Published by OnStage Blog
OnStage Blog (www.onstageblog.com) talks about all things theatre, including Broadway, community theatre trends, movie musicals, audition tips, and much more. Hosted by Rachel Wagner of Rachel's Reviews.
Listen on Apple PodcastsSend us Fan Mail Not every Broadway song can be a showstopper. In this episode of the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast , Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier count down their top 10 worst Broadway songs of all time . From beloved classics they just don't connect with to songs they think derail otherwise great musicals, nothing is off limits. Listen to how Jacklyn, being the nice person she is, struggled with getting to 10, while Rachel had more than enough to choose from! Do you agree with their choices—or did they leave off a song you can't stand? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe to OnStage Blog for more Broadway discussions, rankings, interviews, reviews, and theatre news. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier count down their ten favorite Broadway songs of all time, explaining why these numbers continue to inspire, move, and define musical theatre. Which songs made the cut? Which beloved classics were left off? Listen in and see how your own list compares. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast , we're joined by Rina Saltzman , Secretary-Treasurer of ATPAM (The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, IATSE Local 18032). Rina shares with Rachel and Jacklyn her unique perspective on the often-unseen world of theatrical press and company management before taking us behind the scenes of the Tony Awards . We discuss what it means to be a Tony voter, how productions prepare for their performance on Broadway's biggest night, and the enormous amount of planning and coordination that goes into making the ceremony look effortless. Whether you're curious about the business side of theatre or have ever wondered what really happens behind the curtain at the Tony Awards, this is an episode you won't want to miss. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Was George Washington America's first theatre nerd? As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we're taking a look at a side of George Washington that rarely makes it into history books: his lifelong love of theatre. From attending performances throughout his life to supporting the arts during the nation's earliest days, Washington's passion for the stage may surprise you. In this special episode of The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast , we explore how theatre shaped the cultural landscape of early America and why the country's first president was one of its most enthusiastic audience members. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail OnStage Blog's Chris Peterson and Utah Theater Lovers' Megan Gutierrez join Rachel and Jax to recap the 2026 Tony Awards. They discuss the night's biggest winners, most shocking surprises, standout performances, and the moments everyone is still talking about. Plus, they take a closer look at the telecast itself—what worked, what didn't, and how this year's broadcast measured up to Broadway's biggest night. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Theatre Critic Rachel Wagner recently watched her 700th theatre production since COVID-19 began, and she shares her favorite 20 shows, along with thoughts on many of the others. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier explore the growing movement of “Silver Haired Editions” — productions that cast senior citizens in roles traditionally played by younger performers — and why these shows are creating such meaningful theatrical experiences. In the first half of the episode, they are joined by Alan Ornsby, State Director of AARP Utah, and the director of the silver-haired version of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" Heidi Mendez. Together, they discuss creativity, community, inclusion, and the importance of providing older adults with opportunities to remain artistically engaged. In the second half, they speak with cast members Amy Hallet (Evie), James Hutchings (Carlos), and Diana Sorenson (Mal) from the current “Silver Haired Edition” production of Disney’s *Descendants* at The Empress Theatre in Magna, Utah (running through May 23). They share what it’s like playing teenagers later in life, audience reactions to the production, and why the experience has been both hilarious and deeply rewarding. This episode is a celebration of theatre without age limits and the joy of storytelling across generations. Featuring: • Alan Ornsby (AARP Utah) • Heidi Mendez • Amy Hallet • James Hutchings • Diana Sorenson #TheatrePodcast #CommunityTheatre #MusicalTheatre #Descendants #SeniorTheatre #AARP #OnStageBlog #DisneyDescendants #TheatreLife #Podcast onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier welcome back Marc Bonanni to react to the announced 2026 Tony Nominations! Subscribe today to never miss an episode or watch the complete episode on YouTube! onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel, Jacklyn, and special guest Tanner Tate take a deep dive into the shows that schools across the country are producing the most this year—and they give their honest, no-filter opinions on where they actually belong. Whether you’re a theatre teacher, student, or just love musical theatre, this one’s for you. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel and Jax sit down with high school theatre director Jordan Long of Liahona Preparatory Academy (Utah) to talk high school theatre and how he brought Hadestown: Teen Edition to life on stage. Together, they dive into the creative process, the unique challenges of adapting a Broadway hit for teen performers, and what it takes to make ambitious productions work in a school setting. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail OnStage Blog's Hannah Crawford makes her grand debut on the podcast, sharing her thoughts with Rachel and Jax on how to successfully manage youth theatre, teach acting, and explain the basics of theatre to kids age 6-18. You won't want to miss this episode if you work with kids! onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier break down the best shows for community theatres to produce, whether your company leans more toward strong vocalists or talented dancers. They also discuss the riskier musicals that can be difficult for community theatres to pull off—and why some titles might be better left off your season lineup. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Veteran Theatre Fight Choreographer Carlo Rivieccio joins Rachel and Jacklyn to take them behind the scenes of what makes fight choreography great on stage. Carlo discusses the nuances of setting up comedic fights vs serious fights, what makes certain fight scenes challenging, how to choreograph antagonists vs protagonists, and so much more. Podcast includes 10 minutes of bonus footage only available through your favorite podcast platform (and not on YouTube). Subscribe to never miss an episode! onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel and Jacklyn continue to share their picks for the best and worst songs from today's most popular Broadway musicals. Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/8S1e8MwVHvw Check out more song breakdowns and thoughts on all Broadway musicals on onstageblog.com! onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel and Jacklyn brainstorm and finalize how they would put together their dream Broadway Revue, from song selection to cast and theme, and much more. Let us know your thoughts on social media platforms @onstageblog! onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail In the season 3 debut episode, Rachel and Jax examine the show selections community theatres nationwide for 2026 and grade each theatre's announced season based on show quality, diversity, entertainment factor, and more! Listen to the episode here or watch on YouTube @onstageblog8213. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel and Jacklyn look back at the big news stories out of Broadway in 2025 and share their individual highlights at the theater for the year. Visit onstageblog.com for more Theatre and Broadway News in 2026 and beyond! onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel and Jax dive into the Merrily We Roll Along pro shot, breaking down what worked for them, what didn’t, and how this filmed version compares to the stage experience. onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel, Jax, and special guest Marc Bonanni break down all of the Broadway spotlights in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Find Marc Bonnani on Instagram @bwayghostlight and on YouTube @broadwaybyghostlight . onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
Send us Fan Mail Rachel and Jax sit down with OnStage Blog’s Greg Ehrhardt to break down the highs and lows of Wicked: For Good —and to debate the big question: is it actually a good movie? It's an hour breaking down one of the biggest movies of 2025; read all of OnStage Blog's coverage of "Wicked: For Good" on onstageblog.com! onstageblog.com facebook.com/onstageblog twitter.com/onstageblog instagram.com/onstageblog https://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213