Etai Benson

In this episode of On The Voice, Etai Benson joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski, MM, and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, PAVA-RV. Etai is an Israeli-American actor who studied musical theater at the University of Michigan and most recently appeared on Broadway as Paul in the five-time Tony Award-winning, gender-bent revival of Stephen Sondheim's Company alongside Patti LuPone. He originated the role of Papi in the ten-time Tony Award-winning musical The Band's Visit, for which he won a Grammy Award as part of the cast recording. Other credits include Broadway and national tour productions of Wicked as Boq, An American in Paris as Adam Hochberg, and the Off-Broadway production of Wonderful Town at New York City Center Encores.Etai walks us through navigating a vocal injury during the original Broadway run of The Band's Visit — the panic of losing access to a critical high note mid-run, the physical tension and body alignment patterns tied to his character that contributed to it, and the recovery work he did with speech-language pathologist Christine Estes. We also talk about what it's like to return to the same role, Boq, across multiple productions and years, balancing vocal demands with early parenthood, and his reflections on originating a role versus stepping into an iconic one. Along the way, Etai shares what it's been like building a life and career alongside his wife, actress Alexandra Socha, including playing romantic leads opposite each other on stage.Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.