Today's guest is Scott Fowler. Scott has had over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry and is still killing it today. We go into Scott's experience working with Jerome Robbins and what it was like working on Broadway during the AIDS epidemic of the 80's and 90's. We also cover his time working on CHICAGO the movie and a whole lot more!
Today's guest is Eva Noblezada. Eva is currently staring as Kim in MISS SAIGON on Broadway. This episode you find out how she went from being a 17-year-old junior in High School to becoming a Tony nominated actress all within four years!
Today's guest is Marc Bamuthi Joseph. Marc is a spoken-word poet, dancer, and playwright who frequently directs stand alone hip-hop theater plays and was named Dance Magazine's 2017 top influencer. This episode we talk about his childhood, his new show 'Palota' and how he feels art creates change in society.
Today's guest is Lauren Lovette, Lauren is currently only 25 and a principal dancer/choreographer for the New York City Ballet. We talk about her childhood, how she balances performing while creating new work, and a whole bunch more.
Today's guest is Lilli Cooper. Lilli grew up in the entertainment industry. We talk about her family life and how that molded the performer she is today. We also talk about her time performing in the original cast of SPRING AWAKENING at just 16, to her newest musical which starts previews in November, SPONGEBOB SQUARE PANTS.
Today's guest is Michael Critchlow. Critchlow is a Broadway Production Prop man. He has worked on numerous broadway shows, including NEWSIES on Broadway, and has done national and international tours for over 10 years. This episode we dive into his union, what it's like for crew during tech weeks, and why these guys really are the hardest working people in show business!
Today's episode is part 2 of my conversation with Jared Grimes. I highly suggest listening to the first episode so check that out if you haven't. This episode we talk about Jared's very unique daily routines. We also talk about choreographing vs. performing and Jared has some of the best answers to my usual 'final questions.'
Today's guest is Jared Grimes. Jared is a true triple threat. He has shared the stage with legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Gregory Hines, Mariah Carey, and also performed for Barack Obama and Ted Kennedy at the Kennedy Center.
Today's guest is Jessica Cohen. Jessica is currently Sillabub in CATS on Broadway, after touring across America with the First National Tour of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. Previously, she was a professional ballet dancer with the Sarasota Ballet and the Northern Ballet in England. Jessica gives some great advice for getting over nerves before performing. She also talks about how she first started rapping and of course, I had to have her do it on the show!
Today's guest is Kathy Fitzgerald. Kathy has had a career in entertainment for over 30 years and has worked on Broadway in 'THE PRODUCERS', 'WICKED', '9 TO 5', and a whole bunch more including TV/film. We talk about how she met Charlie Chaplin at 12 years old and how at 40 years old she learned the power of the word 'No.'
Today's guests are Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini, and Teddy Forance of Shaping Sound. This was one of the most fun episodes I've done so far! You learn right off the bat why these three are family. You find out the reasons why they started their own company and what plans they have for it in the future. The show has gotten better every year, and with this year's added story line it has them rivaling most Broadway shows!
Today's guest is Chris Peterson. Chris Peterson is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of OnStage Blog. Founded in 2014, OnStage Blog has become one of the most-read theatre blogs in the world.
Today's guest is Teale Dvornik. Teale has been a Broadway dresser for a little over two years. During that time she found a home at the hit Disney show ALADDIN, dressed the world famous Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and worked backstage at Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein during New York Fashion Week.
Today's guest is Courtney Reed. We talk about the first reading for ALADDIN on Broadway, the out of town trials, and even a funny story involving the flying carpet! We also talk about her newest venture, Gagged Chokers, an accessory company. The company is less than a year old and we dive into how she was able to grow the company in such a short time!
Today's guest is John Sorensen-Jolink. John and I talk about his time at NYU and his relationships with the different choreographers he has worked with over the years. We also talk about John's company Coil and Drift and how dance has shaped his view as a furniture designer. As performers we have to have great discipline and I feel John has used that asset very well in his transition to becoming an entrepreneur.
Today's guest is Christine Sienicki. Christine became a Rockette at 18 and has been a part of the show ever since. This episode we talk about her difficult decision to leave college and pursue her career. We also share some of our traveling stories and talk about her time at the festival, Burning Man.
Today's guest is John Selya. John grew up in NYC and trained in the School of American Ballet before joining the American Ballet Theatre. We talk about John's love for surfing, and he tells a great story about his time working with one of my heroes, Mikhail Baryshnikov. We also talk about how he got started working with Twyla Tharp, and a whole lot more!
Today's guests are Solea Pfeiffer and Ryan Vasquez. The two of them are about to go out on the national tour of HAMILTON with Solea performing as the role Eliza. We talk about their time in college at the University of Michigan and opportunities that have lead to their present success. We also talk about how they found out they booked HAMILTON and a whole bunch more!
Today's guest is Justin Guarini. We talk about his family life, his new show on Broadway 'In Transit' and what he has learned from saying 'no' to certain jobs. We also talk about his ALS ice bucket challenge video, which was a really funny video for a really good cause. I put up a link on the website at www.halfhourcall.com.
This episode Al talks about growing up in New Jersey and the many things he learned from his parents, who were also his dance teachers. Al also talks about his time in NYU and what drove him to be the choreographer he is today. I am a huge fan of his choreography and his brilliant story telling. I had a great time this episode and I hope you do to!
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