The Drama Book Show!

More than fifty years after Jesus Christ Superstar first shocked, thrilled, and redefined what a musical could be, we revisit the rock opera’s journey with journalist and playwright Ellis Nassour. Author of the definitive book on the making of Superstar, Nassour takes us behind the scenes of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s early collaborations, the risky leap from record to stage, and the contr...

In this episode, we explore three essential books on the craft of playwriting: Letters to a Young Playwright by Adam Szymkowicz, Playwriting with Purpose and Writing Adaptations and Translations for the Stage by Jacqueline Goldfinger. The discussion covers practical advice for early-career and emerging playwrights, from developing characters and writing dialogue to adapting works for stage perform...

In this episode, we explore Tommy Jamerson’s dynamic plays Amityville ‘74, The House on Haunted Hill, and The Jungle Book. Amityville ‘74 delves into the chilling events at the infamous Dutch Colonial where Ronald “Butch” Defeo committed a horrific family murder. The House on Haunted Hill brings Vincent Price’s classic to life with a twisted, humorous story of greed, ghosts, and betrayal. The Jung...

Step into the world of audio drama with Barry M. Putt, Jr., renowned dramatist, screenwriter, and author of Stories Told Through Sound. This episode explores the essentials of crafting engaging audio dramas, including creating compelling characters, developing exciting plot twists, and building scripts that resonate with audiences. Drawing on his prolific career—over fifty audio dramas for compani...

Think you know Broadway inside and out? In this episode, we sit down with theater historian, author, and Broadway commentator Peter Filichia to test your stage smarts. His latest book challenges even the most seasoned fans with brainteasers spanning decades of musicals—from Cats to Dear Evan Hansen. We’ll explore how he crafted these puzzles, swap a few tricky questions, and talk about what makes...

In this episode, playwright and memoirist Alvin Eng joins Shoshana Greenberg of the Thornton Wilder Society to discuss his book Our Laundry, Our Town. Eng reflects on growing up as the son of Chinese immigrants in 1970s Flushing, Queens—balancing life inside his parents’ hand laundry with the turbulent, inspiring world outside. His memoir traces the journey from punk rock and downtown theater to d...

In this episode, we explore Blood Type: RAGU, written and performed by Frank Ingrasciotta. This hilarious and heartfelt solo play follows Frank’s journey as the son of Sicilian immigrants in Brooklyn, blending food, family, and forgiveness in a story that’s equal parts comedy and drama. Having wowed audiences Off-Broadway and beyond with over 1,200 performances worldwide, Blood Type: RAGU showcase...

Mark-Eugene and Dylan dive into auditions, on-camera work, stage fright, and Dylan’s college journey. Later, David speaks with Ellen Novack about her book Taming the Cyclops, a guide to mastering on-camera auditions. With decades of experience as a casting director and teacher at Yale, Juilliard, and beyond, Ellen shares invaluable insights that have shaped the careers of actors like Lupita Nyong’...

Mark-Eugene and Dylan share stories from their performing journeys before David sits down with voice teacher Gabriel Weiner to discuss his book How to Sing Without Thinking. A celebrated singer, actor, and teacher, Weiner offers a fresh approach to singing—one rooted in trust, emotion, and rediscovering the voice we’re all born with. His philosophy: if you can laugh, cry, or speak, you can sing. L...

Mark-Eugene and Dylan kick things off with an update on their latest playwriting adventures. Then, Paul Wontorek (Broadway World) sits down with six-time Tony nominee Chad Beguelin to discuss his debut novel Showmance—a funny and heartfelt story about a failed Broadway writer, a community theater revival, and the unexpected romance that blooms in his small hometown. Beguelin, known for The Prom, A...

In this episode, Mark-Eugene and David chat with playwright Sophie McIntosh and director/producer Nina Goodheart, co-founders of Good Apples Collective. They discuss their upcoming production Road Kills, their creative partnership, and the mission behind their collaborative work. Sophie’s plays spotlight queer voices, small-town life, and the wild ways animals mirror us. Nina brings stories to lif...

In a special twist for this episode, David interviews Mark-Eugene Garcia during a Friday the 13th birthday book signing celebrating the publication of his three plays: With Bated Breath, Eight Tales of Pedro, and Goat Blood. They dive into Mark-Eugene’s two-decade journey as a Chicano playwright—from his first musical Up in the Air, which evolved into the wild, sex-fueled satire With Bated Breath,...

In this special Pride episode, Mark-Eugene and Dylan team up with DPS/Broadway Licensing for an author roundtable celebrating queer voices in the theatre. Moderated by Emmy-winning journalist Patrick Pacheco, the conversation features an all-star panel: Charles Busch (The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom), C.A. Johnson (All the Natalie Portmans), Michael Korie (Grey Gardens,...

In season 2 episode 8, Mark-Eugene and Dylan spotlight two favorite non-binary playwrights, then introduce a panel celebrating the groundbreaking anthology Beyond the Binary: Eight Non-Binary Plays. Though non-binary voices have a rich theatrical history, they’re still underrepresented on today’s stages. Beyond the Binary shifts that narrative with short plays exploring identity at the intersectio...

In this episode, playwrights David, Mark-Eugene, and special guest Dylan Glick discuss their playwriting journeys, creative processes, favorite writers, and best advice for fellow dramatists. Later, David interviews playwright and professor Justin Maxwell about his book The Playwright’s Toolbox—a dynamic resource filled with exercises from nearly 60 playwrights, designed to guide writers through e...

In this special bonus episode, Mark-Eugene introduces the conversation as guests Jonathan Spector and Jessica Hecht sit down with Ruthie Fierberg to discuss the Tony-nominated play Eureka Day. From the origins of the script to its powerful themes, they explore the story behind the show and its journey to Broadway. The Tony countdown continues! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

Mark-Eugene and David dive into the world of acclaimed playwright Duncan Pflaster, discussing Mark-Eugene's long-standing creative collaboration with him. Later, Duncan joins the conversation to explore his eclectic career in theatre, sharing insights into three of his published plays. From the intense psychological entanglements of Fourteen Hundred and Sixty Sketches of Your Left Hand, to the poe...

Mark-Eugene and David dive into the topic of stage fright with special guest Dylan Glick. Later, they’re joined by first-time picture book authors—and sisters-in-law—Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran to discuss their empowering children’s book Piper Chen Sings. Inspired by Soo’s own childhood experiences, the story follows a young girl who must overcome her nerves when chosen to sing a solo at...

In Episode 3, Season 2 – David and Mark-Eugene explore the “joys” of auditioning and reflect on how valuable a guide would’ve been when they were starting out. That’s where JJ’s Audition Adventure comes in—a delightful children’s book by Atlanta-based actor and educator Javier Vazquez Jr. Inspired by his own path in the industry, the book follows young JJ as he prepares for his first self-taped au...

In episode 2 of season 2, David and Mark-Eugene break down the recent Tony nominations and share their standout shows of the season. Then, they dive into OPEN by Crystal Skillman, a poignant solo play in which a woman known as The Magician pantomimes a series of illusions—each one an attempt to defy the ultimate trick: saving her lover Jenny. Skillman, an internationally award-winning playwright,...

In the Season 2 premiere, David and Mark-Eugene dive into Mark-Eugene’s favorite show of the Broadway season — Real Women Have Curves. They're then joined by Josefina López, the award-winning playwright behind the story, who shares its incredible journey from Boyle Heights to Broadway. López, the Founding Artistic Director of CASA 0101 Theater, has had over 130 productions of her work staged natio...

In Episode 35, the season finale, Mark-Eugene and David reflect on their favorite moments from the past year. They’re joined by Karen Eber—best-selling author, TED speaker, and leadership consultant—who discusses her book The Perfect Story and the science behind telling stories that truly connect and inspire. Karen is joined by Colby Webb, a global advertising executive and founder of Sav-a-Bull R...

In Episode 34, Mark-Eugene and David preview their conversation with entertainment icons Julian Schlossberg and Susan Stroman. Julian shares highlights from his memoir Try Not to Hold It Against Me, reflecting on his six-decade career in film, TV, and Broadway. He’s later joined by five-time Tony winner Susan Stroman, who discusses her celebrated work on The Producers, Contact, The Scottsboro Boys...

In Episode 33, before diving into the main topic, Mark-Eugene shares his excitement with David about finally fulfilling his dream of meeting Laura Linney. The conversation then shifts to A Chance to Fly and Cut Loose, the inspiring books by Tony winner Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz. Later, the author duo joins the discussion, offering insight into their creative process and the experience of co...

In Episode 32, David and Mark-Eugene dive into their favorite works by playwrights Joshua Harmon and Rajiv Joseph. Later, guest moderator Samantha Tuozzolo (Survival Jobs Podcast) hosts a special behind-the-scenes discussion, presented by Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) and the Drama Book Shop. Harmon and Joseph share insights into their creative process, their relationship with MTC, and how real-lif...