I, along with the rest of the musical theater world, was saddened to learn that composer CHARLES STROUSE, one of the last of the great creators from the Golden Age of Broadway had passed away last week at the age of 96.

Of course, Strouse and his three Tony Award-winning “Best Musicals": Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie — have been discussed frequently on this podcast. So over the weekend, I dug deep into the archives of Broadway Nation and newly adapted a section of my upcoming book regarding the musical Golden Boy and wove it all together to create this tribute episode, including an excerpt from my 2021 interview with Applause original cast member Lee Roy Reams.

I am also delighted to report that a brand-new production of Bye Bye Birdie will open on June 10 at The 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle, where it will

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