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50:48

Vernel Bagneris and His Jazz Musical "One Mo' Time."

Vernel Bagneris is a playwright, actor, and dancer. He wrote, directed, and acts in the musical "One Mo' Time," now playing in Philadelphia. The musical is set in 1920s' New Orleans and draws heavily on the jazz from that time and place. It centers around a touring group of vaudevillians performing at the segregated Lyric Theater. Bagneris describes it as a "piece on Black theater history." He joins the show to discuss the musical, the black vaudeville circuit, black face, and the benefits of live performance.

Interview
52:46

Lyricist Sammy Cahn

Sammy Cahn is a prolific lyricist who wrote countless classic songs, including for musicals and films. He explains how he hears words in melodies and shares anecdotes about his many collaborations over the years.

Interview
51:58

Musical Theater Lyricist Sheldon Harnick

Sheldon Harnick spent years building his reputation as a lyricist before he began collaborating with composer Jerry Bock. He talks to Terry Gross about honing his craft and two of his most significant works, Fiorello! and Fiddler on the Roof.

Interview
22:54

Musical Film Actor Donald O'Connor

Actor, singer, and dancer Donald O'Connor is best known for this role in the film Singin' in the Rain. He talks about the making of that movie, the changing tastes in musical films, and the off-screen work he pursues to sustain his career.

Interview
50:09

Ralph Allen on Burlesque Humor

Writer Ralph Allen returns to Fresh Air to talk about his new musical Sugar Babies and the history of burlesque, and to tell his favorite jokes from that tradition. Fresh Air listeners call in to join the conversation.

Interview

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