The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast
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.
Episodes
76 episodes
George Washington: America's First Theatre Nerd? | America's 250th Birthday Special
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 attendi...
Recapping Broadway's Biggest Night: Our 2026 Tony Awards Review
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 stil...
I Saw 700 Plays and Musicals So You Don't Have To!
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.
How Senior Citizens Are Reinventing Youth Musicals (Descendants, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown)
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 wh...
OnStage Blog Reacts To The 2026 Tony Nominations!
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!
The Most Performed High School Musicals of 2025 — Ranked & Debated
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 ...
How "Hadestown:Teen Edition" is Challenging Teens And More with Director Jordan Long!
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 ...
How To Best Teach Theatre to Kids with Hannah Crawford!
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 ...
Best & Riskiest Musicals for Community Theatre To Do (And Not Do!)
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 communi...
Fight Choreography Explained: The Craft, The Challenges, and The Rewards!
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 ...
The Best and Worst Songs Of Broadway Hit Musicals (Part 2!)
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 al...
Designing Our DREAM Broadway Revue (From Scratch!)
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!
Grading Community Theatre Show Selections for 2026!
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 h...
OnStage Blog Recaps The Biggest Broadway Stories of 2025!
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!
Merrily We Roll Along Pro Shot: Full Review & Reactions From OnStage Blog
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.
The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Broadway Recap with Marc Bonanni!
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
Is "Wicked: For Good" A Good Movie? Reactions, Reviews, And Nitpicks, with OnStage Blog's Greg Ehrhardt!
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 2...
Picking the Best Broadway Shows from Every Year of Our Lives (Since 1981)
Rachel and Jacklyn make their picks for the best Broadway (and off-Broadway) shows that debuted during every year that they have been alive (since 1981). Subscribe today to never miss an episode and visit onstageblog.com for all your Broadway c...
Ethan Hawke Stuns as Lyricist Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon! (Rodgers and Hammerstein talk)
Rachel and Jax react after watching Ethan Hawke's incredible performance as Broadway Lyricist Lorenz Hart on the opening night of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma". Subscribe to the podcast today and visit onstageblog.com for more Broadway a...
Pitching Our Best Broadway Investment Ideas!
Rachel, Jax, and special guest Marc Bonanni each develop 5 ideas for new or revived Broadway Shows that they think would be worth the producer's investment. Subscribe to the podcast today to never miss an episode!onstageblog.com<...
Ranking Musicals Based on True Stories – Is Hamilton #1?
Rachel and Jax reveal their rankings of the best Broadway musicals based on true stories. Where does Hamilton fit in? Listen to find out!
Don't Do That High School Show, Do This Instead!
Rachel and Jax weigh in on High School shows that schools should stop performing and give their recommendations for what should be performed instead. For more on this topic, check out Rachel and Jax's thoughts on the 11 most performed school mu...
"The Most Popular Shakespeare Play?" and Other Insights At The Annual Utah Shakespeare Festival!
On the latest episode of The OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, Rachel and Jacklyn recap the festival, including the Shakespeare shows they saw (Macbeth, As You Like It, Antony, and Cleopatra). They also discuss Shakespeare's most popular plays, why...
OnStage Blog Previews The New Broadway Shows Coming Fall 2025!
Rachel and Jacklyn preview and rate their excitement for the new slate of Broadway shows and revivals coming in Fall 2025! Shows discussed include Mamma Mia, Waiting For Godot, Chess, Ragtime, and more. Subscribe to The OnStage Blog Theatre Pod...
Ranking The 11 Most Produced High School Musicals in 2024/2025: Which Should High Schools Perform?
Rachel and Jax go back to school, evaluating the musicals currently most performed in High schools for the 2024-2025 season and rank them from 11 to 1 of what high schools should perform based on cast, quality of music, fun for the kids, and mo...
