Before the Downbeat: A Musical Podcast

Fellow Ozians, it's time to revisit Wicked: For Good ! Join host Mackenzie and returning special guest Jessica Maxwell as they take a deep dive into the Oscar snubbed film; breaking it down scene by scene to discuss its biggest triumphs, its missed opportunities, and the changes they believe could have made the adaptation soar. From bizarre and unexpected twisters of fate to proving that no go...

After an unexpected hiatus, Before the Downbeat is back! In this special update, Mackenzie shares why the podcast took a break, opens up about experiencing creator burnout, and reveals what's next for the show. You'll also get a preview of the Season 6 finale, an exciting Season 7 lineup, our new weekly release schedule, and the road to Episode 100. Thank you for your patience and support—...

This week, Mackenzie is joined by his two amazing co-hosts, Scott Hurst and Maris Lyons, for the first time ever as the trio tackles one of the most divisive musical comedies of the 21st century: The Book of Mormon . In this penultimate episode of Season 6, they dig into why the show still brings audiences to their feet while sparking serious discomfort. From satire and shock comedy to religion, r...

Next week, it’s the penultimate episode of the season, and Scott, Maris, and Mackenzie come together for the first time as they head out on their mission trip to Uganda to take on the satirical juggernaut The Book of Mormon . The trio dives into generational humour—examining how the show plays with different audiences today—and unpacks the portrayal of Uganda and its people within the musical. Plu...

This week, Scott and Mackenzie con their way to the French Riviera as they take on David Yazbek and Jeffrey Lane’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels . They unpack Scott’s personal history with the show and what it taught him about staging farce. Along the way, they debate whether the show’s characters truly get enough comeuppance for modern audiences and wrestle with how contemporary productions can—and sho...

After the overwhelmingly positive response to our Wicked: Part I coverage, we’re back with the first instalment in our deep dive into the highly anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good. Join host and producer Mackenzie as he breaks down the first teaser trailer shot by shot, highlighting what’s new for the screen and what’s been adapted from the stage. Plus, Mackenzie pieces together a surprisingly c...

Next week, it's all about Ruprecht as Scott and Mackenzie dive into the musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels ! Together they explore the twist ending of the show. They also unpack how much impact the casting of John Lithgow had on the production. Plus Scott and Mackenzie discuss the upcoming production being mounted at the Stratford Festival All this and a chimp in a suit on next Friday'...

This week, Maris and Mackenzie have the sun in the morning and the moon at night as they take aim at the sharpshooting musical classic Annie Get Your Gun . Maris shares memories of performing in the show during her youth—while trying to recall which elements were cut or changed from the original version, and which parts of their production didn’t make it into future revivals. The duo also dives in...

Next week, there's no business like show business as Maris and Mackenzie dive into the classic musical Annie Get Your Gun ! Maris reminisces about her time performing in the show, and together they explore how the ending has evolved over the years. They also unpack how the musical began as the passion project of Dorothy Fields—before creative control was ultimately taken from her. All this and...

This week, Scott and Mackenzie have magic to do and miracle plays to play as they delve into Stephen Schwartz’s coming-of-age musical Pippin . They explore whether audiences are meant to like—or even identify with—the show’s title character, and unpack why Mackenzie ranks the piece in the lower-middle of the Schwartz canon. Plus, Scott shares how he's de-Fosse-ing his own production as he dire...

Next Friday Scott and Mackenzie are searching for their corner of the sky as they discuss the Stephen Schwartz musical Pippin . They’ll explore the creative difficulties this show faced as Schwartz and director Bob Fosse developed it in the rehearsal room. Scott and Mackenzie debate who is the actual lead of the show between the titular Pippin and the Leading Player . Plus hear Scott discuss his r...

This week, we have a special bonus episode for our wonderful viewers and listeners! Join Mackenzie as he virtually sits down with co-host Scott Hurst and the multi-talented Andrew Prashad — actor, dancer, and devoted father. Together, they dive into Andrew's remarkable career and his powerful one-man show, One Step at a Time. Directed by Scott, the show explores Andrew and his family’s journey...

This week, Mackenzie and Scott sense that something funny’s going on as they dive into Ahrens and Flaherty’s first musical outing, Lucky Stiff . They break down where the film adaptation missed the mark, explore the score to trace hints of the duo’s future brilliance, and reveal which Transformers actress starred in the original Off-Broadway production. All this and six million bucks in diamonds i...

Next Friday, Mackenzie and Scott head to Monte Carlo to discuss the musical farce Lucky Stiff . They’ll explore how this show launched one of musical theatre’s most successful collaborations—Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The conversation examines why Lucky Stiff never made it to Broadway and whether it deserves a larger theatrical life. Plus, Scott shares his mixed feelings on the film adaptat...

This week, Mackenzie and Scott are off to the races and the English music hall as they choose their preferred ending in a discussion of the Dickinson musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood . They break down why some songs, like the opening number, work better in a live performance than on the cast album. The duo also debates how to tackle the problematic characters of Neville and Helena Landless in a...

Next Friday, two kinsmen more than brothers, Mackenzie and Scott, will head into Dickinson London to discuss the musical with multiple endings, The Mystery of Edwin Drood . They’ll explore why singer-songwriter Rupert Holmes saw the unfinished source material as the perfect fit for the stage. The conversation delves into the unique casting choice of using an actress in the leading male role and wh...

This week, podcast listeners we bid you welcome to our latest episode where Mackenzie, Scott, and special guest Ryan Borochovitz, Co-Artistic Producer of Cup of Hemlock Theatre, discuss the often underrated Sondheim musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum . Together, they explore the numerous songs that were cut and re-added throughout various productions. They also discuss w...

Next week, Scott and Mackenzie will be donning their togas alongside special guest Ryan Borochovitz, Co-Artistic Producer of Cup of Hemlock Theatre, as they delve into the world of Stephen Sondheim's musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The trio will take a deep dive into the ancient Roman plays of playwright Plautus and examine how his works influenced Sondheim, Shev...

Fellow Ozians, the wait is over! The much-anticipated review of the movie musical that's defying gravity, Wicked, is finally here. Join host Mackenzie and special guest Jessica Maxwell as they delve into their thoughts on this dazzling adaptation. Hear these longtime friends sing the praises of the film's leading ladies, and how Ariana Grande-Butera exceeded their expectations. They uncover the cl...

This week, Mackenzie and Maris are finding new ways to dream as they discussion the Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard . Together, they delve into the tumultuous creative process behind Sunset Boulevard and its profound impact on the original Norma, Patti LuPone. They debate which Norma solo reigns supreme: "With One Look" or "As If We Never Said Goodbye." Plus, discover why Mackenzie believes...

Next week Mackenzie and Maris are getting ready for their close ups as they discuss the film noir musical Sunset Boulevard . Hear Maris and Mackenzie explore the concepts of ageism in the entertainment industry and when you could be too old to play Norma. They make the tough decision who was the better Norma between Patti LuPone and Glenn Close. Plus, Maris gives her review of the most recent revi...

This week, Mackenzie and Scott are exploring 'King's Dilemma' as they discussion the troublesome musical comedy Victor/Victoria . Together these two unpack why some of the songs from the Oscar nominated film didn't make it into the stage show. They explore why the keys to the songs didn't quite sit right with either Julie Andrews or audiences. Plus hear how these two find correlations between this...

Next week Mackenzie and Scott are jetting off to the night clubs of Paris, France as they discuss the musical comedy Victor/Victoria . Hear Scott and Mackenzie explore the score as they decipher the differences between Mancini and Wildhorn's compositions. They give their lists of who they think would work in leading this musical in a revival. Plus, discover the Tony Award drama that surrounds this...

This week, Mackenzie, Scott, and special guest John Rocha are breaking out their blank page or canvas to celebrate a milestone 75th episode with a discussion of the Sondheim and Lapine musical Sunday in the Park with George . Together, they explore how the piece reflects Sondheim's relationship with his former collaborator, Hal Prince. Discover the plot point Bernadette Peters insisted on changing...

Next week it's our 75th episode and to honour this milestone join Mackenzie, Scott, and special guest John Rocha as they breakdown the art of making art as they discuss Sondheim and Lapine musical Sunday in the Park with George . Find out all fun the hidden musical details Sondheim wrote into this piece. Hear why Mandy Patinkin almost left the original Broadway production. Plus, discover the Star...