The BSB Podcast

In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts RJ Miller-Zelinko and Brian Kitson dive into the story to see what about this musical stands the test of time and what could use a serious upgrade. While the North American touring production of Kinky Boots is largely intact, some liberties have been taken to bring it into the new decade! Overall, does the story still work in the world we currently live in? Which aspects and characters resonated the most with our hosts? Check out this episode to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts RJ Miller-Zelinko and Brian Kitson are once again joined by fellow theater lover, Emily Brown, to continue their conversation about the North American Touring Production of The Outsiders! With music from Jamestown Revival that captures the vibes of Tulsa, 1967, do these songs work well with the story presented? What did they add to the overall feel of the show? Paired with the stage design and the craft that brings The Outsiders to life, does everything work in unison? Does everything add up to exceeding our great expectations for this Tony Award-winning musical? Find out how our hosts and their guest rank the songs of The Outsiders and which aspects of the stagecraft really stood out to them! Discover their final ranking of the show and if they'd catch The Outsiders the next time it rolls into town!  Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko are joined by fellow theater lover and honoree Box Seat Babe, Emily Brown! While the two hosts might have seen The Outsiders previously, Brown entered the show with a basic knowledge of what to expect from the Tony Award-winning musical! Having read the book in high school, how did the story transfer to the stage? Comparatively, were there any changes our hosts noticed compared to when they saw it on Broadway? Which characters and performances really spoke to our hosts and their guest? And what about the plot really stood out to them, and why was it SodaPop? You'll have to give this exciting episode a listen to find out those answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Whether he’s stepping onto the stage or taking on a new creative challenge, Ryan James Monroe brings an infectious energy and an unmistakable enthusiasm to his work. His connection to the legendary 54 Below adds another exciting chapter to his journey, giving him the opportunity to perform in one of New York City’s most celebrated spaces for musical theater and cabaret. It’s a setting where big personalities, incredible talent, and a genuine love of performance come together, and Monroe fits right in. We recently caught up with Ryan James Monroe to discuss his career, his upcoming performance at 54 Below, the joys and challenges of performing, and what he hopes to tackle next. Along the way, he offered plenty of insight, enthusiasm, and a few stories that give us a closer look at the person behind the performer. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Emmy-nominated Christopher Gomez discusses what he hoped to achieve sonically in season 2 of Beef. While it is connected in theme, Beef season two is vastly different from the first outing, with a story that needed its own identity. So where do you begin with a story such as this one? Gomez talks about the collaborative approach that the season began with, and how the use of sound, or should we say silence, plays such an important role in delivering the message at hand. You can feel the love and care that Gomez put into his project throughout this interview, which makes the Emmy nomination even sweeter for the sound editor! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Luke Gibleon from Formosa Group talks about what it's like to bring a show such as Avatar: The Last Airbender to live action and how the animated show serves as the blueprint for much of the work he and his team do. Discover how each element came to have its own distinct sound, and how the journey of individual characters shapes the sonic imprint of those elements. Which scenes or sounds proved the most difficult to develop across both season one and two? Are there moments where the sonic identity changed the visuals or dictated the direction of a scene? All those questions are answered in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

We here at BSB Insider are beyond excited for the upcoming 2026-2027 Broadway in Detroit series from ATG Detroit! With a season that's promising glitz and glam, there's so much to appreciate about the six incredible shows coming as part of the main season, and even more to love about the bonus shows arriving in the 313! To share in that excitement, we're joined by ATG Detroit's Amber Rasho, who helps break down all the exciting musicals and plays coming to both The Fisher Theatre and The Detroit Opera House! Which shows are you most excited for? Let us know! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Riley Chu talks about her history with Stagecrafters youth theater and what it's like to step off the stage and behind the scenes! What was her vision for The Wizard of Oz, and how did she and the other directors execute that vision? What pieces of the story did they really want to highlight? What stands out about this story to her? Check out this interview to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

  In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Ricky Rojas discusses what it's like to continue returning to Moulin Rouge and how his journey with Santiago has changed since its inception. While using the film as a blueprint, Rojas chats about where he pulls inspiration from to bring Santiago to life on stage. What is it about this character that perhaps general audiences don't know? And if Santiago were living in today's world, what does he think would be his anthem? The possibilities are endless when you're talking about a jukebox musical, and everything is on the table when Ricky Rojas is joining us! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

I couldn't imagine making my Broadway debut at any point in my life, but there's something extra special and nerve-wracking to do so while still in high school. However, today's guest has made it look so easy with a professionalism that speaks to her incredible talent. Lillian Tang took East Lansing by storm with her performance from her high school production of Hello Girls, which won her the Sutton Foster Awards and made her a finalist at the 2026 Jimmy Awards. We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Lillian Tang about what this experience was like and where she wants to go with her love for the arts! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Lillian Tang talks about her personal journey into the arts and what it was like competing in both the Sutton Foster Awards and The Jimmy Awards! With the help of her biggest supporter, her mother, Tang has become quite the triple threat, which helped her secure a win at The Sutton Foster Awards! Tang discusses the SFA process and what it was like to advance to finalist status at The Jimmy's in NYC. What was it like to learn from some of the leading minds on Broadway? How exciting was it to make her Broadway debut? Check out this exciting interview to find out all these answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

For generations of readers, the Harry Potter series has been a place to escape into a world of magic, unforgettable friendships, and epic battles between good and evil. So when Harry Potter and the Cursed Child arrived, fans eagerly returned to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, ready for another adventure. And arrived they did, as Cursed Child has continued to entertain audiences on Broadway for eight years, bringing the magic to life in a way you've never quite seen before. While we grew up with the boy who lived, this play shines the spotlight on the next generation of young wizards, as they navigate the world of magic and perhaps the darkest adventure to date! We had the pleasure of speaking to Daniel Fredrick, who plays Ron Weasley, about what audiences can expect when they arrive at the Lyric Theatre in NYC! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Daniel Fredrick talks about what it's been like to be a part of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child over the past two and a half years and how his interpretation of Ron Weasley has changed over that time. It's not every day that an actor gets to sit with a role for an extended period of time, so how has that pushed him with Ron? What themes and stage magic still speak to him? Check out this interview to find out all these answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

As a critic, I know that sometimes the most difficult part of writing is getting started. That initial hurdle has proven time and time again to be a challenge that can absolutely stop a project in its tracks. However, it's not the only problem we writers encounter when trying to put our words to the page. Writer's block, developing a character, and finding your hero's journey are all things that can derail your writing process before it even begins. However, Abbie Emmons is here to revolutionize the process, both through her YouTube channel and her latest novel, Make Your Story Matter: An Interactive Guide to Unlocking Your Brain's Storytelling Power and Writing a Book Readers Love! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Abbie Emmons discusses her own journey into writing and how what she discovered about the process pushed her to create Make Your Story Matter! Using psychology as the basis for her guide, Emmons asks writers to look for those universal emotions and truths in which every story can be told. What tricks of the trade does she suggest writers throw out, and which ones does she think they should embrace? And how does her book make the writing process as easy and simple as possible? Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

What happens when your biggest competition is also the person who knows you best? In Athena, Gracie Gardner turns the fast-paced world of competitive fencing into something much bigger than a sport. Every lunge, parry, and point becomes part of a battle over friendship, identity, ambition, and the pressure to be the best. At first glance, the play seems to revolve around two talented teenage fencers chasing victory, but beneath the masks and blades lies a story about growing up, navigating complicated relationships, and discovering who you are when winning is no longer enough. Filled with sharp humor, quick dialogue, and moments of surprising vulnerability, Athena keeps audiences engaged from the opening scene to the final bout. It challenges viewers to consider how competition can both strengthen and damage relationships, making it as emotionally compelling as it is entertaining. That is why it needs a strong cast and crew to bring it to life, including director Shelby Seeley, fight director Joe Wright, and cast member Amanda Buchalter! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Seeley, Wright, and Buchalter discuss what it's like to step into the world of Athena and bring it to Theatre Nova's stage! What is it about this story that spoke to each one of them? How has Athena challenged them in their respective roles? And why is this show unlike anything else they've ever worked on? Check out this interview to find out those answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Our time at the Paris Opera House is almost over; however, we're not quite ready to leave the story of Christine Daaé and her Angel of Music behind. The love story in The Phantom of the Opera has captured audiences' hearts for decades, but there's so much more to appreciate in this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical than just the story itself! There's a brilliance to the magic happening in this production, as the staging is brilliant and the songs elevate it to a performance, not just a show. So before we say goodbye to this classic Broadway show, join us one more time as we dive into the music and stagecraft of The Phantom of the Opera! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the stunning stagecraft and enchanting music from the North American touring production of The Phantom of the Opera! This is one of the most impressive shows currently on tour, with sets that dazzle just as much as the Broadway production. Which songs were just as amazing as the first time we saw them? And would we see this show again? Check out this podcast episode to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

I'm sure there's a time when we've all felt different or out of place because of something beyond our control. Something we would love to change about ourselves, if only we had the chance, and yet the real healing comes not just from learning to live with that difference, but from embracing it fully. It's this universal message that lies at the heart of Robert Montano's autobiographical one-man play, Small! We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Robert Montano about the journey he's gone on to bring this show to the stage, and what it's like to share his story in such an intimate way! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Montano discusses where the idea for Small originated from and how the story wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement from some very important people in his life. From some kind words from his late father to a story that came to be because of his mother, and even the integral work with people such as Chita Rivera, there are elements and influences that run throughout his work to make it what it is today. Exploring aspects of his adolescence, Small truly explores his time as a horse jockey and how that period of his life had a gigantic impact on the rest of his decisions. This is a story for the underdogs, and Robert Montano isn't afraid to share it! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

The stage is set and the actors in place for another wonderful performance; however, there's something afoot at the Paris Opera House. Strange things have been happening for a while, and at the center of it all is the young Christine Daaé and her Angel of Music!  The mystery of The Phantom of the Opera has entertained audiences for decades and has recently begun to tour North America once again! Recently stopping at the Detroit Opera House as a bonus show to ATG Detroit's Broadway series this past season! In this episode of the BSB podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko journey to the Paris Opera House to explore the story and characters that inhabit the sacred halls. What secrets might they uncover within the catacombs below? Perhaps a favorite performance or two that wowed them, unlike anything they've ever seen before? Or a storyline that they've never quite resonated with as much as they have this time around? And just which side of the Phantom vs. Raoul debate do our two hosts reside? Those answers and more lie within this exciting (and perhaps haunted) podcast! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

We live in an age of media where those shows we loved growing up are making a comeback in monumental ways. Nostalgia is real, and the desire to return to a world that was vibrant and comfortable is not only desired but absolutely needed. We don't crave a reboot; we want a sequel that brings together those who made the original project so special, much like The Guild film, which is finally in the works from creator Felicia Day! As we approach the 20th anniversary, the cast and creatives behind the series are excited to return to The Guild once again, but they need your help to do so! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, we sat down with Felicia Day to talk about her time with the original The Guild series and what it's like to step back into the world two decades later! Has her relationship with these characters changed since her initial run with them? What are her dreams for this particular project, for both the film itself and what it represents to the fans? Listen to this interview to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

What's theater without a little magic? There's nothing quite like the stage magic that brings the musicals and plays to life each and every day on Broadway. However, in the heart of Times Square, there's another kind of magic happening that you may not even be aware of! No, it's not the magic of the Big Apple (although that is a special kind of magic if I do say so myself), but instead that of Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio at their show, The Broadway Magic Hour! Every weekend, these two magicians are charming audiences with a show full of magic and wonder, and we had the pleasure of chatting with Jim Vines! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko are joined by the one-of-a-kind performer Jim Vines to discuss not only his show in New York City but also his extensive career as a magician. What was the first magic trick that changed his life forever and pushed him to pursue magic as a career? Having produced quite a few shows, as well as winning championships and competing on Penn and Teller's show, what was a career highlight for Vines? The magician also talks about how this current show, The Broadway Magic Hour, came to be. What is his and Mercurio's process for developing a show like this one, and how did they adapt to society's changing times? Find out all those answers and more in this exciting episode of the BSB podcast! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

While many of us may have heard the name Oliver Twist, how many are familiar with his story? Originally published as a serial in the mid-19th century by Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist tells the tale of a young orphan who joins a gang of juvenile pickpockets and ultimately finds his family. It's a dark tale brimming with light that has found life outside the pages of a book, as in the musical Oliver! The stage production debuted in the early 1960's, winning three Tony Awards and eventually spawning a film that earned similar accolades. It's this incredible show and the just-as-impactful story that are coming to the Berman Center of the Performing Arts with Nicely Theatre Group's production of Oliver! We had the pleasure of speaking with two of the cast members, Sara Grice and Kevin Starnes, about what audiences can expect when the curtains come up! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Grice and Starnes talk about their previous relationship with the show material prior to the show and what it's like to be a part of the latest production from Nicely Theatre Group! How does Oliver! differ from some of the other productions they've been a part of? What's their favorite song from the production? And how exactly are they embodying these characters? Give this exciting interview a listen to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Do you hear that sound coming down the road? Faint at first but gaining volume with each passing moment, as something comes into focus. A parade of red plumes and shiny brass, indicating the approach of a marching band! It must be the North American touring production of The Music Man, coming to a city near you! This classic show recently came to the Fox Theatre in Detroit, MI, with a production that captured what makes this show iconic. However, how do the music and stagecraft hold up against the story of The Music Man? Well, that's just what we're about to explore in this part two discussion of The Music Man! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko explore the soaring ballads and impressive choreography of this touring production! Which of the songs really captured their attention, while others fell flat? What about the stagecraft really captured their hearts, and what made them wish for the show to end? Which of the performers stood out amongst the crowd? And most importantly, why does Brian love a funky horn solo so much? We'll get to the bottom of all these questions and more in this exciting new podcast episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

When's the last time you hitched a ride on the Wells Fargo wagon and hightailed it out of the big city for life in a small town? No, we're not talking literally, but more so about when the last time you've seen The Music Man! With the recent Broadway revival a few seasons ago, there's been renewed interest in the show, with a North American touring production kicking off recently! The tale of Harold Hill arrived at The Fox Theatre here in Detroit, MI, recently, and we had the pleasure of reacquainting ourselves with the iconic story of yesteryear! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko are deep-diving into the story and characters of The Music Man, exploring how their relationship with the material has changed over the years! While Brian's real adventure with The Music Man was with the Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster-led Broadway production, RJ has had a much longer history with the show. What do these two remember of their past experiences, and what was it like to see it on a stage here in Detroit? Were there any characters that stood out to them or any stories that resonated differently now that they're both adults? Give this episode a listen to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore Art Thou Romeo? A simple question some might be asking themselves, as we just found the young man from Verona on Broadway with his beautiful Juliet, in the recent revival of Romeo + Juliet. While the story itself is largely intact, as is the language in which it is spoken, there's a new life in this classic William Shakespeare tale of love and woe. Featuring music from Jack Antonoff and directed by Sam Gold, Romeo + Juliet arrived at Circle in the Square Theatre in what might be the wildest reimagination that we've seen so far. So what exactly did you think of the Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor-led Romeo + Juliet? In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the story and characters within this revival of Romeo + Juliet. Having read this play back in high school, did our favorite characters remain the same from our adolescence, or did we find ourselves aligned with others? Is there anything about the story that spoke to us in a different way, almost a decade after it was originally introduced to us? And are Romeo and Juliet just theater kids way before their time? That last one is a given, as the drama is impeccable. Check out this fun episode to discover just what was going on in the latest take on Shakespeare's most well-known love story...we mean tragedy. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down all the excitement (and perhaps a bit of disappointment) from the 79th Tony Awards! From the shows that swept their categories to the wins that shocked everyone, there's so much to discuss from this year's Tony Awards! Did your favorite show take home the gold? Which of the shows had devastating losses? Which performances were showstoppers, and which had us scratching our heads? How many arial flips did Pink! do while hosting at Radio City Music Hall? And what's coming next in the world of theater here in Michigan, as well as on Broadway proper? We're sharing what's coming in the 2026-2027 theater season! We have all that and more in the exciting podcast episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

There's nothing quite like standing on a theater stage, or at least I would assume so. The bright lights blaze down on you, as a shadowed audience is waiting with bated breath, hanging on your every word. And so you begin your number, giving it everything you got, making those present in the auditorium gasp with every impressive high note you hit, making it look as easy as saying hello. Now imagine doing that as a high schooler, but not just in front of your friends and family during the spring musical, but instead inside a crowded Wharton Center on the eve of the Sutton Foster Awards. Personally, my nerves would be through the roof; however, SFA winner AJ Denomme looked at ease up there on stage. In this exclusive BSB Interview, we spoke with AJ Denomme about what it was like to participate and win the Sutton Foster Awards, and how his journey in the arts has brought him to this stage on Michigan State University's campus, in East Lansing. Where did that passion for acting and performing begin? How have his parents supported him on this journey? And what's next now that he's headed to New York City for the 2026 Jimmy Awards? Give this interview a listen to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Nashville: a city where every street corner seems to echo with the promise of a hit song. The Off-Broadway show, Music City, brings the heart and soul of Nashville to St. Luke's Theatre in the heart of NYC. Blending original country music with a story of ambition, love, and resilience, the play (with music) follows a group of aspiring artists as they chase their dreams in one of the world's most competitive music scenes. Beneath the catchy melodies and energetic performances lies a deeper exploration of the sacrifices required for success and the relationships tested along the way. We had the absolute pleasure of talking with two of the cast members from Music City, Stephen Michael Spencer and Casey Shuler! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Stephen Michael Spencer and Casey Shuler discuss what it is about Music City that continuously brings them back. With both actors having been with this production for quite some time, how have they grown with their characters? Has their insight into TJ and 23, respectively, changed over the years? And what is it about their two characters that keeps pulling them towards each other? With a strong message of hope, there's plenty of light in Music City, so find out how that prevails in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In an era crowded with crime dramas and police procedurals, Scarpetta distinguishes itself through its unique atmosphere and psychological complexity. Rather than treating forensic science as a collection of laboratory tricks, this Prime Video series presents it as a meticulous search for truth, where every detail has the potential to unlock a mystery. Visually, Scarpetta embraces a dark, polished aesthetic that mirrors the unsettling nature of the cases at its center, but how does the series come together sonically? Sound is so important to every film and series that comes across our screens, but there's something special and essential to this particular Nicole Kidman-led series, so what exactly does it take to bring the soundscape of Kay Scarpetta's world to life? We recently spoke to Bryan Parker from the Formosa Group, who worked extensively on season one to capture the sound of Scarpetta! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Bryan Parker discusses the general idea behind Scarpetta's soundscape and dives into how he and his team captured it for the show. With two distinct times come two vastly different environments, so how exactly do they build those two different worlds? A lot of time and effort go into discovering what Kay Scarpetta's past and present world is, all of which you might not even think about in the moment. Explore how Parker and the rest of his team at Formosa have added these sound elements and more in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) was an unexpected hit from our most recent trip to New York City. There's just something about the story of Dougal and Robin discovering fundamental truths about themselves because of their adventures together. Two Strangers is deeply moving and unbelievably real in almost every way, giving Broadway the heart that it desperately needs at this time. While the story itself spoke volumes to our hosts, there was also something to be said about the music and stagecraft of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). In this episode of the BSB podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down those aspects of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). With catchy music that gets stuck in your head, is there a certain song that caught their attention? Did having the band on stage add to the overall feel of the show or distract from the world of Robin and Dougal? With a simplistic stage design, how well does Two Strangers transport audiences into this bright and colorful world? And most importantly...will Brian ever get the name of the show right???? Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Head Over Heels is one of the most delightfully unconventional musicals to reach Broadway in recent years. Set to the infectious hits of The Go-Go’s, the show transforms a 16th-century pastoral romance into a vibrant, contemporary celebration of love, identity, and self-discovery. What could have been a simple jukebox musical becomes something far more inventive: a witty, fast-paced comedy that embraces absurdity while delivering a surprisingly heartfelt message. What truly distinguishes Head Over Heels is its fearless commitment to inclusivity and joy. A joy that was radiating off of the director of St. Dunstan Theatre's production of Head Over Heels, Jerry Haines, and cast member, Angela VanKempen, when we spoke to them about this musical!   In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Haines and VanKempen discuss what drives them about this product and their excitement about bringing it to life. While VanKempen wasn't too familiar with the musical prior to auditioning, Haines has had a deep love for the project since seeing the original Broadway cast in New York City! From a colorful design to the challenges of performing a show like Head Over Heels in an outdoor Greek theatre, there's nothing off-limits in this exciting interview!   Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

When was the last time you revisited a theatrical classic? A story that is timeless and continues to live on long past its time on stage. Since we've begun our journey here at BSB Insider, we've seen quite a few revivals come across the stages of Broadway, but none so striking as the most recent take on the William Shakespeare classic, Romeo + Juliet! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko visit the fair city of Verona once again as we dissect the most recent Broadway revival of Romeo + Juliet! While we broke down the story and the characters in part one, we're now looking at the magic that happened at the Circle in the Square Theatre! From the design of the stage to the use of the entire theater in such a unique way, what about the stagecraft really stood out in this production? Did the addition of some original music from Jack Antonoff add anything magical to the show, or did it distract from the prose of William Shakespeare? And just what is the deal with the large teddy bears that adorned both the stage and the lobby outside? Don't worry, we're here to help figure it out and get to the bottom of all these questions in this exciting podcast episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is a sparkling, sharply observed musical that proves how much emotional weight can be carried by the lightest of premises. What begins as a whimsical mission to transport a wedding cake across Manhattan unfolds into a richly textured exploration of identity, family, and the unexpected connections that shape our lives. Set against the restless energy of New York City, the show pairs quick-witted dialogue with an infectious score that balances contemporary pop influences and genuine emotional depth. While it was the wild card going into our most recent trip to New York City, it quickly became a BSB Broadway favorite that we still haven't been able to shut up about. In this episode of the BSB podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the story and characters in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). As this show only has two actors on stage, unless you count the band, how does Two Strangers build emotional depth? What was it about the story that made Brian cry so profusely? And perhaps, most importantly, do the characters actually manage to successfully carry a cake across New York? Found out those answers and more in this episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

They Will Kill You is the kind of horror-action film that kicks down the door, splashes blood across the walls, and dares you not to have fun. Director Kirill Sokolov's vision is crystal clear, as audiences follow Asia Reaves, a former convict who takes a housekeeping job in a creepy New York apartment building. However, it isn't long until she discovers that its residents are hiding a deadly secret.  The film thrives on its chaotic energy, blending outrageous violence with sharp humor and a fast-moving plot. And perhaps, most importantly, a certain kind of sound... We had a chance to sit down with two of the sound geniuses from Formosa Group, who worked on They Will Kill You, Duncan McRae (re-recording mixer) and Jeff Pitts (supervising sound editor)! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, McRae and Pitts discuss the art of sound design and what it took to bring this particular project to life. Using genres such as anime and 1970s Kung Fu films, these explore how sound not only delivers a narrative but also becomes an integral part of the story. Which scenes and elements proved to be a particularly difficult aspect of They Will Kill You? And just what is it about the film that drew these two in right away? Check out this exciting interview to learn all these answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

There are friendships, there are wedding parties, and then there are the women of Always a Bridesmaid, a group so committed to their friendship that they seem permanently trapped in a cycle of bouquets, bridesmaid dresses, and wedding cake. This show from Jones Hope Wooten proves that while fashions change, hairstyles evolve, and romantic relationships come and go, true friends will always be there to stand beside you at the altar, whether you like it or not. Always a Bridesmaid recently arrived at Meadow Brook Theatre, and we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with two of the cast members from this show, Milika Cheree and Stephanie Wahl! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Stephanie Wahl and Milika Cheree discuss what it's like to return to Meadow Brook Theater for the closing show of this current season! As a straight show brimming with comedy, these two talk about what it's like switching it up from a musical to being on stage with a stellar cast of women. What has been the best part of being a part of this production? Give this interview a listen to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

If musical theatre is a game of strategy, then Chess is the intermezzo move. It is the rare musical whose score is so dazzling that it has survived productions that often struggled to match its energy. While directors, producers, and dramaturgs have spent decades trying to solve this puzzle, the music itself has never been the problem. From its thunderous opening chords to its soaring power ballads, the score combines pop sophistication with theatrical sweep in a way few musicals have managed before or since. Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame, with lyrics by Tim Rice, Chess sounds as though the arena concert and the Broadway stage had been locked in a room together and somehow emerged as equals.  In this episode of the BSB Podcasts, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the music and score, along with the set, of this recent Broadway revival. Staged as a concert in many ways, with the band right there on stage with the actors, how does this most recent staging of Chess work for the show? Which songs were standouts, and what performances fell a little flat? And perhaps most importantly, is Chess a checkmate? There's so much to talk about this Tony-nominated musical, so join us as we finish our conversation about this Broadway show! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Few musicals have enjoyed a reputation as gloriously complicated as Chess. For decades, it has occupied a peculiar place in Broadway lore: too beloved to be forgotten, too messy to be universally embraced. Its long-awaited Broadway revival finally gives audiences another chance to witness a show that has spent nearly forty years trying to win a match against its own reputation. Set amid the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War, Chess transforms an international chess tournament into a battlefield of egos, ideologies, and romantic entanglements. In lesser hands, a musical about competitive chess might sound about as exciting as watching paint dry on a Soviet apartment block. And yet, there's something special happening eight times a week at the Imperial Theatre. The stage, or chessboard, is set, and this Broadway show is ready to check the king! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko talk about the story and characters of Chess, which is a feat unto itself. With the show being more of a staged musical concert, how does the story translate to this latest revival? When a Queen is stuck between two impossible Kings, who will come out on top? And when it comes to love, does anyone truly win? You'll have to give this episode a listen to find out all those answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder proves that murder can be surprisingly charming when wrapped in wit, elegance, and a perfectly tailored Edwardian suit. The musical follows Monty Navarro, an ambitious young man who discovers he is ninth in line to a noble title and decides that waiting for fate to do its work is simply inefficient. What follows is a delightfully absurd parade of accidents, disguises, and increasingly creative murders as Monty works his way up the family tree. We had the pleasure of speaking with the fast-talking Monty, or at least the actor behind him, Adam Wager, and fellow cast member, Celeste Blanch, about their time in this Avon Players production! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Wager and Blanch talk about what drew them to A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder at Avon Players! How is this local Michigan playhouse bringing the world of Monty Navarro to life on stage? How has this show challenged these actors, and what is their favorite song from the production? Check out this interview to learn all these answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Life seems full of What-ifs, which is something I think about constantly. Not in a way that I'm regretting the decisions I've made up to this moment, but looking more with a fascination of what could have been, if something small had been changed. I know I'm not alone in this, as the idea of what could be is enchanting to think about, since life could look vastly different because of a choice that feels perhaps insignificant at the time. The Last Wide Open, which is making its Michigan premiere at Theatre Nova, explores those possibilities across three different timelines and their impact on the power of love. We spoke with the two cast members from this production, Michael Alan Herman and Josie Herman, about what it's like to bring this show to Theatre Nova! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Michael and Josie Herman discuss what it's like to tell this out-of-time love story, and how being married in real life influences the show unfolding on stage! With those three distinct timelines in The Last Wide Open, how do these two actors approach developing their characters? As a play, how does music factor into the show? And with this show utilizing fourth wall breaking, how does that dynamic impact The Last Wide Open? Find out these answers and more in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

BSB Insider sat down with writer, director, and performer Cece King to discuss her new original play, Redemption Song, premiering at The Broadwater Second Stage as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Set in rural Kentucky, the play follows Joe Malone, a gifted musician returning home after serving time in prison, as he attempts to reconnect with the family he left behind. Through emotionally driven storytelling and original music, Redemption Song explores addiction, family trauma, forgiveness, and the difficult road toward healing. In our conversation, Cece King opens up about the inspiration behind the play, the choice to weave original music into the story, and what it means to create character-driven theatre that does not shy away from complicated people or painful truths. With original songs by Matt Pynn and Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Wes Hutchinson, Redemption Song brings together theatre, music, and deeply human storytelling in a way that feels intimate, honest, and timely. Learn more about this incredible show and the multi-talented performer behind it, in this exclusive interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

I vividly remember reading the novel Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow in college. It was during an English course focused on the American Dream, with a series of books to show us what that really meant throughout the decades. I'm sure plenty of us grew up with the promise that we'd graduate from school, get a job, have a family, and that damn picket fence. This was the idea that our parents were sold, and their parents before them; that dream was only realized for some, and a nightmare for many more. While the message of Ragtime was understood, it didn't fully sink in until I was sitting in Lincoln Center listening to the dazzling music of this Tony Award-winning revival. In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the music and stagecraft of Ragtime! While both hosts are familiar with this project in different ways, how enchanting was the musical's soundscape? As a show that is told mostly through song, which numbers stood out? There are a few that RJ draws from his theater history that people tend to keep coming back to. Join these two as they also discuss the recent landscape of Broadway, with concert-esque shows seeming to be all the rage! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

There are some musicals that stay with you long after the curtain closes, haunting you in the best way possible. The music floats in and out of your mind, the story playing in your head repeatedly. The message at the center sticks with you, prompting you to reflect both on the show itself and on what it says about the society you live in. Ragtime at the Lincoln Center is one of those stories that comes with an incredible weight about America's past and just how much work we still need to do in our future. This revival of the classic musical is nothing short of extraordinary and a frontrunner for the 79th Tony Awards. But what about the story and characters of Ragtime stand out? We have a lot to discuss. In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the themes within Ragtime and why the story is so poignant in today's society. Is there a specific character's story arc that resonates the most with our hosts? Whose performance speaks volumes in a show packed with so many spectacular actors? Were there any narrative plots that fell flat compared to others? You'll have to give this part 1 discussion of Ragtime to learn all those answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

It's not every day that you get to see a classic in the theater world. No, I'm not talking about productions of The Sound of Music, West Side Story, or Oklahoma; I'm talking about those plays that have stood the test of time, even if they're rarely produced in today's theater landscape. Take Anton Chekhov, for example. A prolific Russian playwright whose works don't often make it to the stage. Or, if they do, there are specific pieces of Chekhov's, such as Uncle Vanya, that continue to find life on stage. However, lesser-known comedies by the playwright also speak volumes, which is why Sanio Kurtesevic has decided to bring them to NYC with a new show, A Night of Chekhov! We spoke to Sanio Kurtesevic about the importance of bringing classic shows such as these three plays to the stage, and why it's a mission for him and his production company, Duze Productions! With a background as an actor, the director discusses how he leads shows like this one and how collaboration with others is essential to bringing his productions to life. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Much like the rest of the world, we can't seem to stop talking about the Broadway sensation, Hamilton! This iconic musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, the American Revolution, and the impact he continues to have on this country. Blending traditional sets and costumes with hip-hop and rap, history (or at least a version of it) unfolds right in front of your eyes! This Lin-Manuel Miranda musical is an absolute well-oiled machine, bringing consistent high-quality theater to a city near you while on its North American tour, all of which we'll talk about in this second part of our Hamilton discussion! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the music and stagecraft of this incredible production. With both of our hosts having seen Hamilton before, how did this tour compare to the others? Was it just as strong this time as it was previously? With so many songs packed into the three-hour show, which ones were standouts? Who gave it their all for the performances while it was stopped at The Fisher Theatre as the final show of ATG Detroit's current season? Give this part two discussion a listen to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Who doesn't love a date with a brand new show, right? There's something about entering into a show that you know nothing about and being pleasantly surprised by what happens on stage. Here in this part of Michigan, we have so many incredibly talented individuals who are bringing remarkable pieces of art to life on and off the stage. Take Jim Territo, the mind behind the upcoming cabaret show, Be Nice, Think Twice, for example! It takes someone with immense talent to write an entire show, let alone do so in just a few short months! We had the absolute pleasure to speak with Jim Territo and director Lauren Fuller about what audiences can expect from this one-of-a-kind show! In this exclusive interview, Jim Territo and Lauren Fuller discuss the depth of Be Nice, Think Twice, and where this project really began. The creative mind behind the show talks about where the idea for Be Nice, Think Twice came from and why it felt important to bring the show to the public. Fuller discusses why she was attracted to this project and her directorial vision for it. Which songs are their favorites, and what are they hoping audiences take away from the experience? Give this exciting interview a listen to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

History class rarely includes rap battles, dramatic dance numbers, or a crowd singing about tax policy, but Hamilton somehow makes all three wildly entertaining. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical takes the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton and turns it into a fast-paced Broadway phenomenon packed with hip-hop, humor, heartbreak, and enough lyrical speed to make subtitles feel necessary. What sounds like the world’s riskiest history project quickly becomes impossible to stop watching. For over a decade, Hamilton has continued to enchant audiences at the Richard Rodger Theatre, or if you're lucky, in a city near you, as this unstoppable show continues its tour de force. This musical, which blends contemporary music with a colonial feel, has recently arrived at The Fisher Theatre, and Detroit showed up and showed out! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the story and characters of the North American touring production of Hamilton! With both of us having seen the show before to varying degrees, how did this production hold up to previous ones? Find out in this episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

As someone who began an outlet with my best friend because of our shared love of Broadway and Theatre, I understand the strength of the bonds we form over the course of our lives. Whether it be with family who prove that blood is thicker than water, or the chosen family we gather, there are some relationships that can't be broken, even when life tries to do so. It's a friendship like that that is put to the test in Rajiv Joseph's King James, currently running at the Detroit Public Theatre! We had the pleasure of chatting with the cast of this production, Mateo Davis and Alexander Pobutsky, about what it's like stepping into the roles of Shawn and Matt, respectively! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Davis and Pobutsky discuss what drew them to this particular project and the challenges of bringing their characters to life. With King James being a two-person show, both actors have no one else to rely on on stage except each other. While they're both up to the task, are there specific challenges to a two-person play? Give this interview a listen to learn all of this and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

If you're a theater nerd such as myself, and let's be honest, you probably are if you've found your way to this site, then you probably grew up on all the classic movie musicals. Between my mother and grandmother, I've seen most, if not all, of the classics that came on VHS. Each film felt so special that even to this day, when I hear one of the songs, I'm filled with so much nostalgia. That's just a piece of what Gotta Dance! is tapping into with its revue show, which highlights the best of Broadway and Hollywood. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with one of the cast members from this production, Deanna Doyle, about what it's like to dance to some of these iconic songs! In this exclusive interview, Doyle discusses her excitement to be part of a show like Gotta Dance! and which number is her favorite. She explores her personal journey into the arts, which eventually led her to this show! With a background in psychology, she discusses how it has shaped her time on stage and in teaching others. Learn more about this extraordinary performer and this incredible show she's in, in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Welcome to Gotta Dance! a new show that's a love letter to all the golden age of song and dance from both Broadway and Hollywood! With numbers from some of your favorite shows and films, such as A Chorus Line and West Side Story, this revue is jam-packed with impressive dance moves and that high-energy feel you'll be riding all night! We recently spoke with Gotta Dance! cast member Drew Minard about what audiences can expect from the show and his personal journey into the world of theater and dance! In this exclusive BSB Insider, Drew Minard discusses what it's like to be a part of Gotta Dance! and what it's like to keep that high energy up for almost two hours, eight times a week! With so many iconic songs performed across the revue, Minard explores some of his favorites and why some numbers from Broadway and Hollywood stand the test of time. His journey into theater began when he was young, with a start in Billy Elliot before continuing his education in the Arts. However, what were the steps that led him to this show? Find out in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

A Little Night Music is basically what happens when wealthy, overly dramatic people spend a weekend making terrible romantic decisions in the Swedish countryside, but with incredible music and fancy clothes. This musical by Stephen Sondheim follows actresses, lawyers, husbands, wives, and lovers as they flirt, argue, scheme, and accidentally reveal far too much about themselves. Nearly everyone is in love with the wrong person, which creates the kind of emotional chaos that is both painful and hilarious to watch. Birmingham Village Players is closing out their season with a strong sense of whimsy, and we had the pleasure of talking with three cast members from this production, Russell Boyle, Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz, and Justin Heald! In this exclusive BSB Insider, these three actors talk about what drew them to wanting to be in A Little Night Music, and what it’s like to be in a Birmingham Village Players production! With this being a bucket list musical for Boyle, what is it about this show that is so attractive to him? How has Kalmowitz’s time as a cantor influenced her work on this production? As a member of the Quintet, how is Heald’s role the backbone of A Little Night Music? Check out this interview to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In Hadestown, the band doesn’t sit beside the story; it is the story. Anaïs Mitchell (much like the fates with their tapestry) threads together folk, jazz, blues, and gospel until the music feels less like accompaniment and more like fate itself: seductive, restless, impossible to outrun. Every trombone growl and train-beat rhythm pulls Orpheus and Eurydice deeper underground, proving that in this retelling of a Greek myth, the songs carry as much power as the gods. Hadestown's music is so integral to the show that it deserves its own conversation! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko, along with special guest Ryann Ferguson, discuss the music and stagecraft of this incredible touring production. With a distinct sound that blends the smoothness of jazz with a feel ripped right from New Orleans, how do the songs of Hadestown serve the overall story?  Does that blend of soul match the story being told on stage at The Fisher Theatre? As is expected with most touring productions, the staging features some significant changes from its Broadway counterpart, so how exactly does this show translate to life on the road? And what are our final verdicts of this show? Listen to this exciting episode to find all that out and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

If someone told you that a tragic Greek myth could feel like a smoky jazz concert, a labor protest, and a love story all at once, you might have been skeptical; however, the long-running Broadway musical Hadestown combines all that and more. This genre-defying musical takes the ancient tale of Orpheus and Eurydice and drops it into a gritty, industrial world where gods act like corporate bosses and hope is as scarce as sunlight. From the mind of Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown doesn’t just retell a story you may have heard before; it reshapes it into something urgent, emotional, and surprisingly relevant. It's poetic in its delivery, with music that speaks to the soul and a story where love battles fear, and trust is constantly put to the test. In this episode of the BSB Podcast, Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko welcome guest Ryann Ferguson to break down the story and characters from the North American touring production of Hadestown! While this is a well-known Greek myth, how does Hadestown truly capture that story on stage? With a jazz-influenced world, how does this production combine these two different ideas? With characters based on Greek Gods, are some more relatable than others? With so many stories and characters to chat about, you'll have to listen to see where Hadestown ranks amongst so many other Broadway shows! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Which classic musical films or Broadway shows did you grow up on? There are always at least a few that define us, theater lovers, sometimes becoming an integral part of our personality. To this day, I still watch The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer at least four times a year, because it fills me with so much joy, from the iconic songs to the impressive dance numbers. Well, what if there was a show that paid respect to those dance numbers from all your favorite classic musicals? That's exactly what's going on in Gotta Dance! and we had the absolute pleasure of speaking to one of the cast members, Keely Beirne! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Beirne talks about her personal journey into acting and dancing, and how it eventually brought her to the stages of NYC. From performing in shows such as Aladdin and Moulin Rouge to now dancing eight times a week in Gotta Dance!, this actress discusses the excitement and challenges of her current role. What is her favorite number to perform (hint! one of them is classic starring Rita Moreno)? Listen to this exciting interview to find out all that and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!