The Off-Book Club

2.10 A Christmas Carol

It's tiiiiiiiiiime!!!!
 
It is officially the holiday season here at the Off-Book club and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than this Christmas CLASSIC. So pop on some Christmas music in the background, and dive into this episode with us!
 
We're gonna explore character and depth and language and just a little bit of everything with this GIFT that Charles Dickens has given us, in the spirit of the Christmas season.
 
As always, we hope all spirits past present and future are being kind to you this holiday season, and we couldn't be more appreciative that you've spent time in our little bubble this year.
 
That is a wrap on this YEAR and on this SEASON of the Off-Book Club!! See you next you for SO MANY more exciting things coming your way. 
Now get to listening!!
xoxo, E&B

2.9 WICKED (the movie)

Oh! I'm so sorry. Did you think we were done discussing Wicked????
Not even a little bit!!
As you know, the smash hit musical is now a major motion picture. Obviously, your devoted cohosts of COURSE rushed to the theatre to see it, and are now here to report back!
Elle and Brady are diving into ALL THINGS OZ this episode. Discussing new and improved highlights from the film, easter eggs that you possibly may have missed, and of course our new fav riffs by this stunning cast.
We think this film is perfect. We have basically no notes. And we hope you all can rush to a theatre near you to enjoy it as well. And once you do, follow the yellow brick road straight to your preferred listening platform, and nerd out about it with us here at the Off-Book Club!!
xoxo, E&B

2.8 WICKED

GOOD NEEEEEEEEWS! She's DEEEAADDD!!
...well she may be dead, but Elle and Brady are VERY much alive and simply cannot stop yapping about one of the most thrillifying musicals of all time! With the release of the brand new movie coinciding with our episode release, we simply couldn't pass up this opportunity to pay homage to the source material.
So pop into your floating bubble, skip down the yellow brick road, or hop on to your flying broomstick, because it's time to get ozmopolitan!
We absolutely cannot wait for you to listen to this newest episode of the most swankified pod in town. We guarantee that after joining us on this (admittedly VERY LONG - sorry bout that) journey, you will be changed FOR GOOD.
With so much love and gratitution,
xoxo E&B

2.7 Hairspray

Is it charm? Is it poise? NO! It's HAIRSPRAY!!
 
Welcome to this very special installment of The Off Book Club!! Today we're putting on our dancing shoes, ratting up our hair, and doo wap-ing our way back to the 60s!
 
This timeless musical allows Elle and Brady to dive into a whole host of themes, including racism, fatphobia, classism, and discrimination based on inappropriate hair height. Whether you're tuning into the original classic non-musical movie, the rousing stage show, or the unmatched musical movie adaptation of 2007, you're sure to have a swell time in Baltimore with Tracy Penny, Seaweed, and the rest of the crew!
 
One things for sure with this episode: You can't stop the beat, and you CERTAINLY can't stop our two goofy cohosts from gushing about how much they love this darn show. So tune in now! We may not be the Corny Collins show, but we're just as fun, I promise!
 
xoxo, E&B

2.6 The Rocky Horror Show

It’s just a jump to the left……
 
AND THEN A STEP TO THE RIIIIGHT!!!
 
If you’re not Time Warping along while listening to our newest ep, what are you even doing??? This time Elle and Brady are teleporting directly into the crazy world of Dr. Franknfurter and Transylvania!
 
There are few things quite as zany, culty, participatory, and ROCKY as this musical right here. So what are you waiting for?? Grab your rice, and your toast, and your newspaper, and push play!!
I’m shivering with antici-……PATION!!
xoxo, E&B

2.5 Sweeney Todd

Have you ever gotten a haircut that was almost DEADLY?? If not, you certainly haven't paid a visit to the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Mr. Sweeney Todd!!
It's officially October!! Which means we're settling in to the ooky spooky vibes of the autumnal season. And while musical theatre doesn't seem like the first place you'd go to get your fright on, this musical begs to differ.
Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim is an absolute masterclass in dark comedy horror, and a musical masterpiece. Elle and Brady dive all the way into it in this next episode of the Off Book Club! So get your razors ready, it's time for a shave!
xoxo, E&B

2.4 Much Ado About Nothing

Okay listeners, I'm about to mention something possibly terrifying, but I'm going to need you to take a deep breath! We're gonna get through this together. This episode we are diving into......
SHAKESPEARE !!
*GASP*
I know. I know. I know exactly what you're thinking! "Ew, guys, I don't want to feel like I'm in high school English class studying some OLD UNINTELLIGIBLE language!!"
Well, buckle up! Because we're doing it. And I'm willing to bet that by the end of this episode, your perception of Shakespeare and his genius will be reinvigorated!
 
In this episode of the OBC we're starting so MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. One of willy shakes' most beloved comedies. It has loyalty, deception, love, mischief, and SO MUCH SHAADE being thrown! It's practically an episode of real housewives.
okay okay I'm done rambling. Just trust me that it'll be worth your while to listen! We love you!
xoxo, E&B

2.3 Next to Normal

Welcome to this episode of The Off-Book Club. Before we dive into today’s episode, we want to let you know that the discussion will touch on some deeply sensitive topics. We will be exploring themes related to prescription and recreational drug use and abuse, the heartbreaking loss of an infant, experiences with suicide attempts, struggles with mental illness, crude language, and shock therapy.
We approach these subjects with the utmost care and compassion, but we understand they can be challenging for some listeners. Please take care of yourself as you listen, and remember that it’s okay to step away if you need to. If you or someone you know needs support, there are resources available, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
Thank you for being with us and for your understanding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In this world, is anything or anyone really NORMAL? At this point, all we can really hope for is a life that is somewhere NEXT to normal. That's exactly what Diana Goodman and her family are grappling with in this gripping musical we're discussing this week on the pod!
 
Intertwined with heartbreaking lyrics, and energetic melodies, Brady and Elle dive into this beloved contemporary musical that rocked the musical theatre world. Literally! We (specifically Elle) can barely contain ourselves and the excitement we have to share this story with you.
 
If you haven't heard of this one, strap in, because you're in for a wild ride. One that is anything but normal!! 
xoxo, E&B
 

2.2 The Music Man

Have you ever heard the harrowing tale of 76 trombones leading the big parade?? Legend states that there were even 100 and ten cornets just the same!!!
 
If you're in the market for some TITILLATING (with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for Pool) discussion, then look no further!! This episode we are diving into a musical more American than apple pie. You've seen it at your cousin's high school, or your local community theatre, and now you're hearing about it on the off book club!!!
 
It's THE Music Man ladies and gents. And it's actually such a warm and entertaining musical. Let's get into it!!
 
And as always, thanks for listening. 
xoxo E&B

2.1 Grease

Have you heard, that GREASE is the word? It's the time, it's the place, it's the motion, it's the topic of this week's episode! This show holds a very dear place in our hearts, and the hearts of many theatre lovers everywhere.
 
So put on your T-Bird leather jackets and poodle skirts. If you listen, like, comment, and review, we'll be forever Hopelessly Devoted to you <3
 
xoxo, E&B