The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

Adrienne hit the red carpet at the Astor Place Theatre for the Off-Broadway sensation Burnout Paradise, the wildly original theatrical phenomenon from Australian collective Pony Cam. Five performers. Four treadmills. One ticking clock. What unfolds is part comedy, part endurance sport, and part theatrical chaos — as the cast attempts to complete an escalating to-do list (yes, cooking a three-course meal and filling out a grant application included) all while running full speed. If they don’t finish in 60 minutes? The audience can get their money back. Adrienne spoke with the cast and creatives about the athletic precision, backstage madness, and the deeper message behind this high-octane exploration of modern burnout and ambition.

The VIP carpet was just as electric, with Broadway favorite Andy Karl, rising star JJ Niemann, powerhouse performer Lakisha May, and Broadway alum Bailey Ryon stopping to celebrate the show’s opening night energy. From laughter to sweat to unexpected emotional punches, Burnout Paradise proves that sometimes the most exhilarating theatre happens when you’re racing against time. Adrienne brings you inside the madness, the mission, and the magic of one of the most frenetic and unforgettable nights currently lighting up downtown New York.

Listen to The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and wherever you stream your favorite shows.

Visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertMBannon on Instagram for daily chats, red carpet coverage, and exclusive conversations from Broadway to Detroit and beyond.

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Michael Shaw Fisher joins The Roundtable to talk about the Off-Broadway premiere of The Amazing Sex Life of Rabbits, now playing at SoHo Playhouse as part of the International Fringe Encore Series. Fresh off its award-winning run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, the play dives into a mysterious dinner between two couples that erupts into a sharp, provocative 21st-century class war. Michael breaks down the inspiration behind the piece, the themes of desire, economics, nostalgia, and sexual tension, and how a seemingly polite reunion between exes spirals into something much darker and more revealing. We talk about why this story is resonating right now — and what makes audiences leave buzzing.

Beyond Rabbits, Michael reflects on his dynamic career as a writer, composer, director, and performer. From winning Ovation Awards for Skullduggery: The Musical Prequel to Hamlet to his rock musical Exorcistic and his solo hit Shakespeare’s Last Night Out, his creative voice is bold, biting, and deeply theatrical. This conversation is funny, fearless, and full of insight into the mind of an artist who isn’t afraid to stir the pot. Downtown theater lovers — this one’s for you.

The Roundtable is available on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and more.

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And as always… the best is yet to come.

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Rupert Holmes and Michelle Azar join The Roundtable to talk about their powerful theatrical event, All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, now touring the country and stopping at Detroit’s historic Fisher Theatre. Rupert — the Tony Award–winning writer of The Mystery of Edwin Drood and the voice behind the iconic “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” — shares how he crafted an intimate, witty, and deeply human portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Michelle opens up about stepping into RBG’s chambers each night, embodying her intellect, humor, and quiet ferocity as she recounts her journey from Harvard Law to the Supreme Court bench.

We talk about the responsibility of telling this story in today’s political climate, the laughter and lump-in-your-throat moments that audiences experience, and why this ninety-minute theatrical experience feels both timely and timeless. From scrunchies to dissents, from Piña Coladas to Tony Awards — this is a conversation about legacy, artistry, and the enduring power of standing up for what’s right.

Listen now on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, iHeart and wherever you join the Roundtable. Visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertMBannon.

#AllThingsEqual #RBG #MichelleAzar #RupertHolmes #FisherTheatre #DetroitTheatre #TheRoundtable

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Broadway legend and television favorite Jesse L. Martin makes his long-awaited debut on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon! From originating the role of Tom Collins in the groundbreaking musical RENT to his unforgettable run on Law & Order and his celebrated work across stage and screen, Jesse joins us to reflect on a career that has shaped modern entertainment. We dive into his journey from Broadway to primetime, the impact of his most iconic roles, and the passion that continues to fuel his artistry.

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The celebration continues on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon as we bring you Part 2 of our Kids & Family Emmy Awards coverage — this time straight from the Winners Circle! After chatting with stars all along the red carpet, we caught up with the newly crowned Emmy winners moments after they stepped off the stage at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in New York City. It was a night celebrating the best in family television, streaming, and animation — and the artists creating stories that inspire the next generation.

From beloved series to breakout performers, the energy backstage was electric as winners stopped by to celebrate their big moment and reflect on what these honors mean. If you loved Part 1 from the red carpet, this is the victory lap — the winners, the celebrations, and the stories behind the trophies as the night’s biggest champions joined us right after accepting their Emmy Awards.

• Tabitha Brown — Outstanding Host (Tab Time)

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🏆 Kids & Family Emmy Winners Featured

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The Roundtable with Robert Bannon was on the red carpet at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards bringing you chats with some of the biggest names in kids and family entertainment. From beloved educator Ms. Rachel to fan favorites like Yvette Nicole Brown, Ana Gasteyer, and Tabitha Brown, the carpet was full of stars celebrating storytelling that inspires families around the world. We also caught up with talent from beloved series like Sweet Tooth and the legendary Sesame Street, sharing what this special night means to them.

It was a joyful evening filled with laughter, inspiration, and the magic of television that brings generations together. With over 50 stars stopping by the Roundtable mic, these quick red carpet chats capture the excitement of the night and the passion behind creating stories for kids and families everywhere. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of entertainment to make a difference.

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

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Actor Alex Koltchak and director Michael Sladek join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to discuss their deeply moving project Bent Through Glass. The powerful work tells the story of a father navigating the devastating loss of his daughter to suicide, sharing an honest chronicle of grief, family, and healing. Through memories of his daughter Parker and the journey of his surviving family, the piece raises awareness around mental health while exploring the redemptive power of love and connection.

In this emotional conversation, Alex opens up about transforming personal grief into storytelling, weaving moments of unexpected humor and humanity that arise from remembering the life and spirit of his daughter. Director Michael Sladek shares how he approached bringing such an intimate and vulnerable story to the screen, creating space for both heartbreak and hope. It’s a powerful Roundtable conversation about loss, love, and the stories that help us heal.

Watch & listen on YouTube, BroadwayWorld, Spotify, Apple, iHeart & more.

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#BentThroughGlass #AlexKoltchak #MichaelSladek #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #MentalHealthAwareness #Storytelling #FilmConversation #NowStreaming

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Broadway’s brightest gathered for the press day of THE BALUSTERS, and The Roundtable was in the room with the all-star cast and creatives behind this highly anticipated production. With a lineup featuring Marylouise Burke, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Margaret Colin, Kayli Carter, Ricardo Chavira, Michael Esper, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Richard Thomas, and Jeena Yi, the room was already electric — and then came the exciting update: Anika Noni Rose has officially joined the cast.

We talked about stepping into a production of this magnitude, the responsibility that comes with an ensemble this stacked, and what audiences can expect from a story brought to life by artists at the top of their game. With a script by David Lindsay-Abaire and direction by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, this is Broadway craftsmanship at its finest — bold performances, layered storytelling, and that unmistakable opening-night buzz already building.

Watch the full conversation now on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, iHeart, Spotify, Apple, and everywhere you stream The Roundtable.

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#TheBalusters #Broadway #AnikaNoniRose #PressDay #TheatreNews #NYCTheatre #TheRoundtable

And as always… The best is yet to come.

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Director David Maler and star Angela Cano join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about their award-winning film ZUMECA, a sweeping cinematic story exploring identity, culture, and connection at the dawn of the Americas. The Dominican production tells a powerful pre-colonial love story between a Spanish conquistador and a Taíno woman, exploring themes of heritage, spirituality, and the collision of worlds through breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling. The film has already earned major recognition, winning the Grand Jury Prize and Best Actress for Angela Cano at the Slamdance Film Festival — marking a historic milestone for Dominican cinema.

We talk with David and Angela about bringing this deeply personal and culturally rich project to life, the challenges of telling a story rooted in history and identity, and what it means to share Dominican culture with global audiences. From the film’s poetic vision to its emotional performances and powerful message about love, resilience, and collective memory, this is a passionate conversation about storytelling that transcends time, culture, and borders.

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The best is yet to come.

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Jason Haaf and Scooter LaForge join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to discuss their bold new queer art novel WASTELAND — a boundary-breaking collaboration that redefines storytelling through visual art, poetry, and raw emotional expression. Born from an organic creative partnership, the book blends painting, prose, collage, and personal reflection into an immersive experience exploring queer intimacy, identity, desire, and the complexities of human connection. Together, these visionary artists have created a work that feels less like a traditional novel and more like a living, breathing artistic landscape.

We dive into their creative process, the power of collaboration, and how WASTELAND challenges expectations of both literature and visual art. From the spontaneous beginnings of their partnership to the deeply personal themes that shape the work, Jason and Scooter share insight into creating fearless queer art that pushes boundaries and sparks conversation. A fascinating, thought-provoking chat about creativity, expression, and the transformative power of art.

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

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The best is yet to come.

#JasonHaaf #ScooterLaForge #Wasteland #QueerArt #LGBTQArtists #QueerVoices #VisualArt #ArtAndCulture #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #RobertBannon

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