Episode 53: The Diva Draft

Join us for an extraordinary deep dive inside the most transformative decade on Broadway through gripping behind-the-scenes accounts of shows such as Sunset Boulevard, Rent, Angels in America, Chicago, The Lion King, and The Producers - shows that changed the history of the American theater. Host Michael Riedel, author of the best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway, has created a companion podcast featuring his never-before-heard, taped audio interviews with legendary artists from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Patti LuPone, and so many more. Michael presents the drama behind the decade’s mega-hits and shocking flops, bringing readers into high-stakes premieres, fraught rehearsals, tough contract negotiations, intense Tony Award battles, and more. From the bitter feuds to the surprising collaborations, all the intrigue of a revolutionary era in the Theater District is packed into Singular Sensation. Broadway has triumphs and disasters, but the show always goes on. Enjoy Singular Sensation: The Podcast everywhere you get your podcasts or use http://bpn.fm/singularsensation to listen and learn more, and be sure to get the book here: https://amzn.to/4cNdfO3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing GIANTS IN THE SKY, a brand new podcast hosted by BEN RIMALOWER. The first first episodes will drop here, but make sure to follow the podcast everywhere you find your podcasts, or using http://bpn.fm/giantsinthesky. Danielle Ferland dives into the dilemma of balancing Broadway roles with middle school and how Bernadette Peters does not run around naked backstage. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing GIANTS IN THE SKY, a brand new podcast hosted by BEN RIMALOWER. The first first episodes will drop here, but make sure to follow the podcast everywhere you find your podcasts, or using http://bpn.fm/giantsinthesky. Chip Zien charts his journey Into the Woods from James Lapine's dissatisfaction with his performance as a prince in the first reading to the night late in the Broadway run, he walked in on Stephen Sondheim all alone and crying in his darkened dressing room. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing GIANTS IN THE SKY, a brand new podcast hosted by BEN RIMALOWER. The first first episodes will drop here, but make sure to follow the podcast everywhere you find your podcasts, or using http://bpn.fm/giantsinthesky. James Lapine lets us into the origins of Into the Woods, from his very first conversations with Sondheim to Patti LuPone's audition for Cinderella, and ultimately the Broadway triumph and why it was important for him to direct the broadcast cameras rather than delegating the filming of the show to the director of the Golden Girls, as had been done for Sunday in the Park with George. Join host Ben Rimalower for this candid conversation exploring how Sondheim and Lapine went Into the Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ben and Daniel are joined by John Hill (Hairspray, Andy Cohen: Live) to discuss the great twink roles of musical theater and each nominate their top 5 choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In their very first casting draft, Ben and Daniel are joined by actor and writer Jeffery Self! They talk all things Mame and discuss who they'd cast in each of their fantasy productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inaugural episode of Cast Offs, Ben and Daniel each rank their top 5 favorite divas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ben and Daniel discuss the results of Roses and Daffodils: The Essential Follies Playlist. For this project, listeners voted weekly for their favorite versions of the Follies female solos, and "Friends of the Pod" appeared with Ben and Daniel on "Next Year, Some Year" to weigh in on the deeper cuts. For the male solos, a panel of Follies aficionados were asked to contribute their expertise in deciding the winners. These "Experts" include Jeff Bowen, Ted Chapin, Adam Feldman, Lonny Price, Scott Wittman, and Tony Yazbeck. While comparing these results with their own personal choices, Ben and Daniel deep dive into each recording and break down tracks by Dorothy Collins, Alexis Smith, Yvonne DeCarlo, Gene Nelson, John McMartin, Barbara Cook, George Hearn, Julia McKenzie, Bernadette Peters, Jan Maxwell, Ethel Shutta, and Elaine Stritch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ben and Daniel discuss the new Peacock comedy Girls5eva starring Sara Bareilles, Busy Phillips, Paula Pell, and Renée Elise Goldsberry. They also talk about Tina Fey, Andrew Rannells, Gavin Creel, Jennifer Simard, Bowen Yang, Vanessa Williams, Jean Smart, Dolly Parton, and Ann Dowd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ben and Daniel discuss the results of Roses and Daffodils: The Essential Gypsy Playlist. For this project, listeners voted weekly and song-by-song for their favorite recorded Momma Rose. After comparing these results with their own personal choices, Ben and Daniel compile the master playlist. They deep dive into each Gypsy album and break down tracks by Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, and Imelda Staunton. They also talk at length about Liza Minnelli's undeniable influence through her groundbreaking performance of Some People. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices