Musicals
How Rodgers And Hammerstein Revolutionized Broadway
Todd Purdum's new book is about the creative partnership and strained personal relationship behind such hit shows as Carousel, South Pacific and The Sound of Music. Originally broadcast April 9, 2018.
Rachel Bloom Upends Romantic Comedy Tropes On 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'
Bloom talks to Fresh Air's Ann Marie Baldonado about the CW musical comedy series, now in its second season, that she co-created and stars in. Bloom plays a woman who follows an ex across the country.
Lin-Manuel Miranda On Disney, Mixtapes And Why He Won't Try To Top 'Hamilton'
Miranda says he doesn't feel the need to duplicate the success of Hamilton. "If you think in terms of topping, you're in the wrong business," he says. Originally broadcast Jan. 3, 2017.
For James Corden, 'Carpool Karaoke' Has Been An Incredible Ride
The Late Late Show host talks about belting out songs with celebrities like Elton John, Steve Wonder and Adele. He tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross he doesn't know what he did to deserve this great gig.
Broadway 'Master Of Ceremonies' Joel Grey Says, 'Life Seems Full'
Grey explains how he brought his decadent Cabaret character to life on both the stage and screen, and reflects on coming out as gay after years of living closeted. Originally broadcast Feb. 9, 2016.
At 90, 'Fiddler' Lyricist Tells His Story
"Any successful lyricist has to be part playwright and has to be able to put himself into the minds and the hearts and the souls of the characters," Sheldon Harnick tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross.
Originally broadcast April 30.
John Gallagher Jr. On 'Newsroom' Dialogue And Staging Green Day.
In addition to playing a cable news producer on Aaron Sorkin's HBO drama, Gallagher is a Tony Award-winning Broadway performer. He tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross about starring in a punk rock musical and rehearsing Sorkin's Newsroom scripts.
Mel Brooks: 'I'm An EGOT; I Don't Need Any More.'
The screenwriter, producer, director and actor, whose name has become synonymous with American comedy, talks about his penchant for spoofs and his decades-long friendship with Carl Reiner. Brooks, who is among a handful of people who've won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards, is the subject of a new documentary on PBS.
'Guilt Trip': Streisand On Songs, Film And Family
Singer, actor, writer, director and producer Barbra Streisand plays a well-meaning if overbearing Jewish mom in The Guilt Trip. The star says her own mother both encouraged her talents and was jealous of them.
'Guilt Trip': Streisand On Songs, Film And Family
In her new movie, singer, actor, writer, director and producer Barbra Streisand plays a well-meaning if overbearing Jewish mom in The Guilt Trip. The star says her own mother both encouraged her talents and was jealous of them.