West of Broadway Podcast

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will & Wendy are shifting focus slightly away from celebrating Musical Theater in Los Angeles and on the West Coast to celebrating Musical Theater FROM Los Angeles. With the recent announcement that the Broadway Industry will be staying closed until 2021, it is now more important than ever that we support arts education. Will and Wendy sit down with Director of Sales and Partnerships for PASSDOOR and one of their Visiting Educators, James Tabeek do discuss how they are working to help change the face of tomorrow’s Broadway by educating the young artists of today. PASSDOOR The new virtual platform offers intimate dance classes taught by seasoned Broadway performers. Offering over 40 live dance classes per week for aspiring dancers of all ages and skill levels. The emerging company in the New York theatre scene, announced the launch of their virtual platform which hosts professional-level dance classes taught solely by seasoned Broadway performers. Through the instruction of these notable teaching artists who have appeared in over 100 Broadway shows, students on Passdoor will learn dance techniques, skills and choreography from the comfort of their own home — regardless of personal skill level or age. With Broadway dark due to COVID-19, PassDoor was born out of the necessity to provide out-of-work performers an outlet for their art — the opportunity to train, connect and share their talents with future generations of dancers. Each Passdoor class is capped at 20 students, therefore allowing the instructors to provide direct feedback live. Classes are offered in the Ballet, Ballet Barre, Broadway Choreo, Children’s Theatre Playhouse, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Theatre Dance and Theatre Jazz modalities, formatted for both adults and children. “We formed PassDoor out of a need to help displaced Broadway Dancers due to the Pandemic, but quickly discovered it could be so much more. Not only are we providing a space for current professional artists to create and share their craft, but because everything is online, we have an opportunity to change the face of tomorrow’s Broadway by educating the young artists of today that might not have access to theatre or the arts,” said Megan Sikora, Director of Sales & Partnerships of Passdoor. “The team of teachers PassDoor has assembled are the absolute A-list of Broadway talent. Truly the very best of the best.” ~Denis Jones, two time Tony nominee, Best Choreography "The dancers teaching on PassDoor are among the elite Broadway performers of our time and some of my most favorite dancers in NYC! I’ve repeatedly hired many of them myself to dance on Broadway, network television and many other performances. Their unparalleled talent and experience makes PassDoor absolutely one of a kind." ~Josh Bergasse, Emmy Award winner, Outstanding Choreography Be sure to follow @ONPASSDOOR @MEGANSIKORA and @JAMESTABEEK on Instagram and while you’re at it feel free to follow @Wendy_Rosoff and @WillArmstrongPR. for the latest in West of Broadway news. BroadwayPodcastNetwork.com/podcasts/west-of-broadway is how you can keep up with us and find past and future episodes.  Thanks for joining us, until next time, if you’re looking for us, you can find us Just West of Broadway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will & Wendy get a chance to talk to the captivating and brilliant Adam Epstein about his upcoming 11-week online course presented by the Pasadena Playhouse. 11-week Webinar 60-minute virtual lectures every Tuesday at 5:00PM PST May 12–Jul 21, 2020 The Broadway Musical and America is intended to give students a broad overview of the American musical from Oklahoma to the present. The course situates the form as a distinctly American phenomenon and which both influenced and was influenced by the American political landscape since the end of World War II. The course, which will include special Broadway guests, will survey classic works of musical theater, and we will engage, discuss and think about why the Broadway musical has endured as an important American art form. Hosted by Adam Epstein, a theatrical producer whose productions have received 46 Tony nominations and garnered 12 Tony Awards, one of which Adam himself received as a producer of Hairspray in 2003. Adam’s other credits include A View From a Bridge, The Crucible, Amadeus, The Wedding Singer and Cry-Baby. In the West End, both his productions of Amadeus and Hairspray earned multiple Olivier nominations and Hairspray was awarded a record 11 nominations, winning four, including Best Musical. An adjunct faculty member of NYU, (which is also his alma mater,) Adam has also been a guest lecturer at Harvard, Columbia and the University of Miami. Adam recently graduated with his Master’s degree in American Studies from Brown University, and he is currently working in political journalism and media. You can follow Adam on Instagram @Akepstein and while you're at it feel free to follow @Wendy_Rosoff and @WillArmstrongPR. for the latest in West of Broadway news. BroadwayPodcastNetwork.com/podcasts/west-of-broadway is how you can keep up with us and find past and future episodes.  Thanks for joining us, until next time, if you’re looking for us, you can find us Just West of Broadway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway Will Armstrong and Wendy Rosoff talk with Broadway star Laura Bell Bundy about absolutely everything! First, Laura Bell shares how her family are navigating the Covid-19 epidemic and her recent personal bout with the disease. Then they discuss Laura Bell's upcoming album and video series centered around women and the challenges facing them today. From an NYU student to young soap opera actress to originating a role in the hit musical Hairspray, Laura Bell shared her early career experiences and how her journey prepared her for her portrayal of Elle woods in Legally Blonde. The evolution of her process is something that is still shaping and informing the roles she portrays to this day. Keep up with Laura Bell Bundy on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tick Tock. Just search for @LauraBellBundy. We hope you enjoy this candid conversation and find inspiration from her insightful approach to life, family and theater. As far as Wendy and Will you can find past episodes of their podcast on the Broadway Podcast Network along side an array of fantastic shows! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will Armstrong and Wendy Rosoff connect via ZOOM with Producer and Creator of Rock of Ages Musical to find out how he and the cast are doing and to learn about how this unexpected musical hit found it's way all the way to Broadway and back home to Hollywood. Matt Weaver and a tenacious team of creatives took a terrific idea and made it one of Broadways most successful and longest running hits of all time. In this very cool episode, Matt Weaver explains how he staffed and cast the show, found multiple theaters to mount and create the musical, amassed funding and sold the film rights to an unproven project all before opening on Broadway! We also learn how Matt and his team are working to hold things together during this pandemic and how COVID-19 has directly effected one of their beloved cast members. Matt even shares details about his next musical project with Dominique Morisseau, Ahmir Questlove Thompson, Camille A. Brown and Kamilah Forbes. "Soul Train" the musical is currently in development with an opening set for 2021! Rock of Ages Hollywood at the Bourbon Room is set to reopen as soon as the quarantine is lifted and life gets back to normal. Until then, keep up with the cast on Instagram at @RockofAgesHollywood! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On our very first video version of West of Broadway, Will Armstrong and Wendy Rosoff catch up with 2 time Emmy Award-winning choreographer Kathryn (Kat) Burns while she is Sheltering in Place during the coronavirus pandemic. Kathryn discusses her career, shares insight for working performers and pays tribute to the recent loss of her friend and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend colleague, Adam Schlesinger. Links: https://www.instagram.com/katmburns/ https://www.instagram.com/wendy_rosoff/ https://www.instagram.com/willarmstrongpr/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the COVID 19 Pandemic bringing shows and businesses to a stand still, there isn't much theater news to report but Will Armstrong and Wendy Rosoff wanted to share their conversation with Book of Mormon star Liam Tobin from their Los Angeles run at the Ahmanson Theater. Liam talks about his history with this musical juggernaut and what life is like on the road. After that, friend of the pod, Joseph Corella of 567Broadway shares some tips to inspire us on our fitness journeys. We hope that this episode made you smile. Special thanks to our friends at The Ahmanson Theater and Center Theater Group for helping us connect with Liam and if you are looking for some inspiration and motivation, be sure to check out 567Broadway.com Hope you are all staying safe and healthy and taking this time of extended isolation to rest, recharge. So on behalf of Will & Wendy, good by for now! But, not for long because, if you're looking for us you'll always find us, just West of Broadway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this very special episode of West of Broadway, Will Armstrong and Wendy Rosoff are discussing the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic and what we might do during this time of widespread shutdowns, work stoppages, and self-isolations. The pair discuss theaters going dark from Broadway all the way west to California and how this is affecting members of the theatrical community. As a working actor and teaching artist, Wendy offers some productive suggestions for using possible downtime to get productive and prepared for when life gets back to normal. Here are some of her terrific suggestions: ·     If you happen to be out of work due to the enforced shutdowns, (and you are healthy and have not been exposed to the COVID 19 virus,) consider assisting with elder or childcare. People are going to Facebook and posting their availability. There are also Facebook groups forming to help place people together. Consider helping with Dog Fostering! This is a terrific way to help dogs in need of a forever home collect important data that will assist with adoptions and you will have company at home. Goto : https://www.outtathecage.org/for more information. Will and Wendy also talk about using this “downtime” to get creative and collaborative with other artists. Whether it’s writing, working on auditions, rehearsing, practicing, or addressing projects that you wanted to tackle but never had the time. But before any of that, take a breath and give yourself the gift of self-care and rest. Mind, body and soul have a chance to rest and recharge. Maybe meditate, read, research and find inspiration that may feed your soul. This is also a great time to update your website, update your social presence and great a social media calendar. If you need inspiration, research accounts you like and follow and use current trends to influence your social media posts. Wendy also suggests that all working actors, work on their self-tape skills. This is a great time to prepare for future auditions, and while we are on the subject of auditions… https://www.weaudition.com/ is a fantastic membership based resource for actors who need someone to help with line readings, scene study or just honing their craft. We Audition is also a terrific site to lend your skills as a reader or coach for other actors while you make some extra money. This is a little obvious, but now is a great time to check out all the podcasts that you have been meaning to listen to. https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/ is an amazing resource for theater fans to get an up close and personal look into this amazing world! Or, if you’re so inclined, maybe now is the time to start your own podcast. Will and Wendy recently did an interview for Medium.com offering tips for producing a podcast.  LINK: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/creating-a-bingeable-podcast-as-an-art-form-with-will-armstrong-wendy-rosoff-of-the-west-of-2cb40e4afd8a *Now is also a great time to update your resume and write your long form and short bios, update your mailing lists and your newsletter templates. Finally, use this time to reconnect with friends and family via Skype or Zoom and schedule a date to catch up. The world is telling us to slow down and now is a time to listen and breath and focus on physical and mental health. Thank you all for checking in on us! We hope you enjoyed this irregular episode. Please reach out to us on social and share what you’re doing during this interesting time. Find us on Instagram at: @WestofBroadwayPodcast @WillArmstrongPR and @Wendy_Rosoff and on Facebook @WillandWendy and share your story and catch up on old episodes at https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/west-of-broadway/ So, until next time, be well, be safe, wash your hands and remember, if you’re looking for us, you can find us just West of Broadway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway Will Armstrong and Wendy Rosoff speak with Gedde Watanabe and George Xavier, two cast members of East West Players’ Spring 2020 production of the award-winning Broadway musical Assassins. Will and Wendy first speak with Gedde Watanabe – famous from appearing in John Hughes’ Sixteen Candles, and his stage appearances include the original Broadway production of Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures. Gedde discusses his process and character development as well as his experience working with the East West Players. George, A former student of Wendy's talks about his love for musical theater and his appreciation for working with such an inspiring cast. All performances of Assassins will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 in Little Tokyo. Previews are Thursday, March 12th through Sunday, March 15th, with 8pm shows from Thursday to Saturday, and a 2pm matinee show on Sunday. Regular performances are from Friday, March 20th through Sunday, April 5th, with 8pm shows from Thursday to Saturday, and 2pm matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday. Opening night is Thursday, March 19th at 8pm. Tickets are available at: https://eastwestplayers.org/assassins/ East West Players is the nation’s longest-running professional theater of color and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Armstrong & Wendy Rosoff stopped into the rehearsal of Glass Ceilings, a new musical directed by Jessica Gardner and created by the musical writing team of Laura Watkins and Nicholas David Brandt (Comic-Con the Musical.) Glass Ceilings is a new musical about women throughout history whose stories you don’t know, but should. Jessica and Laura talk about the show and what it takes to mount and produce their own labor of love. Opening at The Rockwell on March 5th at 8pm and playing each weekend throughout March. www.glassceilingsmusical.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Armstrong and Wendy Rosoff met up Downtown LA to see the new musical Found Starring Jonah Platt and Jordan Kai Burnett. This IAMA Theater production is playing at the Los Angeles Theater Center until March 23! Listen in as Will and Wendy talk with cast members and discuss their experience before, during intermission, and after the show. Special thanks to Jonah Platt, Jordan Kai Burnett and Parvesh Cheena for taking the time to speak with us! About the show: Found isn’t just based on a true story — it’s based on hundreds of them! When lost and broke Davy, played by Jonah Platt (Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway, NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live with John Legend) happens to find a peculiar note meant for someone else on the windshield of his car, it sparks an outlandish idea to collect the hilarious and revealing notes and letters that surround us every day. Along with friends Denise (Jordan Kai Burnett, seen in the national tour of Seussical and a Scenie award-winner for the title role in Scissorhands at Rockwell Table & Stage) and Mikey D. (Mike Millan of Broadway’s Escape to Margaritaville, national tours of Sister Act and Piece of My Heart), he’s quickly swept up into a wild, comedic mission to share them with the world. Found is a raucous exploration of human connection and the beautiful weirdness in all of us. WHEN: Performances: Feb. 20 – March 23 • Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 20 (opening night) ONLY • Fridays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 21, Feb. 28, March 6, March 13, March 20 • Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 22*, Feb. 29, March 7, March 14, March 21* • Sundays at 4 p.m.: Feb. 23, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22 • Mondays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 24, March 2*, March 9, March 16, March 23 *Late-night shows of Davy Rothbart’s ‘Found Magazine show,’ as featured on NPR and The Late Show with David Letterman, take place on Saturday, Feb. 22; Monday, March 2; and Saturday, March 21 at 10:30 p.m. WHERE: The Los Angeles Theatre Center 514 S. Spring Street Los Angeles CA 90013 HOW: • 323-380-8843 or www.iamatheatre.com. • Visit IAMA Theatre Company on facebook: facebook.com/iamatheatre/ • Follow on instagram: @iamatheatre @JonahPlatt @JKAIB @Parvey and while your’e at it feel free to follow @Wendy_Rosoff and @WillArmstrongPR. and @westofbroadwaypodcast for the latest in West of Broadway news. BroadwayPodcastNetwork.com/podcasts/west-of-broadway is how you can keep up with us and find past and future episodes.   Thanks for joining us, until next time, if you’re looking for us, you can find us Just West of Broadway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will and Wendy officially set their clocks to island time as the L.A. Premiere of Jimmy Buffett’s ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE weighed anchor at the Dolby Theatre for a three week L.A. premiere! You guessed it! Jimmy Buffett himself was present on the red carpet – along with the ENTIRE cast of the show – accompanied by some of our Hollywood friends! Listen in as Will and Wendy hit the carpet and then check in during intermission and after the show! Now playing at the Dolby Theater part of the Pantages Theater's Broadway in Hollywood Series. Tickets are available at: https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/escapetomargaritaville Be sure to follow @Wendy_Rosoff and @WillArmstrongPR and their new instagram handle @WestofBroadwayPodcast for the latest in West of Broadway news. Don't forget to go to BroadwayPodcastNetwork.com/podcasts/west-of-broadway to keep up with us and find past and future episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s curtains up on a very special episode of West of Broadway, a celebration of musical theatre on the West Coast! with theatre veteran Will Armstrong and introducing West of Broadway’s new co-host Broadway Veteran and all around wonderful human Wendy Rosoff. Wendy has been a guest several times on West of Broadway but now, she has officially joined the show and we are so grateful for her energy, insight and expertise and she couldn’t have come on board at a better time! We have officially joined the BroadwayPodcastNetwork and we can now be found on broadwaypodcastnetwork.com along with a roster of fantastic theater themed shows.   On this episode, Will and Wendy discuss their time working together on the Broadway Revival of 42nd Street and discuss what some of their old cast mates are up too. They also mention several exciting productions coming to Los Angeles that they look forward to covering on coming episodes.  The podcast really takes off when Will and Wendy discuss their experience with Rock of Ages!. Rock of Ages Hollywood is a unique immersive theatrical experience at The Bourbon Room, the perfect home for the show and Will & Wendy recently got to sit down with 2 of the cast members Regina Lavert and Justin Ray.  Regina and Justin share some behind the scenes info about putting the show together and share their individual paths that lead them to Hollywood Boulevard's newest attraction. Great news!!! ROCK of AGES is OPEN ENDED!  But don’t wait. Get your band of friends together and make a night of it! Tickets are available at RockofAgesHollywood.com. You can follow Regina on Instagram @ReginaLavert and Justin is @Just2nray and while your’e at it feel free to follow @Wendy_Rosoff and @WillArmstrongPR. for the latest in West of Broadway news. BroadwayPodcastNetwork.com/podcasts/west-of-broadway is how you can keep up with us and find past and future episodes. Speaking of future episodes, we have some great shows to cover! Escape to Margaritaville and Book of Mormon are coming very soon!  Thanks for joining us, until next time, if you’re looking for us, you can find us Just West of Broadway!             Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s curtains up on a special episode of West Broadway! I’m Los Angeles publicist and Broadway veteran Will Armstrong. This episode is a bit of a departure from our normal shows at west of Broadway, but as I think of it, maybe it’s less of a departure and more of an evolution. After all, as I see it, a podcast about musical theater on the West Coast is great. But what is musical theater without… Theater? Yesterday I was asked to attend the opening night of The Father staring Alfred Molina at the Pasadena playhouse that very night. The Pasadena Playhouse is a pretty special theater in the heart of Pasadena. And over the past couple seasons they have really upped their game when it comes to the shows that they produce. And it sounded like this production was no different.   As the official state theater of California, their mission is to enrich people’s lives through theater, community programs and learning. With over 100 years of experience they are one of the most prolific theaters in American history with the legacy of profound theatrical impact and courageous new work Molina, who I’ve adored since Raiders of the lost Ark back in 1981. Made his Broadway debut as Evan in the production of Art and received critical acclaim in the play Red. And musical fans know he also starred in Fiddler on the Roof as Tevye. His laundry list of theatrical and television accomplishments is nothing short of impressive and opening night of The Father was full of fans and dear friends who were there to support and celebrate Mr. Molina The play The father is a dark journey down the tragic one-way tunnel of dementia from French playwright Florian Zeller. This intense drama was adapted in English by Christopher Hampton originally starring Frank Langella who won the Tony Award for his performance of Andre and I knew that Mr. Molina was going to impress.  While covering the red carpet, I wanted to ask the celebrity guests three questions. One: “Why is theater special to you.” Two: “What makes theater in Los Angeles so different” And lastly, “How excited are you to see Alfred Molina in this production?” Veteran Actor, Stacey Keach, Marisa Echeverria of Goliath, Actress Wendie Malick who mentioned the work she does with Playfest in Durango Colorado, Film and stage actress Amy Aquino, Actress and Producer Cindy Fernandez Nixon, Pasadena Playhouse Board member Jane Kaczmarek, Okieriete “OAK” Onaodowan from Hamilton and ABC’s Station 19, Actress and Educator Brenda Banda of Gentefied talks about her relationship with PSArts, Michael Nathanson from Netflix’s The Punisher talks about his callback for this production, and the charmingly brilliant Suzanne Cryer, who you may know from All Rise or Silicone Valley, talks about her love of theater, her family and crying  The Father is playing now at the Pasadena Playhouse and until March 1 for tickets in the information go to PasadenaPlayhouse.org Thanks so much for listening. I hope you enjoyed learning about my experience at the Pasadena Playhouse for more episodes you can find us at Broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/westofBroadway. And you can find me on social media @WillArmstrongPR. Special thanks to my talented audio tech/husband and theater companion Bill Shepard and the team at Broadway Podcast Network, if you have some time poke around on their homepage they’ve got some other really great programming and I’m sure you’ll enjoy. So that’s all for now, thanks so much enjoy the rest of your day and remember if you’re ever looking for us you can find us just west of Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s curtains up on another episode of West of Broadway. I’m Broadway Veteran Will Armstrong and this is a continuation of our Broadway Con Series. That’s right, the West of Broadway crew went all the way to NYC for the 5th annual Broadway Con. We met celebrities, broadway fanatics and some innovators really changing the way broadway fans connect with their favorite shows and personalities. While walking the Marketplace floor, we ran into someone I just had to interview. Maybe you’ve seen the Netflix special John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch? If not, put it on your must watch list because it’s fantastic. The show features the comedy of John Mulaney and some amazing guest cameos from comedian Richard Kind to The Talking Head's David Byrne, actor Jake Gyllenhaal and the iconic Annaleigh Ashford! The show also features a cast of incredibly talented kids. One of the stands outs is a young man named Jacob Laval and he was walking the Marketplace floor with his mom and his sister and I just had to interview him. … John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch now streaming on Netflix and be sure to catch him on HBO’s the Plot Against America and since we recorded this interview he filmed several other segments for Sesame Street!  I think the world of this kid and I’m excited to see what he accomplishes. You can keep up with Jacob on Instagram : @jacobLaval Broadway Con was so much fun and I got to see and speak with so many incredible people. Someone I was particularly excited to talk to is a fellow theater podcaster who is not only creating fantastic content himself but he’s leading the way for other theater podcasters and providing a platform for creators to host, and share their content in one perfect place. Alan Seales is the co-founder of The Broadway Podcast Network, a one stop shop for all your favorite musical theater themed podcasts. It was such a pleasure to meet and speak with Alan Seales. I encourage you all to check out his show “ The Theater Podcast with Alan Seales and all the programing available on BroadwayPodcastNetwork.com.  And, here’s an exciting update. Since this episode was recorded, West of Broadway has joined the family of programing at Broadway Podcast Network so I encourage you to find us on their site along with a slew of entertaining and unique podcasts for theater fan. That brings us to the end of the show. Thank you so much for listening! Special thanks to Broadway Con, Jacob Laval and Alan Seales. Like I said, you can find past and future episodes of West of Broadway on BroadwayPodcastNetwork.com and you can find me on social @WillArmstronpr across all platforms and coming up very soon, we’ll be announcing our new co-host and a ton of new and exciting interviews on the show.  So until next time be well and if you’re looking for us, you can find us Just west of broadway. Links: https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayPodcastNetwork/ https://www.instagram.com/broadwaypodcastnetwork/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will Armstrong interviews Michael (Mike) Milton at the 2020 Broadway Con where he was debuting his new mentoring App Shadow Star! Mike took time off from his national tour of Jersey Boys to personally reveal his anxiously awaited app to the convention-goers in New York City. Shadow Star is the premier Broadway mentoring mobile app designed to help those in search of a career in the performing arts. Shadow Star connects you to Broadway Stars who will become your biggest supporters and work to help you reach your full potential. LINK: www.shadowstarnyc.com/ Michael Milton: Link: www.iammichaelmilton.com/ IG: www.instagram.com/michaelmilton2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special 50th episode of West of Broadway, we head east to the 5th annual Broadway Con in New York City to celebrate musical theater with thousands of super fans! This being our 50th episode, we wanted to do something special, so we caught up with Broadway veteran Laurie Wells to talk careers, our love for musical theater and her partnership with a brand-new mentoring app called Shadow Star! Shadow Star is the premier Broadway mentoring mobile app designed to help those in search of a career in the performing arts. Get connected with Broadway Stars like Laurie who will become your biggest supporters and work to help you reach your full potential. Special thanks to Broadway Con for the incredible access! We hope you enjoy this series of interviews from the house floor of this 3-day event! Links: https://www.lauriewells.net/ https://www.shadowstarnyc.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ in Costa Mesa, California continues it's 2019 – 2020 Family Series with The Joshua Show: Episode 2 This family-friendly production plays February 1 and 2 in Samueli Theater. Will caught up with Joshua himself. Joshua holden is an Award-winning puppeteer and Ambassador joy.  He shares how he uses singing, tap dancing and a cast of zany puppets to thrill audiences of all ages in his whimsical production about friendship and the value of being yourself. SEGERSTROM CENTER for the arts.  February 1 – 2, 2020 Samueli Theater Tickets are $20 and are available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. Follow Joshua : https://instagram.com/ohmygoshuajoshua The joshuashow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will talks with Tony Award-winner and five-time Tony Award nominee Laura Benanti who is bringing her one-woman act to Walnut Creek, California's Lesher Center for the Arts on Friday, January 31st. In her show titled, "Tales from Soprano Isle," Laura will be performing alongside a pianist for a night that will leave you in awe and in stitches. We also discuss her participation in the remarkable benefit album, "Singing You Home, Children’s Songs for Family Reunification" where she gathered other award-winning artists to raise money and awareness for families in need at our border. Featuring tracks from Lin-Manuel Miranda & Mandy Gonzalez, Josh Groban & Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald & Jason Robert Brown, Kristin Chenoweth, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson & Ana Villafañe, and a duet with Laura Benanti & Isabella Preston with backup vocals from the Broadway Baby Mamas. The album was conceived by Laura Benanti and produced by Benanti, Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Lynn Pinto. All artists, musicians, technicians and recording studios donated their time and talents to the project, so that a substantial portion of the proceeds from the English / Spanish language album will go directly to the non-profit organizations RAICES and ASTEP to help reunite and support families separated at the border. Available at: https://www.ghostlightrecords.com/singing-you-home-childrens-songs-for-family-reunification.html Lastly, we'll learn Laura's secret tip for staying focused, productive and at the top of her game! (Spoiler alert, It's meditation!) If you'd like to see Laura's show on the 31st, or just keep up with all the exciting projects she's working on, go to LauraBenanti.com where you'll find links to everything you need! Links: http://laurabenanti.com/ https://twitter.com/LauraBenanti https://www.instagram.com/laurabenanti/ https://lesherartscenter.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1303 http://westofbroadwaypodcast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/willarmstrongpr/ https://www.facebook.com/WillAndLara/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to part 2 of our series on Disney's Frozen 1st National Tour. Today we are connecting with Evan Strand one of the actors who plays the impressive and loveable Sven the Reindeer. Listen in as we learn about Evans path from Ballet, to firefighter training, to acting to dawning the intricate mantle of Sven. Frozen is currently playng at the world-famous Hollywood Pantages Theater and is embarking on the first leg of what promises to be an extensive tour of North America. Tickets are available at HollywoodPantages.com Additional Links: https://www.evanstrand.com/ https://www.instagram.com/evan.strand/ https://www.instagram.com/frozenthetour/ www.instagram.com/frozenbroadway/ www.instagram.com/hollywoodpantagestheatre/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thank you for joining us on our first episode of 2020! Listen in as we speak with Mason Reeves, the exceptionally talented young man who has stepped away from his senior year at the University of Michigan to originate the role of Kristoff in Disney's Frozen National Tour. Currently playing at the Hollywood Pantages Theater til Feb. 2nd, tickets are available athttps://www.hollywoodpantages.com/ Additional Links:: https://www.masondreeves.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rasonmeeves/ https://www.instagram.com/frozenbroadway/ https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodpantagestheatre/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a special day in studio at West of Broadway! We are joined by the amazing Becky Lythgoe to discuss the 10th anniversary of Lythgoe Family Panto! Listen in as we discuss the upcoming presentation of A Snow White Christmas. In England, the holidays just aren’t the holidays without a trip to a classic Panto. Lythgoe Family Panto’s fun spin on Snow White brings all the slapstick fun and audience participation that Pantos are known for — and even features a pre-recorded video illusion of the Magic Mirror played by (how’s this for perfect casting?) actor-magician Neil Patrick Harris. Additional cast members include Garrett Clayton as The Huntsman, Disney’s Olivia Sanabia as Snow White and Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams as The Queen. Lythgoe Family Panto returns to the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium with their 10-year anniversary production of A Snow White Christmas, December 13-22, 2019. LINKS: https://americanpanto.com/home https://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/2654040?_ga=2.154424378.309766481.1562368482-257887247.1562001810 https://www.instagram.com/lythgoepanto/ https://www.instagram.com/beckyblythgoe/ https://www.instagram.com/larascottmedia/ https://www.instagram.com/willarmstrongpr/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Lara Scott talks with Danielle Trzcinski, co-writer and star of Little Black Dress, the fearlessly funny ladies’ night out musical. Come learn about the making of a show that is one wild and unforgettable evening with its hilarious show-stopping musical numbers, “Magic Mike”-influenced dancing, and loads of improvised audience mayhem! Danielle Trzcinski and Amanda Barker saw an audience they never knew existed. Thousands of women who wanted to go to the theatre not just to see a show, but to have an experience where they could laugh, party, and let loose...oh, and see some stripping from a very sexy man. So, they grabbed a couple of their super talented friends—award-winning director Christopher Bond and Broadway vocal arranger and composer Natalie Tenenbaum—and together wrote the story of Dee and her best friend Mandy. Together we witness the girls’ major life events in their little black dresses—first job interview, first date, first awkward sexual experience, second awkward sexual experience, and more! Using hilarious improv, catchy songs, and a heartfelt story, Little Black Dress has made audiences across the globe laugh, cry, and party! Playing at the Kirk Douglas Theater in Culver City on Dec 3 - 15th. Tickets: https://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/kirk-douglas-theatre/guest-productions/little-black-dress/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of West of Broadway, Lara Scott talks with the Diva Donna herself, DAN’YELLE WILLIAMSON Currently starring in the national tour of Summer, The Donna Summer Musical. Now playing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre til November 24th. Tickets available at HollywoodPantages.com Williamson, a Broadway veteran with a passion for storytelling, is delighted to share in the legacy that is DONNA SUMMER all over the US! Last seen in the American Premier of Life After and a Holiday Celebration Concert in Tokyo, Japan. Broadway: Memphis, Scandalous and Rocky. Additional credits: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Sister Act, Disgraced, Mamma Mia!, The Lion King (National Tour) and Wicked (Chicago). Film soundtrack: 12 Years a Slave. Agent: DGRW INC. IG: @dubbzlove / danyellewilliamson.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will and Lara speak with Michael A. Shepperd who is currently starring as “Miss Trunchbull,” in the La Mirada production of Matilda the Musical. LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT are thrilled to present the second show of their 2019-2020 season, Roald Dahl’s MATILDA, THE MUSICAL, book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, musical direction by Jennifer Lin, choreography by Kate Dunn and directed by Michael Matthews. MATILDA, THE MUSICAL will preview on Friday, October 25, 2019 (with a press opening on Saturday, October 26 at 8pm) and runs through Sunday, November 17, 2019 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. For tickets, please call (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310 or buy online at www.lamiradatheatre.com. Group discounts are available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Lara and Will get to talk to the amazing Adam Pascal who is currently appearing as Harold Hill in the beloved classic The Music Man. Best known for his leading role in the Broadway hit RENT, Adam Pascal will star in 5-Star Theatricals’ upcoming production of The Music Man, which runs October 18–27 at the Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks, California. Tickets available at: http://5startheatricals.com/the-music-man/?utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=music-man&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7sSEraCh5QIVSv7jBx1MNQK5EAAYASAAEgKmhvD_BwE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Lara Scott gets to speak with acclaimed soprano Shana Blake Hill, who will be one of the Guest Soloists for the upcoming Verdi Chorus Fall Concert Sound and Fury being presented November 16 and 17 in Santa Monica. 36 th Season The Verdi Chorus Fall 2019 Concert Sound and Fury 36th Season culminates with operatic sequences from Verdi’s Otello and Il trovatore, Puccini’s Turandot and Tosca, and Lehár’s The Merry Widow Guest Soloists include Alex Boyer, Shana Blake Hill, and Malcolm MacKenzie Two performances only November 16-17, 2019 First United Methodist Church, Santa Monica Venue: First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica, 1008 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403. Performances: Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, November 17 at 2:00 pm Tickets: Prices: $10.00 - $40.00 By Phone - (800) 838-3006 Online – www.verdichorus.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will and Lara are honored to have an opportunity to speak with the ICONIC Betty Buckley about life, pets and her upcoming performances at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and LA's Saban Theater. The Tony winner will be at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts October 17 – 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Segerstrom Center for the Arts proudly presents Tony Award® winner Betty Buckley October 17 – 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Samueli Theater. If you miss that, she'll be in LA's Saban Theater on November 2nd: http://www.saban.theater/tickets/ We hope you enjoy this special episode of West of Broadway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will and Lara talk with Mom Blogger and Lifestyle Expert Nikki Diaz of @NikkiDiazWorld about her experience at Opening Night of Pasadena Playhouse's production of Little Shop of Horrors starring George Salazar, MJ Rodrigues, and Amber Riely. Now playing until October 10th. Tickets available: https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/tickets-events/ Be sure to follow Nikki Diaz at: http://www.nikkidiaz.com/blog https://www.instagram.com/nikkidiazworld/ https://www.youtube.com/user/NikkiDiazWorld https://www.facebook.com/IAmNikkiDiaz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE NEW NATIONAL TOUR OF CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S DYNAMITE BROADWAY REVIVAL OF LEGENDARY MUSICAL MISS SAIGON is on it's way to Segerstrom Hall on October 1 – 13, 2019 and we got to talk with Emily Bautista who is starring as Kim! MISS SAIGON Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA October 1 – 13, 2019 Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets – Start at $26 In Person – The Box Office 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily Online – SCFTA.org Phone – (714) 556-2787 Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily Group Sales – (714) 755-0236 Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Advisory – MISS SAIGON contains some scenes and language which may not be suitable for younger audience members, including scenes of a sexual nature. Recommended for ages 14 and up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will talks about his experience at La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts seeing the West Coast premiere of "Grumpy Old Men the Musical." Spoiler alert, he loved it! and to top it off, the 2 are joined by Broadway, Film and television icon Ken Page to discuss his role as Chuck the loveable general store owner. They also get an opportunity to talk about some of Ken's other famous shows and roles, most notably the Disney classic Nightmare Before Christmas's Oogie Boogie. This McCoy Rigby production is playing until October 13th at La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts and tickets are available at lamiradatheater.com *Rated PG-13 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will is FREAKING out over today's guest! George Salazar is coming off his iconic run in the hit Be More Chill to mount a reinterpretation of the classic Little Shop of Horrors starring alongside Mj Rodriguez (Pose) As “Audrey,” and Amber Riley (Glee) as “Audrey II” in a classic boy meets girl, power-hungry, R&B Singing, carnivorous plant strives for world domination. Tuesday, September 17, 2019 to Sunday, October 20, 2019 Tickets: PasadenaPlayhouse.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will and Lara are talking Artists at Play and Greenway Arts Alliance's LOS ANGELES PREMIERE OFThe Chinese Lady with one of the stars Trieu Tran. September 7-29, 2019 | Greenway Court Theatre The Los Angeles premiere is directed by Rebecca Wear (Lauren Yee’s Samsara – Coeurage Theatre) and features Amy Shu (Susan Soon’s He Stanton’s We, the Invisibles – Cal State L.A.) as “Afong Moy” and Trieu Tran (LADCC Nominated for “Alan Strang” in Equus – East West Players) as “Atung.” THE CHINESE LADY is playing now through September 29, 2019 at Greenway Court Theatre (544 N. Fairfax Avenue) in Los Angeles. Inspired by the true story of America’s first female Chinese immigrant, The Chinese Lady is a dark, poetic, yet whimsical portrait of America through the eyes of a young Chinese woman. Afong Moy (Shu) is 14 years old when she’s brought to the United States from Canton in 1834. Allegedly the first Chinese woman to set foot on U.S. soil, she has been bought and put on display for the American public as “The Chinese Lady.” For the next half a century, she performs for curious museum-goers, showing them how she eats, what she wears, and the highlight of the event: how she walks with bound feet. As the decades wear on, her celebrated sideshow comes to define and challenge her very sense of identity. The Chinese Lady blurs the line between the observed and the observer, and gives us new eyes on the history of American entitlement and immigration. Named a New York Times Critic’s Pick in November 2018, the Times said of The Chinese Lady, “Extraordinary play...piercing...heart-rending...” and “...gently comical drama...” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super excited about this episode! Lara and Will are joined in studio with 567 Broadway creator and friend of the pod Joseph Corella to discuss Will and Joseph's night at the Hollywood Bowl seeing opening night of the star studded 3 day run of Into The Woods and then, they are joined by Executive Director of The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles Lou Spisto to tell us all about the 40th Anniversary Gala Concert featuring Chrissy Metz and Shoshana Bean at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on August 16, 2019 at 7:30 pm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On This special episode of West of Broadway, Will and Lara talk with Radio Host Maggie Mckay about opening night at The Pantages for Miss Saigon and then screen and stage star Ashley Argota talks about her very special production of Spitfire Grill at the Garry Marshal Theater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On todays episode of West of Broadway, Lara talks about her experience at The Play that Goes Wrong. We talk with Mark Saltzman about his new show with a Guys and Dolls connection and we catch up with one of the creators of the Friends Musical Parody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, we discuss Lara's trip to the Pantages to see The Phantom of the Opera tour now playing til July 7th and then we touch on the Geffen Playhouse's production of Mysterious Circumstances. Inspired by The New Yorker article Mysterious Circumstances: The Strange Death of a Sherlock Holmes Fanatic by David Grann, the play centers around the true story of the mysterious death of Richard Lancelyn Green, the world’s foremost scholar on Sherlock Holmes. After spending two decades searching for the missing papers of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Green came close to unlocking the secrets behind Holmes’ creator when he tracked down an elusive box which was said to be cursed. Featuring Hugo Armstrong, John Bobek, Austin Durant, Leo Marks, Ramiz Monsef, Helen Sadler & Alan Tudyk and playing untilJuly 14th. And finally, we get to speak with Joseph Corella, Dancer, Choreographer, Fitness Instructor and all around amazing human who created the new fitness sensation 567Broadway! Originally developed in Los Angeles to dedicated and enthusiastic class goers, Joseph has spent the past several years perfecting a fun filled home fitness dance workout for all levels that inspires movement, health and happiness by harnessing the magic of musical theater song and dance. In this non-stop cardio dance workout, you join Joseph Corella and his cast of real-life students as you follow along to the easy-to-learn dance fitness routines that will leave you shining bright like the Broadway STAR that you are! For more info go to https://www.567broadway.fitness/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special mini episode of West of Broadway, Will and Lara talk with Noah Weisberg who is currently staring as Willy Wonka in the National Tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Now playing at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts til Sunday June 9th. Based on the classic Roald Dahl novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, with music by Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winner Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Grammy and Tony Award winners Scott Wittman and Shaiman, a book by David Greig, and choreography by Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Joshua Bergasse. The production includes additional songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from the 1971 Warner Bros. motion picture. The show tells the story of Willy Wonka, world-famous inventor of the Everlasting Gobstopper, who has just made an astonishing announcement. His marvelous — and mysterious — factory is opening its gates...to a lucky few. That includes young Charlie Bucket, whose life definitely needs sweetening. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing, life-changing journey through Wonka's world of pure imagination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will and Lara are joined by friend of the pod Wendy Rosoff to talk about the National Tour Production of Falsettos currently playing at the Ahmanson Theater and then, Lara and Will talk to Ariana Stultz of the Verdi Chorus who is performing in their one night only production "Love is Timeless." on May 4th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will and Lara get to speak with 2 of the stars of the 36 th Season of The Verdi Chorus Spring 2019 Concert L’Amore e la Vita (Love and Life) Two performances only April 6-7, 2019 First United Methodist Church, Santa Monica Two of our guest soloists, Los Angeles Opera favorite Jamie Chamberlin and acclaimed tenor Nathan Granner, who are actually married in real life! In fact, Nathan proposed to Jamie onstage last fall at the conclusion of the Verdi Chorus 35th Anniversary concert! The Spring Concert is entitled L’Amore e la Vita (Love and Life), which Founding Artistic Director Anne Marie Ketchum humorously calls “ the Rom-Com of opera,” and will feature selections from two Verdi operas – I vespri siciliani and Ernani, three Donizetti operas - Don Pasquale, La fille du régiment and L’elisir d’amore, as well as operatic sequences from Bizet’s Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers), Delibes’ Lakmé, and Puccini’s La rondine. Tickets are available for purchase at www.verdichorus.org or by calling (800) 838-3006. Priority seating is available for $40, general admission is $30, seniors are $25, and students aged 25 and under with a valid ID are $10. After that, Will tells Lara all about his experience at Pasadena Playhouse's production of Ragtime which has been extended to March 9th. Tickets are available at: https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/event/ragtime/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will Armstrong and Lara Scottsit down inside the Hollywood Pantages Theatre before the curtain rises on the National tour of #Cats. CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America and Lara and Will discuss the history how the show has evolved and the importance of Instagram famous cats on the Red carpet. Enjoy! CATS NOW PLAYING February 26 - March 24 2019 At the Hollywood Pantages Theater Tickets: www.hollywoodpantages.com/events/detail/cats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of West of Broadway Will and Lara talk with FOX 11 Entertainment Reporter Amanda Salas about the opening night of Hello Dolly at the Pantages Theater now playing until Feb 17th. The three rave about Betty Buckley's performance along with the entire fantastic production. They also discuss how they all met and their amazing friend Matthew Hoffman the founder of the inspiring charity Tuesdays with Matthew. Run don't walk to the Pantages Theater! We may see you there, because we are going back! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special "Mini Episode" of West of Broadway, Lara Scott talks with Bryce Charles who is starring as Sarah in Pasadena Playhouse's production of Ragtime. Bryce is ecstatic to be making her Pasadena Playhouse debut with Ragtime! She earned her BFA in Musical Theater from AMDA College and Conservatory. Regional Theater: Blues in the Night (dir. Sheldon Epps; The Wallis Annenberg). National Tour: The Book of Mormon (2nd National). TV: Encore, Blackish (ABC); Fuller House, Tales of the City (Netflix); Teachers (TV Land). Twenty years after its premiere, the great American musical returns to LA. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Ragtime tells the story of three families at the turn of the 20th Century in pursuit of the American dream. The award-winning score uses ragtime rhythms to paint a portrait of the people who built this country with the hopes for a brighter tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s our first show of 2019, an this is going to be another incredible year of musical theatre here in Southern California….We love that there are so many CLASSIC shows this season that a lot of us will get to see for the first time… Lara talks about her experience at Wicked with her children and we also look back at the fantastic performance in Pasadena from the Lythgoe Family Panto's 'Wonderful Winter of OZ.) Then we discuss the amazing season to come at Pantages and Ahmanson! HELLO DOLLY (late January) KINKY BOOTS (February) CATS (late Feb) CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (March) FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (April) LES MISERABLES (May) THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (June) RENT (July) the 20th anniversary tour Miss Saigon (late July) And then looking ahead to the fall…the national tour of FROZEN will roll into LA! And over in Downtown LA at the Ahmanson Theatre…. CINDERELLA (Feb) Matthew Bourne has transformed the fairy tale that we all know and love into a wartime romance! FALSETTOS (April) This is a Tony-award winner that is a funny and touching look at all the different possibilities of a modern family. INDECENT (June) The true story of a groundbreaking piece of theatre, GOD OF VENGEANCE, and the artists who risked their lives to perform it. THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (July) Just like the name suggests, this is a play about a play where everything is going wrong in a classic murder mystery: actors forgetting their lines, a leading lady who is unconscious, a corpse that can’t play dead… We wish we had more time to cover more theaters, but if there’s something coming up that you’re looking forward to anywhere in Southern California, please reach out to us! @larascottmedia on FB, IG, and twitter and WillArmstrongPR across all platforms. We can’t wait to hear from you! So Once again! Happy 2019! If you’d like to catch up on any of our previous episodes from 2018…or even 2017….check out WestOfBroadwayPodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s curtain up on another episode of West of Broadway, a celebration of musical theatre in Los Angeles with celebrity publicist and theatre veteran Will Armstrong https://www.instagram.com/willarmstrongpr/, along with radio host and theatre enthusiast Lara Scott https://www.instagram.com/larascottmedia/, On this episode we discuss the first national tour of the tony award-winning Broadway smash COME FROM AWAY which opened its los angeles engagement on November 28th at the Ahmanson theatre…and we were there!!! The story is centered around 9/11….and yet there are some very funny moments…it’s really beautifully done and not disrespectful at all…everyone that I could see around us seemed old enough to remember 9/11, and we all have so many stories around that—after the show, you and I were talking about where we were and what we were doing when we found out the first plane hit the world trade center…so there is a lot of emotion around this. And ultimately, the message is that out of tragedy something beautiful can be created. We are convinced you cannot see this show and NOT be changed when you walk out. All right let us know what you think after you see COME FROM AWAY: tix are available at https://www.centertheatregroup.org/ (and theatre is spelled T-H-E-A-T-R-E), and it’s playing through January 6th. ELF THE MUSICAL: Jennifer Lynn O’Hara, https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlynnohara/ one of our West of Broadway ensemble members, just checked out ELF THE MUSICAL! Tickets and Info: http://musical.org/elf-the-musical/ MARY POPPINS And we are joined in studio with friend of the pod and proud West of Broadway ensemble member actress, writer, and all around genius Wendy Rosoff https://www.instagram.com/wendy_rosoff/. Wendy of course last joined us for insight into Musical Theater Guild’s production of Sugar which she choreographed. but today she is giving us the details from exclusive star studded screening of the premier of the anxiously awaited feature film Mary Poppins returns. https://movies.disney.com/mary-poppins-returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of West of Broadway, Will heads to the red carpet at the Pantages Theater for Opening Night of A Bronx Tale where he gets to talk one on one with the stars! Then we join Will and Lara to review A Bronx Tale before we are joined by Theater reviewer and new WOB Ensemble member Melanie Hooks to talk about In a Booth at Chasen's running at The El Portal Theater and then we meet Elizabeth Lucin and Craig Sherman fill us in on the Color Purple playing at Greenway Playhouse! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a conversation with Greenway Arts Alliance's Production of The Color Purple's very own April Nixon and Gabrielle Jackson. On stage here in LA until December 9th. After that, we catch up with West of Broadway Ensemble Member Jennifer Lynn O'Hara's review of Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's production of Guys & Dolls! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Lara gets to hear about Will’s experience at the El Capitan Theater seeing the premier of the Disney film Nutcracker and the Four Realms. And then, they talk to Amanda Rafkin a Los Angeles-based composer, musical director, and pianist. She is the composer of the new musical The Lightning Howler, formerly titled 300 Bones, and is also the host, producer, pianist and musical director of Broadway LA Unplugged, a bi-monthly acoustic cabaret show. And then we’ll talk to Kelley Dorney and Brent Schindele the stars of IN A BOOTH AT CHASEN’S is a new musical about the real-life Hollywood romance of ron and nancy Reagan, playing at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood November 9 th through the 25 th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of West of Broadway Podcast we sit down with host Lara Scott to hear all about her exciting voyage aboard the Disney Dream. And then we catch up with Becky Baeling Lythgoe out of Lythgoe Family Panto to talk about her exciting new production The Wonderful Winter of OZ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have not 1 not 2 but 3 guests on West of Broadway! Lara and Will start things off with the founding artistic director of the Verdi Chorus Anne Marie Ketchum , We hop on the phone with Cabaret Legend Todd Murray to talk about his 2 new Christmas songs available on itunes and Sharon who is manager of ticket sales for the El Capitan Theater shares some valuable insider information about the legendary theater! It’s a fun one! Hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of West of Broadway Lara and Will's Husband Bill discuss opening night of Beautiful the Carole King Story and we get a call from the DIVA Karen Mason while she's mid show of her production of Love Never Dies. Karen discusses her tour, cabaret and Hurricane Florence and then we wrap up with our very first report from our West of Broadway ensemble member Jennifer Lynn O'Hara. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of West of Broadway, Will and Lara get to talk with the star of the national tour of Beautiful the Carole King Musical, Sarah Bockel about how excited she is to be coming to Los Angeles. And then we get a call fromJames Chiao the creator of Tenor by Night, his biographical story performing at the El Portal Theatre September 22 nd and 23 rd , Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices