Rob Finch joins the gang as this episode’s guest. Rob is a denizen of Times Square, raconteur, avid theatergoer, and producer of musicals.  Rob was one of the producers of the 2016 Los Angeles showing of Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. He was also a producer of the 2018 version of Once On This Island, which won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

Shelly starts things off by giving a fulsome introduction to her friend and co-worker, Rob.  She is so wrapped up in what she is saying that she has to be prodded to cue the Top Of Mind segment.  Rob recounts his many and various experiences as a theatergoer; discusses his work being a producer, and lists his five all-time favorite shows.  He also speculates about when Broadway will reopen and what changes may occur when it reopens.  During the Recommendations section, John and Beth bemoan sloppy book editing and Shelly proposes a rule that recommendations should not be trashed by fellow podcasters.

Guest:

Rob Finch lives in Times Square.

Beth – Go Outside

Jim – The Eight Detective by Alex Pavesi (book)

John – Read International News

Peggy – (via Jim) The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (book)

Shelly – Mr. Selfridge (TV)

Rob Finch – In And Of Itself (play streaming on Hulu); American Son (play streaming on Netflix)