RDU On Stage

Hear what Erin Sullivan, the Producer and Director of With Love, Marilyn has to say about taking her one-woman homage across the pond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear what Bekah Brunstetter has to say about THE NOTEBOOK and the world premiere of her new play, THE GAME.Connect with UsFacebook @beltlinetobroadwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadwayTikTok @beltlinetobroadway

Hear what Director Sammi Cannold (How to Dance in Ohio) has to say about the show, the process, and the future of Broadway. How to Dance in Ohio will play its final performance on Feburary 11. For more infromation visit https://howtodanceinohiomusical.com/.Connect with Beltline to Broadway:Facebook/TikTok/Instagram: @beltlinetobroadwayWebsite: www.beltlinetobroadway.org

On this episode of the podcast, we are talking about emotional trauma, panic disorders, PTSD, and mental health, which might be triggering to some listeners. If you need immediate care, call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Please take care of yourself and each other. For additional resources visit https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/mental-health-resources/.For more information on Sean Hayden or Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story, visit https://stagecombatthepodcast.com/.Connect with Beltline to Broadway:Facebook/TikTok/Instagram: @beltlinetobroadwayWebsite: www.beltlinetobroadway.org

Hear what Amy Spanger has to say about playing Dee Dee Allen in the Theatre Raleigh production of THE PROM. THE PROM runs through August 13.LinksAmy Spanger's WebsiteTheatre Raleigh WebsiteConnect with UsFacebook/TikTok / IG @beltlinetobroadway

Hear what Kara Lindsay (NEWSIES) and Kevin Massey (WICKED) have to say about returning to North Carolina for the NC Theatre production of MARY POPPINS, becoming parents, and more. LinksNorth Carolina TheatreKevin Massey WebsiteConnect with UsFacebook/Instagram/Twitter @beltlilnetobroadwayWebsite: www.beltlinetobroadway.org

Listen to what Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winner Rachel Bay Jones has to say to Beltline to Broadway about seeing her first Broadway show, leaving the business, and returning triumphantly. Rachel Bay Jones will be performing a concert at Theatre Raleigh on July 7. For more information visit the Theatre Raleigh website.About the GuestRachel Bay Jones is best known for originating the role of ‘Heidi Hansen' in the Original Broadway Cast of Dear Evan Hansen, and received a Tony Award, Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Lucille Lortel Award, and a Drama League nod for her performance.An actress acclaimed for her versatile ability to bring life to comedic, dramatic and character roles, she has garnered praise for her performances in Diane Paulus' Tony Award Winning Revivals of Pippin and Hair, went on for Patti Lupone in the Original Broadway production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, wowed New York audiences in the critically acclaimed productions of Michael John LaChiusa's First Daughter Suite and Hello Again, and received rave reviews for her performance as ‘Diana' in The Kennedy Center's revival production of Next to Normal, directed by Michael Grief. She can be seen on television in major on CBS' “Young Sheldon,” “The United States of Al,” ABC's “The Good Doctor,” Amazon's “Panic,” “Why Women Kill” on Paramount+, ABC's “Modern Family” & CBS' “God Friended Me.” On Film she starred in “Ben Is Back,” opposite Julia Roberts, and in “Critical Thinking,” directed by and opposite John Leguizamo.Connect with Beltline to BroadwayFacebook/TikTok/Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

Hear what COST OF LIVING's Tony Nominated Actress Katy Sullivan has to say about disability representation on and off stage, presenting the keynote speech at the National Women's Theatre Festival, and what's next.For more information about the National Women's Theatre Festival, visit https://womenstheatrefestival.com/. Let's Get SocialFacebook/Instagram/TikTok @beltlinetobroadwayWeb www.beltlinetobroadway.org

Hear what two-time Tony Award-winner Norbert Leo Butz and Theatre Raleigh's Producing Artistic Director Lauren Kennedy Brady have to say about Jason Robert Brown, originating the the roles of Cathy and Jamie in THE LAST FIVE YEARS, and so much more.For more information on Theatre Raleigh's all-star concert series, visit https://theatreraleigh.com/.Let's Get SocialFacebook/Instagram/TikTok: @beltlinetobroadwayTwitter: @beltlinetobwayWebsite: www.beltlinetobroadway.org

Hear what Michael Kushner (DEAR MULTI-HYPHENATE) has to say about the theater industry, his new book, and more.LinksMichael Kushner's WebsiteDear Multi-Hyphenate WebsiteConnect with Us@beltlinetobroadway

Hear what Raleigh Little Theatre's Executive Director Heather Strickland and HANDS ON A HARDBODY Director Brian Westbrook have to say about the evolution of Raleigh Little Theatre, musical theater, and more. LinksRaleigh Little Theatre''s WebsiteLet's Get SocialFacebook @beltlinetobroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayInstagram @beltlinetobroadwayTikTok @beltlinetobroadway

A conversation with Museum of Broadway Co-Founder Diane Nicoletti. LinksMuseum of BroadwayLet's connect:Instagram @beltlinetobroadwayFacebook @beltlinetobroadwayTikTok @beltlinetobroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobway

Hear what Rob Marnell (TINA, BEAUTIFUL) has to say about reprising his role of Bob Gaudio in the Theatre Raleigh production of JERSEY BOYS and returning home.LinksTheatre RaleighRob Marnell's Website

This episode of the podcast is an exploration of two works inspired by two different historical figures, one of whom you may not know fully and one you may not have heard of at all. For more information visit:PlayMakers Repertory Company (They Do Not Know Harlem)Carolina Performing Arts (Omar)Follow Beltlilne to Broadway:Facebook, Instagram, TikTok @beltlinetobroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobwayYouTube @beltinetobroadway

Thank you for listening to this very important episode. For more information on any of the topics you've heard in this episode, see the links below.LinksAggregate Theatre CompanyJewish For GoodRidge Road Baptist Church MosaicIndecent Broadway HD TrailerMadeline Scotti's Questioning Censorship change.org Petition Dramatist Guild Statement on Cancellation of High School ProductionsDramatist Guild Form to Report Censorship and Cancelled ShowsThe Aggregate Theatre Company of MY NAME IS ASHER LEV runs through February 19th in Raleigh and Durham.

The North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre production of DOT runs through February 5. For more information visit http://www.nract.org/.Additional Resources:Alzeimer's Association24/7 Hotline: 800.272.3900

Heart attack survivor, stroke survivor, and slaying it in heels 4 times a week as Lola in the Opera House Theatre Company production of KINKY BOOTS. Hear what Justin Allen Tate has to say about his health journey, putting in the work, and returning to the Land of Lola.About the GuestJustin Allen Tate ( Mr. Mid-South Pride 2020) returns to the Memphis stage after recently being named the 2019 Broadway World Regional Best Actor in a Musical for his performance of Lola in Kinky Boots at POTS. National Broadway Tour Credits include Smokey Joe's Cafe, Flashdance & Cirque Dreams. Favorite Regional Credits include Violet, The Legend of Georgia McBride, and Memphis the Musical. Justin has been a Lead Featured Vocalist for Royal Caribbean International and Holland America Line for five years. A Background Vocalist for Blake Shelton, Gene Simmons of KISS and K. Michelle. T.V. Appearances: Wedding at Graceland ( Hallmark ), The Deuce ( HBO), ELLEN (NBC) & Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve, twice. He is a former four-year member of the USO Show Troupe, entertaining our military and their families around the world including tours in Hawaii & South Korea. He graduated from the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City. And most of honored to serve as your King of Mid-South Pride 2020.LinksJustin's WebsiteOpera House Theatre CompanyHistoric Thalian Hall

Hear what Dave Karger, host of Turner Classic Movies' Musical Matinee franchise has to say about the significance of movie musicals in film's golden age and today.

Hear interviews with Broadway stars live from the Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction.

Hear what Black Stage Everything's Shae Marie has to say about representation in theater, Tyler Perry, and creating opportunities for BIPOC artists.Follow Shae Marie on Instagram @blackstageeverythingg or visit her website at blackstageeverything.com.Connect with Beltline to BroadwayFacebook/Instagram @beltlinetobroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobway

A conversation with Valerie Curtis-Newton about the theater's role in a community, Black theater in America today, and more.About the GuestCurrently the Head of Directing at the University of Washington School of Drama, I also serve as the Founding Artistic Director for The Hansberry Project, a professional African American theatre lab. I have worked with professional theatre's across the country including: The Guthrie Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Seattle Rep, Playmakers Repertory Company, Actors' Theatre of Louisville, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Intiman Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, The Mark Taper Forum, New York Theatre Workshop, and Southern Repertory Theatre among others. Links: https://playmakersrep.org/show/blues-for-an-alabama-sky/Follow usWebsite: beltlinetobroadway.orgFacebook/Instagram @beltlinetobroadwayTwitter @beltlinetobway

Hear what Dr. Alisa Hurwitz (Dr. Drama) has to say about Jewish representation onstage, musicals and mental health, and faith. Also in this episode, hear what COME FROM AWAY's Kevin Tuerff has to say about paying it forward.

Live from BroadwayCon, a candid conversation with Libby Parker (aka The Broadway Dietitian) about disordered eating.

About the Guest Aaron Simon Gross is a graduate of Northwestern University. He made his Broadway debut in the musical 13, originating the role of Archie. On television he has appeared in The Good Wife and Made in Jersey. He is pursuing a Master Degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Links https://www.netflix.com/title/80222822 (13, the Musical (Netflix)) https://amzn.to/3PtYIdb (13 (Original Broadway Cast Recording)) https://amzn.to/3SNKdEb (13 (Netflix Soundtrack))

About the Guest Iliana Garcia is of Cuban descent, born and raised in Tampa, FL. Garcia moved to Atlanta, GA and began singing lessons when she was five years old. She studied Musical Theatre at Western Carolina University, graduating in 2017. She has performed with the Legacy Dancers in New York, worked under the direction of the Tony-nominated Terrence Mann, and in 2018, played the role of Carla for the musical "In The Heights" with the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Other roles include West Side Story, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Evita. TV: Younger, Blue Bloods, Law and Order SVU. Links https://nctheatre.com/ (NC Theatre) http://www.ilianagarcia.net/ (Iliana Garcia's Website) http://www.ilianagarcia.net/ (Red Table Talk with Gloria and Emilio Estefan ) https://youtu.be/5cIZpqzSxNQ (Miami Sound Machine Pepsi Commercial)

About the Guests Adam Halpin Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen, Glory Days. Off-Broadway: Daddy Long Legs, Rent, Dogfight. National Tours: Come From Away, Kinky Boots, Rent. Select Regional: Chess at The Kennedy Center, The Last 5 Years at Long Wharf, The Music Man at The Muny. Megan McGinnis recently toured with the North American company of Come From Away. Prior to that, she completed the Off-Broadway run of Daddy Long Legs, originating the role of Jerusha Abbott, both nationally and internationally (Ovation Award, Jeff Nomination, London What's On Stage Nomination). Broadway: Side Show (Revival, Standby Daisy/Violet), Les Miserables (Revival, Eponine), Little Women (Beth), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Diary of Anne Frank, Parade. Links https://theatreraleigh.com/ (Theatre Raleigh) http://meganmcginnis.net/ (Megan McGinnis Website) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the Guest Aaron Harrington is a native of Durham, North Carolina. Theater credits include Audrey II/Voice of the Plant; Off Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors, Tom Collins; Rent 20th Anniversary Natl Tour, Robert King; Johnny & The Devils Box (Workshop), A Christmas Carol and Assassins (Theatre in the Park) and Rent (NRACT). For more information about Little Shop of Horrors, visit https://www.littleshopnyc.com/ (https://www.littleshopnyc.com/).

About the Guests Kayla Pecchioni - National Tour: The Book of Mormon (Nabulungi), SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical (Duckling Donna). International Tour: Dreamgirls (South Korea). NYC: Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Regional: Signature Theatre: A Chorus Line (Maggie); Circa '21: Legally Blonde (Pilar). Northern Kentucky University: BFA in Musical Theatre. Links https://www.paradisesquaremusical.com/ (Paradise Square Website) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

The North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre staged reading of CHURCH AND STATE, which will benefit Sandy Hook Promise and Moms Demand Action, will be June 27 in North Raleigh. To register for the free reading, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiAT2ylespC6-fugCN1H7cxEctyAkcCM7Kjti9fTUykuNWpA/viewform (click here). Links http://www.jasonodellwilliams.com/ (Jason Odell Williams' Website) http://www.nract.org/ (North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre) https://momsdemandaction.org/ (Moms Demand Action) https://momsdemandaction.org/students/ (Students Demand Action) https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/ (Sandy Hook Promise) https://www.churchandstatetheplay.com/ (Church and State Play Website) https://safercountry.org/ (Safer Country) https://www.bradyunited.org/ (Brady United) https://marchforourlives.com/ (March for Our Lives) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the Guest Telly Leung is an American actor, singer and songwriter. He is known for his work in musical theatre on Broadway and for his role as Wes, a member of the Dalton Academy Warblers on the Fox comedy-drama series Glee. In 2011, he starred in the Broadway revival of Godspell at the Circle in the Square Theatre. Leung was named one of 12 Faces to Watch in 2012: Dance, Theater, Architecture, and Art by the Los Angeles Times. Links https://theatreraleigh.com/ (Theatre Raleigh) https://www.tellyleung.com/ (Telly Leung Website) http://www.aapacnyc.org/ (Asian American Performers Action Coalition) https://www.broadwaycon.com/ (BroadwayCon) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the Guest Randy Redd made his Broadway debut in PARADE at Lincoln Center directed by Harold Prince. Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include MAY WE ALL, Max Vernon's THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, ALLEGRO at Classic Stage Company directed by John Doyle, Alain Boublil's MANHATTAN PARISIENNE directed by Graciela Daniele, and PUMP BOYS & DINETTES at City Center Encores. Other credits include MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, RING OF FIRE directed by Richard Maltby, Jr., Randy Newman's FAUST, THE BURNT PART BOYS, Terrence McNally's SOME MEN, the American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's BY JEEVES directed by Alan Ayckbourn, David Greig's MIDSUMMER, LUCKY STIFF, ONE MAN BAND with James Lecesne, and SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN. Film and TV credits include https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1HQ5OP9E8c (“Beautiful Creatures”) and “The Last 5 Years” directed by Richard LaGravenese, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJjmpO8k9m0 (“After The Storm”) directed by Hilla Medalia, "Kinsey" directed by Bill Condon, “From Broadway With Love” (PBS), “All-American New Years” (FOX), "The Wright Verdicts", Good Morning America, the Today Show, the Tony Awards, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Wynonna Judd, and Show Biz After Hours with Frank DiLella, a monthly variety show at Birdland. He has worked as an actor, writer, musician, and director at Manhattan Theater Club, Lincoln Center Theater, Classic Stage Company, Tectonic Theater, Atlantic Theater Company, Naked Angels, Second Stage, New York Musical Theater Festival, The Kennedy Center, Goodspeed, Geffen Playhouse, Primary Stages, York Theater, Emelin Theater, City Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park, New Stage Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, Charlotte Repertory Theater, the Flat Rock Playhouse, the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Stamford Center For The Arts, the Arden Theater, New World Stages, the Cape Playhouse, the Actor's Playhouse, and more. Recordings: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/showfolk/id305047066 (SHOWFOLK) with Tony Award-winner Rachel Bay Jones, Robin Skye's https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/robin-skye/id383949971 (HOUSE OF LOVE), LUCKY STIFF, NEO, Jason Robert Brown's WEARING SOMEONE ELSE'S CLOTHES and the Original Cast Recordings of PARADE, RING OF FIRE, THE BURNT PART BOYS and THE VIEW UPSTAIRS. In concert: Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Symphony Space, Cooper Union, St. John the Divine, Feinstein's, Ars Nova, Birdland and Joe's Pub. Links North Carolina Theatre http://www.randy-redd.com/ (Randy Redd's Website) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the Guests David Blakely is a playwright, director, actor, musician, songwriter, and the Playwright-in-Residence emeritus for Heller Theatre Company. His plays include Trade Privileges, Four Ways to Die, The Light Fantastic, For Your Examination, Frankenstein, Tales of Shoogilly, Hank the Cow Dog and Monkey Business (based on John R. Erickson's book), and short plays: … The Oceans Would Be Full, Ars Longa Vita Ferris, The Next Blue Moon, and 7 Doorways/7 Stories. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Playwrights Workshop. He is Theatre Program Director at Rogers State University, and a member of the Dramatists Guild. Nassim Soleimanpour is an Iranian playwright, theatre maker and the Artistic Director of the Berlin Based Theatre company Nassim Soleimanpour Productions. His plays have been translated into more than 30 languages and performed globally in over 50 countries. Best known for his play White Rabbit Red Rabbit, written to travel the world when he couldn't, his work has been awarded the Dublin Fringe Festival Best New Performance, Summerworks Outstanding New Performance Text Award and The Arches Brick Award (Edinburgh Fringe) as well as picking up nominations for a Total Theatre and Brighton Fringe Pick of Edinburgh Award. White Rabbit Red Rabbit had a 9 month Off-Broadway run casting celebrated actors like Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, Martin Short, Bobby Cannavale, Wayne Brady, F. Murray Abraham, Cynthia Nixon and etc. Soleimanpour is currently living in Berlin with his beautiful wife and dog and is busy finalising his new play for the audiobook platform Audible, and a new play for Grob Theatre in Denmark.  https://www.nassimsoleimanpour.com/home (https://www.nassimsoleimanpour.com/home) Links http://www.thejusticetheaterproject.org/ (The Justice Theater Project) (Enemy of the People) https://www.otheronlywindows.org/ (Other Only Windows) (White Rabbit, Red Rabbit) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the Guest David Loud (NYC) occupies a unique place in Broadway history. In addition to his distinguished career as one of Broadway's most respected music directors and arrangers, he originated three Broadway roles as an actor, including his appearance in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim's legendary failure (and cult classic) Merrily We Roll Along, directed by Harold Prince. In a career spanning several decades, he served as music director for the original Broadway productions of Ragtime, Curtains, Sondheim on Sondheim, The Visit, The Scottsboro Boys, A Class Act, The Look of Love, and Steel Pier, as well as revivals of She Loves Me, Company, and Swehttps://www.parkinson.org/rence McNally's Tony-winning play, Master Class.  The extraordinary cast of characters in his life also includes John Kander, Fred Ebb, Angela Lansbury, Chita Rivera, Roger Rees, Marin Mazzie, Scott Ellis, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, Garth Drabinsky, and Barbara Cook, among others.  Links https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Facing-the-Music/David-Loud/9781682451915 (Facing the Music Publisher Page) https://www.parkinson.org/ (Parkinson's Foundation) Music Credit Opening written and performed by Huck Borden. Instagram @huck_borden. Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

Cindy Williams' one-woman show, Me, Myself, and Shirley, is touring the country. It will play the Duke Energy Center in Raleigh on April 16. For more information visit https://www.memyselfandshirley.com/ (https://www.memyselfandshirley.com/). About the Guest Born in Van Nuys, California, Cindy became interested in acting during high school. After graduation she attended L.A. City College where she majored in Theatre Arts. After leaving college, she landed her first television roles on Room 222, Nanny and the Professor and Love, American Style. Some guest-starring roles include Law & Order: SVU, 7th Heaven and 8 Simple Rules. Other appearances include starring in an episode of The Odd Couple for CBS, A Dream of Christmas for Hallmark Channel and Sam and Cat for Nickelodeon. Cindy's stage credits include the national tour of Grease playing Miss Lynch, the national tour of Deathtrap with Elliot Gould, The Female Odd Couple with Joanne Worley, Steel Magnolias as Ouiser Boudreaux and, in 2007, she made her Broadway debut in the role of Mrs. Tottendale in the award-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone. She also appeared as Rev. Mother Mary Regina in Nunsense and Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show. Cindy appeared in Menopause: The Musical in Las Vegas for three years, then reprised her role at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. She also co-starred in the premiere of Middletown with Don Most, Didi Conn and Adrien Zmed at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas and at The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Cindy has enjoyed the privilege of working with extraordinary directors. Her first film was for Roger Corman in GAS-S-S-S with Talia Shire and Ben Vereen. She appeared in Travels with My Aunt with Maggie Smith, directed by George Cukor, and The Conversation with Gene Hackman, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Next, she co-starred with Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss and Harrison Ford in American Graffiti directed by George Lucas, a low-budget film that went on to become a box office smash and film classic. Among her favorite honors are her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, her TV Land award for Fan Favorite as well as winning Best Actress at the L.A. Comedy Film Festival for the Indy film Stealing Roses. Cindy also garnered a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) nomination for best supporting actress in American Graffiti. Unfortunately, she was beat out by Ingrid Bergman. Cindy still wonders how the heck that happened. Cindy's book Shirley, I Jest!: A Storied Life was released to much critical acclaim and is available in paperback. Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

The national tour of Oklahoma! runs through April 3 at the Durham Performing Arts Center. About the Guest Patrick Clanton - National Tours: School of Rock, Sister Act. Regional: Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, Casa Mañana, North Shore Music Theatre, Ivoryton Playhouse. BFA: Elon University. Thanks to the Oklahoma! team, The Price Group, Jamesha, and Jameson. Links https://www.dpacnc.com/ (DPAC) https://oklahomabroadway.com/ (Oklahoma Tour Page) http://patrickclanton.weebly.com/ (Patrick Clanton's Web Page) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

For more information on Agape Theatre Project's production of Front Porch Society, visit About the Guest Melda is a passionate playwright. Her first play, Front Porch Society, delves into the complex and connected lives of four elderly black women in rural Mississippi Delta on the eve of the 2008 presidential election. What is the significance of our country's first Black president to women who have lived through Jim Crow, The Civil Rights Act, and the senseless killings of Black boys? The play enjoyed a world premiere at The Ensemble Theatre in Houston, TX (2017), and most recently, a mainstage production at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC (2019). The play is traveling across the country gathering rave reviews. Her second play, Coconut Cake, was accepted into the New Works Reader's Series at the 2017 National Black Theatre Festival and had a 2017 staged reading during ReadFest in Houston, TX. Her most recent stage play, Thirty, is an explosive look at a generation of Black women trying to make sense of family secrets. Melda was commissioned by The Ensemble Theatre for their 2021-2022 season. Her upcoming short film, Cupcake, chronicles the divide mental illness creates between a mother and her daughter. In addition, Melda is an author of two books and freelance contributor to Black Masks magazine. Her first book, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976562413/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1 (My Soul to His Spirit: Soulful Expressions from Black Daughters to Their Fathers) won the 2006 National Fresh Voices Award. It is a diverse and cathartic compilation of non-fiction writings by black women from across the United States. Her debut novel, https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Melda-Beaty/dp/1475090714 (Lime), is hailed as “America's Next Top Model” meets “Burning Bed.” Both books are available on Amazon.com. For more information visit https://meldacreates.com/ (https://meldacreates.com/). Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

Links https://youtu.be/0sHzA-Fn-08 (Ivy Park Rodeo Campaign Video) https://www.ixwindsranch.org/ (Camp Gid-D-Up) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway

About the Guest Ken Cerniglia is dramaturg and literary manager for Disney Theatrical Group, where he has developed over fifty shows for professional, amateur, and school productions, including Freaky Friday, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Peter and the Starcatcher, Newsies, High School Musical, Tarzan, and The Little Mermaid. Recent freelance projects include Hadestown (New York Theatre Workshop), Bud, Not Buddy (Kennedy Center), Passion Trilogy (Fisher Ensemble), and Bridges (Berkeley Playhouse). Ken holds a PhD in drama from the University of Washington and is president of Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas. Links https://hadestown.com/ (Hadestown Website) https://www.nycgo.com/broadway-week/ (NYC Broadway Week) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway Support this podcast

Shereen Ahmed has been recognized as the first woman of color to play Eliza Doolittle in Broadway & West End history. She was recently seen on NBC's hit show New Amsterdam as Shenaz Shetty, and starred Off-Broadway in the Irish Repertory Theater's virtual holiday production Meet Me in St. Louis as Esther Smith. Shereen was spotlighted as one of ‘40 Under 40' accomplished Arab Americans in the United States by the https://www.arabamerica.com/arab-america-foundation-announces-40-under-40-awardees/ (Arab America Foundation), and was invited as a guest speaker for the United Nations 14th Conference of States Parties on ‘Disability, Diversity and Inclusion: The Broadway Masterclass.' She has studied human rights at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, and holds a Bachelor's of Science in Sociology & Anthropology with a Concentration in Criminal Justice from Towson University. For more information visit https://shereenahmed.com/ (https://shereenahmed.com/). Links https://www.myfairladyontour.com/ (National Tour Site) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway Support this podcast

About the Guest Chryssie Whitehead's career of 20 years started as a Rockette and got her first start in film as a dance double in Save the Last Dance with Julia Stiles. Chryssie then went on to schooling in New York at The American Musical Dramatic Academy (AMDA) where she majored in musical theatre/performing arts. After the Rockettes, Chryssie began her first touring job in the 1st National tour of Fosse, followed by an International tour as one of Paul McCartney's dancers. Chryssie can be seen in the hit documentary, Every Little Step, where she was featured landing her Broadway Debut in the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line as Kristine, heard also on the cast album in "Sing" with Tony-nominated actor, Tony Yazbeck (On the Town). Chryssie would go on to work in the performing arts in Los Angeles in theatre, television, film and in New York on Broadway as an actress, dancer and singer sharing the stage with stars such as Neal Patrick Harris, Patti Lupone, Stephen Colbert,Mel B and Sir Paul McCartney.  Her last role on Broadway was Kitty in CHICAGO where she went on to perform the lead role of Velma as an understudy. One of her favorite New York theatre role's included Kathy in Company opposite Neal Patrick Harris, as Bobby, at Lincoln Center with the NY Philharmonic Orchestra (Now on DVD in PBS's Great Performances). She is also the co-founder of the Broadway Arts Community. https://chryssiewhitehead.com/ (https://chryssiewhitehead.com/). Links https://www.broadwayartscommunity.com/ (Broadway Arts Community) http://artistsforafricausa.org/ (Artists for Africa) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway Support this podcast

About the Guests Heather J. Strickland started as the Executive Director of Raleigh Little Theatre in June 2020. Prior to joining RLT, Heather was the Communications and Development Director for the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC), the organization that leads the Smart Start network across the state. In this role, she has led a network-wide rebranding effort and created and implemented fund development strategies for the organization. Prior to joining NCPC in 2013, Heather was the Director of Communications for the NC Department of State Treasurer where she oversaw all communications, branding, and marketing strategies for the agency, including the North Carolina Retirement Systems, the State Health Plan, and the Local Government Commission. Heather also served as the Marketing Director for Carolina Ballet, one of the largest performing arts organizations in the state. Heather has over 15 years of extensive experience and success in developing organizational strategy and branding, fundraising, and cultivating engagement for nonprofit and public service organizations. She has been involved with RLT since 2005, starting as a volunteer and stepping into the roles of director, teaching artist, and board member over time. Heather has also worked as a director, actor, and dance/fight choreographer. She is a member of ArtEquity's first cohort of National Board Leaders and has a degree in Theatre Arts and Communications from Flagler College. Patrick Torres is RLT's Artistic Director and has more than a decade of experience as a professional director and theatre educator. His work as a freelance director has been seen at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Southwest Shakespeare Festival, Round House Theatre, The Source Festival, and the Hangar Theatre among others. In 2003, he was selected as a Drama League Directing Fellow and in 2005 was named a Young Leader of Color by the Theatre Communications Group. He has an MFA in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi. Candis Cox is a Gender and Sexuality educator, lecturer, and advocate for the LGBTQ community in Raleigh NC, where she lives with her husband, and throughout the country. Originally from Syracuse NY, she relocated to Raleigh to attend NC State University where she obtained a BA in Sociology. Originally scheduled to attend Campbell law school, she instead chose to focus on becoming her authentic self, completing her gender transition in 2003. Candis serves on the Board of Directors for EqualityNC, works with HRC (Human Rights Campaign), and works by speaking at events, businesses, schools, and other organizations to educate on Gender and Sexuality. Candis has been featured in a number of http://www.candiscox.com/category/press/ (news specials), has been interviewed by news networks across the globe, and is, to date, the only transgender person to have met with the current http://www.candiscox.com/press/in-meeting-with-north-carolina-gov-mccrory-lgbt-equality-advocates-demand-repeal-of-anti-lgbt-law/ (Governor Pat McCrory) to discuss his anti-LGBT “bathroom bill” H.B.2.   Links https://raleighlittletheatre.org/ (Raleigh Little Theatre) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway Support this podcast

About the Guest Dr. Alisa Hurwitz earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Brandeis University, and her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology degrees in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. Dr. Hurwitz completed her APA accredited internship at Mercy First Home in New York, providing psychological assessments for male adolescents in residential treatment and individual and family therapy for court-referred female adolescents in a group home setting. In addition, Dr. Hurwitz's training has focused on cognitive-behavioral and family therapy at Schneider Children's Hospital, as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at North Shore Hospital. Dr. Hurwitz joined The Counseling Center of Nashua in the spring of 2010. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Division of Family Psychology, and the Asperger's Association of New England. Dr. Hurwitz provides cognitive behavioral therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as family therapy. Her clinical areas of interest include diversity and identity, spirituality, trauma, and LGBT+. Her specialty areas include providing individual cognitive behavioral therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults on the autism spectrum, structural family therapy, and providing therapeutic support for transgender individuals who are in/wanting to begin the transition process. For every client, Dr. Hurwitz employs aspects of positive psychology in order to utilize individual strengths in treatment and views the person as a whole being who is more than the sum of his/her problems. Dr. Hurwitz has a passion for musical theater and writes a blog about the intersection of theater and psychology, which you can find at http://www.drdrama.com/ (www.drdrama.com). Resources/Links Mentioned in this Interview https://www.amazon.com/Everybodys-Talking-About-Jamie-Harwood/dp/B09C16134L (Everybody's Talking About Jaime) https://theprommusical.com/tour/ (The Prom (National Tour)) https://www.netflix.com/title/81284247 (Disclosure (Netflix)) https://jaggedlittlepill.com/resources/ (Jagged Little Pill Action Plan) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway Support this podcast

About the Guests Patrick Torres is RLT's Artistic Director and has more than a decade of experience as a professional director and theatre educator. His work as a freelance director has been seen at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Southwest Shakespeare Festival, Round House Theatre, The Source Festival, and the Hangar Theatre among others. In 2003, he was selected as a Drama League Directing Fellow and in 2005 was named a Young Leader of Color by the Theatre Communications Group. He has an MFA in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi. Heather J. Strickland started as the Executive Director in June 2020. Prior to joining RLT, Heather was the Communications and Development Director for the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC), the organization that leads the Smart Start network across the state. In this role, she has led a network-wide rebranding effort, and created and implemented fund development strategies for the organization. Prior to joining NCPC in 2013, Heather was the Director of Communications for the NC Department of State Treasurer where she oversaw all communications, branding and marketing strategies for the agency, including the North Carolina Retirement Systems, the State Health Plan, and the Local Government Commission. Heather also served as the Marketing Director for Carolina Ballet, one of the largest performing arts organizations in the state. Heather has over 15 years of extensive experience and success in developing organizational strategy and branding, fundraising, and cultivating engagement for nonprofit and public service organizations. She has been involved with RLT since 2005, starting as a volunteer and stepping into the roles of director, teaching artist, and board member over time. Heather has also worked as a director, actor, and dance/fight choreographer. She is a member of ArtEquity's first cohort of National Board Leaders and has a degree in Theatre Arts and Communications from Flagler College. Links https://raleighlittletheatre.org/ (Raleigh Little Theatre) Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web https://my.captivate.fm/www.beltlinetobroadway.org (www.beltlinetobroadway.org) Support this podcast

Resources: https://actorsequity.org/resources/diversity/ (Actors Equity Diversity and Inclusion Retrofit) Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com) Support this podcast

About the Guest Robert J. Sherman is a London-based songwriter, bookwriter and producer. Musicals include: Love Birds and Bumblescratch. A Spoonful of Sherman is a musical revue created by Robert J. Sherman, celebrating a century of Sherman family songwriting. A Spoonful of Sherman enjoyed its UK/Ireland tour in 2018 traveling to 25 cities across the British Isles. Born in Los Angeles in 1968 to Joyce and Robert B. Sherman, Robbie is the youngest of four siblings. Stemming from a long line of songwriters and composers, at 16, Robbie became one of the youngest songwriters ever invited to join BMI and is an alumnus of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. At 18 he wrote songs for the musical A Christmas Held Captive (Beverly Hills Playhouse). Subsequently, Robbie has written songs and/or scripts for various film, stage and TV productions. Projects include: The Adventures of Amazon Jack (Columbia Tristar), The Magic 7 (Pulse Entertainment), The Penguin Pirate and Inkas the Ramferinkas (an animated musical film). He oversaw and served as editor of Moose: Chapters From My Life, his father, Robert B. Sherman's posthumously released autobiography. He also provided the voice and composed the music for the Moose audiobook. Robbie is the CEO/President of Music World LLC and MusicWorld UK. He is also the general manager of Music World LP which oversees the Robert B. Sherman family estate and archives and includes one-half of the Sherman Brothers and Al Sherman estates. Sherman resides in London England. For additional information visit http://www.shermantheatrical.com/ (Sherman Theatrical Entertainment) or follow https://www.instagram.com/shermantheatrical/ (@shermantheatrical). Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com) Support this podcast

About the Guest Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj is a Milwaukee-based, multi-disciplinary, American Theater Artist and Advocate. Mr. Maharaj was hailed in The New York Times for his award-winning play Little Rock, was selected as a New York Times Critics Pick. He is currently the Associate Artistic Producer of Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Mr. Maharaj's playwrighting residencies include the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, New Orleans Writer's Residency, Alliance Theater, Arkansas Repertory Theater, Crossroads Theater, Amas Musical Theater, Triskelion Arts, the 2020 Resident Playwright of the Letter of Marque Theatre, is a member of Theater Now's 2021 Virtual Musical Theater Writer's Group, a 2021 Season Finalist in The Downtown Urban Arts Festival in New York City, the inaugural playwright for the Theatre Raleigh New Works Reading Series, and a finalist for the 2021 Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference. Mr. Maharaj has been honored with many awards for his body of work in the American Theater including the prestigious Woodie King Jr. Award, four Vivian Robinson AUDELCO Awards, Barrymore Award, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Theatrical Moment of the Year, The New York International Fringe Festival Overall Excellence Award, Theater Communications Group Directors Grant and Playwriting Grant, Recipient of the 2020 National Alliance for Musical Theater Fifteen-Minute Musical Theater Challenge Award, he was a semi-finalist for the 2021 Blue Ink Playwriting Award Competition presented by American Blues Theater. He has been featured in numerous articles and interviews in notable industry publications such as The American Theater Magazine, The New York Times, The Yale School of Drama / Repertory Theater Review, The Dramatist, The Uptown Magazine, Playbill, Broadway World, The Daily News, The New York Post, The New York Beacon, The Philadelphia Sun, Time-Out New York, Harlem News, Amsterdam News, and The Stage Directors and Choreographers Journal for his work as a theater practitioner and leader. As a storyteller, Mr. Maharaj has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and at many of our nation's top Regional Theaters including the Bernard B. Jacobs, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture, The Public, Second Stage Theatre, Soho Playhouse, Classical Theater of Harlem, New Federal Theater, New World Stages, Nuyorican Poets Café, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Lark Play Development Center, Theatre Row, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Portland Stage, Actors Theater of Louisville, Alabama Shakespeare, Signature Theater, Theater Works, Goodman Theater, The Kennedy Center, Arkansas Repertory Theater, Perseverance, and New Freedom Theater. After his graduate studies at Brooklyn College, Mr. Maharaj was awarded a Masters of Fine Arts Degree from Brooklyn College. Mr. Maharaj is a proud alumnus of the Actors Studio Playwrights and Directors Unit, Lincoln Center's Directors Lab, and Theater Communication Group's Rising Leaders of Color in the American Theater. He has served as the Artistic Director of New Freedom Theater in Philadelphia as well as the Artistic Director of Rebel Theater. Mr. Maharaj founded the Voices at the River, an African and Latino American Playwrights New Works Festival hosted at Arkansas Repertory Theater. Mr. Maharaj is represented by Michael Moore of Michael Moore Agency Literary and Creatives. Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com) Support this podcast

About the Guest A true Broadway presence, Antoine L. Smith made his Broadway debut in Memphis. has also been featured in the Broadway casts of The Color Purple, Cinderella, Miss Saigon, and Carousel. Later this year, he can be seen in MJ the Musical! Follow him on Instagram @antoinelsmith32. Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com) Support this podcast

About the Guest Aaron Harrington is a native of Durham, North Carolina. Theater credits include Audrey II/Voice of the Plant; Off Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors, Tom Collins; RENT 20th Anniversary Natl Tour, Robert King; Johnny & The Devils Box (Workshop), A Christmas Carol and Assassins (Theatre in the Park) and Rent (NRACT). For more information about Little Shop of Horrors, visit https://www.littleshopnyc.com/ (https://www.littleshopnyc.com/). Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com) Support this podcast

About the Guests Mike Wiley - Acclaimed actor and playwright Mike Wiley has spent the last decade fulfilling his mission to bring educational theatre to young audiences and communities across the country. Through his performances, Wiley has introduced countless students and communities to the legacies of Emmett Till, Henry “Box” Brown, and more. His recent works include a one-man play based on Tim Tyson's memoir ‘Blood Done Sign My Name' and ‘The Parchman Hour,' an ensemble production celebrating the bravery and determination of the Freedom Riders who risked their lives to desegregate Southern interstate bus travel in 1961. Wiley has a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is the 2010 and 2014 Lehman Brady Visiting Joint Chair Professor in Documentary Studies and American Studies at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to his numerous school and community performances, he has also appeared on Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, and National Geographic Channel and has been featured in Our State magazine, PBS' ‘North Carolina Now,' and WUNC's ‘The State of Things.' For more information visit: http://mikewileyproductions.com/ (http://mikewileyproductions.com/.) Howard L. Craft is the author of two books of poems: Across The Blue Chasm (Big Drum Press 2000) and Raising the Sky (Jacar Press 2016). His poetry also appears in Home is Where: An Anthology of African-American Poets from the Carolinas, edited by Kwame Dawes. His essays have appeared in The Paris Review and have been included in The Routledge Companion to African American Theatre (Routledge Press 2019). He is the author of several plays including, FREIGHT: THE FIVE INCARNATIONS OF ABLE GREEN, a New York Times Critic Pick for March 2015; CALYPSO AND THE MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS, ORANGE LIGHT, and THE JADE CITY CHRONICLES VOLUME I: THE SUPER SPECTACULAR BADASS HERALD M. F. JONES. He is the creator of the first African-American superhero radio serial: The Jade City Pharaoh.  THE FIRE OF FREEDOM will open at Theatre Raleigh on June 18th. For ticket information visit: https://theatreraleigh.com/ (https://theatreraleigh.com/). Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com) Support this podcast

Be sure to vote for Beltline to Broadway in Indy Week's Best of the Triangle Reader's Poll (Best Facebook Page). https://indyweek.com/indy-weeks-best-of-the-triangle/best-of-the-triangle-2021/ (Click this link to vote for all your favorite businesses and organizations.) Episodes Mentioned in this Podcast https://beltlinetobroadway.org/podcast/ep-1-burning-coals-artistic-director-jerome-davis-on-ashe-in-johannesburg-and-theater-as-a-vehicle-for-social-change/ (Episode 1: Jerome Davis) https://beltlinetobroadway.org/podcast/ep-9-theater-criticism-with-theater-critic-roy-dicks/ (Episode 9: Roy Dicks) https://beltlinetobroadway.org/podcast/ep-24-talking-about-theater-for-young-audiences-with-noah-putterman/ (Episode 24: Theater for Young Audiences) https://beltlinetobroadway.org/podcast/ep-52-sensory-friendly-performances-and-a-curious-incident-of-the-dog-in-the-night-time/ (Episode 52: Michael Larson) https://beltlinetobroadway.org/podcast/ep-16-disability-inclusion-and-representation-onstage-with-eric-woodall-betsy-ludwig-doug-kapp-and-djgeoyio/ (Episode 16: Eric Woodall) https://beltlinetobroadway.org/podcast/ep-63-can-the-gig-economy-survive-a-pandemic/ (Episode 63: Heather Strickland) https://beltlinetobroadway.org/podcast/ep-4-a-life-in-the-theater-with-theatre-in-the-parks-ira-david-wood-iii-and-ira-david-wood-iv/ (Episode 4: Ira David Wood III (Life in the Theater)) https://beltlinetobroadway.org/2020/03/29/live-chat-virtual-talk-back-with-emmy-award-winner-antoine-l-smith/ (Live Chat with Antoine L. Smith) Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com) Support this podcast

About the Guest Andre Jordan is making his Broadway debut in DIANA. National Tours: SHREK THE MUSICAL (Donkey), LEGALLY BLONDE (Carlos), JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Zebulon). Regional: WORKING, MAMMA MIA, and AIDA. Web Series: THE QUEENS PROJECT (YouTube). Twitter: @cinnabonzjordan. Instagram: @manchair5. Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode https://dctheatrescene.com/2020/07/23/when-will-dc-audiences-return-what-changes-do-they-support-shugoll-research-revisits-its-audience-survey/ (Shugoll Research Audience Survey (DC)) https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-05-15/broadyway-body-theater-fatphobia (LA Times Article (Fatphobia and Sizeism)) https://thedianamusical.com/ (Diana, the Musical) DIANA will premiere on Netflix on October 1st and open on Broadway in November 2021. Be sure to vote for Beltline to Broadway in Indy Week's Best of the Triangle Reader's Poll (Best Facebook Page). https://indyweek.com/indy-weeks-best-of-the-triangle/best-of-the-triangle-2021/ (Click this link to vote for all your favorite businesses and organizations.) Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com) Support this podcast