I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the world would not be what it is without the work of William Shakespeare. The playwright not only wrote some of the most recognizable stage pieces, but also fundamentally changed how language was spoken. His words are important, which seems to be one of the threads that weaves its way through International Academy East High School's production of The Book of Will! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, cast members Ishani Suresh, Sameer Pai, Carlos Elias, and Annika Rönmark discuss what their time on this production and with the drama department at International Academy East High School has been like! Each of these extraordinary actors has had such different journeys to the stage, yet every single one of them has a deep love and respect for the art. What drew them to this show and these characters specifically? What is their process for bringing them to life, and does the weight of history play a hand in dictating how these characters develop? Listen in as all four of these actors discuss what makes this show special and how their teacher has inspired them to give their all! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

Disney has perfected their brand's magic across the board, and their stage productions are no exception. Stagecrafters is working hard to capture that magic with its current musical, Frozen, on stage at the Baldwin Theatre! That's right, the world of Arendelle has sprung to life on this local Royal Oak theatre, ready to entertain audiences of all ages! Having just crushed their opening weekend, we spoke with Debbie Landis-Sigler and Matt Kush about their time in this incredible production! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, director Debbie Landis-Sigler and musical director Matt Kush discuss what it's like working on a project such as this. It takes an incredible amount of work and love to bring this vibrant world from Disney to the stage, but both Landis-Sigler and Kush are up for the challenge. The director discusses her approach to uncovering the story at the core of Frozen, which is truly a love story between two sisters. Kush explores how he highlights certain pieces of the music and how his choral work collides so well with this musical. How have all the pieces come together to achieve that Disney magic on this local stage? Listen to this exciting interview to find out! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

What is it like stepping back into the world (and works) of Dr. Seuss, after growing up reading them? It's surely an interesting experience, as we're able to explore books such as Horton Hears a Who, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Cat in the Hat through the lens of a young adult. Does the work still hold the same magic that it once did? If you ask the cast of Tread the Board Theatre's production of Seussical the Musical, the magic never dulls! We spoke with two of the cast members, Jessie Brault and Rachael Spangler, about their time on the production and what audiences can expect! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Jessie Brault and Rachael Spangler discuss their experience stepping into the world of Dr. Seuss. Brault discusses a point in their life when they weren't a fan of the show and explores how their perception has changed since being cast as Horton! Both actors discuss what drew them to this production and what about Seussical the Musical stood out to them! Listen in as they discuss which songs are their favorite to perform and which themes from the show resonate the most with them! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

It's a race against time to return to the future....or to see Back To The Future: The Musical at The Detroit Opera House before it's gone! This touring production of the Broadway musical explores the classic Robert Zemeckis film through a new lens, adding song and dance to the story we all know and love. It's the music that brings us together today for this podcast...well, that and just about everything else that comprises Back To The Future: The Musical! In this episode of the Box Seat Babes podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the Johnny B. Good(e) and bad from the music and stagecraft of Back To The Future: The Musical! From the costumes that perfectly capture both the '80s and the '50s, to the effects that made it feel like the time-traveling DeLorean is speeding across the stage at 88 miles per hour! What about the special effects stood out to us throughout the show? Did the music make an impact on us? Find out all of this and more, including our final verdicts and whether we would see this show again, in this exciting episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

Where would the world of theatre be without the work of one William Shakespeare? A playwright whose prolific work changed the world in so many incredible ways. The impact he had on the English language is nothing short of exceptional, so much so that his work is still studied in high schools and universities as an essential part of the curriculum. The Detroit Mercy Theatre Company at the University of Detroit Mercy is placing Shakespeare front and center, with a production of Twelfth Night as the first show in their new theater! We spoke with the show's director, Sarah Rusk, and cast member Kaelyn Johnson about the production! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Rusk and Johnson talk about what it's like to step into the new theater with Twelfth Night! Rusk talks about the journey to finding this new home for the Detroit Mercy Theatre Company and what it's like to be the first to direct a show in the space! Johnson talks about returning to UofD Mercy after graduating, what it's like to slide back into the work of William Shakespeare, and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

The musical Chicago is the longest-running show currently still playing on Broadway, having captivated audiences for almost three decades. Telling the perhaps exaggerated real story of women imprisoned for crimes they may or may not have committed, Chicago has stood the test of time. While the show is rather ambitious, Pontiac Theatre IV is up for the challenge and ready to kick off its season with this larger-than-life show! We recently spoke with the director of the musical, Tina Robinson, as well as cast members Analisa Thomas and Collin Moore, both from Chicago! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, director Tina Robinson and cast members Analisa Thomas and Collin Moore discuss what drew them to the project and how the journey has been so far. While Robinson and Thomas were previously familiar with Chicago, Moore talks about his most recent adventure with the musical and what led him to this role. All three talk about how complex the characters are and why it's so much fun to have a role that isn't just good or bad. Listen as they discuss which numbers are their favorite to perform and how Chicago has challenged them all in their respective roles! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

It's about that time of year that we begin to reflect on what is most important in our lives. Something about the closing months of the calendar year makes people feel nostalgic for similar times and look towards those things that make us feel warm and fuzzy inside. For many, this is a time to gather with family and friends to celebrate another year around the sun together. Family and all its good and bad reside within Birmingham Village Players' upcoming production of Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers! We spoke with one of the actresses, Duffy Wineman, about her time in this play and what it's like to bring Grandma to life on stage! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes Interview, Duffy Wineman discusses her return to acting with this production of Lost in Yonkers! Wineman talks about her first show back since graduating from Wayne State University and why the role of Grandma spoke to her the most. While this role challenges her with the sheer amount of memorization, she also discusses just how rewarding it is to be in Lost in Yonkers with such a talented and dedicated cast! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

If we choose to ignore history, we're doomed to repeat it. That's what has been ingrained in our heads from such a young age, and one of the most important reasons that history is taught in schools. The past serves as a reminder of the good and bad humans have gone through, and of what could happen if we allow similar patterns to recur. It's stories such as that of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl living during WWII, that are important to understanding the atrocities people have gone through, but also the hope that one person can have despite everything else. We spoke to two of the cast members, Charlotte Bondy and Nicholas Furwa, who are bringing to life The Diary of Anne Frank on stage at Avon Players! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Charlotte Bondy and Nicholas Furwa discuss their time in this production of The Diary of Anne Frank and what it means to them to step into such an inspiring true story. Both actors explore their processes for diving into their characters and the challenges of staying true to the real people while also making the characters their own. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

Back to the Future is celebrating a monumental occasion with its 40-year anniversary is upon us. For four decades (since the original film premiered in theaters), this Robert Zemeckis trilogy has entertained audiences with the perfect blend of comedy and science fiction. With quite the cult following, it was only a matter of time before a new adaptation or reboot made its way to the public, bringing this story to a new generation. It was out of this nostalgia that the Broadway hit, Back To The Future: The Musical, was born! This new musical recently stopped in Detroit while on its national tour, retelling the original Back To The Future story in a new format. In this episode of the Box Seat Babes podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down all the storylines and characters that comprise the touring production of Back To The Future! With one host growing up on the film and the other having no prior knowledge, what about this show stood out to them? With many of the same beats and characters from the film, which parts translated well to the stage and which didn't? Listen to this exciting episode to find out just what the Box Seat Babes thought of this romp through the decades in the coolest time machine ever. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

It's not every day that my passion for theater and my love of all things nerdy collide, but in those rare moments that they do, it's something special. When I began my journey covering Broadway for The Cosmic Circus, I started marrying the two, which was difficult when there weren't many shows that met at that junction. However, what began with reviews of Wicked and Beetlejuice has grown into an almost circular intersection between theater and geekdom, bringing us to perhaps the nerdiest show in the land: Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern. With the touring production arriving this Saturday for two performances at The Fisher Theatre, just in time for the Halloween weekend, I might add, as a bonus show to Broadway in Detroit's current season! Ahead of its arrival, we spoke with one of the cast members, Cassidy Sledge, about their time on the production and what audiences can expect from the show! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Cassidy Sledge talks about their experience with this show, having been with The Twenty-Sided Tavern since its Off-Broadway run! They also discuss their own crossover between their love of Broadway and getting to bring their nerdy side to the stage, and how this show has pushed them to be a better actor. There's plenty of audience involvement in The Twenty-Sided Tavern, and Sledge discusses what that is like for all parties involved, and how it changes the dynamics between actors and those in the house. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

Beauty and the Beast kicked off Broadway in Detroit's most recent season at The Fisher Theatre, with a musical that brought the film to life! As life-long lovers of this story and the film from our childhood, it was nothing short of magical to see it play out before our eyes. However, how did Beauty and the Beast's music and technical aspects live up to our expectations? In this episode of the Box Seat Babes podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko talk about the music and stagecraft of the North American touring production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. While this Broadway musical features all the songs we know and love from the 1991 animated classic, it also includes original stage numbers— so which numbers stood out the most to the hosts? With updated staging and some changes to a few of the songs, what differences felt odd to the show, and which ones elevated the experience? Overall, was Beauty and the Beast an enchanting experience, or was it doomed to be forgotten like the Beast and his castle? Listen to this exciting episode to find out just what the Box Seat Babes thought of this tale as old as time! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

The original Back to the Future film is celebrating its 40th anniversary, a monumental occasion for a movie! It can only feel that much more special knowing that Back to the Future the Musical is flying its DeLorean onto the stage of the Detroit Opera House! We recently spoke with Alyssa Carol, a cast member from the show, about what it's like to travel back in time and step into this iconic story. In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Alyssa Carol talks about her time in Back to the Future and how this story has continued to leave its stamp on time 40 years later! Carol discusses the many hats she wears in the musical —from Babs and other ensemble roles to understudying Lorraine, in which she pays homage to the incredible Lea Thompson, who originated the role in the films. She discusses the challenges of maintaining energy and what it has been like to share the story of Back to the Future with families who grew up with it! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

There's nothing quite like re-experiencing a film from your childhood in an entirely different way, pushing us to engage with the material through a different lens. As someone who has been a hardcore fan of Disney's animated film Beauty and the Beast, getting the chance to witness this tale as old as time on stage at The Fisher Theatre for the first time ever was nothing short of magical. Broadway in Detroit officially began its 2025-2026 season with this incredible show, with the classic story and characters coming to life here in Metro Detroit! In this episode of the Box Seat Babes podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the tale as old as time and the characters within the North American touring production of Beauty and the Beast! Listen as these two break down the changes to the story we all know and love, and if the film translates well to a theatrical experience. Which characters are vastly different from their animated counterparts? Whose performance perfectly captured Beauty and the Beast? Join in on the discussion and let us know your thoughts about this musical @BoxSeatBabes on all social media platforms! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

One of the favorite aspects of theater, and truly the entertainment world as a whole, is the exploration of stories that often get overlooked. As a gay man, I'm constantly looking for stories that are created for and by the LGBTQ+ community. Seeing characters representative of me and my experiences is something that so many of us crave, as representation of any kind is incredibly important. We recently spoke with Stan Zimmerman, one of the two playwrites of Silver Foxes (currently running at The Ringwald Theater in Ferndale, Michigan), about how this show came to be! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Stan Zimmerman talks about how Silver Foxes came to be and how the play developed from a television pilot! The playwright discusses the importance of a story such as this and the struggles that elder LGBTQ+ face as they enter into alternative housing. Sharing stories from his time writing for shows such as The Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, and Roseanne, Zimmerman discusses his personal queer journey and what it was like being a gay man within the writing rooms. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

Actor Richard Thomas has been a major part of American entertainment for many years, from Broadway to television and movies. Some may know him as John-Boy from the CBS drama series The Waltons; however, in recent years, he's brought Atticus Finch to life in the touring production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Receiving acclaim for so much of his work, Thomas is now bringing an important part of theater history (and American history, for that matter) to cities across America with the latest revival of Mark Twain Tonight! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes Interview, Richard Thomas discusses how this revival of Mark Twain Tonight! came to be, and why it feels important for the current state of the world. The actor explores how Hal Holbrook's estate reached out to him while he was still on tour with To Kill a Mockingbird, and how he's making Mark Twain Tonight! his own. Thomas also discusses the challenges of touring a one-man show and how he prioritizes his mental health on the road. He also speaks about how starring in Mark Twain Tonight! is less about playing a character and more about embodying one of the greatest American authors and taking audiences back through time. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

What makes a Broadway show a classic? How exactly does a musical or play stand the test of time compared to others? The Golden Age of Broadway is filled with so many shows that have stood the test of time, coming back in revivals and local productions to much fanfare. Nicely Theatre Group understands the importance of shows from this Golden Age, bringing to their stage Fiddler on the Roof in all its glory! We spoke to two of the stars, Alexa Carollo and Patrick Lane, about their time in Fiddler on the Roof and what audiences can expect! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes, Alexa Carollo and Patrick Lane discuss the importance of a show such as Fiddler on the Roof and the honor it is to bring it to Nicely Theatre Group in West Bloomfield! There's a strong exploration of the bonds between parents and children, a theme that both Carollo and Lane feel in their personal lives. With a large ensemble and just as big an orchestra, Nicely Theatre Group is pulling out all the stops for the grandest of theatrical experiences. Are there any challenges to a show such as this? How many times can the host admit to not knowing anything about Fiddler on the Roof? Check out this fun interview to find out more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

After the COVID-19 pandemic and in the current technological age, isolation and loneliness are widespread. While we may have people in our lives, due to the pace of life, we may only connect on social media or through text message. So what do we do when the loneliness gets to be too much and we can't keep doing it? Well, if you're Tracy Jones, you throw a party! In the Rosedale Community Players' opening show, aptly titled Tracy Jones, the cast and crew explore grief, loss, and the need for human connection. We recently spoke with two of the cast members, Samantha Teter and Camy Sylvestre, about their time on the production and what audiences can expect from the show! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Samantha Teter and Camy Sylvestre discuss what drew them to this show and why the message at the core of Tracy Jones is so important. What has been the challenge in getting this show right for both the actors? Both Teter and Sylvestre have nothing but praise for this show and can't wait to bring it to audiences when Tracy Jones arrives at Rosedale Community Theatre!   Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

We've all experienced the desire for validation from others at some point in our lives, as feeling accepted by others is a universal truth we all share. While true validation should come from within, many people seek it from outward sources, as a band-aid for someone we can't seem to find ourselves. It's this human experience that lies at the heart of the upcoming production from St. Dunstan's Theatre, Seminar. This play uses humor to explore human insecurity in a quick-paced, equally biting 90-minute production. St. Dunstan's Seminar premieres tonight, and we recently had the pleasure of speaking with cast member Chris Steinmayer and director Kevin Fitzhenry about why this show fits right with the theatre's season. In this exclusive Box Seat Babes Interview, Chris Steinmayer and Kevin Fitzhenry discuss what drew them to this play, with the former talking about how it's been a long time coming for him to return to the stage in a straight show. Fitzhenry explores his approach to directing and how he likes to think of the show first as actors, which helps with the stage translation. Both Steinmayer and Fitzhenry discuss themes from the show that stand out to them and how they are pushing themselves to grow in their respective roles. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

The leaves on the trees are changing from green to brilliant red, yellow, and orange, and days are getting shorter, which can only mean one thing...That Meadow Brook Theatre's season is upon us! That's right, the professional theatre in Rochester Hills is readying its stage for its season opener, Catch Me If You Can! This three-act play continues Meadow Brook's tradition of kicking off its season with a mystery, so mysterious that even our interview was shrouded in secrecy! We spoke with two of the cast members, Stephen Blackwell and Timothy C. Goodwin, about what audiences can expect from Catch Me If You Can! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes, Blackwell and Goodwin discuss (what they can) about the show, making sure not to spoil anything too much about the plot of the play. Both actors explore what stood out to them about Catch Me If You Can and what made them want to audition for the show. Being a three-act play has come with some challenges, but both Blackwell and Goodwin discuss how Meadow Brook Theatre is working to overcome some of those difficulties while still making the show accessible and approachable for audiences.  Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I can understand the importance of a found family, especially as we grow older. Those that we choose are just as important as the family we're born into, and in many ways more so. Common experiences, both positive and negative, unite us, strengthening our resolve in the face of adversity. However, at times, I worry about what that will look like as I enter middle age and beyond, an idea that is explored in The Ringwald Theatre's latest production, Silver Foxes! Just wrapping up its opening weekend, we're taking a closer look at the project, speaking with two of the actors who are giving their all for the show: Lindel Salow and Jay Kaplan. In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Salow and Kaplan discuss the importance of a show such as Silver Foxes, as there isn't enough media depicting gay men entering the second half of their lives. Both actors share their process for embodying these characters and the privilege (and challenge) of bringing them to life at The Ringwald Theatre. With a story that transcends ages and stages, Salow and Kaplan explore how Silver Foxes is bridging gaps and hopefully making the world a better, more tolerant place. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes Follow us on social media @boxseatbabes or check out our Linktree!