Best Sally Ivey Podcasts (2025)

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#62 Mountain Girls, Moonshine Shootout, and The Metropolitan Holiness Church. 1911 36:45

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1d ago36:45

36:45

"Holy Jumpers", an Immigrant girl named Olga, and a shootout between a "revenue posse" and a moonshining family in the hills of Kentucky, all of which have a connection to Effie Waller Smith, the teacher and poet from our last episode. Sally's favorite Diary was written by Olga, and in this episode we explore the connective threads from Effie to Ol…

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Sally Murphy 1:13:35

4d ago1:13:35

1:13:35

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway veteran Sally Murphy, who will recreate her role as Julie Jordan in Carousel my next Backstage Babble Live! concert on Monday, July 7 at 7 PM. In-person and livestream tickets are available here: https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-4/ Tune in to hear some of the s…

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Edie Cowan 59:38

11d ago59:38

59:38

This is a bittersweet day on Backstage Babble. I am proud to present my interview, recorded in January 2025, with legendary Broadway dancer and choreographer Edie Cowan. Ms. Cowan passed away on May 22, 2025 at the age of 88. It is a very sad loss for theater lovers everywhere, and I hope this interview will give you a sense of her humor, talent, a…

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Jeffrey Seller 1:04:49

14d ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller, whose new memoir Theater Kid is available anywhere books are sold. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including celebrating HAMILTON’s tenth anniversary, making RENT accessible to younger audiences, launching a Tony campaign for AVENUE Q, pre…

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Sarna Lapine 1:05:35

21d ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway director Sarna Lapine, whose show CALL ME IZZY is currently playing on Broadway. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including working as an assistant director to Bartlett Sher, helping to cast the revival of AWAKE AND SING, how the Obama presidency aligned with the s…

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Judith Ivey 1:31:42

1M ago1:31:42

1:31:42

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with two-time Tony winner Judith Ivey. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including singing A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC for Stephen Sondheim, how Carol Woods gave her dinner eight times a week during FOLLIES, how her performance in STEAMING led to three feature film roles, finding the co…

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Craig Bierko 1:09:21

1M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony nominee Craig Bierko. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including what he learned from Meredith Willson’s notes in the script of THE MUSIC MAN, dancing with Rebecca Luker, the “stop-start” feeling of THOU SHALT NOT, how James Lapine approached directing MODERN ORTHODOX,…

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#61 Restoring A Writer's Legacy- A Tale Of Two Effie Smith's - 1906 1:07:15

1M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Two women born the same year-1879, both given the same first name, both poets, and living only 150 miles apart. One was a black woman, the other, a white woman. Both eventually were known as Effie Smith. What are the odds? In this episode, we uncover the fact that one writer's work has been credited to the other. Sally aquired a 1906 diary and two …

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Jenny Gersten 1:07:38

1M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with producer Jenny Gersten, who was recently named the new VP and Artistic Director of Musical Theater at City Center. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how Anne Kauffman and Lear DeBessonet brought her on board at City Center, the true mission of the Encores! series, …

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Michael Park 1:17:31

2M ago1:17:31

1:17:31

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway favorite Michael Park, who is currently starring in REDWOOD on Broadway through May 18. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how he almost quit the business before REDWOOD, the joys of performing with Idina Menzel, memorable stage door experiences at DEAR EVA…

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Raul Esparza 1:42:25

2M ago1:42:25

1:42:25

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with 4-time Tony nominee Raul Esparza. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how he got into character for TICK, TICK…BOOM!, finding his take on the Emcee in CABARET, how Stephen Sondheim rewrote “Being Alive” for him, his experience of being outed while starring in COMPANY…

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Judy Kuhn 42:11

2M ago42:11

42:11

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with 4-time Tony nominee Judy Kuhn, who is currently appearing in BECOMING EVE at the Abrons Arts Center. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary carer, finding the physicality of her character in FUN HOME, singing on the Tonys with RAGS and LES MISERABLES in the same year, how that performanc…

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Jonathan Groff 1:07:44

3M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony winner Jonathan Groff, who is currently starring as Bobby Darin in JUST IN TIME. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary carer, including why he never felt ownership over the role of King George in HAMILTON, what he learned from his experiences with fans during SPRING AWAKENING, why …

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Daniel Davis 1:42:22

3M ago1:42:22

1:42:22

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Tony nominee Daniel Davis. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary carer, including his fateful audition for COCO, bringing Katharine Hepburn to dinner with his parents, the disagreement he had with Ian McKellen about AMADEUS, what he admired about Gavin Creel in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, competing with Ro…

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#60 "Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction"...An Almost Unbelievable Diary Experience. 1938 - 2018 51:01

3M ago51:01

51:01

This is the amazing story of the most serendipitous experience Sally has had in her years of collecting and researching vintage diaries! It is an almost unbelievable occurance that began in 1938, originating with a diary written by a twelve year old girl. Send us a text Please go to: https://diarydiscoveries.com to see episode photos and read our b…

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Miriam Silverman 57:05

3M ago57:05

57:05

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony winning actress Miriam Silverman, who is currently starring in DEEP BLUE SOUND at the Public Theater. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her long journey with THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW, how her birth appeared on national television, choosing between …

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Isabel Keating 1:18:33

3M ago1:18:33

1:18:33

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony nominated actress Isabel Keating, who will be performing in my upcoming concert of the Katharine Hepburn musical COCO at 54 Below. You can find in-person and livestream tickets to that event at this link: https://54below.org/events/54-sings-coco-by-alan-jay-lerner-and-andre-previn/ Tune in to hea…

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Bob Martin 1:23:08

4M ago1:23:08

1:23:08

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony winning librettist and performer Bob Martin, who is the author of two of this season’s newest hits—SMASH and BOOP—both of which started previews on Broadway this week. Tune in to hear about the writing processes of those two musicals, and some of the other stories of his legendary career, includi…

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Samuel D. Hunter 1:28:12

4M ago1:28:12

1:28:12

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Samuel D. Hunter, whose play GRANGEVILLE is currently playing at the Signature Theater with Paul Sparks and Brian J. Smith. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how his experiences teaching expository writing led to THE WHALE, working with Darren Aronofsky on adapti…

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Lane Bradbury 39:31

4M ago39:31

39:31

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Lane Bradbury, who played the role of Dainty June in the original Broadway cast of GYPSY. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including why Ethel Merman wasn’t a good co-star, joining the Actor’s Studio, method acting with Elia Kazan for J.B., why Bette Davis was suspicious …

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Scott Wittman 56:21

4M ago56:21

56:21

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Scott Wittman, who is the lyricist of Broadway’s newest sensation SMASH. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his amazing career, including why CATCH ME IF YOU CAN appealed to him as a follow-up to HAIRSPRAY, putting together MATTERS OF THE HEART with Patti LuPone, why CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACT…

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Norbert Leo Butz 1:29:17

4M ago1:29:17

1:29:17

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway legend Norbert Leo Butz, whose solo show Girls, Girls, Girls will be playing at 54 Below from March 9-13. The ticket link is here: https://54below.org/events/norbert-leo-butz-girls-girls-girls/ Tune in to hear some of the stories of his amazing career, including his advice for actors playing …

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#59 "...Strange Creatures...And Not Yet Monkeys." - 1940's Dream Journal 37:27

4M ago37:27

37:27

In this episode, we share from a 1940's dream journal. The author kept a record of about a month's worth of her dreams. From strange creatures playing ball to an Italian hurdy gurdy man with an inflated cow like bagpipe organ, she is all over the place! And aren't we all when we dream? We also share some significant dreams each of us have had inclu…

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Dan Elish 49:06

4M ago49:06

49:06

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by novelist and librettist Dan Elish, author of the wonderful new book King of Broadway. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his wonderful career, including how a letter to Stephen Sondheim led to his most recent book, turning THE WORLDWIDE DESSERT CONTEST into a musical, how he started working with Jason Robert …

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Luba Mason 1:04:52

5M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Broadway star Luba Mason, who will be appearing in Backstage Babble: Beyond the Walls of Joe Allen Restaurant on Wednesday, February 19th at 7 PM at 54 Below. You can find in-person and livestream tickets here: https://54below.org/events/backstage-babble-joe-allen/ And tune in to hear some of the stories of her l…

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Jill Eikenberry 1:08:51

5M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Emmy nominee Jill Eikenberry, who will be appearing with me in Backstage Babble: Beyond the Walls of Joe Allen Restaurant on Wednesday, February 19th at 7 PM at 54 Below. You can find in-person and livestream tickets here: https://54below.org/events/backstage-babble-joe-allen/ And tune in to hear some of the stor…

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Kelly Bishop 1:24:39

5M ago1:24:39

1:24:39

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winner Kelly Bishop, whose memoir The Third Gilmore Girl is now out from Gallery Books. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how A CHORUS LINE changed the trajectory of musical theater, how she ended up taking over for Stockard Channing in SIX DEGREES OF SEPARA…

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Winnie Holzman 1:12:37

5M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

“Good news!” Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Winnie Holzman, the author of the libretto and screenplay for the musical WICKED. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including what she learned from Betty Comden and Arthur Laurents while studying at NYU, how she came to star in the first production of Christophe…

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Reg Rogers 1:00:00

5M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony-nominated actor Reg Rogers, who is currently starring as Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theater. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including his favorite joke that was cut from TOOTSIE, understudying Brian Bedford in THE MOLIERE COMEDIES, being …

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Jessica Hecht 1:00:29

6M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with two-time Tony nominee Jessica Hecht, who is currently starring on Broadway in Jonathan Spector’s EUREKA DAY. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how FIDDLER ON THE ROOF led to The Campfire Project, finding her character’s voice in SUMMER, 1976, learning from Arthur…

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#58 Dr. Dunlop's Scotland Pt. 4 "...Surrounded By Unseen But Tremendous Powers." -1888 1:33:41

6M ago1:33:41

1:33:41

In this final part of Alexander's diary, he has arrived in Boston after his first voyage as a ship's surgeon. He is in America for the first time and has much to write about as he compares Boston to his hometown Glasgow. He tours the city with an expat veterinarian, samples the beer and rye whiskey, and meets an influential law professor at Harvard…

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Michael Berresse 2:02:52

6M ago2:02:52

2:02:52

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with theater veteran Michael Berresse. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including his brief moment being directed by Jerome Robbins during FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the process of bringing TITLE OF SHOW to Broadway, creating his version of “Bianca” in KISS ME, KATE, understudying t…

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Lea DeLaria 1:20:41

6M ago1:20:41

1:20:41

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with one of stage and screen’s funniest comedians, Lea DeLaria. You can buy tickets to her “Brunch is Gay” series at 54 Below at this link: https://54below.org/events/lea-delaria-brunch-is-gay-2/ Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how she made everyone break during POT…

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Annie Golden 1:25:43

6M ago1:25:43

1:25:43

Today, I am thrilled to announce my episode with star of stage and screen Annie Golden. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including being discovered by Milos Forman at CBGB’s, how Marc Shaiman played her HAIR audition, why LEADER OF THE PACK didn’t work on Broadway, how her role in ASSASSINS was inspired by Kate Bush, lea…

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#57 Dr. Dunlop's Scotland Pt. 3 "Exit God's Poor Surgeon" - 1888 34:51

7M ago34:51

34:51

In this episode, Alexander is going to sea! Fifteen years following the "Fenwick Escapade" his boyhood wish is becoming a reality. His medical training and time at school has finished. You will hear about his last days in training, the wonderful send off he was given, and his beautifully written thoughts regarding Nurse McGee. He transitions to lif…

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Michael Mayer 2:12:08

7M ago2:12:08

2:12:08

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony-winning director Michael Mayer, whose musical SWEPT AWAY is playing on Broadway through December 15th. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the process of bringing SWEPT AWAY to Broadway, how Howard Ashman inspired his revival of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, working…

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Betsy Joslyn 1:17:34

7M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway veteran Betsy Joslyn. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including why she crossed her eyes while singing “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” in SWEENEY TODD, preparing to go on at the last minute in THE GOODBYE GIRL, the many changes that were made to A DOLL’S LIFE, how s…

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Daisy Prince 1:19:05

7M ago1:19:05

1:19:05

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with one of theater’s most brilliant directors, Daisy Prince. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how she first met Jason Robert Brown at a piano bar, the way in which Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince were opposite sides of a coin, the day that THE LAST FIVE YEARS was perf…

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#56 Dr. Dunlop's Scotland Pt. 2 "Height Of Foolishness" -1881 1:00:00

7M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this episode, Alexander is writing down the current events in his life as a student at the University of Glasgow. He has a rich social life with many entries describing events at a country estate named Geilsland. He writes of his friendships with men but it is the women in his life that consume many pages of his diary. He has some strong opinion…

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Anna Zavelson 46:30

8M ago46:30

46:30

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with one of musical theater’s fastest-rising stars, Anna Zavelson, who is currently starring in Broadway’s THE NOTEBOOK. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her fantastic career, including collaborating with her fellow Allies Maryann Plunkett and Aisha Jackson, working with Michael Greif and Schele Wi…

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Sherie Rene Scott 1:57:44

8M ago1:57:44

1:57:44

Today, I am thrilled to announce the release of my interview with Broadway legend Sherie Rene Scott, who is currently starring as Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her career, including how she discovered theater growing up, the process of training for THE LAST FIVE YEARS, transferring EVERYDAY RAPTURE to Broa…

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Lin-Manuel Miranda 1:03:27

8M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Today, I am so incredibly thrilled to announce the release of my interview with Pulitzer-Prize winning Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose new album WARRIORS, co-written with Eisa Davis, is now out on all platforms. Tune in to hear stories and insights including how WARRIORS became his “Roman Empire,” the challenges of adapting an action movi…

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#55 Dr. Dunlop's Scotland Pt. 1 "The Fenwick Escapade" 1873 36:05

8M ago36:05

36:05

Alexander Watson Dunlop began writing his diary in 1881. He was studying to become a physician at the University of Glasgow but before writing the current events of his life, he recalls a story of adventure from his boyhood that he entitled "The Fenwick Escapade". (Imagine two Scottish eleven year old boys as the cast of the movie "Stand By Me" and…

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Kathleen Chalfant 1:22:08

8M ago1:22:08

1:22:08

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony nominated actress Kathleen Chalfant. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how Tony Kushner invited her to be part of ANGELS IN AMERICA, a letter from Larry Kramer during JUST SAY NO, how a fight broke out during her Broadway debut in DANCE WITH ME, the enormous…

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Joe Mantello 1:35:17

9M ago1:35:17

1:35:17

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with legendary director and actor Joe Mantello. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including why he decided to stop acting after ANGELS IN AMERICA, what it meant that Terrence McNally took a chance on him with LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, working with and without Step…

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Stephanie Pope 1:28:54

9M ago1:28:54

1:28:54

Today, I’m thrilled to present my episode with triple threat Stephanie Pope. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her fantastic career, including her long collaboration with Bob Fosse, from her first audition for SWEET CHARITY to her conversations with him on the day that he died, why she was hounded by press during THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, what …

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Beth Leavel 1:04:10

9M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Ticket Link: https://54below.org/events/beth-leavel-sings-sondheim/ Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winner Beth Leavel, who will be performing a 54 Below concert celebrating the works of Stephen Sondheim on October 26 and 27. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the advice she got from Elaine…

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Allan Corduner 1:07:21

9M ago1:07:21

1:07:21

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with star of stage and screen Allan Corduner, who just finished a run as Hume Cronyn in THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE on the West End. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including crawling on the floor with Barbra Streisand, the unique process of working with Mike Leigh on TOPSY TURVY, h…

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Cathy Rigby 51:07

10M ago51:07

51:07

I could not be more thrilled to announce my guest for this week, olympic gymnast and Tony nominee Cathy Rigby. Tune in to hear some of the stories of Cathy’s incredible career, including how Disney on Parade turned her into a musical theater star, why competing in the Olympics almost led to her failing high school gym class, what it was like compet…

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#54 The House Of Seven Gables 34:14

10M ago34:14

34:14

This episode originates with a diary written in by three individuals and because they did, Sally was able to discover a wonderful story--The House of Seven Gables. This house in West Plains, Missouri, has a long history of occupants and use, including the birth of 167 babies! One family left most of the furniture, and over 600 books to the next occ…