Welcome to Before the Downbeat, a podcast hosted by Mackenzie Horner alongside cohosts Scott Hurst and Maris Lyons! Together on a bimonthly basis they will be t...
Next Friday, Mackenzie and Scott head to Monte Carlo to discuss the musical farce Lucky Stiff. They’ll explore how this show launched one of musical theatre’s most successful collaborations—Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The conversation examines why Lucky Stiff never made it to Broadway and whether it deserves a larger theatrical life. Plus, Scott shares his mixed feelings on the film adaptation.All this and the loving dogs of the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn on next Friday's all new episode!Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagram
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3:35
79. The Mystery of Edwin Drood
This week, Mackenzie and Scott are off to the races and the English music hall as they choose their preferred ending in a discussion of the Dickinson musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood. They break down why some songs, like the opening number, work better in a live performance than on the cast album. The duo also debates how to tackle the problematic characters of Neville and Helena Landless in a revival. Plus, they explore and daydream about the potential magic of casting Canadian icon Catherine O'Hara as Princess Puffer.All this and the writing on the wall in this all new episode!Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.FacebookInstagramTwitter
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1:56:43
The Mystery of Edwin Drood Promo
Next Friday, two kinsmen more than brothers, Mackenzie and Scott, will head into Dickinson London to discuss the musical with multiple endings, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. They’ll explore why singer-songwriter Rupert Holmes saw the unfinished source material as the perfect fit for the stage. The conversation delves into the unique casting choice of using an actress in the leading male role and why it worked so well. Plus, Scott shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time working on this musical.
All this and the wages of sin on next Friday's all new episode!
Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.
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2:32
78. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
This week, podcast listeners we bid you welcome to our latest episode where Mackenzie, Scott, and special guest Ryan Borochovitz, Co-Artistic Producer of Cup of Hemlock Theatre, discuss the often underrated Sondheim musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Together, they explore the numerous songs that were cut and re-added throughout various productions. They also discuss why Sondheim felt he wasn’t the right fit for the show. Plus, the trio breaks down why none of them feel particularly attached to the Hero and Philia storyline.
All of this and everybody ought to have a maid in this all new episode!
Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.
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2:08:37
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Promo
Next week, Scott and Mackenzie will be donning their togas alongside special guest Ryan Borochovitz, Co-Artistic Producer of Cup of Hemlock Theatre, as they delve into the world of Stephen Sondheim's musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The trio will take a deep dive into the ancient Roman plays of playwright Plautus and examine how his works influenced Sondheim, Shevelove, and Gelbart. They’ll also explore the profound impact of lead actor Zero Mostel’s portrayal of Pseudolus had on the shaping of the musical. Plus, Ryan will share his controversial perspective on why Forum is his favourite Sondheim musical.
All of this and tragedy tomorrow and comedy on next Friday's all new episode!
Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts on this episode on our social media pages. Follow the links below to reach our pages.
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Welcome to Before the Downbeat, a podcast hosted by Mackenzie Horner alongside cohosts Scott Hurst and Maris Lyons! Together on a bimonthly basis they will be talking all a musical and its creative team and production history, the host's favourite songs and songs they'd either skip or remove entirely, the show's societal impact and where it stand in our current cultural landscape.
Enjoy!