Black Hair in the Big Leagues
Throughout Black Hair in the Big Leagues, host Salisha Thomas sits down with badass black women (and men) on Broadway and talks about all things hair.
All Episodes
Jasmine Amy Rogers shines as BETTY BOOP and Beyond!
Betty Boop's BOOP: Jasmine Amy Rogers joins host, Salisha Thomas Weiss on this week's episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues! Jasmine is a true Triple threat. She’s a Jimmy awards finalist, attended Manhattan School of Music, was cast in Becoming Nancy, and Gretchen in the national tour of Mean Girls.
EP 110- Navigating Addiction with Author of Stash: Laura Cathcart Robbins
Author of Stash, Laura Cathcart Robbins visits Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas Weiss. She takes us on the journey of how her addiction began, the agony of rehab, and how she returned to the world and persisted in living a life of sobriety, and living to tell the story.
EP 109- Beacon of Confidence: Writer and Producer Stephanie Alexandria
Stephanie Alexandria drops by Black Hair in the Big Leagues with Host, Salisha Thomas Weiss! She was awarded Top 40 under 40 at Stony Brooke University, she is an award-winning journalist and writer/producer at MSNBC!
EP 108- Ease on Down the Road with The Wiz Revival's Matthew Sims Jr.
Matthew Sims Jr. visits long time friend Salisha Thomas on Black Hair in the Big Leagues! Currently on tour with The Wiz and about to make his Broadway debut in the Marquis Theater in The Wiz Revival, Matthew Sims Jr.
EP 107- Gabrielle Beckford is Slaying Stereotypes: a Black Woman's Triumph in a Classic Role
Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes the incomparable Gabrielle Beckford to the show! Host, Salisha Thomas sits down with former cast mate of Once Upon a One More Time on Broadway, Gabrielle Beckford.
EP 106- Breaking Molds and Shaping Stories; Aisha Jackson Uncut
Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcome back Aisha Jackson! If you don't know, she was one of the first episodes to kick off the entire podcast (EP 2)!!!
EP 105- From Broadway Lights to Hollywood Nights: Phylicia Pearl Mpasi Makes a Star Turn
Phylicia Pearl Mpasi from the upcoming Blockbuster hit, The Color Purple graces us with her presence here on Black Hair in the Big Leagues.
EP 104- After the Final Curtain with guest Justin Guarini
American Idol's Justin Guarini stops by Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas Weiss for an episode of laughter and nostalgia. Justin recently closed his run as Prince Charming in Once Upon a One More Time at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway.
EP 103- Playwright of New Play: Truth- Gail Burton
Hello! Salisha Thomas here! And I'm excited to share that I making my Theater producing debut of a play written by this week's guest on Black Hair in the Big Leagues: Gail Burton! Gail is a thought leader, public intellectual, director, and a writer.
EP 102- A Goddess Living: Martina Sykes
Martina Sykes is Royalty among us. She was in Motown the Musical on tour and on Broadway, Raindogs, Rent, Hairspray, and is currently on tour with Lion King as Shenzi! Her brother is Ephraim Sykes, also a major talent in the industry so clearly the Sykes Family has something special running through their veins.
EP 101- Tony Nominated Actress and Business Woman: Shalita Grant
Host, Salisha Thomas sits down with Actress turned Businesswoman Shalita Grant on this week's episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues. She is the founder and creator of Four Naturals Hair products.
EP 100- The Icon and Living Legend: Jocelyn Bioh
The one and only Jocelyn Bioh graces Black Hair in the Big Leagues with her presence this week for our 100th Episode!!!!!!! She is the woman who wrote School Girls: The African Mean Girls Play, and Nollywood. She's a playwright with Manhattan Theater Club and Atlantic Theatre Company.
EP 99- Basking in Gratitude and Abundance w/ Celeb Stylist Sophie Rose
This week on Black Hair in the Big Leagues, host Salisha Thomas sits down with celebrity stylist, Sophie Rose (Gutterman). She's been in the hair industry for over 10 years, is California based (but travels), and has worked for Italian Vogue, Hollywood Reporter, Harper's Baazar, Maybelline, Christian Dior, Karlie Kloss, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more!
EP 98- Set Your Mind to Do Anything, with Aurelia Michael Holmgren
Aurelia Michael Holmgren joins the Black Hair in the Big Leagues lineup with host, Salisha Thomas Weiss. Aurelia is a Motivational Speaker, Dancer, a body builder, a major voiceover artist (booking gigs like McDonald's, Hulu, and Netflix!) and the creator of Voice On Demand.
EP 97- A Broadway Reality Check with Salome B Smith and Imani Pearl Williams
This episode was recorded during the Broadway Revival run of 1776 with a full cast of Women and Nonbinary actors and a whole lot of People of Color. Originally, 1776, a show about the making of the Declaration of Independence was performed by a cast of all white men (and a couple of women to play their wives).
EP 96- A Haircare Line That Will Change Your Life
Greg and Joanne Starkman join the lineup for Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas making history as the show's first guests who are not people of Color. And it is not by mistake. Greg and Joanne are the creators of a product line called INNERSENSE Organic Beauty.
EP 95-The Curl Doctor: Shai Amiel Shows You How to Care for Your Curls
The One and Only Curl Doctor, Shai Amiel graces us with his presence this week on Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas. Shai has been in the business of hair (and in particular, CURLS) for over 20 years and it shows in his work.
EP 94- Hamilton's Marja Harmon Walks You Down the Aisle
From the 'And Peggy' cast of Hamilton on tour, Marja Harmon who's currently starring as Angelica Schuyler visits Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas! Marja is a light! A graduate of USC, she was in God Friended Me, Jessica Jones, and Madam Secretary.
EP 93- Get Your Butt Kicked with Broadway Badass: Michelle West
Broadway Star and founder of BIA, Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes Michelle West to the show!!!!! She's performed in Regional Theaters all over the country including Sacramento Music Circus, Walnut Street; She's Toured with Memphis and Aladdin, and made her Broadway debut in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
EP 92- Get the Perfect Afro with Kendall Dorsey
We welcome stylist to the stars, Kendall Dorsey to Black Hair in the Big Leagues today! Kendall Dorsey’s cliental includes Saweetie, Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys, Solange, Lizzo, and so many more and recently created Rihanna’s iconic “traditional Aaliyah inspired sweep” style.
EP 91- Women Supporting Women with Andrea Bowman
Emancipation, The Watchmen, Lovecraft Country and now Oscar shortlisted celebrity stylist Andrea "Mona" Bowman stops by Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas.
EP 90- The Fire This Time Festival with Kelley Girod
Joining this week's episode on Black Hair in the Big Leagues with Salisha Thomas is Kelley Nicole Girod. Hailing from Louisiana and with an MFA in playwriting from Columbia, she's the founder and executive director of Obie award winning Fire This Time Festival.
EP 89- A Deep Dive with Cendie Stanford, founder of ACEs Matter
Cendie Stanford joins the Black Hair in the Big Leagues line up with host, Salisha Thomas! She's a started a non-profit called ACE's Matter. WHAT HAPPENS TO PEOPLE IN THEIR CHILDHOOD INFORMS WHAT KIND OF ADULTS THEY BECOME.
EP 87- The Illusion of Time with Dawn L Troupe
Dawn L Troupe joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with Host Salisha Thomas. An actor, singer, artist mother, director, writer, and producer who has performed at just about every major regional house in the United States including but not limited to ART, Cal Shakes, Joes Pub, Hill Barn, Berkeley Rep, and Theatreworks, to name a few.
EP 86: Paving Your Own Path with Gisela Adisa
Gisela Adisa from 1776 on Broadway joins the Black Hair in the Big Leagues lineup with host, Salisha Thomas. Gisela is a Broadway, television, commercial, and voiceover actress.
EP 85- FAT HAM'S Nikki Crawford and Adrianna Mitchell
Nikki Crawford and Adrianna Mitchell join this week's episode on Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas! They are currently starring in the FAT HAM playing at the Public Theatre in New York City. Get your tickets Here.
EP 84-Playwright and Performer: Roger Q. Mason
Roger Q. Mason (Playwright) (they/them) joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas.
EP 82: Tony Award Nominated Actor from Paradise Square: Sidney DuPont
Tony Nominated actor, Sidney DuPont graces Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas! He is an actor, dancer, a cinematographer, director, and award winning screenwriter.
EP 83-From the Hadestown Tour: Tyla Collier
We recorded with Tyla Collier literally in 2020 and the audio got damaged. BUT WE HAVE FINALLY RECOVERED IT!!!! SO SO happy to share this episode with you all. Tyla is an actor, singer, dancer, and an award winning Voiceover artist and audiobook narrator.
EP 81: Tony Award Winning Actress for Paradise Square: Joaquina Kalukango
Powerhouse Joaquina Kalukango joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host Salisha Thomas this week! She is currently starring in Paradise Square, bringing down the house 8 times a week playing Nelly. The show is fantastic. She is PHENOMENAL.
EP 80: Tony Nominated Director of Skin Of Our Teeth: Lileana Blain-Cruz
A graduate from Princeton AND Yale, Lileana Blain Cruz joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas. Lileana is the director of The Skin of Our Teeth on Broadway which also happens to be her Broadway directorial debut!!!!
EP 79- Broadway Swing Love: Keirsten Nicole Hodgens from Six the Musical
HAILING from Six the Musical on Broadway, Keirsten Nicole Hodgens joins the Black Hair in the Big Leagues lineup with host, Salisha Thomas. From Ball State University and swinging half the cast of Six on Broadway, she is black, queer, and a whole vibe.
EP 78- From Exception to the Rule: AMANDLA JAHAVA
MANDLA JAHAVA joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with Host, Salisha Thomas. She is a first generation Kenyan-American actor, writer, and director based out of New York. She passionately creates and advocates for African stories from an African perspective for African people.
EP 77- A sitdown with host of Meeno Podcast, Safiya Vanterpool
For over a year now, Safiya Vanterpool has worked as an assistant on Black Hair in the Big Leagues in the promotions department, and we are SO PROUD that she has recently created her own show called Meeno, available wherever you listen to podcasts!
EP 76-Knowing Your Worth with Felicia Curry
Star of the upcoming Queens Girl in the World offBroadway in New York City, Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes Felicia Curry. Felicia's regional resume includes Les Mis, The Color Purple, Sister Act, Caroline or Change, Ragtime, Scottsboro Boys, Matilda, Nina Simone: Four Women which she won a Berkshire Theatre Critics award for.
EP 12- Interview with The Book of Mormon's Shanel Bailey
She plopped out of college at Syracuse University and plopped onto Broadway in the Book of Mormon in 2019 just prior to the Broadway shutdown. Shanel Bailey is wise beyond her years, genuine, kind, and lovable!
EP 75- Broadway’s Housso Semon
Upon beginning this podcast in 2020, this episode was one of the first episodes recorded with the beautiful, genuine, talented Housso Semon. Housso Semon has been on Broadway in Beautiful the Carole King Musical, The Lion King, and The Girl from the North Country.
EP 73- Playwright Elizabeth Addison
Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes Elizabeth Addison! Elizabeth is a writer, composer, lyricist and playwright, artist, activist, and entrepreneur. During the pandemic, she started an interview series called Chasing Beads, and she was recently accepted in the Muse mentorship program where she's mentored by Broadway composers and musicians.
EP 72- Stars of Broadway's American Utopia: Angie Swan and Tendayi Kuumba
Currently on Broadway now until April 2, 2022, American Utopia is a smash hit! And stars: Angie Swan (Guitarist) and Tendayi Kuumba (Dancer/vocalist) visit Black Hair in the Big Leagues as the final episode of Black History Month.
Episode 71- Fashion Model Janine Tondu
A fashion model featured in Halston, Prada X Elle, Project Runway and more, Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes Janine Tondu to the stage! In this episode, Janine shares her journey to becoming a fashion model, how she found her confidence, and a few surprising fun facts about herself.
EP 70- From A Journal For Jordan and The Skeleton Crew, Chante Adams
Hot off the press from filming in A Journal For Jordan, starring opposite Michael B. Jordan and directed by the one and only Denzel Washington, Chante Adams joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues!
EP 69- Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst
This episode was originally Episode 5 on Black Hair in the Big Leagues recorded on October 16, 2020 with Cheslie Kryst, the reigning Miss USA at the time. Cheslie has sinced passed away and this episode is in honor of her.
Bonus EP - A Message From Your Host, Salisha Thomas
Hey Y'all, It's me Salisha your host of Black Hair in the Big Leagues. I thought I'd just sit down and have a talk just you and me this week. It's something I've been wanting to do. I keep it short and sweet but I hope you enjoy and can relate.
EP 68-Co-Hair Designers from COMING 2 AMERICA
Stacey Morris (@staceykutz) and Carla Farmer join Black Hair in the Big Leagues. Both have been on the shortlist for the Oscars twice for their Hair designs in Coming 2 America and Dolemite.
EP 66 Super Swing Extraordinaire: DIANA VADEN
Broadway's Diana Vaden has been seen in Tootsie as well The Music Man at The Kennedy Center and Mack & Mabel at Encores in NYC. Currently in the pre-Broadway run of Once Upon a One More Time at The Shakespeare Theater Company, Diana shares her faith, hair tips, and positive outlook on life.
EP 65 Broadway playwright, DOUGLAS LYONS
Douglas Lyons is a playwright, actor and more on Broadway. He writes with an unmatchable conviction and is trailblazing wherever he goes. He was an actor in Beautiful the Carole Ming Musical, Book of Mormon, and toured with Rent, Dreamgirls, and Book of Mormon.
EP 6- Interview with Broadway's Amber Iman
Amber Iman has solidified her place on the Broadway map not just because of starring in Soul Doctor and Shuffle Along, and not just for slaying in Hamilton as Peggy/Maria Reynolds, but because she's a trailblazer, fearlessly leading the way for Broadway activism and equality by being one of the founding members of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition.
EP 61- The Public's Cullud Wattah
Showing now until December 12th at The Public theater in New York City, Cullud Wattah stars Alicia Pilgrim and Lauren F. Walker join host, Salisha Thomas on this week's episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues. Get your tickets and see them live NOW!
EP 59: Celebrating A Broadway Debut with Nyla Watson
Nyla Watson is a force of nature who just very recently BURST onto the Broadway scene in her favorite show: Waitress the Musical! Yes, Waitress is back on Broadway post-pandemic (okay, we are still sort of in this thing, aren't we?) and headlining is Sara Bareilles.
EP 58: How to get the most defined curls with Bisserat Tseggai
Bisserat Tseggai is my ultimate Curl Crush. Listen to this powerful woman break it down on how to kick butt at life and look the bomb doing it. Follow her on IG @bisserat. Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas or read the blog at www.salishathomas.com.
EP 57- DEON RELEFORD-LEE
This week, Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes Deon Releford Lee to the show! Y'all, he is full of gems. Deon is an actor who can be seen on television, in commercials, and in theater in NYC. From the Beautiful the Carole King Musical on Tour, Deon knows how to sing from his soul.
EP 56- Founder of INAHSI NATURALS: RHONDA MARSHALL
Rhonda Marshall, the CEO, and founder of Inahsi Naturals, Chemist, Educator, and overall QUEEN of healthy hair!
EP 55- World Renowned Soprano: Julia Bullock
Featured on today's episode, Salisha chats with classical performer who performed all over the world, artist resident at the Met at San Francisco Symphony, Grammy-nominated and has a heart for social activism, world-renowned soprano Julia Bullock.
EP 54- DIAMOND ESSENCE WHITE
From the Broadway company of Dear Evan Hansen, Diamond Essence White joins the Black Hair in the Big Leagues lineup. So down to earth and cool, Diamond talks about how her actor type has shifted during the pandemic.
EP 53- Black Excellence with E. Clayton Cornelious
Featured on today’s episode, host Salisha chats with E. Clayton Cornelious who is a Pittsburgh native and a 22-year Broadway veteran. He recently received the, "Legacy Robe" for his role in the Broadway hit, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.
EP 52- MCKYNLEIGH ALDEN ABRAHAM
SHOW NOTES: Mckynleigh is a BREATHE OF FRESH AIR. Her presence, light, and joy light up a room. She's a talented actress, model, life coach, singer, and much more.
EP 51- CHRISTIANI PITTS
SHOW NOTES: Christiani Pitts is an actress, singer, dancer and writer making her Broadway debut in A Bronx Tale, recently starring in King Kong on Broadway. Products used: Heat Free Hair (her pick for human hair), and Her Given Hair.
EP 50- Broadway Star LILLI COOPER Talks Curls
SHOW NOTES: Lilli is a tony nominated actress starring in Spring Awakening (OBC), Tootsie (OBC), Spongebob (OBC). She's in EVERYTHING off broadway and regional as well as on the big screen. She plays a recurring role in The Good Fight and amazes audiences everywhere she performs.
EP 49- KRYSTAL JOY BROWN
SHOW NOTES: Krystal is a singer, dancer, and actress taking leads left and right. She made her Broadway debut in Hair, starred in Big Fish and Rent as leads. She's appeared on television in person and as a cartoon voice actor, alongside many other off broadway productions.
EP 48- TAYLOR IMAN JONES talks about Wigs
SHOW NOTES: Taylor Iman Jones is a gorgeous actress, singer, dancer, and guitarist from the original cast of Head Over Heels, Scotland PA off broadway, and a tour of American Idiot. Right before the pandemic she was IN COSTUME for Peggy/Mariah in Hamilton in LA.
EP 47- Ciara Alyse Harris: Queen Made of Light
Dear Evan Hansen's Ciara Alyse Harris joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues. Ciara is one of those freaks of natures that hop from College to the Big Stage. Yes, she's AMAZING. On the stage, but also, off the stage.
EP 46- Khalia Davis talks Black Hair and Taking Action
Artistic Director of Bay Area Children's Theater Khalia Davis joins this week's episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues.
EP 45- The Original Ladies of Beautiful on Bway Weigh In
Four of the Original gangstas from Beautiful The Carole King Musical on Broadway come together to take on this episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues hosted by Salisha Thomas. Yasmeen Sulieman, Rashidra Scott, Gabrielle Reid, and Ashley Blanchet join this panel on all things hair.
EP 44- Textured Hair in Politics & Pageants w/ Cierra Jackson
Cierra Jackson is a political and Pageant Queen POWERHOUSE. When we recorded this episode in the winter of the Pandemic, she was Miss DC USA. Since then, she has officially become the longest reigning Miss DC USA in the history of the pageant.
EP 43: Hamilton on Broadway and Tour: ERIN CLEMONS
SHOW NOTES. Éponine in Les Misérables, Janelle Woods in Beautiful, Eliza in Hamilton. Wearing natural hair all the time makes hair inherently healthier. You can't wear it down/out everyday.
EP 42- Tina on BWAY DESTINEE REA
Amelie. Book of Mormon. Hairspray. Tina on Broadway. Co Creator of BOLD. What is BOLD? -BOLD is a nonprofit that shoots to BUILD UP BLACK WOMEN IN THE PERFORMING ARTS FOR THE RESTORATION OF CULTURE. Broadway debut in Amelie was WILD for Destinee, but she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
EP 41- Mrs. Doubtfire on BROADWAY: LAQUET PRINGLE
Laquet Pringle is no stranger to the Broadway Industry. She is a dancer extraordinaire, a veteran, and an educator. In this episode, Laquet keeps it all the way real with her authentic, genuine self.
EP 40- 4C Hair Journey: JASMIN RICHARDSON
Jasmine Richardson has starred in the US tour of The Bodyguard opposite of Deborah Cox, on Broadway in The Book of Mormon and Getting the Band Back Together, and regionally in Dreamgirls, Memphis, and so much more.
EP 39- Bronx Tale Musical: WONU OGUNFOWORA
Wonu Ogunfowora is a force to be reckoned with. Starring in a Bronx Tale, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, We Are the Tigers off Broadway, and in rehearsals pre-pandemic for the Britney Spears Musical: Once Upon a One More Time, she can do it all.
EP 17- Interview with Todrick Hall
Salisha Thomas sits down with the one and only Todrick Hall to discuss his journey to stardom, and of course, HAIR! Todrick is a choreographer, actor, dancer, singer, songwriter and director, who first became famous as a contestant on American Idol before going viral with his online Disney re-working videos.
EP 38-Solo Recording Artist: DANIELLE
Danielle is a vocalist in theater and the music recording industry. She was in Beautiful on Tour, Memphis and countless other shows. Download Danielle's new hit single: PHOTOSHOP on all streaming platforms and follow her on IG @gimmesumm.
EP 19 Alex Newell, Star of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist
From the hit TV show Glee and currently starring in Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist on Hulu, Alex Newell is a force in every single room. Alex discusses advocating for oneself, starring on Broadway in Once On This Island, and gracefully explains a couple controversial topics.
EP 37-Vanguard Theater Company: JANEECE FREEMAN CLARK
Janeece Freeman Clark is an actor, director, producer, and the founder of Vanguard Theater Company which educates the youth and also has a HUGE mentorship program matching up each student with an actor currently on Broadway.
Bonus EP: "In the Heights" Exclusive Interviews!
Our BPN Podcasters bring you exclusive interviews with cast and creatives from In the Heights, in theaters on June 11 2021. Watch the video version of this event here: https://youtu.be/py3YLSt8MSo. Interview 1: Daphne Rubin-Vega, interviewed by Salisha Thomas.
EP 36- Caroline or Change BROADWAY: HARPER MILES
She's a doula, a hair dresser, and a Broadway star. Harper Miles is down to earth and has many hidden talents. In this episode, Harpers breaks it down when it comes to Hair porosity, detangling, and finally reveals that YES, SHE BRAIDS HAIR!
EP 35- Dance Captain of the Tina Turner Musical: LEANDRA GASTON
Down to Earth, real, and hilarious, Leandra Gaston graced the halls of Beautiful the Carole King Musical on Tour before becoming a full blown badass in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical understudy Adrienne Warren in the Title role.
EP 34-Summer on Broadway's ANISSA FELIX
Anissa Show Notes: Made her Broadway debut in Motown. In Sunset Boulevard and Summer (The Donna Summer Musical) on Broadway. TV & FILM: Pose, The Deuce, The Good Fight, 2017 movie Detroit. Salisha’s Curl Crush. Currently in her apartment in Brooklyn, enjoying quarantine with her Fiancé.
EP 33- Beautiful on Tour: ALEXIS TIDWELL
Black Hair in the Big Leagues features Alexis Tidwell this week from the National Tour of Beautiful the Carole King Musical. Y'all, she is a real one. Her self worth, self confidence, grace, ingenuity, comedic skills are all off the chain.
EP 32- The INSPIRING AYANA MAJOR BEY
From theater, film, commercial, and voiceover actress, Ayana Major Bey is an INSPIRATION. Black Hair in the Big Leagues was born in part due to Ayana's influence. Always on a grind, always leveling up, Ayana Major Bey cares for her curls like nobody's business, and this episode will make you feel like you are truly one of the girls!
EP 31- Actor Comedian: RICK YOUNGER
Broadway's Rick Younger was on hiatus from starring in Meangirls as Mr. Duvall at the time of this recording due to the pandemic. Since this time, Meangirls has announced its official closing on Broadway but Rick hasn't slowed down a bit!
EP 30 -HEALTHY PERMED HAIR w/ Broadways's BRITTANY NICHOLAS
Brittany Nicholas hails from Meangirls on Broadway. She was also the dance captian for Matilda and Billy Elliott. Black Hair in the Big Leagues highlights a lot of Natural Hair sisters. But this episode is special because Brittany is holding down the fort for the girls out there perming their hair.
EP 29- Founder of Claim our Space: MARLA LOU
From the Beautiful the Carole King Musical on Tour family, Marla Lou joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues! Marla is a true trailblazer, unapologetically going forth as her most authentic self. During this pandemic she founded Claim Our Space and is a VOICE and activist during a time that it's needed the most.
EP 28- Dear Evan Hansen Star: Sammie Williams
Samantha "Sammie" Williams went straight from college to starring on Broadway in Dear Evan Hansen. This superstar is sweet, hilarious, down to earth, and prior to the pandemic was slated to lead the Broadway Revival of Caroline or Change.
EP 27: MISS AMERICA 2010: Caressa Cameron
We simply cannot celebrate Women's Month without uplifting my favorite Miss America: Caressa Cameron (now Jackson): Miss America 2010. Hailing from Virginia, Caressa is the first Black Miss Virginia (2009) who went on to become the 8th Black Miss America.
Bonus EP: Natasha Frater
Currently starring in Voyeur: The Windows of Toulouse Letrec in Greenwich Village, Natasha Frater joins the Black Hair in the Big Leagues family. FINALLY, THEATER!!!! IT'S HAPPENING! Slowly but surely.
EP 26: Vegan Mom of 4 Blogger: CHANTEA MCINTYRE
Chantea McIntyre is a real life superhero and powerhouse. A mentor, a mother to four gorgeous children, blogger, influencer, and all around badass, Chantea is CONSTANTLY leveling up and challenging herself to get to the next level.
EP 25-The Good Place: TIANA OKOYE
Making her Broadway Debut in the Cher Show in NYC, this UCLA grad is no stranger to big stages including the Hollywood Bowl (Mamma Mia, A Chorus Line) and some of the yummiest Live musicals on TV including Hairspray Live and Grease Live.
EP 24- Motown on Broadway: REBECCA COVINGTON WEBBER
Please welcome to the stage, real life Broadway Royalty: Rebecca Covington Webber. Wife to Donald Webber (Hamilton), the Webbers just brought to Earth a brand new BABY!!
Black History Month Bonus EP: CHERYL MORROW
Host Salisha discusses the science and technology of Black hair with Cheryl Morrow, CEO of the California Curl Company, and daughter of its founder, world-renowned, Willie Morrow. Willie Morrow is famous for coining "the blowout" era and is the inventor of the blow attachment comb for hair dryers.
EP 23- SIMONE IMAANI: World Record for Largest Afro
Simone Imaani (also, Simone Williams) has gone down in history for currently holding the Guinness Book of World Records for the LARGEST afro., with her afro measuring in at a whopping 4 feet and 10 inches in circumference!
EP 22-Broadway's Ain't Too Proud Nasia Thomas
Salisha Thomas sits down with Nasia Thomas (no relation, by the way), where Nasia makes the poignant point that “our hair is not the problem” while discussing the issue of Black hair with our host.
EP-21 From Meangirls and The Voice- Ashley De La Rosa
From The Voice, to the Beautiful tour to making history as the first Black Regina George in Meangirls on Broadway, to Beautiful on Broadway to Hamilton as 'And Peggy,' Ashley De La Rosa is a the most humble, kind, force of nature you've ever met.
EP 20- Wicked on Broadway's First Black Glinda-Brittney Johnson
Broadway's Brittney Johnson is no stranger to making History. She first made history in Les Mis as the first black woman to play both Eponine and Fantine and the first woman to go on for both roles on the same day.
EP 18- Jagged Little Pill's DEANNE STEWART
Host Salisha talks with Deanne Stewart, who recently made her Broadway debut on the Alanis Morrissette-inspired rock musical, Jagged Little Pill,. They discuss being "conditioned to the European standards of beauty" and finding the beauty within their own natural hair while on Broadway.
EP 16-Hailing from SIX the Musical: Britt Mack and Adrianna Hicks
From the hit musical, SIX we got Brittney Mack and Adrianna Hicks. Truly, two anointed and blessed Queens hailing from the Chicago production of Six to Broadway who are slaying on and off the stage.
EP 15- Beautiful the Carole King Musical-THE BOYS DRESSING ROOM
Is it hot in here? Or is it this boy gang! Paris Nix (Hamilton), Noah Ricketts (Frozen), Josh Dawson (Cyrano, Beautiful), Jay McKenzie (Beautiful), and Dashaun Young (The Lion King, Motown, Beautiful) are heating up this episode with truth, facts, and all the tea!
EP 14-Recording Artist and Broadway Star, Patrice Covington
Patrice Covington just dropped a hit single 'My Favorite Things' available now anywhere you can stream music. She has sung back up for Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, and Stevie Wonder. She was in the original Broadway cast of The Color Purple and can SING.
EP 13- Beautiful the Carole King Musical: Ladies Edition
This episode features Kris Roberts (Little Shop of Horrors), TyNia Brandon (Lion King), Gabrielle Elisabeth (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Kerissa Arrington Jessie (Sister Act), Rosharra Francis (EP "I'm the Girl) and is hosted by Salisha Thomas.
EP 11- Interview with Broadway's Britney Coleman
Voted one of the Top 10 Sexiest Women on Broadway, Britney has been in Beautiful, Sunset Blvd, Tootsie, and most recently Company on Broadway that was days away from opening right before the Bway shutdown earlier this year.
EP 10 Dear Evan Hansen's Kristolyn Lloyd PART 2
Welcome back to the second part of the episode with Kristolyn Lloyd. She talks about what she does for headshots when her hair is always changing and dealing with Alopecia. She is lovable and perfect. And you should follow her: Kristolyn Lloyd IG @kristolynlloyd.
EP 9- Dear Evan Hansen’s Kristolyn Lloyd PART 1
Kristolyn Lloyd originated and starred in Dear Evan Hansen as Alana Beck. In this episode she tells me about her iconic twists and how it’s been working with many creative teams that don’t understand her hair. She’s classy, down to earth, empowered, everything I want to be when I grow up.
EP 8- A Thanksgiving Pause with Salisha
Hey You All. I thought I'd take a few minutes to share a few thoughts and some gratitude. So grateful for my listeners on here. Happy Thanksgiving. Always always feel free to shoot me a DM on Instagram @salishathomas if there's anything you'd like to share with me or if there's something you'd like for me to bring up on an episode.
EP 7- Introducing Tina On Broadway's Geo Brian Hennings
Geo is one of the very few Black Hair and Makeup supervisors on Broadway. He is currently the supervisor at Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and was Idina Menzel's personal hair and makeup stylist during her world tour.
EP 5- Interview with Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst
Host, Salisha Thomas sits down with the reigning Miss USA, Cheslie Kryst days before she crowns the next Miss USA on November 9th. In addition to being a national title holder in one of the world's most renowned pageants, she is also a lawyer, correspondent for Extra TV, and runs a Fashion Blog for the working woman called White Collar Glam.
EP 4- Jessie Hooker Bailey, Waitress on Broadway
Salisha Thomas sits down with the energetic, fun-loving Jessie Hooker Bailey (Waitress, Beautiful) and they are diving into Hair Journey. Jessie describes not even knowing where to begin with her hair, to experimenting, to ultimately becoming a natural hair bride.
Ep3 - Interview with Joanna Jones, Broadway's Hamilton
Salisha Thomas sits down with Broadway's Joanna Jones. Joanna made her Broadway debut in Hamilton as Peggy/Maria Reynolds and is slated to open the Los Angeles touring company of Hamilton as Eliza. Follow Joanna Jones on IG @joannaalexisjones.
Ep2 - Interview with Aisha Jackson, Broadway's Frozen
Host, Salisha Thomas welcomes Broadway's Aisha Jackson as her first guest on Black Hair in the Big Leagues! Aisha's Broadway credits include Beautiful the Carole King Musical, Waitress (OBC), Frozen (standby as the first and only Black Anna on Broadway), and is slated to star in The Britney Spears Musical One More Time upon Broadway's return.
Ep1 - Welcome to the RevHairution!
Welcome to Black Hair in the Big Leagues Podcast! Blogger, Broadway actress, and former Miss California, Salisha Thomas, the host introduces herself and shares why she's excited about this podcast. Follow her blog at www.salishathomas.com.
Podcast Trailer
Throughout Black Hair in the Big Leagues, host Salisha Thomas sits down with badass black women on Broadway and talks about all things hair. We are sharing secrets, swapping ideas, and talking about our individual experiences backstage, onstage and beyond.
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