Fresh Air: Stars of the Stage

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NPR Podcasts

This collection features interviews with Broadway luminaries including some of its most celebrated stars, composers, and lyricists. We'll hear from Stephen Sondheim, Julie Andrews, Audra McDonald, Bock & Harnick, and Barbra Streisand.

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  1. 10/29/2025

    Fresh Air: Stars of the Stage Trailer

    Broadwaaaaaay! This collection of interviews with Broadway luminaries includes some of its most celebrated stars, composers, and lyricists.  We'll hear from Stephen Sondheim, Julie Andrews, Audra McDonald, Bock & Harnick, Barbra Streisand, and more. Subscribe to Fresh Air+ to get exclusive access to this and other collections. Plus, you'll get exclusive Fresh Air+ archive episodes every Sunday, and sponsor-free listening for all available episodes. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

    Fresh Air: Stars of the Stage Trailer

  2. 04/19/2023 • NPR Podcasts+ Only

    "Chicago" and "Cabaret" songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb

    In 2023, Fresh Air paid tribute to the music of Broadway legends, John Kander and Fred Ebb. We listen back to an '83 interview with Kander and Ebb, plus '91 and '15 interviews with Kander.

    "Chicago" and "Cabaret" songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb

  3. 04/10/2023 • NPR Podcasts+ Only

    Actor Josh Groban

    The Grammy-Award winning baritone first auditioned to play the Demon Barber of Fleet Street back in high school. He didn't get the part then; now he's starring in the Broadway revival. He spoke with Fresh Air's Ann Marie Baldonado about his affinity for Stephen Sondheim, poking fun at his own image on TV, and starting his singing career as a teen.

    Actor Josh Groban

  4. 10/21/2022 • NPR Podcasts+ Only

    Angela Lansbury on her great performances on stage and screen

    In 2002 Lansbury received the Tony Award for lifetime achievement. The Murder, She Wrote star previously won Tonys for her performances in Gypsy and Sweeney Todd. Originally broadcast in 2000.

    Angela Lansbury on her great performances on stage and screen

  5. 06/10/2022 • NPR Podcasts+ Only

    “The Sound of Music” star, Julie Andrews

    Andrews was honored with the AFI's Life Achievement Award in 2022. In 2008 and 2019, she spoke to Fresh Air about growing up during WWII and performing in her parents' vaudeville.

    “The Sound of Music” star, Julie Andrews

  6. 03/05/2022 • NPR Podcasts+ Only

    "Annie," "Bye Bye Birdie" composer Charles Strouse

    In this 2002 interview, composer Charles Strouse discusses his Broadway musicals include “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Annie,” and “Golden Boy,” which originally opened on Broadway in 1964 and starred Sammy Davis Jr. Strouse also composed music for film and TV, including "Those Were the Days," the theme song for TV's All in the Family.

    "Annie," "Bye Bye Birdie" composer Charles Strouse

  7. 12/01/2021 • NPR Podcasts+ Only

    Remembering Stephen Sondheim

    Sondheim died Nov. 26, 2021 and was the lyricist and composer who gave us Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and other shows. In 2010 he spoke about his writing process, from rhyming to finding the right note. We’ll also listen to archival interviews with collaborators and performers, including Stephen Colbert, James Lapine, Paul Gemignani and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

    Remembering Stephen Sondheim

  8. 04/28/2014 • NPR Podcasts+ Only

    For Alan Cumming, Life Is (Once Again) A Cabaret

    Cumming has starred in the musical Cabaret three times. He talks about the 2014 production — everything from his costume (which he calls a "Wonder Bra" for men) to the darker themes of the show.

    For Alan Cumming, Life Is (Once Again) A Cabaret
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This collection features interviews with Broadway luminaries including some of its most celebrated stars, composers, and lyricists. We'll hear from Stephen Sondheim, Julie Andrews, Audra McDonald, Bock & Harnick, and Barbra Streisand.

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