Backstage Pass is a special mini-series from Broadway Breakdown that pulls back the curtain on how a show actually gets made. Across the series, we follow the Off-Broadway premiere of Marcel on the Train—from early conversations and creative development to opening night—through candid conversations with the artists and producers bringing it to life.

The GuestThis episode features producer Jill Rafson, the Producing Artistic Director of Classic Stage Company. Jill discusses the journey of premiering Marcel on the Train, how the piece found its home at CSC, and what it takes to shepherd a new theatrical work from idea to production in today’s Off-Broadway ecosystem.

Important LinkClassic Stage Company: About

Time Stamps01:49 – Meet Jill Rafson and her role at Classic Stage Company06:15 – The process of evaluating and developing a new work for production09:57 – The themes and theatrical language of Marcel on the Train12:56 – Producing new work Off-Broadway: risks, resources, and artistic priorities16:55 – The timeline from early conversations to putting the show on stage17:36 – Balancing artistic ambition with the realities of producing20:14 – What excites Jill most about audiences encountering Marcel on the Train21:26 – Looking ahead: what’s next for the show and for the Backstage Pass series

Listener Question

* As the series continues, what parts of the journey—from rehearsal to opening—are you most excited to hear about next?

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