Episodes

  • Exclusive Interview: Leon Anderson Jr. of OnOurOwn Productions' 'Seussical The Musical'
    Jun 25 2025

    When was the last time you stepped back into the world of a childhood favorite? A story or a film that reminds you of how simple life is as a child and the joy that comes from fantastical adventures. As adults, sometimes we struggle to find that childlike wonder in our daily lives; however, every once in a while, we find it in spades. OnOurOwn Productions' Seussical The Musical is that reminder that so many of us desperately need, as we dive back into the wacky world of Dr. Seuss! We recently spoke with Leon Anderson Jr., who plays Horton in the show, about his time with this production!

    In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Anderson discusses his history with Seussical the Musical, having played Horton the Elephant twice before. What drew him back to this role once again? What is it like to act in a show with your wife and children? What songs does he enjoy singing the most, and what about this production has challenged him as an actor? There are so many great tidbits in this interview that only make us more excited for audiences to see this production of Seussical the Musical!

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    8 mins
  • Exclusive Interview: Matthew Bleezarde of Tread The Boards' 'Black Comedy'
    Jun 21 2025

    When was the last time you've seen a show that challenged your expectations of theater? A production that took the Broadway rule book and threw it out the window? Shows that take a chance and do something different showcase a new perspective on what a theater experience can be. Tread the Boards is looking to subvert the traditional show with their production of Black Comedy, a show that comes to life when the lights turn off! We've recently spoken with one of the cast members, Matthew Bleezarde, about his time with this production!

    In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Matthew Bleezarde talks about what drew him to this production of Black Comedy, how this show has challenged him as an actor, and what it's like to act like you're in the dark even when you're not! Want to know why he thinks adding an intermission and splitting the show into two acts is a wise choice? Find all of these answers and more about what you can from Tread the Boards' production of Black comedy in this interview! Thank you so much for listening!

    Find the video of this podcast on YouTube

    For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes

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    12 mins
  • Exclusive Interview: Cora Steiger of OnOurOwn Productions' 'Seussical The Musical'
    Jun 21 2025

    When was the last time you visited the world of Dr. Seuss? This brilliant author has been bringing magic to children for almost a century, with over 60 published works featuring some of the most iconic characters in existence. From The Cat in the Hat to the Grinch, and every Who down in Whoville in between, there's no denying the impact Dr. Seuss and his creativity had on our childhood. While the author himself may no longer be with us, the legacy of his works continues, both in print and other forms of media and entertainment. OnOurOwn Productions is bringing to Fraser, Michigan, the musical that brings the world of Dr. Seuss to the stage, Seussical, and we recently spoke with one of the stars of the show, Cora Steiger!

    In this Box Seat Babes exclusive interview, Steiger talks about what it's like to step into the world of Dr. Seuss and play a character such as JoJo to life. She talks about what challenged her in this production and how one of the most rewarding aspects of this show is getting to work with her father. What is her favorite song to perform? What drew her to wanting to be in Seussical? What's her current dream role? There's so much to explore in this fun interview!

    Find the video of this podcast on YouTube

    For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes

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    13 mins
  • Exclusive Interview: Cody Barger of Tread The Boards 'Black Comedy'
    Jun 18 2025

    There's nothing we love more than a theatre that's willing to push the boundaries with the shows they're telling, creating a unique experience for audiences. Tread the Boards, located in Waterford, MI, is doing just that with their production of Black Comedy. This show utilizes light and darkness to entice the senses of both those watching and the cast members on stage, making for a hilarious time for all parties involved. We recently spoke with one of the cast members, Cody Barger, about his time on this production!

    In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Cody Barger explains what makes Black Comedy such a unique show in the theatre landscape. He explores how the use of light and darkness has pushed him in his craft, and how pretending not to see his other cast members while interacting with them on stage has been the biggest challenge of this production. Interested to learn more about the story of Black Comedy or who Barger is playing in the narrative? Why has Tread the Boards split this one-act play into two parts? Give this exciting interview a listen to find out all this and more!

    Find the video of this podcast on YouTube

    For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes

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    15 mins
  • Exclusive Interview: D. Jerome (Tin Man) of 'The Wiz'
    Jun 16 2025

    It's time to roll out the red carpet and get ready to ride our horses of many colors into the Emerald City, as the North American touring production of The Wiz is almost here! As this iconic show makes its way to the Fisher Theatre as the final show of the 2024-2025 Broadway in Detroit season, we're excited to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the most Broadway way. Before its arrival, we spoke with the Tin Man himself, D. Jerome, about his time with this production.

    In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, D. Jerome discusses what it's like adding the legacy of a show such as The Wiz, what drew him to wanting to audition for this role, and what being the Tin Man means to him! How does he prioritize his mental health on the road? Why are shows such as The Wiz, Hamilton, or MJ the Musical important to the Broadway landscape? Give this interview a listen to find out all this and more!

    Find the video of this podcast on YouTube

    For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes

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    34 mins
  • Exclusive Interview: Jo Banooni and Seth Grube of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'
    Jun 12 2025

    Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has made its way to Royal Oak, with a production from Stagecrafters that lives up to the legacy. This color musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber feels right at home at The Baldwin Theatre, with a cast and crew bringing this iconic show to life multiple times a week. A vibrant retelling of a biblical story, Stagecrafters has created something that audiences of all ages can appreciate. We sat down and spoke with two of the cast members of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jo Banooni and Seth Grube, about their time in this production!

    In this exclusive Box Seat Babe interview, Banooni and Grube discuss their personal histories with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and what drew them to being in Stagecrafters' production of it. What do they believe their character's motivations to be? What songs are their favorite to sing and listen to at each performance? How have their respective roles challenged their acting abilities and helped them to hone their craft? There's so much to appreciate about this musical and both actors have given their blood, sweat, and tears to give audiences an extraordinary experience every time they step out onto the stage.

    Find the video of this podcast on YouTube

    For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes

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    40 mins
  • 'Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song' | The Box Seat Babes Podcast
    Jun 5 2025

    Cosmo Brown (played by Donald O'Connor) in MGM's 1952 classic Singin' in the Rain asks a fundamental question: "Don't you know everyone wants to laugh?" It's something that the cast and crew of Forbidden Broadway understand intimately, as they blend their love of theatre with the universal desire to share laughter with others. This Off-Broadway revue has been around since the 80s, parodying musicals new and old, showcasing not only a deep appreciation for the craft, but an understanding of why it's important and the level of work it takes to pull off. The most recent iteration of the show, Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song, is currently touring North America, recently stopping in Detroit for a weekend of hilarity.

    In this most recent episode of The Box Seat Babes podcast, host Brian Kitson, along with guests Ryann Ferguson and Jo Bailey, explores what this revue has to offer! Which numbers stood out to them the most? What parody made them crack a smile? How impressed were they with the level of talent on the stage (spoiler: very)? Listen as they break down all the highs and lows from Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song, if the show has mass appeal outside the realm of Broadway lovers, and if they would catch this show again next time it arrives on Broadway in Detroit!

    Find the video of this podcast on YouTube

    For more Broadway coverage, visit Box Seat Babes

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    38 mins
  • Exclusive Interview: Callie Bussell, Eric Roman, and Lucie Gillespie of Teatro di Vita's 'Fool For Love'
    Jun 4 2025

    When we're younger, we're sold the idea that all love and romance is magical through fairytales and Disney movies. However, as we grow older, the rose-colored glasses come off as we discover the reality of love. A toxic side can creep into our romantic relationships, which can unfortunately seem exciting to many without the proper reflection and growth needed to escape broken patterns. This concept lies at the core of Sam Shepard's play, Fool For Love, which is coming to Port Huron, MI this weekend, thanks to Teatro di Vita and its founder, Lucie Gillespie! Before it premieres on the Citadel Stage at Enter Stage Right, we sat down and spoke to the director of the show, along with two of the cast members of this incredible production.

    In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, director Callie Bussell and co-stars Eric Roman and Lucie Gillespie discuss their time on this production and what drew them to this story. With both Bussell and Gillespie's extensive relationship with the play, there's an undeniable love for Fool For Love and a desire to bring justice to this story. How do all three artists approach this project in their respective roles? How has their view of love and romance changed since beginning this production? What are they hoping audiences take away from Fool For Love? Check out this interview to discover all those answers 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!

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    51 mins