Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

In Act 1, we bring you the latest theater news including an experimental theater mash-up, the surprising physical danger of theater, a cool  NYC theater series, and casting information on a highly-anticipated show.

Then, in Act 2, with the recent airing of Jesus Christ Superstar Live, we take a look at the live TV musical renaissance that kicked off with The Sound of Music five years ago.  Which productions have been successful, which haven’t, and why?  Is there something about live theater that these productions will never be able to capture?  Which shows do we think should be produced next?

What do you think?  Do you have a favorite of the TV musicals?  What do you find to be more successful than not?  Let us know!

Do you have a theater topic you’d like us to talk about?   Maybe you’d like to chat about it with us.  Please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the show to discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, @mikenjd, and @meghancrosby, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCESSeagullMachine: https://brooklynrail.org/2018/04/theater/In-Dialogue-THE-DEFIANT-POLITICS-OF-COLLECTIVITY-The-Assemblys-Seagullmachine Concussions: http://www.modbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article207897744.html 5x5: https://www.broadwayworld.com/amp/c.php?url=The-Cast-Of-The-Theatre-East-5X5-Drama-Series-Makes-Its-Way-Across-NYC-20180404 Moulin Rouge: http://www.playbill.com/article/aaron-tveit-and-karen-olivo-will-star-in-boston-world-premiere-of-moulin-rouge-musical

MUSIC CREDITSOverture, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Angel Records, 1996.Overture, Annie Get Your Gun: An Original Cast Album, Masterworks Broadway, 1966.

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast! It’s out first Anniversary!!

Like last week, we recorded this episode during a nor’easter, so apologies for some technical difficulties!

In Act 1, we bring you the latest theater news including a theater’s aim to prevent suicide, the upcoming programming for an exciting NYC company, and how theater artists are using their craft to help the disabled in Africa.

If you need any help with suicidal thoughts or tendencies, PLEASE contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/, or seek resources at the National Institute of Mental Health at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml.

Then, in Act 2, we thought it would be nice to ring in our first anniversary the way we kicked off the podcast…with a SHOWdown!  This time we jump thirty years after the original West Side Story vs Music Man SHOWdown, and tackle The Phantom of the Opera vs Into the Woods!  How will this battle unfold?  Take a listen and find out!

What do you think?  Did we come out with he right victor?  Do you have an idea for a SHOWdown? Let us know! 

Do you have a theater topic you’d like us to talk about?   Maybe you’d like to chat about it with us.  Please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the show to discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, @mikenjd, and @meghancrosby, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES Suicide Prevention: http://www.bbc.com/news/av/entertainment-arts-43217423/what-drove-milly-thomas-to-write-a-play-about-suicide?intlink_from_url=&link_location=live-reporting-map MCC Theatre: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/MCC-Theater-Announces-New-Season-in-New-Home-20180321 Lesotho: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-43003605

MUSIC CREDITSOverture, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Angel Records, 1996.Ragtime Symphonic Suite, Ragtime - The Musical, Masterworks Broadway, 1998.Overture, Annie Get Your Gun: An Original Cast Album, Masterworks Broadway, 1966.The Phantom of the Opera, Prima Donna; The Phantom of the Opera Original London Cast (Remastered), Verve, 2001. Prologue: Into the Woods, Agony (Reprise); Into the Woods (Remastered), Masterworks Broadway, 2011.

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

We recorded this episode during a nor’easter, so apologies for some technical difficulties!

In Act 1, we bring you the latest theater news with an update on the situation with the Scottish Youth Theatre, an international theater celebration, and how TV is promoting theater across the US.

Then, in Act 2, with this being a holy week for many people around the world, we bring you a discussion of religious musicals.  From the Eden to Uganda, and Adam to Elder Price, the parables, lessons, and morals of religion have been fertile ground for musical theater (and at least one play!).  We discuss these shows, and how they deal with their religious subjects.

What do you think?  Are you a fan of any of these musicals?  Did we miss any that are favorites of yours?  Will you spend this Passover or Easter listening to one of these show? Let us know! 

Do you have a theater topic you’d like us to talk about?   Maybe you’d like to chat about it with us.  Please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the show to discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, @mikenjd, and @meghancrosby, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES Scottish Youth Theater: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-43468779 World Theatre Day: https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/2018/world-theatre-day-maya-zbib-lebanese-theatremaker/ Rise: https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/tri_state/west_virginia/martinsburg-hopes-to-elevate-theater-arts-through-r-i-s/article_c1ad2e26-2ae6-11e8-8954-f39de98787a7.html

MUSIC CREDITSOverture, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Angel Records, 1996.Ragtime Symphonic Suite, Ragtime - The Musical, Masterworks Broadway, 1998.Overture, Annie Get Your Gun: An Original Cast Album, Masterworks Broadway, 1966.

In the Beginning, Children of Eden, Masterworks Broadway, 1997.Tradition, Fiddler on the Roof, Broadway Records, 2016.Go Go Go Joseph; Joseph’s Coat, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 1993 Los Angeles Cast, Verve, 1993.Superstar; King Herod’s Song, Jesus Christ Superstar, 20th Anniversary London Cast Recording, Masterworks Broadway, 2012.Prepare Ye; Day by Day, Godspell, Masterworks Broadway, 1990.Hello; I Believe, The Book of Mormon, Ghostlight, 2011.

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week we welcome to the show Sean Potter!

In Act 1, we bring you the latest theater news on the continued success of the Washington, D.C. theater scene, a new twist on Ragtime, and students leading the charge to save theater in Scotland.

Then, in Act 2, we are joined by Sean Potter.  As regular listeners know, Mike and Meghan both have B.A. degrees in Theater Arts.  Well, we’ve brought Sean on the show to discuss his BFA in musical theater, to compare and contrast the two programs.  What are the benefits of both?  What does one miss out by pursuing one over the other?  Take a listen and find out!

What do you think?  Do you have a BA or BFA in some aspect of the theater?  Do you wish you had pursued the other?  What have you found to be the pros and cons of your degree?  Let us know! 

Do you have a theater topic you’d like us to talk about?   Maybe you’d like to chat about it with us.  Please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the show to discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, @mikenjd, and @meghancrosby, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES DC Theater: https://dctheatrescene.com/2018/03/14/2018-contemporary-american-theater-festival-season-announced/ Ragtime: http://www.playbill.com/article/how-ragtime-on-ellis-island-could-come-back-in-a-full-site-specific-production Glasgow: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-43380885?intlink_from_url=&link_location=live-reporting-story

MUSIC CREDITSOverture, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Angel Records, 1996.Ragtime Symphonic Suite, Ragtime - The Musical, Masterworks Broadway, 1998.Overture, Annie Get Your Gun: An Original Cast Album, Masterworks Broadway, 1966.

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week we welcome to the show lighting designer Leah Cohen!

In Act 1, we bring you the latest theater news on a breakthrough for women in college theater, the television broadcast of a theater favorite, and the first ever Double EGOT!

Then, in Act 2, we are joined by the aforementioned Leah Cohen.  We discuss with Leah her budding lighting design career, her advice for others that want to join the field, what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated field, and, of course, her favorite gel color!

What do you think?  When you enter a theater, is the array of lights the first thing to draw your attention?  Have you ever had an interest in designing lights yourself?  Let us know! 

Do you have a theater topic you’d like us to talk about?   Maybe you’d like to chat about it with us.  Please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the show to discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, @mikenjd, and @meghancrosby, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES

Hasty Pudding: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hasty-pudding-women_us_5a6ae731e4b0ddb658c5333a Robert Lopez: https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2018/03/05/590913026/see-you-later-slackers-robert-lopez-first-to-double-egot Anna Deveare Smith: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/opinion-smith-anna-deavere-smith-empathy_us_5a905997e4b01e9e56bb8287

MUSIC CREDITSOverture, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Angel Records, 1996.Ragtime Symphonic Suite, Ragtime - The Musical, Masterworks Broadway, 1998.Overture, Annie Get Your Gun: An Original Cast Album, Masterworks Broadway, 1966.

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

In Act 1, we bring you the latest theater news on a couple one-woman shows in London, the astounding poise of the Stoneman Douglas High School kids, and Equity’s reaction to the Me Too movement.  You know, light and fluffy stuff.

Then, in Act 2, we bring you Part 2 of an ongoing series on Diversity in Playwriting.  In Episode 33, we spoke about Larissa Fasthorse and Ayad Akhtar.  This week we bring you Quiara Alegria Hudes and Young Jean Lee!  Hear about who these women are, the productions they have brought to the stage, and why their work is important to the theater.

What do you think?  Have you seen any productions by Quiara Alegria Hudes or Young Jean Lee?  What did you think?  Let us know!  Do you have a favorite playwright you’d like us to talk about?  Or maybe you’d like to join us on the sho to discuss her/him, or any other topic that tickles your fancy.  Please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the shout discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, @mikenjd, and @meghancrosby, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES One Woman Shows: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/feb/26/isabella-rossellini-isabelle-huppert-one-woman-shows-london-southbank-centre Parkland Theater Kids: www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/parenting/wp/2018/02/26/embrace-the-lessons-of-theater-kids-to-solve-the-gun-violence-epidemic/Equity & Me Too: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/01/sexual-predators-you-can-hide-but-you-cant-run-says-actors-union Non-Player Character: https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/2018/02/27/non-player-character-puts-gamergate-on-the-theater-stage/

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week we welcome special guest, Jeff Covello (@TurkeyLegJeff)!!

In Act 1, we bring you the latest theater news on the new season at Playwrights Horizons, the continued debut dominance of Paper Mill Playhouse, and a first on Broadway.

Then, in Act 2, Jeff brought us the idea to discuss Millennial Musical Masterpieces.  What is a Millennial Musical Masterpiece, you ask? Think of it as a 90s or Aughts musical that although it didn’t receive the best reviews or best attendance, it is adored by the Millennial generation.  Which shows made out list?  Take a listen to find out!

What do you think?  Do you have a favorite musical that you think should be on our lis?  Let us know!  Also, Just as Jeff did, we would love to bring you more of the topics you would like to hear about, so please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the shout discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, @mikenjd, and @meghancrosby, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES Playwrights Horizons: https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/seasons/201819/ Unmasked: http://www.playbill.com/article/andrew-lloyd-webber-revue-unmasked-will-open-paper-mill-playhouse-season NYU: https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/edtheatre/forum Amy & the Orphans: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/theater/amy-and-the-orphans-down-syndrome-jamie-brewer.html

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week in Act 1, we bring you some theater news on political theater in the US and Europe, the star of a new screen-to-stage adaptation, and one of Mike’s Christmas wishes is actually coming true!!

Then, in Act 2, coming off the successful reading of her play “Um, Om”, Meghan gives us information on how a new playwright can get her work developed and produced.  What resources are out there for budding playwrights who haven’t reached Paula Vogel status yet?  Our podcast-playwright-in-residence gives you the lowdown!

What do you think?  Have you had one of your plays produced?  Did you use any of the resources Meghan details?  Let us know!  Also, we would like to bring you more of the topics you would like to hear about, so please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the shout discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES Open Fist: https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Open-Fist-Theatre-Company-presents-ONE-YEAR-LATER-A-3-Week-Political-Pop-Up-20180205 Secret Garden: http://www.playbill.com/article/the-secret-garden-will-return-to-broadway-directed-by-warren-carlyle European Playwrights: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/feb/12/europe-political-playwrights-theatre The Sting: http://www.playbill.com/article/harry-connick-jr-to-star-in-broadway-bound-musical-the-sting

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

This week we are joined by a special guest: Lead Theater Teacher at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa, Florida — Matthew Belopavlovich (honesthespian.wordpress.com)!

In Act 1, we discuss children’s theater in Minnesota, women in theater in Louisville and Washington, D.C., and Theatre in Paris.

Then, in Act 2, Matt Belopavlovich joins us to discuss his work at the Patel Conservatory (@PatelConserv) at the Straz Center in Tampa (@StrazCenter). After getting his start in theater in high school and college, and taking a turn at Disney World, Matt has found himself working with incredible students in Florida.  Specifically, Matt and the Patel have a curriculum that highlights sensory-friendly theater — something we have highlighted a number of times on the show.  Listen as Matt takes us through the Conservatory’s program, the benefits of these performances for folks with special needs, and the great work and support he and his school are bringing to, and receiving from, the Tampa community.

What do you think?  Have you been to the Patel Conservatory or Straz Center?  Do you or someone you know attend sensory-friendly performances?  What is it like?  How does it enhance your enjoyment of theater?  Let us know!  Also, we would like to bring you more of the topics you would like to hear about, so please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the shout discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES Corduroy: https://www.broadwayworld.com/minneapolis/article/Childrens-Theatre-Company-Presents-World-Premiere-Of-CORDUROY-20180201Paris: http://www.playbill.com/article/how-english-speakers-can-get-a-taste-of-fine-french-theatreLouisville: http://www.playbill.com/article/women-playwrights-lead-2018-humana-festival-world-premieres D.C.: http://www.playbill.com/article/14-playwrights-directors-on-why-womens-contributions-to-theatre-are-vital

Patel Conservatory: https://www.strazcenter.org/Arts-Education/Patel-Conservatory https://www.facebook.com/PatelConservatory/

Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!

Mike is away at DisneyWorld celebrating his birthday with family, so we have a short episode rounding up some news and notes.  We’ll be back next week with a regular episode, and Mike’s report on the theatrical aspects of Disney’s Magic Kingdom!

We would like to bring you more of the topics you would like to hear about, so please get in touch with your feedback, and maybe we can have you on the shout discuss your theatrical passion!

Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, via email at [email protected], and on Facebook at facebook.com/andscenepod. Please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play Music, or Stitcher, and leave us a rating (five stars please!).  Thank you for listening!

NEWS SOURCES Donmar Warehouse: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42648870?intlink_from_url=http://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c008ql15v4yt/theatre&link_location=live-reporting-story Off-Bway Theater: https://www.forbes.com/sites/leeseymour/2018/01/17/off-broadway-theater-isnt-dying-its-evolving-and-its-more-profitable-than-ever/#7c280f61f6a1 Vicky Featherstone: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42558320 Every Brilliant Thing: http://www.dailytribune.com/arts-and-entertainment/20180118/tipping-point-theatre-brilliantly-shines-light-of-hope-on-depression Cuba Gooding Jr: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42365991 Playbill: http://www.playbill.com/article/playbills-ultimate-guide-to-broadway-ticket-buying