Classic Musicals From The Golden Age of Radio
143 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago -Porchlight Music Theatre presents: Classic Musicals from the Golden Age of Radio. Here, host Michael Weber will introduce you to some of the great American musicals as they were originally presented on the airwaves. Performed live in front of a studio audience near the years the productions played on stage or were adapted as movies, you'll visit an era when Broadway was the central source for the launch of popular music and when stage actors were known by name across the land.
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Episodes
WPMT #142: Cyrano de Bergerac
May 02, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 67.4 MBLet’s travel to France for a “Cyrano” celebration on WPMT today! With book and lyrics by Anthony Burgess and music by Michael J. Lewis, the Broadway musical “Cyrano” starring Christopher Plummer was based on Edmond Rostand's classic 1897 play which was also presented on a 1947 Theater Guild of the Air broadcast starring Fredric March. Both productions are featured as part of today’s broadcast. Available now on all major listening platforms. Happy listening and “à bientôt” until we return Jun...
WPMT #141: Spring is Here
April 04, 2023 19:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBAs of today and after 140+ episodes, WPMT will now air monthly on the first Tuesday of the month! Coming up, today, Tuesday, April 4, is the perfectly timed Broadway hit musical “Spring is Here,” with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart. Thank you for your continued support of WPMT:Classic Musicals from the Golden Age of Radio.
WPMT #140: Irish Eyes are Smiling
March 14, 2023 18:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB“Top of the morning to you!” Today’s the day WPMT premieres “Irish Eyes Are Smiling” that includes the titular song as well as other Irish standards written by Ernest R. Ball - how many do you know? Tune in to find out and to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
WPMT #139: Woman of the Year
March 07, 2023 19:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBToday’s celebration is Kander and Ebb’s “Woman of the Year” stars Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in the 1943 radio broadcast. This Tony Award-winning musical starred Lauren Bacall in its original Broadway run and featured the hits “One of the Boys,” “Sometimes a Day Goes By” and “The Grass is Always Greener.” Tune in today on our YouTube channel and all major platforms.
WPMT #138: New Girl in Town
February 28, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 62 MBJoan Crawford, Spencer Tracy, George Marion and Marjorie Rambeau are just a few of the stars in today’s WPMT premiere “New Girl in Town” inspired by the Eugene O’Neill play “Anna Christie.” This Tony Award winning musical has a different ending than O’Neill’s play as Broadway audiences tend to like a happy ending and the “New Girl” producers wanted it to have that! Tune it today on all major platforms to find out what happens!
WPMT #137: Louisiana Purchase
February 21, 2023 19:00 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MB“Laissez les bons temps rouler!” It’s Mardi Gras and WPMT is celebrating with the Broadway satire “Louisiana Purchase.” Today the political satire and romance from Irving Berlin premieres on WPMT on all major podcast platforms.
WPMT #136: Carousel
February 14, 2023 19:00 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBToday’s premiere, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel,” is one of the most popular musicals in the world. Since its premiere on Broadway, there have been numerous remounts on Broadway, the West End and around the world. Listen to the moving story of Julie Jordan, Billy Bigelow and all the citizens of that small town in Maine today on WPMT – available on our YouTube channel and all major listening platforms.
WPMT #135: High Society / The Philadelphia Story
February 07, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBToday’s the day for the fabulous, fun musical celebration of “High Society” and “The Philadelphia Story” to make its WPMT premiere. “The Philadelphia Story” stars Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Lt. James Stewart, Ruth Hussey and Virginia Weidler in the 1942 Lux Radio Theatre production and we'll be peppering in some music from the original Broadway company of its musical version, “High Society!" Join Porchlight on all major platforms today for WPMT’s latest!
WPMT #134: The Girl From Utah
January 31, 2023 19:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBListen to "The Girl from Utah" today on all major listening platforms. This musical comedy was an international sensation after it premiered in 1914 at London's Adelphi Theatre and went on to play Broadway for 140 performances at the Knickerbocker Theatre and toured in other countries, including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Listen in to hear the latest WPMT today!
WPMT #133: A Day at the Races
January 24, 2023 19:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBToday is Global Belly Laugh Day! According to the organizers on this day laughing and smiling are encouraged as "positive laughter fuels positive energy and creativity." Be ready to laugh as the Marx Brothers' "A Day at the Races" is today's WPMT premiere. Our special guest is star of the smash Chicago hit "Cabaret ZaZou presents Luminaire" and expert on all things Marx Brothers, actor, comedian and director Frank Ferrante! Tune in today on all major podcast platforms!
WPMT #132: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
January 17, 2023 19:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBWPMT’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” is now available for listening on all major podcast platforms. This week’s premiere is based on the famous Betty Smith novel and Broadway musical that is known in literary criticism as “bildungsroman.” This German term lets the readers know the story focuses on the psychological and moral growth of a character from childhood to adulthood. Don’t miss this moving coming of age story with its 1951 Broadway score available now on all major platforms.
WPMT #131: The Great Lover
January 10, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBToday join Porchlight, Bob Hope and WPMT as you take off on a romantic, comedic cruise with “The Great Lover.” The legendary comedian, Bob Hope, was awarded and honored with the Academy Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Peabody Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Emmy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors and more! Don’t miss this award-winning comedian in this 1951 recording that also stars Rhonda Fleming with Jim Backus and Paul Frees. Now available anywhere you get your podcasts!
WPMT #130: Revenge with Music
January 03, 2023 19:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBToday, WPMT takes you to 1800s Spain for the Dietz and Schwartz Broadway musical comedy "Revenge with Music!" Join the recently wed Carlos and Maria as the new groom seeks revenge on Don Emilio, the Spanish governor, for his attempt at seducing Maria on their wedding night! Listen on all major platforms to this 1950's recording of the musical based on the Spanish novel "El Sombrero de Tres Picos" by Pedro A. de Alarcón.
WPMT #129: Cinderella
December 27, 2022 19:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBToday, we suggest your house slippers rather than those made of glass to enjoy the WPMT premiere of "Cinderella." This 1938 radio broadcast brings you and the family a magical story with many of your favorite Disney songs and characters to enjoy. Tune in today and always remember "a dream is a wish your heart makes." See you in 2023!
WPMT #128: A Christmas Carol
December 20, 2022 19:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBIt's time for this week's holiday edition of WPMT, featuring "A Christmas Carol" written by Charles Dickens in 1843 as presented on radio's The Globe Theater starring Lionel Barrymore from 1944 and songs from the stage musical which premiered over 150 years later. "A Christmas Carol," premiering today, was almost 180 years in the making. Don't miss it and happy holidays!
WPMT #127: Sherry! / The Man Who Came to Dinner
December 13, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBToday's WPMT premiere is a celebration of the Broadway musical "Sherry!" which was inspired by the George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart play "The Man Who Came to Dinner." It tells the story of noted acerbic and egotistical radio personality Sheridan Whiteside who, on a lecture tour in a small Ohio town, slips on the ice on his way into the home of a prominent family during Christmas time. The local doctor says Whiteside must now remain confined having broken his leg. Once he is convalescing in th...
WPMT #126: South Pacific / Me and Juliet
December 06, 2022 19:00 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBToday's WPMT premiere is "A Rodgers and Hammerstein Celebration" as broadcast in 1954 on Theater of Hits. Theater of Hits was a 1954 radio show that featured the United States Marine Band. In each episode, songs from various Broadway musicals were featured with John Bachowner as its host. Join us on WPMT today to hear songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific" and "Me and Juliet."
WPMT #125: Baker Street
November 29, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 67.2 MBWhat are you doing today? It’s elementary – you are listening to WPMT’s 125th premiere. It’s a music salute to Sherlock Holmes and the Broadway musical “Baker Street” with two Sherlock Holmes mysteries that are packed with Hollywood stars: “A Scandal in Bohemia” starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and “The Final Problem,” starring Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson with Orson Welles
WPMT #124: Here's Love
November 22, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 67.3 MBToday's WPMT premiere is a celebration of the Broadway musical "Here's Love" which was inspired by the film classic "Miracle on 34th Street." "Miracle on 34th Street" was originally broadcast on Lux Radio Theatre in December 1947 and "Here's Love" debuted at the Shubert Theatre in 1963. Tune in on all major platforms to launch your holiday spirit like a sleigh being pulled by eight tiny reindeer.
WPMT #123: The Pink Lady
November 15, 2022 19:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBToday is the day to listen to WPMT's "The Pink Lady." This musical comedy, recorded on The Railroad Hour almost 40 years after its Broadway premiere, was a popular production around the world due to its ensemble and musical score of light and catchy songs that complement, enhance and advance the story. It's definitely a treat - now available on all major platforms, including Porchlight's YouTube channel.
WPMT #122: Applause / All About Eve
November 08, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 71 MBIt's time for a celebration of the most popular film titles of the 20th Century, "All About Eve" and its musical version "Applause," on WPMT. The WPMT premiere is now available on all major platforms featuring "All About Eve" starring Tallulah Bankhead recorded in 1953 and music from "Applause" starring another legendary actress - Lauren Bacall!
WPMT #121: Silk Stockings
November 01, 2022 18:00 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBPrivyet! and Bon Jour! Today's WPMT is a celebration of Cole Porter's hit musical "Silk Stockings" which was inspired by the movie classic "Ninotchka." Our program stars Rosallind Russel and Spencer Tracy in the roles created on film by Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas as heard in the 1940 Screen Guild Theatre broadcast. It's an international comedy for this week's WPMT now playing on all major listening platforms.
WPMT #120: Evening Primrose
October 25, 2022 18:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBToday is the day to listen to WPMT's Halloween special celebration of "Evening Primrose," featuring the 1947 radio play by John Collier from the 1966 Stephen Sondheim's TV musical version which NPR called "a 'Twilight Zone' episode set to music." Happy Halloween!
WPMT #119: Destry Rides Again
October 18, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 67.4 MBHowdy! It's time to join WPMT for a celebration of the 1959 Broadway musical "Destry Rides Again," featuring a rare recording of the 1945 Lux Radio Theatre broadcast of the story starring James Stewart and Joan Blondell with Leo Cleary. Shine up that saddle and settle in for this week's premiere, "Destry Rides Again," now available on all major listening platforms.
WPMT #118: She Loves Me / The Shop Around the Corner
October 11, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBToday is the day to find some love on WPMT with the premiere of "She Loves Me" and "The Shop Around the Corner" starring Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche with Felix Bressart as originally recorded on the Lux Radio Theater in 1941. Celebrate Sweetest Day, October 15, with this romantic story.
WPMT #117: On the Twentieth Century
October 04, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBThe train is about to leave the station…are you on board? WPMT’s premiere of “Twentieth Century” which is the basis of the musical "On Twentieth Century," with music by Cy Coleman, book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, starts at 1 PM CT on the dot! This 1934 classic stars Orson Welles as “Oscar'' and Elissa Landi as “Lily,” with Sam Levine, Ray Collins and Everett Sloane. Take a wild trip across the country from your living room, as listeners did when it aired on Campbell Playhou...
WPMT #116: The Great Waltz
September 27, 2022 18:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBToday, tune in to hear “The Great Waltz” play as it did on The Railroad Hour on March 1, 1954. Shine those dancing shoes, practice your best box step and graciously extend your hand to a partner close by, because it is time to tune in to your favorite podcast platform and waltz the afternoon away!
WPMT #115: A Star is Born
September 20, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 81.7 MBLook up! “A Star is Born” premieres today at 1 PM CT, and features a behind-the-scenes team that is nothing short of amazing, including Dorothy Parker, Alan Campbell and Robert Carson writing the screenplay, music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. If you fell in love with the 2018 film starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, you need to experience the original!
WPMT #114: The Bells of St. Mary's
September 13, 2022 18:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBGet ready for a serious pull at the heartstrings and you may want to have some tissues handy! The classic “The Bells of St. Mary's” premieres today at 1 PM CT, featuring an all-star cast including Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman, with screenplay by Dudley Nichols, lyrics by Johnny Burke and music by Jimmy Van Heusen. Today's premiere was first heard on the Screen Guild Theatre, October 6, 1947.
WPMT #113: Buck Privates
September 06, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBGather the troops and sound the trumpet! WPMT’s premiere of “Buck Privates'' is going live today on Apple, Facebook, Spotify, Youtube or any major podcast platform. This Lux Radio Theatre broadcast, originally heard on October 13, 1941, features a screenplay by Arthur T. Hormanand John Grant, lyrics by Don Raye and music by Hugh Prince and Sonny Burke.
WPMT #112: Sweethearts
August 30, 2022 18:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBToday’s WPMT premiere of "Sweethearts" features music by Victor Herbert and stars movie greats Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, originally heard on the March 25th, 1946 episode of The Screen Guild Theater! Tune in at 1 PM CT on Facebook, Spotify, Youtube and all major podcast platforms!
WPMT #111: Fanny
August 23, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MB“A Celebration of Fanny” premieres today at 1 PM CT on Apple, Facebook, Spotify, YouTube and all major podcast platforms! “Fanny” features a book by S. N. Behrman and Joshua Logan, with music and lyrics by Harold Rome. This November 8, 1954 production stars Florence Henderson, Ezio Pinza, William Tabbert, Walter Slezak and Harold Rome with host Skitch Henderson. À tout à l’heure!
WPMT #110: Mary
August 16, 2022 18:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBToday is the day for “Mary,” a musical comedy in two acts, with book by Frank Mandel and book and lyrics by Otto Harbach who penned such successes as “No, No, Nanette,” “The Desert Song” and “Roberta” and a stellar cast starring Dorothy Kirsten and Gordon MacRae with Nora Marlow and Tom Tully. Tune in today on Apple, Facebook, Spotify, Youtube and other platforms at 1 PM CT.
WPMT #109: Dick Tracy in B-Flat
August 09, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBToday’s WPMT premiere features some major stars - Bing Crosby as “Tracy,” funnyman Bob Hope as “Flattop,” Cass Daley as “Gravel Gertie,” at the time - teen heartthrob Frank Sinatra as “Shaky,” actress Dinah Shore as “Tess Trueheart,” Judy Garland as “Snowflake Falls,” The Andrews Sisters as “The Summer Sisters” (May, June and July), actor Frank Morgan as “Vitamin Flintheart,” comedian Jerry Colonna as “Chief Brandon,” Harry Von Zell as “Judge Hooper” and Jimmy Durante as “The Mole.” The orig...
WPMT #108: Zaza
August 02, 2022 18:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBWPMT’s premiere of the spoof “Zaza,” starring Fanny Brice, Bob Hope, Hanley Stafford, Martha Raye, George Murphy and Matty Malnick's Band, is now available as heard on the Screen Guild Theatre, on March 19, 1939. Listen in on all major podcast platforms including Facebook, Spotify and Youtube.
WPMT #107: Rose-Marie
July 26, 2022 19:55 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBHappy Tuesday! We’re excited to share another acclaimed hit on WPMT today, “Rose-Marie,” starring Dorothy Kirsten and Gordon MacRae with Gerald Moore and Marvin Miller. Tune in today on Apple, Facebook, Spotify, YouTube and more at 1 PM CT to hear it as it premiered on The Railroad Hour, October 22, 1951.
WPMT #106: Let's Face It!
July 19, 2022 18:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBTune in today for WPMT’s premiere of “Let’s Face It!” with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, as it premiered on the Screen Guild Theatre, December 27, 1943. Perhaps you will recognize “Ace in the Hole,” one of the musical’s hit songs and one of Porter’s most popular compositions. Join us at 1 PM CT on all major podcast platforms!
WPMT #105: The Firefly
July 12, 2022 18:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBThey say love is like a firefly…find out why at 1 PM CT, with WPMT’s premiere of “The Firefly” as heard on The Railroad Hour, February 25, 1952. Music by Rudolf Friml, book and lyrics by Otto Harbach, starring Dorothy Kirsten and Gordon MacRae. Tune into Apple, Facebook, Spotify or any major podcast platforms for this summertime treat!
WPMT #104: The Emperor's Waltz
July 05, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBToday’s the day for a royal mishap! Join us for “The Emperor’s Waltz” at 1 PM CT on Apple, Facebook, Spotify and all major podcast platforms. Featuring a screenplay by Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett, music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Johnny Burke, as it premiered on the Lux Radio Theatre on September 26, 1949. Bis Später!
WPMT #103: When My Baby Smiles at Me
June 28, 2022 18:00 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MBToday at 1 PM CT, it’s time to hit the road with Bonnie and Skid for WPMT’s premiere of “When My Baby Smiles at Me.” Featuring a screenplay by Lamar Trotti, based on the 1927 play "Burlesque" by George Manker Watters and first heard on April 25, 1949! Tune in today on any streaming platforms like Facebook, Spotify or Youtube.
WPMT #102: Lute Song
June 21, 2022 18:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBToday on WPMT, “Lute Song,” starring Mimi Benzell and Gordon MacRae with William Conrad, Marvin Miller and Alvina Temple, with book by Sidney Howard and Will Irwin and music by Raymond Scott and lyrics by Bernard Hanighen, will premiere at 1 PM CT on all major podcast platforms. This is the broadcast originally heard on The Railroad Hour, March 23, 1953.
WPMT #101: The Little Minister
June 14, 2022 18:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBAre you a believer….in radio programming? Today at 1 PM CT “The Little Minister” will hit all major podcast platforms, with book byJerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, and based on the 1891 novel by J.M. Barrie. Originally heard on The Railroad Hour on June 23, 1952, this performance stars Dorothy Warenskjold and Gordon MacRae with Gloria Gordon and Eric Snowden. Tune in to Apple, Facebook, Spotify, Youtube or any other streaming platforms today.
WPMT #100: Belle of the Yukon
June 07, 2022 18:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBWhat a milestone! Yeehaw! “Belle of the Yukon” premieres today! You’ll surely enjoy this rousing pick for WPMT’s 100th episode, a screenplay by James Edward Grant, which premiered on the Screen Guild Theatre, on February 12th, 1945. Catch this extra special premiere at 1 PM CT today on Apple, Facebook, Spotify, Youtube or any other streaming platforms.
WPMT #99: Rosalie
May 31, 2022 18:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBFall in love with the whimsical tale of “Rosalie” where two worlds collide, starring Nadine Conner and Gordon MacRae with Norma Varden, Herb Butterfield and Theodore Von Eltz, as heard on The Railroad Hour, December 17, 1951. Listen in today on Apple, Facebook, Spotify or any other major podcast platform at 1 PM CT.
WPMT #98: My Gal Sal
May 24, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBToday is the day for WPMT’s premiere of “My Gal Sal,” a screenplay by Seton I. Miller, Darrell Ware and Karl Tunberg, featuring songs by Paul Dresser, Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin, and starring Mary Martin, Dick Powell and Norman Field. The original broadcast was heard on the Lux Radio Theatre in January 18, 1943. Listen in today on Facebook, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms at 1 PM CT!
WPMT #97: The Red Mill
May 17, 2022 18:00 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBJoin us today at 1 PM CT for the musical farce “The Red Mill” with music by Victor Herbert, book and lyrics by Henry Blossom and additional lyrics by Forman Brow. Featuring screen stars Gene Kelly, Lucille Norman and Gordon MacRae with Alan Reed! Listen in on Youtube, Facebook, Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
WPMT #96: Guys and Dolls
May 10, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBToday at 1 PM CT a special WPMT with two episodes of the Damon Runyon Theatre, both starring John Brown as "Broadway," in a salute to the famous musical comedy “Guys and Dolls” will live stream on all major podcast platforms. Tune in on Apple, Facebook, Spotify and more!
WPMT #95: Very Warm for May
May 03, 2022 18:00 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBToday at 1 PM CT, WPMT travels back in time for “Very Warm for May” starring Annamary Dickey and Gordon MacRae with Lamont Johnson just as it premiered on The Railroad Hour, June 4, 1951. Available on Facebook, Spotify and all major podcast platforms!
WPMT #94: Up in Central Park
April 26, 2022 18:00 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBWPMT’s Tuesday premiere is here! It’s time to go behind the scenes with reporter character “John Matthews” for “Up in Central Park” featuring music by Sigmund Romberg, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, book by Herbert Fields and Dorothy Fields and starring Deanna Durbin and Dick Haymes with Charles Irwin, as heard live at the Screen Guild Theatre on June 28, 1948! Tune in at 1 PM CT on any major podcast platforms.
WPMT #93: Oklahoma! / Porgy and Bess
April 19, 2022 18:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBToday’s the day for WPMT’s premiere of a special Broadway Musical Double Header with highlights from the 1943 Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's “Oklahoma!” starring Alfred Drake as "Curly" and Joan Roberts as "Laurey” and the 1942 Broadway production of “Porgy and Bess” with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, starring Anne Brown as "Bess" and Todd Duncan as "Porgy" with, host, actor Henry Hull. Listen in at 1 PM CT on YouTube, Spotify, Facebook or any major p...