Neil Haskell News

The Legendary Chita Rivera got her musical theatre start at the age of 17 on the 1st national tour of 'Call Me Madam' and every step since then has paved the way to making her Carnegie Hall debut on Monday Nov. 7th 2016 at 8:00 in Chita: Nowadays. Chita refers to herself as an eternal gypsy, talks about how dancing is acting without words, and that listening is the best way to learn the craft. With ten Tony nominations and two wins, and with consummate wisdom and skill, Chita shares that many of the disciplines that made her a star, she learned from dancing in the chorus. When the universe opens a door, Chita Rivera always peeks in. 

In this episode: Wicked's Jerad Bortz has lit up the Gershwin stage for 11 years and has the attitude of, 'I get to do this everyday' and shares that experience with his cast and audience. After getting his first encouragement from his Grandma, he learned how to swing in a theme park (36 tracks), made his Broadway in Mamma Mia!, and says 'Yes' to life.

In this episode: Janelle A. Robinson trained in opera but always had a love for musical theatre. She has cake walked to "Can't Help Loving that Man" and gave out letters in "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' Janelle talks about being classical trained, becoming a a teacher, race relations in theater, her truth on the myths of non traditional casting, and still being miffed she didn't get cast as Maria in "Sound of Music' as child.

Kinky Boots' Nathan Peck gives an honest take on the reality of aging as a dancer, the toll injuries take on the mind (not just the body), and the sadness one feels when one just cant do what he used to. That being said, Nathan is embracing becoming a character man, loves choreography as just acting with movement, is just a natural comedian, and can still kick 171 degrees. (loosing the 19 degrees is only noticeable to him)

Celebrating the release of the original Broadway Cast Recording of TUCK EVERLASTING, cast members Andrew Keenan Bolger, Michael Parkand Michael Wartella joined composer Chris Miller, lyricist Nathan Tysen and co-bookwriter Tim Federle for a three-song performance, discussion and signing at the Barnes and Noble at 86th & Lexington Ave (150 East 86th Street, New York, NY 10028) earlier this month. BroadwayWorld has photos from the event below!

In this episode: On Your Feet's David Baida- If you were to combine phrases like: 'Slow and steady wins the race,' 'Don't give up on your dreams,' 'Perseverance is the key,' you'd find the career of David Baida. His story spans 20 years of not giving up, finding his creativity outside NYC and within himself, and leaving the business many times. Now he can say its because of Lin-Manuel Miranda that he's working with Gloria Estefan.

Celebrating the release of the original Broadway Cast Recording of TUCK EVERLASTING, cast members Andrew Keenan Bolger, Michael Park and Michael Wartella join composer Chris Miller, lyricist Nathan Tysen and co-bookwriter Tim Federle for a three-song performance, discussion and signing. *This is a wristbanded event. Priority seating with CD purchase from B&N Upper East. Participants subject to change.

In this episode: Susann Fletcher- a whore for Tommy Tune, a Stripper for Jerome Robbins, and a damsel in distress in Bloodsucking Pharoahs in Pittsburgh. She has enough career stories to fill a novel. At her emotional core she is just grateful to still be in this business with her tribe. She plans to continue to break down barriers, mentor the future, and persevere when the inner demons want to set up shop in her head. All the greatness came out of the need to correct a childhood club foot.

Earlier this month, BroadwayWorld announced the results for our first annual Broadway's Backbone Best Musical Ensemble Award, which went to the company of Allegiance. Darren Lee accepted the award on behalf of his cast, with the help of Broadway favorite Sean Palmer and you can check out how it all went down below!

In this episode: Elma Linz Kanefield is the only exclusive psychotherapist dealing specifically with the performing artist in New York City. She created the counseling services at Juilliard 30 years ago by herself and now it thrives with ten social workers. She discusses getting unstuck, getting out of your own way, training your gut and most importantly, the need to change self-talk and the insidious thinking that prevents performers from reaching their performance potential.

In this episode: Broadway Costume Designer Gregg Barnes- In order for the ensemble to finish the storytelling, they need certain tools, and costumes are one of them.  Two-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes treats designing the ensemble as if each member is the star of the show.  His goal isn't only to make every person on stage look beautiful, but feel beautiful. In one of the most joyful interviews, this artistic genius talks about how to communicate with the designer, how the fitting room can be part of the characters creation, and how important it is to give everyone their dignity. 

In this episode: Tripp Hanson is currently in Act 2 of his career, and he sees the possibility of there being four. Tripp started as a street performer, landed on Broadway, toured with Tommy Tune, and now is an acupuncturist with his own practice. Few people are given the arts of healing and musical theatre, but Tripp is a one of a kind creation. When asked how it feels to have left showbiz, he responded, 'I didn't leave my tribe, I just went from warrior to medicine man.'

In this episode: Broadways Scott Barnhardt- Scott was saying "Hello" years before Adele. As a self-proclaimed theatre nerd, this Book of Mormon original cast member discusses the differences between a workshop and a lab, how to survive a bad review and dares to ask the questions, "What else is out there?" 

TUCK EVERLASTING plays its final performance today, Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 7:30pm after playing 28 previews and 39 regular performances at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44th St.).TUCK EVERLASTING began previews March 31 and officially opened on April 26, 2016. BroadwayWorld brings you a look back at TUCK EVERLASTING's journey on Broadway!

TUCK EVERLASTING will play its final performance on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 7:30pm after playing 28 previews and 39 regular performances at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44th St.). TUCK EVERLASTING began previews March 31 and officially opened on April 26, 2016.

In this episode: Susan Stroman maybe the most awarded female director/choreographer in history, but it is her truth as an artist that has made her work ever-evolving. She deservedly has received legendary status and her contributions to the theatre are far from over. In this podcast, "Stro" shares inspiration, guidance, laughter, and reality: with  a  quantity of quotes that are mantra-worthy.  It is Stroman's love for the theatre, respect for the craft and compassion for the performer that makes her an extraordinary woman in a creative yet complicated career. 

Broadway's Tuck Everlasting welcomes Andrew Keenan-Bolger, who currently stars as 'Jesse Tuck' in the new musical, as host for The Shubert Foundation and Music Theatre International's 11th Annual Broadway Junior Student Finale, which will take place at the Imperial Theatre (249 W. 45th St.) today, May 17, 2016 at 10:30 AM.

Broadway's Tuck Everlasting just announced that Andrew Keenan-Bolger, who currently stars as 'Jesse Tuck' in the new musical, will host The Shubert Foundation and Music Theatre International's 11th Annual Broadway Junior Student Finale, which will take place at the Imperial Theatre (249 W. 45th St.) on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 10:30 AM.

In this episode: Sean Palmer- Before he was Prince Eric he was swinging and dancing Fosse, Cilento, and Blankenbuehler. Sean shares how to survive a face plant, find your magic, and come to terms with when your insides don't match your outside. At the heart of the interview is a shy leading man finding his true  authentic self in a industry of judgement. ?

Broadway actors Mark Aldrich and Jimmy Ludwig came up with the idea of matching hit shows with local breweries.