MUSI-CAST

We get together over zoom to discuss staying creative during the pandemic, overview their careers in theater and in particular talk about their experiences performing in The Lion King.

I talk to musical theater star Valerie Perri about her background, her career and her family. I also speak to her sons, twin composers Jack and Benny Lipson, and we hear a selection from their song cycle "Brainstorm" performed at a recent Musi-Cal.

In this episode I talk to Broadway Legend Kay Cole. We discuss her upbringing & training, her long and varied career, and her creative process. We also dig down into her participation in the creation of A CHORUS LINE. I also go upstairs prior to FNAM'S Musi-Cal where I talk to composing team Landon Ashworth and Jason Pelsey about astronaut training and how it influenced their musical "TO THE MOON."

I talk to writing team Zach Marsh & Ari Wojiech about their 1 act musical "The Dinner Party." We also discuss Zach's work for The Miracle Project which creates theater for performers on the autism scale. Then I talk to former Disney Channel Star Ryan McCartan about learning the ropes of the business through the Disney process, what it was like to win The Jimmy Awards and how to survive a high profile Hollywood breakup.

In this episode, I interview students who have written ten minute musicals as part of FNAM's PATHWAY PROGRAM. I also talk to actor Eric B. Anthony about how growing up in community theater and the instructors who influenced him all contributed to him going from a rough neighborhood it Baltimore to Broadway. We also hear a song Eric performs at FNAM's 3rd Mondays.

Laura Watkins & Nicholas David Brandt talk about how current events inspired their musical "Glass Ceilings." They also talk about their previous presentation at Musi-Cal, "Comi-Con: The Musical" and give us their "nerd credentials." Actor/Singer Eurimas Losada talks about coming of age doing theater in Miami and how his background as a Cuban-American immigrant informed his portrayal of one of the most iconic Cuban-Americans, Desi Arnaz.

Composer ZACH SPOUND talks about the Johnny Mercer Songwriter's workshop and his musical LEAP; SOMETHING ROTTEN star AUTUM HURLBERT discusses her role as Portia in the Tony nominated musical and going on tour with a toddler.

Dr. Ed Trimis and students talk about the Foundation's PATHWAY program. Composer Divya Maus presents a number and talks about her new musical The Mollyhouse created with writing partner Richard Hansen.

In the green room prior to our Musi-Cal showcase, I'll talk to Cole Porter award winning composer Brett Ryback. Then I talk to film/TV & stage actress, Jean Louisa Kelly about growing up in theater, appearing on Broadway in the Original Cast of Into The Woods, and about her approach to singing Sondheim music.

An interview with actor, singer and Tony-nominated director, MICHAEL ARDEN. We talk about his influences, and his career, especially his work with Deaf-West Theater, with shows such as BIG RIVER and SPRING AWAKENING. We also go into the green room before MUSI-CAL, and talk to screenwriter CINCO PAUL (DESPICABLE ME, THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS) about his musical, BUBBLE BOY, and the new show he's composing, A.D. 16.

Broadway Audition Coach and author of the book "Audition Freedom: The Irreverent Wellness Guide for Theatre People," VP BOYLE talks about his background, career and tips for up-and-coming and aspiring musical theater professionals. From the Musi-Cal green room, talk about their song cycle, based on Chekov, "We Three Sisters."

Backstage at FNAM's bi-monthly showcase, MUSI-CAL. Jeff L-E & Matt Savarese talk about meeting in college, writing and producing a webseries on a tight deadline, and their new musical, ACES. Jonah Platt talks about growing up doing musicals and the demands of doing 8 shows a week on Broadway.