Welcome back to the BROADWAY YOUR WAY podcast! Today’s episode is brought to you by Spotify for Podcasters - I’m joined today by Broadway’s “Sparkling Diamond”, Courtney Reed from “Moulin Rouge!” Having seen her multiple times in Houston, and finally on Broadway earlier this year, I knew I had to bring her on to talk all things “Moulin Rouge!” and so much more.

Welcome to the second part of one of the most important discussions I’ve had on the podcast: bringing the experiences and personal stories of Black actors to the discussion table. In this second part, we cover the hard-hitting topics of accessibility and inclusivity in the theater industry. Actors Devin Holloway (AIN’T TOO PROUD), Martina Sykes (THE LION KING), and Christian Thompson (WICKED) all share their stories of being a Black actor in an industry that can be welcoming at times, but also confines actors to certain stereotypes and becomes exclusive to only a few. The trio also shares ways that audience members can give back and support Black theater in their communities. (Note: The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guests, and may not represent all the views of all the cast/creatives of their respective productions.)

Now, more than ever, Black artists and actors need to be given the credit where and when it’s due. The theater industry has come a long way in terms of creating an inclusive environment for all, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. As it is Black History Month, I wanted to bring the thoughts and ideas of extremely talented Black actors to the table and discuss what their experiences have been like thus far. Devin Holloway is currently playing “Richard Street” in the national tour of AIN’T TOO PROUD, Martina Sykes is currently on the road with THE LION KING as “Shenzi”, and Christian Thompson is fresh off the road from WICKED, having made history as one of the very few principal Black actors to have played “Fiyero” in the show’s 20-year history. Black actors and artists bring important experiences to the table, as you’ll hear in the first part of this two-part special! (NOTE: The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guests, and may not represent the views of all the cast/creatives of their respective productions.)

Alley Theatre has made a name for itself in the Houston area. The organization does a fantastic job at bringing new and innovative productions to the theater scene, and their upcoming play called THE NERD is definitely one that will have audiences laughing and smiling! In today’s episode, I chat with Chris Hutchinson and Chris Salazar, both of whom are Resident Company members of the Alley. We discussed everything from what it means to be a resident company member, as well as what audiences can expect from THE NERD, playing from February 23rd to March 17th!

This episode is for all my theater techies! Cody Renard Richard is no stranger to being stage manager for some of Broadway’s biggest stars, as you’ll hear in today’s episode. Currently working on the upcoming Broadway musical, LEMPICKA, Cody shares his journey into stage management and what it’s like to put together a new musical for Broadway audiences to enjoy!

“Welcome to the show, to the histo-remix…” can be heard in Broadway’s SIX The Musical, currently playing to a full house every night at the Lena Horne Theatre. SIX tells the story of Henry VIII’s six wives as they battle (well, sing for their lives, that is) to determine who leads their band! The current Queens on Broadway, however, are no stranger to their roles - they’re all reprising the roles from the “Aragon” tour of the production! Olivia plays ANNA OF CLEVES and Gabriela plays CATHERINE PARR. Each of them brings a unique and different take on their respective queens, and I am so excited to bring you their stories in today’s episode!

ON YOUR FEET! tells the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the infamous Cuban-American duo behind hits such as “Conga” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You”! In today’s episode, I chat with Gaby (“Gloria Estefan”) and Samuel (“Emilio Estefan”). The tour is currently playing in Houston, presented by TUTS! We discuss everything from what it’s like to tour and bring this story to audiences, as well as what it’s like to portray the husband/wife team on stage.

Houston-area theatre fans, this episode is for you! If you have been attending Alley Theatre performances for the past few years, this duo will be no stranger to you: Susan Koozin and Todd Waite! Koozin has been seen in many Houston productions between both TUTS and the Alley Theatre, and Waite is no stranger to the Alley with a staggering 40+ credits under his belt! Today, I chat with them about all things Houston, and what it’s like to be returning to the Alley for the production of PICTURES FROM HOME!

MOULIN ROUGE! graced the Hobby Center stage last year, and opened to rave reviews from all theater fans alike. If you can’t tell, I am such a huge fan of the show here at BROADWAY YOUR WAY! Today’s bonus episode features my conversation with Nicci Claspell, who currently plays in the ensemble, as well as understudying the role of “Satine”! She chats with me about life on tour, as well as what it’s like to understudy the role and go on from time to time!

As it was for everyone, the pandemic shut down many industries, with theater being the hardest hit. However, Danny Burgos (“On Your Feet!”, “The Band’s Visit”, “Moulin Rouge!”) took it as an opportunity to revisit another passion: nursing. In today’s episode, Danny discusses what it was like to be a nursing student during the pandemic, and what it is like to lead “Moulin Rouge!” in a way he hasn’t before.