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Passing Strange at the Public Theater (Photo © Michal Daniel, 2007)Rocking the House
The rock musical is one of Broadway’s toughest genres. Today on Soundcheck, critics debate the merits of putting rock ‘n’ roll onstage. Later, the songwriter Stew explains how he got it right with his unusual rock musical, “Passing Strange.” Plus, jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette talks about his latest album.
Rock Musicals
The musical "Spring Awakening" was showered with Tony nominations this year, but rock musicals don't always bloom so brilliantly. Why does one show rock for ages on Broadway, while another gets "unplugged?" We talk with Elizabeth Wollman, author of "The Theater Will Rock: A History of the Rock Musical From Hair to Hedwig ," and Jim Farber, pop music critic for the New York Daily News.
Stew
Composer and performer Stew's semi-autobiographical rock musical, "Passing Strange," is a fresh take on the well-worn, artistic coming-of-age story. Stew talks about sailing into the treacherous waters of the rock musical. Later, he performs live in our studio.
Jack DeJohnette
Drummer Jack DeJohnette first made his name playing with Miles Davis in the 1950s. Today, he joins us to talk about his new album with Bruce Hornsby and bassist Christian McBride.
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Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
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