The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

Leslie Fields-Cruz, the dynamic Executive Director of Black Public Media, joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for an inspiring and necessary conversation about storytelling, representation, and the power of media. As a champion for Black creatives across film, television, and digital platforms, Leslie shares how Black Public Media has been at the forefront of supporting groundbreaking content and elevating voices that deserve to be seen and heard. From funding initiatives to major projects that have shaped the cultural landscape, this conversation highlights the organization’s vital role in today’s media ecosystem.

Robert and Leslie dive into the importance of access, authenticity, and advocacy in entertainment, while also celebrating the next generation of storytellers. With warmth, insight, and passion, Leslie opens up about her journey, the mission behind Black Public Media, and why now is such a critical time to invest in diverse voices. It’s a thoughtful, empowering chat that reminds us just how impactful media can be when it reflects the richness of all communities.

Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on Broadway World, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and more.

Visit RobertBannon.com and follow on Instagram @RobertBannon.

The best is yet to come.

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Jonny-James Kajoba and Matt Walker join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to dive into the gripping new Off-Broadway play Spare Parts, a darkly funny and thought-provoking work that tackles some of today’s biggest questions about science, power, and what it means to be human. Set in a world of cutting-edge anti-aging research funded by a billionaire’s obsession with living forever, the play explores the blurred lines between ambition and ethics, identity and control. As key players in this intense story, Kajoba and Walker bring complex characters to life—navigating loyalty, morality, and the consequences of pushing science too far.

In this compelling conversation, we talk about the emotional and psychological layers of the play, the challenges of bringing such a high-stakes, idea-driven story to the stage, and the powerful twists that keep audiences on edge. With themes of immortality, consent, and the cost of progress, Spare Parts is as entertaining as it is unsettling—sparking conversations long after the curtain falls. It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most provocative new plays in New York right now!

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Tony-nominated choreographer Lorin Latarro joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about bringing new life to the iconic musical Chess! Known for her dynamic, storytelling-driven movement in productions like Waitress, Into the Woods, and Mrs. Doubtfire, Latarro has become one of Broadway’s most exciting creative forces. Now, she’s stepping into the world of Chess, a beloved cult classic with a legendary score by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, exploring how choreography helps shape the emotional and political tension at the heart of this powerful story.

In this engaging conversation, Latarro shares how she approaches reimagining such a fan-favorite piece, balancing respect for its legacy with a fresh, contemporary lens. We talk about the evolution of dance on Broadway, collaboration with directors and performers, and how movement can elevate storytelling in a show driven by high stakes and even higher emotions. It’s a fascinating look inside the creative process from one of the best in the business—and a must-watch for theater lovers!

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Anna Mai and Fergus Fitzpatrick, the dynamic sibling duo lighting up stages around the world, join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Riverdance as the global phenomenon returns to tour—including a stop in Detroit! As part of a new generation carrying forward one of the most iconic productions in theatrical history, Anna Mai and Fergus share what it’s like to grow up in the world of Irish dance and step into a legacy that has captivated audiences for three decades. From the precision and power of the choreography to the emotional storytelling that defines Riverdance, this milestone tour honors the past while pushing the art form forward.

In this lively conversation, we talk sibling chemistry on stage, the discipline behind the dance, and the thrill of performing in a show that changed the landscape of live entertainment forever. Plus, we celebrate what makes this 30th Anniversary tour so special—from updated staging to honoring the roots of a show that started as a Eurovision performance and became a worldwide sensation. Detroit, get ready—this is tradition, innovation, and heart all in one unforgettable experience!

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#Riverdance #AnnaMaiFitzpatrick #FergusFitzpatrick #Riverdance30 #BroadwayInDetroit #DetroitEvents #IrishDance #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #DanceLife #TourLife #TheBestIsYetToCome

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From Broadway to Hollywood and back home to Detroit, Emmy Award-winning choreographer Joshua Bergasse joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk all things The Music Man and the magic of bringing classic musical theater to life. Born and raised just outside Detroit, Bergasse’s journey from his mother’s dance studio to the biggest stages in the world is nothing short of inspiring. His work spans Broadway hits like On the Town, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the television phenomenon Smash, which earned him an Emmy for his choreography. Now, he’s bringing that same energy, storytelling, and show-stopping movement back to a city that shaped him—Detroit!

In this exciting chat, Bergasse opens up about honoring the legacy of The Music Man while making it feel fresh for today’s audiences, the joy of creating movement that tells a story, and what it means to return home with such a beloved production. We talk Detroit pride, Broadway dreams, and the hustle it takes to go from local talent to Tony-nominated creative powerhouse. It’s a full-circle moment you won’t want to miss—and a reminder that the biggest stages in the world often start right at home.

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#JoshuaBergasse #TheMusicMan #BroadwayInDetroit #DetroitArts #BroadwayChoreography #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #Smash #OnTheTown #DetroitTalent #MusicalTheatre #TheBestIsYetToCome

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Kathryn Allyson is here as she takes the smash-hit musical & Juliet across the United States! This global sensation flips the script on Shakespeare’s classic love story, imagining what would happen if Juliet chose her own destiny—set to a soundtrack of iconic pop hits from Max Martin including Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and more. Now hitting cities nationwide, this high-energy production continues to captivate audiences with its empowering message, infectious music, and unforgettable performances.

In this conversation, Kathryn opens up about joining this beloved show, the excitement (and hustle!) of tour life, and what it means to bring such a joyful and empowering story to audiences across the country. From powerhouse vocals to living life on the road, she shares what makes & Juliet such a special experience both on and off the stage. Trust us—this is one show you’ll want to catch when it comes to your city!

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#AndJuliet #KathrynAllyson #BroadwayTour #MusicalTheatre #Theatre #BroadwayWorld #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #EntertainmentNews #PopMusic #TourLife #TheBestIsYetToCome

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Karin McCracken and Simon Leary are here diving into the wildly original and emotionally electric Heartbreak Hotel, now playing Off-Broadway at the DR2 Theatre! Created by acclaimed New Zealand company EBKM, this hilarious and heartfelt two-hander follows one woman navigating the aftermath of a six-year relationship—while Leary brilliantly transforms into every man in her life along the way. Packed with lo-fi covers of iconic breakup songs, awkward Tinder dates, and raw honesty, this 75-minute ride blends comedy, concert, and catharsis into one unforgettable experience.

In this conversation, Karin and Simon open up about building this deeply personal yet universal story, the surprising role of science and emotion in the show, and how heartbreak can actually bring humor, healing, and connection. From synth-driven storytelling to sharp, witty writing and transformative performances, Heartbreak Hotel is the breakup story you didn’t know you needed—until now. Trust us, you’ll laugh, you’ll feel, and yes… you might text your ex after this one.

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#HeartbreakHotel #OffBroadway #KarinMcCracken #SimonLeary #Theatre #NYCTheatre #BreakupStories #LiveTheatre #BroadwayWorld #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #TalkShow #EntertainmentNews #TheBestIsYetToCome

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EGOT winner Rita Moreno joins me for a truly unforgettable milestone—my 1000th show. From her groundbreaking career across film, television, and Broadway to her powerful voice that continues to shape the industry, Rita reflects on a lifetime of artistry, resilience, and impact. This is more than a conversation—it’s a moment in entertainment history.

We laugh, we reflect, and we celebrate what it means to keep going, to persevere, and to build something lasting. Sitting across from a legend for this milestone reminded me exactly why this show exists—connection, storytelling, and honoring the voices that inspire us all. 1000 conversations later… and this one is something special.

🎙️ Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, iHeart, and all major platforms.

🌐 RobertBannon.com | 📲 @RobertMBannon

The best is yet to come.

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Joshua Sapan and Miranda Lee are here to talk about something truly special—the Marvels of Media Festival, a one-of-a-kind celebration of autistic and neurodivergent storytellers happening in NYC at the Museum of the Moving Image. Founded by Sapan and programmed by Lee, the festival showcases films, animation, virtual reality, and more—all created by neurodivergent artists pushing boundaries and redefining what storytelling looks like today. It’s not just a festival—it’s a platform, a movement, and a space where voices that are often overlooked are front and center.

In true Roundtable fashion, we get into the heart behind it all—why representation matters, how this festival is changing the industry, and the power of creating art from lived experience. From powerful short films to immersive experiences, this is about community, creativity, and making sure everyone gets to tell their story their way. And honestly? It’s inspiring, it’s necessary, and it’s exactly the kind of conversation we need right now.

Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on Broadway World, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and more. For more, visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertBannon on Instagram. The best is yet to come.

#MarvelsOfMedia #MuseumOfTheMovingImage #Neurodivergent #AutismAwareness #FilmFestival #NYCEvents #InclusiveArts #RepresentationMatters #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #Interview #TheBestIsYetToCome

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Star Stone is bringing her bold, fearless voice to the NYC Fringe Festival with Clt Cult*, a provocative and absurd solo show drawn from her real-life experience inside a sexual wellness cult. A NYU Tisch-trained performer and Edinburgh Fringe standout, Stone blends stand-up, storytelling, and musical comedy to unpack how empowerment language can mask deeper systems of control. The show dives into her personal journey—what begins as a search for pleasure turns into something far more complex, hilarious, and eye-opening.

In true Roundtable fashion, this is the kind of piece that sparks conversation—funny, shocking, and deeply human all at once. We get into the why behind the work, the vulnerability it takes to put your own story onstage, and how comedy can be the sharpest tool to challenge power and perception. Star doesn’t just perform—she commands the room, inviting audiences to laugh, question, and maybe even see themselves in the chaos. And honestly? It’s Fringe at its best—raw, daring, and unforgettable.

Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on Broadway World, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and more. For more, visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertBannon on Instagram. The best is yet to come.

#StarStone #ClitCult #NYCFringe #FringeNYC #OffBroadway #Theater #SoloShow #ComedyTheater #NYCTheater #LiveTheater #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #Interview #TheBestIsYetToCome

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