Closing Night

The Rink (1984) Jun 26, 2026

Chita Rivera spent decades becoming one of Broadway's greatest stars, but her first Tony Award didn't come until 1984 with The Rink. Joined by Liza Minnelli in a rare Broadway pairing, Rivera led a musical that endured years of rewrites, creative shakeups, and a troubled road to opening night.

Featuring music by the legendary team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, a new book by Terrence McNally, direction by A.J. Antoon, and choreography by Graciela Daniele, The Rink brought together an extraordinary group of artists—even if the production itself struggled to find its audience. In this episode, discover how one of Broadway's most fascinating collaborations became both a critical disappointment and the performance that finally earned Chita Rivera her long-awaited Tony Award.

Notable Cast and Creatives (Martin Beck Theatre): Chita Rivera, Liza Minnelli, Stockard Channing, Jason Alexander, Scott Ellis, Rob Marshall, John Kander & Fred Ebb, Terrence McNally, A.J. Antoon, Graciela Daniele, and producer Jules Fisher.

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Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a transcript with photos, videos, and a list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer and editor. Theme music created by Blake Stadnik.

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BONUS: Tony Winners at the Beck Theatre Jun 05, 2026

Long before the Tony Awards became Broadway's biggest night, theater professionals voted for a different honor: the Donaldson Awards. This bonus episode traces the evolution of Broadway awards while examining two Martin Beck Theatre musicals that reached the pinnacle of theatrical success. From the complicated legacy of Hallelujah, Baby! to the reinvention of Grand Hotel, discover how Broadway's highest honors often come from the most unexpected productions.

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a transcript with photos, videos, and a list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer. Theme music created by Blake Stadnik.

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Orpheus Descending (1957) May 29, 2026

In 1957, Tennessee Williams returned to the Martin Beck Theatre with Orpheus Descending, a play he had spent nearly two decades trying to get right. Originally produced in 1940 as Battle of Angels, the drama had collapsed amid censorship battles, technical problems, and public outrage. Yet Williams could never leave it behind.

In this episode, we trace the remarkable seventeen-year journey of the play, from its disastrous Boston tryout to its rebirth on Broadway under a new title. Along the way, we explore Williams's complicated relationship with success and failure, the creative partnership that shaped his work, and the cast and collaborators who helped bring Orpheus Descending to life, including Maureen Stapleton, Harold Clurman, Boris Aronson, Robert Loggia, Cliff Robertson, and Lois Smith.

Featuring archival interviews and firsthand accounts, this is the story of one of Broadway's most ambitious productions, why audiences rejected it, and how its failure marked a turning point in the life of America's greatest playwright.

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Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a transcript with photos, videos, and a list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer. Theme music created by Blake Stadnik.

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The Martin Beck Theatre (1924-2003) Apr 30, 2026

The Martin Beck Theatre quickly became more than just a venue—it became a proving ground for some of the most important artists in American theater. In this episode, we explore a wide range of productions that played its stage, from groundbreaking works by legendary playwrights to star-making performances by actors who would go on to define film and theater alike. Along the way, the episode highlights figures like Eugene O’Neill, Edward Albee, Katharine Hepburn, and Meryl Streep, offering a glimpse into how their time at the Beck fit into their larger careers.

But not every story is a success. This episode also dives into some of Broadway’s most fascinating failures—productions that closed quickly, missed their moment, or struggled to find an audience despite strong talent behind them. These flops reveal just as much about the industry as the hits do. Together, these stories create a snapshot of the Beck Theatre’s legacy as a place where risk, ambition, and artistry collided—setting the stage for the deeper dives to come later this season.

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a transcript and list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer. Theme music created by Blake Stadnik.

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Martin Beck (1868-1940) Apr 30, 2026

Step inside the world of Martin Beck—the man who helped shape Broadway as we know it, and the theater that still bears his legacy. In this opening episode, we trace Beck’s unlikely rise from vaudeville power broker to influential theater owner, uncovering how his business instincts, creative ambitions, and fierce independence led to the creation of one of Broadway’s most enduring playhouses. Along the way, the story reveals how the early 20th-century entertainment industry operated, from the dominance of the vaudeville circuits to the shifting landscape that gave rise to modern Broadway.

But this isn’t just a biography—it’s the origin story of a building that would become a central character in Broadway history. From its design and construction in 1924 to the artistic risks Beck was able to take because he owned it outright, this episode lays the foundation for everything that follows. Understanding Beck himself is key to understanding the productions, artists, and defining moments that would later take place on his stage.

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a transcript and list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer. Theme music created by Blake Stadnik.

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Get Ready for Season 3 at the Martin Beck Theatre Mar 23, 2026

At the start of the 20th century, Martin Beck was one of the most powerful figures in American entertainment. In 1924, he staked his claim on Broadway, opening a theater built for prestige, ambition, and the biggest names of the day. But the Martin Beck Theatre would become something more unpredictable.

In Season Three of Closing Night, we step inside this iconic Broadway house—long before it became the Al Hirschfeld Theatre—to explore the productions that defined its legacy. There groundbreaking hits like Cabin in the Sky and Into the Woods as well as forgotten flops and high-profile misfires like Bring Back Birdie.

Along the way, we’ll encounter legends like Chita Rivera, Stephen Sondheim, and Liza Minnelli, alongside stars like Meryl Streep, Dick Van Dyke, and Katharine Hepburn—artists navigating the highs and lows of Broadway in real time.

Because Broadway isn’t just about long-running success. It’s a constant cycle of new shows—some that soar, many that stumble, and a rare few that beat the odds. And the Martin Beck is one theater that saw it all — nearly a century’s worth of productions that one way or another all found their way to closing night.

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Face Value Sep 30, 2025

Talking about race in the theater has never been easy, and back in the late ’80s and early ’90s it could feel downright hostile. When conversations around representation and casting came up, especially on Broadway, they often turned into battles where the establishment closed ranks and those pushing for change were left on the outside. ⁠Last time⁠, we explored one of the most heated examples of that tension: the uproar over Miss Saigon casting a white actor, Jonathan Pryce, in the role of a Vietnamese character.

For playwright David Henry Hwang, that experience of protesting against the system and losing left scars he would eventually process through his art. Fresh off the success of M. Butterfly, he set out to write a farce called Face Value, a play built on mistaken racial identities and inspired directly by that controversy. But unlike his earlier triumph, this one stumbled badly—closing in previews and becoming one of Broadway’s most infamous flops. Today we’ll look back at how Face Value came to be, why it collapsed so quickly, and how even in failure it left its mark on the conversation around race and representation on stage.

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Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a transcript and list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer. Theme music created by Blake Stadnik.

Other background music includes: "Quickening" by ⁠malictusmusic⁠ and "Relaxed Background" by ⁠Music for Creators⁠, both licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Miss Saigon Aug 31, 2025

When a white actor was recently announced to replace Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending, it sparked a fresh wave of debate over racial casting on Broadway. For Asian Americans like playwright David Henry Hwang and actor B.D. Wong, it felt like déjà vu, echoing a controversy they had spoken out against more than 30 years ago with Miss Saigon.

That blockbuster musical became the center of a storm back in 1990 when Jonathan Pryce was chosen to reprise his Eurasian character from the London production when it transferred to Broadway. This decision ignited protests, ultimatums, and the first major reckoning with yellowface in American theater. In this episode, we look back at Miss Saigon, the clash between producer Cameron Mackintosh and Actors’ Equity, and how that moment set the stage for Hwang’s satirical play Face Value—and continues to reverberate today.

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Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a transcript and list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer. Theme music created by Blake Stadnik.

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Let My People Come Jul 31, 2025

With July 31st being National Orgasm Day (that's right, it has its own day), we celebrate by diving into the fascinating, forgotten history of the 1974 musical Let My People Come. This groundbreaking show, by Earl Wilson, Jr., ran for over 1300 performances, offering an all-inclusive, sexually liberated vision for a pre-AIDS 1970s audience.

We also explore its uninhibited embrace of pleasure, acceptance for all, and why this audacious production, despite its Grammy-nominated cast recording, famously never "opened" and held the record for the most preview performances ever. Discover the vibrant legacy of a downtown musical that truly embodied the spirit of sexual freedom!

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Theme music created by Blake Stadnik. Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a transcript and list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer.

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Breakfast at Tiffany's Jul 07, 2025

You know the book. You know the movie. But do you know the Broadway musical that lasted just three days?

In the mid-1960s, producer David Merrick (the notorious "Abominable Showman") had a glittering vision: transform Truman Capote's beloved Breakfast at Tiffany's into a Broadway musical. He assembled a dream team: beloved TV star Mary Tyler Moore as Holly Golightly, heartthrob Richard Chamberlain, and legendary director Abe Burrows.

What could go wrong? Almost everything.

In this episode, we unravel the chaotic, star-studded saga of Breakfast at Tiffany's. From disastrous out-of-town tryouts and frantic rewrites to a rough stint on the road before trying to make it to Broadway, this is the story of a glamorous failure that became one of the most infamous flops in theater history. Discover how a show with every ingredient for success spiraled into a legendary disaster that nearly derailed the careers of its leading stars.

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Theme music created by Blake Stadnik. Click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ for a transcript and list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer.

One of the pieces of background music in this episode is "Mom n' Pa" by Beat Mekanik and is used under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

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BONUS: Emily Maltby Finally Brings Lolita, My Love to New York Jun 16, 2025

In this special bonus episode, we continue the story of Lolita, My Love—the infamous Alan Jay Lerner musical that never made it to Broadway. After its chaotic out-of-town run and abrupt closure in 1971, the show remained a cautionary tale of ambition and controversy. But in 2019, it finally had its long-overdue New York debut, thanks to the York Theatre Company’s Musicals in Mufti series.

Director Emily Maltby joins the podcast to share the behind-the-scenes process of reviving Lolita, My Love for a modern audience. From navigating the show's difficult subject matter to collaborating with historian Erik Haagensen on a newly reconstructed script, Emily offers thoughtful insights into the delicate art of giving misunderstood musicals a second life. It’s a revealing look at how this controversial work finally found its voice on a New York stage—nearly five decades after its original failure.

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Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer.

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Lolita. My Love May 31, 2025

In 1958, Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita shocked American readers with its provocative tale of obsession and manipulation—just as Alan Jay Lerner’s musical Gigi, featuring the now-cringeworthy “Thank Heaven for Little Girls,” was charming its way to nine Oscars. Though vastly different in tone, both stories revolved around older men’s fixation on adolescent girls. Which makes it all the more surprising that Lerner, the man behind Gigi’s sugar-coated serenade, would take on Lolita for the stage just over a decade later.

In this episode, we explore Lolita, My Love—a musical adaptation plagued by rewrites, walkouts, and uncomfortable audience reactions. With music by James Bond composer John Barry and direction from a team trying to toe the line between art and provocation, the production aimed high but never made it to Broadway. Instead, it became one of theater’s most fascinating failures, collapsing under the weight of its subject matter—and proving that some stories may simply resist musicalization.

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Theme music created by Blake Stadnik. Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ for a transcript and list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer.

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The Little Prince and the Aviator (1982) Apr 30, 2025

In the early 1980s, producer Joseph Tandet put the failure of the 1974 movie musical of The Little Prince behind him and set his sights on Broadway. He secured the rights and assembled an award-winning creative team—including Academy Award-winning composer John Barry and his lyricist Don Black as well as three-time Tony winner Hugh Wheeler. But what unfolded behind the scenes was anything but magical.

From rewrites and cast changes to last-minute creative disagreements, The Little Prince and the Aviator was plagued by setbacks from the very beginning. The show never officially opened on Broadway, but it made it all the way to the theater, with sets built, actors rehearsed, and a score ready to be sung—until everything fell apart.

In this episode, we explore the chaotic and fascinating path of a musical that almost was, using firsthand accounts from Tandet’s revealing memoir and a personal interview with Anthony Rapp, who was just 10 years old when he was cast in the title role.

It’s a story of ambition, mismanagement, and the delicate balance between creative vision and theatrical reality—and why some shows never make it to opening night.

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Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. Click here for a transcript and list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer.

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The Little Prince (1974) Apr 15, 2025

The Little Prince has been enchanting readers of all ages since 1943, when French aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry first introduced the boy from a distant planet. Inspired by his own life and a desert crash landing, this poetic tale has become one of the most translated and best-selling books in the world.

In this episode, we begin a two-part look at The Little Prince on stage and screen—both versions produced by Joseph Tandet. There’s the ambitious 1982 Broadway-bound musical starring Michael York and a young Anthony Rapp, which never made it past previews. And before that, the 1974 movie musical directed by Stanley Donen and featuring Lerner and Loewe’s final collaboration—complete with Bob Fosse, Gene Wilder, and a surprisingly rocky production history.

Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. Click here for a transcript and list of all resources used. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer.

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Senator Joe Mar 31, 2025

History and politics have long found their way onto the Broadway stage, from Hamilton and 1776 to Parade and Fiorello! But in 1989, one musical took a wildly unconventional approach—bringing the infamous Senator Joseph McCarthy to life in Senator Joe.

Helmed by Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar director Tom O’Horgan, this audacious and bizarre production featured everything from Brechtian satire to a musical number inside McCarthy’s alcohol-ravaged liver. Yet, after only three Broadway previews, the show collapsed under the weight of its own chaos, ending in scandal when its producer was arrested in a phone booth.

How did Senator Joe go so wrong? And why did anyone think a musical about McCarthyism would work in the first place? This episode dives into the missteps, mayhem, and misguided ambition that turned a political firebrand into one of Broadway’s most infamous flops.

Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. Click here to find a transcript for this episode and a full list of materials and resources used.

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BONUS: Jeremy Benton Spills the Beans on Lone Star Love Mar 24, 2025

In this bonus episode of Closing Night, we dive into more of the stories and backstage drama that surrounded the ill-fated Lone Star Love. This is the full interview with dance captain Jeremy Benton, where he reveals further details of what really happened behind the scenes. From the involvement of Randy Quaid and his wife Evi, whose erratic behavior grew in unexpected ways, to the memorable Cheesecake Factory meeting that became a pivotal moment in the show's history, Jeremy shares candid anecdotes that shed light on the chaos and creativity that brewed during rehearsals and performances. You’ll also learn more about Evi’s tumultuous past, and how the havoc she brought to Lone Star Love was just one example in a long history of troublemaking for this tempestuous individual.

Closing Night Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. “Lazy Day” by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. “Sunday Morning” by Maarten Schellekens is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

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BONUS: Lauren Kennedy Talks about Lone Star Love (and The Last Five Years) Mar 17, 2025

In this bonus episode of Closing Night, we revisit a compelling conversation with Broadway star Lauren Kennedy. While exploring the tricky politics and pressures of theater careers, Lauren candidly shares her experiences after Sunset Boulevard and Side Show that led into Lone Star Love.

You heard only a couple of quotes from her in the main episode, but here you’ll get the full discussion of the intriguing yet chaotic behind-the-scenes story of a production that was derailed by unexpected challenges and the whims of a high-profile star. Lauren gives an insider's view on how creative visions can clash and projects can unravel despite the promise of a Broadway opening.

The episode also touches on her connection with composer Jason Robert Brown and The Last Five Years, and how it prompted her transition into directing and producing, leading to her current role as the Executive Director of Theatre Raleigh.

Listen to Lauren's full episode (and bonus episode) on Why I’ll Never Make It.

Closing Night Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. “Mountain Sun" by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.

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Lone Star Love Feb 28, 2025

What happens when Shakespeare meets Texas, bluegrass, and a Broadway-bound disaster? Lone Star Love had all the makings of a crowd-pleasing hit—an inventive twist on The Merry Wives of Windsor, music by The Red Clay Ramblers, and a history of successful regional productions. But when the show set its sights on Broadway, everything started to unravel. From an A-list comedian dropping out to Randy Quaid coming in with an oversized codpiece (and even bigger demands), this is a backstage saga filled with twists, turmoil, and a production that never made it to the Great White Way.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the wild journey of Lone Star Love, exploring its promising start, the chaotic Seattle tryout, and the fallout that left Broadway dreams in the dust. With behind-the-scenes drama, big personalities, and a show that spiraled into theatrical infamy, this is a cautionary tale of how even the best-laid plans can go hilariously—and disastrously—off track.

Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. Click here to find a transcript for this episode and a full list of materials and resources used.

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Annie 2: Miss Hannigan's Revenge Jan 29, 2025

The idea of an Annie Part II had actually been floating around since 1982, while the original Annie was still on Broadway, and rather than a traditional sequel, the production was framed as a continuation of the original story, beginning six weeks after the events of Annie, with Miss Hannigan devising her revenge from prison. This continuing story was initially set to open on Broadway in 1983, just months after the original closed. However, it would take until June of 1989 before the show would finally announce an opening date, first in Washington, DC then on Broadway.

However, what started out as Miss Hannigan’s Revenge became a revenge of a different kind altogether. And the events that followed underscore a broader truth about Broadway (one that resonates throughout the episodes of this podcast): that even the most seasoned and award-winning of creators can still produce a flop. So was the tumultuous journey and hard-knocked life of Annie 2.

Click here to find a transcript for this episode and a full list of materials and resources used.

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Season 2 is coming! Jan 28, 2025

Season 2 of Closing Night is finally here—the theater history podcast that takes you behind the curtain to uncover stories about famous and forgotten Broadway show that closed too soon. While season 1 focused on musicals that came and went from the Marquis Theatre, this season I’m tackling a whole new kind of theatrical heartbreak: shows that never actually opened on Broadway.

These are the productions that fizzled out during out-of-town tryouts or preview performances, including Lone Star Love, The Little Prince and the Aviator, Lolita, My Love, Let My People Come, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, among others. Episodes start at the end of January and will drop once a month throughout the year, with the first episode being all about Annie 2: Miss Hannigan’s Revenge, which was actually slated to open at the Marquis Theatre but was canceled after a disastrous run in Washington, DC.

Make sure to follow Closing Night on your favorite podcast app and stay connected on Instagram at @closingnightpodcast.

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Christmas on Broadway Dec 20, 2024

There’s a unique category of musicals that only come around once a year. And it is this annual tradition that makes Christmas musicals so special. They're not just a way to celebrate the holiday season—they tap into that universal feeling of nostalgia, warmth, and tradition. These shows bring people together in a way that few others can, offering an escape into a world of joy, wonder, and yes, a little bit of holiday magic. Whether it’s through music, story, or the sheer spectacle, Christmas on Broadway has a way of making the season feel even more magical.

From the big, iconic productions that have defined the Christmas season like White Christmas and Elf to lesser-known gems like Here's Love and Flahooley that still manage to capture the spirit of the holidays, we’re going to look at the shows that not only helped define what Christmas can mean on Broadway but also why they remain so beloved long after the final curtain falls.

Check out my episode on Patrick Stewart and and his one-man version of A Christmas Carol.

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Click here for a transcript and full list of the resources and materials used in this episode. Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media. I'm Patrick Oliver Jones, host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is editor and producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Theme music for Closing Night composed and created by Blake Stadnik. I’ll be back in the new year with season 2 of Closing Night. I know, it’s taken awhile, but I think you’ll find its been worth the wait when we talk about more shows as they head toward Closing Night.

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Jennifer Tepper Explores Women Writing Musicals and the Legacy That History Books Left Out Dec 11, 2024

In this special video podcast combo between Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night, I’m joined by theater historian and author Jennifer Ashley Tepper, who has written a truly remarkable book - Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out.

Jennifer’s work is the first comprehensive exploration of women who have shaped Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals over the last century and beyond. From Tin Pan Alley composers to protest writers of the 1970s, and the voices shaping today’s theater landscape, this book is a treasure trove of history and inspiration. Together, we explore the hurdles these women faced, their remarkable stories, and the profound ways they’ve shaped the art form. And Jennifer’s book resonates deeply with both podcasts:

Why I’ll Never Make It delves into the challenges of building a creative career
Closing Night reflects on the legacy of shows may not always get the spotlight they deserve

In our conversation, we highlight trailblazers like Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins, a Black playwright and novelist whose multi-hyphenate career began in the late 1800s; then there’s Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford, the longest-running female duo in musical theater history that began in 1955 and continues today; and then Shaina Taub, the Tony Award-winning force behind the Broadway musical Suffs. These are just a few of the extraordinary women we discuss—names that, thanks to Jennifer's book, are finally getting their due.

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Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night are independent productions of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of these podcasts please subscribe or donate. Thank you!

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Listen Now - The Magical Making of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway Aug 23, 2024

Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph.

Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the challenges faced during out-of-town tryouts, the unwavering determination to overcome them, and the celebration of reaching over a decade on Broadway – a remarkable feat in the world of musical theatre.

This captivating series features exclusive conversations with the original cast and creative team behind ALADDIN including Alan Menken, Casey Nicholaw, James Monroe Iglehart, Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, Sonya Balsara, Adi Roy and more as they recount their experiences with the show.

Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan, a theatre enthusiast, or simply captivated by the magic of storytelling, this series is a must-listen. Unveil the untold story of ALADDIN and discover the passion, resilience, and drive that created a Broadway sensation.

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A Night of Songs and Stories from the Marquis Theatre Apr 19, 2024

Last month, Closing Night went live at 54 Below here in New York City, exploring the songs and stories of the Marquis Theatre with Broadway performers and singers—many of whom have performed in shows at the Marquis and some of them even joined us this past podcast season.

Patrick Oliver Jones / Diego Prieto - "I Am I, Don Quixote” (Man of La Mancha)
Jane Summerhays / Patrick Oliver Jones - "You Would If You Could" (Me and My Girl)
John Bolton - "The Good Old Days" (Damn Yankees)
Jonathan Shew - "What Do I Need With Love?" (Thoroughly Modern Millie)
Lisa Howard - "Get Out and Stay Out" (9 to 5)
Leah Horowitz - "All for Laura" (The Woman In White)
Diego Prieto - "I Really Like Him" (Man of La Mancha)
E. Clayton Cornelious - "Advice from a Caterpillar" (Wonderland)
John Bolton - "Someday Baby" (Paper Moon)
Nadina Hassan - “Gimme Gimme” (Thoroughly Modern Millie)
Bows - “There’s No Business Like Show Business” (Annie Get Your Gun)

And so I wanted to let you hear these stories and songs for yourself. You can also watch the concert on YouTube.

Follow Closing Night on Instagram @closingnightpodcast

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Moose Murders Becomes the Biggest Flop in Broadway History Feb 22, 2024

The second season of Closing Night is set to premiere this June. But while we all eagerly await the curtain rising on our next act, here's a story about a show that famously closed on its opening night. There are actual plans to do a future season about Broadway productions that only lasted one performance. But now there's one show to take off the list of potential episodes, all because of the podcast being sharing today, a podcast that feels like a time machine, whisking us away to different eras, and immersing us in captivating stories of yesteryear.

It’s called History Daily, but it isn't your average history podcast. It's a real treasure trove of tales from the past, delivered straight to your ears every weekday. From monumental battles to the quirkiest fashion trends, from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to the drama of politics, sports, and even theater—History Daily covers it all.

Now, back in December, the host Lindsay Graham and his production team over at History Daily featured an episode from this podcast (remember the one all about Andrew Lloyd Webber's short-lived Broadway production of The Woman in White?). Lindsay talked about that production and shared the episode with his listeners. So now it's my turn to share one of their episodes.

Much like Closing Night, History Daily is more than just a recounting of dates and names—it's about the lives, the struggles, and the triumphs of those who came before us. And you're about to hear a tale so legendary in the world of theater that it's become synonymous with failure: a play called Moose Murders.

So let's journey back to February 22, 1983, as we unravel the mystery behind one of Broadway's biggest flops. It's a reminder that even the darkest nights in theater history have a story worth telling.

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Closing Night Goes Live at 54 Below! Jan 29, 2024

Get ready for a night of Broadway magic as 54 Below Celebrates the Marquis Theatre on March 19th! The concert will feature performances by those who were there at the Marquis, like Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin from Thoroughly Modern Millie, Tony Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr. from Nick & Nora, E. Clayton Cornelious from Wonderland, Leah Horowitz from The Woman in White, and Lisa Howard from 9 to 5 and Escape to Margaritaville.

Patrick Oliver Jones will be hosting as well as singing that night, which just happens to be his birthday, so you don't miss this exclusive one-night-only event on March 19th, where tickets start at just $35. Visit the website 54below.com to secure your seat for this fun-filled evening, whether in person or via livestream online!

**Use code MTHEATRE5 for $5 OFF Main Dining Room and Bar Rail cover charge.**

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BONUS: A Moment to Revisit The Band's Visit on Broadway Jan 16, 2024

Five years ago, the enchanting musical The Band's Visit closed on Broadway (April 7, 2019) after capturing hearts with its simplicity and profound storytelling. Composed by David Yazbek and written by Itamar Moses, it emerged as a masterpiece in the 2017-2018 season, transcending contemporary Broadway norms. At the 2018 Tony Awards, this gem earned 11 nominations and secured 10 wins, including Best Musical, triumphing over big blockbuster shows like SpongeBob Squarepants, Mean Girls, and Frozen, and running for 598 performances.

Amidst current Middle East tensions, The Band's Visit stands out as a show that explores human connection and shows how music can bridges the divides between us. So enjoy an encore presentation of my 2018 interview with Jeff Theiss, associate conductor of The Band's Visit. We delve into the musical's score, its unique storytelling, and how it transcends political divisions to focus on our shared human experiences, reminding us of our profound commonality.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer.

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INTERVIEW: Sharon Catherine Brown Live at BroadwayCon 2023! Dec 30, 2023

In an enjoyable BroadwayCon encounter this past summer, I found myself in the heart of all things Broadway, rubbing shoulders with the stars and hosting live interviews for the Broadway Podcast Network. While my conversation with Jelani Alladin about Frozen and Hercules has already been shared in a previous episode of Why I’ll Never Make It, today we delve into my interview with the talented Broadway actress Sharon Catherine Brown.

I had the pleasure of working with her on a new musical last year, and in this bonus episode we chat about that a bit, but the primary focus is on her time with Jekyll & Hyde. We'll also explore her contributions to iconic musicals like Dreamgirls and Caroline, Or Change, gaining valuable advice for aspiring performers along the way.

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A production of WINMI Media. CN Theme music is by Blake Stadnik. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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Patrick Stewart Brings A Christmas Carol to Life Dec 19, 2023

One of the most enduring and iconic tales of the Christmas season comes from famed British writer Charles Dickens. His 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol, would become his most famous work, and the character of Scrooge is part of our lexicon now, being synonymous with someone who doesn’t enjoy the holidays.

With many so stage and screen adaptations of this story, it surprised me to find out that its first appearance on Broadway wasn’t until 1981—a musical by Michael Legrand and Sheldon Harnick. Famed British actor and Star Trek captain, Patrick Stewart, would bring a one-man version of the Dickens classic to Broadway four different times at four different theaters, with the last time being in 2001 at the Marquis Theater.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

Click here to find the transcript for this episode and a full list of links and resources used.

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The Drowsy Chaperone Wakes Up on Broadway Dec 04, 2023

Over the history of the Marquis Theatre, three musicals have closed during the month of December. Two of them we've already covered here on the podcast: Me and My Girl and Nick & Nora. The third one was The Drowsy Chaperone and is the focus of this bonus mini-episode. It starred Tony Award winner Sutton Foster was cast as Janet Van De Graff, Emmy-nominated TV star Georgia Engel was Mrs. Tottendale, British actor Edward Hibbert played Underling, and the inimitable Beth Leavel took on the title role of the Chaperone.

My goal was to keep this under 15 minutes, but the more I learned, the more I had to include. Plus, I finally had to figure out why it didn't win Best Musical. So please enjoy this "quick" look at one of the most successful musicals that has come and gone from the Marquis.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

Click here to find the transcript for this episode and a full list of links and resources used.

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INTERVIEWS: Darren Lee & Mark Hoebee, dancers and ensemble members in Victor/Victoria Nov 13, 2023

Welcome to the final episode of Closing Night’s first season! We’ve covered eight different Broadway musicals at the Marquis Theatre that closed too soon, with our final show being Victor/Victoria, written and directed by Blake Edwards and starring his wife Julie Andrews. And in this interview episode we're featuring two members of that Broadway cast.

Darren Lee - We talk about his experiences working with legendary leading ladies like Julie Andrews, Liza Minnelli, and Raquel Welch, including the rehearsal process, behind-the-scenes dynamics, and the impact of star power on the overall show experience. He also discusses the challenges of being an Asian actor, yet the thrills he's had being a part of various Broadway productions.

Mark Hoebee - Our conversation revolves around the experiences and challenges of producing a theatrical show, including the intricacies of staging and directing, the impact of key personalities, and the dedication and resilience of the cast and crew. The conversation covers the creative process, the influence of notable individuals such as Julie Andrews, the dynamic nature of live performances, and the unwavering commitment of those involved in the production.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

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Victor/Victoria and the Return of Julie Andrews to Broadway Nov 06, 2023

Thirteen years after starring in Victor/Victoria across cinemas nationwide, Julie Andrews made a triumphant return to Broadway in this highly anticipated stage adaptation, directed by her husband Blake Edwards. Playing a female singer masquerading as a man pretending to be a woman, Andrews ended a 33-year hiatus with the show's opening at the Marquis Theatre.

In this emotional episode, experience Andrews' heartfelt opening night of joy as she was joined by a stellar cast of 32 performers. They included Broadway veterans like Tony Roberts, Rachel York, and Gregory Jbara The show featured both original film tunes and new compositions by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, with some help by Frank Wildhorn.

Despite setbacks, including changes to the creative team, the untimely death of a composer, critical reviews, and internal squabbles, Victor/Victoria signified a remarkable comeback for Julie Andrews. Join us as we delve into the journey from movie musical to Broadway spectacle, exploring the highs and lows that made Victor/Victoria a memorable chapter in Broadway history.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer, and a big thank you goes to E. Clay Cornelious for sharing his experiences with the short-lived Jekyll & Hyde revival and its cast and creatives.

Click here to find the transcript for this episode and a full list of links and resources used.

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INTERVIEW: E. Clayton Cornelious, the Caterpillar in WONDERLAND Oct 30, 2023

To take you further behind the scenes of Wonderland, I’m sharing my conversation with E. Clayton Cornelious, who played the part of Caterpillar and is also a Broadway producer himself of such shows as Ain't Too Proud, Chicken and Biscuits, and New York, New York.

In the previous episode, we explored the musical world of Frank Wildhorn and two of his shows that graced the Marquis Theatre for only about a month each, and E. Clay was a big help in putting that episode together. Now, you’ll get our full interview, full of anecdotes and tidbits I couldn't fit into the mail episode. You'll learn about how he was ultimately cast in Wonderland and even more about what was going backstage during rehearsals and performances. And being a producer as well, E. Clay also provides extra insight into what it means for a show to close so quickly.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

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Frank Wildhorn - How Jekyll & Hyde and Wonderland Became "The Crab Grass of Broadway" Oct 23, 2023

Ever since he burst onto the Broadway scene in the 1990s with Jekyll & Hyde, Frank Wildhorn has remained an intriguing figure in American Musical Theatre. (In fact, the title of this episode comes from a New York Times review of the 2013 J&H revival.) But Wildhorn’s journey is far from a conventional success story, nor was it a typical path to the Broadway stage. But among his seven Broadway musicals, three of them have appeared at the Marquis Theater: Victor/Victoria, Wonderland, and a 2013 revival production of Jekyll & Hyde.

Now, Victor/Victoria will actually get its own episode to close out the first season of this podcast, so this one is actually going to be a combo episode, covering the other two shows together. That’s because they both share a lot in common: Wonderland and Jekyll & Hyde were both written by Wildhorn, both were based on famous literary stories, both were universally panned, and both of them ran for less than a month. Here are the stories of how and why that happened.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer, and a big thank you goes to E. Clay Cornelious for sharing his experiences with the short-lived Jekyll & Hyde revival and its cast and creatives.

Click here to find the transcript for this episode and a full list of links and resources used.

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INTERVIEW: Leah Horowitz, a Swing and Understudy in The Woman in White Oct 16, 2023

To take you further behind the scenes of this Broadway production, I’m sharing my conversation with Leah Horowitz, who was a swing in The Woman in White and an understudy for leading actress Maria Friedman.

In the previous episode, we explored this lesser known Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, and Leah was a big help in putting that episode together. Now, you’ll get our full interview, full of anecdotes and tidbits I couldn't fit into the mail episode. You'll learn about how she was cast in the show and even more about what was going backstage during rehearsals and performances. And as someone who’s performed in 5 different Broadway shows at the Marquis Theatre, Leah also provides extra insight into what it was like what working in this venue.

Follow Closing Night on Instagram and listen on your favorite podcast app.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

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The Woman in White Vanishes on Broadway Oct 09, 2023

When Bad Cinderella closed in June of this year, it signified the first time in 43 years that Broadway was without an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, and it became the second shortest run ever for one of his musicals on Broadway. Bad Cinderella also represented the second collaboration between Lloyd Webber and lyricist David Zippel. Their first show together was The Woman in White, which began in London in 2004 (starring Michael Crawford) and then opened at the Marquis Theatre the following year (starring Maria Friedman).

By the time Woman in White came to New York, it had been 10 years since Sunset Boulevard and it would be another 10 till School of Rock. During this interim, between 1997 and 2015, Lloyd Webber didn’t have an original musical or revival last more than 9 months on Broadway (including the Evita revival I previously did an episode on), so I guess you could say he was in a bit of a dry spell. Nonetheless, The Woman in White could’ve and probably should’ve done better, and in this episode we’ll explore some of the reasons it didn’t—and how a white rat ended up stealing the show.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer, and a big thank you goes to Leah Horowitz for sharing her experiences with this short-lived show and its talented cast.

Click here to find the transcript for this episode and a full list of links and resources used.

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INTERVIEW: Mark Hoebee Shares Backstage Drama from Nick & Nora Oct 02, 2023

In the previous episode you learned bumpy road to Broadway for Nick & Nora, one of Broadway's biggest flops. And in this bonus interview episode, you'll hear from Mark Hoebee, the swing and dance captain for the show who actually worked with the creatives as actors were fired and the show kept changing up until opening night. He gives behind the scenes insights into the rehearsal process and some of the challenges this show faced just getting onstage.

You can also get an extra conversation with the show's lyricist on Why I’ll Never Make It. As one of Nick & Nora's creators, Richard Maltby, Jr gives even more backstory to how this musical failed and couldn't overcome all its obstacles. You can find that episode here.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

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Nick & Nora Goes from Broadway Dream to Nightmare Sep 25, 2023

In 1991, Broadway witnessed one of its most spectacular falls from grace with Nick & Nora, a musical adaptation of the beloved The Thin Man novel and film series. With a dream team that included Arthur Laurents, the creative force behind classics like West Side Story and Gypsy, Charles Strouse, the prolific composer of Bye Bye Birdie and Annie, and Richard Maltby Jr., known for Ain't Misbehavin', this show had all the makings of a hit. The star-studded cast featured Barry Bostwick and Joanna Gleason, among others. However, despite the promise on paper, Nick & Nora faced an unprecedented series of delays, setbacks, and ultimately, a one-week run.

This episode sheds light on why the show faced so many challenges, from those who were there every step of the way. We explore the explosive clashes, financial woes, and behind-the-scenes drama that led to Nick & Nora's abrupt closure, serving as a cautionary tale that even Broadway's brightest stars can find themselves lost in the shadows.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer, and a big thank you goes to Richard Maltby, Jr and Mark Hoebee for their candor and openness in sharing their stories from this tumultuous musical.

Click here to find the transcript for this episode and a full list of links and resources used.

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INTERVIEW: Rodney Hicks and His Real Life Come From Away Sep 18, 2023

Welcome back to Closing Night, a theater history podcast celebrating Broadway shows that closed too soon. In the previous episode we went back to the dark days of 9/11 as Broadway went dark and had to find its own way back as a nation grieved and was forever changed.

Back in 2021, which marked the 20th anniversary of those devastating 9/11 attacks, a live recording of the Broadway production of Come From Away was released. It featured many past and present members of the cast. But one of the original cast members, Rodney Hicks, was absent from the filming. And in this bonus episode I’m sharing a conversation I had with Rodney on my other podcast Why I’ll Never Make It. We discuss his long journey with the show, and how it came to a rather sudden end. Yet through it all, though, Rodney remained sure that even in the darkest of times, there is still some light to be found.

Rodney Hicks was featured in two episodes on Why I’ll Never Make It and they can be found on your favorite podcast app or on Youtube.

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Follow Closing Night on Instagram and listen to it on your favorite podcast app!

Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

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Broadway Goes Dark - Remembering 9/11 Sep 11, 2023

The Marquis Theatre was having great success in 2001 with the revival of Annie Get Your Gun. It had opened in 1999 with Bernadette Peters and Tom Wopat and became just the second show in Marquis history to surpass 1000 performances. It closed with Crystal Bernard in the title role with Tom Wopat coming back as Frank Butler to close the show on September 1, 2001.

But ten days after Annie Get Your Gun closed, all of Broadway closed, New York City shut down, and an entire nation was brought to its knees in anguish, heartache, and disbelief. Everything stopped.

So far this season, Closing Night has been focused on individual shows at the Marquis Theatre and how and why they closed. But in this special episode, we’ll look at the whole Broadway community—the shows and actors and industry leaders—how they were affected by 9/11 and what it took to bring theater back to New York City.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer, and a big thank you goes to Playbill, the Guides Association of NYC, and the American September Project whose resources made this episode possible.

Click here for the transcript and full list of links and resources used in this episode.

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INTERVIEWS: Christina DeCicco and Sammi Cannold on Their Experiences with Evita Sep 04, 2023

Throughout this season and in between the main episodes, you get to hear some of my interviews with artists, creatives, and industry experts. And in this bonus interview episode, two of the guests from the Evita episode share more stories and insights.

The first one is actress Christina DeCicco, who played Eva Peron twice a week in the 2012 Broadway revival of Evita. She talks about her audition process, what rehearsals were like, and how she went about portrayed this iconic leading lady. I even open up a bit about my own time on the national tour and some of the parallels we both had in our respective productions.

Next, is Sammi Cannold, a director and long-time fan of the musical itself. She was actually in Argentina when we had this conversation, and she’ll be sharing what she’s learned about this larger-than-life woman, who even decades later is still very much a part of the fabric of Argentina life and culture. This research has informed each of the three productions she's directed of Evita. The latest one was at American Reperatory Theater in Summer of 2023, which the Boston Globe called "Exceptional! A new generation’s take on Evita."

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

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EVITA - The First Lady of Argentina Returns to Broadway Aug 28, 2023

In April of 2012, the very first revival of Evita came to Broadway, having done the same in London six years earlier. And in both productions, the title role featured a relatively unknown actress to Western audiences: Elena Roger. She followed a select few chosen to take on one of the most difficult female roles in musical theater. First, there was Julie Covington, then Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone, and Madonna. Among this group of women, Madonna was the only one to have already been a celebrity when she took on the role. As for the other ladies, it was Evita that introduced them to the world and turned them into stars. Such is the power of this musical, with book and lyrics by Tim Rice and the iconic score by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Whether it’s the 2006 West End revival or its subsequent transfer to Broadway in 2012, neither version even lasted a year, a far cry from their respective original productions. So how did this revival differ from those previous productions? And why couldn’t it recapture the fame and longevity of the original? In this episode, we’ll explore the history of this high-flying adored musical and the factors that led to its Broadway revival. We’ll also highlight some challenges this production faced and the impact Evita continues to have on audiences today.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer. Much appreciation goes to Hal Luftig, Christina DeCicco, and Sammi Cannold for their insights as well as the voice talents of our very own Dan Delgado.

Click here for the transcript and full list of links and resources used in this episode.

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INTERVIEW: Lisa Howard Works 9 to 5 and then Escapes to Margaritaville Aug 21, 2023

In the previous episode you learned about the 30-year journey of 9 to 5, from a movie to a a big hit song to a TV show and eventually a Broadway musical. And in this bonus interview episode, you'll hear from Lisa Howard, one of the ensemble members in 9 to 5 who played Franklin Hart’s wife and was a part of the show from its early days in Los Angeles until its closing night on Broadway. She gives behind the scenes insights into the rehearsal process and some of the challenges this show faced just getting onstage and actually making it through a performance without stopping.

But wait, there’s more! You’ll also get an extra conversation about another musical Lisa did at the Marquis Theatre: Escape to Margaritaville. Now, this musical went through 4 out-of-town tryouts in 2017 before finally coming to Broadway the following year. But Margaritaville and its Jimmy Buffett score met with mixed reviews and only lasted 3.5 months at the Marquis.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

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9 TO 5 - Dolly Parton Comes to Broadway Aug 14, 2023

When 9 to 5 premiered on Broadway in 2009, the musical had all the makings of a surefire hit: it was based on a beloved classic comedic film and had one of the catchiest pop hits of the 80s by none other than Dolly Parton.

Needless to say, 9 to 5 the Musical was eagerly anticipated by fans of the movie and theatergoers alike. The film's message of female empowerment and standing up against workplace discrimination has continued to resonate with audiences. Add to that a star-studded cast and an award-winning creative team that included the Grammy-winning Queen of country music herself, this show had everything going for it.

Yet despite the initial buzz and excitement, 9 to 5 struggled to maintain its momentum on Broadway and clocked out of the Marquis Theatre after less than five months. Was this a case of bad reviews, bad decisions, or simply bad luck? As we’ll discover, there were many factors that contributed to such a short run on Broadway. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this story is how it illuminates the inner workings of the movie-to-musical pipeline and the delicate balance between making art and making money.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer. Much appreciation goes to Lisa Howard for her insights as well as the voice talents of Christy Williamson and our very own Dan Delgado. Some of the 9 to 5 instrumental music was provided by Musical em Bom Português, check out their wonderful backing tracks for various musicals.

Click here for the transcript and full list of resources used in this episode (and there were a lot of them, believe me).

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Me and My Girl - Opening the Marquis Theatre Jul 31, 2023

In August 1986, the delightful British musical Me and My Girl made its grand entrance at the Marquis Theatre, starring the talented Robert Lindsay. A fusion of Pygmalion and Cinderella, the show revolves around Bill Snibson, a carefree Cockney man who unexpectedly discovers he is an Earl and must abandon his Lambeth girlfriend, Sally Smith, to claim his title and estate. Mark Robinson, a renowned theater historian, raves about the production, declaring it to be a source of pure joy, captivating audiences and critics alike.

However, behind the scenes, the Marquis Theatre faced significant challenges that affected the run of the musical. The original plans for the theater did not align with city regulations, leading to constant revisions during construction, which resulted in sewage, plumbing, and heating issues onstage and backstage. In this episode you'll learn about the history and tremendous success of Me and My Girl both in London and New York, and you'll find out why the theater owners, eyeing an even more profitable replacement, decided to end the run of this award-winning show prematurely.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer. Much appreciation goes Mark Robinson for his insights as well as the voice talents of George Livings, Gabrielle Ruiz, and our very own Dan Delgado.

Click here for a transcript and full list of resources used in this episode (and there were a lot of them, believe me).

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INTERVIEW: Joe Rosenberg and Save the Theaters Jul 24, 2023

Welcome back to Closing Night! Throughout this season and in between the main episodes, I’ll take you further behind the scenes by giving you bonus episodes like this of the interviews I’ve had with artists, creatives, and industry experts.

In the previous episode you learned about the contentious history of the Marquis Theatre, and heard from those who protested its construction and led efforts to stop five theater buildings from being demolished. One of those people was Joe Rosenberg, co-founder of Save the Theaters and someone who has been instrumental in landmarking historic Broadway venues throughout the New York City theater district. Along with his preservation work, he own and operates V.I.P. Tours of New York, through which he offers custom behind-the-scenes theatre/architecture tours in New York and other cities.

Joe was certainly a wealth of knowledge as I did research for that first episode about events that happened more than 40 years ago. And in this full interview, Joe shares his own background and interests that led him to Save the Theaters as well as the hard-fought battles and protests that surrounded the Portman hotel and theater complex.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

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The Curse of the Marquis Theater Jul 17, 2023

Throughout March of 1982, in often cold and wet conditions, thousands actors and demonstrators gathered at a portable stage in midtown Manhattan in the heart of the theater district. For weeks they shouted and sang and pleaded in front of an empty Morosco Theatre to protest its impending demolition along with other historic venues, which were to be replaced by a huge hotel and theater complex.

Along the way, some of the biggest names of the stage and screen offered their support as well like Tony Randall, Liza Minnelli, Robert Redford, Susan Sarandon, and Christopher Reeve. But one of the biggest voices in this protest was The Public Theater’s founder and producer Joseph Papp, who wanted to stop this destruction and actually preserve these beautiful and historical venues.

In this introductory episode, we’ll learn about the significance of five theaters (the Morosco, Bijou, Astor, Gaiety, and original Helen Hayes) that were all demolished to make way for what would become the Marriott Hotel and Marquis Theatre in what critics have called “The Great Theater Massacre of 1982.”

Listen on your favorite podcast app!

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Blake Stadnik composed the theme music, and Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer.

Much appreciation goes to Joe Rosenberg and Mark Robinson for their insights, Tim Dolan for his support, Robert Armin who captured those street protests back in 1982, as well as the voice talents of our own Dan Delgado and Kate McClanaghan from Actors’ SOUND ADVICE.

Click here for a transcript and full list of resources used in this episode (and there were a lot of them, believe me).

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Welcome to Closing Night! Jul 10, 2023

The first season of Closing Night begins July 17th and takes a look at Broadway's Marquis Theater. It will chronicle the many troubled productions that have come and gone throughout this theater's young history.

Click here to follow and listen on your favorite podcast app!

This new theater history podcast is hosted by Patrick Oliver Jones, who also heads up another Broadway Podcast Network show, Why I’ll Never Make It. Co-producer is Dan Delgado of The Industry as well as Maria Clara Ribeiro from The Tonight Show

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