Michael Rupert News

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! 

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE is going to 'take you to heaven' with the second show in its 2016-2017 season, SISTER ACT! For the first time in the Kavli theatre, Cabrillo will present this hilarious new musical, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, musical direction by Kyle C. Norris, choreography by Michelle Elkin and direction by Misti B. Wills.

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. 

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!

Cabrillo Music Theatre is going to 'take you to heaven' with the second show in its 2016-2017 season, SISTER ACT. 

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 invent the Broadway Home Shopping Network! Plus, a new musical and a good read! 

It 'Don't Take Too Much' to be excited that Tony Award winner Chuck Cooper swings by Shetler Studios to talk to Rob and Kevin about his forty plus year career onstage in shows like THE LIFE, PASSION, and CAROLINE, OR CHANGE. Chuck pulls back the curtain on his career, including how he survived GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER, what was so magical about Cy Coleman's hands, and why he was the most musical washer machine you ever saw !

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: Wife swapping set to music & Lady Holiday throws some shade!

Up there, high, high in the lovely apartment in midtown Manhattan, lives the mysterious Paul Kandel. Who is this creature? What is he? How did he come to be there? Hush! Rob and Kevin will tell you as they sit down with the wonderful Mr. Kandel, best known for his role as Uncle Ernie in THE WHO'S TOMMY and as the voice of Clopin in Disney's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. 

Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company presents Sweet Charity, a classic American musical based on the Federico Fellini film, The Nights of Cabiria, about finding genuine love in a world of deceit. With big, brassy numbers and Fosse-esque choreography, Sweet Charity is a pivotal show that has defined jazz musicals. 

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: Remembering a great director and celebrating a new book!