Footlight Parade

Footlight Parade: Sounds of the American Musical gives listeners the best seat in the house for a celebration of Broadway and Hollywood musicals from the early 20th century to current hits: from Gershwin, Berlin and Rodgers & Hammerstein to Lin-Manuel Miranda. The popular show has been syndicated on public stations since 1998, and producer-host Bill Rudman brings with him a national reputation as an authority on musical theater. Most shows are grounded in general interest themes such as “All I Want,” “Weather Report" and “Good Advice,” but Rudman also interviews such acclaimed artists as lyricist Sheldon Harnick (“Fiddler on the Roof” and “She Loves Me"), composer John Kander (“Cabaret” and "Chicago”) and singers Mandy Patinkin and the late Barbara Cook. The program is lively and fast-paced, and though the commentary is engaging, it’s the recordings that take center stage.