Backstage Babble

Rob Marshall

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Oscar-nominated stage and screen director Rob Marshall. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including rehearsing with Renee Zellweger for the film of CHICAGO, pitching his adaptation of the script to Miramax, putting his own stamp on DAMN YANKEES, teaching Blake Edwards about directing theater during VICTOR/VICTORIA, how Lenora Nemetz sparked his love of theater, giving notes to Chita Rivera during THE RINK, what he learned from Neil Simon, why he related to the story of NINE, how CATS led to his career as a choreographer, coming in on KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN out of town, his first day on the set of ANNIE, why THE PETRIFIED PRINCE didn’t ultimately succeed, collaborating with Sam Mendes on CABARET, choreographing for Alan Cumming, what inspired him to revive LITTLE ME, creating movement for BLITHE SPIRIT, why FOLLIES wouldn’t work as a movie musical, choreographing “A Romantic Atmosphere” in SHE LOVES ME, the fundamental structure of a movie musical vs. a stage musical, shaping the film of INTOT THE WOODS, working on MRS. SANTA CLAUS as his television debut, his upcoming project GUYS AND DOLLS, and so much more. Don’t miss this delightful conversation with a master of making musicals.

 

In-person and livestream tickets to Backstage Babble Live are available here: https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-3/

Annie McGreevey

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Broadway veteran Annie McGreevey. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her wonderful career, including a memorable note from Bob Fosse during SWEET CHARITY, standing by for Ethel Merman in CALL ME MADAM, the joy of working with John Kenley, singing for Hal Prince at her COMPANY audition, talking to Stephen Sondheim about “Another Hundred People,” making birthday cakes during ANNIE, why THE MAGIC SHOW was a workout, the surprising fate of THE MOONY SHAPIRO SONGBOOK, crying after A CHORUS LINE, recording demos for FOLLIES, headlining at the Fontainebleau, performing with Carol Burnett in FROM THE TOP!, her journey with dyslexia, learning how to wrestle for BELOW THE BELT, performing a solo piece in I STAND BEFORE YOU NAKED, how Joshua Logan kept her job in RIP VAN WINKLE, performing at the first Kennedy Center Honors, making a cameo in JUNO at Encores!, going on in SWEENEY TODD at the last minute, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth talk with one of Broadway’s best.

 

In-person and livestream tickets to Backstage Babble Live are available here: https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-3/

Jerry Zaks

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with four-time Tony winning director Jerry Zaks. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his wonderful career, including creating a three-part comedic bit in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, helping Swoosie Kurtz find her character in THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES, his upcoming work on BOEING-BOEING, an audacious early audition, revising ANYTHING GOES for Lincoln Center, choosing the design for LEND ME A TENOR, how he collaborated with Christopher Durang, finding the heart of THE MUSIC MAN, what made him want to revive BIG FISH, the difficulty of working on THE CAPEMAN, how he avoids embarrassing actors, revising THE ADDAMS FAMILY for the national tour, the “Ma Nishtana” question in musical theater, commissioning a new book for SISTER ACT, bringing LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS to Broadway, creating STAIRWAY TO PARADISE for Encores!, collaborating with Neil Simon on LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR, making changes to FACE VALUE, finding out about the shutdown during MRS. DOUBTFIRE rehearsals, and so much more. Don’t miss this candid conversation with one of Broadway’s most brilliant directors.

Tickets to Backstage Babble Live are available here: https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-3/

Darko Tresnjak

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Broadway director Darko Tresnjak, whose production of ARCHDUKE is currently playing off-Broadway. Tune in to hear some of her wonderful stories, including the first idea he brought to A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE, creating the iconic staging for “I’ve Decided to Marry You,” cutting the show’s original bows sequence, why he connected with ANASTASIA, auditioning Christy Altomare for the title role, writing ASK FOR THE MOON, directing Lesli Margherita in THE FLAMINGO KID, how he came to Hartford Stage, what Marian Seldes revealed about THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, telling a political story in RUSSIAN TROLL FARM, staging his own Olympics as a child, reviving AMOUR and CARNIVAL, meeting Marge Champion at Williamstown, the advice he took from Jack O’Brien about running a theater, casting musical theater actresses in THE WOMEN, his dream production of PAL JOEY, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s best.

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with two-time Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. Tune in to hear some of his wonderful stories, including why JELLY’S LAST JAM was the hardest show he’s ever done, an out-of-body experience during RAGTIME, learning KING HEDLEY II in nine days, how he came to appreciate KISS ME, KATE, getting slapped by Marin Mazzie, auditioning for OH, KAY! and PORGY AND BESS simultaneously, making his Broadway debut with MAIL, going from the Belleville Dinner Theater to Broadway with MAN OF LA MANCHA, coming back to Broadway with WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, the pitfalls of adapting movies for the stage, how he got his first big job on TRAPPER JOHN, MD, starring in LOVE LIFE before and after the pandemic, researching the history of SHUFFLE ALONG, his vision for a revival of THE MUSIC MAN, covering Stephen Sondheim’s work on his albums, workshopping HERE WE ARE, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a true Broadway legend.

Broadway Behind the Scenes with Jeffrey Richards and Tara Rubin

Today, I’m thrilled to present a “Broadway Behind the Scenes” special featuring conversations with two of New York theater’s most influential figures: producer and press agent Jeffrey Richards and casting director Tara Rubin. Tune in to hear scintillating stories and insights about both of their careers and their thoughts on the current state of Broadway.

Trip Cullman

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Broadway director Trip Cullman, whose production of Martyna Majok’s Queens is currently playing at Manhattan Theater Club. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including reinventing I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE,  the use of music into CULT OF LOVE and CHOIR BOY, working on UNKNOWN SOLDIER after Michael Friedman passed away, telling Joshua Harmon’s personal stories in SIGNIFICANT OTHER and WE HAD A WORLD, deciding on the set for LOBBY HERO, assisting Joe Mantello on TAKE ME OUT, bringing a sex scene to life in A SMALL FIRE, his dramaturgical concept for SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, what he learned from Mike Nichols during THE SEAGULL, staging an intense moment in THE LONELY FEW, being the only gay person working on ANGELS IN AMERICA, why THE ROSE TATTOO was a heartbreaker, bringing THELMA AND LOUISE to the stage, working on UNKNOWN SOLDIER after Michael Friedman passed away, why he loves casting musical theater actors in plays, how COWBOY MOUTH inspired his love of directing, his long collaboration with Leslye Headland and Halley Feiffer, his upcoming work on BECKY SHAW, and so much more. Don’t miss this candid conversation with one of Broadway’s best.

Michael Vita

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Broadway veteran Michael Vita. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how PROMISES, PROMISES changed Broadway, how summer camp led to BYE BYE BIRDIE, moving to England in 1961, a long preview process for GOLDEN RAINBOW, his memorable audition for BALLROOM, touring America with 42ND STREET, having fun backstage with Gwen Verdon and Jerry Orbach, how A DOLL’S LIFE led to ON YOUR TOES, performing with Natalia Makarova, the genius of Hal Prince, going on at the last minute in JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS, working on CYRANO with Christopher Plummer out of town, a mishap during SKYSCRAPER, his opening night gift during CHICAGO, talking about Bob Fosse with Michael Bennett, how he helped found BC/EFA, his second career as an AIDS activist, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth interview with a true Broadway veteran.

David Thompson

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with three-time Tony nominated librettist David Thompson. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how he made his debut with FLORA, THE RED MENACE, experimenting with AND THE WORLD GOES ROUND, the last-minute nature of the CHICAGO revival, what he learned from Kander and Ebb, why 70, GIRLS, 70 is an anomaly, working with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Garth Drabinsky on MUSIC OF THE NIGHT, why STEEL PIER didn’t make a hit on Broadway, incorporating suggestions from the cast into THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, completing that show after Fred Ebb’s passing, how 9/11 affected THOU SHALT NOT, working with Jerry Herman on revising DEAR WORLD, rewriting RAGS, adapting THE BLUE ANGEL and LITTLE MISS MARKER, a different kind of storytelling in THE BEAST IN THE JUNGLE, the beauty of THE LOOK OF LOVE, collaborating with Hal Prince on PRINCE OF BROADWAY, making theater in Japan, what attracted him to BAR MITZVAH BOY, reinventing NEW YORK, NEW YORK for the stage, his new piece with John Kander, and so much more. Don’t miss this candid conversation with one of Broadway’s finest wordsmiths.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winner and Emmy nominee Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how he booked his Broadway debut in ON THE TOWN during college, why it worked better at the Delacorte than on Broadway, starring in TAKE ME OUT just after the pandemic, the genesis of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, a real-life magical moment during THE TEMPEST, why FULLY COMMITTED appealed to him as a play to revive, how GRAND HORIZONS and LOG CABIN made a dream come true for him, finding movement in that show, coming to Hollywood as a stage actor, why he never had speaking roles growing up, doing Shakespeare in the Park and MODERN FAMILY simultaneously, being an out actor on Broadway and in Hollywood, the difficulty of his role in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, his upcoming play about Truman Capote, and so much more. Don’t miss this candid and hilarious conversation with a star of stage and screen.

Chris Sarandon

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Oscar nominee Chris Sarandon. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how he fell in love with Joanna Gleason during NICK AND NORA, bonding with the cast of THE ROTHSCHILDS, co-starring with Rex Harrison in THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE, his Oscar campaign for DOG DAY AFTERNOON, the cult appeal of THE PRINCESS BRIDE, why he felt limited as a replacement in TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, learning from Colleen Dewhurst and George C. Scott, why he wept every time he watched THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, the strangeness of putting together MARCO POLO SINGS A SOLO, why CENSORED SCENES FROM KING KONG didn’t take off on Broadway, his collaboration with Ulu Grosbard, advising James Ivory on STREETS OF NEW YORK, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a veteran of stage and screen.

Carmen Cusack

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with two-time Tony nominee Carmen Cusack. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including collaborating with Steve Martin on BRIGHT STAR, taking LSD to prepare for FLYING OVER SUNSET, her upcoming role in BULL DURHAM, why the revival of CARRIE didn’t work, why the story of WICKED resonated with her, her abbreviated process with CALL ME MADAM, finding her take on the lead role in SOUTH PACIFIC, performing THE SECRET GARDEN for Prince Charles, how she earned an honorary degree, why she was hesitant to accept her role in LEMPICKA, co-starring with Faith Prince and Marin Mazzie, the difficulties of starring in SWEENEY TODD at the MUNY, how she almost became a jazz singer, her journey with THREE SUMMERS OF LINCOLN, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s brightest stars.

Dick Scanlan

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony-winning writer Dick Scanlan. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including his eight years performing in PAGEANT, how THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE turned him into a theater writer, giving Sutton Foster her breakout role in the show, directing Ellen Greene in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, being influenced by Gilbert and Sullivan, the benefit performance that spawned EVERYDAY RAPTURE, editing Poz Magazine, watching THE SOUND OF MUSIC in a theater full of nuns, his unconventional journey from Carnegie Mellon to NYU, his research process for AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, why he turned down TOOTSIE, the thrill of working with Berry Gordy on MOTOWN, revising THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, telling prisoners’ real stories in WHORL INSIDE A LOOP, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s best wordsmiths.

Kate Jennings Grant

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with theater veteran Kate Jennings Grant. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the secret to her role in PROOF, a full-circle moment with GUYS AND DOLLS, working with the late, great Mark Brokaw and Linda Lavin on THE LYONS, a tip from Vanessa Redgrave, why Christopher Durang wanted her to play the lead in THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO, meeting her husband Doug Hughes during BEARD OF AVON, starring in tours of APPLAUSE and FINIAN’S RAINBOW, how Wendy Wasserstein gave her her screen debut, why she loves singing Stephen Sondheim’s music, the notes George C. Wolfe gave her during RADIANT BABY, the joys of co-starring with Wendie Malick in BLITHE SPIRIT, why she turned down SPAMALOT, the injury that caused her brief leave from OLD FRIENDS, the intensity of co-starring with Glenn Close in MOTHER OF THE MAID, coming out of the pandemic with MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, researching her role as Diane Sawyer in FROST/NIXON, what she learned from Tammy Grimes during A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, why NOISES OFF was like training for the Olympics, and so much more. Don’t miss this open conversation with one of Broadway’s best.

Will Brill

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winner Will Brill, who will be starring in MEET THE CARTOZIANS off-Broadway this fall. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the unique process of creating STEREOPHONIC, moving the show from Playwrights Horizons to Broadway, being part of the Tonys campaign, why the response to OKLAHOMA surprised him, the cosmic alignment of A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, dealing with different audience interactions during OUR TOWN, finding success on TV with FELLOW TRAVELERS, James Lapine’s fearlessness in shaping ACT ONE, how Tony Shalhoub scripted gibberish, the meta experience of starring in ILLYRIA at the Public Theater, his method of memorizing lines, playing Shakespeare on screen, co-starring with David Cromer in UNCLE VANYA, a guiding quote from Uta Hagen, the mythology around alcoholism in theater, what he learned from James Earl Jones during YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway's brightest stars.

Stephen Lang

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony nominee Stephen Lang. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including his memorable audition for DEATH OF A SALESMAN, a harrowing experience onstage during THE SPEED OF DARKNESS, improvising during rehearsals for A FEW GOOD MEN, how he became the youngest honorary member of the D’Oyly Carte Theater Company, why Lynn Redgrave was perfect for SAINT JOAN, working with Arthur Miller on his final play FINISHING THE PICTURE, the challenges of performing with Quentin Tarantino in WAIT UNTIL DARK, why Len Cariou was a perfect co-star for him, how he chose to play the title role in HAMLET on Broadway, what Gerald Schoenfeld taught him about the Tonys, the genesis of his solo show BEYOND GLORY, how that play led to his role in AVATAR, and so much more. Don’t miss this candid conversation with a star of stage and screen.

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Oscar nominee Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her unconventional path to WEST SIDE STORY, how THE HUMAN COMEDY fulfilled a childhood dream, what Brian De Palma taught her during SCARFACE, the thrill of singing SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, how AMADEUS inspired her to take acting lessons, why Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA is a thankless role, dancing for Jerome Robbins, how THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO changed courses in rehearsal, why THE KNIFE was ahead of its time, her relationship with Joseph Papp, how she almost starred in KISS ME, KATE, the extended rehearsal process for THE COLOR OF MONEY, how theater is different in London, balancing jet lag with LAW AND ORDER, how Roger Rees led the company of THE WINSLOW BOY, and so much more. Don’t miss this candid conversation with a star of stage and screen.

John Benjamin Hickey

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winning actor and director John Benjamin Hickey. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how Terrence McNally took a chance on him for LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, the joys of playing opposite Natasha Richardson in CABARET, singing for Stephen Sondheim, reimagining THE CRUCIBLE in the 9/11 era, how coming out helped him find ideal collaborators, how Julie White and Theresa Rebeck made him become a director, why he wanted to revive PLAZA SUITE, why his role in MARY STUART was especially challenging, how Neil Simon’s politics have been misunderstood, revisiting THE NORMAL HEART with Larry Kramer, why the revival of SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION didn’t take off, the profound effect that THE INHERITANCE had on audiences, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a true Broadway favorite.

Wayne Cilento

Today, I’m so excited to announce the 250th episode of Backstage Babble. The mission of the podcast has always been to document Broadway history, and I’m thrilled to welcome a man who has had a profound influence on Broadway history over several eras in his work as a dancer and a choreographer: Wayne Cilento. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including his reflections on the 50th anniversary of A CHORUS LINE, how Michael Bennett kept the show on track, discussing BIG DEAL with Bob Fosse, reinventing DANCIN’ for 2023 audiences, creating a movement style for WICKED, collaborating with Des McAnuff on TOMMY and HOW TO SUCCEED, how an Elvis Presley postcard inspired “Pinball Wizard,” how THE ACT led him to become a choreographer, how choreographing commercials helped him hone his skills as a director, the challenges of reviving SWEET CHARITY, making his Broadway debut with BABY, working with Heather Headley on AIDA, coming in on DREAM at the last minute, lending his talents to HIGH SOCIETY and THE MAGIC SHOW, why he turned down SUMMER, choreographing Chita Rivera in JERRY’S GIRLS, choreographing acts for everyone from Carol Channing to Alicia Keys, exploring new forms of dance for HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, backstage shenanigans at SEESAW, his memories of RACHAEL LILY ROSENBLOOM…, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a seven-time Tony nominee and true Broadway veteran.

 

Wildcat Tickets: https://54below.org/events/54-sings-wildcat/

Frank "Fraver" Verlizzo

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway poster artist Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo, whose new murder mystery Scenery of the Crime is available anywhere books are sold. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how the movie of THE LION KING inspired his logo design, showing Angela Lansbury the SWEENEY TODD logo, his career renaissance as a mystery writer, his early work on OVER HERE and GYPSY, designing two logos for WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY?, Stephen Sondheim’s note on his logo for GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER, why he focuses on the font of the title of a show, his favorite poster that never made it, presenting his A DOLL’S LIFE designs to Hal Prince, the two Susan Schulman’s who brought his book to fruition, paying tribute to Saul Bass with his PRYMATE design, coming up with different takes on MORNING’S AT SEVEN, venturing into advertising with IMAGINARY FRIENDS, his thoughts on AI art, and so much more. Don’t miss this candid conversation with a true visionary.