Making Broadway History (feat. Roman Banks)

We're kicking off Season Two with an absolute dream guest...Miss Caisie Levy! Caissie has been seen on Broadway in Hairspray, Wicked, Les Miserables, Hair, Ghost, Frozen, and Caroline or Change. We chatted our way through her beginnings growing up in Canada, moving to New York to attend drama school and then navigating this ever changing industry. Caissie has learned a lot over the years and she was more than willing to share those lessons in this episode. 

Hey strangers! It's been a minute but we are back! This week I sat down with Andrew Norlen to learn more about his process for creating the book 'When The Lights Are Bright Again'.  It began as an artist’s desperate desire to express himself inside a worldwide pandemic, but in one year’s time it has grown into a theater industry and country-wide outlet for healing, grief, justice, and hope in the theater community during the pandemic. When The Lights Are Bright Again immortalizes the stories, struggles, and successes of an industry that was first to be shut down and one of the last to return. Andrew Norlen weaves 200+ letters from Broadway theater veterans, devout theater goers, teenage dreamers aching for their day in the spotlight, long-time ushers, designers, creatives and countless other arts workers in tandem with a brand new breathtaking photo series by Broadway photographer, Matthew Murphy. Not only has the creation of this book allowed the theater community to grieve and express themselves in a new way, but for every copy purchased, a portion of the profits will directly benefit The Actor's Fund. This book will continue to help support arts workers to thrive and maintain financial stability for decades to come with every copy sold.

We're headed back to high school this episode with Adante Carter (aka Aaron Samuels) from the first national tour of 'Mean Girls'! Adante has been auditioning for 'Mean Girls' since the show was preparing for it's pre-Broadway tryout in Washington D.C. He finally got his break when they were assembling the cast for the first national tour. In this episode you'll hear all about that audition process and how the creative team revamped the show for the road. Enjoy!

Sooo I took a little break - but I'm back! I couldn't think of a better guest to return with other than Bonnie Milligan. I first learned about Bonnie when I stumbled upon some of her cabaret performances on YouTube years ago. That powerhouse belt? Obsessed. I was elated that she agreed to chat with me for the podcast. I barely talk in this episode because I was genuinely so eager to learn more about Bonnie and her inspiring journey. Enjoy friends! 

Nicholas Edwards has worked consistently since graduating from college but, it was not the path that he had always seen for himself. Through the help of some amazing teachers, Nicholas found his way into theatre and discovered his true passion. That passion has led him to multiple national tours, a Broadway debut and the first Actor's Equity approved production in the era of Covid-19. Through it all, the biggest lesson that Nicholas has learned is that being yourself is the only way to achieve authentic happiness in this business.  Follow Nicholas on Instagram @nickedwardsnyc

'Wicked' must be in the Vivino family's DNA. My guest this week, Natalia Vivino, is the current standby for Elphaba on the national tour of 'Wicked'. She is also the younger sister of a former beloved Elphaba, Donna Vivino. What's it like to take on the immense pressure of this role and also prove to everyone that you are different from your sister? Listen and find out! Follow Natalia on Instagram @nataliavivino

I had such an interesting conversation with Roman Banks for today's episode! Roman made history in his Broadway debut as the first Black actor to play Evan in the smash hit musical 'Dear Evan Hansen'. We talked all about his lengthy audition process for the show and how he quickly learned that the industry isn't perfect.  Follow Roman on Instagram @romanwbanks

Nasia Thomas has been seen on Broadway in 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical' and 'Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations'. When Broadway returns, you can find her in the revival of 'Caroline, or Change'. Nasia shared a whole lot of wisdom in today's episode. She is truly an old soul and young performers everywhere can benefit from her advice on navigating this business.  Follow Nasia on Instagram @nasiathomas

Today's guest is Alyssa Fox from Broadway's 'Frozen' and 'Wicked'. We laughed. We cried. It was a cathartic experienced for both parties. Alyssa has been one of my favorite voices for years and it was such a joy to learn more about her personally and how she has been navigating this unprecedented time. Follow Alyssa on Instagram @alyssajoyfox Follow Nick on Instagram @nickferrao

Jenn Colella might literally be the nicest person I've ever met. As fate would have it, she earned her first Tony Award nomination in a show all about the power of kindess... 'Come From Away'. It was an honor to sit down with Jenn for this week's episode and learn all about her journey from small town South Carolina to the bright lights of Broadway.  You can follow Jenn on Instagram @jenncolella