What About Theater?

What About Theater?

by Daryl Taylor-Hazel

Performing Arts

Season 1

Broadway Musicals of the 1930s

Step into the swing‑era sparkle of the 1930s as What About Theater? explores the Broadway musicals that defined a decade of resilience and creativity. Even in the midst of the Great Depression, composers like George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Rodgers & Hart produced some of the most iconic shows in musical theater history. From the jazzy energy of Girl Crazy to the Pulitzer Prize‑winning satire of Of Thee I Sing, and the sophisticated brilliance of Anything Goes, this episode highlights the creators, performers, and innovations that shaped the era. Meet the stars who lit up the stage — Ethel Merman, Ginger Rogers, Ray Bolger, and more — and discover how the musicals of the 1930s paved the way for Broadway’s Golden Age. A lively, insightful journey through a decade when theater offered hope, glamour, and unforgettable music.

The Major Broadway Musicals of the 1920's

Step into the glittering world of the Jazz Age as What About Theater? explores the Broadway musicals that defined the 1920s. This episode dives into the shows, creators, and stars who transformed American musical theater during one of its most vibrant decades. From Jerome Kern’s early hits to the groundbreaking impact of Shuffle Along, the 1920s brought new sounds, new stories, and a bold new theatrical identity. Discover how composers, lyricists, and performers shaped the era with syncopated rhythms, dazzling revues, and unforgettable characters. You’ll meet the stars who lit up the stage — Marilyn Miller, Fanny Brice, Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, and more — and learn how their artistry helped usher in a modern Broadway. Whether you’re a theater lover, a history buff, or simply curious about the roots of American musicals, this episode brings the Jazz Age to life with insight, warmth, and storytelling flair

Theater and Vaudeville in the 1890s Featuring Tony Pastor and the Rise of a New American Stage

Welcome to What About Theater?, the show where we explore the stories, the people, and the backstage magic that shaped the world of performance. I’m your host, Reverend Daryl Taylor‑Hazel, and today we’re stepping back into the bustling, boisterous 1890s — a decade when American entertainment reinvented itself. We’re talking about vaudeville — the variety show that became the heartbeat of a nation.

Welcome to the New Season of What About Theater?

“Welcome to the new season of What About Theater? —the podcast where host Daryl Taylor‑Hazel explores the magic, meaning, and behind‑the‑scenes stories of the stage. From comedies and dramas to the vibrant world of musical theater, this new season brings fresh conversations, new insights, and a renewed celebration of the art we love. If you’ve ever wondered what really makes theater come alive, you’re in the right place.”

Broadway Musicals 1900-1928

Explore the ever-changing world of Broadway musicals in the 1900s..

Broadway Musicals 1900-1928

Explore the wonderful and colorful world of the ever-changing Broadway musical in the 1900s.

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