BROADWAY NATION

Latest Episodes:

Episode 72: Broadway's First Choice - Paul Gemignani. part 1 Jul 21, 2022

Show notes

My guest this week is Margaret Hall, a remarkable young theater historian who is the author of the celebrated new book Gemignani – Life And Lessons From Broadway And Beyond.

As you will hear, Margaret spent much of the pandemic interviewing Paul Gemignani who is without a doubt one of the most significant, and at the same time most under-appreciated, figures in the history of modern musical. Since 1971 Paul Gemignani has served as the Music Director for more than 40 Broadway productions including Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Evita, Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, and Crazy for You, to name only a few. His incredible talent and theatrical know-how made him the first-choice music director, and indispensable collaborator of Kander & Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Harold Prince.

Margaret’s book not only takes us behind the scenes and into the orchestra pit of many of the most significant and acclaimed productions in Broadway history, it also illuminates the crucial role that music directors play in the creation, development, and performance of a musical.

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Special Encore Episode: Eubie Blake & The Black Artists Who Invented Broadway Jul 14, 2022

Show notes

The 1920's brought the second great era of musicals that were written by, staged by, and starring Black theater artists to Broadway. In this episode I profile these brilliant creators and stars including Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle, Flournoy Miller & Aurbry Lyles, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and their musicals -- "Shuffle Along", "Runnin' Wild", "Blackbirds of 1929", "Hot Chocolates" and more. It also includes a brief history of that great African-American/Irish-American co-creation -- Tap Dancing.

And featuring music by The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra -- for more music from this era check out their terrific "Black Manhattan" series of recordings.

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Special Encore Episode: Irving Berlin & The Immigrants Who Invented Broadway Jul 07, 2022

Show notes

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Encore Episode: "Yearning To Breathe Free": George M. Cohan & The Immigrants Who Invented The Broadway Musical Jul 04, 2022

Show notes

This is a special holiday rerelease of the very first episode of Broadway Nation.

In this episode David Armstrong and Albert Evans begin to tell the remarkable story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African-Americans invented America's signature art form -- the Broadway Musical. This includes a special emphasis on George M. Cohan, the grandson of Irish immigrants who to a great extent invented the Broadway "Musical Comedy", as we know it. And after many years of controversy, recent research has revealed that he really was "born on the 4th of July" as he always claimed.

The Broadway Musical was born around the turn of the last century and it emerged out of what we used to call “the melting pot” – that simmering confluence of cultures and races that were packed into the teeming tenement neighborhoods of New York City. To an enormous extent the Musical can be called an “Immigrant art form” – it certainly was originated almost entirely by men and women from outside of the mainstream of society.” What they created was something totally new. A popular, democratic kind of music-theater that -- like most great American inventions -- was inspired by both a strong desire to express oneself, and a strong necessity to put food on the table. The concept of “the melting pot” has lost favor with some historians, but, as you will hear, it remains a very apt description of how various multi-cultural artistic traditions blended together to create the American musical.

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Ep 71: Politics & Musicals: 20 Years of HAIRSPRAY Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

This week’s episode is a little different because it’s two podcasts in one! It’s a collab between David Armstrong’s Broadway Nation and Dirty Moderate With Adam Epstein.

My podcast is all about the history of the Broadway Musical, and Adam’s is all about current American politics – today we combine forces to discuss the many connections and intersections between the Broadway Musical and American politics.

Twenty years ago Adam and I had the tremendous good fortune to both be involved in the creation of the Tony Award winning “Best Musical” HAIRSPRAY. Adam was part of that show’s original New York producing team, and I was the Producing Artistic Director of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre where the show received its World Premiere prior to Broadway. We use that joyous, delightful, and very political show to kick off our conversation.

Most people probably don't think of musicals as being particularly political. But Adam and I both believe that over their 125+ year history, Broadway musicals have more often than not been overwhelmingly political, and have usually – overtly or subliminally – strongly advocated for democratic, humanist values and ideals that many people would label as being “progressive” or “liberal”.

Adam and I have both taught courses on the history of the musical using the “American studies” concept that you can't separate US politics from its history, culture, and literature. And, we both have used the history of the musical to explore such topics as: what it means to be American, what it means to be othered, and how and why the “American experiment” has included, marginalized or excluded certain people and groups? Interestingly, many of those otherwise marginalized groups were included in the invention of the Broadway musical and contributed to not only moving the form forward, but also to instilling in it these progressive and humanist values.

During the first half of our conversation we discuss in detail the inspiration, early development, pre-Broadway tryout, and triumphant Broadway opening of Hairspray, as well as it’s political messages and ongoing impact and legacy. After the break we expand our discussion to the inherent pollical messages of other hit shows including Oklahoma, Guys & Dolls, Les Miserable, HAIR, Cabaret and Annie!

If you would prefer not hear discussions or opinions about America’s current political situation – this is not the show for you!

However, I think most people will be fascinated to discover that many of their favorite musicals contain hidden-in-plain-sight political messages and advocacy that I believe truly has “changed America in the process”.

Adam Epstein BIO:

After receiving 46 Tony nominations and 12 Tony Awards, Adam Epstein took his last bow as a celebrated Broadway producer to focus on Act II; Political provocateur.

Spending time getting his MA in American Studies at Brown, guest lecturing at Harvard, bringing his sexy, gay Centrist perspective to Trish Regan’s FOX News program as a regular, and writing the hell out of the American political shit show for international outlets, Adam grew his core beliefs from observant, lifelong Democrat to the politically homeless host of Dirty Moderate with Adam Epstein, an extremely not extreme political podcast.

Adam wanted a gaslight-free zone where a vibrant exchange of ideas could flow freely without falsehoods. A haven for rigorous analysis and lively debate, where people could gather and fearlessly agree to disagree. So he created it.

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Episode 70: "The Show Must Go On" - Behind The Scenes Of The New Documentary Jun 23, 2022

Show notes

My guests are the mother/daughter team of Sammi Cannold & Dori Berinstein, who are the co-directors and co-producers of the new documentary The Show Must Go On -- a film that I found to be both fascinating and very moving.

Sammi Cannold is a theater director whose recent projects include Evita at New York City Center, Endings at NY Theater Workshop, Ragtime on Ellis Island and Violet on a bus at American Repertory Theatre. In 2019 she was named one of Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30 in Hollywood and Entertainment”.

Dori Berinstein is a four-time Tony award winning Broadway producer as well as an Emmy award winning director, producer and writer of film and television. She is also the founder and CEO of the Broadway Podcast Network.

When in March of 2020 the global pandemic shut down live theatre around the world, South Korea was the only country that did not close its theaters. The Show Must Go On primarilyfollows the companies of two Korean productions -- The Phantom of The Opera and CATS -- which demonstrated how live theater could continue to operate safely in spite of the pandemic.

In this episode you will hear the story of how Sammi journeyed to Korea to document the incredible difficulties, challenges and ultimate triumphs of these two productions. And we will also look at why Korea was able to to do something that theaters in the West could not accomplish.

If you enjoy this podcast, please be sure to follow, rate, and review it wherever you listen. I am happy to say that Broadway Nation has received 75 Five Star reviews.

The latest is from listener “Past0071” and it reads: “I never Knew! So informative! I can’t wait to hear them all, so much I didn’t know. The podcasters themselves are very charming. Looking forward to the next ones coming out." Thank you so much, “Past0071”.

I am hoping that many of you will help me achieve the goal of 100 Five Star reviews before the end of the summer.

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Episode 69: Barry Bostwick & Marilu Henner - Fifty Years Of Grease, Part 3 Jun 16, 2022

Show notes

2022 marks the 5Oth Anniversary of one of the most popular musicals in the history of Broadway – GREASE. My guests on this episode are two of the many stars that emerged from the original Broadway and touring productions of that long running, record breaking show – Barry Bostwick & Marilu Henner.

Marilu Henner’s association with Grease goes back to the very beginning when as a teenager she created the role of “Marty” in the original Chicago production of the show. A few years later she played the role again in the First National Tour and then eventually on Broadway. Her other appearances in Broadway include the plays and musicals, Over Here!, Chicago, The Tale Of The Allergists Wife, and she starred in the National Tour of Annie Get Your Gun in 2000. She is of course best known for her role on the hit TV series Taxi, as well as her many other film and television appearances.

Barry Bostwick created the role of “Danny Zuko” in the original Broadway production of GREASE for which he received a Tony nomination. He has appeared in seven Broadway plays and musicals including his Tony Award winning performance in The Robber Bridegroom. He has starred in dozens of film and television productions including the mini-series George Washington, the hit sitcom Spin City, and as “Brad Majors” in the cult classic the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Both Marilu and Barry have contributed anecdotes and memories to a new book that was released just last week, entitled Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All.

In this delightful conversation Marilu shares impromptu performances of songs that never made it out of the Chicago production, and tells us why she turned down her initial offer to be in the show in New York. You will also hear about the wild times and amorous adventures that a dynamic young cast of future stars got up to on tour, as well as the immense contribution of Grease’s choreographer Pat Birch, the infamous tight pants that Barry thinks helped win him a Tony Award, and much, much more.

Enjoy!

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Episode 68: Fifty Years Of Grease, Part 2 Jun 09, 2022

Show notes

My guests on this episode are the original producer and director of the Broadway musical GREASE -- Ken Waissman and Tom Moore.

This is the second half of our recent conversation. If you missed part one you may want to catch up on that first before listening to this one.

This week marks the 50th Anniversary of Grease’s move from the Eden Theater on the Lower East Side to The Broadhurst -- the first of the three Broadway theaters Grease would play during its record breaking eight year run. And it fact, on June 5th, just a few days after I spoke with them, Ken and Tom hosted an anniversary party at Sardi’s, where they and Grease's original cast had celebrated the show’s opening back in 1972.

Grease alumni attending the event included co-writer Jim Jacobs, choreographer Patricia Birch, and performers Marilu Henner, Judy Kaye, Jerry Zaks, Carole Demas, Ray DeMattis, Ilene Graff, Barry Bostwick (via Zoom) and many more. All of them also contributed their memories to the new book: Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All.

I’ve been collecting photos and video of that event as well as the two recent Grease reunion shows at 54 Below and posting them in my Broadway Nation Facebook Group where I invite you to join me and more than 2000 other fans of this podcast -- who probably much like you are hooked on Broadway musicals.

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/375627810176381

In this episode Tom and Ken share some fascinating stories about the development of the show including how they worked with the show’s authors to trim the original "phone book" size script down to a manageable size, how they inspired them to add some now classic hit songs to the score, and how they all survived a disastrous first preview and then reworked and revamped the show in just three weeks.

Even though Ken was at that time the youngest producer on Broadway, your will hear how he masterminded some brilliant old school style producing tricks that helped turn a near flop into one of most successful musicals of all time!

My favorite part of this episode is in the second half when Ken relates how he had to wheel and deal with the Shuberts and Nederlanders, and go head to head with the “Abominable Showman” himself –- legendary producer David Merrick. It's "The Modern Era of Broadway" vs "The Golden Age"!

It's quite a story! Enjoy!

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Episode 67: Fifty Years Of GREASE, part 1 Jun 02, 2022

Show notes

It may be hard for some of us to believe, but this past Valentine’s Day – Feb 14, 2022 – marked the 50th Anniversary of the New York opening of the musical GREASE, at the Eden Theater on 2nd Avenue. And next week, June 7, will mark the 50th Anniversary of its official move to Broadway.

My guests this week are that Grease's original producer, Ken Waissman, and original director, Tom Moore, who along with Adrienne Barbeau (the original “Rizzo”) are the editors of the new book : Grease – Tell Me More, Tell Me More – Stories From The Broadway Phenomenon That Started It All.

Ken Waisman is a Tony Award winning producer who made his Broadway debut with the play And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little. In addition to Grease he went on to produce Over Here! starring the Andrews Sisters, and the long running plays Agnes Of God, and Torch Song Trilogy.

Tom Moore is a leading theater, film and television director whose work on Broadway includes his debut with Grease, Over Here!, Moon Over Buffalo starring Carol Burnett, and Night Mother.

Their new book is made up of a the personal, behind-the-scenes memories of the show’s creative and production teams, as well as scores of cast members from Grease’s original cast, five national tours, and record breaking eight-year run on Broadway.

In this episode you will hear about how Ken discovered the show in a ramshackle community theater production in Chicago; why Ken chose Tom to direct the show instead of Michael Bennett; how Tom almost turned the show down; and how together they discovered and cast more future stars than probably any other musical in history!

Grease alumni include Adrianne Barbeau, Barry Bostwick, Jeff Conaway, Carole Demas, Greg Evigan, Peter Gallagher, Richard Gere, Marilu Henner, Judy Kaye, Rex Smith, Patrick Swayze, John Travolta, Treat Williams, and Adrian Zmed. As well as the future Broadway directors Walter Bobbie, Scott Ellis, and Jerry Zaks. Has any other show produced that many stars?

Even if Grease is not your favorite show, I feel certain that you will be fascinated by their stories of how the show came together, as well as the casting stories of John Travolta, Patrick Swayze and Richard Gere.

Broadway Nation is written and produced by me, David Armstrong.

Special thanks to Pauls Macs for his help with editing this episode, to KVSH 101.9 The Voice of Beautiful Vashon Island WA, and to the entire team at the Broadway Podcast Network.

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Episode 66: "A Story Worth Telling": Inside The Creation of THE PROM May 26, 2022

Show notes

My guests today are writers Bob Martin & Chad Beguelin.

Bob Martin is perhaps best known as the co-creator and original star (The Man In The Chair) of the hit Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone. He also co-created what I think is one of the greatest and most hilarious TV series of all time, Slings & Arrows. If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend that you find it and stream it immediately!

Chad Beguelin is a six-time Tony nominee who wrote the book and lyrics for the Broadway musicals The Wedding Singer and Disney’s Aladdin.

Together Bob and Chad collaborated on ELF: The Musical as well as the show they joined me to talk about on this week’s podcast – The Prom.

The Prom is currently on tour across America and opens at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater – my old stomping grounds – on May 31st. Then over the summer it will play San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Bloomington, IN, and Buffalo, NY.

In this episode Bob and Chad take us inside the creation, and eight-year development of The Prom, including the real events that inspired it. They give us at least a hint about the real people that some of the leading characters are modeled on. More on that below.

They also share the incredible impact that the story and themes of this show have had, and continue to have, on the audiences who see it.

In several previous episodes I have explored the question of whether any work of art – especially an upbeat musical comedy – can actually become a force for positive, tangible social or political change? As you will hear, this is one show where I can definitively say that the answer is, yes!

After you have listened, I have a challenge to you! If you think you know which real life theatrical personalities the characters of Dee Dee Allen, Barry Glickman, and might be based on please message me on Instagram (david@broadwaynation), Twitter (@PodastBroadway), or best of all join our Broadway Nation Facebook Group where you will find more than 2000 other fans of this podcast. I can’t promise that I’ll be able to verify the winning guesses but it will certainly be fun seeing who you think might have inspired them!s

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