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

Happy Labor Day (if you’re in the US or Canada)!  We hope you’re kicking back with a cold drink of choice and have thrown something on the grill before you face the fall.

In Act 1, we discuss an Off-Broadway hit heading out on tour, the arrest of a director, some UK musical casting news, and the continues saga of The Great Comet.

In Act 2, we honor Labor Day by taking a look at the various labor unions that work in the professional theater.  From the actors to the stage hands to the press agents to the scenic designers, commercial theater could not run without unionized labor.  This episode provides an overview of these folks and the importance of having the protections unions provide the theater world.  (And sorry box office treasurers for leaving you out. We ran out of time!)

Are you a member of a theater union, or have tried to join one?  What has your experience been?  Let us know, and come on our show!  Do you have another theater subject that is near and dear to you?  Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows.  We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

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!

SOURCESPercy Jackson: http://www.playbill.com/article/the-lightning-thief-the-percy-jackson-musical-is-heading-on-tour Russia: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/22/kirill-serebrennikov-arrest-russian-theatre-director-fears-of-clampdown-on-dissentCilla: http://www.playbill.com/article/cast-complete-for-world-premiere-of-cillathe-musicalGreat Comet: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/29/theater/great-comet-broadway-race.html?_r=0

If you’d like to hear our interview with Casting Director Joy Dewing and the casting agents’ ongoing effort to unionize, please take a listen to episode #11 (https://andscenepod.podbean.com/e/and-scene-11-casting-w-joy-dewing/).

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

Meghan is back!!!  And not a moment too soon. In Act 1, we discuss a Broadway return, a test of theatrical knowledge, and, unfortunately, another passing in the theater world.

In Act 2, Meghan discusses her recent trip to Asia.  We have a great discussion on the program she participated in where she imparted her knowledge of theater techniques on teachers looking to find new ways to reach their students.  But her trip didn’t end there!  Meghan also relates the other theater experiences she had while visiting, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Madagascar!

Have you had any theater experiences out in Asia or other places Americans don’t usually get to?  Are you in Asia and would like to discuss theater near you?  Let us know, and come on our show!  Do you have another theater subject that is near and dear to you?  Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows.  We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

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!

SOURCESDenzel: http://www.playbill.com/article/denzel-washington-to-star-in-the-iceman-cometh-on-broadwayAITAF: https://aitaf.org/ Top 10 Directors: http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-101-10-directors-every-broadway-history-nerd-should-knowThomas Meehan: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Book-Writer-of-ANNIE-HAIRSPRAY--Thomas-Meehan-Passes-Away-at-88-20170822

If you speak read Mandarin, here are a couple digests on Meghan’s program:http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/y6NO6YrJYYyaoiN3djgVoQ http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/6LPoZ03-PCSg5T4OU67UWQ 

Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatic Show in Beijing: http://www.chaoyangtheatre.com/Tokyo Disney Sea: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tds/  Ko Shan Theatre in Hong Kong: http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/kst/Zara Aina: http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/6LPoZ03-PCSg5T4OU67UWQ

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

Meghan is back in the USA, but jet lag is a doozy, so she is off for one more week.  Fear not!  She will be back on the show next week!  Mike is flying this episode solo, so he has some quick updates on the comings and goings of the theater world this week.  In Act 1, Mike discusses the closing of Groundhog Day, the departure of Ben Platt, the arrival of a new musical, the lead casting of a returning show, and the expansion of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s empire.

For Act 2, as Meghan is still away, and Mike is heading out for the weekend, we bring to you one of our other test episodes.  This was our original Getting To Know You episode, but it covered different topics than the one that aired a couple months back.  So, take a listen and learn a little more about your hosts.  Remember, this is an EARLY episode, and we like to think we’ve improved as podcasters since then!

Meghan will be back next week, but we would still love for you to come on our show!  Would you like to join us and discuss your love of theater?  Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows.  We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

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!

SOURCESGroundhog Day: http://www.playbill.com/article/groundhog-day-sets-broadway-closing-dateBen Platt: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Fans-Take-to-Social-Media-to-Thank-Ben-Platt-for-His-Performance-as-Evan-Hansen-20170815-twitterGetting the Band: http://www.playbill.com/article/gettin-the-band-back-together-sets-2018-broadway-openingOnce On This Island: http://www.playbill.com/article/once-on-this-island-broadway-revival-casts-ti-moune ALW: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-Strikes-Deal-for-Musical-Theatre-Advancement-in-China-20170816

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

With Meghan still away (in Madagascar now!), Mike has the pleasure of bringing back two-time guest Robert W. Schneider.  But this time, Rob has brought his podcast co-host, Kevin David Thomas!  In Act 1, Mike, Rob, and Kevin discuss the latest innovation in musicals, the exciting casting news for Once On This Island, and another sad passing, this time the legendary Barbara Cook.

In Act 2, the guys discuss Rob and Kevin’s wonderful podcast Behind the Curtain: Broadway’s Living Legends. On their show, Rob and Kevin speak to the famous and not-as-famous professionals that have shaped professional theater in New York and around the country.  From actors to composers to makeup artists to lawyers, their show is a living chronicle of Broadway history, and Mike gets to hear some of their best stories!

Do you have any great Broadway stories?  Is there anyone you’d like to hear Rob and Kevin interview?  Let us (and them!) know!!  Rob’s Twitter account is @RobWSchneider, Kevin’s is @KevDavThom, and their show’s is @BroadwayCurtain.

Also, with Meghan away, I still need cohosts!  Would you like to come on the show and discuss your love of theater?  Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows.  We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

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!

SOURCESPodcast Musical: http://www.playbill.com/article/how-two-unknown-composers-gotn-jonathan-groff-to-star-in-their-podcast-musicalLea Salonga: http://www.playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-alex-newell-and-more-join-once-on-this-island-on-broadwayBarbara Cook: https://www.broadwayworld.com//article/Legendary-Barbara-Cook-Has-Passed-Away-at-89-20170808

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

Meghan is still in China, so Mike is joined this week by actor, librettist, and lyricist, Patricia Noonan!  In Act 1, Mike and Patricia discuss the unfortunate passing of Sam Shepard, casting news for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and a new accessory line every theater lover can support.

In Act 2, Patricia, book and lyrics writer for the new musical Sweetwater, discusses what it is like to be a “baby writer” of musicals, what are some of the pitfalls to avoid when doing so, and the challenges of dramatizing historical subjects.  Mike and Patricia also discuss the inspiration for writing Sweetwater, its current status, and what direction the writing team is taking now.

Have you ever tried writing a theatrical piece, let alone a full-blown musical?  Tell us about your experience.  What other questions would you like answered by musical writers?  Let us know!!

Also, with Meghan away, I need cohosts!  Would you like to come on the show and discuss your love of theater?  Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows.  We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

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!

SOURCESSam Shepard: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Playwright-Director-and-Actor-Sam-Shepard-Passes-Away-at-73-20170731Harry Potter: http://www.playbill.com/article/original-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-trio-to-reunite-on-broadway-additional-casting-announced Scenery Bags: http://www.dancespirit.com/bags-made-from-theater-backdrops-2467927253.html

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

Meghan is in China (ni hao, Meghan!), so Mike is joined this week by friend of the podcast, Peter Lockyer!  In Act 1, the guys discuss three bits of theater news on a Steve Jobs opera, a Robin Hood musical, and a Great Comet drama.

For Act 2, Pete brings up the topic of theater (and more specifically, actor) professionalism.  What are some Dos and Don’ts for behavior when you are rehearsing, performing, and even leaving a production.  While some of this advice is related to Pete and MIke’s time working on Broadway, it is applicable, really, to any production: amateur or professional. 

What do YOU think?  Do you have any tricks of the trade that you think are essential to being a good theater teammate?  Any behavior that puts you off as a crew member?  How would you like to see your fellow company members behave?  Let us know!!

Also, with Meghan away, I need cohosts!  Would you like to come on the show and discuss your love of theater?  Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows.  We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

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!

SOURCESSteve Jobs: https://theringer.com/steve-jobs-opera-d4764d57eef7Robin Hood: http://variety.com/2017/legit/reviews/hood-review-musical-2-1202505192/Great Comet: http://www.playbill.com/article/mandy-patinkin-will-return-to-broadway-in-the-great-comet http://www.playbill.com/article/mandy-patinkin-withdraws-from-broadways-the-great-comet

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

This week, in Act 1, we discuss casting for NBC’s live TV production of A Few Good Men, one theater company’s shaming of millennials, and a teacher using performance to address race in school.

In Act 2, with Meghan heading off to Asia for the next few weeks, we thought it would be a good idea to discuss some Asian theater history.  Now, we know our Greek theater history show wasn’t….the most entertaining, shallow say.  So, we’re changing it up.  Get your #2 pencils and Sacntron sheets, because it’s time for a Pop Quiz!!

How did you do?  We know we didn’t cover all of Asian theater, so what other topics would you like to discuss?  Please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows.  We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!

Also, with Meghan away, I need cohosts!  Would you like to come on the show and discuss your love of theater? 

Reach out to 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!

SOURCESA Few Good Men: http://tvline.com/2017/07/17/a-few-good-men-cast-alec-baldwin-nbc-nathan-jessup/Success Academy: http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/14/health/school-conversation-about-race-trnd/index.html

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

This week, in Act 1, we discuss the Theater Olympics (who knew?!), the latest Disney animated film to (possibly) come to Broadway, and Shakespeare on TV.

In Act 2, with the summer movie season in full swing, and Emmy nominations just announced, we thought it would be fun to look at some of our favorite Stage to Screen adaptations.  These aren’t necessarily the “best” such adaptations, but ones that we believe exhibit how television or film can enhance an already powerful stage play or musical.

Which plays and musicals do you believe were best adapted for the small or silver screens?  Let us know!  As well, please reach out to us on what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows.  We do this show for you so we want to bring you what you want to hear!  Please reach out to 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!

SOURCESTheater Olympics: http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-253691.html Hercules: http://www.playbill.com/article/stage-adaptation-of-disneys-hercules-is-in-the-worksWill: https://nyti.ms/2uZhSyL1776: https://longreads.com/2017/07/06/the-1972-movie-of-the-1969-musical-1776/

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

We are back after the holiday, rested and ready to tackle some more theater topics for the summer. This week, in Act 1, we discuss the healing power of theater (literally!), some great things schools are doing with theater grants, and what if Broadway “could turn back time.”

In Act 2, while Mike was away on vacation, Meghan interviewed theater artist and composer Ross Somerville (@sombreroville91).  Ross discusses his process for writing music for theatrical productions, how being an actor helps his composing, and the ways in which a director’s personality can effect the writing process.

Have you ever thought about how the music was written for a piece of theater?  Ever tried composing yourself?  Tell us about it!  As well, please let us know what subjects you’d like to hear about on upcoming shows.  Please reach out to 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!

SOURCESHealing Drama: http://www.playbill.com/article/how-theatre-and-drama-can-have-healing-powersLobero Theatre: https://www.noozhawk.com/article/boxtales Theater & Education: http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20170705/NEWS/170709724 Pride: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/five-gay-plays-changed-world/Cher: http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-aimed-the-cher-show-will-get-month-long-october-lab

MUSICSpice Girls, “Wannabe”, Spice, Virgin Records, 1996Mogwai, “Hungry Face”, Les Revenants, Rock Action, 2013Ross Somerville, “It’s Never Black and White”, Winter Sun, 2016Ross Somerville, “Celia”, Kara Sevda, 2017

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

It’s the Fourth of July!  Happy Birthday, America!  With Mike on vacation, and folks kicking back and throwing some food on the grill, we decided to keep this week’s episode short and sweet with a couple of news items related to American theater (and drive-in theater?!?!).

Take it easy this week, enjoy the holiday, and we’ll be back next week with a full episode on composing music for the theater.

Our best ideas for episode subjects come from our listeners, so please reach out to 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!

SOURCES

Bruce Springsteen: http://nypost.com/2017/06/16/bruce-springsteen-heads-to-broadway-this-fall/

Drive-Ins: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2017/06/17/drive--movies-thrive-streaming-world/102665316/

Dave Chapelle: https://nyti.ms/2slbQdV 

Morgan Green: http://www.americantheatre.org/2017/06/21/sharon-playhouse-where-the-director-drives-the-whole-season/