The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast

Send us Fan MailRachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier welcome back Marc Bonanni to react to the announced 2026 Tony Nominations! Subscribe today to never miss an episode or watch the complete episode on YouTube!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel, Jacklyn, and special guest Tanner Tate take a deep dive into the shows that schools across the country are producing the most this year—and they give their honest, no-filter opinions on where they actually belong.Whether you’re a theatre teacher, student, or just love musical theatre, this one’s for you.onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax sit down with high school theatre director Jordan Long of Liahona Preparatory Academy (Utah) to talk high school theatre and how he brought Hadestown: Teen Edition to life on stage. Together, they dive into the creative process, the unique challenges of adapting a Broadway hit for teen performers, and what it takes to make ambitious productions work in a school setting. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailOnStage Blog's Hannah Crawford makes her grand debut on the podcast, sharing her thoughts with Rachel and Jax on how to successfully manage youth theatre, teach acting, and explain the basics of theatre to kids age 6-18. You won't want to miss this episode if you work with kids!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier break down the best shows for community theatres to produce, whether your company leans more toward strong vocalists or talented dancers. They also discuss the riskier musicals that can be difficult for community theatres to pull off—and why some titles might be better left off your season lineup.onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailVeteran Theatre Fight Choreographer Carlo Rivieccio joins Rachel and Jacklyn to take them behind the scenes of what makes fight choreography great on stage. Carlo discusses the nuances of setting up comedic fights vs serious fights, what makes certain fight scenes challenging, how to choreograph antagonists vs protagonists, and so much more. Podcast includes 10 minutes of bonus footage only available through your favorite podcast platform (and not on YouTube). Subscribe to never miss an episode!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jacklyn continue to share their picks for the best and worst songs from today's most popular Broadway musicals. Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/8S1e8MwVHvw Check out more song breakdowns and thoughts on all Broadway musicals on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jacklyn brainstorm and finalize how they would put together their dream Broadway Revue, from song selection to cast and theme, and much more. Let us know your thoughts on social media platforms @onstageblog!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailIn the season 3 debut episode, Rachel and Jax examine the show selections community theatres nationwide for 2026 and grade each theatre's announced season based on show quality, diversity, entertainment factor, and more! Listen to the episode here or watch on YouTube @onstageblog8213. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jacklyn look back at the big news stories out of Broadway in 2025 and share their individual highlights at the theater for the year. Visit onstageblog.com for more Theatre and Broadway News in 2026 and beyond!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax dive into the Merrily We Roll Along pro shot, breaking down what worked for them, what didn’t, and how this filmed version compares to the stage experience.onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel, Jax, and special guest Marc Bonanni break down all of the Broadway spotlights in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Find Marc Bonnani on Instagram @bwayghostlight and on YouTube @broadwaybyghostlight‬.onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan Mail Rachel and Jax sit down with OnStage Blog’s Greg Ehrhardt to break down the highs and lows of Wicked: For Good—and to debate the big question: is it actually a good movie? It's an hour breaking down one of the biggest movies of 2025; read all of OnStage Blog's coverage of "Wicked: For Good" on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jacklyn make their picks for the best Broadway (and off-Broadway) shows that debuted during every year that they have been alive (since 1981). Subscribe today to never miss an episode and visit onstageblog.com for all your Broadway content needs!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax react after watching Ethan Hawke's incredible performance as Broadway Lyricist Lorenz Hart on the opening night of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma". Subscribe to the podcast today and visit onstageblog.com for more Broadway and Theatre content!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel, Jax, and special guest Marc Bonanni each develop 5 ideas for new or revived Broadway Shows that they think would be worth the producer's investment. Subscribe to the podcast today to never miss an episode!onstageblog.comonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax reveal their rankings of the best Broadway musicals based on true stories. Where does Hamilton fit in? Listen to find out!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax weigh in on High School shows that schools should stop performing and give their recommendations for what should be performed instead. For more on this topic, check out Rachel and Jax's thoughts on the 11 most performed school musicals and what under-performed musicals should be given a chance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyA79z3G41o. Read more at onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailOn the latest episode of The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, Rachel and Jacklyn recap the festival, including the Shakespeare shows they saw (Macbeth, As You Like It, Antony, and Cleopatra). They also discuss Shakespeare's most popular plays, why he remains relevant in 2025, and more. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube for all the latest episodes!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jacklyn preview and rate their excitement for the new slate of Broadway shows and revivals coming in Fall 2025! Shows discussed include Mamma Mia, Waiting For Godot, Chess, Ragtime, and more. Subscribe to The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast today for all our episodes and visit onstageblog.com for all of our editorials on Broadway-related!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax go back to school, evaluating the musicals currently most performed in High schools for the 2024-2025 season and rank them from 11 to 1 of what high schools should perform based on cast, quality of music, fun for the kids, and more with high school music director and vocal coach Tanner Tate! Follow @OnStageblog on social media or visit onstageblog.com for more content on high school theatre!Follow Tanner Tate on Instagram @tanthemantateonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax examine the show selections of 33 community theatres nationwide for the 2025-2026 season and grade each theatre's announced season based on show quality, diversity, entertainment factor, and more! Listen to the episode here or watch on YouTube, where Rachel shares her PowerPoint on all 33 seasons discussed!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax review the live stream of "Good Night, and Good Luck" on CNN and HBO Max, including George Clooney's excellent performance, Ilana Glazer's puzzling non-comedic performance, and more. Read more Broadway and theatre content on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax recap the 2025 Tony Awards, pick the best, worst, and funniest moments, and much more with Broadway By Ghostlight's Marc Bonanni and One Man's Opinion's Tim Leininger! Read more of OnStage Blog's coverage of the Tony Awards at onstageblog.com!Broadway by Ghostlight:  ⁨@broadwaybyghostlight⁩ One Man's Opinion:  ⁨@onemansopinion8135⁩  onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax share their thoughts on the Patti LuPone controversy with actress Sajda Waite! They weigh in on Patti's career, her open letter, her apology, and much more.Read more of OnStage Blog's Coverage of Patti LuPone here:https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2025/5/27/reconciling-art-amp-the-artisthttps://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2025/5/26/patti-we-get-it-youre-a-diva-but-this-aint-ithttps://www.onstageblog.com/onstage-blog-news/2025/5/31/patti-lupones-apology-isnt-the-end-of-the-conversationonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax have OnStage Blog Founder Chris Peterson on to discuss his ranking of the top 50 movie musicals to date, as of May 2025. Rachel and Jax share where they agree and hammer out their disagreements!Read Chris's rankings of #50-#25 here:https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2025/5/4/the-top-50-movie-musicals-of-the-past-25-years-50-26#25-#11 here: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2025/5/4/the-top-50-movie-musicals-of-the-past-25-years-25-11#10-#1 here: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2025/5/3/the-top-50-movie-musicals-of-the-past-25-yearsonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier update where their Broadway Bucket List stands in May 2025, and count down the remaining shows they still have left to see. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel Wagner and special guest Marc Bonanni of Broadway by Ghostlight (@bwayghostlight Instagram, X, Threads) react to the 2025 Tony nominations, including their analysis of the snubs, surprises, and where the nominations got it right. Also, Marc explains why Maybe Happy Ending is one of the best shows he has ever seen!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailIn Part 1 of the Community Theatre Pet Peeves Podcast, Jacklyn Collier, OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast co-host, ranks her five biggest pet peeves against directors, with community theatre director veteran Chris Peterson responding on behalf of directors everywhere. Check out all of OnStage Blog's community theatre content on onstageblog.comonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel interviews theaterloversexperience.com's founder, Megan Gutierrez, about how she pulled off watching 11 Broadway shows in 5 days, including hit shows Othello and Glengarry Glen Ross, and discusses her reviews of each. The 11 shows Megan watched and discussed on this podcast are as follows:Real Women Have CurvesJohn Proctor Is The VillainThe Picture Of Dorian GrayDRAG: The MusicalGood Night And Good LuckGypsyMaybe Happy EndingThe OutsidersGlengarry Glen RossOh MaryOthelloonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailIn a special Jane Austen-themed episode, Rachel Wagner interviews the playwrights of two Jane Austen plays she saw and discusses the challenges and thrills of producing Jane Austen's works for the stage.1st Guest: Melissa Leilani Larson, Pride & Prejudice https://www.melissaleilanilarson.com/pride-and-prejudice2nd Guest: Laura Bedore Lerwill, Emma (26:24)onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailTheatre Critic Rachel Wagner and OnStage Blog's Chris Peterson preview the new Broadway productions coming to Broadway this Spring, including BOOP The Musical, Dead Outlaw, The Last 5 Years, Pirates! The Penzance Musical, and more! onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailOnStage Blog Founder Chris Peterson and Actor/Acting Coach Jacklyn Collier give advice to readers and reddit users asking for advice on all things theatre-related. Greg Ehrhardt guest hosts. Questions answered include:What to do if you can't make callbacks (https://www.reddit.com/r/Theatre/comments/1j4ukv2/question/)What to do if you don't have any chemistry with your acting partner (https://www.reddit.com/r/Theatre/comments/1j0t3o8/how_to_develop_chemistry_or_charisma_for_the_stage/)What to do if your significant other doesn't want you to kiss on stage (https://www.reddit.com/r/Theatre/comments/1j4bff7/boyfriend_doesnt_want_me_to_stage_kiss_in_dream/)How to counsel young people if they face teasing or bullying for being a musical there fan (reader question)Most obnoxious musical songs to blast to get back at someone who wronged you (https://www.reddit.com/r/musicals/comments/1j3tomd/weaponising_music/)Email us [email protected] to have your question answered on the next Theatre Advice podcast or post on reddit or our social media channels. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier analyze the 2025 Olivier Award Nominations, which recognize the best of London Theatre. They also run through the latest shows they have attended or watched in the last few weeks, including the most recent national tour of Les Miserables, The Book of Mormon, Beautiful, Prince of Egypt, English, Gypsy, and more. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailOn a Community Theatre edition of the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, Rachel and Jax sit down with OnStage Blog editor Chris Peterson to discusshow theatres can evolve in the wake of Trump's second term, how theatres should select shows for their seasons, important etiquette tips all performers should practice, and much more!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jax discuss and debate the merits of the three movie musicals nominated for Best Picture for the 2025 Oscars: Emilia Perez, A Complete Unknown, and Wicked. For a complete breakdown of Wicked Part One, listen here.Check out all OnStage Blog's Wicked and movie musical content on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailIn a special edition of the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, Editor-In-Chief Chris Peterson and Editorial Staff member Greg Ehrhardt react to the news that Donald Trump intends to fire many of the board members of The Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts and appoint himself Chairman of the Board. Can he do this? Does it matter? Are the arts nationwide in trouble? Chris and Greg give their thoughts on these questions and much more. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailOnStage Blog's Greg Ehrhardt joins Rachel Wagner to talk about his experience seeing "Harry Potter and The Cursed Child" on Broadway and why all future Harry Potter stories should only be adapted on stage in the future. Then, Broadway actress Zurin Villanueva joins Rachel and co-host Jacklyn Collier (17:20) to talk about her career, lessons she learned about when to leave a show, the hard lessons of Broadway, and her new eBook "Stay Booked: The Rules of Business on Broadway."Follow Zurin Villanueva on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/zurinspired/?hl=enonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailTo kick off 2025,, Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier preview the 2025 Winter Broadway Season, including Redwood, Smash on Broadway, Boop, and much more. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan Mail In a special podcast exclusive, OnStage Blog's Rachel Wagner and Greg Ehrhardt sit down with Dave Solomon, the associate director of Elf: The Musical, to discuss his journey from a high school theatre enthusiast to a Broadway career. They explore the challenges of adapting Elf from screen to stage, his career highlights, and much more. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel Wagner recaps her trip to Broadway and reviews the shows she saw, including Drag: The Musical, Elf: The Musical, The Rockettes, Death Becomes Her, and more with co-host Jacklyn Collier. Check out all of OnStage Blog's reviews on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailBroadway By Ghostlight's Marc Bonanni joins Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier to break down all of the songs, dances, and everything Broadway-related that they saw in this year's Thanksgiving parade in New York City.Find out more about Broadway history from Marc Bonanni on his YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@broadwaybyghostlight and stay up on all of the latest theatre and Broadway news on onstageblog.com.onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier explain why the cinematic adaptation of Wicked is a movie musical masterpiece and what made it work so well. Yes, it's that good!Check out onstageblog.com for more commentary on Wicked on stage and on screen!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jacklyn talk with critic Mark Woodring of the Utah Film Critics Association about all things Evil Dead and how well the adaptation works on stage. Check out Mark's podcast on his website today! https://vsmoviepodcast.com/onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jacklyn of The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast take a deep dive into Stephen Sondheim's hit, "Sweeny Todd." onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel Wagner and special guest Chris Peterson, the founder of OnStage Blog, discuss the controversy surrounding Cynthia Erivo calling out a fan-made Wicked Poster covering her eyes and changing the color of her lips. They also discuss Chris's viral editorial on the topic, which you can read here: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2024/10/17/dear-cynthia-erivoThey also share their thoughts on the upcoming Wicked movie and what aspects they are looking forward to.onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jacklyn give the audience their selections for the best and worst songs from the most popular Broadway musicals today. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier debate the merits of producing jukebox musicals with director David Hanson, who recently directed a production of Mamma Mia in Utah.For more thoughts on the jukebox musical, read our editorial here on onstageblog.com: https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2022/1/20/can-we-stop-bashing-jukebox-musicals-for-simply-being-jukebox-musicalsonstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailPodcast Hosts Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier peel back the curtain and interview each other about the origins of their love of theatre, some of their favorite productions, and play a game of Overrated/Underrated Broadway shows. They also reveal some of their personal favorite things in life beyond theatre. Have additional questions you want Rachel and Jacklyn to answer? Leave questions in the comments! And check out more Broadway and theatre content on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213

Send us Fan MailRachel and Jacklyn reveal their favorite leading ladies of Broadway and suggest revivals they'd want them to star in next. Check out more Broadway content on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213