The Drama Book Show!

In this episode, we explore Just Another Day, a charming and witty play about a comedy writer and a sophisticated poet in their seventies who meet daily on a park bench to exchange barbs, memories, and reflections on love—if only for that day. We also dive into the remarkable career of Dan Lauria, whose work spans stage, film, and television—from Broadway roles in Lombardi and A Christmas Story: T...

In this episode, we spotlight Ngozi Anyanwu and her compelling plays. In Good Grief, Nkechi, a med-school dropout and first-generation Nigerian, navigates first loves, losses, and the stars in search of answers. In The Homecoming Queen, Kelechi returns to Nigeria after fifteen years to care for her father, confronting family, culture, and past traumas. The Last of the Love Letters offers a tender...

In this episode, we spotlight playwright and performer Becca Schlossberg, an award-winning, non-binary writer whose work fearlessly explores identity, trauma, myth, and survival. Best known for Just Like I Wanted, a globally produced drama confronting teen suicide, Becca discusses a body of work that spans intimate realism, reimagined mythology, and bold theatrical experimentation—from 3boys and D...

In this special event, Suzie Miller, Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright of Prima Facie, joins writer and performer Nora Brigid Monahan for a signing and talkback on Miller’s debut novel adaptation of her acclaimed play. Prima Facie follows Tessa Ensler, a brilliant defense barrister whose faith in the law is shattered when she becomes the victim of sexual assault—and must face the very syst...

In this episode, Kevin Winkler discusses On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide. The book traces the rise of the Divine Miss M from the Continental Baths to mainstream stardom, exploring her impact on gay, Jewish, and feminist culture, as well as her influence across stage, film, music, and activism. Moderator Charles Kirsch, the young host of Backstage Babble, guides the conversation, offering ins...

A special podcast episode exploring the new anthology Every Day a Little Death, released on what would have been Stephen Sondheim’s 95th birthday. Edited by Josh Pachter, this collection brings together twenty short crime stories—each inspired by a song from one of Sondheim’s twenty musicals, from Saturday Night to Here We Are. Listeners will hear from Josh and a number of contributing authors as...

In this episode, we dive into a little-known side of Stephen Sondheim—the master composer’s lifelong love of puzzles, games, and brain-twisting challenges. Based on Barry Joseph’s fascinating new book Matching Minds with Sondheim, this conversation uncovers how Sondheim’s “puzzler’s mind” shaped not only his legendary musicals but also the treasure hunts, crossword puzzles, parlor games, and elabo...

In this episode, we explore the evolving world of intimacy direction through The Intimacy Coordinator’s Guidebook: Specialties for Stage and Screen. Author Brooke M. Haney—one of the first 50 intimacy coordinators recognized by SAG-AFTRA—joins us to unpack the book’s deep dive into the profession, from cultural competency to working with minors, queer intimacy, disability, trauma, and more. They’r...

In this episode, Jack Viertel discusses his novel Broadway Melody, a sweeping show-business romance set against the backdrop of 1960s Broadway. Tracing the intertwined lives of a trumpet player, a spotlight operator, and an aspiring ingenue, Viertel explores the hits, flops, and behind-the-scenes drama of the theater world, while offering a vivid portrait of Broadway’s history, humor, and heartbre...

In this episode, Elizabeth Teets discusses her anthology Isn’t She Great: Writers on Women-Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart, celebrating the power and humor of women-led comedies. Joined by contributors Samantha Mann, Lana Schwartz, and Yael Krinsky, they explore cult cinema, film criticism, and the enduring glamour of pink. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Kenneth Lonergan moderates a conversation about Stereophonic, David Adjmi’s Tony Award-winning play. Set in mid-1970s Sausalito, the story takes us inside a recording studio where a rock band on the brink of superstardom struggles to create their sophomore album. Fueled by booze, sleep deprivation, and a giant bag of cocaine, the band’s relationships are pushed to the breaking poi...

In this episode, we’re joined by Emily McGill, creator of The Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot. A recovering Broadway publicist turned “Ivy League Witch,” Emily takes us on a bewitching journey where tarot meets theatre, revealing how Broadway archetypes align with the Major and Minor Arcana. With stories from her work on 20 Broadway shows and her path into spiritual psychology, Emily shares how the Hirs...

In this episode, author Chloe O. Davis discusses The Queens’ English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases – Young Readers Edition. This playful, illustrated guide explores the rich history and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community to the English language, tracing terms from Sappho to the underground ball scene, the Stonewall Riots, and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Davis shares insight...

In this episode, composer, lyricist, and performer Seth Bisen-Hersh discusses The Making of a Musical: The 12-Year Journey of Love Quirks. He shares an insider’s look at the writing and producing process behind his award-winning off-Broadway musical, including detailed chapter analyses of every song and behind-the-scenes stories. Bisen-Hersh’s witty, comedic voice shines throughout, offering inspi...

Get ready for a wonderfully nerdy Broadway deep dive! In this episode, host Marc Bonanni of Broadway by Ghostlight sits down with authors Andrew Gerle and Joseph Zellnik to celebrate their dazzling new book The Periodic Table of Broadway Musicals. They’re joined by very special guest—three-time Tony nominee and Broadway icon—Mary Testa for a lively talkback, signing, and live podcast recording tha...

In this episode, actor and author Lewis J. Stadlen joins theater historian Laurence Maslon to discuss Stadlen’s new book Save Me a Seat! On the Road with Hello, Dolly!. Offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of a touring company, Stadlen shares candid stories of joy, frustration, and camaraderie from the 2018 national tour of Hello, Dolly!—spotlighting not only the actors but al...

Discover the history and artistry behind stage lighting in a conversation with Michael Chybowski, author of What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas. Chybowski traces 500 years of innovation—from the Renaissance to today—showing how ideas, technology, and artistry have shaped the craft of lighting design and its role in performance. A celebrated freelance designer and Associate Pr...

In this episode, we dive into The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged, a fast-paced, 80-minute romp through all of Austen’s beloved heroines, friends, and incisive social satire. Three nimble actors bring Austen’s masterpieces to life with humor, heart, and wit, making it a delight for both Janeites and newcomers. The conversation features the play’s creative team: Jessica Bedford, Kathryn Mac...

In this episode, we’re joined by Salisha Thomas, in conversation with TyNia René Brandon, to talk about Salisha's book, Why Be a 9 When You Can Be a 10. Part memoir, part motivational guide, the book shares Salisha’s journey from self-doubt to Broadway stardom, offering tools to help readers step into their full potential. With humor, honesty, and empowering stories, she shows how to conquer rejec...

Award-winning Broadway director Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages, bare, Dear Dumb Diary) joins us to discuss her debut book, God, Sex, and Musical Theatre: Meditations for Unlocking the Powerful Self. Through poetry, musings, and autobiographical reflections, Kristin explores faith, desire, creativity, and self-expression, showing how spirituality, sexuality, and artistry intersect in the life of a cr...

Join us for a lively conversation with actor and writer Maddie Corman and creativity coach and author Naomi Vladeck, moderated by Tony-nominated director and author Kristin Hanggi. Together, they’ll explore themes from Vladeck’s book Braving Creativity: Artists Who Turn the Scary Thrilling Messy Path of Change into Courageous Transformation, which shares the powerful stories of women artists—inclu...

Stan Zimmerman, the creative force behind The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls, joins us to discuss his new memoir, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. From a gawky Jewish boy in Detroit dreaming of Hollywood to a celebrated writer, producer, director, and playwright, Stan shares stories of his friendships with remarkable women, journal entries from his early career, and behind-the-scenes...

In this episode, playwright Miranda Rose Hall joins Robert Duffley and Geoff Kanick of LubDub Theatre Co to discuss To Tell a Story About the Earth—a playful, inventive piece that’s part traditional play and part MadLib-style guide to creating original theatre about the natural world. Blending artistry, collaboration, and climate awareness, the conversation dives into how this ensemble-driven work...

In this episode, Javier Muñoz—star of Hamilton and In the Heights—sits down with author Daniel Pollack-Pelzner to explore Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist, the definitive look at how a creative kid from Washington Heights became one of the most influential storytellers of our time. Drawing from over 150 interviews, Pollack-Pelzner traces Miranda’s journey from high school musicals to...

In this episode, David Rigano sits down with Chris Adams, author of Out for Blood: A Cultural History of Carrie the Musical, for a deep dive into one of Broadway’s most notorious flops turned cult sensation. Joined by Tony and Olivier Award winner Jak Malone (Operation Mincemeat), composer Joe Iconis (Be More Chill), and some unforgettable audience cameos, the conversation explores the chaotic ori...