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Soundcheck

Wednesday, May 23, 2007
  • Passing Strange at the Public Theater
    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.

More info on "The Theater Will Rock"

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.

NY Times article on "Passing Strange"
Stew web site

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.

More about Jack DeJohnette

The Ill Effects of Urban Noise

Soundcheck

Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.