Episode 923: Into the Woods, Out to Sea… and Into the Choir: When Musicals Get Lost

In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Hannah take a candid and wide-ranging look at four very different theatrical experiences: Titanique, The Little Mermaid's ill-fated "Sea Witch", Into the Woods, and The Choir of Man. From the outrageous camp and unexpected charm of Titanique to the frustrating missteps of Sea Witch, the pair explore what separates a show that works from one that simply doesn't. Along the way, they dig into the crucial role of storytelling craft in musical theatre — why plot still matters, even in the most spectacle-driven productions, and how weak structure can sink even the strongest concepts. Nick and Hannah also revisit Into the Woods, comparing stage and screen to ask whether the film adaptation captures the brilliance of Stephen Sondheim's original — or loses something essential along the way. And not every show gets an easy ride: The Choir of Man comes under scrutiny as they unpack why, despite its popularity, it ultimately doesn't land for either of them.

In this episode, presenter Michael Gordon Shapiro speaks with multi-award-winning composer Stephen Weiner about his newest musical project: an adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo. Stephen discusses the process of transforming Alexandre Dumas' epic tale of betrayal, imprisonment, and revenge into a compelling work for the musical stage. From shaping the musical voice of Edmond Dantès and capturing the sweeping scale of the story in song, to collaborating with his creative team and preparing the show for its debut, Stephen offers an insightful look at how a classic novel becomes a new musical.

What happens when a screamo guitarist and singer falls down the musical theatre rabbit hole? Nick Hutson is joined by Serena Cherry, whose musical journey has taken her from the intensity of the mosh pit to the drama of the orchestra pit. Serena explains how discovering The Phantom of the Opera at the age of 17 first opened the door to musical theatre, before life — and loud guitars — briefly pulled her away again. Now, much to the surprise of many in her rock band circle, she has rediscovered musicals and embraced them with enthusiasm. Along the way, Nick and Serena discuss a wide range of shows, from The Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and even ponder the perceived missteps of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. They also tackle a classic debate among theatre fans: do the songs in a musical need to be "hummable" for the show to be considered good? Plus, Nick introduces Serena to the deliciously dark world of Stephen Sondheim and Sweeney Todd. Join us for a lively conversation about rediscovering musicals, crossing genre boundaries, and why great theatre can resonate just as powerfully with rock fans as it does with traditional theatre lovers.

Nick is joined by composer (and friend of the podcast) Andy Abrams and director Gary Lloyd to talk all things Shining in Misery, following its UK premiere at The Other Palace as part of MT Fest. They dive deep into the creation of the show — from its musical styles and theatrical influences to the challenges of adapting such a psychologically charged story for the stage. Andy and Gary unpack how the piece evolved, how tone and atmosphere were shaped through music and direction, and what it's like collaborating on a brand-new musical with such a dark, distinctive voice. And of course, there's the question everyone wants answered… does Stephen King himself know about the show?

Yes, Sondheim was alive and kicking in 2025, at least so far as his works and legacy were concerned because in London alone, you could have seen Road Show, Here We Are, The Frogs and Into the Woods - and MusicalTalk did!  So, Colm and Thos having put in the leg work, sat down for a run through of each of these varied and, in some cases, seldom produced Sondheim shows, and try to work out why they were the ones to be revived (or premiered, in one case).  It's not always a "Shaw" thing.

The "LeDorean" is polished, the flux capacitor is fluxing and Thos and Nick are ready to take MusicalTalk somewhere very specific in the timeline — though they're not saying where just yet. In this episode, our hosts travel back to a moment when optimism was in the air, creativity was boundless, and entertainment itself was being boldly reimagined. It's a time when music, storytelling and spectacle collide on a scale never quite seen before — and when a certain brand of showmanship begins to redefine what "musical theatre" might mean to future generations. Elsewhere on their temporal travels, Thos and Nick explore what happens when the Gershwins meet Britain: how their sound, swagger and sophistication land on UK soil, and what that cultural exchange reveals about taste, class, and the evolving identity of musical theatre on both sides of the pond. Along the way, expect thoughtful detours into Gilbert & Sullivan, Oliver, Disney as well as philosophical musings on Thespis (or should that be Thospis?) and the inevitable leap forward to modern pop performance — yes, The X Factor gets caught in the time vortex too.

Thos takes a trip back to the town of Hawkins, Indiana in 1983 where times were simpler, hair was bigger (much bigger) and and unsupervised children were getting snatched by inter-dimensional beings!  No, it's not television success story, Stranger Things - it's something even better - the 2025 five star EdFringe production of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical by Jonathan Hogue.  In this episode Thos talks to the Director, Producer and one of the stars of this amazing, funny and musical-theatre loving musical. If you know the difference between your Joe Raposo and your Jule Styne, then this is the chat about the show for you!

This week on MusicalTalk, Nick is joined by Michael David Glover, the book writer of SEA WITCH, playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday 1st March. Michael takes us inside the creation of the show — from its origins and development to the realities of shaping a new piece of musical theatre for today's audiences. The conversation digs deep into the writing process, the collaboration between creatives, and the ever-evolving challenges (and rewards) of being a writer and producer in the current theatrical landscape. https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/sea-witch/

Come From Away undoubtedly put Canada on the global musical theatre map, but this fine, independent and creative nation has a long tradition of writing wonderful musicals! Join David and Thos as they look at new Canadian shows like Life After, The Louder They Get, Grow, Emilio's A Million Chameleons and Confessions of a Red Headed Coffee Shop Girl. Add to that discussions of the Canadian productions of Hades Town and Something Rotten and you have it all without spending a loonie (or a toonie)! 

Nick welcomes the legendary Liz Robertson to MusicalTalk for a wide-ranging and intimate conversation spanning a remarkable life in musical theatre. Marking the 70th anniversary of My Fair Lady, Liz reflects on her experiences with the show and explores why it continues to charm, challenge and resonate with audiences seven decades on. From working alongside the incomparable Rudolf Nureyev to sharing life with lyricist Alan Jay Lerner, Liz offers candid insights into artistry, discipline, love, and legacy. Together, Nick and Liz consider the fascinating ways in which life imitates art – and art, in turn, imitates life.