NEWS: Stage Left (2017-2021)

While you may have already suspected it to be the case, I am officially hanging up my hat as a theatre critic and putting this blog, newsletter, and its podcast on hold indefinitely. I made my decision last fall, but I have waited to share it because I wanted to pair the news with another exciting development. Along with my business partner Jamie DuMont, I am thrilled to announce that I am following a long-harbored dream and launching a second career as a theatrical producer with our production company The Fabulous Invalid

PODCAST: "The Fabulous Invalid" - Episode 98: Jennifer Simard: More

On this week’s episode, Jamie and Rob sit down with their season one and two co-host Jennifer Simard for a reunion conversation. Together, they talk about Jennifer’s pandemic experience as a working actor, her remarkable career on stage, her mentors, and her excitement about getting back on Broadway in “Company” this fall. At the top, Jamie and Rob announce that the upcoming 100th episode of The Fabulous Invalid Podcast will also be the final regular episode of the series.

PODCAST: "The Fabulous Invalid" - Episode 96: Daryl Roth: Every Project is a New Beginning

On this week’s episode, Jamie and Rob chat with 12-time Tony Award-winning producer and theatre owner Daryl Roth, who holds the singular distinction of producing 7 Pulitzer Prize winning plays. Together, they discuss Daryl’s latest project, the socially distanced light and sound experience “Blindness”—which is currently running at her theatre on Union Square—along with her remarkable career, including the genesis of “Kinky Boots”, and her approach to producing.

PODCAST: "The Fabulous Invalid" - Episode 95: Raymond J. Lee: Good Will Win

On this week’s episode, Jamie and Rob chat with Broadway actor and activist Raymond J. Lee. Together, they discuss Ray’s career, his deep love for Disney, the challenges of being a parent during a pandemic, and the importance of representation on stage. From “Mamma Mia!” to “Aladdin”, “Groundhog Day”, “Soft Power”, and Britney Spears ... Ray’s got the range, and he’s optimistic about Broadway’s future.

PODCAST: "The Fabulous Invalid" - Episode 93: Charlie Rosen: One Man, 70 Instruments

This week, Jamie and Rob round out the mission of the podcast by speaking with Broadway musician, music director, music supervisor, conductor, composer, and orchestrator Charlie Rosen. Together, they chat about Charlie’s life and career in the music world, from his Broadway debut at age 18 to his Tony Award-nominated orchestrations for “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”, and his work beyond the stage in film, TV, podcasts, and video games.

PODCAST: "The Fabulous Invalid" - Episode 92: We Got Annie: Ann Reinking (1949-2020)

On this week’s episode, Jamie and Rob continue their season-long theme of their “favorite things” by paying tribute to the singular life and work of Broadway dancer, actor, choreographer, director, and Fosse muse Ann Reinking, who passed away in December 2020. Jamie and Rob are joined by Candy Brown, Marilu Henner, Bebe Neuwirth , and Michael Berresse, who share their own intimate remembrances of their dear friend and colleague.

PODCAST: "The Fabulous Invalid" - Episode 91: Selling the Show: Broadway Marketing, from Triton Gallery to SpotCo

On this week’s show, Jamie and Rob decide to examine their shared love for Broadway posters by taking a closer look at the world of Broadway marketing. First up, they chat with Drew Hodges, founder of SpotCo about his iconic ad campaigns for shows like “Rent” and “Chicago”. Then, they chat with Roger Puckett, founder of Triton Gallery, the world’s only art gallery devoted exclusively to preserving and promoting the Broadway show poster as an art form. Tune in to discover the secret of what makes a good show poster, and to learn more about the fascinating history behind these beloved pieces of memorabilia.