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Popular (from Wicked) 27:31

Play Pause

2h ago27:31

27:31

We've all got Oz fever, so this week, writer/composer David Rackoff analyzes "Popular" from the musical "Wicked" by Stephen Schwartz. Why is the hook so catchy? Why are the lyrics so mind-blowing? How does this song help to tell the story of "Wicked"? What is enjambment? Were sopranos funny prior to 2003? How about the Kristin Chenoweth of it all? …

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Stars and the Moon (from Songs for a New World) 27:00

1d ago27:00

27:00

Is this the ultimate cabaret song? Host writer/composer David Rackoff dives deep into one of his (and every songwriter's) favorite cabaret songs. Jason Robert Brown's gorgeous, diabolically manipulative "Stars and the Moon" is so much fun to watch, perform, and analyze. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.…

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Something Just Broke – Assassins (with Micah Mooney) 50:17

8d ago50:17

50:17

Feels appropriate doesn't it? Micah Mooney returns to discuss a song that was added to the show for the first London production, and has stayed ever since. Is it essential or extraneous? Micah's website: https://micahmooney.com/ We are using three productions to frame our discussion of Assassins. The original off-Broadway cast starring Victor Garbe…

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The World's Most Famous Spy (from Nothing Like Broadway!) 36:54

8d ago36:54

36:54

Today, we get to peek inside the process of writing a patter/comedy song! Host David Rackoff looks at his own song, "The World's Most Famous Spy", to see how he came up with the concept, and how he wrote the music and lyrics to this song from the upcoming off-Broadway musical "Nothing Like Broadway!". It's James Bond meets Gilbert & Sullivan meets …

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Another National Anthem – Assassins (with Charlotte LeMay) 1:06:45

14d ago1:06:45

1:06:45

What do we think the other national anthem actually sounds like? Charlotte LeMay returns to offer opinions on why Samuel Byck should be the main character of this song, and the disillusionment of the American Dream. We are using three productions to frame our discussion of Assassins. The original off-Broadway cast starring Victor Garber, Jonathan H…

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76 Trombones and Goodnight My Someone (from The Music Man) 19:28

16d ago19:28

19:28

Writer/composer David Rackoff delves into "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "Goodnight My Someone" from "The Music Man". Two great, unrelated songs. Or are they? These songs have more in common than you might think! It's a fast, fun episode this week, full of romance, bombast, and mystery! Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your …

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Samuel Byck monologue – Assassins (with Reid Orphan) 46:21

21d ago46:21

46:21

This week we don't talk about a song, but rather a scene. Reid Orphan joins the podcast to discuss how Samuel Byck has been depicted and how it can be destructive to those with mental health challenges if not pursued with proper intentions. Follow Reid on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orphan_designs We are using three productions to frame ou…

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You Gotta Get a Gimmick (from Gypsy) 23:52

23d ago23:52

23:52

One of my favorite numbers, one of your favorite numbers, one of everyone's favorite numbers: "You Gotta Get a Gimmick"! We'll talk about how writers "song-spot" to figure out where and what a song will be. And once you figure out that it's going to be an 11 O'Clock number with bargain-basement strippers, you have already won. Host writer/composer …

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The Ballad of Guiteau – Assassins (with Shannon Migliore) 1:10:58

28d ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Join us on our cakewalk up the gallows. Shannon Migliore joins the podcast to explain what the real Charles Guiteau was like and how Sondheim uses his actual words in this song. Follow Shannon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_pretty_sleeper We are using three productions to frame our discussion of Assassins. The original off-Broadway cast…

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Send in the Clowns (from A Little Night Music) 21:11

30d ago21:11

21:11

Sondheim's biggest pop hit! But how does it work? And how does it work in the context of the show? Why is this an exercise in negative space? Is it about sex or love? Send in the clowns? Don't bother, writer/composer David Rackoff is here. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.…

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Unworthy of Your Love – Assassins (with Chris Brown) 51:21

1M ago51:21

51:21

Two people, who never met in real life, join together to sing a 1970s love ballad. Chris Brown returns to discuss how this song plays differently if you don't know the context, and how it's odd to talk about two "characters" that are still alive. Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_chrisbrown/ We are using three productions to …

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Meadowlark (from The Baker's Wife) 41:11

1M ago41:11

41:11

It’s the best song you’ve (maybe) never heard of! This week, writer/composer David Rackoff dives deep into “Meadowlark” by writer/composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked). You’ll see why this song is the song that musical theater songwriters (including David) lose their freakin’ minds over. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your…

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The Ballad of Czolgosz – Assassins (with Alex Asp) 56:40

1M ago56:40

56:40

You're telling me that "work your way to the head of the line" was a metaphor! Alex Asp returns to discuss the next "successful" assassin, President McKinley, and the beef. Follow Alex on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/alexasp44/ Look at the Sondheim Database project here: https://www.sondheimdatabase.com/ We are using three productions …

1
Somewhere That's Green (from Little Shop of Horrors) 33:12

2M ago33:12

33:12

A song that pretty much everyone falls in love with. Writer/composer David Rackoff looks at why that is, and how this song unlocks the secret to why this tiny off-off-Broadway show is remembered and revived forty years later. All hail Howard Ashman! Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.…

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Sondheim at the Piano with Joel DeCandio – Sondheim Adjacent 37:42

1M ago37:42

37:42

Joel DeCandio returns to the podcast to discuss the themes of Sondheim and his latest show that you can see live at the Green Room 42. Joel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeldecandio/ Get tickets to Sondheim at the Piano here: https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com/show/details/3CcqYxyaVPw0tG6Bkfeg/1728255600000?event_id=dxmYNyHjNUyyrXy90Idb …

1
The Gun Song – Assassins (with David Kincannon) 59:05

2M ago59:05

59:05

After seeing a couple of historical events we get a song about the idea of a gun. David Kincannon joins for the first time to discuss how this song works theatrically and why it's an important song for Czolgosz. You can follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwkii We are using three productions to frame our discussion of Assassins. Th…

1
Keep It Gay (The Producers) 32:16

2M ago32:16

32:16

Who knew that this hilarious, silly song would yield our longest, most in-depth analysis so far! "Keep It Gay" has to be one of the funniest songs from one of the funniest shows ("The Producers") of all time. Yay Mel Brooks! This episode of the podcast is very pretty. This episode is very witty. This episode is… what’s the word? (Gay?) Exactly. Sug…

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How I Saved Roosevelt – Assassins (with Steve Bell) 53:08

2M ago53:08

53:08

It seems like Roosevelt was saved by a lot of people. Who is correct? Steve Bell returns to discuss the real history of this event, John Philip Sousa, and (potentially) one of Sondheim's greatest rhymes. You can email Steve here: steve@slbway.com We are using three productions to frame our discussion of Assassins. The original off-Broadway cast sta…

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Finishing the Hat (from Sunday in the Park with George) 18:49

2M ago18:49

18:49

Today, host writer/composer David Rackoff has producer Zane Michael on the podcast to discuss "Finishing the Hat" from "Sunday in the Park with George" by Stephen Sondheim. They disagree, David shocks Zane with a riseque metaphor for the score of the show. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.…

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The Ballad of Booth – Assassins (with Eric Matthew Richardson) 1:27:31

2M ago1:27:31

1:27:31

The assassin pioneer is the first person investigated in the show. Eric Matthew Richardson returns to discuss John Wilkes Booth, how he changed America, how Sondheim adapts his story, and whether we should believe anything he sings about. Eric's website: http://www.ericmatthewrichardson.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheEMRMusic We are using thre…

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Nothing Like Broadway (from Nothing Like Broadway!) 26:09

2M ago26:09

26:09

Today, we really get to peer inside the creative process! It's an exciting episode when host writer/composer David Rackoff looks at the title song from a musical he wrote! Nothing Like Broadway the podcast looks at Nothing Like Broadway the song from Nothing Like Broadway the musical. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your…

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Everybody's Got the Right – Assassins (with Isaac Bartels) 1:03:49

2M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Kicking off our season on Assassins guest Isaac Bartels discusses how it got made, how provocative it still remains, and how the opening song sets the exact right tone. Follow Isaac Bartels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_isaacbartels_/ We are using three productions to frame our discussion of Assassins. The original off-Broadway cast star…

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Tradition (from Fiddler on the Roof) 23:16

3M ago23:16

23:16

Host writer/composer David Rackoff takes a deep dive into "Tradition". Why is this the opening number? How do you get four groups to sing things at the same time and have it sound good? And what is the big mystery that the (only) rhyme in this song unlocks? Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.…

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Assassins trailer 1:15

3M ago1:15

1:15

This coming Wednesday we being our mini-series on the songs of Assassins. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★By Kyle Marshall

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Everything's Coming Up Roses (from Gypsy) 24:26

3M ago24:26

24:26

Writer/composer David Rackoff (of "Nothing Like Broadway!: the musical") takes a close look at a song he used to hate, "Everything's Coming Up Roses" by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim. He looks at how its music, lyrics, and context make it one of the most devastating songs in musical theater. "It's like watching a horror movie!". Suggest a song to…

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Words Fail (from Dear Evan Hansen) 18:53

3M ago18:53

18:53

We take a look at this incredibly challenging song. From the highest notes (ever?), to the Ben Platt of it all. (Please note that this episode discusses Dear Evan Hansen, which includes mentions of characters harming themselves.) Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.By David Rackoff

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I Cain't Say No (from Oklahoma!) 21:47

3M ago21:47

21:47

Writer/composer David Rackoff breaks down "I Cain't Say No" from "Oklahoma!". It's a super-fun, randy, well-written song from arguably the first modern musical. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.By David Rackoff

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Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables) 16:00

4M ago16:00

16:00

This week, writer/composer David Rackoff picks apart what makes this prettiest-of-pretty songs work. From "Les Miserables", of course, this song's music, lyrics, and reason for being are really fun to explore! Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.By David Rackoff

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The Miller's Son (from A Little Night Music) 20:03

4M ago20:03

20:03

Host writer/composer David Rackoff discusses one of his favorite songs: "The Miller's Son" from A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.By David Rackoff

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Dick Tracy (the movie) with Josh Shelton 1:23:37

4M ago1:23:37

1:23:37

An in-depth discussion on the making of the movie Dick Tracy and the impact its left. Josh Shelton joins Kyle to offer his thoughts as a filmmaker and composer. Find out more about Josh's work here: https://www.joshshelton.com/ Or follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoshMShelton Also check out his kid's channel here: https://www.inst…

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Back in Business – Dick Tracy (with Christine Chen) 52:36

4M ago52:36

52:36

Ain't it grand? Christine Chen returns to discuss the last song from Dick Tracy and what makes it unique within the score. Christine's Blog: https://acrossthearch.wordpress.com Christine's Twitter: https://twitter.com/AcrossTheArch Christine's podcast, Bottomless Broadway: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bottomless-broadway/id1457465060 Its T…

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What Can You Lose – Dick Tracy (with Lucas Rougeux) 49:58

5M ago49:58

49:58

If you have Mandy Patinkin in your movie it should be the law that you have him sing. Lucas Rougeux returns to discuss longing, unrequited love, and delicious ballgowns. You can see more of Lucas' work on their website: https://ljrart.squarespace.com You can also follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucas.j.rougeux/ We are using two p…

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Dissonant Tonality with Micah Mooney – Sondheim Adjacent 46:50

5M ago46:50

46:50

A recent book entitled Here For the Hearing was published which featured different articles about musical theatre. Drew Nobile wrote about Sondheim's dissonant tonality. Micah Mooney is a composer-theorist who joins Kyle to talk about that article. Micah's website: https://micahmooney.com/ Here For the Hearing: https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.5…

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Sooner or Later – Dick Tracy (with Witti Repartee) 58:55

5M ago58:55

58:55

The song that won Sondheim his Oscar. It's used to show Dick Tracy's prowess, but is also a yearning song from Breathless herself. Witti Repartee returns to discuss Madonna and how this song cemented her legendary status. Visit Witti's website: https://www.wittirepartee.com/ And check them out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wittirepartee/?…

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Live Alone and Like It – Dick Tracy (with Alex Asp) 35:07

5M ago35:07

35:07

From the radio plays the crooner hit "Live Alone and Like It." But is it possible this song is really talking about Dick Tracy himself? Or The Kid? Or even Warren Beatty! Alex Asp returns to pick apart a song that, at first glance, may appear to be slight but actually has some depth. Follow Alex on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/alexasp4…

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More – Dick Tracy (with Cooper Williams) 56:04

5M ago56:04

56:04

I thought diamonds were a girl's best friend? Apparently it's more! Cooper Williams joins Kyle to discuss how the theme of this song runs through the entire film of Dick Tracy. Follow Cooper on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooper.willliams/ We are using two productions to frame our discussion of Dick Tracy. The original film (1990) starring…

1
Dick Tracy trailer 1:30

5M ago1:30

1:30

This coming Wednesday we being our mini-series on the songs of Dick Tracy. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★By Kyle Marshall

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Here We Are listen along – Sondheim Adjacent 28:06

6M ago28:06

28:06

Let's talk about the recent release of Here We Are on streaming! Send feedback to puttingittogetherpodcast@gmail.com Keep up to date with Putting It Together by following its social media channels. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puttingittogetherpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/sondheimpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sondheimpodc…

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Into the Woods (the movie) with Luke Crichton 1:08:14

7M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

The movie version of Into the Woods came out in 2014. While it did well financially, and even picked up a couple of Oscar nominations, fans of the stage musical felt cheated. Luke Crichton returns to the podcast to discuss whether that's justified. Visit Luke Crichton's website here: https://www.crichtonmusic.co.uk You can also follow him on Twitte…

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All the Into the Woods Cast Recordings with Chris Brown 1:20:22

7M ago1:20:22

1:20:22

There's been quite a few cast recordings of Into the Woods. Chris Brown (not that one) joins Kyle to discuss the ones that most people could listen to right now. We are using four productions to frame our discussion of Into the Woods. The Original Broadway Cast (1987) starring Bernadette Peters, Joanna Gleason, and Chip Zien. You can listen to it o…

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Children Will Listen and Finale – Into the Woods (with Ben Malone) 1:05:05

7M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

While "Children Will Listen" has been used as a standalone song since the original production premiered, it's part of the entire finale of Into the Woods. Ben Malone joins Kyle to discuss how the musical concludes. You can follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/benmmalone Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benmmalone We are using four p…

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No One is Alone – Into the Woods (with Charlotte LeMay) 50:33

8M ago50:33

50:33

How can a song whose message is "no one is alone" feel so lonely? Charlotte LeMay returns to dig into the complicated emotions that run through this song. You can contact Charlotte here: charlottelemay1@icloud.com We are using four productions to frame our discussion of Into the Woods. The Original Broadway Cast (1987) starring Bernadette Peters, J…

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Pennies From Heaven (movie) with Will C. White – Sondheim Adjacent 36:01

8M ago36:01

36:01

Bernadette Peters co-starred in the movie Pennies From Heaven. In this Sondheim Adjacent episode Will C. White returns to discuss if this is a successful musical and the lost art of movie choreography. William's website: http://www.willcwhite.com William's Twitter: https://twitter.com/willcwhite William's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/willc…

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No More – Into the Woods (with Ryan Mardesich) 47:37

8M ago47:37

47:37

Is the Baker going to run away from his problems or stay and face them? Ryan Mardesich returns to discuss how this song contains some good fatherly advice from an unlikely source. Find out more about Ryan Mardesich on his website: https://www.ryanmardesich.com/welcome And follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanmarrrr/ We are using f…

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Witch's Lament – Into the Woods (with Shoshana Greenberg) 56:00

8M ago56:00

56:00

The Witch is very upset and expresses her raw nerves through song. Shoshana Greenberg returns to discuss how this song is a prelude to "Children Will Listen" and the interesting acting choices you can make while performing it. Listen and subscribe to the musical theater podcast Scene to Song here: https://scenetosong.podbean.com/ Visit Shoshana's w…

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Your Fault / Last Midnight – Into the Woods (with Matt Koplik) 1:44:53

8M ago1:44:53

1:44:53

So whose fault is it? Matt Koplik returns to discuss how the idea of blame is explored in the two songs "Your Fault" and "Last Midnight." Plus they get into detail about what makes a good witch. You can listen to Broadway Breakdown here: https://podtail.com/en/podcast/broadway-breakdown-1/ And you can follow Matt on Instagram here: https://www.inst…

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Any Moment / Moments in the Woods – Into the Woods (with Jim Cullen) 59:39

9M ago59:39

59:39

Wouldn't it be good if life were only moments? Well, Jim Cullen discusses with Kyle if it would be or not and how Sondheim uses lyrics and musical themes to communicate complicated ideas into an easily understood feeling. Find Jim on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcullen18/ We are using four productions to frame our discussion of Int…

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Life With Mikey – Sondheim Adjacent 23:27

9M ago23:27

23:27

James Lapine's second film was Life With Mikey which starred Michael J. Fox. Kyle discusses how he's seen this movie poster for years and what his experience was like watching it for the first time this week. Send feedback to puttingittogetherpodcast@gmail.com Keep up to date with Putting It Together by following its social media channels. Patreon:…

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So Happy – Into the Woods (with Tommy Iafrate) 56:40

9M ago56:40

56:40

We're back after our intermission! Act 2 of Into the Woods makes us believe that our characters are living their happily ever afters. But lyrically and musically we discover that isn't quite true. Tommy Iafrate joins Kyle to discuss audience expectations and how the book helps support the music in the second half. You can follow Tommy on Twitter: h…

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The Bean Theme with Steve Bell 42:55

9M ago42:55

42:55

There's a recurring melody throughout the score of Into the Woods which has been referred to as The Bean Theme. Steve Bell returns to go through every time it shows up and offer some suggestions as to why. Send feedback to puttingittogetherpodcast@gmail.com Keep up to date with Putting It Together by following its social media channels. Patreon: ht…

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