Seth Rudetsky, who hosts his own radio show on the Broadway Channel, writes a weekly column for Playbill.com and acts as a vocal coach to some of the most popular names in musical theater, brings “Seth’s Big Fat Broadway Show” to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Seth recently talked with us about the show, Madonna’s performance in Evita and his ideas for bringing musical theater to the reality television world.

“Seth’s Big Fat Broadway Show” is coming to Fort Lauderdale this week. What can audiences expect from your show?

I play tons of audio clips from amazing Broadway shows and help people figure out what is amazing and why, or why something is giving them a splitting headache.  I also show phenomenal video clips, such as Cher singing all the roles in West Side Story.

What was the inspiration behind the title for your show?

Literally, because it's the name of my radio show and recognition is everything.

Is the show more for laughs, or are you hoping to educate the audience on Broadway shows?

It's a little like sneaking vegetables into a brownie so your kids don't notice.  I would say that most people think it's a pure comedy show, but I always have people come up to me afterwards and say, "I will never listen to music that same way from now on."

Of all the shows that have come and gone on Broadway, which is your absolute favorite?  On the flip-side, which shows should never have graced the stages?

I have many I love: Evita for the high belting, West Side Story for the brilliant score,  and Hair for bringing pop/rock to Broadway.  As far as stinkers, I try to support everything.  Only when producers are ripping off the audience do I get up in arms; such as a nine person "orchestra' for Mamma Mia, despite having ticket prices over $100.

You said that Madonna singing songs from Evita was a travesty. Do you think her Golden Globe was undeserved? 

Is anyone's Golden Globe deserved?  What is that award?  I exaggerate when I say 'travesty' but it's sad to me when something is sacrificed—either  getting a great singer to Broadway with no acting chops, or in Madonna's case, having to totally transpose a score to fit her vocal 'stylings'.  In the show, I play a comparison of Patti Lupone versus Madonna singing the same song and it's hilarious/shocking/devastating.

You have done a lot in the realm of Broadway, do you think there needs to be more reality shows geared towards discovering more talent for the stage?

I would love that.  But I would like actual 'reality' in the reality show.  I have done three reality shows on various networks and there is much manipulation.  It's very frustrating that producers think real life is not interesting enough. People think reality shows are documentaries—they are not!   

What would be your ultimate Broadway reality show?

I would like to watch a show from an early stage: filming the creative team writing it, casting it, workshops, previews, opening night.  So much drama and triumph!

As a vocal coach, who have been some of your standout pupils?

I remember when I was coaching Audra Macdonald.  I told her that I had a call back for master class and she should get herself an audition.  I didn't get cast and she won the Tony award.  I'm still weeping inside.

Whose voice do you think you would be able to help or train the most?

I'm not a voice teacher.  I'm a vocal coach, meaning that I help people on how to perform a song.  I'm very proud that I chose Jennifer Hudson to be in my Hair concert and sing "Easy To Be Hard" and that's the song she used to audition for Dreamgirls.  Hmm, another person who won a major award while I had to buy a ticket to see the movie.

For someone who has never tuned in to your Sirius/XM radio show, why should they start listening?

People tell me that I have a great passion for music and Broadway and it's infectious.  I often get letters from people who say that didn't necessarily like Broadway, but they love listening to my station.  Hopefully, I'm gaining some converts.

What are some of the projects you are working on in the near future? 

I have my first young adult novel coming out on the Random House label in a year, and I'm branching out from my Broadway radio show. I'm hosting my own talk show on the Starz channel on Sirius/XM—the channel with Martha Stewart and Rosie O'Donnell. It's going to be on Sundays from 5-6 p.m.  First show: Mother's Day.  I'm very excited.  I'm not only about Broadway—I’m also about off-Broadway.