Broadway's Backbone - Page 4

Earlier this month, BroadwayWorld announced the results for our first annual Broadway's Backbone Best Musical Ensemble Award, which went to the company of Allegiance. Darren Lee accepted the award on behalf of his cast, with the help of Broadway favorite Sean Palmer and you can check out how it all went down below!

In this episode: Elma Linz Kanefield is the only exclusive psychotherapist dealing specifically with the performing artist in New York City. She created the counseling services at Juilliard 30 years ago by herself and now it thrives with ten social workers. She discusses getting unstuck, getting out of your own way, training your gut and most importantly, the need to change self-talk and the insidious thinking that prevents performers from reaching their performance potential.

In this episode: Broadway Costume Designer Gregg Barnes- In order for the ensemble to finish the storytelling, they need certain tools, and costumes are one of them.  Two-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes treats designing the ensemble as if each member is the star of the show.  His goal isn't only to make every person on stage look beautiful, but feel beautiful. In one of the most joyful interviews, this artistic genius talks about how to communicate with the designer, how the fitting room can be part of the characters creation, and how important it is to give everyone their dignity. 

In this episode: Tripp Hanson is currently in Act 2 of his career, and he sees the possibility of there being four. Tripp started as a street performer, landed on Broadway, toured with Tommy Tune, and now is an acupuncturist with his own practice. Few people are given the arts of healing and musical theatre, but Tripp is a one of a kind creation. When asked how it feels to have left showbiz, he responded, 'I didn't leave my tribe, I just went from warrior to medicine man.'

In this episode: Broadways Scott Barnhardt- Scott was saying "Hello" years before Adele. As a self-proclaimed theatre nerd, this Book of Mormon original cast member discusses the differences between a workshop and a lab, how to survive a bad review and dares to ask the questions, "What else is out there?" 

In this episode: Susan Stroman maybe the most awarded female director/choreographer in history, but it is her truth as an artist that has made her work ever-evolving. She deservedly has received legendary status and her contributions to the theatre are far from over. In this podcast, "Stro" shares inspiration, guidance, laughter, and reality: with  a  quantity of quotes that are mantra-worthy.  It is Stroman's love for the theatre, respect for the craft and compassion for the performer that makes her an extraordinary woman in a creative yet complicated career. 

In this episode: Sean Palmer- Before he was Prince Eric he was swinging and dancing Fosse, Cilento, and Blankenbuehler. Sean shares how to survive a face plant, find your magic, and come to terms with when your insides don't match your outside. At the heart of the interview is a shy leading man finding his true  authentic self in a industry of judgement. ?

In this episode: Waitress' Lorin Latarro- as choreographer of Broadway's "Waitress', Lorin is serving as her main course storytelling through movement that is organic and inventive. As an artist, her menu has included: Swing, Understudy, Ensemble, Dance Captain, and Associate Choreographer. For dessert, make sure you grab a slice of her girl power. 

In this episode: Broadway's Mary Ann Lamb. If you look up the word 'powerhouse' in the dictionary, you will find a picture of Mary Ann Lamb.  She lives her life fully onstage and off, and is a prime example of how you do one thing influences how you do another. She talks about the legends she's worked with, but in the eyes of the theatre community, she herself is a legend. 

In this episode: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF's Jeffrey Schecter (aka Scheky) has understudied the masters, created his own path, and worked non-stop since putting on his tap shoes. After making his big break as 'Mike' in A CHORUS LINE and gaining recognition from "Every Little Step," he is gracious and grateful that the ensemble is a home he can return to, even if just temporarily. 

In this episode: At the next Broadway-Con they should sell a game called '6 Degrees of Darren Lee,' because he's worked with the best of the best since being a child on the original Star Search.  In this episode, Darren talks about going from featured dancer to character man, working non-stop to taking a step back, and from playing against type and dealing with racial stereotypes. At the end of the day Darren talent got him his start, but acknowledging his weaknesses and making them better is what gave him longevity. 

In this episode: Bright Star choreographer and associate choreographer Josh Rhodes and Lee Wilkins- this creative pair is a prime example of complimenting each other and making the show and process productive and enjoyable. This may be because of the 20 years offstage they've spent practicing their partnership. This married couple talks about how being part of the ensemble has paved the way for creating and choreographing the ensemble and how persistence and perseverance will pave a bumpy road.

In this episode: On The 20th Century's Drew King made his debut in this show and won an Astaire Award along with his fellow Porters.  Drew's road to Broadway was like the local train taking its time to get to its destination.  In this episode, Drew breaks down  his journey to NYC and talks  about everything from EMC points, anxiety, college applications, open calls and insecurities- Broadway 101 or novice's guide to trying to making it on Broadway.

In this episode: Karen Giombetti has toured with Sammy Davis Jr., has cooked spaghetti for Fred Ebb on numerous occasions, and now casts American Dance Machine. Throughout her eclectic career she's had faith in knowing that things are meant to be and that fate and destiny have an honest impact on her life and vocation. 

 Disaster and School of Rock's choreographer Joann Hunter. Joann was born in Japan, raised in Rhode Island and has two shows opening on Broadway this season. She has worked with the icon Jerome Robbins, her Idol Susan Stroman, the legend Andrew Lloyd Webber, and now is paving the way to become a theatre titan herself.

In this episode: guest Andre Ward talks about how there is nothing 'Rotten' about joining the Renaissance, how he's roller skated for Tina Fey and with Whoopi Goldberg and done the Disco of the Ages. He also shares how continuing to find his authenticity offstage will make a healthier and longer career onstage.

In this episode: guest Andre Ward talks about how there is nothing 'Rotten' about joining the Renaissance, how he's roller skated for Tina Fey and with Whoopi Goldberg and done the Disco of the Ages. He also shares how continuing to find his authenticity offstage will make a healthier and longer career onstage.

In this episode: Michael Goddard talks about his dreams of being in the 'tall man' track in a Susan Stroman show and how he got to achieve that dream on Broadway and a 1st National tour. He also said he always knew he'd have an Act 2.  Now a NYC talent agent who represents top talent working in Broadway ensembles (many of whom have been interviewed on this podcast), he gives a candid talk about the necessities of an agent, the pro and and cons, setting goals and making new ones. This interviews delves into the 'show' and the 'business'.