The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

We are talking music, musicals, and shows that have a cult following because they were ahead of their time! NIck Blaemire and James Gardiner are here to talk "Glory Days" coming to NY for one night only!

Keen Company, a Drama Desk and Obie Award-winning Off-Broadway theater creating stories that celebrate the complexities of hope and the joys of connection, is thrilled to announce complete casting for its upcoming benefit concert of Glory Days by Nick Blaemire and James Gardiner. Jordan Dobson (Bad Cinderella, Hadestown) and George Salazar (Keen’s Tick, Tick…BOOM!, Be More Chill, Godspell) join Tony nominees Derek Klena (Moulin Rouge, Jagged Little Pill, Anastasia) and Colton Ryan (New York, New York; Dear Evan Hansen) in this one-night-only event directed by Keen Company’s Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein featuring new musical arrangements by Van Hughes. The concert takes place on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 7pm at Peter Norton Symphony Space (2537 Broadway, Manhattan). Tickets, which start at $25, are currently on sale at www.keencompany.org. 

A cult-favorite, coming of age rock musical, Glory Days premiered at Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway in 2008 and has since been performed all over the world. This benefit concert, with music direction by Lily Ling, reflects Keen Company’s efforts to champion small scale intimate musicals with a large emotional impact. Composer and lyricist Nick Blaemire is familiar to Keen Company audiences from his star turn as Jonathan Larson in their acclaimed 2016 production of Tick, Tick… BOOM!

Glory Days tells the story of four high school friends who meet up at their alma mater one year after graduation to reconnect, crush a few beers, and enact revenge on their former bullies in the form of an elaborate prank. But the guys quickly discover that a lot can change in a year — even the people they thought they knew best. This vibrant, energetic musical about friendship and fulfillment invites us to reminisce on our own heydays gone by and encourages us to live like the best is yet to come.

Nick Blaemire and James Gardiner remarked, “We’re so excited to be taking another look at Glory Days. When we started writing it, back in high school, 20 years ago...!, we envisioned a simple show like The Fantasticks, Suburbia, or Our Town –- one we could produce with just a band and a bench. Keen Company excels at that kind of intimate storytelling. We're lucky to have four of the most exciting actors and singers in New York. Symphony Space is a legendary venue. So it's an honor to introduce this show to the next generation with these wonderful collaborators.”

Proceeds from this special event underwrite Keen Company’s 24th Season including the Off-Broadway premiere of Kia Corthron’s Fish, a new intimate musical commission by Adam Gwon, resources for mid-career writers, and free theater mentorship for students in all five boroughs of NYC.

Please visit www.keencompany.org/glorydays/ for more information.

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Frog & Peach Theatre Company is excited to announce their upcoming production of William Shakespeare's King Lear. Known for their thrilling and accessible adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, Frog & Peach Theatre Company is set to captivate audiences once again with their rendition of this startlingly relevant tragedy.

Directed by Lynnea Benson, the Co-founder and Artistic Director of Frog & Peach Theatre Co., Inc., King Lear promises to be a beautifully acted and fast-paced production that stays true to the text. With a talented cast and a creative team that includes Asa Benally for set and costume design, Obie and Drama Desk Award winner Dennis Parichy for lighting design, and Ted Zurkowski for music, audiences can expect a visually stunning and emotionally riveting experience.

The role of King Lear will be played by the renowned Greg Mullavey, known for his work in Clever Little Lies, The Soap Myth, and TV's iCarly and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Mullavey's commanding stage presence and exceptional talent make him the perfect fit for this extraordinary role.

Performances of King Lear will take place at The Theatre at St Clements, located at 423 W 46th St in New York City. Showtimes are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30PM, Sundays at 3:00PM, and a special Wednesday performance on 2/14 at 7:30PM. The duration of the performance is 2hrs, 15 mins with one intermission.

Tickets for King Lear start at $34.95 and can be purchased online at On The Stage. Student discounts are available, making this a great opportunity for those who may think Shakespeare's plays are lofty, bloodless affairs to see the plays come to alarming life. Students with valid school ID can purchase tickets for just $19.99 for performances thru 2/11! For Theatre Lovers ages 65+, just $19.99 thru 2/11. Prices are slightly higher at the door.

Frog & Peach Theatre Company has a long history of delivering exceptional performances that resonate with both industry players and the general public. Led by Lynnea Benson, the company has introduced the public to exciting new plays including COLLEGE FUN (review https://theunforgettableline.com/2023/05/22/college-fun/) and VERBATIM (in development starring Estelle Parsons) in addition to numerous acclaimed productions of Shakespeare’s plays, such as As You Like It, Twelfth Night, and Macbeth. Their ability to present the Classics in a way that is relatable and engaging has made them a favorite with Shakespeare fans and novices alike.

Frog & Peach Theatre Company was founded by Actors Studio members Lynnea Benson and Ted Zurkowski with a mission to bring fun and exciting theatre to New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds. Known for its riveting Main Stage productions of Shakespeare, daring new works, the viral comedy web series TINKERBELL ONLINE, star-studded gala readings, and special events held year-round, Frog & Peach is a truly unique arts organization.

The cast includes: Amy Frances Quint, Anuj Parikh, Calley Luman, Camelia Iturregui Fuertes, Clayton Turner, Coleman Shu-Tung, David Elyha, DazMann Still, Eric Doss, Eric Ryan Swanson, Erica Cafarelli, Jaixa Irizarry, John L. Payne, Jonathan Reed Wexler, Lenny Ciotti, Emmeline Chuy, Riley Scott, Steven Ungar, Vivien Landau

Don't miss the chance to witness Frog & Peach Theatre Company's production of King Lear. With its talented cast, skilled creative team, and powerful storytelling, this is bound to be a theatrical experience you won't forget.

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Check out “The Roundtable with Robert Bannon” everyday right here on The Broadway Podcast Network!

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Wowza! Is this show important and magically funny! We are talking "Russian Troll Farm" now playing! Before you believe what you read or press vote come the next election, you need to check this relevant and exciting new show out! We have stars Renata Friedman & Hadi Tabbal with us to talk ALL ABOUT IT!

The show is playing a limited run til February 25, 2024, at Vineyard Theatre (108 E. 15th Street).

Christine Lahti (“Chicago Hope,” “Evil”) will star as Ljuba, Haskell King (Kingfishers Catch Fire) will play Egor, Renata Friedman (Zürich) as Masha, John Lavelle (Selma, The Graduate) as Steve and Hadi Tabbal (The Vagrant Trilogy) as Nikolai.

Russian Troll Farm: A Workplace Comedy will be produced in association with Dori Berinstein/Dramatic Forces. It is also produced in association with Geva Theatre Center. Liz Armstrong is a Troll Team Partner. The play was originally produced by Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, New York: Elizabeth Williamson, Artistic Director and Christopher Mannelli, Executive Director. The World Premiere of Russian Troll Farm: A Workplace Comedy was produced virtually by TheaterWorks Hartford and TheatreSquared in October 2020 (New York Times Critic’s Pick).

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Check out “The Roundtable with Robert Bannon” everyday right here on The Broadway Podcast Network!

www.RobertBannon.com

Follow on IG @RobertMBannon or @theroundtablewithrobertbannon

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We love the Grammys! Last week we predicted who would win, but we could never predict this unpredictable show! From Miley to Mariah, from the fashion to the arrests, we cover it all! We rank the performances, cry over Joni Mitchell, and discuss the Jay Z shade! Adrienne Garzillo is back and we are not holding back!

Plus you have to watch to the end, because we give you the hot take on Swiftie Vs. Celine and let me tell you it is a heated moment in pop culture! Love it! Hate it! Agree or disagree, let us know!

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Check out “The Roundtable with Robert Bannon” everyday right here on The Broadway Podcast Network!

www.RobertBannon.com

Follow on IG @RobertMBannon or @theroundtablewithrobertbannon

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Mike is an actor, singer, and musician born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He's enjoyed working on various productions and projects throughout the country- most notably on Broadway in the new musical “New York, New York,” as well as starring in the first national tour of Broadway's The Band's Visit. 

He is currently one of the stars of "White Rose" now playing on Theatre Row. There has never been a more timely story! The show is based on a true story, White Rose: The Musical follows a group of university student activists who stood up to Hitler in Nazi Germany, risking everything by creating and distributing leaflets that challenged his propaganda. It is open til April 2nd so grab a ticket!

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Check out “The Roundtable with Robert Bannon” everyday right here on The Broadway Podcast Network!

www.RobertBannon.com

Follow on IG @RobertMBannon or @theroundtablewithrobertbannon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brazilian-born, New York-based vocalist and actor Darwin Del Fabro is released their debut album, Revisiting Elis Regina – honoring the iconic Brazilian vocalist – on January 26. Madalena Music released Revisiting Elis Regina – the debut album Brazilian-born, New York-based singer and actor Darwin Del Fabro – in streaming and digital formats on Friday, January 26. 

Del Fabro, who uses he/they pronouns, is best known for Blumhouse Productions’ acclaimed slasher film They/Them, directed by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan. Singing in Portuguese, Del Fabro reinvents classic songs of the iconic Brazilian singer Elis Regina (1945-1982), using a sophisticated and understated vocal delivery with powerful emotional currents and ethereal flourishes, supported by elegantly subtle strings and brass. Revisiting Elis Regina is produced by two-time Latin Grammy Award-nominated pianist, singer and arranger Delia Fischer, who also serves as music director. The album’s first single, “Velha Roupa Colorida,” is out now. Find the song here bit.ly/darwinpresave

Elis Regina, considered among South America’s pioneering and influential vocalists; according to The New York Times, she “was Brazil’s Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Linda Ronstadt rolled into one. She discovered and encouraged the finest songwriters in Brazilian popular music, and she taught the next generations of singers the combination of lightness and sensuality, supple rhythms and melting emotion.” Regina’s legacy was recently highlighted in the lauded documentary, Elis & Tom: It Had to Be You, which was released in theaters last fall after making a splash in the 2023 AFI Latin American Film Festival.

 Del Fabro – like Regina, born in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul – comments, “Elis helped to teach me to take ownership of myself, to be free. I was enchanted by this woman who went against the standards of her time. She was small and wore her hair short. She was delicate, but also quite rough…. Elis was everything at the same time.” 

Darwin Del Fabro is a veteran of Brazil’s celebrated musical theater scene, having performed in Fiddler on the Roof and The Wizard of Oz. Del Fabro debuted on Brazilian TV in 2016 playing Collete D’Or in Globo TV’s mini-series adaptation of the beloved book, Tony Award-winning play and Oscar-winning film Dangerous Liaisons, starring Brazilian actress Patricia Pillar and actor Selton Mello. Before moving to New York, he was seen in the soap opera “Novo Mundo” (2017), also on Globo TV.

 In the United States, Del Fabro received rave reviews for their performance as Dominic in Real at The Tank. Also in New York, he starred as Adam in The Feather Doesn’t Fall Far from The Tree at the Signature Theater and as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As a musician, he debuted at the 54 Below with the sold-out show “Darwin Del Fabro in NY,” which included hits of Antônio Carlos Jobim and Frank Sinatra, among others.

Del Fabro is one of the protagonists in the LGBTQIA+ slasher film, They/Them, currently streaming on Peacock. The film – which marks the directorial debut of the Tony Award and Golden Globe-winning screenwriter and playwright John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator, Skyfall, Red) – tells the story of queer empowerment set in a gay conversion camp. The cast also includes Kevin Bacon, Anna Chlumsky, and Carrie Preston.

Del Fabro has released two EPs: Revisiting Jobim, Parts 1 and 2, which explore the immortal songs of Antônio Carlos Jobim, with songs including “Wave,” “Desafinado,” and “Água de Beber,” among many others.

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Check out “The Roundtable with Robert Bannon” everyday right here on The Broadway Podcast Network!

www.RobertBannon.com

Follow on IG @RobertMBannon or @theroundtablewithrobertbannon

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Drag Queen Hot Topic Mirage is fresh off the stage of Drag Race! She does not hold back! She talks her forgotten lyric moment, her journey on the show, how she makes it as a queen in the bright lights of Vegas, and much more! She is spilling all the tea! Plus she talks her new single direct from the show. Do you want to know what it is like to be on Drag Race? We find out!

We had a good time with Ms. Mirage! You will too! Take a listen today!

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Check out “The Roundtable with Robert Bannon” everyday right here on The Broadway Podcast Network!

www.RobertBannon.com

Follow on IG @RobertMBannon or @theroundtablewithrobertbannon

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We love a Kween here on The Roundtable, and we have two of the best joining us! Celebrate the end of Jan. and the start of Feb. with a Winter KiKi Moment! 

She has been a fixture on Drag Race, the club, cabaret, and pop culture scene. The One & Only Ginger Minj is here to talk her new show "A Broad's Way" Coming To NY, LA, Palm Springs, and more! Plus she is talking her new memoir and how she does it all! This is a fun chat you can't miss! She even gives some deep and profound relationship advice! C'mon Ginger with the love tips! Check it out!

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Check out “The Roundtable with Robert Bannon” everyday right here on The Broadway Podcast Network!

www.RobertBannon.com

Follow on IG @RobertMBannon or @theroundtablewithrobertbannon

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love the Grammy Awards! From the pop to the country, R&B to Hip Hop, music is celebrated on the Grammy Stage! We are breaking down all the big categories (including Best Musical Theater Album OF COURSE!)

Adrienne Garzillo is back to give us the tea, presenters, performers, and who we think should win! We are bringing our hot takes and all the tea so pull up a chair!

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Check out “The Roundtable with Robert Bannon” every Thursday 7pm EST/4pm PST PLUS: The Talk Series where artists share their art and their heart.

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She is a Two Time Tony Winner. She is a 2024 Grammy Nominee! She is a Broadway Legend! Victoria Clark joins us at "The Roundtable" for a full blown chat before the Grammy Awards! She discusses her career coming from Texas, to Yale, to the lights of Broadway! We take a fun trip down her Broadway Memory lane and talk her many iconic roles!

Plus with "Kimberly Akimbo" coming to an end after an epic run, including Best Musical, what is next for Victoria? Well we ask and we find out on a SPECIAL EXCLUSIVE EDITION of "The Roundtable with Robert Bannon" and Victoria Clark!

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LIKE. COMMENT. SUBSCRIBE!

Check out “The Roundtable with Robert Bannon” every Thursday 7pm EST/4pm PST PLUS: The Talk Series where artists share their art and their heart.

www.RobertBannon.com

Follow on IG @RobertMBannon or @theroundtablewithrobertbannon

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