OFF 2 BROADWAY

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...

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...

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)...

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...

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 d...

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 (O...

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 thea...

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!...

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) "G...

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, develop...

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 -...

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 ev...

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-s...

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...

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. Wh...

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 elevat...

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 m...

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 choreo...

This year has been a wild ride! We’ve come so far, but we’re not quite ready to hit the brakes! We're kicking off our second year in the same way as our first, with Way Too Early Tony Nominations. Tara and Stefania are in the car, creating their ballots for the 2020 Tony Awards. With a little bit of chaos, a touch of competitive spirit, and a whole lot of laughter, their picks are official! Let us...

Grab that chili and cornbread, and transport yourself into a quaint farm in Oklahoma! Tara and Stefania are in the car to guide you through the 2019 Broadway revival of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. This immersive production sets a new tone, combining darkness, danger and audience intimacy to recreate a classic tale. The result is haunting and beautiful, and something you simply cai...

What a year! This week we are taking a look back at all the amazing theatre we experienced this year. From brand new musicals to re-exploring old favourites, Stefania and Tara are counting down their top moments of 2019. Thank you for an amazing first year, we can’t wait for 2020! . . . "Share Your Address" - Sing to Me Instead "Wait for Me (Reprise)" - Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording)...

Do you remember the moment? The song, the line, or the belt? The on-stage spectacle or the tiny detail? Do you remember the show that changed it all? For this episode, we reached out to our family and friends, as well as fellow podcasters in the broadway community, to hear about the show that got them hooked. This episode reveals the power of musical theatre, and the variety of ways it impacts our...

This will be an episode to remember! Tara and Stefania embrace the nostalgia with a throwback to HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL! This Disney channel original movie broke records, transforming into a movie, stage and television franchise. The music will have you bopping to the top in no time - you can bet on it! . . . "We're All In This Together" - High School Musical "Breaking Free" - High School Musical "St...

Let us be your tour guides! Based on our years of broadway-centered vacations, we have gathered our hot tips to help make the most of your trip to The Big Apple! In this episode, we'll tell you about places to stay, eat, and explore in our favourite city. And of course, we discuss some ways to get discounted theatre tickets! Don't forget your passport! . . . "Leave" - Once: A New Musical (Original...

This week, we took a trip under the sea to watch ABC’s The Little Mermaid Live! Disney’s hybrid format linked the beloved cartoon classic with live musical performances by a star studded cast. Despite some unfortunate choices, the live show format always brings a little joy into our living rooms. Take a listen and be part of our world! . . . "Under the Sea (From "The Little Mermaid Live!")" - The...