Joan Copeland News

Everything today is thoroughly Hal....Luftig, that is! Four time Tony Award winning producer Hal Luftig swings by Shetler Studios to look back on his career of hits including THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, LEGALLY BLONDE, and KINKY BOOTS.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Woody Allen's only movie musical & a great resource for obscure cast recordings!

What does a musical coordinator do, you ask? Well, John Miller, one of Broadway's most respected in the field, swings by to discuss this pivotal role and some of his 100 plus Broadway credits... yes, that's right, 100 plus Broadway credits! 

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: The schizophrenia of the 1970s, Mrs. Garrett slays Kander & Ebb, Bacall belts her face, why Lee Roy Reams is the best bartender, and Wright & Forrest start anew.

Brilliant. Hysterical. Dangerous. Those three words best sum up veteran character actor Lewis Stadlen. A two time Tony nominee, Lewis has seen it all and has worked with the best. His many credits include MINNIE'S BOYS, the 1974 revival of CANDIDE, the 1996 revival of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, THE PRODUCERS, GUYS AND DOLLS, plus four Neil Simon premieres. And, now, Lewis sits down with Rob and Kevin to look back on his journey; unedited and unfiltered. 

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Who's Who of the Broadway Senior Home, ventriloquists on radio, Ethel and Elaine share a leading man, and the President sings! 

Tony Award winner Ted Sperling is one of Broadway's most sought after music directors. His brilliance and versatility have been on display in numerous Broadway musicals including FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE KING AND I, SOUTH PACIFIC; GUYS AND DOLLS, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, THE FULL MONTY, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, MY FAVORITE YEAR, FALSETTOS, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, LES MISERABLES, ROZA, and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. 

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Odd marketing, SNL does theatre, political correctness in musical theatre, Hal Prince tackles racism, and Ethel Merman sings Nirvana.

Sue Frost is one of the most inspirational producers working on Broadway. In addition to her indefatigable generosity, Sue is one of the theatre's loudest advocates for new musicals. In addition to the Tony Award winning Memphis, Sue also produced MAKE ME A SONG, FIRST DATE, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, and one of Behind the Curtain's favorite musicals, this season's COME FROM AWAY. Sue pulls back the curtain on her career, including how a train ride to Washington DC cemented her journey, what was the impetus to produce COME FROM AWAY, and why she refunded 1,506 people in one night! Also, Sue walks us through the process of producing a new musical! 

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Rob and Kevin debate leaving shows at intermission and 'second act'-ing a show. Plus, Ann Miller's fourth wall, Bob Fosse's debut, Sammy Davis Jr comes to Broadway, and Freddie Martinez makes a come back.

'I had such a great time with those two sessions, I'm wondering if you'd like to do a third. With MISS SAIGON opening in March, I wouldn't mind doing a detailed description about how that show was written. There's a real story there and it's never been told.'

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Celebrating four legends who are no longer with us! Plus, Rob and Kevin recount some of the most bizarre theatre they have ever seen.

The Secret Service might make her nervous but it doesn't stop the wonderful Anita Gillette from telling all in this fascinating interview. Anita invited Rob and Kevin over to her apartment to look back on her Broadway credits including GYPSY, ALL-AMERICAN, MR. PRESIDENT, CABARET, and many others.  

Yes, he has directed some of entertainment's greatest comedians, including Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, Alec Baldwin, and Jim Carrey, BUT its onstage where Don Scardino first made a name for himself. As one of Broadway's most sought after young actors, he appeared in such cult musicals as ANGEL, KING OF HEARTS, and PARK! But, then he donned his directing cap to bring A FEW GOOD MEN, LENNON, and countless others to life! 

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Nathan Lane needs a Nyquil & Mark Twain needs a melody!

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business.This Week: Revisiting an obscure Frank Loesser & praising the genius of Scott Siegel.

The words 'Just Do It' should be emblazoned across the office walls of  Tony Award winning producer Barry Weissler. On a beautiful Spring day, Barry invited Rob and Kevin into his offices to discuss his career and how he produced the revivals of CHICAGO, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and GREASE and gave power to new shows like THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, FALSETTOS, and WAITRESS.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: The wicked tongue of Bea Arthur & the golden voice of Audra McDonald. 

???????Joan Copeland and Diane J. Findlay headline The Ziegfeld Society of New York City's Thou Swell! Thou Witty!: The Songs of Rodgers & Hart, written and hosted by Aaron Gandy with musical direction and special arrangements by Mark York, at Lang Concert Hall at Hunter College (69th between Park and Lexington) on Saturday afternoon, March 25th, at 2pm. 

The hills are alive with the warmth and wit of three time Tony nominee Rebecca Luker. Best known for her appearances in THE SECRET GARDEN, SHOW BOAT, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, MARY POPPINS, and FUN HOME, Rebecca makes a splash on today's episode!