PARADE is by no means a "happy musical." But the way it has aged not only with audiences but within our culture has given it a happier ending than when it first opened in the 1999 Broadway season.
This week, actor Max Chernin (Broadway's PARADE, BRIGHT STAR, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE) takes a moment from playing "Leo Frank" in the show's current national tour to discuss how the wounds from the original 1913 trial continue to fester today and how important it can be to "de-role" from it all.
By the way, if you're into "true crime," this is the musical for you.
Follow Max on Instagram @maxcherns
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check our episode exploring more complex moments of American History: RAGTIME with David Loud
For only a few dollars a month, subscribe to PATREON! for bonus episodes, contests, and polls! Don't forget to like and share our episodes on Instagram and TikTok. We have fun playlists on Spotify to keep you company in between episodes and be sure to check out our TeePublic Store where our profits from the designs are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community!
29/6/2025
1:16:11
29/6/2025
1:16:11
THE ADDAMS FAMILY with Rachel Potter
"They're creepy and they're kooky," but they also mean a lot to so many of you! THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a musical based on the beloved characters by Charles Addams is one of the most performed musicals in the United States. Today, we look at why that might be.
Joining us is one of Broadway's "Wednesdays," the amazing Rachel Potter (EVITA, WICKED), whose new album "Stages" features one the musical's most popular songs.
Follow Rachel on Instagram at @therachelpotter. Listen to her new album STAGES now! Also, here's the music video she mentions in the episode celebrating the "Addams Family Stage" of her life.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out another celebrating composer Andrew Lippa: BIG FISH with Jeff Whiting
For only a few dollars a month, subscribe to PATREON! for bonus episodes, contests, and polls! Don't forget to like and share our episodes on Instagram and TikTok. We have fun playlists on Spotify to keep you company in between episodes and be sure to check out our TeePublic Store where our profits from the designs are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
More than anything, thank you for being an important part of this podcasting community!
04/6/2025
1:11:05
04/6/2025
1:11:05
SMILE with Robert W. Schneider
SMILE, a musical by Howard Ashman and Marvin Hamlisch about a teen beauty pageant may not have won the crown when it premiered on Broadway back in 1986, but it was the winner of this year's "Flop Shop" PATREON! poll. We're hoping now a few more people will know just how important this musical is!
Director, podcaster, and educator Robert W. Schneider joins us just having finished directing a production of this lesser-known gem. Tune in to hear all about the original production and how the show was received by audiences in 2025.
Be sure to follow Rob on Instagram @robwschneider and learn more about his theatre company at The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company
If you enjoyed this episode, check out last year's winner of the "Flop Shop" poll: STEEL PIER with Colden Lamb
Join us at PATREON! for bonus episodes, contests, and polls! Don't forget to like and share our episodes on Instagram and TikTok. We have fun playlists on Spotify to keep you company in between episodes and be sure to check out our TeePublic Store where our profits from the designs are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
More than anything, thank you for being an important part of this podcasting community!
20/5/2025
1:18:28
20/5/2025
1:18:28
DEATH BECOMES HER with Marco Pennette and Kaleigh Cronin
Just as DEATH BECOMES HER celebrates 10 Tony nominations, we're thrilled to celebrate our new episode dedicated to this brand-new Broadway hit!
Joining us is one of the nominees, the hilarious book writer himself, Marco Pennette (TV's Ugly Betty & Mom), and one of hard-working cast members keeping the show going 8 performances a week, Kaleigh Cronin (Cabaret, A Bronx Tale, Jersey Boys).
Marco is an open, pardon the pun, "book," and you'll love his insider look at how this musical came to be. Kaleigh is not only in the show every night but also understudies both leading lady roles and has wonderful insights on those fabulous divas.
Don't miss DEATH BECOMES HER at the Lunt-Fontaine Theatre in NYC! To learn more, visit deathbecomesher.com. Be sure to follow Kaleigh on Instagram at @kaleigh_cronin.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out our recent episode with the writers of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS: Rick Elice and PigPen Theatre Co.
Join us at PATREON! for bonus episodes, contests, and polls! Don't forget to like and share our episodes on Instagram and TikTok. We have fun playlists on Spotify to keep you company in between episodes, and be sure to check out our TeePublic Store where our profits from the designs are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
More than anything, thank you for being an important part of this podcasting community!
04/5/2025
1:09:41
04/5/2025
1:09:41
CRAZY FOR YOU with Shannon Lewis
"Let me give you the lowdown, we're K-razy for 'Lew!'"
This week we're covering a game changing musical based on a game changing musical (get ready for Jeff's "Expired Ketchup" metaphor) featuring the Broadway debut of a performer who's now enjoying her Broadway debut as a choreographer! It's CRAZY FOR YOU with Shannon Lewis!
Shannon (JUST IN TIME, FOSSE, CURTAINS, SWEET CHARITY, and so many more...) never forgets a count of choreo, so there's nobody better to talk about this "dance-tastic" musical that not only left audiences floating out of the theater but rolled out the red carpet for legendary director/choreographer Susan Stroman.
For more Shannon, get your tickets now to see her choreographic work in the brand-new musical JUST IN TIME starring Jonathan Groff, and follow her on Instagram at @realshanlew
If you enjoyed this conversation, listen to another incredible artist discuss the legacy of Broadway dance in our SWEET CHARITY episode with Dylis Croman!
Join our ever-growing community on PATREON! Starting at only $1 a month, you can gain access to membership tiers, trivia competitions, bonus episodes and voting polls!
Don't forget to like and share our episodes on Instagram and TikTok. We have fun playlists on Spotify to keep you company in between episodes. And be sure to check out our TeePublic Store where our profits from the designs are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Most importantly, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community!
Conversations revealing the cultural and emotional impact of our favorite musicals in theatre history.
On each episode of “A Musical Theatre Podcast,” Jeff welcomes a special guest to explore one musical from theatre history. Together they get to the heart of the show’s cultural and emotional impact by looking at its creators, context, and storytelling. Always fun and heartfelt, this is the podcast to celebrate the humanity of our musical theatre art form.
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