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  • CRAZY FOR NOSTALGIA! — BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, Part 2.

    CRAZY FOR NOSTALGIA! — BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, Part 2.
    2025/06/26
    In this episode I continue my review of Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s and beyond. Many of the musicals that emerged in the late 60s and very early 70s were also influenced by the incipient Nostalgia Craze, even if overall their shows were decidedly modern. HAIR, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Applause all included musical sequences that recalled the Vaudeville era and Silver Age of Broadway. So nostalgia was in the air, and then No, No, Nanette sent it into the stratosphere! And all of this was before the nostalgia craze expanded to include the 1950s. Almost exactly one year after the premiere of Nanette the musical Grease opened on Broadway. It became wildly popular and ran for eight years on Broadway passing Fiddler to become the longest running musical of all time until A Chorus Line passed it. And Grease’s enormous success set into motion a 1950s wing of the nostalgia craze by inspiring both the movie American Grafiiti (1973) and the TV show Happy Days (1974). The success of Nanette led directly to a 1973 revival Irene, the smash hit musical that opened in 1919 and became the longest running musical of its day. And Grease led directly to Over Here !, the 1974 musical in which the director, choreographer and producers of Grease attempted to do for the 1940s, what their previous show had done for the 1950s. The two still living Andrews Sisters, Patty and Maxine, where enticed to star in Over Here!, and the Sherman Brothers, of Disney fame, provided a terrific set of brand new very authentic sounding Big Band era style songs for them to swing. Broadway’s Nostalgia Craze continued with a hit 1975 revival of the Jerome Kern Princess Theater musical Very Good Eddie, then in 1979 both the 1928 Edie Cantor vehicle Whoopee! and the 1930’s style classic Burlesque show, Sugar Babies. It was inevitable that the movie 42nd Street itself would be transformed into a Broadway stage musical in 1980. That same season there was the Marx Brothers inspired revusical A Day In Hollywood A Night In The Ukraine. 1983 brought a hit revival of Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes, and over the next decade there would be two Gershwin “revisals”, both of them so heavily reworked that they were given new titles: My One And Only in 1983, and Crazy For You in 1993. In between, came the Broadway debut of a 1937 London hit Me And My Girl in 1986. I would even include the 1980 blockbuster Annie in this category. Although it was, of course, an entirely new musical it certainly played on nostalgia for the comic strip and radio show Little Orphan Annie from the Depression Era, and smartly used that to echo the recession of the 1970’s. Some people would say that the Nostalgia Craze never ended, at least as far as Broadway is concerned. Although, revivals of popular musicals have been part of the Broadway mix throughout most of its 120+ year history, the success of No, No, Nanette and its successors created a pattern and expectation that in every season – there should be at least enough revivals to fill out a Tony Award “Best Revival” category. And you could say that the immense popularity of City Center’s Encore Series is an extension of the Nostalgia Craze, as well. I for one hope that we will never tire of rediscovering and reinventing the great musicals of the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 分
  • BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, part 1

    BROADWAY'S NOSTALGIA CRAZE OF THE 1970s, part 1
    2025/06/19
    In this episode Albert Evans and I explore the origins of Broadway’s “Nostalgia Craze of the 1970s” — where it came from, and what artistic, social and cultural forces came together to spark this unlikely phenomenon. We trace its origins in the counterculture youth rebellion of the 1960s, the rediscovery of films from the 1930s and 40s on television, and the popularization of gay camp culture via the off-off Broadway mega hit DAMES AT SEA. All of this would lead to the triumphant 1971 Broadway revival of NO, NO, NANETTE — the Vincent Youmans/Irving Ceasar/Otto Harbach musical comedy that has introduced the songs “Tea For Two” and “I Want To Be Happy” way back in the Roaring 20s. With a heavily retooled book, sparkling new orchestrations and arrangements, and a snazzy, art deco-inspired set and costume design, this reincarnation of No, No, Nanette was billed as “the new 1925 musical”. And it became a smash hit, running 861 performances, and winning 4 Tony Awards for Choreography, Costume Design, and for two of its stars, Helen Gallagher, and another vintage movie star, comedian Patsy Kelly (there was no "Best Revival category then). And, after years of it being almost entirely absent from Broadway — Nanette brought tap dancing back into fashion in a major way. Most significantly, Nanette fanned a mania for everything and anything that recalled the music, style, and glamour of the 20s, 30s and 40s. The press dubbed this mania “The Nostalgia Craze” as it quickly spread into every aspect of American life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 分
  • Episode 179: THE QUEER PIONEERS OF BROADWAY MUSICAL STAGING

    Episode 179: THE QUEER PIONEERS OF BROADWAY MUSICAL STAGING
    2025/06/12
    This episode is adapted from a section of my new upcoming book, Broadway Nation — How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical, which will be released on July 24 (and can be preordered now everywhere books are sold.) In 1919, two gifted young Queer theater artists — Hassard Short and John Murray Anderson —both made their Broadway directing debuts and quickly established themselves as significant forces in the development of the Broadway musical. Even though their names and their work are seldom remembered or acknowledged today, In my view they are, without a doubt, two of the principal inventors of the singular art and craft of Broadway musical staging. Working as competitive colleagues and rivals, they were among the very first to discover and reveal the tremendous impact that dynamic musical staging can provide to a Broadway musical and among the very first to demonstrate how staging and choreography can often be of equal importance to a show’s book, music, and lyrics. Between them, John Murray Anderson and Hassard Short staged more than 70 Broadway musicals, and in the process forged a path that a long line of remarkable (and predominantly gay) directors and choreographers have followed right up to today, including this past week’s Tony Award-nominees and Tony winners. Whether they know it or not, they all stand on the shoulders of these forgotten giants, Hassard Short and John Murray Anderson. Today, I am honored to share at least a small piece of their story. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 分
  • Episode 178: The Show Goes On, Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, part 2.

    Episode 178: The Show Goes On, Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, part 2.
    2025/06/05
    This week’s episode of Broadway Nation is the second half of my conversation with author Ron Fassler, whose latest book is titled The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements. Among the outstanding Broadway performers and creatives who are at the center Ron’s fascinating stories include Abe Burrows, Bernadette Peters, Chita Rivera, Comden & Green, Cynthia Erivo, Fantasia, Frank Loesser, Gower Champion, Harold Prince, Howard Keel, Iva Withers, Jane Russell, Jeff Conaway, Jerry Orbach, Jerry Zaks, Jo Swerling, John Cullum, John Kander & Fred Ebb, John Travolta, LaChanze, Leonard Bernstein, Leroy Anderson, Lewis J. Stadlin, Michael Bennett, Michelle Lee, Robert Preston, Rosalind Russell, Shelly Winters, Sheila Smith and Yvonne De Carlo. And the musicals referenced include 1776, Carousel, Company, Follies, Grease, Guys And Dolls, How To Succeed in Business, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Mack & Mabel, Minnie’s Boys, Oklahoma!, The Color Purple, Wonderful Town and more! Ron Fassler is a historian, theater critic, and former actor whose previous book is, Up in the Cheap Seats — A Theatrical Memoir of Broadway. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Carl Baldasso. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 分
  • Episode 177: THE SHOW GOES ON — BROADWAY HIRINGS, FIRINGS, AND REPLACEMENTS, part 1

    Episode 177: THE SHOW GOES ON — BROADWAY HIRINGS, FIRINGS, AND REPLACEMENTS, part 1
    2025/05/29
    My guest is author Ron Fassler, whose latest book is titled The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, a fascinating collection of insider theater stories that range from as far back as the 1930s and go right up to today. The performers and creatives referenced in this episode include Andrea McArdle, Ann Miller, Anne Bancroft, Barbra Streisand, Cameron MacIntosh, Carol Burnett, David Merrick, Dorothy Louden, Hal Lindon, Harold Prince, Helen Gallagher, Jerry Zaks, John Cullum, Lauren Bacall, Lea Michelle, Louis Jordan, Mary Martin, Michelle Lee, Mimi Hines, Pearl Bailey, Shirley Maclaine, Sutton Foster and more! Ron Fassler is a historian, theater critic, and former actor whose previous book was Up in the Cheap Seats — A Theatrical Memoir of Broadway. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Alan Teasley. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 分
  • Episode 176: In Memory of CHARLES STROUSE

    Episode 176: In Memory of CHARLES STROUSE
    2025/05/20
    I, along with the rest of the musical theater world, was saddened to learn that composer CHARLES STROUSE, one of the last of the great creators from the Golden Age of Broadway had passed away last week at the age of 96. Of course, Strouse and his three Tony Award-winning “Best Musicals": Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie — have been discussed frequently on this podcast. So over the weekend, I dug deep into the archives of Broadway Nation and newly adapted a section of my upcoming book regarding the musical Golden Boy and wove it all together to create this tribute episode, including an excerpt from my 2021 interview with Applause original cast member Lee Roy Reams. I am also delighted to report that a brand-new production of Bye Bye Birdie will open on June 10 at The 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle, where it will play through June 29. If you are in Seattle, or can get there, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the musical and theatrical magic of Charles Strouse. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Taryn Darr. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 分
  • Happy Birthday Broadway Nation!: Special Anniversary Encore

    Happy Birthday Broadway Nation!: Special Anniversary Encore
    2025/05/13
    It's hard for me to believe that I launched this podcast exactly five years ago this week, and even harder for me to comprehend that, to date, more than 279,000 people, from nearly every country in the world, have listened to at least one, and in many cases all, of the 175 episodes! So, today it seemed fitting to rerelease the episode that started it all — the very first episode of Broadway Nation: George M. Cohan and the Immigrants Who Invented Broadway. As you will hear, at the time, we were still trying to figure out exactly how to make a podcast, so the production quality is not up to my current standards. However, the content and subject matter are still, I believe, essential to fully understanding and appreciating the remarkable history of the Broadway Musical. Happy birthday, Broadway Nation, and thank you all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 分
  • Episode 175: THE OTHER GERSHWIN, part 3, with MICHAEL OWEN

    Episode 175: THE OTHER GERSHWIN, part 3, with MICHAEL OWEN
    2025/05/06
    This is the third and final segment of my conversation with Michael Owen, author of the recent book, Ira Gershwin — A Life in Words. On this episode, Michael and I focus on the period of Ira Gershwin’s career following the death of his brother George, during which he had success on Broadway and in Hollywood with composers such as Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, Arthur Schwartz, and Harold Arlen, and shows and movies such as Lady In the Dark, The Barkleys Of Broadway, and A Star Is Born, If you missed the first two parts in this series, you may want to catch up with those before listening to this one. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Cheryl Hodges Seldon. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 分