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Melissa VanPelt is a native of Memphis TN and a graduate of AMDA(The American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in NYC. Theater credits include Hairspray on Broadway, Hairspray National Tour, Once On this Island, Ain’t Misbehavin', Purlie and Fame. Live Entertainment credits include Hairspray with The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Spirit cruises, Cedar Point, Libertyland, and The USO Show Troupe.

Rhon Saunders is a dynamic performer and choreographer whose career bridges the worlds of stage and screen. A featured dancer in NBC’s Hairspray Live!, Rhon’s high-energy performance and deep understanding of the show's iconic choreography brought him national attention and solidified his connection to the Hairspray legacy. With over a decade of professional dance experience, Rhon has worked across theater, television, and live entertainment, bringing both charisma and precision to every project he touches. As co-choreographer for the Opera House Theatre Company’s production of Hairspray, Rhon combines his lived experience in the show with a thoughtful, inclusive approach to storytelling through movement.

Opera House Theatre Company

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

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Eric Woodall joins the pod squad to discuss the 2025 Tony Awards season, with reflections on Broadway trends, productions, performers, and predictions across various categories.

Eric Woodall is a nationally respected theater director, casting professional, and arts leader with deep roots in both Broadway and regional theater. Currently serving as the Producing Artistic Director of Theatre Raleigh, Eric is known for his visionary leadership, dynamic productions, and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.

Before returning to North Carolina, Eric spent over a decade as a casting director for Broadway and national tours with Tara Rubin Casting in New York City. His casting credits include blockbuster productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Billy Elliot, and Mamma Mia!.

A former Tony Awards voter, Eric brings an insider's perspective to the Broadway industry, blending a love for new works with a reverence for classic storytelling. His creative lens is marked by innovation, inclusivity, and an enduring passion for reimagining beloved works—traits evident in his acclaimed regional productions of Gypsy, Parade, August: Osage County, and Ragtime.

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In this thoughtful and heartfelt episode, host Lauren Van Hemert sits down with acclaimed actor, producer, and musician Brandon Victor Dixon to discuss his artistic journey, advocacy, and newly released single, "Maybe." Known for roles in Hamilton and The Color Purple, Dixon opens up about the soulfulness behind his music, the importance of civic engagement, and the power of storytelling in creating social change.

Brandon Victor Dixon is a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy-nominated performer, producer, and activist best known for his unforgettable performances in Broadway hits like Hamilton, The Color Purple, and Shuffle Along. A graduate of Columbia University, Dixon has built a celebrated career defined by versatility and purpose. He originated the role of Harpo in The Color Purple, earned critical acclaim as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, and captivated television audiences as Judas in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. His dynamic talents extend behind the scenes as well—he is a co-founder of WalkRunFly Productions, a company committed to developing socially conscious theater and amplifying diverse voices.

Beyond the spotlight, Dixon is a passionate advocate for equity, civic engagement, and social justice. He’s used his platform to speak out on issues ranging from voting rights to arts accessibility and is widely recognized for his bold 2016 message to then-Vice President Mike Pence during a Hamilton curtain call. Most recently, Dixon released his soul-stirring single “Maybe,” a musical meditation on collective responsibility and hope, inspired in part by James Baldwin. With every performance and project, Dixon continues to challenge, uplift, and inspire audiences through the intersection of art and activism.

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Ali Stroker joins the pod squad for an honest, inspiring conversation about breaking barriers on Broadway and beyond. From her historic win for Oklahoma! to navigating an industry not always built for inclusivity, Ali shares how she turned challenges into opportunities.

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The incomparable Carmen Cusack—Tony-nominated star of Bright Star, Wicked, and Flying Over Sunset joins the pod squad. She shares the fascinating arc of her career, from training as an opera singer to finding her authentic voice in roles that defy genre conventions. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at her artistic process as she prepares for an immersive concert at Theatre Raleigh. With humor, honesty, and soul, Carmen Cusack reminds us why she's one of the most compelling performers working today.

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Whether in soap operas or stage work, it’s all about honoring the craft, respecting the audience, and telling stories that matter. Hear what John Wesley Shipp and David A. Gregory say about their journey from meeting on One Life to Live to facing off in the courtroom drama, Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.

John Wesley Shipp is a veteran actor best known for his dynamic range across television and stage. He originated the role of The Flash in the 1990s CBS series and later returned to the modern CW version in multiple iconic roles, including Barry Allen’s father. Shipp also made a major mark in daytime television, earning two Daytime Emmy Awards for his performances on As the World Turns and Santa Barbara. Beyond his screen presence, he’s a passionate stage performer with deep ties to theatrical storytelling and a loyal fan base spanning generations.

David Gregory is a seasoned actor recognized for his compelling work in television, film, and theater. He’s best known for his role as Robert Ford on the long-running soap opera One Life to Live, where he became a fan favorite for his emotionally complex portrayal. Off the screen, Gregory has built a strong reputation in regional and off-Broadway theater, often gravitating toward powerful, language-driven plays. He brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to every role and is deeply engaged in conversations around storytelling, ethics, and the impact of live performance.

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Robert Ariza (Hamilton, Spring Awakening) and Maya Jacobson (Fiddler on the Roof) join the podsquad to discuss how even quirky cult musicals like Little Shop carry deeper critiques of capitalism and power. While early in their careers, both actors bring insight into how the stage can be a space for healing, rebellion, and storytelling that transcends language and background.

Robert Ariza is a dynamic and versatile stage actor known for his work in boundary-breaking productions that blend artistry with activism. A proud alum of the groundbreaking Spring Awakening revival by Deaf West Theatre, Robert stepped into a unique role as a swing, learning American Sign Language from scratch to help bring an inclusive and visually stunning production to life on Broadway. His work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling that empowers marginalized voices and pushes the boundaries of traditional theater.

Robert’s journey has also led him to the national tours of Hamilton (Chicago), Les Misérables (North America), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Shanghai).

Best known for her role in the acclaimed Yiddish Fiddler on the Roof, Maya Jacobson brought powerful emotional nuance to a production that not only celebrated Jewish heritage but also honored her own family's Holocaust history. Regionally, she has been seen in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Asolo Repertory Theatre), A Crucible 001 (Bard), Fiddler on the Roof (Paper Mill Playhouse), Fun Home (Studio Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (The Lyric Opera of Chicago), A Walk on the Moon (George Street Playhouse).

Follow Beltline to Broadway on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky or TikTok @beltlinetobroadway.

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In this heartfelt episode of Beltline to Broadway, host Lauren Van Hemert sits down with four-time Emmy Award-winning actress Kim Zimmer to discuss her latest role in The Trip to Bountiful at Theater Raleigh. Kim also opens up about her personal journey with breast cancer, the resilience required to work in daytime television, and what it's like to portray complex women on stage and screen.

Kim Zimmer is best known for her iconic role as Reva Shayne on the long-running soap opera Guiding Light, for which she received critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. With a career spanning decades, Kim has brought dynamic characters to life on both television and the stage, including roles in Wicked and Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks. A passionate advocate for live theater and mature storytelling, she continues to inspire audiences with her authenticity, emotional depth, and enduring talent.

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Dana Costello joins the pod squad to discuss how performing in Suffs built her confidence on and off the stage, the importance of regional theater, and her long-running involvement with the upcoming musical Joy. Dana is performing in the Theatre Raleigh production of The Trip to Bountiful alongside four-time Emmy Award-winner Kim Zimmer.

Dana Costello is a talented actress and vocalist known for her work in theater, television, and digital media. She has appeared on Broadway in Jekyll & Hyde, Finding Neverland, and Suffs and has starred in numerous regional theater productions, including Miss Saigon, Little Women, and RENT. Costello has also made television appearances, notably in Law & Order, and participated in digital projects like A Killer Party: A Murder Mystery Musical.

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