The BSB Podcast

BSB Insider

The BSB Podcast is an official podcast of BSB Insider.

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255 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes255

Newest first

Saturday · 11 min
Exclusive Interview: Riley Chu of Stagecrafters' 'The Wizard of Oz'
In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Riley Chu talks about her history with Stagecrafters youth theater and what it's like to step off the stage and behind the scenes! What was her vision for The Wizard of Oz, and how did she and the other directors execute that vision? What pieces of the story did they really want to highlight? What stands out about this story to her? Check out this interview to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
Friday · 19 min
Exclusive Interview: Ricky Rojas of 'Moulin Rouge'
In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Ricky Rojas discusses what it's like to continue returning to Moulin Rouge and how his journey with Santiago has changed since its inception. While using the film as a blueprint, Rojas chats about where he pulls inspiration from to bring Santiago to life on stage. What is it about this character that perhaps general audiences don't know? And if Santiago were living in today's world, what does he think would be his anthem? The possibilities are endless when you're talking about a jukebox musical, and everything is on the table when Ricky Rojas is joining us! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
Wednesday · 20 min
Exclusive Interview: Sutton Foster Awards Winner Lillian Tang
I couldn't imagine making my Broadway debut at any point in my life, but there's something extra special and nerve-wracking to do so while still in high school. However, today's guest has made it look so easy with a professionalism that speaks to her incredible talent. Lillian Tang took East Lansing by storm with her performance from her high school production of Hello Girls, which won her the Sutton Foster Awards and made her a finalist at the 2026 Jimmy Awards. We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Lillian Tang about what this experience was like and where she wants to go with her love for the arts! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Lillian Tang talks about her personal journey into the arts and what it was like competing in both the Sutton Foster Awards and The Jimmy Awards! With the help of her biggest supporter, her mother, Tang has become quite the triple threat, which helped her secure a win at The Sutton Foster Awards! Tang discusses the SFA process and what it was like to advance to finalist status at The Jimmy's in NYC. What was it like to learn from some of the leading minds on Broadway? How exciting was it to make her Broadway debut? Check out this exciting interview to find out all these answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
Wednesday · 19 min
Exclusive Interview: Daniel Fredrick of 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'
For generations of readers, the Harry Potter series has been a place to escape into a world of magic, unforgettable friendships, and epic battles between good and evil. So when Harry Potter and the Cursed Child arrived, fans eagerly returned to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, ready for another adventure. And arrived they did, as Cursed Child has continued to entertain audiences on Broadway for eight years, bringing the magic to life in a way you've never quite seen before. While we grew up with the boy who lived, this play shines the spotlight on the next generation of young wizards, as they navigate the world of magic and perhaps the darkest adventure to date! We had the pleasure of speaking to Daniel Fredrick, who plays Ron Weasley, about what audiences can expect when they arrive at the Lyric Theatre in NYC! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Daniel Fredrick talks about what it's been like to be a part of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child over the past two and a half years and how his interpretation of Ron Weasley has changed over that time. It's not every day that an actor gets to sit with a role for an extended period of time, so how has that pushed him with Ron? What themes and stage magic still speak to him? Check out this interview to find out all these answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 27 · 27 min
Exclusive Interview: Abbie Emmons, Author of 'Make Your Story Matter'
As a critic, I know that sometimes the most difficult part of writing is getting started. That initial hurdle has proven time and time again to be a challenge that can absolutely stop a project in its tracks. However, it's not the only problem we writers encounter when trying to put our words to the page. Writer's block, developing a character, and finding your hero's journey are all things that can derail your writing process before it even begins. However, Abbie Emmons is here to revolutionize the process, both through her YouTube channel and her latest novel, Make Your Story Matter: An Interactive Guide to Unlocking Your Brain's Storytelling Power and Writing a Book Readers Love! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Abbie Emmons discusses her own journey into writing and how what she discovered about the process pushed her to create Make Your Story Matter! Using psychology as the basis for her guide, Emmons asks writers to look for those universal emotions and truths in which every story can be told. What tricks of the trade does she suggest writers throw out, and which ones does she think they should embrace? And how does her book make the writing process as easy and simple as possible? Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 27 · 20 min
Exclusive Interview: Shelby Seeley, Joe Wright, & Amanda Buchalter of Theatre Nova's 'Athena'
What happens when your biggest competition is also the person who knows you best? In Athena, Gracie Gardner turns the fast-paced world of competitive fencing into something much bigger than a sport. Every lunge, parry, and point becomes part of a battle over friendship, identity, ambition, and the pressure to be the best. At first glance, the play seems to revolve around two talented teenage fencers chasing victory, but beneath the masks and blades lies a story about growing up, navigating complicated relationships, and discovering who you are when winning is no longer enough. Filled with sharp humor, quick dialogue, and moments of surprising vulnerability, Athena keeps audiences engaged from the opening scene to the final bout. It challenges viewers to consider how competition can both strengthen and damage relationships, making it as emotionally compelling as it is entertaining. That is why it needs a strong cast and crew to bring it to life, including director Shelby Seeley, fight director Joe Wright, and cast member Amanda Buchalter! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Seeley, Wright, and Buchalter discuss what it's like to step into the world of Athena and bring it to Theatre Nova's stage! What is it about this story that spoke to each one of them? How has Athena challenged them in their respective roles? And why is this show unlike anything else they've ever worked on? Check out this interview to find out those answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 24 · 41 min
'The Phantom of the Opera' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
Our time at the Paris Opera House is almost over; however, we're not quite ready to leave the story of Christine Daaé and her Angel of Music behind. The love story in The Phantom of the Opera has captured audiences' hearts for decades, but there's so much more to appreciate in this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical than just the story itself! There's a brilliance to the magic happening in this production, as the staging is brilliant and the songs elevate it to a performance, not just a show. So before we say goodbye to this classic Broadway show, join us one more time as we dive into the music and stagecraft of The Phantom of the Opera! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the stunning stagecraft and enchanting music from the North American touring production of The Phantom of the Opera! This is one of the most impressive shows currently on tour, with sets that dazzle just as much as the Broadway production. Which songs were just as amazing as the first time we saw them? And would we see this show again? Check out this podcast episode to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 23 · 20 min
Exclusive Interview: Robert Montano of 'Small'
I'm sure there's a time when we've all felt different or out of place because of something beyond our control. Something we would love to change about ourselves, if only we had the chance, and yet the real healing comes not just from learning to live with that difference, but from embracing it fully. It's this universal message that lies at the heart of Robert Montano's autobiographical one-man play, Small! We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Robert Montano about the journey he's gone on to bring this show to the stage, and what it's like to share his story in such an intimate way! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Montano discusses where the idea for Small originated from and how the story wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement from some very important people in his life. From some kind words from his late father to a story that came to be because of his mother, and even the integral work with people such as Chita Rivera, there are elements and influences that run throughout his work to make it what it is today. Exploring aspects of his adolescence, Small truly explores his time as a horse jockey and how that period of his life had a gigantic impact on the rest of his decisions. This is a story for the underdogs, and Robert Montano isn't afraid to share it! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 22 · 44 min
'The Phantom of the Opera' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
The stage is set and the actors in place for another wonderful performance; however, there's something afoot at the Paris Opera House. Strange things have been happening for a while, and at the center of it all is the young Christine Daaé and her Angel of Music! The mystery of The Phantom of the Opera has entertained audiences for decades and has recently begun to tour North America once again! Recently stopping at the Detroit Opera House as a bonus show to ATG Detroit's Broadway series this past season! In this episode of the BSB podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko journey to the Paris Opera House to explore the story and characters that inhabit the sacred halls. What secrets might they uncover within the catacombs below? Perhaps a favorite performance or two that wowed them, unlike anything they've ever seen before? Or a storyline that they've never quite resonated with as much as they have this time around? And just which side of the Phantom vs. Raoul debate do our two hosts reside? Those answers and more lie within this exciting (and perhaps haunted) podcast! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 20 · 16 min
Exclusive Interview: Felicia Day Talks 'The Guild' Film!
We live in an age of media where those shows we loved growing up are making a comeback in monumental ways. Nostalgia is real, and the desire to return to a world that was vibrant and comfortable is not only desired but absolutely needed. We don't crave a reboot; we want a sequel that brings together those who made the original project so special, much like The Guild film, which is finally in the works from creator Felicia Day! As we approach the 20th anniversary, the cast and creatives behind the series are excited to return to The Guild once again, but they need your help to do so! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, we sat down with Felicia Day to talk about her time with the original The Guild series and what it's like to step back into the world two decades later! Has her relationship with these characters changed since her initial run with them? What are her dreams for this particular project, for both the film itself and what it represents to the fans? Listen to this interview to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 18 · 43 min
The BSB Podcast With Jim Vines of The Broadway Magic Hour!
What's theater without a little magic? There's nothing quite like the stage magic that brings the musicals and plays to life each and every day on Broadway. However, in the heart of Times Square, there's another kind of magic happening that you may not even be aware of! No, it's not the magic of the Big Apple (although that is a special kind of magic if I do say so myself), but instead that of Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio at their show, The Broadway Magic Hour! Every weekend, these two magicians are charming audiences with a show full of magic and wonder, and we had the pleasure of chatting with Jim Vines! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko are joined by the one-of-a-kind performer Jim Vines to discuss not only his show in New York City but also his extensive career as a magician. What was the first magic trick that changed his life forever and pushed him to pursue magic as a career? Having produced quite a few shows, as well as winning championships and competing on Penn and Teller's show, what was a career highlight for Vines? The magician also talks about how this current show, The Broadway Magic Hour, came to be. What is his and Mercurio's process for developing a show like this one, and how did they adapt to society's changing times? Find out all those answers and more in this exciting episode of the BSB podcast! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 15 · 26 min
Exclusive Interview: Sara Grice and Kevin Starnes of Nicely Theatre Group's 'Oliver!'
While many of us may have heard the name Oliver Twist, how many are familiar with his story? Originally published as a serial in the mid-19th century by Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist tells the tale of a young orphan who joins a gang of juvenile pickpockets and ultimately finds his family. It's a dark tale brimming with light that has found life outside the pages of a book, as in the musical Oliver! The stage production debuted in the early 1960's, winning three Tony Awards and eventually spawning a film that earned similar accolades. It's this incredible show and the just-as-impactful story that are coming to the Berman Center of the Performing Arts with Nicely Theatre Group's production of Oliver! We had the pleasure of speaking with two of the cast members, Sara Grice and Kevin Starnes, about what audiences can expect when the curtains come up! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Grice and Starnes talk about their previous relationship with the show material prior to the show and what it's like to be a part of the latest production from Nicely Theatre Group! How does Oliver! differ from some of the other productions they've been a part of? What's their favorite song from the production? And how exactly are they embodying these characters? Give this exciting interview a listen to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 11 · 25 min
'The Music Man' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
Do you hear that sound coming down the road? Faint at first but gaining volume with each passing moment, as something comes into focus. A parade of red plumes and shiny brass, indicating the approach of a marching band! It must be the North American touring production of The Music Man, coming to a city near you! This classic show recently came to the Fox Theatre in Detroit, MI, with a production that captured what makes this show iconic. However, how do the music and stagecraft hold up against the story of The Music Man? Well, that's just what we're about to explore in this part two discussion of The Music Man! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko explore the soaring ballads and impressive choreography of this touring production! Which of the songs really captured their attention, while others fell flat? What about the stagecraft really captured their hearts, and what made them wish for the show to end? Which of the performers stood out amongst the crowd? And most importantly, why does Brian love a funky horn solo so much? We'll get to the bottom of all these questions and more in this exciting new podcast episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
July 7 · 35 min
'The Music Man' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
When's the last time you hitched a ride on the Wells Fargo wagon and hightailed it out of the big city for life in a small town? No, we're not talking literally, but more so about when the last time you've seen The Music Man! With the recent Broadway revival a few seasons ago, there's been renewed interest in the show, with a North American touring production kicking off recently! The tale of Harold Hill arrived at The Fox Theatre here in Detroit, MI, recently, and we had the pleasure of reacquainting ourselves with the iconic story of yesteryear! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko are deep-diving into the story and characters of The Music Man, exploring how their relationship with the material has changed over the years! While Brian's real adventure with The Music Man was with the Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster-led Broadway production, RJ has had a much longer history with the show. What do these two remember of their past experiences, and what was it like to see it on a stage here in Detroit? Were there any characters that stood out to them or any stories that resonated differently now that they're both adults? Give this episode a listen to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
June 30 · 23 min
'Romeo + Juliet' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore Art Thou Romeo? A simple question some might be asking themselves, as we just found the young man from Verona on Broadway with his beautiful Juliet, in the recent revival of Romeo + Juliet. While the story itself is largely intact, as is the language in which it is spoken, there's a new life in this classic William Shakespeare tale of love and woe. Featuring music from Jack Antonoff and directed by Sam Gold, Romeo + Juliet arrived at Circle in the Square Theatre in what might be the wildest reimagination that we've seen so far. So what exactly did you think of the Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor-led Romeo + Juliet? In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the story and characters within this revival of Romeo + Juliet. Having read this play back in high school, did our favorite characters remain the same from our adolescence, or did we find ourselves aligned with others? Is there anything about the story that spoke to us in a different way, almost a decade after it was originally introduced to us? And are Romeo and Juliet just theater kids way before their time? That last one is a given, as the drama is impeccable. Check out this fun episode to discover just what was going on in the latest take on Shakespeare's most well-known love story...we mean tragedy. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
June 22 · 46 min
The 79th Tony Awards | The BSB Podcast
In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down all the excitement (and perhaps a bit of disappointment) from the 79th Tony Awards! From the shows that swept their categories to the wins that shocked everyone, there's so much to discuss from this year's Tony Awards! Did your favorite show take home the gold? Which of the shows had devastating losses? Which performances were showstoppers, and which had us scratching our heads? How many arial flips did Pink! do while hosting at Radio City Music Hall? And what's coming next in the world of theater here in Michigan, as well as on Broadway proper? We're sharing what's coming in the 2026-2027 theater season! We have all that and more in the exciting podcast episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
June 19 · 16 min
Exclusive Interview: Sutton Foster Awards Winner AJ Denomme
There's nothing quite like standing on a theater stage, or at least I would assume so. The bright lights blaze down on you, as a shadowed audience is waiting with bated breath, hanging on your every word. And so you begin your number, giving it everything you got, making those present in the auditorium gasp with every impressive high note you hit, making it look as easy as saying hello. Now imagine doing that as a high schooler, but not just in front of your friends and family during the spring musical, but instead inside a crowded Wharton Center on the eve of the Sutton Foster Awards. Personally, my nerves would be through the roof; however, SFA winner AJ Denomme looked at ease up there on stage. In this exclusive BSB Interview, we spoke with AJ Denomme about what it was like to participate and win the Sutton Foster Awards, and how his journey in the arts has brought him to this stage on Michigan State University's campus, in East Lansing. Where did that passion for acting and performing begin? How have his parents supported him on this journey? And what's next now that he's headed to New York City for the 2026 Jimmy Awards? Give this interview a listen to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
June 18 · 32 min
Exclusive Interview: Stephen Michael Spencer & Casey Shuler of 'Music City'
Nashville: a city where every street corner seems to echo with the promise of a hit song. The Off-Broadway show, Music City, brings the heart and soul of Nashville to St. Luke's Theatre in the heart of NYC. Blending original country music with a story of ambition, love, and resilience, the play (with music) follows a group of aspiring artists as they chase their dreams in one of the world's most competitive music scenes. Beneath the catchy melodies and energetic performances lies a deeper exploration of the sacrifices required for success and the relationships tested along the way. We had the absolute pleasure of talking with two of the cast members from Music City, Stephen Michael Spencer and Casey Shuler! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Stephen Michael Spencer and Casey Shuler discuss what it is about Music City that continuously brings them back. With both actors having been with this production for quite some time, how have they grown with their characters? Has their insight into TJ and 23, respectively, changed over the years? And what is it about their two characters that keeps pulling them towards each other? With a strong message of hope, there's plenty of light in Music City, so find out how that prevails in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
June 17 · 23 min
Exclusive Interview: Bryan Parker of 'Scarpetta'
In an era crowded with crime dramas and police procedurals, Scarpetta distinguishes itself through its unique atmosphere and psychological complexity. Rather than treating forensic science as a collection of laboratory tricks, this Prime Video series presents it as a meticulous search for truth, where every detail has the potential to unlock a mystery. Visually, Scarpetta embraces a dark, polished aesthetic that mirrors the unsettling nature of the cases at its center, but how does the series come together sonically? Sound is so important to every film and series that comes across our screens, but there's something special and essential to this particular Nicole Kidman-led series, so what exactly does it take to bring the soundscape of Kay Scarpetta's world to life? We recently spoke to Bryan Parker from the Formosa Group, who worked extensively on season one to capture the sound of Scarpetta! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Bryan Parker discusses the general idea behind Scarpetta's soundscape and dives into how he and his team captured it for the show. With two distinct times come two vastly different environments, so how exactly do they build those two different worlds? A lot of time and effort go into discovering what Kay Scarpetta's past and present world is, all of which you might not even think about in the moment. Explore how Parker and the rest of his team at Formosa have added these sound elements and more in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!
June 16 · 28 min
'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) was an unexpected hit from our most recent trip to New York City. There's just something about the story of Dougal and Robin discovering fundamental truths about themselves because of their adventures together. Two Strangers is deeply moving and unbelievably real in almost every way, giving Broadway the heart that it desperately needs at this time. While the story itself spoke volumes to our hosts, there was also something to be said about the music and stagecraft of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). In this episode of the BSB podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down those aspects of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). With catchy music that gets stuck in your head, is there a certain song that caught their attention? Did having the band on stage add to the overall feel of the show or distract from the world of Robin and Dougal? With a simplistic stage design, how well does Two Strangers transport audiences into this bright and colorful world? And most importantly...will Brian ever get the name of the show right???? Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!