The Cosmic Curtain

In this episode of The Cosmic Curtain, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss the North American tour of Les Misérables! They explore their relationships with the musical (and films) prior to seeing the Broadway in Detroit show at the Fisher Theatre in Michigan, what aspects of the musical they were drawn to, and which performances and actors were standouts, and whether or not they'd want to see Les Mis live again. Les Misérables is currently touring across North America! Catch this inspiring musical when it arrives in a city near you! Don't miss other upcoming shows from Broadway in Detroit's 2024-2025 season, such as A Beautiful Noise, Hadestown, Six, and Clue! Grab your tickets for these shows and more! For the video of this podcast visit https://youtu.be/GDtU8nf_-yo?si=rSiXsFydGyE-tKbg   For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

If you're in the Rochester, Michigan area and looking for some Christmas fun for the entire family, then be sure to check out Meadow Brook's 42nd annual production of A Christmas Carol, which runs from now until December 22! Beginning a few weeks back and running through December 22, A Christmas Carol is a staple holiday experience, one that we enjoy participating in year after year. Recently, we sat down with Phil Powers, who has taken over the role of Scrooge this year, and discussed his experience in A Christmas Carol. Listen as he breaks down how the show has changed over the years, especially under the new guidance of director Travis Walter, what his approach to Scrooge is like, and how he attempts to find the humor in such a grumpy character. Thank you so much for listening, enjoy!   Find the video version of this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MUitIijgMOE    For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  

Matt Crowle plays Thénardier in the North American touring production of Les Misérables, who serves as a bit of comedic relief within the serious and tragic tones of the musical. In this exclusive interview, Crowle talks about how his past in comedy helped influence some of his character choices, what it's like to be touring for two years in the same show, how his character of Thénardier has changed over time, and what he hopes audiences walk away from this show with. He also discusses how he prioritizes his mental health while on the road and what attractions he looks for in each city he visits.   find the video of this interview at https://youtu.be/zeEirMcN8ic   For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @CosmicCircusBroadway.com on Bluesky @ mycosmiccircus on X, Instagram, & Threads, @ boxseatbabes on TikTok 7 Instagram or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  

Join hosts RJ Miller-Zelinko and Brian Kitson as they talk about all things Wicked on this episode of The Cosmic Curtain! With both well-versed in the Broadway show, these two Box Seat Babes discuss how the film compares to the stage production, what they enjoyed about this film, changes that didn't sit well with them, and which moments stood out!  Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, with Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz. Directed by Jon Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), the musical and film is based on a bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire.  Find the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/rZi6xW9hb2w   For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ cosmiccircusbroadway @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  You can find the video to this podcast on YouTube at: 

Join hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko aka The Box Seat Babes, as they discuss all their thoughts on Mean Girls the Musical. How do they feel like it compared to the original film starring Lindsay Lohan & Rachel McAdams? Did they like how it was updated for a new generation of fans? Which songs impressed them, and which ones didn't? You can find all those answers and even more from their experience at The Fisher Theater in Detroit, MI this episode of The Cosmic Curtain! Mean Girls the Musical is currently touring across North America! Catch this incredible show when it arrives in a city near you! For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ cosmiccircusbroadway @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  You can find the video to this podcast on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/Gtn_oY4pmeY  

Mean Girls The Musical is currently on its North American Tour and playing at the Fisher Theater as part of the Broadway in Detroit series of shows from November 19 through the 24. Before its arrival, we spoke with one of its stars, Joshua Morrisey, who plays Damian! In this exclusive Cosmic Circus Broadway interview, Morrisey talks about his time on Mean Girls The Musical so far! Joining the production a few months back during the musical's Toronto stop, Morrisey has been working hard to bring his own spin to Damian. He discusses how Mean Girls The Musical was his first foray into this story, how he has made this role unique to him, and what he looks forward to with each stop on tour! Morrisey also speaks about what resonates most with him about this musical and what he hopes audiences will take away from it.     For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  You can find the video of this podcast here on YouTube! https://youtu.be/NIsssaqKBiM  

Join Brian and fellow co-host and Box Seat Babe RJ as we explore the show and life of one of the greatest musical prodigies of our time. In this MJ the Musical episode, we break the story on stage, how the musical uses an interesting transition technique to flash back and forth through Jackson's life, and how the music in this jukebox musical enhances the story. For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  You can find the video of this podcast here on YouTube! https://youtu.be/bSwdEIsK2v8?si=g0rla0ZLMl3uE62O  

On the day of its opening night, Brian Kitson sat down with the director of the Ridgedale Players' production of Fun Home, Scott Steiger. Steiger talks about the challenges of bringing this musical based on Allison Bechdel's work to life on stage, what his approach to directing is and how it may change depending on what level of actor he's working with, what makes this show unique and the perfect show for Ridgedale Players, and what's coming next at this theater that is a staple in the Metro Detroit community. Enjoy! This musical is real and raw in its presentation of sexuality, family relations, and mental illness. While many of these topics weren't openly discussed when Bechdel was growing up, Fun Home brings them to a modern audience and presents them in a new way. Find the video of this interview on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/VV1umfdin2Y     For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

The examination of the human condition and the factors that make up a person that are front and center in Ridgedale Players' production of Fun Home. While this in-depth look at what makes up a human is largely due to the incredible source material of queer cartoonist Alison Bechdel, magic is created on stage in the staple theatre in Troy, Michigan, as they bring it to life. Ahead of Fun Home's opening night, we sat down with one of the show's stars, Alan Neuwirth. Playing the patriarch of the Bechdel family, Neuwirth's Bruce is the emotional lynchpin of the show. In this interview, Neuwirth speaks on the themes of sexuality and mental illness, and the impact both have on a family. He describes where he draws from to play a role like Bruce and what he hopes audiences take away from a powerful show such as Fun Home. Enjoy! Find the video of this interview on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ3kKpNKZsw     For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

Everyone remembers their first time. It's unforgettable, isn't it? The awkward energy as you are surrounded by more experienced people just looking for a good time and showing the virgins how to do it. There's no denying that seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show live with a shadow cast is a life-changing experience that you definitely have to see to believe.  It's something that both hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko have not participated in until the recent showing of the cult classic at The Fisher Theatre! In honor of the 49th anniversary of the film, Broadway in Detroit threw a proper Rocky Horror party with all the bells and whistles people have come to expect from a production such as this! Joining our Box Seat Babes in this episode of The Cosmic Curtain is special guest Kylie Wieand, who has attended more screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show than she can count on her hands, serving as our resident expert about all things Rocky Horror. Listen as these three break down all the thrills and chills of the film, how the shadow cast and props add to the experience, and if they would attend another showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. And, of course, they share some of the audience's discussion with the legendary Patricia Quinn, who starred in both the film and the original stage production. Find a full video of this podcast here https://youtu.be/xSpzU6GgiWE For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  

Based on a Tony Award-winning Musical, which in turn is based on a graphic novel by Queer cartoonist Alison Bechdel, Fun Home explores one woman's look inwardly at the family dynamics that made her. Family is messy, but so is life, and Fun Home examines how every decision (and every trauma) makes us who we are. This musical pushes away the black-and-white thinking people tend to have grown up with and instead exhumes the morally gray area that the adults in her past firmly existed. In this Cosmic Circus Broadway interview, Brian Kitson sat down with one of Ridgedale Player's Fun Home stars, Lori Knoth, who is playing Allison Bechdel herself. Knoth discusses her love for this story, which began back in New York City, her stance on Queer representation in theater, and how she conveys so many emotions in Fun Home without saying many lines. Enjoy!  Find the video of this interview on the YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/vYnD1hDmOL4?si=7LJ7v07tCdBb1o-Z     For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  

With the Wicked movie adaptation just around the corner, The Cosmic Curtain host Brian Kitson wanted to revisit the novel and musical to explore what people can expect from the first Wicked movie. Joining him in this Wicked discussion is the incomparable Izzy Friedman, a fellow writer at The Cosmic Circus and Broadway enthusiast. Listen as the duo explores possible storylines that could be expanded upon, essential pieces of the story that need to be included, and why anything with Johnathan Bailey is worth watching.  Wicked arrives in theaters on November 22! Are you excited about the film? Have you seen the Broadway musical before? What did you think of this episode? Let us know your thoughts on social media @mycosmiccircus and @boxseatbabes! Wicked the movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Johnathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard and many more! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider sharing it with friends and following us on social media. Find the full video version of this podcast on YouTube @CosmicCircusBroadway or the website https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com  

MJ the Musical explores Michael Jackson's life through the songs that made him a pop music sensation. Having won four Tony Awards and becoming one of the highest-grossing musicals of all time, it makes perfect sense that MJ The Musical would tour North America! Ahead of its premiere here in Detroit at The Fisher Theatre as a part of the Broadway in Detroit series of shows, Brian Kitson sat down with one of the show's stars, Devin Bowles, who plays Joe Jackson and Rob in MJ The Musical! In this exclusive Cosmic Circus Broadway interview, Bowles talks about his life journey from football player to Broadway star, what he connected with in this show, and what makes MJ The Musical so special! Enjoy! For the full video of this interview visit our YouTube channel @CosmicCircusBroadway at https://youtu.be/BHADOmAj1oM?si=-V50M_tBAhwGq2nz Please subscribe, comment and like for more!   MJ The Musical is at The Fisher Theatre in Detroit, Michigan from now until November 3, as a part of the Broadway in Detroit 2024-2025 season! This musical is currently in year two of its tour, so catch it when it arrives in a city near you!    For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

With Strangers on A Train beginning its run last week, we've sat down with Meadow Brook Theatre's Artistic Director, Travis Walter, along with stars of this play, Ron Williams and Stephen Blackwell! In this interview, the two stars and director discuss why Strangers on a Train felt like the perfect show to begin the season with, what drew them to the project, how some of the character decisions and motivations came to be, and how this production has challenged them all in their respective roles. Enjoy! Timestamps for this interview: 00:00 - Intro 00:40 - How is production going so far with Strangers on a Train? What has the audience reaction been? 04:35 - Talking about the opening scene, the banter and intensity and the dynamic between the characters. 11:42 - Impressive performances from the actors provide a lot for the audience to take in with every performance 15:27 - Perception of Guy's behavior from the audience 16:47 - Book (by Patricia Highsmith) vs Alfred Hitchcock film vs the play. How the hero and villain roles are presented, and the motives of the characters. 28:25 - The addition of "the mirror bit"  30:00- Balancing humor & charm with an equally terrifying character 32:00 - Charles' return and audience reaction 35:30 - Guy's reaction and guilt about what happened 36;55 - Challenges of this production 43:05 - What are you hoping audiences will take away from Strangers on a Train? 47:20 - Outro

Simon Henriques and Skylar Fox wrote The Grown-Ups, which The Ringwald is opening up their 2024-2025 season with! The show opened this past weekend and runs through November 4, and just before its debut, we were able to sit down with the director of this production of The Grown-Ups, Jennifer Goff! In this exclusive interview, Goff discusses what drew her to wanting to direct this story, which themes stick out to her the most, and the challenges of transitioning an outdoor show to a black box theater. Enjoy!   Timestamps for this interview: 00:00 - Intro 00:34 - How is the rehearsal process going for The Grown-Ups? 01:05 - What is The Grown-Ups about? 02:08 - What drew you to this story? What makes it unique? 05:41 - The show is closing just before the 2024 election, why was this the right time to tell this story? 06:16 - Challenges of bringing this play and story to life on stage? 08:49 - As the director, what's your process bringing your ideas to the stage? 11:40 - What themes in The Grown-Ups resonate with you the most? 12:30 - Outdoor vs indoor shows 14:02 - What do you want audiences to walk away with from The Grown-Ups? 14:35 - Outro   For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

Ahead of the production's debut on October 25th, Brian Kitson sat down with Krista Schafer, the director of the University of Detroit Mercy's Witch. In this interview, Schafer discusses what drew her to this production, how working with college actors differs from some of her past directorial work, how she's grown in this role, and what themes from Witch resonate with her the most. Enjoy the interview! Timestamps for this interview: 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - How are rehearsals going so far for Witch? 03:43 - Managing technical aspects of the show as the director 07:35 - About Witch 09:45 - What makes this show unique 13:49 - How as Witch been updated from the original story? 14:25 - Exploring gender and gender roles in Witch 18:23 - Process of bringing a show like this to stage 22:48 - How has Witch challenged you as a director? 25:02 - Themes in this play that resonate the most with you? 27:27 - What's next for you? 29:15 - Outro For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  

If you're looking for the perfect stage show for Halloween, the University of Detroit Mercy's theatre department has the show for you, as they bring Jen Silverman's Witch to life on their stage! Ahead of the production's debut, I sat down with one of the Witch's cast members, Katherine Mutschler, a senior at the university. In this interview, Mutscheler discusses her role in the play, how this production has pushed her as an actor, what she's most excited for audiences to take away from Witch, and where she sees her future in show business going. Enjoy the interview! If you're in the Metro Detroit area, grab your tickets for University of Detroit Mercy's Witch, which runs for six shows beginning October 25! Timestamps for this interview: 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - How are the rehearsals for Witch going so far? 01:45 - About Witch, the premise for the show and Kathrine's role in it. 03:40 - How the show has been updated/modernized from an old Jacobean story/play? 05:35 - Why tell this story now? A good story to tell for around Halloween. 07:03 - How does your character evolve over the course of the story? 08:30 - How has this production pushed you as an actor? 09:30 - What are the themes in Witch that resonate with you the most? 11:16  - Standout moments in the production 12:43 - What has been your experience with the University of Detroit Mercy's theatre department so far? 14:32 - Do you plan to continue acting after graduation? 15:20 - What is your dream role to play? 17:17 - What do you hope audiences take away from Witch? 19:10 - Show info, and outro For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus and @ boxseatbabes and find the video version of this interview on our YouTube channel @CosmicCircusBroadway https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicCircusBroadway  

The second show in Broadway in Detroit's 2024-2025 season, Some Like It Hot is an adaptation of a 1959 film starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe! This musical adaptation is not an exact remake of the film, as it makes some major updates to some of the stories and characters. Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko were excited to discuss the show and have a fascinating in-depth discussion! Brian and RJ discuss some of the changes, how their personal experience helped to dictate their enjoyment of the show, stand-out performances, and moments from Some Like It Hot, and if they would see it again. Catch Some Like It Hot when it arrives in a city near you! Timestamps 00:00 - Intros 00:53 - SPOILER warning for Some Like it Hot the musical and the movie discussed in this podcast, and general info about the show. 04:45 - Changes to the ethnicity of some of the characters from the film to POC. 09:30 - Sugar (Marilyn Monroe's character in the 1959 film) and the musical having a more modern approach to her character. 13:30 - Daphne/Jerry (Jack Lemmon's character in the film) and differences from the film. How the musical approaches a trans storyline. 20:18 - The older generation's reaction to the musical's trans aspects. (RJ's mom POV) 23:14 - Comparing this musical to how & Juliet handled a trans character, and audience reactions. 26:47 - Questions for the writers about the approach to the trans storyline. 27:14 - Moulin Rouge and & Juliet and aspects of the Jukebox musical having less of an impact on some audiences than a show like Some Like It Hot does for certain subjects. 28:45 - The crossdressing aspects of the film and shows like Mrs. Doubtfire and using it for comedy.  33:17 - Big band and the music in Some Like It Hot 38:31 - Stand out performers in the show 41:35 - The jokes and humor in the show 45:49 - Weak points 45:00 - The costumes and set 48:20 - Rewatchability of Some Like it Hot the musical 49:45 - Outros   For more Broadway musical and theatre coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com and follow @ mycosmiccircus and @ boxseatbabes on social media for updates!

Broadway in Detroit is looking towards the next show that is arriving in just a few weeks. Some Like It Hot, an adaptation of the 1959 film starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, opens in the Metro Detroit area on October 1st! We sat down with Stephen Michael Langton, who is a part of the ensemble as well as the understudy for Osgood! In this interview, Langton spoke about how the show (in previews at the time of recording) is developing, what the challenges are for his roles, how he balances his mental health on the road, and his love of gaming. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - About Some Like It Hot and what drew you to this show? 04:27 - Audition process 06:42 - Challenges to playing two different roles in the show. 10:20 - Getting into character 12:00 - How being in Newsies helped prepare you for Some Like It Hot 13:45 - Being a gamer: PC vs console and "comfort games." 15:35 - Protecting your mental health while on the road. 17:40 - How your role in Some Like It Hot pushes you as an actor 19:30 - Is there anything special or specific you try to do as you visit different cities during the tour? 21:50 - Outros Find the video version of this interview and more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicCircusBroadway For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus  

Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko saw Moulin Rouge! The Musical on opening night at the Detroit Opera House and couldn't wait to share their thoughts in the latest episode of The Cosmic Curtain! In this episode, they break down some of the show's highs and lows, whether the addition of more pop songs to the stage show from the film enhances the show or detracts from it, and how the duality of the tones works with the message of the show. Plus, listen as they discuss who the true villain of the musical is!    Timestamps: Moulin Rouge! The Musical discussion and review 00:00 - Intros 00:45 - The 2001 Baz Luhrmann film which the musical is based on 05:00 - SPOILER WARNING for the movie and the musical 05:30 - Was the Moulin Rouge! The Musical a good adaptation of the movie? 08:50 - The 2 tones to the story, romance and tragedy.  11:00 - Issues/problems that effect enjoyment of a show and things that can go wrong 18:00 - Balancing the tragedy for the audience, and what stood out about the show  20:00 - Learning to love again 22:20 - Differences with the Duke in the musical and film 27:16 - Harold Zidler and his relationship with Satine. Is Zidler a villain? 35:10 - Juke Box Musicals and songs in this musical.  43:30 - Audience interaction in this show 46:21 - Best songs in Moulin Rouge! The Musical 49:45 - Stand-outs from the cast in the show 54:15 - The use of lights in this show 57:27 - RJ's sister and the confetti cannon. The joy of theatre.  01:00:00 - Overall/final thoughts on this show.  01:05:33 - Rewatchability of Moulin Rouge! The Musical 01:07:00 - Outros For more information, and tickets visit: https://moulinrougemusical.com/us-tour/home/ For the full video interview, visit YouTube @CosmicCircusBroadway  and for more Broadway coverage visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com