BroadwayRadio

The Stagecraft podcast is hosted by Jan Simpson. It is a series of interviews with playwrights (and musical book writers) of shows opening on Broadway and off-Broadway.

Guest: JIRÉH BREON HOLDER (Playwright) is the Playwriting Fellow of the Department of Theater and Creative Writing at Emory University. He is an Atlanta area playwright whose sharp and political plays frequently address the magic of everyday life in the South. In 2016, he received his MFA in Playwriting from the Yale School of Drama and co-founded Pyramid Theatre Company in Des Moines, Iowa. From 2012-13, he served as the Kenny Leon Fellow at the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre. He graduated from Morehouse College where he served as the artistic director of Spelman College Playwrights’ Workshop. His plays have received productions at the Alliance Theatre, Yale School of Drama and Yale Cabaret. He has received readings at Manhattan Theatre Club, the Kennedy Center, and the Old Globe Theatre. He is currently under commission with Roundabout Theatre Company, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Out of Hand Theater.

Host: Jan Simpson | [email protected] | Facebook | Twitter

Broadway & Me

JAN SIMPSON is the Director of the Arts and Culture Journalism program at CUNY’s Graduate School of Journalism, and also writes for TDF Stages, American Theater and has her own blog at Broadway & Me.

Listen: Lincoln Center Finally Announces the “My Fair Lady” Stars, “Moulin Rouge!” Finds its All-Star Creative Team, and Will The Boss Be Tony-Eligible?

“Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day.

Any and all feedback is appreciated: [email protected] (James Marino) or [email protected] (Matt Tamanini)

BroadwayRadio on Twitter | Facebook

Notes:

Lin-Manuel Miranda Got Help from Sondheim for his Benefit Song “Almost Like Praying”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lin-Manuel-Miranda-Gets-a-Hand-from-Stephen-Sondheim-for-Song-for-Puerto-Rico-Title-Revealed-20171005

1) Lincoln Center Finally Announces “My Fair Lady” Cast

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-Casting-Announced-for-MY-FAIR-LADY-at-Lincoln-Center-Ambrose-Hadden-Paton-Butz-Rigg-to-Star-20171005

2) Show and Casting News

“Moulin Rouge!” Musical Finds A-List Creative Team

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sonya-Tayeh-Derek-McLane-Catherine-Zuber-More-Join-Creative-Team-of-MOULIN-ROUGE-Musical-20171005

“The Royal Family of Broadway” Will Finally Get a World Premiere

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/THE-ROYAL-FAMILY-OF-BROADWAY-to-Premiere-at-Barrington-Stage-Company-June-2018-20171005

NBA Executive to Produce New Musical

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/sports/basketball/daryl-morey-rockets-small-ball.html?_r=0

Bryan Fuller Wants Tim Minchin to Make a Musical of “Pushing Daisies”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Bryan-Fuller-Wants-Tim-Minchin-to-Write-PUSHING-DAISIES-Musical-20171005

3) Will The Boss be Tony-Eligible?

http://variety.com/2017/legit/news/springsteen-on-broadway-tony-awards-eligibility-1202581393/

4) Recommendations

NPR’s “Code Switch” Looks at “KPOP”

http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/10/05/554738860/a-new-musical-and-its-audience-grapple-with-asian-identity-through-k-pop

Tina Fey Visits “KPOP”

https://twitter.com/ashleyparklady/status/916037935815958529

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Skeeter Street”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-SWEENEY-TODD-Gets-a-Muppet-Makeover-with-Kermit-Friends-20171005

5) Kaitlin Milligan’s “Off the Stage”

Listen: Queen Lesli to be Cindy Lou in Delayed “Who’s Holiday,” Lin-Manuel Miranda Announces Puerto Rico Track Performers, and this Week’s Theatre Throwback!

“Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day.

Any and all feedback is appreciated: [email protected] (James Marino) or [email protected] (Matt Tamanini)

BroadwayRadio on Twitter | Facebook

Notes:

1) Lesli Margherita to Lead World Premiere of “Who’s Holiday”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Lesli-Margherita-will-Play-Cindy-Lou-Who-in-the-World-Premiere-of-WHOS-HOLIDAY-20171005

2) Show and Casting News

“The Curvy Widow” Sets Closing Date

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/CURVY-WIDOW-Starring-Nancy-Opel-Sets-November-Closing-Off-Broadway-20171004

“Desperate Measures” Extends at York Theatre Company

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Yeehaw-DESPERATE-MEASURES-Adds-Two-Weeks-at-York-Theatre-Company-20171004

Bob Dylan’s “The Girl from the North Country” to Transfer

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/The-Old-Vics-GIRL-FROM-THE-NORTH-COUNTRY-to-Transfer-to-the-West-End-20171004

3) Lin-Manuel Miranda Announces Benefit Track Artists

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Jennifer-Lopez-Gloria-Estefan-Marc-Anthony-And-More-Will-Sing-on-Lin-Manuel-Mirandas-Song-for-Puerto-Rico-Relief-20171004

4) “Theatre Throwback” with Daniella Parcell

Listen: Orfeh’s Coming Back to Broadway in “Pretty Woman,” “Children of a Lesser God” Rounds Out Cast, and it’s “Mean Girls” Day in NYC!

“Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day.

Any and all feedback is appreciated: [email protected] (James Marino) or [email protected] (Matt Tamanini)

BroadwayRadio on Twitter | Facebook

Notes:

Broadway Publicists Launch grapevine public relations

https://www.broadwayworld.com/industry/article/Broadway-Publicists-Launch-grapevine-public-relations-20171003

1) Broadway Casting News

Orfeh to Return to Broadway in “Pretty Woman”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-Orfeh-Will-Return-to-Broadway-in-PRETTY-WOMAN-20171003

“Children of a Lesser God” Rounds Out Cast

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Kecia-Lewis-Julee-Cerda-Treshelle-Edmond-and-John-McGinty-Join-CHILDREN-OF-A-LESSER-GOD-20171003

“King Kong” Looking for a Scream Queen

http://nypost.com/2017/10/03/if-you-can-scream-loudly-you-might-be-perfect-for-broadways-king-kong/

George Wendt to Return to “Elf”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/CHEERS-Star-George-Wendt-to-Star-as-Santa-in-ELF-THE-MUSICAL-at-Madison-Square-Garden-20171003

2) The Public Theatre and London’s National Theatre Partner on “Public Acts” Initiative

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/National-Theatre-and-The-Public-Partner-on-New-PUBLIC-ACTS-Initiative-20171003

3) New York Celebrates “Mean Girls” Day

Photos: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Get-In-Losers-Tina-Fey-Delivers-Food-Truck-Cheese-Fries-to-MEAN-GIRLS-Fans-in-NYC-20171003

Videos: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-TV-Calling-All-Plastics-MEAN-GIRLS-Fans-Unite-at-the-August-Wilson-Theatre-for-October-3rd-20171003

Listen: Lin Lays Out Ways to Help in a Crisis, “When Pigs Play” Canceled Off-Broadway, and a First Look at “The Honeymooners!”

“Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day.

Any and all feedback is appreciated: [email protected] (James Marino) or [email protected] (Matt Tamanini)

BroadwayRadio on Twitter | Facebook

Notes:

1) Lin-Manuel Miranda Encourages People to Help

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/No-Shortage-of-Ways-to-Do-Good-Lin-Manuel-Spotlights-Ways-to-Help-Las-Vegas-Puerto-Rico-and-More-20171002

2) “When Pigs Fly” Off-Broadway Revival Cancelled

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Off-Broadways-HOWARD-CRABTREES-WHEN-PIGS-FLY-Has-Been-Cancelled-20171002

3) Last Week’s Broadway Grosses

https://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses.cfm

4) Patti LuPone to Hit the Road

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Here-Comes-Patti-LuPone-Will-Take-DONT-MONKY-WITH-BROADWAY-on-Tour-in-2018-20171002

5) Ticketmaster Sues Scalper for $10 Million

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ticketmaster-sues-big-time-scalper-10m-article-1.3536405

6) Recommendations

First Look at “The Honeymooners”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-Classic-TV-Series-Graces-the-Stage-in-THE-HONEYMOONERS-at-Paper-Mill-Playhouse-20171002

“The Simpsons” are Going to Broadway

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-THE-SIMPSONS-Are-Broadway-Bound-on-Next-Weeks-Episode-20171002

“The Poddest Couple” Podcast Launches

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/The-Poddest-Couple-Podcast-Premieres-with-Theatrical-Bickering-Dreamcasting-and-Her-Royal-highness-Queen-Lesli-Margherita-20171002

Listen: Heidi Blickenstaff to Lead “Freaky Friday” Movie, Lin-Manuel Miranda Attacks Trump, and this Week’s Theatrical Schedule

“Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day.

Any and all feedback is appreciated: [email protected] (James Marino) or [email protected] (Matt Tamanini)

BroadwayRadio on Twitter | Facebook

Notes:

1) Heidi Blickenstaff to Lead “Freaky Friday” Disney Channel Movie

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Heidi-Blickenstaff-and-Cozi-Zuehlsdorff-to-Body-Swap-in-FREAKY-FRIDAY-on-Disney-Channel-20170929

2) Second Stage Receives $14 Million for their Renovation

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Second-Stages-Broadway-Renovation-Receives-Over-14M-from-the-City-20170929

3) Lin-Manuel Miranda Takes Aim at Trump Over Puerto Rico Response

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/30/us/lin-manuel-miranda-trump-hurricane.html?mcubz=3

Patti Murin and Colin Donnell Match Funds for Puerto Rico Relief

ICYMI Colin & I are MATCHING donations made to https://t.co/RhcvaTmDQa to aid in Puerto Rico relief & @RobDiamondBWW is ALSO matching! pic.twitter.com/JqSDcHx6Rf

— Patti Murin (@PattiMurin) September 30, 2017

4) Show and Casting News

Social Media Posts Go Behind the Scenes of the “Beetlejuice” Workshop

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZoic78H5Zh/

Max Posner’s “The Treasurer” Extends at Playwrights Horizons

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Max-Posners-THE-TREASURER-Extends-Two-Weeks-Off-Broadway-20170928

Leading Theatre Critics Unite for a New Podcast

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Peter-Marks-Terry-Teachout-Elisabeth-Vincentelli-Launch-New-Podcast-THREE-ON-THE-AISLE-20170929

5) Study Shows Watching a Musical is as Good as a Workout

http://nypost.com/2017/09/29/watching-a-musical-is-as-good-for-you-as-a-30-minute-workout-study-claims/?utm_campaign=iosapp

6) This Week’s Theatrical Schedule with Natalie Noack

Peter Filichia, James Marino, and Michael Portantiere talk with Alan Menken about the release of Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. We review  West Side Story 60th Anniversary Celebration @ 54 Below, Cool! West Side Story 60th Anniversary Reunion at St. Lukes, A Clockwork Orange, Mary Jane, Desperate Measures, and Say Something Bunny.

 

This Week on Broadway has been coming to you every week since March 16, 2009. It is the longest running Broadway and theatrical podcast with more than 400 shows giving thousands of reviews and hundreds of interviews.

Subscribe to BroadwayRadio in iTunes by CLICKING HERE.

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If you would like to listen to the podcast, click on the arrow in the player below.

Panel:

Peter Filichia | [email protected] | Facebook

PETER FILICHIA is a theater journalist and historian with a number of books, his most recent is, “The Great Parade”, available everywhere. His columns appear at MTI, Masterworks Broadway, Broadway Select and many other places.

James Marino | [email protected] | Twitter | Facebook

BroadwayStars

Michael Portantiere | [email protected] | Facebook

MICHAEL PORTANTIERE is a theater reviewer and essayist, and is the chief new york theater critic at TalkinBroadway. He is also a theatrical photographer whose photos have appeared in The New York Times and other major publications. You can see his photography work at FollowSpotPhoto.com.

Matt Tamanini | Twitter

MATT TAMANINI is BroadwayWorld’s Senior TV and Film Critic and the host of the “Some Like it Pop” podcast, which is available on iTunes and Stitcher. You can connect with Matt on Twitter at @BWWMatt.

 

Notes and links for the podcast.

Guest: Alan Menken

AlanMenken.com | Wikipedia | IBDB | IMDB

Ghostlight Records celebrates the premiere cast recording of the musical Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater – based on the recent production by the New York City Center’s Encores! Off-Center musical theater series – with a special new “Making of the Cast Album” video featuring exclusive footage from the recording session and stage production, in addition to commentary from the cast and creative team. The video is available online here. The album is currently available on CD in stores and online, in addition to digital and streaming formats. For more information on the recording, please visit sh-k-boom.com/god-bless-you-mr-rosewater.

Adapted from Vonnegut’s 1965 novel, this was the first musical written by the blockbuster team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, before their theater success with Little Shop of Horrors and their animated Disney hits The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. The production was directed by Michael Mayer and choreographed by Lorin Latarro. Chris Fenwick served as Music Director. The CD’s 28-page full-color booklet includes complete lyrics, production photography, a synopsis and essays from director Michael Mayer and Thomas Schumacher, President of Disney Theatrical Group. The album is produced by Alan Menken and Michael Kosarin, with Rick Kunis serving as executive producer.

The recent Encores! Off-Center production starred Skylar Astin, Derrick Baskin, Jeff Blumenkrantz, Nick Choksi, Eddie Cooper, Kevin Del Aguila, Santino Fontana, Clark Johnson, James Earl Jones, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Kevin Ligon, Marla Louissaint, Liz McCartney, Bonnie Milligan, Brynn O’Malley, and Kate Wetherhead.

The 1979 musical God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater tells the story of Eliot Rosewater (Santino Fontana), a millionaire who drunkenly decides to blow his fortune on the inhabitants of an impoverished town after being inspired by the utopian vision of novelist Kilgore Trout (James Earl Jones). But there are forces who want to put the kibosh on Eliot’s philanthropy—like Norman Mushari (Skylar Astin), a lawyer plotting to have Eliot decl[...]

Listen: “The Ferryman” Aims for Broadway in 2018, Springsteen Announces Lottery, “Mean Girls” to Celebrate October 3rd, and Lin-Mauel Miranda Makes Plea for Puerto Rico!

“Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day.

Any and all feedback is appreciated: [email protected] (James Marino) or [email protected] (Matt Tamanini)

BroadwayRadio on Twitter | Facebook

Notes:

1) Jez Butterworth’s “The Ferryman” Looking for a Broadway Transfer

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Will-Sam-Mendes-Acclaimed-Production-of-THE-FERRYMAN-Transfer-to-Broadway-20170928

Sam Mendes to Direct “The Lehman Trilogy”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sam-Mendes-to-Direct-Lehman-Brothers-Saga-THE-LEHMAN-TRILOGY-for-National-Theatre-20170928

2) Broadway Ticketing News

“Springsteen on Broadway” to Offer a Digital Lottery

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/SPRINGSTEEN-ON-BROADWAY-Announces-Digital-Lottery-Opening-Night-to-Benefit-BCEFA-20170928

“Mean Girls” to Hold a Street Festival on October 3rd

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/So-Fetch-Get-Tickets-Swag-Guest-Appearances-More-Set-for-Mean-Girls-Day-at-the-August-Wilson-Theatre-20170928

3) Chris Noth to Lead “The Bench” at the Cherry Lane Theatre

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Chris-Noth-Barry-Shabaka-Henley-and-Cherry-Lane-Theatre-Present-THE-BENCH-this-Fall-20170928

4) Broadway on Screen

Roundabout’s “Holiday Inn” to Dance on the Big Screen this Fall

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Roundabout-Theatre-Companys-HOLIDAY-INN-Dances-to-US-Cinemas-for-One-Night-Only-this-Fall-20170928

The Disney Channel to Remake “Hocus Pocus”

http://deadline.com/2017/09/hocus-pocus-tv-movie-disney-channel-1202178593/

5) Lin-Manuel Miranda Continues Efforts to Aid Puerto Rico

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Lin-Manuel-Miranda-Pleas-for-Hurricane-Relief-in-Puerto-Rico-20170928

Listen: Mr. A-Z to Make his Broadway Debut in “Waitress,” “The Cher Show” Announces World Premiere and Broadway Plans, and What’s Franco Up to Now?

“Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day.

Any and all feedback is appreciated: [email protected] (James Marino) or [email protected] (Matt Tamanini)

BroadwayRadio on Twitter | Facebook

Notes:

1) Jason Mraz to Make Broadway Debut in “Waitress”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-Its-Official-Jason-Mraz-Will-Make-Broadway-Debut-in-WAITRESS-This-Fall-20170928

“Waitress” Will Change Costumes for Breast Cancer Awareness Week

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-WAITRESS-Unveils-Pink-Costumes-for-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Month-20170927

2) “Little Shop of Horrors” to Return to Theatres with Alternate Ending

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/LITTLE-SHOP-OF-HORRORS-Returning-to-Theaters-with-Alternate-Ending-This-October-20170927

3) Show and Casting News

Billy Porter and Stark Sands Return to “Kinky Boots”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Theyre-Back-Billy-Porter-and-Stark-Sands-Return-to-KINKY-BOOTS-20170927

Marg Helgenberger and Damian Young Join “What We’re Up Against”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Marg-Helgenberger-and-Damian-Young-Complete-Cast-of-WHAT-WERE-UP-AGAINST-at-WP-Theater-20170927

Big Stars Join 24-Hour Plays on Broadway

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Christina-Ricci-Kyra-Sedgwick-and-More-Among-Lineup-for-THE-24-HOUR-PLAYS-ON-BROADWAY-Cast-Writers-Directors-Announced-20170927

“The Cher Show” to Debut in Chicago Next June Before Hitting Broadway

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/news/ct-ent-cher-musical-chicago-20170927-story.html

4) BC/EFA Donates $400,000 to Hurricane Relief in Florida and Puerto Rico

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BCEFA-Donates-400000-to-Hurricane-Recovery-in-Florida-and-Puerto-Rico-20170927

5) Playwright Responds to James Franco’s Cease and Desist

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Playwrights-Legal-Team-Responds-to-James-Francos-Cease-Desist-Letter-20170927

“OHenry Report”: Dr. Seuss, Cindy Lou Who, and Copyright Infringement

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWWs-Theatre-Business-Podcast-The-OHenry-Report-Discusses-Legal-Battle-Between-Matthew-Lombardos-WHOS-HOLIDAY-and-Dr-Seuss-20170927

6) Bruce Springsteen Says Broadway’s his First Real Job

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/27/arts/music/bruce-springsteen-broadway.html

7) Theatre Throwback with Daniella Parcell

New York Times Article

http://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/30/theater/332-dance-on-a-record-3389th-chorus-line.html

YouTube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo0iIoWePYI

Listen: “Harry Potter” Announces On Sale Date, “An American in Paris” Makes Major Announcement, Reviews for “Mary Jane” and “A Clockwork Orange!”

“Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day.

Any and all feedback is appreciated: [email protected] (James Marino) or [email protected] (Matt Tamanini)

BroadwayRadio on Twitter | Facebook

Notes:

Ticket On Sale Date Announced for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Tickets-on-Sale-This-Fall-for-HARRY-POTTER-AND-THE-CURSED-CHILD-on-Broadway-Register-This-Sunday-20170926

1) The West End’s “An American in Paris” Makes Two Announcements

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/AN-AMERICAN-IN-PARIS-Dances-Last-Weeks-in-the-West-End-Coming-to-Cinemas-Soon-20170926

2) Off-Broadway Review Roundups

Critics Rave for NYTW’s “Mary Jane”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Review-Roundup-Amy-Herzogs-MARY-JANE-at-New-York-Theatre-Workshop-20170926

Critics More Mixed about “A Clockwork Orange”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Review-Roundup-A-CLOCKWORK-ORANGE-at-New-World-Stages-20170926

3) Denee Benton Replaces Phillipa Soo Again, this Time in “Of Thee I Sing”

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Denee-Benton-Steps-in-for-Phillipa-Soo-in-MasterVoices-OF-THEE-I-SING-at-Carnegie-Hall-More-Cast-Announced-20170926

4) Vox: “Why theater is 2017’s most politically powerful art form”

https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/9/26/16308336/why-theater-2017-most-politically-powerful-art-form

5) “Miss Saigon” Takes a Knee Following Monday’s Performance

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZfbniEgfxJ/