Popcorn With Peter Travers Season 10 Episode 44 The Songwriters Behind 'Dear Evan Hansen,' 'La La Land' On How They Tell Stories

On this episode of Popcorn with Peter Travers, the renowned film critic delves into the world of Broadway and Hollywood songwriting with the creative minds behind blockbuster musicals Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land. Featuring interviews with composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, as well as lyricist and book writer Steven Levenson, the episode explores the process of creating compelling storytelling through music and lyrics.

Travers opens the episode with a reflection on the power of song to convey emotions and ideas, drawing from his decades of experience as a film critic and pop culture expert. He then introduces his esteemed guests, who discuss the origins of their collaboration on Dear Evan Hansen, the hit musical that captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike with its poignant exploration of teenage life, loss, and social media.

Pasek and Paul, who won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for Dear Evan Hansen, share their approach to writing music that doesn't just complement the action on stage, but also resonates with audiences on a deeper level. They reveal how they drew inspiration from their own experiences of grappling with social anxiety and self-doubt, as well as the evolving landscape of social media that shapes contemporary youth culture. Levenson, who won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for Dear Evan Hansen, adds his insights into the process of crafting characters that ring true to life, and how music can help amplify those characters' emotional journeys.

Travers also talks to the team behind La La Land, the groundbreaking movie musical that reinvigorated the genre for modern audiences. Composer Justin Hurwitz and lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul again join the conversation, alongside director Damien Chazelle, to talk about the challenges and rewards of creating a musical that pays homage to classic Hollywood while also charting new territory. They discuss their choice to cast Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, two talented actors who also happen to possess impressive singing and dancing skills, as well as the way the songs and dance numbers were integrated into the film's story and style.

Throughout the episode, Travers guides the conversation with his characteristic charm and wit, drawing out the guests' insights into the art of storytelling through song. He also provides his own perspective as an avid fan and critic of musical theater and film, highlighting the moments that resonated with him personally and offering his thoughts on the broader cultural implications of these works.

In the end, viewers come away with a deeper appreciation for the craft of songwriting, as well as the ways in which musical theater and film can illuminate the human experience. This episode of Popcorn with Peter Travers is a must-watch for anyone who loves great storytelling, unforgettable music, and the magic of cinema.