The High School Musical Podcast

On the season 2 finale of The High School Musical Podcast, Frederick looks at the history of the 2012 musical comedy, Nice Work If You Can Get It. Featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin, set against a new script by Joe DiPietro, Nice Work If You Can Get It is actually an adaptation of a 1926 Gershwin musical comedy, Oh, Kay! The musical tells the story of playboy Jimmy Winter who finds himself wrapped up in a bootlegging scheme headed by Billie Bendix. When Jimmy and Billie fall into a forbidden love, hilarity ensues as a cast of characters run rampant through Jimmy's Long Island beach house.The High School Musical Podcast has been a labor of love - if you have enjoyed listening, let us know in the comments or share to your social medias.To follow more of Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg or visit www.frederickdmiller.com.

What do you get when you cross Christian missionaries, showgirls, and gamblers? Damon Runyon's Broadway, of course! In 1950, Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows' musical adaptation of Runyon's stories took Broadway by storm - and the dice haven't stopped spinning since!Join Frederick as he dives into the history of Guys and Dolls, including its tedious development and the legacy it has continued to leave behind.To follow more of Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow on IG: @ themtdramaturg.

Today, Frederick dives into the history of Godspell, the 1971 Off-Broadway musical that became a phenomenon. Telling various parables from the Gospel of Matthew, Godspell was the brainchild of theatre maker John-Michael Tebelak. Later, a young Stephen Schwartz provided a new score for its Off-Broadway debut. Over 50 years later, Godspell remains a powerful piece for theaters around the country - and world! Like all good theatre, it is not without its controversies, however. Come learn your lessons well as Frederick pulls back the curtain on Godspell!To follow Frederick in his dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg.

On today's episode of The High School Musical Podcast, Frederick discusses one of the hottest shows playing on stages across the United States: The Prom (2016). Inspired by the true story of Constance McMillen, a high school student who was banned from attending her prom for wanting to bring her girlfriend, The Prom is an old fashioned musical comedy for the modern moment.To learn more about Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow IG @themtdramaturg or visit www.frederickdmiller.com.

School is back in session with season 2 of The High School Musical Podcast! On the season premiere, we're taking a quick trip to Greece with the 1999 global phenomenon Mamma Mia!Curious as to how Mamma Mia! is actually closer to the 1920s and 1930s musical comedies than any other era of the Broadway-style musical? Tune in to hear the unique story of how this ABBA jukebox musical charmed audiences and was a major thorn in critics' sides!To learn more about The Musical Theatre Dramaturg, follow on IG @themtdramaturg!

On today's season 1 finale of After the Bell, Frederick is joined by New York-based actor and director, Allison Schmitt! Allison is also a - and you might be detecting a theme here - proud Penn State alum! Tune in to hear all about Allison's journey, including how she met her husband in No Refund Theatre at Penn State, how her passion for theatre manifests itself in her current job, and what she learned the second time around performing in The Addams Family! Listeners in the Glens Falls, New York area can catch Allison starring as Roz in 9 to 5 at Glens Falls Community Theatre this coming November 7-9. Tickets can be found here. To follow more of Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

We’re wrapping up season one of The High School Musical Podcast with the musical, The Addams Family! This musical burst onto Broadway in 2010, musicalizing the creepy and kooky Addams family, pulling them straight from the beloved comic strip and putting them right onstage.   Today, The Addams Family is one of the most popular musicals for high schools to produce. It’s got all the makings of a great show for high schools—it’s funny, heartfelt, has a whole bunch of characters, and an awesome ensemble. But—it wasn’t always for sure a hit. We’ll discuss the show’s rocky start as well as changes made post-Broadway that solidified its legacy.   For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

On this episode of After the Bell, Frederick is joined by New York born, raised, and based performer, writer, and director (and fellow Penn State alum), Melody Munitz! Melody's incredible resume includes leading the National Tour of American Girl Live, over 15 Off-Broadway shows, and most recently playing Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof with North Shore Music Theatre. Tune into this episode to hear about Melody's journey, including her decision to double major in Musical Theatre AND Psychology, her close ties to Fiddler on the Roof, and what advice she has for our student listeners. For more about Melody's passions, projects, and path visit www.melodymunitz.com or follow her on IG: @melody_munitz. To learn more about Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, make sure to follow him on IG: @themtdramaturg or visit his website, www.frederickdmiller.com.

Today, we’re staying put as we take a look at another musical depicting 20th-century Imperial Russia: the 1964 musical, Fiddler on the Roof! This musical, written by Sheldon Harnick, Jerry Bock, and Joseph Stein, was adapted from Sholem Aleichem’s stories, Tevye and his Daughters. However, it wasn’t until director-choreographer Jerome Robbins joined the project that it found its footing. We’ll discuss Fiddler’s tumultuous road to Broadway, as well as its enduring legacy today.   For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

On today's episode, Frederick is joined by Eric Mansilla, a Central PA-based theatre artist and educator. By day, Eric is the choir director and theatre arts teacher at East Pennsboro Area High School. By night, he is an active performer, director, music director, choreographer, and consultant at many area theatre companies. Tune in to hear about Eric's journey, what he owes to the educators in his life, and his reflections on directing our musical of the week, Anastasia. You can catch Eric starring as the Baker in Theatre Harrisburg's upcoming production of Into the Woods next month! Tickets available here. Make sure to give us a follow to make sure you don't miss an episode of THE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL PODCAST! To follow Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg.

On today’s episode, we’re looking at another hit animated movie musical adapted for the Broadway stage with Anastasia. This 2017 stage musical, adapted from the 1997 animated film, explores the question of whether Anastasia Romanov truly survived the 1918 assassination of the Imperial Russian family.   We’ll chat all things Ahrens and Flaherty, as well as notable changes made from the 1997 film to its 2017 stage adaptation.   For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

This week on After the Bell, Frederick is joined by Dr. Amy S. Osatinski! Amy is currently an Associate Professor of Theatre History at the Oklahoma City University where she is the Head of the BA in Theatre Innovation & Entrepreneurship. From 2008 to 2013, Amy ran the nationally acclaimed drama program at Heritage High School in Littleton, Colorado. In addition to her work as a scholar and educator, Amy is a director, performer, and intimacy director. Amy's first book, Disney Theatrical Productions: Producing Broadway Musicals the Disney Way, explores the production practices of the theatrical producing arm of the Walt Disney Corporation. Tune in today to hear about Amy's experiences writing this book and her work as an intimacy director, as well as what advice she has for high school theatre students (and their teachers). For more information about Amy's work, visit here! To follow Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg.

On today’s episode, we’re discussing the arrival of the Mouse on Broadway in the early 1990s. That’s right—in 1994, the Walt Disney Company headed to Times Square, bringing their stage adaptation of Beauty and the Beast with them. Only, they didn’t get the warm welcome they were expecting.   Today, we’ll dive into the history of Disney on Broadway as we take a look at Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s contributions to both the Walt Disney Company and the Great White Way.   For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

On this week's episode of After the Bell, Kaitlin Riley joins Frederick to discuss the route she is carving for herself on her journey of being a musical theatre performer as well as sharing insights from her recent experience choreographing a production of Chicago: Teen Edition. Tune in to hear Kaitlin's story, her history with Chicago, and what advice she has for our student listeners. Then, if you're in the Central PA area, make sure to catch Kaitlin as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the Hershey Area Playhouse from October 17 - 27! To follow Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg.

Today, we’re leaving behind the Midwest and heading to the seedy streets of 1920s Chicago! This 1975 musical was a collaboration between writers John Kander and Fred Ebb, and famed director-choreographer Bob Fosse. Inspired by the real-life courtroom experiences of journalist Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they fight for attorney Billy Flynn’s representation.   While Chicago may have flickered out in its initial Broadway run, it was revived literally and figuratively during a 1996 concert presentation at New York City Center. We’ll chat about this and more on today’s episode.   For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

On today's episode, Frederick is joined by fellow Cumberland Valley High School alum Marlie Dietz as the two discuss collaborating on CV's 2022 production of FOOTLOOSE. This fall, Marlie will begin her BFA in Musical Theatre at Ohio Northern University! Tune in as Marlie shares insight into her unique audition process for CV's FOOTLOOSE, what musical theatre means to her, and what advice she has for high schoolers on their own theatre journeys. To follow more of Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg.

On today’s episode, we’re sticking with smalltown America as we head to Bomont for the 1998 stage adaptation of the beloved 1984 film, Footloose! This musical follows Ren McCormack and his attempts to overturn Bomont’s ban on public dancing. Along the way, he enlists the help of his classmates and falls in love with the daughter of the preacher responsible for the ban.   We’ll discuss the developmental history of Footloose, notable changes made to the show following its Broadway run, and what you can expect ahead of auditions.   For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

This week on After the Bell, Frederick is joined by Becki Toth, an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to being an educator, Becki is a professional singer, actor, and director in the Pittsburgh area! Tune in as the pair discuss Becki's journey to becoming the multi-hyphenate artist she is today, Becki's dynamic relationship with The Music Man, and what advice Becki has to give our high school listeners. To follow more of Frederick's dramaturgical adventures, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg.

Today, we’re discussing Meredith Willson’s valentine to his hometown of Mason City, Iowa—The Music Man! Premiering on Broadway in 1957, The Music Man celebrates smalltown life and follows traveling salesman Harold Hill’s attempts to con the citizens of River City, Iowa.   This show is a staple of Broadway’s Golden Age and follows many of the conventions established by Rodgers and Hammerstein. On today’s episode, we’ll chat about the developmental history of The Music Man and its enduring legacy, as well as what you should know before auditioning.   For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

On today's episode of After the Bell, Frederick is joined by Dr. Bryan M. Vandevender, an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. Bryan is a theatre historian, director, and dramaturg, currently at work on a book project that addresses the American musical in revival. Frederick and Bryan will discuss the musical of the week - Oklahoma! - as well as Bryan's career trajectory and interests in musical revivals. To learn more about Bryan's work, click here! To follow more of Frederick's dramaturgical adventures as the MT Dramaturg, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg.

On today’s episode, we’re looking at one of the most influential shows of the modern American musical. When this show burst onto the scene in 1943, audiences weren’t quite sure what to make of it. It opened without a flashy dance number and without a star. All the audience saw was an old woman churning butter and a painted backdrop full of cornfields.   Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s iconic musical Oklahoma! follows cowboy Curly attempting to get farmgirl Laurey to go to the upcoming box social with him. A simple plot for a musical whose history is anything but simple. We’ll chat about Oklahoma!’s legacy and place in American history, as well as what you should know before your audition. For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

Today on After the Bell, a bonus podcast series exclusively for our Spotify listeners, Frederick is joined by Richard Biever, the current Program Director of Musical Theatre at Nazareth University in Rochester, NY. Fun fact: Frederick served as Richard's teaching assistant at Penn State University for the popular Intro to Musical Theatre course! Frederick and Richard will chat all things Into the Woods and Stephen Sondheim, as well as a little bit about Richard's background in theatre and education. To learn more about Richard and Nazareth University, click here! To follow more of Frederick's dramaturgical adventures as the MT Dramaturg, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg.

On today’s episode, we’re sticking with the fairy tale theme as we journey down the forest path with Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical take on the Brothers Grimm stories. The musical—you guessed it—is Into the Woods. This musical has it all, murderous giants, hungry wolves, generational curses—and that’s just the first act.   Since its premiere on Broadway in 1987, Into the Woods has generally been regarded as famed composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s most “accessible” work. On today’s episode, we’ll chat about Mr. Sondheim’s legacy, the legacy of this musical, and what you need to know before you take your own journey into the woods.   For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.

Today on After the Bell, a bonus podcast series exclusively for our Spotify listeners, our host Frederick Miller is joined by his high school theatre teacher, Jennifer Anderson Schramm, to chat all things Shrek the Musical.For the past 30 years, Jennifer Anderson Schramm has been the Director of Orchestras at Cumberland Valley High School, as well as the Producer and Music Director for Cumberland Valley High School Musical Productions. To learn more about the CV Musical program, visit www.cvmusical.com.To follow more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the MT Dramaturg, give him a follow on IG: @themtdramaturg.

On the season premiere, Frederick discusses one of the most popular musicals performed by high schools these days. This musical greenified Broadway in 2008 when it opened and might have made it smell a little rank too. No, we’re not talking about Wicked. I’m talking about the other green hero that sings—the ogre named Shrek.   Shrek the Musical features a score by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Despite being based on a popular film that even won an Academy Award for Best Picture, Shrek the Musical did not receive much love by the industry when it arrived on Broadway. Stick around as we peel back the layers on this onion of a musical and pour some green tea to go with it. For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.   To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.