Off2broadway

We're back with a bonus episode to discuss the long awaited Tony nominations! Tara and Stefania are ready to talk about the snubs, surprises and shoe-ins of the musical categories in this abridged season. Get ready to cast your ballot! ... "Good Kid" - The Lightning Thief (Original Cast Recording) "River Deep - Mountain High" - Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Original Cast Recording) "Overture" - Jagged Little Pill (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "El Tango De Roxanne" - Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Willemijn Verkaik Last Defying Gravity" - Youtube All music tracks used for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Without travel or theatre in 2020, it was a genuine treat to have a virtual escape to NYC. Tim Dolan, founder of Broadway Up Close Walking Tours, joins us in our virtual studio to share his stories about in the greatest city in the world. Tara and Stefania recount the highlights of their tour with Tim last December, test his theatre knowledge, and find out what's next for Broadway Up Close. Grab your hand warmers, put on your green lanyard, and join us for the tour! ... "Your Daddy's Son" - Ragtime: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Maybe (Next to Normal)" - 2ST Virtual Benefit - Second Stage Theater (Youtube) All music tracks used for educational and entertainment purposes only.

From car drives to hard drives, our show has embraced the virtual world during COVID-19.  With public closures, the theatre world is experiencing a dramatic shift in the way content can be delivered to an audience. This week, Tara and Stefania let us know how they've filled the void from these closures, and share all of their virtual theatre favourites. They also catch up with Poppy Burton-Morgan and Ben Glasstone, the creative duo behind The Rhythmics musical from the UK's Metta Theatre!  Virtual theatre knows no geographical limits - join us!  ... "Dancing Through Life" - Beanie Feldstein - Miscast20 - MCCTheater (Youtube) "I Don't Know How to Love Him" - Norbert Leo Butz - Miscast 20 - MCCTheater (Youtube) "This Dance is For You" - The Louder We Get - (Youtube)  "On Your Side" - The Space Between - Official London Theatre (Youtube)  "Waiting to Begin" - The Rhythmics: The Musical (Studio Cast Recording) "Rockstar" - The Rhythmics: The Musical (Studio Cast Recording) "Life's Not A Competition" - The Rhythmi

This week, we had the absolute pleasure to welcome Canadian icon Chilina Kennedy into our virtual studio!Tara and Stefania deep dive into Chilina's work at Canadian theatre festivals, her experiences from ensemble member to leading lady, and how she's currently working her magic behind-the-scenes at Eclipse Theatre Company. It's an energetic hour, highlighting the impact of theatre in Canada and proving that even amidst a pandemic, theatre will never die. Hop in! ... "I Don't Know How To Love Him" - Broadway | Jesus Christ Superstar (Youtube) "Beautiful" - Show Clips: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL on Broadway w/Chilina Kennedy - (Broadwaycom Youtube) "Natural Woman" - Watch Chilina Kennedy Belt Out ‘Natural Woman’ from BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL - (Broadwaycom Youtube) "Omar Shariff" - Watch Chilina Kennedy's Stirring Performance of "Omar Sharif" from THE BAND'S VISIT - (Broadwaycom Youtube) "Who I Forgot To Be" - Birth of a Song - Eclipse Theatre Company  "Colour and Light" - Losing My Mind: A S

This week, we are back in the virtual studio to continue our series of songs! And, we've recruited Patrick Flynn of The Original Cast Podcast to break down his top choices. Tara, Stefania and Patrick argue about the official rules, rank their top 5 favourites, and compete for overlapping picks. It's a mixture of old classics and new sensations. ... "Six" - Six: The Musical (Studio Cast Recording) "A Strange Loop" - A Strange Loop (Original Cast Recording) "Dogfight" - Dogfight (Original Cast Recording) "Prologue/Little Shop of Horrors" - Little Shop of Horrors (Broadway Cast Recording) "She Loves Me" - She Loves Me (The New Broadway Cast Recording) "Mamma Mia" - Mamma Mia! (Original Cast Recording) "In the Heights" - In the Heights (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Rent" - Rent (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Anyone Can Whistle" - Anyone Can Whistle (Broadway Cast Recording) "The Phantom of the Opera" - Phantom of the Opera (Canadian Cast Recording) "Company" - Company (Original Broadway Cast)  "Ragtime

We are kicking off our composer series with the Tony Award winning Jason Robert Brown! This musical genius is known for a variety of impressive works, such as Songs for A New World, Parade, The Last Five Years, and The Bridges of Madison County.Tara and Stefania explore their favourite moments, most stunning harmonies, and even pitch a few adaptations for JRB to work on in the future. So take The Next (Sixty) Minutes and listen now! ... "Opening: The New World" - Songs for a New World (World Premiere Recording) "I'm Not Afraid of Anything" - Songs for a New World (New York City Center 2018 Encores! Off-Center Cast Recording) "Stars and the Moon" - Way Back to Paradise (Audra McDonald) "On The Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492" - Songs for a New World (New York City Center 2018 Encores! Off-Center Cast Recording) "All the Wasted Time" - Parade (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "That's What He Said" - Parade (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "The Next Ten Minutes Ago" - R&H Goes Pop! (Youtube) "The Nex

This week, we are SO excited to welcome Vanessa Sears to our virtual studio! You may know her as Nicola in the Canadian premiere of Kinky Boots, being practically perfect as Mary Poppins, and most recently in her Dora Award winning role in Caroline, Or Change. Vanessa deep dives into her favourite collaborations, most memorable performances, and how she's staying busy with both activism and arts during the pandemic. Her energy is infectious, listen now! ... "No Song Left to Save Me" - Steven Page and the cast of Here's What It Takes - q on CBC (Youtube)   "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" - Porchside Songs - Vanessa Sears & Beau Dixon - Here and Now Toronto with Gill Deacon (CBC Radio)   "History of Wrong Guys" - Kinky Boots (Original Broadway Cast Recording)   "King of the Lost Boys" (From the Apple TV+ Original Series "Little Voice")    All music tracks used for educational and entertainment purposes only.

The first 10 minutes of a musical are crucial - Opening Numbers can make or break your theatrical experience. So the question is, what makes a good Opening Number? Tara and Stefania break down the necessary components to starting a show off right, as well as rank their personal favourites. Let us start your week off right with this new episode! ... "Omigod You Guys" - Legally Blonde the Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Willkommen" - Cabaret (New Broadway Cast Recording) "Magic to Do" - Pippin (New Broadway Cast Recording) "Welcome To The Rock" - Come From Away (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Alexander Hamilton" -Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  "Opening: I Hope I Get It" - A Chorus Line - 40th Anniversary Celebration (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  "Circle of Life" - The Lion King (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Company" -Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) "It's Your Wedding Day" - The Wedding Singer (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Selling Out" - American Psycho The Mu

This week we are thrilled to welcome Britta Johnson to our virtual studio! Britta is the inaugural Crescendo Artist with The Musical Stage Company, and has written musicals such as Dr. Silver, Kelly v. Kelly, and the multi Dora award-winning Life After. She shares with us her experience of growing up in a musical family, and shares some insight into the process of writing immersive and unique theatre experiences. Cult leaders, creative collaborators, and quarantined tango clubs - come along with us for this wild ride!  ... "Poetry" - Life After - The Old Globe (Youtube) "Dr. Silver is Gone" - Dr. Silver: A Celebration of Life (2018) - The Musical Stage Company (Youtube) "Eugenia at the Tango Club" - Kelly v. Kelly: An Intoxicating New Canadian Musical (2020) - The Musical Stage Company (Youtube) "Inner White Girl" - A Strange Loop (Original Cast Recording) "Suite Two: Edge of the Forest" - The Music of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - In Four Contemporary Suites "Hear Me Out" - 36 Questions: Songs From Act

This week we’re talking about FROZEN! Part way through the Broadway shutdown, Disney Theatrical Productions made the decision to permanently close one of its three shows, meaning Frozen performed their last show without even knowing it. We want to celebrate this magical show, filled with perfect casting choices, Swarovski crystals, and new songs made for Broadway.Hop in and let the storm rage on!... "Let It Go" - Frozen:The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "What Do You Know About Love?" - Frozen:The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Kristoff Lullaby" - Frozen:The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "I Can't Lose You" - Live With Kelly and Ryan (Youtube) "For the First Time in Forever (Reprise) - Frozen:The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Hygge" - Frozen:The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "True Love" - Frozen:The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Fixer Upper" - Frozen:The Broadway Musical (Origina

We’ve turned our favourite segment into a full episode!This extended time at home has given us the opportunity to deep dive into new cast recordings and revisit old favourite artists. And with these discoveries, we've curated a list of theatre obsessions to bust your COVID boredom. We hope our lists can fuel some new quarantine content for you - enjoy! ..."Only Us" - Dear Evan Hansen (Youtube) "Good Old Glory Type Days" - Glory Days: Original Broadway Cast Recording "Touch Me" - Cast Perform Touch Me Late Night w/Seth Meyers (Youtube) "Chillin' the Regrets" - Alice By Heart (Original Cast Recording) "Another Room in Your Head" - Alice By Heart (Original Cast Recording) "No Song Left to Save Me" - Steven Page and the cast of Here's What It Takes - q on CBC (Youtube)  "Run Away With Me" - The Mad Ones (Studio Cast Recording)  "The Mad Ones" - The Mad Ones (Studio Cast Recording)  "Freedom" - The Mad Ones (Studio Cast Recording)  "The Boy Is Mine" - Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist: Season 1, Episode 10 (Music From

This week, we reached out to our Canadian friendly neighbourhood Spiderman - Jake Epstein! Jake talks to us about his diverse career in Canadian and American theatre, as well as his solo show, Boy Falls from the Sky, scheduled to hit the off-Mirvish stage next year.Tara and Stefania deep dive into his experiences, both on stage and on screen, including the nuances of the audition process, developing unique character choreography, and the magic behind translating iconic roles to the stage. We can't wait to share this interview with you - hop in!..."Apparently I'm Too Tall" - Famous in NY Video (Youtube) "Don't Do Sadness/Blue Wind" - Spring Awakening (Original Broadway Cast Recording/2006) "Take Good Care of My Baby" - Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)"Opening Number - Boy Falls From The Sky" - Living Rooms" Episode 22: Jake Epstein  - TOLive (Youtube)"Go Now" - Sing Street (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "I'm Still Here" (FOLLIES) from TAKE ME TO THE WORLD: A SONDHEIM 9

As promised, we are back this week to break down Season Two of the iconic musical drama, Smash! This season is just as packed with incredible performances, questionable plot choices, and memorable diva moments.  Tara and Stefania gush over new cast additions and recount their favourite songs from Hit List and Bombshell. Hop in, because Broadway, here we come! ... “Broadway, Here I Come!” - SMASH - The Complete Season Two (Music From the TV Series) “Cut, Print…Moving On.” - SMASH - The Complete Season Two (Music From the TV Series) “Ce N’est Pas Ma Faulte” - SMASH - The Complete Season Two (Music From the TV Series) “Don’t Forget Me” - SMASH - The Complete Season Two (Music From the TV Series) “That’s Life” - SMASH - The Complete Season Two (Music From the TV Series)  “Public Relations” - SMASH - The Complete Season Two (Music From the TV Series)  “They Just Keep Moving the Line” - SMASH - The Complete Season Two (Music From the TV Series)  “Caught In the Storm” - SMASH - The Complete Season Two (Music From th

In these unprecedented times, we're all turning to TV for comfort. And for Broadway nerds like us, that means... SMASH!Tara and Stefania have rewatched Season One and are here to break down the infamous musical drama series. While Smash's ratings during its time on TV led to a premature finale, it continues to thrive in the hearts and timelines of its fans. In our Season One episode, we discuss everything from character development and unnecessary plot lines to iconic moments and Julia's scarves. Almost a decade since its original air date, Smash's musical numbers and scenic design continue to deliver awe-inspiring moments. We're SO ready for this wild ride, hop in! . . . "Let Me Be Your Star" -The Music of SMASH The Complete Season 1 "Grenade" -The Music of SMASH The Complete Season 1 "On Lexington & 52nd Street" - The Music of SMASH The Complete Season 1 "Don't Say Yes Until I Finish Talking" -The Music of SMASH The Complete Season 1 "Let's Be Bad" -The Music of SMASH The Complete Season 1 "Touch Me" -T

Tara and Stefania are back this week (at a safe distance) to talk about Broadway's Jagged Little Pill! This original, new-age, rock musical features the songs of Alanis Morisette, set to an interlaced story of drugs, family, pain and healing.They breakdown the costumes, choreography and musical highlights, while of course, dedicating an exorbitant amount of time to gush about their favourite on-stage faces. Listen in - we promise You('ll) Learn something new about this modern musical, and keeping you Smiling through this quarantine! ... "Overture" - Jagged Little Pill (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Smiling" - Jagged Little Pill (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Wake Up" - Jagged Little Pill (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Forgiven" - Jagged Little Pill (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Uninvited" - Jagged Little Pill (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Lancer's Party (So Pure)" - Jagged Little Pill (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Ironic" - Jagged Little Pill (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

We've made you wait for it! Part Two of Hamil-March is here! There's a million things we haven't discussed, so we're back this week to take a different look at the revolutionary musical. In this episode, we're diving into the on-stage spectacular, nominated for a record-breaking 16 Tony awards. Hamilton's use of turntables, ensemble choreography, and unique lighting combine to create an experience worthy of the hype. We also breakdown the Toronto cast (the Phillip tour), playing at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Unfortunately, performances have been halted in light of COVID-19, but we hope they’ll be able to finish their run.Take a listen, you'll feel like you're in the room where it happened. Click, BOOM. . . . "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" - Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Helpless" - Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Satisfied" - Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "The Reynolds Pamphlet" - Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Washington On Your Side" - Hamilton

We're taking a pause from Hamil-March to address the Broadway shut down that was announced on Thursday. In light of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the industry has decided to halt all performances in large theatres and reduce audience capacities in smaller venues. This decision is in coherence with NYC guidelines to limit large gatherings in attempt to restrict the rapid spread of the virus. While COVID-19 is pervasive in the news, we wanted to talk about this unprecedented event in relation to the thing we love; this is the first Broadway shut down of this magnitude, and the impact will be equally unique. We also update you the last few shows we were fortunate enough to see before everything closed! With all of the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding COVID-19, we hope this unique perspective of the impact on the artistic community can bring some positivity and entertainment to self-isolation! Wash your hands! ... "Living Room Concerts: JAGGED LITTLE PILL's Kathryn Gallagher Sings 'You Learn' " - Official

We are kicking off Hamil-March with Part One of our discussion of Hamilton!This week, we unpack everything related to the phenomenon, the history and the fandom that Hamilton has created. Lin's legacy is still growing strong, 5 years after Hamilton's inception, as this show has cultivated an unprecedented following. From the Mixtape and Hamildrops to the Exhibition in Chicago, Hamilton has elevated itself to a sensation that lives well beyond the confines of a Broadway stage.We put our minds to work as we talk about the show that blew us all away. Hop in! ..."Alexander Hamilton" - Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Lin-Manuel Miranda Performs at the White House Poetry Jam" (Youtube) "Say No To This" - Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Nobody Needs to Know" - The Last Five Years (Original Cast Recording) "Digital #Ham4Ham 2- The Opening of #HamiltonLDN" (Youtube) "Helpless (feat. Ja Rule)" - The Hamilton Mixtape  "Found/Tonight" - Single  "First Burn" - Single  "Congratulations" - The Hami

With themes of love, war, family, and pride, there is a reason that West Side Story is a timeless classic that can be reimagined in every era. Tara and Stefania are in the car this week to talk about the newest Broadway revival. This controversial production has had its run of troubles before hitting the stage, and they are ready to deep dive into the revamped classic. Between comparisons to the movie, an in-depth look at the staging, and an important discussion of the gift that is Isaac Powell, we are in the car and ready to rumble. ... "Act I: Prologue" - West Side Story (Original Broadway Cast Recording)"Act I: The Rumble" - West Side Story (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Act I: Tonight" - West Side Story (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Act I: Cool" - West Side Story (Original Broadway Cast Recording)"Act I: Maria" - West Side Story (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Act I: Cool" - West Side Story (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Something's Coming - Isaac Powell" - Live From Here (Youtube) "Ac

What is a Jellicle Cat? Where is the Heaviside Layer? These are questions that we will in no way answer over the next hour, but join us for this wild ride anyway! Tara and Stefania are in the car to talk about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, as well as Tom Hooper’s 2019 film adaptation. Cats is a stage production like no other, a unique experience of audience interaction and beautiful choreography. It's also the latest movie musical to hit the big screen - a heavily criticized box office flop, that we can’t stop thinking about. While we still may not know anything about this wonderfully weird show, we are happy to be along for the ride that is CATS! . . . "The Overture" - Cats (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Memory" - Keri René Fuller - Broadway.com (Youtube) "The Rum Tum Tugger" - Cats (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "The Rum Tum Tugger - West End - Marcquelle Jermaine Ward (Youtube) "Mr. Mistoffelees" - Cats (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat" - Cats: H