By Jack Pasquale, March 2024 

The Echo was fortunate to recently spend time with Broadway’s leading lady Linedy Genao, who made history as the first Latina to originate an Anderew Lloyd Webber musical as Cinderella in Broadway’s Bad Cinderella (see Echo review: Nothing Bad About Bad Cinderella). You may have also seen Linedy in Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen or On Your Feet!

Bad Cinderella was the latest Broadway musical from legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose talent propelled him to rarified EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. Webber once equaled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway, and had shows running continually in the West End, London for over 50 years and on Broadway for over 43 years. 

The amazingly funny, colorful and highly entertaining Bad Cinderella pulled audiences into a reimagined, updated version of the classic fairy tale. Roles were reversed, with Cinderella (Linedy Genao) needing to save the Prince (Jordan Dobson) - not the Prince saving her. The evil stepmother (Carolee Carmello) and stepsisters (Sami Gayle and Morgan Higgins) remained and were splendidly awful to Cinderella. Theatergoers delighted in the on stage chemistry, comedic timing and harmonies. 

A constant theme throughout Bad Cinderella was everyone must be free to love who they truly love, whether you live in a castle or a mouse infested attic. This played out wonderfully with the two seemingly opposites of the chaotic Cinderella and the overlooked Prince Sebastian, and his brother Prince Charming (Cameron Loyal) and his happily ever after. 

We hope you enjoy the interview that follows below!

1. Bad Cinderella was a great show and fun. The cast, music, costumes and story were wonderful. What was your favorite part? 

Oh my gosh. My favorite part I think was just being on stage with everyone, honestly. And I think my favorite part was my entrance into Bad Cinderella - when I came out – “Did somebody say my name?” - and everybody was there and I got to share the stage with everyone. That was awesome.

2. Andrew Lloyd Webber trusted you with such an important role. How did you win him over and what was it like working with him? 

It was amazing. He's an icon. And I was obviously very nervous at first because of who he is.  But it was incredible. He trusted me so much.  He used to ask me how I wanted to do things, how I wanted to sing the same things. And I'm like, you're asking me, you should be telling me. So, it was really nice to have his trust and guidance and it was an amazing experience to work with him.

3. We thought the show would have a much longer run. Why do you think critics were so awful to the show and Mr. Webber? 

It's a crazy transition. That's all I should say. I mean, you're working and exercising a different part of your brain, your body, right? When I worked in banking, I'm sitting at a desk working my brain in a different way. And with Broadway, it's from head to toe that you're working and it's just a completely different monster. But I will say that doing banking, I think prepared me for Broadway to be honest – the discipline, the faces, the work ethic, the fast paced environment.

4. You have an incredible story. How did you go from banking to being a leading lady?  

I don’t know, and it makes me sad. I wish that people would have just enjoyed it. The show was so much fun, and especially after the pandemic, when Broadway shut down for almost two years. I don't know. I just wish that people would have received it better. But we had such an incredible time and I wouldn't change it for the world.

5. What production are you currently working on? 

So recently I was doing an Off Broadway play called Women on Fire, Fair is Foul and it was only 9 or 10 performances. It's very quick, but it's been amazing. We have an incredible group of women, Carolee Carmello is in it too, who played my stepmom. So, it's nice to reconnect with her. And it's a monologue – based on anonymous women’s experiences that the writer has had in her life.

6. Do you think Broadway has made progress in representation?

I do think so and I hope that at least with our show, we were a testament to that. But obviously it still has a lot of work to do and I hope and pray to see that soon.

7. What time do you get up on Mondays?

On Mondays, I get up at 6:40 in the morning to wake my stepson up for school.  

8. What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do?

I don't know.  I guess, how I REALLY am. People always ask, “How are you – Good - I'm good. How are you good, right?” Asking - how you REALLY are doing.  

9. What advice would you give to aspiring high school actors?     

I would say and I know it sounds cliche, but don't give up on your dreams. You're going to hear a lot more no than you will yes. And to understand and believe that you are enough. And nine times out of 10, for most of the time you know it's not because of you. You know that you didn't get it. Many, many other factors can come into play. But just trusting who you are and what you have to bring to the table, you’ll see that that’s enough.     

By Jack Pasquale, December 2023 

The Echo was fortunate to recently see the Broadway premiere of the groundbreaking new show How to Dance in Ohio, meet the cast, the real Dr. Amigo (who the show is based on), and spend time with its Director, Sammi Cannold, who is in her own right breaking new ground as one of Broadway’s youngest directors.  We hope you enjoy the interview with Sammi, which follows below!

As a Broadway show, How to Dance in Ohio works well, with an entertaining story and music. The production moved with lightning speed from its initial shows in Syracuse, NY to Broadway. What further sets How to Dance in Ohio apart is its ambitious goal of inclusion and representation. The show is based on an award-winning HBO documentary, which follows Autistic young adults in Dr. Amigo’s social skills group who are getting ready for a dance. Each of the 7 actors portraying students in the social skills group in Broadway’s How to Dance in Ohio is Autistic and making his, her or their Broadway debut. In total, 45 of the show’s members are making their Broadway debuts.

The show starts with the saying: if you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism. This refers to a spectrum, with individuals each falling in a different spot. Some Autistic individuals have delayed or no speech capabilities, others have ADD or ADHD, difficulty processing social queues, an inability to fit in with typical norms or doing “normal” daily activities like walking into town independently, developing relationships, attaining above poverty line level employment, learning to ride a bike or use a telephone, while others are overwhelmed by everyday sounds, smells or situations - the list goes on and on and each Autistic person is unique. But Autism is a wide spectrum and the other end is represented by people professionally acting on Broadway, or founding major companies like Microsoft or Tesla.  

How to Dance in Ohio tries to represent the complexities of Autism in a thoughtful way, while also needing to be entertaining. Director Sammi Cannold told The Echo, “I would say the top three messages are nothing about us without us. That’s a line in the show that I think everybody feels very strongly about. The second one is probably the idea that human connection is something that everybody has to work at and figure out together – and it’s not something that really comes easily to anybody. And so it’s something we talk about in the show – like the how-tos of life. Connecting is something we all really struggle with. And third I would say that authenticity in representation on Broadway, in particular when it comes to disability, is possible. We’re not the first to demonstrate that but I hope that our show helps with the understanding that if you’re telling a story about an Autistic individual you should cast an Autistic individual in that role.”

We hope this marks the start of a new chapter where Broadway shows begin to open up more opportunities to Autistic individuals across all areas from sound and lighting to leading roles. How to Dance in Ohio has at least started to crack the glass.

1. What was your personal experience with Autism before directing How to Dance in Ohio? 

Director, Sammi Cannold: So for me it was my brother Noah who is Autistic. When he was diagnosed he was probably 8 or 9. I think that in our family we didn’t have a lot of information. So I brought sort of the experience of knowing my brother and knowing a few other Autistic individuals but not anything too specific. When I started working on the show, then I started doing a lot of research and getting to know the subjects of the documentary, and all sorts of other avenues of familiarity.  I wasn’t an expert - still not an expert - but I do know a lot more now. 

2. What drew you to bring How to Dance in Ohio to Broadway? What were the biggest challenges? 

I would say the biggest challenge was time because you’re trying to accomplish so much in such a short period of time. You really want to make sure the show is as good as it can be. You’re always sort of making changes to the show. And we ended up actually losing quite a bit of time because we had a few cast members who unfortunately got sick. We had to put understudies in during our tech rehearsals and that took up quite a bit of time. Figuring out how to manage time - making sure you’re using time to the best of your ability - that’s usually the most challenging. 

3. What changes did you need to make for the documentary to work on Broadway? Did you get Dr. Amigo’s approval?

The show is quite a bit different from the documentary in storyline. There’s a lot of plot points that don’t exist in the documentary - and that’s mostly just to make it fit the musical theater structure. And also we really wanted there to be more conflict in the musical. In the documentary, when you make a documentary, the documentary can be what we call a slice of life. But a musical sort of needs a bit of conflict and a resolution. So, that was added. Dr. Amigo has been really wonderful the whole time and has an agreement with our producers and they have an agreement with the filmmaker from the documentary. Everything was sort of worked out between them.  

4. 45 of the actors made their Broadway debut and you are one of the youngest directors. Does this help or make it harder for you? 

That’s a really interesting question. I think in this case it was helpful to be close in age to a lot of actors in the show because I felt like we were able to relate to each other - there’s a lot of pop culture in the show and I think that our being similar in age kind of helped on that front a little bit. But I would say that in general, being a younger director is a little challenging in the sense of getting the respect of people in a given room - that sometimes you’re starting from a place where people might not believe that you can wield the authority that you do. And I think that’s not necessarily misplaced. Broadway and the surrounding worlds require a lot of experience and knowledge, and you really have to get that under your belt.  I’m lucky that over the last 10 years I’ve gotten the opportunity to work in a lot of really formative settings. So, I think yes it’s challenging but it was not a negative aspect of this experience.     

5. What are the top 3 lessons or messages you hope audiences take away from How to Dance in Ohio?  

I would say the top three messages are nothing about us without us. That’s a line in the show that I think everybody feels very strongly about. The second one is probably the idea that human connection is something that everybody has to work at and figure out together – and it’s not something that really comes easily to anybody. And so it’s something we talk about in the show – like the how-tos of life. Connecting is something we all really struggle with. And third I would say that authenticity in representation on Broadway, in particular when it comes to disability, is possible. We’re not the first to demonstrate that but I hope that our show helps with the understanding that if you’re telling a story about an Autistic individual you should cast an Autistic individual in that role.

6. As a Director will you insist on including Autistic actors in all of your future productions?  

Absolutely! I’ve gotten to know so many incredible Autistic actors through the show and throughout the audition process for the show. So, I would be very excited to cast Autistic actors in future productions.  And I think one of the things we’re really passionate about is saying of course for a show like our’s where the characters are Autistic of course Autistic actors should be cast. But in addition to that, there are certain ways in which rehearsal processes can be ableist without realizing that they are or can have barriers to entry. The more we can sort of erode those barriers to entry so that disabled  performers can be represented more often the more we should. 

7. Did you think about giving the cast more breaks during the show? 

Yes. Absolutely. And we made it really clear that the cast could leave the room at any time when we were rehearsing. That was something that was really important to us and something we got a lot of feedback from the cast on. So, we would say if there are moments where you’re feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated and you need to leave you can just let us know - and we have understudies who would step into the roles when they had to leave the room.   

8.  What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? 

Interesting! That’s a really good question - I’m stumped. I would say probably - what’s the hardest part of directing - and for me the answer to that would be that I’m responsible for - alongside our producers - leading a ship of people that often times in the case of a Broadway musical has like 150 to 200 people working on it - and so many of them are looking to me for instruction and validation and affirmation. It’s hard to maintain 150 different relationships where you’re trying to make sure that everybody feels valued - that everybody feels like you’re seeing the work that they’re doing - and also that you’re guiding them as they’re making the show with you. So, that’s tricky. 

9.  What advice would you give to aspiring high school producers?

 I would say read as much as you possibly can. Broadway, in particular, is a very complex financial system. I think the more that you can read and understand the landscape the more equipped it will make people to be producers. If you don’t get the Broadway Briefing, which is an email that comes to inboxes every morning with the news of the prior day, that’s a great resource. There are a lot of other resources like that that can help to share information on what’s happening in the industry.   

The Facts: 

Location: Belasco Theatre, 111 West 44th Street, New York City

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission 

Ticket Price Range: $58 to $518

Website: https://howtodanceinohiomusical.com

By Jack Pasquale, December 2023 

The Echo was fortunate to recently spend time with the multifaceted Broadway star Fergie Philippe. After an impressive 5 year run playing Hercules Mulligan/James Madison in Hamilton, both on Broadway and on tour, he moved onto the Broadway production of Camelot at Lincoln Center Theater. His TV credits include The Gilded Age, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Good Fight, and more. 

While renowned for his performances on Broadway, Fergie has many other talents, including being a writer, director, puppeteer and Broadway’s resident expert on all things Muppets. We were lucky enough to be a part of a live podcast recording at the 2023 BroadwayCon, where Fergie and James Monroe Iglehart covered The Muppets long ties to Broadway and the long list of award-winning stars that have hosted the show. Puppetry is featured extensively in the long-running blockbuster Disney’s Lion King, and was prominently featured in Broadway’s Tony-award winning hit Avenue Q, the stunning Life of Pi, King Kong, and more.

We can’t wait to see where Fergie lands next given his talent and passion for theater!

We hope you enjoy the interview that follows below!   

1. When you meet other actors do you lead with your love of the Muppets or talk about your great run on Hamilton? 

I think I lead with my love of The Muppets because I mostly lead with a sense of play. I  want to be sure that I am in a place where I can always be open – to allow things to affect me instead of trying to make things happen, which is what a lot of the original performers have said is very important to them when it comes to making those Muppet characters.  When it came to Hamilton, something I did think about a lot was the character Hercules Mulligan was a lot like this character Sweetums, where Sweetums is kind of this big ogre who means really well but because he is so large he ends up ruining a lot of stuff. And I think Hercules Mulligan is very similar in the way that he means well all the time but he’s a little bit of a hot head. So, he can get the rest of the guys into trouble.

2. What drew to the Muppets growing up? 

I watched a lot of TV growing up. I think the thing that really attracted me was how they physically looked. They had a lot of colors and a lot of textures – they were very fuzzy or they had a lot of feathers. The colors really stuck out to me and I remember being very drawn to that. But I think the amazing thing about puppetry is it is a really amazing cross between reality and animation. There’s something about The Muppets that is so cartoony but because they’re kind of in the flesh it’s larger than life. There’s something about that quality that really spoke to me as a kid. And on top of that the characters are so lovable and they’re so specific. You can kind of describe each of those characters with a sense of specificity. So, I really love The Muppets sense of how alike to humans they are. I think that really drew me to them.

3. How long have they been talking about bringing The Muppets to Broadway? 

They kind of talked about that for a really long time and now they’re with Disney, which started trying to make that happen about 12 years ago. They started doing some workshops or beginnings of different Muppets pieces but it gets really complicated because of how they assign the performers. I think it’s really possible and I hope they figure it out because I think it could be really cool and fun because Muppets and Broadway go hand and hand with each other. And there is a long history of musical theater with The Muppets – so I think it is inevitable.

4. What is keeping The Muppets from finally making it to Broadway?

I think it’s more about the mechanics of it. It’s more about figuring out how you hide the performers, whether or not the performers want to do it 8 times a week, what is the best storyline for them – is it a story from The Muppet Show – is it a story about bringing The Muppets into something. I think a lot of the logistics is that the purpose of The Muppets was they were created for television. So, to put them live on stage turns into a whole complicated thing. But I think it is possible. They’ve done a lot of live shows in various ways and they’re always successful. Broadway would just take a lot of moving and configuring. But I think it’s possible and I think it’s going to happen soon.

5. You’ve said it’s very hard being a Muppeteer. What makes it so hard and why don’t more people do it? 

Being a Muppeteer is the hardest thing I have tried to do creatively. More people don’t do it because puppetry isn’t as supported as it used to be. As technology gets more and more advanced and there are more different pieces of media that get created it doesn’t get as much respect as others do. But in addition to all that, I think technically it’s very difficult. It involves a lot of hand-eye coordination. It involves a lot of tiny nuanced and meticulous movements of articulation with your fingers. It’s a very physically demanding job, even if you’re doing marionettes. For a lot of people, it’s a lot of work for potentially very little outcome, which I think is very sad because I think it’s a beautiful art form. But there’s a lot of puppetry in theater – it may not be obvious puppetry. The 60’s to the 80’s was a huge time for puppetry mostly because computer technology wasn’t advanced yet and puppetry was a really great way to express things that were harder to simulate or create. But now that we have really advanced CGI and AI, puppetry is becoming less and less of a need. It’s also really expensive. But I think people really value the art of it and the structure of it. I don’t think it is going away completely but there’s definitely less of it. 

6. Have you ever been a guest on The Muppets or Sesame Street? 

That would be a dream! Funny enough I had an audition for Sesame Street a few years ago and at the time I wasn’t part of the TV union, and the only reason I didn’t get it apparently was because I wasn’t in the Union. I think that’s actually the worst audition news I’ve ever received – when I found out I didn’t get Sesame Street. I would've given anything to play opposite them or guest with them. If that opportunity comes you will never hear Fergie say he didn’t take it! I would take it in a heartbeat – no question!

7. What are your top 3 Muppets episodes and why?

When Harry Belafonte guest starred. He is a very important artist in my family. That was an episode that I thought was really beautifully done in terms of how much they culturally tried to accomplish in that show. Second favorite is probably Elton John. It was a very funny episode but something The Muppet Show is very good at is being able to take the guest stars and utilize their specific talents to make it work within their shows. They didn’t push their artists to do anything they were not necessarily comfortable with. And Elton John is a very, very funny musical artist, which I don’t think a lot of people would know. My third favorite is probably the episode when the Star Wars people come on. They only brought Mark Hamill, CP3O and Chewbacca. That mostly is my favorite because where they were shooting The Muppet Show they were shooting The Empire Strikes Back across the street. I think they shot their episode on their day off from filming the fifth Star Wars movie, which I think is incredible. So, those are my three favorites for sure.

8. What books or resources can people use to learn more about The Muppets?

There’s a website called Muppet Wiki – it’s kind of this huge encyclopedia about all information related to The Muppets. It’s very good. I used to religiously read it every single day growing up. I love Muppet Wiki. They can also look at different books and documentaries – on YouTube you can find the documentary Of Muppets and Men, which is about them filming the last season of The Muppet Show. There’s another documentary on HBO called Street Gang – it’s a very good documentary. And there’s an upcoming documentary about Jim Henson as done by Ron Howard coming out next year, which I’ve heard is wonderful as well.

9. What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? 

That’s a great question! I wish more people would ask me about Disney. I think because I talk about my Muppets love so big people go straight to The Muppets first. But I wish people would ask me more about Disney theme parks because my secret passion is to plan Disney vacations for people. I wish more people asked me about that.

10.  What advice would you give to aspiring high school actors? 

Read as much as you can. That’s the best piece of advice I ever got because you just want to learn about everything as diligently as you can because there’s so much information out there about everything in the world and all of it is helpful to you as an actor.  And so if you want to become a better actor become more knowledgeable about literally anything you can.

By Jack Pasquale, November 2023 

The Echo was fortunate to recently spend time with the incredibly successful and wonderfully nice Stark Sands. The Tony Award-nominated, Grammy Award-winning  Sands has starred in Broadway hits including & Juliet, American Idiot, Journey’s End and Kinky Boots, along with more than two dozen films and TV shows.

His passion for theater, amazing talent and determination have made Stark an enduring presence on Broadway, who leaves theatergoers with a memorable experience.  

Always striving for new challenges, Stark Sands recently ended his run as Shakespeare in the Broadway hit & Juliet to reprise his role in Swept Away, the new dramatic Broadway-aimed musical coming first to Washington, D.C., which had its world premiere last year. 

We hope you enjoy the interview that follows below!   

1. You recently finished a very successful run as the lead in & Juliet. What will you remember most about playing Shakespeare?

I think that I will remember most the feeling of joy that the audience sent to us as the performers every night - consistently. That really filled us up with that same joy. You don’t always have an experience like that in a theater job. 

2. What was your inspiration for the edgy, more modern version of Shakespeare you play? 

The inspiration for my William Shakespeare was kind of a combination of a few different current, modern-day pop stars in their most egotistical form. I modeled some of my ideas and some of my singing a little bit on Justin Timberlake - who is somebody that I have watched throughout my life as a member of a boy band who became a solo artist star, who became a movie star - and now he’s a TV star. That was sort of my touchstone for the beginning of the idea but a lot of it was just kind of playing and being live in the moment. 

3. What lesson do you hope audiences took away from & Juliet?

There are a few messages in the show that are palpable – acceptance, self-belief, and self-reliance. I really loved looking into the audience and seeing parents with their kids, especially parents with their daughters because it really is a story of a girl who is trying to find out who she is and claiming that for herself. 

4. What can you share about your role in the new musical Swept Away?  

I was lucky to do Swept Away in Berkeley, California at the beginning of 2022. So, having done it before, I know that it’s a powerful, emotional show. It’s kind of at the other end of the spectrum from & Juliet. It is about loneliness and isolation. It’s about four shipwreck survivors floating on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean - not knowing if they’re going to be rescued - which I don’t think could be any different from the story of fun, joy, love and inclusion of & Juliet. But it’s deeply satisfying to do and I’m really excited to go back into that experience. 

5. You have been in some of the most successful musicals. What do you think makes a great musical and why do some great ones not work out?  

Good question. I have been so lucky with the jobs that I’ve had but specifically in musical theatre. The other big one that I’ve done that has been really successful was Kinky Boots, and it shares something with & Juliet - and it’s that feeling of joy - that feeling of sending an audience out into the street dancing and singing and being happy. I think it has to be a true partnership of the whole creative team - and I think the cast has to understand the vision of the show. And in both of those jobs the writer, the director and the songwriting team really understood each other - and got behind each other and listened to each other’s ideas and criticisms. 

6. What do you love most about being an actor?

I think I feel so lucky that the thing that I discovered as a freshman in high school that I loved to do became the thing that I get to do for a living. Not everybody has those two things meet up - the thing they love to do and the thing they do for their job. So, I think I just feel a sense of gratitude that I have been able to make those two things align for so long. 

7. What is the one thing about you that you wish people would know but they never ask you so they never find out?

That is a good question too! That’s great. The thing that comes to mind is I love - something I love to do - something about me that I don’t think is an obvious trait that I wear on the outside is I love to work with wood. I have a little woodworking shop in my garage - and whenever I’m not acting or performing - if I don’t have a job for a stretch of time - I am in my garage working and making things with my hands because I’ve realized that if I’m not producing something creatively I tend to go a little crazy.  

8. What is the most helpful advice you were ever given and who gave it to you? 

The most helpful advice that I was ever given in the acting world - and this is specifically the theatre - it was Boyd Gaines, who is a very wonderful, incredible actor who has won many Tony Awards - he and I did a play together called Journey’s End - and when the reviews were about to come out he said to me, you know if you’re going to read the reviews - if you’re going to read and believe the good ones, you’re probably going to read and believe the bad ones too. So, it’s probably a good idea to avoid them altogether. And so, I don’t read the reviews of the jobs that I have because I still have to go back to work and do the show the next day. If I’m worried about - if I’m thinking about in the middle of my performance what one person singled out as a positive or a negative, I’m not living in the moment of the show.   

9. What advice would you give to aspiring high school actors?

I have three principles that I live by and I always have - and it’s for acting but it’s also for life - and it’s show up, work hard and be kind. Acting is not an easy job. It’s really fun when it’s fun but it’s also really hard. And so, I believe you have to show up ready to work and when it’s time to work you have to work really hard - and the whole time - even if you’re having a tough day or you’re feeling frustrated - it’s really important to always be kind.   

By Jack Pasquale, October 2023 

The Echo was fortunate to recently spend time with the amazingly wonderful, incredibly talented, and super inspirational Melissa Etheridge. Grammy and Academy Award-winning rockstar, Melissa Etheridge is one of the most influential musicians ever. Her success transcends the music industry to mainstream culture, where she has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and overall healthy living. During her career, she has already amassed five Platinum albums, three of which are multi-platinum, and two Gold albums, and is credited with 11 Billboard Hot 100 singles.

She is now headlining the amazing Broadway show, Melissa Etheridge's My Window. My Window showcases 15 of Melissa’s well-known songs, while taking the audience on an emotional journey from her earliest memories to the current day. At one point Melissa tells the audience that as she became more and more famous the crowds got larger and larger, the stages got bigger and bigger and she got further and further away from the thousands of fans. My Window lets Melissa return to her roots performing in a much smaller, intimate setting, where she is able to open up and talk about some of her funniest, saddest, and most rewarding moments. The show is also interactive as she walks around to perform on two stages and among the audience. 

Melissa Etheridge's presentation style is heartfelt, which makes the show even better. The focus is all on Melissa and not on colorful staging, costumes, or effects. She is clearly at home in the smaller setting and it allows Melissa to put on display the music talent she has worked so hard to develop since she was under 10 years old. What I liked most about the show was her story because her story is funny, romantic, sad, tragic, colorful, powerful, amazing, and most of all inspiring. 

Hopefully, you are lucky enough to catch Melissa Etheridge on Broadway! If not, you can enjoy her extensive catalog on Apple Music, YouTube or any popular streaming service.

1. Your new Broadway show is a powerful hit. You are totally open and honest. You rock like no one else. What’s the one life event you didn’t include in your show but wish you did and will you add it in later performances? 

There were a lot of things I didn’t include in the show because the show is only 2 hours long. There were many things we cut out. One was my Grandmother. My Grandmother was a big influence on me when I was very young. And she was the first one who would listen to me sing - and the first one I ever really made up a song for. And that song - Lonely is the Child - is actually about her. I just didn’t get to put that in the show. I probably won’t add it in future shows because I needed to make the show shorter. It’s actually a very long show. 

2. What is the one song you were on the fence about putting in the show but would now never dream of taking it out? 

Actually the opening song - Like the Way I Do. When we were on Broadway it wasn’t in the show but it’s quite a popular song of mine. So, Like the Way I Do is the song I start the show with and now I wouldn’t dream of taking it out.  

3. Your songs are dramatic poetry. Have you ever written about anything silly? 

Yes. I have some silly songs. I’m a very big football fan. I love the Kansas City Chiefs and I have written some pretty silly football songs for the Kansas City Chiefs. 

4. You had a long journey to becoming a famous musician. Did you ever consider changing the path you were on before becoming a rock star? 

No. I really only wanted to do this and only this for my whole life. And like the show shows you, I started singing for people when I was about 12. I always felt like I could sing for people whether I made it to be a big rock star or not. Fortunately, the journey led me to being a rock star and really achieving those goals. 

5. Your duets with your daughter are beautiful. What are your favorite songs to sing with your daughter?

We love to sing one of my songs called Gently We Row, that I actually wrote for my daughter. And we also sing Fix You by Coldplay. And The Head and The Heart have a song called Lost in My Mind. We love singing those songs. 

6. What do you like most about performing? 

I like how I can connect an energy outside of myself - an energy that will fill me up and then I can sing it. I can become that energy and then an audience receives that energy - and they give me a whole greater energy back - like this energy cycle. And that’s why I love doing it.

7. Who was your favorite person to harmonize with and what was the song? 

Bruce Springsteen. I sang Thunder Road with him in 1994. 

8. What is the most meaningful cover you have done and why? 

The most meaningful would probably be when I sang You are My Sunshine after my Son died. That had a lot of meaning because I used to sing that song to him when he was a young boy.

9. You have been a fighter for so many causes - LGBTQ+, cancer survivors and now plant-based medicines. What are your goals for the next few years?

Next few years I would like to be an example. I realized that I can’t preach this stuff. I can’t teach it. I can only lead by the clarity of my example. So, inspiration is what I am after. I would like to inspire people. 

10.  What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? 

Well, I think everyone has asked me everything in my 35 years of doing interviews. I don’t know. I love being asked about my favorite football team. So, maybe anything about football. 

11.  What advice would you give to aspiring high school performers? 

I would tell them it might seem like it’s about the ultimate goal - you know getting something or getting an award or something - but it’s not. It’s about how much fun you have on the way to that goal. It’s about the journey. So, make sure you’re having fun. Make sure it makes you happy and that you’re doing what you love.    

The Facts: 

Location: Circle in Square, 1633 Broadway, New York City

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission 

Ticket Price Range: $99.50 to $349.50

Website: https://melissaetheridge.com/

By Jack Pasquale, October 2023 

Halloween is here again! With all the candy comes a history of incredible musicals. Halloween and horror are common themes in some of the best-known Broadway musicals because they bring back memories and grab the attention of audiences. With so many talented make-up artists and costume designers, literally anything can come to life – or back to life in the case of Beetlejuice - on Broadway. We expanded the Top Halloween Musicals this year and left off some classics (Beetlejuice, Adams Family, Shrek) to make room for some new ones you may enjoy. We hope you have a safe and fun Halloween! 

1. Heathers

2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show

3. The Sorcerer's Apprentice 

4. Monster High 2 

5. Little Shop of Horrors

6. Zombies

7. Wicked   

8. The Princess and the Frog 

9. Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

10. The Phantom of the Opera 

11. Ghost the Musical 

12. American Psycho the Musical

13. Dracula the Musical

14. Carrie the Musical 

15. Jekyll and Hyde  

16. Young Frankenstein the Musical 

17. Lizzie the Musical 

18. Frankenstein the Musical 

19. Repo the Genetic Opera 

20. The Muppets Haunted Mansion 

21. The Toxic Avengers 

22. The Woodsman 

23. Puffs 

By Jack Pasquale, October 2023 

The Echo was lucky enough to recently spend time with Orfeh, a Tony-nominated, true superstar actress, singer, and performer. Orfeh established herself early on as one of Broadway’s most dynamic actresses. Her voice and presence take over any stage she walks onto, filling the theater with her incredible, amazing vocals, and always giving fans a memorable experience. Orfeh is an extraordinarily talented, enduring fan favorite. 

Tony-nominated Orfeh recently starred in the Broadway hit Pretty Woman. She previously had breakout roles in the hit shows Legally Blonde and Saturday Night Fever. She earlier starred in The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Love Janis, and Me & Mrs. Jones. Orfeh’s prolific music career already spans nearly 20 albums, having released her first album, Life in the Movies, in 1987, and her first solo album, What Do You Want from Me, in 2008. You likely also saw her on hit TV shows, including Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Law & Order: SVU, among others. 

Despite all of her success and hard work, Orfeh still remains super nice.  You can catch Orfeh performing in NYC – Legally Bound (Holiday Edition) later this year at the Perelman Performing Arts Center. 

We hope you enjoy the interview that follows, as much as we enjoyed learning more about the amazing life of Orfeh!

1. You’re an amazing actress and singer. Did you do both when you were in high school? 

I did actually did do both acting and singing in high school. I went to LaGuardia High School for the Arts - so that’s very much intensely what we did. 

2. You are such a talented singer. Do you prefer to sing on a stage or in a recording studio? 

I really love them both - they’re very, very different. You have a lot more control in the recording studio. On stage, once you’re there on stage - there’s no kind of messing up - you’re right there live. It’s a little bit less controlled than the recording studio. But I love doing both.  

3. When you sing, people stop to listen. What is your routine to stay at such a high level? 

There’s so much. I try really hard to not ruin my voice. When I’m in a show, I make a really good attempt not to speak too much on the phone. I also don’t go to very loud places after the show. I am constantly trying to maintain and preserve my voice. So, I do a lot of texting and I don’t go to very loud places afterward. 

4. People still remember you in Legally Blonde. How did you make your character Paulette so memorable?

Gosh, I wish I knew! I think it was just really a love for the role. I think that I connected to the role in a great way. I think the cast was so all-around great. I think we all had really great chemistry. I used just enough of Jennifer Coolidge’s main stamp of her performance in the movie and then I added a really big dose of myself into it. And I think it was the perfect blend. And I honestly think that’s what people connected to - that it was familiar enough with Jennifer Coolidge with what they liked about me - and it wound up being a perfect blend for everybody. 

5. Was it love at first sight for you and your husband on the Legally Blonde stage? 

Well we had actually met earlier in a musical called Saturday Night Fever. So by the time we were in Legally Blonde, we had already been married for six years - and nobody knows that! People always think we met in Legally Blonde and we had actually met long before in Saturday Night Fever and got married back then!

6. You really stole the show in Broadway’s Pretty Woman. What was your favorite scene?

I loved doing that show so much that every night I kind of felt like a different scene was my favorite. I think that before the scene going into Rodeo Drive, where I came in and sang Luckiest Girl in the World with Samantha Barks and Tommy Bracco - I think that was one of my consistently favorite scenes. But there was so much. And other people’s scenes were my favorite so it changed all the time. But for me - that was one of my favorite scenes to get to perform. 

7. What is it like having the most legendary Godmother ever Cher?

It’s pretty cool! It’s pretty cool! We have a great time and she’s really legendary and amazing.

8. What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? 

That’s a good question, Jack! Let me think - they ask me a lot of questions. I’ll tell you what I wish they wouldn’t ask me - where did I get my name and if it's real! So, that’s a question I wouldn’t mind if people stopped asking. 

9. What advice would you give to aspiring high school performers? 

I want them to know that it's not an easy business and a lot of things are involved in becoming successful. And you have to do it for a long time. It's not easy so you have to really be willing to work very, very hard. I also wish for every aspiring performer coming up - especially the youth coming up in the performing arts - I want them to know that when they don’t get a job and they have to keep on auditioning and pounding the pavement - I want them to know that it’s never personal. It’s usually mostly about what the vision of the creative team is. So, it’s not personal. It’s really what they’re looking to hire and sometimes that person just walks into the room and matches the vision that the creative team had. I just would want people not to get upset and take it personally and to really keep on striving. If it's meant for them it will eventually happen.

By Jack Pasquale, October 2023 

Alex Brightman is an incredibly accomplished actor, who became a fan favorite in School of Rock, and as the lead in Beetlejuice, which he brought back to life from the dead to sellout crowds daily for a 5 year run on Broadway. His extensive credits include Matilda, Big Fish, Wicked and Glory Days. You likely also saw Alex the hit NBC show The Blacklist, or on Law & Order: SVU, among other TV shows. His diverse range extends to voice work for the Netflix hit animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park, Helluva Boss and Teen Titans Go!  Alex is currently back on Broadway starring in the breakout hit The Shark is Broken as Richard Dreyfuss, along with Ian Shaw and Colin Donell, where the three recreate the dysfunctional drama that surrounded the making of one of the all-time best films, Jaws.  

Alex was so gracious to recently spend time with The Echo. We hope you enjoy the interview that follows!

1. Were you a big Jaws fan growing up?

Yes. I was and I saw the movie way too young - I think. My parents raised me on a couple of movies that maybe they shouldn’t have but I’m very grateful they did because I became a big fan of horror movies and monster movies. I saw it once when I was probably 12 - which is the wrong time for a kid to see Jaws because I haven’t stepped foot in the water since. Since getting the part in The Shark is Broken, I’ve now seen the movie another 5 times just to get a little back into the world. But yeah I am a big fan. It’s a great movie.

2. What attracted you most to take on the role of Richard Dreyfus and Jaws?

The first thing is we are very similar - and I didn’t know that before auditioning for this. But when I saw this was coming to Broadway, I got really excited at the idea of playing somebody who is alive. It felt very high stakes to me to take on a role that was a character but also a human because after playing Beetlejuice I was ready to play a human being for once. I just loved it. I loved the script honestly. I like Richard Dreyfus. I like all of his work. But when I read the script of the show, I was like this character is so up my alley and we have the same neurotic nature and also just as a factual thing, I have manic bipolar - I was diagnosed with manic bipolar - and he has the same thing it turns out. So, we have similar sort of motors that run and so I really, really enjoy doing it every night because it sort of helps me with a little bit of who I am.

3. Did Richard Dreyfus give you any insight into the role?

I wish. I haven’t met him yet - he hasn’t come to see the show and I haven’t met him. I don’t know if he will. You never know what actors want to see themselves being portrayed. And so I haven’t met him yet. I also haven’t met Steven Spielberg.  I would love to meet both of them. I was hoping to meet him before the show. I would just like to meet him, in general, to say thank you for giving me the shoes to try and fill. But no. I wish I had some great answer about some really amazing gem that he gave me but I have yet to meet him.

4. Your Playbill bio dedicates your performance in The Shark is Broken to those living with chronic pain and illness. Can you share anything more and how people can help?

Yes. My wife has Spondyloarthritis and she has Vasculitis as well. We’ve been figuring that out as we’ve been together because it was one of those things that happened early on in our relationship and I didn’t really know how to deal with it. And so it was one of those learning lessons that if you really love someone you need to find ways to understand what’s going on with them and have empathy. Thankfully I’m an actor. So, part of my job is to have extreme empathy for people. I started getting into what it was, what it meant to have it, how many people have it, the fact that there’s no cure, and how to be a really good supportive person. By doing that we found this arthritis foundation.  I’ve been a really big advocate of doing things like that and trying to get people to donate. And every year we do some big donation thing. I try to put it in every bio now just to give people attention to it. I do that with every show that I have a bio I give an opportunity to amplify something. The last two have been The Arthritis Foundation. Thanks for asking! I’ll tell my wife.  

5. Beetlejuice was amazing. Your opening and everything. What was your favorite scene and song?

I don’t know - I did it for 5 years! The entire time doing Beetlejuice I loved doing the opening number - The Whole "Being Dead" Thing. It never got old for me. I just had so much fun doing it. It’s the first thing out of the gate. So, the audience gets to meet me exactly how I want them to meet me. So, that was my favorite song. My favorite scene, if you remember the song Fright of Their Lives, the scene before and after The Fright of Their Lives where I get to pick on the Maitlands - get to really harass them a little bit - that was really fun but it was mostly fun because two of my friends played the Maitlands. It was very fun to be able to pick on them for a living. I get paid to pick on my friends and I think that is something we all dream about - so I really enjoyed doing it then.

6. Do you prefer to play the role of a real person or a made-up character?

I don’t think I have actually gotten that question before and I’ve gotten all the questions, Jack. I’ve gotten a million interview questions and I don’t think I ever got asked that one. So thank you. I’m always on the lookout for questions I haven’t gotten. So, thank you and that’s a great question - I have to really think about that! I think what I really love playing is characters. I like playing people who are away from where I am because I’m warm and gentle offstage and not a lot of people know that. And so I like playing characters that are the opposite of that. So, I would say maybe the answer is I do like playing monsters. I do like playing creatures and things like that. I do it in my voiceover work too. But I will say there is something very charactery as well playing someone like Richard Dreyfus because he is a character. He’s his own version of a made-up person to me even though he’s real. But I think the answer is I really would prefer something like Beetlejuice because it’s nice to put on the mask and put on all the costumes and become somebody else. 

7. What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? 

How much money do I make? I wish people would ask me after a show, what’s the best way to sort of settle down from doing a show because I didn’t learn that until very late. I wish someone would have told me. I wish I would have asked that question because I think it really affects your life if you can’t shake the show that you just did because nobody in your life just did the show that you just did. So, they're not on the same energy level as you and sometimes that can be a huge problem. And so the question I wish people would ask is how to come down from a show. And the answer is you have to find things outside of your hobby that you made a career of - because acting used to be my hobby. I loved it. I still love it but now it’s not my hobby. It’s my job.  I had to find things outside of acting that made me really happy. I found basketball and I found baseball. So, I watch a lot of basketball and a lot of baseball - and it just lets me remind myself that I’m no longer in the show anymore - it’s time to go home and be a normal person and it’s helped - it’s really helped. It’s only new to me now and I’m 36 years old - but it’s the last 5 years that it's been really helpful. 

8. What advice would you give to aspiring high school actors? 

I have two pieces of advice. My first piece of advice is if you have been in a show, if you have acted in a show, you are no longer an aspiring actor. You are an actor. I believe in that 1,000%. I understand that you have aspirations to do more and so do I. But to say that you’re an aspiring actor if you’ve done a show doesn’t make sense to me. You’re an actor. Welcome to the club! It’s nice to meet a fellow colleague. But also I would say - and it’s going to sound cheesy but it’s what I really believe - and I only believe in cheesy things because they’re true - you have to love it. If you’re doing it because you think you should or you’re just good at it or you’ve been told that you should do it but you have no love or passion for it - you have to think about it differently. I know plenty of people I have worked with that are really good at acting but have no passion for it and there’s nothing sadder to me than that because they should be doing something that makes them happy. And I think if you want to do this you can’t let it get to you in ways that will make you not like it. You have to find ways to continue to enjoy it. So far I have. And everybody has their days where you go, this job is killing me but at the end of the day do you still love it? And if you do - great. If you don’t - try something else. You can always come back to acting and that’s what I tell everybody. It’s not the same with every job. You can’t be a surgeon and be like I’m going to take a big break - I don’t like this anymore - I’ll come back to it later. You can do that with acting and I think there’s something beautiful about that. It will always take you back. So, my advice is love it. 

The Facts:

Location: John Golden Theatre, 252 West 45th Street, New York City

Running Time: Approximately 95 minutes with no intermission 

Ticket Price Range: $58 to $248

Website: https://thesharkisbroken.com/

By Jack Pasquale, October 2023 

Just in time for October’s Filipino American History Month (FAHM), The Echo was lucky to recently spend time with Here Lies Love star Jose Llana, who previously starred in Broadway’s Rent, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, popular TV shows, including Sex and the City, and movies, including Hitch. We hope you enjoy the interview that follows. 

Here Lies Love tells the cautionary tale of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos and their brutal reign over the Philippines. Using Martial Law to quiet the free press and exert control over the people, stealing a rumored $10 billion, killing an estimated more than 10,000 Filipinos - including the unthinkable assassination of opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Simeon Aquino Jr. on an airport tarmac - the unbelievable story is being told in the hope that through education, history will not so easily repeat itself. 

It is easy for U.S. citizens to look the other way but the reality is the U.S. was complicit in the rise of Ferdinand Marcos as our government funded his exploits in order to maintain strategic military bases to hold off the spread of communism in Asia. It was also the U.S. that ultimately flew the Marcos family to Hawaii so they could escape the peaceful revolt underway in the Philippines, while bringing millions of dollars of stolen jewels in diaper boxes, in addition to the still missing $10 billion. 

Here Lies Love is the second Broadway hit in a year from legendary rock star David Byrne. The stunning Here Lies Love unfolds in a never-before-seen interactive setting, with theatergoers transported to a disco with a moving stage if you are lucky enough to be on the dance floor as we were. We highly recommend both seeing Here Lies Love and taking some time to learn more about the history of the Philippines. 

1) Here Lies Love is the most incredible interactive show ever on Broadway. How are you and the other actors able to move around the theater the entire show without someone getting in the way or something going wrong?

Well, you know what we do is we rehearse a lot. And we rehearse as many times as we can with people standing where the audience is going to be. It takes a lot of trust between us and our backstage crew that we’re always looking out for each other. So, the secret is a lot of practice and we do it over, and over and over again.

2) How were you able to make your performance accurate when the historical record is not accurate?

That’s actually a really good question! The guy I’m playing, the president – the dictator I’m playing – his name was Marcos. There’s a lot of stuff that was written about him in history that is not accurate. I had to do a lot of research on top of the research to make sure what I was reading was true. It was a hard job. We hope people come see our show and we give them our history lesson – and then they go home and do the research themselves to see what they think is true or not, which is really important when you talk about history. 

3) You were born in the Philippines under Martial Law? How old were you when you left and what do you remember? 

I was born in Martial Law in the Philippines and I was very young, and then we moved to America. But my parents talked about Martial Law all the time. We hope no one has the experience of Martial Law because all your rights are taken away – you can’t go outside whenever you want to and you’re not allowed to gather in groups – and it’s a really, really dangerous time – which is why I think it’s important to learn about history so that we don’t elect people who take away our rights.

4) When the son Bongbong Marcos became President last year, he said, “Judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions.” Do you think it is possible for him to be a good leader or will he follow in his father’s footsteps? 

Wow. That is a really good question Jack! I’m going to be honest – there’s a lot that Bongbong has said already that is not true. So, I don’t trust him very much. But he is right. It is better to judge people on their own actions and not their parents. But at the same time, he has already shown to me that he is not trustworthy. So, that’s what makes me very nervous about him now being President of the Philippines. 

5) Your parents were anti-Marcos protesters.  How did they feel about you taking on this role? 

At first, they were very nervous – understandably. But they are very proud because my parents are very supportive of me. And they know that they trust me – that I wouldn’t be a part of something that ever glorified the Marcos’s and Martial Law. And they were right. My Mom and Dad are very proud of me and I do what I do to make my parents proud. It’s really, really important to me to have their support. 

6) You have called Here Lies Love a Trojan Horse. Can you explain? 

The Trojan Horse was this famous horse that was this big gift that was being given – but inside was this secret – there were soldiers hiding inside. So, when we say we think the show is a Trojan Horse it is because when people come thinking it’s only going to be a fun dance party – which it is – but then at the end you get a little bit of a history lesson. And that’s why we call it a Trojan Horse. Hopefully, people come and have a good time – dance a lot – and then at the end realize that what the show is really about is showing people that if you don’t like Martial Law or people who are bad leaders – then it is your responsibility to vote them out. 

7) David Byrne is a true rock star! What do you like most about working with him?

My favorite part about working with David Byrne – who is a true rock star – is that he is very kind and that he is a very supportive composer and collaborator – and he has such respect for singers and actors – and he has shown over our 12-year working relationship that he has a deep respect for the Filipino history and Filipino culture – and he is just a really nice guy. I think not all the time when people are so talented can you say they are just as nice as they are talented. 

8) What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? 

That’s a good question! I don’t know. I think sometimes I want to talk about my older sister more because my older sister is my hero. She is the person who I look up to the most in the world and she is a great big sister to me. She has allowed me to be an artist. She’s an engineer. She went to all the best schools for engineering and she’s very instrumental in helping me be who I am. So, I wish people asked me more about my sister.

9) What advice would you give to aspiring high school actors?

The advice I would give is to practice and try to take as many lessons as you can – as many lessons as your parents can afford. But if that becomes an issue – because I know when I grew up my parents couldn’t afford as many lessons as I wanted to take – there’s a public library that has albums and videos – and kids today have the Internet – which I wish I had when I was a kid – to try to see as many musicals and plays, and dances and ballets as you possibly can.

The Facts:

Location: Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway, New York City

Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes with one intermission

Ticket Price Range: $49 to $499

Website: www.herelieslovebroadway.com

By Jack Pasquale, July 2023 

Constantine Maroulis Captivates as Rock & Roll Freedom Fighter Alan Freed

Jack Pasquale, July 2023 

The Echo was fortunate to recently spend time with Constantine Maroulis, who is back on Broadway and better than ever with a renowned cast including iconic Sopranos star Joe Pantoliano! As one of American Idol’s most lovable earliest finalists (Simon called him Astonishing!), he went on to receive a Tony Award nomination for creating the highly successful, Rock of Ages global franchise. Constantine’s passion for performing began at an early age, with numerous accolades over the years for his work on Jekyll & Hyde, The Wedding Singer, RENT, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Toxic Avenger, and many other highly successful productions. 

In Rock & Roll Man, Constantine takes on the daunting challenge of bringing to life one of the music industry’s most powerful radio personalities, Alan Freed, who was also one of the most influential civil rights activists. Freed coined the term Rock & Roll and fought for equal rights for African American artists and for the integration and inclusion of teens regardless of the color of their skin. He sacrificed everything to help break the color barrier, ultimately losing his career, family, wealth and life at a very young age. 

We hope you enjoy the interview that follows below and highly recommend seeing the incredibly entertaining, dramatic and educational Rock & Roll Man!

1) You’re such a well-known musician and actor.  Did your music or acting background draw you to this role? 

My music and acting background drew me to this role. What’s so fun about working in theater and on and off Broadway - I always want to create new roles. That’s what is always very exciting to me - to have the opportunity to create something that’s original from the beginning. So yes - definitely the story and the chance to retell the origin of Rock & Roll on stage for New York audiences - that was everything for me! 

2) How did you create the stage version of the legendary Alan Freed? 

With a lot of work and a lot of practice - and an amazing team - a great director and choreographer - a wonderful producer who allowed us the space to rehearse and the time to put this together - the way it needs and the respect - and then providing us with a really talented supporting cast and crew. There are so many elements that it takes to put a great show together. Then you have all the designers and the lighting and the costumes - and a wonderful theater and people have to come to the show - and people that sell the tickets and promote the show! It’s a great question but it’s a huge answer. There is not just one person or thing that helps - it’s everyone - it’s a big team effort like sports. 

3) What is your favorite scene from Rock & Roll Man?

There is a really dramatic scene called Smoke in Your Eyes - it’s a fantastic, legendary song by The Platters. And there is a sequence where we see sort of the spiral and the downfall of the Alan Freed character but he is still fighting. He’s fighting to keep his family together. He’s fighting to keep his job. But you have to remember this occurred at a time in our country’s history when we were dealing with segregation - we were dealing with post-World War II - a time when unfortunately there was so much discrimination going on in the country - not just with African Americans but with Jewish Americans - like Alan Freed - especially someone like him who was out there to elevate Black Artists. And he was persecuted for that as well. But he laid his life on the line for art and for music. That’s what I admire.   

4) Do you like the classics or original songs better performed in the show?

Gary Kupper our writer, our composer has done a great job writing songs that are in the style of the era - the 50s - but it’s hard to compete with the original songs. I mean there are so many great ones in this show - they’re classics and there’s a reason why they’re such classics - they’ve been around for 75 years and they’re some of my favorite songs in the show for sure. And I don’t really sing the classic songs. I sing mainly on the original ones. 

5) You have starred in so many great productions. Will we get to see you in any other roles this year?

Probably not and thank you for saying that! I’m really focussed on Rock & Roll Man and taking this show as far as I can. We’re really happy to be here at New World Stages off-Broadway right in the heart of Broadway - we’re playing 500 seats. You know I started Rock of Ages in this very same theater 15 summers ago. So, if we can have a fraction of the success of Rock of Ages with Rock & Roll Man - I’d be in a pretty good place. I hope we can run this through the summer and into the fall and then maybe transfer to Broadway. Wouldn’t that be fun? 

6) What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? And what is the answer?

That’s a great question wow! I don’t know - you got me stumped - probably something I shouldn’t admit or talk about just yet. Maybe where did I have my first kiss?  

7) What advice would you give to aspiring high school musicians and actors?

I think we’re in a place right now in pop culture where everyone wants to get famous real fast. They want to have a million followers. They want it all to happen so fast. But it does not happen fast - and it should not. I think worry about today. Work hard today. Get on stage as much as you can. But it’s not just about being on stage and starring in shows. There are so many great jobs and career paths within the entertainment or theater world. I mentioned earlier - you have amazing designers - you have amazing artistry all over the stage,  behind the stage, in front of the house, sound, lighting, publicity and management. So, there’s a great world out there. But just worry about today and getting better - a little better every single day

The Facts:

Location: New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, New York City

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission

Ticket Price Range: $70 to $174

Website: https://rockandrollmanthemusical.com/

By Jack Pasquale, August 2023

The Echo was fortunate to recently spend time with the influential Ann Harada, who is an amazing actress renowned for her roles both on Broadway and TV. Her talent, adaptability, incredible personality and infectious attitude have made her a favorite of fans, fellow actors and producers for nearly 4 decades, over which time she has received numerous awards, including an Outer Critics Circle Award and multiple awards from Broadway.com, to name a few. 

Of the dozens of productions Ms. Harada has been featured in, she is perhaps best known for originating the role of Christmas Eve in Avenue Q, which was a groundbreaking musical comedy with puppets dealing with adult-oriented topics. While it was considered a big upset that Ms. Harada did not win a 2004 Tony Award for her outstanding portrayal, the parody of Sesame Street did win multiple Tonys, including for Musical and Best Original Score. Avenue Q played a remarkable 2,500 performances on Broadway, ran for another 6 years off-Broadway, toured worldwide, and even just had a cast reunion to raise money to aid the Maui Humane Society and the Hawai’i Community Fund on Seth Rudetsky’s Stars in the House. 

Among the other highly successful productions to feature Ms. Harada, she was cast as the stepsister Charlotte in Cinderella, which ran for 770 performances on Broadway and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning one for Best Costume Design. She was also featured in the critically acclaimed fan favorite Emojiland, which was based on the ubiquitous emojis and the daily trials and tribulations of living in a virtual world.  More recently, Ms. Harada has been featured on Apple TV’s hit Schmigadoon, which has had two successful seasons and has fans hoping for more. 

We hope you enjoy the interview that follows below!!

1)    You have had an amazing career. What is your secret for continuing to get great roles in such a tough industry?

I’d like to think it’s because I have a very strong work ethic. I try very hard to be prepared and positive in all my projects. And also because so much of what our industry is about is just making connections with other actors and directors and producers – people who have worked with us before. People all talk about their experiences and people seem to think they have a good experience working with me and let other people know that. So, that’s how I feel I’ve been able to get some of these great parts.

2)    How did you fall in love with Broadway growing up in Hawaii?

Back when I was a young girl a very long time ago in 1976, there was this thing called the Bicentennial – the United States was turning 200. My parents thought it would be a great idea to travel to the East Coast and visit some historic sites because it was the Bicentennial and we should celebrate being American. So, we went to New York and we went to Washington, DC, to Boston and all this kind of stuff. When we were in New York my parents decided we should go see a Broadway show. We saw Pippin. That was my very first Broadway show and I just loved it so much. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a visceral feeling like this is it – this is what I want to do – and also New York. As a city, I just wanted to live there because from Hawaii I was very much a country girl and I never really had that experience of being in a big city. The minute I got there I was like I am a city girl! So, that’s how I fell in love with Broadway.

3)    Did you really go to high school with Barack Obama?

Barack Obama was two years ahead of me in high school. Yes. We were not friends. We did not know each other. But my Mother worked with his Grandmother at the Bank of Hawaii. So, she knew all about him but I didn’t really.

4)    You are incredibly versatile. Do you prefer funny or serious roles?

It doesn't matter to me. I like them all. I feel like I try to basically bring myself to every part. So, I never think about oh this one is funny – this one is not funny. It is just what the character is about and how I can play them the best.

5)    If you could bring back any Broadway show that you were in or were not in, what would it be and what would your role be?

If I could bring back any Broadway show that I was not in I would bring back Falsettos and I would play Trina because I love that show so much. If I could bring back any Broadway show that I was in – oh I don’t know – I love Avenue Q and I love Cinderella. I don’t know if I’m still able to be in Avenue Q because I’m older but I would still play Christmas Eve. And of course if I could bring back Cinderella I think I would now try to play the stepmother as opposed to Charlotte.

6)    Who was your favorite actor to work with on TV or Broadway and why?

Emma Thompson is my favorite actor. I really admire her. I think she’s a brilliant actress and a wonderful writer. Whenever I watch her I feel inspired.

7)    Is it harder to act on stage or in front of a camera for TV or movies?

I prefer on stage because I get to control the narrative on stage.

8)    You have had so many incredible roles. What do you have planned next?

I’m going to do a play regionally at the La Jolla Playhouse in the fall. And I’m waiting to see if the writers’ strike and the actors’ strike get resolved because I’m hopeful that Schmigadoon will come back for another season. It might or it might not but we can’t do anything until the strikes are resolved.

9)    What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do?

What is my favorite TV show? And my favorite TV show is Dr. Who.

10) What advice would you give to aspiring high school actors?

I would say read as much as you can and see as many plays as you can because all of those experiences will make you a better actor and will give you more to draw on. Don’t think that all there is to performing is just going to class, learning dance and singing. There is so much more to it. You have to bring your life experience and who you are to being a performer.

By Jack Pasquale, September 2023 

Back to the Future the Musical is truly an amazing musical that will thrill theatergoers, whether you’re a diehard fan of the movie franchise or a Broadway enthusiast that loves Casey Likes! This production takes a well-known storyline and remarkably makes it even better! 

Casting is perfect with Casey Likes, who brought the house down as William Miller in Almost Famous, and Tony Award-winning stage and screen actor Roger Bart reprising the roles of Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown, made internationally famous by Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. Both Likes and Bart have big shoes to fill and do it amazingly well. They were respectful of the franchise and styles of both Fox and Lloyd, while making the roles their own. Hugh Coles and Liana Hunt simply could not do a better job as George and Lorraine McFly. Nathaniel Hackmann rounds the cast out as Biff, the mean bully who gets what’s coming to him in the end.

Back to the Future has everything a big Broadway production should, with a highly talented supporting cast, outstanding soundtrack (Thank you Glen Ballard!), incredible staging - and DeLoreans that drive, fly, time travel and will have you asking how did they do that! 

We were fortunate to recently spend time with Casey Likes and hope you enjoy the interview that follows. 

1. You went from playing one iconic role to another. How did Almost Famous help prepare you for Back to the Future?

That is a great question. I was very prepared by Almost Famous because Broadway is such an intense challenge. Getting through the stamina of eight shows is extremely important - and making certain you can do it in a healthy way is extremely important. That is what Almost Famous taught me a lot about. 

2. What was your path to Broadway acting?

When I was 3 years old I began acting. My Mom kind of helped me start. She was a Broadway actor herself. When I was younger she encouraged me to act in any way I could and I basically did a whole bunch of stuff around Arizona, which is where I’m from. I eventually ended up auditioning for a few shows throughout the Valley and worked on my craft. I got a vocal coach and I ended up working on it for so many years - since I was 3 years old. By the time I finally got to this thing called the Jimmy Awards, which is a National competition for high school musical theater, I eventually was ready for a Broadway audition. And that’s how I got Almost Famous.

3. What do you like most about playing a hero?

That’s a great question! I think it’s nice to have these roles that people automatically root for - especially because they’re so iconic. It’s nice to come in with a fan base that already understands it. They already understand how special Marty McFly is. They understand how special William is. As soon as I walk out they’re already rooting for me, and that’s really, really nice. It feels really good. And also there’s so much room to play. There are so many things I get to do in the show. I get to play with happiness. I get to play comedy. I get to play with fear and sadness. That’s kind of something only the lead hero gets to do. So, I’m very lucky.

4. Would you ever want to play a bad guy?

Absolutely. Absolutely. I think I have a bad guy in there somewhere. I’ve gotten to play some questionable characters but not quite a bad, bad guy. I think I would really enjoy doing that. 

5. If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?

I would probably go back to see my Mom in Les Misérables in the 90s, which would have been really powerful to see my Mom performing in her heyday. 

6. What is the one scene you are not on stage for but love to watch or listen to?

There’s actually only one scene that I’m not on for the entirety of it. It’s called the 21st Century. It's at the top of Act II. And that one is a really huge dance number. That’s a really great one to watch. I’m also off stage for a little bit of this song called Teach Him a Lesson, that Biff sings, and they do a great job with that number as well. Those are really fun.

7. Would you rather grow up in the 80s or the 50s?

Probably the 80s. I really enjoy the music and the fashion of that time. I think it is really cool. 

8. You are introducing Back to the Future to a new generation. Why do you think audiences love the story and characters so much? 

That’s a great question. It’s a universal story about family and friendship. And I think people really connect with Doc and Marty’s relationship. I think they also connect with the relationship of George and Marty, and Lorraine and Marty, and Lorraine and George - just a lot of familial relationships in there. And also the spectacle of it. It's just magical. It reminds us that anything is possible - and it really is true - especially when you see the show. 

9. What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do?

That in and of itself is a fantastic question! Probably about the hidden stuff that you do to prepare for a role that nobody ever sees - like the doctor’s appointments and the years of training. There’s this saying that it’s like an iceberg - most of the iceberg is underwater - but you only see the top little bit of it. That’s kind of how it feels to be an actor - there’s a lot of stuff you do to prepare but it's not all seen. 

10.  What advice would you give to aspiring high school actors?

To always keep working. I know it sounds cliche but I am always working on my craft. I’m always doing voice lessons, and I’m always working on my dancing and trying to improve as an actor. It’s always important to keep working because otherwise other people are going to keep working and they’re going to surpass you. Always keep working. You’ll be fine. 

The Facts:

Location: Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway, New York City

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes with one intermission

Ticket Price Range: $58 to $318

Website: www.backtothefuturemusical.com/new-york/

By Jack Pasquale, September 2023 

Shucked is an amazing new musical comedy about corn. Yes, corn! Starring the incredibly talented and artistic John Behlmann, who you have likely seen in TV, Broadway, film, video games and more, including the Tony Award-winning Tootsie on Broadway, and the TV hit Riverdale,Shucked is a one-of-a-kind hit that has been winning over both audiences and critics. The original songs, unforgettable stories, and highly talented cast make Shucked a must-see Broadway show.  

While this is a very funny, comedic musical, there are many subtle themes, including the power of working through problems together, the good that comes from change, and the need to welcome and accept all people for who they are.   

The Echo was lucky to recently spend time with Shucked star John Behlman. We hope you enjoy the interview that follows.  

1) Did you ever dream Shucked would be such a huge hit? 

I thought that it could be a big hit – I hoped that it would be. I really believed in it and really thought that it was special when we were working on it – and really loved the people that I was with – and felt a certain special energy in the room and working on it. I’m happy to see that people feel the same things we felt when they come watch it. It’s been great. I’m happy.

2) How has Shucked won over both critics and audiences? 

I think people don’t really know what to expect when they come. I think it has the element of surprise to it. I think a lot of people come in with no or low expectations because they think it’s just a silly show about corn. And then hopefully they get surprised that there’s actually some heart and some real stories to it – and a gentle but real message about people coming together and forming community that I think warms the heart. It’s kind of sneaky with the last. It gets you laughing and then suddenly tells you something that makes you feel something. I think that’s surprising and heartwarming to people. 

3) What main lesson do you want people to learn from Shucked? 

I think I want them to learn that we should listen to each other – and take each other in as we are and for who we are – and that we could all benefit from a little community building. 

4) What has been your favorite backstage moment at Shucked?

I remember one time – the first thing that comes to mind is we’re in an old theater. So, there are lots of things that go with that. And one of them is every once and a while we get roaches. There was a roach that fell from above the stage and landed on Maizy (Caroline Innerbichler) – on her hat during the number Tampa. It was on her visor and crawled down her hair and down her leg – and then promptly died center stage. I didn’t know what was going on because I hadn’t been on stage yet. And then when I came on for my song Bad – all the girls get on the ground to do their choreography and they all avoided one spot in particular and I couldn’t tell why. It was because there was a dead cockroach there for most of the first act!

5) Do you like to eat corn? 

I love to eat corn. My whole family likes to eat corn. I have two kids and corn on the cob has proven a great snack. Every once and a while I’ve taken corn on the cob pre-cooked as a snack on the train. But I love corn in all its forms – particularly cornbread. So, it’s a natural fit.

6) What corn-eating method do you use: typewriter, rolling, hunt and peck or slice it off?

If I’m going to eat a cob of corn I eat it row by row – and then turn it and go row by row until it’s a nice clean, even eaten piece of corn. That’s my favorite. I like to keep it clean.

7) People talk about being on a highwire. You literally are a trapeze artist. How did you get into that? 

I studied trapeze as part of my grad school training. I went to grad school in Denver at the National Theatre Conservatory, which is now no longer around. It closed a few years back. Part of the movement training there was trapeze training, which was mostly about body awareness and learning how to not hold tension when you’re doing strange things. And then when I got to New York City several friends and I, who had done it there, wanted to keep doing it. So, we kept doing it. There are places to train in New York and we built our own trapezes and ran a trapeze theatre company for many years, and did shows together. We just kind of fell in love with it at school and kept it alive.

8) What is the highest wire you have ever crossed? Have you ever fallen?

I don’t do any wire walking. The highest up we ever go is maybe 10 or 15 feet off the ground. I have fallen but only at small heights. I never walk on a wire. That’s another thing other people are good at but I am not. It’s a dangerous thing and there are bumps and bruises along the way but mostly we stay low to the ground – and we don’t fall too much.

9) What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? 

I don’t know. I don’t have a deep wish list of things that people would ask me. I think it’s nice when people find out all about somebody and know I also like to take photos and write things, and do other kinds of artistic expression. So, I think that’s something I’m always happy to talk about that people don’t generally ask about. But otherwise nothing in particular. 

10) What advice would you give to aspiring high school actors? 

I would say keep surrounding yourself with people that are inspiring to you. And people that you find engaging and keep making things with them. Those experiences will never go wrong. Those people could go on to become important, valuable people in the arts or they could go on to become lifelong friends. But that’s what will happen when you’re making something with people that you love and doing things you love – you can’t go wrong. Don’t spend your whole life making it about theatre and acting the whole time. Let your other interests shine and develop because it will only make you a more well-rounded and interesting person, which will make you a more well-rounded and interesting actor. 

The Facts:

Location: Nederlander Theater, 208 W 41st St, New York City

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission

Ticket Price Range: $59 to $246

Website: https://shuckedmusical.com/

Jack Pasquale

July 19, 2023

The Echo was fortunate to recently spend time with Constantine Maroulis, who is back on Broadway and better than ever with a renowned cast including iconic Sopranos star Joe Pantoliano! As one of American Idol’s most lovable earliest finalists (Simon called him Astonishing!), he went on to receive a Tony Award nomination for creating the highly successful, Rock of Ages global franchise. Constantine’s passion for performing began at an early age, with numerous accolades over the years for his work on Jekyll & Hyde, The Wedding Singer, RENT, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Toxic Avenger, and many other highly successful productions. 

In Rock & Roll Man, Constantine takes on the daunting challenge of bringing to life one of the music industry’s most powerful radio personalities, Alan Freed, who was also one of the most influential civil rights activists. Freed coined the term Rock & Roll and fought for equal rights for African American artists and for the integration and inclusion of teens regardless of the color of their skin. He sacrificed everything to help break the color barrier, ultimately losing his career, family, wealth and life at a very young age. 

We hope you enjoy the interview that follows below and highly recommend seeing the incredibly entertaining, dramatic and educational Rock & Roll Man! 

1) You’re such a well-known musician and actor.  Did your music or acting background draw you to this role? 

My music and acting background drew me to this role. What’s so fun about working in theater and on and off Broadway – I always want to create new roles. That’s what is always very exciting to me – to have the opportunity to create something that’s original from the beginning. So yes – definitely the story and the chance to retell the origin of Rock & Roll on stage for New York audiences – that was everything for me! 

2) How did you create the stage version of the legendary Alan Freed? 

With a lot of work and a lot of practice – and an amazing team – a great director and choreographer – a wonderful producer who allowed us the space to rehearse and the time to put this together – the way it needs and the respect – and then providing us with a really talented supporting cast and crew. There are so many elements that it takes to put a great show together. Then you have all the designers and the lighting and the costumes – and a wonderful theater and people have to come to the show – and people that sell the tickets and promote the show! It’s a great question but it’s a huge answer. There is not just one person or thing that helps – it’s everyone – it’s a big team effort like sports. 

3) What is your favorite scene from Rock & Roll Man?

There is a really dramatic scene called Smoke in Your Eyes – it’s a fantastic, legendary song by The Platters. And there is a sequence where we see sort of the spiral and the downfall of the Alan Freed character but he is still fighting. He’s fighting to keep his family together. He’s fighting to keep his job. But you have to remember this occurred at a time in our country’s history when we were dealing with segregation – we were dealing with post-World War II – a time when unfortunately there was so much discrimination going on in the country – not just with African Americans but with Jewish Americans – like Alan Freed – especially someone like him who was out there to elevate Black Artists. And he was persecuted for that as well. But he laid his life on the line for art and for music. That’s what I admire.   

4) Do you like the classics or original songs better performed in the show?

Gary Kupper our writer, our composer has done a great job writing songs that are in the style of the era – the 50s – but it’s hard to compete with the original songs. I mean there are so many great ones in this show – they’re classics and there’s a reason why they’re such classics – they’ve been around for 75 years and they’re some of my favorite songs in the show for sure. And I don’t really sing the classic songs. I sing mainly on the original ones. 

5) You have starred in so many great productions. Will we get to see you in any other roles this year?

Probably not and thank you for saying that! I’m really focussed on Rock & Roll Man and taking this show as far as I can. We’re really happy to be here at New World Stages off-Broadway right in the heart of Broadway – we’re playing 500 seats. You know I started Rock of Ages in this very same theater 15 summers ago. So, if we can have a fraction of the success of Rock of Ages with Rock & Roll Man – I’d be in a pretty good place. I hope we can run this through the summer and into the fall and then maybe transfer to Broadway. Wouldn’t that be fun? 

6) What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? And what is the answer?

That’s a great question wow! I don’t know – you got me stumped – probably something I shouldn’t admit or talk about just yet. Maybe where did I have my first kiss?  

7) What advice would you give to aspiring high school musicians and actors?

I think we’re in a place right now in pop culture where everyone wants to get famous real fast. They want to have a million followers. They want it all to happen so fast. But it does not happen fast – and it should not. I think worry about today. Work hard today. Get on stage as much as you can. But it’s not just about being on stage and starring in shows. There are so many great jobs and career paths within the entertainment or theater world. I mentioned earlier – you have amazing designers – you have amazing artistry all over the stage,  behind the stage, in front of the house, sound, lighting, publicity and management. So, there’s a great world out there. But just worry about today and getting better – a little better every single day 

The Facts:

Location: New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, New York City

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission

Ticket Price Range: $70 to $174

Website: https://rockandrollmanthemusical.com

Jack Pasquale, September 2023

If you’ve been to a Broadway show, chances are you’ve seen the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Red Buckets and heard moving cast appeals to support critical fundraising efforts. With over $271 million in grants made since 1987, we wanted to learn more about the powerful organization behind this highly visible and effective philanthropic program. We were fortunate to spend some time with Taylor Mattes, Community Engagement Coordinator, forBroadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and hope you find the interview as informative as we did!

1. How did Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS get its start?

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS actually started as two organizations. The first was Equity Fights Aids. That was founded in 1987, and Broadway Cares was founded in 1988. These were a grassroots response to the AIDS crisis that was going on in the late 80s, with artists and the theater community looking for a way to help. The merger of the two happened in 1992 when it became Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, with the shared mission of using the talents of the American theater community to help those affected by HIV/AIDS.

2. How has your mission changed over the years?

Our mission hasn’t changed per se, it has expanded. Our mission has always been to mobilize the abilities within the American theater community to mitigate the suffering of those affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as their families. We do this by directly supporting social services and programs that the entertainment community funds, which you may have heard of referred to as the Actors’ Fund. We also support organizations all across the country that provide treatment or services specifically for people affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as their families. But we’ve expanded this mission over the last 15 years to also  address the efforts of the entertainment industry to other critical health issues or to respond to emergencies, like COVID-19 or natural disasters. Now we have our national grants program where we support organizations across the country that support those affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as other critical illnesses. 

3. How do shows decide who gives the speech about the Red Buckets?

The shows decide that completely on their own. It’s often rotated between cast members. We provide suggested talking points but we encourage each individual show and speaker to make it personal. So that’s something they have complete control over. 

4. How do you decide where you grant money?

Our fundraising efforts are split in two directions. Since our inception, we’ve been supporting the Entertainment Community Fund and their social service programs, like the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative (PNWHI). That’s been part of our mission from the beginning. That’s helping artists right here in New York with things like doctors’ visits, medication, therapy and healthcare. But then we have our national grants program. Like I mentioned earlier, we give to over 450 health and service organizations in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico. Organizations that have received grants before are invited to apply every year. Once you’re in the Broadway Cares family we want to keep supporting you and keep you in that family. New organizations are invited to apply once they are suggested by members of the theater community, whether that be from folks on national tours or right here in New York City. Those applications are all read by committees composed of actors, stage managers and other members of the theater community who contribute to our fundraising efforts. We also do our emergency grants and those are granted on an emergency basis. So just recently we sent $50,000 to the island of Maui to the Maui Food Bank to help with the horrible disasters they are coping with there. 

5. Do you reuse the Red Buckets?

We do. We reuse them season to season. 

6. Have you ever considered an event where you auction off a signed Red Bucket from each show and tickets? 

We have never done that specifically but I did mention that to my colleagues because we all think it is a great idea. So stay tuned on that one! But every show that does Red Bucket appeals gets creative in their own way when it comes to the appeals. Some of them will sell signed posters or PlayBills. Hugh Jackman would always do a live auction of his straw hat from the Music Man. So, he would sign it and auction it off every night. Everybody gets creative during Red Bucket season with their specific show. 

7. Can you tell us about Broadway Barks?  

Broadway Barks is actually produced by Broadway Cares but was founded by Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters. It was a dog and cat adoption event. It benefits New York City animal shelters and pet adoption agencies. It was held on July 8th. Celebrity participants will come and encourage folks to adopt. It’s very cute. I recommend checking it out!

8. What other events are you most excited about?

I personally am most excited about our next big event, which is the Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction on October 1st. I’ve been a theater fan my whole life. So working at Broadway Cares is a very wonderful full circle moment for me. I love the Broadway Flea Market because it is a great example to me of community spirit. Everybody gets to come together and enjoy this art form that we all love and also support those in need since it is a fundraising event.

9. How can people get more involved?

You can actually add Red Buckets to your own productions. I run our education outreach program and I love working with students on getting Red Bucket fundraisers going in their own schools. Getting involved with Broadway Cares is a great opportunity for you to come together with your peers and make a difference in your community. You can email education@broadwaycares.org. We are happy to chat with anybody about ideas. 

Jack Pasquale

July 8, 2023

Bronxville School is fortunate to have a very active theater arts program, including sponsoring musicals and plays. School theater is incredibly fun and everyone should participate! Whether you like to be on stage or help backstage everyone is welcomed and can have a direct role in making the production a big success.

School theater is a great way to meet new people and build confidence. Participation also helps build teamwork, develop coordination, and storytelling skills, and helps students unlock their creative talents.  According to the American Alliance for Theatre & Education:

• Students involved in drama performance coursework or experience outscored non-arts students on the 2005 SAT by an average of 65 points in the verbal component and 34 points in the math component.

• Drama activities improve reading comprehension and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

• Drama helps to improve school attendance and reduce high school dropout rates.

• A 2005 Harris Poll revealed that 93% of the public believes that arts, including theater, are vital to a well-rounded education.

• Drama can improve skills and academic performance in children and youth with learning disabilities.

The time commitment and responsibility are equally important. Students are required to plan ahead and manage their schedules, including homework and other personal responsibilities. Executive planning skills will help in school and longer term outside of school. 

All of the hard work is incredibly rewarding when the production comes together. It is very satisfying to perform for the community on stage and see people’s reactions. For example, Bronxville High School recently produced a very successful student run play called Our Place by Terry Wayne Gabbard. This was an extremely dramatic play but also had a lot of humor. The Bronxville High School also produced Hello Dolly and The Play That Goes Wrong this school year.

Jack Pasquale
June 8, 2023

The Echo was lucky enough to interview Robyn Hurder, the highly acclaimed actress and dancer, who won the 2023 Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Dancer in a Broadway Show and was previously a Tony Award Nominee for Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Robyn takes on the pivotal role of Marcia Murphy, who is credited with much of Neil Diamond’s rise to fame as his girlfriend and second wife. She is side by side with Neil giving him the confidence to perform his own songs in front of crowds and to embrace the flashier, sequined persona the world knows. Her love for Neil was enduring and pure over nearly 3 decades of incredible highs and equally incredible lows.  Broadway’s hit The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise tells the life story of Neil Diamond, one of the world’s most successful and enduring musicians. He has sold over 140 million albums, had 10 Top 10 hits, performed in sold out shows all over the world and written countless signature songs for other bands, including The Monkees and Elvis. His career has spanned over 6 decades, with a GRAMMY Award, a Golden Globe Award, inductions into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and The Songwriters Hall of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and more.  

Will Swenson does an unbelievable job embodying the younger Neil Diamond and performing his greatest hits. Mark Jacoby brings the story full circle as Neil Diamond present day with maturity and gravitas. The staging, music, story and production are flawless, exhilarating and highly emotional.  

We hope you enjoy the interview that follows below and highly recommend this riveting musical!

1) Did your parents expose you to Neil Diamond’s music growing up?

Not really. My Mom has stated that she was a Neil Diamond fan once I got the show. My Dad was never really a Neil Diamond fan. The only reason why I listened to Neil Diamond was because he was on the radio. He was in his prime back then. That’s how I got to know it. The only song I really remember from my childhood listening to believe it or not isForever in Blue Jeans. I remember my Dad would always wash the car outside our driveway and there was one summer – I don’t know when it was – it kept playing on the radio. I just remember loving the beat to it. So, it’s very ironic that I am now doing it many decades later!

2)   What Neil Diamond song has the most meaning to you now that you are in the show and have met him?

They’re all so wonderful. I guess the one that means the most is I am I Said, because it really talks about what he struggled with. When he’s in front of the audience he’s the king – when he’s got the sequins on and that lifestyle – and the lights and the audience and the lovers and all that stuff – he’s the king. But when it’s gone he just immediately feels like he’s a frog, like he’s nothing. And that song comes in at the end of the show and I think it just touches us all. So, that’s definitely the one that has the most meaning to me.

3)     You did not originally audition for the role of Marcia Murphy, Neil Diamond’s second wife. Is this normal for the audition process – auditioning for one role and getting another role?

This is completely unrelated. There was a workshop happening in 2021 – I believe – and they called me in for Ellie (Greenwich) and Rose (Diamond). And I knew I wasn’t right for it. I was like why I am going in for this? This isn’t correct. I obviously did not get the job. Brie (Sudia) the person that you saw playing Ellie and Rose – she got the role and did the four week workshop they did in the Fall of 2021. Someone else was playing Marcia Murphy at that time. When they came around to auditioning for the out of town tryout, the casting director then said you know who I think would be right for this – Robyn Hurder. So, this was done almost a year later. It was completely unrelated and done for a different moment of the project for the workshop in New York City. And then I auditioned for the role of Marcia Murphy, which is a much more appropriate role for me. And that’s when I got it – in April of 2022. So the two things were not at the same time. But sometimes in auditions it does happen where you go in for one role and they may think you are not quite right for the part – but if there’s another part they may ask you to go outside and look over lines to read for another part. But that is not what happened to me auditioning for the role of Marcia Murphy.

4)     Not a lot is known about Marcia Murphy. How did you create such a compelling portrayal?

I have to say that I put a lot of myself into it because there was not a whole lot of information out there about Marcia Murphy. She definitely enjoyed being in the public eye and the lifestyle they led. She was extremely supportive of Neil and he says he owes a lot of his career to her because she really pushed him and was there with him along the whole ride. About her personally, I think she was magnetic and outspoken. She knew what she wanted and didn’t take any crap. I thought those are a lot of the qualities and traits I have – so, I’ll just go with it and use the words that Anthony McCartenwrote for me.  And I just went for it and let it come to me organically in the rehearsal studio. Michael Mayer our director drove me in certain directions. They knew I was a dancer as well and put in some dancing. As an actor you keep discovering more and more. And it was really developed organically with Will Swenson being my scene partner.

5)     Your performance of Forever in Blue Jeans is so powerful. What can you tell us about the creation of that scene?

That was a moment. They gave that song to me for my final callback. I was like that was the song I loved when I was a kid! But I didn’t understand it at all – why was she singing it? Where does it fall in the show? I asked the music director what it meant and he told me to make a choice. In Boston, it was performed as a trio in a dreamworld realm. In the span of a week it morphed into Marcia Murphy’s song because with Blue Jeans I felt it was our true love; this is where we fell in love together. That is our real connection – our soul – our fire.  Money talks – is the lifestyle – Marcia had a big part in creating this monster of a lifestyle – the lavish lifestyle, the money, the houses, the art – all of the stuff. I look at that number as all of the things are amazing but in that moment – if it just came down to the two of us in the bitter end – I would leave all the money and things to have us be in the moment – the honeymoon phase when we first fell in love for the rest of our lives. So that is how I view that number every night. I choose you and me. There are the sparkle blue jean people that represent his noise, his lifestyle – they start creeping in more and more intense and take over my whole rhythm by the end and I realize I am losing control over our lives and relationships and it leads up to that crash where I go through stadium medley and I have phone calls with him. It was a journey to create that number.

6)     This is your second lead role. Does it get any easier balancing all of the demands and stresses?

No. It doesn’t get any easier. Physically I feel better but this is so hard in a different way – mentally, vocally, emotionally – putting everything into it every single night. So, it’s hard. And also now that my husband is across the street performing – he’s starring in the show New York, New York – the balance between career and normal lifestyle is getting even more difficult. It doesn’t get any easier because I care so deeply about everything that’s involved in my life. And I never feel like I’m truly nailing it on every end of my lifestyle. So, it doesn’t really get too much easier.

7)     How long has the show been in development?

Neil Diamond went to see Jersey Boys about 10 years ago and said he wanted his own show. Our producer started working on it and I think they started reading 5 or 6 years ago. COVID hit and then the 4 week table reading was in October of 2021, followed by the out of town run. And here we are now on Broadway!

8)     Neil Diamond has a massive fan base. What has the fan response been?

It’s been amazing. The best thing I hear from people that come to see the show is they were not expecting this. They were expecting the sequins. They were expecting the rock concert. They were not expecting to cry. They were not expecting his life story. They just were not expecting to feel all kinds of feelings. And that is what they say makes this jukebox bio musical different from the others. It is completely unexpected how you walk out. Of course you’re walking out singingSweet Caroline but you are feeling so much more than you thought you would be.

9)     What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do?

What a great question! You might be the first person to stump me in an interview! Maybe what do I want to do when I grow up? People are always very in the moment about shows you are doing and have done but not beyond that. That is a brilliant question!

10)   What advice would you give to aspiring high school actors?

Two things – always – and it sounds cliché – always remember who you are and be yourself when you decide to do this. I’ve experienced it myself when I get put into a tornado, hurricane in this business and you go to audition after audition and nothing is happening. And then you start to think that you need to be someone else. That’s what gets you into trouble because the people behind the table who want to cast you can sniff that out in a second. Do not be anyone other than yourself and truly believe in what you have to offer. Believe that you are a special person and you have something unique that no one else has because there is no one else like you. Put on the blinders and knock out all the negativity of social media. Remember your goals. Do not take no for an answer. Let that fuel you. And the other most important thing – nothing matters if you are not kind. You have to be a nice person. Be kind to others. Treat everyone as an equal. Treat everyone with respect. We are all humans. And none of this means anything if you do not have a good heart and lead with love.

The Facts:

Location: Broadhurst Theatre, 235 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission

Ticket Price Range: $110 to $368

Website: www.abeautifulnoisethemusical.com