Politics, Playbills, and Fairground Fun

Travel

Audio By Carbonatix

This episode of Fun Friday kicks off with Kevin McCullough and Cristyne Nicholas diving into the quirks of ranked choice voting, political oddities, and the curious case of Frank Morano’s guest-hosting privileges. They debate the implications of fringe candidates rising through the ranks and the unintended consequences of vote-splitting in New York’s primaries. It’s politics with a punchline—and a side of skepticism.

The conversation then pivots to Broadway, where guest Justin Nichols from Broadway Briefing joins the show. He dishes on the post-Tony season, upcoming fall previews, and the exciting return of shows like Ragtime and Chess. Justin, a former producer turned Broadway advocate, shares how his insider knowledge fuels the daily newsletter that keeps theater lovers in the loop.

Kevin and Cristyne celebrate Broadway’s resilience and cultural importance, especially in a city that’s seen its fair share of challenges. They highlight the upcoming “Founded by Broadway” concert in Times Square on September 7, part of NYC’s 400th anniversary celebration. It’s a love letter to the stage, with a confetti cannon of casting news and musical revivals.

Next up: the Great New York State Fair! Julie LaFave, the fair’s director, joins the show to talk about $0.25 milk, $8 admission, and concerts that won’t break the bank. From llama jumping to goat costume contests, the fair is a delightful mashup of agriculture, entertainment, and deep-fried dreams. And yes, a new milk bar is coming—with three flavors!

The episode wraps with a nostalgic nod to summer’s end, a shoutout to the US Open, and a Revolutionary War reenactment at Greenwood Cemetery. Whether you're into Broadway ballads or butter sculptures, this Fun Friday episode is a whirlwind of culture, comedy, and community spirit.