Settling Scores: The Musical Theatre Podcast

About Settling Scores: The Musical Theatre Podcast

The hosts of Settling Scores delightfully debate one musical per episode, exploring and examining the scores, cast albums, and books in-depth. Fun quizzes, history and insights, Broadway news, and a dash of friendly and funny bickering are a bonus!

Publisher

Settling Scores

Category

arts · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Dec 2023

Latest episode

7 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Jul 2026

   Back Where She Belongs: "Hello, Dolly!" in the Spotlight

   Back Where She Belongs: "Hello, Dolly!" in the Spotlight Hello, and welcome! In this special episode of Settling Scores, we're shining the spotlight on one of Broadway's most beloved musicals, Hello, Dolly! From its unforgettable score by Jerry Herman and witty book by Michael Stewart to its legendary leading ladies and remarkable history, Hello, Dolly! has been delighting audiences for more than six decades. Whether you're a lifelong fan, preparing to see or perform the show, or simply curious about what makes it such an enduring classic, you're in the right place. So join us as we take a stroll down Broadway, step into turn-of-the-century New York, and celebrate the music, humor, romance, and larger-than-life spirit of the incomparable Dolly Gallagher Levi. Let's raise the curtain on Hello, Dolly! Join us over on our Facebook and Instagram pages for more content and to share your thoughts with us! Babs, 1969 film version Bernadette, opening night 2018, Shubert Theatre Gower Champion rehearsing the waiters, 1964 original stage version Gavin Creel receiving a Tony Award in 2017 for his performance as Cornelius Hackl Babs and director Gene Kelly Behind the scenes of the 1969 film Pearl Bailey and cast at the 1967 pre-Broadway run at The National Theatre in Washington, D.C., where President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson attended the performance. The event became famously memorable when Pearl invited President Johnson and his wife onstage. She playfully led them in a rewritten version of the show's title song, performing a special rendition known as "Hello, Lyndon!" The fabulous Pearl Bailey, 1967 Bette Midler in the 2017 revival

2. 

   22 May 2026

   What’s The Buzz? Is Everything Alright with Jesus Christ Superstar?

   From the opening guitar riff to the final haunting chorus, few musicals have changed theatre history like Jesus Christ Superstar. In this episode of Settling Scores, we examine the rock-opera-meets-biblical-drama, the iconic performances, and the enduring legacy of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s groundbreaking masterpiece. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a musical theatre nerd, or discovering the show for the very first time, this is your front-row seat to the music, the controversy, and the passion (see what I did there?) behind one of the most influential musicals ever written. So dim the lights, turn up the volume, and get ready to rock out. Join us over on our Facebook and Instagram pages for more content and to share your thoughts with us!

3. 

   21 Dec 2025

   Murder and Mayhem in Monte Carlo: Ahrens and Flaherty’s "Lucky Stiff"

   Ron Faber (left) and Stephen Stout (right) in Lucky Stiff. Photo by Peter Cunningham. This episode of Settling Scores dives into the delightfully offbeat world of Lucky Stiff, the cult-favorite musical that helped launch the legendary songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. With its rapid-fire wit, breakneck(!) farce, and charming score, Lucky Stiff showcases the early sparks of a musical theatre partnership that would go on to create Ragtime, Once on This Island, and Anastasia. We'll attempt to outline the show's wild plot and swoon over some lovely musical moments, all while tracing how Ahrens and Flaherty’s unique voice first took shape. Along the way, we unpack behind-the-scenes stories, creative risks, and why this small, zany musical still punches far above its weight. Call it a love letter to joyful absurdity. Perfect for fans who like their Broadway deep dives smart, irreverent...and perhaps a little feisty! Join us over on our Facebook and Instagram pages for more content and to share your thoughts with us! Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens circa 1988 Julie White and Stephen Stout in Lucky Stiff. Photo by Peter Cunningham. New York Times review of Lucky Stiff from 4/27/1988 John Scamardella (standing) and Steve Mook (seated). Pull-Tight Players Theatre production of Lucky Stiff, 2025. Photo credit: Three Wishes Photography Jeremy Hargis (left) and Bre Hall (right). Pull-Tight Players Theatre production of Lucky Stiff, 2025. Photo credit: Three Wishes Photography The incomparable Mary Testa. Photo credit: Michael Kushner Original playbill from Playwright's Horizon The *interesting* movie version of Lucky Stiff.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

311

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

15 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

9

Social presence

0

YouTube

64

Engagement

75

Contact Settling Scores: The Musical Theatre Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Settling Scores: The Musical Theatre Podcast