Jim And Tomic's Musical Theatre Happy Hour

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Hold still, and focus as we’re talking all about Ryan Scott Oliver and Matthew Murphy’s beautiful “35mm: A Musical Exhibition.” As this is a fusion of photography and music the boys get arty this week. They talk about what makes a musical ‘exhibition,’ ponder over the terrifying potential of Twilight the Musical and muse over how artists really want their work to be viewed and appreciated. 35MM: A Musical Exhibition (Original Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES If you’re intrigued as to what the hell we were talking about with that quiz question, check out some of Matthew Murphy’s beautiful work! In London from 09/18 to 09/30? Then go on a fact finding mission for Jimi and Tommy and go see ‘35mm’ at The Other Palace and let us know all about it! To find out more about Ryan Scott Oliver and Lindsay Mendez’s Actor Therapy Group then have a look at their website here. Have a look at Katie Thompson singing ‘Leave, Luanne’ - what do you think about a female

It's mind over matter! It's man over machine! It's Jimi over Tommy!!! (No, not like that. Ew.) This is Unsung Heroes – a new segment that pits our two hosts against each other in a battle of wits and unknown musicals. The Change: Keeping Puberty in the Family (Jimi's made up musical) The Change: Another Teenage Werewolf Musical (Tommy's real-life musical) Amazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Happy 50th Annibirthary to Jim and Tomic’s Musical Theatre Happy Hour! In honour of this monumentous occasion, the gang have chosen to discuss one of musical theatre’s most beloved shows - ‘Into the Woods.’ The lads discuss what makes this some of Sondheim’s best writing, muse on low-budget Milky Whites and ponder what makes Sondheim shows just so bloody good. They also tease a brand new segment kicking off in honour of the 50th celebrations! Wish no more, it’s here! Into the Woods (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES Fancy some Musical Mash nostalgia? Check out Tommy’s first ever video - all about Into the Woods! Fancy some (less nostalgic) asinhendrix nostalgia? Have a swatch at Jimi’s first YouTube video! We’re best friends with her now, but he’s the source of our quiz question! Joanna Gleason trimming the tree with Susan Blackwell. Bliss. If you’re a writer, reading ‘Into the Woods’ by John Yorke is a vital step in your development

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Got your peanuts? Got your crackerjack? Got your camp demonic storyline? Then you’re all set for the latest podcast on Richard Adler and Jerry Ross’s ‘Damn Yankees.’ This time around the guys try and wrap their heads around sports, discuss whether this show needs a 21st century update and Jimi starts his multipart series on Bob Fosse. Let’s play ball! Damn Yankees: Original Broadway Cast Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES The recent Encores! production stayed extremely faithful to the original Broadway production, coded gay characters and all. Here’s Sean Hayes giving his hilarious performance as Mr Applegate. Do you think Damn Yankees needs a 21st century update? Head over to Reddit and tell us all about it! Can you think of other musical composer copycats like Pajama Game/Damn Yankees? Come and tell us on Twitter! If you’re a Fosse nut like Jimi, come and join the celebration! Here’s a kickass mashup of Michael Jackson (who was great inspired by Fosse) and Bobby! Int

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Come back with us to the Middle Ages as we follow the pursuits of everyone’s favourite court misntrel: ‘Blondel!’ Potentially winning the award for the most unknown show so far on the podcast, Jimi and Tommy talk about what might be some of Tim Rice’s best lyrics, how this show comes packaged as a surprisingly feminist political satire and discuss Great Comet-gate and the social responsibility of fan culture. Blondel: Original London Cast Amazon SHOW NOTES If you want a bit of 80s camp fabulousness, here is Paul Nicholas in the role of Blondel with his glorious Blondettes! Tim Rice is one of musical theatre’s coolest cats. Check out this (slightly peculiar) interview of him discussing the rewrites to turn ‘Blondel’ into ‘Lute!’ Not just a Pointless presenter, Alexander Armstrong has had a great string of roles in British musical theatre. Here he is singing some of Tim Rice’s best lyrics in “No Rhyme for Richard.” Stage Door Records are leading their own crusade in reviv

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Get ready to do the whole combination away from the mirror and unpack your headshot, as we’re heading straight onto Michael Bennett’s “A Chorus Line!” As one of the longest running musicals of all time, there’s lots to unpack this week! Jimi and Tommy discuss how this show created the first musical theatre workshop, why the lyricist hated the show’s biggest song and muse over whether you can alter something so iconic. A-5-6-7-8! A Chorus Line (Original Broadway Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES Before you do anything, listen to the cast recording and watch the amazing documentary: “Every Little Step,” especially if you’re an aspiring director! Listen to Jimi’s plea and watch this to see how casting’s done properly! If you want to find out more about the creation of the show and those early recording sessions, look no further than this fantastic book: “On the Line: The Creation of A Chorus Line” If you’re interested in the ins and outs of how royalties work

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Come on down the rabbit hole (or elevator shaft) as we travel to Frank Wildhorn’s ‘Wonderland.’ This week, the boys try and wrap their heads around why this show has yet to have a success, dissect the drama unfolding with the current UK tour and Tommy offers his own personal adaptation which he thinks would solve everything! Wonderland (Original Broadway Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES What’s your favourite Alice in Wonderland adaptation? Jimi will always fight for the 1999 made-for-TV version.Tommy on the other hand will always fight for Ms Carol Channing singin’ about jam.If this is your favourite musical, apologies for panning it, but please change our minds! Head over to Reddit and fight its corner! What do you think about Tommy’s changes to the musical? Give your 140 characters long review on Twitter! The recent UK tour underwent some drastic changes to the original (or one of the original books.) Did you see it? How close was Jimi to the plot? Let

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Make way for the sideways grimace that is ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch!’ This time around the gang are chatting about the creation of Hedwig in the queercore scene in New York, identify the mythicality which is so prevalent in the show and the representation of trans rights in musical theatre. Hedwig And The Angry Inch (Original Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES If you’ve never had a chance to experience ‘Hedwig’ live, then the movie is a great way for you to enjoy it! Darren Criss came under fire for some comments he made whilst in character, here’s what he had to say in response. If you’re at all fascinated by the corner of queer culture and the 80s punk scene then look no further than the documentary about the club where it all began! Our biggest question this time around was simply is Hedwig transphobic? Might be a simple question, but there’s no simple answer. Also, Do you think ‘Hedwig’ works in a big ol’ Broadway house? Or does need it that dive

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ The boys are back in town after their summer holiday and are very excited to bring to you Charles Strouse’s fabulous ‘Applause’ (no, not the inevitable Lady Gaga biopic!) They discuss the nature of ‘evil’ and work out if the antagonist really is, how ‘Applause’ was one of the earliest examples of normalised gay culture presented onstage and Jimi learns all about ‘kickbutt.’ Applause: Original 1970 Broadway Cast Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES If you, like Jimi, are one of the six people who watched ‘Glee’ to the end then you can pass by. If not, take a look at Rachel Berry getting her jush in some (mildly stereotypical) New York gay club, then compare it to ‘But Alive’ in ‘Applause.’ So what do we think folks? Is Eve evil? Is she just ambitious? Does she deserve what she got? Let us know over on Reddit! If you haven’t watched Tommy’s self-proclaimed ‘Gay YouTube Saga’ then you can check it out here and see what he has to say about diva worship in the gay community.

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ It’s Jim and Tomic’s latest show, will it flop or will it go? Well that’s for you to decide as we talk all about Broadway’s smash-hit - ‘The Producers!’ This week Jimi and Tommy are delving into the background of the show, the controversy of the original movie and work out which version tells the story best, they ponder why Nathan Lane isn’t the biggest comedic actor of all time and discuss the nature of ad-libs in contemporary theatre. The Producers (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES If you haven’t seen the original Mel Brooks movie, then get on that NOW! Bask in the joy of forgotten character L.S.D. singing the smash hit - ‘Love Power.’ Nathan Lane knows how to Tony. Take a look at his classy acceptance speech! If you’re into it, have a look at the behind the scenes documentary for the original film including some great interviews with dear departed Gene Wilder. Vanity Fair also did this amazingly in depth article about the history

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ A rollicking band of podcasters we, who tired of editing relentlessly are trying our hand at a G&S and hope it’s not too boring. Leaving the writing to WS Gilbert, Jimi and Tommy embark on a journey to meet the fated ‘Pirates of Penzance’ this week. They talk about the ironic history of the show, where G&S sit in the musical theatre arc and try to pick apart a 19th century plot. Ta-ran-ta-ra! The Pirates of Penzance (D'Oyly Carte Opera Company Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES Who’d have thought you’d be able to turn to Jim and Tomic’s Musical Theatre Happy Hour to find out all about Carmen Miranda’s Ghost and your one stop shop to talk sea shanties? If you’re new to the world of ‘Pirates of Penzance’ look no further than this Australian version. It’ll give you the best flavour of what a modern interpretation of a Gilbert and Sullivan show can (and probably should) look like!  There is an annjillian different covers and interpretations of A Very Model Of A

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Well f*** them gently with a chainsaw, Jimi and Tommy are talking the cult classic ‘Heathers the Musical’ this week! The guys go in on the importance of honest high school musical theatre, the incredible ways this show is surviving beyond Off-Broadway and have a lovefest about fandoms. How very. Heathers: The Musical (World Premiere Cast Recording) Amazon SHOW NOTES Hey, we want you to feel okay! If it ever gets rough call The Lifeline on 800-273-TALK or if in the UK The Samaratins on 116 123. Did you know the full version of Heathers is currently available for licensing in the US? Let this musical live on and get your local theatre group to do it today! There’s no official recording of the Heathers 101: School Edition track ‘You’re Welcome’ yet but I’m sure a quick Google will sort you out. What do you think of it compared to ‘Blue?’ For some sweet Heathers fandom love, go check out some of these insane animatics over on YouTube - there’s a LOT! Come and chat to us on

It's that time of year again! Jimi and Tommy have a gab about the Tony nominees. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ This week Jimi and Tommy go on a trip with Sondheim to Italy and explore the life and love of Fosca and Giorgio in his ‘Passion.’ They ponder over why the show was a critical success but not as popular with audiences, laud the importance of orchestrators on Broadway and make conjecture on Sondheim’s meta-musical. Passion (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES Did you know Donna Murphy also had a star turn as the Witch in Into the Woods? Watch Tommy proclaim his love for her in his Miscast Witches video! If Sondheim is God then does that mean Finishing The… and Look I Made A… are the Old and New Testaments? Either way, gettem! If you don’t know who Maria Friedman is then the perfect place to start is this this performance of ‘How Many Tears’ from Martin Guerre from ‘Hey, Mr Producer!’ We’re extremely grateful that Sondheim is an advocate for filmed staged versions of his show. Why not treat yourself and have a listen to the creator’s comm

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Jimi and Tommy are going back in history to look at a case that is not talked about enough - the story of the ‘The Scottsboro Boys.’ They examine the controversy surrounding Kander and Ebb’s use of a minstrel show as a framing device, discuss the importance of educating yourself about issues that might be foreign to you and why not enough people know about this musical. The Scottsboro Boys (Original London Cast) Amazon / iTunes SHOW NOTES If you want to find out more about The Scottsboro Boys’ story there is so much out there for you to have a look at, but why not watch this documentary to start you off? It’s so important to look at all sides of the dice when it comes to any issue, particularly if it’s a side you might not agree with. Have a look at the article that inspired our quiz question this week. In the same vein, have a look at this video from one of the Freedom Party protests surrounding The Scottsboro Boys’ Broadway run. There’s an amazing interview with John

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ All ashore who’s comin’ ashore! Let’s set sail on the SS American with evangelists and crooks as Jimi and Tommy talk about Cole Porter’s classic ‘Anything Goes.’ The lads discuss the many incarnations of the show over the years, why you should just sing ‘Let’s Misbehave’ and get a special visit from UK musical director Dan Glover! Anything Goes (2011 Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES Keep ‘em comin’ kids! Unexpectedly this might’ve been our toughest quiz question yet! John Williams arranged this fascinating opening for ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.’ One of our favourite SNL skits is the High School Theatre Show.Check it out here! Jimi and Tommy take no responsibility for any SNL YouTube holes you fall into. Forbidden Broadway had their take on the 1987 revival of ‘Anything Goes’ and probably do one of the best Patti LuPone impressions of all time! Are you in the UK? Check your local theatre and go see Dan’s production of Wedding Singer! Full

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Crack out your smoky sax and don your best femme fatale dress, as we’re going to LA in the 1940s for ‘City of Angels.’ Jimi and Tommy try and work out why we don’t see too much of this show, have a tennis match about the lyrics of the show and discuss the many opportunities for creative teams that the show offers. City of Angels (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify   SHOW NOTES Interested in finding out more about Film Noir? Start with the quintessential Maltese Falcon! You can check out the trailer here. Visiting London anytime soon? Why not check out the West End premiere of ‘The Life’ starring Sharon D. Clarke written by ‘City of Angels’ Cy Coleman? Thoughts on City of Angels success rate Why do you think City of Angels has never kicked up a storm? Or even just never revived on Broadway? Let us know on Reddit! We often wonder what goes into the creative team’s decision to showcase what they do at the Tony’s! Have a look at what City of Angels

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Prepare ye-selves for our next musical, Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak’s ‘Godspell!’ This week Jimi and Tommy debate whether this is a show about religion or community, marvel over the creative freedom allowed when producing it and try and decide which are their favourite (of the MANY) cast recordings. Godspell (The New Broadway Cast) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify  SHOW NOTES Tweet us your ideas! Stephen Schwartz’s service to his fans is fantastic. Check out the forums on his website to see some of his interaction. The Godspell stuff is particularly interesting! Godspell is yet another ‘70s-New-York-Centric-Movie-Musical, have a look at a young Victor Garber leading the flock with some fascinating choreography to ‘All For The Best.’ In complete contrast, have a look at the trailer for the 2011 Broadway revival of Godspell complete with onstage water and trampolines! We want to hear about your thoughts on the religious side of Godspell, particularly if you’re not

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ Jimi and Tommy take a trip round the Natural History Museum with their favourite fab foursome - The FourBs - as they discuss their musical ‘Now. Here. This.’ They contemplate the importance of subtlety in cast recordings, high school moments that made them hot and queer representation in musical theatre for their weekly socio-political fix. Now. Here. This. (Original Cast Recording) Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES What’s your name for the ‘FourBs’ - Susan Blackwell, Jeff Bowen, Heidi Blickenstaff, Hunter Bell? Tell us on Twitter! Check out ToS If you haven’t already, and you’re a musical theatre nerd, go check out the FourBs’ first work ‘[title of show]’. Those guys sure do love their punctuated titles… Neofuturists Interested in experimental fringe theatre? Have a peek at the stuff that The Neo-Futurists are getting up to! Dazzle camouflage Let musical theatre and Jeff Bowen guide you into a whole new world of education with what the hell Dazzle Camouflage actuall

Discuss on Reddit ➤ Support the Show ➤ The heat is most definitely on in the podcast this week as Jimi and Tommy discuss Boublil and Schonberg’s controversial ‘Miss Saigon.’ The guys discuss the problem of Asian diversity onstage, how much the author’s intent qualifies the tone of a musical and the effect of covering songs outside the context of the show! Miss Saigon: The Definitive Live Recording Amazon / iTunes / Spotify SHOW NOTES There’s lots to discuss this episode so head straight on over to Reddit to join in the conversation. While you’re there why not check out the chat on some of our previous episodes too? If you haven’t seen the show before, it’s well worth checking out the 25th Anniversary recording to get a good idea of the story and some of the staging, plus some outstanding performances! Have a look at some of the shocking statistics about Asian casting on Broadway. We’re looking at you Aladdin! It’s crazy to think that Lea Salonga was just 17 when she auditioned to play Kim. Have a look at her