BROADWAY NATION
Arts
About
A lively and opinionated cultural history of the Broadway Musical that tells the extraordinary story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, African-Americans and other outcasts invented the Broadway Musical, and how they changed America in the process.In Season One, host David Armstrong traces the evolution of American Musical Theater from its birth at the dawn of the 20th Century, through its mid-century “Golden Age”, and right up to its current 21st Century renaissance; and also explore how musicals have reflected and shaped our world -- especially in regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, and equality.
Episodes
- Ep 201: More Feminist Approaches in Musical Theatre
This episode of BROADWAY NATION discusses feminist approaches within musical theatre.
- Ep 200: Feminist Approaches to Musical Theatre
This episode of BROADWAY NATION features a conversation with authors Paige Allan and Stacy Wolf about their book, Feminist Approaches to Musical Theater. Allan is a writer and researcher, and Wolf is a Professor at Princeton University who…
- Ep 199: MARC SHAIMAN ON BROADWAY
This episode features the second part of a conversation with composer Marc Shaiman, focusing on his Broadway career. Topics include his work on CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, and the creation of the musical HAIRSPR…
- Ep 10: The Great Depression & The Silver Age of Broadway, Part 2
Part 2 of a series on Broadway during the Great Depression, this episode explores how economic hardship in the 1930s paradoxically led to a flourishing period for musical theatre, highlighting key creative figures like Dietz & Schwartz, Co…
- Ep 198: FIVE DECADES OF SHOW BIZ with MARC SHAIMAN
Marc Shaiman, known for his work on the musical Hairspray, joins Broadway Nation to discuss his five-decade career and his New York Times bestselling memoir, NEVER MIND THE HAPPY. The conversation includes behind-the-scenes stories and mus…
- Ep 197: Matching Minds With Sondheim with author Barry Joseph
Barry Joseph, author of "Matching Minds with Sondheim," joins BROADWAY NATION to discuss Stephen Sondheim's lesser-known passion for puzzles and games. The conversation explores how this lifelong hobby served as an alternate biography, int…
- Ep 196 The Last Waltz — In Search of Lost Broadway, part 4
This episode delves into the history of the 1934 musical The Great Waltz, focusing on its revivals in the 1960s and 70s. It examines stage productions with new lyrics by Robert Wright and George Forrest, its success in London, and film and…
- Ep 195: 40 Years of CHESS
This episode of BROADWAY NATION explores the 40-year history of the musical Chess, with the host sharing observations on the original 1986 London production, the short-lived 1988 Broadway run, and the recent Broadway revival.
- Ep 194: The Great Waltz on Radio & TV
BROADWAY NATION explores "The Great Waltz," a 1934 musical, by reviewing its 1950s radio and television adaptations. Hosts Albert Evans and the podcast creator discuss versions starring Gordon MacRae and Patrice Munsel, Keith Andes, and Bu…
- Irving Berlin, Bing Crosby and the Story of "White Christmas," America's Most Popular Song, part 2
This episode, the second of a two-part holiday special, explores how Bing Crosby helped Irving Berlin create "White Christmas," the most popular song of all time. It features analysis by Albert Evans and musical performances.
- Encore Episode: The Story Behind the Song, WHITE CHRISTMAS
This BROADWAY NATION episode is a special holiday reprise of a live performance. It details how songwriter Irving Berlin invented the Christmas standard category of popular song, focusing on "White Christmas." The episode features musical…
- Ep 193: BY STRAUSS! In Search of THE GREAT WALTZ, part 2
This episode of BROADWAY NATION, with guest Albert Evans, continues the series "In Search of Lost Broadway" by examining the 1934 musical "The Great Waltz." It surveys Johann Strauss II's Broadway legacy and explores the 1938 MGM film adap…
- A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM BROADWAY NATION!
The host of Broadway Nation will be interviewed by David Zippel about the book "Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical." The event is on December 11 at 5 PM at The Museum of Broadway.
- Ep 192: IN SEARCH OF LOST BROADWAY — THE GREAT WALTZ
In this episode of BROADWAY NATION, titled "In Search of Lost Broadway — The Great Waltz," the discussion focuses on the influential 1934 Broadway musical "The Great Waltz." Host Albert Evans and guest explore its significance and legacy t…
- Encore Episode: MY FIRST SONDHEIM
Recorded in 2021 after Stephen Sondheim's death, this BROADWAY NATION episode features the host and Albert Evans reflecting on their initial encounters with Sondheim's work. The discussion was inspired by public tributes and personal memor…
- Ep 191: HOW A SONDHEIM REJECTION INSPIRED A BROADWAY NOVEL!
Author Dan Elish discusses his novel King of Broadway, explaining how an interaction with Stephen Sondheim influenced the book's plot. The conversation also covers Elish's background as a writer for the musical 13 and his experience writin…
- QUEER MUSICALS 3 — FUN HOME, THE PROM, & JAGGED LITTLE PILL
Author and historian Robert W. Schneider discusses the musicals 'Fun Home,' 'The Prom,' and 'Jagged Little Pill' in the final part of a series covering his book, 'Queer Musicals — Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill.'
- Ep 189: Queer Musicals 2 — Falsettos, Hedwig, Bare, & Kinky Boots
This episode of BROADWAY NATION features author Rob Schneider discussing the second part of his work on queer musicals, focusing on Falsettos, Hedwig And the Angry Inch, BARE, and Kinky Boots. Schneider, a historian and director, also shar…
- Ep 188: QUEER MUSICALS — From Boy Meets Boy to Jagged Little Pill
Rob Schneider, author of "Queer Musicals," joins Broadway Nation to discuss musicals including Boy Meets Boy, La Cage aux Folles, and The Knife. Schneider is also a historian, director, producer, educator, and Artistic Director of the J2 S…
- Ep 187: 20 YEARS of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
This episode of BROADWAY NATION marks the 20th anniversary of the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Host interviews Dan Knechtges, Artistic Director of Theater Under the Stars, who details his extensive involvement in the…
- Ep 6: Lorenz Hart & The Queer Artists Who Invented Broadway!
This episode of BROADWAY NATION examines the role of queer artists in the creation and evolution of the Broadway musical over 125 years, highlighting figures like Lorenz Hart, Robert Alton, and Herbert Fields.
- COME FROM AWAY — The Most Produced Play of the Year, part 2
This is the second part of an Encore Episode featuring Irene Sankoff & David Hein, creators of the musical Come From Away. The discussion covers the musical's extensive development process, including workshops and productions in various lo…
- The Most Produced Play in America: Come From Away
Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the creators of the musical Come From Away, join Broadway Nation to discuss their writing process, influences, and their earlier work, My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding. The conversation covers the his…
- Ep 186: GOING HOLLYWOOD — THE OXFORD GUIDES TO FILM MUSICALS
This episode of BROADWAY NATION features editor Dominic Broomfield and authors Geoffrey Block, Andrew Buchman, and Hannah Lewis discussing The Oxford Guides to Film Musicals series, covering titles such as Love Me Tonight, Singin' in the R…
- Ep 185: CHALLENGING SONDHEIM — A conversation with RICHARD SCHOCH, part 5.
This is the fifth and final episode in a series of conversations with Richard Schoch, author of HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Schoch and the host discuss Stephen Sondheim's musicals ASSASSINS, PASSION, and HERE WE ARE. Richard Schoch…
- Ep 4: Eubie Blake & the Black Artists Who Invented Broadway
This episode profiles Black creators and stars like Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle, and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson who shaped Broadway in the 1920s with musicals such as Shuffle Along and Blackbirds of 1929. It also touches on the history of tap…
- Episode 3: Bert Williams & the Black Artists Who Invented Broadway
Episode 3 of BROADWAY NATION discusses the substantial contributions of African American theater artists to the invention of the Broadway Musical, highlighting forgotten hit shows and influential figures. The episode aims to rediscover the…
- Ep 184: SONDHEIM GIVES US MORE TO SEE — A Conversation with RICHARD SCHOCH, part 4.
Richard Schoch discusses Sondheim
- Episode 183: SONDHEIM MAKES HISTORY, a conversation with author Richard Schoch, part 3
Richard Schoch, author of "How Sondheim Can Change Your Life," joins Broadway Nation to discuss Stephen Sondheim's works, specifically Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd. Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen's University Belfast.
- PodSwap! DAVID ARMSTRONG on THE WRONG CAT DIED podcast.
David Armstrong joins Mike Abrams to discuss his book and podcast "Broadway Nation." They explore the history of Broadway, the connections between "CATS" and "A Chorus Line," and the evolution of musical storytelling, referencing reality s…
- Episode 182: In Search of Lost Broadway: RIO RITA
The podcast episode "In Search of Lost Broadway: RIO RITA" features guest Albert Evans discussing the 1927 musical RIO RITA. This is the first episode in a new series.
- Episode 181: SONDHEIM'S "MOMENTS OF TRUTH" — A Conversation with RICHARD SCHOCH, part 2.
Richard Schoch joins the podcast to discuss the musicals Follies and A Little Night Music, exploring how Stephen Sondheim uses these works to examine the depths of the human experience. This conversation is the second part of a two-part se…
- Bonus Episode: The BROADWAY NATION BOOK LAUNCH CELEBRATION!
This episode celebrates the launch of David Armstrong's book, "Broadway Nation—How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical." Hosted by Alan Seales, the discussion covers the book's focus on the influence of…
- Episode 180: "BETTER LIVING THROUGH SONDHEIM" with author RICHARD SCHOCH
Richard Schoch, author of "How Sondheim Can Change Your Life" and Professor of Drama, joins Broadway Nation to discuss Stephen Sondheim's musicals. Schoch's book offers new analysis and insight into Sondheim's work.
- An Update on Broadway Nation!
This episode provides a quick update on the Broadway Nation podcast. It shares what is currently happening with the show and directs listeners to megaphone.fm/adchoices for information about ad choices.
- CRAZY FOR NOSTALGIA! — BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, Part 2.
This episode continues a review of Broadway's Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s. It discusses how musicals from the late 60s and early 70s, such as HAIR and Jesus Christ Superstar, were influenced by nostalgia for earlier eras. The episode high…
- BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, part 1
This episode of BROADWAY NATION, hosted by Albert Evans, examines the origins of Broadway's "Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s." It explores influences such as 1960s counterculture, rediscovered films, and gay camp culture, culminating in the s…
- Episode 179: THE QUEER PIONEERS OF BROADWAY MUSICAL STAGING
This episode, adapted from the book "Broadway Nation," discusses the significant, yet often unacknowledged, contributions of queer artists Hassard Short and John Murray Anderson to the development of Broadway musical staging. They were pio…
- Episode 178: The Show Goes On, Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, part 2.
In the second part of a conversation with author Ron Fassler, the discussion focuses on his book "The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements." The episode references many notable performers and musicals.
- Episode 177: THE SHOW GOES ON — BROADWAY HIRINGS, FIRINGS, AND REPLACEMENTS, part 1
Author Ron Fassler joins BROADWAY NATION to discuss his book "The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements." The episode explores insider theater stories from the 1930s to the present, referencing many notable performers…
- Episode 176: In Memory of CHARLES STROUSE
This episode of Broadway Nation is a tribute to composer Charles Strouse, who recently passed away at 96. Host explores Strouse's significant works, including "Bye Bye Birdie," "Applause," "Annie," and "Golden Boy," incorporating archival…
- Happy Birthday Broadway Nation!: Special Anniversary Encore
Broadway Nation celebrates its fifth anniversary with a special encore of its first episode, "George M. Cohan and the Immigrants Who Invented Broadway." The podcast has reached over 279,000 listeners globally across 175 episodes.
- Episode 175: THE OTHER GERSHWIN, part 3, with MICHAEL OWEN
This final segment of a series with author Michael Owen focuses on Ira Gershwin's career following his brother George's passing. Owen and the host discuss Ira's successful collaborations with composers such as Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, Arth…
- The Other Gershwin, part 2, with author Michael Owen
This episode continues a three-part conversation with author Michael Owen about Ira Gershwin, the lyricist behind many notable 20th-century songs. Owen
- Episode 173: THE OTHER GERSHWIN — with MICHAEL OWEN, author of IRA GERSHWIN — A LIFE IN WORDS
Michael Owen, author of "Ira Gershwin—A Life in Words," discusses the lyricist’s life and work. The biography draws on archival research and Ira Gershwin’s own words to present a portrait of the artist.
- Encore Episode: Razzle Dazzle: A Brief History of Lighting Design, part 2.
This encore episode is the second part of a conversation with Tony Award-winning lighting designer Ken Billington, focusing on the history of lighting design on Broadway and Billington's contributions. He recently received acclaim for his…
- Color and Light — A Brief History of Broadway Lighting Design with Tony Winner Ken Billington
This episode revisits an interview with Tony Award-winning lighting designer Ken Billington, discussing the history of Broadway lighting design and his extensive career, which includes designing lighting for 108 Broadway productions.
- Travel with Broadway Nation to New York, New York — Your Top Questions Answered
This episode of Broadway Nation addresses listener questions regarding the podcast's new travel experiences in partnership with Like Minds Travel. The first trip is a New York City weekend focused on Broadway musicals, theater makers, and…
- Episode 172: THE ART & CRAFT of BROADWAY ORCHESTRATION with 3-Time Tony Winner DOUG BESTERMAN
Doug Besterman, a three-time Tony award winner known for orchestrating Broadway musicals such as "The Producers" and film scores like "Frozen," discusses his extensive career. He currently has three musicals, "Death Becomes Her," "Boop!,"…
- Episode 171: MALTBY & SHIRE, part 2.
This episode continues a conversation with author Joshua Rosenblum, focusing on the six-decade songwriting partnership of Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire. The discussion covers their involvement in musicals such as Ain't Misbehavin', Fo…