Advertise on podcast: Half Hour with Jeff & Richie (Post-Show Broadway Discussions and Interviews)

In this episode of “Half Hour,” we discuss The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the Olivier Award-winning London musical now making its North American premiere at The Public Theater through December 20. Folk-scored musicals are everywhere right now, from Hadestown to Swept Away, and it is getting harder to tell which ones are worth your night out. If you love an onstage band and a story told through song, you want to know whether this one earns a spot on your list before it closes. We share our three bold words for the show, the 15 actor-musicians who sing, dance, act, and play live, and the standout performances from Andrew Durand and Kelsee Kimmel. We look at the work of Jethro Compton, Darren Clark and Chi-San Howard, compare the production to Once, Come From Away and Merrily We Roll Along, and tackle the big question: is folk oversaturating musical theatre? Plus, will it make the move to Broadway? And how did our first full production at The Public measure up? Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “Half Hour,” we discuss New York City Center’s Annual Gala Presentation of In the Heights, the Tony Award-winning musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes that opens City Center’s 2026–2027 season. City Center gala productions are here and gone in a matter of weeks, and this one closes November 15. Whether you’re deciding if it’s worth a ticket or you won’t make it before it closes, you want to know one thing: does this new staging live up to the show you love, and could it have a life on Broadway? We break down David Mendizábal’s direction, Mayte Natalio’s choreography, and the full orchestra on the bridge, plus standout performances from Matte Martinez as Usnavi, Natalie Venetia Belcon as Abuela Claudia, Ashley De La Rosa as Vanessa, Aaron James McKenzie as Benny, Ivan Hernandez as Kevin, Ishmael Gonzalez as Sonny, and Linedy Genao as Daniela. We also talk about why the show still feels timely, how the stage show compares to the film, and what’s coming next in City Center’s Encores! season. And we ask the big question: what would you do with $96,000? Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is there still no Tony Award category for wig design? Most audiences never even realize the actors on stage are wearing wigs, and that is exactly the point. On this Spotlight Series episode of “Half Hour,” we sit down with Nikiya Mathis, the first wig designer to receive a special Tony Award, for Jocelyn Bioh’s Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Nikiya takes us from doing her classmates’ hair as an acting student at NYU Tisch to designing Schoolgirls; or, The African Mean Girls Play on Broadway. She shares how her crews get actors salon ready in about five minutes, how she pulled off a full hair transformation on an actor who never leaves the stage, and why her wig design journey taught her more about leadership than acting ever did. Plus, we hear about her Tony night and a wig moment with Andre De Shields at Cats: The Jellicle Ball that we will not be forgetting anytime soon. Follow Nikiya on Instagram at @nikiyamathis and her hair page @our_black_tresses. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and YouTube. If you enjoy these discussions, follow “Half Hour” and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “Half Hour,” we discuss Midnight, the new musical written and directed by Todrick Hall at the Daryl Roth Theatre. Few new musicals take risks like this, and Midnight takes them on purpose. That ambition has divided audiences online, and we wanted to know whether it lands. We talk about the score, the scale of the storytelling, standout lighting, costumes, sound, and scenic design, and the ensemble that carries it. We also ask what the show needs before a possible move to Broadway. Have you seen Midnight, or only read about it? Let us know in the comments. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “Half Hour,” we discuss Slam Frank, the satirical musical now in its second Off-Broadway run at the Orpheum Theatre. Few shows split an audience like this one. Some people walk out, some call it a ten out of ten, and plenty leave unsure whether they were supposed to laugh at all. Whether you’re deciding if it’s for you or won’t make it downtown before the limited run ends, this conversation gives you the full picture. With music and lyrics by Andrew Fox and a book by Joel Sinensky, Slam Frank follows an ultra-progressive theater company staging The Diary of Anne Frank as an Afro-Latin hip-hop musical. We talk about the show-within-a-show framing, its satire of theater culture, how it compares to The Producers, and why we walked to the subway in silence before landing in two different places on it. We also get into Sam LaFrage’s direction, Esosa Oviasu’s choreography, a score that nods to Hamilton, the live camera work, and performances from Olivia Bernábe as Anne and Amelia Louise Barr as Margot. We close with whether this show belongs on Broadway or should build its home Off-Broadway. Loved it or hated it? Tell us why in the Spotify comments. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does it feel like a few companies decide which shows we see and how much we pay to get in? On this Spotlight Series episode of “Half Hour,” we sit down with antitrust scholar Spencer Weber Waller, author of Power and Greed: Monopolies, Mergers, and Cartels on the American Stage, who spent years digging through the Shubert Archive, tucked in the attic of the Lyceum Theatre, to find out. Spencer shares what surprised him in those files, including records from the Justice Department’s monopoly case against the Shuberts, and explains antitrust law in plain English. We trace how the Theatrical Syndicate controlled bookings, how the Shubert brothers fought back, why vaudeville faded, and what this history means for today’s Live Nation/Ticketmaster case: break it up, or make it change its ways? Get Spencer’s book, Power and Greed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1350578096 Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. If you enjoy these discussions, follow “Half Hour” and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Half Hour," we take a deeper look at School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, Jocelyn Bioh's comedy now making its Broadway premiere with Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Set at Aburi Girls Boarding School in Ghana in 1986, the play follows Paulina, the school's queen bee, as she sets her sights on the Miss Ghana pageant. Then a pageant recruiter arrives and a new student from America changes the competition. We break down how the 80-minute play opens like a familiar teen rivalry and turns into something more serious, and how Bioh uses a single school cafeteria to explore colorism, class, beauty standards, and the reach of American pop culture. We also talk about Whitney White's direction, which reunites her with Bioh after Jaja's African Hair Braiding, the performances from Denée Benton, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Patina Miller, and Heather Alicia Simms, the costume, wig, hair, and makeup design, and the ending that stayed with us after we left the theater. We close with early Tony predictions and who we think should see it before the limited run ends. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Half Hour," we take a deeper dive into the 2026 Broadway and Off-Broadway fall season, breaking down the plots, concepts, and productions behind the year's biggest new openings. We cover new plays like Downstate and Here There Are Blueberries, star revivals including Other Desert Cities, A Few Good Men, and Much Ado About Nothing, new musicals like Wanted and Galileo, and the wave of new Off-Broadway musicals opening this fall. We also flag which long-running Broadway hits are closing soon, so you know what to catch before it's gone. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on what shows you are excited for in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Half Hour," we take a deeper dive into Paranormal Activity, an original story by Levi Holloway now playing at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre. Directed by Felix Barrett and starring Cher Álvarez and Travis A. Knight as Lou and James, the play uses the film franchise as a launchpad rather than a retelling, building its scares through illusion work, sound design, and staging rather than found footage. We cover the plot, the twist ending, the performances, and the show's chances heading into Tony season.  Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does a Broadway producer actually do? On this Spotlight Series episode of "Half Hour," we sit down with producer Sean Nyberg to find out, covering his shift from law into financing shows, the three-part test he uses before committing to a project, and why even a promising show can't guarantee a hit. We also get into the weekly costs of running a show on Broadway versus the West End, and where Sean thinks family entertainment and star-led theatre are heading next. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠. If you enjoy these discussions, follow “Half Hour” and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Half Hour," we go deep on Paddington the Musical at the Savoy Theatre, tracing the story from Michael Bond's 1958 book through the film series to its current West End staging. We discuss the book, score, and the production's central design choice — one performer on stage, one voicing the bear — and what that adds to a story about belonging, family, and finding home. We spend time on the cast, including Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Bonnie Langford, Amy Ellen Richardson, Tom Edden, and Brenda Edwards, and on where the show could go next as it heads toward Broadway. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Spotlight Series episode of “Half Hour,” we expand the conversation with Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell about his work on The Devil Wears Prada and the process of reimagining a familiar story for the West End stage. Mitchell discusses joining the project, returning to Elton John’s early demos, and finding the emotional center of the musical through Andy Sachs’ journey. He also breaks down the work behind major stage moments, from transitions and act endings to the fashion-driven visual language of Paris and the Met Ball. The conversation includes his approach to casting Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly and the collaboration behind a production that brings together music, choreography, costumes, design, and storytelling. We also speak with Mitchell about the future of The Devil Wears Prada, the development of Coyote Ugly, the national tour of BOOP! The Musical, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Broadway Bares, and his hopes for a future Legally Blonde revival. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on this conversation in the Spotify comments: What part of Jerry Mitchell’s creative process stood out to you, and who would you like “Half Hour” to feature next? If you enjoy these discussions, follow “Half Hour” and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “Half Hour,” we take a deeper dive into Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s Les Misérables, now playing at the Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center in Garrison, New York. We break down the plot, the June Rebellion of 1832, and how director Jenn Thompson’s outdoor staging uses the Hudson Valley landscape, a smaller ensemble, double casting, and a central French flag to reshape the story’s scale and emotional impact. We discuss Josh Young’s Jean Valjean, Haley Dortch’s Fantine and Enjolras, Denis Lambert’s Javert, Ana Paola Garcia’s Cosette, Haley Rose Ciaramella’s Éponine, David Beach and Nance Williamson as the Thénardiers, and the creative choices that bring the musical’s ideas of mercy, faith, justice, sacrifice, and hope into focus. We also talk about the new Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center, what a permanent home means for Hudson Valley Shakespeare, and why Les Misérables continues to connect with audiences. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “Half Hour,” we take a deeper dive into The Hunger Games: On Stage, now playing at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre in London. We break down the plot, the concept behind the production’s arena-style staging, and how this first theatrical adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ story brings the audience into the world of Panem. We discuss Matthew Dunster’s direction, Conor McPherson’s adaptation, the in-the-round design, choreography, illusions, aerial work, and the production choices that shape the experience. We also talk about Mia Carragher as Katniss Everdeen, Tamsin Carroll as Effie Trinket, Stavros Demetraki as Caesar Flickerman, and why the show gives characters including Haymitch, Effie, and Caesar new space onstage. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “Half Hour,” we take a deeper dive into The Devil Wears Prada, now playing at the Dominion Theatre in London’s West End. We break down the musical’s plot and concept, how the stage adaptation reshapes the story of Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly, and what changed from its Chicago tryout to this West End production. We discuss Elton John’s score, the lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, Jerry Mitchell’s direction and choreography, and the production design by Tim Hatley and Gregg Barnes, along with performances including Vanessa Williams as Miranda, Stevie Doc as Andy, Taila Halford as Emily, and Matt Henry as Nigel.  Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices