Theater History and Mysteries
I take a musical theater production and do a deep dive to find a richer understanding about the lessons the show has for theater and life. And, I’ll never miss an opportunity to pursue any mystery, bizarre coincidence, improbable event, or supernatural suggestion along the way because, in the words of Dirk Gentley, it is all connected.
Released every other Tuesday. Coming release dates are Jan 28, Feb 11, Feb 25, Mar 11, Mar 25, April 8.
Music by Jon Bruschke and Andrew Howat, arranged, performed, and recorded by Andrew Howat.
Podcasting since 2024 • 14 episodes
Theater History and Mysteries
Latest Episodes
Les Miserables -- Is it cool to get rich off of singing about the poor? And why did the show fail in France? Episode 14 (8 of 8)
A young music producer has just seen a production of Jesus Christ, Superstar and was hit by his muse … he wandered the streets of Manhattan, unable to sleep. A native of France, Alain Boublil felt he had to keep walking unt...
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46:28
Les Miserables -- From novel to stage...and why did it fail in France? Episode 13 (7 of 8)
Errata: At about the 12 minute mark I say that Phantom of the Opera is a Victor Hugo story. It isn't -- it's French, but the author is Gaston LaRoux.A young music producer has just seen a production of Jesus ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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34:58
Les Miserables -- Let the seances end...for now... Episode 12 (6 of 8).
Starting in September 1853 Victor Hugo, exiled to an island off the coast of France because the now-Emperor Louis Napoleon has told the army to shoot Hugo on sight, has been holding a series of seances. There are been hundreds of them.&nb...
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48:27
Les Miserables -- Let the seances begin! Episode 11 (5 of 8).
Seance transcript images:Pages 1187 and 1189 of the seance transcripts contain the words "fille" and "morte," but neither includes the words Leopoldine.
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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42:33
Les Miserables -- The meaning of the book before the musical. Episode 10 (4 of 8).
Thanks almost entirely to his mistress, Victor Hugo escaped France with his life and an early manuscript of Les Miserables. While living in exile and on an island close to the coast but under British control, he finishes the book 10 years...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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34:24