Rick Elice

Backstage Babble

I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with Tony-nominated librettist Rick Elice, whose musical Water for Elephants is currently playing at Broadway’s Imperial Theater. Tune in to find out about all the facets of his varied career, which he describes as being a “pinball in a pinball machine,” including how a forbidden experience with Follies got him hooked on theater, late-night calls from Elaine May, how Annie led to being hired by Serino-Coyne, crashing a lunch with Stanley Donen, when Cher quoted “Hello, Dolly!” to him, what intrigued him about the Smash musical, the trick he used for marketing The Lion King, the advice he got from Neil Simon and Mike Nichols, why Tom Stoppard is responsible for his career as a playwright, and more. He also shares a beautiful tribute to the late, great Chita Rivera, who worked with Rick’s husband Roger Rees on their mutual last project, The Visit. You won’t want to miss this episode!