Best Playbill Podcasts (2024)

1
#107 - Logging Back On... 1:10:27

1h ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Lori and Aria are taking a breather from doomscrolling to finally return with a new episode to discuss, once again, the concept of being terminally online in lieu of finding fulfillment in the meatspace, with a look at "Red Rooms" (2023) and "We're All Going to the World's Fair" (2021). Major spoilers for both films. Audio clip from "Don't Want to …

1
Almost Famous 52:31

2M ago52:31

52:31

Grow out your hair, open those collared shirts, and burn them bras, ladies: we’re going back to the 1970s with Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous! Adapted from the 2000 movie of the same name, this adaptation features book and lyrics by Crowe with music by Tom Kitt. Paul and Jill squeeze into their tour van to ponder: what makes a good movie adaptation?…

1
Episode 2 - Playbills 56:42

2M ago56:42

56:42

Send us fan mail! This episode we talk about those free little books you get when you see a musical! Why are Playbills free? What is a Stagebill? What do pop star Gwen Stefani and the 1960's musical "Fiddler on the Roof" have in common? And why is P.T. Barnum the worst?? *All music clips included are for educational purposes!* Some sources and link…

1
Lempicka 1:07:22

3M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

We’re back, baby! Join Paul and Jill for a scholarly study of 2024’s Lempicka, starring Eden Espinosa as the titular painter. Not to paint this show with a broad brush, but Paul and Jill found it a bit sketchy. Why were there Suicide Squad-esque place subtitles? Can there be two musicals about painters? And can sad men chill for like, a second? We …

1
Episode 1 - Spyro the Dragon 1:02:44

3M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Send us fan mail! Raven uses her podcast as an excuse to gush to her wife about dragons, old synths, the woes of porting a game overseas, and Stewart Copeland. And Clover loves their wife very much. Our first episode is a deep dive into the successes and failures of the classic PS1 trilogy! Support the show Intro/Outro music by: Josie Brechner Fuel…

1
Cocktails with Kevin Cahoon: Helicopters and Horse#*^! 1:00:40

7M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

The Houston native made his Broadway debut in The Who's Tommy, other credits include The Lion King, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Rocky Horror Show, and The Wedding Singer. Off-Broadway audiences have seen his work in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Foreigner (Lucille Lortel nomination), The Wild Party, How I Learned to Drive, and Shaggs. His screen …

1
Cats (2019) 1:16:40

9M ago1:16:40

1:16:40

Everyone's favourite musical theatre nerds are coming to you live and in-person! Join us for a saucy late-night show where we dive in to one of musical theatre’s greatest embarrassments: 2019's Cats, in all its human-fingered/CGI/Jason Derulo glory. We got MERCH y’all! Visit Spring to check out our mugs, t-shirts, hoodies and more! Instagram: @monk…

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#23 - How to Dance in Ohio: From Documentary to Broadway Musical 44:24

9M ago44:24

44:24

This episode features some of the key creative team behind the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio, a heartwarming musical based on a true story that follows a group of young adults on the autism spectrum preparing for a spring formal dance. The show is praised for its uplifting message, its celebration of neurodiversity, and its talented cast, w…

1
#106 - Peanus Peril Playbill 57:12

1y ago57:12

57:12

Aria and Lori get Freudian as they explore the existential concept of one's "peanus hort so bad" with the castration anxiety-inducing films "Killer Condom" (1996) and "Bad Biology" (2008). Major spoilers for both films. Audio clip from "The Whitest Kids U' Know" (2010). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
#22 - BroadwayCon: Making Magic Happen 39:19

1+ y ago39:19

39:19

BroadwayCon 2023 is here!!! This thrilling, not-to-be-missed, immersive Broadway experience is jam-packed with Broadway Stars, Panel Discussions, Cosplay, Games, Performances and so much more. No surprise that it takes a year to organize!! How do they do it?? Join us for a fascinating discussion with BroadwayCon Founder Melissa Anelli, Creative Dir…

1
Bad Cinderella with Nelson Bettencourt 1:19:01

1+ y ago1:19:01

1:19:01

Hear ye, hear ye! You’re invited to a royal ball - and we hear it’s “Bad.” It’s Bad Cinderella, y’all! Paul, Jill, and returning guest Nelson Bettencourt huddle in the town square, wondering: didn’t this composer do some better stuff first? Is one “bad” for having internalized misogyny? And why don’t we just officially rename this “Carmello Cast” a…

1
The Wild Party with Peter Fernandes 1:30:01

1+ y ago1:30:01

1:30:01

This week, we’re inviting very special guest Peter Fernandes to a Wild Party! Michael John LaChiusa’s Wild Party, to be specific. Paul, Jill, and Peter huddle in the corner, whispering furtively: did you hear what Mandy Patinkin did? What ever happened to that bright Australian upstart who played Queenie? And wait, are we sure we’re talking about t…

1
TRAILER: Tales of the Great Transfiguration 0:49

1+ y ago0:49

0:49

From award-winning writer Ben Townsley, Tales of the Great Transfiguration explores an event that swept through the city of Providence, RI, transforming people into anything and everything. An expectant father transformed into a silverback gorilla. A husband erupted into 45 million dollars in cash. A lighthouse turned into a - well, we won't spoil …

1
Cocktails with Lucie Arnaz: Matinée "Idles" 1:04:00

1+ y ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Lucie Arnaz has had an extremely diversified career spanning over 50 years in show business. She has starred on the New York stage in They’re Playing Our Song (Theatre World, LA Drama Critics and Outer Critic’s Circle Awards), Lost in Yonkers, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Pippin and Grace and Glorie; in the London premiere of The Witches Of Eastwick; i…

1
#105 - Let the Bodies Keep the Score 1:39:31

1+ y ago1:39:31

1:39:31

Queer Horror Cult awakens from its slumber with a return to sicko mode as Aria and Lori discuss the weirdly horny horror of Brandon Cronenberg. This week, join in for a dissection of the collapse of psychic dualism with a look at "Antiviral" (2012), "Possessor" (2020), and "Infinity Pool" (2023). As per usual, major spoiler warning for the three fi…

1
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark 1:19:00

2y ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Paul, Jill, and our live audience of dedicated Playbills are swinging through the streets of New York City with our first-ever live episode! We’re sharpening our Spidey senses for a look at 2011’s “Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark”. Paul, Jill, and our rogues gallery demand answers! Why is there reference to a Greek goddess? Do The Edge’s friends just…

1
Merrily We Roll Along 1:10:38

2y ago1:10:38

1:10:38

Welcome to the show (ba ba-da da)! We’re travelling backwards in time with 1981’s Merrily We Roll Along, with music by up-and-coming Broadway nobody Stephen Sondheim. Paul and Jill provide important answers, followed by questions such as: where does one get a sweatshirt showing their narrative significance? Why does Hal Prince loves bleachers so mu…

1
Closed but No Cigar: Phantom, Beetlejuice, and 1776

2y ago

—

We’re exploring three shows bidding adieu to the Great White Way: Beetlejuice, Phantom of the Opera, and 1776! It’s the ghost with the most, the phantom with the fandom, and… the lesser-known founding fathers musical. Paul, Jill, and Daph ask deep, though-provoking questions such as: is it easy to receive vocal coaching through layers of brick? Sho…

1
Cocktails with Lee Wilkof: Disco Beaver From Outer Space 1:03:55

2y ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Lee Wilkof is a Tony, Obie, and Drama Desk nominated actor, perhaps best known for originating the role of Seymour Krelborn in the original off-Broadway production of the cult classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors. Additional off-Broadway highlights include: originating the role of Samuel Byk in Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Assassins (Dram…

1
#104 - Our Most Self-Indulgent Episode Yet 1:27:56

2y ago1:27:56

1:27:56

This week, Lori and Aria are joined by Kylie (of Bad Dad Rad Dad podcast) and Tor to provide commentary on two short films we collaborated on. Strap in as we look at "Mary Från Amerika" (2016) and "Donor" (2017). This episode features video content available on our youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@queerhorrorcult Audio clip from "The Sim…

1
The Threepenny Opera with Debbie Patterson 48:28

2y ago48:28

48:28

We’re travelling way, way, WAY back in time to the 1930s with Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera! This week, we’re joined by Sick + Twisted Theatre’s Debbie Patterson, to talk all things Verfremdungseffekt. Paul, Jill, and Debbie puzzle over such questions as: why does Brecht hate applause? What other sneaky show tunes was the Cha…

1
#103 - And a Happy Noévember to All! (Feat. Nicole Boychuk) 1:28:54

2y ago1:28:54

1:28:54

Welcoming Nicole Boychuk back to the show to round out the month with a celebration of Noévember, a month spent watching (almost) all of Gaspar Noé's filmography. Focusing on Climax (2018) specifically, with some brief dips into Love (2015), Enter the Void (2009), and Vortex (2021), join us for a discussion of some truly upsetting, unsettling cinem…

1
The Rocky Horror Show with Breton Lalama 1:07:10

2y ago1:07:10

1:07:10

It’s astounding… time is fleeting… madness has taken control of Monkeys and Playbills! We are joined live in the living room by Breton Lalama (@bretonlikethecrackers) to discuss 1975’s “The Rocky Horror Show!” This occult classic has Jill! Paul! Breton! Dr Scott! asking… who was your sexual awakening in the film adaptation? Why didn’t New York like…

1
Cocktails with Rosie O'Donnell: The Great Cajun Chicken Sandwich Scandal of 2002 40:46

2y ago40:46

40:46

Rosie O’Donnell is a beloved comedian, celebrated actress, and talk show legend. Despite all these professional accolades, it is perhaps her generosity of spirit, her tireless advocacy on behalf of children and families, and her heartfelt commitment to the health of the American theater that most definitively define her impact on popular culture. B…

1
#102 - Gettin' Sad With Bad Dad Rad Dad 1:33:25

2y ago1:33:25

1:33:25

This week Lori is joined by special guests Kylie and Elliott of Bad Dad Rad Dad podcast to talk about their feelings, discussing "Knife + Heart" (2018), as well as some of the director's other shorts, with "Intermission" (2007), "By the Kiss" (2006), and "We Will Never Be Alone Again" (2012). Major spoilers for Knife + Heart! Audio clip from "Cecil…

1
The Story of My Life 59:16

2y ago59:16

59:16

It’s 2008. The height of the iPod. Hoodies have that weird flap thing in front. Paul makes Daphne include a bit about how The Dark Knight came out this year and that was great. And also, a little two-hander on Broadway makes a tiny splash: this week, we’re talking about Bartram and Hill’s “The Story of My Life!” Paul and Jill stare at a blank Word …

1
Trailer: It Takes Two 1:00

2y ago1:00

1:00

Welcome to It Takes Two! On this podcast, we pair five emerging artists with five professional mentors to work together on an informal mentorship process. Over four weeks, pairs will develop and create a performance piece as well as record an interview together to talk about their process.By Village Conservatory

1
Funny Girl 56:46

2y ago56:46

56:46

Who are we now? This week, we’re bending the rules just a bit to talk about a very special under-100 performance: the great Beanie Feldstein-Julie Benko-Lea Michele upset of 2022. It’s time to take a look at Funny Girl! Paul, Jill, and Daph examine the drama with opera glasses to ask: whatever happened to that girl from Spring Awakening? How do we …

1
Taboo with Tatiana Carnevale 1:13:54

2y ago1:13:54

1:13:54

It’s the 80s. Hair is big. Suits are shoulder-padded. And Boy George is running around screwing with all your preconceived notions of gender. Join Paul, Jill, and special guest Tatiana Carnevale as we explore 2004’s Taboo! While head-bobbing to techno, our intrepid hosts find themselves wondering: is it a bad idea to play your best friend in a musi…

1
#101 - Warning: May Cause Spontaneous Cannibalistic Re-Animation, Use With Caution 1:23:06

2y ago1:23:06

1:23:06

This week, Lori and Aria care about the environment and are certified gangrene with a trio of pesticide-laced zombie flicks, discussing "Bloodeaters" (1980), "The Grapes of Death" (1978), and "The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue" (1974). Audio clip from "DDT - Let's Put It Everywhere" (1946). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa…

1
#100 - Entering Our Cronecore Era 1:31:44

2+ y ago1:31:44

1:31:44

How we've managed 100 of these things, we'll never know, but we're definitely feeling it in our weary bones. Join Aria and Lori as they explore getting on in years with a dive into movies about aging. Films discussed are "X" (2022), "The Taking of Deborah Logan" (2014), and "Old" (2021). Audio clip from "Last Night" (1998). Hosted on Acast. See aca…

1
Cocktails with Danny Burstein: Ibsen For Kids 47:08

2+ y ago47:08

47:08

Danny Burstein is a seven- time Tony Award nominee for The Drowsy Chaperone, South Pacific, Follies, Golden Boy, Cabaret, and Fiddler on the Roof, who won a Best Supporting Actor in a Musical Tony in 2021 for his performance as Harold Zidler in the stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge! He has also won two Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Aw…

1
Revive or Die #4 51:22

2+ y ago51:22

51:22

Call us the Necronomicon, because we’re back with another instalment of Revive or Die! This week, Paul and Jill let Producer Daph talk enough to join them in visiting three forgotten musicals of yesteryear: 70, Girls, 70; Home Sweet Homer; and Rockabye Hamlet. Together, these intrepid practitioners of the dark arts find themselves asking: is anyone…

1
#21 - Alex Edelman: Award-Winning Comic Genius 51:59

2+ y ago51:59

51:59

Comic genius, Alex Edelman, star of the hysterical one-man show JUST FOR US, joins Deep Dive Broadway for a fascinating look inside the world of a creative mastermind. Alex is an award-winning stand-up comedian, a television writer and an accomplished writer for magazines and documentaries. He worked as a speechwriter for the Los Angeles Dodgers an…

1
#099 - I Got Ninety-Nine Problems and Living in L.A. is Definitely One 1:25:09

2+ y ago1:25:09

1:25:09

This week Aria and Lori hose off the glitz and glam veneer of Hollywood and deep dive into the grime and slime runoff as it heads for the gutter with a look at modelling mayhem in "The Neon Demon" (2016), sickening starpower in "Starry Eyes" (2014), and some dazzling dread with "Mulholland Dr." (2001). Audio Clip from "It'll Chew You Up and Spit Yo…

1
Diana with Raffie Rosenberg 1:31:00

2+ y ago1:31:00

1:31:00

We’ve got a royal scandal on our hands this week, folks: featuring NYC and Winnipeg’s own Raffie Rosenberg! This princess production was directed by Christopher Ashley with music and lyrics by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro. You know, that guy from Bon Jovi and Memphis. Paul, Jill, and Raffie hold court to ask the important questions, like: should on…

1
#098 - Who Need They Cronenbussy Ate? 1:22:56

2+ y ago1:22:56

1:22:56

QHC returns after a brief hiatus (well, briefer than last time) with a brand new episode on a brand new movie, David Cronenberg's "Crimes of the Future" (2022). Rubberneck at the new sex as we rearrange some guts with a queer reading of the film, and place your bets on how often "little freak" can be used as a genuine term of affection. Audio clip …

1
Cocktails with Matthew Broderick: Lousy Frittata! 37:40

2+ y ago37:40

37:40

Matthew Broderick is currently appearing opposite his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker, in the hit Broadway revival of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite. He made his stage debut at 17 in Horton Foote’s On Valentine’s Day (opposite his father, James Broderick), and quickly became one of the most respected and beloved actors of his generation. Broadway credits incl…

1
Cocktails with Jesse Tyler Ferguson: He Can Cook Too! 48:21

2+ y ago48:21

48:21

Jesse Tyler Ferguson made his Broadway debut at the age of 21 as Chip in George C. Wolfe's revival of On The Town, and later went on to originate the role of Leaf Coneybear in Second Stage’s Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Drama Desk Award, "Outstanding Ensemble Performance"). In 2017, he won the Dr…

1
#097 - Snake Plissken: Putting the 'Peen' in Penal Colony 1:07:43

2+ y ago1:07:43

1:07:43

Aria and Lori enter the thunderdome to experience that East Coast/West Coast fray as realized in John Carpenter's "Escape From New York" (1981) and "Escape From L.A." (1996), with a digestif of Italian knock-off "Escape From the Bronx" (1983) for good measure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
#096 - Tumour? I Hardly Know Her! 1:06:01

3y ago1:06:01

1:06:01

In probably the flimsiest excuse for an episode yet, Aria and Lori really milk it for all it's worth by languishing at the intersection of Tumour Terror and Medical Malfeasance! Join us for a look at "Malignant" (2021), "The Dark Half" (1993), another pass at "Basket Case" (1982), and a bonus movie morsel of "The Slash of the Knife" (1972)! Even th…

1
Cocktails with Donna McKechnie: The Education of DONNA 35:11

2+ y ago35:11

35:11

Donna McKechnie received the Tony Award for her performance in A Chorus Line. Other Broadway shows include How To Succeed...,The Education of Hyman Kaplan, Sondheim-A Musical Tribute,(which she also choreographed) On The Town, Promises, Promises, Company, and State Fair, for which she received the Fred Astaire Award. She has starred in numerous pro…

1
#095 - Ménage à Trauma 1:02:25

3y ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Feeling the post-Valentine's blues? Well don't worry, Queer Horror Cult is here for you to love on! Get ready to run a train on a trio of twisted tales of romance as we invite "The Loved Ones" (2009), "Wild at Heart" (1990), and "Trouble Every Day" (2001) to bed. Audio clip from "Psychos in Love" (1987). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m…

1
#094 - The Hands of My Mother 50:30

3y ago50:30

50:30

This week Aria and Lori examine the life and crimes of a young man who was truly born under punches by watching--nay, experiencing--Alejandro Jodorowsky's "Santa Sangre" (1989). Audio clip from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (2015). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Cocktails with Victor Garber: It feels good. 38:11

3y ago38:11

38:11

Victor Garber is a four- time, Tony Award nominated actor who originated roles in the Broadway productions of Deathtrap, Sweeney Todd, Noises Off, Lend Me a Tenor, Arcadia, and Art. Additional Broadway credits include: They’re Playing Our Song, Damn Yankees, Present Laughter, and most recently, as Horace Vandergelder in the hit Broadway revival of …

1
#093 - The Podcast Equivalent of a Sitcom Clip Show: 2022 Just Be Like That 43:56

3y ago43:56

43:56

Really phoning it in this week, folks. Dug up an old episode we recorded a year and a half ago to put out, gotta take a brief breather. But don't worry, we'll be back with freshly recorded content next ep! In the meantime, enjoy our survey of practical FX makeup set pieces that we absolutely love and are sad to see fall by the wayside in horror cin…

1
Nick & Nora 1:08:40

3y ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Paul and Jill don their fedoras and trenchcoats for a look at 1940s - what? Really? Okay, 1991’s Nick & Nora! This salute to the fast-talking dames and lads of mid-century private detecting was directed by Arthur Laurents (welcome back!) with music by Charles Strouse (welcome back Chuck!) Paul and Jill sidle up to the bar and slyly ask the big ques…

1
#092 - The Broken Dick of the Wirgin Frankenstein 56:37

3y ago56:37

56:37

Break out the wirgin daiquiris and snuggle up with your favourite gallbladder, because this week doing the monster mash has never been so debauched! Join the fun as Lori and Aria dive into two Andy Warhol-produced Paul Morrissey flicks with a look at camp masterpieces "Flesh for Frankenstein" (1973) and "Blood for Dracula" (1974). Audio clip from "…

1
Annie 29:20

3y ago29:20

29:20

New year, same us! Paul and Jill gather with aching heads and full hearts to discuss ol’ buddy ol’ pal of the podcast Charles Strouse. The clock is ticking and we have only half an hour to take on Annie: the original plucky young orphan with a heart of gold and infectious optimism. Like, maybe too infectious. Calm down, kid, it’s the Depression, we…

1
Cocktails at Christmas...AGAIN! 51:09

3y ago51:09

51:09

The Ghost of Christmas Past visited us this time around! Take a trip down memory lane as we chit-chat with the staff about some of our favorite memories in the restaurant. We also wanted to share this episode as a tribute to the man who started it all, our boss and inspiration, Joe Allen, who passed away this past February. Yes, it's last year's ep…

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