The Drama Book Show!

Mark-Eugene and David celebrate women in musical theatre, sharing their favorite writers and their impact. Later, David chats with Jennifer Ashley Tepper—acclaimed theatre historian, producer, and author—about her upcoming book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That The History Books Left Out. Tepper, known for her work at 54 Below and productions like Be More Chill, highlights over 300 women wh...

In Episode 30, David and Mark-Eugene celebrate the incredible playwright—and their colleague—Nora Brigid Monahan. Later, Monahan and composer Alexander Sage Oyen join moderator Charles Kirsch to discuss DIVA: LIVE FROM HELL! and perform selections from the show. "DIVA: LIVE FROM HELL" tells the story of Desmond Channing, a dethroned high school Drama Club president, as he spirals into insanity and...

In Episode 29, David and Mark-Eugene explore the vital role audiences play in theatre, and also bring up some ghost stories from the Drama Book Shop. Later, author Robert Viagas and moderator Jay Michaels join the conversation to discuss Right This Way: A History of the Audience, a fascinating look at how audiences have evolved—from ancient colosseums to the digital age—spanning arts, genres, and...

In Episode 28, David and Mark-Eugene discuss the world of publishing and the unique feeling of truly finishing a show. Later, they welcome the brilliant Theresa Rebeck, who shares insights from her extraordinary and diverse writing career, filled with fascinating stories. To close the episode, David and Mark-Eugene tease the next installment—one that’s all about you, the audience. Learn more about...

Episode 27 takes a thoughtful departure from the usual theatre discussions as Mark-Eugene and David explore Normal Broken: The Grief Companion for When It’s Time to Heal but You’re Not Sure You Want To by Kelly Cervantes, delving into its profound perspective on navigating grief. Later, Kelly Cervantes and Broadway’s Miguel Cervantes (Hamilton) join the conversation, sharing their personal journey...

In Episode 26, David and Mark-Eugene dive into the beauty of storytelling’s messiness, moving beyond simple notions of good vs. bad or right vs. wrong to explore the rich nuances of people and their stories. Later, they welcome playwright Jordan Beswick and actress Amelia Campbell to discuss Our Lady of Perpetual Donuts, a one-woman show inspired by a real person—complete with live excerpts from t...

In Episode 25, David and Mark-Eugene explore the challenges and triumphs of creating art during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, they are joined by playwright Hayley St. James, who discusses The Affair Plays and their unique approach to blending authentic representation with hyper-theatrical, surreal, and intimate storytelling. The episode wraps up with Mark-Eugene teasing the next guest, Jordan Besw...

In Episode 24, Mark-Eugene and David explore INTAR Theatre and its highly anticipated new production, The Irrepressible Magic of the Tropics. Mark-Eugene also shares exciting news about his latest play, Goat Blood. Later, Julián Mesri and Kathleen Capdesuñer join Mark-Eugene for an in-depth conversation about the play’s history and its upcoming staging. To wrap up, David gives a preview of the nex...

In Episode 23, David and Mark-Eugene dive into Torera by Monet Hurst-Mendoza, with David sharing insights into his friendship with the playwright. Later, Monet joins the podcast to discuss her work, accompanied by actors Jacqueline Guillén and Jesse Castellanos, who bring a scene from Torera to life. To wrap up, Mark-Eugene teases the next episode, spotlighting New York City's INTAR Theatre. Learn...

In Episode 22, Mark-Eugene and David explore some of the Drama Bookshop’s picks for children and teens while sharing their first encounters with author and actress Mandy Gonzalez. Later, David sits down with Mandy Gonzalez and Brittany J. Thurman to discuss Fearless: The Takeover, the final installment in the Fearless middle-grade series, which follows a young performer and rising influencer whose...

In Episode 21, Mark-Eugene and David celebrate both their milestone 21st episode and the brilliance of Shaina Taub’s As You Like It and Twelfth Night. They welcome an incredible lineup of guests, including Obie Award-winning, Emmy-nominated songwriter, and two-time Tony winner Shaina Taub, alongside Tony-nominated moderator Ato Blankson-Wood. The conversation explores Twelfth Night, a rousing cont...

Mark-Eugene and David mark their twentieth episode with a special celebration! Joining them are Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons and Abbie Britton, MA, for an inspiring conversation about Estelle's book Uncharted Territory: Life Lessons from the Theatre. Tune in for unforgettable stories and profound insights from a true legend of the stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

In Episode 19, Mark and David return from the holidays, kicking off the year with Stephen Dolginoff and his book Thrill Maker: The Story of My Musical 'Thrill Me' alongside moderator Peter Filichia. Dolginoff's Off-Broadway musical Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story was hailed as “breathtaking” by The New York Times. His thirty-year journey with the show began in 1994, leading to unexpected twist...

In episode 18, David and Mark-Eugene take a deep dive into the Hispanic Heritage Table at the Drama Book Shop, discussing standout works like Torerra, Canto Contigo, Fade, and Eight Tales of Pedro. Later in the episode, David interviews Cynthia Santos DeCure, Micha Espinosa, and a panel of contributing artists to explore Latinx Actor Training. This groundbreaking book features essays and innovativ...

In episode 17, Mark-Eugene and David pass the mic to the incredible playwright and friend Nora Brigid Monahan who interviews the legendary Charles Busch! As the Tony Award-nominated writer behind "The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife" and the long-running hit "Vampire Lesbians of Sodom," and a Sundance Festival award winner, Charles Busch has carved a unique place in the entertainment realm as a playw...

In Episode 16, David and Mark-Eugene dive back into their captivating interview-concert with the immensely talented Melissa Errico, accompanied by pianist Tedd Firth and producer Rob Mathes.. Following the performance, David and Mark-Eugene continue their Sondheim deep-dive while gearing up for the next episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 15, David and Mark-Eugene sprinkle in some Sondheim puns as they gear up for Part One of their interview with the talented Melissa Errico, joined by pianist Tedd Firth and producer Rob Mathes. It’s a blend of interview, concert, and pure entertainment. Afterward, Mark-Eugene shares the scoop on his latest show, Goat Blood, and we build anticipation for Part Two of the interview, coming...

In episode 14, David and Mark-Eugene delve into the book My Sister: How One Sibling's Transition Changed Us Both by Selenis Leyva and Marizol Leyva. During the interview, the sisters share their journey, reflecting on the challenges and victories they've faced together. They highlight the harsh realities of violence, abuse, and discrimination endured by transgender individuals, women of color, and...

In Episode 13, David and Mark-Eugene take center stage with a special guest: their multi-talented theater artist and colleague, Dylan Glick. Together, they reminisce about their most memorable Tony Awards moments. David then sits down for a captivating interview with Eila Mell, author of The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre, and is joined by Heather A. Hitchens, the President &...

Happy August! In Episode 12, David and Mark-Eugene dive straight into Mark-Eugene's interview with Patti Hartigan, discussing her book August Wilson: A Life. Afterward, they catch up on their lingering excitement from the recent Tony Awards, which inspires the topic for their next episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back! After a slight delay, we're excited to bring you the eleventh episode of the podcast. In this episode, we present the second half of our concert/interview with Broadway composer Joe Iconis. He performs a few songs and shares insights into his career. David and Mark-Eugene also welcome their coworker Aaron Clark Burstein to discuss Joe's work. Later on, we dive into Aaron's recent endea...

In the tenth episode of the podcast, Broadway composer Joe Iconis visits the shop to perform a few songs and share insights about his career. David and Mark-Eugene also bring in their coworker Aaron Clark Burstein to discuss Joe's work. Later, Mark-Eugene talks about his latest musical, "Shining in Misery: A King-Size Parody," which recently debuted at 54 Below. Stay tuned for part two of Joe Icon...

In the ninth episode, David and Mark-Eugene delve into a lively discussion about playwright and cherished friend of the store, Bambi Everson. Following that, our guest Moderator Jay Michaels joins Playwright Bambi Everson to explore her illustrious career—a delightful blend of wry wit, sardonic humor, and a hint of darkness. Featuring an excerpt from SINCERELY HELD BELIEFS, this gripping tale unfo...

In Episode Eight, David and Mark-Eugene continue honoring Women's History Month with an insightful interview featuring Emily Mann and Alexis Greene. Emily Mann shares her journey as a distinguished playwright, director, and artistic director, inspiring our audience with her remarkable achievements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the seventh episode, the Mystery Guest of the Drama Book Shop is finally unveiled! Eddie Shapiro resumes his engaging discussions with prominent Broadway actresses, extending the conversation to include input from the Drama Book Shop attendees. Later, David and Mark-Eugene delve into their collaborative works, sharing insights and treating listeners to a captivating song from one of their produ...