Podcasts about Avenue Q

Jared Shaw didn't build his career on one big break.He built it on being ready.National tours of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and The Book of Mormon. Broadway sub credits on Tommy, Boop! The Musical, Beaches, and more. Four years as the drummer for Billy Mira & The Hitmen on the Howard Stern Show. Percussion guest with the National Symphony of Ghana. First drum chair of the NYU Broadway Orchestra under Ted Sperling. Over 40 theatrical productions in New York City.That's not a resume. That's a body of work built one gig at a time.He also came up the right way — NYU Steinhardt, Percussion Performance, University Honors, with minors in Business of Entertainment and Producing. In this episode, we get into what it actually took. How he approached learning difficult books. How he thinks about subbing. What touring taught him about professionalism. How electronic drumming and programming became part of his toolkit — not as a novelty, but as a necessity.We also talk about his studies with James Saporito, Shawn Pelton, and Valerie Naranjo. Three teachers who shaped how he hears music and approaches the instrument.This is a conversation about longevity. About what it actually takes to last in this business. About being the kind of drummer people call — and call back.If you're serious about how to get into subbing on Broadway, or getting a tour, this one's worth your time.For more: https://www.jared-shaw.comClayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Junesical theatre month continues as we discuss another classic that we somehow haven't talked about yet!You can contact the show at agoodpodcast@gmail.com and find us @HowStarWarsIsIt on all platforms, but since all platforms are kind of evil now, you should probably just email us. That's the best way to get a hold of us! You can also follow Mike @WordGospel09 on Youtube and Instagram and Josiah @JosiahDotBiz on social media, but once again, just email us. And don't forget to rate and review on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts! And if you REALLY like the show head over to our Patreon at patreon.com/howstarwarsisit for bonus episodes, Star Wars movie commentaries, and more!

Jennifer Barnhart is an actor, singer, voiceover artist - and a puppeteer! Her career is filled with her extraordinary work on children's programming. She was an original cast member of the Tony Award-winning musical, "Avenue Q.”  She is also an Emmy-nominated performer for her work  on "Sesame Street," where she plays Zoe and Granny Bird, among others. She was Cleo on the PBS show, “Between the Lions” and she has played dozens of characters on a variety of TV shows, including “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” “SNL,” “Law & Order: SVU,” and “Bear in the Big Blue House”. My featured song is “To The Zoo!”. Spotify link. —----------------------------------------------------------- The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries! Click here for All Episodes  Click here for Start Here Click here for Guests  Click here for Guest Testimonials Click here for 5 Pillars Click here for Robert's Project Grand Slam Click here to Subscribe  Click here to receive our Email Updates Click here to Rate and Review the podcast —---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH JENNIFER:www.jenniferbarnhart.com —---------------------------------------- ROBERT'S NEWEST RELEASE:“THE BUZZ” - Ft. Darius de Haas (vocals) and Dave Eggar (Celo). Short, Sweet and Totally Different CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL VIDEO CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS —-------------------------------------- Audio production: Jimmy RavenscroftKymera FilmsConnect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comFollow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.com    

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Gary Seligson: The Grammy-Winning Broadway Drummer Phil Collins Refused to Work WithoutPhil Collins snuck into a performance of Wicked one night without telling Gary Seligson he was coming.The next morning, he walked into Tarzan rehearsal and told the producers he didn't care who else they put in the band. There was one guy he wanted on drums. Not Chuck Burgi — who had literally replaced Phil Collins in Brand X and was calling in every favor he had to get the gig. Gary Seligson. The one he heard play in the theater when nobody knew he was watching.That's the kind of reputation you build over a career that most Broadway musicians would trade anything for.I chatted with Gary on August 24, 2021. The video is on the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel. Now the audio is available everywhere you get your podcasts — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wherever you listen.Gary is a Grammy Award winner who originated the drum books and recorded the cast albums for Aida, Wicked, Tarzan, A Little Princess, School of Rock, and Soft Power. He held the drum chair on Billy Elliot for over three years. He's on the Motown: The Musical cast recording playing percussion. His Broadway credits span more than two decades — from The Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm in 1999 through Bob Fosse's Dancin' and Harmony in 2023. In 2025, he headed back out on the road with the Beauty and the Beast revival. He's also subbed on more than 20 Broadway productions, including Chicago, The Lion King, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Cats, and Rent.Gary grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, banging on his mother's pots and pans before his father bought him a tiny metal snare drum at age three. He studied with the same teacher from second grade through twelfth grade. He went to the Hartt School of Music in Hartford. He found his way to Gary Chester in New York, who completely rewired how he thought about the instrument, and then told him flat out: never leave town for more than four weeks.Gary took a touring gig anyway.Nine years on the road followed. And the moment he pulled into his mother's driveway after finally deciding to come home, the phone rang. It was Bob Billig calling about Chicago. That's how this business works when you've done the groundwork.We get into his first Broadway subbing experience at The King and I — walking into the pit two hours before curtain, sitting down at a drum set that felt completely foreign, getting thrown out by the stage manager before the show even started, then spending an hour and forty-five minutes walking around Midtown getting more nervous with every step. Trial by fire. He made the cut, and word traveled fast.We talk about what it felt like to play alongside Elton John in an Aida rehearsal room. We talk about Phil Collins tapping a pencil on a desk during Tarzan rehearsals — not even playing, just tapping — and how the groove was so wide the entire room felt it. And we talk about the moment Gary flew himself to San Francisco on JetBlue just to watch Wicked out of town, because he needed to know for himself whether to leave Aida for it.He knew by the first number.Gary is a Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Pro-Mark Sticks, Grover Percussion, and Remo Heads endorser, and has been featured in Modern Drummer and DRUM magazine multiple times.Press play. And if this episode gives you something, please leave us a glowing five-star review wherever you're listening. It takes 30 seconds and it means everything to the show.If you're serious about your own path in this industry, pick up Broadway Bound and Beyond at broadwayboundbook.com. Signed copies at signaturebrandworks.com.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

He showed up to watch.9:28 AM. Carroll's Rehearsal Studios. The Tina Turner Broadway show is about to start.Jared's a college student at NYU. He's not there to play. He's there to observe — to see how a real Broadway drummer handles a real Broadway rehearsal. He's looking at the chart on the stand. Not touching anything. Just studying.9:30 hits.The drummer isn't there.Contractor John Miller scans the room. Lands on Jared.“All right, Jared. Sit down. You're on.”He sat down. Blacked out. And sight-read 15 minutes of a mega-mix — a chart he'd never seen, styles flipping every 16 bars, a section in 3/4 buried in the middle — while a friend quietly filmed from across the room.He had no idea that moment would eventually lead to his first touring gig: Beautiful.Not because he was perfect that day, but it was because he was prepared before it.My full conversation with Jared Shaw drops soon on the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.comThis Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.When I recorded this in February of 2022, Rodney was in his drum room. Blue Pearl kit behind him. Meshell Ndegeocello shirt on — second album, Peace Beyond Passion. We both agreed it's her best record. If you've never heard it, fix that before you do anything else today.Now he's the percussionist on The Lost Boys at the Palace Theatre. Twelve Tony nominations. Best Musical on the table. If there was ever a time to bring this one back in full, it's now.He came up in a town in North Carolina with no stoplight. His dad couldn't buy him brushes, so he put mini broomsticks in his hands and showed him what a brush sweep sounds like on a picnic table. That's the foundation. He started on saxophone. Switched to drums at 17. Moved to New York not thinking about Broadway at all. Jeff Campbell put his name in front of Chris Parker. The rest followed.The conversation goes deep on what it actually costs to stack your deck in this business. Playing Diana in La Jolla, then jumping on a plane to Japan with Avril Lavigne, then folding Mrs. Doubtfire in because his wife asked one simple question: what's the worst that can happen?Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.I chatted with Rodney Howard in February of 2022. He was in his drum room — blue kit behind him, Meshell Ndegeocello shirt on — and what started as a podcast felt more like a conversation between two guys who just happened to both live in this world.I had a great time revisiting this one.The Lost Boys is now running at the Palace Theatre with 12 Tony nominations, including Best Musical. It's the most Tony-nominated musical of 2026. Rodney is the percussionist on that show. Before that, he held the drum chair at Mrs. Doubtfire, subbed some of the hardest chairs on Broadway, and spent years on the road with Avril Lavigne, Gavin DeGraw, and Regina Spektor.This episode is about how you build that kind of career. He started on saxophone. Switched to drums at 17. Moved to New York not thinking about Broadway at all. Then Jeff Campbell put his name in front of Chris Parker, and the rest is a masterclass in being ready when the call comes.Two things from this conversation I almost forgot about that were really important. First, he said, take notes literally and broadly, but not too literally. He learned that the hard way at Lion King, following a sub-conductor's shaky conducting because Tommy told him to follow the conductor. The notes you get points you somewhere, but it doesn't replace your judgment.Second, when you sub, use what the drummer uses for monitoring. Not your nice headphones. Not your in-ears. Whatever they use. The mix was built around that. He said he's personally tanked a sub gig because he didn't. Said it like a man who doesn't enjoy repeating the experience.The video drops this Friday. Go listen.Originally released February 2022 on the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

The fan-favourite, award winning comedy musical AVENUE Q is back in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre, and Mickey-Jo recently had the bucket-list-worthy opportunity to meet some of its cast and iconic characters.Mickey-Jo headed to the theatre to sit down with Emily Benjamin, Charlie McCullagh, and Noah Harrison plus Avenue Q residents Trekkie Monster, Lucy the Slut, and Rod to ask them about puppetry secrets, onstage mishaps, musical theatre dream roles, and more.Check out this fun and completely unique interview, and don't forget to book tickets to see AVENUE Q in the West End!About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morgan grew up in a small town in Kansas. No blueprint for this. No obvious path to musical theater. She found her way to NYU, studied West African music under Valerie Naranjo — which rewired the way she hears everything — and started building relationships one sub at a time.Now she's 600 shows into the national tour of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. And the way she talks about this industry is the kind of honest I don't always get on this podcast.We got into some really cool things:— What she does at the kit during the show that nobody expects, and why it actually works — The subbing etiquette mistakes that quietly end reputations before they start — A blacklist situation she handled with more integrity than most veterans twice her age — What ego, patience, and sitting with uncertainty actually look like when you're learning from the people ahead of youCheck out her site: https://www.morganparkernyc.comThis Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.This is why I started Broadway Drumming 101. Not to give people a checklist. But to share access with people who figured it out — and let you hear how they actually talk about it.The video is embedded above. Audio is available on every podcast platform.If this is your first episode…welcome! Stick around.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Morgan is the drummer on the national tour of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Six hundred shows in. Almost quit drumming in high school. Grew up in a small town in Kansas with no real map for any of this. Found her way to NYU, subbed MJ and Yiddish Fiddler simultaneously, and landed a tour that's run nearly two years.Her path is not the one anybody draws up. And the way she talks about trust, subbing, ego, and what actually gets you hired — it's the kind of honesty you don't hear enough of.We also get into:* What she does at the kit during the show that nobody expects — and why it actually works* How studying West African music under Valerie Naranjo at NYU rewired the way she hears everything* The blacklist situation she handled with more integrity than most veterans twice her age* The subbing etiquette mistakes that quietly kill a reputation before it even starts* What she learned about ego, patience, and being comfortable with uncertainty from the people ahead of herEpisode #105 is out now. The video version drops this Friday on YouTube.If this is your first time here — Broadway Drumming 101 is the podcast and resource built for drummers and musicians who want to work in musical theater. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss the next one.Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 on Substack →And if the podcast has helped you — even just one episode — leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It takes two minutes and it's the best way to help other drummers find this. It means more than you know.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

On this week's episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Robert dive into a trio of very different theatrical experiences! Robert shares his thoughts on London's lagest mega-hit musical: Paddington.     We revisit the gloriously irreverent Avenue Q, discussing its enduring appeal, razor-sharp humour and whether its once-shocking material lands differently with modern audiences.  We also explore the hilarious and affectionate documentary spoof Original Cast Album: Co-Op — a loving parody inspired by the legendary recording sessions of Company. 

This is the video of last week's podcast — and another one in the Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episode Series.This episode takes us back to January 2022 with one of the most respected drummers in both Broadway and jazz, Jared Schonig.Since we recorded this conversation, Jared has moved into the drum chair for Just in Time at Circle in the Square Theatre, but this episode still holds up because Jared drops a lot of real information about what it actually takes to survive in this business.We talked about:* How he went from jazz gigs and working at Apple to Broadway* Subbing on shows like Grease, American Idiot, and Next to Normal* Building Moulin Rouge from the ground up* Getting orchestration credit as a drummer* Broadway pit life, injuries, setups, pressure, and preparation* Why relationships and reputation matter more than people thinkJared has played with artists including Nicholas Payton, Chris Potter, John Patitucci, Cynthia Erivo, Kristin Chenoweth, and many others. He's originated seven Broadway drum books and built one of the most versatile careers out there.One thing I always appreciated about Jared is that he's honest about the work. The preparation. The pressure. The physical demands. The stuff people don't always talk about publicly.It's still one of my favorite conversations I've had on Broadway Drumming 101.Upcoming performances for Jared include shows at Sultan Room, Birdland, Zinc Bar, The Gin Mill, and dates with Brass Against.I may go and check out this show! Let me know and we can all connect there:Check out his site for more info! Click HERE https://www.jaredschonig.comClayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This is a clip from my upcoming Broadway Drumming 101 conversation with Morgan Parker, currently holding the drum chair for A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.Morgan dropped a lot of wisdom in this episode, but this part really stood out to me.One of her mentors told her that you're going to feel overwhelmed when the phone won't stop ringing… but you're also going to feel overwhelmed when the phone doesn't ring.That's the reality of this business.Morgan also talks about how dangerous it is to compare your path to other people's careers, especially in the social media era. Some musicians land major gigs quickly. For others, it can take years or even decades. Everybody comes to music in their own time.What matters is staying prepared, staying humble, keeping your ego in check, and continuing to grow.Morgan's career is a great example of that mindset in action. Along with Broadway and Off-Broadway credits, she's also worked as a stage manager for The New York Pops and performed in everything from theater productions to television performances and concert halls.Really great conversation. Full episode coming soon on Broadway Drumming 101.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Hannah Mooney hits the cast of Hamilton Musical Theatre's Avenue Q with some Q's on That's the Ticket, ahead of opening night!

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.This is another one in the Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episode Series.This episode takes us back to January 2022 with one of the most respected drummers in both Broadway and jazz, Jared Schonig.Since we recorded this conversation, Jared has moved into the drum chair for Just in Time at Circle in the Square Theatre, but this episode still holds up because Jared drops a lot of real information about what it actually takes to survive in this business.We talked about:• How he went from jazz gigs and working at Apple to Broadway• Subbing on shows like Grease, American Idiot, and Next to Normal• Building Moulin Rouge from the ground up• Getting orchestration credit as a drummer• Broadway pit life, injuries, setups, pressure, and preparation• Why relationships and reputation matter more than people thinkJared has played with artists including Nicholas Payton, Chris Potter, John Patitucci, Cynthia Erivo, Kristin Chenowethand many others. He's originated seven Broadway drum books and built one of the most versatile careers out there.One thing I always appreciated about Jared is that he's honest about the work. The preparation. The pressure. The physical demands. The stuff people don't always talk about publicly.It's still one of my favorite conversations I've had on Broadway Drumming 101.Upcoming performances for Jared include shows at Sultan Room, Birdland, Zinc Bar, The Gin Mill, and dates with Brass Against.Check out his site for more info! Click HEREhttps://www.jaredschonig.comSUBSCRIBE to be notifed when the video of this episode will be released.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller played a key role in the production of RENT, Hamilton, In the Heights, Avenue Q, and the revival of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd that starred Josh Groban. His memoir traced his path from ‘Theater Kid' to producer of Broadway mega-hits. Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews ‘Silent Friend.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller played a key role in the production of RENT, Hamilton, In the Heights, Avenue Q, and the revival of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd that starred Josh Groban. His memoir traced his path from ‘Theater Kid' to producer of Broadway mega-hits. Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews ‘Silent Friend.' See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

On the Saturday May 2, 2026 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we’ll meet Jay Franco, the author of the Star Wars tie-in book “Star Wars: Be More Boba Fett.” As every Star Wars fan knows, bounty hunter Boba Fett was selected by Empire magazine as the 79th greatest movie character of all time, and is included on Fandomania's list of The 100 Greatest Fictional Characters. IGN ranked Boba Fett as the eighth top Star Wars character, due to his fan-favourite status. Boba Fett is also the favourite Star Wars character of my guest Jay Franco. Drawing inspiration from the bounty hunter to offer advice on embracing a freelance, entrepreneurial lifestyle, adaptability, getting the job done no matter what, and being your own boss all while weaving in Star Wars lore and humor. Then, we’ll meet New York Actor/Singer Nick Manna. On and off Broadway you may have seen him in Shrek The Musical, Avenue Q or as Ben Franklin in 1776. Today we’ll talk about his career and touring in the lead role of Dog Man in Dog Man: The Musical, a family-friendly stage adaptation of Dav Pilkey's popular book series playing at the CAA Theatre in Toronto from May 6 to June 14. Check Mirvish.com for more details.

On the Saturday May 2, 2026 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we'll meet Jay Franco, the author of the Star Wars tie-in book “Star Wars: Be More Boba Fett.” As every Star Wars fan knows, bounty hunter Boba Fett was selected by Empire magazine as the 79th greatest movie character of all time, and is included on Fandomania's list of The 100 Greatest Fictional Characters. IGN ranked Boba Fett as the eighth top Star Wars character, due to his fan-favourite status. Boba Fett is also the favourite Star Wars character of my guest Jay Franco. Drawing inspiration from the bounty hunter to offer advice on embracing a freelance, entrepreneurial lifestyle, adaptability, getting the job done no matter what, and being your own boss all while weaving in Star Wars lore and humor. Then, we'll meet New York Actor/Singer Nick Manna. On and off Broadway you may have seen him in Shrek The Musical, Avenue Q or as Ben Franklin in 1776. Today we'll talk about his career and touring in the lead role of Dog Man in Dog Man: The Musical, a family-friendly stage adaptation of Dav Pilkey's popular book series playing at the CAA Theatre in Toronto from May 6 to June 14. Check Mirvish.com for more details.

The award winning comedy musical AVENUE Q is back, with a West End return at the Shaftesbury Theatre.The show features the iconic original puppet designs but is an enhanced version of the initial staging, with some changes made to update the material.Check out what Mickey-Jo thought of the show, and whether it still works in 2026...• 00:00 | introduction 01:51 | the material 10:06 | changes / creative choices 16:59 | performances 24:04 | conclusion About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noah Hadland Is Subbing Seven Broadway Shows at Once.He didn't get there by sending cold emails and waiting.He got there by running after a stranger with a stick bag outside the Book of Mormon stage door. By sight-reading act one of MJ on Broadway with 45 minutes of prep. By buying the right person a beer in 2019 and not asking for anything until 2023 — when that same person handed him a Broadway chair.Noah is 30 years old. He's subbing Ragtime, The Great Gatsby, Just in Time, Wicked, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chess, and Death Becomes Her. And in this episode, he breaks down exactly how he built that — the networking, the touch problem of juggling multiple shows, how to take a conductor's note without pushing back, and what he'd tell his 22-year-old self who came out of NYU convinced he should already be playing Hamilton.Watch the full episode above.Building a theater career and want the roadmap? I wrote the book. Broadway Bound and Beyond is at broadwayboundbook.comClayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

BE WARNED: It's LuAnna, and this podcast contains honest, upfront opinions, rants, bants and general explicit content. But you know you love it.On this week's BUMPER LuAnna: Lu and Anna start an MP jingle business, Lu isn't keen on team sports, Anna's brought us all special gifts, we're offering advice to a mum with major mum guilt and hear about possibly the worst 3rd date ever. Plus, we get into the Southport enquiry, Binky Felstead being outed for asking for freebies, bath sharing weirdos, Avenue Q, more Crumble content & an excellent new docco recco for you all to watch.GRAB YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BIG PARTY AT EVERYTHINGLUANNA.COMRemember, if you want to get in touch you can: Email us at luanna@everythingluanna.com OR drop us a WhatsApp on our brand new number 075 215 64640Please review Global's Privacy Policy: https://global.com/legal/privacy-policy/

Nick revisits Avenue Q at the Shaftesbury Theatre for its 20th anniversary—and discovers a show that's traded shock value for something warmer, wiser, and unexpectedly nostalgic. In this episode, he explores how Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx's irreverent musical holds up in 2026, from updated references (AI, Trump, and Spotify playlists) to subtle staging tweaks and musical refreshes. There's discussion of what still lands, what's softened with time, and whether the show's once-edgy humour can—or should—still provoke. Along the way, Nick reflects on seeing the show through a different lens two decades on, highlights standout performances (including an impressive turn from Emily Benjamin), and considers why Avenue Q continues to resonate with both returning fans and a brand-new audience.

West End Frame Editor, Andrew Tomlins hosts a solo episode of The West End Frame Show!Andrew discusses the London revival of Avenue Q (Shaftesbury Theatre) and One Day (Edinburgh Lyceum) as well as the latest news about Thelma and Louise, Kimberly Akimbo, Christine Baranski, Samantha Barks and more. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.He came out of NYU convinced he should already be playing Hamilton.He isn't playing Hamilton.He is subbing seven Broadway shows at once.That didn't happen because he sent the right email. It happened because he ran after a stranger with a stick bag outside the Broadway stage door of Book of Mormon. That stranger was Dan Berkery. They talked, stayed in touch, and built a real relationship. So years later, when MJ on Broadway had an emergency — the sub tested positive for COVID 90 minutes before curtain and nobody else was available — the call went to Dan. Dan was already booked. But he knew exactly who to pass the name to. Noah ran to H&M in Times Square to grab black clothes, got to the theater with 45 minutes to spare, flipped through the charts, and sight-read act one of MJ on Broadway in front of a live audience. One conversation outside a stage door changed everything.Over time, his name got around. Now he's one of the busiest subs on Broadway — currently covering seven shows, and by the time you read this, maybe eight or nine. The seven: Ragtime, The Great Gatsby, Just in Time, Wicked, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chess, and Death Becomes Her. That's not luck. That's years of showing up, staying ready, and never burning a bridge.He's still learning. Still building. And I have no doubt that his own Broadway chair is coming — it's just a matter of time.In this episode, Noah breaks down exactly how he built his career.We get into the networking — not the theory of it, the actual mechanics of how relationships in this industry form and pay off years later. We talk about the touch problem: what it actually takes to juggle seven shows without dropping any of them. How to take a conductor's note without pushing back. And what he'd tell the 22-year-old version of himself who came out of school thinking he was already behind.He wasn't behind. He just hadn't started yet.Noah Hadland: https://www.instagram.com/noahhadland/If You're Not Subscribed Yet, I'm Asking You NowIf you're already a subscriber — thank you. You're the reason this show keeps going.If you're not, I'm asking you to subscribe today. Free or paid. Every subscription helps cover the production of this podcast and keeps it alive. This is an independent show built for working musicians and people who want to become one. That only works if people show up for it.Subscribe. It matters more than you know.Two Resources If You're Serious About ThisThe first is free. The How to Land a Broadway Gig Roadmap breaks down how the industry actually works — the key players, how sub lists function, how to build relationships that lead somewhere. Grab it instantly at broadwayboundbook.com/roadmap when you subscribe.The second is The Broadway Sub Playbook — $7.99 at signaturebrandworks.com. From the moment you get the call to show day. How to study the score, build your sub book, take the conductor's notes, and walk into that pit like you belong there.Want the full picture? Broadway Bound and Beyond is available everywhere books are sold online. Signed copy at signaturebrandworks.com.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

In this clip from my conversation with Noah Hadland on the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, we get into something most drummers don't think about.I asked him what the hardest part is about subbing multiple shows at once. Most people would say the music.It's not.If you've done the work, the notes aren't the problem. The real challenge is touch.Every drummer you sub for plays differently. Some dig in. Some are right on the click. Some lean with the conductor. Some lay back. Some push.When you're bouncing between shows — sometimes in the same day — you have to carry all of that with you. Not just the parts. The feel. You're not covering a book. You're covering a person.That's where most drummers fall short. They learn the notes and think they're ready. But they don't sound like the drummer they're subbing for. Stay tuned for Noah's GREAT interview. Make sure you're subscribed to be notified when the episode is released:Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Amelia Kinu Muus is starring as Christmas Eve in the West End revival of Avenue Q.The anniversary production is directed by the original director Jason Moore with the original Broadway puppets, conceived and designed by Rick Lyon. Avenue Q opened on Broadway in 2003 and won the Tony Award for Best Musical. The show first ran in the West End between 2006 and 2010.Amelia's theatre credits include: Cathrine Parr in SIX (Vaudeville), cover Lois Lane in Kiss Me Kate (Barbican), cover Tuptim in King And I (UK Tour & Dominion), Rachel Green in Friendsical (Edinburgh Fringe & UK Tour), Bella in Beauty And The Beast (Rose Theatre), Elegies For Angels, Punks And Raging Queens (Kings Head) and associate director and swing in Tokyo Rose (Southwark Playhouse & UK Tour)Her screen credits include. Cop in Choose Or Die (Netflix) and Magdalena in Der Teufel Im Spiegel (Servus TV).Avenue Q is booking at the Shaftesbury Theatre until 29th August 2026. Visit www.avenueqmusical.co.uk for info and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're heading back to Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club to talk about Avenue Q!

TCW Podcast Episode 254 - The Elder Scrolls: Arena & Daggerfall   Bethesda Softworks, founded in 1985 by Christopher Weaver with sports titles like Gridiron and Wayne Gretzky Hockey along with licenses like The Terminator, pivoted to RPGs. Demo scene legend Julian LeFay hired Vijay Lakshman as designer and buffer to management so LeFay could focus on games. Together they birthed The Elder Scrolls: Arena, a gladiator combat simulator that morphed, nine months into a 13-month development cycle, into a first-person 3D epic inspired by Ultima Underworld. Arena evolved from a combat management game to a full RPG with a procedurally generated world, unique races like Argonians and Khajiit, and a plot to topple the wizard Tharn. With the second game, LeFay, challenged by Sandy Petersen's claim that CRPGs could never match tabletop RPGs, made Daggerfall a massive world the size of Great Britain: 15,000 cities, towns, and dungeons; 44 regions; 100 factions; skill leveling based on what players actually did; and reputation grinds to unlock quests and plot. Ted Peterson, who took over lead design after Lakshman left, wove a complex plot with gray themes, diverse motivations, and moral quandaries into a simulator packed with layered systems rather than pure RPG simplicity. It sold out the initial run, hit 700,000 units, and became Bethesda's best game yet, bringing fresh air to a fallow RPG era!   TCW 156 - Madden for Some Football: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW156 Gridiron (Amiga): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0q7sc_T3FU Wayne Gretzky Hockey (NES): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1Apj9IRcpQ Tell Me Your Name (Russia Heat): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYpcZ2NfMYU (Explicit) Sodan & Magician 42 - TechTech (Amiga): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB5CujcTN8A Terminator 2029 (PC/DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-PBi-N1hQo Flesh+Blood (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVyLe-k16gw Jason And The Argonauts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq4requMqvY Khajit/Khajiit Has Wares: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/khajiit-khajiit-has-wares Ultima Underworld: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee4PUcpGSn8 The Elder Scrolls: Arena (Box Art): https://bigboxcollection.com/TESArena.3DBox The Elder Scrolls: Arena: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjEn6ETA7EM What Do You Do With a B.A. in English? (Avenue Q): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYenQEjvlD0 Walk Across the Entire Map in Dragonfall Unity (Timelapse 512x): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xTvdK88cww The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpX5y6jiafg   New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com  BlueSky: @theycreateworlds.bsky.social Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today's guest is Jon Robyns who is starring as Miss Trunchbull in the West End production of Matilda.Having premiered in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010, the Royal Shakespeare Company's musical has been seen by 11 million people across 100 cities worldwide. Written by Dennis Kelly, Matilda has music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and direction by Matthew Warchus. Jon took over as Miss Trunchbull last year, immediately after his run as Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum.Jon's West End credits include The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, Jean Valjean in Les Misérables (having previously played Enjolras and Marius), King George in Hamilton, alternate Huey in Memphis, Scrooge & others in Dickens Abridged, Galahad in Spamalot and Princeton & Rod in Avenue Q.Jon's other theatre credits include: Adam Nehemiah in Dessa Rose (Trafalgar Studios 2), Robbie in The Wedding Singer (UK & Ireland Tour), Emmet in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve), Eddie in Sister Act (UK & Ireland Tour), Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Jamie in The Last Five Years (Greenwich Theatre), Hollis in Road Show (Menier Chocolate Factory), Mark in Rent (Frankfurt) and alternate Chris in Miss Saigon (UK & Ireland Tour). Jon performs in concerts all around the world and, alongside his performing work, is also a writer. Jon and his writing partner Christopher J Orton's musical Then, Now & Next premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in the summer of 2023, and they continue to collaborate on new writing projects.In this episode Jon discusses his time in The Great Gatsby, the process of taking over as Miss Trunchbull and his next writing project, plus lots more.Matilda runs at the Cambridge Theatre. Visit www.uk.matildathemusical.com for info and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Like I said I would, I want to show you what it's really like to build a Broadway show. Not the opening night photos, the red carpet, or the reviews. I'm talking about the early days. The first speeches. The moment when everyone realizes what they've actually signed up for.On the first day of Cats: The Jellicle Ball at New 42 Studios, we had our official meet and greet. The cast, creative team, and producers all came together for the first time. The energy was high. It was great to see many of the same cast and band members from our time at the Perelman Arts Center near the World Trade Center. There was a sense of history, but also a feeling that something bigger was about to happen.During the meet-and-greet, Matthew Harrison stood up and read a letter he had written to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Matthew is part of Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, the producing team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michael Harrison. He's spent his whole life around big productions. He's not someone who gets impressed easily.Then he said something that made everyone pause and pay attention.“In nearly 40 years of theatre going, I have never experienced a reaction from an audience like it.”He talked about sitting in the audience and watching the people around him. There was a 19-year-old nearby, two men in their 50s, a straight couple on a date, a couple in their 60s with their 20-year-old son, and a group of young women who see every Broadway show. People of different ages and backgrounds, but everyone reacted the same way.People were pointing at the stage, crying, then cheering. They sang “Jellicle Cats” as if it were their own anthem. Some got out of their seats because they couldn't contain themselves. He counted five standing ovations during the show. Not just at the end, but throughout.He also admitted that he used to roll his eyes when people called the theater a religious experience. He never believed that before. But that night, he understood it.This wasn't just marketing. He was trying to describe something that truly surprised him.I felt something similar the night I took a night off from playing the show downtown and watched it from the audience. I thought it was fantastic. Seriously. I was cheering like everyone else in the audience, and I was part of the rehearsal process before. But seeing it in full bloom was really special. I never liked the original Cats, but this version makes sense.Matthew put it simply. This isn't just a revival. It's a reinvention. It feels new, like Cats is the most relevant musical in New York right now.If you want to work on Broadway, you need to understand this part of the process. Big moments don't just happen. They start with conviction in a rehearsal studio, long before critics arrive. They begin with producers willing to take risks and artists giving their all before anyone knows how the show will turn out.Sitting there on day one and hearing those words, I felt the weight of it all. It was motivating and grounding. Once the speeches are over, the real work starts: long days, lots of details, adjustments, repetition, and precision.That was just the beginning of week one. We're in week two now. There's downtime. There are short sections repeated ad nauseam. It's fascinating to watch something take shape in real time.Next, I'll write about the piano vocal book you get on the first day of a Broadway show, especially when there isn't a drum score yet, and what that means for you as a working musician.If you're interested in how Broadway shows are really built, keep following. Share this with anyone who wants to learn about the process. And if you want everything explained step by step, that's why I wrote Broadway Bound and Beyond.You can get it from signaturebrandworks.com or from any other place you buy books online.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you for being a longtime listener of Broadway Drumming 101.I've been thinking about doing more solo episodes for a while, and I'm finally starting today.Over the past week, I've been deep in rehearsals for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and this version is even stronger than what we did at PAC. Everything feels sharper and more focused. We officially open on April 7th, and I'm excited for people to see it.READ: Two Icons of New York, Ready for Broadway's ‘Jellicle Ball'At NAMM, I brought up a topic that doesn't get talked about enough:How careers really begin.For me, it wasn't Broadway. It wasn't some audition. It was a hotel gig in New Rochelle, playing the same 20 songs every other Friday night.A connection from that gig led me to a tour.That tour opened the door to subbing.And subbing eventually brought me to Broadway.In this new solo episode, I break down:• Why saying yes early in your career matters• Why showing up beats just posting• How small gigs compound over time• And how to know when it's time to start saying noIf you caught my talk at NAMM, this episode goes even deeper into that topic.READ: And if you're serious about building a real career in theater, get my book:Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.You can order it right now on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.If you want a signed copy, go to SignatureBrandWorks.com.Listen to the new solo episode.Pick up the book if you're interested.And I hope to see you at the Broadhurst!Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Guest: Elena Bonomo, drummer for SIX. Originally released January 14, 2022.This is one of those conversations that still holds up years later.In this episode, Elena Bonomo talks through what it actually looks like to build a career in theater music from the ground up. Elena shares how early musical experiences with her family shaped her connection to music, why drums always felt like fun instead of work, and how getting her first drum set set everything in motion.We also talk about her early pit experiences, reading music at a young age, and how playing school musicals laid the foundation for what she does now. She breaks down her time at Berklee, why versatility mattered to her more than locking into one lane, and how musical theater work at school mirrored the real expectations of Broadway life.Elena also gets honest about touring right after school, making very little money, and learning the realities of life on the road. From there, she talks about cruise ship work, adaptability, and how every gig, even the unglamorous ones, added tools to her toolbox.If you're trying to understand how Broadway careers are actually built over time, this episode is full of perspective that's still relevant today.https://www.elenabonomo.comThis Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.If you want to go deeper into this world, Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, is available now on Amazon.com.If you'd like a signed copy by Clayton, along with Broadway Drumming 101 merchandise, head to signaturebrandworks.com.The book lays out the mindset, preparation, relationships, money realities, and long-term thinking behind real theater careers.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Avenue Q starts with a fresh-faced Princeton showing up on a slightly questionable NYC street, and somehow ends up tackling jobs, relationships, racism, internet habits, and the search for meaning, all with puppets standing right next to humans like this is completely normal.In this episode, the cast and crew of Stone Productions' Avenue Q talk through what it's like working on a show that looks playful, sounds catchy, and then immediately asks you to confront very adult truths. The conversation covers the strange brilliance of telling serious stories with felt characters, the challenge of balancing humor with honesty, and why this Tony Award–winning musical still lands as sharply today as it did in 2004.There's plenty of laughter, a little self-awareness, and no shortage of appreciation for a show that proves you can sing about unemployment, relationships, and finding your place in the world, and somehow make it unforgettable.

Joe Bergamini on Subbing, Broadway Reality, and Building a Real Music CareerIn this episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, I sit down with Joe Bergamini—drummer, educator, author, and one of the most thoughtful voices in the drum world.Joe has subbed on more than 15 Broadway shows, toured nationally, taught for decades, and written some of the most respected drum books out there. But what really stands out is how clearly he talks about what it actually takes to build a sustainable life as a working musician.We dig into what subbing on Broadway is really like, how learning music note-for-note early on prepared him for theater work, and how teaching, touring, rock bands, and saying yes to the right gigs quietly shaped his career. Joe also shares stories from his early club days and why preparation, curiosity, and relationships matter more than hype or shortcuts.This is an honest, practical conversation for drummers who care about longevity.Here are just a few books he has written:Speaking at NAMM – January 24I'll be expanding on many of these ideas in person at NAMM:Building a Career in Theater MusicSaturday, January 2411:30 AM – 12:00 PMHilton California AIf you're attending NAMM and curious about Broadway, touring, subbing, networking, contracts, and the real financial side of being a working musician, I hope you'll stop by.Broadway Bound and BeyondMy upcoming book, Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, goes deeper into many of the topics we talk about here—how musicians actually get hired, how careers are sustained, and what no one explains when you're starting out.Get on the list at:www.broadwayboundbook.comSubscribe and Stay ConnectedIf you're getting value from these conversations, make sure you're subscribed to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don't miss future episodes and articles.If you know a musician trying to figure out their next move, share this episode with them. Subscriptions and reviews help more working players find the show.Thanks for listening and for supporting the Broadway Drumming 101 community.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This is a Broadway Drumming 101 Classic.Originally released in December 2021, this episode features Rich Rosenzweig, recorded on the very day Companyofficially opened on Broadway. The timing alone makes it special. Rich was stepping into an opening night shaped by grief, history, and pressure, following the passing of Stephen Sondheim, while carrying the responsibility of yet another major Broadway chair.But what makes this episode endure is not the moment. It is the honesty.Rich and Clayton dig into the parts of Broadway drumming that rarely get talked about clearly. Reviews. Word of mouth. Why some shows with mediocre press run for years while others with praise disappear. Rich explains how the power of critics has shifted, and why storytelling, audience response, and momentum now matter more than ever.From there, the conversation goes deep into subbing. This is one of the most detailed discussions anywhere about what chair holders actually look for in a sub drummer. Not flash. Not ego. Preparation, consistency, psychological trust, and the ability to make a conductor feel safe. Rich explains why subbing can be more stressful than holding a Broadway chair full time, and why even great drummers struggle if they miss these non-negotiables.They also talk candidly about career reality. Getting fired. Losing gigs. Being passed over. How to assess whether feedback is something to grow from or simply a mismatch. Rich shares stories from Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Rent, Memphis, and more, showing how longevity in this business often comes down to adaptability and self-awareness, not perfection.This episode is essential listening if you are serious about musical theater, Broadway, or touring at a high level.Not motivational quotes. Not shortcuts. Just real talk from someone who has lived it.If you are trying to understand how Broadway actually works, this one belongs in your library.Support Broadway Drumming 101 and unlock exclusive content at BroadwayDrumming101.com.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

As a holiday bonus, please enjoy this recording of a panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2025 - Celebrating the Puppetry Arts! Panel Description: Puppets have entertained and educated the masses for centuries but the artistry also changes and advances with new technology. Professional puppet builders and performers share insights from their careers working on franchises like Star Wars and the Muppet movies, as well as their experiences with non-traditional puppetry like animatronics, motion capture, and claymation. Panelists include Cheralyn Lambeth (puppet builder, Dinosaurs!, Avenue Q), Kirk Thatcher (writer and director, The Muppets Haunted Mansion), and Fon Davis (model maker, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline). Moderated by Melissa T. Miller (Star Warsologies podcast). Links from the panel discussion: Check out Adam Kreutinger's @PuppetNerd YouTube Channel and the Stan Winston School for puppetry building tips.  Watch the Tested video Fon mentioned where he shows Adam Savage around Fonco Studio's effects lab.  Here's the TikTok video Kirk mentioned where the baby in Dinosaurs talks back to the director. If you want to hear more about Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas, check out the LA Comic Con panel about those movies that Melissa and Fon did together in 2024.     

This Classic episode goes back to 2021 with drummer Rich Rosenzweig. At the time, he was playing the drum chair for Company. Today, he is the drummer for Ragtime at Lincoln Center. Part One focuses on his early years, his training, and his path into the Broadway world.What we cover in this episode* How Rich transitioned from piano lessons to drums.* Growing up in a home filled with music and support for the arts.* Group snare drum lessons in grammar school and early practice habits.* Playing in the basement, practicing with records, and discovering big band.* Hearing Buddy Rich, Basie's band, and how those experiences shaped his sound.* Getting into jazz as a teenager and forming his first jazz groups.* Studying at UNC Chapel Hill and balancing music with a liberal arts education.* His obsession with film, film scores, and composers like Bernard Herrmann and Ennio Morricone.* Moving to New York with pianist Frank Kimbrough and building a freelance life.* Playing weddings, club dates, and the slow grind toward professional theater work.* Watching Ray Marchica play The Will Rogers Follies and learning what Broadway drumming really requires.* Subbing under conductor Eric Stern and facing a click track for the first time.* Landing his first Broadway chair on State Fair and what he learned from that experience.* Why Broadway drumming demands consistency, reading skills, groove, and a full understanding of the storytelling behind the music.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Why this episode matters* It gives a clear picture of how a Broadway drummer builds a career from scratch.* It highlights the mix of training, influences, timing, and relationships that shape a long career on Broadway.* It shows how jazz, film music, and classical Broadway scoring all feed into a drummer's approach and musical identity.* It offers practical insight for anyone who wants to pursue theater drumming at a high level.Part Two will be released next week.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

I went back to one of my classic Broadway Drumming 101 conversations this week, and it reminded me why I started this series in the first place. Years ago I sat down with Rich Rosenzweig when he was holding the drum chair for the revival of ‘Company.' Now he's driving the bus for Ragtime at Lincoln Center, and revisiting this talk brought everything back. We got into the real work of subbing on Broadway, the pressure of matching the regular drummer's feel, and the quiet connection with the conductor that determines whether you get asked back.In the clip, Rich breaks down the truth every serious drummer needs to hear. Subbing isn't about chops or showing what you can do. It's about matching the show so well that the conductor can close their eyes and feel the same pulse, the same sound, the same flow they get from the regular drummer. They're not looking for surprises. They want stability. If you're not giving accuracy, presence, and attention to detail, they feel it immediately.Rich also talks about how conductors watch the monitor even when they say they don't. They're looking for someone who is locked in and communicating clearly. Plenty of great drummers have fallen short because they didn't prepare the book with real precision or didn't read the conductor the way the regular drummer does. Most people never hear that part of the job. Subbing is consistency, connection, and trust.Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.This conversation is one of my favorites, and I'm bringing it back. Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you're notified when the re-release goes live. If you're trying to get into Broadway or looking to sharpen your subbing skills, this episode will show you what the job really demands.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Rich Rosenzweig has played more than a dozen Broadway shows and appeared on multiple cast recordings. He's been the drummer for the Kennedy Center Honors orchestra for more than a decade, toured nationally and internationally, and has been the regular drummer for City Center's Encores! series. He performs in progressive jazz ensembles, including his own East Down Septet, teaches privately, and has written several feature screenplays.More episodes like this are coming. Stay tuned.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

The second of the Wicked films comes out later this month, and so for this week's episode we're jumping into the Sewers archives to hear my 2017 chat with Tony winner Stephen Oremus, who was the music director for Wicked on Broadway and conducted the orchestras for the two Wicked films. He was also music director for the Academy Awards, taught Idina Menzel how to sing “Let it Go,” and worked on everything from Book of Mormon to Avenue Q to 9 to 5. Not bad for a kid who started his musical career by sneaking out of the house to sing showtunes at his best friend's piano.We'll have that conversation in just a minute. First, a quick heads up that I have a new YouTube video out about Frankenstein and the gay director who brought the monster to life, James Whale. And I have a new video coming later this month about The Wizard of Oz. Check out my videos at youtube.com/mattbaume.And throughout November, join us for Wizard of Oz themed livestreams over at http://twitch.tv/mattbaume.And as always, if you're enjoying The Sewers of Paris, head over to Patreon.com/mattbaume to become a member, support the show, and get access to bonus videos and much more.

Welcome to Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show, the podcast where nostalgia comes alive!This week, we speak with the incredibly talented Jean Marie Keevins — a puppet artist, producer, writer, designer, and one of the most versatile creative forces in the puppetry world! Jean Marie shares her fascinating journey from building puppets for Avenue Q and Disney on Ice to her time as Vice President of Puppet Heap, where she coordinated puppet builds for numerous projects with The Muppets. You will also hear behind-the-scenes stories from her work on beloved shows like Johnny and the Sprites and It's a Big Big World, as well as insights into her creative process as Associate Artistic Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Jean Marie also talks about her company Little Shadow Productions, how she's brought powerful stories like All Hallow's Eve and Aanika's Elephants to life through her producing work, and briefly touches on her coaching work.Taping date: November 19, 2024Edited by: Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations)https://www.youtube.com/@BabyLambCreationshttps://www.tiktok.com/@babylambcreationshttps://www.instagram.com/babylambcreations/https://www.reddit.com/user/BabyLambCreationsYT/Be sure to check out our website, where you can learn more about the podcast and find how to follow the Happy Nostalgia team!https://jakeshappynostalgiashow.weebly.com/Listen to our podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms!https://open.spotify.com/show/1PdrRWSmUdQ3m2NpNR9lSkhttps://linktr.ee/JakesHappyNostalgiaShow

In this episode, I sit down with drummer Tom Jorgensen. He's been playing drums on the Beetlejuice national tour for the last three years. Tom talks about what makes the Beetlejuice drum book one of the most physically demanding on the road and how Shannon Ford's original approach set the tone for everything that followed.We dig into:* The sheer physical challenge of playing Beetlejuice eight times a week and how Tom reworked his setup and grip to survive it.* The philosophy he learned from jazz legend Michael Carvin — “It's not about what you're playing, it's about what you're doing” — and how that mindset keeps every performance fresh.* His time touring with Postmodern Jukebox, cutting his teeth on cruise ships, and what those experiences taught him about endurance, posture, and musical adaptability.* Lessons from working with Rich Mercurio and Nadia DiGiallonardo on Waitress, and the moment that turned a sub gig into his first big break.* The balance between consistency and creativity on tour — how to avoid burnout, stay healthy, and keep the show locked in night after night.* Why gratitude and discipline are non-negotiable for musicians who want longevity on the road.Tom's story is a reminder that Broadway drumming isn't just about chops — it's about mindset, focus, and knowing how to serve the show every night.For more: https://www.tomjorgensensound.comListen now wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe at BroadwayDrumming101.com and pre-order my new book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career at BroadwayBoundBook.com.Mentioned in this episode:* Beetlejuice National Tour* Shannon Ford* Michael Carvin* Rich Mercurio* Nadia DiGiallonardo* Postmodern Jukebox* Waitress First National TourClayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, "Avenue Q"! Not only did it win the Tony Award for Best Musical, but this edgy puppet-based musical beat out Wicked! It's a classic and a hit, and all the character actors out there gotta know it!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

Coming Soon: The Tom Jorgensen Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast EpisodeThere's a line that's stuck with Tom Jorgensen ever since he first heard it from jazz legend Michael Carvin:“It's not about what you're playing — it's about what you're doing.”It sounds simple. But as Tom explains in the upcoming episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, that one sentence completely changed how he approaches music, performance, and storytelling on stage.For those who don't know Tom: he's the drummer on the North American tour of Beetlejuice The Musical, which returned to Broadway in a limited 13-week engagement at the Palace Theatre beginning October 8, 2025 and running through January 3, 2026. In this episode, Tom opens up about how Carvin's philosophy guided him through every stage of his career. From late nights on cruise ships to the bright lights of Broadway. He shares how mentors like Rich Mercurio and Nadia DiGiallonardo helped him realize that playing music isn't just about perfect notes or flawless grooves, it's about listening, intention, and being part of the story.This episode goes beyond chops and technique. It's about presence, purpose, and what it truly means to serve the music.If you've ever found yourself going through the motions—counting bars, chasing perfection, or just trying to “get through” a gig—this conversation will hit home. It's a reminder that every note, no matter how small, can help tell the story.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast — Episode: Larry LelliLarry Lelli has done just about everything a Broadway drummer can do. From marching snare in Wisconsin to playing The Producers on Broadway, his story is about hard work, timing, and versatility. In this conversation, Larry talks about his early days growing up in the Midwest, his years in drum corps, the Nashville country scene, and how he built a lasting career in New York City's theater world.Larry's been behind the drum kit for shows like The Producers, Jekyll and Hyde, Les Misérables, Wicked, and The Full Monty. He's also a respected educator and clinician whose experience bridges jazz, pop, and orchestral playing.This episode breaks down how he made the jump from the road to Broadway, what it takes to earn a chair, and why learning from others is one of the smartest moves a drummer can make.Key Moments and Topics Covered00:03 – Early Years in the MidwestLarry talks about growing up in Chicago, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He shares how he started on trombone before switching to drums and getting his first kit — a red Slingerland jazz set from the 1960s.00:05 – Marching Band and Drum CorpsHe describes how marching band led him to drum corps, playing snare with the Blue Stars. Those years shaped his reading, discipline, and love of ensemble playing.00:09 – The High School Metal BandLarry formed a heavy-metal band called Fallen Angel, later Perfect Stranger, influenced by Motley Crüe, Poison, and Ozzy Osbourne. That mix of rock energy and groove became part of his foundation.00:10 – Discovering Studio LegendsHe recalls studying the session greats — Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Hal Blaine, and JR Robinson — and how copying their records taught him to listen, absorb, and reproduce other players' feel. That skill later helped him sub successfully on Broadway.00:13 – Choosing Music Over a “Backup Plan”Despite warnings from family about the risks of a music career, Larry stayed focused. A mentor told him, “If it's the thing you must do, then you have to do it.” That advice stuck.00:16 – University of Wisconsin–Eau ClaireHe studied jazz performance, percussion, and conducting, earning a Bachelor of Music degree. He credits conductor Robert Baca and professor Ron Keiser for turning Eau Claire into a respected jazz program.00:19 – Nashville YearsLarry moved to Nashville in the early 90s and toured with the country-comedy duo Pinkerton Bowden and later with country balladeer Doug Stone. He shares what life on the road was really like and why he eventually grew tired of touring.00:24 – The Call of New YorkAfter meeting jazz players on a cruise, he decided to explore Broadway. They told him his versatility would fit New York's theater scene. His first exposure to a pit was watching Ray Marchica play Damn Yankees — a life-changing moment.00:28 – Starting Over in NYCHe saved $10,000, moved to the city, and started sitting in on shows. Early on, he learned that “no one cares what you've done anywhere else — they only care what you've done in New York.” That lesson shaped how he built credibility.00:33 – Miss Saigon: The BreakthroughMichael Hinton gave Larry a shot at subbing the massive percussion book for Miss Saigon. The score had originally been written for three percussionists. Larry practiced daily for a month and nailed his first show — instantly building a reputation as someone who could handle the hardest gig in town.00:37 – From Subbing to a ChairLarry began subbing at Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, and other productions, eventually holding nine different sub books at once. His first full Broadway chair came with Jekyll and Hyde.00:42 – Landing The ProducersWhen Jekyll and Hyde closed, a referral led to an audition with legendary conductor Paul Gemignani for a new show. Although that production closed quickly, the connection opened doors. A few years later, Larry joined The Producers, which became a long-running hit.00:46 – Lessons on LongevityLarry emphasizes professionalism: showing up prepared, treating every sub date like an audition, and understanding that reliability and attitude matter as much as chops. Every gig, even the short-lived ones, builds your reputation.00:48 – Teaching and Passing It OnHe now teaches drummers how to approach theater work with discipline and respect for the craft — reading, listening, blending, and adapting.Key Takeaways* Learning by listening prepares you for the realities of Broadway.* Every show, even a short run, can lead to future work.* Versatility is a drummer's greatest asset — orchestral, rock, jazz, and pop all show up in modern theater books.* Reputation is everything. People hire musicians who make their lives easier.* Keep the joy. The best drummers never lose that excitement they had as kids hitting their first kit.Connect with Larry LelliWebsite: larrylelli.comInstagram: @larrylelliAbout Broadway Drumming 101Broadway Drumming 101 is the leading platform for drummers and musicians working in theater. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full interviews and clips, or join the membership at BroadwayDrumming101.com for behind-the-scenes videos, real-world training, and exclusive articles.Learn more about our upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career at BroadwayBoundBook.com.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.I'm excited to share that a new Broadway Drumming 101 podcast episode with Larry Lelli will be re-released soon. I originally sat down with Larry back on December 16, 2021, and since then, his career has kept growing in remarkable ways.Larry isn't just a veteran Broadway drummer—he's now also a Broadway producer. He's gone on to co-produce Water for Elephants (opened March 21, 2024), Gutenberg! The Musical! (opened October 12, 2023), and most recently Waiting for Godot (opened September 28, 2025).Before stepping into producing, Larry built a career most musicians dream of. He's played drums and conducted for over 40 Broadway shows, including The Producers, Assassins, How To Succeed In Business, and Million Dollar Quartet. His list of collaborations is just as impressive—Melissa Etheridge, Josh Groban, Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Nick Jonas, Vanessa Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even the New York Philharmonic.Larry is also a clinician with Yamaha Drums and Sabian Cymbals, and you can currently catch him performing in the Tony Award-winning hit Come From Away.In our conversation, we dug into:* Growing up in the Midwest playing in baton and drum corps* Touring with country star Doug Stone after moving to Nashville* How a jazz cruise changed his life and led him to New York City* Why subbing for Michael Hinton on Miss Saigon was his big break* Learning from legends like Paul Gemignani* How he approaches learning an entire Broadway showLarry's story is a masterclass in building a long, versatile career in music—and now he's added producing to his list of achievements.Stay tuned for the re-release of this edited Broadway Drumming 101 episode. It's one you won't want to miss.https://www.larrylelli.comClayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career. His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows like Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour. He has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis. www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Today's guest is a little different. Usually, I feature drummers on this podcast, and we've had some incredible ones—plus music directors like Nate Patten and music coordinators like Michael Aarons and Michael Keller. But this time, I wanted to bring on someone I've known and played with for the past ten years, a true “Piano Man” and multi-instrumentalist who has made his mark on Broadway and beyond: Matthew Friedman.Matthew isn't just a pianist—he's a singer, a bandleader, a composer, and yes, even a drummer. He was “The Piano Man” in the national touring company of Movin' Out and has performed with the legendary Lords of 52nd Street, Billy Joel's original band. He's also been part of Broadway productions like Jersey Boys and Smokey Joe's Café, while leading his own group, Matthew Friedman & Stiletto.In this episode, we talk about:* His early start in music and the influences that shaped him.* How he made the leap from being an attorney to a full-time musician.* The highs and lows of touring life—from first-class gigs to rough bus-and-truck runs.* Stories from his time on Broadway, including connections to past podcast guest Jon Berger and future guest Joe Bergamini.* What it means to be more than just a player in the pit—how to lead, adapt, and thrive as a versatile instrumentalist.Matthew has great stories, big insights, and a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in this business—not just as a drummer, but as a full-fledged musician and bandleader.Some clips of me playing a fun gig with him several years ago:Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you'll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.comHe proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Originally posted December 2021In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I sit down with Dena Tauriello, the drummer for Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre. From her first sparkle kit inspired by Karen Carpenter to a career that's taken her from rock arenas to Broadway pits, Dena shares a powerful story about perseverance, adaptability, and passion.Dena spent nearly two decades with the all-female rock band Antigone Rising, logging more than 260 shows a year, signing with Lava/Atlantic Records, and sharing bills with bands like Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, and The Bangles. Along the way, she learned the grind of life on the road, the frustration of being pigeonholed as “girl music,” and the discipline that comes from playing night after night. Those experiences became the foundation for her eventual move to Broadway.Her first Broadway chair came in Head Over Heels, the Go-Go's jukebox musical that featured an all-female band. From there, Dena's career expanded into multiple productions, including Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls, The Cher Show (as a sub), Magic Mike the Musical (Broadway Lab), and her current run in Little Shop of Horrors. She also subs on Hamilton, Six, and at the origial run of Beetlejuice.In our conversation, Dena opens up about the realities of the pit:* Why no two shows are ever the same and why you can never “phone it in”* The discipline it takes to stay fully present eight times a week* How playing in Antigone Rising prepared her for the demands of Broadway* What she looks for when hiring subs and why paying it forward matters* The role of Ableton, click tracks, and sound cues in modern Broadway drumming* Her full gear setup: Pearl drums, Zildjian cymbals, Evans heads, Promark sticks, and custom in-ears* Why she always keeps charts in front of her—even after memorizing the showDena also talks about the surreal moment of playing on stage with the Go-Go's, interviewing Gina Schock for Modern Drummer, and what it feels like to see the Head Over Heels Playbill now preserved in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.This is a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-won lessons for any drummer dreaming of breaking into Broadway—or simply learning how to thrive in the unpredictable world of live performance.For more about Dena: https://www.denatauriello.comClayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he's contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.comThis Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Award-winning and prolific Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller has finally made it to the podcast! Jeffery has produced Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, Hamilton, The Cher Show, and revivals of West Side Story and Sweeney Todd, just to name a few. Altogether his shows (currently) have 22 Tony Awards, and he's the only Broadway producer to have put up two Pulitzer Prize winning musicals: Hamilton and Rent. Jeffrey is the author of Theater Kid: A Broadway Memoir, which the New York Times describes as “a combination coming-of-age and rags-to-riches story that is unsparing in its description of his colorfully challenged-and-challenging father, unabashed in its description of his sexual awakening, and packed with behind-the-scenes detail, especially about the birth of Rent.” Not to mention the audiobook is voiced by a stellar cast of Broadway voices, and talking about them gives Jeffrey an idea *in real time *during our recording.  In our hour-long conversation, Jeffrey expands on his experience producing Rent with Jonathan Larson, including an emotional retelling of what it was like working on the show after Jonathan's tragic and unexpected death. He also discusses working with Lin-Manuel Miranda on In the Heights and Hamilton, expounds on Hamilton's social and political responsibilities (rejecting the current administration's hostile takeover of The Kennedy Center, for example), discusses ways around Broadway's current ticket prices, and candidly opens up about Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party and The Last Ship with Sting in never-before-heard specificity.  Plus, Baz Luhrmann's La Boheme, the power of writing a letter to get what you want, and how when it  comes down to it... it's all about making shows with your friends.  Jeffrey Seller on Instagram JeffreySeller.com /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

Jeffrey Seller is an Tony Award-winning American theatrical producer best known for his work on Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, and Hamilton, as well as inventing Broadway's first rush ticket and lottery ticket policies. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1986, Jeffrey moved to New York City where he worked, as a publicist, booking agent, and producer. With his business partner Kevin McCollum he produced three Best Musical Tony Award-winning Broadway shows; Rent, Avenue Q, and In the Heights. With increasingly expensive Broadway ticket prices, Seller and McCollum invented Broadway's first rush ticket policy early on in the production of Rent. The idea was to keep the show accessible for people “in their 20s and 30s, artists, Bohemians-the people for whom Jonathan Larson wrote the show.” A select number of front row tickets would be sold for $20 on a first come per-serve basis. Rush tickets became so popular that people began to sleep on the streets outside the theater to get a spot at the front of the line. Out of concern for the safety of those who participated in the Rush policy Seller and McCollum created Broadway's first lottery ticket policy, which kept cheap tickets accessible to a young audience by selling $20 tickets to the winners of a drawing. Together Seller and McCollum also produced De La Guarda, Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party, High Fidelity, and the revival of WestSide Story. After working with Lin-Manuel Miranda on In the Heights, he produced Hamilton. Hamilton has gone on to receive widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. In June 2016, Hamilton received 11 Tony awards of a record-breaking 16 nominations, including a Best Musical win for Seller, making it his fourth Tony Award. He is the author of the memoir, Theater Kid: A Broadway Memoir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices