Shows
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 118 - TalentOne final SondheimB-side before we depart. This time, we're looking at a show that's gone by many names, but has failed to make a huge impression under any of them. We're discussing at "Talent" from Road Show, aka Bounce aka Wise Guys. Never heard of it? You're not alone. N.B.: There is a very light swear in the song, at the very end. If you don't want your kids to hear it, just stop when we say goodbye. All clips are from 2009's Road Show: Original Cast Recording featuring Claybourne Elder and are protected by t...2025-05-1536 min
So Much Stuff to SingIt's Only a PlayWe're talking The Frogs, perhaps the ultimate curio in the Sondheim canon. Originally staged at Yale as a side project during Sondheim's golden 70s, the show was eventually brought to Broadway in 2004 -- still the most recent Broadway debut for Sondheim -- by Nathan Lane, who expanded the original version and got Steve to write some new songs. Now a more recognizable work -- though still an off-beat one -- another major production is set for the London stage. But where do Shannon and Erik come down on this most peculiar of Sondheim shows? We discuss "It's Only a P...2025-05-0135 min
So Much Stuff to SingWith So Little To Be Sure OfMoving on with Sondheim B-Sides, we come to his very next show after Forum, namely the complete catastrophe that was Anyone Can Whistle. Co-written with Arthur Laurents, who also directed, the show was a massive flop, but it did give the world Broadway star Angela Lansbury, as well as an incredicle score. In this episode, we look at "With So Little To Be Sure Of," but not how it is in the show, necessarily. Curious? Listen and find out! All clips are from the 2020 online concert event Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration fea...2025-04-1534 min
So Much Stuff to SingComedy TonightIt is our annual tribuite to the God of Musical Theater, Stephen Sondheim, and for this year's festival we are exploring some songs of his from the shows that people rarely place among their favorites. The unloved, the ignored, the obscure, and the forgotten. Or, in this case, a show that many know, but doesn't tend to get thought of as a "Sondheim" show. It's time for a song from his first produced show writing both music and lyrics: "Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. All clips are from the 1996 r...2025-04-0141 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 114 - The FieldOkay, don't panic! No, you've probably never heard of this song "The Field" -- or maybe even this show --Octet -- but what if I told you it was Dave Malloy's follow up to The Great Comet? And then what if I told you it was a weird chamber musical about internet addiction? Well, maybe listen to the episode anyway, and join us as we discuss the nature of Art, whether the internet is bad, and the fundamental nature of reality. Y'know, the stuff of musicals. All clips are from the 2019 original cast recording of Octet and are...2025-03-1536 min
So Much Stuff to SingThe Song of Purple SummerOur next ensemble song takes us to 1890s Germany via Broadway in 2006. Spring Awakening, with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by rocker Duncan Sheik, is based on an 1891 German play that explores many of the worst things that can occur to a person, especially during adolescence. Winner of 8 Tonys, the show speaks frankly about sexuality, abuse, and mental health, and while "The Song of Purple Summer" -- which we talk about in this episode -- doesn't address those issues directly, the show definitely does, as does our discussion. Listener discretion is very much advised: parents, talk t...2025-03-0134 min
So Much Stuff to SingDo You Hear the People Sing?What's that I hear? Why, it's another ensemble song...but this one...is angry! Yes, for our next installement in our Ensemble Song miniseries, we're discussing "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from Les Miserables, by Claude-Michel Schoenberg, Alain Bubil, and Herbert Kretzmer. Opening in 1985 under the auspices of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the song has been a global phenomenon for 40 years. But is it any good? And why, exactly, are these men so angry? All clips are from Les Miserables (Original 1985 London Cast Recording) and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copy...2025-02-1625 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 111 - Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-LittleTime for another year and another new mini-series! This time, we're turning our spotlight onto the ensemble. From the Greek chorus to the modern Broadway ensemble, the act of a group of people singing together has often been a crucial part of theater. While we're not going to go all the way back to Ancient Greece, we are going to look at 4 examples of choral numbers in shows and the effect they have on their shows and their audiences. First up, we're returning to an old favorite, 1957's The Music Man written by Meredith Wilson. One of...2025-02-0129 min
So Much Stuff to SingThe Ballad of the Witches' RoadFor our holiday episode, we're turning our sights to a song written for television for the first time. This fall the internet went mad for a song with ample Broadway cred -- "The Ballad of the Witches' Road" from Agatha All Along. Let's talk about what made it such a hit, about its songwriters -- the formidable Bobby & Kristen Anderson Lopez -- and about Patti Lupone, of course. All clips are from Music from Agatha All Along featuring Kathryn Hahn and the cast of Agatha All Along and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of...2025-01-0133 min
So Much Stuff to SingThe Wizard and IAfter 20 years, there's finally an Elphaba on screen, and we're going to finish our Elphabae miniseries by talking about her. Buckle up as we talk Wicked the movie (Part 1), whther Cynthia Erivo will break "the Curse of the Elphabae," and what is either just a mid or a Top 10 "I want" song (depending on which cohost you are) -- "The Wizard and I." All clips are from Wicked: The Soundtrack featuring Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to...2024-12-1542 min
So Much Stuff to SingWoman IsWe're back with another Elphaba, and this time they're singing a role essentially built for them! Except...well...join us as we talk the great Eden Espinosa and the show that maybe doesn't rise to her level: 2024's Lempicka. Written by Matt Gould and Carson Kreitzer, the show underwent a long workshop process before an ultiamtely unsuccessful Broadway run. We explore what went wrong, in our opinions, at least, as we discuss "Woman Is." All clips are from the Lempica Original Broadway Cast Album featuring Eden Espinosa and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 o...2024-12-0338 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 107 - Stars and the MoonAnother episode, another Elphaba! This time, we're looking at Shoshana Bean, who was an Elphaba early on before leaving Broadway for over a decade and then finally returning to a string of well-received roles, even if she still hasn't found The One. Here she is singing one of the songs that brough her back, "Stars and the Moon" by Jason Robert Brown from his song cycle Songs for a New World. Enjoy! All clips are from the Songs for a New World 2018 Encores! Off-Center Cast Recording featuring Shoshana Beanm and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of...2024-11-1640 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 106 - The Writing on the WallNew miniseries time! This time, we're taking a slightly different approach, focusing on a set of linked performers instead of a set of linked songs. Specifically, we're looking at some of the women who've played the original Green Girl, Elphaba from Wicked. First up is Stephanie J. Block who arguably was the original Elphaba, just not on Broadway. We look at her career and why it hasn't been quite what it might have been while we talk about "The Writing on the Wall," the finale to The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Rupert Holmes. It's a lot, so buckle in...2024-11-0239 min
So Much Stuff to SingLettersOnce again, we find ourselves back at Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, the show that we just can't escape, nor would we wish to. This time, we're finishing our miniseries on Second Act Openers with the excellent "Letters," where Dave Malloy crams so much content into only 6 minutes that we're almost left a little speechless. Almost. All clips are from the 2013 Original Cast Recording of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 featuring Dave Malloy as Pierre, Phillipa Soo as Natasha, Gelsey Bell as Princess Mary, Lucas Steele as Anatole, and Manik Choksi as Dolokhov an...2024-10-1938 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 104 - King of New YorkNewsies! Yes, at long last, we are talking about one of the most beloved musicals ever to starts as a failed Disney movie. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, Newsies could easily have just been a misbegotten offshoot of the Disney Renaissance, but it experienced a rebirth of its own, hitting Broadway in 2012. Join us as we talk about the process and about "King of New York," the song chosen to open the second act. All clips are from the 2012 Newsies Original Broadway Cast Album and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of S...2024-10-0233 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 103 - MasqueradeWe're back with another second act opener! This one combines impressive spectacle, plot recap, and a flexible yet catchy tune to ease the audience back into a world of high romance and melodrama. Join us as we discuss "Masquerade" from The Phantom of the Opera and how it does what it does very, very well. All clips are from the 1987 London Cast Album of Phantom of the Opera and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. Buy/listen t...2024-09-0129 min
So Much Stuff to SingWho's Got the Pain?As we begin our second hundred episodes, it's only fitting that we turn our attention to second-act openers. These songs often have to return the audience to the world of the show quickly and recast the spell the first act had woven. So, how do you do that? One answer is to give them a song and dance for the ages: this week we talk about "Who's Got the Pain?" from Damn Yankees, written by Adler and Ross, but made famous by Fosse and Verdon. All clips are from the 1958 film version of Damn Yankees f...2024-08-1634 min
So Much Stuff to Sing100th Episode Spectacular...Part 2!We conclude our 100th episode spectacular with 5 more songs that make us love the American musical. As a reminder, please email or message us with the 5 songs you would choose so we can make a Spotify playlist to share with everyone! STOP READING to avoid getting spoiled for what's on this episode. All clips are from, in order, Follies: New Broadway Cast Recording, Hamilton: An American Musical Original Broadway Cast Recording, 1776: Original Broadway Cast, Parade: 2023 Broadway Cast Recording, Evita: Original Broadway Cast and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act...2024-08-0155 min
So Much Stuff to Sing100th Episode Spectacular...Part 1!Yes, there are now 100 episodes of Shannon in New York City and Erik in Prague discussing the American Musical. To celebrate, we decided to each compile a list of 5 songs that, for us, represent what makes the musical the wonderful art form it is. The musical can do things that nothing else -- no other art form -- can do, and we think these songs illustrate that. In this episode, we discuss the first 5 of these songs -- our next episde will cover the other 5. We sincerely hope you enjoy and that you'll email or message us with the 5...2024-07-1547 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 99 - I Am What I AmWe come to the conclusion of our miniseries of anthems, and we've saved one of the best for last. We're talking "I Am What I Am" from La Cage aux Folles, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, which became an anthem for LGBTQ Pride almost as soon as it was first sung in 1983. All clips are from 2016's Trailblazer Honors events featuring Ginger Minj and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. Buy/listen to Ginger on Am...2024-07-0138 min
So Much Stuff to SingAquariusFrom the hard work and determination of show business to the let it all hang out and just be spirirt of the hippie movement, our anthem series continues with "Aquarius" from Hair. Written by James Rado, Gerome Ragni, and Galt MacDermot, "Aquarius" become synonymous with the hippie movement with an assist from The Fifth Dimension. Be prepared for lots of talk of very bad astrology! All clips are from 2009's Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical - The New Broadway Cast Recording and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for cri...2024-06-1634 min
So Much Stuff to SingThere's No Business Like Show BusinessAnthem number two! This time, we're looking at an anthem for this business we call show: "There's No Business Like Show Business," written by Irving Berling for 1946's Annie Get Your Gun. While that's still a popular show, the song has definitely broken free and is now widely recognized as perhaps the definitive song about the ups and downs of a life lived on the stage. For this episode, we'll be discussing both the song, and Ethel Merman, who very much made it one of her signature songs, even though she wasn't the one who sang it in the...2024-06-0234 min
So Much Stuff to SingBrother, Can You Spare a Dime?Time for a new miniseries! This time, we're looking at songs originally from Broadway shows that found a greater life outside of them as anthems. Anthems of movements, times, places, industries -- Broadway has given us many anthems over the years. Arguably one of its earliest is one that everyone knows but may not know that it originated in a Broadway show: "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" by Y.E. Harburgh and Jay Gorney. The song, written for a 1932 revue called Americana appropriately enough, quickly became an anthem of the Great Depression and has maintained its status ever s...2024-05-1533 min
So Much Stuff to SingIt's a HitWell, it's that time again -- time to say goodbye to Sondheim for another year. But we're going out with a wide-ranging and multi-faceted discussion of all things Merrily We Roll Along centered around one of the only purely happy songs in the show: "It's a Hit." All clips are from 1982's Merrily We Roll Along: Original Broadway Cast Recording featuring Lonny Price as Charley Kringas, Jim Walton as Franklin Shepard, Ann Morrison as Mary Flynn, and Jason Alexander as Joe Josephson and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for c...2024-05-0240 min
So Much Stuff to SingNow You KnowFor the first time in over 4 years and 90 episodes (!), we return to Merrily We Roll Along, Sondheim's greatest flop and now one of the biggest hits on Broadway. We'll looking at Merrily for our next two episodes, actually, since it has multiple songs that fit this miniseries quite nicely. First up, we have the Act 1 closing number, "Now You Know." All clips are from 2023's Merrily We Roll Along: New Broadway Cast Recording featuring Daniel Radcliffe as Charley Kringas, Jonathan Groff as Franklin Shepard, and Lindsay Mendez as Mary Flynn and are protected by the Fair Use gu...2024-04-1543 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Someone in a Tree" from Pacific OverturesWe're continuing our miniseries on Sondheim's conversation songs. This episode, we ask a very simple question: can a song simulataneously be about absolutely nothing and abosolutely everything? And we answer it with a resounding, "Yes," -- at least it can if the song is question is "Someone in a Tree" from Pacific Overtures. Join us as we try to pick apart the strands of this masterpiece and discuss Sondheim's favorite of his own songs. All clips are from 1976's Pacific Overtures featuring Mako as the Reciter, James Dybas as the Old Man, Gedde Watanabe as the Boy...2024-04-0143 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 92 - Waiting for the Girls UpstairsFrom "Waiting for Life" to "Waiting for the Girls Upstairs" -- it's Sondheim time once again. This year, we're focusing on conversation songs, a sub-genre Sondheim may have himself invented. We begin with the aforementioned octet (!) from 1971's Follies and talk about why this song may be the key to understanding the whole show. All clips are from 1985's Follies in Concert are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. Note: the DVD does not include all of the son...2024-03-1638 min
So Much Stuff to SingWaiting for Life from Once on This IslandWe wrap up our miniseries on "I Wish" songs with "Waiting for Life" from Once on This Island by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Topics include whether being made into a tree is a good thing, The Little Mermaid, and whether Ahrens and Flaherty were the right fit for this source material. DW: This episdoe contains mentions of racism, sexual assault, and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised. All clips are from the 1990 Original Broadway Cast Recording of Once on This Island featuring LaChanze and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Co...2024-03-0240 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 90 - HomeAnd we're back again with another "I Want" song, but we're still in the 1970s. This time we're tackling The Wiz and it's end-of-show I want song, "Home." Topics include Stephanie Mills, Diana Ross, and why the 80s really, really sucked. Editor's Note: Yes, this episode sounds different. New computers, new set-ups, etc. We're still ironing out the kinks. Also, the original cast album is cuirrently out of print and not widely available for streaming, so, if you're the rights holder, fix that, please. All clips are from the 1975 Original Broadway Cast Recording of The Wi...2024-02-1636 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 89 - Corner of the SkyWe're just getting started with I Want songs, and we're tackling another classic. This time, from 1972's Pippin, we're talking about "Corner of the Sky." We talk Stephen Schwartz, Bob Fosse, and where cats and children fit. Strap in. All clips are from the 1972 Original Broadway Cast Recording of Pippin featuring John Rubinstein as Pippin and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify!2024-02-0139 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 88 - Wouldn't It Be LoverlyWe're back! We're starting our 5th year a little late, but as opinionated as ever! We're looking at "I want" songs here in 2024, and we're starting with one of the most famous and beloved examples: "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" from Lerner & Loewe's Golden Age classic My Fair Lady. But is it beloved by your intrepid hosts? Only one way to find out... All clips are from the 1956 Original Broadway Cast Recording of My Fair Lady featuring Julie Andrews as Eliza Doolittle and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and...2024-01-2742 min
So Much Stuff to SingMary PoppinsOh, it's a jolly holiday season here at So Much Stuff to Sing! This year, we're looking at one of the all-time great film musicals, Walt Disney's Mary Poppins. With songs written by Richard and Robert Sherman, and featuring seminal performances by Dick van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynnis Johns, and (in her film debut!) Julie Andrews, the film is both a landmark of cinema and a timeless masterpiece. But what about its deeply anti-capitalist message? We'll get into that -- and more -- on this bonus-sized end of year episode. Programming note: we'll be on h...2023-12-181h 14
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 86 - BeautifulTo round out our off-Broadway miniseries, Shannon and Erik take a look at "Beautiful" from the online hit Heathers: The Musical, and don't always like what they see. Are they just the wrong audience, or is this the wrong adaptation? All clips are from 2014's Heathers: The Musical (World Premiere Cast Recording) featuring Barrett Wilbert Weed are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. PLEASE NOTE: In addition to discussions of sensitive topics such as gun violence, sexual assault, suicide, and eating disorders, this episode also includes clips from the...2023-11-1743 min
So Much Stuff to SingThe Origin of LoveFrom one queer, cult, off-Broadway hit to the next, it's time for Stephen Trask and John Cameron Mitchell's Hedwig and the Angry Inch and what is arguably its thesis song: "The Origin of Love" Shannon is escited because of Eddie Izzard, and Erik is excited because of Plato. All clips are from 1999's Hedwig and the Angry Inch: Original Cast Album featuring John Cameron Mitchell are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify! F...2023-11-0141 min
So Much Stuff to SingScience Fiction Double FeatureHappy Halloween, everyone! By sheer coicidence, our Off-Broadway miniseries timed up with spooky seaon, creating a wonderful synchronicity whereby our episde about "Science Fiction Double Feature" from The Rocky Horror Show is coming out just before Halloween. Wait...did you not know that Rocky Horror was a smash London and L.A. musical before becoming a movie? Well, grab a seat in the back row and listen... All clips are from 1975's The Rocky Horror Picture Show: The Original Soundtrack featuring Richard O'Brien are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. 2023-10-1531 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 83 - Try to RememberWe're back -- a little late -- but we come bearing a new miniseries! This time, we're heading off-Broadway to explore the wide range of shows and songs that fall under that collective banner. We start with one of the either best -- or least -- well-known musicals of all time, depending on which co-host you ask. Yes, it's 1960's The Fantasticks which ran off-Broadway for over four decades, becoming the longest running musical in the world. What do we think it was able to accomplish that feat, and what do we think of the show's most f...2023-10-0535 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 82 - She Used to Be MineWe finish our miniseries on 11 o'clock numbers with one of the defining shows and numbers of Broadway's current era: "She Used to Be Mine" from Waitress. The discussion gievs us a chance to talk pop versus Broadway, how Sara Bareilles conquered Broadway, and proper theater etiquette. CW for discussions of domestic violence, abuse, and murder. All clips are from the 2019 video "Shoshana Bean Sings 'She Used to Be Mine' from WAITRESS" from Broadway.com's YouTube channel are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Watch the performance on Yo...2023-09-1543 min
So Much Stuff to SingLot's WifeAnd now for something truly and genuinely completely different. Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori's Caroline, or Change first premiered on Broadway in 2004, and while the show wasn't a success either at the box office or the Tonys, it made an impact. Another recent Broadway production similarly failed to enflame the ticket-buying public, but it helped cement the show as something of a modern classic. Today, we discuss the musical's 11 o'clock number "Lot's Wife" to try to understand why. All clips are from 2021's Caroline, or Change The New Broadway Cast Recording featuring Sharon D. Clarke as Caroline a...2023-09-0151 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 80 - Sit Down, You're Rocking the BoatAnother 11 o'clock number, please! This time, we're talking 1950's Guys & Dolls, Frank Loesser, and Nicely-Nicely Johnson -- yes, it's time for everyone's favorite gangster revival number, "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat." All clips are from 1992's Guys and Dolls: The New Broadway Cast Recording featuring Walter Bobbie as Nicely-Nicely Johnson and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify! Follow SMSTS on Instagram: @somuchstufftosing Email the show: somuchstufftosing@gmail.com2023-08-1632 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 79 - Fifty PercentWe're back and starting a brand new miniseries. This time, we're looking at the so-called "eleven o'clock number" in a vairety of its permutations. First up, we have an archetypal example of the genre -- "Fifty Percent" from 1978's Ballroom. Trust us, you may now know the show, but you need to know the song. All clips are from 1999's My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies featuring Dorothy Loudon and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Watch the clip on YouTube! Buy the DVD on Amazon!2023-08-0136 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 78 - A Strange LoopOur final title song is also our most recent. We're back to Michael R. Jackson's A Strange Loop, which has opened -- and closed -- on Broadway since we last discussed it, but not without winning the Best Musical Tony. All clips are from 2022's A Strange Loop: Original Broadway Cast Recording featuring Jaquel Spivey as Usher and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Fo...2023-07-1535 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 77 - In the HeightsAnother title song, and this time it's a title song that opens the show and sets up the rest of the show. We're talking about In the Heights again, exploring how Lin-Manuel Miranda uses its opening number to set up both the main characters and most of the plotlines that we need to know. All clips are from 2021's In the Heights: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack featuring Anthony Ramos as Usnavi and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the...2023-07-0138 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 76 - Kiss of the Spider WomanWe're continuing with our title songs miniseries, and we're back with Kander and Ebb for the first time in a while. This time, we're talking about "Kiss of the Spider Woman," and Shannon makes a shocking confession about this song. All clips are from 1993's Kiss of the Spider Woman: The Musical - Original Cast Recording featuring Chita Rivera as Aurora and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on...2023-06-1533 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 75 - Oklahoma!We're back with a new miniseries! We're tackling title songs over the course of the next four episodes, and we're starting with the one that you're probably thinking of already. We're back to Rodgers & Hammerstein, but we're starting with their first show together. It's the beginning of the Golden Age of musicals, and the moment everything changed for the art form: it's time for 1943's Oklahoma!. All clips are from soundtrack to the 1955 film version of Oklahoma! featuring Gordon MacRae as Curly, Shirley Jones as Laurey, and the ensembles and are used in accordance with the Fair Us...2023-06-0538 min
So Much Stuff to SingThe Ballad of GuiteauIt's the end of our annual Sondheim birthday celebration, and our last murder ballad. This episode, we're back with Assassins looking at "The Ballad of Guiteau." Charles Guiteau is a thorny historical figure, but Erik and Shannon do their best to try to make some sense of him, his song, and this entire show. All clips are from Assassins: The 2022 Off-Broadway Cast Recording featuring Ethan Slater as The Balladeer and Will Swenson as Charles Guiteau and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/listen to the musical on...2023-05-1539 min
So Much Stuff to SingThe Ballad of BoothWe're continuing our Sondheim birthday miniseries, this time focusing on his murder ballads, and we're moving on to a show that is dominated by murder ballads -- 1991's Assassins. Join us as we look at "The Ballad of Booth"and try to pick apart both this extremely rich song and the show's message. Audio note: It was raining when we recorded this episode, and you will occasionally hear the rain striking Shannon's air conditioner. We hope it won't distract too much from your enjoyment of the episode. All clips are from the 1991 Original Off-Broadway Cast Re...2023-05-0137 min
So Much Stuff to SingMy Friends from Sweeney ToddTo quote Shannon, "Murder! Murder! Murder!" Yes, we're carrying on with this year's Sondheim theme of murder ballads, and we're carrying on with Sweeney Todd. This episode, we discuss the sort of duet, but not really, "My Friends." All clips are from the 2002 production of Sweeney Todd in Concert featuring George Hearne as Sweeney Todd and Patti Lupone as Mrs. Lovett and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy the DVD on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show...2023-04-1532 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 71 - The Ballad of Sweeney ToddIt's Sondheim time again -- the most wonderful time of the year here at SMSTS. This year, Shannon got her pick of themes, and she chose Sondheim's murder ballads. So, y'know, buckle up. We're starting off with the opening of 1979's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street appropriately named "Prelude/The Ballad of Sweeney Todd." Attend the tale. All clips are from the 1979 Original Broadway Cast Recording of Sweeney Todd featuring Len Cariou as Sweeney Todd and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary.2023-04-0137 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 70 - I Know Where I've BeenWe conclude our look at inspirational songs with "I Know Where I've Been" from Hairspray, the 2002 Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman musical based on the John Waters film of the same name. It's been a few years since we talked about the show's propulsive and endlessly optimistic closing number, so how does this song -- coming just before the final sequence and featuring a darker, if still optimistic tone -- sit within the show? And what's Erik's Grand Unified Theory of songs of inspiration? All clips are from the 2002 Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hairspray featuring Mary Bon...2023-03-1529 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 69 - TomorrowWe return to Annie, a show we last talked about a few years back with Miss Hanigan's delicious villain song. This time, however, we're taking a look at the show's signature tune --and one of the most recognizable musical theater songs of all time -- "Tomorrow." Is it inspirational or an example of what's wrong with America? Buckle up. All clips are from 1977's Annie - Original Braodway Cast Recording featuring Andrea McArdle and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon!2023-03-0125 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 68 - The Impossible DreamSome great shows have a few mediocre songs, and some great songs come from otherwise mediocre shows. Such is the case with this episode's selection -- or is it? Join us as we continue our journey of inspiration with "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)" from Man of La Mancha. All clips are from 2002's Man of La Mancha: The New Broadway Cast Recording featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Sp...2023-02-1632 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 67 - Climb Ev'ry MountainWelcome to 2023! As we enter a new year, we could all do with some inspiration, so we're starting the year off with a miniseries of inspirational songs. First up, we look at The Sound of Music for the first time, with "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." The last Rodgers & Hammerstein collaboration, this 1959 musical is one of the best known and best loved of all Broadway -- and film -- musicals. All clips are from 2103's The Sound of Music: Music from the NBC Television Event and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary....2023-02-0132 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 66 - The Muppet Christmas CarolIt's the most wonderful time of the year! For our third annual holiday special, we're being the rules a bit and looking at a festive movie musical -- namely, 1992's The Muppet Christmas Carol starring Michael Caine and the Muppets. We talk about the meloncholy air surrounding the making of the movie, the performances, and, of course, all of the songs written for the film by the great Paul Williams. Happy Holidays! See you in 2023! All clips are from 1992's The Muppet Christmas Carol: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for c...2022-12-1559 min
So Much Stuff to SingMeadowlarkThe second and final part of our look at songs that escaped the shows they were written for brings us to arguably one of the greatest songs never to be performed on Broadway -- "Meadowlark" from the ill-fated Stephen Schwartz musical The Baker's Wife. The show may be forgettable, but the song certainly is not. All clips are from Lindsay Mendez's 2017 performance of "Meadowlark" at Feinstein's/54 Below and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Watch Lindsay Mendez perform "Meadowlark" at 54 Below. Buy/stream the album on A...2022-12-0338 min
So Much Stuff to SingYou've Got PossibilitiesAnd now for something completely different. We're embarking on a mini-mini-series: a 2-part look at songs that managed to have a life even if they shows they came from didn't. First up, it's "You've Got Possibilities" from the almost totally forgotten 1966 musical "It'sa Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman". A score by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams -- and production and direction by Hal Prince -- didn't save this show from being the biggest flop in Broadway history at the time, but somehow this song managed to find a place for itself. We discuss why. All clips ar...2022-11-1531 min
So Much Stuff to SingOne Second and a Million MilesWe conclude our tour of musical theater blindspots with Jason Robert Brown's 2014 The Bridges of Madison County and the sweeping love duet "One Second and a Million Miles." Will Shannon persuade Erik that this score deserves to be known far and wide, or will his cold, stony heart be unmoved? All clips are from the 2014 Orignal Broadway Cast Recording of The Bridges of Madison County featuring Steven Pasquale and Kelli O'Hara and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to th...2022-11-0144 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 62 - I BelieveWe're trying to take care of musical theater blindspots, and this time it's Shannon's turn to introduce Erik to something new. So, how will he respond to "I Believe" from 2011's The Book of Mormon? Will he be converted, or will he slam the door in her face? All clips are from the 2011 Original Broadway Cast Recording of The Book of Mormon featuring Andrew Rannells and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. 2022-10-1539 min
So Much Stuff to SingDon't Cry for Me ArgentinaWe just couldn't stay away from the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Time Rice songbook as we cover our musical theater blind spots. This time, it's Evita with Patti Lupone singing "Don't Cry for Me Argentina." What will Shannon make of this truly strange show that she'd never experienced before? All clips are from the 1978 Original Broadway Cast Recording of Evita featuring Patti Lupone and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Fol...2022-10-0137 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 60 - Everything's Coming up RosesWe're back after our brief end of summer hiatus, and we've got a new miniseries in store. We all have our blind spots -- shows that we feel as if we should know, but don't. In this miniseries, we're trying to clear up some of those blind spots -- 2 from each host -- and we're starting with a biggie. Join us as we talk about one of the greates roles in musical theater: yes, it's time for 1959's Gypsy and "Everything's Coming up Roses." All clips are from the 2015 London Cast Recording of Gypsy featuring I...2022-09-1539 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 59 - I Still BelieveTo close out our look at the Broadway megamusical, we turn our attention to one of the most popular -- and controversial -- entries in the subgenre: Miss Saigon. Join us as we dicuss "I Still Believe" and the enduring debate about this show's depiction of its Vietnamese characters. All clips are from the 1989 Original London Cast Recording of Miss Saigon featuring Lea Salonga and Claire Moore and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/stream the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS pla...2022-08-1535 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 58 - Nobody's SideNot all megamusicals were big hits -- not on Broadway, at least. This episode, we look at one of the most infamous and enduring of the failed London to Broadway transfers: Chess. The score, by Time Rice, Benny Andersson, and Bjorn Ulvaeus, has endured, however, powered by such pop hits as "Nobody's Side." All clips are from the 1988 Original Broadway Cast Recording of Chess featuring Judy Kuhn and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify....2022-08-0132 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 57 - The Phantom of the OperaThe undisputed king of the megamusical, Andrew Lloyd Webber, is back with his biggest hit, and one of the biggest hits in musical theater history: The Phantom of the Opera. This episode we discuss the title song, our history with the show in general, and the sequel that never really caught on. All clips are from the 1986 Original London Cast Recording of The Phantom of the Opera featuring Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on...2022-07-1538 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 56 - Jellicle Songs for Jellicle CatsMAKE IT BIGGER! That was the refrain in the 80s on the West End and Broadway, and we're looking at some of the highlights of the megamusical era in our new miniseries. We begin with the show that arguably started it all -- Andrew Lloyd's Webber's 1981 phenomenon, Cats. Join us, won't you, as we discuss "Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats." All clips are from the 1981 Original London Cast Recording of Cats and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Am...2022-07-0136 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 55 - Hey, Little SongbirdWe conclude our series on seduction songs with a trip down to 2019's Hadestown --written by Anaïs Mitchell and developed and directed by Rachel Chavkin -- to discuss "Hey, Little Songbird." All clips are from the 2019 Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hadestown featuring Patrick Page as Hades and Eva Noblezada as Eurydice are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Follow SMSTS on...2022-06-1534 min
So Much Stuff to SingCharming from Great CometOur seduction song cycle moves to Moscow as we revisit a perennial favorite, Dave Malloy's Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 and one of that show's standout moments -- "Charming." All clips are from the 2017 original Broadway cast recording of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 featuring Amber Gray as Helene and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Follow SMS...2022-06-0132 min
So Much Stuff to SingRazzle Dazzle from ChicagoWe continue our run of seduction songs with a return to one of the first shows we ever covered: Chicago. This time, we're looking at Billy Flynn's "Razzle Dazzle," a song that's both darker and slower than you may remember. All clips are from the 1975 original Broadway cast recording of Chicago featuring Jerry Orbach as Billy Flynn and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @so...2022-05-1533 min
So Much Stuff to SingBig Spender from Sweet CharityHey, big spender! Spend a little time with Erik & Shannon as they begin a new miniseries, featuring songs of seduction. We begin with one of the most blatant come-ons ever staged for Broadway, "Big Spender" from 1966's Sweet Charity. All clips are from the 1966 original Broadway cast recording of Sweet Charity and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Follow SMSTS on In...2022-05-0133 min
So Much Stuff to SingMoments in the Woods from Into the WoodsWe conclude our journey through Into the Woods with The Baker's Wife's moving and profound exploration of the meaning of life, "Moments in the Woods." All clips are from the 1987 original cast recording of Into the Woods featuring Joanna Gleason as the Baker's Wife and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Follow SMSTS on Instagram: @somuchstufftosing Email the show...2022-04-1540 min
So Much Stuff to SingOn the Steps of the Palace from Into the WoodsAfter a brief break, we are back with our annual Sondheim series featuring the "I know now" songs from Into the Woods. This time, we look at one of the most challenging and daunting songs from the show, Cinderella's big moment "On the Steps of the Palace." All clips are from the 1987 original cast recording of Into the Woods featuring Kim Crosby as Cinderalla and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on S...2022-04-0133 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 49 - Giants in the SkyWe continue our annual Stephen Sondheim celebration with a discussion of "Giants in the Sky," as we go deeper Into the Woods and look at what our chracters are learning. All clips are from the 1987 original cast recording of Into the Woods featuring Ben Wright and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Follow SMSTS on Instagram: @somuchstufftosing Email the show: somuchstufftosing@gmai...2022-03-0132 min
So Much Stuff to SingEpisode 48 - I Know Things NowIn honor of the upcoming anniversary of his birthday, we are beginning our third annual Stephen Sondheim miniseries. This time, we are focusing on four of the songs from Into the Woods, perhaps his most accessible and most popular show. In our first episode, we discuss Little Red's song "I Know Things Now" and talk about how it connects with the many themes running through the show. All clips are from the 1987 original cast recording of Into the Woods featuring Danielle Ferland and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. 2022-02-1532 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"I'm Here" from The Color PurpleWe've come to the end of our quick tour through breakout performances, but we've saved one of the best for last. This episode, we're discussing Cynthia Erivo's truly breathtaking arrival on the scene, with "I'm Here" from the 2015 revival of The Color Purple. All clips are from the 2016's The Color Purple New Broadway Cast Recording featuring Cynthia Erivo and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show o...2022-02-0140 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern MillieAfter a brief detour, we've returned to our miniseries on star-making performances. This time, we're talking about Sutton Foster's breakout role in 2002's Thoroughly Modern Millie, and her signature number "Gimme Gimme." All clips are from the 2002's Thoroughly Modern Millie Original Broadway Cast Recording featuring Sutton Foster and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Follow SMSTS on Instagram: @somuchstufftosing E...2022-01-1634 min
So Much Stuff to SingOriginal Cast Ablum: Co-opAnd now for something competely different! Join us as we discuss the Documentary Now episode "Original Cast Album: Co-op" and talk about the songs, the jokes, and how it compares to Original Cast Album: Company. We also talk about the recent loss of Stephen Sondheim. All clips are from the Original Cast Album Co-op TV Soundtrack and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on T...2022-01-0157 min
Deeper Cuts5.7: Hamilton Original Broadway Cast Recording (2015) (Part Two) In part two of our exploration of the 2015 soundtrack to the musical Hamilton, the Deeper Cuts trio continue their discussion of the resonant themes in the musical that helped Shannon become the person she wanted to be and how music can help us set our values. We also talk about what Hamilton has to say about American history and the musical's use of references to other works. For this finale episode to the fifth series of the Deeper Cuts, Shannon, Graeme and Rob throw in everything but the kitchen sink (and possibly even that). Will we find a way...2021-12-171h 13
So Much Stuff to Sing"Miss Marmelstein" from I Can Get It For You WholesaleIt's time...for Barbra. Before she was an icon and a legend, she was a featured performer in 1962's I Can Get It For You Wholesale, stealing the show singing "Miss Marmelstein." We talk about what makes Barbra such an icon, and she almost wasn't cast in the show. All clips are from the 1962 I Can Get It for You Wholesale: Original Broadway Cast Recording featuring Barbra Streisand and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the S...2021-12-0134 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"I Got Rhythm" from Girl CrazyJoin us as we begin our next miniseries, this time talking about unknowns who were turned into megastars, practically overnight, and the songs that made it happen. Our first shooting star is one of the grandest of Broadway grand dames, the utterly unique Ethel Merman, and her first Broadway showstopper, "I Got Rhythm" by George and Ira Gershwin, from 1930's Girl Crazy. Since 1930 was before the age of the cast album, all clips are from the 1949 album Ehtel Merman: Songs She Has Made Famous featuring Ethel Merman are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for...2021-11-1532 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Carnaval del Barrio" from In the HeightsIt's time to alza la bandera as we conclude our dance number miniseries with "Carnaval del Barrio" from In the Heights written, of course, by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Full of of humor, love, and life, this song charms even Erik's cold, cold heart. Plus, we have another grand unifying theory! All clips are from the 2008 Original Broadway Cast album with Andréa Burns as Daniela and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Usnavi and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to th...2021-11-0139 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"One" from A Chorus LineWe're dancing for our jobs and our lives as we enter The Chorus Line and it's powerful finale "One." Another Pulitzer Prize winner, A Chorus Line is one of Broadway's most famous and greatest success stories, and "One" is arguably its most iconic song. All clips are from the 1975 Original Broadway Cast album and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Follow SMS...2021-10-1533 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Brotherhood of Man" from How to Succeed in Business without Really TryingWe're dancing as if our jobs depended on it as we continue our jaunt through some iconic production numbers. This time we're talking about Frank Loesser's Pulitzer Prize winner How to Succeed in Business... and "Brotherhood of Man." But make way, boys -- Lillias White is coming to steal the show. All clips are from the 1995 Broadway Revival Cast album with Matthew Broderick as Finch and Lillias White as Miss Jones and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! ...2021-10-0131 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Hello Dolly!" from "Hello Dolly!"Everybody on stage for the big dance number! Yes, for our next miniseries, we are looking at some of Broadway's most iconic production numbers, starting with 1964's "Hello Dolly!" from...yes, you guessed it, Hello Dolly! We talk about the alchemy that this show captured and how it's the quintessence of a certain kind of Broadway show. All clips are from the 1964 Original Broadway Cast album with Carol Channing as Dolly Levi and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! 2021-09-1533 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Defying Gravity" from WickedWe conclude our series on vocal damage with the most iconic song of Broadway's past 20 years: "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. We talk about its reception, its influence, and whether it does more harm than good. All clips are from the 2003 Original Broadway Cast album with Idina Menzel as Elpheba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Em...2021-09-0136 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"I Dreamed a Dream" from Les MiserablesWlecome to the 80s megamusical and its child, the power ballad! This episode, we discuss "I Dreamed a Dream" from one of the biggest hits of all time, Les Miserables by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg. In addition to talking about our feelings about the show generally (spoiler: it's complicated), this is also our first chance to talk about the legend herself, Patti Lupone. All clips are from the 1985 Original London Cast Recording with Patti Lupone as Fantine and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy...2021-08-1540 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"And I Am Telling You" from DreamgirlsEnter the Belters. As we continue look at vocal showpieces, we move into the 1980s to look at Dreamgirls and Jennifer Holliday's extraordinary performance of "And I Am Telling You (I'm Not Going." 40 years after it debuted on Broadway, this song is still synonymous both with Holliday and with singers who want to show they can be big and soulful. Even if they can't. All clips are from the 1982 Original Broadway Cast Album with Jennifer Holliday as Effie White and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to a...2021-08-0138 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Glitter and Be Gay" from CandideWe start off what we are affectionately calling our "Vocal Damage" miniseries with one of the greatest soprano showpieces every written for the Broadway stage: "Glitter and Be Gay" from Leonard Bernstein's 1956 comic operetta Candide. The piece is (in)famous for being hard in just about every way a song can be hard, and is most commonly performed today by opera singers. All clips are from the 1956 Original Broadway Cast Recording with Barbara Cook as Cunegonde and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and...2021-07-1539 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"How Can I Call This Home?" from ParadeWe conclude our miniseries on soliloquy songs with one of Shannon's favorites: "How Can I Call This Home?" from Jason Robert Brown's 1998 show Parade. Parade is about an especially dark event in 20th century history; listener discretion is advised. All clips are from the 1999 Original Broadway Cast Recording with Brent Carver as Leo Frank and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Em...2021-07-0140 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)" from Jesus Christ SuperstarAfter 33 episodes, we finally come to the second of the twin pillars of modern musical theater: Andrew Lloyd Webber. Specifcially, we talk about "Gethsemane," Jesus's anguished scream of a song from Jesus Christ Superstar. Do we have strong opinions? Oh, you bet we do! All clips are from the 1973 soundtrack of the film version with Ted Neeley as Jesus and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show o...2021-06-1533 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Cabaret" from CabaretWilllkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome! We continue our exploration of songs that reveal character with the title song from 1966's Kander & Ebb classic Cabaret. Who is Sally Bowles, what does she want, and how are we meant to feel about her? All this, plus the Kennedy Center Honors! All clips are from the 1966 Original Broadway Cast recording with Jill Haworth as Sally Bowles and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow...2021-06-0338 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Soliloquy" from CarouselWe begin a new miniseries, focusing on character songs -- those moments when the spotlight falls on a single character and we get a chance to look inside their heart and soul. Fittingly enough, we're beginning with "Soliloquy," the centerpiece aria from Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic Carousel. All clips are from the 2018 revival recording featuring Joshua Henry as Billy Bigelow and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show...2021-05-1539 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Unworthy of Your Love" from AssassinsWe complete our second annual Sondheim miniseries by looking at "Unworthy of Your Love," the troubling pastiche of 70s love duets from Assassins, one of the most unsettling musicals ever produced. It's more fun than it sounds like! All clips are from the 2004 Broadway Cast Recording featuring Alexander Gemignani and Mary Catherine Garrison and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Email th...2021-05-0136 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Please Hello" from Pacific Overtures"Please Hello" is from the neglected Sondheim masterpiece Pacific Overtures and is one of the wildest, funniest, and most complicated songs we've ever covered--and maybe one of the best? Learn more about the Asian American Arts Alliance. All clips are from the 1976 Original Broadway Cast Recording featuring Yuki Shimoda, James Dybas, Ernest Harada, Alvin Ing, Patrick Kinser-Lau, Mark Hsu Syers, and Mako and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spo...2021-04-1540 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Losing My Mind" from FOLLIESAs we continue our annual Sondheim-a-palooza, this time focusing on his pastiche numbers, we come to "Losing My Mind" from Follies. This challening and deeply beautiful show is celebrating its 50th anniversary and seems as powerful as ever. Join Erik and Shannon as they try to figure out why this beatiful, simple song is such a gut punch. All clips are from the (sadly truncated) 1971 Original Broadway Cast Recording featuring Dorothy Collins and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on Amazon!2021-04-0135 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"You Could Drive a Person Crazy" from COMPANYIt's the most Sondheim-ful time of the year! In honor of The Great One's birthday, it's time for another Sondheim mini-series. This time, we'll be tackling a few of our favorite pastiche songs from his shows, starting with "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" from Company. We talk about the hidden rage of The Andrews Sisters, the correct pronunciation of "bubbe," and those lyrics. All clips are from the1970 Original Broadway Cast Recording featuring Donna McKechnie, Susan Browning, and Pamela Myers and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. 2021-03-1535 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Pierre & Natasha" from Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812For the first time, we are revisiting a show! Yes, to finish off our mini-series of love duets, we are talking about "Pierre & Natasha" from Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, which we last talked about over a year ago, when the world was a different place. Be prepared: this is essentially us doling out rapturous praise for about 40 minutes. All clips are from the 2013 off-Broadway cast album featuring Dave Malloy and Phillipa Soo and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to and buy the album on...2021-03-0142 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of HorrorsWe tackle the importance of re-interpretation this episode as we discuss the 2019 Pasadena Playhouse production of Little Shop of Horrors and that show's best known song, "Suddenly Seymour." What do George Salazar and Mj Rodriguez do to make the song their own, and how fo Erik and Shannon feel about it? Listen now and find out! All clips are from the pair's 2019 appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Unfortunately, there's no cast album for this production. Womp. Li...2021-02-1537 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Wheels of a Dream" from RagtimeThis episode, we talk about "Wheels of a Dream" from 1997's Ragtime as we continue our miniseries on love duets. Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell made this song iconic, and the pair discuss both their performances and the song's role in the show overall. But be warned: Erik drops a bombshell in this one. All clips are from the 1991 Original Broadway Cast Recording are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/Listen to the Original Broadway Cast album on Amazon. Listen to the SMSTS playlist on S...2021-02-0134 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Yours, Yours, Yours" from 1776Welcome to 2021 and a new miniseries! We're looking at love duets, and we're beginning with "Yours, Yours, Yours" from 1776, the musical about the American Revolution that *isn't* Hamilton. This show is one of Erik's beloved favorites, and Shannon was completely unfamiliar--did he convince her to love it the way John and Abigail Adams love each other? Or did she declare her aesthetic independence? All clips are from the 1972 recording of the film score and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/Listen to the Original Broadway Cast album on...2021-01-1533 min
So Much Stuff to SingHoliday ExtravaganzaJoin us as we take a tour through 4--yes 4--holiday classics that have been in Broadway shows! We get super sappy! Happy Holidays!!! All clips are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Email the show: somuchstufftosing@gmail.com2020-12-1556 min
So Much Stuff to SingIntermissionNo new episode today, but we'll be back with a holiday extravaganza on December 15th! Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Email the show: somuchstufftosing@gmail.com2020-12-0101 min
So Much Stuff to Sing"Popular" from WickedWe conclude our mini-arc of classic comic turns with "Popular" from Stephen Schwartz's 2003 mega-blockbuster Wicked. Shannon defends her theatre-going choices, Erik creates a new rule, and the pair discuss the patriarchy. Because of course. All clips are from the 2003 Original Broadway Cast album and are used in accordance with the Fair Use Exemption for criticism and commentary. Buy/Listen on Amazon. Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify. Follow the show on Twitter: @somuchstuffpod Email the show: somuchstufftosing@gmail.com2020-11-1530 min