Discover the incredible life and career of Otto Harbach, the "Dean of American Librettists".

In this episode of What About Theater? we explore how Harbach transitioned from an English professor to a Broadway powerhouse, pioneering the integrated musical.

Learn about his legendary collaborations with Jerome Kern, Rudolf Friml, and George Gershwin, the stories behind classic songs like "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", and how he mentored a young Oscar Hammerstein II.

From comic opera to vaudeville, from forgotten gems to shows that once packed theaters across the country, Smith’s work reveals a creative force who helped define what American musical theater would become. Yet today, his name barely registers outside scholarly circles.

We explore:

• How Harry B. Smith became the “Uber Librettist” of his generation
• His collaborations with Victor Herbert, Reginald De Koven, and other giants
• The cultural moment that made operetta explode in America
• Why so much of his work has faded from public memory
• What modern theater lovers can rediscover in his legacy

This is a journey into the hidden architecture of musical theater — and a celebration of a writer whose words once filled the stage with laughter, romance, and melody.

Step into the glittering, witty, and irresistibly sophisticated world of Cole Porter, one of Broadway’s most iconic and influential composers. In this episode of What About Theater?, Daryl explores Porter’s remarkable journey from small‑town Indiana to the salons of Paris and the bright lights of Broadway.

Discover how Porter’s razor‑sharp wordplay, lush melodies, and daring sense of humor reshaped the American musical. From Anything Goes to Kiss Me, Kate, we dive into the shows that defined his legacy, the resilience that fueled his creativity, and the timeless charm that keeps his music alive on stages around the world.

Whether you’re a lifelong theater lover or just beginning your journey into musical history, this episode offers a rich, engaging look at a composer whose work continues to sparkle with elegance, wit, and emotional depth.