In this episode, we sit down with Michael Herwitz, the visionary director of Broadway’s JOB. Join us as we delve into Michael's fascinating journey from child actor to director, uncover the creative process behind the success of JOB, and explore the themes that resonate with audiences across generations. Michael shares insights on the role of lighting and staging, the challenges of directing a two-person scene, and the open-ended interpretation of the play's conclusion. Discover how JOB bridges ...
Aug 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 207
Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph. Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the chall...
Aug 19, 2024•16 min
In this episode, we delve into Broadway's "Job," currently playing at the Hayes Theatre. We share our thoughts on the gripping performances by Tony Award nominee Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemon, and the provocative storyline that kept us on the edge of our seats. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or curious about this daring production, this episode is for you. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. And share your thoughts on all of our past episodes. Le...
Aug 14, 2024•35 min•Ep. 206
In this episode, we sit down with Sophie Carmen-Jones to discuss her role in the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! Please note that this episode may contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the musical yet, you can catch Moulin Rouge! playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Share your thoughts with us on Moulin Rouge! on our podcast cover post. SOPHIE CARMEN-JONES (Nini). Broadway debut. West End: Nini in...
Aug 09, 2024•30 min•Ep. 205
In this episode, we discuss Broadway’s MOULIN ROUGE, the musical playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. We had a great time going back and revisiting the show for its 5th Anniversary on Broadway. We dive into the plot and explore the intriguing changes from the film version. The new music added a fresh twist that had us captivated, and we couldn't get enough of Aaron Tveit and JoJo’s incredible performances in the leading roles. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, an...
Aug 07, 2024•35 min•Ep. 204
In this episode, we sit down with Bianca Leigh to discuss her role in the Broadway production of "Oh, Mary!". Please note that this episode may contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the musical yet, you can catch "Oh, Mary!" playing at Lyceum Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Share your thoughts with us on "Oh, Mary!" on our podcast cover post. BIANCA LEIGH (Mary’s Chaperone/Bill). Original Off-Broadway cast. Miss Leigh's perfo...
Aug 02, 2024•40 min•Ep. 203
In this episode, we discuss Broadway’s “OH, MARY!" the new dark comedy playing at the Lyceum Theatre. We had a great time going back and revisiting the show from the Off-Broadway to the Broadway transfer. We delve into how funny the show is and why it is working so well. Plus, we launched a new section in this episode featuring announcements in the Broadway/Off-Broadway space, so make sure you check those out at the end. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTu...
Jul 24, 2024•35 min•Ep. 202
In this episode, we sit down with Nora Schell and Garnet Williams to discuss their roles in the off-broadway production of CATS: "The Jellicle Ball". Please note that this episode may contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the musical yet, you can catch CATS: "The Jellicle Ball" playing at PAC NYC. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Share your thoughts with us on CATS: "The Jellicle Ball" on our podcast cover post. Nora Schell graduated f...
Jul 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 201
Celebrate the 200th episode milestone of "Half Hour with Jeff & Richie" as we pull back the curtain on our own theatrical adventures! In this special edition, we're turning the spotlight on ourselves to share: - Our paths into the world of theater - Unforgettable moments we've witnessed in theater history - Hilarious stories from our years in the industry - Our vision and hopes for the future of Broadway and beyond Whether you're a regular listener, a Broadway enthusiast in New York City, or...
Jul 17, 2024•37 min•Ep. 200
In this episode, we sit down with Ana Villafañe to discuss her new role in the play N/A. Please note that this episode may contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the play yet, you can catch N/A playing at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Share your thoughts with us on N/A on our podcast cover post. ANA VILLAFAÑE has her first major feature film releasing this year, as the title role in Castro’s Daughter op...
Jul 12, 2024•40 min•Ep. 199
In this episode, we discuss the Off-Broadway production of FROM HERE. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch FROM HERE playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on FROM HERE on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 10, 2024•35 min•Ep. 198
In this episode, we discuss the Off-Broadway production of CATS: “THE JELLICLE BALL”. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch CATS playing at the Perelman Performing Arts Center. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on CATS on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 03, 2024•34 min•Ep. 197
In this episode, we discuss the Off-Broadway production of N/A featuring Holland Taylor and Ana Villafañe. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch N/A playing at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on N/A on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 28, 2024•30 min•Ep. 196
In this episode, we discuss the 2024 Broadway revival of HOME. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch HOME playing at the Todd Haimes Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on HOME on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 26, 2024•29 min•Ep. 195
This episode discusses the 77th Annual Tony Awards of the 2023/2024 Broadway Season. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on your predictions in our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 194
In this episode, we discuss the ENCORES! Production of TITANIC. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch TITANIC playing at NEW YORK CITY CENTER. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on TITANIC on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 17, 2024•34 min•Ep. 193
This episode discusses the Tony nominees for the MUSICAL CATEGORIES of the 2023/2024 Broadway Season. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on your predictions in our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 14, 2024•41 min•Ep. 192
This episode discusses the Tony nominees for the PLAY CATEGORIES of the 2023/2024 Broadway Season. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on your predictions in our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 12, 2024•31 min•Ep. 191
In this episode, we discuss the Tony nominated best musical revival CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch CABARET playing at the KIT KAT CLUB at the August Wilson Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on CABARET on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 190
In this episode, we discuss the Tony nominated best play MARY JANE starring Rachel McAdams. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch MARY JANE playing at Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on MARY JANE on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 31, 2024•30 min•Ep. 189
In this episode, we discuss the 2024 Broadway revival of THE WIZ. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch THE WIZ playing at the Marquis Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on THE WIZ on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 29, 2024•34 min•Ep. 187
In this episode, we discuss the new musical UNCLE VANYA. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch UNCLE VANYA playing at Lincoln Center Theater. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on UNCLE VANYA on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 24, 2024•33 min•Ep. 187
In this episode, we discuss the new musical THE GREAT GATSBY. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch THE GREAT GATSBY playing at the Broadway Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on THE GREAT GATSBY on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 22, 2024•31 min•Ep. 186
In this episode, we discuss the new play PATRIOTS. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch PATRIOTS playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on PATRIOTS on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 17, 2024•30 min•Ep. 185
In this episode, we discuss the new musical THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 15, 2024•30 min•Ep. 184
In this episode, we discuss the new Tony nominated best musical HELL’S KITCHEN. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch HELL’S KITCHEN playing at the Shubert Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on HELL’S KITCHEN on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 10, 2024•31 min•Ep. 183
In this episode, we discuss the new Tony nominated revival play AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE playing at the Circle In The Square. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 08, 2024•31 min•Ep. 182
In this episode, we discuss the new Tony-nominated best play STEREOPHONIC. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch STEREOPHONIC playing at the Golden Theatre Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on STEREOPHONIC on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 181
Join us for an extraordinary deep dive inside the most transformative decade on Broadway through gripping behind-the-scenes accounts of shows such as Sunset Boulevard, Rent, Angels in America, Chicago, The Lion King, and The Producers - shows that changed the history of the American theater. Host Michael Riedel, author of the best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway, has created a companion podcast featuring his never-before-heard, taped audio interviews with legendary artis...
May 02, 2024•6 min
In this episode, we discuss the Tony Nominated Best Musical ILLINOISE. Please note that this episode will contain spoilers about the show. If you haven't seen the show yet, you can catch ILLINOISE playing at the St. James Theatre. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, and YouTube. Please share your thoughts on ILLINOISE on our podcast cover post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 01, 2024•34 min•Ep. 180
