BroadwayRadio Presents: This Week on Broadway for December 29, 2024: Featuring Jennifer Ashley Tepper

Introduction In the December 29, 2024 episode of This Week on Broadway, host James Marino engages with a panel comprising playwright and historian Peter Felicia, theater critic Michael Portantier, and the esteemed theater historian, author, and producer Jennifer Ashley Tepper. The conversation navigates through exciting new projects, book releases, current Broadway productions, and noteworthy industry news, providing listeners with an insightful overview of the Broadway scene.

Celebrating New Releases and Projects

Peter Felicia and Michael Portantier introduced their latest works, with Peter’s new "Day by Day" wall calendar, which features a show tune theme with 366 songs designed to brighten each day of the year.

• James Marino (00:57): "Peter's new Day by Day wall calendar, a show tune for today, 366 songs to brighten your year is showing up. I'm seeing a lot of social media posts where people are posting their calendar. Peter, congratulations."

• Peter Felicia (01:27): "Thank you. Nice."

Jennifer Ashley Tepper highlighted her dual projects: a world premiere musical based on Jonathan Larson's unfinished works and her newly published book, "Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That History Books Left Out."

Jennifer Ashley Tepper on the Jonathan Larson Project

Jennifer Ashley Tepper shares an in-depth look into her decade-long dedication to bringing Jonathan Larson’s unreleased material to the stage. The project, set to premiere at the Orpheum Theater on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, aims to honor Larson's legacy by transforming his archived songs and scripts into a cohesive theatrical piece.

• Jennifer Ashley Tepper (05:04): "I started working on the Jonathan Larson project over a decade ago... I spent a number of years doing that and listening to all of his unheard songs... We premiered the concert version of the Jonathan Larson project in 2018 at 54 Below."

Jennifer elaborates on collaborating with Charlie Rosen and director John Simpkins to ensure the project remains true to Larson’s vision while adapting to present-day sensibilities.

• Jennifer Ashley Tepper (09:40): "John is just one of my favorite directors... he used to direct all of the shows at Steinhardt at NYU... we are trying so hard to be true to his intentions."

Discussion on Superbia: Michael inquires about the possibility of performing Larson’s Superbia in full, to which Jennifer provides a nuanced response, highlighting the complexities due to the numerous script versions Larson produced.

• Jennifer Ashley Tepper (15:25): "I don't think it'll ever happen. Maybe it could, but it's not as simple as, like, yeah, let's take the 1987 script."

Peter Felicia adds historical context regarding Larson’s presentations of Superbia, emphasizing the mixed reactions Larson received during ASCAP workshops.

• Peter Felicia (16:21): "People were yelling and screaming... like 15 minutes of yelling and screaming, and you have no idea what's right."

Highlighting "Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That History Books Left Out"

Jennifer introduces her new book, which uncovers and celebrates over 300 female musical theater writers who have been largely overlooked in Broadway history.

• Jennifer Ashley Tepper (20:51): "I thought, this is the perfect project for right now... I combed IBDB for every musical theater writer with a female name."

Peter Felicia praises the book, noting its sensational uncovering of obscure female contributors to musical theater.

• Peter Felicia (23:04): "It really is sensational beyond belief... it will certainly be one that will get awards as time goes on."

Jennifer discusses the challenges women faced in the industry, including dependency on male allies, and highlights the multifaceted lives of these women beyond their theatrical contributions.

• Jennifer Ashley Tepper (24:19): "Women had to work twice as hard to keep that opportunity... it's actually kind of a positive thing that allies contributed throughout the book."

Current Broadway Productions and Performances

Annie at Madison Square Garden: Peter Felicia and James Marino discuss the latest production of Annie at Madison Square Garden, starring Whoopi Goldberg as Miss Hannigan. They provide insights into the performances and audience reception.

• James Marino (29:02): "Annie became a cliche because most shows that become super successful do become cliches... we cared so much about that little girl and the man who wants to adopt her."

Michael Portantier critiques Goldberg’s portrayal as "deadpan," noting its divergence from traditional interpretations.

• Michael Portantier (35:25): "It sounds like a deadpan performance... it’s probably valid to play the role that way, but we've never seen it that way."

Christine Petty's "Snow Business" at 54 Below: Michael shares his positive experience attending Christine Petty’s impression-heavy cabaret show, which includes renditions of stars like Angela Lansbury and Maggie Smith.

• Michael Portantier (37:27): "Christine imitates some people brilliantly that few, if anyone, else does... her Angela Lansbury is just mindboggling."

Melissa Erico and Billy Stritch's Performance: Another highlight from 54 Below includes Melissa Erico and Billy Stritch’s festive show blending traditional Christmas songs with Sondheim parodies.

• Michael Portantier (37:36): "Melissa is so smart... the show was quite a lovely mishmash of different kinds of things."

Marilyn May at Birdland: Michael extols the talents of the 96-year-old Marilyn May, who continues to deliver dynamic performances with fresh interpretations of classic songs.

• Michael Portantier (40:10): "Marilyn's talents are so completely intact at age 96... she does a magnificent Fats Waller medley."

Industry News: Imperial Theater Improvements

Michael Portantier discusses Schubert’s proposed enhancements to the Imperial Theater, detailing the long, convoluted process due to its landmark status. He expresses frustration over the Schuberts’ previous actions, such as demolishing beloved local establishments and leaving significant spaces unused for decades.

• Michael Portantier (48:31): "The Schuberts have completely sold it and are no longer involved on any level... the lot remained completely empty for about 20 years."

Peter Felicia echoes the sentiment, lamenting the loss of cultural spots like Triton Gallery and Sam’s and Barrymores restaurants.

• Peter Felicia (52:09): "Those restaurants were obliterated... Triton Gallery was always so exciting to walk by."

Interactive Segment: Brain Teaser

Peter Felicia engages listeners with a challenging brain teaser involving a performer linked to both Disney’s Aladdin and Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. Although the answer remains undisclosed in the transcript, the teaser encourages audience participation via email.

• James Marino (53:38): "If you have an answer for this, email us@triviabroadreyradio.com we'll let you know if you're on the right track."

Musical Moments: Spotlight on "Gypsy"

Michael Portantier discusses the recent opening of Gypsy and the unfortunate cancellation due to cast illnesses. He reminisces about classic recordings, praising the original Broadway cast's portrayal, particularly Ethel Merman's iconic performance of "Rose’s Turn."

• Michael Portantier (56:33): "We would go back to the source and feature two selections from the brilliant original Broadway cast recording of Gypsy... the final section of Ethel Merman's thrilling performance of Rose's Turn."

Conclusion The episode concludes with host James Marino thanking the guests and promoting upcoming content, including Jan Simpson’s new Stagecraft episode featuring Michael Griffo. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe via various platforms and engage with the show's interactive segments.

• James Marino (58:17): "Thanks so much for listening to Broadway Radios this week on Broadway. Bye bye."

Notable Quotes:

• Jennifer Ashley Tepper (05:50): "It's all connected. I started working on the Jonathan Larson project actually over a decade ago..."

• Michael Portantier (15:25): "I don't think it'll ever happen. Maybe it could, but it's not as simple as, like, yeah, let's take the 1987 script."

• Jennifer Ashley Tepper (24:19): "Women had to work twice as hard to keep that opportunity... it's actually kind of a positive thing that allies contributed."

This episode of This Week on Broadway provides a rich, engaging exploration of diverse topics within the Broadway community, offering both historical insights and contemporary critiques. Jennifer Ashley Tepper’s contributions stand out, highlighting her dedication to preserving and expanding the legacy of musical theater through her dynamic projects.

Timestamps:

• 00:57: Introduction of hosts and guests.
• 05:04: Jennifer Ashley Tepper discusses the Jonathan Larson Project.
• 09:40: Relationship with director John Simpkins.
• 15:25: Discussion on Superbia’s potential performances.
• 20:51: Introduction to "Women Writing Musicals" book.
• 29:02: Review of Annie's production at Madison Square Garden.
• 37:27: Christine Petty’s "Snow Business" review.
• 48:31: News on Imperial Theater improvements.
• 56:33: Musical Moments featuring Gypsy.

Resources and Links:

• Jonathan Larson Project: Orpheum Theater
• Women Writing Musicals Book: Available at Finer Books
• Christine Petty Performances: 54 Below
• Melissa Erico and Billy Stritch at 54 Below: 54 Below Events
• Marilyn May at Birdland: Birdland Theatre

Stay Connected: Subscribe to This Week on Broadway via BroadwayRadio.com or on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media and join our Patreon community for exclusive content and early access to episodes.

Brain Teaser Answer: Listeners are encouraged to email their guesses to triviabroadreyradio.com to participate in solving the week’s brain teaser.

Closing Remarks: James Marino signs off, expressing gratitude to guests and listeners, and hints at future engaging content ahead on This Week on Broadway.

Transcript Excerpts:

• James Marino (00:57): "Hello and welcome to Broadway Radios this week on Broadway for Sunday, December 29, 2024."

• Jennifer Ashley Tepper (05:50): "I started working on the Jonathan Larson project actually over a decade ago..."

• James Marino (56:33): "We would go back to the source and feature two selections from the brilliant original Broadway cast recording of Gypsy."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting the pivotal discussions, expert insights, and engaging commentary that make This Week on Broadway a must-listen for theater enthusiasts.