Greenroom Conversations

About our Interview with: Courter Simmons dazzles the stage playing many characters ranging from Frankie Valli (Jersey Boys) to Le Fou (Beauty and the Beast) to a character of his own invention who goes by the name of "Cacophony Daniels." In our interview we learn how Courter went from the Broadway stage to mastering heels in his own drag character and how both personas get work. Links to learn more Courter Simmons' Website Cacophony Daniels Facebook Cacophony Daniels Twitter  

About our Interview with: Ali Ewoldt joined us in the studio just four weeks after taking over the role of Christine in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Being cast as Christine, in addition to being a lifelong dream, marks a groundbreaking shift for the PHANOM family as Ali is “the first woman of color, and Asian American” to take on the role. Listen in as Ali tells us about her audition process, including the notes Hal Prince had for her during her final audition on the stage at the Majestic Theatre. Ali was a wonderfully fun guest, and she has some pretty funny stories about stage mishaps. Links to learn more Ali's Website Phantom's Website    

Trombonist, Actress, Poet; Abbie Conant joined us in the studio to share stories of success, challenges, and perseverance. Currently, she finds artistic fulfillment in teaching and performing new theatrical works for Trombone with her husband William Osborne. We discussed her journey to Europe and experience with sexism in Italy as well as the Munich Philharmonic.  

About our Interview with: Patrick is currently the First Horn chair for THE LION KING on Broadway. When he's not playing for the pride, Patrick can heard in various gigs not only throughout the country, but throughout the world. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music, he has been playing on Broadway for a few decades, and has also managed to rack up a few participation Grammy’s for his involvement in works produced by the New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to being a wonderful french horn player, Patrick finds continued creativity through his exploration of conducting as well as composing. We were fortunate enough to have him provide an expert of his haunting composition, Meditations on Manhattan. A longer cut off his music is generously supplied at the the very end of the podcast. Listen in to hear some great stories from this fantastic individual. Links to learn more Patrick's Website The Lion King

During our conversation with Jack Schatz, Trombonist, we learn just how networking was done in the 80s which still holds true today, playing your best and saying yes. Jack started as a piano student and tells the store of how he became a monster of the the low brass world of jingles, studio work, broadway and orchestra gigs. In his "spare" time Jack managed to beat cancer, teach at the college level and have a family in the big apple. In the Fall, Jack is taking on new adventures on the faculty at SUNY Purchase.

About our Interview with: Kristy Cates, singer, dancer, actor, creative director, mentor and mother tells Ryan and Kevin how a small town girl from Northern California can through hard work and focus hit the musical theatre scene in New York and find success and artistic satisfaction. Kristy tells great stories about her journey and how she meets fellow broadway stage performers all along the way. Links to learn more Kristy's Website Wikipedia Page New York Film Academy Kristy's Playbill Page Wicked Wiki Finding Neverland Cast  

Countertenor Jeffrey Palmer originally from the State of Virginia and now lives and works in NYC after studying music in Bath, England. During the interview Jeffrey shares how he discovered his vocal speciality and explains how it is a differentiator, but does not let it put him "in a box" musically.  As an artist, Jeffrey likes to use his voice to tell stories and entertain audiences by exploring his extensive vocal range and genres of music.   

About our Interview with: Alfie Parker Jr. Alfie, a Broadway Bares staple and one of ALADDIN’s newest additions, took time to sit down with us after making his debut in the show, but while also still being in rehearsal for his upcoming put-in for the Genie role. We get to learn about the incredible audition process he went through, and how all of the Disney team gave him the “freedom to fail.” Alfie is an incredibly hard working artist, who is no stranger to set backs and disappointments, but it is his faith in God, and his positive outlook that defines him. He believes God has given him the “gift of hope” that pushes him to keep moving forward. Alfie talks about how the setbacks of not getting accepted into any musical theatre programs, and the layoffs from different shows have actually opened other doors that have made him stronger. Listen in to find out what advice Danny Burstein gave him during his first Broadway show: SOUTH PACIFIC. And also listen in to hear Alfie school us co-hosts in the world of Step

Dr. Tara O'Connor lit up the studio (as she does every place she goes) with her joviality and quick wit. In the interview it became apparent that if you really love what you do, you never need a "vacation". Aside from teaching at numerous high-level music programs and performing in many prestigious professional performance ensembles, she makes time for personal music projects she believes in. As a flutist (not "flout-ist") she had never felt the gravitational pull of the orchestral establishment being artistically fulfilled and free to blaze her own path as she has done so successfully. In our interview, you will not be able to help but be inspired and energized by her apparent love of music and the flute.  And cooking. And photography.

About our Interview with Dave Thomas Brown. Currently staring on Broadway in AMERICAN PSYCHO, Dave sat down with us in the studio to give us some insight into the preview process for a Broadway show. Dave, originally from North Carolina, grew up doing community theatre and having occasional guest spots in his dad's barbershop quartet. We had a great time chatting about this last year which he described as blessed because of his award winning performance in THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, getting the opportunity to tour the country with his girlfriend in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and then of course making his Broadway debut in AMERICAN PSYCHO. Listen in to hear Dave's amazing Mandy Patinkin impression, as well as find out how Bradley Cooper made him mess up his choreography during previews of AMERICAN PSYCHO. Links to learn more davethomasbrown.com American Psycho NY Times: Dave's "Special Skills"  

Norman Carey faculty and administrator from the CUNY Graduate Center joined us in the studio to talk about his journey from pianist to theorist. He wears many hats and most identifies with his career as a pianist. After two performance degrees he pursued his Doctorate in Music Theory. We talked about; the distinction between a composer and theorist and how this was formed in the United States, the performer/theorist division and how curriculums can be more connective, the challenges of teaching an art form with traditions and understanding of why we do things, his time with Nadia Boulanger studying theory, his influence of Schenkerian analysis and the process his uses for his own compositions. His multifaceted abilities as a pianist, theorist, composer and as an administrator at the college level is what has made his career interesting. We posed a few questions for him to answer; fixed or moveable, how to teach keys and how to explain well-tempered.

About our Interview with: Director/Choreographer Connor Gallagher. Currently, Connor’s work can be seen in Roundabout’s Off Broadway production of THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, starring Steven Pasquale, as well as in the Disney Cruise Line hit TANGLED. Connor sat down with us to chat about his path to becoming a director and choreographer, including how his time as a performer in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST really helped open doors that were solidly shut before. We also talked about how his dance teacher (who was a dance captain on Broadway) was instrumental in prepping him for what real world dance looked like outside of the classroom. Listen in to find out what makes Connor’s choreography so special, and what it's like to choreograph for a cruise line with the biggest name in entertainment. Links to learn more Roundabout Theatre Connorgallagher.com   A photo of Connor Gallagher

Ronnie Oliver, Choral Conductor talked with us about his path to his career. Thinking he would pursue architecture in college he soon realized his love of music would be his path. Graduating college as a music education and voice major he continued his education with Dr. Ken Davis at Texas Tech University for his masters and doctorate degrees. We talked about teaching undergraduate and graduate conducting, the differences between working with professional and amateur choirs, what he listens for in auditions, importance of people skills and organizational skills, rehearsal techniques, vocal production, vocal accompanist and how to prepare a choir to perform with an orchestra

About our Interview with Christian Sebek. After more than 1500 performances playing Piangi in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Christian sat down to tell us his fascinating journey into the world of opera and eventually into the one musical theatre’s greatest characters. Originally on the path of technical design in theatre, Christian didn’t discover his singing voice until college. Even more interesting was his voice change that transitioned him from being a robust baritone to a tenor. Christian is a self-described “journeyman” in which he has pieced together a career that includes opera, musical theatre, voice over, a private studio, and now faculty at The Institute for American Musical Theatre. Listen in to find out how his family played an important roll in his pursuit of his dreams, as well as how he is now guiding his kids to pursue their own dreams. Links to learn more Christian's Broadway Story Christian's Website Christian Sebek

Voice Teacher, Beth Roberts, faculty at the Mannes College of Music, always knew she wanted to be a teacher, she studied music education as well as vocal performance and made an effortless transition from performer to voice teacher. We discussed; her rules for teaching various voice ranges, her path to teaching voice, her performance career, apprentice performance programs, what she looks for in young singers, how to audition, the importance of being a ‘good’ colleague, her work with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, the art of giving of a Master Class, the importance of studying Art Songs, the importance of vocal health and the speaking voice and when to know at what age to start voice lessons.

About our Interview with Paul Alexander Nolan. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s BRIGHT STAR just opened on Broadway, and we had the pleasure of having Paul, who stars as Jimmy Ray Dobbs, in the studio just after previews began. Paul was great fun in this interview. His charming, down to earth style really comes through in our chat. He talks about shamefully crying on an airplane as he first read the script for BRIGHT STAR, as well as “bombing” his first audition for the show. We also talk about the struggle and joy of playing Guy in ONCE, in addition to finding the humanity of Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Listen in to find out how he can sing a song with a biscuit in his mouth, as well as what makes him feel like he “can’t imagine a fresher hell!” Links to learn more Paulalexandernolan.com Bright Star Paul Nolan[/caption]

Violinist, Daniel Andai talked with us about his pathway to his current career as concertmaster for the Miami Symphony, Dean of Music at the New World School of the Arts and Artistic Director of the Killington Music Festival.  Following his instincts to follow opportunities that came his way he has created a multifaceted career. We talked about his; mentors, finding his way to conducting, his thesis “A Contemporary Approach to Orchestral Bowings for the Concertmaster”, his work with chamber music at the Killington Music Festival, collaborative approaches and how to teach them, learning conducting and how it has taught him so much about the collaborative process of the orchestra, management skills he uses in both conducting and administrative roles, the importance of the audition process, difficulty of musical training today and how the New World School is helping musicians, how he finds a balance in life between his various pursuits and the skills he improved to be efficient.  

About our Interview with Lorin Latarro: Choreographer Lorin Latarro was 2 weeks into the rehearsal process for the highly anticipated new musical by Sara Bareilles: WAITRESS when she sat down with us in the studio. Lorin tells a great story involving Barry Weissler, and Diane Paulus and how she actually got the job to be the choreographer for the new musical. While she says she’s “lucky” to have had so many successful working collaborations, it is clear to us that talent and her great personality are the key to her “luck.” We also touch on her transition from a dancer who has 14 Broadway credits, to a choreographer. Lorin recounts her Broadway debut as a dancer in which she left her Radio City show, started rehearsal on a Monday, and by Friday night was on. A self described “work horse,” Lorin is also the Artistic Associate at Bucks County Playhouse, and teaches at her alma mater, Juilliard where she is continuing to help dancers find their voice on many levels. She is also a strong advocate for the school to

Accordionist, Carl Riehl, joined us in the studio to share his story of a dual career as a Lawyer and Musician. Composer of three off Broadway musicals and commercial jingles, he always followed his mantra to pursue any interesting opportunity that comes along that he can do or learn how to do. He talked about; his transition from classical piano to the accordion, his current instrument choice, how he landed the “An American in Paris” gig, the accordionist network in Manhattan, physical injuries caused by playing the accordion, different schools of accordion technique, diversity of repertoire with the accordion, creating performances venues-bands, adjusting as a musician from a classical background into a pop musician, how he learned to improvise, how he practices improvisation and practicing the fundamentals.

About our Interview with Suzzanne Douglas: Suzzanne has a long list of credits that cover film, television, opera, and the stage. She has won awards, and worked with icons such as Gregory Hines, and Sammy Davis Jr. A self proclaimed “Life long learner,” she recently graduated from Manhattan School of Music while approaching the age of 60. Her life experience and new musical tools have allowed her to open up yet another chapter as she just recently signed with a label and is now having her album produced. Listen in to find out why Suzzanne feels being a patron of the arts is so important, why “artist are special and are here to make the world a better place,” and why Paul Gemignani told her she’ll never “have to work for an asshole.” Suzzanne is a lovely, insightful human being; we are sure you’re going to enjoy this episode. Links to learn more Suzzanne's Website   Suzzanne Douglas