Livent was a showstopper of an operation. But eventually, forgery and fraud stole the scene, the money exited stage left, and the lead actor landed behind bars.

Read the transcript of the episode here.

SHOW NOTES:

BONUS - “Don’t Tell” (Full Song)

GUESTS

John Karastamatis – Director of Sales and Marketing, Mirvish Productions

Michael Riedel – theater critic, New York Post

Steven Chaikelson – Professor of Professional Practice, Columbia University School of the Arts

Jack Viertel – Senior Vice President, Jujamcyn Theaters

Jeremy Gerard – theater critic

Marty Bell – former Senior Vice President of Creative Affairs, Livent

Cady Huffman – actress, original Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Jansen Tallen Hallen Svaden Swanson in The Producers on Broadway

Alison McLeod – senior lecturer, University of North Texas

Jon Wilner – former advertising agent for Livent, real estate broker

SELECTED SOURCES

The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows Are Built - by Jack Viertel

Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway - by Michael Reidel

The Show Master - by Marci McDonald, Maclean’s, Nov. 7, 1994

Gambling on a Trip from “Ragtime” to Riches - by Bruce Weber, New York Times, Feb. 19, 1998

JUST FOR FUN

“Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man” from Show Boat (PBS Great Performances, 1995)

“Ragtime” from Ragtime (1998 Tony Awards performance)

“Where You Are” from Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993 Tony Awards performance)


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