Before the Downbeat: A Musical Podcast

This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are heading out to prince's ball and along the way they discuss the musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella! Together these two explore why this particular fairy tale has sparked so many musical adaptations. They debate which names for the step sisters they prefer across the various versions of this piece. Plus discover which of the added trunk songs from other Rodgers and Hammerstein shows they think fits best with this piece.

All of this and a world that is full of zanies and fools who don’t believe in sensible rules in this all new episode!

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Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott are leaving their own little corners to discuss the musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella! Hear them debate if this adaptation of the Cinderella fairytale is the best. They breakdown the various changes that have been made to the musical with each adaptation. Plus they discuss where this musical ranks for each of them within the Rodgers and Hammerstein canon.

All of this and a invitation to the ball for Prince Christopher Rupert Windemere Vladimir Karl Alexander François Reginald Launcelot Herman Gregory James on next Friday's all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are certain to meet in the bedroom, the parlor or even the street the alluring Aurora with her velvet cape as they discuss the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman! Together these two explore surprising amount of Canadian connections this musical has. They debate whether or not the critics should have attended and reviewed that very first workshop performance. Plus they imagine what a version of this musical would have been like with Sondheim tackling it.

All of this and the the final reel of Flame of St. Petersburg in this all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott going over the wall as they discuss the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman! Hear them debate whether this musical's story is more focused on Aurora or Molina as the musical did lean heavily into the star power of the original Aurora, Chita Rivera. They breakdown the relationship between Molina and Valentin and how it would have to be adjusted for todays' audiences. Plus they discuss the recently announced film adaptation that is starring and co-executive produced by Jennifer Lopez.

All of this and a Balenciaga scarf on next Friday's all new episode!

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This week on Before the Downbeat, Mackenzie and Scott are opening up their eyes and looking at what god has done as they discuss the musical The Color Purple! Scott and Mackenzie explore whether or not the character of Mister is redeemed by the end. They debate if the musical went far enough in portraying the queer relationships that are present in the source material. Plus discover if Scott and Mackenzie think this musical needed an overture.

All of this and a blade of corn in this all new episode!

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Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Scott are exploring an adaptation of a beloved novel the musical The Color Purple! Hear them discuss why this musical's revival is an improvement over the original Broadway production. They breakdown the concepts of spirituality verses faith and how this musical's message on this topic is one people need now more than ever. Plus they discuss how both major productions of this musical were directed by white men and the impacted this has had on how this story was interpreted.

All of this and Shug Avery is comin' to town on next Friday's all new episode!

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This week on Before the Downbeat, we have our first official episode with our new co-host Scott Hurst! Join Mackenzie and Scott who are attempting to glitter and be gay as they work hard to make their gardens grow while they discuss the musical and Bernstein's passion project Candide! Scott and Mackenzie explore the ongoing and ever troubled writing process that has resulted in multiple versions of this show being produced. They debate when and if politics should influence and at time censor art. Plus discover how Mackenzie shocked Scott with his number 1 song choice!

All of this and some singing sheep from El Dorado in this all new episode!

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Next Friday on Before the Downbeat we have our first official episode with our new co-host Scott Hurst! For their first outing Mackenzie and Scott are off to Westphalia to learn why this is the best of all possible worlds and to discuss the complex musical Candide! Hear them discuss why this musical's overture is so iconic and may even be the best part of the whole show. They breakdown the many revisions this show as gone through and they debate which version is the best. Plus find out which song Scott and Mack can't get out of their heads!

All of this and an auto-da-fé on next Friday's all new episode!

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As we revealed in our 42nd Street episode the shoes of our wonderful Canadian Bea Arthur Autumn Smith left were just too big to fill for one co-host. So the decision was made to split the co-hosting duties between two wonderful hosts and you've met Maris Lyons and now we are excited to introduce you to our new and other permanent co-host Scott Hurst! Scott is a survivor of 48 years in professional & community  theatre, Scott has earned a living as an actor, singer, dancer, director, writer & producer, and his resume includes seasons at the Stratford Festival, Charlottetown Festival, Blyth Festival, Thousand Islands Playhouse, the National Arts Centre and a side trip to the MDM Theatre in Moscow. A recipient of an Excellence in the Arts award at the 2009 Barrie Arts Awards, Scott is known locally for his extensive work with The South Simcoe Theatre, Kempenfelt Community Players, Talk is Free Theatre, Theatre by the Bay, Huronia Players, and the Orillia Sunshine Festival. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for The South Simcoe Theatre and is helping to develop a training program for actors, directors, singers and production teams. A proud member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, Scott is now considered by some to be a Gay Elder and he's grateful to have lived long enough to achieve that status. 3TY Rob! We are so excited to have Scott on our team and please joy this introductory interview where Mackenzie and Scott discuss Scott's theatrical background and we explore his thoughts on the current musical theatre landscape.

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This week on Tuesday January 30th the theatre community lost two very important and influential members Chita Rivera & Hinton Battle. Today we turn our focus to Ms. Rivera who was not only a multi awarding artists (including two Tony Awards for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Tony Award, two Drama Desk Awards, a Drama League Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom) but also a performer who was the consummate professional who worked tirelessly at her craft and lit up the stage with her dazzling charisma and incredible dancing. She was a true trailblazer whether it was through her origination of many iconic stage roles like Anita in West Story, Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Anna in The Rink or Aurora in Kiss of the Spiderwoman or through her accolades including being the first Latina and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002. She was someone who continually inspired and mentored so many artists and had one of the most infectious laughs that could fill up any room she was in or an stage she was on. Chita Rivera was a true old school Broadway artist who kept their head down and focused on their work and we will certainly not see the likes of her again any time soon. So in honour of her passing we are revisiting our episode on Bye Bye Birdie which is the musical she earned her first Tony nomination for. We will also dive deeper into her work this season when we tackle Kiss of the Spiderwoman in a few weeks. But for now listen and enjoy this special tribute to a one of a kind artist.

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This week on Tuesday January 30th the theatre community lost two very important and influential members Chita Rivera and Hinton Battle. So to honour both these trailblazers we here at Before the Downbeat will be releasing remastered tribute episodes of musicals they were heavily involved in. For today we turn our focus to Mr. Battle who was not only an incredible dancer but also a 3 time Tony Award winner. He won his 3 awards in the cateogory of Best Supporting Actor in a Musical and this makes him the most award performer for single cateogory. His career spanned multiple mediums from his stage work where he originated the role of the Scarecrow in The Wiz and John in Miss Saigon to his cross over to TV and film, making appearances in Dreamgirls, Smash, These Old Broads, Quantum Leap, Touched by an Angel, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer and he even choreographed the 65th and 66th Academy Awards. So in honour of his passing we are revisiting our episode on Miss Saigon which is musical he won his 3rd Tony Award for. We will also dive deeper into his work next season when tackle The Wiz. But for now listen and enjoy this very special tribute.

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This week we lost a truly great film director and Canadian cinema icon Norman Jewison. He has a long history of working on music videos and movie musicals including Fiddler on the Roof and Jesus Christ Superstar. Beyond his musical work he also directed many notable and award winning films including 'In the Heat of the Night' and 'Moonstruck'. So in honour of his passing we are revisiting our Live Movie Musical Commentary of his highly praised film adaption of Fiddler on the Roof! Together in this live commentary, Ryan and Mackenzie explored why this film continues to speak to so many generations and they analyze how Jewison was able to so expertly and cinematically interpret a musical number for the big screen. His work will continually be studied for the years to come and the mentorship he provided will certainly be missed by many aspiring directors. Please listen and enjoy this very special tribute.

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Enjoy the final episode the first season of our review miniseries of the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz as they head off on a secret mission and discover some Shakespearian connections in this episode. They give their final ranking of all the episodes this season. Plus they explore the softer side of Gareth and how editing can sway the emotional pull of a song.

All this but first another drink da, da, da, da, da, da in this all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Enjoy the latest episode of our review miniseries of the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz as they select a champion to fight to the death for them. They breakdown whether the backstory for Gal shown in this episode lines up with his character we've seen so far. They explore how this episode might have been extended if one of the earlier season episodes had been removed. Plus find out how Ryan feels about deadly allergies are portrayed in TV and film.

All this and picture that great big pool of puke and stool a happy ending for us in this all new episode!

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Ho, ho, ho everyone! Just want to share a brief message to say thank you to all you wonderful loyal listeners for such a terrific year. We hope you have enjoyed our bonus episode content like our Schmigadoon and Galavant review series and our first 7 episodes of season 5. We cannot wait to share the new episodes of season 5 with you in the new year and all the other amazing content we have lined up for you! Be sure to check out our social holiday image as we have left clues in the Christmas orbs in what our back 7 episodes will be. Have fun guessing and we will see you in 2024!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Enjoy the latest episode of our review miniseries of the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz as they take some xanax and dive into some repressed childhood memories. They breakdown the complex love coupling of Gal and Madalena. They explore all the fun jabs Menken and Slater take a traditional musical love duets. Plus find out if they agree with Gal and Izzy that the concept of love is nothing like the fairy tales you grow up dreaming of!

All this and some hocus pocus and expialidocious in this all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Enjoy the latest episode of our review miniseries of the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz as they go completely Mad...Alena for this episode. They breakdown the slightly jumbled plot of this episode and try to figure out why it doesn't quite work. They explore the cute yet also surprising dark relationship of Chef and Gwen. Plus find out if they think Weird Al and his monk character were used in the best possible way for the show!

All this and some trench mouth, tapeworms, and lice in this all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Enjoy the latest episode of our review miniseries of the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz as they break out some comedy gold. They breakdown the various comedy routines that Richard and the jester Steve explore in their titular duet. They debate whether the joke of showing Isabella's under garments is dated. Plus find out which sea shanty is their favourite.

All this and the lords of the sea just not of the actual sea in this all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Enjoy the latest episode of our review miniseries of the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz as they head out and celebrate two balls. They breakdown the Fiddler on the Roof connections that are found in this episode. They explore if the episodic nature of the past two episodes works or if these episodes should have been combined and given a more serialized format. Plus find out if they feel there are one to many eunuch jokes in this episode!

All this and a jackass in a fancy metal can in this all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

As we prepare to release the last 7 episodes of season 5 we are bringing you our next review miniseries which is all about the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz as they join a jousting contest. They breakdown the first of many surprise star cameo appearances this series will feature. They explore their complex feelings on how this show portrays traditional masculinity. Plus hear what they think of the portrait of Gareth's mother. Stay tune for more episode reviews!

All this and we're off on a hero's journey out where adventure lies
on a quest the poets will sing about in this all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

As we prepare to release the last 7 episodes of season 5 we are bringing you our next review miniseries which is all about the musical tv show 'Galavant'! Join Mackenzie and the Cup of Hemlocks Co-Artistic Producer Ryan Borochovitz has they begin their journey into this musical comedy. They breakdown the surprising plot twists of the episode. All the musical easter eggs that Alan Menken left in the big title song of the series. Plus they explain why the 'villain song' "She'll be Mine" is far more complex than viewers realized. Stay tune for more episode reviews!

All this and an epic, wild, a real butt-clencher in this all new review miniseries!

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This week on Before the Downbeat, Maris and Mackenzie are heeding the alluring call of the lullaby of Broadway as they discuss the musical 42nd Street! Maris and Mackenzie discuss the difficulties of remounting a musical with source material almost a century old. They explore how this piece's songs are actually secondary to the dances which are the main selling feature of the show . Plus discover which song was hardest to do tech wise according to Maris's recollections of her time performing in this musical.

All of this and the beat of dancing feet in this all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Maris are breaking out their tap shoes and shuffling off to Buffalo to discuss the musical 42nd Street! Hear them discuss their love for tap dancing. They breakdown and give their thoughts on producer David Merrick's unconventional publicity practices. Plus find out which character Maris portrayed when she performed in this nostalgic musical.

All of this and some shadow waltzing on next Friday's all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

This week on Before the Downbeat, Maris and Mackenzie are diving into the world of cinema Italiano as they discuss the musical Nine! Maris and Mackenzie discuss the power and uniqueness of this musical's iconic overture. They explore how this piece reflects and parallels the pressures artist put on themselves to achieve their next great hit. Plus discover how they correlate this musical in a strange way to the career of Andrew Lloyd Webber

All of this and a call from the Vatican in this all new episode!

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Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Maris are heading to Italy to step behind the film camera to discuss the musical Nine! Hear them discuss how they think this musical balances having a large female cast countered by the fact the musical is told predominantly from the male gaze. They discuss which songs that were cut from the movie musical should have been included. Plus find out if they think Guido Contini is a good character.

All of this and some Germans at the spa on next Friday's all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

This week on Before the Downbeat, Maris and Mackenzie are wrestle with a goat as they discuss the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Maris and Mackenzie discuss their own wildest and most recent dreams. They explore this musical's score to find the musical motifs that Lloyd Webber will expand on in his later musicals. Plus discover which performer who has played Joseph has been their favourite.

All of this and a dazzling coat of many colours that was red and yellow and green and brown and scarlet and black and ochre and peach and ruby and olive and violet and fawn and lilac and gold and chocolate and mauve and cream and crimson and silver and rose and azure and lemon and russet and grey and purple and white and pink and orange and red and yellow and green and brown and scarlet and black and ochre and peach and ruby and olive and violet and fawn and lilac and gold and chocolate and mauve and cream and crimson and silver and rose and azure and lemon and russet and grey and purple and white and pink and orange and blue in this all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Maris are breaking out their bibles and heading into the Book of Genesis to discuss the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Hear them discuss what most performers who portray Joseph miss about the role. They discuss whether they prefer to have a male or female performer in the role of the Narrator. Plus find out if they are excited by the news of a movie musical adaptation being is in the works.

All of this and some dreams about stalks of corn and cows on next Friday's all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

This week on Before the Downbeat, Maris and Mackenzie are getting a gimmick and some chow mein as they discuss the musical Gypsy: A Musical Fable! Maris and Mackenzie debate if the divisive song 'Little Lamb' is truly necessary for the show or if it should be cut. They explore where the line is between cute and annoying regarding June and her musical numbers. Plus discover which Rose and Herbie duet was almost cut from the show during out of town tryouts.

All of this and an egg roll for Mr. Goldstone in this all new episode!

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Next Friday on Before the Downbeat Mackenzie and Maris return to the Sondheim canon to discuss the musical Gypsy! Hear them analyze the character of Rose and why she is such a coveted role in the musical theatre canon. They discuss the reconciliation ending of the show and if it's necessary for the piece. Plus find out which actress Maris and Mackenzie think was the best Rose.

All of this and Caroline the cow on next Friday's all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

This week on Before the Downbeat, Maris and Mackenzie are feeding the bird with their bags full of crumbs as they discuss the musical Mary Poppins! Discover if Maris would rather play Mary or Mrs. Banks! They explore why the addition of the villainous Miss Andrew doesn't quite work for the show in their opinion. Plus discover which Beatle almost composed the score the stage show!

All of this and a chim chiminey, chim chim cher-oo in this all new episode!

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Next Friday on Before the Downbeat it's a jolly holiday as Mackenzie and Maris head over to 17 Cherry Tree Lane to discuss the musical Mary Poppins! Hear Maris discuss her personal history growing up in the U.K. with this famous literary character. They break down the differences between this musical adaption and the award winning film and debate if all the changes were for the best. Plus find out which songs from the film almost made it into the stage production.

All of this and a spoon full of sugar on next Friday's all new episode!

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This week on Before the Downbeat, Maris and Mackenzie are busy gambling on horse races, rolling dice, and drinking dulce de leches in Cuba while also discussing the musical Guys and Dolls! Discover if Maris enjoyed playing a Save-a-Soul Mission girl or a Hot Box doll when she performed in this musical twice! They explore why Michael Kidd had the right choreographic style for this piece. Plus find out which iconic songs from the show were almost cut during out of town try outs!

All of this and a bad, bad cold in this all new episode!

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Next Friday on Before the Downbeat it's the oldest established, permanent floating, Crap game in New York and our latest episode all about Guys and Dolls! Hear Maris and Mackenzie discuss why this musical is so beloved after all these years. hey debate whether Miss Adelaide was right to wait for Nathan Detroit. Plus find out why the character of Nathan has so few songs.

All of this and a bushel and a peck on next Friday's all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

This Friday on Before the Downbeat it's the long awaited premiere episode of season 5. For this episode the new pairing of Maris and Mackenzie break out their leg warmers and discuss the musical that is a singular sensation A Chorus Line! Hear them break down the evolution of the character of Cassie. They explore the impact teachers have on our education journey. Plus find out which Bond theme song the shows composer Marvin Hamlisch wrote!

All of this and what we did for love in this all new episode!

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Next Friday on Before the Downbeat it's the long awaited premiere season episode of Season 5! So join the inaugural outing of this new pairing of Maris and Mackenzie. Together they head into world of 1970s New York and step up to The Line to discuss A Chorus Line! Hear them reminisce about their experiences in the audition room. They debate if the right dancers got picked by the end of the show. Plus find out why 'A' is such an important part of the show title.

All of this, "And a one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight!" on next Friday's all new episode!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

We are now only weeks away from the release of our first episode of Season 5 and to help spread the word about this podcast we have special contest for you to participate in! Here's all you have to do...

1. Do an Instagram story about the podcast and tag us in it. We will share it on our story too.

2. You need follow at least 2 of our social media platforms. Either Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

3. Rate and review us on Apple Podcast.

Then send us a message showing that you have done all three steps and you are entered to win a $50.00 Amazon gift card! We will announce the winner in the midway episode of the season (episode 7).

Follow the links below to reach our social pages.

Well as you may have noticed Season 5 has taken a little longer to get out to all you wonderful loyal listeners and it's time to reveal the reason which is that our team has had slight shake up and we have needed time to adjust to these changes. Our wonderful Canadian Bea Arthur, director extraordinaire, and John Adams of Canadian theatre Autumn Smith has decided to take an official step back from her co-host duties as she has proven to be quite busy with her teaching schedules, her new amazing radio show Lesbi-Honest and her theatre company which has been taking off with great success. Never fear though, as Autumn will be returning as a guest through out the upcoming seasons. But with Autumn taking a well earned and deserved step back that left an opening for a new permanent co-host and in this special episode we are excited to introduce to you our new permanent co-host Maris Lyons! She is not only Mackenzie's cousin but she also hails from Wales and is a theatre producer, a world traveler, and a very talented performer! We are so excited for you to meet and get to know Maris! Please give this episode a listen and Maris a very warm welcome!

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Enjoy our next instalment in our 'Schmigadoon!' review miniseries. Join Mackenzie has dives deeper into the now rebranded world of 'Schmicago!'. In this episode he explores how this finale sets up the next decade of musical homages. Mackenzie also reveals the musical connections to Dreamgirls and the Muppets. Plus he debates whether the murder trial plot line from earlier this season was necessary or just a side story that wasn't essential to the overall plot of the season.

All this and a happy beginning!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Enjoy our next instalment in our 'Schmigadoon!' review miniseries. Join Mackenzie has dives deeper into the now rebranded world of 'Schmicago!'. In this episode he explores Jesus Christ Superstar easter eggs found in the big number of the episode 'Famous As Hell'. Mackenzie also reveals the double homage behind the line 'a sour macaroon'. Plus he debates whether giving a duet to Madam Frau and Sergeant Rivera this late in the season was necessary or if that episode and song time could have been put to better use.

All this and there's always a twist!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Enjoy our next instalment in our 'Schmigadoon!' review miniseries. Join Mackenzie has dives deeper into the now rebranded world of 'Schmicago!'. In this episode he explores the plethora of hidden easter eggs found in the big number of the episode 'Are You Good Enough to Eat?'. Mackenzie also reveals the subtle homage to the 1964 musical romantic film, 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg'. Plus he dissects how all the plots of this season focus on how choices made by all the characters were suppose to make them happy, but it didn’t reflecting how musicals of this era had a cynicism and were all about diving behind the picturesque façade to discover the true human struggle that lies beneath.

All this and a very obvert parable all about reaching out and talking to daddy!

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Enjoy our next instalment in our 'Schmigadoon!' review miniseries. Join Mackenzie has dives deeper into the now rebranded world of 'Schmicago!'. In this episode he explores how Bobby's big courtroom number is not only a master class in showmanship but also reveals Bobby is very well verses in the law and earns her credit as the best lawyer in town. Mackenzie also reveals how one background store name refers to an iconic beef between composers Stephen Sondheim and Jerry Herman. Plus he dissects the Sondheimian melodies and word play found in the Quick Street songs and the use of witty double entendre of the word brat.

All this and some bells and whistles are all you need plus a comprehensive knowledge of the law!

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Enjoy our next instalment in our 'Schmigadoon!' review miniseries. Join Mackenzie has dives deeper into the now rebranded world of 'Schmicago!'. He explores the historical context and influence behind the concept of the doorway to where. Plus how the big hit number 'Bustin' Out' reflects how the songs of the 70s worked around the lack of straightforwardly entertaining numbers due to the darker and grittier stories being told by using showy, old-school numbers with thoughtfully written lyrics to ironically comment on the plot. Plus he points out the overlooked Funny Girl reference in the episode.

All this and some flimflam, flapdoodle, and pizzazz.

Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.

Brought back by popular demand enjoy our returning mini-review series all about the hit and Emmy award winning musical tv show 'Schmigadoon!'. Join Mackenzie once again as he dives back into this series which has now rebranded to 'Schmicago!' and has evolved to reflect the musicals of the late 60s and 70s. He provides a breaks down to the various connections and easter eggs between this musical show and the musicals that inspired it like Cabaret, Chicago, Godspell, Hair, Pippin, Annie and Sweeney Todd. Plus he sings the praises of fabulous musical numbers that appeared in this episode. Stay tune for more episode reviews!

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In case you missed our live stream, enjoy this edited audio only version of our Live Movie Musical Commentary of 'The Greatest Showman'. Listen to Mackenzie and special guest co-host Jamie Knox break down the music, direction, and performances in this surprise smash hit movie musical. Enjoy as these two friends from Stratford Shakespeare School discuss where the line is for historical accuracy in films, the pros and cons of vocal dubbing in movie musicals. Plus they explore what the story for the potential sequel might entail.

All this and a million dreams is all it's gonna take.

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In case you missed our live stream, enjoy this edited audio only version of our Live Movie Musical Commentary of 'Chicago'. Listen to Mackenzie and special guest co-host Jessica Maxwell break down the adaptation, direction, and performances in this best picture winning movie musical. Enjoy as these two long time friends discuss their opinions on some of the alternative casting choices, the Canadian connections to the film and the importance of knowing how to properly stage and edit musical numbers for film! 

All this and a razzle dazzle court room.

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Yesterday (Thursday March 9th, 2023) the legendary performer of stage and screen Chaim Topol passed away at the age of 87. He is best known for his portrayal of the poor milkman Tevye in the musical Fiddler on the Roof. He portrayed this role on stage more than 3,500 times from 1967 through 2009 and to critical acclaim on the big screen in the 1971 film adaptation. So, in honour of Topol's greatest performance we are releasing our Remastered version of our season 2 opening episode which deep dives into this traditional yet timeless musical! Plus enjoy the fixed the sound quality too!

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In case you missed our live stream, enjoy this edited audio only version of our Live Movie Musical Commentary of 'Little Shop of Horrors'. Listen to Mackenzie and special guest co-host Jillian Robinson break down the adaptation, direction, and performances in this horticultural movie musical. Enjoy as these two friends discuss how this film explores the concept of class, the two endings of the film, and the amazing puppetry. Plus they reveal their somewhere that's green! 

All this and a horrific trip to the dentist.

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Work on season 5 continues and we promise it will be out in early 2023. But in the meantime, for the next few works we have something special. Enjoy listening to some of the musical themed episodes of 'The Cup' which are from our host and producer Mackenzie's other theatrical venture, Cup of Hemlock Theatre.

For this week we have a Duet Review of Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen, Daniel Raim’s 2022 behind-the-scenes documentary about Norman Jewison’s 1971 film adaptation of the beloved stage musical, Fiddler on the Roof. Enjoy as Mackenzie and Ryan Borochovitz discuss the goyish protagonism of Jewison, the quest for authenticity, and the challenges of adapting a stage musical to film!

We hope you enjoy this bonus episode and stay tuned for upcoming announcements on season 5!

Work on season 5 continues and we promise it will be out in early 2023. But in the meantime, for the next few works we have something special. Enjoy listening to some of the musical themed episodes of 'The Cup' which are from our host and producer Mackenzie's other theatrical venture, Cup of Hemlock Theatre.

For this week we have a Duet Review of Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles, the 2019 documentary about the history and legacy of the beloved stage musical, Fiddler on the Roof. Enjoy as Mackenzie and Ryan Borochovitz discuss the supposed universalism of this distinctly Jewish story, the volatile directing style of Jerome Robbins, and (of course) TRADITION!   

Watch the documentary on BroadwayHD (subscription needed): https://www.broadwayhd.com/movies/fiddler-a-miracle-of-miracles?display=portrait

We hope you enjoy this bonus episode and stay tuned for upcoming announcements on season 5!