Beltline to Broadway

Norbert Leo Butz and Lauren Kennedy reunite to reflect on their journey as the original Cathy and Jamie in The Last Five Years. They share behind-the-scenes stories about the show's development, including how Jason Robert Brown shaped the music around their performances. The conversation explores the challenges of performing such an emotionally intense two-person musical, the struggles of engaging audiences with its unconventional structure, and how the show deeply influenced their personal and professional lives.

Norbert Leo Butz is a two-time Tony Award-winning actor known for his powerhouse performances in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Catch Me If You Can, and My Fair Lady. A versatile performer across stage and screen, he has appeared in TV series such as Bloodline, Fosse/Verdon, and Debris. Lauren Kennedy, a celebrated Broadway actress, is known for her roles in Sunset Boulevard, Side Show, and Spamalot. Beyond performing, she has made a name for herself as a producer and director, shaping the next generation of theater artists.

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Author Carol de Giere (Defying Gravity) joins the podcast to explore the fascinating history and unsung stories behind Pippin. Hear how Stephen Schwartz developed the show as a student at Carnegie Mellon, about his creative clashes with legendary director Bob Fosse, and how the 2013 revival reimagined the production (and ending) for a new generation. Carol also shares insights into Schwartz’s songwriting process, his musical influences—from Carole King to Paul Simon—and why Pippin remains timeless over 50 years after its premiere.

Carol de Giere is the author of Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked, an in-depth biography chronicling the life and work of the legendary composer. Through extensive interviews with Schwartz and his collaborators, she provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind iconic musicals like Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked. Carol is also the creator of The Schwartz Scene, an online newsletter dedicated to fans of Stephen Schwartz’s work.

Love what you hear on the podcast? Join the pod squad by joining our online community! Dive deeper into the episodes, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. Visit https://beltlinetobroadway.org/register-2/ to join our theater fam.

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Jason Robert Brown joins the podcast to discuss the complexities of adapting books and movies into musicals, the differences between stage and screen storytelling, and the evolving landscape of Broadway. He also reflects on his musical influences, his collaboration with Theatre Raleigh's Lauren Kennedy, and the creative process behind his eclectic body of work.

Jason Robert Brown is an acclaimed composer and lyricist known for his unique blend of musical styles, ranging from folk and gospel to rock and pop. He has won multiple Tony Awards for his work on Parade and The Bridges of Madison County and is widely recognized for his groundbreaking shows, including The Last Five Years, Songs for a New World, and 13. Beyond musical theater, Brown is also a performer and recording artist, regularly debuting new works in concert settings. His contributions to the theater world have made him one of the most influential voices in contemporary musical storytelling.

Love what you hear on the podcast? Join the pod squad by joining our online community! Dive deeper into the episodes, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. Visit https://beltlinetobroadway.org/register-2/ to join our theater fam.

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Multihyphenate Erin Sullivan joins the podcast to discuss the historical weight of Marilyn Monroe, the challenges of portraying such a beloved and complex figure, and the personal and artistic risks taken to keep her one-woman show, With Love, Marilyn, fresh for international audiences.

Erin Sullivan is a seasoned actress, singer, and writer with a career spanning over 30 years in theater. Originally trained in musical theater, she has performed nationwide but found a deep personal connection in bringing Marilyn Monroe’s story to life. After originating the role of Marilyn in Mark Medoff’s Marilee and Baby Lamb, she was inspired to create With Love Marilyn, which debuted in London last month.

Love what you hear on the podcast? Join the pod squad by joining our online community! Dive deeper into the episodes, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. Visit https://beltlinetobroadway.org/register-2/ to join our theater fam.

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Nik Waker joins the pod squad to discuss the importance of representation in theater, the impact of ADHD on his creative process, and the power of storytelling as a grounding force. From his early days finding solace in the stage to starring in Broadway hits like Hamilton and Spamalot, Walker shares candid insights into his experiences. He also discusses his latest role in Theatre Raleigh's Bull Durham: The Musical.

Nik Walker is an accomplished actor, writer, and educator known for his dynamic performances on Broadway and beyond. He made a name for himself as Aaron Burr in Hamilton and has since appeared in Spamalot, Motown: The Musical, and more. Beyond the stage, Walker is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arts, as well as an adjunct professor at NYU, where he mentors the next generation of performers. A self-proclaimed film fanatic and lifelong storyteller, he continues to push boundaries in the entertainment industry, bringing authenticity and depth to every role he takes on.

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Julie Benko joins the pod squad to discuss her career trajectory from understudy to Broadway star and her take on Jane Eyre. From being overlooked at her showcase to starring on Broadway, she highlights the unpredictable nature of success in theater.

Julie Benko is an award-winning actress, singer, and writer known for her breakout role as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and her work in Harmony, Les Misérables, and Fiddler on the Roof. A lifelong performer, Julie holds a master’s degree in acting and has spent years honing her craft as an understudy, eventually stepping into the spotlight in a career-defining moment. Beyond the stage, she is a passionate advocate for Jewish causes, an emerging writer and composer, and a champion of the hardworking understudies and swings who keep Broadway running.

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Bekah Brunstetter, the book writer behind Broadway’s highly anticipated musical The Notebook, joins the pod squad to dive into the creative process of adapting Nicholas Sparks’ beloved novel for the stage. Hear what she says about the intersection of theater and video games, the challenges of writing for Broadway versus regional theater, and how artists navigate creative freedom while handling industry criticism.

Bekah Brunstetter is an award-winning playwright and television writer known for her ability to craft deeply emotional and thought-provoking stories. In addition to writing The Notebook musical, she has worked as a writer and producer on hit TV shows like This Is Us and American Gods. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and The New School, Becca’s plays—including The Cake and Miss Lilly Gets Boned—have been produced nationwide. With a keen eye for blending humor and heart, her work often explores themes of love, memory, and human connection.

Love what you hear on the podcast? Join the pod squad by joining our online community! Dive deeper into the episodes, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. Visit https://beltlinetobroadway.org/register-2/ to join our theater fam.

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Sammi Cannold joins the pod squad to discuss disability representation in theater, the creative process behind adapting the documentary into a stage production, and the broader impact of inclusive storytelling in the industry.

Sammi Cannold is an acclaimed theater director known for her innovative and immersive storytelling. A rising star in the industry, she has been recognized for her work on productions that push the boundaries of traditional theater. She made her Broadway directorial debut with How to Dance in Ohio, a groundbreaking musical featuring an autistic cast, based on the award-winning documentary of the same name.

Cannold is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Hollywood & Entertainment and has directed major productions at institutions like New York City Center, American Repertory Theater, and the Kennedy Center. She is also known for her site-specific productions, including Evita in Argentina and Ragtime on Ellis Island.

Love what you hear on the podcast? Join the pod squad by joining our online community! Dive deeper into the episodes, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. Visit https://beltlinetobroadway.org/register-2/ to join our theater fam.

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Actor, lawyer, and advocate Sean Hayden joins the pod squad to open up about how landing a dream role in Billy Elliot led to a full-blown mental health crisis. Through his podcast Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story, he aims to spark a larger conversation about how theaters can better protect and support their artists.

Sean Hayden is a multi-talented performer, attorney, and mental health advocate whose career spans Broadway, television, and law. After training as an actor and building a successful career on stage, Sean’s personal experiences with workplace trauma in the theater industry led him to become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. His podcast, Stage Combat, explores his personal journey while shedding light on systemic issues within the performing arts. Through storytelling, advocacy, and legal expertise, Sean is working to create a safer and more supportive environment for artists everywhere.

If you need immediate care, call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Please take care of yourself and each other. For additional resources visit https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/mental-health-resources/.

For more information on Sean Hayden or Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story, visit https://stagecombatthepodcast.com/.

Love what you hear on the podcast? Join the pod squad by joining our online community! Dive deeper into the episodes, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. Visit https://beltlinetobroadway.org/register-2/ to join our theater fam.

Connect with Beltline to Broadway:

Facebook/TikTok/Instagram: @beltlinetobroadway

Website: www.beltlinetobroadway.org

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Broadway powerhouse Amy Spanger joins the pod squad to discuss her incredible journey from community theater to starring on Broadway. Hear how Amy took a leap of faith to pursue her dreams and moved to New York with no plan but a clear vision of making it to the big stage. They explore her experiences originating roles in Elf, Rock of Ages, and The Wedding Singer, as well as her work in Tick, Tick… Boom! and Rent, the importance of regional and community theaters, and why supporting the arts is more crucial than ever.

Amy Spanger is a celebrated Broadway actress known for her dynamic performances and ability to bring heart and humor to every role she takes on. With a career spanning decades, she has become a beloved figure in the theater community, working alongside top creatives and originating unforgettable roles. Amy’s career is a testament to her talent and dedication to the craft, from starring in hit Broadway musicals to shaping powerful off-Broadway productions. Beyond performing, she is passionate about using theater as a platform for storytelling that inspires change, from LGBTQ+ representation in Rent and The Prom to deeply personal narratives like Next to Normal. In this episode, she shares her experiences, challenges, and the profound impact of theater on both audiences and artists.

Love what you hear on the podcast? Join the pod squad by joining our online community! Dive deeper into the episodes, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. Visit https://beltlinetobroadway.org/register-2/ to join our theater fam.

Links

Amy Spanger's Website

Theatre Raleigh Website

Connect with Us

Facebook/TikTok / IG @beltlinetobroadway

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