6 Podcasts For New Broadway Fans
By Gianluca Russo
Plug in your headphones for tomorrow's morning commute and check out these podcasts involving everything from drunken interviews with some of the biggest names on Broadway to fascinating theatre history that you never realized you needed to know!
The Hamilcast
Gillian Pensavalle & Bianca Soto tackle America’s #1 hit musical in The Hamilcast. As they put it, “we talk all things Hamilton including how it brings people together, how we find Ham references in everyday life, and the general brilliance of the show. We'll also have special guests along the way ranging from people actually involved in the production, to the minds behind some of the best social media accounts inspired by the show, to teachers who use the music to get their students excited about history, and everything in between.”
Start with: OG Hamilton cast member Andrew Chappelle’s episode. His sassy and upbeat personality makes for an extremely entertaining episode where the bunch talk the life of a Broadway swing, who plays over 10 roles (!) in the show.
Broadwaysted
What’s better than getting drunk and going to see a Broadway show? Nothing! If you’re looking for a truly entertaining hour of listening, Broadwaysted is the podcast for you. Join Bryan, Kimberly and Kevin as they drink up with Broadway favorites like Matt Doyle and Lesli Margherita (yes, that's her real name and she's our Queen).
Start with: Supergirl and Newsies star Jeremy Jordan’s episode. Grab a beer and drink along as the Broadwaysted team reads fan faction and plays "Fantasy Date Night" with the stage and screen star.
Theater People
Patrick Hinds' Theater People features hour-long interviews with everyone from Aladdin's James Monroe Iglehart to Tony Winner and Nashville star Laura Benanti. This podcast is that rare mix of informative and entertaining, jam packed with laughs, fun stories and the occasional tear-jerking moments that you don’t want to miss.
Start with: Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda’s episode. Duh, he's Our Supreme Leader.
The Ensemblist
Broadway mainstays Nikka Graff Lanzarone & Mo Brady tackle what it’s like to be a member of a Broadway ensemble in their podcast The Ensemblist. They speak with unsung heroes of the theatre community, covering topics such as swings, replacements, dance captains, tech week and much more that happens in a Broadway show that the general public usually doesn't know about.
Start with: their episode with dramaturg Anika Chapin. You will learn what dramaturgy is and want to quit your day job to become a dramaturg!
Little Known Facts
Broadway vet Ilana Levine’s podcast features stars of stage and screen is the one of the newest in the bunch, but already one of our favorites. Levine’s approach at interviewing stars such as Matthew Broderick and Roger Bart is raw, honest and unfiltered.
Start with: Kristin Chenoweth’s episode. The pair met when they both starred in 1999's You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and remain close friends, so it is very intimate and lovely. Kristin's story about going to Prince's house will have you on the edge of your seat!
Broadway Backstory
This new podcast from TodayTix, also hosted by Patrick Hinds, tells the story behind Broadway's most successful musicals. From The Secret Garden to Legally Blonde, Hinds and special guests break down everything that goes into these hit shows.
Start with: The Deaf West production of Spring Awakening episode, which took Broadway by storm in 2016. You will be fascinated as you learn about the challenges involved with putting up a musical with deaf actors in starring roles.
