The legendary book writer of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and THE BAKER’S WIFE, Joseph Stein, shares his writing process and his insights into what contributes to a good book of a musical. Together with Elisa Loti and Jeff Keller, Stein reads scenes from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and ZORBA, discusses the challenging task of adapting existing work into musical form, and explains the importance of establishing the main character on the Broadway stage. He also relates his experiences crafting the librettos for PLAIN AND FANCY, MR. WONDERFUL, JUNO, and TAKE ME ALONG.

Featured songs: “Plain We Live,” “This Is All Very New To Me,” “Mr. Wonderful,” “Without You, I’m Nothing,” “Daarlin’ Man,” “Take Me Along,” “Tradition,” “Do You Love Me?” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “The First Time.”

Originally produced and broadcast in 1986. For more information go to AnythingGoesPL.com or BPN.FM/AnythingGoes. Theme music arranged by Bruce Coughlin. Sound mixing by David Rapkin. Associate producer Jeff Lunden. Anything Goes – Backstage with Broadway’s Best – is produced and hosted by Paul Lazarus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices