Austin Interviews

Bonnie Cullum of The VORTEX Theatre Isn't Letting a Global Pandemic Dampen Her Spirit
by Madelyn Geyer - September 18, 2020, Austin

Madelyn Geyer: We're in the middle of an unprecedented global pandemic. How are you doing? ...

Simone Alexander of New Manifest Theatre Company Creates the Change She Wants to See
by Madelyn Geyer - September 15, 2020, Austin

Madelyn Geyer: We're more than halfway through a historic and heartbreaking year in the world, and especially for the United States. How are you doing and what is this year been like for you so far? ...

Bob Bursey of TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS AND FUSEBOX FESTIVAL COLLABORATION
by Kathy Strain - September 09, 2020, Austin

The year 2020 has proven to be full of unprecedented moments including the closing of live theater all over the world. It hasna??t been easy for the performing arts industry to find a way to bring entertainment to the public that is craving it. However, the Texas Performing Arts (TPA) and Fusebox Fe...

TILT Performance Group is in the Business of Shattering Stereotypes
by Madelyn Geyer - June 17, 2020, Austin

TILT Performance Group's Executive Director Amy Tarver and Artistic Director Adam Roberts discuss the unexpectedly positive impacts of COVID-19, upcoming projects, and shattering stereotypes on and off the stage....

Austin Playwright Maggie Gallant Discusses Finding Balance in the Current Chaos and the Video Premiere of Her Play, HOT DOGS AT THE EIFFEL TOWER
by Madelyn Geyer - April 08, 2020, Austin

Thank goodness there's an abundance of artists in Austin providing that much needed escape through their art; much of which has been moved to a virtual medium. One such artist is Maggie Gallant, whose critically-acclaimed show HOT DOGS AT THE EIFFEL TOWER makes its video premiere the Hyde Park Th...

Resilience in the Present and Hope in the Future: A Chat with Benjamin and Andrea Summers of Street Corner Arts
by Madelyn Geyer - March 31, 2020, Austin

In the last few weeks we've gotten to see what happens when the world stops and waits with bated breath. Though the future feels bleak and uncertain, there's an opportunity to connect as we never have before, exercise problem solving muscles, and create a new normal for the foreseeable future....

Sharone Sayegh of COME FROM AWAY at Bass Concert Hall
by Kathy Strain - February 10, 2020, Austin

September 11, 2001 was a terrifying day for so many people. There were so many who initially felt so helpless as the news continued to broadcast all the sadness, destruction, and death surrounding the attacks. Planes were ordered to land wherever they could leaving the passengers worried, alone, and...

Jane Brockman of HELLO, DOLLY! at Bass Concert Hall
by Kathy Strain - January 14, 2020, Austin

HELLO, DOLLY! has been entertaining audiences since it first hit Broadway in 1964 with Carol Channing as Dolly Gallagher Levi. As many productions and revivals ensued, the endearing qualities of this stellar show continue to sell-out. Currently on tour in North America, BWW caught up with actress Ja...

Mariah Lyttle of THE COLOR PURPLE at Bass Hall and AT&T Performing Arts Center
by Kyle Christopher West - December 23, 2019, Austin

Newcomer Mariah Lyttle hasn't exactly pounded the New York City pavement quite yet, but it's not a reflection on her motivation or hard work. In fact, the young actress barely crossed the graduation stage before headlining a regional production of THE WIZ, which closed only moments before she booked...

Jenna Rubaii of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Bass Concert Hall
by Kathy Strain - September 30, 2019, Austin

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been one of the most beloved shows since it was first written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. With the release of the American album in 1970, it has become known as the a?oeBrown Albuma?? based on the original cover. It became an instant hit in households all over the...

Jillian Butler of LES MISERABLES at Bass Concert Hall
by Kathy Strain - September 06, 2019, Austin

“Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men? It is the music of the people who will not be slaves  again.” Familiar lyrics to the familiar show LES MISERABLES. The story tells of redemption and unity. It also shares the hope of so many wishing for a better world to live in. LES MISER...

Tarik Daniels of FIREFLIES at Whatsinthemirror?
by Lynn Beaver - August 13, 2019, Austin

Tarik Daniels, recent winner of an Austin Under 40 Award for his mental health advocacy using his theatre company Whatsinthemirror? presents FIREFLIES by Donna R. Love opens August 14th at Santa Cruz Center For Culture. A quiet young man with an ever ready megawatt smile, Tarik's joy in life is infe...

Brooke Singer of CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE 90'S MUSICAL at Dallas' Winspear Opera House
by Kyle Christopher West - May 14, 2019, Austin

Texas-born Brooke Singer is no stranger to the stage. In fact, she's been performing professionally since before most of her peers had picked their first extra-curricular activity. And now, after years of sailing the world playing famous Disney characters like Belle and performing in the world premi...

Maite Uzal as Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF on Tour
by Kathy Strain - March 31, 2019, Austin

There have been many great Broadway shows that have graced the stage of Bass Concert Hall that have entertained. However, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is one that will be talked about for a long time. With all of the amazing songs like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” “Matchmaker,” and “Sunrise Sunset,” ...

Chatting with Tari Kelly as Countess Lily in ANASTASIA on Tour
by Kathy Strain - February 05, 2019, Austin

The story of ANASTASIA is one of mystery, sadness, joy and romance. The audience is taken on a journey with a young girl who doesn't know her past. She wants to know where she came from and where she really belongs. As ANASTASIA continues to tour throughout North America, BWW had a chance to catch u...

Matt DeAngelis as Earl in WAITRESS on Tour
by Kathy Strain - January 19, 2019, Austin

WAITRESS has been touring North America for a short time but already audiences are falling in love with this amazing musical that has music by Sara Bareillas. The story is one of hope that comes from despair and joy that comes from sorrow. As WAITRESS finds its way to Austin, Texas and Bass Concert ...

BWW Review: Theatre en Bloc's UNTIL THE FLOOD: A rich and intense 90 minutes of what theatre does best.
by Joni Lorraine - November 09, 2018, Austin

UNTIL THE FLOOD is a rich and intense 90 minutes of what theatre does best....

Sean Thompson on Touring LOVE NEVER DIES
by Frank Benge - November 05, 2018, Austin

Andrew Lloyd Webber's sequel to one of Broadway's longest running musicals, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, is his show LOVE NEVER DIES; which is currently touring across the United States. The tour staging is inspired by the reworked 2011 Australian production of the musical. To give Austin audiences an ...

Ned Noyes as Max in THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
by Kathy Strain - October 18, 2018, Austin

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG is certainly a play that seems intriguing just by the title. "The Murder at Havernesh Manor" is the title of the play within the play that can't seem to stay on script. It seems that everything and anything goes wrong. This sets in motion so many mishaps, the audiences can't...

Devin Finn and Katie Bender on the Theatre Synesthesia Production of THE FAULT
by Frank Benge - September 25, 2018, Austin

Theatre Synesthesia has only been on the scene for a few short years, yet in that short time, they've managed to get on several award lists and have even walked away with a few of those awards. Their work has been exclusively dedicated to producing the writing of playwright Casey Wimpee... until now...

Lisa B. Thompson and Her New Play MONROE at Austin Playhouse
by Frank Benge - August 30, 2018, Austin

Lisa B. Thompson burst onto the Austin theatre scene in a big way last season with her play UNDERGROUND, which was not only nominated for most of the awards given in Austin, but also managed to walk away with a few. She capped off the season by winning the New Play award from Austin Playhouse's annu...

Stuart Moulton and Eighteen Years of Austin Cabaret Theatre
by Frank Benge - August 04, 2018, Austin

One of Austin's best kept secrets is Austin Cabaret Theatre, which quietly brings in the best of the New York cabaret scene for one night only performances. This is all due to one man, Stuart Moulton. Stuart lives in New York City, but his love of Austin is unmistakable. We recently sat down with hi...

J. Robert Moore on Sixty Years of the Zilker Summer Musical and ALL SHOOK UP
by Frank Benge - June 27, 2018, Austin

Who hasn't been to one of the Broadway musical gems that play out in the open air amphitheatre during these blistering hot Austin summers? A gift to the community, the Zilker Summer Musical has been part of Austin for sixty years now. Always free to the public, this year's offering is ALL SHOOK UP, ...

Peter Bay on Texas-sized production of 'MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers'
by Frank Benge - June 13, 2018, Austin

Leonard Bernstein is an American treasure. He was one of the first American born conductors to receive worldwide acclaim. His fame is derived not only from his long tenure as the music director of the New York Philharmonic, but also from his conducting most of the world's leading orchestras, and fr...

Teri Hansen as Madame Baurel in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
by Kathy Strain - May 24, 2018, Austin

Many may have heard of the movie AN AMERICAN IN PARIS that starred Gene Kelly and featured such songs as "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise," "S Wonderful," and "I Got Rhythm." Well, the recent Broadway hit of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS took some of the story, some of the songs, and added to it. What was ...

Dalis Allen - Producer of the Kerrville Folk Festival
by Kathy Strain - May 24, 2018, Austin

Every year, Quiet Valley Ranch just outside the small town of Kerrville, Texas is transformed into a musical wonderland as the Kerrville Folk Festival is presented for 18 days. It showcases singer/songwriters who show passion and joy for the art of folk music. People come from all over the world to ...

Andy Huntington Jones in THE BOOK OF MORMON on Tour
by Kathy Strain - April 16, 2018, Austin

As THE BOOK OF MORMON tours around North America, it has sold-out in city after city. Locals enjoy the opportunity to laugh and have a fun evening watching THE BOOK OF MORMON while they forget their outside worries. Currently on tour with the company is Andy Jones who is playing the role of Elder Mc...

Elizabeth Doss and Lisa Laratta on paper chairs newest Original Work THE REPENTANCE OF ST. JOAN
by Frank Benge - March 22, 2018, Austin

Austin theatre troupe paper chairs has been creating original works of theatre here for the past eight years that consistently push boundaries both verbal and visual. These fresh and exciting works are, in no small part, due to two women who were among the founding members, Elizabeth Doss and Lisa L...

Colleen McLaughlin as Sibella Hallward in A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER on Tour
by Kathy Strain - March 13, 2018, Austin

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER is a fun, whacky, entertaining show that won four Tony Awards including Best Musical. It seems to be a favorite by everyone. It's one that will entertain the entire family. As the show prepares to come to Austin, Texas, BWW caught up with Colleen McLaughlin who p...

Kate Clark on THE CURATE SHAKESPEARE AS YOU LIKE IT
by Frank Benge - February 24, 2018, Austin

Coming in March, The Baron's Men will be presenting the rarely performed The Curate Shakespeare AS YOU LIKE at the Curtain Theatre. This unique piece of theatre is subtitled 'the record of one company's attempt to perform the play by William Shakespeare.' The piece came about when the playwright, Do...

Jose Llana as the King in THE KING AND I on Tour
by Kathy Strain - December 11, 2017, Austin

The success of THE KING AND I over the years has been nothing short of remarkable. The movie version from the 1950's brought Yul Brynner to center stage as he played the role of this famous king. With so many incarnations of the iconic musical there have been quite a few actors who have worked hard ...

Aaron Johnson and His New Play SALTY World Premiere Scheduled For Spring in New York
by Frank Benge - December 05, 2017, Austin

Aaron Johnson is best known to Austin audiences for his strong body of performances, including Tribes (Daniel) at ZACH Theatre; Orphans (Phillip), Skylight (Edward) with Street Corner Arts; The Totalitarians (Ben) with Theatre en Bloc; The Real Thing (Billy), The Explorers Club (Lucius), Bloomsday (...

Robert King, Jr. and THE VOICES OF DONNY HATHAWAY
by Frank Benge - November 06, 2017, Austin

On January 13th, 1979, the world lost singer Donny Hathaway. Austinite Robert King Jr. has written a new, thought provoking musical, in which he introduces the audience to a side of Donny Hathaway that has never been explored before. Most people are unaware Hathaway battled with voices that haunted ...

Lyndie Moe as Maureen in RENT on Tour
by Kathy Strain - October 09, 2017, Austin

It's hard to believe that RENT is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. But, from its debut on Broadway to the present, audiences have loved this great show that tackles important issues but at the same time manages to connect with the audience. BWW recently caught up with Lyndie Moe who is playing Maur...

Devin Finn and Nick Kier of Theatre Synesthesia
by Frank Benge - June 28, 2017, Austin

One of Austin's most innovative theatre companies is Theatre Synesthesia, which has been recently recognized with awards from both BroadwayWorld and the Austin Critic's Table. We had an opportunity to sit down with two of the company founders, Devin Finn and Nick Kier to find out more about this com...

Scott Cote as Brother Jeremiah in SOMETHING ROTTEN on Tour
by Kathy Strain - May 16, 2017, Austin

When Nick and Nigel Bottom decided they wanted to write a new hit play, they knew they had a lot of work ahead of them. With William Shakespeare as their competition, they knew they had to be new and innovative. The hilarious show SOMETHING ROTTEN is an original musical comedy with a book by John O'...

Benjamin Summers of StreetCorner Arts
by Frank Benge - April 06, 2017, Austin

Continuing our series of interviews of Austin Theatre companies and the artists behind them, BroadwayWorld had the opportunity to talk to Benjamin Summers about StreetCorner Arts during their Tech Week for their latest production, PERFECT MENDACITY....

Michael Rader of LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL at ZACH Theatre
by Frank Benge - April 04, 2017, Austin

BroadwayWorld recently asked ZACH Theatre's guest director Michael Rader, in town to direct the Austin Premiere of LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL, to give our readers a little background on him and the production, which runs April 5-30 on the Topher Stage....

Katherine Catmull on SISTER OF SHATTERING GLASS February 13th Deadline
by Frank Benge - February 08, 2017, Austin

Young Adult novelist and actress Katerine Catmull has teamed up with Physical Plant Theatre to create SISTER OF SHATTERING GLASS, an adventure story told entirely with text messages. The adventure follows Catmull's characters Summer and Bird in a race to the center of a dark maze located behind the ...

Bonnie Cullum and The Vortex
by Frank Benge - December 14, 2016, Austin

Continuing our series of articles about Austin performing companies and the artists behind them, we caught up recently with the very busy Bonnie Cullum of The Vortex to ask her about the past, present and future of the popular East Austin venue....