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

Today’s guest is a little different. Usually, I feature drummers on this podcast, and we’ve had some incredible ones—plus music directors like Nate Patten and music coordinators like Michael Aarons and Michael Keller. But this time, I wanted to bring on someone I’ve known and played with for the past ten years, a true “Piano Man” and multi-instrumentalist who has made his mark on Broadway and beyond: Matthew Friedman.

Matthew isn’t just a pianist—he’s a singer, a bandleader, a composer, and yes, even a drummer. He was “The Piano Man” in the national touring company of Movin’ Out and has performed with the legendary Lords of 52nd Street, Billy Joel’s original band. He’s also been part of Broadway productions like Jersey Boys and Smokey Joe’s Café, while leading his own group, Matthew Friedman & Stiletto.

In this episode, we talk about:

* His early start in music and the influences that shaped him.

* How he made the leap from being an attorney to a full-time musician.

* The highs and lows of touring life—from first-class gigs to rough bus-and-truck runs.

* Stories from his time on Broadway, including connections to past podcast guest Jon Berger and future guest Joe Bergamini.

* What it means to be more than just a player in the pit—how to lead, adapt, and thrive as a versatile instrumentalist.

Matthew has great stories, big insights, and a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in this business—not just as a drummer, but as a full-fledged musician and bandleader.

Some clips of me playing a fun gig with him several years ago:

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

Originally posted December 2021

In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I sit down with Dena Tauriello, the drummer for Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre. From her first sparkle kit inspired by Karen Carpenter to a career that’s taken her from rock arenas to Broadway pits, Dena shares a powerful story about perseverance, adaptability, and passion.

Dena spent nearly two decades with the all-female rock band Antigone Rising, logging more than 260 shows a year, signing with Lava/Atlantic Records, and sharing bills with bands like Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, and The Bangles. Along the way, she learned the grind of life on the road, the frustration of being pigeonholed as “girl music,” and the discipline that comes from playing night after night. Those experiences became the foundation for her eventual move to Broadway.

Her first Broadway chair came in Head Over Heels, the Go-Go’s jukebox musical that featured an all-female band. From there, Dena’s career expanded into multiple productions, including Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls, The Cher Show (as a sub), Magic Mike the Musical (Broadway Lab), and her current run in Little Shop of Horrors. She also subs on Hamilton, Six, and at the origial run of Beetlejuice.

In our conversation, Dena opens up about the realities of the pit:

* Why no two shows are ever the same and why you can never “phone it in”

* The discipline it takes to stay fully present eight times a week

* How playing in Antigone Rising prepared her for the demands of Broadway

* What she looks for when hiring subs and why paying it forward matters

* The role of Ableton, click tracks, and sound cues in modern Broadway drumming

* Her full gear setup: Pearl drums, Zildjian cymbals, Evans heads, Promark sticks, and custom in-ears

* Why she always keeps charts in front of her—even after memorizing the show

Dena also talks about the surreal moment of playing on stage with the Go-Go’s, interviewing Gina Schock for Modern Drummer, and what it feels like to see the Head Over Heels Playbill now preserved in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

This is a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-won lessons for any drummer dreaming of breaking into Broadway—or simply learning how to thrive in the unpredictable world of live performance.

For more about Dena: https://www.denatauriello.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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. 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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

We’re closing in on 100 interviews here at Broadway Drumming 101, and we’re just getting started. We’ve got a great lineup ahead.

Upcoming episodes include conversations with:

* Pili Fronda

* Michael Manesseh

* Matthew Friedman

* Joe Bergamini

* Tom Jorgensen

* Trevor Holder

We're also re-releasing some Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episodes you may have missed, featuring:

* Jesse-Ray Leich

* Jake Goldbas

* Paul Pizzuti

* Dena Tauriello

* Larry Lelli

* Rich Rosenzweig

* Elena Bonomo…and many more.

Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And subscribe to the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes video content.

In this episode, I talk with Augusto Oropeza, the drummer on the national tour of Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations. He shares what it’s really like playing this music night after night, life on the road, his transition from an IT career into full-time performance, and the story of how he landed the gig in the first place.

We discuss:

* How he went from auditing the show to joining the cast on tour

* The challenges of split-week travel and three-city weeks

* Why he left behind a steady job in cybersecurity to chase his dream

* His influences—from Jonathan Moffett and Vinnie Colaiuta to Karen Carpenter and Sheila E

* What it takes to stay healthy and injury-free on tour

* The importance of networking, versatility, and being a good hang

* The reality of drum booths, tight pits, late-night DoorDash, and finding community on the road

* How Cirque du Soleil and musical theater sparked his passion for live performance

This is an honest and inspiring look at what it means to live the touring musician’s life.

Support the show by visiting our merch store: merchandise.broadwaydrumming101.com

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

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

Originally released: October 2021

In this classic episode, I talk with Dennis Arcano—an all-around force in the musical theater world: Educator / Audio Engineer / Synth & Drum Programmer / Composer. He's subbed on shows like Death Becomes Her, tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Jagged Little Pill, and more.

Dennis and I go way back, and in this episode, we talk about how he broke into the scene, from his first professional gig at Candlewood Playhouse to subbing on Broadway. He shares how a single connection led to his first Broadway subbing gig on Follies, and how that eventually led to touring tick, tick...BOOM! with his wife alongside him.

He gets into:

* How to properly prepare for a subbing gig (and what not to do)

* His path as a multi-instrumentalist and why that matters

* Why it’s important to play like the drummer you're subbing for

* His philosophy on groove, gear, teaching, and building trust in the pit

* What it was like to come back to Broadway years later for Jagged Little Pill

This episode is a masterclass in professionalism, humility, and the power of staying ready. Whether you’re a drummer looking to break into the Broadway scene or someone who wants to understand what it really takes to make it, this is one worth going back to.

Listen now and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring and honest conversations with the drummers behind the shows.

And grab your copy of my book: BroadwayBoundBook.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, 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

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

In this episode, Clayton chats with drummer Patrick Phelan IV, the current touring drummer for the Shucked First National Tour. Patrick shares how a random hangout in NYC led to his first Broadway subbing opportunity and how he's since built a career full of friendship, groove, and grit.

We dive into his musical upbringing in Wisconsin, studying classical percussion at UW–Eau Claire, and how his early decision to leave veterinary studies for a life behind the drum kit changed everything. Patrick talks about balancing eight shows a week, playing pickleball and golf to stay sane on the road, and bleeding all over his snare in Dallas — literally.

Patrick also opens up about:

* His deep love for Yacht Rock and why he dreams of touring with Michael McDonald or Christopher Cross

* Learning to play entire shows from Vimeo videos (with no charts!) — like his recent tour with Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

* Why subbing on Shucked led to a national tour

* Playing music for music’s sake—not just for the show

Whether you’re a drummer, a theater musician, or someone trying to figure out how to break into the Broadway world, this episode is packed with real advice, honest stories, and some good laughs.

Featured Topics:

* Getting into musical theater through friendship and trust, not just auditions

* Classical chops meeting country-pop grooves on Shucked

* Why networking isn’t just schmoozing—it’s about real human connection

* Staying musically inspired while playing the same show night after night

* The role of joy, artistic outlets, and “pretending you’re at your own rock concert” when playing in isolation

About Patrick Phelan:Outside of Broadway, Patrick has toured internationally with Americana band Them Coulee Boys, recording the album Die Happy, which charted on the American Radio Album charts. He played for the Grammy-nominated Jazz Ensemble 1 at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and performed at PASIC with the UWEC percussion quartet. Patrick also teaches private lessons in drum set, concert percussion, and piano.

Connect with Patrick:Instagram: @patrickphelan4Email: [email protected]

Check out the Broadway Bound and Beyond book and merch!

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