The Broadway Your Way Podcast!: Recent Episodes
Lance Wiener
Welcome to BROADWAY YOUR WAY, an Anchor original! My name is Lance, and each week, I’ll be bringing in a new guest every episode to talk about their career in the theater industry - we’ll have some great conversations, important discussions, and so much more! Be sure to follow the blog on Instagram @broadwayyourway, where you can find more interviews and stay updated on theater news! You can also reach out to me on Instagram personally: @yourbestielance.
Cirque du Soleil’s newest creation, “SONGBLAZERS”, will be thrilling Houston audiences next week - and I recently got the opportunity to catch up with one of the show’s artists. Wayne Wilson has Texas roots, as you’ll hear, and this show means a lot to him! A tribute to country music, “Songblazers” takes audiences on a journey inspired by the beauty of country. Hear all about the creation of the production and so much more!
“The Lion King” is probably one of Disney’s most iconic and memorable films ever made - and as a musical, the same can be said. The stage adaptation brings a whole new life to the story, and the national touring cast stationed in Houston is formidable and well-rounded! Nick Cordileone plays everyone’s favorite meerkat sidekick “Timon”, and we discuss all things “Lion King” and life on tour with the show!
Tyler Eisenreich is no stranger to high-energy productions - he was a swing previously in “Moulin Rouge!” on Broadway. Now, you can currently find him in the ensemble and understudying the titular role in the Broadway revival of “The Who’s Tommy”! In today’s episode, you’ll hear all about his audition process for the show, what it was like to perform at the Tony Awards, and so much more!
The U.S. tour of “The Cher Show” continues to make its way across the country - and recently stationed in Ohio! Co-host Ciara Lieberman caught up with Lucy Werner to discuss all things “The Cher Show”, as well as its like to balance the production with being in a band as well! Be sure to follow Lucy on Instagram to catch up with all the latest updates on her band and tour life!
Today’s episode is brought to you by Memorial Hermann - Broadway at The Hobby Center! Our guest today is the extremely talented Kayla Symone Crowder, who is currently playing “Little Inez” in the national tour of “Hairspray”! The brand-new tour brought together the original creatives and it shows. All the details are reminiscent of the original Broadway production! In today’s episode, Crowder discusses all things “Hairspray” and what it’s like to bring the story to audiences cross the country.
To celebrate my upcoming trip to Las Vegas, I wanted to bring on today’s guest to share some insight into what it’s like to perform in one of the hottest productions on the strip: MJ ONE by Cirque du Soleil! Ashley Lafferty is a dancer in the show, and it’s no secret that the cast and crew are always having a blast each and every performance. Hear what it’s like to perform with some of the greatest music hits of all time, and what being a dancer for Cirque du Soleil has been like for her!
TUTS’ final production of their 2023/2024 season is Disney’s NEWSIES - and boy, the NEWSIES fandom is coming in hot and ready to get those seats! In honor of their opening night, I share my conversation with Luis-Pablo Garcia, who plays “Crutchie” in the show. We discuss his time in Houston so far, and what’s it like to join the NEWSIES family! The show runs from May 21st to June 2nd, so get those tickets ASAP!
In the second part of this AAPI Heritage Month special, I am joined by Stephanie Jae Park, Marc delaCruz, and Preston Mui from Broadway’s “Hamilton”! You’ll hear more about their stories - and most importantly, what it means for them to represent the Asian-American/Pacific Islander community in the musical. (PS: This is my last episode as the sole podcast host - please welcome Ciara Lieberman as cohost of the podcast!)
It’s officially AAPI History Month, and to bring you into the world of Asians in the theater are three cast members from the Broadway musical “Hamilton”! Stephanie plays “Eliza”, Marc is a standby, and Preston plays in the ensemble. All three actors discuss their time with the show so far - and what it’s like to not throw away their shot at being in one of Broadway’s biggest hits.
Lily Santiago can currently be seen in MARY JANE on Broadway, alongside Rachel McAdams! In today’s episode, you’ll hear all about her journey from performing in Shakespeare pieces, to her role in NBC’s “La Brea” which is currently in its third season. You’ll also hear us dish out on Rachel McAdams, and what it’s been like for Lily to work alongside her throughout the process! Be sure to catch MARY JANE at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater on Broadway.
David Benoit is no stranger to the Broadway and touring scene, having been in some of the most successful and iconic musicals of our generation. With shows such as “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables” under his belt, he is no stranger to tackling formidable male roles. However, a role like “Mr. Burke” in the original musical “Girl From the North Country” doesn’t come a long too often, so he stopped by the podcast to chat all about it! The show plays the Hobby Center from April 30th to May 5th.
Welcome to part two of interview with Matt and Allsun, both of whom are making their Broadway debut in WICKED on Broadway! They are arguably one of the most important players in the show - swings. They cover an insane amount of leading roles, as well as many ensemble tracks. In part two, you’ll hear more about the importance of playing as a team, as well as some memorable stories from being in one of the longest-running productions in Broadway history!
“Wicked” on Broadway recently hit 20 years, and if you've seen the show, you already know why! The musical tells the backstory of the “The Wizard of Oz”, and it does it effortlessly and beautifully. In today's episode, I chat with two actors who help the show run smoothly show after show - these are your Broadway swings, Matt Farcher and Allsun O'Malley! This marks Matt’s second Broadway show, and Allsun’s Broadway debut, and they talk everything from audition processes to mid-show swing-ons! These are the people that save a show when another cast member has an injury, or when someone is on vacation. Without them, the show can't go on.
Cher is an icon - in both fashion and music! In memorable theater style, she is honored and celebrated in the hit musical “The Cher Show”, which plays the Hobby Center beginning April 16th! Today’s episode, brought to you by Theatre Under the Stars, brings you closer to two stars of the production, Ella Perez and Lorenzo Pugliese! They play “Babe” and “Sonny Bono”, respectively. We talk about everything about life on tour - you’ll even get to hear what it’s like to perform one-night shows, then packing up and moving out to a different city in less than 24 hours. Be sure to grab your tickets by visiting www.tuts.com - you don’t want to miss it!
Welcome back to the BROADWAY YOUR WAY podcast! Today’s episode is brought to you by Spotify for Podcasters - I’m joined today by Broadway’s “Sparkling Diamond”, Courtney Reed from “Moulin Rouge!” Having seen her multiple times in Houston, and finally on Broadway earlier this year, I knew I had to bring her on to talk all things “Moulin Rouge!” and so much more.
Welcome to the second part of one of the most important discussions I’ve had on the podcast: bringing the experiences and personal stories of Black actors to the discussion table. In this second part, we cover the hard-hitting topics of accessibility and inclusivity in the theater industry. Actors Devin Holloway (AIN’T TOO PROUD), Martina Sykes (THE LION KING), and Christian Thompson (WICKED) all share their stories of being a Black actor in an industry that can be welcoming at times, but also confines actors to certain stereotypes and becomes exclusive to only a few. The trio also shares ways that audience members can give back and support Black theater in their communities. (Note: The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guests, and may not represent all the views of all the cast/creatives of their respective productions.)
Now, more than ever, Black artists and actors need to be given the credit where and when it’s due. The theater industry has come a long way in terms of creating an inclusive environment for all, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. As it is Black History Month, I wanted to bring the thoughts and ideas of extremely talented Black actors to the table and discuss what their experiences have been like thus far. Devin Holloway is currently playing “Richard Street” in the national tour of AIN’T TOO PROUD, Martina Sykes is currently on the road with THE LION KING as “Shenzi”, and Christian Thompson is fresh off the road from WICKED, having made history as one of the very few principal Black actors to have played “Fiyero” in the show’s 20-year history. Black actors and artists bring important experiences to the table, as you’ll hear in the first part of this two-part special! (NOTE: The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guests, and may not represent the views of all the cast/creatives of their respective productions.)
Alley Theatre has made a name for itself in the Houston area. The organization does a fantastic job at bringing new and innovative productions to the theater scene, and their upcoming play called THE NERD is definitely one that will have audiences laughing and smiling! In today’s episode, I chat with Chris Hutchinson and Chris Salazar, both of whom are Resident Company members of the Alley. We discussed everything from what it means to be a resident company member, as well as what audiences can expect from THE NERD, playing from February 23rd to March 17th!
This episode is for all my theater techies! Cody Renard Richard is no stranger to being stage manager for some of Broadway’s biggest stars, as you’ll hear in today’s episode. Currently working on the upcoming Broadway musical, LEMPICKA, Cody shares his journey into stage management and what it’s like to put together a new musical for Broadway audiences to enjoy!
“Welcome to the show, to the histo-remix…” can be heard in Broadway’s SIX The Musical, currently playing to a full house every night at the Lena Horne Theatre. SIX tells the story of Henry VIII’s six wives as they battle (well, sing for their lives, that is) to determine who leads their band! The current Queens on Broadway, however, are no stranger to their roles - they’re all reprising the roles from the “Aragon” tour of the production! Olivia plays ANNA OF CLEVES and Gabriela plays CATHERINE PARR. Each of them brings a unique and different take on their respective queens, and I am so excited to bring you their stories in today’s episode!
ON YOUR FEET! tells the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the infamous Cuban-American duo behind hits such as “Conga” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You”! In today’s episode, I chat with Gaby (“Gloria Estefan”) and Samuel (“Emilio Estefan”). The tour is currently playing in Houston, presented by TUTS! We discuss everything from what it’s like to tour and bring this story to audiences, as well as what it’s like to portray the husband/wife team on stage.
Houston-area theatre fans, this episode is for you! If you have been attending Alley Theatre performances for the past few years, this duo will be no stranger to you: Susan Koozin and Todd Waite! Koozin has been seen in many Houston productions between both TUTS and the Alley Theatre, and Waite is no stranger to the Alley with a staggering 40+ credits under his belt! Today, I chat with them about all things Houston, and what it’s like to be returning to the Alley for the production of PICTURES FROM HOME!
MOULIN ROUGE! graced the Hobby Center stage last year, and opened to rave reviews from all theater fans alike. If you can’t tell, I am such a huge fan of the show here at BROADWAY YOUR WAY! Today’s bonus episode features my conversation with Nicci Claspell, who currently plays in the ensemble, as well as understudying the role of “Satine”! She chats with me about life on tour, as well as what it’s like to understudy the role and go on from time to time!
As it was for everyone, the pandemic shut down many industries, with theater being the hardest hit. However, Danny Burgos (“On Your Feet!”, “The Band’s Visit”, “Moulin Rouge!”) took it as an opportunity to revisit another passion: nursing. In today’s episode, Danny discusses what it was like to be a nursing student during the pandemic, and what it is like to lead “Moulin Rouge!” in a way he hasn’t before.
TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL tells the story of Tina Turner, the icon and the legend! Touring the country after a fantastic Broadway run, the show plays to sold-out houses and starts the New Year in the big state of Texas! Roz White plays Zelma Bullock, Tina’s mother, and I recently had the opportunity to catch up with her and talk about all things TINA!
To ring in the holiday spirit, here is an unreleased episode of the BROADWAY YOUR WAY podcast featuring Mikayla Renfrow, who at the time of this recording, was playing “Nessarose” in the hit Broadway musical - WICKED! The show has just hit their 20th anniversary on the Great White Way, so what’s a better way than to share our conversation about performing during the holidays in a production like this!
Ok… we all know THAT role that landed Julia Roberts every role after… but now that iconic role of “Vivian Ward” is leading the way for Jessie Davidson, who plays her in the national tour PRETTY WOMAN across the country! In today’s episode, we discuss everything from tour life to holiday traditions!
Welcome to an all-new episode of the BROADWAY YOUR WAY podcast! As we welcome a new year, I am super excited to bring you all some much-needed inspiration and content here on the blog! Today’s guest is the extremely talented Juliet Doherty, who has made a name for herself in the classical dance scene. She’ll be performing with ISHIDA Dance Company in my hometown of Houston, so be sure to check it out if you’re in town! I am super excited to bring you to SEASON 2!
She’s one… of a kind… and she’s on tour with SIX! Today’s episode features the talented Texas native Aline Mayagoitia, who plays “Katherine Howard” on the #BoleynTour of the hit musical SIX. Currently in its last week here in Houston at the gorgeous Hobby Center, we talk everything from tour life to portraying a Tudor Queen in a pop-centric musical! Follow her on Instagram @alinemayagoitia! (Note: Recorded in-person at Segundo Coffee Lab, Houston, TX)
If you noticed, I’ve been on a hiatus with the podcast - with my fall semester starting and having a workload of assignments, sometimes I truly can not keep up. However, I’m excited to bring you all this EXCLUSIVE episode with Theater Under the Star’s associate artistic director, Monique Midgette! We discuss everything from the casting process, what it’s like to be on the creative side of the table, and what her favorite spots in Houston are! PREVIEW TUTS' 2022/2023 SEASON HERE/PURCHASE SHOW TICKETS: www.tuts.com
Can you believe it?! We’re already on episode 10 of the podcast! Thank you you to everyone who has been following me along this wonderful journey, and I hope to bring you more incredible and thoughtful conversations in the future. Today’s episode is every special: 9 years ago, I saw the national tour of “Wicked” in Houston with my friend Alizzah… and today, we have the honor of chatting with our “Glinda”, Hayley Podschun! As it is back-to-school season, we touch base on auditions and how to prepare for both long-running musicals and college preparations! We’re super excited to bring you this episode, and be sure to follow us on social media @broadwayyourway!
Here’s a sneak peek at the newest episode of the “Broadway Your Way” podcast - featuring former “Glinda” on the WICKED national tour, Hayley Podschun! Hear about what you can expect when auditioning for a long-running show in this episode trailer, then head on over to the full episode to hear the whole conversation!
MEAN GIRLS is currently on a national tour across the United States… and in today’s episode, I have the incredible opportunity to introduce you to rising star Jasmine Rogers! She plays “Gretchen Wieners” in the Tony Award-nominated musical, and we talk everything #MeanGirls… how GROOL is that!?
MOULIN ROUGE! is the Tony Award-winning masterpiece that has taken Broadway by storm. With incredible medleys of the music of today, it’s a feast for the senses! In this episode, I chat with Jenn Stafford (MOULIN ROUGE!, Cirque du Soleil), current ensemble member in the national tour of the production. We discuss everything about the show, and what audiences around the country can expect from it!
All the way from “Hadestown” on Broadway… it’s Malcolm Armwood! If you follow the blog on Instagram, you may remember he hosted an Instagram takeover during Tony Awards season. Today, I speak to him all things “Hadestown”, from what it’s like about being in the production - to what audiences around the country can expect while the award-winning show tours the United States! Be sure to tune to this episode to learn about all-things “Hadestown” on Broadway!
Another in-person episode?! VERY MUCH YES, BOO! I had the lovely opportunity to catch up with “Miss Saigon” and “King Kong” alum Mike Baerga. Originally a gymnast and dancer, he’s no stranger to taking up challenges. We discuss everything from what it’s like to being a swing to what the art scene in Houston has to offer!
Welcome! Grab your Playbill, silence your phone… and get those tissues ready! COME FROM AWAY drew me to tears in the best way possible after catching the tour in Houston! In today’s episode, I chat with the gracious Christine Toy Johnson, who portrays “Diane and Others” in the First National Tour. Our discussion brings to light many topics, including diversity and inclusion, and you’ll also get the chance to hear how she adjusts from TV/Film to the theater scene.
“SUMMER” is probably one of my favorite jukebox musicals I’ve seen. The choreography, the story; everything flowed perfectly. The national tour closes out this summer, but I got the chance to catch up with “Diva Donna” herself, Brittny Smith. Today’s episode is one for the books as we discuss everything about “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”!
Welcome to season 1, episode 1! My first guest is in the incredibly talented T.J. Newton, whose credits “Usnavi” in a production of IN THE HEIGHTS - and more recently, SISTER ACT in my hometown of Houston where he played “Ernie”. In today’s discussion, we’ll talk about auditions, dish on our favorite theater shows, and more!
Today’s episode opens with a reference to one of the most iconic songs in theater history: “I Could’ve Danced All Night” from MY FAIR LADY. Sarah Quinn Taylor recently understudied the role of “Eliza Doolittle” on the national tour, but she began her journey with the award-winning revival all the way to the Lincoln Center. Taylor most recently wrapped up “Camelot” at the MUNY in St. Louis. Our conversation today discusses both productions, and also covers the importance of accessibility to the arts and inclusion within the theater industry!
We’re already here on episode 4 of the BROADWAY YOUR WAY podcast! I have the lovely honor of introducing you to my next guest, Karla Puno Garcia! Her credits include the national tours of “Wicked” and “The Addams Family”. She is best know for being a former cast member (dance captain/swing) of “Hamilton”. This episode is a special one, as we were able to meet in-person, right here in Houston! We discuss everything about her credits, as well as what it’s like creating new pieces. Be sure to follow her on Instagram for incredible choreography videos and more (@karlapunogarcia)!
Hear what performing in Come From Away is like from Christine Toy Johnson, who portrays “Diane” in the national tour of the award-winning musical!
Have you tuned in to episode 3 of the Broadway Your Way podcast? If not, you’re in luck: here’s a highlight from the episode!
Welcome to a new podcast, made for theater lovers just like you! Tune in as current theater artists give you a peek behind the curtains and offer insight into the wonderful world of theater. Send us your questions via Instagram, and they just might be answered on the next episode!