Half Hour with Jeff & Richie (Post-Show Broadway Discussions and Interviews)

In this episode, we sit down with Tony Award winner Cady Huffman. Cady takes us on a journey through her career, from her early days in youth theater to her Tony-winning performances on Broadway. She shares fascinating insights into working with legendary directors like Bob Fosse and collaborating with comedy genius Mel Brooks on "The Producers."

Cady opens up about her current role as director of the off-Broadway show "Empire," discussing the challenges and joys of bringing the history of the Empire State Building to life on stage. She also reveals her passion for inclusive storytelling and her vision for future projects, including a fresh take on "The Music Man" and a performance piece about Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz.

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In this episode, we sit down with Heather Hitchens, the President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, to explore her journey into the theater world. Heather shares insights on the crucial role of arts education in nurturing young talent and the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in arts organizations. We dive into the American Theatre Wing's commitment to diversity and inclusion, highlighting initiatives like the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative. Heather also provides an inside look at the Tony Awards nominating process, the role of the Tony Administration Committee, and strategies to attract a broader audience.

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In this episode, we sit down with Matt Koplik, Host of the BROADWAY BREAKDOWN to dive into the Fall 2024 Broadway season. We discuss a diverse lineup of musicals including MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, SUNSET BOULEVARD, A WONDERFUL WORLD, TAMMY FAYE, DEATH BECOMES HER, SWEPT AWAY, and GYPSY. With an honorable summer season mention ONCE UPON A MATTRESS. Join us as we explore the casting choices, directors, and creative teams behind these productions, and share our thoughts on their potential impact on the theater industry. We also make early Tony predictions.  

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Share your thoughts with us on JOB on our podcast cover post on Instagram.

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In this episode, we sit down with Matt Koplik, Host of the BROADWAY BREAKDOWN to dive into the fall 2024 Broadway season. We discuss a diverse lineup of plays including THE ROOMMATE, MCNEAL, THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA, YELLOW FACE, OUR TOWN, LEFT ON TENTH, ROMEO + JULIET, CULT OF LOVE, and EUREKA DAY. With honorable summer season mentions of HOME, OH, MARY! and JOB. Join us as we explore the casting choices, directors, and creative teams behind these productions, and share our thoughts on their potential impact on the theater industry. We also make early Tony predictions for the best play category. 

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In this episode, we discuss Broadway's Once Upon a Mattress, currently playing at the Hudson Theatre. This zany musical comedy stars Sutton Foster as Princess Winnifred and Michael Urie as Prince Dauntless in a hilarious retelling of "The Princess and the Pea." We dive into the show's golden age charm, standout performances, and debate whether the concert-style production fully translates to Broadway. Is this Encores! transfer a royal success or does it fall short of its fairy tale potential? Tune in for our thoughts on this star-studded revival and what it means for the future of concert-to-Broadway transfers.

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In this episode, we sit down with Michael Herwitz, the visionary director of Broadway’s JOB. Join us as we delve into Michael's fascinating journey from child actor to director, uncover the creative process behind the success of JOB, and explore the themes that resonate with audiences across generations. Michael shares insights on the role of lighting and staging, the challenges of directing a two-person scene, and the open-ended interpretation of the play's conclusion. Discover how JOB bridges generational divides and engages audiences in meaningful conversations. 

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MICHAEL HERWITZ is a director, producer, and dramaturg in New York City. He is often found huddled around a new script in development or dreaming up a revival of a favorite musical. His directing work collides fantasy with the mundane, and is often representative of queer and/or Jewish communities. He creates where generosity of spirt and pursuit of excellence go hand-in-hand. Michael is a ferocious advocate for the fourth wall and believes every second act deserves a dream ballet.

In Fall 2023, Michael made his directorial Off-Broadway debut with JOB by Max Wolf Friedlich. The twice-extended, sold-out run was a New York Times Critics Pick and hallmarked as "Highbrow and Brilliant" in New York Magazine's Approval Matrix. The commerical transfer at the Connelly Theater in 2024 recouped its investment in five weeks.  

Born and raised outside New York City, Michael began his career as a child actor on Broadway. While stage managing his middle school musicals, he developed a deep passion for being behind the scenes. Michael has developed and staged new plays and musicals at HERE, Ensemble Studio Theater, JACK, SoHo Playhouse, Williamstown Theater Festival, IRT Theater, Lifeworld, Martha's Vineyard Playhouse, and the Pasadena Playhouse. As an Assistant, Michael has supported the work of Terry Kinney, Moritz von Stuelpnagel, Leigh Silverman, Jessie Nelson, and Joe Brancato. 

In addition to his directing work, Michael has worked as a General Manager and Company Manager Off-Broadway and on tour. He is the Co-Founder of G45 Productions, an artistic collective dedicated to new plays. His education spans Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts to Northwestern University to the Williamstown Theatre Festival to watching countless movie musicals as a kid.

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Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph.

Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the challenges faced during out-of-town tryouts, the unwavering determination to overcome them, and the celebration of reaching over a decade on Broadway – a remarkable feat in the world of musical theatre.

This captivating series features exclusive conversations with the original cast and creative team behind ALADDIN including Alan Menken, Casey Nicholaw, James Monroe Iglehart, Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, Sonya Balsara, Adi Roy and more as they recount their experiences with the show.

Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan, a theatre enthusiast, or simply captivated by the magic of storytelling, this series is a must-listen. Unveil the untold story of ALADDIN and discover the passion, resilience, and drive that created a Broadway sensation.

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In this episode, we delve into Broadway's "Job," currently playing at the Hayes Theatre. We share our thoughts on the gripping performances by Tony Award nominee Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemon, and the provocative storyline that kept us on the edge of our seats. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or curious about this daring production, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, we sit down with Sophie Carmen-Jones to discuss her role in the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! Please note that this episode may contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the musical yet, you can catch Moulin Rouge! playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. 

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SOPHIE CARMEN-JONES (Nini). Broadway debut. West End: Nini in Moulin Rouge! (original cast), Francine in Jersey Boys, Viva Forever! (original cast), Wicked, We Will Rock You. UK Tour: Velma Kelly in Chicago. Television: “One Day” (Netflix), “Dark Money” (BBC), “Cleaning Up” (ITV), “White Gold” (BBC), “Unforgotten” (ITV). Film: The Little Mermaid, Death on the Nile, Cinderella, Rocketman, Cats, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast. @sophiecarmenjones

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In this episode, we discuss Broadway’s MOULIN ROUGE, the musical playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

We had a great time going back and revisiting the show for its 5th Anniversary on Broadway. We dive into the plot and explore the intriguing changes from the film version. The new music added a fresh twist that had us captivated, and we couldn't get enough of Aaron Tveit and JoJo’s incredible performances in the leading roles. 

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