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.
The program is broadcast on 100 public stations on various dates and on various times, but you can access two years of them by visiting this link at Public Radio Exchange (prx.org).
Recent Broadcasts
March 30, 2026
I Am What I Am
Fifteen men and women (plus a few kids) who have some bold statements to make about who they are. Nellie Forbush, Albin, Eliza Doolittle, Guido and Fosca will join us, along with Pal Joey and even Claude from "Hair."
March 23, 2026
Metaphorically Speaking
We take a listen to what some of our most imaginative songwriters can do with similes and metaphors: for example, comparing a woman in love to a brass band, or concluding that life is a cabaret or that a pretty girl is like a melody.
March 16, 2026
Big Battle of the Sexes
All's fair in musical theater love and war! Spirited male and female bashing ahead as we chart the age-old battle of the sexes. Rex Harrison's Henry Higgins and Bernadette Peters's Annie Oakley crowd the stage of course, along with lots of their brothers and sisters.
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.
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.