Settling Scores: The Musical Theatre Podcast

Murder and Mayhem in Monte Carlo: Ahrens and Flaherty’s "Lucky Stiff"

Ron Faber (left) and Stephen Stout (right) in Lucky Stiff. Photo by Peter Cunningham.
This episode of Settling Scores dives into the delightfully offbeat world of Lucky Stiff, the cult-favorite musical that helped launch the legendary songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. With its rapid-fire wit, breakneck(!) farce, and charming score, Lucky Stiff showcases the early sparks of a musical theatre partnership that would go on to create Ragtime, Once on This Island, and Anastasia. We'll attempt to outline the show's wild plot and swoon over some lovely musical moments, all while tracing how Ahrens and Flaherty’s unique voice first took shape. Along the way, we unpack behind-the-scenes stories, creative risks, and why this small, zany musical still punches far above its weight. Call it a love letter to joyful absurdity.
Perfect for fans who like their Broadway deep dives smart, irreverent...and perhaps a little feisty!
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Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens circa 1988
Julie White and Stephen Stout in Lucky Stiff. Photo by Peter Cunningham.
New York Times review of Lucky Stiff from 4/27/1988
 
John Scamardella (standing) and Steve Mook (seated). Pull-Tight Players Theatre production of Lucky Stiff, 2025. Photo credit: Three Wishes Photography
Jeremy Hargis (left) and Bre Hall (right). Pull-Tight Players Theatre production of Lucky Stiff, 2025. Photo credit: Three Wishes Photography
The incomparable Mary Testa. Photo credit: Michael Kushner
 
Original playbill from Playwright's Horizon
 
The *interesting* movie version of Lucky Stiff.

Tony Awards Special, Part 2: Did The Tonys Get It Right?—Best Score Winners 2000-2024

The 2025 Tony Awards Special continues! In the second part, Lenny and Forrest put the Best Score Tony Award under the microscope. Get ready for some lively discussion as they go year-by-year through the post-2000 winners, debating whether the Tony voters made the right choice. You won't want to miss their hot takes and signature passionate banter!
Join us over on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages to tell us what you think and enjoy bonus content!

Tony Awards Special, Part 1: Top Ten Performances Countdown

Part one of our 2025 Tony Awards Special finds our Broadway buffs Lenny and Forrest counting down their top ten favorite Tony Awards performances of all time. They’ll reveal and compare their individual picks, sharing behind-the-scenes trivia and hot takes, along with their usual passionate (and witty!) banter. Be sure to listen to the end to find out about our *new content feature* for your listening pleasure!
 
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Keeping Company with Sondheim

In this episode, we dive into one of the most groundbreaking musicals in Broadway history: Company. More than half a century ago, in 1970, Company burst onto the scene and forever changed the landscape of musical theatre. With both music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, already renowned for his work on West Side Story and Gypsy, this show marked his first collaboration with legendary director Hal Prince. Company introduced audiences to Robert, a perpetually single man navigating love, commitment, and connection through a series of vignettes rather than a traditional linear plot.
This “concept musical” broke new ground, blending sharp social commentary with an unforgettable score that includes songs like “Being Alive,” “Getting Married Today,” and “The Ladies Who Lunch.” It earned 14 Tony nominations and won six, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, cementing Sondheim’s place as a musical theatre titan.
From its original 705-performance run to its acclaimed revivals in 1995, 2006, 2018, and 2021, Company remains as vital, funny, and thought-provoking as ever.
Check out our Company playlist on our YouTube channel, and join us over on our Facebook and Instagram pages to tell us what you think!
    
    
    
 

A Close-Up on Sunset Boulevard

In this episode, we step into the world of faded glamour, haunting melodies, and Hollywood dreams that refuse to die. Sunset Boulevard, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush and dramatic musical, brings Billy Wilder’s iconic film to life on stage, telling the story of Norma Desmond, the once-great silent film star who longs for a triumphant return to fame.
We’ll explore everything that makes Sunset Boulevard a musical masterpiece—from its soaring score and unforgettable performances to its behind-the-scenes drama and cultural impact. You’ll find out why Patti Lupone (allegedly) tore her dressing room apart, named her pool the “Andrew Lloyd Webber Memorial,” and what ignited one of the biggest feuds in Broadway history! Join us as we delve into the show’s origins, its many legendary Normas, and how it continues to captivate audiences decades after its premiere.
So…are you ready for your close-up on Sunset Boulevard?
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Something Wicked This Way Comes

It's no surprise that with the recent release of the movie version of Wicked, we here at Settling Scores have chosen to compare and contrast it with the original Broadway cast album we all know and love. However, you may be surprised to hear how much the guys disagree on everything from lyrics to casting to character arcs!
Also in this episode, Forrest and Stephanie act out two *thrilling* scenes, Lenny discusses "polishing a turd," and we engage in a friendly debate over the 2004 Tony Awards, which resulted in some seriously eyebrow-raising wins and snubs.
So join us for a few hours as we discuss one of the most successful Broadway productions - and now films - of all time: Wicked!
And join us over on our Facebook and Instagram pages to tell us what you think!
 
 
 
 

Somewhere That's Mean: Settling Scores Feasts on Little Shop of Horrors

Join us down on Skid Row with our latest episode - "Somewhere That's Mean: Settling Scores Feasts on Little Shop of Horrors." Categorizing LSOH (with music by Alan Menken and lyrics/book by Howard Ashman) is a bit tricky. Here’s our best effort: it’s a genre-crossing cult classic chamber musical with elements of dark comedy, horror (obviously), and sci-fi with a ton of catchy Motown-inspired earworms and a giant puppet. Phew.While the musical does venture into heavier themes of ambition, morality, sadism, and the dangers of unchecked desire, the story is balanced with moments of humor and genuine heart, particularly in Seymour’s tender interactions with Audrey, who dreams of escaping her abusive relationship and finding a better life. Join us as we discover and discuss the roots of this campy, brilliant, B-movie inspired musical and have a bloody good time along the way."
 
The cast and creative team of the original production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” In the front at center are Howard Ashman, left, wearing plaid, and Alan Menken, lying on the floor.
Howard Ashman directing Ellen Greene, who played Audrey. “He just loved me, and when a director just adores your creativity, your creativity blooms,” she said.

Into the Weeds with Into the Woods

Once Upon A Time…
In this episode of Settling Scores, Lenny, Forrest, and Stephanie discuss Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s fractured fairytale mashup, Into the Woods. Classic stories like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk are all featured in this surprisingly dark and twisty musical, with a bodycount rivaled only by Sondheim's Sweeney Todd.
Is this his funniest score? Can any of the new cast albums stand up to the original? Do community theaters program the show too often?
Join us as we wade into the weeds to debate these topics and more, in our episode covering Into the Woods.
And join us over on our Facebook and Instagram pages to tell us what you think!
Sondheim, Peters, and Lapine
 
Danielle Ferland, original Little Red
 
Phylicia Rashad as the Witch
 
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, 2010
 
Into the Woods 2014 Film Cast with Sondheim
 
Sara Bareilles and Neil Patrick Harris in the Encores! production of “Into the Woods” at New York City Center, 2022