Nathan Lane’s Hilarious Advice to Cubby O'Brien: Never Leave Again!

In this episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast, legendary drummer Cubby O'Brien shares a memorable story about subbing out of his first Broadway show and an unexpected encounter with Nathan Lane. When a stage manager informed Cubby that Nathan Lane wanted to see him in his dressing room, Cubby was slightly surprised. After finding his way upstairs, Nathan greeted him with a joking, "You can never leave again," followed by laughter and reassurance that everything was fine after a few nights of adjustment.Cubby explores the real challenge of subbing as a drummer on Broadway. He explains how Nathan Lane got used to his playing style and how every drummer strikes the drum differently; even the slightest variation can be noticeable. Cubby calls it a “thankless job,” where subs must maintain the established feel of the show while replicating the chairholder's unique sound as closely as possible.Throughout the episode, Cubby offers insights from his extensive experience with shows like Hair, The Producers, and The Carpenters’ Tour. He underscores the importance of adaptability, consistency, and precision for subs trying to blend seamlessly. This episode is packed with wisdom!Carl "Cubby" O'Brien, born July 14, 1946, in Sun Valley, California, is an accomplished American drummer and former child actor, best known as one of the original Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club (1955–1958). Discovered by Disney talent scouts at a Screen Actors Guild benefit in 1954, Cubby became the youngest male to audition for the show, securing his spot after a simple yet memorable rendition of "Happy Birthday." After his time with Disney, Cubby pursued his true passion for drumming, performing with bands around Los Angeles, including a two-year stint with Spike Jones, which opened doors to major acts. He went on to work with legendary artists such as Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine, and Diana Ross, and spent ten years touring with The Carpenters after meeting them on The Carol Burnett Show.Cubby’s prolific career extends to Broadway and television, with notable performances in productions such as West Side Story, Hair, The Producers, and Gypsy. He has also lent his drumming talents to movie soundtracks, including Grease, Change of Habit, and Gypsy. In addition to his extensive stage and screen credits, Cubby has played drums for Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas and continues to perform in the Broadway production of Chicago. Throughout his career, he has worked with various stars, from Bernadette Peters to Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, and remains a respected figure in the music industry. Cubby resides with his wife, a University of Oregon graduate who recently relocated from New York.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform that provides specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.comCONNECT WITH ME ON MEETHOOK Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe