BROADWAY NATION cover art

BROADWAY NATION

BROADWAY NATION

By: Broadway Podcast Network
Listen for free

About this listen

 A lively and opinionated cultural history of the Broadway Musical that tells the extraordinary story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, African-Americans and other outcasts invented the Broadway Musical, and how they changed America in the process.In Season One, host David Armstrong traces the evolution of American Musical Theater from its birth at the dawn of the 20th Century, through its mid-century “Golden Age”, and right up to its current 21st Century renaissance; and also explore how musicals have reflected and shaped our world -- especially in regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, and equality.Broadway Podcast Network Art Entertainment & Performing Arts World
Episodes
  • Episode 177: THE SHOW GOES ON — BROADWAY HIRINGS, FIRINGS, AND REPLACEMENTS, part 1

    Episode 177: THE SHOW GOES ON — BROADWAY HIRINGS, FIRINGS, AND REPLACEMENTS, part 1
    May 29 2025
    My guest is author Ron Fassler, whose latest book is titled The Show Goes On — Broadway Hirings, Firings, and Replacements, a fascinating collection of insider theater stories that range from as far back as the 1930s and go right up to today. The performers and creatives referenced in this episode include Andrea McArdle, Ann Miller, Anne Bancroft, Barbra Streisand, Cameron MacIntosh, Carol Burnett, David Merrick, Dorothy Louden, Hal Lindon, Harold Prince, Helen Gallagher, Jerry Zaks, John Cullum, Lauren Bacall, Lea Michelle, Louis Jordan, Mary Martin, Michelle Lee, Mimi Hines, Pearl Bailey, Shirley Maclaine, Sutton Foster and more! Ron Fassler is a historian, theater critic, and former actor whose previous book was Up in the Cheap Seats — A Theatrical Memoir of Broadway. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Alan Teasley. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Episode 176: In Memory of CHARLES STROUSE

    Episode 176: In Memory of CHARLES STROUSE
    May 20 2025
    I, along with the rest of the musical theater world, was saddened to learn that composer CHARLES STROUSE, one of the last of the great creators from the Golden Age of Broadway had passed away last week at the age of 96. Of course, Strouse and his three Tony Award-winning “Best Musicals": Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie — have been discussed frequently on this podcast. So over the weekend, I dug deep into the archives of Broadway Nation and newly adapted a section of my upcoming book regarding the musical Golden Boy and wove it all together to create this tribute episode, including an excerpt from my 2021 interview with Applause original cast member Lee Roy Reams. I am also delighted to report that a brand-new production of Bye Bye Birdie will open on June 10 at The 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle, where it will play through June 29. If you are in Seattle, or can get there, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the musical and theatrical magic of Charles Strouse. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members, such as Taryn Darr. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Happy Birthday Broadway Nation!: Special Anniversary Encore

    Happy Birthday Broadway Nation!: Special Anniversary Encore
    May 13 2025
    It's hard for me to believe that I launched this podcast exactly five years ago this week, and even harder for me to comprehend that, to date, more than 279,000 people, from nearly every country in the world, have listened to at least one, and in many cases all, of the 175 episodes! So, today it seemed fitting to rerelease the episode that started it all — the very first episode of Broadway Nation: George M. Cohan and the Immigrants Who Invented Broadway. As you will hear, at the time, we were still trying to figure out exactly how to make a podcast, so the production quality is not up to my current standards. However, the content and subject matter are still, I believe, essential to fully understanding and appreciating the remarkable history of the Broadway Musical. Happy birthday, Broadway Nation, and thank you all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins

What listeners say about BROADWAY NATION

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.