Settling Scores: The Musical Theatre Podcast

Shave and a Haircut: Two Bits About Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, was Stephen Sondheim’s tenth show and is generally considered his masterwork, a melodically and dramatically adventurous piece that’s been produced in both musical theatre and opera houses the world over. Though billed as a musical, it’s roughly 80 percent sung, meaning it feels more like it’s been baked into an operetta (pun very much intended), complete with a semi-domesticated serial killer and an upwardly mobile cannibal cook. The original 1979 Broadway production won eight Tony Awards, including recognition as the season’s best musical. Its ravishing, deeply emotional music combined with zany moments of levity have made it a favorite for many, but our hosts have both love and gentle (and hilarious!) criticism to share with those who care to attend our tale...er...podcast.

1776: Finding the Fabulous and the Funny in the Founding Fathers

"1776" tells the story of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in...you guessed it...1776. The show premiered on Broadway in 1969 and went on to win three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In this episode, we do a deep dive into the score, major recordings, and the movie, finding the fabulous and the funny in this amazing, irreverent take on our all-too-human founding fathers.