Broadway Breakdown: "I Was There" with David Loud

Podcast Information:

• Title: Broadway Breakdown
• Host: Matt Koplik
• Guest: David Loud
• Episode: I Was There w/ David Loud
• Release Date: July 10, 2025

Overview: In this compelling episode of "Broadway Breakdown," host Matt Koplik sits down with the esteemed David Loud, a renowned music director, music supervisor, coordinator, and arranger who has significantly shaped Broadway's landscape. The conversation delves deep into Loud's illustrious career, exploring his experiences with iconic productions like Merrily We Roll Along, She Loves Me, Masterclass, Ragtime, and more. Listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes anecdotes, professional insights, and heartfelt reflections on the highs and lows of Broadway.

1. Introduction to David Loud

Matt Koplik introduces David Loud as a pivotal figure in Broadway, highlighting his work on productions such as the 1993 revival of She Loves Me, Steel Pier, The Look of Love, and most notably, Ragtime. Loud's journey from a Broadway performer to a respected music director sets the stage for an engaging discussion.

David Loud [02:44]: "I wanted to be in musicals with that beautiful music surrounding me."

2. Early Career and Merrily We Roll Along

David recounts his start on Broadway as a performer in the original production of Merrily We Roll Along. Despite the show's initial struggles, Loud emphasizes the profound connection he felt with the music and the cast.

• Challenges of a Struggling Show:

  David Loud [07:10]: "We loved the score and we loved being a part of it. If you're gonna go out on that stage, you have to believe in what you're doing."

• Emotional Impact of Critical Reception:

  David Loud [59:51]: "I couldn't anymore. They were so cruel and so unforgiving. I decided to go home and not back to the party."

3. Transition to Music Direction: She Loves Me

David transitions to his role as a music director with the revival of She Loves Me. He discusses the delicate balance of maintaining the original score while introducing necessary changes for contemporary audiences.

• Balancing Tradition and Innovation:

  David Loud [11:45]: "It's always about finding the line between doing it exactly the way it was before and making changes that become necessary."

• Collaboration with Composers:

  David Loud [13:03]: "Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick were very attentive to that revival. They came and watched rehearsals, gave tiny little notes that always fixed things beautifully."

4. Behind the Scenes of Masterclass

David shares his experience working on Masterclass alongside luminaries like Audra McDonald and Zoe Caldwell. He highlights the collaborative nature of the production and the creative processes involved.

• Memorable Performances:

  David Loud [14:12]: "Audra McDonald singing... asking for its forgiveness, drenched in tears. I can't ask for anything more than that."

• Impact of Repressive Techniques:

  David Loud [15:07]: "It was a wonderful, refreshing, Nice to do something different."

5. The Epic of Ragtime

One of the episode's focal points is David's role in Ragtime. He delves into the complexities of directing a grand, panoramic show with a massive cast and orchestra, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs.

• Handling a Massive Production:

  David Loud [25:21]: "It was a glorious, huge orchestra. I had 28 pieces opening night, 58 on stage. It was so expensive."

• Legacy and Reception:

  David Loud [23:06]: "People always remember the first time they saw Ragtime. That is a powerful memory for a lot of people."

6. Navigating Steel Pier and Curtains

David discusses his collaborations with composer John Kander on productions like Steel Pier and Curtains. He highlights the iterative process of refining musicals and adapting them to different cultural contexts, including London’s West End.

• Cultural Differences Between Broadway and West End:

  David Loud [21:31]: "Actors in London... were doing it for fun. And Broadway... focuses on doing it right every night."

• Working with Talented Casts:

  David Loud [21:36]: "Ruthie Henschel was a wonderful center for that company. The actors in London had a great time."

7. Challenges with Porgy and Bess and Sweeney Todd

David opens up about the difficulties he faced with projects like Gershwin's Porgy and Bess and Sweeney Todd. He candidly discusses artistic struggles and the emotional toll of directing complex shows.

• Porgy and Bess Struggles:

  David Loud [46:20]: "We never quite felt right with the music direction and the way the show was adapted."

• Sweeney Todd High-Stress Environment:

  David Loud [54:38]: "Whenever anything went wrong, they would just stop. It was very hard."

8. Collaborations and Innovations: Sondheim on Sondheim

David reflects on his work with James Lapine on Sondheim on Sondheim, a unique retrospective where Stephen Sondheim himself provides insights into his work.

• Creating a Complex Concert:

  David Loud [57:58]: "We designed sections that would match his speeches and created this complicated concert of Sondheim rarities and well-known songs."

9. Teaching and Mentorship

Transitioning from Broadway to academia, David shares his passion for teaching at the Manhattan School of Music. He discusses the importance of grounding students in the history of musical theater while encouraging them to innovate.

• Impact on Students:

  David Loud [50:23]: "If I can get that from a student, I feel like I've done my job."

• Embracing Modern Influences:

  David Loud [51:38]: "I should probably be a little bit more attentive to learning from them about the forward motion of it as well."

10. Reflections on Success and Failure

David offers profound insights into the nature of success and failure in Broadway. Drawing from his own experiences with flops and hits, he emphasizes resilience and the continuous pursuit of artistic excellence.

• Learning from Flops:

  David Loud [48:01]: "That was actually one of the greatest gifts of Merrily, to see my heroes fail."

• Balancing Commerce and Art:

  David Loud [67:10]: "Broadway is always that contradiction. Some of it is so painful, some of it is so wonderful."

11. Memoir: "Facing the Music"

David introduces his book, Facing the Music, a Broadway memoir that offers an intimate look into his life as a music director. He discusses the unique challenges and the emotional journey of his career.

David Loud [59:29]: "The book is about that. It's a memoir and it's a look at what a musical director does. And it's a love story as well."

Notable Quotes:

• On Belief in the Show:

  David Loud [07:10]: "If you're gonna go out on that stage, you have to believe in what you're doing."

• On Artistic Collaboration:

  David Loud [33:35]: "It's a very communal process, how the music is developing."

• On Music Direction Challenges:

  David Loud [54:38]: "Whenever anything went wrong, they would just stop. It was very hard."

• On Teaching Philosophy:

  David Loud [50:18]: "If I can get that from a student, I feel like I've done my job."

Conclusion: David Loud's journey through Broadway is a testament to passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of artistic integrity. From the tumultuous beginnings of Merrily We Roll Along to the grandiosity of Ragtime, his experiences offer invaluable lessons for both theater aficionados and aspiring Broadway professionals. Through his memoir and teaching, Loud continues to shape the future of musical theater, ensuring that the rich legacy of Broadway remains vibrant and evolving.

For those eager to dive deeper into David Loud's experiences and insights, his memoir Facing the Music is highly recommended.

Stay Tuned: "Broadway Breakdown" continues to explore the rich history and legacy of Broadway with more illustrious guests. Don't miss upcoming episodes of the "I Was There" series, bringing you closer to the stories behind America's most iconic stage productions.