The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

Regional theatre is alive and thriving in Rochester, New York, and Eric Vaughn Johnson is helping lead the way.

The Founder, Executive & Artistic Director of OFC Creations Theatre Center joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to discuss the company's exciting newly announced Broadway in Brighton Series™ season, featuring Hairspray, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Witches of Eastwick, The Osmonds: A New Musical, and Miss Saigon.

Eric shares the journey of building OFC Creations into one of the region's premier theatre organizations, developing new works, nurturing young artists, and creating unforgettable live theatre experiences. We also discuss what it takes to produce professional theatre today, the importance of arts education, and why regional theatre continues to be the heartbeat of communities across America.

If you love Broadway, live theatre, and the incredible people who make it all happen, you won't want to miss this conversation!

Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more.

For more info, go to RobertBannon.com and follow Robert on Instagram @RobertMBannon.

#EricVaughnJohnson #OFCCreations #BroadwayInBrighton #RegionalTheatre #Broadway #Theatre #MusicalTheatre #RochesterNY #ArtsEducation #Hairspray #MissSaigon #KissOfTheSpiderWoman #TheWitchesOfEastwick #TheOsmonds #AChristmasStory #BroadwayWorld #BroadwayPodcastNetwork #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon

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Broadway leading man Sam Gravitte is taking audiences on A Walk on the Moon!

Known for standout performances in Wicked, Almost Famous, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sam Gravitte now stars as Walker in the new Off-Broadway musical A Walk on the Moon at the Laura Pels Theatre. Based on Pamela Gray's beloved film, the musical transports audiences to the transformative summer of 1969, blending romance, family, self-discovery, and a changing America through a soaring new score.

Sam joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to discuss creating Walker for the stage, working alongside Talia Suskauer, Max Chernin, and Andréa Burns, collaborating with director Sheryl Kaller, and what makes A Walk on the Moon such an emotional and timely story. They also dive into his Broadway journey, life as a leading man, and what's next in an already exciting career.

Watch now on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, Broadway Podcast Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and more!

For more info, go to RobertBannon.com and follow Robert on IG @RobertMBannon.

#SamGravitte #AWalkOnTheMoon #Broadway #OffBroadway #LauraPelsTheatre #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #MusicalTheatre

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Alex Michaels (aka Alexis Michelle) is bringing the wigs, the heart, and the hairspray to Cape Cod!

Best known worldwide as Alexis Michelle from RuPaul's Drag Race Seasons 9 and All Stars 8, Alex Michaels is stepping into one of musical theater's most beloved drag roles as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, Massachusetts. The production runs July 15 through August 8, 2026 and celebrates the joy, heart, and social message that have made Hairspray a Broadway classic.

Beyond Drag Race, Alex has built an impressive stage career with acclaimed performances Off-Broadway and across the country, earning a Berkshire Theatre Critics Award for playing Albin/Zaza in La Cage aux Folles. Screen credits include Vanderpump Villa, Blue Bloods, Dragnificent!, and PBS's Broadway's Leading Men with the American Pops Orchestra.

Now Alex joins us on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about stepping into Edna's iconic shoes, balancing Broadway and drag, the enduring message of Hairspray, life after RuPaul's Drag Race, and why this role means so much at this point in their career.

Watch now on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, Broadway Podcast Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and more!

For more info, go to RobertBannon.com and follow Robert on IG @RobertMBannon.

#AlexisMichelle #AlexMichaels #Hairspray #CapePlayhouse #RuPaulsDragRace #DragRace #Broadway #MusicalTheatre #EdnaTurnblad #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #BroadwayWorld

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There’s something special about artists who make you feel every word they sing, and that's exactly what Sémaj delivers on his debut single, "Love Ain't Fair."

Raised on Chicago's South Side, Sémaj brings together the timeless influence of artists like Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Michael Jackson, New Edition, and Bobby Brown with a fresh, modern R&B sound that feels both nostalgic and completely current.

Produced by Grammy-winning producer Guitar Boy (Chris Brown, Usher, Trey Songz), "Love Ain't Fair" dives into the heartbreak, loneliness, and uncertainty that come when love begins to fall apart. Built around moody late-night production, soulful melodies, and Sémaj's emotionally honest vocal performance, the track captures the vulnerability that has always been at the heart of great R&B.

The accompanying music video adds another layer to the story, opening with a tense confrontation before unfolding into a cinematic journey through love, conflict, regret, and longing.

Sémaj's path to music wasn't traditional. Growing up in neighborhoods challenged by violence and hardship, he found strength through family—especially his late grandfather, who introduced him to the legends of soul music. After playing alto saxophone in high school, he eventually discovered his voice while performing at an open mic in college, realizing the incredible power music has to connect people.

That connection remains the foundation of everything he creates.

Whether writing beside Chicago's lakefront or drawing inspiration from his own life and the experiences of those around him, Sémaj approaches every song with authenticity, blending vulnerability with confidence to tell stories that resonate.

If "Love Ain't Fair" is any indication, Sémaj is arriving as one of the exciting new voices helping shape the next generation of R&B.

Watch our conversation with Sémaj on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, streaming on BroadwayWorld, Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you enjoy great conversations.

For more information, visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertMBannon on Instagram.

#Sémaj #LoveAintFair #RnB #NewMusic #ChicagoMusic #SoulMusic #BroadwayWorld #BroadwayPodcastNetwork #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #GuitarBoy #NowPlaying

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What happens when one of history's greatest epics is told from the perspective of the woman left behind?

That's the question at the heart of Penelope, the acclaimed contemporary chamber musical created by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz. Now, with the release of Penelope: Live at Joe's Pub from JOY MACHINE RECORDS and an upcoming run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the award-winning musical is reaching even more audiences.

On The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we're joined by composer, lyricist, and co-book writer Alex Bechtel along with Broadway star, co-book writer, and performer Grace McLean to talk about the journey of creating this deeply personal and emotionally rich new work.

Inspired by Bechtel's own experience of being separated from his partner during the COVID-19 pandemic, Penelope reimagines Homer's epic through the eyes of Penelope, who has spent twenty years waiting for Odysseus to return from war. Blending folk-pop music, intimate storytelling, poetic movement, and sharp humor, the musical transforms an ancient tale into a moving reflection on love, loneliness, hope, and resilience.

The live album captures the energy of the show's celebrated performances at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, following acclaimed productions at Hudson Valley Shakespeare, Signature Theatre, Theatre Horizon, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and Ancram Center for the Arts.

Bechtel has earned widespread acclaim as a composer, writer, musician, and theater artist, while McLean has become one of Broadway's most distinctive voices through performances in Suffs, Bad Cinderella, and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, alongside her own celebrated original music and award-winning theatrical work.

Together, Alex and Grace discuss the collaborative process behind Penelope, the inspiration for its unforgettable music, what it means to reinterpret a legendary story for today's audiences, and why this timeless tale continues to resonate in such a powerful way.

Watch our conversation with Alex Bechtel and Grace McLean on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, streaming on BroadwayWorld, Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you enjoy great conversations.

For more information, visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertMBannon on Instagram.

#PenelopeMusical #GraceMcLean #AlexBechtel #EvaSteinmetz #JoyMachineRecords #Broadway #MusicalTheatre #EdinburghFringe #Joe'sPub #TheRoundtable #BroadwayWorld #RobertBannon

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For nearly two decades, Berner has been one of the most unique success stories in entertainment. Born Gilbert Milam Jr. in San Francisco, he built a devoted following as a prolific independent rapper, collaborated with artists including Wiz Khalifa, B-Real, Cam'ron, Curren$y, and Mozzy, and released dozens of projects while remaining fiercely independent. At the same time, he transformed his passion for entrepreneurship into a global empire by co-founding Cookies, now one of the world's most recognized cannabis and lifestyle brands, earning him recognition far beyond the music industry.

Now, Berner is taking on his biggest creative challenge yet with Splash City, his feature directorial debut. Opening in theaters July 20, the Lionsgate crime drama follows two brothers whose lives take dramatically different paths as they fight to survive amid the pressures, loyalty, and violence of their community. Berner co-wrote, produced, and directed the film, bringing an authentic Bay Area perspective to a story rooted in family, ambition, and the difficult choices that shape a lifetime.

For Berner, Splash City is more than a movie—it's another evolution in a career built on taking risks. Whether through music, business, or now filmmaking, he has consistently created projects that reflect his own experiences and the communities that helped shape him. After redefining what an independent artist could become, he's now proving he has stories to tell on the big screen as well.

Now, Berner joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to discuss Splash City, his remarkable journey from Bay Area rapper to business mogul, how he built one of the most recognizable lifestyle brands in the world, the lessons he's learned through success and adversity, and why storytelling continues to drive everything he creates.

For more info, go to RobertBannon.com and follow Robert on IG @RobertMBannon.

#Berner #SplashCity #HipHop #IndependentArtist #BayArea #SanFrancisco #Cookies #Entrepreneur #Film #Movie #CrimeDrama #MusicToMovies #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #RobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #BWW #CelebrityInterview #NowShowing #Lionsgate #EntertainmentNews

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Actress, comedian, filmmaker, and creator Anastasia Washington joins us on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for a fun, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation about her ever-expanding career. This summer, Anastasia heads to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 as a featured speaker on the Taskmaster panel and You Can't Do That Anymore! panel, where she'll discuss the current state of the superhero genre alongside fellow actors, creators, and industry voices. She also stars in the acclaimed horror-comedy anthology Grind, which premiered at SXSW 2026 before earning spots at the Overlook Film Festival, Chattanooga Film Festival, and upcoming screenings at FrightFest UK and Sitges. In the film, Anastasia plays multiple interconnected roles opposite an all-star cast including James Paxton, Christopher Marquette, James Urbaniak, and Rob Huebel.

Beyond the screen, Anastasia has become a powerful voice for representation and inclusion. As a biracial filmmaker, comedian, and curve model, she uses humor to spark meaningful conversations around topics including colorism, eating disorders, and police brutality—earning comparisons to trailblazers like W. Kamau Bell and Jordan Peele. We also dive into her passion for the horror genre, her growing Horror Filmmaker Community, her monthly Comedy 4 Nice People showcase, and why creating spaces where people feel seen and welcomed matters now more than ever. It's an engaging conversation about storytelling, laughter, community, and using art to create change.

Watch and listen to The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you enjoy your favorite conversations. For more information, visit RobertBannon.com and follow Robert on Instagram @RobertMBannon.

#AnastasiaWashington #ComicCon2026 #SanDiegoComicCon #GrindMovie #SXSW #HorrorComedy #Comedy #Horror #RepresentationMatters #Filmmaker #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #BroadwayPodcastNetwork #YouTube #EntertainmentNews #Interview #Actor #Creator #ComicCon

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Award-winning actress, filmmaker, singer-songwriter, and storyteller Malynda Hale joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for an inspiring conversation about her remarkable career across film, music, and media. Malynda stars in the powerful new drama Bull Street, arriving in theaters on July 17, alongside Academy Award winner Amy Madigan, Loretta Devine, Arielle Prepetit, and Gary Ray Moore. The acclaimed film follows an Ivy League lawyer challenging her family's claim to their longtime home, while attorney LouEster Sadie Gibbs fights a courtroom battle where privilege collides with legacy. We also discuss the film's successful festival run, including screenings at the Pan African Film Festival and Sarasota Film Festival, as well as her newest directorial project, Au Gratin, which continues to make waves on the international festival circuit.

Beyond acting, Malynda has built an extraordinary career as a filmmaker, musician, and entrepreneur. As the founder of JMV Entertainment, she is committed to creating meaningful stories centered on identity, faith, race, humanity, and emotional connection. We also dive into her acclaimed projects including Black Voices Heard, her thought-provoking podcast #WeNeedToTalk, and her journey as a singer-songwriter who has shared the stage with legends like Smokey Robinson and OTOWN while having her music featured on CBS and Disney productions. It's a heartfelt conversation about purpose, creativity, perseverance, and using every artistic platform to bring people together through storytelling.

Watch and listen to The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, Broadway Podcast Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and wherever you enjoy great conversations. For more information, go to RobertBannon.com and follow Robert on Instagram @RobertMBannon.

#MalyndaHale #BullStreet #AuGratin #LorettaDevine #AmyMadigan #IndependentFilm #Filmmaker #Actress #SingerSongwriter #Storytelling #BlackVoicesHeard #WeNeedToTalk #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #BroadwayPodcastNetwork #Entertainment #Film #Podcast #Interview #NewMovie

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Broadway performer, filmmaker, and storyteller Doron JéPaul joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for an inspiring conversation about the power of faith, perseverance, and using art to make an impact. Known for his work on Broadway in Our Town, The Piano Lesson, and To Kill a Mockingbird, Doron has also built an impressive career as a writer, producer, and creative visionary.

Beyond the Broadway stage, Doron is making waves behind the camera with his own film projects, including the upcoming short film R.E.S.T., which he wrote, executive produced, and stars in. Through his production company and creative work, he's committed to telling stories that challenge audiences while inspiring hope and meaningful conversation.

In this heartfelt interview, Doron reflects on his upbringing, the role faith has played throughout his journey, what it took to make it to Broadway, and why creating stories that matter has become his life's mission. It's an honest conversation about purpose, resilience, and the courage to dream beyond the stage.

Don't miss this inspiring new episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon!

For more info, go to RobertBannon.com and follow Robert on IG @RobertMBannon.

#DoronJePaul #Broadway #OurTown #ThePianoLesson #ToKillAMockingbird #REST #Faith #Film #Storytelling #BroadwayWorld #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #RobertBannon

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The indie sensation Atta Boy is back with brand-new music, a new tour, and an exciting new chapter—and three-fourths of the band stopped by The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to tell the story.

Lead vocalist Eden Brolin (a singing acting superstar), guitarist Freddie Reish, and keyboardist Dashel Thompson joined Robert for a fun, heartfelt conversation about creating together, the inspiration behind their latest album, and what fans can expect as they hit the road once again. While drummer Lewis Pullman wasn't able to join the conversation, his creative spirit is felt throughout the band's newest work.

The group opens up about songwriting, friendship, staying authentic in today's music industry, and the experiences that continue to shape their sound. It's an honest conversation filled with laughter, creativity, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from one of indie music's most exciting bands.

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Atta Boy, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Watch the full interview with Atta Boy on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon.

For more info, go to RobertBannon.com and follow Robert on IG @RobertMBannon.

#AttaBoy #EdenBrolin #LewisPullman #FreddieReish #DashelThompson #IndieMusic #NewMusic #ConcertTour #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #RobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #BroadwayPodcastNetwork #MusicInterview #YouTube #Spotify #ApplePodcasts #iHeartRadio

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