Broadway legend Idina Menzel joins Ira and Louis to discuss her new album Drama Queen and her experiences on Broadway. The hosts also discuss topics such as pop star Kathy Dennis and LGBTQ+ music, the challenges of adapting movies into TV shows, what makes a performance worthy of an Oscar win, and the expectations placed on pop singers in terms of dancing. Film critic Kyle Turner also joins to discuss his book The Queer Film Guide and the process of selecting films for it.
Jane Fonda's new album, Drama Queen, embraces the nostalgia and energy of dance and disco music.
Jane Fonda's performances at Pride festivals are exhilarating and create a joyous and uplifting experience.
Despite not considering herself a skilled dancer, Jane Fonda incorporates movement and dance into her performances, showcasing her powerful vocals and creating a vibrant stage presence.
Jane Fonda cherishes the bond and camaraderie she shared with cast members while performing in The Wild Party on Broadway.
One-off performances can be challenging for Jane Fonda, but memorable experiences like performing at the GLAAD Awards make them worthwhile.
Deep dives
New Album: Drama Queen
Jane Fonda's new album, Drama Queen, is a joyful celebration of dance and disco music. Embracing the nostalgia and retro sounds of the genre, she delivers powerful vocals reminiscent of Donna Summer and Diana Ross. With collaborations from industry mavens like Nile Rodgers, Jane doesn't hold back on this album, allowing her voice to shine and indulging in the drama and fun of the dance genre. The album is a departure from her usual repertoire, but she leans into the celebration and delivers a joyful and energetic performance that is sure to get people dancing.
Performing at Pride Festivals
Jane Fonda's performances at Pride festivals are exhilarating and unforgettable. The energy of the crowd, packed against the stage, adds to the excitement and allows her to connect with her fans on a personal level. With her powerful vocals and energetic stage presence, Jane knows how to deliver a memorable performance. With dancers and extravagant costumes, she embraces the drama and celebration of Pride festivals, creating a joyous and uplifting experience for everyone in attendance.
Her Journey as a Dancer
While Jane Fonda briefly took ballet lessons as a child, she didn't pursue dancing as a career. She admits that dancing has never been her strong suit and doesn't consider herself a skilled dancer. However, she has incorporated movement and dance into her performances, especially in her recent album, Drama Queen. She recognizes that dance music allows for big voices, giving her the opportunity to showcase her powerful vocals while still incorporating movement and choreography, creating a vibrant and exciting stage presence.
The Wild Party: Broadway Memories
Jane Fonda fondly recalls her time performing in The Wild Party on Broadway. Despite the unusual circumstance of having two competing productions, she had strong relationships with her fellow cast members and cherished the camaraderie they shared. While the show received mixed reviews, Jane remembers the bond between the cast and their resilience in the face of negative criticism. She also remembers the ardent support from fans and the joyous theatrical experience that brought them all together, creating lasting memories.
One-Off Performances
For Jane Fonda, one-off performances can be challenging because they lack the familiarity and comfort of regular shows. The unfamiliar surroundings, sound systems, and stage setups can make it difficult to feel completely at ease. This can impact her ability to fully enjoy herself and connect with the audience. However, despite the challenges, some one-off performances have stood out in her memory. For example, performing on David Letterman while portraying Elphaba in Wicked was a particularly memorable experience, as she was hoisted up on a crane-like device and showcased her talent on a national stage.
Favorite One-Off Performance
When asked about her favorite one-off performance, Jane Fonda admitted that it's hard to choose because these performances often come with challenges and unfamiliar environments. However, she does remember one performance in particular that she enjoyed. At the GLAAD Awards, she performed a song from her new album and felt the energy and appreciation from the crowd. Despite any difficulties associated with one-off performances, the connection and response from the audience often make them memorable and special experiences.
Pop Stardom and the Middle Class
The article explores the position of pop stars who have loyal online fan bases but may not achieve mainstream commercial success. It discusses artists like Ava Max, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Kim Petras who have dedicated fan bases and a distinct sound and aesthetic, even if they don't experience chart-topping success.
The Intricacies of TikTok and Music Promotion
The podcast episode delves into the use of TikTok as a promotional tool for musicians. The host asks about the artists' intentions behind creating TikToks for their music and whether it is purely for promotional purposes or if they genuinely enjoy the platform.
Nostalgia and Queer Cinema
The podcast features an interview with Kyle Turner, who has written a book on the history of queer storytelling in cinema. They discuss the state of queer cinema, the challenges faced by independent queer filmmakers, and the representation of queerness in mainstream media.
Ira and Louis answer listeners’ pop culture questions and discuss the NYT’s reporting on bubbling under pop stars and gays sending birthday nudes. Film critic Kyle Turner joins to discuss his book The Queer Film Guide. Plus, legend Idina Menzel joins to discuss her new album Drama Queen and her past on Broadway.
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