The And Scene Theater Podcast: Recent Episodes
Michael Salerno
A podcast for not just lovers of Broadway (though we are too!), but for those who want to discuss the history, trends, and personalities of all genres of theater. Come join the conversation!
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
In Act 1, we discuss the comings and goings of the D.C. theater scene, Broadways HUGE take at the 2017 box office, the latest production at Playwrights Horizons, and Mike takes a point of personal privilege to discuss Broadway in inclement weather.
In Act 2, we know that perhaps our acting glory days are behind us, but that doesn’t stop us from thinking about roles we would love to play! This week we discuss our Top 5 Dream Roles. We each considered our own criteria, so take a listen and see which roles we would still love to play. Any producers out there want to cast us?!?
What about you? [...]
Happy New Year, and welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
In our first Act 1 of 2018, we discuss a special production in Palo Alto, California, the casting of Jesus in the live TV version of Jesus Christ Superstar, and the good work being done by a theater in Oklahoma.
In Act 2, we ring in the new year by presenting our Theater New Year’s Resolutions! From seeing more Off-Broadway theater, to getting our own works produced, we are looking to make some changes to our theater lives in 2018.
What about you? Do you have any 2018 resolutions related to the theater? Let us know! We would also like to bring you more of t [...]
Welcome to this week’s (and this 2017’s FINAL) episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
This week in Act 1, it wouldn’t be a week of theater news without discussing a new jukebox musical. But this week, we have TWO! As well, we discuss the continued efforts of the Parent Artist Advocacy League (@PAALTheatre), and a new four hour production being successfully staged in NYC.
Then in Act 2, we couldn’t let the year end without one more test of your theater knowledge. That’s right, it’s time for another Theater History Pop Quiz!! This week’s topic: Commedia dell’arte. What do you know about this form of theatrical creativity? Pick up you [...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
This week in Act 1, we discuss Broadway addressing sexual harassment and assault, legal action taken against casting agents, and the latest on the Lin-Manuel Miranda-produced live action movie version of The Little Mermaid.
Then in Act 2, we have a Review Round-up on six shows that have opened this fall: three with aspirations for Broadway (The Honeymooners, Mean Girls, and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical), and three that have already made it there (Once on this Island, The Band’s Visit, and SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical). We take a look at how the critics viewed these shows, and offer our opinions on whether we think the shows will ultimately succeed.
Have you had the opportunity to see any of these shows yet?< [...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
This week in Act 1, we discuss whether critics actually have any influence, a new women’s theater festival, and diversity coming to theater in Colorado.
Most people who fall in love with the theater do so whilst performing on stage. However, not everyone is going to earn a living on stage. If you want to stay working in the theater, but won’t be a professional actor, what do you do? Well, you listen to this week’s Act 2 and find out!
We run through some the other jobs in and around the theater, and discuss what those jobs are, why an actor would want to do them, and how to pursue them if they pique your interest.
[...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
This week in Act 1, we discuss the arrival of a large ape on Broadway, some interesting pre-show options in Paris, the recovery of the Houston Alley theater, and theater makes its way to TV again!
In Act 2, with Thanksgiving now in our rearview mirror, the Holiday Season is officially upon us. So, hearkening back to our childhood, we detail our theater wish lists for this year. What are Mike and Meghan asking Santa to bring them this year? Take a listen and find out!
What is on your theater wish list this year? Is there a specific show you’d like to see?
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast! We welcome special guest, Billy McEntee (@WJMcEntee)!!
This week in Act 1, we discuss a group in California using theater to help victims of wildfires recover, a new TV show that gets high school performers back together, and the actual expansion of theater arts in middle schools!
In Act 2, Billy McEntee of Playwrights Horizons (@PHNYC) visits the show to discuss his career int theater, his current position in the communications department at Playwrights, and Playwrights’ mission to champion new American theater.
Have you ever seen anything at Playwrights Horizons? Have you ever been interested in communications and community outreach in the theater?
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
This week in Act 1, we discuss the an interesting pairing for particle physics, some Lin-Manuel Miranda news, and the new Boston theater group, Front Porch Collective.
In Act 2, we start a new series on playwrights of color that you should know. In the spotlight this week: Ayad Akhtar and Larissa FastHorse. We discuss their work, and how each has addressed their place in America.
We plan on periodically coming back to this topic, so if you know of, or are yourself!, a playwright of color that you think we should highlight, let us know!
Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, via email at [...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
This week in Act 1, we discuss the reopening of a major regional theater thought to be lost, a theater in an unusual spot in Singapore, and the President;s misconception of what a Broadway hit is.
In Act 2, Meghan schools Mike on the differences between Production Drama vs Process Drama, and their uses in education. What do these styles of theater bring to students, and how can they be utilized by educators to further childhood development?
Have you ever participated in Process Drama before? Do you think it was successful? Are you an educator, and would you consider using Process Drama with your students in the future?
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
Meghan is back, and she tells us about the show she put up this week, to kick off Act 1. We then discuss this week’s news regarding theater equality efforts, the ghosts of Broadway, and a theater festival in Cairo, Egypt.
In Act 2, Mike and Meghan each give their Top 5 Title Showtunes. In other words, what are the best songs that share a name with the show in which they appear? The nominees considered are listed below. So which did they choose?
What do you think? Was your favorite mentioned? Do y [...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
Mike is flying solo this week, as Meghan is rehearsing and putting up anew production that we’ll talk about next week. But for the here and now, in Act 1, Mike discusses a new theatrical discovery in Old Jerusalem, another(!) jukebox musical, and the surprising location of a theater troupe celebrating their 50th season.
In Act 2, Mike was fortunate to win the change to purchase tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The whole process of getting that opportunity, and then the ginormous prices he had to pay, got him thinking about ticket prices in general. How did they get so high? Was there
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
It’s time for another SHOWdown!!
But before we get to that, in Act 1, we discuss the latest Geniuses named in the theater world, a new cross-Atlantic theater partnership, and perhaps the new Hamilton?
In Act 2, we have our second Broadway SHOWdown. After facing off West Side Story and The Music Man in our first episode (ignore what Mike actually says in this episode), we pit two musical heavyweights against each other again. This week, it’s the Knockouts of Ninety-Eight: Ragtime vs The Lion King! Listen as we battle out over five rounds of musical mayhem!
What do you think?
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
We are honored to have as our special guest, actor and Chicago native Brandon Boruch (@brandoboruch)!
In Act 1, we discuss theater benefits for Puerto Rico’s recovery form Hurricane Maria, the launch of Playbill Universe, and the goings on at the Actors Theatre of Louisville.
In Act 2, we talk to Brandon about the theater scene in Chicago. From the professional companies to the improv scene, Brandon takes us through how everyone can find something to enjoy on the Chicago Theater Pu Pu Platter (it will make sense when you listen!).
Have you ever seen or performed in theater in and around Chicago? What was your experience?
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
Thank you for forgiving us our technical problems last week. Podcast gremlins ate our episode, but we’re back this week!
In Act 1, we discuss theater happenings in Chicago, Italy and Germany. And Mike saw a play! A play that went horribly wrong. Well, it was “The Play That Goes Wrong”, and Mike has a review.
In Act 2, we discuss the recently published list of the top plays and musicals produced in American high schools in 2016-17. There are quite a number of surprises to break down. Plus, we [...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
The Podcast Gods were not kind to us this week, and they put gremlins in our recording software. Unfortunately, we do not have a full episode for you this week, as Act 2 was eaten by said gremlins.
We were able to record Act 1’s News and Notes (albeit with some audio problems). So, enjoy some news about a 1st Amendment fight being in Salt Lake City, the Dance Theater of Harlem finding themselves in an unexpected place, and an update on Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov. Then, come back next week to hear what we were going to talk about this week!
Connect with us on Twitter at @andscenepod, via email at
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
In Act 1, we discuss what was supposed to be a new Broadway theater, theater’s response to 9/11, the passing of another theater legend, and a great way to buy tickets if you work at the University of Kansas!
In Act 2, making his triumphant return to the show is Broadway and West End actor Peter Lockyer. Pete is here to start a new series for the show: the Showtune Breakdown (we’re still workshopping the name)! In the Breakdown, we will take a popular show tune, and from its context in the show, to it’s time signature, to its lyrics and chord progression, we will figure out what makes these beloved songs all-time greats. For this inaugural Breakdown, we analyze Steph [...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
In Act 1, amongst the things, we discuss an a new play performed in a unique place, a milestone for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the soon-to-be new star of Hello, Dolly!
In Act 2, though it may not say so on the calendar yet, for all intents and purposes it is fall, and with the fall comes the unofficial start of the 2017-18 theater season. We wanted to bring you a preview of not only what is coming to Broadway this fall, but also to Off-Broadway, U.S. regional theaters, and London, too! There is quite a plethora of interesting and ingenious productions coming to stages (and kitchens?!?) this fall. So, take a listen, and see if something piques your interest!
Did we mi [...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
Happy Labor Day (if you’re in the US or Canada)! We hope you’re kicking back with a cold drink of choice and have thrown something on the grill before you face the fall.
In Act 1, we discuss an Off-Broadway hit heading out on tour, the arrest of a director, some UK musical casting news, and the continues saga of The Great Comet.
In Act 2, we honor Labor Day by taking a look at the various labor unions that work in the professional theater. From the actors to the stage hands to the press agents to the scenic designers, commercial theater could not run without unionized labor. This episode provides an overview of these folks an [...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
Meghan is back!!! And not a moment too soon. In Act 1, we discuss a Broadway return, a test of theatrical knowledge, and, unfortunately, another passing in the theater world.
In Act 2, Meghan discusses her recent trip to Asia. We have a great discussion on the program she participated in where she imparted her knowledge of theater techniques on teachers looking to find new ways to reach their students. But her trip didn’t end there! Meghan also relates the other theater experiences she had while visiting, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Madagascar!
Have you had any theater experiences [...]
Welcome to this week’s episode of the And Scene Theater Podcast!
Meghan is back in the USA, but jet lag is a doozy, so she is off for one more week. Fear not! She will be back on the show next week! Mike is flying this episode solo, so he has some quick updates on the comings and goings of the theater world this week. In Act 1, Mike discusses the closing of Groundhog Day, the departure of Ben Platt, the arrival of a new musical, the lead casting of a returning show, and the expansion of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s empire.
For Act 2, as Meghan is still away, and Mike is heading out for the weekend, we bring to you one of our other test episodes. This w [...]