Backstage Babble

Today, I am honored to be joined by Richard Seff, actor, agent, director, writer, critic, and interviewer. Tune in to hear him talk about his involvements with the original productions of My Fair Lady, the movie of Cabaret, why he got paid for Hello, Dolly, standing in the back of the house with Donald Trump, why Brooks Atkinson's departure hurt his show, how his acting career has formed his perspective as a critic, why Elaine Stritch was a difficult client, and more!

Today my guest is none other than legendary bookwriter John Weidman, author of Pacific Overtures, Road Show, Assassins, Contact, Big, and more! Tune in to hear him talk about how Pacific Overtures was originally a play, delineating Road Show with Oskar Eustis, getting Susan Stroman to choreograph a different type of dance, why there are no kids shows, the many forms of Assassins, and more!

What better way to celebrate Backstage Babble's 30th episode than with a legendary dancer from Broadway's Golden Age, Eileen Casey? Tune in to hear her talk about why Cab Calloway was "just terrible," the brilliance of Gower Champion, not caring for Ron Field's choreography, why someone had to be fired from Promises, Promises, the out-of-town Seesaw, why Marilyn didn't work, and more!

Today, I am honored to be able to present my interview with the legendary Tom Jones, author of The Fantasticks, 110 In The Shade, I Do, I Do, Philemon, Celebration, and more! Listen to hear about a David Merrick joke, Mary Martin's last project, Diana Rigg's "vulnerability," his ideas for theater today to make it less costly and more true to form, an unlikely basis for a musical (A book of Mesopotamian rituals!) and more.

Today, Michael Rupert is back! He talks about his experiences starring in City of Angels, Ragtime, Elegies, On The Town, Legally Blonde, and more! Here about trading replacements with John Rubinstein, developing "I Understand," his directing career, how William Finn changed, and more.

Backstage Babble is BACK this week, this time featuring an interview with the extremely talented Michael Rupert. Hear him talk about cut Sondheim songs, how to audition for William Finn, and Gwen Verdon as Bob Fosse's memory aide. Michael Rupert has had a truly legendary career in the theater, and I am honored that he shared it with me today.

Today I am joined once again by The Crown Prince of Cabaret, Steve Ross! I hope you enjoy this conclusion to our interview.

Today I am joined by the "crown prince of New York cabaret," the one and only Steve Ross. Tune in to hear him talk about performing in Present Laughter on Broadway, reopening the Algonquin hotel, trying to impress Ethel Merman, and more!

Today I sit down with the many employees of the piano bar Marie's Crisis! Hear them talk about memorable nights, how they've adapted to virtual entertainment, and what is the future for them to come back in person. Featuring: Alex Barylski, Dan Daly, Kenney M. Green, Maddie McClouskey, James Merillat, and Drew Wutke

Lee Roy Reams is back (and better than ever!) On this episode, we cover everything from Hello, Dolly to his Producers audition song (think Mama Rose in Germany), to Ann Miller not knowing any Jewish Holidays, to some very important life lessons about being honest and not letting negativity ruin your life.

Today I am joined by one of the first guests I knew I could not do this podcast without, Lee Roy Reams. He regales us with many funny and scandalous stories of the Golden Age of Broadway, from Bob Fosse to Mel Brooks! On Broadway, Lee Roy Reams has appeared in Sweet Charity, Oklahoma, Applause, 42nd Street, The Producers, Beauty and the Beast, Lorelei, and more. He has also directed Carol Channing in Hello Dolly, and played Dolly himself only a few years ago. He has also appeared in La Cage Aux Folles around the country and many times on screen, including in the film of Sweet Charity.

Today I am joined by Broadway legend Anita Gillette. Anita Gillette is a Tony-nominated Broadway veteran who has appeared in All American, Jimmy, Cabaret, Kelly, Chapter Two, Don’t Drink the Water, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Carnival, and more. She made a big splash with the song “The Secret Service” in Mr. President, and was awarded a Theater World for Russell Patterson’s Sketchbook. Her equally long and lauded movie career has spanned such illustrious projects as 30 Rock, Moonstruck, and Quincy, M.E. I hope everyone enjoys this episode! I know I did!

Today I am honored to be sitting down with Broadway veteran Chuck Cooper! He talks about how "The Life" changed his, why six people had to be strangled on the stage of the Broadhurst Theater, the genius of Tony Kushner, as well as stories about Yoko Ono, James Lapine, and more. I hope you enjoy this interview!

Part 2 of my interview with the wonderful Penny Fuller!

Today is PART 1 of my interview with theater legend Penny Fuller. Penny Fuller has starred in Applause, Rex, Barefoot in the Park, Cabaret, Dividing the Estate, A New Brain, and most recently Anastasia. She did her acclaimed solo turn in 13 Things About Ed Carpolotti. She is also an Emmy Winer for her performance in The Elephant Man, and recently has been performing in Sunday in the Park With George and in cabarets across the country alongside Anita Gillette in the show Sin Twisters. I hope you enjoy hearing about the first half of Ms. Fuller’s life in the theater. And I hope that it leaves you wanting more!

Today I could not be more honored to say "Ugg-A-Wugg" to the original Tiger Lily, Sondra Lee. This episode was a pure joy from start to finish. Ms. Lee is so warm and gracious that I hope you will all join me in wishing her a Happy Birthday today, September 30th! And as a birthday present her and yourself, listen to this episode.

It's the second half of my interview with Charles Busch! Listen to hear about his career from Flipping My Wig all the way up to his amazing virtual readings.

This is Part 1 of my exhaustive interview with drag legend, actor, performer, and playwright Charles Busch. He is the author of Tale of the Allergists’ Wife, Times Square Angel. Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, Red Scare on Sunset, and most recently, The Confession of Lily Dare. He is also the author of the book to Boy George’s Taboo, as well as the writer of the novel Whores of Lost Atlantis. He is a Tony Award Nominee and 2 time Mac Award Winner for his cabarets that he performs around the country with Tom Judson. This episode was an honor for me to record, and I hope that you'll enjoy the inside scoop on the first half of his career.

One of my theatrical idols, Gerard Alessandrini, is here with us today to discuss his long career in the theater. Gerard is the mastermind behind all of the editions of Forbidden Broadway. He has also contributed to the musical Diamonds, the TV special Men, Movies, and Carol, and revised the book for a revival of Irving Berlin’s Mr. President. The interview is almost as fun as Forbidden Broadway itself, so I hope you enjoy!

Today I am joined by a true veteran of the stage, Rita Gardner. Rita Gardner was in the original cast of The Fantasticks, and has appeared on Broadway numerous other times in Ben Franklin in Paris, The Wedding Singer, 1776, Pal Joey opposite Bob Fosse, and more. She also starred in the all-female I Remember Mama and has been seen on screen many times, including in Marci X and Tracy Morgan’s the Last OG. I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Today I am joined by Emmy-Winning choreographer Josh Bergasse. He worked on NBC's Smash, and his work has also been seen on Broadway in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, On The Town, Gigi, and more. He has also worked numerous times at City Center, Barrington Stage, and more.

I could not be more delighted today to talk with Broadway legend Joel Grey. The star of Cabaret, The Grand Tour, Goodtime Charley, Wicked, and so many more shares all his great stories on this episode. He also sings a little! (A song from the Broadway revue Borscht Capades). Mr. Grey is a very busy man, so our interview was shorter than usual, but you’ll find that everything he says is a pearl of wisdom. I felt honored to talk to him, and I hope you all enjoy the end result! *PLEASE NOTE: This version is a DIFFERENT edited version from the one that had been posted earlier.

Today I am honored to be joined by Tony-award nominated actor Stephen Mo Hanan. He has appeared in Cats, Oliver, and Peter Pan on Broadway, and many times at the Delacorte Theater and Musicals in Mufti. He is also the co-author and star of Jolson & Co. This interview is a bit long, but it's worth it to hear the expertise of this legendary theater veteran.

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!