PARDO'S TURN

Broadway heartthrob James Snyder sings and discusses "If I Loved You" from the R&H classic, CAROUSEL. The analysis contrasts this complex and musically dense "not at all in love" type song with its simpler counterparts from other shows. James and I also talk about navigating the monumental "Bench Scene," and his own history with Billy Bigelow, as his wife was pregnant with their first child.

Noël Coward Award Winner and three time Drama Desk Nominee Nancy Anderson masterfully performs the American Songbook Standard, "What'll I Do?" by Irving Berlin. My analysis focuses primarily on Berlin's use of mode mixture, while our discussion centers on the transition from American Operetta to Depression-Era Melancholy.

In the inaugural episode of Pardo's Turn, Broadway legend Chuck Cooper, best known for his Tony Award-winning performance in THE LIFE sings the iconic "Ol' Man River" from the groundbreaking 1927 musical SHOW BOAT. The analysis centers on the use of the pentatonic scale, and some clever reharmonizations. Chuck and I discuss the historical significance of the song, and his personal journey with it, especially in relation to the Paul Robeson lyrics, which he sang for its rendition in PRINCE OF BROADWAY.

In this third episode, BE MORE CHILL star Lauren Marcus sings one of our favorite songs from one of our favorite shows, "Somewhere That's Green" from LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. We discuss the strength of the writing, the under-appreciation of the show among musical theatre elites, her unique history with the character of Audrey, and her approach to characters that are often painted with a broad brush.

During my regular interview with Susan Haefner, we got on a long tangent about one of our favorite shows, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA. It was too off-topic to include, but too good not to share!

Welcome to Pardo's Turn! In this short teaser, I describe what you will hear and come to expect in subsequent episodes: Approachable musical analysis, fantastic guests and performances, stirring conversations, fun bonus material, and a genuine love and admiration for the songs we're placing under the microscope.

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of music-directing FUN HOME at the Weston Playhouse in Vermont. Our Small Alison, Ava Lynn Vercellone, came on to sing the powerful "Ring of Keys." My analysis focuses on the song's instrumentation, smart use of rhythm in the vocal line, and registration shift in the bridge. Ava talks about sharing a role with two other talented actresses, working in an intimate theater, and making friends with her young co-stars.