Putting It Together

The song Lovely appears twice in the show. The first is between two lovers, and the second is between two liars. Gus Gowland , UK-based musical theatre composer, joins the show to discuss which works better. Gus and Kyle try their best to be winsome while also making reference to the 1980s sitcom Perfect Strangers . Gus Gowland's website : https://www.gusgowland.com His Twitter : https://twitter.c...

Is freedom the necessary essence of democracy? Maybe or maybe not. Erik Stadnik returns to discuss how Pseudolus not only desires freedom but also desires to be looked at as a man. Pseudolus wants to be a real person. Perhaps Sondheim was trying to give characterization to caricatures. Erik's Twitter : https://twitter.com/sjcAustenite Erik's Prague Blog : http://erikspragueblog.blogspot.com You ca...

Love is a theme in many songs. For Hero this might just be the first time. Karen Unland returns to discuss young love and whether Sondheim is able to capture it effectively. Especially considering that he didn't find love until he turned 60. Karen's podcast she co-hosts with her daughter is called That's a Thing?! - https://thatsathing.transistor.fm You can purchase Stephen Sondheim's first book o...

Federico Tedeschi returns to the podcast to discuss Plautus, Roman drama, and a little farce. The new season is here! A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is the first Broadway musical that Stephen Sondheim was (finally) able to write both lyrics and music. Comedy Tonight is the most famous song from the show. On this episode Federico and Kyle discuss whether it holds up, if it's actuall...

I force Matt Mort to watch the 1962 film Gypsy to wrap up our conversation of the musical this season. We spend a few minutes talking about the movie and then spend the rest of the episode discussing my eccentricities and existential crises.  Survey for "Season 2" : https://goo.gl/forms/bfG0Ugjy1E8yqMX73 Matt's YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/user/MattsVloggingtoo Matt's Twitter : https://twitte...

The moment we've all been waiting for. Mama Rose comes to the realization that she's been forcing her children onto the stage not for their benefit but for hers. But, can we also feel sympathy for her? Layan Elwazani returns to delve into that question, plus play the game How Many Tonys Was This Show Nominated For? Survey for "Season 2": https://goo.gl/forms/bfG0Ugjy1E8yqMX73 Layan's website : htt...

Sometimes you just need to shake it 'til you break it. Erik Stadnik returns to discuss burlesque dancers needing a gimmick. This song is all about the visuals, so does it work to to just listen to? Listen to find out! Plus, weirdly, MMMBop is referenced. Survey for "Season 2" : https://goo.gl/forms/bfG0Ugjy1E8yqMX73 Erik's Twitter : https://twitter.com/sjcAustenite Gypsy Rose Lee 's only film appe...

John Mulaney and Seth Meyers co-wrote an episode of the IFC show Documentary Now! In it they parody the classic documentary about the musical Company. Kyle invites on Eric Matthew Richardso n to discuss their thoughts about what worked, what didn't, and wonder if anyone is going to understand it. Eric's website : http://www.ericmatthewrichardson.com Twitter : https://twitter.com/TheEMRMusic You ca...

Who knew a seemingly simple song could have so many different recordings? Matt Sampson calls in from Durham, North Carolina to offer his insight on a song sung by a trio of amigos. Or, could it be that it's actually Rose psychologically manipulating people to her whim? Also Kyle struggles to recall an anecdote from the seminal 1994 film The Little Rascals. Matt's website : https://sampsonmusicstud...

Eric Matthew Richardson is a composer who lives in Chicago. He may or may not have some radical things to say about Everything's Coming Up Roses, the song that closes Act 1 of Gypsy. Certainly he is knowledgable about the song and the history of the show. Plus, we hear some audio snippets from Arthur Laurents as he discusses not only Gypsy, but what makes a good musical director. Eric's website :...

Adam Kostanuick returns to discuss why Tulsa's song in Gypsy may or may not be needed. Plus we delve deep into what Harris tweed is and why Kyle should consider buying a jacket made from it. Adam's podcast The Young Gaffers : http://www.theyounggaffers.com You can purchase Stephen Sondheim's first book of lyrics, Finishing the Hat , by going here: https://amzn.to/2LB9ZJo We are using three product...

Darby Turnbull calls in from Melbourne to discuss his life as an actor and creator, plus offers insight into If Momma Was Married. What some may disregard as a fluffy song is actually a deeply layered character piece where two sister talk openly about their mother and wish for a better future. Ethel Merman on the Gypsy Rose Lee Show : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqCgnX0s0M8 Laura Benanti wins...

Federico Tedeschi is an Italian student who has a deep love for Stephen Sondheim. After researching who made the music for Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd he discovered an entire body of work that he happily consumed. In this episode he discusses with Kyle how Europeans aren't as interested in musical theatre as they are with other art forms, how this song is necessary for the whole show, and how Rose m...

Isaac Bernier-Doyle returns to the show to explore two (somewhat?) contentious songs. Kyle certainly discovers that he likes a certain song less and another song he begins to appreciate more. Also, what would happen if Mr. Goldstone were combined with Little Lamb as Sondheim once considered? It's a fascinating alternate universe. How do you like them egg rolls? Isaac is the co-host of That's a Sha...

An episode where it's just Kyle! We explore many of the different "trunk songs" and a couple of the cut songs from Gypsy. This is an evolution from the Great American Songbook , which Jule Styne would have been greatly familiar with. Plus, you'll learn how Jule and Kyle share a special connection. You can check out Kyle's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/kylemarshalltries Watch the Ju...

Nathaniel Claridad brings his experience as an actor, a director, and a (reluctant) producer to discuss Small World. This is a song in stark contrast to Mama Rose's first song, Some People. Instead of the brash chutzpah that has already been shown, this song is soft and intimate. Each actress to portray Rose has had a slightly different approach to singing it and the discussion turns to whether it...

Some People is a song sung by a desperate woman. Or, perhaps, it could be looked at as an ode to the entrepreneur. At any rate Karen Unland returns to the show to discuss how Rose's first song of the show informs her character and how–depending on the performer–it can change the interpretation we have of them. Listen to Karen's podcast she does with her daughter, That's a Thing!? by going here: ht...

Here she is girls! Here she is boys! Here's the season all about Gypsy on Putting It Together. On this first episode of the new season Kyle invites on William C. White . William brings his conducting and composing knowledge and fills in a bunch of knowledge about Stephen Sondheim, Jule Styne, and vaudeville. William C. White has a website you should visit: http://www.willcwhite.com You can also fo...

After an entire season talking about the lyrics of West Side Story, we now turn our attention to the film version. I invited on Shane Lawrence to discuss the artistry of the movie and why it still remains such a cultural touchpoint almost 60 years later. If you can help out by taking this survey , I'd be very grateful! - https://goo.gl/forms/GRshXdnJASev6w3f2 Find episodes of Shane's podcast, Ed –...

Joe Slabe returns to the podcast to discuss the ending to West Side Story and the wider cultural impact it has had. Do you know what beat West Side Story for the Best Musical Tony Award? You'll find out that and how the show could be adapted for a modern audience. If you can help out by taking this survey , I'd be very grateful! - https://goo.gl/forms/GRshXdnJASev6w3f2 Joe's website where you can...

Layan Elwazani is currently a standby for The Band's Visit , which is playing right now at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City. Layan has an extensive knowledge about Stephen Sondheim and has even had the chance to be in a couple of productions of West Side Story. She brings with her an actor's outlook that is fascinating to hear, especially when it comes tot he characters of Maria and An...

Ben Zuk returns to the podcast to discuss a song that was supposed to end in a four letter word. Instead it has one of the best punchlines in musical theatre. Gee, Officer Krupke details the reasons why the Jets are the way that they are and it might be just as relevant today as it was when it was written. Plus, it's the only Sondheim song that appears in Curb Your Enthusiasm. Ben's email is: zuk....

Somewhere is another romantic song from West Side Story, but according to Adam Kostanuick it's the most mature. It's certainly a song that has inspired many people. It's been covered by many pop stars. It's message of looking towards the future for better days is also something that resonates with people even today. Perhaps even more-so today than ever before. Young Gaffer’s Podcast : http://www.t...

I Feel Pretty may be the most well known song from West Side Story. Is it a frivolous tune meant to ease the audience into Act Two, or is it empowering to see a woman sing about feeling beautiful? Tara Koett , a teacher at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School , and her two students sit down to discuss their different views. Thurber Theatre Arts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thurberthea...

The rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks has come to a boiling point. They have been left with no choice but to battle each other in dance. Also with knives. Jared Ebell , of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, joins the podcast to discuss his history as a dancer and how Jerome Robbins' choreography stands the test of time. Follow Jared on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jared.ebell/ Or follow...