Box Seat Babes Podcasts

'Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song' | The Box Seat Babes Podcast

Cosmo Brown (played by Donald O'Connor) in MGM's 1952 classic Singin' in the Rain asks a fundamental question: "Don't you know everyone wants to laugh?" It's something that the cast and crew of Forbidden Broadway understand intimately, as they blend their love of theatre with the universal desire to share laughter with others. This Off-Broadway revue has been around since the 80s, parodying musicals new and old, showcasing not only a deep appreciation for the craft, but an understanding of why it's important and the level of work it takes to pull off. The most recent iteration of the show, Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song, is currently touring North America, recently stopping in Detroit for a weekend of hilarity.
In this most recent episode of The Box Seat Babes podcast, host Brian Kitson, along with guests Ryann Ferguson and Jo Bailey, explores what this revue has to offer! Which numbers stood out to them the most? What parody made them crack a smile? How impressed were they with the level of talent on the stage (spoiler: very)?  Listen as they break down all the highs and lows from Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song, if the show has mass appeal outside the realm of Broadway lovers, and if they would catch this show again next time it arrives on Broadway in Detroit!
 
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Exclusive Interview: Callie Bussell, Eric Roman, and Lucie Gillespie of Teatro di Vita's 'Fool For Love'

When we're younger, we're sold the idea that all love and romance is magical through fairytales and Disney movies. However, as we grow older, the rose-colored glasses come off as we discover the reality of love. A toxic side can creep into our romantic relationships, which can unfortunately seem exciting to many without the proper reflection and growth needed to escape broken patterns. This concept lies at the core of Sam Shepard's play, Fool For Love, which is coming to Port Huron, MI this weekend, thanks to Teatro di Vita and its founder, Lucie Gillespie! Before it premieres on the Citadel Stage at Enter Stage Right, we sat down and spoke to the director of the show, along with two of the cast members of this incredible production.
In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, director Callie Bussell and co-stars Eric Roman and Lucie Gillespie discuss their time on this production and what drew them to this story. With both Bussell and Gillespie's extensive relationship with the play, there's an undeniable love for Fool For Love and a desire to bring justice to this story. How do all three artists approach this project in their respective roles? How has their view of love and romance changed since beginning this production? What are they hoping audiences take away from Fool For Love? Check out this interview to discover all those answers and more!
 
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Exclusive Interview: Joseph Delguste and Francis Kelly of Meadow Brook's 'Shear Madness'

Meadow Brook Theatre is looking to end their 2024-2025 season on a high note, with the return of a local favorite, Shear Madness! This play blends the exciting aspects of a whodunit with elements of humor, creating a unique experience for all who attend. There's nothing quite like Shear Madness currently in the local Michigan theater landscape, utilizing audiences as a part of the show, bringing Clue to life in a show that is different each time you see it. We're so excited to see this hilarious mystery return to Rochester once again, delivering that quality Meadow Brook Theatre experience that we've come to know and love. Ahead of the show's premiere, we sat down and spoke with two of its stars, Joseph Delguste and Francis Kelly, who have quite a history with this production!
In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Delguste and Kelly discuss their time with Shear Madness and how it has led them to this specific regional production! Listen as they discuss what makes this whodunit such an interesting theatrical experience compared to other plays, and how involved the audience gets! How has this Meadow Brook production challenged each of them in their craft? Check out this interview to find out!
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Exclusive Interview: Emily Brown of Avon Players' 'Young Frankenstein'

Who's ready for a Roll in the Hay, or at least prepared to see Avon Players' production of Young Frankenstein? This musical adaptation of the classic Mel Brooks film is ready to make audiences roar with laughter! Being the last show from Avon Players' 2024-2025 season, the cast and crew are looking to go out with a bang, with The Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein being the perfect production to do so! Ahead of its premiere, co-hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko spoke with Emily Brown, who plays Igna in this Rochester, MI production!
In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Emily Brown discusses her time in this production and what it's like bringing a character such as Igna to life! Who exactly is Igna, and how does she factor into the story? What's Brown's favorite number to perform? What themes from Young Frankenstein speak the most to her? What has challenged her the most about this role and working with this community theater on this production? And why does she need so much stamina to perform this iconic role? If you weren't already excited for what's to come in Young Frankenstein, you will be after listening to this exciting interview!
 
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Exclusive Interview: Amitria Fanae' of 'The Wiz'

The vibrant life of the Emerald City is once again returning to The Fisher Theatre! The revival of The Wiz is coming to the 313 as the final show in the Broadway in Detroit 2024-2025 season, and the local theater world is buzzing with excitement! Celebrating the monumental 50th anniversary of the show, The Wiz is ready to ease on down the road and bring this iconic show to a new generation of audiences. Ahead of its arrival, we rolled out the red carpet (or in this case, the yellow brick road) for one of the witches of Oz, Amitria Fanae', who plays Addaperle in this touring production!
In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Amitria Fanae' discusses what her time on this production of The Wiz has been like! Who exactly is Addaperle, and how does this actress bring her to life? What makes shows such as The Wiz and The Color Purple so important to the Broadway Landscape? Which songs does Fanae' get stuck in her head? Give this interview a listen for all these answers and more of what you can expect when The Wiz rolls into Detroit!
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For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes
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Exclusive Interview: Eric Rodman of Avon Players' 'Young Frankenstein'

It's Alive! IT'S ALIVE!!!!!! Avon Players' production of The Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein is coming together before its opening night this coming Friday, looking to electrify the audience. Based on the 1974 Mel Brooks film, this musical captures the wacky and zany energy that any Brooks work is known for. However, it infuses it with song and dance, creating a creature of its own, perhaps to the dismay of Frederick Frankenstein! Ahead of Young Frankenstein's arrival at this local Rochester, MI, theatre, we spoke with Frederick Frankenstein himself, the charming Eric Rodman, about his time in this production and what it's like assuming a role such as this one.
In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Rodman discusses his history with the original film, what drew him to wanting to play this role on stage, and if there's any pressure to bring this show (and stepping into the shoes of the incomparable Gene Wilder) to life! What have been some of the challenges with a production such as The Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein? What musical numbers are some of his favorite musical performances? How does he channel the off-kilter Frederick Frankenstein on stage? All those answers and more lie within this interview!
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For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes
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'Death Becomes Her' Music and Technical Aspects | Box Seat Babes Podcast

In the words of the iconic Viola Van Horn, played by the incomparable Michelle Williams, Don't say I didn't warn you! Warn you about what exactly? Well, just how addictive the new Broadway musical, Death Becomes Her, is! To say we're obsessed with this show might be an understatement, but hey, what's wrong with having a hobby? Having seen this show back in January, we haven't been able to stop talking about it, which led us to record a part two, where we discuss the incredible staging and unforgettable songs from the  Death Becomes Her musical!
In this episode of The Box Seat Babes Podcasts, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down all the technical highlights from this Tony-nominated musical! Which songs from the production where favorites to these two Broadway lovers? How were the cast and crew able to put off the gravity defying stunts? Death Becomes Her is one of the most technical shows we've seen on Broadway, and those involved make it look easy! The hosts also give their final verdict of this musical and if they would see it again! Thank you so much for being on this journey of perfection, enjoy part 2 of our Death Becomes Her discussion!
 
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For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes
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Exclusive Interview: Emily Mick and Sean Harbert of Pontiac IV Theatre's 'Dearly Departed'

As a therapist, I can attest that sometimes laughter is the best healing medicine. Typically, we tend to release pain through tears, but when we can channel our grief into laughter, we get relief amid all the sadness. Dearly Departed explores the journey of grief in the Turpin family, who lose their patriarch at the show's beginning. However, this play also understands the importance of laughter, lacing the exploration of loss with the need and desire for laughter, with a show that makes you laugh until you cry. Ahead of the arrival of this play at Pontiac IV Theatre, we spoke with the director of Dearly Departed, Emily Mick, and assistant director/cast member Sean Harbert! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Mick and Harbert discuss what drew them to this show and how it has challenged them in their respective roles. What is it like to balance directorial duties with also being on stage? What is Mick's process for translating her vision for Dearly Departed to the stage? How does Harbert bring the character of Junior to life on stage? And how does Kenny Chesney's "She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy" factor into this all? You'll have to listen to this interview to get all those answers and learn more about what you can expect when attending Pontiac IV Theatre's Dearly Departed!
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For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes
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'Death Becomes Her' Story and Characters | Box Seat Babes Podcast

What would you do if someone offered you a potion that grants you eternal life? What price would you pay to remain young and youthful from now until forever? For many, that opportunity would be priceless, but as we know, all magic comes with strings attached, as Madeline and Helen learn in the new Broadway musical, Death Becomes Her! Based on the 1992 cult classic film starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis, this zany story has found new life at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in NYC. With a talented cast and crew led by Broadway legends Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, Death Becomes Her has taken the internet by storm with catchy songs and perhaps the gayest show on Broadway!
In this Box Seat Babes podcast episode, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the story and characters in this Tony Award-nominated musical. Have either of them seen the original film? What did they think about Madeline and Helen's frenemies' relationship? Whose performance struck them like a shove to Mads' head? There's so much to love and appreciate about this show, so listen to this part one discussion of Death Becomes Her and let us know your thoughts in the comments or on social media!
Find the video of this podcast on YouTube
For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes
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Exclusive Interview: Julia Glander, Connor Allston, and Kristin Shields of Tipping Point's 'Lungs'

It's never an easy decision to decide when and how to bring a baby into the world, especially when the world feels like it's falling apart around you. With the changing global landscape constantly in flux, there is never a perfect time to take the plunge and have a child. That pressure has to feel insurmountable at times, and is at the center of Tipping Point Theatre's latest production, Lungs, which arrives at the Northville theater this evening! Billed as a two-person show, Lungs is an intimate look at the dynamics between a couple as they discuss embarking on one of life's most extraordinary journeys. Ahead of its arrival, we sat down and spoke with the director of Lungs, Julia Glander, as well as the two stars of the show, Connor Allston and Kristin Shields!
In this exclusive Box Seat Babe interview, Julia Glander discusses why this show feels incredibly important given the state of the world and how it fits into the overarching theme of family, which has been the connective tissue from this season at Tipping Point. Allston and Shields also discuss what drew them to this project and the pressure that comes from a two-person show such as Lungs! In which aspects do these two characters reflect the actors? How has this show challenged all three parties? All these answers and more lie within this exciting interview showcasing the final show of Tipping Point's season!
Find the video of this podcast on YouTube
For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes
Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!