Kander, Kitt And Miranda Have 'Open Mic' On NPR, Listen Now

As part of Morning Edition's 'Open Mic' series on NPR, IN THE HEIGHTS creator Lin-Manuel Miranda sat down with NEXT TO NORMAL composer Tom Kitt and the legendary John Kander for a unique roundtable interview.

The three Tony Award-winning tunesmen discuss their musical training and how it helped shape their writing. In the discussion, it is clear both of the younger musicians share an affinity for Kander's talent.

"John's music tells a story before anybody starts singing," Kitt says. "Take 'All That Jazz' [from Chicago]; you hear that opening vamp and you're in it. And then the song just continues to unfold, and it's more and more pleasing as you discover it."

To listen to 'Comparing Notes: Kitt, Kander And Miranda', click here.

Morning Edition's occasional series offers an open mic to some very talented radio amateurs - well-known writers, musicians, directors, designers and other creative people who have accepted the challenge of putting together an NPR story.

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