About this episode
SMILE, a musical by Howard Ashman and Marvin Hamlisch about a teen beauty pageant may not have won the crown when it premiered on Broadway back in 1986, but it was the winner of this year's "Flop Shop" PATREON! poll. We're hoping now a few more people will know just how important this musical is! Director, podcaster, and educator Robert W. Schneider joins us just having finished directing a production of this lesser-known gem. Tune in to hear all about the original production and how the show was received by audiences in 2025. Be sure to follow Rob on Instagram @robwschneider and learn more about his theatre company at The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company If you enjoyed this episode, check out last year's winner of the "Flop Shop" poll: STEEL PIER with Colden Lamb Join us at PATREON! for bonus episodes, contests, and polls! Don't forget to like and share our episodes on Instagram and TikTok . We have fun playlists on Spotify to keep you company in between episodes and be sure to check out our TeePublic Store where our profits from the designs are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS . More than anything, thank you for being an important part of this podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices