on the air
Footlight Parade and On the Aisle
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for public radio listeners
Footlight Parade
Footlight Parade: Sounds of the American Musical is a celebration of classic Broadway and Hollywood musicals from the early 20th century to current hits, including works from Gershwin, Berlin and Rodgers & Hammerstein to Jason Robert Brown and Janine Tesori. The popular show has been syndicated on public stations since 1998, and producer-host Bill Rudman brings with him a national reputation as an authority on musical theater.
Most of the episodes are grounded in general interest themes such as “All I Want,” “Weather Report” and “Good Advice,” but Bill has also interviewed such acclaimed artists as lyricist Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof and She Loves Me) composer John Kander (Cabaret and Chicago), and singers Mandy Patinkin and the late Barbara Cook. The program is lively and fast-paced, and though the commentary is engaging, it’s the recordings that take center stage.
for satellite listeners: 'On the Aisle'
Since 2008, On the Aisle has given you the best seat in the house for an hour of songs you love from the musicals you can’t forget, linked by Bill Rudman’s engaging and insightful Broadway commentary. SiriusXM Satellite Radio broadcasts On the Aisle twice each week on the “On Broadway” channel 77 for all SiriusXM satellite radio subscribers. Catch a new program every Saturday at 3 p.m. Eastern, with an encore presentation on Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern.
Visit the “On Broadway” channel at SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Recent Broadcasts
October 27, 2025
Two Legends - Kurt Weill and Lotte Lenya
We share Mildred Kayden's rarely heard 1956 radio interview with Lotte Lenya, the star of musical theater in Berlin and later in New York. And Lenya talks about another legendary figure: her husband Kurt Weill, the composer who cracked open the art form with "The Threepenny Opera."
October 20, 2025
Generation Gaps
One of those themes that touches us all sooner or later: generation gaps -- and in musicals ranging from "Babes in Arms" in 1937 to "Spring Awakening" in 2006. Along the way, "Bye Bye Birdie," "Hair" and "Hairspray," plus lots more.
October 13, 2025
Screen Debuts
Eighteen performers are going to become instant stars on the big screen. It's an hour of sensational debuts in movie musicals, and we'll hear original soundtrack recordings made by Streisand, Astaire, Kelly, Garland, Bob Hope, Mario Lanza, Doris Day and Elvis Presley, among others.
Broadcasting Partners
Footlight Parade is broadcast on more than 100 public and community radio stations in the United States and Canada—and throughout the world online. And please note: our broadcasts are provided to public stations free of charge!
You can support Footlight Parade’s production and distribution by becoming a TMTP Member.