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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May 8 · 35 min
'Hadestown' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
In Hadestown, the band doesn’t sit beside the story; it is the story. Anaïs Mitchell (much like the fates with their tapestry) threads together folk, jazz, blues, and gospel until the music feels less like accompaniment and more like fate itself: seductive, restless, impossible to outrun. Every trombone growl and train-beat rhythm pulls Orpheus and Eurydice deeper underground, proving that in this retelling of a Greek myth, the songs carry as much power as the gods. Hadestown's music is so integral to the show that it deserves its own conversation! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko, along with special guest Ryann Ferguson, discuss the music and stagecraft of this incredible touring production. With a distinct sound that blends the smoothness of jazz with a feel ripped right from New Orleans, how do the songs of Hadestown serve the overall story? Does that blend of soul match the story being told on stage at The Fisher Theatre? As is expected with most touring productions, the staging features some significant changes from its Broadway counterpart, so how exactly does this show translate to life on the road? And what are our final verdicts of this show? Listen to this exciting episode to find all that out 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 5 · 25 min
'Hadestown' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
If someone told you that a tragic Greek myth could feel like a smoky jazz concert, a labor protest, and a love story all at once, you might have been skeptical; however, the long-running Broadway musical Hadestown combines all that and more. This genre-defying musical takes the ancient tale of Orpheus and Eurydice and drops it into a gritty, industrial world where gods act like corporate bosses and hope is as scarce as sunlight. From the mind of Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown doesn’t just retell a story you may have heard before; it reshapes it into something urgent, emotional, and surprisingly relevant. It's poetic in its delivery, with music that speaks to the soul and a story where love battles fear, and trust is constantly put to the test. In this episode of the BSB Podcast, Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko welcome guest Ryann Ferguson to break down the story and characters from the North American touring production of Hadestown! While this is a well-known Greek myth, how does Hadestown truly capture that story on stage? With a jazz-influenced world, how does this production combine these two different ideas? With characters based on Greek Gods, are some more relatable than others? With so many stories and characters to chat about, you'll have to listen to see where Hadestown ranks amongst so many other Broadway shows! 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 4 · 16 min
Exclusive Interview: Keely Beirne of 'Gotta Dance!'
Which classic musical films or Broadway shows did you grow up on? There are always at least a few that define us, theater lovers, sometimes becoming an integral part of our personality. To this day, I still watch The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer at least four times a year, because it fills me with so much joy, from the iconic songs to the impressive dance numbers. Well, what if there was a show that paid respect to those dance numbers from all your favorite classic musicals? That's exactly what's going on in Gotta Dance! and we had the absolute pleasure of speaking to one of the cast members, Keely Beirne! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Beirne talks about her personal journey into acting and dancing, and how it eventually brought her to the stages of NYC. From performing in shows such as Aladdin and Moulin Rouge to now dancing eight times a week in Gotta Dance!, this actress discusses the excitement and challenges of her current role. What is her favorite number to perform (hint! one of them is classic starring Rita Moreno)? Listen to this exciting interview to find out all that 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 4 · 17 min
Exclusive Interview: Kasie Buono Roberts and Nathan Robert of Meadow Brook Theatre's 'Million Dollar Quartet'
Million Dollar Quartet is what happens when four rock ’n’ roll legends accidentally turn a casual studio hangout into an iconic piece of music history. The musical, from Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, transports audiences to Sun Studio in the mid-1950's, where the epic one-night-only jam session featuring Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins changes the world forever. These four music legends are basically the Avengers of early rock, but with better hair and louder pianos, which is why this moment still lives. We recently spoke with two of the actors from Meadow Brook Theatre's production of Million Dollar Quartet, Kasie Buono Roberts and Nathan Roberts, about what audiences can expect from this musical! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Kasie Buono Roberts and Nathan Roberts discuss what it's like coming back to Million Dollar Quartet, having done this production many times before. What is it like to step into the shoes of an icon? For Nathan Roberts, it comes with some pressure, as Johnny Cash is incredibly well-known and beloved by so many. For Kasie Buono Roberts, there's more room for interpretation, so how does her character of Dyanne come together? 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 2 · 11 min
Exclusive Interview: Emily Harbert of Pontiac Theatre IV's 'The Girl on the Train'
Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train, was one of those novels that strapped readers in and refused to let them go until the final pages. It's one of those gripping psychological thrillers that pulls you into a world of memory, obsession, and deception; a story where you're never quite sure what's real or not. It's intense, twisty, and wild in the best way possible, which honestly makes it perfect for a stage adaptation. Pontiac Theatre IV recently brought The Girl on the Train to their stage, and we had the pleasure of speaking with the director of this production, Emily Harbert! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Harbert discusses why she loves The Girl on the Train so much and what drew her to wanting to direct this production. Having almost directed this play at another theater, she explores how it changed and grew when she brought it to Pontiac Theatre IV. From a talented cast that embodies these characters with enthusiasm and professionalism, Harbert explores both the excitement of finally bringing this story to the public and the challenges of doing so. 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!
April 28 · 14 min
Exclusive Interview: Lauren Nanes of Farmington Players' 'Hello Dolly'
Few musicals burst onto the stage with as much sparkle, swagger, and sheer life-force as Hello, Dolly! From the moment the curtain rises, it sweeps audiences into a world of bustling streets, brassy melodies, and one woman’s unstoppable charm. At its heart is Dolly Gallagher Levi, a matchmaker who can't help but meddle and is determined to reinvent herself. This time, she isn't just going to give others their happy ending; she's going to finally get one of her own! It takes someone with plenty of personality to bring a character such as Dolly to life, and Laura Nanes is the perfect person to do so with Farmington Players' production of this classic musical. We had the absolute pleasure chatting with her about this show! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Nanes discusses what it's like to return to this role after playing Dolly back in high school. She explores how her approach to this character has changed over the years and how much joy it brings her to return to Hello Dolly! She explores what it is about this character that keeps bringing her back and how her time with Farmington Players has been! Interested in learning what her favorite song is to perform? Listen to this exciting 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!
April 27 · 14 min
Exclusive Interview: Anthony Cannarella of 'Gotta Dance!'
If you're a theater nerd like me, there's a good chance that you cut your teeth on some of the most iconic movie musicals ever. I'm talking about The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews, West Side Story with Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno, and even Singin' in the Rain with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. I would watch these films obsessively and would imitate the impressive dance moves all throughout my house. Gotta Dance! is sharing that love of the golden age of Hollywood musicals and also of Broadway, by showcasing some of the more iconic numbers ever! We recently spoke with one of the Gotta Dance! cast members, Anthony Cannarella, about what audiences can expect from this production! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Cannarella talks about his journey into dance and acting and how that eventually led him to Gotta Dance! Being a bit more of a self-described Bunhead, Cannarella talks about how this production has pushed him to grow and about the pinch-me moments that come with performing some of the most recognizable dance numbers! 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!
April 27 · 27 min
Exclusive Interview: Nuverre Naami and Caitlyn Shea of Planet Ant's 'Jurassic Park The Musical'
As a child, did you love dinosaurs as so many of us did? I myself was a Barney kid, watching that series obsessively, and eventually worked my way up to the ultimate Dinosaur franchise ever to exist: Jurassic Park. There's something magical and downright terrifying about an amusement park filled with prehistoric creatures, which fascinates the mind and sends shivers down your spine. So, naturally, a film like this classic is the perfect fit for a musical adaptation, right? Some of the creative minds over at Planet Ant certainly think so, having brought Jurassic Park the Musical to their stage last year to much fanfare, so much so that it's come back for another round of hilarity and song! We recently spoke with two of the creative minds behind this production, Nuverre Naami and Caitlyn Shea, about what audiences can expect from this remounting of Jurassic Park the Musical! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Naami and Shea discuss where the idea for a musical adaptation of Jurassic Park originated and what the developmental process for a parody musical is like. What began as a bit during a hangout with friends eventually turned into something more. While staying true to the original film, these creatives discuss the liberties taken in Jurassic Park the Musical and how they came to be. With so many involved wearing many hats, these two discuss the passion that goes into this musical to bring it 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!
April 25 · 16 min
Exclusive Interview: Elise Enerson of Tread the Boards 'Disney's Descendants'
We all love a twisted tale, right? Stories like Wicked, which tell the events leading to The Wizard of Oz through the lens of the Wicked Witch of the West's experiences. There's something so magical to see a story that you've known your entire life differently, especially if we're gaining perspective from the supposed villain of the story. However, what if, instead of looking through a classic villain's eyes, we see the world through their children's eyes? Disney's Descendants has been a powerhouse franchise, a movie series that has spawned a plethora of other media, including a stage production! Tread the Boards is bringing Descendants to its stage, and we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Maleficent herself, Elise Enerson, about this production! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Enerson talks about what it's like to return to Tread the Boards for this production and why Disney's Descendants is so much fun to be a part of. This actress discusses what it's like to star in this musical again, this time in a different role, and how her experiences have changed her connection to the source material. What's her favorite song to perform? How has this show challenged Elise Enerson as an actress? Listen to this exciting interview 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!
April 25 · 18 min
Exclusive Interview: Mo Thomas and Katie Della Mora of 'But They're Shrimp'
Have you ever wondered what life would be like for a shrimp about to enter their 30th year of life? I know what you're thinking: that's an oddly specific question, but it's one that lies in But They're Shrimp!!!, a new comedy from Katie Della Mora that is currently running at Planet Ant! This coming-of-age story is unlike anything you've ever seen before, yet it carries a universal message we can all relate to! We had the pleasure of speaking with the writer and director of this production, Katie Della Mora, along with Mo Thomas, who plays Pip in But They're Shrimp!!! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Della Mora discusses the origins of the idea for But They're Shrimp!!! came from, and what her process for developing this show was. What began with a lot of shrimp-related jokes and the wish to see a shrimp ballet turned into a story that poses some important questions about life. Mo Thomas discusses in this interview what initially drew her to the project and how it has been to bring a shrimp to life. She talks about who Pip is to her and how this role in But They're Shrimp!!! has challenged her as an artist. Is there the possibility of a sequel? Find out that and more in this BSB Insider 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!
April 17 · 26 min
'The Great Gatsby' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
The roaring 20's have never felt so alive as they are in Broadway's The Great Gatsby! This new(ish) musical has brought F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel to the stage in a visually stunning tale of Jay Gatsby and his mission to win Daisy's heart. While everything may look dazzling on the surface, there's something darker brewing between the class system, and danger happens to be around every corner for these characters. While we discussed the narrative storytelling and the characters in the last part, in today's episode, we're covering everything else about this Broadway musical! In this episode of the BSB Podcasts, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko share their thoughts on the visual and musical storytelling that occurs in Broadway's The Great Gatsby. From the glitz and the glam that comes with that New Money, to the gritty reality for many living during that time period, this musical is a feast for the eyes. However, is it also music to our ears? We break down the many ballads that come with this show, as well as the energy of some of the faster-paced bits, to help you determine if The Great Gatsby is worth your time (and money) the next time you make your way to Broadway! 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!
April 16 · 25 min
'The Great Gatsby' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
Stepping into the world of The Great Gatsby is entering a dream of lavish parties that never seem to end, at least that's how it seems on the surface. However, as you look a little deeper, it's a story of two worlds colliding: those born into money (old money) and those who made a name for themselves (new money). At the center is the mysterious figure of Jay Gatsby, the illusion of the American Dream, and the complex relationships that drive this timeless novel. Why does Gatsby’s story still resonate today? And what does it reveal about ambition, love, and identity? Well, that just so happens to be what we're going to explore in this first episode of The Great Gatsby discussion. In this episode of the BSB Podcast, Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko share their past experiences with the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel and the subsequent films, and how this piece of American Literature has translated to the stage. What about the story resonated with us, or are there parts of Broadway's The Great Gatsby that fell flat for us? With it being Jeremy Jordan's final performance (from his initial run), what was the energy like in the theater, and did it add anything of substance to the show? Tune in to this exciting episode to find out!
April 15 · 16 min
Exclusive Interview: Fletcher Michael of 'Did You Charge Your Phone For The End Of The World?'
It's not every day we get to speak with someone who not only wrote and directed a show but is also one of the stars, but that changed when Fletcher Michael signed on to Riverside to chat with us about their current production, Did You Charge Your Phone For the End of the World?. Presented by the Infinite Monkey Theater Company, Did You Charge Your Phone For the End of the World? made its premiere at the 2026 New York City Fringe Festival, and Michael joined us to talk about what it's like to finally present this show to the world! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Michael discusses where the inspiration for Did You Charge Your Phone For the End of the World? and what their process for writing a script such as this one is. Leaning into the absurdity, this play explores the end of the world with a blend of existentialism and plenty of satire! Michael also discusses their personal journey into the arts, which may not be your typical journey! 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!
April 14 · 17 min
Exclusive Interview: Abigail Aziz of 'Suffs'
Having been to New York City quite a few times over the course of the past few years, we've seen quite a few Broadway shows, but there's a special place in our hearts for Suffs the Musical. The story spoke deeply to us, as the musical follows the life of Alice Paul and the other suffragists who fought for women's right to vote at a time when that was seen as radical. While it captures a moment in time, it's also a story that reflects the world we live in and the need to continue marching on until everyone has equal rights. Suffs is powerful, and so are the individuals in the show, such as the insanely talented Abigail Aziz, whom we spoke to recently about this production! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Abigail Aziz, a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, discusses what it's like to join a show like Suffs. She explores the emotional weight of telling the stories of real women and their experiences, and how she finds balance in her real life to help carry that weight. As an off-stage principal cover, Aziz has many tracks to learn, and in this interview, she talks about her process for learning them and which role is her favorite! 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!
April 12 · 19 min
Exclusive Interview: Cassandra Svacha and Joseph Pacitto of Detroit Mercy Theatre Company's 'I'm Going To Marry You, Tobey Maguire'
We've all had a celebrity crush before that defined our adolescence. For me, it was Zac Efron in his High School Musical era. I was a young boy who thought he was fooling everyone into thinking he was straight, and yet as I sat on my couch watching HSM for the first time, I was smitten. So in a way, we're all a little like Shelby in I'm Going to Marry You, Tobey Maguire, however, perhaps not to the extremes she goes to. That being said, this play, currently running at the Detroit Mercy Theatre Company, takes a universal feeling and amplifies it with complete hilarity and absurdity in the best way. We recently spoke with the director of this production, Cassandra Svacha, and one of the cast members, Joseph Pacitto, about what audiences can expect from this production! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Svacha and Pacitto discuss what makes I'm Going to Marry You, Tobey Maguire a one-of-a-kind experience! Both talk about discovering, or in some cases rediscovering, an era that was defined by some questionable fashion and iconic music. From impossible stage direction to finding a voice for this play in this new black box theater, there's so much love and work put into making this play special. 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!
April 10 · 24 min
'Come From Away' Music and Technical Aspects | The BSB Podcast
Come From Away is a powerful musical that tells the true story of what happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, in the wake of one of the biggest American tragedies in recent years. When U.S. airspace was suddenly closed, 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to this remote Canadian town, instantly doubling its population. What unfolds is a deeply human story about kindness, resilience, and unexpected connection. Rather than focusing on tragedy, the show highlights the generosity of the townspeople, who opened their homes, schools, and hearts to stranded travelers from all over the world. While Come From Away is an ensemble-driven performance, it's the music that truly speaks volumes. In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss how the music and stagecraft of this Broadway musical are standout pieces. Come From Away runs a tight show, with songs that showcase the beauty of the story and the intensity of the situation. Does a simplistic stage make sense for this show? Which moments really sold this musical? Listen to this exciting podcast 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!
April 8 · 29 min
'Come From Away' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
Come From Away explores the remarkable events that unfolded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. A moment when the entire world stood still, leaving thousands of airline passengers stranded in this remote Canadian community. Disconnected from the lives that they've known, what could have been a moment of fear and uncertainty instead became a powerful example of kindness, generosity, and human connection. The importance of community and kindness lies at the center of Come From Away, showcasing that, despite the evil in the world, humanity can prevail. It's this story of hope that is the focal point of this episode of the BSB Podcast! Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down their personal history with the World Trade Center attacks, which happened when they were both children, and how this story has shed new light on the experiences of those who lived through them. Together, they explore the story and characters in Come From Away and which of those in the Broadway musical they relate to most. Is there a storyline that they had a particular affinity for? Listen to this exciting podcast 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!
April 7 · 35 min
'The Lion King' Music and Stagecraft | The BSB Podcast
If you live your life by the motto, Hakuna Matata, you're in the right place, as we're diving back into our conversation about the North American touring production of The Lion King! That's right, we're continuing to explore this incredible Disney musical on its most recent stop at The Detroit Opera House! While we discussed the story and characters in part one, we're looking towards everything else that came together to make this Broadway production spectacular. In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the Disney magic that comes to life with the music and stagecraft from The Lion King! Which of the songs from the original animated film translated well to the stage? Which of the original songs for this production best fit the show? Listen as these two hosts talk about how the world of The Lion King came to life, from puppets to costumes, and set design to props, all of which help build an expansive world on stage. Were there aspects of the show that just didn't click for us? 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!
April 2 · 34 min
'The Lion King' Story and Characters | The BSB Podcast
Disney is known for its magic, and when it comes to its Broadway musicals, there's nothing quite like it. Over and over again, they've managed to capture their animated films perfectly on stage, perhaps none more so than The Lion King. This long-running musical has charmed families and theatergoers of all ages, bringing the Circle of Life to the stage in NYC and cities across North America. There's nothing like seeing the story we all know and love come to life before your eyes, which made for the perfect night out at the Detroit Opera House. But does the story hold up as a stage adaptation? That's exactly what we're exploring in this first episode of our The Lion King discussion! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the story and characters from this exciting Disney Broadway musical. From the sweeping tale of a rivaling family to the impact of legacy for all parties involved, there's much to discuss from The Lion King musical! Which characters did we relate to the most? Were there chances in the story that we didn't care for? Find out in this exciting 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!
April 1 · 16 min
Exclusive Interview: Patrick Blashill of 'The Music Man'
What do you get when you mix a small town from middle America with a charming con man? The Music Man, of course! Set in River City, Iowa, this classic Broadway musical follows Harold Hill, a smooth-talking fraud who convinces an entire town that their children urgently need a boys’ band, even though they really don't. His plan is simple: collect the money, skip town, and avoid questions like “what’s a trombone?” Packed with catchy songs, big dance numbers, and more enthusiasm than actual musical skill, The Music Man is a feel-good story about redemption, community spirit, and the fine art of talking your way out of trouble, until you don’t want to anymore. The national tour of this production is arriving at The Fox Theatre here in Detroit, and ahead of its arrival, we spoke with one of the cast members, Patrick Blashill! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Blashill discusses what it's like to step into a show such as this classic and how this production has pushed him as an actor! While Mayor Shin, who Blashill is playing in this production, tends to be a rather silly character, Blashill says he's bringing out a different side of the character's comedy through a more straight take! From favorite songs to some personal connections to Detroit, this actor has much to say 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!