Theater
Yiddish 'Fiddler On The Roof' Is A 'Dream Come True' For Lead Actor
A new, Yiddish language production of the musical is currently running off-Broadway. Steven Skybell, who plays Tevye, and Joel Grey, who directs the show, explain why the play still resonates.
Glenda Jackson On Playing King Lear: Gender Barriers 'Crack' With Age
Shakespeare's King Lear is one of the most challenging and prestigious roles in theater — and one that's traditionally played by a man. But now a new production of King Lear on Broadway stars Glenda Jackson in its title role. The British actor, who is 82, is fine with the gender bending casting. She recently returned to acting after 23 years away, when she served as a Member of Parliament.
How Rodgers And Hammerstein Revolutionized Broadway
Todd Purdum's book, Something Wonderful, is about the creative partnership and strained personal relationship behind hit shows like Carousel and The Sound of Music. Originally broadcast April 9, 2018.
Lin-Manuel Miranda On Disney, Mixtapes And Why He Won't Try To Top 'Hamilton'
The creator of the hit musical Hamilton, talks about his early love of musicals, and writing rhymes for Hamilton.
'Gershwins And Me' Tells The Stories Behind 12 Songs
Musician Michael Feinstein chronicles his experience working as an archivist and cataloger for legendary songwriter Ira Gershwin. Originally broadcast Oct. 17, 2012.
Larry David's First Time On Broadway: 'It's Not So Easy!'
Larry David wrote and stars in a new play that has broken the all-time record on Broadway for advance ticket sales — more than $14 million. Fish in the Dark is a comedy about a family's rivalries and dysfunction as its patriarch passes away. David tells Fresh Air's Dave Davies that the idea came to him when a friend's father died.
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.
For Alan Cumming, Life Is (Once Again) A Cabaret
This is the third time Cumming has starred in the musical. He talks about the new production — everything from his costume (which he calls a "Wonder Bra" for men) to the darker themes of the show.
'Jersey Boys' And 'Venus In Fur' Are Just As Intense On Screen.
Two veteran directors adapted the Broadway shows to film. And while many such translations are too stage-bound, critic David Edelstein says Clint Eastwood and Roman Polanski got the balance right.
'Raisin In The Sun' Revival: A Uniquely American Story Is Back On Broadway
Denzel Washington and LaTanya Richardson Jackson star in the latest production of the play, which debuted in 1959. The revival's run is nearing its end — and Jackson says she's "in tears."