Beltline to Broadway

Beltline to Broadway

By Lauren Van HemertArtsMusicPerforming ArtsMusic Interviews
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Beltline to Broadway episodes

  • Ep19: From Mary Poppins to Bumble Scratch, The Legacy of the Sherman Family

    Robert J. Sherman joins the pod squad to discuss his family's incredible contributions to film and theater -- from Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to The Parent Trap -- and how Walt Disney’s keen eye for talent shaped their careers.He shares personal stories of growing up in a musical dynasty, his father’s experiences in World War II, and the origins of classics like Feed the Birds. The conversation also explores the future of musical theater, the evolving landscape of licensing and streaming, and his work to preserve and expand the family’s legacy.


    Robert J. Sherman is a celebrated songwriter, producer, and playwright continuing the Sherman family’s century-long tradition of creating timeless music. As the head of Sherman Theatrical Entertainment, he spearheads new projects while reviving lesser-known works by his father, uncle, and grandfather. His original musical Bumble Scratch has received critical acclaim, and he produced the UK tour of A Spoonful of Sherman, a revue celebrating his family’s incredible musical legacy. With a passion for storytelling and a vision for the future, Robert ensures that the Sherman name continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

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    34 min
  • Ep18: Suddenly Aaron! Aaron Harrington on Faith, Perseverance, and Becoming Audrey II

    Aaron Harrington joins the pod squad to discuss his journey from North Carolina to performing alongside stars like Jeremy Jordan, Skylar Astin, and Rob McClure. He offers behind-the-scenes insights into the puppetry magic of Audrey II, what it’s like adapting his performance to different Seymour actors, and why Little Shop continues to captivate audiences of all ages.


    Aaron Harrington is a powerhouse performer known for his deep, commanding vocals and stage presence. A Durham, North Carolina native, he made his professional debut in the Rent 20th Anniversary Tour before landing the role of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors. With a background in both musical theater and live performance, Aaron has made a name for himself in the industry through his dedication, versatility, and passion for storytelling.

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    32 min
  • Ep17: Equity, Inclusion, and Diana

    André Jordan joins the pod squad to discuss his journey to Broadway, the unexpected challenges of the pandemic shutdown, and how the cast of Diana: The Musical took an active role in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He also opens up about the challenges of body image and fatphobia in theater, his experience in Legally Blonde, and the broader cultural shift happening in the arts.


    André Jordan is a rising star in the theater world, best known for his role in Diana: The Musical. A versatile performer with a passion for advocacy, he has been vocal about the need for systemic change in the industry, from racial equity to body inclusivity. His credits also include Legally Blonde and The Lion King, and he continues to use his platform to push for safer, more inclusive spaces in theater. With a deep love for the craft and a commitment to progress, André is helping shape the future of Broadway for the next generation of artists.

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    37 min
  • Ep. 98: (Re)Opening Doors at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
    It was just a few weeks ago that I had the chance to walk into the Duke Energy Center for the first time in 14 months. I wasn’t there for a show, but I was there to chat with its Director Kerry Painter and take a tour. Just this month, the complex opened its doors to patrons with in-person symphony and pine cone music performances starting up again for the first time in just over a year. And while patrons returning to the venue will experience the same caliber of great performances they have come to expect from the building’s resident companies and guest artists, there have been some notable changes to all of the facilities that are just a sign of the times.
    Even since Painter and I spoke, the governor has issued new guidelines, which not only removes the mask mandate but also allows facilities to open at 100-percent capacity. While the Duke Energy Center continues to strongly encourage the use of face masks, certain events may still require them along with a wellness screening upon entry. And some events may still operate at a reduced capacity to accommodate pod seating. In those cases, ticket purchasers will be notified in advance and that information will be notated on the Duke Energy Center website. For additional information visit: https://www.dukeenergycenterraleigh.com/ (https://www.dukeenergycenterraleigh.com/).
    Be sure to vote for Beltline to Broadway in Indy Week's Best of the Triangle Reader's Poll (Best Facebook Page). https://indyweek.com/indy-weeks-best-of-the-triangle/best-of-the-triangle-2021/ (Click this link to vote for all your favorite businesses and organizations.)
    Connect with Beltline to Broadway
    Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway
    Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway
    Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway
    Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com)

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    24 min
  • Ep16: A Godspell Reunion Show 50 Years in the Making, How a Church Service Sparked One of Broadway’s Most Beloved Shows

    Peggy Gordon, Robin Lamont, and Stephen Nathan join the pod squad to discuss the history, impact, and enduring legacy of Godspell. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about the collaborative creative process, the evolution of the music, and the use of clown makeup as a storytelling device, and how Godspell continues to inspire new generations of performers and audiences alike.


    Peggy Gordon is an original cast member of Godspell and co-writer of the beloved song “By My Side”, the only song from the early Godspell workshop that remained in the final production. She originated her role at Cafe La MaMa, then performed in the off-Broadway, Broadway, and touring productions. Beyond Godspell, Gordon has worked as a singer, songwriter, and educator, contributing to musical theater and performing arts.


    Robin Lamont is an actress, singer, and author who was part of the very first Godspell cast at Carnegie Mellon University and went on to star in its off-Broadway, Broadway, and film adaptations. She is best known for singing the iconic hit “Day by Day”, which became a chart-topping single. After her acting career, Lamont became a private investigator and later a novelist, writing award-winning mystery books with social justice themes.


    Stephen Nathan is an actor, writer, and producer who originated the role of Jesus in the off-Broadway production of Godspell. After his theater success, he transitioned into television, becoming a writer and executive producer for hit shows like Bones, Joan of Arcadia, and Family Law. His career spans multiple decades, blending his background in performance with a prolific screenwriting career in Hollywood.


    https://caroldegiere.com/the-godspell-experience/ (The Godspell Experience (Carol de Giere))

    https://www.youtube.com/user/larkluster (Peggy Gordon's YouTube Channel)


    Connect with Beltline to Broadway

    Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway

    Twitter – @beltlinetobroadway

    Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway

    Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.beltlinetobroadway.com)

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    25 min
  • Ep15: Live, Virtual, or Hybrid? The Future of Theater Sound

    Tony Award-winning sound designer Rob Kaplowitz joins the pod squad to explore the evolution of theatrical sound design. Kaplowitz, best known for his groundbreaking work on Fela!, shares insights into how sound shapes storytelling, the challenges of installing a state-of-the-art system at Cape Fear Regional Theater, and why acoustic design should be tailored to the dramaturgy of each production.


    Rob Kaplowitz is an award-winning sound designer, composer, and audio engineer whose work spans Broadway, opera, film, and immersive theater. He won a Tony Award for Best Sound Design for Fela! and has worked on numerous acclaimed productions, including Fun Home, The Laramie Project, and The Brother/Sister Plays. With a career dedicated to pushing the boundaries of theatrical sound, Kaplowitz is also an advocate for sound accessibility, technology-driven storytelling, and the integration of dramaturgy into design.

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    29 min

About Beltline to Broadway

From the publisher's feed

The Beltline to Broadway podcast blends behind-the-scenes insights, fascinating interviews, and stories from the stage. From the vibrant stages of Raleigh, North Carolina's Beltline to the iconic…