Seth Rudetsky considers himself a Broadway baby. He performs in the orchestra, playing piano, and he talks about Broadway all the time. He composes music. And he is the host of a popular Sirius/XM radio show.

When RiverCenter for the Performing Arts releases its 2011-12 season Tuesday, who better than Rudetsky to kick off the announcement party?

His “Big Fat Broadway Show” begins at 7:30 p.m. Guests will receive brochures about the upcoming season and they can watch video previews of those shows in the lobby area.

Rudetsky answered these questions via e-mail. The interview was edited for length and clarity.

What did you think of the Tony Awards broadcast on June 5?

I appreciated the fact that it was very Broadway-oriented. Lately there’s been this shame about Broadway and a desperation to bring in “name” performers who do an intro or performance. It’s like the Daytime Emmy Awards. The only “outsider” they brought in was Martha Wash who sang “It’s Raining Men” and she was fantastic!

Was Neil Patrick Harris the best person to host the show?

He’s really funny and is an actual musical theater performer.

Were the production numbers good? Or would you have chosen something else?

I thought there was actual amazing humor in the numbers, which was great. Sometimes they reek of a bad-theme park revue. If I want to see that, I’ll hit Six Flags!

What did you think of Frances McDormand’s outfit with the jean jacket?

I’m dying to hear the story behind it. Mistake? Fashion statement? Simply because it was chilly in the theater? Call back to my look when I was in college?

How old were you when you first watched the Tony Show?

Probably around 8-years-old.

Have you been to one in person? If you have, when was it and what was it like?

I wrote two opening numbers when Rosie O’Donnell was hosting. It was amazing. I grew up obsessed with Patti Lupone, Jennifer Holliday and Betty Buckley and I got to feature them in my opening number!

How do you come up with enough material to do a daily radio show?

I’ve been immersed in Broadway since I was a small child. It’s not hard to talk about it hours a day.

Has anyone you’ve “deconstructed” been in touch with you because he or she either liked it or not?

Yes. I’ve heard from many that say they love it. Christine Ebersole, Linda Lavin, Andrea McArdle. Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel watched my deconstruction of “Wicked” together in their living room.

How many shows do you see a year?

At least one a week.

How long have you done the radio show?

Since 2003.

Do you have a favorite Broadway show of all time?

No, but I love “Gypsy,” “West Side Story,” “Dreamgirls,” “A Chorus Line,” “Evita.” And recently, “Avenue Q” and “In the Heights.”

Do you have a favorite performer of all time?

No ... but I Love Chita (Rivera), Betty Buckley and Patti Lupone.

Do you have a favorite piece from when you were in the orchestra?

I had a great time playing “Ragtime” because there are so many piano solos and the orchestra sounded so beautiful. There was a full string section instead of the pathetic string quarter that shows are trying to pass off as a section these days.

What’s the most terrifying time you’ve had in an orchestra?

During “Seussical,” there was a waterbug on the ceiling of the pit directly above me. I was petrified that it would fall on me as I was playing. And the ceiling of the pit is the floor of the stage, so every time the cast did a big dance move, they would shake the floor of the stage which would shake the pit ceiling. Suffice it to say, I should have worn Depends that day.

What was it like working on the reality TV show (MTV’s “Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods”)? Something you’d like to do again? Or never?

I enjoy reality TV when it’s real, but that’s around 60 percent of the time. If it’s not going to be totally real, then at least let it be hilarious. The worst is when it’s fake and boring which I’ve had to do.

If you could be doing anything in the world, what would it be?

I love all the things I do. I couldn’t pick just one.

What can people expect during your show next Tuesday?

I think they will go either thinking “I know everything about Broadway, I’m going to be bored” and then be shocked by some of the stories and/or video clips I show. Or they will think “I know nothing about Broadway, I’m going to be bored” and be shocked by how funny the show is. It’s really for (both) die-hard fans and people who know nothing.

It’s your “Big Fat Broadway Show.” Is that a take-off of the title of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”?

No. I just sometimes describe things as big and fat.