BROADWAY NATION

BROADWAY NATION

A lively and opinionated cultural history of the Broadway Musical that tells the extraordinary story of how Immigrants, Jews, Queers, African-Americans and other outcasts invented the Broadway Musical, and how they changed America in the process. In Season One, writer and host David Armstrong traced the evolution of American Musical Theater from its birth at the dawn of the 20th Century, through its mid-century “Golden Age”, and right up to its current 21st Century renaissance, and explored how musicals have always reflected and shaped our world -- especially in regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, and equality. In Season Two he will continue to highlight musicals, creators, and topics that didn’t fit into last season, and dig deeper into those in which there is much more to explore. In addition, David will investigate a number of new areas of interest that he, and frequent co-host Albert Evans have been researching during their hiatus. As always, Broadway Nation will be unique mix of music, history, opinion, analysis, and interviews with leading Broadway experts, artists, and insiders.

Recent Episodes

March 6, 2025

Episode 169: If They Asked Me I Could Write A Book

On this episode, I have a big announcement, so I asked my buddy, friend, colleague, and Broadway Nation ’s favorite co-host and guest host, ALBERT EVANS, to join me today to turn the tables on me and ask me the questions rath...
Feb. 20, 2025

Episode 167: HELEN MORGAN, part 3

My guest again this week is Christopher S. Connelly, author of the fascinating new book HELEN MORGAN — THE ORIGINAL TORCH SINGER AND ZIEGFELD'S LAST STAR. On this episode, Christopher and I look at Helen Morgan's life and car...
Feb. 13, 2025

Episode 166: HELEN MORGAN, part 2.

With author Christopher S. Connelly

Recent Blog Posts

Dec. 2, 2022

The Lullaby Of Old Broadway!

This sequence (directed by Busby Berkley and featuring Winifred Shaw) of course has a lot more impact when seen on the big silver screen of a movie theater than it does on a laptop or phone!   I distinctly remember seeing it at the Regency Th…

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June 3, 2022

GREASE is 50?!?!

It may be hard for some of us to believe (including me), but this past Valentine’s Day – Feb 14, 2022 – marked the 50th Anniversary of the New York opening of the musical GREASE (at the Eden Theater on 2nd Avenue). And next we…

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May 19, 2022

The Letters Of Oscar Hammerstein II

The latest episode of Broadway Nation is streaming now!   My guest is Mark Eden Horowitz who joins me to discuss his fascinating new book: The Letters of Oscar Hammerstein II.   Mark is Senior Music Specialist in the mus…

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About the Host

DAVID ARMSTRONG Profile Photo

DAVID ARMSTRONG

Host, Writer, Producer

David Armstrong is the producer writer and host of the popular podcast BROADWAY NATION, which was inspired by a course he teaches at the University of Washington School of Drama on the history of the Broadway Musical. During his 40 years career in the professional theater he has worked as a director, writer, producer, and choreographer on Broadway and at many leading theater companies across America. He is best known for his work at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle where from 2000 to 2018 he served as the Producing Artistic Director and Executive Producer. During his tenure The 5th produced 19 new musicals, including nine that subsequently moved on to Broadway including the Tony Award winning “Best Musicals” HAIRSPRAY and MEMPHIS.

Reviews

Great history!

"A fine way to learn or relearn the history of the great shows, stars, and creators of musical theatre throughout the decades. I love the clips and the length of the podcast is a handy 35-40 minutes. …"

Bogue Herb Lives | March 30, 2021

What a fun listen!

"This is show is, if nothing else, a very fun listen! David Armstrong is a warm and informative host. There is so much history, insight, and lots of musical clips from the show tunes genre packed in…"

tommygeneharlow | Feb. 9, 2021

The real deal

"It has all the great features of a worthwhile podcast—knowledgeable, well-researched discussion by people who are passionate about the subject. Each episode is an easily-digestible length. Like sitt…"

Dadofcal | Feb. 2, 2021

Living history

"Informative, entertaining and consistently high quality. I thought I knew a lot about the history of musical theatre but this takes it way beyond facts to the life stories behind the creation and cr…"

Adventurist27 | Jan. 4, 2021

Insightful and Moving

"David and his guests routinely bring new perspectives and insider information about the evolution of Broadway shows and their creators, along with an exploration of the ways in which they reflect the…"

BAM-STG | Dec. 28, 2020

INCREDIBLE!

"David’s insight is both revealing and inspiring as he shows us, through it’s history, the power of Musical Theater. A complete masterclass to understanding the history of the Broadway musical and utt…"

jstevens2422 | Dec. 27, 2020

Always informative

"I have always enjoyed how David breaks down Broadway in both a creative and financial way. I could listen to him for hours. So happy he has this podcast!"

Sullivanh10 | Dec. 9, 2020

This is the real deal

"An honest and vivid look at the impact Broadway has had on the world. David’s podcast is a colorful, entertaining and insightful valentine to Musical Theatre. And when Albert Evans drops by it is a h…"

Bebop9 | Nov. 14, 2020

So Much Fun and So Illuminating!

"No one knows more about musical theatre than David Armstrong and no one could possibly be more fascinating to listen to than he is as he expounds on his lifetime enthusiasm for America’s great indige…"

Mkdell | July 2, 2021

Excellent

"As a life long theater goer, it is great to listen and learn the history and background of the shows that I’ve seen. David does a wonderful job of explaining. I highly recommend this podcast to anyon…"

wise brother | Sept. 26, 2021

For aficionados and students

"Who needs a musical theatre history class when you can listen to this podcast? The music examples are definitive and the whole narrative is fun, funny and inspiring. It may highlight the contribution…"

Dougorsino | Jan. 19, 2022

I never knew!

"So informative! I can’t wait to hear them all, so much I didn’t know. The podcaster themselves are very charming. Looking forward to the next ones coming out."

Past0071 | May 15, 2022

Absolutely fabulous!

"If you love Musical Theatre, you’ve come to the right place. This podcast is so thoroughly researched and beautifully written. I look forward to every episode- and I’ve learned so much!"

CaymanIlika | Aug. 1, 2022

Fantastic

"Each episode is a deep dive into an interesting topic. Love the detail and enthusiasm."

wash hts | Aug. 12, 2022

Perfect show for a Broadway fan!

"I am huge fan of Broadway musicals having performed in and musical directed many shows (and even taught a class in the history). Love this podcast!!! I have read so many great books on this subject…"

MJPMacM | Aug. 11, 2022

What a treasure!

"This is heaven for anyone who’s obsessed with musical theater… the host is charming and informative. Love David Armstrong!"

abu4382 | Sept. 2, 2022

Always enjoyable and enlightening

"I thought I knew a lot about musical theater until I started listening to this podcast! David Armstrong is a great teacher knowledgeable of all the broad facts and back stage details to make all his…"

DCTheaterFanatic | March 2, 2023

Excellent podcast!

"This guy knows his stuff. This podcast is highly entertaining and informational. I’m addicted and can’t wait to keep learning more!"

anonymous281281 | March 23, 2023

Musical Theatre History Heaven!

"This podcast has an amazing amount of historical knowledge! I started at the beginning and am so excited to journey through. If you love hearing from the people that were there to create and someone …"

donny gersonde | April 6, 2023

Thank you!

"I’m loving your interview with Kevin Winkler about Bette Midler. It is bringing back some great memories of her performances."

chabad fan | June 6, 2024