why the greatest work exists on the edge of competence, why he doesn’t like to look too much at the source material for the musicals he writes, his on-the-ground research for FLOYD COLLINS, his collaboration with William Goldman, the process of casting Victoria Clark as Margaret Johnson, working with Jamie Lawrence on orchestrating DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, and so much more. This episode is a masterclass in musical theater writing from the best there is!

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with distinguished playwright and libretttist David Henry Hwang. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including being discovered by Joseph Papp, training with Sam Shepard, reading M. Butterfly with John Dexter, collaborating with Philip Glass, revising the book for Aida, why Face Value couldn’t achieve success on Broadway, the advice he got on what makes a Broadway play, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of the greatest minds in theater.

Today, I’m thrilled to present my episode with triple threat Stephanie Pope. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her fantastic career, including her long collaboration with Bob Fosse, from her first audition for SWEET CHARITY to her conversations with him on the day that he died, why she was hounded by press during THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, what made her decide to recreate her role in JELLY’S LAST JAM, doing research for her role in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, going on at the last minute for Patina Miller in PIPPIN, how the pandemic led her to start directing, premiering SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE in London, going on the road with her daughter in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, announcing Gwen Verdon’s death from the stage during FOSSE, studying dance while attending high school, standing by for Chita Rivera in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, how she aimed to leave the door open for fellow Black performers, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of Broadway’s most talented stars.