Podcast appearances and mentions of Laura Benanti

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

Tony winner Laura Benanti is In The Frame! You know Laura for her astounding Broadway career, which includes roles such as Maria in The Sound of Music, Cinderella in Into The Woods, Claudia in Nine, Julia in The Wedding Singer, Louise in Gypsy (which won her the Tony), Candela in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Amalia in She Loves Me and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Beyond Broadway, Laura's career spans concerts, television, film and comedy - she has been seen on everything from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to Younger, Gossip Girl and HBO's The Gilded Age.Laura has spent the last month in the UK, performing her solo show Nobody Cares to sold out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Before heading back to the US, Laura is bringing the show to London for two performances at Underbelly Boulevard Soho.In this episode, Laura discusses her path to Edinburgh, how she has changed as a person and performer throughout her career… and why she's proudly unapologetic about who she is and what she's got to say! Laura performs Nobody Cares at Underbelly Boulevard Soho on Tuesday 2nd September. Visit www.underbellyboulevard.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.

We've been on a bit of a break recently, but we had to come back for the incredible Laura Benanti. You'll know Laura from… well, from being a Broadway legend and massive star of stage and screen, of course you'll know Laura Benanti! Laura is in the country with her new one-woman comedy show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares. It took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm and now she's going to do two performances in London on September 2nd at Underbelly Boulevard. Do not miss it! The Mayor of Musical Theatre Podcast is produced in association with musicaltheatrereview.com, your premier source for news reviews and interviews on all things onstage backstage and worldwide.For tickets to Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares (Underbelly Boulevard, London, 2/9/25), visit: https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/laura-benanti-nobody-cares/Follow Laura on instagram.Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)Follow the podcast:Twitter: @MusicalMayorPodInstagram: @MusicalMayorPodTikTok: @MusicalMayorPodHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is for all you Janeites who are also fiber artists. It's called Austentatious Crochet: 36 Contemporary Designs from the World of Jane Austen by Melissa Horozewski. Mentioned: The Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery series.​Terri's random recommendation is graciously stepping aside this week so Catherine can report on her trip to Scotland and England (speaking of the world of Jane Austen!). She visited London, Liverpool, and Edinburgh, where she attended performances at both the International Festival and the Fringe Festival—including one from Laura Benanti, of The Gilded Age and Broadway fame.​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2020 on parenting through the (kids') ages. It's hard all the time!Next week's lineup: Lost S3 E14, "Exposé," on Tuesday, September 2The Gilded Age S3 E7, "Ex-Communicated," on Wednesday, September 3Weekly roundup on Thursday, September 4Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

As she wraps up a month at the Edinburgh Fringe, Laura Benanti travels south to present her solo comedy show Nobody Cares. She explains her inspiration for the show, why it isn't like anything else she's done on stage, and how she's found a month of performing at the iconic Scottish arts festival. Oh, and why it's such a scary time for comics in the current climate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special rerun of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg welcomes the multitalented Tony Award-winning star Laura Benanti for a conversation that's both unforgettable and fiercely real. Laura opens up about the high-wire act of being a working performer and a parent, sharing stories from her early Broadway debut at 18 to the surprising joys of suburban life in New Jersey. She talks about negotiating equity in her marriage, resisting outdated gender expectations, and the invisible labor of motherhood—even when you're the family breadwinner. Laura also shares her experience with postpartum depression and multiple miscarriages, including a deeply personal account of suffering a miscarriage while performing on a cruise ship, with her six-year-old daughter singing beside her. She reflects on the lack of public dialogue around pregnancy loss and why she felt compelled to speak out. The episode touches on ghost stories, crystal wands, and her daughter's Halloween exposure therapy via a 12-foot skeleton. Plus, hear how Laura turned texts with a friend into the hilarious and empowering book M Is for Mama (and also Merlot)—written for moms who are tired of the prairie-dress fantasy. The phrase “medical disappointment” might just become your new go-to for life's curveballs.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this episode, I talk with Michael Manasseh, the drummer for the current Hadestown national tour. Michael shares his unique path from studying economics at Columbia University to landing gigs on Broadway tours, and how his early training shaped the versatile musician he is today.We talk about:* How growing up in Boston, church music, and early jazz studies shaped his drumming identity* His college years at Columbia, balancing academics with student theater, and realizing music could become a career* The turning point of joining Muse (Musicians United for Social Equity) and mentorship with John Clancy, which led to his first big break on the Shrek tour* What it's like playing Hadestown night after night—the mental and physical demands, the freedom to improvise, and why it feels like “jazz theater”* Stories from the road, including near-misses with quick costume changes, learning directly from orchestrators, and pulling influences from Art Blakey to Mark Guiliana* His perspective on the business side of Broadway, the economics of touring shows, and why relationships—not transactions—drive opportunities for drummersMichael's story highlights not just the technical side of playing drums on a major tour, but also the importance of balance, community, and adaptability in building a long-term career in theater.If you're a drummer looking to break into Broadway—or just want to hear what life is really like behind the kit on a national tour—you won't want to miss this conversation.More about Michael: https://www.michaelmanassehmusic.com/If you want to understand how to make a lasting career in this business — not just play the music — my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career dives deep into both the art and the industry.Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don't miss Michael's episode and other conversations that go beyond the notes.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.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

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The next episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast features a great conversation with Michael Manasseh, drummer and percussionist for the most recent North American tour of Hadestown.Michael's musical journey started at the age of five and has taken him through an impressive range of experiences. From big band and small combo work at The Rivers School in Weston, MA, to prestigious jazz programs like The NEC Jazz Lab, Berklee's Five-Week Jazz Workshop, and the Vail Jazz Workshop, he built a deep foundation in multiple styles. In college, he studied under Vince Cherico, Bruce Barth, David Gibson, and Don Sickler, and played in 11 theater productions, including In The Heights, Head Over Heels, and Pippin. He eventually graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Economics and Mathematics.What made this conversation stand out was Michael's curiosity about not just drumming, but the business side of Broadway. He talked about joining a co-producing team for Lumpica, helping to fundraise for the production, and learning firsthand how tight the margins are in theater. From the massive cost of putting up a show to the weekly expenses that can make or break a production, Michael brings a perspective that every theater musician should hear.If you want to understand how to make a lasting career in this business — not just play the music — my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career dives deep into both the art and the industry.Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don't miss Michael's episode and other conversations that go beyond the notes.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

It's the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 series Elaine chats with Broadway icon and Tony Award winner Laura Benanti about her show Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares A love letter to people pleasers everywhere. Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares is a one-woman comedy show from the mind of Tony Award winner Laura Benanti. With her razor-sharp wit, the star of stage and screen blends side-splitting storytelling with original songs co-written with Todd Almond. The New York Times Critic's Pick Nobody Cares is a hilarious, heartfelt and sometimes brutally honest tribute to recovering ingenues, mothers and anybody working on themselves. Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares Underbelly Bristo Sq – Ermintrude Now - 24 AUG Time: 16:55 Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares is a one-woman comedy show from the mind of Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti. Known for her dazzling Broadway performances and razor-sharp wit, Benanti blends side-splitting storytelling with original songs. The New York Times Critics Pick, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, is a hilarious, heartfelt, and sometimes brutally honest take on getting older, people-pleasing, motherhood, marriage(s) and the absurdity of it all. TICKET LINK HERE OUR WEBSITE - www.persistentandnasty.co.uk Persistent and Nasty join the CEC community to create a safe space & build a community for those who are marginalised in any way in the arts. Link for our Zoom meeting with Creative Entrepreneurs Club https://creativeentrepreneursclub.co.uk/ MAIL BAG – you can write and ask us industry related questions or general questions or maybe you have a hot take you want to chare, some tea you want to spill or a topic you want discussed on the podcast. To be included in the Mail Bag podcast email persistentandnansty@gmail.com with subject line MAIL BAG or slide into the DM's. IPA GUIDES: HIPA GUIDES Equity Toolkit: Link Stellar Quines: Link Persistent Pal & Nasty Hero - Pals and Hero Membership Email – persistentandnasty@gmail.com Instagram - @persistentandnasty Twitter - @PersistentNasty Coffee Morning Eventbrite - Coffee Morning Tickets LINKTREE - LINKTR.EE Resources Samaritans - Rape Crisis Scotland - Rape Crisis UK ArtsMinds - BAPAM Freelancers Make Theatre Work Stonewall UK - Trevor Project - Mermaids UK Switchboard LGBT+ - GATE PLANNED PARENTHOOD DONATE - DONATE ABORTION SUPPORT NETWORK UK - ASN.COM- DONATE

This August, Mickey-Jo once again returned to Edinburgh seeing as much theatre as possible at the annual, world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe.Check out Mickey-Jo's Day 1 reviews of:The Uncrackable Case at Pleasance Courtyard (***)Ohio at Assembly Roxy (*****)Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares at Underbelly Bristo Square (****)Footballers' Wives the Musical at Assembly Rooms (***)Club NVRLND at Assembly Checkpoint (****)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 89,000 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.

Join West End Frame Editor, Andrew Tomlins, for a round-up of some shows at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The shows discussed are Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares (Underbelly, Bristo Square), Spy Movie: The Play (Pleasance Courtyard), Jackie!!! (Gilded Balloon Patter House), Midnight at the Palace (Gilded Balloon Patter House), Hot Mess (Pleasance Courtyard) and Footballers Wives (Assembly Rooms).This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening to this series! It's time for a summer break, but we'll be back with new episodes in September.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.Originally posted November 2021Paul Pizzuti has over fifty years of experience playing shows, making him one of the most seasoned and respected drummers on Broadway. He's a musician everyone should listen to when it comes to understanding what it takes to build and sustain a successful career playing Broadway musicals.In this episode, we discuss:* Playing the musical Candide* Landing the original Godspell* Handling a performance during the 1977 New York City blackout* Working on the original Evita* Why Merrily We Roll Along closed quickly but became a classic* How a chain of small connections led to a seven-year run on Cats* Sight-reading the TONY Awards show* Leaving the business altogether for a short period of time* Being the China Club house drummer on Wednesday nights* Recording the cast albums for Assassins and Crazy For You* Working on Gypsy with Patti LuPone* Observing the transition from no monitors in Broadway pits to personal monitoring systemsPartial list of Paul's Broadway and concert credits:* She Loves Me* Far Away Places: Live at 54 Below w/ Patti LuPone* The Other Duke: Tribute to Duke Pearson* How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying* Merrily We Roll Along* Another Monday Night* The Lady with the Torch w/ Patti LuPone* Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, in Concert from Carnegie Hall* Pacific Overtures* Big Band Blues* Into the Woods* The Frogs / Evening Primrose* Kiss Me, Kate* Fifteen-Year Anniversary w/ Betty Buckley* Big* A Christmas Carol* Crazy for You* Assassins* Cats* …and many moreI just released a free PDF every working musician needs—and it's not just for drummers.It's called “20 Smart Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to Any Gig,” pulled straight from my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career. This book is packed with tools, insights, and real-world advice to help you navigate the ups and downs of a music career.This checklist will help you:* Avoid gigs that aren't worth your time* Spot red flags before you commit* Make sure the money, the people, and the music are right* Say no with confidence—or yes with clarityGrab your free copy here:

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this video episode, I sit down with drummer and Hawaii native Pili Fronda—and fair warning: you might learn more about Hawaiian history, food, geography, and culture than you expected. And I'm not mad about it…because I love Hawaii as much as Pili does.What started as a conversation about drums quickly turned into a deep dive into the mountains of Maui, eating poke in Vegas, dodging cliffs on the road to Hana, and unpacking what it really means to grow up Hawaiian.Pili shares powerful insight into his upbringing, the meaning behind his full name (which you'll want to hear him pronounce), and how the cultural values of the islands shaped his character and musical path. We talk about the community spirit of Hawaii, how music is integrated into education there, and how his influences—from reggae to Latin percussion to gospel—eventually led him to the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire.Later on, Pili breaks down how he landed that tour gig right out of college, how he prepared for it, and what it really takes to succeed on the road. It's an inspiring conversation with a young musician doing it right—with humility, discipline, and heart.Watch, enjoy, and if you like what you see, hit that subscribe button on the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel. There's more great content coming your way, with new videos dropping regularly.And if you're looking to build your own career in musical theater, stay tuned. Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is almost done—and I can't wait to share it with you. This book covers everything I've learned about getting the gig, keeping it, and building something bigger.Sign up at www.BroadwayBoundBook.com to stay updated on the release.For more about Pili, visit www.pilifronda.com.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

In this episode, I sit down with drummer and Hawaii native Pili Fronda, and fair warning: you might learn more about Hawaiian history, food, geography, and culture than you bargained for. And I'm not mad about it…because I love Hawaii as much as Pili does. This conversation might've started out about drums, but before we even hit the 10-minute mark, we were deep in the mountains of Maui, eating poke in Vegas, dodging cliffs on the road to Hana, and breaking down what it really means to grow up Hawaiian.Pili shares powerful insight into his upbringing, the meaning behind his full name (which you're going to want to hear him pronounce), and how the cultural values instilled in him shaped not just his character, but his entire musical path. We also talk about the community-centered spirit of the islands, the way music is woven into Hawaiian education, and how Pili's musical influences—from reggae to Latin percussion to gospel—led him to the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire.Later in the episode, we dig into his process for landing that tour gig straight out of college, how he prepared for it, and what it takes to thrive on the road. This is an inspiring conversation with a young musician who's doing things the right way, with humility, discipline, and heart.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.For more about Pili: www.pilifronda.comAnd if you're looking to build your own career in musical theater, I've got something coming for you. Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is almost finished, and I can't wait for you to read it. This book breaks down everything I've learned over decades in the industry, what it takes to get the gig, keep it, and grow beyond it. Sign up for our email list at www.BroadwayBoundBook.com to stay updated on the release.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

Just one day before making her Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut, stage star Laura Benanti took a moment to chat with Mickey-Jo about her self-penned solo show and her new perspective on Broadway.The Tony Award winning actress will perform in "Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares" this summer in Edinburgh, before bringing the show to London's Underbelly Boulevard for two performances in early September.Check out the full interview to find out which Sondheim roles Laura would still love to tick off, which legendary composer was the most intimidating to perform in front of and what she's looking forward to about Fringe...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 80,000 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.

Originally released in 2021, this episode is a masterclass in what it really takes to make it on Broadway and beyond. Jake Goldbas was at the time, the drummer for Dear Evan Hansen. He shares his incredible journey from growing up in Connecticut to playing for some of the biggest names in music, including Aretha Franklin, Patti Austin, and The O'Jays.In this conversation, we talk about:* How a subway bucket drummer sparked Jake's passion for rhythm* The power of preparation when subbing on Broadway* Why being early (not just on time) sets you apart in the business* Valuable lessons from legends like Bernard Purdie* The reality of building trust as a sub and making the right impressionIf you've ever wondered how to break into the Broadway scene, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the mindset, hustle, and professionalism required.Sign up at BroadwayBoundBook.com for updates on Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.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

What does it take to go from high school marching band to playing drums for major Broadway tours? Meet Jaren Angud, a versatile percussionist whose journey has taken him from ska cover bands in garages to international stages with Disney and beyond.In this episode, Jaren and I dive deep into his story:* How a high school French horn mishap led him to drums* Playing in ska and punk bands before discovering theater music* Why he originally planned to be an engineer, not a musician* The moment he decided to pursue music seriously and how grad school shaped his path* Landing national and international tours like Flashdance The Musical and Beauty and the Beast* Touring across the U.S. and overseas—from Cairo to Qatar—and what it taught him about culture, travel, and resilience* What life is like as the drummer for the First National Tour of Back to the Future: The Musical* How he and his wife turned RV living into a full-time touring lifestyle* Managing fitness, routine, and mental focus while on the road* Advice for drummers who want to break into the Broadway world: versatility, preparation, and mindsetJaren's story is full of practical advice, real-life insights, and inspiring lessons about saying “yes” to opportunities and staying ready for the big call.Mentioned in this episode:* His early influences: Travis Barker, ska bands, and marching percussion* Transitioning from music education to performance* Why being a “total drummer” is the key to success* Tips for navigating long-haul touring, from budgeting to health* The reality of subbing on Broadway and how Jaren prepared for Back to the FutureWhether you're a drummer dreaming of Broadway, a musician navigating freelance life, or someone curious about the touring lifestyle, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.And if you've ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.Thanks for listening!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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), 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, 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.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Connor and Dylan toast to 200 episodes of DRAMA. with this special anniversary celebration with Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara (The King & I, The Gilded Age). After some sentimental words, the twins welcome this absolute queen to the podcast, diving into a conversation about the origins and importance of Days of Wine and Roses at the Atlantic Theater Company (now through July 16). Kelli gushes over working with Brian d'Arcy James, teases a riveting second season of The Gilded Age (featuring Laura Benanti), and her Oklahoma upbringing with movie musicals. Kelli gives flowers to Kristin Chenoweth and the late, legendary Mrs. Florence Birdwell for exposing her to the world of Broadway - leading to her glorious career. The conversation revisits Kelli's Broadway memories of hiding her pregnancy during South Pacific, embracing the vulnerability of womanhood in Bridges of Madison County, nightly joy of Kiss Me Kate alongside Will Chase, and finally winning a Tony Award in 2015. Kelli brings serenity, kindness, authenticity, and more to this fabulous milestone episode!Follow Kelli on Twitter & InstagramFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramSupport the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We're closing in on 100 interviews here at Broadway Drumming 101, and we're just getting started. We've got a great lineup ahead. Upcoming episodes include conversations with:* Pili Fronda* Michael Manesseh* Matthew Friedman* Joe Bergamini* Tom Jorgensen* Trevor HolderWe're also re-releasing some Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episodes you may have missed, featuring:* Jesse-Ray Leich* Jake Goldbas* Paul Pizzuti* Dena Tauriello* Larry Lelli* Rich Rosenzweig* Elena Bonomo…and many more.Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And subscribe to the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes video content.In this episode, I talk with Augusto Oropeza, the drummer on the national tour of Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations. He shares what it's really like playing this music night after night, life on the road, his transition from an IT career into full-time performance, and the story of how he landed the gig in the first place.We discuss:* How he went from auditing the show to joining the cast on tour* The challenges of split-week travel and three-city weeks* Why he left behind a steady job in cybersecurity to chase his dream* His influences—from Jonathan Moffett and Vinnie Colaiuta to Karen Carpenter and Sheila E* What it takes to stay healthy and injury-free on tour* The importance of networking, versatility, and being a good hang* The reality of drum booths, tight pits, late-night DoorDash, and finding community on the road* How Cirque du Soleil and musical theater sparked his passion for live performanceThis is an honest and inspiring look at what it means to live the touring musician's life.Support the show by visiting our merch store: merchandise.broadwaydrumming101.comAnd if you've ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.Thanks for listening!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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), 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, 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.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.We're closing in on 100 interviews here at Broadway Drumming 101, and we're just getting started. We've got a great lineup ahead. Upcoming episodes include conversations with:* Pili Fronda* Michael Manesseh* Matthew Friedman* Joe Bergamini* Tom Jorgensen* Trevor HolderWe're also re-releasing some Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episodes you may have missed, featuring:* Jesse-Ray Leich* Jake Goldbas* Paul Pizzuti* Dena Tauriello* Larry Lelli* Rich Rosenzweig* Elena Bonomo…and many more.Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And subscribe to the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes video content.In this episode, I talk with Augusto Oropeza, the drummer on the national tour of Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations. He shares what it's really like playing this music night after night, life on the road, his transition from an IT career into full-time performance, and the story of how he landed the gig in the first place.We discuss:* How he went from auditing the show to joining the cast on tour* The challenges of split-week travel and three-city weeks* Why he left behind a steady job in cybersecurity to chase his dream* His influences—from Jonathan Moffett and Vinnie Colaiuta to Karen Carpenter and Sheila E* What it takes to stay healthy and injury-free on tour* The importance of networking, versatility, and being a good hang* The reality of drum booths, tight pits, late-night DoorDash, and finding community on the road* How Cirque du Soleil and musical theater sparked his passion for live performanceThis is an honest and inspiring look at what it means to live the touring musician's life.Support the show by visiting our merch store: merchandise.broadwaydrumming101.comAnd if you've ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.Thanks for listening!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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), 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, 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.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.Originally released: October 2021In this classic episode, I talk with Dennis Arcano—an all-around force in the musical theater world: Educator / Audio Engineer / Synth & Drum Programmer / Composer. He's subbed on shows like Death Becomes Her, tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Jagged Little Pill, and more.Dennis and I go way back, and in this episode, we talk about how he broke into the scene, from his first professional gig at Candlewood Playhouse to subbing on Broadway. He shares how a single connection led to his first Broadway subbing gig on Follies, and how that eventually led to touring tick, tick...BOOM! with his wife alongside him.He gets into:* How to properly prepare for a subbing gig (and what not to do)* His path as a multi-instrumentalist and why that matters* Why it's important to play like the drummer you're subbing for* His philosophy on groove, gear, teaching, and building trust in the pit* What it was like to come back to Broadway years later for Jagged Little PillThis episode is a masterclass in professionalism, humility, and the power of staying ready. Whether you're a drummer looking to break into the Broadway scene or someone who wants to understand what it really takes to make it, this is one worth going back to.Listen now and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring and honest conversations with the drummers behind the shows.And grab your copy of my book: BroadwayBoundBook.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 has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), 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, 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.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.In this episode, Clayton chats with drummer Patrick Phelan IV, the current touring drummer for the Shucked First National Tour. Patrick shares how a random hangout in NYC led to his first Broadway subbing opportunity and how he's since built a career full of friendship, groove, and grit.We dive into his musical upbringing in Wisconsin, where he studied classical percussion at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, and how his early decision to leave veterinary studies for a life behind the drum kit changed everything. Patrick talks about balancing eight shows a week, playing pickleball and golf to stay sane on the road, and bleeding all over his snare in Dallas — literally.Patrick also opens up about:* His deep love for Yacht Rock and why he dreams of touring with Michael McDonald or Christopher Cross* Learning to play entire shows from Vimeo videos (with no charts!) — like his recent tour with Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard* Why subbing on Shucked led to a national tour* Playing music for music's sake—not just for the showWhether you're a drummer, a theater musician, or someone trying to figure out how to break into the Broadway world, this episode is packed with real advice, honest stories, and some good laughs.Featured Topics:* Getting into musical theater through friendship and trust, not just auditions* Classical chops meeting country-pop grooves on Shucked* Why networking isn't just schmoozing—it's about real human connection* Staying musically inspired while playing the same show night after night* The role of joy, artistic outlets, and “pretending you're at your own rock concert” when playing in isolationAbout Patrick Phelan:Outside of Broadway, Patrick has toured internationally with Americana band Them Coulee Boys, recording the album Die Happy, which charted on the American Radio Album charts. He played for the Grammy-nominated Jazz Ensemble 1 at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and performed at PASIC with the UWEC percussion quartet. Patrick also teaches private lessons in drum set, concert percussion, and piano.Connect with Patrick:Instagram: @patrickphelan4Email: patrickphelan4@gmail.comCheck out the Broadway Bound and Beyond book and merch!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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), 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, 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.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.In this episode, Clayton chats with drummer Patrick Phelan IV, the current touring drummer for the Shucked First National Tour. Patrick shares how a random hangout in NYC led to his first Broadway subbing opportunity and how he's since built a career full of friendship, groove, and grit.We dive into his musical upbringing in Wisconsin, studying classical percussion at UW–Eau Claire, and how his early decision to leave veterinary studies for a life behind the drum kit changed everything. Patrick talks about balancing eight shows a week, playing pickleball and golf to stay sane on the road, and bleeding all over his snare in Dallas — literally.Patrick also opens up about:* His deep love for Yacht Rock and why he dreams of touring with Michael McDonald or Christopher Cross* Learning to play entire shows from Vimeo videos (with no charts!) — like his recent tour with Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard* Why subbing on Shucked led to a national tour* Playing music for music's sake—not just for the showWhether you're a drummer, a theater musician, or someone trying to figure out how to break into the Broadway world, this episode is packed with real advice, honest stories, and some good laughs.Featured Topics:* Getting into musical theater through friendship and trust, not just auditions* Classical chops meeting country-pop grooves on Shucked* Why networking isn't just schmoozing—it's about real human connection* Staying musically inspired while playing the same show night after night* The role of joy, artistic outlets, and “pretending you're at your own rock concert” when playing in isolationAbout Patrick Phelan:Outside of Broadway, Patrick has toured internationally with Americana band Them Coulee Boys, recording the album Die Happy, which charted on the American Radio Album charts. He played for the Grammy-nominated Jazz Ensemble 1 at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and performed at PASIC with the UWEC percussion quartet. Patrick also teaches private lessons in drum set, concert percussion, and piano.Connect with Patrick:Instagram: @patrickphelan4Email: patrickphelan4@gmail.comCheck out the Broadway Bound and Beyond book and merch!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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), 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, 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.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when you're brand new to NYC, hanging out between shows, and you meet someone who might change your life? That's exactly what happened to drummer Patrick Phalen.In this candid clip, Patrick shares how a simple hangout with Shannon Ford and Joshua Samuels, who were both playing Beetlejuice, introduced him to Emma Ford, who later offered him the chance to sub on Shucked. Fast forward, and he's now on the First National Tour.The episode drops on Saturday, June 21st!Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify⭐️ Please subscribe, rate, and review—it helps more people discover the show and supports what we're building with Broadway Drumming 101.Hit that follow button, tell a friend, and join us as we explore the real stories behind Broadway's pit musicians.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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), 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, 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.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.In this classic episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I chat with the multi-talented percussionist Joshua Mark Samuels, whose Broadway journey spans from singing and dancing as a child in California to holding down chairs in some of the biggest shows on Broadway and Radio City.We initially chatted in October of 2021, but I wanted to share this episode again. It's funny, thought-provoking, and incredibly informative. Episode Highlights:* Early Musical Roots: Josh shares stories of growing up in L.A., starting drum lessons at the age of two and a half, and learning music theory from his legendary uncle, Dave Samuels.* Dual Passions: How Josh navigated his love for both performing on stage and playing in orchestras, eventually fusing both into a career in musical theater.* Cruise Ship Hustle: Becoming a music director at age 21 and realizing pit drumming was his true calling.* Move to NYC: Josh recounts his unexpected relocation to New York and how one subway ride introduced him to Broadway drummer Gary Seligson, kick-starting his networking journey.* Landing Marvelous Wonderettes & Godspell: Hear how obsessive preparation, transcriptions, and laser-focused practice helped Josh build a strong reputation as a sub.* Radio City Christmas Spectacular: What it's really like to play 200+ shows in two months with the Rockettes—and why this gig is one of the most demanding in the business.* Subbing Philosophy: Learn why being effective matters more than being right, how to take notes without ego, and why watching the conductor is non-negotiable.* Building a Career: Josh offers insight into the importance of relationships, people skills, and being someone others want to be around, on and off the bandstand.Key Takeaways:* “Subbing is a people game. It's not just about chops—it's about trust.”* “Obsessive preparation isn't about showing off—it's about honoring the gig.”* “You don't succeed on Broadway because you're the best player. You succeed because you're the best fit.”About Joshua Mark Samuels:Josh currently holds the drums/percussion chair at Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway. His resume includes work on notable productions such as Beetlejuice, Aladdin, Miss Saigon, Jersey Boys, Chaplin, Godspell, A Bronx Tale, and Sunset Boulevard, among others. He's performed all three percussion books (drums, timpani, mallets) at Radio City's Christmas Spectacular, and he's a respected clinician and educator with presentations at NYU, Carnegie Mellon, Rutgers, and Temple University.He proudly endorses Vic Firth, Sabian Cymbals, MalletKat, and TreeHouse Drums.Website: joshuamarksamuels.comSubscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 on your favorite podcast platform, and visit BroadwayDrumming101.com for more content, resources, and merch.Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode with fellow musicians and theater fans!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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), 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, 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.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Frank Zambrano didn't take the traditional path to a Broadway tour, but that's exactly what makes his journey so inspiring.In this episode, Frank shares:* Why his biggest advice is to get out of the musical theater bubble* The pivotal role the Broadway Percussion Seminar played in his development* A quote from Clint de Ganon that changed his mindset forever* How his second chance to play Kimberly Akimbo became a story of preparation, grit, and follow-through* What it took to turn theme park gigs and months of shadowing into a Broadway pit opportunityWhether you're an aspiring pit musician or just someone chasing a dream, Frank's story is packed with the kind of real-world advice that doesn't get taught in school.Listen now and hear how Frank made his second shot count.Subscribe to our YouTube channel – help us reach 1,000 subscribers by the end of June:

Q. Robinson on the 92nd episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Inc. podcast: Tour LifeIn this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, Q. Robinson shares what it's really like on the road with a major musical. He talks about longer stays in each city, the physical and emotional toll of eight shows a week, and how the role of the drummer has shifted in modern theatre.Watch the full conversation in Episode 92.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, 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.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Correction…This Week's Podcast GuestHey everyone – quick note!Sorry about the last email. I had Frank Pagano on my mind while posting about this week's episode featuring Frank Zambrano. Both are incredible drummers who've been guests on Broadway Drumming 101, and I'm honored to share their stories.The title is fixed now. Thanks for rolling with it—and don't forget to check out the latest episode!

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Originally recorded in October of 2021, this conversation with Sammy Merendino is a standout. Sammy is a Broadway veteran with decades of experience under his belt and a reputation for being one of the most reliable and musical drummers in the business.In this episode, we discuss:* Growing up in Akron, Ohio, and playing in several bands during his formative years.* What it was like auditioning for Chubby Checker and getting an 18-month tour.* The importance of playing live and playing with older and better players.* Going to a cattle call for a Billy Idol tour and his many second-place finishes.* How a $2.75 beer at the Prince Street Bar catapulted him to another level where he became the go-to guy for drum programming in New York City.* Meeting Larry Blackman and recoding ‘ Single Life' and eventually programming the drums for their breakout album “Word Up.”* Working on commercials in the morning, then off to do sessions with Hall and Oates in the afternoon, and Cameo later at night.* How he met Cyndi Lauper and got the drum chair at Kinky Boots.This is the kind of episode that every drummer trying to break into theater should hear. Sammy is full of practical wisdom, and his calm, grounded approach is something a lot of players can learn from.Sammy has recorded and/or performed with many top artists, including Cameo, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Foreigner, Lou Reed, Aretha Franklin, Ziggy Marley, Hall & Oates, The Beach Boys, Pat Metheny, Joan Osborne, Anita Baker, Sophie B. Hawkins, Carly Simon, Paul Rodgers, and many others. He has played on numerous Grammy-winning recordings and over 1,000 commercials and television themes, including Monday Night Football with Hank Williams Jr., Nightline, World News Tonight, and ABC Golf.Currently residing in Harlem, Sammy's turn-of-the-century brownstone is home to a state-of-the-art recording studio. Complete with Pro-tools HDX, Neve/API/BAE/ mic pre's and EQ's, vintage microphones, and compressors, his drums are always set up, and mic'd - ready to go!If you're serious about making a career in Broadway drumming, don't miss this one.Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 wherever you listen to podcasts, and visit broadwaydrumming101.com for more interviews, resources, and stories from the pit.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, 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.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 94 — Frank Pagano: From Glen Rock to the Broadway PitIn this must-hear episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, I sit down with legendary drummer and percussionist Frank Pagano — a true veteran of both the concert stage and the Broadway scene.Frank's career reads like a who's who of the music industry. He's played with icons like Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, Al Green, and Phoebe Snow. On Broadway, his credits span from Leader of the Pack and The Who's Tommy to Smokey Joe's Cafe, Cry-Baby, The Pirate Queen, Good Vibrations, Fosse, Big River, Saturday Night Fever, and more. What you'll hear in this episode:* How a 4th-grade music demo sparked Frank's lifelong love of drums.* Growing up and gigging with the Vivino brothers (yes — that Jimmy Vivino).* What it was like studying percussion at Manhattan School of Music and later with Joe Morello and Justin DiCioccio.* His unusual path to Broadway — having a chair before ever subbing.* The real reason he pivoted to Broadway full-time: marriage, fatherhood, and health insurance.* Wisdom on subbing: play their show, not yours.* Lessons from playing percussion alongside killer drummers like Brian Brake.* Touring vs. pit life — the physical grind of the road versus the stability of Broadway.* How working with artists like Laura Nyro and Bruce Springsteen shaped his perspective on artistry and professionalism.* Advice for drummers who want to make it in New York: “Play with everyone. Play everything. Be early. Be likable. Be ready.”Frank's reflections on time, groove, and what it really means to be musical are some of the best insights I've heard on this show. This episode is for any drummer who wants to play on Broadway — and stay there.Watch more episodes on YouTubeListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsLearn more about Frank Pagano: https://www.frankpagano.com/bioClayton 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.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Some drummers can play the show. They've got it memorized. But throw them on a gig where they don't know the song? Where there's no chart, no click, no safety net?They freeze.In tomorrow's episode, Frank Pagano breaks down some of the things you'll need to know to have a long-lasting career. A musician can memorize a show and play it just fine, but if someone suddenly calls out a song on a different gig and you haven't played with lots of different bands before, you might have no clue what to do. That kind of experience is what really builds your skills.Playing Broadway is about more than just knowing the notes. It's about being a musician. A collaborator. Someone who listens, adapts, and brings the music to life—even when it's unfamiliar.This episode is essential listening for anyone chasing the Broadway dream, or any gig that demands more than muscle memory.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We're bringing back a Broadway Drumming 101 Classic episode with Joe Choroszewski—a musician whose Broadway and live performance resume is as deep as it is diverse.Joe has been on drums for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes for the past three seasons, performing hundreds of shows at one of the most iconic venues in the world. Before that, he spent an entire decade (2009–2019) anchoring the Off-Broadway hit Avenue Q at New World Stages, helping extend the legacy of the Tony Award-winning production long after its Broadway run.As a Broadway sub, Joe is in rare company—having performed on more than twenty Broadway productions, including The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Beetlejuice, Frozen, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Legally Blonde, Jagged Little Pill, Ain't Too Proud, Newsies, and more.Joe also stepped in to take over the drum chairs for Finding Neverland in 2016 and Promises, Promises in 2010, finishing the final runs of both Broadway productions. He was the drummer for the Off-Broadway run of Avenue Q and on tour, he performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Patrick Cassidy. Joe was also on the first national tours of Avenue Q and Monty Python's Spamalot.In this episode, Joe shares insights from:* His time working with major artists like Heather Headley, Ariana DeBose, Cheyenne Jackson, Sutton Foster, and Chita Rivera* Backing cabaret icons like Natalie Douglas, Christina Bianco, and “Kenn Boisinger” (Michael West)* Playing for household names like Mario Cantone and Real Housewives star Luann de Lesseps* And his long-standing involvement in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS benefit eventsBeyond Broadway, Joe's played everywhere—from symphony halls (Princeton Symphony, Allentown Symphony) to cruise ship showbands (Carnival and Norwegian), weddings to worship bands, jazz trios to hard rock cover groups. He's also helped shape new musicals in development and has been a go-to regional drummer for ACT of Connecticut and Ridgefield Playhouse concerts.Education Spotlight:Joe holds a degree in Jazz Studies from the prestigious University of North Texas College of Music, where he studied for six semesters with drum legend Ed Soph. He continued his private study with another legend—Tommy Igoe—in New Jersey and is featured on Igoe's best-selling instructional DVD Great Hands For A Lifetime. Joe has been teaching privately for over 25 years and continues to share his knowledge as a guest clinician at schools and studios.Offstage, Joe lives in Somerset County, NJ, with his wife Giana, their three boys, and three dogs. He's an avid runner, a vintage drum collector, and a passionate Major League Baseball fan.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, 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.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.In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we chat with touring legend Paul Hannah, whose career spans over four decades and countless genres—from orchestras to biker bars and Broadway pits to jazz trios.Paul began playing professionally at just 16, growing up in Las Vegas during a time when the mob ran the city and every hotel had a full orchestra. He learned firsthand from giants like Jerry Gilgor, Tommy Check, Leo Camera, Roger Rampton, and Walfredo de los Reyes. Later, he studied with titans like Vic Firth, Alan Dawson, and Alexander Lepak, preparing him for a career that's taken him across the U.S., Canada, Japan, and China.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Paul Hannah is the latest guest on the 93rd episode of Broadway Drumming 101. In this episode (dropping May 10), Paul shares how he managed to live out nearly every dream he had in the music business, without ever relocating to New York City. From performing with top-tier jazz musicians to launching a successful Broadway-style career and securing a pension, his journey proves there's more than one path to success.Get his book: Show Drumming – An Expert's Guide to Theatre and TouringPaul's wisdom doesn't stop at the podcast. His new book,

Back when we were all stuck inside and Broadway had gone quiet, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the great Warren Odze—a true Broadway and NYC studio veteran. Re-listening to this interview in 2025, I'm reminded just how rich and inspiring Warren's stories are. Things have changed for the better since we first recorded, but this conversation holds up stronger than ever.Warren has played in an incredible list of Broadway shows, including:

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Broadway Drumming 101 – Episode: Quinton “Q.” Robinson (2025 Update)

This one originally dropped in September 2021 in two parts—but if you missed it back then, don't worry. I'm bringing it back as part of the Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Interview Series.Ray Marchica is one of those drummers whose name has been floating around the NYC scene for decades—and for good reason. He's done it all: gold records, TV house band gigs, iconic Broadway runs, off-Broadway, jazz big bands, the works. From James Brown's "Living in America" to The Rosie O'Donnell Show to Mamma Mia!—Ray's been laying it down with feel, power, and style.In this episode, Ray shares stories about:* Growing up in Brooklyn and learning drums from his uncle in the basement* Studying classical percussion at Brooklyn College with the legendary Morris Lang* Landing his first major gig on the A Chorus Line tour in the ‘70s* Navigating the world of jingle sessions, Radio Registry (yes, that was a thing for you young folk), and Broadway subs* Getting the gig with Dan Hartman and playing on hit records* What it was like playing for La Cage aux Folles, Starlight Express, Will Rogers Follies, and other major shows* His time in the pit for Miss Saigon, the long run with Mamma Mia!, and his approach to training subs* Real talk about the rise of drum machines, the shift in Broadway orchestra pits, and how he's stayed versatile through it allWhether you're a drummer, a fan of Broadway, or just someone who loves hearing stories from the road, the pit, and the studio, you'll dig this.Hit play. Subscribe if you haven't. And check out more at BroadwayDrumming101.com.If you loved this episode, check out some of the other powerful resources we've created for musicians looking to bridge the gap between the classroom and the Broadway pit:*

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In this exclusive clip from the upcoming Broadway Drumming 101 podcast, percussionist Andrew Atkinson shares how a one-off gig on America's Got Talent led to an unforgettable opportunity on Hamilton. Hear how a backstage connection, a feature in Modern Drummer, and pure preparation paved the way for his Broadway debut — all without asking for a single gig.Andrew recalls the moment he heard "My Name Is Alexander Hamilton" live for the first time, the wild audience reaction, and how he learned the book in just two weeks. Most powerful of all? His mindset: "I don't get nervous. I get prepared."

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Back in 2021, I sat down with one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers on Broadway: Sean McDaniel.Since that interview, Sean's career has only expanded. He's played Some Like It Hot, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and now holds the drum chair for one of the most buzzed-about new musicals on Broadway: Smash.So I figured—why not bring this conversation back to the forefront?In this re-released episode, Sean gives us an inside look at the early development of The Book of Mormon, starting with a modest 20-minute workshop. It's wild to hear how the show started with hand-drawn cartoons projected behind a reading stage—and how Sean's ability to adapt, play by ear, and control dynamics became essential in shaping the drum parts that evolved over the years.Broadway Drumming 101 is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.He talks about the two lives of Broadway drumming: playing with “toothpicks” during readings and unleashing full stadium energy in the pit once the show is fully staged. That flexibility—combined with a deep understanding of styles and musical storytelling—is what sets him apart.Sean also shares how his high school show choir days prepared him for the dynamic, mic-less world of workshops and readings. He developed a skill many overlook: playing softly while still maintaining intensity.If you're a drummer looking to understand what it really takes to build a Broadway career from the ground up—this is an essential listen.The full episode drops this Saturday.

In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we sit down with Andrew Beall, an accomplished percussionist, composer, and Broadway musician whose career spans international performances, musical theater orchestration, and a deep love for percussion. From his early days in Ohio to working on some of Broadway's biggest productions, Andrew shares insights into his journey, his influences, and his passion for composition.We dive into the art of orchestration, the challenges of subbing on Broadway, and how he balances multiple musical roles—including running Bachovich Music Publications and managing orchestras. Andrew also talks about adapting to technological advancements in music, the impact of Finale's discontinuation, and how biking in NYC keeps him in rhythm with the city's fast pace.Whether you're an aspiring Broadway musician or just love behind-the-scenes stories from the theater world, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice.Episode Highlights:

Stephen examines the fallout from the Oval Office blowup between President Trump and President Zelensky, where the Ukrainian leader insisted this is not a game while the American leader played to the TV cameras in an unprecedented scene that was celebrated in Russia's capital. Next, America's First Lady returns to The Late Show to preview what her husband will say in his speech before Congress this week. Emmy, Tony and Oscar-nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry sets up the action viewers can expect in the new limited series, “Dope Thief,” which he stars in and executive produces. The first two episodes of “Dope Thief” premiere March 14th on AppleTV+.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 18, 2025 is: chutzpah • KHOOTS-puh • noun Chutzpah is audacious boldness often paired with reckless self-confidence. Someone with chutzpah dares to do or say things that seem shocking to others. // It took a lot of chutzpah to stand up to her boss the way she did. See the entry >1. list text here Examples: “... [Anne] Hathaway is not easily talked out of things she believes in. She took drama classes, understudied future Tony winner Laura Benanti in a production of Jane Eyre at 14, and had the chutzpah to write to an agent with her headshot at 15.” — Julie Miller, Vanity Fair, 25 Mar. 2024 Did you know? The word chutzpah has been boldly circulating through English since the mid-1800s. It comes from the Yiddish word khutspe, which comes in turn from the Hebrew word ḥuṣpāh. The ch in chutzpah indicates a rasping sound from the back of the throat that exists in many languages, including Yiddish. That sound is not part of English phonology, so it follows that the c is sometimes dropped in both the pronunciation and spelling of the word. Some speakers of Yiddish feel that chutzpah has been diluted in English use, no longer properly conveying the monumental nature of the gall that is implied. A classic example can be found in Leo Rosten's 1968 book The Joys of Yiddish, which defines chutzpah as “that quality enshrined in a man who, having killed his mother and father, throws himself on the mercy of the court because he is an orphan.”

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 18, 2025 is: chutzpah • KHOOTS-puh • noun Chutzpah is shameless or disrespectful boldness often paired with reckless self-confidence. Someone with chutzpah dares to do or say things that seem shocking to others. // It took a lot of chutzpah to stand up to her boss the way she did. See the entry > Examples: “... [Anne] Hathaway is not easily talked out of things she believes in. She took drama classes, understudied future Tony winner Laura Benanti in a production of Jane Eyre at 14, and had the chutzpah to write to an agent with her headshot at 15.” — Julie Miller, Vanity Fair, 25 Mar. 2024 Did you know? The word chutzpah has been boldly circulating through English since the mid-1800s. It comes from the Yiddish word khutspe, which comes in turn from the Hebrew word ḥuṣpāh. The ch in chutzpah indicates a rasping sound from the back of the throat that exists in many languages, including Yiddish. That sound is not part of English phonology, so it follows that the c is sometimes dropped in both the pronunciation and spelling of the word. Some speakers of Yiddish feel that chutzpah has been diluted in English use, no longer properly conveying the monumental nature of the gall that is implied. A classic example can be found in Leo Rosten's 1968 book The Joys of Yiddish, which defines chutzpah as “that quality enshrined in a man who, having killed his mother and father, throws himself on the mercy of the court because he is an orphan.”