In this episode, we slice into the premiere of "Mystic Pizza" at Paper Mill Playhouse, the musical adaptation of the beloved 1988 film. We knead through the dough of this jukebox musical, exploring how it serves up 80s nostalgia with a side of cheesy romance. Does this pizza deliver a satisfying theatrical meal, or is it a half-baked attempt at bringing the cult classic to the stage? We dish out our thoughts on the direction, design, and performances, with a particular focus on the standout female leads. Join us as we debate whether this retro recipe has the right ingredients for Broadway success or if it's better suited for smaller venues. Is "Mystic Pizza" a delicious new addition to the musical theater menu, or does it leave you craving something more original? Tune in for our piping hot take on this nostalgic musical adaptation.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jeff and Richie take you on a journey through time and technology with their conversation of "The Antiquities," the thought-provoking Off-Broadway production currently playing at Playwrights Horizons in collaboration with Vineyard Theatre and Goodman Theatre. We explore Jordan Harrison's innovative writing that creates an engaging timeline experience, blending past, present, and future into a compelling narrative.

Jeff & Richie dive deep into the play's themes of artificial intelligence, human connection, and the consequences of technological advancement. We discuss David Cromer and Caitlin Sullivan's seamless direction, the immersive museum-like set design, and the strong performances from the diverse ensemble cast. Is "The Antiquities" a glimpse into our future or a cautionary tale?

Tune in as we debate the show's relevance in today's tech-driven world and its fresh contribution to the Off-Broadway scene. We'll share our hot takes on the pacing, standout moments, and the questions this production raises about our relationship with technology. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or a tech aficionado, this episode offers insights into one of the new off-broadway shows of the season.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jeff and Richie dive into the off-Broadway production of "Show/Boat: A River" at NYU Skirball, a bold reimagining of the classic musical "Show Boat." We explore how Target Margin Theatre and director David Herskovitz tackle the challenges of adapting this iconic piece for modern audiences. Our discussion covers the production's innovative approach to racial themes, standout performances, and the effectiveness of its minimalist scenic design.

We analyze the show's strengths and weaknesses, from the powerful use of sashes to highlight racial issues to the somewhat disjointed second act. Notable performances, including Rebbekah Vega-Romero as Magnolia and Alvin Crawford's rendition of "Old Man River," take center stage in our conversation. We also debate the artistic liberties taken in this adaptation and their impact on the audience experience.

Is this reimagining a successful step forward for classic musicals, or does it need further development? Tune in for our in-depth analysis of this work-in-progress and what it reveals about the future of musical theater adaptations.

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Share your thoughts with us on "Show/Boat: A River" on our podcast cover post on Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sat down with Connor & Dylan MacDowell, Hosts of DRAMA. to dive into the spring 2025 Broadway season. We discuss a diverse lineup of musicals including Redwood, Operation Mincemeat, Buena Vista Social Club, Boop! The Betty Boop Musical, Smash, The Last Five Years, Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, Floyd Collins, Just In Time, Real Women Have Curves, The Pirates of Penzance, and Dead Outlaw. 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 musical category. 

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

DRAMA. is hosted by professional dramatics and twin brothers, Connor & Dylan MacDowell, who explore theatre, entertainment, pop culture, and the vibrance of love and life with Broadway and entertainment industry tastemakers. Joined by thrilling special guests, they have intimately casual conversations about hot topics, navigating show business, and of course a little DRAMA! Partnered with iHeartRadio Broadway, new episodes are released every Wednesday. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sat down with Connor & Dylan MacDowell, Hosts of DRAMA. to dive into the spring 2025 Broadway season. We discuss a diverse lineup of plays including English, Othello, Purpose, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Good Night, and Good Luck, John Procter Is The Villain, and Stranger Things: The First Shadow. 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. 

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

DRAMA. is hosted by professional dramatics and twin brothers, Connor & Dylan MacDowell, who explore theatre, entertainment, pop culture, and the vibrance of love and life with Broadway and entertainment industry tastemakers. Joined by thrilling special guests, they have intimately casual conversations about hot topics, navigating show business, and of course a little DRAMA! Partnered with iHeartRadio Broadway, new episodes are released every Wednesday. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we take you backstage to the Theater at Madison Square Garden for a fresh look at the classic musical "Annie," starring Whoopi Goldberg. We dive into this touring production, exploring how the show's timeless themes of hope and family resonate in today's world. Does Goldberg's star power elevate the show, or is it just another day in the hard-knock life? We'll dissect the performances, from the plucky orphans to the conniving Miss Hannigan, and debate whether this production lives up to the Annie legacy. Plus, we'll share our hot takes on the challenges of staging a Broadway classic in a non-traditional venue. Is the sun really coming out tomorrow for family-friendly theater? Tune in for our candid conversation and insider insights on this beloved musical.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Jeff and Richie recap the unforgettable 2024 Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals season! From unexpected revivals to groundbreaking new works, we're covering it all in this can't-miss episode. Discover which shows had us humming for days, which performances left us speechless, and why 'Illinois' might just be the musical of the year. We'll also dish on the overlooked gems, debate the best revivals, and share our excitement for what's coming in 2025. Whether you're a theater lover or just love a good tune, this episode is your backstage pass to the year's hottest shows and insider gossip.

Don't miss our hot takes on:

- The off-Broadway revival that had everyone purring (hint: it involves felines)

- Why Marianne Plunkett's performance deserved more recognition

- The musical score that's still stuck in our heads

- Our predictions for the most promising shows of 2025

Plus, we're posing a question to you: What was your favorite musical moment of 2024? 

Share your thoughts with us on Instagram, and YouTube @HalfHourPodcast and join the Broadway conversation!

Subscribe now to Half Hour with Jeff & Richie on the Broadway Podcast Network, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buckle up, theater lovers! Jeff and Richie are serving up a sizzling recap of Broadway and Off-Broadway's most talked-about plays of 2024. From the Off-Broadway gem 'Job' that left audiences stunned, to the revival of 'Appropriate' that had everyone buzzing, we're dishing out our hottest takes on the year's biggest hits and misses.

Get ready for some juicy debates as we crown our top picks, spill the tea on standout performances, and reveal the shows that pushed the boundaries of comedy and drama. Plus, we'll give you our insider predictions on which plays might be taking home Tony gold.

Whether you're a Broadway buff or just love great storytelling, this episode is your backstage pass to the best of 2024's theater scene. Don't miss out on the laughs, the gasps, and maybe even a few theatrical mic drops!

Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Share your thoughts with us on the plays of the 2024 year on our podcast cover post on Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we take center stage with "Cult of Love," the gripping new Broadway production at the Hayes Theater. This powerful family drama weaves a tapestry of complex relationships, religious fervor, and mental health struggles, all set to a haunting musical backdrop. We dissect the play's engaging narrative and standout performances, exploring how it mirrors real-life family dynamics with raw authenticity. Is "Cult of Love" the next Broadway sensation poised for Tony glory? Join us as we unravel the layers of this thought-provoking piece and discuss its resonance with modern audiences. Plus, we'll share our exclusive insights on the production's innovative staging and design elements that elevate this theatrical experience.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we take center stage with the 2024 Broadway revival of "Gypsy," starring the incomparable Audra McDonald at the Majestic Theater. We strip away the sequins to reveal the heart of this iconic musical, exploring McDonald's potentially divisive portrayal of Mama Rose and the production's attempts to breathe new life into a Broadway classic. From George C. Wolfe's direction to Danny Burstein's standout performance as Herbie, we leave no stone unturned. Is this revival letting them entertain you, or is it a case of déjà vu? Join us as we debate the show's highs, lows, and everything in between, including our Tony Awards predictions. Whether you're a die-hard "Gypsy" fan or a Broadway newcomer, this episode is your backstage pass to the most talked-about revival of the season.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices