The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

We’re thrilled to welcome William Church, Director of Theatre at Interlochen Center for the Arts, to The Roundtable. A powerhouse in arts education and performance, Church is also the founder and artistic director of the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival, a program he launched in 2008 that continues to elevate classical theatre for modern audiences. His career spans work with major theatre companies across the country, alongside a deep commitment to training young performers and helping them find their artistic voice.

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Kym Whitley is bringing the laughs, the heart, and the real-life stories that have made her a fan favorite for decades! The legendary comedian, actress, and host sits down to talk about her incredible career—from scene-stealing roles on screen to becoming one of the most authentic voices in comedy today. We dive into her dynamic chemistry with Sherri Shepherd, their wildly popular Two Funny Mamas podcast, and why their bond resonates so deeply with audiences everywhere.

And Detroit—get ready! Kym is hitting the stage for a special Mother’s Day weekend celebration alongside Sherri, bringing their signature humor and unfiltered storytelling live. We talk all about what fans can expect from the tour, the magic of performing together, and why this show is the perfect way to celebrate moms (and everyone who loves to laugh). It’s funny, it’s real, and it’s everything you want from Kym Whitley.

Watch the full conversation now on YouTube — link in bio!

#KymWhitley #SherriShepherd #TwoFunnyMamas #ComedyQueens #MothersDay #DetroitEvents #LiveComedy #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #PodcastInterview #ComedyTour #WomenInComedy

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From stealing scenes as Big Worm in Friday to bringing unforgettable energy to films like Elf, The Replacements, Couples Retreat, and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, Faizon Love has built a comedy legacy that spans decades. Starting stand-up at just 15, his larger-than-life presence and sharp, fearless humor have made him a standout across film, television, and even gaming as the voice of Sweet in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. With credits including The Parent ‘Hood, Blue Crush, and The Fighting Temptations, his impact on comedy culture is undeniable.

Now, Faizon is taking it back to where it all began—the stage. He joins us to talk about his incredible career, staying relevant in comedy, and what fans can expect as he hits the road. Detroit, get ready—he’ll be live at Mic Drop Comedy on May 15th & 16th bringing the laughs in a way only he can. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s classic Faizon Love.

Watch the full conversation now on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon—streaming on BroadwayWorld, the Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, iHeart, Spotify, and more!

#FaizonLove #ComedyLegend #FridayMovie #ElfMovie #StandUpComedy #DetroitEvents #MicDropComedy #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #ComedyLife #OnTour #LaughOutLoud

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Elena Sanchez is here, and she’s bringing heart, truth, and purpose with her. In Neglected, she steps into a story that refuses to be ignored—one that explores resilience, identity, and the emotional weight of being overlooked. Elena joins us to talk about what drew her to the project, the responsibility of telling stories that reflect real experiences, and how this role challenged and changed her as an artist.

We also dive into her journey, finding her voice in the industry, and what’s next as she continues to take on meaningful, impactful work. It’s an honest, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation with a talent you’re going to want to keep your eye on.

Watch the full conversation now on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon—streaming on BroadwayWorld, the Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, Spotify, Apple, iHeart, and more!

#TheRoundtable #ElenaSanchez #Neglected #Film #IndieFilm #Actress #Interview #Entertainment #BroadwayWorld #BPN #OnTheRise #Storytelling

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The vampires came out to play as The Lost Boys officially opened at the Palace Theatre, and The Roundtable was there for every thrilling, gothic moment. Based on the iconic cult film, this bold new musical—directed by Michael Arden—brings Santa Carla to life with a rock score by The Rescues and a cast led by LJ Benet, Shoshana Bean, Ali Louis Bourzgui, Benjamin Pajak, Maria Wirries, and Paul Alexander Nolan. It’s a high-octane, visually stunning spectacle that leans into the nostalgia while giving this cult classic a fresh, emotional edge.

And baby—the carpet was just as star-studded as the stage. From producer Patrick Wilson to Broadway royalty like Phillipa Soo, plus icons like JoJo, Alex Winter, Danny Pino, Alexis Michelle, Orfeh, and so many more—the energy was electric. This is the event of the season.

Catch all the fang-tastic moments now on The Roundtable—where Broadway’s biggest nights come to life! 🎭✨

#TheLostBoys #Broadway #OpeningNight #TheRoundtable #NYCTheatre #BroadwayWorld #Vampires #RedCarpet #TheatreLife

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Roxy Hunt is here and she’s shining a spotlight on one of NYC’s most exciting creative hubs—Lower East Side Film Festival. With a passion for championing independent artists, Roxy gives us the inside scoop on how the festival has grown into a must-attend event for filmmakers and audiences alike. From boundary-pushing shorts to unforgettable features, the festival captures the grit, heart, and diversity of the Lower East Side in every frame.

We talk about what makes this festival stand out in a crowded landscape, the importance of giving emerging voices a platform, and how community is at the core of it all. Roxy also shares what audiences can expect this year—from standout screenings to the electric atmosphere that only downtown NYC can deliver. If you love discovering what’s next in film, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

Watch the full conversation on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon—streaming now on BroadwayWorld, the Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart!

#TheRoundtable #RoxyHunt #LESFilmFestival #LowerEastSide #IndieFilm #FilmFestival #NYCArts #Filmmakers #SupportIndieFilm #BroadwayWorld #BPN #YouTube #Podcast #Entertainment #OnAir #NowStreaming

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Writer/director Joanne Mitchell is here to talk about her striking feature debut Broken Bird—a chilling, genre-bending story that dives deep into loneliness, trauma, and the human need for connection. Centered on Sybil, a socially isolated mortician, the film explores what happens when grief and desire blur into something far more unsettling. Drawing from her earlier short Sybil, Mitchell expands the world into a haunting psychological portrait that’s as poetic as it is disturbing.

With a background as an actor turned filmmaker, Mitchell brings a unique eye to the screen—merging horror, drama, and dark humor into a slow-burn experience that lingers. The film, which premiered at London’s FrightFest, has been described as a “mortuary psychodrama” that finds beauty inside the bizarre, anchored by a gripping lead performance from Rebecca Calder. Her storytelling pushes boundaries while still grounding itself in emotional truth—making Broken Bird a bold introduction to her voice as a director.

Watch the full conversation on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon—streaming now on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible conversations with the artists shaping today’s stage and screen.

#TheRoundtable #JoanneMitchell #BrokenBird #FilmInterview #IndieFilm #HorrorCinema #WomenInFilm #Directors #FilmTalk #BroadwayWorld #BPN

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At the inspiring Vital Voices Global Partnership Global Leadership Awards, we hit the carpet for a night where glamour met purpose and every voice carried impact. From political powerhouse Huma Abedin to legendary designer and philanthropist Diane von Fürstenberg—who continues to champion women worldwide—to the radiant Nicole Ari Parker, the room was filled with women shaping culture, policy, and the future. These are the moments that remind us why storytelling matters—because behind every look is a legacy, and behind every conversation is change in motion.

Hosted by marketing powerhouse and cultural force Bozoma Saint John, the evening celebrated global changemakers and the mission of Vital Voices—to uplift women leaders across the world in human rights, economic empowerment, and political progress. We caught up with icons, advocates, and visionaries on a carpet that felt as meaningful as it was glamorous. It was a night that proved when women lead, communities transform—and we were there to hear every word.

Watch the full carpet chats now on Broadway Podcast Network!

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Friendship, heartbreak, and that song… yes, that song. Beaches has officially opened on Broadway, bringing the beloved story of lifelong friendship between Cee Cee and Bertie to the stage in a sweeping, emotional production filled with powerhouse vocals and nostalgic moments. Led by Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, this new production leans all the way into the heart of the story—big voices, big feelings, and the kind of storytelling that reminds you why theater matters. And yes, when “Wind Beneath My Wings” hits? You already know… the tears are coming.

Opening night was a full-on event. The cast and creatives were out in full force, celebrating a show that has been years in the making, while the VIP list brought the sparkle: Loretta Devine, Paul Shaffer, Todrick Hall, Danny Burstein, Alex Newell and more showed up to celebrate this emotional, music-filled night. It felt like a love letter to friendship, to theater, and to the moments that stay with you long after the curtain falls. Because at its core, Beaches reminds us: the people who lift us up—they are the story. And baby… this one lets them soar.

Watch the full Roundtable now and follow along for more Broadway exclusives, interviews, and behind-the-scenes access you won’t get anywhere else.

Follow Robert on IG @robertmbannon and visit robertbannon.com for more!

#BeachesBroadway #WindBeneathMyWings #JessicaVosk #KelliBarrett #BroadwayOpening #RedCarpet #LorettaDevine #PaulShaffer #TodrickHall #DannyBurstein #AlexNewell #BroadwayWorld #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #TheatreLovers #BroadwayLife

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Opening night of The Balusters was stacked with talent, energy, and that unmistakable Broadway buzz. We hit the carpet with an incredible lineup—Tony winner Anika Noni Rose alongside a full company bringing this sharp, hilarious new play to life. The cast also includes standouts like Marylouise Burke, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Margaret Colin, Richard Thomas, Kayli Carter, Ricardo Chavira, Michael Esper, Maria-Christiana Oliveras, and Jeena Yi—a truly loaded ensemble.

Behind the scenes, the show comes from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire and is directed by the legendary Kenny Leon, giving it both heart and heavyweight creative vision. On the carpet, we also caught VIPs and theatre favorites like Jordan Cooper, Miriam Silverman, Mark Moses, Justin Cooley, and more—everyone showing up to celebrate what already feels like a major moment this season.

It wasn’t just an opening—it was a celebration of bold storytelling, powerhouse performances, and that electric, only-on-Broadway magic. From the fashion to the feels, The Balusters delivered. And trust—it was a night, baby.

Watch the full red carpet and opening night coverage now on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon across BroadwayWorld, YouTube, and all streaming platforms. Follow along for more exclusive chats, behind-the-scenes moments, and your front row seat to the biggest nights in entertainment.

#TheBalusters #Broadway #OpeningNight #AnikaNoniRose #JustinCooley #KennyLeon #DavidLindsayAbaire #Theatre #RedCarpet #BroadwayWorld #TheRoundtable #NYCEvents

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