This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode, I talk with Michael Manasseh, the drummer for the current Hadestown national tour. Michael shares his unique path from studying economics at Columbia University to landing gigs on Broadway tours, and how his early training shaped the versatile musician he is today.

We talk about:

* How growing up in Boston, church music, and early jazz studies shaped his drumming identity

* His college years at Columbia, balancing academics with student theater, and realizing music could become a career

* The turning point of joining Muse (Musicians United for Social Equity) and mentorship with John Clancy, which led to his first big break on the Shrek tour

* What it’s like playing Hadestown night after night—the mental and physical demands, the freedom to improvise, and why it feels like “jazz theater”

* Stories from the road, including near-misses with quick costume changes, learning directly from orchestrators, and pulling influences from Art Blakey to Mark Guiliana

* His perspective on the business side of Broadway, the economics of touring shows, and why relationships—not transactions—drive opportunities for drummers

Michael’s story highlights not just the technical side of playing drums on a major tour, but also the importance of balance, community, and adaptability in building a long-term career in theater.

If you’re a drummer looking to break into Broadway—or just want to hear what life is really like behind the kit on a national tour—you won’t want to miss this conversation.

More about Michael: https://www.michaelmanassehmusic.com/

If you want to understand how to make a lasting career in this business — not just play the music — my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career dives deep into both the art and the industry.

Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don’t miss Michael’s episode and other conversations that go beyond the notes.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.

Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com

He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The next episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast features a great conversation with Michael Manasseh, drummer and percussionist for the most recent North American tour of Hadestown.

Michael’s musical journey started at the age of five and has taken him through an impressive range of experiences. From big band and small combo work at The Rivers School in Weston, MA, to prestigious jazz programs like The NEC Jazz Lab, Berklee’s Five-Week Jazz Workshop, and the Vail Jazz Workshop, he built a deep foundation in multiple styles. In college, he studied under Vince Cherico, Bruce Barth, David Gibson, and Don Sickler, and played in 11 theater productions, including In The Heights, Head Over Heels, and Pippin. He eventually graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Economics and Mathematics.

What made this conversation stand out was Michael’s curiosity about not just drumming, but the business side of Broadway. He talked about joining a co-producing team for Lumpica, helping to fundraise for the production, and learning firsthand how tight the margins are in theater. From the massive cost of putting up a show to the weekly expenses that can make or break a production, Michael brings a perspective that every theater musician should hear.

If you want to understand how to make a lasting career in this business — not just play the music — my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career dives deep into both the art and the industry.

Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don’t miss Michael’s episode and other conversations that go beyond the notes.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.

Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com

He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Originally posted November 2021

Paul Pizzuti has over fifty years of experience playing shows, making him one of the most seasoned and respected drummers on Broadway. He’s a musician everyone should listen to when it comes to understanding what it takes to build and sustain a successful career playing Broadway musicals.

In this episode, we discuss:

* Playing the musical Candide

* Landing the original Godspell

* Handling a performance during the 1977 New York City blackout

* Working on the original Evita

* Why Merrily We Roll Along closed quickly but became a classic

* How a chain of small connections led to a seven-year run on Cats

* Sight-reading the TONY Awards show

* Leaving the business altogether for a short period of time

* Being the China Club house drummer on Wednesday nights

* Recording the cast albums for Assassins and Crazy For You

* Working on Gypsy with Patti LuPone

* Observing the transition from no monitors in Broadway pits to personal monitoring systems

Partial list of Paul’s Broadway and concert credits:

* She Loves Me

* Far Away Places: Live at 54 Below w/ Patti LuPone

* The Other Duke: Tribute to Duke Pearson

* How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

* Merrily We Roll Along

* Another Monday Night

* The Lady with the Torch w/ Patti LuPone

* Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, in Concert from Carnegie Hall

* Pacific Overtures

* Big Band Blues

* Into the Woods

* The Frogs / Evening Primrose

* Kiss Me, Kate

* Fifteen-Year Anniversary w/ Betty Buckley

* Big

* A Christmas Carol

* Crazy for You

* Assassins

* Cats

* …and many more

I just released a free PDF every working musician needs—and it’s not just for drummers.

It’s called “20 Smart Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to Any Gig,” pulled straight from my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career. This book is packed with tools, insights, and real-world advice to help you navigate the ups and downs of a music career.

This checklist will help you:

* Avoid gigs that aren’t worth your time

* Spot red flags before you commit

* Make sure the money, the people, and the music are right

* Say no with confidence—or yes with clarity

Grab your free copy here:👉 https://www.broadwayboundbook.com/book-launch-checklist

Sign up to be notified when the book launches this fall. Paid subscribers will get an advance copy, a signed edition, and a big discount.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.

Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com

He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com

The new Broadway Drumming 101 merch just dropped, and it’s made for musicians who show up, do the work, and take pride in what they do.

Get yours now at www.signaturebrandworks.com.

This isn’t the kind of merch that sits around. The last time, wesold out kinda quickly, so get yours now or you’ll be wishing you did.

And if you haven’t already, grab the free PDF:

“20 Questions Every Drummer Should Ask Before Taking a Gig.”

It’s the kind of info most people learn the hard way.

👉🏽 www.broadwaydrumming101.com/20questions

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this video episode, I sit down with drummer and Hawaii native Pili Fronda—and fair warning: you might learn more about Hawaiian history, food, geography, and culture than you expected. And I’m not mad about it…because I love Hawaii as much as Pili does.

What started as a conversation about drums quickly turned into a deep dive into the mountains of Maui, eating poke in Vegas, dodging cliffs on the road to Hana, and unpacking what it really means to grow up Hawaiian.

Pili shares powerful insight into his upbringing, the meaning behind his full name (which you’ll want to hear him pronounce), and how the cultural values of the islands shaped his character and musical path. We talk about the community spirit of Hawaii, how music is integrated into education there, and how his influences—from reggae to Latin percussion to gospel—eventually led him to the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire.

Later on, Pili breaks down how he landed that tour gig right out of college, how he prepared for it, and what it really takes to succeed on the road. It’s an inspiring conversation with a young musician doing it right—with humility, discipline, and heart.

Watch, enjoy, and if you like what you see, hit that subscribe button on the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel. There’s more great content coming your way, with new videos dropping regularly.

And if you're looking to build your own career in musical theater, stay tuned. Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career is almost done—and I can’t wait to share it with you. This book covers everything I’ve learned about getting the gig, keeping it, and building something bigger.

Sign up at www.BroadwayBoundBook.com to stay updated on the release.

For more about Pili, visit www.pilifronda.com.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.

Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com

He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com

In this episode, I sit down with drummer and Hawaii native Pili Fronda, and fair warning: you might learn more about Hawaiian history, food, geography, and culture than you bargained for. And I’m not mad about it…because I love Hawaii as much as Pili does. This conversation might’ve started out about drums, but before we even hit the 10-minute mark, we were deep in the mountains of Maui, eating poke in Vegas, dodging cliffs on the road to Hana, and breaking down what it really means to grow up Hawaiian.

Pili shares powerful insight into his upbringing, the meaning behind his full name (which you're going to want to hear him pronounce), and how the cultural values instilled in him shaped not just his character, but his entire musical path. We also talk about the community-centered spirit of the islands, the way music is woven into Hawaiian education, and how Pili’s musical influences—from reggae to Latin percussion to gospel—led him to the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire.

Later in the episode, we dig into his process for landing that tour gig straight out of college, how he prepared for it, and what it takes to thrive on the road. This is an inspiring conversation with a young musician who’s doing things the right way, with humility, discipline, and heart.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

For more about Pili: www.pilifronda.com

And if you're looking to build your own career in musical theater, I’ve got something coming for you. Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career is almost finished, and I can’t wait for you to read it. This book breaks down everything I’ve learned over decades in the industry, what it takes to get the gig, keep it, and grow beyond it.

Sign up for our email list at www.BroadwayBoundBook.com to stay updated on the release.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.

Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com

He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com

Pili Fonda—drummer for the first national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire—shares the key to what membership really means in this business. Catch it this Saturday, August 2.

If you’re trying to build a real career in musical theater, this is something you need to hear.

While you’re at it, get on the email list for my book Broadway Bound and Beyond at:

http://broadwayboundbook.com

You’ll get early access, behind-the-scenes updates, and real tools to help you thrive in this industry.

And if you're not subscribed to Broadway Drumming 101, now’s the time. Just $10/month. Real advice, real stories, real working musicians.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

What does it really take to succeed on the road with a Broadway tour? It’s not just about chops or time feel; it’s about trust, vibe, and being the kind of person people want to work with day in and day out.

In this episode, dropping Saturday, August 2nd, we talk about the reality of touring life and the often-overlooked human qualities that make all the difference.

Tune in for insights that go beyond the drum kit—and if you're aiming for a Broadway chair or a tour, this episode is a must-listen.

Check out his work and projects: www.pilifronda.com

Want to go deeper? Join the email list for exclusive updates, career tips, and early access to new content from Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career at https://broadwayboundbook.com

Originally released in 2021, this episode is a masterclass in what it really takes to make it on Broadway and beyond. Jake Goldbas was at the time, the drummer for Dear Evan Hansen. He shares his incredible journey from growing up in Connecticut to playing for some of the biggest names in music, including Aretha Franklin, Patti Austin, and The O’Jays.

In this conversation, we talk about:

* How a subway bucket drummer sparked Jake’s passion for rhythm

* The power of preparation when subbing on Broadway

* Why being early (not just on time) sets you apart in the business

* Valuable lessons from legends like Bernard Purdie

* The reality of building trust as a sub and making the right impression

If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the Broadway scene, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the mindset, hustle, and professionalism required.

Sign up at BroadwayBoundBook.com for updates on Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.

Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com

He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com

What does it take to go from high school marching band to playing drums for major Broadway tours? Meet Jaren Angud, a versatile percussionist whose journey has taken him from ska cover bands in garages to international stages with Disney and beyond.

In this episode, Jaren and I dive deep into his story:

* How a high school French horn mishap led him to drums

* Playing in ska and punk bands before discovering theater music

* Why he originally planned to be an engineer, not a musician

* The moment he decided to pursue music seriously and how grad school shaped his path

* Landing national and international tours like Flashdance The Musical and Beauty and the Beast

* Touring across the U.S. and overseas—from Cairo to Qatar—and what it taught him about culture, travel, and resilience

* What life is like as the drummer for the First National Tour of Back to the Future: The Musical

* How he and his wife turned RV living into a full-time touring lifestyle

* Managing fitness, routine, and mental focus while on the road

* Advice for drummers who want to break into the Broadway world: versatility, preparation, and mindset

Jaren’s story is full of practical advice, real-life insights, and inspiring lessons about saying “yes” to opportunities and staying ready for the big call.

Mentioned in this episode:

* His early influences: Travis Barker, ska bands, and marching percussion

* Transitioning from music education to performance

* Why being a “total drummer” is the key to success

* Tips for navigating long-haul touring, from budgeting to health

* The reality of subbing on Broadway and how Jaren prepared for Back to the Future

Whether you’re a drummer dreaming of Broadway, a musician navigating freelance life, or someone curious about the touring lifestyle, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.

Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.

Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.

Thanks for listening!

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com