A Musical Theatre Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph. Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the challenges faced during out-of-town tryouts, the unwavering determination to overcome them, and the celebration of reaching over a decade on Broadway – a remarkable feat in the world of musical theatre. This captivating series features exclusive conversations with the original cast and creative team behind ALADDIN including Alan Menken, Casey Nicholaw, James Monroe Iglehart, Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, Sonya Balsara, Adi Roy and more as they recount their experiences with the show. Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan, a theatre enthusiast, or simply captivated by the magic of storytelling, this series is a must-listen. Unveil the untold story of ALADDIN and discover the passion, resilience, and drive that created a Broadway sensation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ANASTASIA is a musical based on a rumor that has stood the test of time and is a testament to the stories we tell during our "darkest Decembers." Joining us this week to discuss it is a young man who's just beginning to tell his own story, and he's earned quite the platform to do so. Damson Chola Jr. won the Jimmy Awards earlier this year and, thanks to incredible performing arts support in his Texas hometown, already has this epic musical on his resume. Don't miss this conversation filled with history, animation, and heart. Follow Damson on Instagram @damsoncholajr, and be sure to check out his galleries and original music by visiting damsoncholajr.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out our episode with ANASTASIA composers Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty: A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE with Stephen Flaherty & Lynn Ahrens Have you subscribed to PATREON! yet? It's only $1 a month, and next week subscribers get a new episode of "Something Worth Singing About" dedicated to the musicals of Ahrens & Flaherty. Follow all the latest from the podcast on Instagram, TikTok, and X. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store where our profits are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once a year, we share a PATREON! preview on our main feed to showcase the amazing bonus content you might be missing by not being a subscriber! It may only be April, but today's episode was too good not to share. In celebration of over 75 years of Tony Awards excellence, the American Theatre Wing recently commissioned the creation of a new book about the biggest awards ceremony in theatre. Here to discuss the book as well as the history of the Tony Awards is the book's writer, Eila Mell, and the CEO of the American Theatre Wing, Heather Hitchens. These two powerhouse women shed light on the award's history, their favorite Tony Awards memories, and the amazing stories found in the pages of this beautiful, must have book. To listen to the full, 40-minute conversation, visit PATREON! at patreon.com/amusicalpodcast The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre is available now! Buy it anywhere you order good books. Follow Eila Mell on Instagram @eilamell Follow "A Musical Theatre Podcast" on Instagram, X, and TikTok and thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The musical CONTACT may be one of the most controversial Tony Award winners of all time, but Karen Ziemba is one of the most gracious and deserving. A musical theatre triple threat with incredible work ethic, true vulnerability, and a dazzling smile, we are honored she joined us this week to discuss the very special show that brought her so much acclaim. Along the way, we talk about her many collaborations with Susan Stroman and the real importance of dance in musical theatre. Take one moment to follow "A Musical Theatre Podcast" wherever you may be listening and share us with your friends! Join us on Instagram, TikTok and X for more great content. For bonus episodes, subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store, our proceeds from which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ten years ago, we would have said MY FAIR LADY is a musical that will be produced forever: iconic characters, a legendary score and source material. But now has that all changed? This week we're joined by Cindy & Christine from the Bottomless Broadway podcast to discuss rom com makeovers, gender politics, and of course, "quan" Julie Andrews.  For more Cindy & Christine, subscribe to Bottomless Broadway and follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @bottomlessbway. Take one moment to follow "A Musical Theatre Podcast" wherever you may be listening and share us with your friends! Join us on Instagram, TikTok and X for more great content. For bonus episodes, subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store, our proceeds from which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE may be a five person musical dealing with the existential crisis of objective truth, but it also has brought together one of our most exciting episodes. Not only do we have the charming and talented Travis Leland to discuss this wonderful show, we have the composer and writer himself: five time Tony nominated Michael John LaChiusa (HELLO AGAIN, THE WILD PARTY, MARIE CHRISTINE)! Join us as together we marvel Michael John's complex writing style and Idina Menzel's soft palette. Follow Travis on Instagram at @travisleland20 Take one moment to follow "A Musical Theatre Podcast" wherever you may be listening and share us with your friends! Join us on Instagram, TikTok and X for more great content. For bonus episodes, subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store, our proceeds from which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Wilkommen, bienvenue, and welcome" to the legendary musical that entertains you, slaps you across the face, and somehow makes you grateful for it. Award-winning director Richard Israel joins us to discuss the brilliance of Kander & Ebb's CABARET, the elegance of Joe Masteroff, and why this musical is a must in 2020. Enjoy a look at Richard's work by visiting https://richardisraeldirector.com Take one moment to follow "A Musical Theatre Podcast" wherever you may be listening and share us with your friends! Join us on Instagram, TikTok and X for more great content. For bonus episodes, subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store, our proceeds from which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"How did you get to be here?" That single question has always been the success and struggle of Stephen Sondheim's 1981 musical MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. This week, actress and activist Jennifer Shelton joins us to discuss the musical's fascinating past, and what its unconventional style reveals about our past, present, and future. Take a deeper dive into Jen's career by visiting her website at http://jennifer-shelton.com Take one moment to follow "A Musical Theatre Podcast" wherever you may be listening and share us with your friends! Join us on Instagram, TikTok and X for more great content. For bonus episodes, subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store, our proceeds from which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you spell the word... podcast? Yeah, too easy. You know what's not easy, though? William Finn music! Here to discuss the brilliance of him and the delightful THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is the equally delightful music director, Jennifer Lin. Get ready to delve into the quirky side of musical theatre with this conversation that we promise isn't "chimerical." Follow Jennifer Lin on Instagram @jen_lin Take one moment to follow "A Musical Theatre Podcast" wherever you may be listening and share us with your friends! Join us on Instagram, TikTok and X for more great content. For bonus episodes, subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store, our proceeds from which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ANYTHING GOES is a legendary madcap musical from the 1930s, and thanks to actress Leah Sprecher, our guest to celebrate it this week is the equally legendary and madcap icon Broadway Barbara Dixon. You don't want to miss Barbara's unique and infamous perspective on her first love: Broadway! Follow Barbara on Instagram and TikTok at @broadwaybarbaraofficial You won't regret it! Take one moment to follow "A Musical Theatre Podcast" wherever you may be listening and share us with your friends! Join us on Instagram, TikTok and X for more great content. For bonus episodes, subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month. And don't forget about our TeePublic Store, our proceeds from which we donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Above all, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices