The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

Mark Armstrong, the visionary Artistic Director behind The 24 Hour Plays, joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to pull back the curtain on one of the most exhilarating traditions in theatre. He walks us through how this iconic event brings writers, actors, and directors together to create original works — written, rehearsed, and performed within a single thrilling day. It’s creativity at its most electric, and Mark shares what keeps audiences and artists coming back year after year.

In this lively conversation, Mark talks legacy, organized chaos, and the magic that happens when pressure meets passion. From surprise collaborations to unforgettable performances, he gives us a look at how The 24 Hour Plays cultivates community, showcases emerging talent, and continues to shape the artistic landscape. It’s fast, fun, and full of the stories only an insider can tell.

PLUS — Gala Details:

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Alan Ceppos and Audrey Heffernan Meyer join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to dive into Art of Leaving, their beautifully crafted and deeply human new project. They share the heart behind the work, what inspired this exploration of loss, reinvention, and the courage it takes to step into new chapters. From creative process to personal truth, they take us inside the storytelling that brings Art of Leaving to life.

In this honest and generous conversation, we get behind-the-scenes insight into their collaboration, their artistic chemistry, and the emotional terrain the piece covers. Alan and Audrey reflect on what the project has taught them, the audiences it’s resonated with, and why this moment felt exactly right to share it. It’s heartfelt, intimate, and full of the wisdom that only comes from lived experience.

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Maya Drake joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk all about stepping into the role of Ali as the acclaimed national tour travels across the United States—including a highly anticipated stop right here in Detroit. Maya shares her journey with the show, the magic of performing this story night after night, and what it’s been like connecting with audiences in cities nationwide.

In this conversation, we dive into the heart, humor, and humanity she brings to Ali, plus some behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road. Maya opens up about her favorite parts of the role, what makes this Detroit engagement special, and how touring theatre continues to shape her artistry.

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Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, I’m joined by Emmy-winning filmmaker Nick Davis, whose latest documentary, This Ordinary Thing, delves into the untold stories of non-Jews across Europe who risked everything to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. Using never-before-seen archival footage alongside first-person testimonies of over forty individuals, Davis crafts a powerful narrative of quiet courage in the face of unimaginable horror.

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James Hadley joins us to talk all things Cirque Dreams Holidaze, the high-flying holiday spectacular coming to The Fox Theatre in Detroit December 9–14, 2025. As one of the creative forces behind this beloved production, James walks us through the show’s breathtaking acrobatics, jaw-dropping costumes, and the festive world audiences step into the moment the curtain rises. From its global fanbase to the heartwarming traditions it celebrates, this is holiday theatre on a whole new level.

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Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome actors SLee and Ryan Avoux to talk about their hilarious, high-energy new show VAPE — a wild, modern parody of Grease that turns the iconic musical on its head. Filled with ridiculous characters, over-the-top comedy, sharp pop-culture twists, and a wink at the high-school musicals we all grew up on, VAPE brings nostalgia and chaos together in the best possible way. SLee and Ryan shine in a production that doesn’t take itself too seriously and knows exactly how to make an audience laugh.

In our conversation, they share what it’s like starring in a show that plays with such a beloved classic — from honoring the spirit of Grease to completely sending it up for a new generation. They talk comedic timing, character creation, favorite onstage moments, and why VAPE has become a fan-favorite for anyone who loves a little camp, a little satire, and a lot of fun. It’s a joyful and laugh-filled chat with two performers having the time of their lives.

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#TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #VAPE #GreaseParody #Slee #RyanAvoux #ComedyTheatre #NewYorkStage

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Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome composer, lyricist, and musician Greta Gertler Gold to talk about her haunting and atmospheric new musical, Picnic At Hanging Rock. Adapted from the iconic Australian novel, Greta’s version transforms the mysterious disappearance at the heart of the story into a lush, psychological, musically rich world. Her work blends folk, classical, and theatrical influences, creating a soundscape that feels both timeless and eerily modern.

In our conversation, Greta dives into the creative process behind building this musical—from capturing the novel’s sense of beauty and dread, to shaping complex characters in song, to exploring themes of girlhood, nature, repression, and obsession. She shares the inspirations behind the score, the challenges of adapting such an enigmatic story, and the emotional weight that has drawn audiences to Picnic At Hanging Rock for decades. It’s an intimate, thoughtful, and deeply artistic chat with one of musical theatre’s most inventive voices.

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#TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #GretaGertlerGold #PicnicAtHangingRock #NewMusicals #TheatreMakers #MusicCreators

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Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome director-choreographer Kristen Brooks Sandler, the creative force behind the reimagined family production My First Nutcracker coming to New York City. Kristen, known for her dynamic movement storytelling and innovative approach to theatre, brings a fresh, joyful spin to the beloved holiday classic. Her new staging is designed especially for young audiences, opening the door for children to fall in love with the magic of performance.

In our conversation, Kristen shares how she transformed this iconic ballet into an interactive, high-energy, 50-minute celebration where kids don’t just watch the show — they become part of it. From dancing at Clara-Marie’s holiday party to journeying to the Land of Sweets, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at building a theatrical world where imagination leads the way. It’s a heartfelt, funny, and inspiring chat about tradition, innovation, and creating theatre that sparks joy for the entire family.

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#TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #KristenBrooksSandler #MyFirstNutcracker #NYCTheatre #FamilyTheatre #HolidayShows #DanceTheatre

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In this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, I sit down with award-winning actor Melina Farahani, whose bold new performance in Blackbird at Theatre Row finds her navigating a haunting role steeped in memory and moral complexity. With a background in both London and Los Angeles, and fluency in English and Farsi, Melina brings a unique intensity and global perspective to a story that resonates deeply with themes of accountability, identity and the echoes of our past.

During our conversation we dive into how she prepared for the challenge of one of theatre’s most demanding roles, what drew her to this moment in her career, and how off-stage experiences in her life inform her portrayal. Get ready for laughter, emotional insight and a glimpse behind the curtain of a production that’s already creating buzz in New York theatre circles.

Streaming on all platforms this week.

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What a joy to welcome viral sensation Debbie Wileman back to The Roundtable with Robert Bannon! With millions of views and fans around the globe, Debbie has become beloved for her uncanny, heartfelt tributes to Judy Garland — and now she’s giving us the gift we didn’t know we needed: a Judy-style Christmas album that is pure holiday magic.

In our chat, Debbie shares the inspiration behind the record, how Judy’s spirit guides her artistry, and why this holiday project feels like the crown jewel of her journey so far. It’s festive, it’s nostalgic, it’s full of heart… and Debbie is truly one of a kind. Don’t miss this holiday treat!

Streaming now on the Broadway Podcast Network, iHeart, Spotify, and YouTube.

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