Box Seat Babes Podcasts

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!

The spookiest season of the year might only just be beginning, but the Box Seat Babes are already geared up and ready to go for what October and Halloween have to bring! Sure, the season promises plenty of spooks, but we're looking forward to just as many treats, such as The Addams Family Musical! This hilarious show brings just as much heart as it does laughs, as it captures the zaniness of this funny family. We continue our discussion in Part Two, "The Addams Family Musical," where we explore additional aspects of the show. In this episode of the Box Seat Babes podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the musical and technical side of The Addams Family Musical! While the show provides plenty of musical moments for every character, there are some performances that struck our podcast hosts more than others. Will it be Wednesday that takes the crown for best performance from The Addams Family residency at The Fox Theatre here in Detroit? How did the set help to further the story? Did the costumes live up to past iterations of the creepiest and kookiest family in pop culture? What is their overall verdict of the show, and would they see it again? Find all those answers within...if you dare! 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 are some shows that are as important and life-changing as they are hilarious and entertaining, which seems to be the junction at which Clybourne Park lives. Using a healthy dose of humor, this poignant story explores the topics of racism and gentrification through the eyes of all parties involved. We spoke with actress Camille Jamerson and director Benjamin Burt about their time working on Farmington Players' production of Clybourne Park and what audiences can expect from this beautiful play. In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Camille Jamerson and Benjamin Burt talk about what drew them to Clybourne Park and why the time is perfect to bring this play to Farmington Players! Jamerson discusses what this play means to her and how she has balanced and developed the two distinct characters she plays in Clybourne Park. Burt discusses what drew him to directing this play and how he helps guide the story towards its success. Why is Clybourne Park so important in this current political landscape? The director and actor discuss this in detail, exploring how the Farmington Players bring it to life with grace and openness. 

Broadway in Detroit is officially kicking off their 2025-2026 season with a show that perfectly captures the feeling of nostalgia. Beauty and the Beast is one of those Disney films that have stood the test of time, defining many people's childhoods, including my own. The excitement of catching this story on stage is similar to Christmas morning in adolescence, allowing audiences to experience the world of Beauty and the Beast like never before! We spoke with Harry Francis, who plays LeFou in this production, about his time on tour and what audiences can expect when they attend the show! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Harry Francis discusses how the touring production of Beauty and the Beast has captured the Disney magic on stage! From working with the original creative team to ensure that this latest production remains true to the Disney classic, Francis discusses how the role of LeFou has evolved since its humble introduction in the animated film. Don't worry, all your favorite parts are still present, but the actor explores how the show has evolved and changed, bringing the tale as old as time into a new generation!   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!

They may be creepy and kooky, but they're also on tour! That's right, The Addams Family has decided to take their love for the macabre on the road, visiting cities across North America looking for other wacky family members to join their ranks! Wednesday Addams is welcoming someone new into the fold, as she's gobsmacked with love for the entirely normal Lucas. Hoping that her family can embrace the new and different, Wednesday proposes a dinner, which promises hilarious hijinks and crazy, kooky fun! The Addams Family Musical made a stop at the Fox Theatre here in Detroit earlier in the year, entertaining audiences with an exciting show that has to be seen to be believed! In this episode of the Box Seat Babes podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the story and characters within The Addams Family Musical, comparing those presented on stage to previous iterations of this iconic family. From Uncle Fester to Gomez Addams (and even cousin It in the cutest cameo ever), all the major players from The Addams Family appear on stage. What specifically stood out to our podcast hosts about the story? Were there aspects that they feel didn't fit the narrative of the musical? Whose performance stood out to them the most? All those questions are within the The Addams Family Musical Story and Characters discussion! 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!

Everyone can use a good laugh right about now, and the Players Guild of Dearborn is bringing that in spades to audiences with their current production of The Cottage! Written by Sandy Rustin (playwright of Clue: Live on Stage!), this play centers on the mixed-up love lives of six individuals, who converge at a love cottage in the British Countryside! With one final weekend of performances at this local theater, we spoke with director Joshua Beurer and actress Kori Bielaniec about their time on this production! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Joshua Beurer and Kori Bielaniec discuss what drew them to The Cottage in their respective roles! Beurer discusses how this is his first show in the director's chair and what his approach to directing influenced aspects of The Cottage. Bielaniec brought this script to the Players Guild and talks about why this Sandy Rustin play stood out to her. She also discusses the narrative arc of her character and how Beurer helps bring the hilarity of the show to the surface. With the amount of physical comedy involved in the show, both the actor and director discuss the challenges of maintaining a steady tempo and keeping audiences engaged. 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!

Family can be complicated, a sentiment that I'm sure many of us can understand. Siblings that we were once close to become distant as we grow older and our paths diverge. However, the hope is that when times get tough, as they so often do, the family can come back together and face whatever lies ahead. Family lies at the center of Beth Henley's Crimes of the Heart, a play that follows three sisters who reunite at their Grandfather's home during a moment of strife. The Inspired Acting Company opened its season with this dark comedy, and we had the pleasure of speaking with director Laura Heikkinen about what audiences can expect from this show. In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Laura Heikkinen discusses the narrative within the show and how she's bringing her spin to the story. With some heavy themes throughout, the director discusses which parts were important to her to highlight and how audiences might relate to one of the three different sisters, depending on where they are in their own lives currently. She explores her approach to directing and working collaboratively with the cast and crew of Crimes of the Heart, as well as what she hopes audiences will take away from this production. 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!

Titanique was a show that was on our radar for quite some time, although it took us until our last trip to New York City to catch it! The buzz for this show was astounding, with social media ablaze with positive reactions to the show. So when we decided to make our annual trek to NYC back in January, this Off-Broadway musical was at the top of our list, and we weren't disappointed in the slightest! Titanique is a gem of a show that speaks to a movie that so many of us know and hold dear to our hearts, which is why it appeals to so many people! While we touched on the story and characters in the first episode, in this chapter, we're going to discuss Titanique's Music and Stagecraft! In this episode of the Box Seat Babes Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko share their thoughts on the music and stagecraft from this Off-Broadway production! From the incredible vocal performances to the hilarious humor that made everyone in the audience cry from laughter to the staging that brought the ship Titanic into the black box theater, there is so much to break down about this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience! Which type of humor made these hosts giggle the most? Which iconic Celine Dion song made they choke up? And which character stole the show? Check out this hysterical episode to find out all this 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!

There's nothing quite like a summer blockbuster to kick off a season of fun and relaxation in the sun. For as long as I can remember, studios have fought over the summer movie of the year, attempting to take that spot and reign supreme for that year. From Marvel films to Barbie and Oppenheimer, cinema domination has been a staple of moviegoers for quite some time now. Rewind about 50 years, and Jaws was the first film to kick off the summer blockbuster trend, bringing people in to see the larger-than-life (and bigger-than-the-boat) shark and the terror it brought to Amity Island. With so many people still having Jaws fever, Tipping Point Theatre has decided to open its season with a play that takes audiences behind the scenes of the movie, in The Shark Is Broken! While the cast and crew have been hard at work bringing the Orca to the Northville stage, we sat down and spoke with the director of the show, Bill Simmons, about what drew him to directing this play at Tipping Point Theatre! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Bill Simmons talks about his fascination and journey with Jaws and what about The Shark is Broken script drew him in. With a narrative of three incredible actors woven into the drama of making a film, Simmons talks about how he wants to highlight the humanity of the story, while also exploring why films such as Jaws are so timeless and still relevant. The director also discusses how his directorial style has evolved over the years and how his approach to The Shark is Broken has shifted since the last show he directed at Tipping Point 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!

Much like the desert heat, the temperature is rising over at Avon Players, as The Prince of Egypt The Musical arrives at the Rochester Hills theater! This musical adaptation of DreamWorks' animated film, which in turn is a retelling of a biblical story, follows the story of Moses and his brother Ramses, inseparable brothers who struggle to see eye-to-eye as they grow older. While the sun may be setting on opening weekend, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch the cast and crew in The Prince of Egypt, such as the incredibly talented Ryan Gigliotti and Tracy Murray, who play the Pharaoh Seti and his Queen Tuya, respectively. In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Gigliotti and Murray discuss their roles as Seti and Tuya and how they factor into the narrative of The Prince of Egypt. Their excitement for the show is palpable, as both actors have big smiles on their faces as they discuss being one of the first theaters in Michigan to stage this Stephen Schwartz musical. Seti and Tuya are two sides of a royal coin, often in conflict between what is best for their family and what is best for Egypt. These actors talk about how they find balance in their characters and how they develop them from page to stage! 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!

William Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest writers in the English language, creating so many incredible works that we're still talking about today. Productions of shows, such as Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth, continue to find life and relevance on Broadway and the West End. Here, locally in Michigan, a production of Much Ado About Nothing has arrived at St. Dunstan Theatre, coming to life on their Greek Theatre! As the first fall production in the outside theater, Much Ado About Nothing is hopefully starting a new tradition at the institution, as up until now, they've only produced Spring/Summer productions in the Greek! We recently spoke with two of the cast members, Jenna Russell and Jonah Schulte, about their time on the production and what audiences can expect from this St. Dunstan show! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Russell and Schulte discuss what drew them to auditioning for Much Ado About Nothing and how the rehearsal process has been going so far! Russell has a deep love and appreciation for this play and the character of Beatrice, stemming from her high school education, while Schulte talks about how he develops his character without taking in any past productions of Much Ado. How does performing the show in an outdoor theater enhance the experience? Does doing so as we approach Autumn pose any challenges? Check out this 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!

If offered the chance, would you live forever? It's an interesting thought, because with unlimited time comes endless possibilities, but there's also a dark side to that question as well. Could you handle watching life continue around you, as you're frozen in a moment of time forever? The ideas within Tuck Everlasting are expansive, presented through the eyes of a young girl caught up in a world she doesn't belong in. Natalie Babbitt pondered these ideas 50 years ago, and readers are still contemplating them; however, over in Royal Oak, Michigan, we're seeing the story come to life in a whole new way. Stagecrafters is bringing the musical version of Tuck Everlasting to their stage, opening this weekend! While they've been hard at work, director Jennifer Ward and cast member Julia Cody took some time out of their busy schedules to come and chat with us about the production! In this exclusive Box Seat Babe Interview, Ward and Cody discuss their journey with the material, with the director championing this project for almost two years, and how that has eventually led them to Stagecrafters! Cody talks about playing a spirit within the show and how the production has positioned the ensemble as an integral piece of the musical puzzle. With some heavy themes of life and time, both Ward and Cody talk about how the themes speak to them and, as a result, how those are translated onto the stage! 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 we be without the work of Celine Dion? As a performer, she has given us so many iconic songs, dare I say anthems, which will go on in our hearts for generations to come! And of course, she was also present on the Titanic on its maiden voyage, right? That's right, Titanique, the Off-Broadway musical, places the singer smack dab in the middle of a significant world event, inserting herself into James Cameron's film and between Jack and Rose! This hilarious show has so many narrative layers, providing audiences with so many storylines and tidbits to enjoy! In this episode of the Box Seat Babes Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko share their thoughts on the narrative thread that spans Titanique. While this show is one part retelling of the classic film, Titanique weaves additional narratives that heighten the meta-ness of the show as well as the humor. How exactly was Celine Dion brought onto the ship and into the fold of the film Titanic? How much does the story change once the Queen of Power Ballads finds herself amongst the crew of the doomed ship? With a frenetic energy that has to be seen to fully comprehend, Titanique is theater at its finest and funniest, making it a must for all theater lovers, if and when they get the chance! 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!

With fall quickly approaching, Tipping Point Theater in Northville, Michigan, is preparing what is bound to be an exciting season of shows. Collecting five different plays connected by the feeling of nostalgia, Tipping Point is looking to explore the highs and lows of looking back on the past. From cozy feelings of holidays with family and friends, to the reality of living through unprecedented times, each show looks back while also reflecting on the present and future. As Tipping Point readies for its first performance, we sat down and spoke with the Artistic Director, Julia Glander, about what audiences can expect from season 18! In this exclusive Box Seat Babes interview, Glander talks about her process for choosing shows, answering what comes first, good scripts or a theme for the season. Through the lens of nostalgia, she also explores each individual show, highlighting what drew her to choose the script for season 18. From shows such as The Shark is Broken, which tells the story of what happened behind the scenes during the making of Jaws, to the love story between two comedians in Gene & Gilda, there are some incredible shows arriving at Tipping Point 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!

The theater season here in Michigan is finally heating up, and we couldn't be more excited! Kicking off our personal season here at Box Seat Babes is The Prince of Egypt, the musical, arriving this weekend at Avon Players in Rochester Hills, Michigan! This stage production, based on the 1990s DreamWorks film, tells the story of Moses and Ramses, rival brothers trapped in a prophetic dance unlike any other. We recently spoke with two of the cast members, RJ Miller-Zelinko and Emily Brown, about their time on this production and what drew them to audition! In this exclusive Box Seat Babe Interview, RJ Miller-Zelinko is sitting on the other side of the metaphorical desk, along with one of his costars from The Prince of Egypt, Emily Brown, to discuss the work they are doing on this exciting musical. Both Miller-Zelinko and Brown have a history with the material, beginning with the DreamWorks animated film in their childhood, which has led them to this moment here at Avon Players! Using the Pro-Shot of the West End production of the musical, Avon Players is creating theater magic through the use of their ensemble and the dedication to telling this story right. These cast members discuss how the theater is achieving the visual and musical notes, and why this show is so special for all involved! 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!