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

In this episode of "Half Hour," we take a deeper look at School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, Jocelyn Bioh's comedy now making its Broadway premiere with Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Set at Aburi Girls Boarding School in Ghana in 1986, the play follows Paulina, the school's queen bee, as she sets her sights on the Miss Ghana pageant. Then a pageant recruiter arrives and a new student from America changes the competition. We break down how the 80-minute play opens like a familiar teen rivalry and turns into something more serious, and how Bioh uses a single school cafeteria to explore colorism, class, beauty standards, and the reach of American pop culture. We also talk about Whitney White's direction, which reunites her with Bioh after Jaja's African Hair Braiding, the performances from Denée Benton, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Patina Miller, and Heather Alicia Simms, the costume, wig, hair, and makeup design, and the ending that stayed with us after we left the theater. We close with early Tony predictions and who we think should see it before the limited run ends.

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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In this episode of "Half Hour," we take a deeper dive into the 2026 Broadway and Off-Broadway fall season, breaking down the plots, concepts, and productions behind the year's biggest new openings. We cover new plays like Downstate and Here There Are Blueberries, star revivals including Other Desert Cities, A Few Good Men, and Much Ado About Nothing, new musicals like Wanted and Galileo, and the wave of new Off-Broadway musicals opening this fall. We also flag which long-running Broadway hits are closing soon, so you know what to catch before it's gone.

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on what shows you are excited for in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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In this episode of "Half Hour," we take a deeper dive into Paranormal Activity, an original story by Levi Holloway now playing at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre. Directed by Felix Barrett and starring Cher Álvarez and Travis A. Knight as Lou and James, the play uses the film franchise as a launchpad rather than a retelling, building its scares through illusion work, sound design, and staging rather than found footage. We cover the plot, the twist ending, the performances, and the show's chances heading into Tony season. 

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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What does a Broadway producer actually do? On this Spotlight Series episode of "Half Hour," we sit down with producer Sean Nyberg to find out, covering his shift from law into financing shows, the three-part test he uses before committing to a project, and why even a promising show can't guarantee a hit. We also get into the weekly costs of running a show on Broadway versus the West End, and where Sean thinks family entertainment and star-led theatre are heading next.

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠. If you enjoy these discussions, follow “Half Hour” and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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In this episode of "Half Hour," we go deep on Paddington the Musical at the Savoy Theatre, tracing the story from Michael Bond's 1958 book through the film series to its current West End staging. We discuss the book, score, and the production's central design choice — one performer on stage, one voicing the bear — and what that adds to a story about belonging, family, and finding home. We spend time on the cast, including Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Bonnie Langford, Amy Ellen Richardson, Tom Edden, and Brenda Edwards, and on where the show could go next as it heads toward Broadway.

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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In this Spotlight Series episode of “Half Hour,” we expand the conversation with Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell about his work on The Devil Wears Prada and the process of reimagining a familiar story for the West End stage.

Mitchell discusses joining the project, returning to Elton John’s early demos, and finding the emotional center of the musical through Andy Sachs’ journey. He also breaks down the work behind major stage moments, from transitions and act endings to the fashion-driven visual language of Paris and the Met Ball. The conversation includes his approach to casting Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly and the collaboration behind a production that brings together music, choreography, costumes, design, and storytelling.

We also speak with Mitchell about the future of The Devil Wears Prada, the development of Coyote Ugly, the national tour of BOOP! The Musical, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Broadway Bares, and his hopes for a future Legally Blonde revival.

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on this conversation in the Spotify comments: What part of Jerry Mitchell’s creative process stood out to you, and who would you like “Half Hour” to feature next? If you enjoy these discussions, follow “Half Hour” and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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In this episode of “Half Hour,” we take a deeper dive into Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s Les Misérables, now playing at the Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center in Garrison, New York. We break down the plot, the June Rebellion of 1832, and how director Jenn Thompson’s outdoor staging uses the Hudson Valley landscape, a smaller ensemble, double casting, and a central French flag to reshape the story’s scale and emotional impact.

We discuss Josh Young’s Jean Valjean, Haley Dortch’s Fantine and Enjolras, Denis Lambert’s Javert, Ana Paola Garcia’s Cosette, Haley Rose Ciaramella’s Éponine, David Beach and Nance Williamson as the Thénardiers, and the creative choices that bring the musical’s ideas of mercy, faith, justice, sacrifice, and hope into focus. We also talk about the new Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center, what a permanent home means for Hudson Valley Shakespeare, and why Les Misérables continues to connect with audiences.

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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In this episode of “Half Hour,” we take a deeper dive into The Hunger Games: On Stage, now playing at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre in London. We break down the plot, the concept behind the production’s arena-style staging, and how this first theatrical adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ story brings the audience into the world of Panem.

We discuss Matthew Dunster’s direction, Conor McPherson’s adaptation, the in-the-round design, choreography, illusions, aerial work, and the production choices that shape the experience. We also talk about Mia Carragher as Katniss Everdeen, Tamsin Carroll as Effie Trinket, Stavros Demetraki as Caesar Flickerman, and why the show gives characters including Haymitch, Effie, and Caesar new space onstage.

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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In this episode of “Half Hour,” we take a deeper dive into The Devil Wears Prada, now playing at the Dominion Theatre in London’s West End. We break down the musical’s plot and concept, how the stage adaptation reshapes the story of Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly, and what changed from its Chicago tryout to this West End production. We discuss Elton John’s score, the lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, Jerry Mitchell’s direction and choreography, and the production design by Tim Hatley and Gregg Barnes, along with performances including Vanessa Williams as Miranda, Stevie Doc as Andy, Taila Halford as Emily, and Matt Henry as Nigel. 

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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In this episode of Half Hour, we discuss Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody, now playing Off-Broadway at The Club in New York City. Inspired by the hockey romance series and TV adaptation, the show uses a fast-moving parody format, a small cast, and a sharp comic structure to tell a story that works best for audiences familiar with the source material. We talk about the plot, the “Susans,” the performances, the venue, and the audience participation moment that pulled Jeff onstage. We also share our thoughts on the production design, the pacing, and where the show might go next as it continues to build buzz.

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast.

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