Greenroom Conversations

Courter Simmons dazzles the stage playing many characters ranging from Frankie Valli (Jersey Boys) to Le Fou (Beauty and the Beast) to a character of his own invention who goes by the name of "Cacophony Daniels." In our interview we learn how Courter went from the Broadway stage to mastering heels in his own drag character and how both personas get work.

• Courter Simmons' Website
• Cacophony Daniels Facebook
• Cacophony Daniels Twitter

Ali Ewoldt joined us in the studio just four weeks after taking over the role of Christine in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Being cast as Christine, in addition to being a lifelong dream, marks a groundbreaking shift for the PHANOM family as Ali is "the first woman of color, and Asian American" to take on the role. Listen in as Ali tells us about her audition process, including the notes Hal Prince had for her during her final audition on the stage at the Majestic Theatre. Ali was a wonderfully fun guest, and she has some pretty funny stories about stage mishaps.

• Ali's Website
• Phantom's Website

Trombonist, Actress, Poet; Abbie Conant joined us in the studio to share stories of success, challenges, and perseverance. Currently, she finds artistic fulfillment in teaching and performing new theatrical works for Trombone with her husband William Osborne. We discussed her journey to Europe and experience with sexism in Italy as well as the Munich Philharmonic.

Patrick is currently the First Horn chair for THE LION KING on Broadway. When he's not playing for the pride, Patrick can heard in various gigs not only throughout the country, but throughout the world. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music, he has been playing on Broadway for a few decades, and has also managed to rack up a few participation Grammy's for his involvement in works produced by the New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to being a wonderful french horn player, Patrick finds continued creativity through his exploration of conducting as well as composing. We were fortunate enough to have him provide an expert of his haunting composition, Meditations on Manhattan. A longer cut off his music is generously supplied at the the very end of the podcast. Listen in to hear some great stories from this fantastic individual.

• Patrick's Website
• The Lion King

During our conversation with Jack Schatz, Trombonist, we learn just how networking was done in the 80s which still holds true today, playing your best and saying yes. Jack started as a piano student and tells the store of how he became a monster of the the low brass world of jingles, studio work, broadway and orchestra gigs. In his "spare" time Jack managed to beat cancer, teach at the college level and have a family in the big apple. In the Fall, Jack is taking on new adventures on the faculty at SUNY Purchase.

Kristy Cates, singer, dancer, actor, creative director, mentor and mother tells Ryan and Kevin how a small town girl from Northern California can through hard work and focus hit the musical theatre scene in New York and find success and artistic satisfaction.

Kristy tells great stories about her journey and how she meets fellow broadway stage performers all along the way.

• Kristy's Website
• Wikipedia Page
• New York Film Academy
• Kristy's Playbill Page
• Wicked Wiki
• Finding Neverland Cast

Countertenor Jeffrey Palmer originally from the State of Virginia and now lives and works in NYC after studying music in Bath, England. During the interview Jeffrey shares how he discovered his vocal speciality and explains how it is a differentiator, but does not let it put him "in a box" musically. As an artist, Jeffrey likes to use his voice to tell stories and entertain audiences by exploring his extensive vocal range and genres of music.

Alfie Parker Jr. Alfie, a Broadway Bares staple and one of ALADDIN's newest additions, took time to sit down with us after making his debut in the show, but while also still being in rehearsal for his upcoming put-in for the Genie role. We get to learn about the incredible audition process he went through, and how all of the Disney team gave him the "freedom to fail." Alfie is an incredibly hard working artist, who is no stranger to set backs and disappointments, but it is his faith in God, and his positive outlook that defines him. He believes God has given him the "gift of hope" that pushes him to keep moving forward. Alfie talks about how the setbacks of not getting accepted into any musical theatre programs, and the layoffs from different shows have actually opened other doors that have made him stronger. Listen in to find out what advice Danny Burstein gave him during his first Broadway show: SOUTH PACIFIC. And also listen in to hear Alfie school us co-hosts in the world of Step Teams.

• Aladdin
• Alfie Parker Jr.
• Broadway Bares

A photo of Alfie Parker

Dr. Tara O'Connor lit up the studio (as she does every place she goes) with her joviality and quick wit. In the interview it became apparent that if you really love what you do, you never need a "vacation". Aside from teaching at numerous high-level music programs and performing in many prestigious professional performance ensembles, she makes time for personal music projects she believes in. As a flutist (not "flout-ist") she had never felt the gravitational pull of the orchestral establishment being artistically fulfilled and free to blaze her own path as she has done so successfully. In our interview, you will not be able to help but be inspired and energized by her apparent love of music and the flute. And cooking. And photography.

Dave Thomas Brown. Currently staring on Broadway in AMERICAN PSYCHO, Dave sat down with us in the studio to give us some insight into the preview process for a Broadway show. Dave, originally from North Carolina, grew up doing community theatre and having occasional guest spots in his dad's barbershop quartet. We had a great time chatting about this last year which he described as blessed because of his award winning performance in THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, getting the opportunity to tour the country with his girlfriend in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and then of course making his Broadway debut in AMERICAN PSYCHO. Listen in to hear Dave's amazing Mandy Patinkin impression, as well as find out how Bradley Cooper made him mess up his choreography during previews of AMERICAN PSYCHO.

• davethomasbrown.com
• American Psycho
• NY Times: Dave's "Special Skills"