Explore every episode of the podcast Before the Downbeat: A Musical Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rocky Horror Show Promo | 18 Oct 2024 | 00:02:53 | |
Next week Mackenzie and Scott are getting in touch with the spooky halloween vibes of the season as they head up to the lab to discuss the true classic cult musical The Rocky Horror Show! Hear them discuss why this musical was so impactful with the LGBTQIA+ community when it premiered in the 1970s and why it still has such resonance today. They explore why the original Broadway run failed despite its success in the West End and LA. Plus find out which iconic Canadian performers were part of the original Toronto production. All of this and a sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 72. The Sound of Music | 11 Oct 2024 | 02:06:39 | |
This Friday on Before the Downbeat it's the premiere episode of season 6. For this episode Mackenzie and Maris are seeking to solve a problem like Maria as they discuss this final Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music. Together these two yodellers discuss the impact the iconic film adaptation has had on the revivals of the stage show. They breakdown why the song 'Something Good' is a much better love duet for the Captain and Maria compared to their original song 'An Ordinary Couple'. Plus find out which alternate title for the show they wouldn't have been opposed to. All this and a few of our favourite things in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 70. A New Brain | 10 May 2024 | 01:41:13 | |
This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are throwing out books by Norman Mailer and discussing the musical A New Brain! Together Mackenzie and Scott explore William Finn's fascination with the last name Delli-Bovi as he also used it in March of the Falsettos too. They debate the characterization of Gordon's mother Mimi. Plus discover if Mackenzie has found an appreciation for this musical after going into this episode knowing nothing about this piece All of this and some time and music in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 47. Spring Awakening | 03 Jan 2023 | 01:34:19 | |
This week on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and special guest co-host and the Elphaba to Mackenzie's Glinda Jessica Maxwell are revisiting their youth and discussing the angsty coming of age musical Spring Awakening! Hear these two long time friends from portable 303 converse over whether the angst of this musical still connects with the youth today. They debate this musicals score and if it needs to be written to provide more depth and struggle. Plus hear about Jessica's experiences seeing this show live. All of this plus some surprise audience plants on this week's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Spring Awakening Promo | 03 Jan 2023 | 00:02:00 | |
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat while Autumn is still away Mackenzie is joined this time by friend and returning guest turned co-host Jessica Maxwell! Together they head to Germany and discuss the angsty teen rock musical Spring Awakening! Hear these two long time friends debate if the score properly reflects teenage angst or if it blows its proverbial load too soon. They explore whether they can still relate to a musical that is geared toward a more youth audience. Plus hear about the time Jessica met a member of this musical creative team All of this and some future Glee stars on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 46. Avenue Q | 03 Jan 2023 | 01:47:02 | |
This week on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and guest co-host Jillian Robinson are breaking out puppets and discussing the adult musical comedy Avenue Q! Hear these two friends converse over whether this musical rightful deserved to win the Tony Award for Best Musical over Wicked and why puppets make tackling some of these difficult adult topics easier. Plus hear their pitches for a sequel musical for Avenue Q. All of this plus a set of new building keys on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Avenue Q Promo | 03 Jan 2023 | 00:01:51 | |
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie along with guest co-host Jillian Robinson head to New York and discuss the puppet musical comedy Avenue Q! Hear these two friends debate if all the jokes and comedic elements of the show still fit in towards more PC aware world. They explore the power of puppetry and find out how they'd adapt this musical for a modern audience. All of this plus a B.A. in English on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Dear Evan Hansen Film Review | 03 Jan 2023 | 01:26:47 | |
This week on Before the Downbeat marks the first in series of episodes where Autumn will be away on a theatre contract. But never fear Autumn and Mackenzie have some great content planned for you in the meantime. So sit back and enjoy as Mackenzie and guest cohost Graeme McClelland do a deep dive review of the latest movie musical to hit the big screen Dear Evan Hansen. Hear these two give their thoughts on Ben Platts casting, why they think this film didn't translate well from stage to screen, and what they think of the new songs. Plus find out what simple fixes they would do to help improve the story. All of this plus an awkward dinner with the Murphy family! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 45. Snoopy! The Musical | 03 Jan 2023 | 01:15:22 | |
This week on Before the Downbeat Autumn and Mackenzie are hanging out with the Peanuts gang while starring at the clouds and discussing Snoopy! The Musical! Hear these two reveal their favourite Peanuts character. They explain why this musical while not having the best book still has important messages to impart to both adults and kids. Plus find out how Autumn thinks the upcoming reworking of the book should tackle Peppermint Patty. All of this plus a manuscript submission to Playbeagle on this Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Snoopy! The Musical Promo | 03 Jan 2023 | 00:01:19 | |
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Autumn and Mackenzie head into the world of the Peanuts and are hanging out by the dog house to discuss Snoopy! The Musical! Hear them debate about how intellectual these children should be and if some songs are too sophisticated for them. They champion the often overlooked character or Peppermint Patty and find out if they think this musical should finally have a Broadway production. All of this plus dear Woodstock next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-West Side Story (2021) Official Trailer Review | 03 Jan 2023 | 00:18:06 | |
The journey continues on the road to Before the Downbeat's holiday movie musical review. Join host Mackenzie as he dives into the official trailer which premiered on Good Morning America. In this review Mackenzie gives his thoughts on the trailer, how this trailer builds on the teaser trailer, and how he thinks the marketing campaign is going thus far. Head over to our YouTube page to watch part 2 of this review where Mackenzie does a shot by shot break down of this trailer. | |||
| 44. Wicked | 03 Jan 2023 | 01:51:02 | |
After a brief hiatus from our regular programming it's the season 4 premiere of Before the Downbeat! So Mackenzie and Autumn along with long time guest of the podcast Lynn defy gravity and take to the western skies to explore the Wizard of Oz prequel musical Wicked! This trio breaks down the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba and if both parties are sincere in their sentiments featured in their final duet 'For Good'. They debate whether or not this musical lives up to the potential the messaging of the show promotes and Mackenzie goes on the defence and makes his case for why Glinda has the best character journey between the two heroines. All of this plus lunch with kindly goat professor on this Friday's all premiere episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Wicked Promo | 03 Jan 2023 | 00:01:52 | |
Next Friday it's the season premiere episode of season 4 of Before the Downbeat! So to kick off the season Autumn, Mackenzie and friend of the podcast Lynn Slotkin are heading to the realm of Oz and discussing the musical about happened before Dorothy arrived Wicked! Hear them explore the character of Glinda and if she can trusted. Find out if they think both Glinda and Elphaba have been changed 'For Good'. Plus discover why Lynn is not this musicals biggest fan. All of this plus a pack of flying monkeys on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| A New Brain Promo | 03 May 2024 | 00:02:44 | |
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott are having some calamari and ziti as they’ve watch Mr. Bungee and discuss the musical A New Brain! Hear them debate where they would rank this musical against the other William Finn pieces of Falsettos and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. They breakdown the differences between the 1998 and the 2015 versions of the show . Plus they discuss the pros and cons of using theatre as a form of therapy. All of this and the homeless lady’s revenge on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Remastered Ep.14: Little Shop of Horrors | 03 Jan 2023 | 01:11:07 | |
After a fun summer of remastering, live movie musical commentaries, and Schmigadoon reviews we have one more instalment (for now) in our Remastered Episodes project before season 4 begins next week! So journey back to the end of season 1 and enjoy our now reedited and remixed instalment of Season 1-Episode 14: Little Shop of Horrors! Plus do our end of the season 3 survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode- Schmigadoon! Ep. 6 Review | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:15:02 | |
Enjoy our last instalment (for now) of our episode by episode review miniseries of the new hit musical comedy show 'Schmigadoon!'. In this season finale episode, Mackenzie gives his thoughts on whether the show stuck the landing and provided a satisfying conclusion to the season or if there is more to be desired. Also find out if Mackenzie thinks if Keegan-Michael Key's big song lives up to the hype that this season built it up as. Plus he continues to point out the various connections to the golden age musicals that inspired songs of this episode. Enjoy! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. Episode segments | |||
| Bonus Episode- Schmigadoon! Ep. 5 Review | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:21:12 | |
Enjoy our latest instalment in our episode by episode review miniseries of the new hit musical comedy show 'Schmigadoon!'. In this episode 5, Mackenzie gives his thoughts on whether Jane Krakowski's Countess is necessary or if she is a tragically wasted opportunity and if this penultimate episodes sets audiences up for a gratifying finale. Plus he continues to point out the various connections to the golden age musicals that inspired songs of this episode. Enjoy! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode- Schmigadoon! Ep. 4 Review | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:22:58 | |
Enjoy our latest instalment in our episode by episode review miniseries of the new hit musical comedy show 'Schmigadoon!'. In this episode 4 Mackenzie gives his thoughts on whether this episodes plot should have been split into two episodes and if these new couplings pose a really threat to Josh and Melissa reconciling. Plus he continues to point out the various connections to the golden age musicals that inspired songs of this episode. Enjoy! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode- Schmigadoon! Ep. 3 Review | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:21:38 | |
Here we are with the next instalment in our episode by episode review miniseries of the new hit musical comedy show 'Schmigadoon!'. In this episode 3 Mackenzie gives his thoughts on the character of Florence Menlove and he gives insights on how this episode not only covers a lot of plot points but also shows how it balances the genuine emotions of the characters and cheeky humour to pokes fun at this era of Broadway musicals. Plus he continues to point out the various connections to the golden age musicals that inspired songs of this episode. Enjoy! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode- Schmigadoon! Ep. 2 Review | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:21:12 | |
Here we are with the next instalment in our episode by episode review miniseries of the new hit musical comedy show 'Schmigadoon!'. In this episode 2 Mackenzie gives his thoughts on the characters Betsy and Mayor Menlove and he deep dives into all the easter eggs that can be found in the 'Oklahoma!' inspired basket auction scene. Plus he continues to point out the various connections to the golden age musicals that inspired songs of this episode. Enjoy! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode- Schmigadoon! Ep. 1 Review | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:23:38 | |
Tune in and enjoy our review of the pilot episode of the new hit musical comedy show 'Schmigadoon!'. In this episode Mackenzie breaks down the various connections to the golden age musicals that inspired this show and he sings the praises of writers who've done a great job laying a solid foundation for the show to build on. Stay tune for more episode reviews! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Remastered Ep.11: Evita | 27 Dec 2022 | 01:13:50 | |
This week we have another instalment in our Remastered Episodes project! Don't worry Season 4 is coming sooner than you think! In the meantime, enjoy another dive back into one of our earliest episodes that has now been reedited and has had the sound quality fixed too. For this latest instalment enjoy Season 1-Episode 11: Evita! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Remastered Ep.5: Jesus Christ Superstar | 27 Dec 2022 | 01:06:08 | |
Surprise! After the resounding success from our first batch of Remaster Episodes Autumn and Mackenzie have decided to release a few more as they continue to prepare for Season 4 during this brief hiatus! So enjoy another dive back into their earliest episodes that have now been reedited and have had the sound quality fixed too. For latest instalment enjoy Season 1-Episode 5: Jesus Christ Superstar! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Special Q&A Hiatus Episode | 27 Dec 2022 | 00:37:44 | |
As Autumn and Mackenzie continue to prepare for season 4 they decide to have you wonderful listeners submit some questions that you might have about the podcast. So sit back and enjoy this fun peak behind the curtain as Mackenzie reveals the mysterious origins of Autumn's nicknames and discover which early episode Mackenzie and Autumn would like to revisit and potentially rerecord. Don't forget to do our end of the season survey! For participating you are entered for your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 69. La Cage aux Folles | 26 Apr 2024 | 02:07:28 | |
This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott celebrating that the best of time is now by discussing the musical La Cage aux Folles! Together these two explore the generational divisions between the creative team that caused much friction during the creation process of this musical. They debate if Jean-Michel's big number "With Anne on My Arm" is deep and complex. Plus discover why Scott is not a fan of the opening number "We Are What We Are". All of this and a green Givenchy gown in the loo in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Remastered Ep.13: Company | 27 Dec 2022 | 01:28:46 | |
As Autumn and Mackenzie are preparing for Season 4 during this brief hiatus they've embarked on a large and exciting Remastering Project! They are diving back into their earliest episodes and they reedit the episode and fix the sound quality too. For this last instalment for the being enjoy Season 1-Episode 13: Company! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Remastered Ep.12: Annie | 27 Dec 2022 | 01:18:11 | |
As Autumn and Mackenzie are preparing for Season 4 during this brief hiatus they've embarked on a large and exciting Remastering Project! Enjoy as they dive back into their earliest episodes and they reedit the episode and fix the sound quality too. This time it's Season 1-Episode 12: Annie! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Remastered Ep.6: Parade | 26 Dec 2022 | 01:24:52 | |
As Autumn and Mackenzie are preparing for Season 4 during this brief hiatus they've embarked on a large and exciting Remastering Project! Enjoy as they dive back into their earliest episodes and they reedit the episode and fix the sound quality too. This time it's Season 1-Episode 6: Parade! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Remastered Ep.2: West Side Story | 26 Dec 2022 | 01:47:43 | |
As Autumn and Mackenzie are preparing for Season 4 during this brief hiatus they've embarked on a large and exciting Remastering Project! Enjoy as they dive back into their earliest episodes and they reedit the episode and fix the sound quality too. This time it's Season 1-Episode 2: West Side Story! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode-Remastered Ep.1: Intro to Musicals | 26 Dec 2022 | 01:10:02 | |
As Autumn and Mackenzie are preparing for Season 4 during this brief hiatus they've embarked on a large and exciting Remastering Project! Enjoy as the dive back into their earliest episodes and they reedit the episode and fix the sound quality too. First up is Season 1-Episode 1: Intro to Musicals where Mackenzie and Autumn introduced themselves and broken down the 14 types of songs commonly found in a musical. Stay tuned for more instalments in this big on going project! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 43. Beauty and the Beast (musical) | 26 Dec 2022 | 02:09:46 | |
It's the final episode of season 3 of Before the Downbeat: A Musical Podcast and this time Autumn and Mackenzie and their friend and fellow podcast Teni Brant of the "Speak Dicely" podcast are lighting their torches and grabbing their pitch forks as they head off to storm the castle and talk all about the classic Disney musical Beauty and the Beast! Tune and find out why both Teni and Autumn are not fans of the new song 'Me'. Hear Mackenzie get in touch with his romantic side as he swoons for the titular love ballad Beauty and the Beast and discover which role from this musical both Teni and Mackenzie have performed. All of this plus antlers in all of the decorating on this weeks final episode of season 3! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Beauty and the Beast (musical) Promo | 26 Dec 2022 | 00:02:29 | |
Next Friday it's the season finale episode of season 3 of Before the Downbeat! So to conclude this season Autumn and Mackenzie are joined by friend and fellow theatre maker and podcaster Teni Brant of the "Speak Dicely" podcast. Together they head into the mouse house and discuss the tale as old a time musical Beauty and the Beast! Hear them discuss how the messages of dangers of mob mentality are still relevant today. Find out which of the new songs that were add to the musical these three think worked and fit well into the adaptation. Plus discover which iconic and fan favourite song of the musical Mackenzie doesn't think was translated well from film to stage . All of this plus five dozen eggs on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 42. Rags | 26 Dec 2022 | 01:22:28 | |
This week Mackenzie and Autumn are selling and sewing buttons on rags as they discuss the turn of the century immigrant musical Rags! Hear them breakdown how and why assimilating like Nathan Hershkowitz while profitable may ultimately be detrimental. They debate whether it should be Rebecca or Bella who should sing the title song Rags. Plus hear both Mackenzie and Autumn sing the praises of the incredible Judy Kuhn who originated the role of Bella on Broadway. All of this plus some bread and freedom in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Rags Promo | 26 Dec 2022 | 00:01:47 | |
Next Friday it's the penultimate episode of season 3 of Before the Downbeat and Autumn and Mackenzie are breaking out their sewing kits so they can join the fabric of America. As they sew they discuss the epic yet short lived musical Rags! Hear them discuss why this musical didn't fair well during its Broadway run. Find out if they like the revisions that have been made to this piece since its brief Broadway run. Plus discover if Autumn and Mackenzie think this is a true quasi sequel to Fiddler on the Roof. All of this plus a gramophone recording on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode- Schmigadoon! Ep. 3 Review | 02 Dec 2022 | 00:21:38 | |
Here we are with the next instalment in our episode by episode review miniseries of the new hit musical comedy show 'Schmigadoon!'. In this episode 3 Mackenzie gives his thoughts on the character of Florence Menlove and he gives insights on how this episode not only covers a lot of plot points but also shows how it balances the genuine emotions of the characters and cheeky humour to pokes fun at this era of Broadway musicals. Plus he continues to point out the various connections to the golden age musicals that inspired songs of this episode. Enjoy! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| La Cage aux Folles Promo | 19 Apr 2024 | 00:03:47 | |
Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott head down to the "jewel" of the Riviera to discuss the musical La Cage aux Folles! Hear them debate if this musical should have won Best Musical at the Tony Awards over the Sondheim musical 'Sunday in the Park with George'. They breakdown the conflicts that arose between the creative team about how to tackle the LGTQIA+ representation in this piece. Plus they discuss whether or not this musical gives Jean-Michel a proper resolution with Albin. All of this and some girdles and jocks on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Bonus Episode- Schmigadoon! Ep. 3 Review | 02 Dec 2022 | 00:21:38 | |
Here we are with the next instalment in our episode by episode review miniseries of the new hit musical comedy show 'Schmigadoon!'. In this episode 3 Mackenzie gives his thoughts on the character of Florence Menlove and he gives insights on how this episode not only covers a lot of plot points but also shows how it balances the genuine emotions of the characters and cheeky humour to pokes fun at this era of Broadway musicals. Plus he continues to point out the various connections to the golden age musicals that inspired songs of this episode. Enjoy! Plus do our end of the season survey and you enter your chance to win a prize! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6LQNR6 Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 41. Urinetown | 14 May 2021 | 01:12:05 | |
This week Mackenzie and Autumn are following their hearts and are discussing satirical musical Urinetown! Hear them have several existential crisis about why we as humans we cannot break out of the systems that we work and live in. We explore why the concept of hope is a fallacy and how this musical perfectly displays this concept. Plus hear if Autumn agrees with Penelope Pennywise's hard business stance. All of this plus some revolutions and trips into the sewers in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Urinetown Promo | 07 May 2021 | 00:01:45 | |
Next Friday you can find Mackenzie and Autumn waiting in line outside Public Amenity #9 to use the washroom. While they wait you can listen in as they discuss the satirical comedy musical Urinetown! Hear them debate whether what this musical has to say about the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and municipal politics still resonates with theatre goers and the masses today. Find out if they can uncover all the various musical parody homages that are sprinkled throughout this piece. Plus discover if Autumn thinks this musical should have won Best Musical over The Producers. All of this plus some exposition from Officer Lockstock and Little Sally on next Friday's all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 40. Next to Normal | 30 Apr 2021 | 01:57:06 | |
This week Mackenzie, Autumn, and returning guest Jessica Maxwell are discussing the Pulitzer Prize winning musical Next to Normal! Hear them debate the moral dilemma behind power ballad song 'I Miss the Mountains'. Discover why Mackenzie proposing cutting out the character of Henry and find out if after Autumn's revelations in our last rock musical episode she's able to connect with another musical in this genre. All of this plus just another day on this Friday's all new episode of the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| West Side Story (2021) Teaser Trailer Review | 27 Apr 2021 | 00:30:42 | |
The journey to Before the Downbeat's holiday movie musical review has begun. Last year Autumn and Mackenzie had planned to review the remake of West Side Story however COVID-19 had other plans. So instead now it's happening this holiday season. The marketing campaign for the film kicked off on Sunday night at the 93rd Academy Awards with the release of the teaser trailer for this film. So now join host Mackenzie as he dives in and gives his thoughts on the trailer and his thoughts on this remake overall. Head over to our YouTube page to watch part 2 of this review where Mackenzie does a shot by shot break down of this trailer. | |||
| Next to Normal Promo | 23 Apr 2021 | 00:01:10 | |
Next week Mackenzie and Autumn along with returning guest Jessica Maxwell are wading back into the rock musical genre to discuss the mental health musical Next to Normal! Hear them dissect and debate the complex character of Diana and if her actions in this musical are justified. They examine the concept of the character Gabe and then discover if Autumn, who is a novice to this piece, thinks this musical is worthy of its critically acclaimed title. All of this plus a music box and some family photos on next Friday's all new episode of the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 39. Anything Goes | 16 Apr 2021 | 01:57:25 | |
This Autumn and Mackenzie set sail and explore the nautical musical Anything Goes along side Marlis Schweitzer. Together they talk all about the cultural impact of this musical. They break down the different versions of this musical. Plus find out the wild history the causes the creative team to a massive rewrite of the script. All of this plus a game of strip poker with public enemy 13 on this Friday's all new episode of the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Anything Goes Promo | 09 Apr 2021 | 00:02:06 | |
Next week Autumn and Mackenzie are hitting the high seas along side Mackenzie's former professor and Autumn's college Marlis Schweitzer as they discuss the Cole Porter musical Anything Goes. Together they break down some of the most classic songs of the Broadway canon. They examine how this musical still has relevance today and listen to Marlis delve into a queer reading of the lyrics and book this musical. Plus find out which Broadway diva this trio thinks best performed the role of Reno Sweeney. All of this plus a Gabriel's horn on next weeks episode on the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 38. Anne Of Green Gables: The Musical | 02 Apr 2021 | 01:22:46 | |
This week Mackenzie and Autumn breaking opening the windows and a bottle of raspberry cordial as they discuss the Canadian musical Anne of Green Gables! Hear them discuss why this red haired orphan has had such an impact on them but also the entire world. They break down the complex character of Marilla. Then discover how both Mackenzie and Autumn's are connected to the world of Avonlea. All of this plus a cone of ice cream and a broken school slate on this Friday's all new episode of the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| Anne of Green Gables Promo | 26 Mar 2021 | 00:01:24 | |
Next week Autumn and Mackenzie are letting their Canadian roots shine as they discuss the quintessential Canadian musical Anne of Green Gables. They do a compare and contrast between this musical and the other famous red haired orphan musical Annie. They explain why this musical is the perfect representation of Canada. Plus find out which CBC’s Over the Rainbow contestant recently played the titular role. All of this plus a dress with puffed sleeves on next weeks episode on the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 68. Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella | 12 Apr 2024 | 02:05:44 | |
This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are heading out to prince's ball and along the way they discuss the musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella! Together these two explore why this particular fairy tale has sparked so many musical adaptations. They debate which names for the step sisters they prefer across the various versions of this piece. Plus discover which of the added trunk songs from other Rodgers and Hammerstein shows they think fits best with this piece. All of this and a world that is full of zanies and fools who don’t believe in sensible rules in this all new episode! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 37. South Pacific | 19 Mar 2021 | 02:06:17 | |
This week Mackenzie, Autumn, and friend of the podcast Lynn Slotkin continue their exploration of the Rodgers and Hammerstein canon as they travel to Bali Ha'i to discuss the wartime musical South Pacific! Hear this trio discuss why this character of Nellie Forbush far more complex and isn't simply a character battling her internalized racial prejudice. They praise and explore the most critiqued song of the show You've Got to Be Carefully Taught and how it was both a timely and unfortunately timeless message about racism. Then discover what iconic song from the musical made Autumn's cut or skip list. All of this plus a cockeyed optimist and some enchanted evening on this Friday's all new episode of the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| South Pacific Promo | 12 Mar 2021 | 00:02:22 | |
Next week Autumn and Mackenzie are heading south all the way to the islands of the south pacific with friend of the podcast and reviewer Lynn Slotkin as they discuss the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific. They discuss why this particular R&H musical has not been revived as often as others in the canon. They examine how this musical is the perfect case study into why these R&H musicals have such a timely and timeless quality about them. Plus find out what shady historical event has changed Autumn's perspective on Rodgers and Hammerstein and if it will jade her perception of them and their work going forward. All of this plus a boars tooth bracelet from Bali Ha'i on next weeks the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||
| 36. Ragtime | 05 Mar 2021 | 01:50:28 | |
This week Mackenzie and Autumn journey on in their Model T as they discuss the turn of the century musical Ragtime! Hear them discuss why this musical should have won Best Musical over The Lion King. They sing the praises of the late great Marin Mazzie who originated the role of Mother. Find out why both Mackenzie and Autumn agree that this musical deserves a movie musical adaptation and who they could cast in it. All of this plus two ships passing at a distance, through the darkness on this Friday's all new episode of the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages. | |||