Scene to Song

Musicals Within Films: Waiting for Guffman with John Verderber Ep. 132

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Shoshana is joined by writer and theater aficionado John Verderber, author of Harry Reams Goes to Hollywood and American Father, longtime Little Red Light Theater associate, and contributor to Time Out New York, New York Magazine, and Everything Sondheim. We deep dive into Christopher Guest's beloved mockumentary Waiting for Guffman and the musical within it Red, White, and Blaine. In honor of Catherine O’Hara we thought diving into Waiting for Guffman was timely.

We explore what makes the film endure: its uncanny authenticity to the world of community theater, the emotional stakes bound up in the hope of Broadway recognition via the elusive Mort Guffman, and the genuine earnestness at the heart of its musical numbers. They also trace its influence on the wave of mockumentary-style comedies that followed.

In the Why Is This So Good? segment, Verderber makes the case for "The Dream" from Fiddler on the Roof.

Music featured:

A Penny for Your Thoughts from Waiting for Guffman.

Stool Boom from Waiting for Guffman

The Dream from Fiddler on the Roof.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @‌ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Texts as They Age: Rent and Falsettos as Period Pieces with Deborah Blumenthal Ep. 131

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

"We watch a Holocaust play and we know that all of these people are gonna die. We watch an AIDS play and we know how badly it's gonna turn out." So what does it mean for a musical to be a period piece marked by tragedy?

In this Season 9 premiere of Scene to Song, host Shoshana Greenberg sits down with dramaturg Deborah Blumenthal to explore how musicals like Rent and Falsettos have transformed from contemporary stories into historical texts. They examine these iconic Broadway shows through the lens of the AIDS crisis, discussing how audiences experience them differently now than when they first premiered.

The conversation also features an analysis of "New York" from the 2024 West End musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).

In this episode, you'll hear about:

How Rent and Falsettos function as AIDS-era period pieces
The evolving audience relationship with tragic historical musicals
Deborah's dramaturgical approach to reviving classic shows
Her upcoming production of Heartbreak Hotel
What makes a musical become a "period piece"

Season 8 Finale (Ep. 130)

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:52:40 -0400

Five of this season's guests--William Forrest (Episode 118: The Sherman Brothers' Movie Musicals for Disney), Rick Rhobajt Widen (Episode 121: Bible Musicals), Tara Krieger (Episode 123: Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus's Chess), Nathan Platte (Episode 126: Meet Me in St. Louis), and BethAnn Cohen (Parody in Musical Theater (Ep. 127))--return to discuss topics from the season and answer listener questions and comments. We also discuss the song "Chim Chim Cher-ee" from the 1964 film Mary Poppins.

This discussion was held live on Monday, December 22nd on Scene to Song’s YouTube channel, and was recorded for this podcast almost in its entirety. Scene to Song will return in January 2026. In the meantime, you can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow us on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music you are hearing is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Chim Chim Cher-ee" from Mary Poppins

Zora Neale Hurston's Anthropological Musical with Jordan Ealey (Ep. 129)

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Did you know writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston wrote a musical? Now you do!

Multidisciplinary Black feminist scholar-artist Jordan Ealey discusses Hurston’s 1944 musical Polk County and what this anthropological musical was like, as well as its past and future in the musical theater canon. We also discuss “Sweet Chitty Chatty” from Kirsten Childs’s 2000 musical The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin.

Join us for the annual Scene to Song Live Show on December 22nd at 8PM EST- streaming on Scene to Song's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@SceneToSong

Music played in this episode:

"Halihmuhfack"

“Wake Up, Jacob”

“Sweet Chitty Chatty” from The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin

The Intersections of Musical Theater Writers William Finn and Jonathan Larson (Ep. 128)

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

How did William Finn and Jonathan Larson revolutionize musical theater in the 1980s and 90s? Assistant Professor of Music Alex Bádue joins host Shoshana Greenberg to explore the parallel journeys and creative intersections of these two groundbreaking composers.

From their early work in the 80s to their hits Falsettos and Rent in the 1990s and more. We also talk about the song “Four Jews in a Room Bitching” from William Finn’s 1981 musical March of the Falsettos and then William Finn and James Lapine’s 1992 musical Falsettos.

Music played in this episode:
”Rent” from Rent
”Republicans” by William Finn
”All Fall Down” from Romance in Hard Times
“Rap Mitzvah” by Jonathan Larson, Jeff Kahn, and Ben Stiller
“Four Jews in a Room Bitching” from March of the Falsettos/Falsettos

💌 Write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest.

🫶 Follow on Instagram at @‌ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.”

✅ sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com.

❤️ Support the independently produced show on the Patreon.

The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Parody in Musical Theater (Ep. 127)

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0300

BethAnn Freed Cohen joins Scene to Song to discuss parody in musical theater. We discuss “what exactly is a parody?” and what it means in musicals. We dig into what elements make a good parody, using examples such as Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance and the episode “Original Cast Album: Co-op” from the show Documentary Now! As BethAnn notes, ” there are musicals that are funny but are not parodies and there are musicals that copy styles but are not funny.” We also talk about the Stephen Sondheim and Mary Rodgers song “The Boy From…” from 1966 revue The Mad Show.

Music played in this episode:
”With Cat-Like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal” from The Pirates of Penzance
”I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General” from The Pirates of Penzance
”The Element Song” by Tom Lehrer
”My Home Court” from “Original Cast Album: Co-Op”
”I gotta go” from “Original Cast Album: Co-Op”
”Holiday Party (I Did a Little Cocaine Tonight)” from “Original Cast Album: Co-Op”
”The Boy from…” from The Mad Show

Episode 126: Meet Me in St. Louis

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:33:09 -0300

Associate Professor of Musicology Nathan Platte discusses the 1944 movie musical Meet Me in St. Louis and 1989 Broadway musical adaptation, looking at how songs are used and how the story and songs changed from author Sally Benson's treatment to the big screen and beyond. We also talk about the Sherman Brothers' song "Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)" from the 1964 movie musical Mary Poppins.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Over the Bannister" from Meet Me in St. Louis
"Under the Bamboo Tree" from Meet Me in St. Louis
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from Meet Me in St. Louis
"Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)" from Marry Poppins

Scene to Song Episode 125: Greek Mythology Musical Theater

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:07:47 -0300

In this episode, singer, actress, writer, lyricist, and voiceover artist Amanda Fischler discusses Greek mythology in musical theater from Hadestown to The Golden Apple and all the aspects that go into writing these stories. We also talk about the song "In My Own Little Corner" from Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's 1957 TV musical Cinderella, specifically the 1997 TV version with Brandy.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Why We Build the Wall" from Hadestown
"The Tirade" from The Golden Apple
"In My Own Little Corner" from Cinderella

Scene to Song Episode 124: The Muppet Movies as Musical Theater

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:59:05 -0300

In this episode, dramaturg, director and producer Shaun Leisher discusses the Muppet movies as musical theater. We also talk about the song "Side by Side/What Would We Do Without You" from Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's 1970 musical Company, specifically The Muppet Show version with Loretta Swit.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Moving Right Along" from The Muppet Movie
"Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie
"Going to Go Back There One Day" from The Muppet Movie
"Hey It’s a Movie" from The Great Muppet Caper
"Happiness Hotel" from The Great Muppet Caper
"Cabin Fever" from Muppet Treasure Island
"You Can’t Take No for an Answer" from The Muppets Take Manhattan
"Scrooge" from The Muppet Christmas Carol
"Side by Side/What Would We Do Without You" from Company

Scene to Song Episode 123: Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus's Chess

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:04:48 -0300

In this episode, attorney and writer Tara Krieger discusses Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus's 1986 musical Chess. We also talk about the song "This Is the Hour" from Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's 1989 musical Miss Saigon.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Merano" from Chess
"Pity the Child" from Chess
"One Night in Bangkok" from Chess
"Someone Else's Story" from Chess
"Nobody's Side" from Chess
"The Arbiter" from Chess
"Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility)" from Chess
"Endgame #1" from Chess
"Endgame #3" from Chess
"This Is the Hour" from Miss Saigon

Scene to Song Episode 38 Re-Release: Tom O'Horgan, Helen Miller, and Eve Merriam's Inner City

Wed, 14 May 2025 12:02:17 -0300

In this episode, writer and director Michael Boyd discusses Tom O'Horgan, Helen Miller, and Eve Merriam's 1971 musical Inner City, the story behind this short-lived musical, most likely the first Broadway musical with a score by two women, as well as a look some of the songs. We also talk about the song "Hushaby/My Mother Said" from Inner City.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

StageStuck! Conference Information

Scene to Song Episode 122: Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's A Little Night Music

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 23:20:49 -0300

In this episode, theater Reviewer, composer, lyricist and librettist Donald H. Sandborn III discusses Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's 1973 musical A Little Night Music. We also talk about the song "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Now / Later / Soon" from A Little Night Music
"The Glamorous Life" from A Little Night Music
"The Glamorous Life" from A Little Night Music film
"Every Day a Little Death" from A Little Night Music
"A Weekend in the Country" from A Little Night Music
"Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music
"Finale: Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music

Glynis Johns singing "Send in the Clowns" on television.

Scene to Song Episode 121: Bible Musicals

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:45:52 -0300

In this episode, writer Rick Rhobajt Widen discusses bible musicals, running the gamut from Children of Eden, Two by Two, and Jesus Christ Superstar to religion-adjacent musicals like Saved and Leap of Faith . We also talk about the song "Writing a Gospel Play" from Michael R. Jackson's 2022 musical A Strange Loop.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Generations" from Children of Eden
"Why Me?" from Two by Two
"Deborah (Lead Me to the Rock)" from Bible Women
"Answer Me" from The Band’s Visit
"Two by Two" from Two by Two
"Samuel Anoints David" from King David
"I Don’t Know How to Love Him" from Jesus Christ Superstar
"Feelings" from The Apple Tree
"Writing a Gospel Play" from A Strange Loop
"Faith Hope Love" by Rick Rhobajt Widen

Scene to Song Bonus Episode: The Hitchcock Gays Supplemental: Discussing "Spellbound" with Shoshana Greenberg

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:06:38 -0300

As I prepare to record more episodes, I am sharing a conversation I had with former podcast guest Spencer Robelen on his The Hitchcock Gays podcast about Hitchcock’s 1945 film Spellbound starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. I hope you enjoy getting to know Spencer’s podcast, and Scene to Song will be back in two weeks with a new episode.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Scene to Song Episode 120: Representations of Russia/the USSR in Musical Theater

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:52:55 -0300

In this episode, composer, lyricist, music director, and educator Katya Stanislavskaya discusses representations of Russia/the USSR in musical theater from Fiddler on the Roof to Anastasia to off-Broadway's Iron Curtain and many in between. We also talk about the song "The Beauty Is" from Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas's 2005 musical The Light in the Piazza.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"To Life" from Fiddler on the Roof
"Prologue" from Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812
"No One Else" from Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812
"Crossing a Bridge" from Anastasia
"Two Worlds" from Doctor Zhivago
"That's Capital" from Iron Curtain
"Our Time" from Lempicka
"The Beauty Is" from The Light in the Piazza

Scene to Song Episode 119: Elphaba's Journey in Wicked

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:20:00 -0400

In this episode, actress, Chair of Performing Arts at New York Film Academy, and original Wicked cast member Kristy Cates discusses Elphaba's journey in Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's 2003 musical Wicked. We also talk about the song "No One is Alone" from Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's 1987 musical Into the Woods.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"The Wizard and I" from Wicked
"No Good Deed" from Wicked
"For Good" from Wicked
"No One Is Alone" from Into the Woods

Scene to Song Episode 118: The Sherman Brothers' Movie Musicals for Disney

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:48:04 -0400

In this episode, writer, dramaturg, and publishing professional William Forrest discusses the Sherman Brothers' Movie Musicals for Disney, tracing their trajectory from their early pop hits to the sophistication of of the book musical in such films as Mary Poppins (1964). We also talk about the song "Soon It's Gonna Rain" from Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's 1960 musical The Fantasticks.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Pineapple Princess" by The Sherman Brothers
"The Parent Trap" from The Parent Trap
"Chim Chim Cheree" from Mary Poppins
"A Spoonful of Sugar" from Mary Poppins
"Valentine Candy" from The Happiest Millionaire
"Soon It’s Gonna Rain" from The Fantasticks

Scene to Song Episode 117: Season 7 Finale

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 20:55:35 -0400

In this episode, five of this season's guests--Robert W. Schneider (Episode 114: Queer Characters in Musical Theater), Christopher Culp (Episode 105: Class, Race, and Gender Anxiety in Little Shop of Horrors), Andi Carter (Episode 112: Andrew Lloyd Webber's Musical Cats Part 2), BethAnn Cohen (Episode 108: The Bimbo or Ditz Character in Sondheim Musicals), and Matt Koplik (Episode 109: Jeanine Tesori Musicals)--return to discuss topics from the season and answer listener questions and comments. We also discuss the song "Wonderful" from the 2003 Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman musical Wicked.

This discussion was held live on Monday, December 23rd on Scene to Song’s Facebook page, and was recorded for this podcast almost in its entirety. Scene to Song will return in January 2025. In the meantime, you can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow us on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music you are hearing is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Wonderful" from Wicked

Scene to Song Episode 116: Musical Theater in the Films of Alfred Hitchcock

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 23:15:54 -0400

In this episode, composer, lyricist, and playwright Spencer Robelen discusses musical theater in the films of Alfred Hitchcock, from his early silent movies to Waltzes from Vienna to Stage Fright to The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). We also talk about the song "Miss Up-to-Date" from his 1929 film Blackmail.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Like a Star in the Sky" from Waltzes from Vienna
"With All My Heart" from Waltzes from Vienna
"The Laziest Gal in Town" by Cole Porter, sung by Marlene Dietrich in Stage Fright
"Que Sera Sera" by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, sung by Doris Day in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
"Miss Up-to-Date" by Billy Mayerl and Frank Eyton, sung by Cyril Ritchard in Blackmail

Scene to Song Episode 115: Women Writers in Musical Theater

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:35:20 -0400

In this episode, theatre historian, author, and producer Jennifer Ashley Tepper discusses women writers in musical theater as part of her new book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out. We also talk about the song "Old Friend" from Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford's 1978 musical I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"So Little Time" from Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope
"Once in a Blue Moon" from Stepping Stones
"Back to Before" from Ragtime
"Old Friend" from I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road

Scene to Song Episode 114: Queer Characters in Musical Theater

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:55:53 -0300

In this episode, artistic director, producer, director, and podcast host Robert W. Schneider discusses queer characters in musical theater as part of his upcoming book. We also talk about the song "I Am What I Am" from Jerry Herman and a book by Harvey Fierstein's 1983 musical La Cage aux Folles.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Giving it Up for Love" from Boy Meets Boy
"I am what I am" from La Cage aux Folles

Scene to Song Episode 113: Rodgers and Hart Musicals of the Late 1930s and Early 1940s

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:56:33 -0300

In this episode, writer John Verderber discusses Rodgers and Hart musicals of the late 1930s and early 1940s, focusing on Babes in Arms, The Boys from Syracuse, and Pal Joey. We also talk about the song "Disneyland" from Howard Ashman and Marvin Hamlisch's 1986 musical Smile.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"This Funny World" from Betsy
"I Wish I Were in Love Again" from Babes in Arms
"Where or When" from Babes in Arms
"The Lady is a Tramp" from Babes in Arms
“Prologue” from The Boys from Syracuse
“I Had Twins” from The Boys from Syracuse
"Can’t You Do a Friend a Favor" from A Connecticut Yankee
"Disneyland" from Smile

Scene to Song Episode 112: Andrew Lloyd Webber's Musical Cats Part 2

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 21:15:55 -0300

In this episode, writer Andi Carter discusses Andrew Lloyd Weber's 1981 musical Cats. Andi and I last talked about Cats in episode 32 in December of 2019. He returns to discuss how the new production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York changes, or does not change, how we talk about Cats. There will be some small spoilers for this production. We also talk about the song "Moonfall" from Rupert Holmes's 1985 musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" from Cats
"Moonfall" from The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Scene to Song Mini Episode: A "Why Is This So Good?" Collection

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:32:05 -0300

I’m not releasing a new episode this month, so instead I thought I’d put together a few “Why is This So Good” sections from the first and second seasons to hold us over until the next new episode in August. I’ve included A Strange Loop writer Michael R. Jackson talking about the song "Not Anymore" from the 1973 musical Raisin from episode 4; composer, writer, and director John Grimmett talking about the song sequence "Montage/Safe/The One I Love" from Michael John LaChiusa's 1993 musical Hello Again from episode 7; and writer John Verderber talking about Stephen Sondheim's song "Someone in a Tree" from his 1976 musical Pacific Overtures from episode 19.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Not Anymore" from Raisin
"Montage/Safe/The One I Love" from Hello Again
"Someone in a Tree" from Pacific Overtures

Scene to Song Episode 1 Re-Release: Comedy in Musical Theater

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 23:21:07 -0300

Today is Scene to Song’s 6th anniversary! On June 25, 2018, I released the very first episode, and I thought it would be fun to re-release it so we can all listen to it again without having to go way back in the podcast feed.

In this episode, composer Julia Meinwald discusses comedy in musical theater. We also talk about Joe Iconis's song "Jeff."

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Jeff" by Joe Iconis

Scene to Song Episode 111: Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:06:00 -0300

In this episode, writer, composer and director, and the Producing Artistic Director Nick Navari discusses Jason Robert Brown's 2002 off-Broadway musical The Last Five Years, touching on why Jamie and Cathy are together, the form of the show, the film version, and comparisons to Jason Robert Brown's most recent musical, The Connector. We also talk about the song "I Could Be in Love with Someone Like You," which was cut from The Last Five Years.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Shiksa Goddess" from The Last Five Years
"Moving Too Fast" from The Last Five Years
"A Part of That" from The Last Five Years
"If I Didn’t Believe in You" from The Last Five Years
"I Could Be in Love with Someone Like You" cut from The Last Five Years

Scene to Song Episode 110: Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked Are Absolutely Gay

Mon, 06 May 2024 16:32:49 -0300

In this episode, multi-disciplinary black femme storyteller AriDy Nox discusses how Elphaba and Galinda/Glinda from Wicked are absolutely gay. We also talk about the song "The Spark of Creation" from the 1991 Stephen Schwartz and John Caird musical Children of Eden.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"One Short Day" from Wicked
"For Good" from Wicked
"What is this Feeling" from Wicked
"Popular" from Wicked
"Defying Gravity" from Wicked
"I’m Not That Girl Reprise" from Wicked
"The Spark of Creation" from Children of Eden

Scene to Song Episode 109: Jeanine Tesori Musicals

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:15:48 -0300

In this episode, podcaster, actor, and playwright/screenwriter Matt Koplik discusses Jeanine Tesori musicals. We also talk about the song "Changing My Major" from the 2015 Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron musical Fun Home.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:

"Our Disease" from Kimberly Akimbo
"Skater Planet" from Kimberly Akimbo
"Make a Wish" from Kimberly Akimbo
"Hello, Darling" from Kimberly Akimbo
"Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie
"Dotty and Caroline" from Caroline, or Change
"16 Feet Beneath the Sea" from Caroline, or Change
"Come to the Fun Home" from Fun Home
"I Think I Got You Beat" from Shrek
"On My Way" from Violet
"Changing My Major" from Fun Home

Scene to Song Episode 108: The Bimbo or Ditz Character in Sondheim Musicals

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:45:31 -0300

In this episode, home care nurse and educator BethAnn Freed Cohen discusses the bimbo, or ditz, character in Sondheim musicals. We also talk about the song "Glitter and Be Gay" from the 1956 Leonard Bernstein, Richard Wilbur, and Lillian Hellman musical Candide.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Could I Leave You" from Follies
"Lovely" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
"That’ll Show Him" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
"Barcelona" from Company
"Everybody Loves Louis" from Sunday in the Park with George
"Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide

Scene to Song Episode 107: Neurodivergence and Disability Representation in The Light in the Piazza.

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:48:00 -0300

In this episode, bookwriter, lyricist, and composer Jason K Purdy discusses neurodivergence and disability representation in Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas's 2005 musical The Light in the Piazza. We also talk about the song "Drift" from the 2023 Rebekah Greer Melocik and Jacob Yandura musical How to Dance in Ohio.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"The Beauty Is" from The Light in the Piazza
"Fable" from The Light in the Piazza
"Drift" from How to Dance in Ohio

Scene to Song Episode 106: Comedy Songs in Musical Theater

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 23:42:06 -0400

In this episode, theater content creators Will Anderson and Rachael Joyce-Anderson, also known as The Theater Lovers, discuss comedy songs in musical theater. We also talk about the song "Adelaide's Lament" from the 1950 Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling, and Abe Burrows musical Guys and Dolls.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Grand Old Ivy" from How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying
"Brush Up Your Shakespeare" from Kiss Me Kate
"Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
"Dance: Ten; Looks: Three"
"A Little Priest" from Sweeney Todd
"Adelaide’s Lament" from Guys and Dolls

Scene to Song Episode 105: Class, Race, and Gender Anxiety in Little Shop of Horrors

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:48:38 -0400

In this episode, educator and trainer Christopher Culp discusses class, race, and gender anxiety in Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's 1982 musical Little Shop of Horrors, looking at both the stage musical and the film. We also talk about "Somewhere That's Green" from Little Shop of Horrors.

Scene to Song Episode 104: Leonard Bernstein's New York City

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:41:49 -0400

In this episode, writer, researcher, and New York City historian Keith Taillon (@KeithYorkCity) discusses Leonard Bernstein's New York City, looking at three of his big musicals: On the Town, Wonderful Town, and West Side Story and the neighborhoods that tell their stories. We also talk about the song "I'm Here" from Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray, and Marsha Norman's 2005 musical The Color Purple.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Opening: New York, New York" from On the Town
"Christopher Street" from Wonderful Town
"Ohio" from Wonderful Town
"Jet Song" from West Side Story
"I'm Here" from The Color Purple

Scene to Song Episode 103: Season 6 Finale

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 01:32:00 -0400

In this episode, six of this season's guests--Caseen Gaines (Episode 87: Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller, and Aubrey Lyles’s Shuffle Along), Mike Meaney (Episode 90: The Lyrics of Yip Harburg), Christopher Culp (Episode 100: TV Musical Episodes Part II), Tammy Tuckey (Episode 101: David Bryan and Joe DiPietro’s Diana), BethAnn Cohen (Episode 95: Five-Year Anniversary Live Show), and Victoria Myers (Episode 102: Mary Rodgers, Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson, and Dean Fuller’s Once Upon a Mattress)--return to discuss the topics from the season and listener questions and comments. We also discuss the song "Home" from the 1975 Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown musical The Wiz.

This discussion was held live on Sunday, December 17th on Scene to Song’s Facebook page, and was recorded for this podcast almost in its entirety. Scene to Song will be going on a brief hiatus to prepare for season seven and will return in early 2024. In the meantime, you can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow us on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter/X at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music you are hearing is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Home" from The Wiz

Scene to Song Episode 102: Mary Rodgers, Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson, and Dean Fuller’s Once Upon a Mattress

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:53:45 -0400

In this episode, writer Victoria Myers discusses Mary Rodgers, Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson, and Dean Fuller's 1959 musical Once Upon a Mattress, looking at the comedy in musical theater, female protagonists, and the upcoming Encores! production. We also talk about the song "Just in Time" from Jule Styne, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green's 1956 musical Bells are Ringing.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Shy" from Once Upon a Mattress
"The Swamps of Home" from Once Upon a Mattress
"Happily Ever After" from Once Upon a Mattress
"Just in Time" from Bells are Ringing

Scene to Song Episode 101: David Bryan and Joe DiPietro’s Diana

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:53:12 -0400

In this episode, filmmaker, actress, podcaster, and singer Tammy Tuckey discusses David Bryan and Joe DiPietro's 2021 musical Diana. We also talk about the song "Vivre" from Riccardo Cocciante and Luc Plamondon's 1998 French musical Notre-Dame de Paris.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on X/Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Underestimated" from Diana
"Pretty, Pretty Girl" from Diana
"Snap, Click" from Diana
"Secrets and Lies" from Diana
"If (Light the World)" from Diana
"Vivre" from Notre Dame de Paris
"Live for the One I Love" from The Best of Celine Dion

Scene to Song Episode 100: TV Musical Episodes Part II

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:11:41 -0300

In this episode, educator and trainer Christopher Culp discusses TV musical episodes, using the first episode on this topic as a jumping off point to include the new Star Trek Strange New Worlds musical episode and relating it to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode and many more. We also talk about the "Tonight (Quintet)" from Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents's 1957 musical West Side Story.

Music played in this episode:
"We Are One" from Star Trek Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 9: "Subspace Rhapsody"
"I've Got a Theory"/"Bunnies"/"If We're Together" from Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6, episode 7: "Once More, with Feeling"
"How Would That Feel" from Star Trek Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 9: "Subspace Rhapsody"
"Tonight (Quintet)" from West Side Story

Scene to Song Episode 99: Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron’s Fun Home

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 23:22:38 -0300

In this episode, performer and producer Andrea Prestinario discusses Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron's 2015 musical Fun Home. We also talk about the song "He Plays the Violin" from Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone's 1969 musical 1776.

Music played in this episode:
"Days and Days" from Fun Home
"Telephone Wire" from Fun Home
"Maps" from Fun Home
"Edges of the World" from Fun Home
"Ring of Keys" from Fun Home
"He Plays the Violin" from 1776

Scene to Song Episode 98: Michael John LaChiusa and Sybille Pearson’s Giant

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:16:54 -0300

In this episode, composer and lyricist Landon Braverman discusses Michael John LaChiusa and Sybille Pearson's 2012 off-Broadway musical Giant. We also talk about the song "Hello, Darling" from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori's 2021 musical Kimberly Akimbo.

Music played in this episode:
"Aurelia Dolores" from Giant
"Your Texas" from Giant
"He Wanted a Girl" from Giant
"My Texas" from Giant
"The Desert" from Giant
"Hello, Darling" from Kimberly Akimbo

Scene to Song Episode 97: The Character of Rose in Gypsy

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 21:42:03 -0300

In this episode, actress, singer, writer, and producer Victoria Gordon discusses the character of Rose, or Mama Rose, in Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents's 1959 musical Gypsy, looking at the many actors who have played the role. We also talk about the song "Babbette" from Cy Coleman, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green's 1978 musical On the Twentieth Century.

Music played in this episode:
"Everything’s Coming Up Roses" from Gypsy (1959 Original Cast Recording)
"You’ll Never Get Away from Me" from Gypsy (1959 Original Cast Recording)
"Together" from Gypsy (1973 West End Cast Recording)
"Rose’s Turn" from Gypsy (2003 Cast Recording)
"Babbette" from On the Twentieth Century (1978 Original Cast Recording)

YouTube Clips Referenced:
Angela Lansbury in Gypsy
Linda Lavin doing "Rose's Turn"

Scene to Song Episode 96: The Musicals of Kurt Weill

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:45:26 -0300

In this episode, editor and writer Rob Weinert-Kendt discusses the work of the German-born American composer Kurt Weill from The Threepenny Opera to Lost in the Stars. We also talk about the song "In Dahomey" from Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern's 1927 musical Show Boat.

Music played in this episode:
"Alabama Song" from Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
"The Ballad of Mack the Knife" from The Threepenny Opera
"Lied der Fennimore (I Am a Poor Relative)" from The Silverlake, A Winter's Tale
"September Song" from Knickerbocker Holiday
"Green Up Time" from Love Life
"Lonely House" from Street Scene
"Hills of Ixopo" from Lost in the Stars
"In Dahomey" from Show Boat

Scene to Song Episode 95: Five-Year Anniversary Live Show

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0300

In this episode, nine guests from the past five seasons return to talk about Scene to Song episodes we have loved and if the discussions have changed our thoughts on musical theater in any way. We also talk about the late lyricist Sheldon Harnick and the song “Telephone Wire” from Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron's Fun Home.

This discussion was held live on Scene to Song’s Facebook page on June 25, 2023, and was recorded for this podcast almost in its entirety. Scene to Song is now going back on summer hiatus and will return in early fall.

In the meantime, you can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow us on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. And contribute to the new Patreon. The theme music you are hearing is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Telephone Wire" from Fun Home

Guests:

Victoria Gordon (Episode 37: Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's Evening Primrose
Deborah Blumenthal (Episode 57: Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company
Tammy Tuckey (Episode 75: Marvin Hamlisch, David Zippel, and Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl)
Jessica Fleitman (Episode 15: The Musical My Fair Lady
Victoria Myers (Episode 67: The Musical Roles of Bernadette Peters)
Orian Israelsohn (Episode 81: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart, and Richard Stilgoe’s The Phantom of the Opera, Episode 28: The Bock and Harnick Musicals Fiddler on the Roof and The Rothschilds)
Seth Christenfeld (Episode 5: Adaptations in Musical Theater
BethAnn Cohen (Episode 66: Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine‘s Into the Woods, Episode 43: TV Musical Episodes, Episode 22: Representations of Judaism in Musical Theater
Robert Lee (Episode 65: Artist Characters in Musical Theater)

Scene to Song 5th Anniversary Show Teaser

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:30:00 -0300

I wanted to do something fun for Scene to Song’s 5th anniversary. 5 years ago this Sunday, I released the first episode of Scene to Song, a discussion on comedy and musical theater with composer Julia Meinwald. Now, this Sunday, June 25th at 1pm ET, we’ll be doing another live show on the Facebook page. This time, we’ll have guests from across the five seasons to chat about musical theater and the Scene to Song episodes over the years.

If you have a question or a comment about musical theater or one of the episodes, we’ll respond to it on the show. We’d also love to hear from you about which episodes you have loved and if this podcast has changed your thoughts on musical theater in any way. You can email your comment or question to scenetosong@gmail.com, send it on one of the Scene to Song social media platforms, watch the show live on the Facebook page on Sunday and comment on the video, or, the most fun way to participate, you can call in directly during the show and comment or ask your question on the air.

Also, follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. And contribute to the new Patreon.

The video will live stream directly to Scene to Song’s Facebook page, and you don’t need a Facebook account to watch it. Just go to facebook.com/scenetosong and you’ll find it. The guests and I can’t wait to discuss musical theater with you. See you on the 25th!

Scene to Song Episode 94: Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul’s Dear Evan Hansen

Mon, 15 May 2023 23:14:11 -0300

In this episode, composer, lyricist, and playwright Jamie Cowperthwait discusses Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul's 2016 musical Dear Evan Hansen and why we love and don't love this musical. We also talk about the song "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen.

Music played in this episode:
"To Break In a Glove" from Dear Evan Hansen
"For Forever" from Dear Evan Hansen
"You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen

Scene to Song Episode 93: Podcast Musicals

Mon, 01 May 2023 06:00:00 -0300

In this episode, voice actor and comedian Dominic Frisby discusses podcast musicals, from 36 Questions and Anthem Homunculus to concept albums and Hamilton. We also talk about the song "Kisses on a Postcard" from Terence Frisby, Martin Wheatley, Gordon Clyde, and Dominic Frisby's 2022 podcast musical Kisses on a Postcard.

Music played in this episode:
"The End of Love" from Anthem Homunculus
"Hear Me Out" from 36 Questions
"Kisses on a Postcard" from Kisses on a Postcard

Scene to Song Episode 92: Marriage in Musical Theater

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 22:49:55 -0300

In this episode, professor Ashley Pribyl discusses marriage in musical theater, focusing on Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's 1970 musical Company, as well as how marriage was portrayed leading up to Company in musicals such as Allegro and I Do! I Do! We also talk about the song "Marry Me a Little" from Company.

Music played in this episode:
"The Honeymoon is Over" from I Do! I Do!
"Overture" from Company
"Marry Me a Little" from Company

Scene to Song Episode 91: Stephen Sondheim’s Obsession with Moments and Dreams in His 1980s Musicals.

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 22:20:44 -0300

In this episode, podcaster Kyle Marshall discusses composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s obsession with moments and dreams in his 1980s musicals through four songs: “Merrily We Roll Along”, “Move On”, “Moments in the Woods”, and "Everybody’s Got the Right." We also talk about the song "Better" from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori's 2021 musical Kimberly Akimbo.

Music played in this episode:
“Merrily We Roll Along” from Merrily We Roll Along
“Move On” from Sunday in the Park with George
“Moments in the Woods” from Into the Woods
"Everybody’s Got the Right" from Assassins
"Better" from Kimberly Akimbo

Scene to Song Episode 90: The Lyrics of Yip Harburg

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 23:52:00 -0300

In this episode, director Mike Meaney discusses the lyrics of Yip Harburg, lyrics from the musicals Bloomer Girl, Finian's Rainbow, The Wizard of Oz, and many in between. We also talk about the song "They Couldn't Compare to You" from Cole Porter, Dwight Taylor, and Reginald Lawrence's 1950 musical Out of This World.

Music played in this episode:
"Eagle and Me" from Bloomer Girl
"It was Good Enough for Grandma" from Bloomer Girl
"When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love" from Finian’s Rainbow
"When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich" from Finian’s Rainbow
"How are Things in Glocca Morra" from Finian’s Rainbow
"The Jitterbug" from The Wizard of Oz
"Napoleon" from Jamaica
"Lydia the Tattooed Lady" from The Marx Brothers's At the Circus
"Buds Won’t Bud" from Hooray for What
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz
"They Couldn’t Compare to You" from Out of This World

Scene to Song Episode 89: The Musicals of Stephen Schwartz

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:39:45 -0400

In this episode, theater reviewer and composer/lyricist/librettist Donald H. Sanborn III discusses the musicals of Stephen Schwartz, looking at his whole career but focusing on Wicked. We also talk about the song "No One Mourns the Wicked" from Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's 2003 musical Wicked.

Music played in this episode:
"The Hardest Part of Love" from Children of Eden
"Children of Eden" from Children of Eden
"One Short Day" from Wicked
"What is this Feeling" from Wicked
"For Good" from Wicked
"Defying Gravity" Wicked
"No One Mourns the Wicked" from Wicked

Scene to Song Episode 88: Song Cycles in Musical Theater

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 19:41:34 -0400

In this episode, composer, lyricist, and librettist Timothy Huang discusses song cycles in musical theater, exploring what makes a piece a song cycle as opposed to a revue, concert, or book musical. We also talk about the song "The Butterfly" from Neil Bartram and Brian Hill's 2009 musical The Story of My Life.

Music played in this episode:
"Scene One: The Whore and the Soldier" from Hello Again
"Patti by the Pool" from First Daughter Suite
"Hear My Song" from Songs for a New World
"Apocalypse in Tennessee" from Rags Parkland Sings the Songs of the Future
"Anytime (I am There)" from Elegies
"The Butterfly" from The Story of My Life

Scene to Song Episode 87: Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller, and Aubrey Lyles’s Shuffle Along

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 17:57:26 -0400

In this episode, author and journalist Caseen Gaines discusses Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller, and Aubrey Lyles’s 1921 musical Shuffle Along, looking not just at the musical itself but how musicals can get lost to history. We also talk about the song "Skid Row (Downtown)" from the Little Shop of Horrors. Gaines's book When Broadway Was Black comes out February 7, 2023. Learn more and purchase the book.

Music played in this episode:
"I’m Just Wild About Harry" from Shuffle Along
"Love Will Find a Way" from Shuffle Along
"Election Day" from Shuffle Along
"Skid Row (Downtown)" from the Little Shop of Horrors

Scene to Song Episode 86: Season 5 Finale

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 12:28:41 -0400

In this episode, eight of this season's guests--Eric Matthew Richardson (Episode 72: Disney Parks Music as Musical Theater), Emel Greer (Episode 73: Evil Characters in Musical Theater), Tammy Tuckey (Episode 75: Marvin Hamlisch, David Zippel, and Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl), David Armstrong (Episode 79: Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O’Donnell, and Thomas Meehan’s Hairspray), Ilana Kresch (Episode 80: Jule Styne, Bob Merrill, and Isobel Lennart’s Funny Girl), Orian Israelsohn (Episode 81: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart, and Richard Stilgoe’s The Phantom of the Opera), Marc Eliot Stein (Episode 82: John O’Hara, Lorenz Hart, and Richard Rodgers’s Pal Joey), and Rose Ginsberg (Episode 84: Abolition in Musical Theater), as well as BethAnn Cohen--return to discuss the topics from the season and listener questions and comments. We also discuss the song "Inner White Girl" from the 2022 Michael R. Jackson musical A Strange Loop.

This discussion was held live on Sunday, December 18th on Scene to Song’s Facebook page, and was recorded for this podcast almost in its entirety. Scene to Song will be going on a brief hiatus to prepare for Season six and will return in early 2023. In the meantime, you can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow us on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the new Patreon. The theme music you are hearing is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Inner White Girl" from A Strange Loop

Scene to Song Episode 85: History in Musical Theater

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:55:10 -0400

In this episode, composer/lyricist and theatrical producer Gregory Jacobs-Roseman discusses history in musical theater, looking at how American history is written about through Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone's 1969 musical 1776 and others. We also talk about Jerry Herman's song "Avenue A" from the 1996 TV Movie Mrs. Santa Claus.

Music played in this episode:
"Sit Down, John" from 1776
"The Lees of Old Virginia" from 1776
"Cool, Cool, Considerate Men" from 1776
"Avenue A" from Mrs. Santa Claus.

Scene to Song Season 5 Finale Teaser

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 11:57:38 -0400

No new episode this week because I took a break for Thanksgiving. We’ll have a new episode next week, and then we’ll have the annual season finale live show! The date is set for Sunday, December 18th at 1pm Eastern Time, and as usual we’ll have an assortment of guests from this season to chat about musical theater and this season’s episodes. The video will live stream directly to Scene to Song’s Facebook page, and you don’t need a Facebook account to watch it. Just go to www.facebook.com/scenetosong and you’ll find it.

One of the things I love about the season finale episode is that everyone can participate. If you have a question or a comment about musical theater or one of the season 5 episodes, we’ll respond to it during the show. There are many ways to submit your questions or comments. You can email scenetosong@gmail.com, you can use one of the Scene to Song social media platforms–Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram–and leave a comment on a post or send a direct message, you can watch the show live on the Facebook page on December 18th and comment on the video. Someone will be watching the comment thread to make sure that all comments and questions are addressed. And, the most fun way to participate, you can call in directly during the show and comment or ask your question on the air. I’ll post the phone number on the Facebook video and read it out loud during the livestream. These are all great ways to participate, and the guests and I hope to hear from you.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. Contribute to the new Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Scene to Song Episode 84: Abolition in Musical Theater

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:52:43 -0400

In this episode, community-based theatre director, deviser, workshop facilitator, producer, and educator Rose Ginsberg discusses abolition in musical theater and how those ideas are present in the stories of various musicals. We also talk about the song "You're Never Alone" from the 2014 Jason Robert Brown and Marsha Norman musical The Bridges of Madison County.

Music played in this episode:
"You're Never Alone" from The Bridges of Madison County.

Scene to Song Episode 83: Musicals Whose Scores Outshine Their Books

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 23:45:21 -0300

In this episode, playwright and filmmaker Patrick Flynn discusses musicals whose scores outshine their books, looking at how that happens in different ways in musicals such as Merrily We Roll Along, Hair, In the Heights, and more. We also talk about the song "Rich and Happy" from the original Merrily We Roll Along.

Music played in this episode:
"Rich and Happy" from Merrily We Roll Along (1980)
"That Frank" from Merrily We Roll Along

Scene to Song Episode 82: John O’Hara, Lorenz Hart, and Richard Rodgers’s Pal Joey

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 23:47:00 -0300

In this episode, writer, website developer and podcaster Marc Eliot Stein discusses John O’Hara, Lorenz Hart, and Richard Rodgers's 1940 musical Pal Joey, pondering the enigma of this ever-changing show. We also talk about the song "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" from Pal Joey.

Music played in this episode:
"Zip" from Pal Joey
"I Could Write a Book" from Pal Joey
"In Our Little Den of Iniquity" from Pal Joey
"Take Him" from Pal Joey
"Plant You Now, Dig You Later" from Pal Joey
"You Mustn’t Kick It Around" from Pal Joey
"That Terrific Rainbow" from Pal Joey
"Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" from Pal Joey

Scene to Song Episode 81: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart, and Richard Stilgoe’s The Phantom of the Opera

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:59:52 -0300

In this episode, composer, lyricist, performer, and music educator Kay Clark and bookwriter and playwright Orian Israelsohn discuss Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart, and Richard Stilgoe's 1986 musical The Phantom of the Opera, looking at the Phantom as an incel. We also talk about the songs "What You Feel" from the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" from Company.

Music played in this episode:
"Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera
"The Phantom of the Opera" from The Phantom of the Opera
"Think of Me" from The Phantom of the Opera
"What You Feel" from the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"You Could Drive a Person Crazy" from Company

Scene to Song Episode 80: Jule Styne, Bob Merrill, and Isobel Lennart’s Funny Girl

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:18:47 -0300

In this episode, actor and comedienne Ilana Kresch discusses Jule Styne, Bob Merrill, and Isobel Lennart's 1964 musical Funny Girl looking at how the musical's depiction compares to the real Fanny Brice's life and character. We also talk about the songs "You Are Woman" and "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl.

Music played in this episode:
"You Are Woman" from Funny Girl
"Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl

Scene to Song Episode 79: Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O’Donnell, and Thomas Meehan’s Hairspray

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:45:20 -0300

In this episode, director, producer, and podcast host David Armstrong discusses Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O’Donnell, and Thomas Meehan's 2002 musical Hairspray on its 20th anniversary. We also talk about the song "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" from Hairspray.

Music played in this episode:
"Good Morning Baltimore" from Hairspray
"(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs" from Hairspray
"I Know Where I've Been" from Hairspray
"The Nicest Kids in Town" from Hairspray
"The Big Dollhouse" from Hairspray
"Big, Blonde and Beautiful" from Hairspray

Scene to Song Episode 78: The Musical’s Drive Toward Comedy

Tue, 10 May 2022 18:30:10 -0300

In this episode, lyricist and bookwriter Sam Carner discusses the musical's drive toward comedy. We also talk about the song "That Something Extra Special" from Yip Harburg, Jule Styne, and Nunnally Johnson's 1968 musical Darling of the Day.

Music played in this episode:
"Move On" from Sunday in the Park with George
"Epiphany" from Sweeney Todd (2005 Cast Recording)
"Finale" from Brigadoon 1991 London Studio Cast Recording
"Soliloquy" from Carousel
"That Something Extra Special" from Darling of the Day

Scene to Song Episode 77: The Changing Role of Music in Musical Theater

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 22:14:00 -0300

In this episode, composer Paul Nelson discusses the changing role of music in musical theater. We also talk about the song "You'll Be Back" from Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2015 musical Hamilton.

Music played in this episode:
"So What" from Cabaret
"Fascinating Rhythm" from Lady Be Good
"Master of the House" from Les Miserables
"My Cousin in Milwaukee" from Pardon My English
"Money Money" from Cabaret
"March of the Siamese Children" from The King and I
"Uptown" from The Wild Party
"Ballad of Sweeney Todd" (original cast recording)
"Ballad of Sweeney Todd" (2005 cast recording)
"You'll Be Back" from Hamilton

Scene to Song Episode 76: The Musicals of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 22:04:17 -0300

In this episode, multidisciplinary artist Sandy Sahar Gooen discusses the musicals of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, looking closely at their first musical, Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, as the foundation for their later work. We also talk about the song "A Firestorm Consuming Indianapolis" from Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Dennis Green's 1979 musical Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater.

Music played in this episode:
"Cheese Nips" from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
"Overture" from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
"Dear Ophelia" from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
"Since You Came to This Town" from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
"The Rosewater Foundation" from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
"Somewhere That's Green" from Little Shop of Horrors
"Look Who's Here" from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
"Skid Row (Downtown)" from Little Shop of Horrors
"A Firestorm Consuming Indianapolis" from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater

Scene to Song Episode 75: Marvin Hamlisch, David Zippel, and Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:16:23 -0300

In this episode, filmmaker, actress, podcaster, and singer Tammy Tuckey discusses Marvin Hamlisch, David Zippel, and Neil Simon's 1993 musical The Goodbye Girl looking at why we love this musical and what may not work about it. We also talk about the song "If He Really Knew Me" from Marvin Hamlisch, Carole Bayer Sager, and Neil Simon's 1978 musical They're Playing Our Song.

Music played in this episode:
"No More" from The Goodbye Girl
"Paula (An Improvised Love Song)" from The Goodbye Girl
"My Rules/Elliot Garfield Grant" from The Goodbye Girl
"Who Would've Thought?" from The Goodbye Girl
"How Can I Win?" from The Goodbye Girl
"Don't Follow in My Footsteps" from The Goodbye Girl
"Richard Interred" from The Goodbye Girl
"I Think I Can Play This Part" from The Goodbye Girl
"If He Really Knew Me" from They're Playing Our Song

Scene to Song Episode 74: Black History of British Musical Theater 1900-1950

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 18:47:49 -0300

In this episode, music director Sean Mayes and Reader in Musical Theatre Dr. Sarah K. Whitfield discuss the Black history of British musical theater from 1900 to 1950, highlighting performances and looking at how one studies musical theater history itself. We also talk about the song "Memories of You" by Eubie Blake and Andy Razaf from Blackbirds of 1930 and is often used in subsequent productions of Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle, F.E. Miller, and Aubrey Lyles's 1921 musical Shuffle Along.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Overture" from In Dahomey from "Black Manhattan: Theater and Dance Music of James Reese Europe, Will Marion Cook, and Members of the Legendary Clef Club"
"Weeping Mary" from An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre 1900-1950 Live at Wigmore Hall
"Memories of You" from An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre 1900-1950 Live at Wigmore Hall
"Memories of You" from Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
"Memories of You" sung by Alberta Hunter to Eubie Blake

Purchase their book: An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre by Sean Mayes and Sarah K. Whitfield

Scene to Song Episode 73: Evil Characters in Musical Theater

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 22:42:55 -0400

In this episode, pianist and singer Emel Greer discusses evil characters in musical theater. We also talk about the song "I'm the Greatest Star" from Isobel Lennart, Jule Styne, and Bob Merrill's 1964 musical Funny Girl.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"One Hallowe'en" from Applause
"Dirty Laundry" from The Witches of Eastwick
"My Name" from Oliver!
"Dentist!" from Little Shop of Horrors
"They Don’t Know" from Thoroughly Modern Millie
"What Comes Next" from Hamilton
"Epiphany" from Sweeney Todd (2005 Revival)
"I’m the Greatest Star" from Funny Girl

Scene to Song Episode 72: Disney Parks Music as Musical Theater

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:15:07 -0400

In this episode, composer and writer Eric Matthew Richardson discusses Disney parks music as musical theater and a bit of history as to how they were constructed that way. We also talk about the Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez's song "The Big Blue World (Reprise)" from their 2007 Disney parks musical Finding Nemo: The Musical.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" written by Frank Churchill with additional lyrics by Ann Ronell which originally featured in the 1933 Disney cartoon Three Little Pigs
"The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" by the Sherman Brothers
"There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" by the Sherman Brothers
"It's a Small World" by the Sherman Brothers, sung by Richard Sherman and Alan Menken at the D23 Expo
"Grim, Grinning Ghosts" composed by Buddy Baker, with lyrics written by X Atencio
"The Big Blue World (Reprise)" from Finding Nemo: The Musical

Scene to Song Episode 71: Black Women in Musical Theater History

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:06:02 -0400

In this episode, composer/lyricist, playwright, voice teacher, and performance scholar Masi Asare discusses black women in musical theater history, focusing on their vocal performance from the turn of the century to present day. We also talk about the late Micki Grant and her song "Cleanin' Women" from the 1978 musical Working.

Music played in this episode:
Ma Rainey singing "Don’t Fish in my Sea"
Ethel Waters singing "St. Louis Blues"
Diahann Carroll singing "A Sleepin' Bee" from House of Flowers
Leslie Uggams singing "Being Good" from Hallelujah Baby
Pat Suzuki singing "From This Moment On" on The Frank Sinatra Show
"I Hate the Bus" from Caroline, or Change
"Dottie and Caroline" from Caroline, or Change
"Cleanin' Women" from Working

Scene to Song Episode 70: Season Four Finale

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 16:38:03 -0400

In this episode, eight of this season's guests--Janine McGuire (Episode 55: The Musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber), Deborah Blumenthal (Episode 57: Company), Rob Hartmann (Episode 59: Merrily We Roll Along), Danielle Feder (Episode 60: Parade), Amber Savva (Episode 64: Rock Musicals), Robert Lee (Episode 65: Artist Characters in Musical Theater), BethAnn Cohen (Episode 66: Into the Woods), and Victoria Myers (Episode 67: The Roles of Bernadette Peters)--return to discuss the topics from the season and listener questions and comments.

This discussion was held live on Sunday, December 19th on Scene to Song’s Facebook page, and was recorded for this podcast almost in its entirety. Scene to Song will be going on a brief hiatus to prepare for Season five and will return in early 2021. In the meantime, you can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow us on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” The theme music you are hearing is by Julia Meinwald.

And a special announcement for 2022! When Scene to Song returns for season 5, it will have an accompanying monthly e-newsletter! You'll get more info about the episodes and guests, a "this month in musical theater history," shout outs to upcoming musicals in development, and more! Sign up now at scenetosong.substack.com to make sure it's in your inbox when we launch in February 2022!

Scene to Song Episode 69: Fatness in Musical Theater

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 18:22:01 -0400

In this episode, Theatre of the Oppressed NYC operations director and podcast host Harrow Sansom discusses fatness in musical theater and how it's portrayed with various musical theater characters and musicals. We also talk about the song "Another Hundred People" from Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's 1970 musical Company.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. The annual season finale episode, which always features multiple guests from the season, will be streamed live on our Facebook page on Sunday, December 19th at 1pm Eastern. Listeners can submit questions in advance or call in directly to the webcast. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Impossible" from Bella: An American Tall Tale
"Any Little Thing" from The Color Purple
"Beautiful" from It Shoulda Been You
"Pretty Funny" from Dogfight
"Another Hundred People" from Company

Scene to Song Episode 68: Stephen Sondheim and Rhyme

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 22:00:00 -0400

In this episode, composer/lyricist Daniel Mate discusses composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim and rhyme, looking at various songs of his as we both reflect on our own experiences with Sondheim's work. We also talk about the song "Little Tin Box" from Sheldon Harnick, Jerry Bock, Jerome Weidman, and George Abbott's 1960 musical Fiorello!

Music played in this episode:
"Four Black Dragons" from Pacific Overtures
"Chrysanthemum Tea" from Pacific Overtures
"Not a Day Goes By" from Merrily We Roll Along
"The Story of Lucy and Jessie" from Follies
"Ah, But Underneath" from Follies
"Another National Anthem" from Assassins
"Little Tin Box" from Fiorello!

Scene to Song Episode 67: The Musical Roles of Bernadette Peters

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:26:37 -0400

In this episode, writer Victoria Myers discusses the musical roles of Bernadette Peters, looking at her career through her varied musical theater characters. We also talk about the song "Friends" sung by Bette Midler.

Music played in this episode:
"Star Tar" from Dames at Sea
"Time Heals Everything" from Mack and Mabel
"Capped Teeth and Caesar Salad Reprise" from Song and Dance
"Some People" from Gypsy (2003)
"Friends" from Bette Midler's The Divine Miss M

Scene to Song Mini Episode: Scene to Song Outtakes

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:07:23 -0400

In this mini episode, I share outtakes from previous episodes from seasons three and four with guests Rob Hartmann, Robert Lee, Jason K. Purdy, Heath Saunders, Laura Josepher and David Sisco, and Janine McGuire. No guest this week, but at some point soon there will be two weeks in a row with a regular episode.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
"Unexpected Song" from Song and Dance
"Tell Me on a Sunday" from Song and Dance

Scene to Song Episode 66: Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine‘s Into the Woods

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:14:20 -0300

In this episode, nurse and musician BethAnn Freed Cohen discusses Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's 1987 musical Into the Woods, focusing on an accessible moral complexity. We also talk about the song "Moments in the Woods" from Into the Woods.

Music played in this episode:
"I Know Things Now" from Into the Woods
"Last Midnight" from Into the Woods
"Agony" from Into the Woods
"Moments in the Woods" from Into the Woods
"Lament" from Into the Woods

Scene to Song Episode 65: Artist Characters in Musical Theater

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 15:24:38 -0300

In this episode, lyricist and librettist Robert Lee discusses artist characters in musical theater, looking at shows such as Sunday in the Park with George, Rent, Me and Juliet, and A Strange Loop. We also talk about the song "Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie.

Music played in this episode:
"Rent" from Rent
"The Big Black Giant" from Me and Juliet
"A Strange Loop" from A Strange Loop
"Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie

Musicals mentioned in the "Something Wonderful" section:
The First Mouse in Manhattan by Erica Molfetto (words) and William Karras (music)
Echolocation by Sam Norman (words) and Eliza Randall (music)

Scene to Song Episode 64: Rock Musicals

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:31:29 -0300

In this episode, actor and producer Amber Savva discusses rock musicals, focusing on Bat out of Hell and other rock jukebox musicals. We also talk about the song "Kiss Me/Ladies and Their Sensitivities/Kiss Me Quartet" from Sweeney Todd.

Music played in this episode:
"Two out of Three Aint Bad" from Bat out of Hell by Meatloaf
"Two out of Three Aint Bad" from Bat out of Hell The Musical Original Cast Recording
"Paradise by the Dashboard Light" from Bat out of Hell The Musical Original Cast Recording
"El Tango de Roxanne" from Moulin Rouge: Music from Baz Luhrmann's Film
"School of Rock (Teacher's Pet)" from School of Rock The Musical
"Kiss Me/Ladies in Their Sensitivities/Kiss Me Quartet" from Sweeney Todd

Scene to Song Episode 63: Latinx Stories and Bilingualism in Musical Theater

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 20:27:36 -0300

In this episode, musician and composer Jaime Lozano discusses Latinx stories and bilingualism in musical theater, focusing on authenticity. We also talk about the song "Move On" from Sunday in the Park with George.

Music played in this episode:
"Born in Puerto Rico" from The Capeman
"Perfidia" from 4 Guys Named Jose
"Move On" from Sunday in the Park with George

Scene to Song Episode 62: Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's Little Shop of Horrors

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 11:33:52 -0300

In this episode, writer, podcaster, and media critic Sarah Marshall discusses Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's 1982 musical Little Shop of Horrors and comparisons to the 1986 movie version, especially the ending. We also talk about the song "Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors.

Music played in this episode:
"Closed for Renovations" from Little Shop of Horrors
"Now (It's Just the Gas)" from Little Shop of Horrors
"Grow for Me" from Little Shop of Horrors (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
"Dentist!" from Little Shop of Horrors (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
"Since You Came to This Town" from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
"Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Scene to Song Episode 61: The Musicals of Cy Coleman

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 11:54:37 -0300

In this episode, actor and singer Randy Graff discusses the musicals of composer Cy Coleman, from working with him on the 1989 musical City of Angels to his career and legacy. We also talk about the song "A Quiet Thing" from George Abbott, Robert Russell, John Kander, and Fred Ebb's 1965 musical Flora the Red Menace.

Music played in this episode:
"Nobody Does It Like Me" from Seesaw
"There's a Change in Me" from Randy Graff Sings Cy Coleman: Doing Something Right
"Hey Look Me Over" from Wildcat
"You Can Always Count on Me" from City of Angels
"What You Don't Know about Women" from City of Angels
"A Quiet Thing" from Flora the Red Menace

Scene to Song Episode 60: Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry's Parade

Mon, 31 May 2021 18:00:14 -0300

In this episode, new play advocate Danielle Feder discusses Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry's 1998 musical Parade, focusing on the changes made between the original Broadway Production and the 2007 Donmar Warehouse production. We also talk about the song "What Baking Can Do" from Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson's 2016 musical Waitress.

Music played in this episode:
"How Can I Call This Home?" from Parade (Broadway cast recording)
"It's Hard to Speak My Heart" from Parade (Donmar Warehouse recording)
"A-Rumblin' and A-Rollin'" from Parade (Donmar Warehouse recording)
"Come Up To My Office" from Parade (Broadway cast recording)
"Come Up To My Office" from Parade (Donmar Warehouse recording)
"The Picture Show" from Parade (Donmar Warehouse recording)
"What Baking Can Do" from Waitress

Scene to Song Episode 59: Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Merrily We Roll Along

Mon, 17 May 2021 20:09:30 -0300

In this episode, composer/lyricist/bookwriter/producer Rob Hartmann discusses Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's 1981 musical Merrily We Roll Along, looking at how it's changed since it's original Broadway production. We also talk about the song "A Bowler Hat" from Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's 1976 musical Pacific Overtures.

Music played in this episode:
"Merrily We Roll Along" from Merrily We Roll Along
"The Hills of Tomorrow" from Merrily We Roll Along
"Rich and Happy" from Merrily We Roll Along
"That Frank" from Merrily We Roll Along
"Good Thing Going" from Merrily We Roll Along
"The Hills of Tomorrow (Reprise)" from Merrily We Roll Along
"Not a Day Goes By (Reprise)" from Merrily We Roll Along
"Bobby and Jackie and Jack" from Merrily We Roll Along
"A Bowler Hat" from Pacific Overtures

Scene to Song Episode 58: Sung-Through Musicals in Musical Theater

Mon, 03 May 2021 20:17:02 -0300

In this episode, playwright and lyricist Sara Cooper discusses sung-through musicals in musical theater, from Falsettos to Hamilton. We also talk about the song "Meeskite" from John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Joe Masteroff's 1966 musical Cabaret.

Music played in this episode:
"Room 317" from Miss Saigon
"Everyone Tells Jason to See a Psychiatrist" from March of the Falsettos
"Four Jews in a Room Bitching" from March of the Falsettos
"You'll See" from Rent
"No Place Like London" from Sweeney Todd
"Aaron Burr, Sir" from Hamilton
"Epic I" from Hadestown
"Meeskite" from Cabaret

Scene to Song Episode 57: Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 21:43:41 -0300

In this episode, dramaturg Deborah Blumenthal discusses Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's 1970 musical Company on the eve of her 35th birthday. We also talk about the song "Everybody's Got the Right" from Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's 1990 musical Assassins.

Music played in this episode:
"Marry Me A Little" from Company
"Being Alive" from Company
"Another Hundred People" from Company
"Everybody's Got the Right" from Assassins

Scene to Song Episode 56: Adaptations of Comics in Musical Theater

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 21:02:48 -0300

In this episode, writer Jessica Plummer discusses adaptations of comics in musical theater, from Li'l Abner to It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman to Annie to Fun Home. We also talk about the song "Tomorrow" from Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin, and Thomas Meehan's 1977 musical Annie.

Music played in this episode:
"Put 'Em Back" from Li'l Abner
"You've Got Possibilities" from It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman
"Maps" from Fun Home
"Tomorrow" from Annie

Scene to Song Episode 55: The Musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:01:54 -0300

In this episode, musical theater composer, lyricist, and bookwriter Janine McGuire discusses the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber, from Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita to Song and Dance and Phantom to the present day. We also talk about the Tim Rice and Webber's song "Heaven on Their Minds" from the 1971 musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

Music played in this episode:
"Strange and Lovely Song" from The Likes of Us
"Don't Cry for Me Argentina" and "Waltz for Eva and Che" from Evita
"Take That Look Off Your Face" from Tell Me on a Sunday, sung by Marti Webb
"Take That Look Off Your Face" from Song and Dance
"The Phantom of the Opera" from The Phantom of the Opera, sung by Sarah Brightman and Steve Harley
"Heaven on Their Minds" from Jesus Christ Superstar

Scene to Song Episode 54: Old School and New School Musical Theater

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 01:09:00 -0400

In this episode, playwright, composer and lyricist G. Victoria Campbell discusses old school and new school musical theater and what the differences might be. We also talk about the Pasek and Paul song "From Now On" from the 2017 musical film The Greatest Showman.

Scene to Song Episode 53: Disney Musicals

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 11:35:27 -0400

In this episode, actor Ryan Wright discusses the Disney musicals on Broadway, from Beauty and the Beast to Frozen. We also talk about the song "Home" from Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Linda Woolverton's 1993 musical Beauty and the Beast.

Scene to Song Episode 52: Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Music in Plays and in Musical Theater.

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:40:46 -0400

In this episode, dramaturg and producer Shaun Leisher discusses diegetic and non-diegetic music in plays and in musical theater, from Cabaret to Jersey Boys to Indecent. We also talk about the song "The Blame" from Maury Yeston and Peter Stone's 1997 musical Titanic.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow us on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Scene to Song Episode 51: Season Three Finale

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 14:59:47 -0400

In this episode, seven of this season's guests--Heath Saunders, Rachel Dean, Rachel Peters, Jason K Purdy, Gregory Jacobs-Roseman, Victoria Gordon, and BethAnn Cohen--return to discuss the topics from the season and listener-submitted questions and comments.

This discussion was held live on Monday, December 21st on Scene to Song’s Facebook page, and was recorded for this podcast almost in its entirety. Scene to Song will be going on a brief hiatus to prepare for Season four and will return in early 2021. In the meantime, you can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow us on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” The theme music you are hearing is by Julia Meinwald.

Scene to Song Episode 50: 2020 in Musical Theater

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 11:32:11 -0400

In this episode, writers Rachel Dean and David Brush discuss the year of 2020 in musical theater, focusing on mental health and the pieces The Keep Going Song, A Killer Party, How to Survive the End of the World, and more. We also talk about the song "That I Would Be Good" from Alanis Morissette and Diablo Cody's 2019 musical Jagged Little Pill.

Scene to Song Episode 49: Contemporary Musical Theater on 10glo

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 10:41:41 -0400

In this episode, 10glo founders Daniel Kuney and Tim Sebastian discuss contemporary musical theater through their site, 10glo, featuring artists Rachel Dean and David Brush, Leo Mercer and Stephen Hyde, and more. We also talk about the songs from the 10glo Get out the Vote challenge.

Scene to Song Episode 48: Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's Follies

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, writer John Verderber discusses Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's 1971 musical Follies, focusing on its gestation and the influences of directors Harold Prince and Michael Bennett. We also talk about the song "Class" from Kander and Ebb's 1975 musical Chicago.

Scene to Song Episode 47: Jason Robert Brown and Marsha Norman's The Bridges of Madison County

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 14:14:46 -0400

In this episode, journalist and podcast host Mark Blankenship discusses the Jason Robert Brown and Marsha Norman musical The Bridges of Madison County. We also talk about the song "Keys (It's Alright)" from Stew and
Heidi Rodewald's 2007 musical Passing Strange.

Scene to Song Episode 46: Horror in Musical Theater

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 10:45:50 -0300

In this episode, composer, lyricist, and bookwriter Jason K Purdy discusses horror in musical theater, particularly the musicals American Psycho, Sweeney Todd, Carrie, and We Are the Tigers. We also talk about the song "And Eve Was Weak" from Michael Gore, Dean Pitchford, and Lawrence D. Cohen's 1988 musical Carrie.

Scene to Song Episode 45: The Illusion of the Everyman in Musical Theater

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 09:50:38 -0300

In this episode, a continuation of Scene to Song's discussion of The Everyman, actor, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and diversity dramaturg Heath Saunders discusses the illusion of the everyman in relation to the hero's journey and the musicals Pippin and A Strange Loop. We also talk about the song "Many a New Day" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma.

Scene to Song Episode 44: The Everyman in Musical Theater

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 19:48:14 -0300

In this episode, writers Tom Gualtieri and David Sisco discuss the everyman character in musical theater. We also talk about the song "Fable" from the 2005 Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas Musical The Light in the Piazza.

Scene to Song Episode 43: TV Musical Episodes

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 17:49:15 -0300

In this episode, nurse and musician BethAnn Freed Cohen discusses the TV musical episode, focusing on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode and the Scrubs musical episode. We also talk about the song "Everything Comes Down to Poo" from the Scrubs musical episode.

Scene to Song Episode 42: Contemporary Musical Theater

Mon, 18 May 2020 15:52:05 -0300

In this episode, freelance artists and founders of ContemporaryMusicalTheatre.com David Sisco and Laura Josepher discuss contemporary musical theater----what the term means and includes, as well as examples from Broadway, off-Broadway, and their site. We also talk about the song "Changing My Major" from Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori's 2015 Broadway musical Fun Home.

Scene to Song Episode 41: Scene to Song Outtakes

Mon, 04 May 2020 11:52:30 -0300

In this episode, I share outtakes from three previous episodes with guests Gregory Jacobs-Roseman, Michael Boyd, and EllaRose Chary. I also talk about the song "Telephone Wire" from Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori's 2015 Broadway musical Fun Home.

Scene to Song Episode 40: The Songs of Cole Porter: Two Things Can Be True at Once

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 13:57:18 -0300

In this episode, composer and librettist Rachel Peters discusses the songs of Cole Porter--looking at the darkness in happy songs and how two things can be true at once. We also talk about the song "So in Love" from Cole Porter and Bella and Samuel Spewack's 1948 musical Kiss Me Kate.

Scene to Song Episode 39: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, arts educator Aliza Greenberg discusses Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the ways in which it is and isn't a musical for kids. We also talk about the song "It's Time" from the 1996 musical Big: The Musical.

Scene to Song Episode 38: Tom O'Horgan, Helen Miller, and Eve Merriam's Inner City

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 02:22:57 -0300

Scene to Song Episode 37: Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's Evening Primrose

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 01:53:04 -0300

In this episode, performer and creator Victoria Gordon discusses Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's 1966 television musical Evening Primrose, looking at the contradictions of art vs. capitalism and inside vs. outside and at Charles and Ella's relationship. We also talk about the song "Storybook" from Frank Wildhorn and Nan Knighton's The Scarlet Pimpernel, specifically Linda Eder's version.

Scene to Song Episode 36: Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 01:16:59 -0400

In this episode, writer and musician Kirk Hamilton discusses Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton, looking at the character of Eliza, how the show's visual elements work with the score, and the songs "Non-Stop" and "The Reynolds Pamphlet." We also talk about the songs "You'll Be Back," "What Comes Next?" and "I Know Him" from Hamilton.

Scene to Song Episode 35: The Great White Way and Whiteness and White Identity in Musical Theater

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 01:01:00 -0400

In this episode, Warren Hoffman, author of The Great White Way: Race and the Broadway Musical, discusses his book, specifically whiteness and white identity in musical theater, in preparation for the book's second edition. We also talk about the song "Love Can't Happen" by Maury Yeston from the musical Grand Hotel.

Scene to Song Episode 34: The Musicals of Jerry Herman

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 01:01:00 -0400

In this episode, composer and lyricist and theatrical producer Gregory Jacobs-Roseman discusses the musicals of composer and lyricist Jerry Herman. We also talk about the song "The Best of Times" from Herman's La Cage aux Folles.

Scene to Song Episode 33: Season Two Finale

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 00:01:00 -0400

In this episode, seven of this season's guests--Mark Falconer, Anika Chapin, James Ballard, Jessica Fleitman, John Verderber, Marcus Scott, and BethAnn Cohen--return to discuss the topics from the season and listener-submitted questions and comments.

Scene to Song Episode 32: Andrew Lloyd Webber's Musical Cats

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 01:01:35 -0400

In this episode, writer, director, and performer Andi Lee Carter discusses Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats--the plot, the songs, its similarities to A Chorus Line--as we prepare for the upcoming film. We also talk about the Overture from Cats.

Scene to Song Episode 31: Rock Musicals as a Vehicle for Coming-of-Age Stories and Biographies

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 09:47:12 -0400

In this episode, writer Marcus Scott discusses rock musicals as a vehicle for coming-of-age stories and biographies, looking at Hedwig, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Passing Strange, and A Strange Loop, among others. We also talk about the song "Skid Row (Downtown)" from the Little Shop of Horrors.

Scene to Song Episode 30: The Musical Revue

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 09:48:48 -0400

In this episode, writer and podcaster David Levy discusses the musical revue, from The Ziegfeld Follies to Forbidden Broadway. We also talk about the song "Something" from the revue Upstairs at O'Neals.

Scene to Song Episode 29: Musicals That Grapple with Racial and/or Socio-Economic Politics in Non-Obvious Ways

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, Afrofuturist, womanist, black femme storyteller, and social activist AriDy Nox discusses musicals that grapple with racial and/or socio-economic politics in non-obvious ways. We also talk about the song "Why We Build the Wall" from Hadestown.

Scene to Song Episode 28: The Bock and Harnick Musicals Fiddler on the Roof and The Rothschilds

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, bookwriter and playwright Orian Israelsohn discusses the Bock and Harnick musicals Fiddler on the Roof and The Rothschilds, looking at passive vs. active protagonists, time and place, and the song "If I Were a Rich Man" vs. the song "Everything." We also talk about the song "Molasses to Rum" from 1776.

Scene to Song Episode 27: Latinx Characters in Musical Theater

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, writer/theater critic Jose Solis discusses Latinx characters in musical theater, from Evita to Miss You Like Hell to Manuel vs. the Statue of Liberty (although leaving out West Side Story and In the Heights because they are talked about enough). We also talk about the song "America" from West Side Story.

Scene to Song Episode 26: Sondheim and Weidman's Assassins

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 09:55:56 -0300

In this episode, dramaturg and writer Anika Chapin discusses Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's musical Assassins. We also talk about the song "Another National Anthem" from Assassins.

Scene to Song Episode 25: The Lesser-Known Musicals of Ahrens and Flaherty

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 12:45:20 -0300

In this episode, teacher and singer Nicholas Harbison discusses the lesser-known musicals of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty: Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, A Man of No Importance, Dessa Rose, and The Glorious Ones. We also talk about the song "We Dance" from their 1990 musical Once on This Island.

Scene to Song Episode 24: The Formation of White/White Jewish Identity in America and the Racial History of America Constructed through Musical Theater

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 09:41:04 -0300

In this episode, writer EllaRose Chary discusses the formation of white and white Jewish identity in America, as well as the racial history of America, constructed through musical theater. We also talk about the song "The Night that Goldman Spoke at Union Square" from the 1997 musical Ragtime.

Scene to Song Episode 23: The Musicals of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 12:51:53 -0300

In this episode, director and Royal Family Productions artistic associate Mark Falconer discusses the musicals of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, from The Fantasticks to Philemon and Grover's Corners. We also talk about the song "I Said It, and I'm Glad" from Comden and Green and Styne's 1961 musical Subways are for Sleeping.

Scene to Song Episode 22: Representations of Judaism in Musical Theater

Mon, 20 May 2019 09:36:58 -0300

In this episode, nurse and musician BethAnn Freed Cohen discusses representations of Judaism in musical theater. We also talk about the song "Alone, and yet Alive" from The Mikado.

Scene to Song Episode 21: Genre and Tropes in David Yazbek's Score for The Band's Visit

Mon, 06 May 2019 02:23:59 -0300

In this episode, producer and writer Sean Williams discusses David Yazbek's use of genre and tropes in his score to The Band's Visit. We also talk about the song "Answer Me" from The Band's Visit.

Scene to Song Episode 20: Orchestrations and Creating a Sound World in Musical Theater

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 07:55:43 -0300

In this episode, composer, lyricist, writer, and orchestrator James Ballard discusses orchestrations and creating a sound world of a musical. We also talk about the song "Dust and Ashes"from the recent Dave Malloy musical, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812.

Scene to Song Episode 19: Political Musicals

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 12:26:04 -0300

In this episode, writer John Verderber discusses political musicals and the difference between those that are dated and those that last. We also talk about Stephen Sondheim's song "Someone in a Tree" from his 1976 musical Pacific Overtures.

Scene to Song Episode 18: The Women of Rodgers and Hammerstein

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 07:56:59 -0300

In this episode, composer, soprano, and musical director Erin Hoerchler discuss the women of Rodgers and Hammerstein and the echoes of those characters today. We also talk about the song "It Ain't Necessarily So" from Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, particularly the 1968 Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald version.

Scene to Song Episode 17: Directing Middle School and High School Students in Musical Theater

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 11:06:10 -0300

In this episode, educators Courtney Ferrell and Shaun Leisher discuss directing middle school and high school students in musical theater. We also talk about the songs "Blackout" from Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights and "Motherhood March" from Hello, Dolly!

Scene to Song Episode 16: How the Films of Todd Graff (Camp, Bandslam, and Joyful Noise) Work As Musical Theater

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 00:01:00 -0400

In this episode, writer, actor, and singer Erica Slutsky discusses the films of Todd Graff (Camp, Bandslam, and Joyful Noise) and how they work as musical theater. We also talk about the Jason Robert Brown song "Someone to Fall Back On" and how it's used in the film Bandslam.

Scene to Song Episode 15: The Musical My Fair Lady

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 00:01:00 -0400

In this episode, writer Jessica Fleitman discusses the musical My Fair Lady--its inherent sexism, the new ending in the most recent Broadway revival, and what the musical might look like from a female perspective. We also talk about the song "Without You" from My Fair Lady.

Scene to Song Episode 14: Portraying Mental Illness in Musical Theater

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 08:05:23 -0400

In this episode, writer David Brush and composer Rachel Dean discuss portraying mental illness in musical theater, the shows that do it well and what musical theater can bring to the dialogue and to those affected. We also talk about the song "I Miss the Mountains" from the 2009 musical Next to Normal.

Scene to Song Episode 13: Season One Finale

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 01:38:11 -0400

In this episode, two of this season's guests--Christie Baugher and Brandon Michael Lowden--return to discuss listener-submitted questions and comments. We also talk about songs from two Christmas musicals that no one thinks of as Christmas musicals: "Twelve Days to Christmas" from She Loves Me and "A New Deal for Christmas" from Annie.

Scene to Song Episode 12: "Musical Worlds" in Musical Theater, Featuring Frank Loesser

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:01:00 -0400

In this episode, writer John Verderber discusses musical worlds, conjuring different places through music, in musical theater, with a focus on the composer/lyricist Frank Loesser. We also talk about Meredith Wilson's song "My White Knight" from his 1957 musical The Music Man.

Scene to Song Episode 11: Rock Operas in Musical Theater

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 01:55:10 -0400

In this episode, composer Landon Braverman discusses rock operas in musical theater, including deep dives into the scores of Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar. We also talk about Michael Friedman's songs "I'm Not That Guy" and "I'm So That Guy" from his 2010 musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.

Scene to Song Episode 10: Plot Twists in Musical Theater

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 01:35:29 -0300

In this episode, playwright, composer, and lyricist Daniel Levin discusses plot twists in musical theater. We also talk about Jason Robert Brown's song "Still Hurting" from his 2002 musical The Last Five Years.

Scene to Song Episode 9: The Female Gaze in Musical Theater

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 03:42:14 -0300

In this episode, musical theater writer Christie Baugher discusses the female gaze in musical theater, from Oklahoma to Fun Home. We also talk about Micki Grant's song "Cleanin' Women" from the 1978 musical Working.

Scene to Song Episode 8: Meredith Willson's The Music Man

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:18:11 -0300

In this episode, composer and lyricist Benny Gammerman discusses Meredith Willson's 1957 musical, The Music Man. We also talk about the song "Ya Got Trouble" from The Music Man.

Scene to Song Episode 7: The Opera Libretto vs. the Book in Musical Theater

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, composer, writer, and director John Grimmett discusses the opera libretto vs. the book in musical theater, including the eternal question: what makes a piece an opera and what makes a piece a musical? We also talk about the song sequence "Montage/Safe/The One I Love" from Michael John LaChiusa's 1993 musical Hello Again.

Scene to Song Episode 6: Outsider Characters in Musical Theater

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, composer, lyricist, bookwriter, and performer Joe Iconis discusses outsider characters in musical theater, from Grease to Assassins to his own show Be More Chill. We also talk about the song "Cabaret" from Kander and Ebb's 1966 musical Cabaret.

Scene to Song Episode 5: Adaptations in Musical Theater

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, lyricist, bookwriter, dramaturg, and literary coordinator at The York Theatre Company Seth Christenfeld discusses adaptations in musical theater, from the history of adaptations vs. original musicals to the proliferation today of musicals based on popular movies. We also talk about the "Prologue" from the recent Dave Malloy musical, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812.

Scene to Song Episode 4: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Musical Theater

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, writer Michael R. Jackson discusses equity, diversity, and inclusion in musical theater, as well as how revivals contribute to inequality in musical theater. We also talk about the song "Not Anymore" from the 1973 musical Raisin.

Scene to Song Episode 3: The Musical Venice

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, writer Brandon Michael Lowden discusses the off-Broadway musical Venice and why audiences have different reactions to musicals in the theater. We also talk about the song "Last Man" from Venice.

Scene to Song Episode 2: Nontraditional/Colorblind Casting in Musical Theater

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 01:01:00 -0300

In this episode, writer Sukari Jones discusses nontraditional/colorblind casting in musical theater. We also talk about what makes musical theater so good.

Scene to Song Episode 1: Comedy in Musical Theater

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 22:42:02 -0300

In this episode, composer Julia Meinwald discusses comedy in musical theater. We also talk about Joe Iconis's song "Jeff."

Introducing Scene to Song

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 21:13:53 -0300

Hosted by writer Shoshana Greenberg, Scene to Song brings on a guest to talk about a musical, musical theater writers, or a topic or trend in musical theater. Theme music by Julia Meinwald.