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Broadway Favorites

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Hosted by Kirk Stantis

Playlist

[38:31] Hard to Say Goodbye, My Love — Dreamgirls
[52:05] You Won't Succeed on Broadway — Spamalot (David Hyde Pierce)
[52:17] Proud Mary — Tina Turner Musical (finale)
[50:52] Rose's Turn — Gypsy (Bette Midler)

Transcript

[00:00] AFL-CIO. So anyway we're gonna play some of that and I'll give you a little bit
[00:03] of background about the shows that you didn't get to see if you did see it from
[00:08] the front. But in the meantime let's play some music that's what this show is all
[00:12] about is show tunes. Let's start off with something that was recently at the
[00:17] Overture Center. We'll talk more about that later. This is Back to the Future
[00:21] and it's only a matter of time.
[02:01] I'll serve you faithfully if you'll give me a chance.
[03:33] This one's for the dreamers who ever tried to make it. Though very few ever break through.
[03:44] We celebrate them when they do. Lion eyes them, call them great. Tick or tape parade them.
[03:51] This one's for the dreamers who strive to be a winner. Go as far as they can
[04:00] take it. Even if they don't quite make it. This one's for the dreamers. Dreamers
[04:13] leaving. One grain of sand becomes a pearl. Great idea can change the world.
[04:25] Even while others don't, others won't. So this one's for the dreamers.
[04:33] Inspiration. Go as far as they can take it. Even if they don't quite make it.
[04:42] This one's for the dreamers. He misunderstood. And I know how it feels to be told you're no good.
[04:56] Couldn't give up. Never would. My people just took advantage of me. My distractions just consumed me.
[05:06] But for everyone that gets it right. Thousands more keep up the fight. They burn the fire steep in them.
[05:16] And most just disappear. And we never hear of them.
[05:21] So this one's for the dreamers. Have the guts to risk it. Take a chance on what they think.
[05:33] Can't stare them down cause they don't blink. Don't remember. They were close but no cigar.
[05:50] And we don't know who they are. This one's for the dreamers. This one's for the dreamers.
[06:05] And you just heard from Back to the Future. And that was for the dreamers. I like that song because in the play,
[06:25] and as I said earlier, I work the show. So I'll give you a little bit of background.
[06:30] That's a fun song. The other one is, it's only a matter of time, is a fun song early in the show.
[06:36] They also, little easter eggs, if you look at the end of the show, playing at the rock party,
[06:43] when they play Don't, the Huey Lewis song, Back to the Future, there is an actor dressed up and looking a lot like Huey Lewis.
[06:51] So just next time, if you get a chance to see the show, take a peek.
[06:55] Another thing about that, if you see, when they have the box of plutonium, one of my jobs, I was props, stage right.
[07:04] And I had to lift that thing up. They actually weighed it down so the actors look like they're hauling something lead lined.
[07:11] It is very heavy. It surprised the living bejeebers out of me when I had to go get that up and get it over there quick.
[07:17] And I went, gee, and it was very heavy. So little side thing. Another thing, the car. There are two of them in the show.
[07:23] So I don't think I'm giving anything away. There are two prop cars that play the DeLorean.
[07:29] And one of them made the fiberglass and is a pretty doggone good replica of the original DeLorean.
[07:36] When you get up close to it, of course, you can see where they're doing electronics and things like that.
[07:41] But the show was fun. It didn't have any real great memorable songs.
[07:45] And speaking of that, I'm going to play next something from The Great Gatsby, which also was at the Overture Center recently.
[07:52] A great show visually. I think visually it was beautiful.
[07:57] This time I worked video, so I got to do the video.
[08:00] And video is becoming more and more popular with Broadway shows, Broadway tours.
[08:04] It's lighter, easier to carry than a lot of sets.
[08:07] And with the resolution of video these days, you can hardly tell the difference from 40 feet away.
[08:13] And they can do an awful lot. From Disney is using it an awful lot in their shows, and of course, the Gatsby did too.
[08:20] So let's hear some of the music. Not incredibly memorable, but still good music.
[08:25] So we're going to hear for her. And then after that beautiful little fool.
[08:32] Grew up in the French court. We were born short. Life was a chore.
[08:36] So she set sail.
[08:57] I've done it all. Put up each one for her.
[09:22] All the plans I laid. All the options I made.
[09:29] Every price I paid.
[09:36] I went to war for her. Lived for and sure of all of the guilt.
[09:50] Then I went full tilt. Rivaled Vanderbilt.
[10:03] You've come so far. The finest caveat.
[10:43] Everything I own. Every party. Throw the nights alone.
[11:10] If you bring. This could turn for me. And I can guarantee when all is done I'll be forever in your debt.
[11:29] This time I won't let go. Help me.
[11:32] You don't because no one was there. My baby was maybe an hour old.
[13:14] And Thomas is a beautiful little polished repo.
[15:18] You just heard from the great Gatsby. I'm sorry about the beginning of that.
[15:54] Just getting back into the saddle after vacation. So pushing buttons up.
[15:58] It's a kind of a muscle memory thing. So anyway, I apologize.
[16:02] But I kind of gave away what you're going to hear next.
[16:04] But from the great Gatsby, let me give you my opinion about that.
[16:07] The show was absolutely magnificently beautiful sets, projections, lighting, the sound.
[16:13] Everything was good. I'm not crazy.
[16:15] The music was wonderful. But you're not going out of the theater whistling anything.
[16:20] And to some people, popular theater like that is not important. And that's fine.
[16:24] But to me, I kind of want something to remember the show by when I walk out or am I at home?
[16:29] And the next day and I wake up, I want to be. But that's me.
[16:34] But from the great Gatsby, you heard for for her.
[16:37] And then after that, you heard the beautiful little fool.
[16:39] And that was all the original Broadway cast. We're going to keep going.
[16:43] The next step is another show coming to the overture again, in case you missed it the first time.
[16:49] And that's six. And my granddaughter loves that show. And a lot of people do.
[16:54] It is a lot of fun. So let's hear from six with less talking and more music.
[17:16] Not my thing. But then I met the king. And soon my daddy said, you should try and get ahead.
[17:28] Obviously, messaging me like every day.
[17:32] Could be better than he sent me a letter. And who am I kidding? I was pretty monger.
[17:39] Sent a reply. Just saying hi. You're a nice guy. I'll think about it. Maybe XO, baby.
[17:50] Here we go. You sent him kisses. I didn't know I would move in with his missus.
[17:55] What? Get a like. You're living with life. Like, what was I meant to do?
[18:00] I'm just trying to have some fun. Don't worry, don't worry, don't lose your head.
[18:10] I didn't mean to hurt anyone. Say oh well, or go to hell.
[18:17] I'm sorry, not sorry about what I said. Don't lose your head.
[18:23] And the little one said, if you want to be wet, make up your mind.
[18:31] Her or me, chum, don't want to be some girl in a threesome. Are you blind?
[18:36] Are you bitter? Because I'm fitter. It hit her.
[18:45] He doesn't want to bang you. Somebody hang you.
[18:48] Oh, here we go. I didn't see him. But really, what was I to do?
[18:59] I'm gonna have some fun. Lose your head. I didn't mean to hurt anyone.
[19:11] Oh, well, or go to hell. Don't lose your head.
[19:22] The Pope said, Henry, he won't cause a commotion.
[19:34] Their emotion, the sea of ease, was so out. Who wanted to get x-rated?
[19:43] Everybody chill, it's totes God's will.
[19:48] Night on the town, just sleeping around like, what the hell?
[19:56] Is that gonna be maybe our flirt with a guy all three, just to make him gel?
[20:03] Henry finds out and he goes mental. He screams and shouts like so judgmental.
[20:08] You damn it, witch.
[20:10] Mate, just shut up. I wouldn't be such a b-
[20:13] If you could get it up.
[20:15] Oh, here we go. Is that what you said?
[20:17] And I'm pretty sure he meant to do. What was she meant to do?
[20:26] Like, what was I meant to do? What was she meant to do?
[21:16] The price of my love is not a price that you're willing to pay.
[21:21] You cry in your tea, which you heard in the sea.
[21:26] When you see me go by, why so sad?
[21:32] Remember, we made an arrangement when you went away.
[21:37] Now you're making me mad.
[21:40] Remember, despite our estrangement, I'm your man.
[21:45] You'll be back.
[21:49] Soon you'll see. You'll remember you belong to me.
[21:56] You'll be back. Time will tell.
[22:00] Remember that I served you well.
[22:03] Oceans rise. Empires fall.
[22:07] We have seen each other through it all.
[22:11] And when push comes too sharp,
[22:15] I will send a fully armed battalion
[22:18] to remind you of my rights of duty.
[23:18] Be back like before.
[23:21] I will fight the fight and win the war.
[23:25] For your love, for your praise,
[23:29] and I'll love you till my lying day.
[23:32] Many your friends and family
[23:49] to remind you of my love.
[23:53] Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da.
[24:00] The Marquette Neighborhood Association presents the Orton Park Festival
[24:54] Friday, August 28th through Sunday the 30th
[24:57] for another round of music and culture.
[24:59] Enjoy unforgettable live sets from Loving Cup, Jane Hobson,
[25:03] The Sadies, Sharp Pins, Cat and the Hurricane,
[25:07] Graham Hunt, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, and more.
[25:10] All beneath the historic oak trees of Orton Park.
[25:13] Explore local food, craft beer, artists, kids' games,
[25:17] and the world-famous Orton auction.
[25:19] The whole festival kicks off on Friday
[25:21] with a performance from the Forward Marching Band
[25:23] and a magical aerial show by Psychropia Aerial Dance.
[25:27] Festival hours vary all three days,
[25:29] so get the full schedule at Facebook.com slash Orton Park Fest.
[25:34] The Orton Park Festival returns Friday, August 28th through Sunday, August 30th,
[25:40] bringing you what's festive in Madison for over 50 years.
[25:43] This is WORT 89.9 FM Madison.
[25:48] And welcome back to Better Living Through Showtoons on WORT FM.
[25:54] I am your host still for about the next 35 minutes.
[25:57] I am Kirk, so I hope you're enjoying what we're playing.
[26:00] It is basically my potpourri.
[26:02] So things I like, things I've heard, things I've worked,
[26:06] shows I've worked over at the Overture Center
[26:08] or around town or in the past.
[26:10] So we're going to go with another show I like very much,
[26:13] which was Dear Evan Hansen.
[26:15] And this is the Broadway cast recording.
[26:18] And I like it very much.
[26:20] I like the music running through it.
[26:22] There were tunes, again, you could relate to and play.
[26:27] So I just, that's the sort of thing I like when I go to a musical
[26:30] is to be entertained.
[26:31] Sometimes I do like to be educated, and I like to think.
[26:34] But for this one, it was pure entertainment.
[26:36] So here's Dear Evan Hansen waving through a window.
[26:48] I've learned to slam on the brick
[26:51] Before I even turn the key
[26:55] Before I make the mistake
[26:58] Before I lead with the worst of me
[27:01] Give them no reason to stare
[27:03] No slipping up if you slip away
[27:08] So I got nothing to share
[27:10] I got nothing to say
[27:14] Out step out of the sun
[27:17] Out of the sun
[27:23] Outside always looking in
[27:32] Will I ever be more than I've always been?
[27:35] Cause I'm tap, tap, tapping on the glass
[27:39] I'm waving through a window
[27:42] I try to speak, you can hear
[27:46] So I wait around and search to appear
[27:48] Watching people anybody see
[28:03] Look at me, does it run?
[28:17] And there's nobody around
[29:11] Ever really crash or even make a sound
[29:15] When you're falling in a forest
[29:17] And there's nobody around
[29:18] Do you ever really crash or even make a sound
[29:21] When you're falling in a forest
[29:23] And there's nobody around
[29:26] Crash or even make a sound
[29:27] When you're falling in a forest
[29:30] And there's nobody around
[29:41] And that's good
[35:52] Isn't it grand?
[35:55] It's great, isn't it?
[35:59] Well there's been an act of its nature
[36:22] Not only one little lady
[36:23] You've read about them in the papers
[36:25] And now here they are at Chicago's own
[36:29] Who can lie?
[37:08] And that's good
[37:10] Isn't it grand?
[37:12] Isn't it great?
[37:15] Isn't it swell?
[37:55] And gosh, what great voices
[37:57] Gwen Verdon and Cheetah Rivera
[37:59] A marvelous, just
[38:01] And you can hear them kind of chuckling in the back
[38:03] And just great acting within their singing
[38:06] It's amazing
[38:07] And before that you heard Jennifer Holiday
[38:09] And I'm telling you I'm not going
[38:11] A lot of emotion in that too
[38:13] Just amazing
[38:14] And then of course one of my favorites
[38:16] Waving through a window
[38:17] And it's also one of my producer's favorite
[38:19] Miss Bonnie
[38:20] So thank you
[38:21] I'm glad I got to make her happy
[38:23] It always makes it good to make your producer happy
[38:26] Otherwise you're going to be
[38:28] Gosh knows what you're going to be playing
[38:30] Next time you're on the air
[38:31] Anyway, hard to say goodbye
[38:33] If we're going to play from
[38:34] No, I'm not going to play that
[38:35] That's from Dreamgirls again
[38:37] I'm going to play from Spam a lot
[38:39] Only because I saw it
[38:42] We saw it on Broadway
[38:44] And it was just so much fun
[38:45] And I got in trouble my first week
[38:48] Being the first two weeks of being on the air here
[38:50] By playing one of the songs it had
[38:51] One of the seven words we're not supposed to say on the air
[38:54] So I have a fondness with Spam a lot
[38:58] So let's hear from that
[38:59] And this is the original Broadway cast
[39:02] Have you heard of this Broadway?
[39:04] Yes, sir
[39:05] And we don't stand a chance there
[39:07] Why not?
[39:09] Because Broadway is a very special place
[39:13] Filled with very special people
[39:15] People who can sing and dance
[39:18] Often at the same time
[39:20] They are a different people
[39:22] A multi-talented people
[39:24] A people who need people
[39:27] And who are in many ways
[39:29] The luckiest people in the world
[39:33] I'm sorry, Simon
[39:35] We don't have a chance
[39:37] But why?
[39:38] Well, let me put it like this
[39:47] In any great adventure
[39:49] If you don't want to lose
[39:51] Victory depends upon the people that you choose
[39:54] So listen, Arthur, darling, closely to this news
[39:58] We won't succeed on Broadway
[40:00] If we don't have any Jews
[40:02] You may have the finest sets
[40:05] Fill the stage with penthouse pits
[40:07] You may have the loveliest costumes and best shoes
[40:10] You may dance and you may sing
[40:12] But I'm sorry, Arthur King, you'll hear no cheers
[40:14] Just lots and lots of booze
[40:16] You may have butch men by the score
[40:18] Whom the audience adore
[40:20] You may even have some animals from zoos
[40:23] Though you've pearls and sprouts instead
[40:25] You may have unleavened bread
[40:27] But I tell you, you are dead
[40:29] If you don't have any Jews
[40:37] Don't care if it's witty or everything looks pretty
[40:39] They'll simply say it's shitty and refuse
[40:42] Nobody will go, sir
[40:45] If it's not kosher then no show, sir
[40:47] Even goyim won't be dim enough to choose
[40:49] Put on shoes that make men stare
[40:51] With lots of goats and underwear
[40:53] You may even have the finest of reviews
[40:55] You're doing great
[40:56] But the audiences won't care, sir
[40:58] But you don't dare, sir, to open up on Broadway
[41:00] If you don't have any Jews
[41:02] This is where we dance
[41:17] You may even have some white men sing the blues
[41:21] Your knights may be nice boys
[41:23] But sadly we're all goys
[41:25] And that noise that you call singing you must lose
[41:27] So despite your pretty lights
[41:29] Naughty goes in nasty tights
[41:31] And the most impressive scenery you use
[41:33] You have dancing manamano
[41:35] You may bring on a piano
[41:37] But they will demo if you don't have any Jews
[41:40] Potentially
[43:55] There simply must be
[43:57] Simply must be Jews
[44:01] There simply must be
[44:02] Arthur, trust me, simply must be Jews
[44:04] Be in the background
[50:02] Give them love
[50:04] What does it get you?
[50:06] What does it get you?
[50:07] One quick look
[50:08] As each of them leaves you
[50:12] All your life
[50:13] What does it get you?
[50:14] Thanks a lot
[50:15] Out with the garbage
[50:16] They take miles
[50:17] And you're batting zero
[50:22] I had a dream
[50:26] I dreamed it for you
[50:28] June
[50:29] It was the E-Honey runway
[50:52] And it is Rose's turn
[51:38] And it's pretty much coming up on my end of the shift
[51:41] Here in about nine minutes
[51:43] You're gonna get on the horizon
[51:45] The world's best world music
[51:47] So stay tuned for that
[51:49] But we started off with
[51:51] Hard to Say Goodbye My Love from Dreamgirls
[51:53] With Cheryl Lee Ralph and Loretta Devine
[51:55] And Deborah Burrell singing
[51:58] Just real passionate material
[52:02] And an amazing show
[52:03] An amazing talent in that
[52:05] And You Won't Succeed on Broadway
[52:07] That was David Hyde Pierce
[52:08] You might have recognized his voice from Frasier
[52:11] And also Todd Ellison was in that
[52:14] Along with the ensemble
[52:15] The ever-important ensemble
[52:17] And then Proud Mary
[52:19] The finale to Nutbush City Limits
[52:22] With Proud Mary
[52:23] The Tina Turner of the musical
[52:25] Didn't last long on tour
[52:27] But it was very popular on Broadway
[52:29] And then Rose's turn
[52:30] One of my favorite old chestnuts
[52:33] And that was
[52:34] If you didn't recognize the voice
[52:36] That was Bette Midler
[52:37] She does a great job
[52:39] We're gonna keep going here
[52:40] We have just about eight minutes left
[52:43] So I'm gonna not pause anymore
[52:47] Except to clear my voice
[52:50] How unprofessional
[52:51] But anyway
[52:52] Let's hear something from Les Mis
[52:54] And then after that we'll go into
[52:56] And hopefully we'll be able to talk to you again
[52:58] If not, thank you for tuning in to
[53:00] WRT Better Living Through show tunes
[53:02] I am your host, Kirk
[53:05] And we'll see you in about three weeks
[53:07] Into the new next month
[53:09] Beside me
[53:50] Now I can die in peace
[53:56] For now my life is blessed
[54:03] With the power you're going to lead
[54:10] It's too soon to say good
[54:14] Yes, Cosette
[54:18] Forbid me now to die
[54:22] I'll obey
[54:24] I will try
[54:28] Spade
[54:34] I write my last confession
[54:38] Read it well
[54:43] When I blust
[54:45] Am sleeping
[54:47] It's a story of those
[54:53] Who always loved you
[54:56] Your mother gave a life for you
[54:58] Then gave you to my keeping
[55:01] Come with where chains were never
[55:08] At last poured in heaven
[55:22] Down a sea
[55:27] Forgive me all my trespasses
[55:29] And take me to your glory
[55:33] Take my hand
[55:37] And lead me to salvation
[55:42] Take my full love last year
[55:50] And remember the truth
[55:55] That once was spoken
[55:58] To love another person
[56:00] Is to see the grace of God
[56:03] It's in the valley of the
[56:14] It is the music of a people
[56:18] Who are climbing to the light
[56:21] For the red shed of fear
[56:24] There is a flame that never dies
[56:28] Even the darkest night
[56:30] Will end and the sun will rise
[56:33] Again in freedom in the garden
[56:39] We'll share it away the sword
[56:47] The chain will be broken
[56:49] And all them will have their reward
[56:51] They bring that tomorrow
[57:14] Crossroads Blues Society invites you
[60:53] to the 17th annual Crossroads Blues Festival
[60:56] on the banks of the Kishawake River
[60:59] at Lyron Park in Rockford, Illinois
[61:01] on Saturday, August 29th.
[61:03] The festival opens at 11 a.m.
[61:05] and the music begins at noon
[61:07] with the Stephon Hillyshine Band.
[61:09] At 2 p.m. it's Louisiana's great
[61:11] Soul Blues singer Crystal Thomas
[61:13] performing with an all-star band.
[61:15] Then at 4 p.m. it is time for the duo
[61:17] of Annika Chambers and Paul DeLaurier
[61:20] from Florida to take the stage with their band.
[61:22] Closing out the day at 6 p.m.
[61:24] is none other than Rick Estrin
[61:26] and the Night Cats coming out from the Bay Area.
[61:29] There will be vendors to provide an assortment
[61:31] of tasty foods, beer and wine.
[61:34] Ticketing and camping information is available
[61:36] at CrossroadsBluesSociety.com
[61:39] That's the 17th annual Crossroads Blues Festival
[61:42] on Saturday, August 29th at Lyron Park
[61:45] in Rockford, Illinois.
[61:47] You are listening to WORT Madison.

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