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Few musicals capture the magic of music, movement, and romance as well as Dirty Dancing. Bringing the beloved film to the stage is no small feat, but Dirty Dancing: The Musical embraces the challenge with an irresistible combination of nostalgic hits, electrifying choreography, and theatrical spectacle. From the infectious rhythms of “Do You Love Me” to the soaring romance of “(I've Had) The Time of My Life,” the music becomes more than a soundtrack; it becomes the heartbeat of a story about love, rebellion, and finding your own rhythm. Beyond its unforgettable songs, the production's stagecraft transports audiences to the summer of 1963, bringing Kellerman's resort to life through evocative scenic design, atmospheric lighting, and seamless transitions. Together, the music and theatrical artistry create an experience that celebrates everything audiences love about this show, proving some stories are meant to move us, emotionally and physically. With all that said, we have so much to cover in our part two discussion! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko share what audiences can expect from this touring production's music and stagecraft! Which songs did they enjoy most? How did they feel about the show's separate dancing and singing tracks? How well did the stagecraft build the world of this beloved classic? Listen to this episode to find out all these answers and more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

The world of Ted Lasso has always been about more than wins and losses on and off the field. Beneath its infectious optimism, the series thrives on human connection, emotional storytelling, and finding beauty in life's most unexpected moments. As the beloved Apple TV series returned for its fourth season, bringing that world back to the screen requires more than a compelling script and familiar faces. It demands a visual perspective that captures what makes Ted Lasso so special. Enter cinematographer Bella Gonzales, who steps behind the camera as Director of Photography for the Season 4 premiere, and we had the absolute pleasure chatting with them about what it was like to usher in this new era of the beloved series. In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Bella Gonzales discusses how she helped shape the premiere episode's identity, and how lighting, composition, camera movement, and atmosphere work together to enhance the storytelling. Gonzales' involvement offers an exciting opportunity to explore how visual storytelling helps usher Ted Lasso into its next chapter while preserving the warmth and humanity audiences have come to love. Her love for this series is undeniable, and she strikes a balance between respecting what came before and starting a new beginning for this beloved show. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

There was a time when spotting a creepy clown on a street corner was enough to send an entire neighborhood into a frenzy. No, not just the neighborhood, but the entire world into a state of panic. What began as a handful of bizarre sightings quickly spiraled into a cultural phenomenon, fueled by fear, fascination, and the internet's remarkable ability to turn almost anything into a full-blown spectacle. And believe me, as someone who dislikes clowns, it was truly a circus. In his documentary Clown Panic, filmmaker Ed Perkins pulls back the curtain on this unsettling phenomenon, exploring how something so seemingly ridiculous could spark genuine public anxiety. But beneath the painted smiles, oversized shoes, and nightmare-inducing appearances lies a much more fascinating story about the psychology of fear, the power of social media, and the sometimes blurry line between reality and mass hysteria. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Perkins about his latest documentary, which recently arrived on Hulu! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Ed Perkins discusses what inspired him to make Clown Panic and the challenges of separating fact from fiction as he explores this peculiar chapter in American unrest. What did this time reveal about a society's collective fears, and how far it's willing to go to absolve itself of them? From the absurdity of the clown craze to its surprisingly thought-provoking implications, our conversation explores why this strange phenomenon keeps us fascinated, and why the scariest thing isn't always the clown itself, but the panic around it. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Some plays are built to entertain audiences; others, like Equus, challenge viewers with a theatrical experience that gets under your skin and refuses to leave quietly. Peter Shaffer’s provocative psychological drama explores the complicated relationship between passion, obsession, faith, and the human desire to find meaning in a world that often demands conformity. Now, The Ringwald Theatre is taking audiences into the unsettling world of Equus, where the line between sanity and madness is anything but clear. We recently sat down with Equus director Jamie Warrow and cast member Brady Jacot to talk about what it's like to bring a show like this to the stage! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Jamie Warrow and Brady Jacot discuss what drew them to The Ringwald Theatre's production of Equus. Warrow says it wasn't an immediate yes, but after spending time with the material, she eventually got on board. How challenging has it been for Jacot to step into Alan's role and all the layers that come with it? How has The Ringwald Theatre adapted this material, and how has producing it in the round changed how audiences will engage with it? And how does this production still sit with the story's uncomfortableness? Find out all those answers and more in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Love. Loss. Human connection. These forces take center stage in Maybe Happy Ending, a musical that proves even robots can have a little heart, although it might take them a moment to find it. With its charming storytelling, gorgeous music, and surprisingly emotional depth, this Tony Award-winning musical has captured audiences' hearts by exploring what it truly means to love, live, and find purpose in a world that doesn't always have room for you. As the beloved production sweeps across North America, audiences can experience this wonderfully unconventional love story in a new way. We recently sat down with James Seol, who plays James and Junseo (& Others) in the North American touring production, to chat about how Maybe Happy Ending continues to charm audiences and break down barriers unlike any show he's been part of before. In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, James Seol discusses what it's like to step into a world like Maybe Happy Ending and bring deep emotional complexity to the show through his characters, James and Junseo. From the show's heartfelt themes to the magic of bringing this story to life onstage, our conversation offers a closer look at the musical that proves even artificial hearts can inspire real emotions. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Nobody puts Baby in a corner, and nobody can resist the infectious energy, sizzling romance, and unforgettable music of Dirty Dancing: The Musical. Based on the beloved 1987 film that made audiences fall head over heels for Johnny Castle and Frances “Baby” Houseman, this stage adaptation brings the original's passion, nostalgia, and hip-swaying excitement to life in a spectacular theatrical experience. It wouldn't be Dirty Dancing without those iconic moments audiences know and love. From the steamy dance rehearsals to the legendary lift that has inspired countless living-room disasters, the production delivers the romance, humor, and heart that made the film a cultural phenomenon. Beyond the fancy footwork and undeniable chemistry, Dirty Dancing is also a story about finding your voice, challenging expectations, and having the courage to take a chance on something extraordinary. In this episode of The BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss their journey with Dirty Dancing: The Musical and why this story still hits all the right marks for audiences. While neither has seen the film, RJ Miller-Zelinko says ushering for the previous iteration of this musical may have set expectations. Does this musical live up to the hype? Does it capture that quintessential romance of the ages? Let's break it down together! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In the Wild West, legends aren't always born from the truth, and sometimes the most powerful weapon isn't a six-shooter, but the story people choose to believe. Meadow Brook Theatre invites audiences into a world of gunslingers, grit, and moral dilemmas with its production of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, a gripping Western drama that shows the frontier is more than dusty streets and quick draws. Based on Dorothy M. Johnson's short story and adapted for the stage by Jethro Compton, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance explores the complicated relationship between justice, violence, courage, and the legends that shape American history. At its heart is a story about the clash between civilization and lawlessness, where doing what's right isn't always as straightforward as it seems. Marley Boone and Brandon Ruiter bring this fascinating world to life, adding emotional weight and dramatic intensity, and we had the pleasure of chatting with them about what audiences can expect from this production! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Marley Boone and Brandon Ruiter discuss what it's like to bring a story to the stage that features larger-than-life personalities, conflicting ideals, and plenty of tension. Does The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance explore the humanity beneath the familiar Western archetypes, or does it embrace them wholeheartedly? From the characters' complicated motivations to the timeless questions at the story's center, our conversation explores why this Western still packs a powerful punch. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Some stories demand to be told, not because they offer easy answers, but because they force us to confront difficult truths. That is precisely the territory explored in Aftermath, the compelling new Off-Broadway play by acclaimed playwright David Zax. Blending deeply personal experiences with larger questions about humanity, identity, and the lasting consequences of extraordinary circumstances, Aftermath invites audiences to look beyond the headlines and consider the people whose lives are forever shaped by the events unfolding around them. At the heart of the production is a powerful reminder that behind every tragedy, conflict, or moment of upheaval are individuals carrying their own hopes, fears, memories, and struggles. Through intimate storytelling and emotionally charged performances, the play connects the audience with experiences that might otherwise feel distant or unfamiliar. We recently spoke with one of the production's stars, Awesta Zarif, about what it's like to step into a deeply personal story that can be difficult to sit with. In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Awesta Zarif discusses bringing this material to the stage, exploring the emotional complexities of storytelling in a story like Aftermath, and giving voice to perspectives that deserve to be heard. It's the kind of theatrical experience that challenges performers and audiences alike, asking them not simply to witness a story, but to engage with its deeper meaning. Where does her character, Mina, fit within the show? How does her presence force the other characters to confront truths they may be unwilling to face? Find out in this exciting interview! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Some stories never lose their magic, and Dirty Dancing proves that a little romance, a lot of rhythm, and the courage to follow your heart can create an unforgettable experience. The beloved 1987 film has danced its way from the silver screen to the stage, bringing its iconic characters, unforgettable music, and sizzling choreography to audiences in a theatrical production that celebrates everything fans have loved for decades. We recently sat down with actress Ashley LaLonde to discuss bringing Dirty Dancing: The Musical to life onstage, the excitement and challenges of translating such an iconic story into a live theatrical experience, and what keeps this beloved production capturing audiences' hearts generation after generation. In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Ashley LaLonde discusses what it's like to join such a beloved show and to create a brand-new character for Dirty Dancing: The Musical! How does Elizabeth fit into the show, and does she affect Baby and Johnny's story? What are standout moments from LaLonde's time with this production? Listen to this interview to find out more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Love is rarely a straight line, and in The Last Five Years, it is anything but. Told through two perspectives moving in opposite directions, Jason Robert Brown’s emotionally charged musical takes audiences on a journey through a relationship's exhilarating highs and devastating lows, exploring the moments that bring two people together and the circumstances that ultimately pull them apart. With its intimate storytelling, unforgettable music, and unconventional structure, The Last Five Years offers a deeply personal look at love, ambition, sacrifice, and the complicated realities of making a relationship work. St. Dunstan’s Theatre brings this beloved musical to life with Andrew Martin and Alyssa Alonte stepping into the roles of Jamie and Cathy, two characters whose stories unfold in strikingly different ways. While Jamie experiences their relationship from beginning to end, Cathy tells her side in reverse, creating an emotional collision of memories, hopes, and heartbreak that makes the musical particularly compelling. In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, we sat down with Andrew Martin and Alyssa Alonte to discuss the challenges of bringing these complex characters to the stage, navigating the show's unique storytelling structure, and finding the emotional truth behind Brown’s powerful score. From the vulnerability required to portray a relationship unraveling to the musical moments that make The Last Five Years so unforgettable, the two performers offer a closer look at what makes this intimate production resonate with audiences. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

What happens when a woman who has spent her entire life trying to stay out of the spotlight suddenly becomes the most important person in the universe? That’s the wonderfully chaotic premise behind Everything Happens So Much, the new science-fiction comedy novel from the hilarious Andrew H. Murray. Blending absurdist humor, multiverse mayhem, and surprisingly relatable questions about life and identity, Murray’s upcoming book takes readers on an adventure where the ordinary can become extraordinary in the blink of an eye. Drawing comparisons to The Midnight Library and Everything Everywhere All at Once, Everything Happens So Much blends imaginative science fiction with the sharp comedic sensibilities of an author who also works as a broadcaster and comedian. We were so pleased to have Andrew H. Murray on to chat about his upcoming novel and what readers can expect! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Andrew H. Murray shares where the idea for Everything Happens So Much came from and what it was like to bring Esme's world to life! What's it like to take your character throughout a multiverse of lives? Were any ideas cut from the final project? And what exactly was he hoping readers would take away long after they finish the final pages of this novel? Listen to this interview to get all those answers and so much more! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

In The Notebook: The Musical, one of the most unforgettable love stories comes to life through music, movement, and theatrical stagecraft. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ beloved novel, the musical transforms the romance of Allie and Noah into an emotionally rich stage experience, using a sweeping score and inventive production elements to bring their decades-spanning relationship to life. With music from Ingrid Michaelson and stagecraft that tries to capture The Notebook's world, what about this touring production stood out besides the love story? Let's talk about it in this discussion of The Notebook's music and stagecraft! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko discuss what sets this version of The Notebook apart from all previous iterations. How does the music help to enhance the experience? Did any particular songs stand out as shining moments? How did Ingrid Michaelson's work translate to the stage? How does the set design help tell Noah and Allie's love story? Find out these answers and our final verdicts on the show in this exciting podcast episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Few love stories have endured quite like The Notebook, but the stage musical finds new ways to make its familiar romance feel immediate, intimate, and deeply theatrical. And perhaps most importantly, refreshing. From youthful romance and family expectations to memory, aging, and the enduring nature of love, the musical expands on the emotional world audiences know while giving its characters new dimensions to explore. But how well does The Notebook musical capture Allie and Noah's classic love story? That's the question that lies at the heart of our Story and Characters podcast discussion! In this episode of the BSB Podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko break down the story and characters within The Notebook musical. What's interesting or dynamic about the love story on stage that you can't get in the film or book? How does the notion of memory play into the overall story? Which character or performance really stood out in this North American touring production? Also, were there aspects of The Notebook that didn't translate well to the stage production? All those questions and more are answered in this exciting podcast episode! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Few things are more entertaining than watching perfectly respectable adults completely lose their composure, and that is precisely where Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage finds its wickedly funny sweet spot. What begins as a seemingly civilized meeting between two sets of parents quickly spirals into an increasingly chaotic battle of egos, grievances, and barely concealed resentment. Beneath the sharp wit and outrageous comedy, however, the play offers a deliciously uncomfortable look at how quickly social niceties can crumble when people are pushed just a little too far. Inspired Acting Company is bringing this acclaimed dark comedy to the stage, inviting audiences to take a front-row seat as four adults attempt to navigate an evening that becomes considerably more explosive than anyone could have anticipated. We had a chance to talk with the Artistic Director of Inspired Acting Company, who is also one of the actors in the show, Jeff Thomakos, and the director of God of Carnage, Jonathan Kind! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Jonathan Kind and Jeff Thomakos discuss what drew them to God of Carnage and what audiences can expect from this intimate play. Bringing Reza’s razor-sharp comedy to life, navigating the complicated relationships at the heart of the story, and balancing outrageous humor with uncomfortable truths, they discuss how Inspired Acting Company supports actors through the process and why stories like this one matter. Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!

Theater has a remarkable ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, inviting audiences to see familiar experiences through an entirely new lens. At Theatre Nova, playwright Michael Alan Herman and director Briana O'Neal bring a new theatrical experience, Maestro, to the stage, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a story that sparks curiosity, reflection, and conversation. Maestro turns a world of music and drama into a show that embraces the melodrama, striking a chord between a world long gone and the reality we live in now. As a venue known for championing adventurous, thought-provoking works, Theatre Nova provides a fitting home for a production that encourages audiences to look beyond the surface and engage with the ideas unfolding before them, making Maestro a match made in musical heaven. We recently spoke with Michael Alan Herman and Briana O'Neal about their time on this production and what audiences can expect when they attend Maestro at Theatre Nova! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Michael Alan Herman shares where the idea for this show came from (spoiler alert: it was heavily influenced by a date with his wife!) and how he turned it from a thought in his head into a script on the page. Director Briana O'Neal talks about how vivid the story on the page is and how easily it felt to develop Maestro for Theatre Nova's stage! With a show bigger than life, both Herman and O'Neal embrace it and push the boundaries to create a show that is as hysterical as it is fun! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!