Settling Scores: The Musical Theatre Podcast

Murder and Mayhem in Monte Carlo: Ahrens and Flaherty’s "Lucky Stiff"

Ron Faber (left) and Stephen Stout (right) in Lucky Stiff. Photo by Peter Cunningham. This episode of Settling Scores dives into the delightfully offbeat world of Lucky Stiff, the cult-favorite musical that helped launch the legendary songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. With its rapid-fire wit, breakneck(!) farce, and charming score, Lucky Stiff showcases the early sparks of a musical theatre partnership that would go on to create Ragtime, Once on This Island, and Anastasia. We'll attempt to outline the show's wild plot and swoon over some lovely musical moments, all while tracing how Ahrens and Flaherty’s unique voice first took shape. Along the way, we unpack behind-the-scenes stories, creative risks, and why this small, zany musical still punches far above its weight. Call it a love letter to joyful absurdity. Perfect for fans who like their Broadway deep dives smart, irreverent...and perhaps a little feisty! Join us over on our Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/settling.scores.podcast] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/settlingscorespodcast/] pages for more content and to share your thoughts with us! Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens circa 1988 Julie White and Stephen Stout in Lucky Stiff. Photo by Peter Cunningham. New York Times review of Lucky Stiff from 4/27/1988   John Scamardella (standing) and Steve Mook (seated). Pull-Tight Players Theatre production of Lucky Stiff, 2025. Photo credit: Three Wishes Photography Jeremy Hargis (left) and Bre Hall (right). Pull-Tight Players Theatre production of Lucky Stiff, 2025. Photo credit: Three Wishes Photography The incomparable Mary Testa. Photo credit: Michael Kushner   Original playbill from Playwright's Horizon   The *interesting* movie version of Lucky Stiff.

Tony Awards Special, Part 2: Did The Tonys Get It Right?—Best Score Winners 2000-2024

The 2025 Tony Awards Special continues! In the second part, Lenny and Forrest put the Best Score Tony Award under the microscope. Get ready for some lively discussion as they go year-by-year through the post-2000 winners, debating whether the Tony voters made the right choice. You won't want to miss their hot takes and signature passionate banter! Join us over on our Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/settling.scores.podcast]Instagram, [https://www.instagram.com/settlingscorespodcast/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SettlingScoresPodcast] pages to tell us what you think and enjoy bonus content!

Tony Awards Special, Part 1: Top Ten Performances Countdown

Part one of our 2025 Tony Awards Special finds our Broadway buffs Lenny and Forrest counting down their top ten favorite Tony Awards performances of all time. They’ll reveal and compare their individual picks, sharing behind-the-scenes trivia and hot takes, along with their usual passionate (and witty!) banter. Be sure to listen to the end to find out about our *new content feature* for your listening pleasure!   Join us over on our Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/settling.scores.podcast] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/settlingscorespodcast/] pages to tell us what you think!

Keeping Company with Sondheim

In this episode, we dive into one of the most groundbreaking musicals in Broadway history: Company. More than half a century ago, in 1970, Company burst onto the scene and forever changed the landscape of musical theatre. With both music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, already renowned for his work on West Side Story and Gypsy, this show marked his first collaboration with legendary director Hal Prince. Company introduced audiences to Robert, a perpetually single man navigating love, commitment, and connection through a series of vignettes rather than a traditional linear plot. This “concept musical” broke new ground, blending sharp social commentary with an unforgettable score that includes songs like “Being Alive,” “Getting Married Today,” and “The Ladies Who Lunch.” It earned 14 Tony nominations and won six, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, cementing Sondheim’s place as a musical theatre titan. From its original 705-performance run to its acclaimed revivals in 1995, 2006, 2018, and 2021, Company remains as vital, funny, and thought-provoking as ever. Check out our Company playlist on our YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SettlingScoresPodcast/playlists] channel, and join us over on our Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/settling.scores.podcast] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/settlingscorespodcast/] pages to tell us what you think!

A Close-Up on Sunset Boulevard

In this episode, we step into the world of faded glamour, haunting melodies, and Hollywood dreams that refuse to die. Sunset Boulevard, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush and dramatic musical, brings Billy Wilder’s iconic film to life on stage, telling the story of Norma Desmond, the once-great silent film star who longs for a triumphant return to fame. We’ll explore everything that makes Sunset Boulevard a musical masterpiece—from its soaring score and unforgettable performances to its behind-the-scenes drama and cultural impact. You’ll find out why Patti Lupone (allegedly) tore her dressing room apart, named her pool the “Andrew Lloyd Webber Memorial,” and what ignited one of the biggest feuds in Broadway history! Join us as we delve into the show’s origins, its many legendary Normas, and how it continues to captivate audiences decades after its premiere. So…are you ready for your close-up on Sunset Boulevard? And join us over on our Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/settling.scores.podcast] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/settlingscorespodcast/] pages to tell us what you think!