The BSB Podcast

BSB Insider

The BSB Podcast is an official podcast of BSB Insider.

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255 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes255

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June 12 · 25 min
Exclusive Interview: Angela VanKempen & Jerry Haines of St. Dunstan's 'Head Over Heels'
Head Over Heels is one of the most delightfully unconventional musicals to reach Broadway in recent years. Set to the infectious hits of The Go-Go’s, the show transforms a 16th-century pastoral romance into a vibrant, contemporary celebration of love, identity, and self-discovery. What could have been a simple jukebox musical becomes something far more inventive: a witty, fast-paced comedy that embraces absurdity while delivering a surprisingly heartfelt message. What truly distinguishes Head Over Heels is its fearless commitment to inclusivity and joy. A joy that was radiating off of the director of St. Dunstan Theatre's production of Head Over Heels, Jerry Haines, and cast member, Angela VanKempen, when we spoke to them about this musical! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Haines and VanKempen discuss what drives them about this product and their excitement about bringing it to life. While VanKempen wasn't too familiar with the musical prior to auditioning, Haines has had a deep love for the project since seeing the original Broadway cast in New York City! From a colorful design to the challenges of performing a show like Head Over Heels in an outdoor Greek theatre, there's nothing off-limits 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 12 · 23 min
'Romeo + Juliet' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
When was the last time you revisited a theatrical classic? A story that is timeless and continues to live on long past its time on stage. Since we've begun our journey here at BSB Insider, we've seen quite a few revivals come across the stages of Broadway, but none so striking as the most recent take on the William Shakespeare classic, Romeo + Juliet! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko visit the fair city of Verona once again as we dissect the most recent Broadway revival of Romeo + Juliet! While we broke down the story and the characters in part one, we're now looking at the magic that happened at the Circle in the Square Theatre! From the design of the stage to the use of the entire theater in such a unique way, what about the stagecraft really stood out in this production? Did the addition of some original music from Jack Antonoff add anything magical to the show, or did it distract from the prose of William Shakespeare? And just what is the deal with the large teddy bears that adorned both the stage and the lobby outside? Don't worry, we're here to help figure it out and get to the bottom of all these questions in this 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 12 · 32 min
'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is a sparkling, sharply observed musical that proves how much emotional weight can be carried by the lightest of premises. What begins as a whimsical mission to transport a wedding cake across Manhattan unfolds into a richly textured exploration of identity, family, and the unexpected connections that shape our lives. Set against the restless energy of New York City, the show pairs quick-witted dialogue with an infectious score that balances contemporary pop influences and genuine emotional depth. While it was the wild card going into our most recent trip to New York City, it quickly became a BSB Broadway favorite that we still haven't been able to shut up about. In this episode of the BSB podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the story and characters in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). As this show only has two actors on stage, unless you count the band, how does Two Strangers build emotional depth? What was it about the story that made Brian cry so profusely? And perhaps, most importantly, do the characters actually manage to successfully carry a cake across New York? Found out those answers and more in this 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 8 · 22 min
Exclusive Interview: Duncan McRae and Jeff Pitts of 'They Will Kill You'
They Will Kill You is the kind of horror-action film that kicks down the door, splashes blood across the walls, and dares you not to have fun. Director Kirill Sokolov's vision is crystal clear, as audiences follow Asia Reaves, a former convict who takes a housekeeping job in a creepy New York apartment building. However, it isn't long until she discovers that its residents are hiding a deadly secret. The film thrives on its chaotic energy, blending outrageous violence with sharp humor and a fast-moving plot. And perhaps, most importantly, a certain kind of sound... We had a chance to sit down with two of the sound geniuses from Formosa Group, who worked on They Will Kill You, Duncan McRae (re-recording mixer) and Jeff Pitts (supervising sound editor)! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, McRae and Pitts discuss the art of sound design and what it took to bring this particular project to life. Using genres such as anime and 1970s Kung Fu films, these explore how sound not only delivers a narrative but also becomes an integral part of the story. Which scenes and elements proved to be a particularly difficult aspect of They Will Kill You? And just what is it about the film that drew these two in right away? Check out this exciting interview to learn 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!
June 5 · 20 min
Exclusive Interview: Milika Cheree and Stephanie Wahl of Meadow Brook Theatre's 'Always a Bridesmaid'
There are friendships, there are wedding parties, and then there are the women of Always a Bridesmaid, a group so committed to their friendship that they seem permanently trapped in a cycle of bouquets, bridesmaid dresses, and wedding cake. This show from Jones Hope Wooten proves that while fashions change, hairstyles evolve, and romantic relationships come and go, true friends will always be there to stand beside you at the altar, whether you like it or not. Always a Bridesmaid recently arrived at Meadow Brook Theatre, and we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with two of the cast members from this show, Milika Cheree and Stephanie Wahl! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Stephanie Wahl and Milika Cheree discuss what it's like to return to Meadow Brook Theater for the closing show of this current season! As a straight show brimming with comedy, these two talk about what it's like switching it up from a musical to being on stage with a stellar cast of women. What has been the best part of being a part of this production? 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 3 · 28 min
'Chess' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
If musical theatre is a game of strategy, then Chess is the intermezzo move. It is the rare musical whose score is so dazzling that it has survived productions that often struggled to match its energy. While directors, producers, and dramaturgs have spent decades trying to solve this puzzle, the music itself has never been the problem. From its thunderous opening chords to its soaring power ballads, the score combines pop sophistication with theatrical sweep in a way few musicals have managed before or since. Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame, with lyrics by Tim Rice, Chess sounds as though the arena concert and the Broadway stage had been locked in a room together and somehow emerged as equals. In this episode of the BSB Podcasts, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the music and score, along with the set, of this recent Broadway revival. Staged as a concert in many ways, with the band right there on stage with the actors, how does this most recent staging of Chess work for the show? Which songs were standouts, and what performances fell a little flat? And perhaps most importantly, is Chess a checkmate? There's so much to talk about this Tony-nominated musical, so join us as we finish our conversation about this Broadway show! 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 2 · 24 min
'Chess' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
Few musicals have enjoyed a reputation as gloriously complicated as Chess. For decades, it has occupied a peculiar place in Broadway lore: too beloved to be forgotten, too messy to be universally embraced. Its long-awaited Broadway revival finally gives audiences another chance to witness a show that has spent nearly forty years trying to win a match against its own reputation. Set amid the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War, Chess transforms an international chess tournament into a battlefield of egos, ideologies, and romantic entanglements. In lesser hands, a musical about competitive chess might sound about as exciting as watching paint dry on a Soviet apartment block. And yet, there's something special happening eight times a week at the Imperial Theatre. The stage, or chessboard, is set, and this Broadway show is ready to check the king! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko talk about the story and characters of Chess, which is a feat unto itself. With the show being more of a staged musical concert, how does the story translate to this latest revival? When a Queen is stuck between two impossible Kings, who will come out on top? And when it comes to love, does anyone truly win? You'll have to give this episode a listen to find out all 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!
May 30 · 20 min
Exclusive Interview: Adam Wager & Celeste Blanch of Avon Players' 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder'
A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder proves that murder can be surprisingly charming when wrapped in wit, elegance, and a perfectly tailored Edwardian suit. The musical follows Monty Navarro, an ambitious young man who discovers he is ninth in line to a noble title and decides that waiting for fate to do its work is simply inefficient. What follows is a delightfully absurd parade of accidents, disguises, and increasingly creative murders as Monty works his way up the family tree. We had the pleasure of speaking with the fast-talking Monty, or at least the actor behind him, Adam Wager, and fellow cast member, Celeste Blanch, about their time in this Avon Players production! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Wager and Blanch talk about what drew them to A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder at Avon Players! How is this local Michigan playhouse bringing the world of Monty Navarro to life on stage? How has this show challenged these actors, and what is their favorite song from the production? Check out this interview to learn 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!
May 29 · 23 min
Exclusive Interview: Michael Alan Herman & Josie Herman of Theatre Nova's 'The Last Wide Open'
Life seems full of What-ifs, which is something I think about constantly. Not in a way that I'm regretting the decisions I've made up to this moment, but looking more with a fascination of what could have been, if something small had been changed. I know I'm not alone in this, as the idea of what could be is enchanting to think about, since life could look vastly different because of a choice that feels perhaps insignificant at the time. The Last Wide Open, which is making its Michigan premiere at Theatre Nova, explores those possibilities across three different timelines and their impact on the power of love. We spoke with the two cast members from this production, Michael Alan Herman and Josie Herman, about what it's like to bring this show to Theatre Nova! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Michael and Josie Herman discuss what it's like to tell this out-of-time love story, and how being married in real life influences the show unfolding on stage! With those three distinct timelines in The Last Wide Open, how do these two actors approach developing their characters? As a play, how does music factor into the show? And with this show utilizing fourth wall breaking, how does that dynamic impact The Last Wide Open? Find out these answers 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!
May 28 · 31 min
Exclusive Interview: Cece King of 'Redemption Song'
BSB Insider sat down with writer, director, and performer Cece King to discuss her new original play, Redemption Song, premiering at The Broadwater Second Stage as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Set in rural Kentucky, the play follows Joe Malone, a gifted musician returning home after serving time in prison, as he attempts to reconnect with the family he left behind. Through emotionally driven storytelling and original music, Redemption Song explores addiction, family trauma, forgiveness, and the difficult road toward healing. In our conversation, Cece King opens up about the inspiration behind the play, the choice to weave original music into the story, and what it means to create character-driven theatre that does not shy away from complicated people or painful truths. With original songs by Matt Pynn and Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Wes Hutchinson, Redemption Song brings together theatre, music, and deeply human storytelling in a way that feels intimate, honest, and timely. Learn more about this incredible show and the multi-talented performer behind it, in this exclusive 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!
May 27 · 33 min
'Ragtime' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
I vividly remember reading the novel Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow in college. It was during an English course focused on the American Dream, with a series of books to show us what that really meant throughout the decades. I'm sure plenty of us grew up with the promise that we'd graduate from school, get a job, have a family, and that damn picket fence. This was the idea that our parents were sold, and their parents before them; that dream was only realized for some, and a nightmare for many more. While the message of Ragtime was understood, it didn't fully sink in until I was sitting in Lincoln Center listening to the dazzling music of this Tony Award-winning revival. In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the music and stagecraft of Ragtime! While both hosts are familiar with this project in different ways, how enchanting was the musical's soundscape? As a show that is told mostly through song, which numbers stood out? There are a few that RJ draws from his theater history that people tend to keep coming back to. Join these two as they also discuss the recent landscape of Broadway, with concert-esque shows seeming to be all the rage! 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!
May 22 · 33 min
'Ragtime' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
There are some musicals that stay with you long after the curtain closes, haunting you in the best way possible. The music floats in and out of your mind, the story playing in your head repeatedly. The message at the center sticks with you, prompting you to reflect both on the show itself and on what it says about the society you live in. Ragtime at the Lincoln Center is one of those stories that comes with an incredible weight about America's past and just how much work we still need to do in our future. This revival of the classic musical is nothing short of extraordinary and a frontrunner for the 79th Tony Awards. But what about the story and characters of Ragtime stand out? We have a lot to discuss. In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the themes within Ragtime and why the story is so poignant in today's society. Is there a specific character's story arc that resonates the most with our hosts? Whose performance speaks volumes in a show packed with so many spectacular actors? Were there any narrative plots that fell flat compared to others? You'll have to give this part 1 discussion of Ragtime to learn all 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!
May 20 · 26 min
Exclusive Interview: Sanio Kurtesevic of 'A Night of Chekhov'
It's not every day that you get to see a classic in the theater world. No, I'm not talking about productions of The Sound of Music, West Side Story, or Oklahoma; I'm talking about those plays that have stood the test of time, even if they're rarely produced in today's theater landscape. Take Anton Chekhov, for example. A prolific Russian playwright whose works don't often make it to the stage. Or, if they do, there are specific pieces of Chekhov's, such as Uncle Vanya, that continue to find life on stage. However, lesser-known comedies by the playwright also speak volumes, which is why Sanio Kurtesevic has decided to bring them to NYC with a new show, A Night of Chekhov! We spoke to Sanio Kurtesevic about the importance of bringing classic shows such as these three plays to the stage, and why it's a mission for him and his production company, Duze Productions! With a background as an actor, the director discusses how he leads shows like this one and how collaboration with others is essential to bringing his productions to life. 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!
May 19 · 37 min
'Hamilton' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
Much like the rest of the world, we can't seem to stop talking about the Broadway sensation, Hamilton! This iconic musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, the American Revolution, and the impact he continues to have on this country. Blending traditional sets and costumes with hip-hop and rap, history (or at least a version of it) unfolds right in front of your eyes! This Lin-Manuel Miranda musical is an absolute well-oiled machine, bringing consistent high-quality theater to a city near you while on its North American tour, all of which we'll talk about in this second part of our Hamilton discussion! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the music and stagecraft of this incredible production. With both of our hosts having seen Hamilton before, how did this tour compare to the others? Was it just as strong this time as it was previously? With so many songs packed into the three-hour show, which ones were standouts? Who gave it their all for the performances while it was stopped at The Fisher Theatre as the final show of ATG Detroit's current season? Give this part two discussion 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!
May 18 · 26 min
Exclusive Interview: Jim Territo and Lauren Fuller of 'Be Nice, Think Twice'
Who doesn't love a date with a brand new show, right? There's something about entering into a show that you know nothing about and being pleasantly surprised by what happens on stage. Here in this part of Michigan, we have so many incredibly talented individuals who are bringing remarkable pieces of art to life on and off the stage. Take Jim Territo, the mind behind the upcoming cabaret show, Be Nice, Think Twice, for example! It takes someone with immense talent to write an entire show, let alone do so in just a few short months! We had the absolute pleasure to speak with Jim Territo and director Lauren Fuller about what audiences can expect from this one-of-a-kind show! In this exclusive interview, Jim Territo and Lauren Fuller discuss the depth of Be Nice, Think Twice, and where this project really began. The creative mind behind the show talks about where the idea for Be Nice, Think Twice came from and why it felt important to bring the show to the public. Fuller discusses why she was attracted to this project and her directorial vision for it. Which songs are their favorites, and what are they hoping audiences take away from the experience? 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!
May 13 · 43 min
'Hamilton' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
History class rarely includes rap battles, dramatic dance numbers, or a crowd singing about tax policy, but Hamilton somehow makes all three wildly entertaining. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical takes the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton and turns it into a fast-paced Broadway phenomenon packed with hip-hop, humor, heartbreak, and enough lyrical speed to make subtitles feel necessary. What sounds like the world’s riskiest history project quickly becomes impossible to stop watching. For over a decade, Hamilton has continued to enchant audiences at the Richard Rodger Theatre, or if you're lucky, in a city near you, as this unstoppable show continues its tour de force. This musical, which blends contemporary music with a colonial feel, has recently arrived at The Fisher Theatre, and Detroit showed up and showed out! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the story and characters of the North American touring production of Hamilton! With both of us having seen the show before to varying degrees, how did this production hold up to previous ones? Find out in this 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!
May 11 · 28 min
Exclusive Interview: Mateo Davis and Alexander Pobutsky of Detroit Public Theatre's 'King James'
As someone who began an outlet with my best friend because of our shared love of Broadway and Theatre, I understand the strength of the bonds we form over the course of our lives. Whether it be with family who prove that blood is thicker than water, or the chosen family we gather, there are some relationships that can't be broken, even when life tries to do so. It's a friendship like that that is put to the test in Rajiv Joseph's King James, currently running at the Detroit Public Theatre! We had the pleasure of chatting with the cast of this production, Mateo Davis and Alexander Pobutsky, about what it's like stepping into the roles of Shawn and Matt, respectively! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Davis and Pobutsky discuss what drew them to this particular project and the challenges of bringing their characters to life. With King James being a two-person show, both actors have no one else to rely on on stage except each other. While they're both up to the task, are there specific challenges to a two-person play? Give this interview a listen to learn all of this 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!
May 11 · 22 min
Exclusive Interview: Deanna Doyle of 'Gotta Dance!'
If you're a theater nerd such as myself, and let's be honest, you probably are if you've found your way to this site, then you probably grew up on all the classic movie musicals. Between my mother and grandmother, I've seen most, if not all, of the classics that came on VHS. Each film felt so special that even to this day, when I hear one of the songs, I'm filled with so much nostalgia. That's just a piece of what Gotta Dance! is tapping into with its revue show, which highlights the best of Broadway and Hollywood. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with one of the cast members from this production, Deanna Doyle, about what it's like to dance to some of these iconic songs! In this exclusive interview, Doyle discusses her excitement to be part of a show like Gotta Dance! and which number is her favorite. She explores her personal journey into the arts, which eventually led her to this show! With a background in psychology, she discusses how it has shaped her time on stage and in teaching others. Learn more about this extraordinary performer and this incredible show she's in, 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!
May 11 · 14 min
Exclusive Interview: Drew Minard of 'Gotta Dance!'
Welcome to Gotta Dance! a new show that's a love letter to all the golden age of song and dance from both Broadway and Hollywood! With numbers from some of your favorite shows and films, such as A Chorus Line and West Side Story, this revue is jam-packed with impressive dance moves and that high-energy feel you'll be riding all night! We recently spoke with Gotta Dance! cast member Drew Minard about what audiences can expect from the show and his personal journey into the world of theater and dance! In this exclusive BSB Insider, Drew Minard discusses what it's like to be a part of Gotta Dance! and what it's like to keep that high energy up for almost two hours, eight times a week! With so many iconic songs performed across the revue, Minard explores some of his favorites and why some numbers from Broadway and Hollywood stand the test of time. His journey into theater began when he was young, with a start in Billy Elliot before continuing his education in the Arts. However, what were the steps that led him to this show? Find out 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!
May 9 · 42 min
Exclusive Interview: Russell Boyle, Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz, & Justin Heald of Birmingham Village Players' 'A Little Night Music'
A Little Night Music is basically what happens when wealthy, overly dramatic people spend a weekend making terrible romantic decisions in the Swedish countryside, but with incredible music and fancy clothes. This musical by Stephen Sondheim follows actresses, lawyers, husbands, wives, and lovers as they flirt, argue, scheme, and accidentally reveal far too much about themselves. Nearly everyone is in love with the wrong person, which creates the kind of emotional chaos that is both painful and hilarious to watch. Birmingham Village Players is closing out their season with a strong sense of whimsy, and we had the pleasure of talking with three cast members from this production, Russell Boyle, Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz, and Justin Heald! In this exclusive BSB Insider, these three actors talk about what drew them to wanting to be in A Little Night Music, and what it’s like to be in a Birmingham Village Players production! With this being a bucket list musical for Boyle, what is it about this show that is so attractive to him? How has Kalmowitz’s time as a cantor influenced her work on this production? As a member of the Quintet, how is Heald’s role the backbone of A Little Night Music? 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!