On a special summer bonus episode, Jamie and Rob travel up to Garrison, New York to experience the magic of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. After a picnic on the great lawn at Boscobel House and Gardens, and a performance of “Much Ado About Nothing”, they speak with conservatory company member Kayla Coleman, Director of Education and company member Sean McNall, and Artistic Director Davis McCallum, then catch the company’s first-ever musical, “Into the Woods”. Rob also offers a brief history of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.

This week’s music: From “Into the Woods”, “I Know Things Now”, “Maybe They’re Really Magic”, “Ever After”.

For the season one finale, Jamie, Rob, and Jennifer sit down for an exclusive interview with former First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State, presidential candidate, and Broadway’s biggest fan Hillary Rodham Clinton. They discuss theater and politics (what’s the difference?) and dive deep into Secretary Clinton’s lifelong love of the arts. Then, Jamie gives us a little background on Rob. And that’s a wrap for season one!

This week’s music: “Hair” and “Good Morning, Star Shine” from Hair the New Broadway Cast Recording, “Camelot” from the original cast recording of Camelot, “Overture” from The Band’s Visit, “The Room Where It Happens” from Hamilton, and “Why We Build The Wall” from Hadestown.

On this week’s episode, Rob, Jennifer, and Jamie talk to Broadway casting director, Tara Rubin.  For over thirty years, Tara has been casting Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jersey Boys, Dear Evan Hansen, and this season’s hit Ain’t To Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. We talk to Tara about how she got her start, what it’s like working on The Phantom of the Opera for so many years, and what makes a good audition.  A little bit later, Rob gives us a closer look into the Casting Society of America (the “C.S.A.” you often see after a casting director’s name).

This week’s music: “Putting It Together" from Sunday in the Park with George, “Opening, I Hope I Get It” from A Chorus Line, “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera, “The Theme from Another World” by Crystal Gayle and Garry Morris and “A Beat Behind” from The Goodbye Girl.

On this week’s episode, Rob and Jamie talk to director extraordinaire, Des McAnuff.  Over nearly four decades, Des has directed such smash hits as Big River, The Who’s Tommy, Jersey Boys, and this season’s hit Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. We talk to Des about directing, running a regional theater, and how you don’t say “no” when Otis Williams asks you to direct a show about his life.  Later, Rob gives a closer look into the legendary La Jolla Playhouse.

 This week’s music: “Brotherhood of Man, “ “A Secretary Is Not A Toy” from How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying The New Broadway Cast Recording (1995), “The Royal Nonesuch” from Big River, and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” from Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.

This week’s show we continue our conversation with "Jersey Boys” and "The Cher Show" book writer Rick Elice.  This time we dip back to the late 70’s and early 80’s to discuss New York theater at that time and what it was like being at the start of what became one of the most powerful advertising agencies on Broadway.  

This week’s music: “A Little Priest” from “Sweeney Todd,” “I Hope I Get It,” “I Can Do That,” “The Music and the Mirror” from “A Chorus Line,” “Broadway Baby” from “Follies,” Carol Burnett singing, “Let Me Entertain You” and Lauren Bacall singing “Welcome to the Theater,” from “Applause."

This week’s show is part one of our conversation with "Jersey Boys” and "The Cher Show" book writer Rick Elice. Taped at Orso Restaurant in December, on this episode we dive into Rick’s process for writing “The Cher Show” and his experience working with the one and only Cher. But before all that, Jamie and Rob discuss the January closings on Broadway and later with “You May Be Wondering,” Rob offers a little more history on the phenomenon of jukebox musicals.
 
This week’s music: The Four Lads singing “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” Sonny & Cher singing “The Beat Goes On,” and Cher singing “Strong Enough” and “Dark Lady."