Backstage with Becca B.

From walking away from a pre-med track after his final high school show to covering Ponyboy in The Outsiders on Broadway and on tour, Tommy Kaiser shares the journey that led him to the stage. We talk all about learning his ensemble track while preparing to step into Ponyboy’s shoes, what changes when he goes from one company to the other, and how he makes a character so many people grew up with his own. Tommy also reflects on going from a lifelong RENT fan to covering six tracks on its 25th anniversary tour, finally getting to play his dream role of Roger, and why The Outsiders continues to connect with audiences across generations.

From growing up obsessed with Golden Age movie musicals to making her Broadway debut as Cosette in Les Misérables, Alex Finke shares the journey that led her to the stage. We talk all about playing the Baker's Wife in Into the Woods at Cape Playhouse, why Stephen Sondheim's writing continues to resonate with audiences, and what makes this cast and creative team so special. Alex also reflects on performing in Come From Away, Anything Goes, and Joan, the unforgettable phone call that changed her career, dream roles still on her bucket list, and why supporting regional theatre matters now more than ever.

From making his Broadway debut in Chicago after seeing it as his very first Broadway show to starring in productions like Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wicked, Falsettos, and Drag: The Musical, Nick reflects on the career moments that shaped him as a performer. We also dive into Into the Woods at Cape Playhouse, where he shares his approach to playing Cinderella's Prince and the Wolf, the magic of Stephen Sondheim's storytelling, and why this production and this cast have been such a special experience. Plus, we discuss dream roles, audition stories, and the advice he'd give the next generation of theatre artists.

We’re diving into Into the Woods at Cape Playhouse, where Joe shares what it's been like revisiting Jack a decade after first playing the role, how his perspective on the beloved Stephen Sondheim musical has evolved, and why this production has been such a meaningful experience. We also talk about growing up in Pittsburgh, finding his love for performing, his journey from the University of Michigan to High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, the impact Seb had on fans, and his advice for young performers learning to embrace what makes them unique.

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 188 with Alexandra Silber is now LIVE on YouTube! ✨ On this episode I talked with Alexandra about the acclaimed Pasadena Playhouse production of Brigadoon and her work reimagining the beloved musical’s book for a new generation. She shares the inspiration behind the adaptation, how her personal connection to Scotland helped shape the story, the thoughtful changes she made to the characters and themes, and what it was like watching this new vision come to life onstage. We also discuss the show’s stunning design, the process of honoring a classic while making it resonate with modern audiences, and why Brigadoon became one of the most talked-about theatre productions in Los Angeles this season.

From singing “Reflection” at her first-grade talent show to making her Broadway debut in Chess on Broadway, Regine shares the journey that led her to the Broadway. She talks about growing up inspired by Lea Salonga, performing at The Muny and Musical Theatre Wichita, and how studying psychology at Penn State has helped her better understand the characters she brings to life on stage. Regine also shares what her unforgettable CHESS audition process was like, the moment she learned she booked her Broadway debut, and the advice that helped her fully embrace opening night. Plus, we discuss the magic of regional theatre, finding community in the industry, and what it's really like performing in one of Broadway's biggest productions.

From his first role as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast to his current work as an onstage swing in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Riley shares how a childhood love for performing grew into a passion for storytelling and representation. He reflects on standout roles in Cats and Next to Normal, the life-changing moment of being a Jimmy Awards finalist, and finding his creative home at Shenandoah Conservatory. We also dive into the dedication and adaptability it takes to learn multiple tracks on Broadway. 

In this episode, Isaac takes us through their inspiring journey from growing up in Oklahoma with an early love for performance to making their Broadway debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. They open up about discovering theatre after starting in ballet, the lessons they learned at Boston Conservatory about resilience and standing out, and the balance between pursuing roles out of passion and taking ones for practical reasons. We also dive into standout experiences like performing in Allegiance, a powerful story centered on the Japanese internment with a predominantly AAPI cast, and the disco-fueled creativity of The Donkey Show. Most importantly, Isaac shares the pride and responsibility of being a non-binary performer on Broadway, the importance of visibility and representation, and why the magic of Cursed Child resonates universally.

On this episode, Bradley reflects on his journey from discovering theater as a kid to becoming part of the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. We chat about the challenges and joys of performing in such a beloved show, including mastering complex scenes, embracing physically demanding roles, and the importance of collaboration with cast and crew. Bradley also opens up about balancing life on and off stage, staying inspired through intense rehearsal schedules, and what it’s like to bring magical stories to life night after night. 

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 183 with Hailey Hyde is now LIVE on YouTube! On this episode, Hailey reflects on how a childhood dream of becoming a singer — sparked by her aunts’ Broadway tours and favorite shows like Wicked — led to a growing passion for theater. We chat about her summer program experiences, her love for regional theater, including standout roles in Cats and Frozen, PLUS The Outsiders Musical which is her Broadway debut. She talks about the process of learning multiple tracks, the thrill of being an understudy, and how choreography, community, and careful prep helped her feel ready for her debut. Hailey also opens up about adjusting to life in NYC, overcoming stage nerves, and the value of staying grounded and inspired through it all.