Backstage Babble

Today I am joined by Tony-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt. We have an enlightening discussion about getting ahead in the theater world, research, and mishaps during tech rehearsal. Beowulf has worked on such legendary shows as Act One, Prince of Broadway, and Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, and you'll hear stories about all of them. 

 

 

What better way to ring in your week than by my interview with podcaster extraordinaire Rob W. Schneider? Rob is the co-host of Behind the Curtain: Broadway's Living Legends with Kevin David Thomas and Gay Card Revoked with Robbie Rozelle. He is also the artistic director of J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company and Original Programming Producer at 54 Below. He has also directed at theaters around the country. 

Plus, stay tuned at the end for my interview with Freddie Martinez, 7-time Irene Ryan Award nominee and usher at the Lyceum Theater. Hear his stories about Phil Leeds, Lou Jacobi, and more. 

Today is a new kind of episode on Backstage Babble-a book launch! I sit down with respected scholars Ken Bloom and Richard Carlin to talk about their brilliant new biography, Eubie Blake: Rags, Rhythm and Race. They talk about Sissle's many affairs, what made him the "living, breathing symbol of ragtime's vitality," the recent revival of Shuffle Along, and more.

 

To buy the book, click here. https://www.amazon.com/Eubie-Blake-Rags-Rhythm-Race/dp/0190635932/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=eubie+blake&qid=1598109524&sr=8-2.

On the 6th episode of Backstage Babble, I am joined by one of my theatrical idols, Evan Pappas. Evan starred on Broadway in My Favorite Year, Parade, Putting it Together,  and A Chorus Line. His national tour credits have included Dreamgirls, Durante, and On Golden Pond with Tom Bosley and Michael Learned. Off-Broadway he starred in I Can Get it For You Wholesale and the world premiere of the new Strouse and Adams musical Marty. Now he is a noted director whose credits include LIberty, a letter to Harvey Milk and mire. Currently, he is the artistic director of the Argyle Theatre. Make sure to tune back in tomorrow for Ken Bloom and Richard Carlin!

This is the 5th episode of the theater podcast Backstage Babble. Today I sit down with Joshua Ellis, renowned Broadway press agent of 42nd Street, Into the Woods, Nicholas Nickleby, and more. He is also an Interspiritual Minister and creator of his solo show, Call My Publicist. Tune back in on Friday for an episode with Evan Pappas!

In one of the most fun interviews yet, I interview Ken Kantor of Dear World, The Grand Tour, Phantom, and more. Be prepared for stories of duetting on "Twin Soliloquies" with no less than Mary Martin and receiving a singing telegram from a man who he would go on to support in two of their star vehicles. Remember to come back on Monday when we have Josh Ellis!

This is the 3rd episode of Backstage Babble with guest Peter Filichia. Peter has been the emcee of the Theater World Awards since 1996. Filichia currently writes weekly columns for Masterworks Broadway and Broadway Select. You can also find his musings on Kritzerland and Theatermania. FIlichia is the author of several plays, including Adam’s Gifts, Games, and God Shows Up, which had a recent off-broadway run. He is critic emeritus of the Star Ledger, and has written a number of theater history books including Strippers, Showgirls, and Sharks, and The Great Parade, and was a common contributor to Theater Week magazine. It was a thrill and an honor to have this conversation. Tune back in on Friday for an interview with Ken Kantor!

This is the 2nd episode of the new podcast, Backstage Babble. Today, I sit down with Ken Bloom, Grammy-Award winner, acclaimed author of such books as Show and Tell and American Song Pts. 1 and 2, and creator and producer of several revues with Barry Kleinbort. I hope you all have as much fun listening to this conversation as I did having it! Remember to tune in on Monday when we are joined by Peter Filichia.

This is the first episode of Backstage Babble. Today I am joined by guest Harold Holzer of the Metropolitan Museum, Channel 13, and the 42nd Street Redevelopment Project. Tune in on Friday when I'm joined by Ken Bloom!