Podcasts about musical theatre west

Send out the call! We're not on strike, but we are covering the biggest hit to start out as a bigger flop (not a bad word). NEWSIES meant a lot to those of us who grew up in the 90s and, thanks to the stage adaptation that fouette'd all over Broadway in 2012, it will continue to mean a lot to future generations. The story of unity and speaking truth to power is timeless, and that's one of the reasons this week's guest has played Jack Kelly so many times. Dillon Klena (Nick in JAGGED LITTLE PILL) joins us to dive deep into the show and characters just in time to sell "papes" for the fourth time! Also adding to the conversation is producer and lyricist Jordan Beck whose admiration of lyricist Jack Feldman is guaranteed to bring respect you didn't know you had for this show. Look out for his segments scattered throughout the episode! Follow Dillon on Instagram @dillon_scott_klena and buy tickets to see him in NEWSIES July 12-28 at Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA by visiting www.musical.org. Learn more about Jordan by following him on Instagram @jordanbeck910 as well as his theatre company CCAE Theatricals @ccaetheatricals where he currently serves as Managing Producer. He is also one of the forces behind the award-winning new musical WITNESSES @witnessesmusical. Have you left us a nice rating and review? What are you waiting for?? Maybe you're waiting to first subscribe to PATREON! for only $1, so you can get bonus episodes every month and much more. Don't forget we're on Instagram, TikTok, and X. We also have our TeePublic Store where the profits we receive are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. More than anything, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mintzer's cover of this iconic Metallica classic imbues a mystical other-worldliness with melodic, siren vocals, haunting choral harmonies, and dark, moody, ethereal vibes.Anna Mintzer is a multifaceted artist; an American actress and songstress who has recently embarked on a journey of sharing her own music with the world—her debut single “Haunted” was released across all streaming platforms October 31, 2022, followed up by the Official Music Video on November 11, 2022.  Her second single, “My Eulogy,” was released on the 2023 Spring Equinox.As a singer/songwriter, Mintzer's music blends innovative, aching melodic lines with a driving narrative to create a sound all her own. With siren tones of sensual folk and uplifting soprano, her music has been described as “stardust for the soul.”  She is currently in creation of her first collection of songs.As an actress and performing artist, Anna has garnered praise playing a wide array of characters.  In early 2019, Anna received a Broadway World Award nomination for Best Leading Actress for her performance in Musical Theatre West's critically acclaimed West Coast regional premiere production of Bright Star, starring as Alice Murphy—declared a “leading lady's incandescent star turn” (StageSceneLA).  Said to be a “true find” and a “thrill a minute to watch,” Anna received rave reviews for her “deliriously wonderful” performance (BroadwayWorld), as well as multiple Broadway World “Best of LA 2018” Outstanding Performance recognition.  Directed by Richard Gatta, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's award winning bluegrass musical was the highest audience rated show in MTW history. https://www.annamintzer.com/Support the showThanks for listening for more information or to listen to other podcasts or watch YouTube videos click on this link >https://thetroutshow.com/

“If I were king of the mountain and I got to say how all arts education was – I would actually say the idea of being curiously creative is key; testing out all the ideas and options.” – Scott Barnhardt This is a wildly fun and informative podcast for artists of all ages – especially those looking into studying theatre in college. Here's what you'll find in this episode: The college audition mindset The falsehoods of being a “starving artist” What is true about being a “starving artist”? Lucrative ways of working in the theatre Leaning into the type of artist you want to be known as The worth of a college degree SCOTT BARNHARDT is a musical theatre actor, theatre maker, writer, educator and Independent Education Consultant (IEC). He is also the owner and creator of The Creative College Journey, a bespoke approach to college guidance working exclusively with creative applicants (writers, filmmakers, actors, dancers)—helping families handle both the academic and artistic aspects of a college application with the goal to lower stress and increase clarity and enjoyment throughout the process. As a teacher and administrator, he most recently served as Lead Faculty for the Contemporary Musical Theatre + Film BFA program at Hussian College Los Angeles, and before that as the Director of Musical Theatre at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). He is a graduate of Wagner College (BA, Theatre/Speech) and UCLA (MFA, Playwriting). His acting credits include the original Broadway cast of The Book of Mormon (Elder Harris/Elder Thomas, u/s Elder McKinley, Asst. Dance Captain) and the Deaf West Broadway Revival of Big River at Roundabout. Other NYC: Yank! (The Old Globe Workshop), Bye Bye Birdie (City Center Encores!). National tours: The Boy Friend directed by Julie Andrews, Deaf West's Big River, the Detroit company of White Christmas and the Japanese tour of Disney on Classic with the Tokyo Philharmonic. At OCSA, along with teaching audition prep and a class called Mind|Body|Voice, he directed the virtual production of Now. Here. This. (the first full-length musical to be shot and presented entirely during quarantine), Evita (in association with Musical Theatre West), the High School premiere of Jasper in Deadland, The Drowsy Chaperone, Xanadu, 9-to-5 (alongside Jessica Lea Patty). He was also seen in concert with students at the Irvine Barclay Theatre in Coming Home with Krysta Rodriguez and Scott Barnhardt. Scott has taught workshops, master classes and built programming for UCLA, The Grammy Foundation, Professional School for the Arts, American Ballet Theatre, University of Michigan, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, MTCA of OC, Cal State Fullerton, Broadway Dreams, Broadway Classroom, International Thespian Festival, EdTA Professional Development, Florida Thespian Festival and The Performing Arts Project among others. Awards and grants include the 2004 Tony Honor (Big River), Grammy Citation for Best Cast Album (The Book of Mormon), Tim Robbins Playwriting Award, Sono Osato Scholarship, Caroline H. Newhouse Scholarship and the George Burns & Gracie Allen Fellowship in Comedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kikau and Matty speak with the amazing Josh Grisetti who runs the Musical Theatre program at California State University Fullerton all while being a successful working actor. We talk about how he balances everything, while bringing his knowledge of the industry directly to his students. Josh's recommendation is an author named Michael Kostroff. He wrote several books, notably Audition Psych 101: A Refreshing Approach to the Dreaded Process and The Stage Actor's Handbook: Traditions, Protocols, and Etiquette for the Working and Aspiring Professional, a book he wrote with Julie Garnye. --- JOSH GRISETTI. As a performer, Josh starred in Broadway's SOMETHING ROTTEN!, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU (Clarence Derwent Award winner), and Neil Simon's revival of BROADWAY BOUND.  Off-Broadway, Josh starred in RENT, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, ENTER LAUGHING (Theatre World Award winner), RED EYE OF LOVE, CANDIDA and AFTER THE BALL. Regional credits include PRINCE OF BROADWAY (Tokyo), CAMELOT (The Kennedy Center), MATILDA (The Muny), HOW TO SUCCEED… (Reprise Theatre – Los Angeles Ovation Award winner), BEAUTY & THE BEAST (LaMirada), SPAMALOT (Las Vegas), WHERE'S CHARLEY? (Goodspeed) and others. On television, Josh starred in the ABC sitcom THE KNIGHTS OF PROSPERITY, as well as multiple series regular roles in pilots for other networks. Film credits include THE IMMIGRANT, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, THE NAMESAKE and others. Josh recently directed SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Musical Theatre West, and IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU at Musical Theatre Guild in Los Angeles. Prior to Josh's appointment at CSUF, Josh taught acting, musical theatre and business of theatre at Fullerton College and Loyola Marymount University; he also authored the book, God In My Head (Tantor Media, LLC). Visit www.joshgrisetti.com , and follow @joshgrisetti.

Jason Graae discusses his latest show, “Faith Prince and Jason Graae,” which was at Feinsteins at the Nikko, April 14-April 15, along with his early career on Broadway and elsewhere with host Richard Wolinsky. Recorded April 10, 2023 on zencastr. Jason Graae has appeared on Broadway in A Grand Night for Singing, Falsettos, Stardust, and Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? and off-Broadway in several shows, including the original cast of Forever Plaid.  He's appeared on television as a guest on Frasier, Friends, China Beach and other shows, and has appeared innumerable times in various concerts. He has also sung on over 45 CDs, including reconstructions of several musicals of the 1920s through 1940s. Jason Graae has performed several times with both 42nd Street Moon and Musical Theatre West, and along with various benefit concerts for Moon, he appeared on “Scrooge in Love” on the Gateway Theatre stage in late 2019 Jason Graae website. The post Jason Graae, actor & entertainer, 2023 appeared first on KPFA.

Bookwaves/Artwaves is produced and hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Links to assorted local theater & book venues Jason Graae discusses his latest show, “Faith Prince and Jason Graae,” which will be at Feinsteins at the Nikko, April 14-April 15, along with his early career on Broadway and elsewhere with host Richard Wolinsky. Recorded April 10, 2023 on zencastr. Jason Graae has appeared on Broadway in A Grand Night for Singing, Falsettos, Stardust, and Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? and off-Broadway in several shows, including the original cast of Forever Plaid.  He's appeared on television as a guest on Frasier, Friends, China Beach and other shows, and has appeared innumerable times in various concerts. He has also sung on over 45 CDs, including reconstructions of several musicals of the 1920s through 1940s. Jason Graae has performed several times with both 42nd Street Moon and Musical Theatre West, and along with various benefit concerts for Moon, he appeared on “Scrooge in Love” on the Gateway Theatre stage in late 2019. Complete Interview. Jason Graae website.     Book Interview/Events and Theatre Links Note: Shows may unexpectedly close early or be postponed due to actors' positive COVID tests. Check the venue for closures, ticket refunds, and vaccination and mask requirements before arrival. Dates are in-theater performances unless otherwise noted. Some venues operate Tuesday – Sunday; others Wednesday or Thursday through Sunday. All times Pacific Standard Time. Book Stores Bay Area Book Festival  Lists of guests at the upcoming Book Festival, May 6-7, 2023, event calendar and links to previous events. Book Passage.  Monthly Calendar. Mix of on-line and in-store events. Books Inc.  Mix of on-line and in-store events. The Booksmith.   Monthly Calendar. On-line events only. Center for Literary Arts, San Jose. See website for Book Club guests in upcoming months. Green Apple Books. Events calendar. Kepler's Books  On-line Refresh the Page program listings. Live Theater Companies Actor's Reading Collective (ARC).  See website for past streams. Alter Theatre. See website for upcoming productions. American Conservatory Theatre  Poor Yella Rednecks: Vietgone 2 by Qui Nguyen, March 30 – May 7, Strand. Aurora Theatre  Cyrano by Edmond Rostand, adapted by Josh Costello, April 7 – May 7. Awesome Theatre Company. Check website for upcoming live shows and streaming. Berkeley Rep English by Sanazz Toosi, March 31 – May 7, Peets Theatre. Boxcar Theatre. See website for calendar listings. Brava Theatre Center: See website for events. BroadwaySF: Come from Away, April 11 – 23, Golden Gate. Pretty Woman: The Musical, April 26-30, Orpheum Broadway San Jose: Riverdance, 25th Anniversary Show, May 12-14. 1776, May 6-21. California Shakespeare Theatre (Cal Shakes). No 2023 season scheduled. See website for events calendar. Center Rep: Sweat, by Lynn Nottage. March 31  – April 16 Central Works Mondragola by Gary Graves, March 18 – April 16, 2023. Cinnabar Theatre. Tiger Style! by Mike Lew, April 7 – 23. Contra Costa Civic Theatre To Master the Art by William Brown and Doug Frew, April 21 – May 21, 2023. Curran Theater: Into The Woods, direct from Broadway, June 20-25, 2023. Custom Made Theatre. Tiny Fires by Aimee Suzara, postponed to a later date in 2023. Cutting Ball Theatre. Exhaustion Arroyo: Dancin' Trees in the Ravine by W. Fran Astorga. April 13 – May 21. 42nd Street Moon. Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, March 23 – April 9, Gateway Theatre. Golden Thread  See website for ongoing special events. Landmark Musical Theater.  Hair, May 6 – June 4, at the Landmark, 533 Sutter, SF. Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. See website for upcoming productions. Magic Theatre. The Ni¿¿er Lovers by Mark Anthony Thompson, May 3 -21. See website for other events at the Magic. Marin Theatre Company Where Did We Sit On The Bus? by Brian Quijada, May 4 – 28, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts Upcoming Events Page. New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC)  Locusts Have No King by C. Julian Jimenez, April 7 – May 14. The Confession of Lily Dare by Charles Busch, May 12 – June 11. Oakland Theater Project.  Is God Is by Aleshea Harris, in theater, March 31 – April 23. Pear Theater. Pear Slices 2023,  Original short plays. April 20 – May 14. PianoFight. Permanently closed as of March 18, 2023. Presidio Theatre. See website for upcoming productions Ray of Light: Spring Awakening In Concert, June 8-10, Victoria Theatre. Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical, September 8 – October 1, Victoria Theatre. The Rocky Horror Show, Oasis Nightclub, October 6  – 31. See website for Spotlight Cabaret Series at Feinstein's at the Nikko. San Francisco Playhouse.  Clue, based on the screenplay, March 9 – April 27, 2023. SFBATCO See website for upcoming streaming and in- theater shows. San Jose Stage Company: Grand Horizons by Bess Wohl, April 5 – 30. 2023. Shotgun Players. Triumph of Love by Pierre de Marivaux, extended to April 30, streaming on demand April 13. South Bay Musical Theatre: Singin' In the Rain, May 13 – June 3. The Breath Project. Streaming archive. The Marsh: Calendar listings for Berkeley, San Francisco and Marshstream. Theatre Rhino   The Rita Hayworth of This Generation  written and performed by Tina D'Elia, April 6 – 23, Streaming: Essential Services Project, conceived and performed by John Fisher, all weekly performances now available on demand, New performances most Wednesdays. TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. A Distinct Society by Kareem Fahmy, April 5 – 30, 2023, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. Word for Word.  Home by George Saunders, April 5-29, Z Below. See schedule for  one-night readings and streaming performances. Misc. Listings: BAM/PFA: On View calendar for BAM/PFA. Berkeley Symphony: See website for listings. Chamber Music San Francisco: Calendar, 2023 Season, starting February. Dance Mission Theatre. On stage events calendar. Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Calendar listings and upcoming shows. San Francisco Opera. Calendar listings. San Francisco Symphony. Calendar listings. Playbill List of Streaming Theatre: Updated weekly, this is probably the best list you'll find of national and international streaming plays and musicals. Each week has its own webpage, so scroll down. National Theatrical Streaming: Upcoming plays from around the country. Filmed Live Musicals: Searchable database of all filmed live musicals, podcast, blog. If you'd like to add your bookstore or theater venue to this list, please write Richard@kpfa.org             The post Bookwaves/Artwaves – April 13, 2023: Jason Graae appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome actor, voice actor, and comedian, Stuart Pankin.     ABOUT OUR GUEST:   Stuart Pankin Stuart Pankin: five time nominated, CableAce Award winning actor for HBO's Not Necessarily The News. Master's Degree in Theatre from Columbia University. Performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival, Brooklyn Academy of Music Repertory Company, American Place Theatre, Lincoln Center, Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Odyssey Theatre, Musical Theatre West, Reprise LA!. Starred in over seventy Off Broadway, summer, and regional theatre productions; Starred and/or featured in such movies as The Artist, Fatal Attraction, Arachnophobia, Life Stinks, Honey We Shrunk Ourselves, The Hollywood Knights, Irreconcilable Differences, and Striptease. Series regular on nine prime time television shows and pilots; Guest starred and recurred in over 350 television productions, including MOWs, Web series; voiced numerous cartoons including the award-winning Dinosaurs.  

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. This week, Courtney sits down with actor and coach, Michael Kostroff, for a wide-ranging interview. They discuss changing your mindset when it comes to auditioning, Michael's classic TV role on The Wire, the need for civil discourse, and so much more! Michael's Free Class and Audition Psych 101 Online (https://bit.ly/3naPrsA) MICHAEL KOSTROFF: Formerly the world's worst auditioner, Michael Kostroff is now an established working actor best known for his five seasons as gang attorney Maury Levy on HBO's legendary series, The Wire, and for his dozens of other television appearances, including roles on Billions, The Blacklist, Law & Order: SVU, Luke Cage, The Deuce, Elementary, The Good Wife, Damages, Blue Bloods, Banshee, and opposite Robert De Niro in HBO Films' Wizard of Lies. He understudied the Tony Award-winning role of Max Bialystock on the first national tour of The Producers, originated the role of "Thénardier" for the 25th Anniversary U.S. Tour of Les Misérables, and stood by on Broadway in The Nance. Regional engagements have taken him to Goodspeed, Paper Mill, Flat Rock, Theatre Aspen, Musical Theatre West, Olney Theatre, and more. A former advice columnist for Backstage (2006-2012), Kostroff is also a director, audition coach, and frequent guest instructor at colleges, universities, and drama schools. He's the author of Letters from Backstage, Answers from "The Working Actor," and Audition Psych 101. Meanwhile . . . he continues to audition. Michael's Books on Amazon: Audition Psych 101 (https://amzn.to/2Lj21ck) Letters from Backstage: The Adventures of a Touring Stage Actor (https://amzn.to/3oxHEGK) Answers from "The Working Actor" (https://amzn.to/3bnr1Kd) Find Michael On The Internet: Audition Psych 101 on Twitter (https://twitter.com/auditionpsych) Michael Kostroff on Twitter (https://twitter.com/TheRealKostroff) ### Thanks to Tommy Martin of Multiple Hats Productions for helping with the rerelease of this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/courtneyrioux/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/courtneyrioux/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. This week, Courtney sits down with actor and coach, Michael Kostroff, for a wide ranging interview. They discuss changing your mindset when it comes to auditioning, Michael's classic TV role on The Wire, the need for civil discourse, and so much more! The aim of The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux is to not just make you a better actor, but to help you live a more fulfilled life. Follow Courtney Rioux on Social Media Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook MICHAEL KOSTROFF: Formerly the world's worst auditioner, Michael Kostroff is now an established working actor best known for his five seasons as gang attorney Maury Levy on HBO's legendary series, The Wire, and for his dozens of other television appearances, including roles on Billions, The Blacklist, Law & Order: SVU, Luke Cage, The Deuce, Elementary, The Good Wife, Damages, Blue Bloods, Banshee, and opposite Robert De Niro in HBO Films' Wizard of Lies. He understudied the Tony Award-winning role of Max Bialystock on the first national tour of The Producers, originated the role of "Thénardier" for the 25th Anniversary U.S. Tour of Les Misérables, and stood by on Broadway in The Nance. Regional engagements have taken him to Goodspeed, Paper Mill, Flat Rock, Theatre Aspen, Musical Theatre West, Olney Theatre, and more. A former advice columnist for Backstage (2006-2012), Kostroff is also a director, audition coach, and frequent guest instructor at colleges, universities, and drama schools. He's the author of Letters from Backstage, Answers from "The Working Actor," and Audition Psych 101. Meanwhile . . . he continues to audition. Michael's Books on Amazon: Audition Psych 101 Letters from Backstage: The Adventures of a Touring Stage Actor Answers from "The Working Actor" Find Michael On The Internet: Audition Psych 101 Website (AuditionPsych101.com) Audition Psych 101 on Twitter (https://twitter.com/auditionpsych) Michael Kostroff on Twitter (https://twitter.com/TheRealKostroff) ### Credits: Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/courtneyrioux/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/courtneyrioux/support

Todd M. Eskin - CEO/Owner - Head of the Theatre Department Todd is a partner at Across the Board (ATB) Talent Agency, a bicoastal agency with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas representing adult and youth actors, directors, choreographers, and producers in TV/Film, Commercials, Hosting, and Theatre.  He is the Chief Operating Officer and Head of the ATB Theatre Department, which he founded in May 2012. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre Performance, Todd became a working member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers, Actors’ Equity Association, the American Guild of Variety Artists, and Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. Shortly after, he began his representation career as an agent trainee at Abrams Artists Agency in Los Angeles.  Todd has clients currently working on Broadway (Hamilton, A Bronx Tale, Book of Mormon, Lion King), National Tours (Kinky Boots, The Wizard of Oz, Flashdance, The Lion King, Ragtime, Saturday Night Fever, Bullets Over Broadway, Mamma Mia, Joseph, If/Then), Las Vegas (Rock of Ages), Regional Theatres (La Jolla, Paper Mill Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus, Musical Theatre West, 3D Theatricals, Cabrillo Music Theatre), Cruise Lines (Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines), Theme Parks (Disneyland, Universal Hollywood, Hong Kong Disneyland), and more. @stage_agent --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/support

In this week's episode, Jeff and guest Michael Betts discuss the glory of Jerry Herman's smash hit HELLO, DOLLY! and along the way, touch on musicals with exclamation points, the hallmarks of a good Carol Channing impression, and what's at the heart of this delightful comedy. And if that wasn't enough, original cast member Mary Jo Catlett stops by to chat about her memories of the original production, cast, and creative team.Wanna see how our guest Michael Betts puts his theatre expertise to work? Check out the amazing regional theatre Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA. www.musical.org

New "Kahnversations" Podcast with Actor Benjamin Schrader!   In this episode of "Kahnversations," we interview Benjamin Schrader. A Seattle native, Benjamin attended Cornish College of the Arts and began his professional acting career at The Village Theatre and Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre. In New York, he was part of the original 2007 workshopping team for Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s Broadway mega-hit THE BOOK OF MORMON, and went on to be a member of the original TONY winning Broadway cast. Benjamin received a Grammy nod for THE BOOK OF MORMON Grammy Award-winning cast album. Schrader also starred on Broadway in AVENUE Q, the 2009 revival of RAGTIME, the 2004 Broadway revival of Deaf West’s BIG RIVER, and was instrumental in the development of the character Gabe in the Pulitzer Prize winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL. In 2013, Benjamin toured the country with the TONY Award-winning Broadway production of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, directed by the legendary actor/director Roger Rees. In Los Angeles, Benjamin recently won the Stage Scene LA award for the role of Freddy in Musical Theatre West’s DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. Other recent highlights include the Walt Disney Academy Award-winning animated feature FROZEN, where he can be heard as Brother Troll, and appearances on television in HBO’s TRUE DETECTIVE and ABC’s REVENGE, among many others.  For three years, Benjamin served as the Executive Producer and Host of THE STAGE DOOR SUPPER CLUB, a nationally broadcast in-depth Broadway educational series for the “On Broadway” channel on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.  Benjamin is a prolific director having helmed PETER AND THE STARCATCHER for Raw Sills Productions at the Whitmore-Lindley, and the SiriusXM concert series at Rockwell Table and Stage. He is also a headlining magician at the world famous Magic Castle in Los Angeles, where he recently completed his one man magic play LESSONS IN DISHONESTY by magic legend Jim Steinmeyer. He also freelances as a director for other professional magicians. Outside of performing, for the past few years Benjamin has been a creative consultant for various high end bars and speakeasies in California. He designed the tiki cocktail program for Clifton’s Pacific Seas Room in downtown LA, Encino’s famed Sushi|Bar for celeb chef Philip Frankland Lee, and most recently he designed Magic|Bar, San Fernando Valley’s only magic and cocktail saloon.  Benjamin lives in Los Angeles. You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!     There are so many inspiring podcasts with fabulous stars out there. But their careers feel light years away from ours, don’t they? Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in Brentwood? We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh. In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.

From the Best of State of the Arts (Originally broadcast July 18, 2013) - Broadway leading man David Burnham (Wicked, Light in the Piazza) and Musical Theatre Star Valerie Perri (1ST National U.S. Tour of Evita) are interviewed about their starring roles in the 20th Anniversary West Coast Revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’sSunset Boulevard for Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. David Lamoureux, the Tony Award winning show’s Musical Director, discusses Webber’s score, musical intricacies and conducting a 21 piece orchestra for the production. Perri and Lamoureux recant embarrassing career moments. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

From the Best of State of the Arts (Originally broadcast July 18, 2013) - Broadway leading man David Burnham (Wicked, Light in the Piazza) and Musical Theatre Star Valerie Perri (1ST National U.S. Tour of Evita) are interviewed about their starring roles in the 20th Anniversary West Coast Revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’sSunset Boulevard for Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. David Lamoureux, the Tony Award winning show’s Musical Director, discusses Webber’s score, musical intricacies and conducting a 21 piece orchestra for the production. Perri and Lamoureux recant embarrassing career moments. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

East Coast Musical Theatre Star Sandy Bainum (wife of former Maryland State Senator Stewart Bainum, Jr.) talks about her new CD Simply produced by Kritzerland Records, and her upcoming Los Angeles debut at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal. Southern California Musical Theatre Stars Zachary Ford and Rebecca Johnson are interviewed about their co-starring roles in the regional premiere of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein presented by Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. The Live Arts Calendar features the Los Angeles return of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Look Homeward Angel at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood. Ford and Johnson divulge awkward moments during performances.

East Coast Musical Theatre Star Sandy Bainum (wife of former Maryland State Senator Stewart Bainum, Jr.) talks about her new CD Simply produced by Kritzerland Records, and her upcoming Los Angeles debut at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal. Southern California Musical Theatre Stars Zachary Ford and Rebecca Johnson are interviewed about their co-starring roles in the regional premiere of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein presented by Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. The Live Arts Calendar features the Los Angeles return of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Look Homeward Angel at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood. Ford and Johnson divulge awkward moments during performances.

Broadway leading man David Burnham (Wicked, Light in the Piazza) and Musical Theatre Star Valerie Perri (1ST National U.S. Tour of Evita) are interviewed about their starring roles in the 20th Anniversary West Coast Revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’sSunset Boulevard for Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. David Lamoureux, the Tony Award winning show’s Musical Director, discusses Webber’s score, musical intricacies and conducting a 21 piece orchestra for the production. Perri and Lamoureux recant embarrassing career moments. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Broadway leading man David Burnham (Wicked, Light in the Piazza) and Musical Theatre Star Valerie Perri (1ST National U.S. Tour of Evita) are interviewed about their starring roles in the 20th Anniversary West Coast Revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’sSunset Boulevard for Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. David Lamoureux, the Tony Award winning show’s Musical Director, discusses Webber’s score, musical intricacies and conducting a 21 piece orchestra for the production. Perri and Lamoureux recant embarrassing career moments. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Broadway’s Davis Gaines (Phantom of the Opera) guests with Sterling & Stroili to talk about his starring appearance as Mack Sennett in Musical Theatre West’s benefit concert production of Jerry Herman’s Mack and Mabel at Richard and Karen Carpenter Center in Long Beach, CA. The Live Arts Calendar features Sterling’s review of Jason Robert Brown’s Parade presented by 3-D Theatricals at the historic Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, CA. Gaines re-tells a classic story of awkwardness involving George W. Bush, Jr. NOTE: Broadway leading man David Burnham, originally scheduled as a guest on this program to discuss his co-starring role with Davis Gaines in Mack and Mabel, did not appear due to unforeseen circumstances. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Broadway’s Davis Gaines (Phantom of the Opera) guests with Sterling & Stroili to talk about his starring appearance as Mack Sennett in Musical Theatre West’s benefit concert production of Jerry Herman’s Mack and Mabel at Richard and Karen Carpenter Center in Long Beach, CA. The Live Arts Calendar features Sterling’s review of Jason Robert Brown’s Parade presented by 3-D Theatricals at the historic Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, CA. Gaines re-tells a classic story of awkwardness involving George W. Bush, Jr. NOTE: Broadway leading man David Burnham, originally scheduled as a guest on this program to discuss his co-starring role with Davis Gaines in Mack and Mabel, did not appear due to unforeseen circumstances. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Sterling supports Musical Theatre West’s production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical A Chorus Line at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Center IN Long Beach, CA; and a new musical work saluting Broadway composer Lorenz Hart at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, CA. Likened to Tom Waits, New Orleans concert and recording artist Alex McMurray in interviewed by Stroili. Distinguished Emmy nominated actress Susan Clark (from TV’s hit series Webster) discusses her film and television career and her starring role in Habitat produced by the Latino Theatre Company at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, in downtown Los Angeles. Broadway’s Matt Zarley (A Chorus Line, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, CATS) talks about his beginnings in New York; his segue into becoming an award-winning pop recording artist; and his upcoming concert appearance at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal. Clark and Zarley recall awkward moments that went south while performing. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Sterling supports Musical Theatre West’s production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical A Chorus Line at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Center IN Long Beach, CA; and a new musical work saluting Broadway composer Lorenz Hart at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, CA. Likened to Tom Waits, New Orleans concert and recording artist Alex McMurray in interviewed by Stroili. Distinguished Emmy nominated actress Susan Clark (from TV’s hit series Webster) discusses her film and television career and her starring role in Habitat produced by the Latino Theatre Company at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, in downtown Los Angeles. Broadway’s Matt Zarley (A Chorus Line, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, CATS) talks about his beginnings in New York; his segue into becoming an award-winning pop recording artist; and his upcoming concert appearance at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal. Clark and Zarley recall awkward moments that went south while performing. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Broadway’s Chryssie Whitehead and Broadway musical theatre star Venny Carranza talk about their lives and careers as dancers; dance’s evolvement as an art form; and their history with the Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony Award winning A Chorus Line in which they are both featured for Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. The Live Arts Calendar features a call to action and assistance for actor Adrian Black of Theatre Banshee in Burbank, CA. Carranza and Whitehead share stories of embarrassing moments while performing. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Broadway’s Chryssie Whitehead and Broadway musical theatre star Venny Carranza talk about their lives and careers as dancers; dance’s evolvement as an art form; and their history with the Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony Award winning A Chorus Line in which they are both featured for Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. The Live Arts Calendar features a call to action and assistance for actor Adrian Black of Theatre Banshee in Burbank, CA. Carranza and Whitehead share stories of embarrassing moments while performing. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Tony Thomas from the U.S. national touring company of West Side Story at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood is interviewed. Sabrina Elayne Carten discusses her co-starring role in the record breaking run of One Night with Janis Joplin at the Pasadena Playhouse. Sterling reviews the 29th Annual S.T.A.G.E. fundraising benefit Broadway My Way for AIDS Project Los Angeles at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The Live Arts Calendar features the Musical Theatre West revival of A Chorus Line at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. Regional musical theater star Katherine Malak talks about her role as "Rizzo" in the Cabrillo Music Theatre production of Grease at the 1800 seat Fred Kavli Theatre, part of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, CA. Carten and Malak recall embarrassing moments on the stage. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Tony Thomas from the U.S. national touring company of West Side Story at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood is interviewed. Sabrina Elayne Carten discusses her co-starring role in the record breaking run of One Night with Janis Joplin at the Pasadena Playhouse. Sterling reviews the 29th Annual S.T.A.G.E. fundraising benefit Broadway My Way for AIDS Project Los Angeles at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The Live Arts Calendar features the Musical Theatre West revival of A Chorus Line at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. Regional musical theater star Katherine Malak talks about her role as "Rizzo" in the Cabrillo Music Theatre production of Grease at the 1800 seat Fred Kavli Theatre, part of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, CA. Carten and Malak recall embarrassing moments on the stage. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Broadway and LA’s Davis Gaines (Phantom of the Opera) talks about his Los Angeles directorial debut with the Orange County, CA revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma for Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts in Long Beach, CA. Broadway veteran producer Mark Schwartz (Nine, Zorba, La Cage Aux Folles) discusses his most recent venture Divorce Party The Musical at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, CA. The Live Arts Calendar features Broadway and TV’s Ben Vereen in concert for Orange County California’s Men Alive Foundation and their fundraising concert of February 23, 2013. Young, London/West End musical theatre superstar Ramin Karimloo is interviewed about his illustrious stage career (Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Love Never Dies) and his upcoming Sunday, April 21, 2013 Los Angeles concert debut at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal in North Hollywood, CA. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Broadway and LA’s Davis Gaines (Phantom of the Opera) talks about his Los Angeles directorial debut with the Orange County, CA revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma for Musical Theatre West at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts in Long Beach, CA. Broadway veteran producer Mark Schwartz (Nine, Zorba, La Cage Aux Folles) discusses his most recent venture Divorce Party The Musical at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, CA. The Live Arts Calendar features Broadway and TV’s Ben Vereen in concert for Orange County California’s Men Alive Foundation and their fundraising concert of February 23, 2013. Young, London/West End musical theatre superstar Ramin Karimloo is interviewed about his illustrious stage career (Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Love Never Dies) and his upcoming Sunday, April 21, 2013 Los Angeles concert debut at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal in North Hollywood, CA. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

From the Best of State of the Arts (Originally broadcast January 31, 2011) - Is it Super Bowl or ... Super Bowl? Something’s afoot, as Sterling and Stroili discuss the difference. Broadway star David Burnham talks about his career from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, to Wicked and The Light in the Piazza. Burnham’s stunning rendition of Flightby composer Craig Carnelia is featured from his current, self-titled CD. The Drowsy Chaperone presented by 3-D Theatricals at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, CA, and Cats presented by Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA are highlighted in the Live Arts Calendar. Burnham recalls a dangerously amusing moment during a performance. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

From the Best of State of the Arts (Originally broadcast January 31, 2011) - Is it Super Bowl or ... Super Bowl? Something’s afoot, as Sterling and Stroili discuss the difference. Broadway star David Burnham talks about his career from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, to Wicked and The Light in the Piazza. Burnham’s stunning rendition of Flightby composer Craig Carnelia is featured from his current, self-titled CD. The Drowsy Chaperone presented by 3-D Theatricals at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, CA, and Cats presented by Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA are highlighted in the Live Arts Calendar. Burnham recalls a dangerously amusing moment during a performance. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Television star and Tony Award nominated Broadway star Craig Bierko (Sex and the City, The Music Man) is interviewed by Sterling and Stroili about his participation with Celebrity Biography in benefit of the Loma Linda California Children’s Hospital. Chelsea Emma Franko, winner of LA’s coveted, annual musical theatre competition LA’s Next Great Stage Star is interviewed along with three of Stage Star’s top five finalists Tyson Pyles, Carrie St. Louis, and David Michael Laffey. Sterling does a shout-out to Man of La Mancha starring Broadway’s Davis Gaines and international musical theatre star Leslie Margherita at Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

TV, film and theatre heartthrob Lorenzo Lamas (Renegade and Falcon Crest) talks about his co-starring role as the Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (a benefit for Musical Theatre of Los Angeles and Josh Grobin’s Find Your Light Foundation); Distinguished Broadway star Davis Gaines (Phantom of the Opera) and the vivacious, award-winning musical theatre star Lesli Margherita (London’s Zorro: The Musical and Reprise’s Kiss Me Kate) join Sterling & Stroili for a rollicking hour. Gaines discusses his beginnings on Broadway, and taking on the starring role of Don Quixote (Cervantes) opposite Leslie Margherita’s portrayal of Aldonza in Man of La Mancha for Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center. The Live Arts Calendar highlights a stage adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic Ghosts at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica, CA. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Anne Archer (Fatal Attraction) is interviewed by Sterling and Stroili about her career and latest stage endeavor: Jane Fonda in the Court of Public Opinion at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica, CA. Broadway and television star Jim J. Bullock (Too Close for Comfort) laughs it up as he talks about his return to Hairspray the Musical as Edna Turnblad at Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA. Sterling reviews the Twyla Tharp/Frank Sinatra hit Broadway musical Come Fly Away, at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood; and a new production of Sweet Charity at the Knightsbridge Theatre in Los Angeles. Bullock and Ms. Archer recant embarrassing on stage moments. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Fasten your seatbelts… it’s going to be a bumpy ride! Recording artist, Broadway and concert star Roslyn Kind; and stage, film and TV comedian Chris Meehan (Last Comic Standing) are part of a high speed chase with Stroili behind the wheel and Sterling riding shotgun. Kind discusses her annual headlining engagement at Hollywood’s Catalina Jazz Club, while Meehan chats about his latest motion picture (Gratitude) in film festivals throughout the U.S. The Live Arts Calendar features Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale, CA, and Musical Theatre West’s production of Hairspray at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. Kind and Meehan share their most embarrassing moments on stage. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Broadway and television stars Mary Jo Catlett (Hello Dolly; Glee; Diff’rent Strokes) and Derek Keeling (Grease; NBC’s Grease: You’re the One I Want) find themselves in the fast lane with Sterling & Stroili as they talk birthdays and martinis, LA’s "Carmageddon" and auto mishaps. Catlett and Keeling discuss their careers, and their co-starring roles in The Wedding Singer at Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA. The Live Arts Calendar spotlights Come Together - A Beatles Cabaret at the Attic Theatre in Hollywood. Sterling reviews Shrek The Musical at Hollywood’s historic Pantages Theatre. Catlett and Keeling share embarrassing moments during live performances. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

Is it Super Bowl or ... Super Bowl? Something???s afoot, as Sterling and Stroili discuss the difference. Broadway star David Burnham talks about his career from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, to Wicked and The Light in the Piazza. Burnham???s stunning rendition of Flight by composer Craig Carnelia is featured from his current, self-titled CD. The Drowsy Chaperone presented by 3-D Theatricals at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, CA, and Cats presented by Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA are highlighted in the Live Arts Calendar. Burnham recalls a dangerously amusing moment during a performance. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)

The day after Halloween prompts Paul to recall creative costumes from the past. Olympic Champion and figure skating legend Scott Hamilton discusses his 11th annual fundraising gala benefit for the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center. Sterling reviews Barefoot in the Park presented by The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood, CA; and Musical Theatre West???s production of Annie starring Andrea McArdle at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. Nightclub star Barbara Van Orden is interviewed about her multi-faceted career in New York, Las Vegas and Hollywood. Hamilton and Van Orden share never-to-be-forgotten performance moments. Sponsored by Breakdown Services (http://www.breakdownexpress.com/)