Betsy Aidem

Beowulf Boritt

Charles Busch

Rick Elice

Peter Filichia

Irene Gandy

Liza Gennaro

Jenny Gersten

Sara Gettelfinger

Adam Guettel

Robert Horn

Samuel D. Hunter

David Henry Hwang

Beth Leavel

Kenny Leon

Jefferson Mays

Ann Morrison

Maryann Plunkett

Daryl Roth

Tara Rubin

Paul Rudnick

Thom Sesma

Jennifer Ashley Tepper

David Thompson

Jonathan Tolins

Have a Happy New Year!

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

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

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

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

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

In-person and livestream tickets for Backstage Babble Live: https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-4/ 35% off today only with code BABBLE35.

In-person and livestream tickets for Backstage Babble Live: https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-4/

https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-4/

Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including observing the audience reaction at AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, a fateful audition for ASSASSINS, how Nicholas Hytner guided her during CAROUSEL, performing without speaking in THE WILD PARTY, keeping up THE MINUTES during the pandemic, working with Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock on FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, backstage games during A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, her upcoming role in AMADEUS, the challenges of starring in LINDA VISTA, being mentored by Lois Smith during THE GRAPES OF WRATH and beyond, telling a true story in BRUTAL IMAGINATION, and so much more. Don’t miss this expansive conversation with one of Broadway’s best actresses.

https://54below.org/events/54-sings-coco-by-alan-jay-lerner-and-andre-previn/

Tune in to hear some of the stories of Isabel’s legendary career, including what her research process was like playing Judy Garland in THE BOY FROM OZ, going on at the last minute in IT’S ONLY A PLAY, how she ended up taking over for Tyne Daly in last season’s revival of DOUBT, a full-circle moment with John Patrick Shanley, why Madame Morrible in WICKED is misunderstood, how her time in Europe influenced her theater career, making her Carnegie Hall debut with FOLLIES, the experience of processing her personal grief while starring in SPIDERMAN on Broadway, the many changes that were made to that musical, her experiences with the real-life QUEEN OF VERSAILLES, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this open conversation with one of Broadway’s best leading ladies.

Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how she made everyone break during POTUS, winning over Adolph Green at her ON THE TOWN audition, a memorable ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW stage door encounter, going solo in HAPPY DAYS, her friendship with Elaine Stritch, the joy of working with Gavin Creel on PROMETHEUS BOUND, being the first openly gay comedian on TV, her journey to playing “Big Boo” on ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, developing SOME LIKE IT HOT and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, starring in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS in California, why she thinks LIL’ ABNER should be revived, sharing a special moment with Austin Pendleton during NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, and the current Broadway show she would love to star in. You won’t want to miss this honest and hilarious conversation with a beloved star.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winner Beth Leavel, who will be performing a 54 Below concert celebrating the works of Stephen Sondheim on October 26 and 27. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the advice she got from Elaine Stritch, her process of finding the character of Dee Dee Allen in THE PROM, how 42ND STREET ruined a trip to Disneyland, performing for Elton John and Steven Spielberg, why her involvement in LEMPICKA felt fated by the universe, the role of hers that Eartha Kitt and Joan Van Ark also auditioned for, working with Casey Nicholaw on TUCK EVERLASTING and SOMETHING ROTTEN, the tragic closing of THE CIVIL WAR, taking inspiration from Margaret Dumont for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, the most important lines in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this uproarious conversation with a true Broadway treasure. 

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with legendary theater critic Frank Rich, who served as the chief theater critic of the New York Times from 1980-1993. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his great career, including championing August Wilson, making up with Robert Brustein, watching Jerome Robbins stage the second act of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the changes made to the second act of THE ODD COUPLE out of town, his thoughts on the decreasing power of theater criticism in affecting the success of a show, working with Boris Aronson on a book about his work, why he tried not to think about the influence he had on shows, what he learned from Walter Kerr and Kenneth Tynan, what musicals he chooses to see today, working with theater actors on SUCCESSION, the giveaway that a critic didn’t personally like a show, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with a greatly influential figure in so many fields. 

https://54below.org/events/backstage-babble-celebrates-joe-allen-restaurant/

Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including why she smoked a cigarette in NINE, the difficulty of performing in DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES every night, the insight she got from Chita Rivera, working with Joanne Akalaitis on THE BACCHAE, getting close to the title role in MARY POPPINS, Trevor Nunn’s specific way of working, working with Audra McDonald on TV, how she decided to stop understudying, telling Harvey Fierstein she was pregnant, the joys of starring in FANNY, going on at the last minute in NINE, the freeing nature of finding her own technique, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this episode.

Meanwhile, tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the experience of touring as Mae West, auditioning for Jule Styne, standing by for Delta Burke, the show she wished had had greater success, the role she almost lost to Andrea Martin, why she doesn’t like auditioning, tackling the role of Mama Rose, and so much more. 

Buy Here

A studio recording of his musical The Big Time, starring Jackie Hoffman and Santino Fontana, is also out now. Tune in today to hear him tell the stories of his life and career, including his friendship with Frank Gilroy, adapting No Way to Treat a Lady for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the directors he’d like to collaborate with, receiving advice from Charles Strouse and Jule Styne, adapting the story of Rudolph Valentino into a musical, how No Way to Treat a Lady almost reached Broadway, his experiences teaching and mentoring, and more. You won’t want to miss this fascinating book and conversation.

Buy Now!

Tune in today to hear the stories of her legendary career, including getting shot out of a cannon into Guys and Dolls, the show that Elizabeth Swados wrote for her, her experiences at The Alley Theater, rehearsing with Leonard Bernstein, working with Arthur Laurents on Nick & Nora, returning to singing after many years, and much more.

Note: This interview was recorded in February 2023.

Glamorous Nights and Rainy Days

Meanwhile, tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career including the advice Molly Picon’s husband gave her about converting to Judaism, going from fan to friend with Caterina Valente, working with Danny La Rue on the first male-led Hello, Dolly!, auditioning Ambassador with Hal Hackady, the inspiration for her new show, getting a song written by Ann Hampton Callaway, her unique experience during the pandemic, and so much more.

https://www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/yes-i-can-say-that/

Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including why M. Butterfly was so successful, the abuse he suffered at the hands of John Dexter, coming in to Face Value for its New York run, being the first male Peter Pan, contrasting TV experiences with Awkwafina and Margaret Cho, the simplicity that You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, collaborating with Stephen Sondheim, his newfound interest in directing, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this inspiring, honest interview with one of the best actor/directors in the business.   

The Wanderers

Tune in to hear some of the stories of his prestigious career, including what he learned from Joseph Papp, how he met Steve Martin, putting on a Philip Glass piece at Classic Stage Company, recommending Shylock to Al Pacino, why we’re in a golden age of American playwriting, the play that Oskar Eustis recommended to him, his experience with moving to the West Coast, upholding the literary standards of the Old Globe, and so much more.

Platinum Dreams

And in the mean time, tune in today to hear some of the fantastic stories of his life and career, including the legendary singer who insisted on auditioning for his musical Taking My Turn, the fairytale origins of The Me Nobody Knows, the differences between Tommy Tune and Joe Layton, watching Jan Peerce fall from the orchestra pit, working with his wife Stevie Holland on Love, Linda, and many more.

https://www.classicstage.org/current-season/a-man-of-no-importance

In the meantime, tune in today to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the show that "dares to have an idea as it’s main character,” how he figured out the secret to virtual theater, how he won the respect of Arthur Laurents, why he loves working with John Doyle, how Sondheim treated his works, the family that Twyla Tharp creates, the show he has a unique concept for, the offensiveness of Chu Chem, the direct line between him and Alfred Drake, and more.

https://www.redbulltheater.com/your-own-thing

And meanwhile, tune in today to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the three-page letter he received from Hal Prince, why RAGS couldn’t succeed on Broadway, the art of performing as a mime, the inside story of THE WILD PARTY, the old-fashioned politeness of Eartha Kitt, why young writers are more reticent to cut material, the power of ALMOST, MAINE, the process of writing his new musical HERE YOU COME AGAIN, and so much more.

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Olive-Theatres-Broadway/dp/1493064533/ref=asc_df_1493064533/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564758369972&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4273849164588888770&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9067609&hvtargid=pla-1636952550220&psc=1

You can go back and hear my full interview with Robert from June 2021, but today, he joins me for a late Halloween celebration to talk about theater’s many ghosts! You won’t want to miss this fun-filled and spooky conversation.

A Note: This interview was recorded in April 2022, so all viewpoints reflect that time.

You won't want to miss this inside view into a bygone era of Broadway.

You won’t want to miss this fascinating and fun conversation with one of Broadway’s brightest lights.

https://www.nyackartsfestival.com/helen-hayes-memorial

And you can tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the upstaging techniques of Gypsy Rose Lee, how she got let go from The Brady Bunch, the hit movie that no one on the set was sure was funny, the directing style of Herman Shumlin, balancing dyslexia with a career in the arts, the magic of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the dance she taught Fred Astaire, how she got her part in The Happiest Millionaire, the process of writing her memoir, why Lillian Gish was like a “fairy godmother” to her, and so much more.

Today, I am so happy to annnounce my interview with veteran actor Simon Jones, star of The   Real Thing, Trouble in Mind, Waiting in the Wings, The Gilded Age, and so many more shows. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his long career, including: a murderous slip-of-the-tongue by Angela Lansbury, the role that Lauren Bacall refused to play correctly, an ungracious invite from Joan Collins, his family connection to Daniel Craig, the rivalry between Rex Harrison and Claudette Colbert, how he knocked his teeth out during My Fair Lady, an alcoholic backstage ritual during Farinelli and the King, the young actor that Lawrence Olivier wanted to punch, the oddness of rehearsing with Nicol Williamson, a cryptic answer from Tom Stoppard, running the theater company TACT, the many reunions involved in The Gilded Age, his strange experience with Covid, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this episode with a delightfully funny gentleman of the theater.

54 Below: https://54below.com/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live/

https://54below.com/events/david-jackson/

Meanwhile, you can tune in today to hear some of the stories of David’s career, including: bearing witness to the start of the Easter Bonnet Competition, getting to perform onstage with Cyd Charisse, the two people who were supposed to headline La Cage on Broadway when it closed, the different ways that Grand Hotel can be interpreted, why Tommy Tune is a great collaborator, the reason he stopped dancing on Broadway, why his Broadway career made him a good salesman, the process of creating his upcoming show, and so much more!

You won’t want to miss this conversation with a true man of the theater—and you won’t want to miss his show.

The Panic of '29

Tune in today to hear some of the stories of Will’s career, including the changes in the tone of Dear Evan Hansen, the reason why Jeremy Heere is a universally relatable character, why all of social media is a “performance,” why adult audiences were pre-disposed against Be More Chill, the non-Cinderella story of The Black Suits, making a difference in the world through theater with The Bus, the type of comic role that he would like to play next, and more.

You won’t want to miss this honest but humorous conversation about how social media and theatrical success intersect in the modern day, featuring someone who has been part of two fascinating examples.

54 Below

You won’t want to miss this conversation with one of the most talented triple threats in the industry.

Trivia Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O-Xnecg2ro

Epiphany

Tune in today to hear him tell some of the stories of his legendary career, including the varying reactions he got to the original Assassins, why his first trip to New York made him think he could be on Broadway, the long audition process for Torch Song Trilogy, a way that Gypsy could be re-imagined, why Epiphany took on more significance during the pandemic, and so many more.

You won’t want to miss this fascinating look into the Golden Age of Broadway with one of its most skilled actresses.

You won’t want to miss this fascinating conversation with a star whose dancing epitomizes the Golden Age of Broadway.   

Tune in today to hear her tell some of the stories of her legendary career, including why Matthew Warchus is a great director, the challenges of developing a cabaret called All Hail the Queen, being a positive influence on social media, why Dames At Sea couldn’t attain the success it deserved, the upcoming revival of Dames At Sea, moving to NYC in 2013, auditioning for Kenny Ortega, her go-to audition songs, the Patti LuPone role she would love to play, and so much more.

Purchase Tell Me More, Tell Me More

But first, tune in today to here fascinating stories including: the theater on Broadway that Ken named, the strategies he used to launch Grease at the beginning, the process of persuading Harvey Fierstein to bring Torch Song to Broadway, firing Lee Remick, the ways in which The Andrews Sisters tortured each other, ridiculous demands from David Merrick, why Over Here couldn’t go on the road, why he decided to leave the business, and so much more!

You won’t want to miss this episode with a true man of the theater.

Purchase the Book

But first, tune in today to hear some of the stories of Tom’s amazing life and career, including: why Frankenstein never got its chance, the stars he thought were dead before he worked with them, his initial hesitance to accept Grease, the art to meeting with Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, why he wanted to revive Once in a Lifetime, the show he feels was the best work he ever did, the idea he never used for the film of ‘Night, Mother, the two shows he thinks weren’t right for Broadway, the perfect pairing of stars for Moon Over Buffalo, and so much more.

You won’t want to miss this masterclass in directing peppered with fantastic anecdotes.

Into the Woods

You can tune in today to hear some of the stories of Clint’s amazing career, including the art of designing for a star, creating a program with the American Theater Wing for young costume designers, his extensive research process for Respect, why Slave Play had extra resonance after quarantine, how he helped create the new mission for Encores!, working with Henry Krieger and other original creatives on Encores! shows, putting together a virtual season, the concept for the new Into the Woods, and so much more.

You won't want to miss this fascinating conversation with two ground-breaking artists.

Tickets Here

Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including presenting the premiere of A Strange Loop, choosing concerts to present virtually, which Broadway stars she’d love to have perform there, creating the schedule, setting prices for shows, having the Real Housewives film there, the difference between 7 and 9:30 PM programming, how the club has changed over the years, what it’s like marketing a 54 Below show, finding the line between fan and producer, and so much more.

POTUS

In the meantime, tune in to hear some of the stories of her career, including the influence of Ming Cho Lee, working with Broadway’s first all-female creative team on The Lifespan of a Fact, why Christy Altomare is an ideal star, the method in which she sketches, doing research as a costume designer, how her aesthetic sense affects her personal life, and more! Tune in today for this fascinating conversation with one of Broadway’s most in-demand artists.

Make sure to tune in today for an inspiring conversation with one of the people leading the charge to change the face of American theater.

Make sure to tune in for an entertaining and informative conversation with one of Broadway’s greats.

Birdland Link

And you can find her new album, Let the Music Play, on Spotify and Amazon Music.

In the meantime, tune in here to hear Karen tell some of the stoires of her legendary career, including: her disastrous audition for Sunset Boulevard, why Mamma Mia came along at just the right time, bonding with the cast of Rebecca, her first-day-of-rehearsal tradition, finding her own interpretations of Mama Rose and Norma Desmond, the unusual opening night party for Play Me a Country Song, and why she couldn’t be part of the original Torch Song Trilogy. You won’t want to miss this fun and entertaining conversation with a true legend of the theater.

Facing the Music

And you can see the Lyrics and Lyricists tribute to him through the ticket link here:

Lyrics and Lyricists

But meanwhile, tune in today to hear him tell some of the stories of his long career, including what Ann Reinking gained from the choreographers she worked with, an askew turntable at Les Miserables, his complicated history with The Secret Garden, why Sondheim is the perfect idol, working with Mike Nichols, his admiration for Burton Lane, delving back into his life to write his memoir, why he decided to retire, and so much more.

And if you want more Harvey, remember to buy his newly published memoir I Was Better Last Night! And Happy 100th!

Anyone Can Whistle

In the meantime, tune in today to hear Ted tell some of the stories of his illustrious career, including getting his start from Paul Gemignani, his long partnership with Victoria Clark, why he decided to leave Ragtime, the tense environment of Titanic, what it was like casting My Fair Lady, the uniqueness of William Finn, building his own circle of collaborators, the very strange experience of Roza, his collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, why Anyone Can Whistle is relevant today, and so much more.

Tune in now for an in-depth study of Broadway choreography, including many of the stories of Ms. Gennaro’s long career, including: what she remembers about seeing the original Oliver!, why Smile deserves a second look, assisting her father on the trouble-ridden Threepenny Opera, interviewing Donald Saddler and Gemze De Lappe, collaborating with Lee Theodore on American Dance Machine, being a dance captain at a young age, how she makes musical numbers evolve out of the script, why the revival of Once Upon a Mattress might have been a mistaken endeavor, recreating Jerome Robbins’ choreography, and so much more.

You can find more of Bob Mackie’s designs and anecdotes in the recently published The Art of Bob Mackie, available here:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Art-of-Bob-Mackie/Frank-Vlastnik/9781982152116

Buy Tickets Here!

And before you see the show, tune in today to hear him discuss getting advice from Ginger Rogers, the popular Broadway marketing idea that he had first, what was great about the Kenley Players, why he loved rehearsing with Nell Carter, star-spotting Eloise Kropp, the process of working at Encores, the lesson he learned from Angela Lansbury’s Mame, why movies are his first love, and so much more.

The Dark Outside

Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including why Barbara Harris didn’t want to be a star, a frank conversation with Jerome Robbins, what it was like being friends with Lillian Hellman, how Fiddler on the Roof almost closed in Detroit, his long partnership with Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford, the role he asked Mike Nichols to play, directing his mother in The Glass Menagerie, conversations with Otto Preminger, and so many more.

Morning's At Seven

Tune in today to hear him tell some of the stories of his legendary career, including playing “Soliloquy" for John Raitt, watching rehearsals of Funny Girl, advice from Laurence Olivier, early Shakespeare roles, a late night visit from Bob Fosse, how he almost got Cabaret—twice, what it was like to return to Pippin in 2013, and his advice for everyone else who plays the role.

His wisdom and charm are part of what has made him one of theater’s top stars from the 1970s to today.

Village Wooing

Mrs. Warren's Profession

Tune in to hear David tell some of the stories of his legendary career, including: an early shaw reading with Olivier, Fairbanks, Loos, and more, how he became friends with Pearl Bailey, turning down Hal Prince, the majesty of Rebecca Luker, why George Bernard Shaw was a pistol at 94, why he longs for the day when Shaw is no longer relevant, growing up around Hermoine Gingold, the art of editing Shaw, interviewing Rex Harrison, casting over Zoom, his advice to young performers and so much more.

This program is best viewed in a video format, which is available here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p91K_oSS9U/

You can watch Ms. Gandy’s Tonys speech here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffx2MRRCzPY&t=81s/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex5cr3T7ASc

Participants include Tony Winner and Broadway Legend Len Cariou, Previous Guests Penny Fuller, Lee Roy Reams, Brandon Maggart, and Susan L. Schulman, 9-Time Tony nominated Lighting Designer Ken Billington, Arranger and Orchestrator Mel Marvin, and dancers Michael Misita, Marilyn D'Honau, and Patti D'Beck.

Wonderful stories abound about the creation of this legendary musical.

Find PICK A POCKET OR TWO: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Pocket-Two-History-British/dp/0190877952

And then go hear their interviews with Nathan Lane, Lainie Kazan, Matthew Broderick, Charles Strouse, Victor Garber, and so many other musical theater legends.

Tune in to hear the great stories of the original production: which song was changed but the choreography remained the same? Who always missed "places"? What were the problems with the raked stage? How did the book EVERYTHING WAS POSSIBLE come to be? Who was originally supposed to be the star of FOLLIES?

You can find the video on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGVv540I9qI&t=4577s

Catch Carolyn AND I on tonight's Backstage Babble trivia #2-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1HAwmke97E

TRIVIA LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCxkBNFDslg

Also, hear her discuss what it was like being part of the original productions of Violet, Floyd Collins, Memphis, and more.

Thanks to logo designer and theme song orchestrator Tom Judson for setting up this interview.

Buy her book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DLQT9V/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

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!

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!

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.

Featuring: Alex Barylski, Dan Daly, Kenney M. Green, Maddie McClouskey, James Merillat, and Drew Wutke

*PLEASE NOTE: This version is a DIFFERENT edited version from the one that had been posted earlier. 

This interview is a bit long, but it's worth it to hear the expertise of this legendary theater veteran. 

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. 

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.