The Intersections of Musical Theater Writers William Finn and Jonathan Larson (Ep. 128)

About this episode

The episode explores the revolutionary impact of composers William Finn and Jonathan Larson on musical theater during the 1980s and 90s.

How did William Finn and Jonathan Larson revolutionize musical theater in the 1980s and 90s? Assistant Professor of Music Alex Bádue joins host Shoshana Greenberg to explore the parallel journeys and creative intersections of these two groundbreaking composers.From their early work in the 80s to their hits Falsettos and Rent in the 1990s and more. We also talk about the song “Four Jews in a Room Bitching” from William Finn’s 1981 musical March of the Falsettos and then William Finn and James Lapine’s 1992 musical Falsettos. Music played in this episode:”Rent” from Rent”Republicans” by William Finn”All Fall Down” from Romance in Hard Times“Rap Mitzvah” by Jonathan Larson, Jeff Kahn, and Ben Stiller“Four Jews in a Room Bitching” from March of the Falsettos/Falsettos 💌 Write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. 🫶 Follow on Instagram at @‌ScenetoSong and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” ✅ sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com. ❤️ Support the independently produced show on the Patreon. The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

People in this episode

Host: Shoshana Greenberg

Guest: Alex Bádue

Topics covered

• musical theater
• William Finn
• Jonathan Larson
• 1980s and 90s
• composers
• creative intersections

Keywords

• musical theater
• William Finn
• Jonathan Larson
• Falsettos
• Rent
• March of the Falsettos
• Four Jews in a Room Bitching

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Falsettos, Rent, March of the Falsettos, Romance in Hard Times, Four Jews in a Room Bitching

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