Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at songs moving from recording to stage. A demo can be clean and persuasive, but a live performer reveals different truths. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about story, performance, music, and the w...

Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at the pause between acts. The interval, or intermission, is more than a practical break. It changes how an audience thinks about the show. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about story, performance,...

Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at endings in musicals. A finale does not have to solve every problem, but it should make a promise about what the journey has meant. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about story, performance, music,...

Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at stage environments for musicals. A musical set can imitate a real place, suggest a memory, or create a world that only exists because music exists. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about story, pe...

Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at performers who act and play instruments. Actor musicians bring the source of the music visibly into the story. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about story, performance, music, and the way audienc...

Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at modest spaces with ambitious work. A small venue can hold an idea that would feel too fragile in a large theatre too soon. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about story, performance, music, and the...

Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at the continuing influence of Stephen Sondheim. Stephen Sondheim changed the way many people hear thought in song. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about story, performance, music, and the way audie...

Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at new stories written directly for the stage. Original musicals ask audiences to arrive without the comfort of a known title. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about story, performance, music, and th...

Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at literary stories on the musical stage. A novel gives a musical rich material, but it also gives the writers the challenge of leaving things out. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about story, perfo...

Musical theatre becomes especially interesting when we look closely at intimate musical theatre. Some of the strongest nights in theatre happen with only a few actors, a modest band, and no attempt to fill every inch of space. The subject may seem narrow at first, but it opens into questions about s...