Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey

50:11

From Classical Roots to Broadway: Allison Blackwell's...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/28

Discover Allison Blackwell's incredible journey from classical music to Broadway stardom, her insights on performing, and how she balances drama with humor. Allison Blackwell is a name that resonates in the world of Broadway. With roles in six major productions, including "Porgy and Bess", "The Lion King", and most recently "Ragtime", she has left an indelible mark on the stage. In this interview, we explore her journey, the evolution of her craft, and how she manages the emotional demands o...

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54:25

Reimagining Theater: Sydney Zarlengo’s Journey from...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/28

Theater has a unique power to reflect society and foster understanding. However, it often overlooks the voices of marginalized communities. In this interview, we’ll explore the journey of Sydney Zarlengo, an actor, dramaturg, and educator, and how their experiences shaped their commitment to inclusive theater, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Sydney Zarlengo is an accomplished actor and dramaturg who has dedicated their career to advocating for inclusivity in theater, with a specia...

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50:02

Brendan Bradley on the Future of VR and Theater

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/28

In the world of acting, many dream of making it big, but the path is often filled with uncertainty. Brendan Bradley, an accomplished actor known for his roles in various mediums, shares valuable insights on starting and thriving in the acting industry. In this interview, you’ll learn about his journey, the importance of theater, and how web series can pave the way for success. Brendan Bradley is an accomplished actor with over a hundred projects under his belt, including television, film, an...

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57:16

Interview with Nathan Lucrezio - From Pirates! to...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/25

Nathan Lucrezio shares how a small-town theater ignited his love for performing. From watching his sister in West Side Story to teaching himself choreography from VHS tapes, his journey is a testament to the magic of musical theater. In this interview, we delve into the journey of Nathan Lucrezio, an accomplished Broadway actor currently playing Farmer McDonough in the 2026 Tony Award Winning Best Musical, SCHMIGADOON! We explore how his early experiences shaped his career, the pivotal...

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57:52

Interview with Yui Takeshima - From Musical to Immersive

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/25

What does it take to break into the world of immersive theater in Japan? This question has been pivotal for Yui Takeshima, the founder of the innovative immersive theater company, daisydoze. In this interview, we explore Yui's journey from aspiring musical theater performer to director of a unique theatrical experience, uncovering valuable insights along the way. Yui Takeshima's journey into immersive theater serves as an inspiring example of creativity and resilience in the performing arts....

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35:30

Interview with Joey Contreras : From Family Garage...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/25

Have you ever wondered how pop music influences musical theater? In this interview, we dive into the fascinating conversation I had with singer-songwriter Joey Contreras, who shares his journey from a musical family to becoming a successful artist. You’ll learn about the unique qualities of both genres and how they interconnect in ways you might not expect. He will talk about one of his most recent projects, "In Pieces". Joey Contreras is a two-time Fred Ebb Award finalist and three-ti...

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51:02

Interview with Christopher Sapp - Balancing Touring...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/23

Life on tour can be both exhilarating and chaotic, especially for performers like Christopher Sapp, who was a swing in the North American tour of "Les Misérables" for 4 years. In this interview, we'll explore Christopher's daily routine, the balance of performing and social media management, and the unique challenges he faces as a swing. Join us as we dive into the world of touring and what it really takes to make it work. In addition to his performance art, Christopher discusses his pa...

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44:52

Interview with Jaime Lozano & Tommy Newman - Creators...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/23

The world of musical theater is often seen as a realm reserved for those who have been involved in the arts from a young age. But what happens when individuals discover their passion for storytelling later in life? In this interview, we explore the journeys of Jaime Lozano and Tommy Newman, two accomplished writers who found their voices in musical theater despite not having traditional beginnings in the field. Their stories reveal that it's never too late to pursue your passion and that uniq...

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54:54

Interview with Emerson Valentina - Dancing from a...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/23

Emerson Valentina is a renowned dancer, actress, and choreographer who has made significant contributions to regional productions since moving to New York in 2018. As the executive director of the Broadway Mental Health Foundation, which she founded in 2022, she is dedicated to advocating for mental health in the performing arts. In the world of performing arts, chaos and competition are often part of the package. Many aspiring artists face unique challenges, especially when starting in a sm...

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49:58

Interview with Grace Yurchuk - From Classical to...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/21

The world of theater is filled with stories of passion, creativity, and transformation. Many aspiring artists often wonder how to break into this vibrant industry. In this interview, we talk with Grace Yurchuk, a talented composer and writer, who has successfully transitioned from classical music to creating her own musical adaptations. We’ll explore her journey, the challenges she faced, and what it takes to bring a musical to life. With her latest work, "Caesar," an adaptation of Shakespea...

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41:15

Interview with Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/18

In this interview, we talk with Emmy-nominated songwriters Michael Kooman and Chris Dimond. They share invaluable insights into their journey in musical theater and the craft of songwriting. If you're passionate about theater or aspiring to write your own musicals, this discussion will provide you with key takeaways from their experiences. Their television credits include Vampirina from Disney Junior and Ridley Jones from Netflix. Today, we are focusing on Romantics Anonymous, a musica...

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50:15

Interview with Nova Bradford - Combining satire with...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/16

In the world of academia, research often fails to reach the wider public. But what if there was a way to turn complex ideas into engaging stories that resonate with audiences? This is exactly Nova Bradford is doing with a unique blend of performance art and health policy research. A PhD candidate in health policy at Stanford University, this interview explores the journey from stand-up comedy to creating musicals.

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45:21

Interview with Justino Tesoro & Jesse Ayala -...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/14

In the world of theater, the journey from concept to stage can be both exhilarating and challenging. When we sat down with composers Jesse Ayala and Justino Tesoro, they shared their unique experiences and insights into the making of their new musical, "Marlise!". This interview will delve into their creative process, the influence of social media, and the importance of parasocial relationships in modern storytelling. Jesse and Justino are talented composers and lyricists who have trained an...

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51:22

Interview with Scott Evan Davis - From Broadway to...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/11

Scott Evan Davis is an award-winning composer and lyricist who has transitioned into the world of social media. With a unique blend of humor and artistry, he has amassed a following of over 700k on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. His journey from musician to social media influencer is both inspiring and informative for anyone looking to make their mark online. In this interview, we’ll explore insights from composer Scott Evan Davis, who shares his journey on social media and offers acti...

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47:10

Interview with Keelan McAuley - From Calgary to the...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/09

Discover insights from West End actor Keelan McAuley about the challenges and joys of touring theatre. Learn how to navigate the highs and lows of performing on the road. The world of touring theatre can be both thrilling and daunting. In this interview, we dive into a conversation with West End actor Keelan McAuley, who has experienced the ups and downs of life on the road. From the intricacies of juggling performances to the unique challenges of living out of a suitcase, Keelan shares his ...

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49:35

Interview with Amelia Fei - From Taiwan to Broadway

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/07

Amelia Fei's journey from Taiwan to Broadway is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and representation. Her story not only highlights the challenges faced by artists from diverse backgrounds but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. As we continue to push for inclusivity in the arts, Amelia’s achievements remind us that every voice matters. To learn more about her journey, what it means to be an autistic Broadway actor and the impact of diverse representa...

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61:55

Interview with Emmet Smith - From Chicago to the...

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/04

In this interview, Emmet Smith shares insights from his acclaimed role playing Albus Potter in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" and discusses his creative process, how audience reactions influence performances, and the importance of playfulness and choice in long-running shows. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at his development as an actor through touring, Broadway, and personal experimentation with character interpretation.

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24:35

Interview with Heather Makalani - From Guam to Broadway

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/08/02

Heather Makalani is a gifted Broadway actress known for her performances in major productions such as Aladdin and the current understudy for Arabia and Baby Doll in "Moulin Rouge". Her recent debut at Carnegie Hall marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her incredible talent and dedication to the craft. Heather's rise to fame has been a unique blend of culture, determination, and artistry that everyone should know about. In this interview, we'll explore her journey from Guam ...

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56:32

Interview with Keala Settle : From a pebble to Broadway

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/07/31

The world of theater is both enchanting and challenging, and many aspiring actors often wonder how to break into this demanding industry. In a recent conversation with Tony-nominated actress Keala Settle, we explored her journey into theater, her insights on Shakespeare, and the importance of storytelling. This interview will break down the key takeaways from our discussion, offering valuable advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in the performing arts. Keala Settle is a renowned actr...

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47:51

Interview with Merry King - From Kentucky to Broadway

Broadway Unexpected : Chronicles of their journey ·

2026/07/29

Discover Merry King's inspiring journey from Kentucky to cabaret performer. Learn how she overcame challenges and embraced her passion for the stage. In the world of performing arts, the journey to stardom is often filled with unexpected twists and turns. For Merry, a talented actress and cabaret performer, her path began in rural Kentucky, where opportunities were scarce. In this interview, we delve into her inspiring story, exploring the catalysts that reignited her passion for theater and...

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