Nothing Like Broadway: The Podcast

David Rackoff
  • 4.3 (6)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We pick one musical theater song, and then we pick it apart to figure out how it works in the context of the show. How do the music, lyrics, character, and story all flow from one amazing song to become something more than the sum of its parts? Host writer/composer David Rackoff does his best to explain it all.

  1. Do Re Mi (from The Sound of Music)

    04/08/2025

    Do Re Mi (from The Sound of Music)

    Let's start about 2/3 of the way through. No, not there. Let's start at the very beginning! A very good place to start. Host writer/composer David Rackoff looks at this very impressive song from Rodgers & Hammerstein. These would be some tough lyrics to write. And what is "do re mi" anyway? And what is a non-rhotic accent, and why does it make the lyrics even better? We look at all that, and more on this episode.  Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.

    22 min
  2. (Not) Getting Married Today (from Company)

    03/11/2025

    (Not) Getting Married Today (from Company)

    Pardon me, is everybody here, because if everybody's here I'd like to thank you all for clicking on this podcast. Today, host writer/composer David Rackoff looks at how "Getting Married Today" by Stephen Sondheim works. And boy, does it work (and "werk")! How do you go about writing a great patter song? We even get "David's tips for performing a patter song". And how does Jonathan Bailey fit into all of this? Listen to find out! Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.

    29 min
  3. Learn to Read Music in Five Minutes... Kind of (mini episode)

    02/25/2025

    Learn to Read Music in Five Minutes... Kind of (mini episode)

    Actors and singers, today you will learn to read music in five minutes! (Okay, not five minutes, and not totally learn to read music). But writer/composer David Rackoff will give you a foothold in connecting the song you're going to sing to the sheet music with all the dots and lines that you're holding in your hands. It's a place to start. If you are already an ace sight-singer, this episode is not for you! But for everyone else, whether you have a high school audition coming up, or you're a professional actor who's already been cast in a musical, I think this will help you get a little more confident and little more musical. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.

    16 min
  4. I'm Still Here (from Follies)

    02/18/2025

    I'm Still Here (from Follies)

    One of the best songs in any genre in the history of the world ever. Host writer/composer David Rackoff uncovers what makes this song so spectacular. You will have heebie-jeebies for Beebe's Bathysphere. (And you'll find out what all of the crazy references mean!) Stephen Sondheim outdoes himself on this powerful showstopper.  Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.

    34 min
  5. Music or Lyrics: Which Comes First? (mini-episode)

    02/11/2025

    Music or Lyrics: Which Comes First? (mini-episode)

    Get into the nuts and bolts of songwriting with host writer/composer David Rackoff. We look at why songwriters would choose to write the music first. Or why they would choose to write the lyrics first. What are the pros and cons of each approach? And what happens then? How does the sausage get made? Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.

    19 min
  6. Over at the Frankenstein Place (from The Rocky Horror Show)

    02/04/2025

    Over at the Frankenstein Place (from The Rocky Horror Show)

    I'm sure you shiver with anticip-- SAY IT! --pation for today's episode. We look at the music, lyrics, and extravagant weirdness of this song, and this show. Host writer/composer David Rackoff also looks at the cultural significance of The Rocky Horror Show. And why does this song beckon to queer high school theater kids so strongly? Get your rice and newspapers ready, and let's dive in to "Over at the Frankenstein Place". Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.

    18 min
  7. Laurie Beechman: A Songwriter's Favorite Singer

    01/28/2025

    Laurie Beechman: A Songwriter's Favorite Singer

    This week, writer/composer David Rackoff looks at the amazing Laurie Beechman, and what makes her voice and storytelling so special. If you don't know who she is yet... you're welcome. And if you know, well, then you know. She shone on stage in "Annie", "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," Cats", "Les Misérables", in solo cabaret shows, and on recordings. She had one of the most powerful belts of all time. And she could break your heart with her thoughtful tender soft notes. Songwriters from David Friedman to Andrew Lloyd Webber (not to mention your host, David Rackoff) consider Laurie Beechman to be a singular talent. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.

    18 min
  8. Burn (from Hamilton)

    01/21/2025

    Burn (from Hamilton)

    Host writer/composer David Rackoff explains why "Burn" from Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton" is actually a happy song. (What?!) We break down the music, lyrics, and performance of what is the "end of Act I" of Act II of "Hamilton" song. We look at how simple building blocks can create a powerful, cathartic, gorgeous theatrical piece. Suggest a song to break down, or just let us know what's on your mind.

    28 min
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4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

We pick one musical theater song, and then we pick it apart to figure out how it works in the context of the show. How do the music, lyrics, character, and story all flow from one amazing song to become something more than the sum of its parts? Host writer/composer David Rackoff does his best to explain it all.

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