Settling Scores: The Musical Theatre Podcast

Back Where She Belongs: "Hello, Dolly!" in the Spotlight

Back Where She Belongs: "Hello, Dolly!" in the Spotlight Hello, and welcome! In this special episode of Settling Scores, we're shining the spotlight on one of Broadway's most beloved musicals, Hello, Dolly! From its unforgettable score by Jerry Herman and witty book by Michael Stewart to its legendary leading ladies and remarkable history, Hello, Dolly! has been delighting audiences for more than six decades. Whether you're a lifelong fan, preparing to see or perform the show, or simply curious about what makes it such an enduring classic, you're in the right place. So join us as we take a stroll down Broadway, step into turn-of-the-century New York, and celebrate the music, humor, romance, and larger-than-life spirit of the incomparable Dolly Gallagher Levi. Let's raise the curtain on Hello, Dolly! 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! Babs, 1969 film version Bernadette, opening night 2018, Shubert Theatre Gower Champion rehearsing the waiters, 1964 original stage version Gavin Creel receiving a Tony Award in 2017 for his performance as Cornelius Hackl Babs and director Gene Kelly Behind the scenes of the 1969 film Pearl Bailey and cast at the 1967 pre-Broadway run at The National Theatre in Washington, D.C., where President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson attended the performance. The event became famously memorable when Pearl invited President Johnson and his wife onstage. She playfully led them in a rewritten version of the show's title song, performing a special rendition known as "Hello, Lyndon!" The fabulous Pearl Bailey, 1967 Bette Midler in the 2017 revival

What’s The Buzz? Is Everything Alright with Jesus Christ Superstar?

From the opening guitar riff to the final haunting chorus, few musicals have changed theatre history like Jesus Christ Superstar. In this episode of Settling Scores, we examine the rock-opera-meets-biblical-drama, the iconic performances, and the enduring legacy of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s groundbreaking masterpiece. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a musical theatre nerd, or discovering the show for the very first time, this is your front-row seat to the music, the controversy, and the passion (see what I did there?) behind one of the most influential musicals ever written. So dim the lights, turn up the volume, and get ready to rock out. 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!

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!