BEHIND THE CURTAIN: BROADWAY'S LIVING LEGENDS » Podcast

City Center Encores! Artistic Director, and Jujamcyn Senior Vice-President, Jack Viertel welcomes Rob and Kevin into his office to discuss the many hats he wears. Also, Jack's lunches with August Wilson, bringing Leiber & Stoller to Broadway, and Jack reveals the "deep, dark secrets" of conceiving the perfect revue. Plus: Dramaturgy in musicals, how an Encores! season is planned, and where to get the best BBQ in NYC! Jack's new book, The Secret Life Of The American Musical: How Broadway Shows Are Built, is available for purchase here: http://amzn.to/1QuMg78

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This week: George Burns is a pimp, Liza Minnelli is a hooker, and Chita Rivera is a survivor!

Tony Award winner George S. Irving, who is 93 years young, appeared in the original companies of Oklahoma!, Me & Juliet, Can-Can, and many others! George joins Rob and Kevin on the phone to chat about where he was during Pearl Harbor, which Broadway legend taught him how to kiss, and who has George nicknamed "Dusty Buttocks." Also, George meets Sir John, gets sick from the Shuberts, and comes to peace with the Heat Miser. Plus: Alfred Drake, Richard Rodgers, and Liv Ullmann! A big thank you to David Staller at Gingold Theatrical Group and Charlie Siedenburg for their assistance in this podcast.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This week: La fiesta en el teatro es muy offensivo and Pearl Bailey lets it go!

Six Time Tony Award winning costume designer William Ivey Long brings Rob and Kevin into his studio to discuss his process and to share his memories of working on such shows as Nine, Guys and Dolls, and Contact. Also, William camps out at the Hotel Chelsea, gets Wendy Wasserstein to sell his wares, and how Gauguin shows up in Guys and Dolls. Plus: Tommy Tune, Sigourney Weaver, and the mumps of Anita Morris!

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This episode: Paul Simon writes a musical, Ann Romano does a two hour soliloquy, and Lou Grants belts a show tune!

Legendary Broadway gypsy, Spence Ford, invites us into her home to regale us with tales from such cult classics as Merlin, Carmelina, King of Hearts, and many, many others. Also, Bob Fosse's seal of approval, Jose Ferrer's casting choices, and how exactly Alan Jay Lerner conducts the first read-thru. Plus: Polkaing with Sweeney Todd, going on for the legendary Chita Rivera, and watching Doug Henning make an entire audience disappear.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This episode: Kevin and Rob share musicals they discovered in college....yes, there were musicals in the Stone Age.

Judy Kaye, two time Tony Award winner for The Phantom of The Opera and Nice Work If You Can Get It, gets off from her chandelier to join Rob and Kevin in good ole 1203 Shetler to talk about becoming Lily Garland, Carlotta Giudicelli, and Emma Goldman. Also, Judy sings from Oh, Brother! compares Rock Hudson to The Riddler, and demands a Moony Shapiro revivial! Plus: Madeline Kahn, Hal Prince, and much, much more! Note: After the 24 minute mark, there is an audio issue. A big thank you to Patrick Mason for helping to save our interview!

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This episode: Jeanine Tesori goes to Disney, Kevin & Rob debate age limits on buying Disney movies, and Mrs. Garrett makes a casserole for Dorothy Zbornak and Punky Brewster!

Tony Award winning director of Chicago, Broadway's longest running revival, invites Rob & Kevin into his apartment to discuss his journey from Scranton to Broadway, and to discuss what it was like working with Jerry Zaks, Ellis Raab, and The Smother Brothers! Also, Walter exorcises Patti LuPone from a laundromat, gives Arthur Miller line notes, and sings from Grease! Plus: How he keeps Chicago fresh, how he conquered the ghosts of Stubby Kaye, and how he became the Mooning Champion of Rydell High!

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This episode: Two neglected musicals about New York City living!

Andrew Lloyd Webber favorite, Loni Ackerman, drops by the studio to reveal to Rob and Kevin what it was like playing Evita in LA, Grizabella on Broadway, and Norma Desmond in Maine! Also, Loni sets the record straight on No, No, Nanette, steals from Nureyev, and pummels the Prince of Broadway. Plus: Unpaid Dinner Theatre in Florida, Martha Raye's panties, and why Loni should be the Equity Deputy of Life!

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and underappreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This episode: Elaine Stritch has a passion for the pussyfoot, George Costanza loses his virginity, and more!

Tony Award winning actress Randy Graff drops into Rob and Kevin’s fancy recording studio (i.e. room 1203 at Shetler) to show off her Fantine locket and share her memories of working with Carol Burnett, Nathan Lane, and Neil Simon. Also, Randy sings from Sarava, gives Barbra Streisand a literal shout-out, and learns how to be a lady of the night from John Caird. PLUS: Randy reveals the meaning of “the tigers come at night.”