Closing Night

By: Patrick Oliver Jones
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  • Summary

  • Step into the captivating world of Broadway musicals with Closing Night, a theater history podcast unraveling the short lives of musicals and play on Broadway. In Season 1, we explored the turbulent history of the Marquis Theatre, one of Broadway's youngest venues, beginning with the controversial demolitions that birthed its legacy. For Season 2, the focus shifts to some infamous productions that closed before actually opening on Broadway. Relive the excitement and at times artistic chaos that almost brought these musicals to Broadway and what led up to their closing night. Whether you're a theater enthusiast, creative artist, or history buff, you'll enjoy the journeys of theatrical gems that have come and gone.
    @2024 WINMI Media
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Art Entertainment & Performing Arts World
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Episodes
  • Senator Joe

    Senator Joe
    Mar 31 2025
    History and politics have long found their way onto the Broadway stage, from Hamilton and 1776 to Parade and Fiorello! But in 1989, one musical took a wildly unconventional approach—bringing the infamous Senator Joseph McCarthy to life in Senator Joe. Helmed by Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar director Tom O’Horgan, this audacious and bizarre production featured everything from Brechtian satire to a musical number inside McCarthy’s alcohol-ravaged liver. Yet, after only three Broadway previews, the show collapsed under the weight of its own chaos, ending in scandal when its producer was arrested in a phone booth. How did Senator Joe go so wrong? And why did anyone think a musical about McCarthyism would work in the first place? This episode dives into the missteps, mayhem, and misguided ambition that turned a political firebrand into one of Broadway’s most infamous flops. Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. Click here to find a transcript for this episode and a full list of materials and resources used. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • BONUS: Jeremy Benton Spills the Beans on Lone Star Love

    BONUS: Jeremy Benton Spills the Beans on Lone Star Love
    Mar 24 2025
    In this bonus episode of Closing Night, we dive into more of the stories and backstage drama that surrounded the ill-fated Lone Star Love. This is the full interview with dance captain Jeremy Benton, where he reveals further details of what really happened behind the scenes. From the involvement of Randy Quaid and his wife Evi, whose erratic behavior grew in unexpected ways, to the memorable Cheesecake Factory meeting that became a pivotal moment in the show's history, Jeremy shares candid anecdotes that shed light on the chaos and creativity that brewed during rehearsals and performances. You’ll also learn more about Evi’s tumultuous past, and how the havoc she brought to Lone Star Love was just one example in a long history of troublemaking for this tempestuous individual. Closing Night Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. “Lazy Day” by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. “Sunday Morning” by Maarten Schellekens is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • BONUS: Lauren Kennedy Talks about Lone Star Love (and The Last Five Years)

    BONUS: Lauren Kennedy Talks about Lone Star Love (and The Last Five Years)
    Mar 17 2025
    In this bonus episode of Closing Night, we revisit a compelling conversation with Broadway star Lauren Kennedy. While exploring the tricky politics and pressures of theater careers, Lauren candidly shares her experiences after Sunset Boulevard and Side Show that led into Lone Star Love. You heard only a couple of quotes from her in the main episode, but here you’ll get the full discussion of the intriguing yet chaotic behind-the-scenes story of a production that was derailed by unexpected challenges and the whims of a high-profile star. Lauren gives an insider's view on how creative visions can clash and projects can unravel despite the promise of a Broadway opening. The episode also touches on her connection with composer Jason Robert Brown and The Last Five Years, and how it prompted her transition into directing and producing, leading to her current role as the Executive Director of Theatre Raleigh. Listen to Lauren's full episode (and bonus episode) on Why I’ll Never Make It. Closing Night Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. “Mountain Sun" by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 mins
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