Jim and Tomic's Musical Theatre Happy Hour

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Make way for the sideways grimace that is ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch!’ This time around the gang are chatting about the creation of Hedwig in the queercore scene in New York, identify the mythicality which is so prevalent in the show and the representation of trans rights in musical theatre.

Hedwig And The Angry Inch (Original Cast Recording)

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SHOW NOTES

If you’ve never had a chance to experience ‘Hedwig’ live, then the movie is a great way for you to enjoy it!

Darren Criss came under fire for some comments he made whilst in character, here’s what he had to say in response.

If you’re at all fascinated by the corner of queer culture and the 80s punk scene then look no further than the documentary about the club where it all began!

Our biggest question this time around was simply is Hedwig transphobic? Might be a simple question, but there’s no simple answer. Also, Do you think ‘Hedwig’ works in a big ol’ Broadway house? Or does need it that dive-bar intimate environment? Let us know what you think over on Reddit!

Listen to Jimi’s plea - go support your local drag queens! Got one that you love? Give them a shout out in 140 characters.

AN ELEVATING QUIZ QUESTION

Which musical, surprisingly, was inspired by a story about a broken elevator, that one of the author’s made up to appease his child? 

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The boys are back in town after their summer holiday and are very excited to bring to you Charles Strouse’s fabulous ‘Applause’ (no, not the inevitable Lady Gaga biopic!) They discuss the nature of ‘evil’ and work out if the antagonist really is, how ‘Applause’ was one of the earliest examples of normalised gay culture presented onstage and Jimi learns all about ‘kickbutt.’

Applause: Original 1970 Broadway Cast

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SHOW NOTES

If you, like Jimi, are one of the six people who watched ‘Glee’ to the end then you can pass by. If not, take a look at Rachel Berry getting her jush in some (mildly stereotypical) New York gay club, then compare it to ‘But Alive’ in ‘Applause.’

So what do we think folks? Is Eve evil? Is she just ambitious? Does she deserve what she got? Let us know over on Reddit!

If you haven’t watched Tommy’s self-proclaimed ‘Gay YouTube Saga’ then you can check it out here and see what he has to say about diva worship in the gay community.

Old Hollywood was full of coded gay characters and ‘All About Eve’ was no different. Have a look at these clips and see what you think. Is it implied or are people reaching? There’s plenty of fascinating information on this online too, go have a read!

If you haven’t watched the 1973 telecast, it’s the best way to experience this fabulous show nowadays. Have a look here, or skip to 31:00 if you want to enjoy the sensational title number!

We barely hear about ‘Applause’ anymore, but we did have the recent Encores! production to tide us over. Why do you think we haven’t seen a revival? Tell us about it in 140 characters.

A QUIZ QUESTION FOR STEPHEN SCHWARTZ

 Our next musical was written by Stephen Schwartz but not the Stephen Schwartz you think… 

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It’s Jim and Tomic’s latest show, will it flop or will it go? Well that’s for you to decide as we talk all about Broadway’s smash-hit - ‘The Producers!’ This week Jimi and Tommy are delving into the background of the show, the controversy of the original movie and work out which version tells the story best, they ponder why Nathan Lane isn’t the biggest comedic actor of all time and discuss the nature of ad-libs in contemporary theatre.

The Producers (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

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SHOW NOTES

If you haven’t seen the original Mel Brooks movie, then get on that NOW! Bask in the joy of forgotten character L.S.D. singing the smash hit - ‘Love Power.’

Nathan Lane knows how to Tony. Take a look at his classy acceptance speech!

If you’re into it, have a look at the behind the scenes documentary for the original film including some great interviews with dear departed Gene Wilder. Vanity Fair also did this amazingly in depth article about the history of the movie here if you’re more into the written word!

Who doesn’t love a blooper reel? Well the one from ‘The Producers’ movie is one of the best.

There’s this cool little BroadwayWorld.com thread which details some audience experiences of the myriad of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick’s ad-libs.

If you want to hear more about where the genius of Nathan Lane came from, take a gander at this Guardian article.

Scary to think that this video of Max and Leo making their triumphant return on Jimmy Kimmel was from a happier time. But hey, political commentary!

If you’ve never seen any of Chez Lindsay’s video essays, you’re missing out! No better place to start than her video on satire, Nazism and Mel Brooks.

A GLEEFUL QUIZ QUESTION

One of Tommy’s favorite numbers from next week’s musical was actually parodied in an episode of Glee. Although they do not sing a song from the actual musical, the circumstances and the setting during the ‘Funny Girl’ era of season five of ‘Glee’ are a direct mirror of the circumstances and the setting of this number next week’s musical. 

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A rollicking band of podcasters we, who tired of editing relentlessly are trying our hand at a G&S and hope it’s not too boring. Leaving the writing to WS Gilbert, Jimi and Tommy embark on a journey to meet the fated ‘Pirates of Penzance’ this week. They talk about the ironic history of the show, where G&S sit in the musical theatre arc and try to pick apart a 19th century plot. Ta-ran-ta-ra!

The Pirates of Penzance (D'Oyly Carte Opera Company Recording)

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SHOW NOTES

Who’d have thought you’d be able to turn to Jim and Tomic’s Musical Theatre Happy Hour to find out all about Carmen Miranda’s Ghost and your one stop shop to talk sea shanties?

If you’re new to the world of ‘Pirates of Penzance’ look no further than this Australian version. It’ll give you the best flavour of what a modern interpretation of a Gilbert and Sullivan show can (and probably should) look like! 

There is an annjillian different covers and interpretations of A Very Model Of A Modern Major General out there. Here’s a few that we dig! (Uno - dos - tres) Let us know if you’ve discovered any other gems!

After much deliberation about whether or not to put this video out into the world Jimi has gone and put up what he considers his biggest stage blunder of all time when he messed up (and recovered!) the famous Pirate King recit in ‘The Pirates of Penzance.’ Enjoy his calamity! Also he’s only a couple of subscribers away from 500 so hit the button while you’re over there!

In a much less embarrassing video, Tommy has offered his opinions on the original Pirates of Penzance movie!

If we’ve whetted your appetite on the vast world of WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan then check out Mike Leigh’s ‘Topsy Turvy’which gives you some backstory on their fascinating relationship and writing process!

AN IMPROVISED QUIZ QUESTION

This musical is immensely funny from the get-go, but many of its funniest moments developed from actor ad-libs and stage mishaps. From accidentally throwing a coat across stage onto a coat rack and getting a standing ovation to being trapped onstage because of a malfunctioning door. What musical? 

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Well f*** them gently with a chainsaw, Jimi and Tommy are talking the cult classic ‘Heathers the Musical’ this week! The guys go in on the importance of honest high school musical theatre, the incredible ways this show is surviving beyond Off-Broadway and have a lovefest about fandoms. How very.

Heathers: The Musical (World Premiere Cast Recording)

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SHOW NOTES

Hey, we want you to feel okay! If it ever gets rough call The Lifeline on 800-273-TALK or if in the UK The Samaratins on 116 123.

Did you know the full version of Heathers is currently available for licensing in the US? Let this musical live on and get your local theatre group to do it today!

There’s no official recording of the Heathers 101: School Edition track ‘You’re Welcome’ yet but I’m sure a quick Google will sort you out. What do you think of it compared to ‘Blue?’

For some sweet Heathers fandom love, go check out some of these insane animatics over on YouTube - there’s a LOT!

Come and chat to us on Reddit! It’s a great place for us to extend the conversation from the podcast - there’s only so much we can talk about! So many of you wanted us to chat ‘Heathers’ so I’m sure you’ll have plenty to say!

A CONTEXTUAL QUIZ QUESTION

One of the most popular songs from this ‘musical’ has been parodied in every context. It will help you learn about the chemical elements, nations of the world and even college majors. What is the ‘musical?’ 

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It's that time of year again! Jimi and Tommy have a gab about the Tony nominees. Enjoy!

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This week Jimi and Tommy go on a trip with Sondheim to Italy and explore the life and love of Fosca and Giorgio in his ‘Passion.’ They ponder over why the show was a critical success but not as popular with audiences, laud the importance of orchestrators on Broadway and make conjecture on Sondheim’s meta-musical.

Passion (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

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SHOW NOTES

Did you know Donna Murphy also had a star turn as the Witch in Into the Woods? Watch Tommy proclaim his love for her in his Miscast Witches video!

If Sondheim is God then does that mean Finishing The… and Look I Made A… are the Old and New Testaments? Either way, gettem!

If you don’t know who Maria Friedman is then the perfect place to start is this this performance of ‘How Many Tears’ from Martin Guerre from ‘Hey, Mr Producer!’

We’re extremely grateful that Sondheim is an advocate for filmed staged versions of his show. Why not treat yourself and have a listen to the creator’s commentary on ‘Passion’?

Here’s a fascinating interview with Sondheim around the time of the release of ‘Passion’ on Broadway.

If you’ve never dipped into the ‘Show People with Paul Wontorek’ Broadway.com segments, you really should! No better place to start than with Judy Kuhn getting passionate.

Hear the man himself talking about the importance of orchestrators, particularly Jonathan Tunick!

If you don’t want to take our word for it, just look at Jonathan Tunick’s repertoire. We owe him so much!

A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED QUIZ QUESTION

This show has seen substantial rewrites for it’s licensable school version including the entire re-writing of one of its songs. The creators have said they actually like the new song better than the original and may just include it in all future versions. What show? 

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Jimi and Tommy are going back in history to look at a case that is not talked about enough - the story of the ‘The Scottsboro Boys.’ They examine the controversy surrounding Kander and Ebb’s use of a minstrel show as a framing device, discuss the importance of educating yourself about issues that might be foreign to you and why not enough people know about this musical.

The Scottsboro Boys (Original London Cast)

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SHOW NOTES

If you want to find out more about The Scottsboro Boys’ story there is so much out there for you to have a look at, but why not watch this documentary to start you off?

It’s so important to look at all sides of the dice when it comes to any issue, particularly if it’s a side you might not agree with. Have a look at the article that inspired our quiz question this week.

In the same vein, have a look at this video from one of the Freedom Party protests surrounding The Scottsboro Boys’ Broadway run.

There’s an amazing interview with John Thompson, the book writer of this show that gives great insights into the controversy surrounding this piece.

Jane Elliott has done wonderful things for race relations and understanding all through her career. Check out this documentary from when she created her famous ‘Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes Experiment’ after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

Once you’ve got the hang of what it’s about, go see what happened when Jane brought the experiment to the UK.

A SONDHEIMTASTIC QUIZ QUESTION

The actor who auditioned for the lead role in this musical knocked her audition so far out of the park that Sondheim remarked, “let’s open tomorrow!” What show? 

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All ashore who’s comin’ ashore! Let’s set sail on the SS American with evangelists and crooks as Jimi and Tommy talk about Cole Porter’s classic ‘Anything Goes.’ The lads discuss the many incarnations of the show over the years, why you should just sing ‘Let’s Misbehave’ and get a special visit from UK musical director Dan Glover!

Anything Goes (2011 Cast Recording)

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SHOW NOTES

Keep ‘em comin’ kids!

Unexpectedly this might’ve been our toughest quiz question yet! John Williams arranged this fascinating opening for ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.’

One of our favourite SNL skits is the High School Theatre Show.Check it out here! Jimi and Tommy take no responsibility for any SNL YouTube holes you fall into.

Forbidden Broadway had their take on the 1987 revival of ‘Anything Goes’ and probably do one of the best Patti LuPone impressions of all time!

Are you in the UK? Check your local theatre and go see Dan’s production of Wedding Singer! Full details on tickets here. Then go follow him on Twitter @DanGlover_27!

It got snipped from any of the amateur productions you’ll find out there, but here is Bonnie asking the age old question: where are the men?

A product of his times or something more sinister? What’s your take on Cole Porter? This article wages in on the question.

A CRITICAL QUIZ QUESTION

This musical stirred something of a controversy on Broadway though it had many positive reviews the following critic did not speak so highly: “The only reason [this musical] has made it to the Great White Way is the Great White Guilt.” What show?   

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Crack out your smoky sax and don your best femme fatale dress, as we’re going to LA in the 1940s for ‘City of Angels.’ Jimi and Tommy try and work out why we don’t see too much of this show, have a tennis match about the lyrics of the show and discuss the many opportunities for creative teams that the show offers.

City of Angels (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

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SHOW NOTES

Interested in finding out more about Film Noir? Start with the quintessential Maltese Falcon! You can check out the trailer here.

Visiting London anytime soon? Why not check out the West End premiere of ‘The Life’ starring Sharon D. Clarke written by ‘City of Angels’ Cy Coleman?

Thoughts on City of Angels success rate Why do you think City of Angels has never kicked up a storm? Or even just never revived on Broadway? Let us know on Reddit!

We often wonder what goes into the creative team’s decision to showcase what they do at the Tony’s! Have a look at what City of Angels brought to the table.

Want to give yourself a challenge? License ‘City of Angels’ with your local theatre group!

The recent West End revival met some good success. Donmar Artistic Director Josie Rourke weighs in on why she chose City of Angels as her first musical.

A CINEMATIC QUIZ QUESTION

Did you know, John Williams worked arranging the score for the 1971 film version of Fiddler on the Roof. To our knowledge, he’s only ever arranged one other song from musical theatre. This song is the title song of next week’s musical.

P.S. It's not 'Thomas and the King'   

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