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[0:00] Unknown speaker: Oh, I've always loved elephants. Who doesn't love elephants? But um no, I just I opened the paper and there were these vintage circus photographs by Edward J. Kelty, whose two shots were apparently a block and a half from here. But he he was a World War One gunner. Started chasing the circus after he came home with this enormous handmade home built camera. And so these are his photographs that just kind of took me there. And then, I mean, you start reading about the circus and especially what the elephants did. You're true. You have to do that. So 10 million copies plus later, and a hit movie and now a Broadway show. Very blessed. Very, very blessed. It's so exciting. Congratulations. Happy opening.

It's so nice to meet you. And so everyone who wants to write, say you just need a good idea. Write a write something. You also have to give yourself put the put the seat of the pants in the seat of the chair. That's that is the word of the day. I like congratulations. Thank you so much. It's so nice to meet you.

[1:00] Rick Ellis: Book writer Rick Ellis. Rick Ellis is here, and but Rick, during the pandemic, we talked to you and we did a Jersey Boys virtual Broadway reunion moment. Wow. And now you're here for you. Here I am. And I'm I'm I'm still virtual. And you're still this is a hologram Rick Ellis. Well, you know, it's the latest Broadway technology. Well, some of the latest Broadway technologies in the show, but also some of the oldest show biz circus performance. All the old technology. It's the there's there's nothing that happens on stage that couldn't have happened 150 years ago. And um which is kind of scary nowadays because there are easy technological solutions now for the theater, and we have issued, if that's the word, if I'm saying that word correctly, um uh all of that in order to sort of um present a show that you could have seen.

Well, this story most of the story takes place uh in 1931 during the depression, so we wanted to have a we want it to feel authentic. Whether it is authentic or not, I think it feels authentic, which is which is a great trick.

[1:58] Rick Ellis: And how do you take someone like the novel that is so 10 million plus copies and then convert it for something like this? Well, you know, it's a big responsibility because the novel's so loved. And um and that's what was interesting to me. You know, it's not like um creating a story, it's adapting something that someone else has created and trying to do that with respect and um affection and skill, hopefully. And um uh and how do you do it in the and how do you tell it in in two hours time because it doesn't take two hours to read a novel. Right. And um, you know, so what do you include, what do you exclude, how do you figure out what to leave out, what to keep in, what to combine, what to telescope, you know.

And um, and that was uh that was a great, interesting challenge for me. Well, we love your work. Where anyone who writes and can get on a Google Doc or a Microsoft Word doc and that cursor doesn't scare them to shut their computer and throw it out the window. Exactly right. Exactly right. If I could do this, believe me, anybody could do this. So write shows, write shows. Thank you, congratulations, happy opening night. So good to see you. I appreciate it. It's good to see you.

[3:04] Unknown speaker: Jessica, you know, I've noticed something about your work. What? I I I seen Akimbo, I've seen this show. You like characters, you like art, and you like heart. Yes. Well, what a nice thing to say. That's true. I would I think that's probably true for most directors, but I will take it, it's true. It's no matter what, it is just a show about heart and love, and you need to come down here and see Water for Elephants. How's it been like to see this open? It's so exciting and gratifying. I'm so proud of this company. They just they're so talented and they're working so hard, and and um I'm proud of the whole team. It's really an incredible group of humans on stage and off. Come see the show! Come and we love Kimberly, and we're sad.

I don't I'm sad to see Kimberly go, but I want the whole country to see it. I know, and it's going to. It's going to. And so I'm I'm actually really excited about that because I was I started to feel really sad that it was closing, and the idea that it now gets to go all over the country actually is bringing me joy. Congrats to amazing few years of theater. Thank you.

[4:00] Isabella McCollas: Star Isabella McCollas here. Isabel. Hi. Oh my goodness, you are so gorgeous, Isabel. Happy opening! Now we've seen you on Broadway, like in Shockton All Fun. We've seen you over in Jersey. Yes, in Hercules. In Hercules, what's it like to be taking this show here to Broadway? It's a dream come true. I mean, I'm so in love with this story and these people, this company, um, and this music, and it's the most collaborative and innovative shows I've ever been a part of. I mean, and to combine the worlds of circus and musical theater together. It's it just makes for the most spectacular art. I'm so happy. And you have quite the arc. You have a wild arc in this show. So what has it been like? How did you find yourself in this character?

How'd you find her her performance? Um I think Marlena's probably a lot more grounded than I am. I'm a little zanier and like I live in the air, but she lives in the air in the trapeze, but um stars. I think she's taught me to trust myself. And I think she Marlena has a beautiful arc because she's so good at taming people and taking care of them and animals and is so compassionate and loving. But she rarely uses that power for herself. And that's the journey she goes on is learning what it means to actually heal yourself and what that can unleash in you, the wild and free life you can have when you choose yourself. And it's been so miraculous to watch. It's beautiful. Congratulations, happy opening. Come see her. Come see the show. Thank you. Thank you so much.

[5:25] Paul Alexander Nolan: Paul Alexander Nolan. I don't know if I do I like you, your character. Um I don't know. You tell me. I like your performance. I like your voice. I like your moves. I I like the whole Razamatazz that you give, the quick changes, the costumes. I don't want to work for you. Well, I don't blame you. I So I have to tell you, I was in Sharon, Connecticut doing the worst production of the Music Man with Annie McNamara. And she said, I'm going to do a show called Slave Play. And I said, That sounds great. And then I saw it, and you blew, all of you blew it is it is epic piece of theater. Now you take that, you take your litany of work, and now you do a big gigantic musical Razmatazz water for elephants.

What's it been like? Well, you know that there is a thread there, right? Because I use a bull whip in both productions. Um I'm a little better with it in this production though. Um having had Nico train me. Um what's it like? It's been um it's been really uh it's beautiful it's been beautiful, to be honest. It's like the the circus artists themselves. Like we we trained I trained a really kind of for me tricky circus trick that we cut from the show. And I don't think it was because of my ability. I think it just didn't make sense for my character. But um it was the acrobats that the were the most excited for me, and when we cut it, they were the most disappointed. Like almost mad. I get it. And I think that that is uh really telling of that community of people.

Because they r are so game to try. So game to go out beyond their comfort zone. And that's a I mean, that's a stunning a stunning lesson to be taught every day. Absolutely. It is a cast like you've never seen. It's an there is no ensemble in the show. Everyone is a star. Star and has a moment. I hope you can do the circus trick at the party tonight. You know, maybe we'll maybe maybe after a glass of wine, we'll try it. Take it out. That's it. Congratulations. Have the best time. Have the great run. Happy opening. Thank you. Very nice.

[7:45] Unknown speaker: And what has it been like to embody and find this character? Do you do research? Did you watch YouTube clips of the circus? Like how do you find this? Yeah, you know, it's it all started with the novel. And Sarah Gruen wrote such a she's such a brilliant writer, and she wrote a great portrait of a man who was, you know, having some troubles and he's trying to find his place in life, even at that late age. And uh so I started there. Of course I I would look at you know, circus uh, you know, videos, but every day in rehearsal was that. I mean, I remember there's a song in the show called Zostan, Top of Act Two. It's fun. And yeah. And and the first time they said, so Greg, why don't you just sit down in there and we're gonna run through the number?

And I said, Okay. I had no idea. Because you know, the show had been done out of town without me. So I sat down and they started doing all of these tricks in acrobatics and flying through the air and uh all around me. And I was just like, Oh my god, oh my god. And and Jessica, our director, was like laughing at me because she said, I know, it's pretty exciting, isn't it? They didn't give me any warning. And I rem I hold on to that because every night when I do that scene, I just kind of remember that first time I saw all this amazing stuff. And that's perfect. That's that's how I'm responding, but it's also perfect for the characters, so well we respond the same way because it's thrilling and your storytelling and the acting then the arc that you tell, and by the end your love and the loss and and the journey and the memories are something that everybody in the audience is gonna feel touches them.

You have like I don't know, uh billion Tony Award nominations, there's four Tony and and and being around what makes this show stand out amongst the many Broadway shows you did. What what about this is unique and original for this time? Well, you know, I think uh first and foremost, uh, and it's so hard because it's such a collaborative art form, isn't it? But starting with a great story is so important because everything else hangs on that, and then you can do whatever you want, but if you don't have a good story, it becomes all about s some kind of like rasmatazz kind of thing. Now granted we have a lot of Rasmataz in the show, but it's all kind of anchored in this really lovely warm story, on some levels a little, you know, a little sad, and that's we all have that in our lives.

But it's a lot of love and a lot of you know love of this great community that uh he finds for himself, my character, and so I think that's the the hard a good story is what starts, you know. And you're gonna get that, you're gonna get that here. It's congratulations, break all the legs, such a pleasure. Thank you. An honor to meet you. We had a joy in the theater, so thank you. Break legs, have a great run.

[10:27] Unknown speaker: Stan Brown talks about his amazing performance in the show. Hi, Stan. How are you? Good, I'm wonderful. That sort of love. Am I on there? Stan, who plays Camel in the show. You sing your face off. Well, I got it back just for this interview. Thank you very much. I mean, you start the show and you s are singing. Oh, thank you. Now you have a whole history of of television and film, and we've seen you in a whole bunch of other works. What's it like to come back to theater and and back to that voice and and all of that is home. It's uh yeah, theater is where it began. Theater is where one comes back to to renew why one did it in the first place. So I'm home. You have great impediment work in this show.

You you have a you are you have illness, you are suffering, you are struggling in the show. What was it like to find the embodiment of this character? Um, I can't really remember. I think my my meniscus was torn when I started. So that worked. So I just kind of drew from that. But uh I've played older characters a lot, and so yeah, just some research and you know, about what happens to one when one drinks, you know, the the the what is it, what's it called? Um Jake is what it's called, and what happened to people's legs and all that. But yeah, it's actually fun to play. It's something that I can hook on to. Sorry, it's a win. Come on, look at the whole done. Thank you. Okay. Um, well, we really enjoyed the performance, and we loved Homicide, and we love the Cobb shows, and we could your versatility is is really uh awe inspiring as an artist.

So congratulations. Thank you very much. I appreciate that. It's been a long career. Yes. You need to he sings up and down and around and back again. So you need to get your tickets and head on now. Oh, thank you. You're very kind. Nice to meet you.

[12:14] Joe DePaul: We're here with Joe plays Walter in the show. Joe, congratulations. Thank you very much. I'm thrilled to be here. Well, I was reading about you. You have quite a circus background. You've toured with Cirque, you have toured all around the the world. What is it like now to do this eight shows a week right here in the heart of Broadway? Um, I'm really, really proud because I I'm at the base of it all. I'm an actor who was doing theater and film, and then in the 90s, I took a turn towards a circus and ran away. And I really found uh a comfort in being a clown in circuses. And when this came along, it's demanding everything of me. My acting ability, my clowning ability, puppetry, singing, dancing, all of it.

So I couldn't be more proud, really. Well, I love the puppetry work. He there's a pet dog. You have a pet dog in the show, and you do do some clown and some magic fun uh tricks. Is the tricks is this are you so secure in the trick, or are you is there some anxiety about it every night? High anxiety, my friends. Um, but what I've discovered, and which is really special about clowning is even mistakes are hilarious. So anything could happen. Listen, if you want to have a party, you invite Joe, give him a head of lettuce or a head of carrot cabbage, and it goes on. You have to come down and see the show. What's it like working with this cast so far? Uh brilliant and inspiring. I learn every day. Everybody's such a professional and so kind.

[13:37] Wade McCollum: Uh I couldn't have a better situation. Happy opening. Congratulations. The show is gorgeous. It's so nice to talk to you. Wade McCollum tells us about being Wade.

[13:47] Wade McCollum: I do. Wade Squared. Wade Square. Wade, I don't know if I like your character though. I'm sorry. He's broken. Okay, you're right. There isn't a beautiful arc, and I'm sure the weight on stage is nothing like the weight in real life.

[14:02] Wade McCollum: No, he's actually sort of my shadow doppelganger, I would say. Okay. Well, Wade, we know you from like a thousand regional touring brought like a whole bunch of work. What has it been like to now take this show and put it here in this big iconic theater and do it in front of an audience eight shows a week?

[14:18] Wade McCollum: Cliche, but dream come true to originate such a beautiful piece on Broadway. And it happens to be my own name. It's quite Kismet. It is Kismet. Listen, you want to see him act. Also, you don't want to see Wade on a train. If Wade is coming for you on a train, run.

[14:34] Wade McCollum: Hey, throwing people off trains is one of the few damn perks of this job. But done with heart and complexity. Sure. How's this cast? What is this cast like to work with?

[14:42] Wade McCollum: Don't get me started. We'll be here all day. Okay, I hear you. They're just the best. And I know everybody always says that, but I think what's unique about this is the cohesion of various disciplines all coming together to create this narrative net that has this sort of, I think, palpable trust that we all get to fall into with the audience every night.

[15:01] Wade McCollum: Yes, and it shows, and the show is it's something like you've never seen before. So congratulations, happy opening night. Thank you.

[15:12] Sarah Gettelfinger: Sarah indexed feathers sequence. Yes. Welcome to the circus. Welcome to the Was this just hanging in your closet? Did you go find it? What's the story?

[15:23] Sarah Gettelfinger: No, no, no, no, no. It's very funny because this is a bold statement for me. I never leave the house without anything. I'm always in black head to toe. But Barbara, my character, is very much blue and green, and she's very connected to the peacock, so I thought I'm gonna do something bold.

[15:40] Sarah Gettelfinger: And my dear friend and stylist, Antonio Consuegra, we came up with this vision, and it was figured if there was ever a time to go big or go home and have some fun, it's the opening of a circus musical. I love it! Well, we've seen you in many Broadway shows and have many appearances and regionally and tours and all of the work that you've done. This show, why is this show important now?

[16:02] Sarah Gettelfinger: Especially your character has such heart and brings these ladies and takes care of the ladies of the circus. So what is what is this show telling and teaching us now in 2024? I think the the thing that I relate to the most about this show and my character is that this is a group of people that they haven't had it, it's not been a smooth ride.

[16:23] Sarah Gettelfinger: It hasn't been easy. There's trials and tribulation, and yet they have the strength to keep going. They find hope, they find joy, they find laughter, and they just don't give up. They literally, we sing the lyric repeatedly in the opening, don't stop, don't stop.

[16:41] Sarah Gettelfinger: Um, and I think in some ways it's that same sentiment of like as long as my heart is beating, as long as I am breathing, if I can just do one thing, I've got a shot at something more. And it is an incredible message that I think is very timely, that we need, and to be one of its messengers is a huge privilege.

[17:04] Sarah Gettelfinger: My goodness, I'm gonna replay that. Maybe I'll get a lower dose of Zoloft. Totally, yeah, totally tomorrow. Sometimes we chose to ride with Zoloft. That's okay too. And sometimes you just know tomorrow's gonna be better. Thank you so much. Happy opening. You look gorgeous and you're gorgeous on stage. Enjoy the run.

[17:27] Marissa Rosen: A little bit. You have sung with the greats. Yeah. On the road with the Chenowitz and the Vosks and the all of it. Yeah. And now you're on Broadway. Work. Right? Thank you. Oh my god. Well, Grand Gossip, oh my god, I'm such a big fan. You look amazing. I love you.

[17:46] Marissa Rosen: Here, living doing it. I'm so excited. How do you feel? Crazy, excited. Um I want to remember this day forever. And then I also want to take a little nap. You have an album out with Marty Thomas.

[18:01] Marissa Rosen: I do. It is called um the award-winning holiday album. And it was award-winning before it ever came out. So what? Come on. You have to get it Christmas music. I just want to borrow Marty Thomas's clothes, like all of his jackets.

[18:15] Marissa Rosen: So do I, and he'll be here tonight matching this. So just I'm so excited for you. Congratulations for every second of this moment. Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here. Thank you. Yeah, of course. Congratulations.

[18:26] Taylor Collatin: Hi, my name is Taylor Collatin, and I play Vera in Water for Elephants. Taylor, you ladies give so much fun and levity in the show. I mean, being a part of the Bally Bra is an honor and a privilege.

[18:41] Taylor Collatin: I would kiki it up with the broads. If I was here, I would want you to beat my face down, put me honestly. I say my character Vera is definitely the one who makes sure everybody's clothes are mended, hair is done, makeup on point. That's my job.

[18:54] Taylor Collatin: How's it like to work with the other ladies in the show? It is we just get together and we laugh. I'm like sometimes I think, do we even really rehearse? We were just laughing. It has been a privilege and an honor to work with these beautiful people, and I love getting to work with them every single day.

[19:13] Taylor Collatin: Happy opening. The show is beautiful. You're beautiful and done. Come on, Green, and have a great, great night, great run. Thank you.

[19:26] Sean Stack: Will you give us your full name, please? Yes, my name is Sean Stack. Sean, you're how does it feel to be here opening night on Broadway? Uh I I have so much joy in my body right now. I I it's hard to even find the words, but I feel like I get to do what I love the most with my best friends.

[19:49] Sean Stack: How beautiful is that? Will you tell people your specialty? What is your specialty? Well, I can't flip. No. And I can't fly, but I do sing and I do dance. That's right. So you know, there are circus performers, and then there are just good old tab dance and sing it away performances here.

[20:05] Sean Stack: It's really a the merging of all sorts of art forms in the show. Everybody's doing everything. Everybody's doing everything. And I do a little bit of circus on the show. They force me. But um that's part of what makes this show work is everybody does everything, and everybody's willing to do and to try everything.

[20:22] Sean Stack: And uh it's really hard to, I think uh make a distinction between you know who's a circus performer, who's an actor, who's a dancer. Because you're all doing everything. Because we're all doing everything. And you all have to come see the show. Come on down. Yeah, yeah.

[20:39] Sean Stack: It's it's I think it's unlike anything that's ever been produced. Ever. This is gonna be a special night. Enjoy every second of a special run. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Thank you. Nice to meet you.

[20:49] Ken Wolf Clark: Hello, I'm Ken Wolf Clark. Ken Wolf Clark? Yeah. What's it like to be here on the water for elephants opening night red carpet? It's a thrill. You kidding me? It's amazing. It's uh it's like no show I've ever been a part of. It's got more stuff going on than you'd believe.

[21:03] Ken Wolf Clark: You know, I'm overwhelmed every time I see it. Well, I loved you in Jagged Little Pill. Oh my gosh, thank you so much. And you were in Great Comet of 1946, 7, 1832. Yeah, that's exactly that. I think that's the shortened version of the title. But we got you gotta cut it for time.

[21:17] Ken Wolf Clark: It was right in this building, too. I like you're from Miami. I am, yeah. Can you tell? Oh, you know. We gotta just, you know, represent 305! Good 305. I've you're like, we're like Pitbull right here, right on the record.

[21:30] Ken Wolf Clark: What is it like to work with this incredible cast of actors and and to do this show for this the audience? The reaction from the audience has to be It's a thrill. I mean, the I mean the cast to answer your first question, it's incredible. Uh like I told them I I joined this c this company after they had already had their premiere in Atlanta, and it felt like coming home.

[21:45] Ken Wolf Clark: I was immediately felt like this is a warm place, this is a good place. We're doing big scary things, but everybody's kind of even keeled and accepting and supportive. It was amazing. Yes, and they are big scary things, and there's tricks up their sleeves here on this oh my goodness. Is it scary?

[22:00] Ken Wolf Clark: Yeah, of course it is. I every time they do something, you know, like I'm in the audience watching, and I I my hands go right up here, and I can't believe it, and it's just it's it you gotta see it to believe it, like truly. You sure do. Well, happy opening. Welcome back to the Broadway.

[22:15] Ken Wolf Clark: Oh, it's good to be here. And we're ready for this incredible show. Get your tickets and come on down and think you're ready for this incredible show. You're not.

[22:22] Paul Castry: I'm Paul Castry, uh, and I play Sal in Water for Elephants. And we know you from disaster and 9 to 5 and all sorts of Broadway and musical fun. Yes. In fact, many years ago I was at the Imperial Theater with High Fidelity.

[22:38] Paul Castry: Oh my goodness. 2006. But my first show was Greece on Broadway, which I performed with our amazing director, Jessica Stone. Get out of it. It's like really full circle. Yes. 30 30 years of Rosen. I was born in Jean with Billy and Jessica was Frenchie.

[22:56] Paul Castry: And we're still together all these years. Jessica was Frenchie. You were I was Eugene. Billy was the nerdy Greece. Yeah, but I played him like he was thought he was cool. Of course. Absolutely. I know you how's it been to now be here? But it's full circle for sure. But what's it like to get on stage with these incredible performers?

[23:15] Paul Castry: I mean, this is not just musical theater, this is a experience. It is. It's like no other show I've ever done, and I've done several. But uh you know, I I just think what's unique about it is that all these different um artistic elements are melding cirque, puppetry, choreography.

[23:32] Paul Castry: Obviously, the storytelling was paramount. And I don't know, I I've never done anything like it where our lives are in the balance, literally. Literally. And then in the story as well. So it's it's like a meta thing when you're doing it. Well, it's a beautiful evening. It's a great time. We love to see you here on Broadway. Thank you. Congratulations.

[23:48] Paul Castry: Look at his pin. Look at it's an elephant. It's Rosie. Congratulations. Break all the legs. Ow, ow, ow. I stepped on I'm stepping on feet here. All good.

[24:01] Charles South: Uh my name is Charles South. Um, and I'm from Miami, Florida originally. There's a lot of Miami up into this cast. Absolutely. We gotta bring the heat. Bring the heat musical theater down there in Miami. The rhythm's gonna get you. I I know. Yes, it is. And it has, and it will.

[24:15] Charles South: You you come right down the street from the Sun Like It Hot, on down here to the Imperial. Yeah. What was it like to join this show and this cast in this time? Uh, you know, it was so fast and furious, but it was probably the best thing that could have happened to me.

[24:31] Charles South: In a lot of ways, it was the complete opposite of Sun Like It Hot, just as far as you know, the uh the the direction, the vibe of the show, and what was required um in the best way. Yes. Um, and I truly am just very fortunate and like glad that I could fit, you know, in this rubric of the family.

[24:49] Charles South: And uh I'm just excited to be on Broadway. Yes, you're on Broadway. Um and it's really just a special group. Like it's a unique visceral experience. Um and it was just like a blessing I didn't even know was out there for me, and here I am.

[25:03] Charles South: And here do you have like a secret new circus trick? Like, are you gonna be fun at a party? Oh yeah, absolutely. I'm like teaching them like some tap dance, and then they're teaching me how to like do two highs, or just look people on the shoulders.

[25:15] Charles South: I've learned a lot of um just partnering, um, and it's uh juggling. Uh I got on the sterile for a second. Um I know, I know, and I was like, we were up in uh we were in Long Island City, like you know, rehearsing, and they have all of the uh practice and apparatuses there, and in between, you know, uh scenes or when I had breaks, I would just be playing around and they're just amazing.

[25:37] Charles South: You know, the acrobats that we have, this company, they they were like, oh, let me teach you. Oh come here, you hold it like this, and da da la. And I'm like, wow, cool. And I just I just love it's a sponge, it's a back and forth. Yes. Um and it's yeah, it's fantastic.

[25:48] Charles South: Well, tr invite Charles to your bar mitzvah and your birthday party because he's got all the tricks. We got tricks, and we got rhythm, because the rhythm's gonna get you, baby. And come on down to see the show. Congratulations, happy opening. Welcome back to Broadway.

[26:01] Eric Bates: Thank you so much. Uh Eric Bates. Eric Bates, happy opening. Thank you. What's it been like to be a part of this production and to now see it up on stage here on Broadway? It has been a whirlwind. It's been really great. Yeah, so much talent all combined from different disciplines, singing, dancing, acting, and of course, circus, all in the same place.

[26:18] Eric Bates: Yeah. Did do you know any circus tricks now? Have you asked any, you know, can we do a little balancing act? I only do circus tricks, I'm a circus artist. Where did you go study? Uh I studied at the Montreal Circus School.

[26:30] Eric Bates: And is that like the spot? Because many of you have gone there. Yeah, that's uh one of the best circus schools in the world. What's your specialty? I juggle and throw people around. And catch them and catch them.

[26:42] Eric Bates: I'm gonna let all that go. I'm not gonna make any jokes. There's a lot of jokes to be What do you what can you what's the weirdest thing you've juggled? Uh I juggled a chainsaw this summer for the first time. That was fun. Still got 'em. Some are plastic. He's like you can't see them through the camera.

[27:01] Eric Bates: Wow. And now you get to be on Broadway. And now we're on Broadway. Was it ever a thought of yours when you were in circus school? No, it never never really crossed my mind. I've performed for the world's leaders at G7. I've done fashion shows in Singapore. And so this is the next big adventure. Come on.

[27:15] Carolyn Kane: Happy opening. Welcome to Broadway.

[27:16] Unknown speaker: Thanks so much.

[27:17] Unknown speaker: Thanks for having us here.

[27:18] Unknown speaker: Thank you.

[27:19] Unknown speaker: Thank you.

[27:19] Unknown speaker: Thank you for this.

[27:20] Carolyn Kane: Carolyn Kane's Broadway debut.

[27:22] Unknown speaker: Yes, it is.

[27:23] Unknown speaker: And you were a Miss Mazel, and you've done tours, and you've been hustling on the musical theater circuit.

[27:29] Carolyn Kane: Yes, yes, for years. But this is my Broadway debut, and I can't, I actually can't believe that it's here. And on this show, a show that I really believe in.

[27:37] Unknown speaker: Well, you are dancing and circusing and doing it all up there on that stage.

[27:41] Carolyn Kane: Yeah. How's it been to be a part of this?

[27:43] Carolyn Kane: I feel like that's what this show is all about. There's all of the artists on stage and off. We're all in a state of, I keep on saying like forced expansion. We're all having to learn something new and take new things on. And that, I think that scary, vulnerable part of artistry is what makes the show work. It's like we all are forced to look at each other and hold each other and be there for each other in a way that isn't normal in musical theater, or I haven't experienced yet. So it's really cool.

[28:11] Unknown speaker: Well, we're living for it, so congratulations, happy opening. Enjoy the ride.

[28:14] Carolyn Kane: Thank you. Broadway debut, let's go!

[28:19] Unknown speaker: Thank you. Yeah, hi, I'm Keaton. I'm part of the circus ensemble.

[28:21] Unknown speaker: You sure are.

[28:23] Keaton: Alright, I knew I want all the gym tricks because I don't know how you get on the pole, and people are sideways and people are on your shoulders, and you're rolling. Do you even have to work out?

[28:31] Keaton: Oh no. This is what I do day in, day out, and at home I just eat ice cream and eat pizza. That's the honest truth.

[28:36] Unknown speaker: That's how it is.

[28:39] Keaton: This interview is over. I never want to talk about it.

[28:40] Unknown speaker: So sorry.

[28:41] Keaton: I'm so sorry to do that. That's so mad. If you do flips every day for a living, you can not go to the gym.

[28:46] Unknown speaker: Yeah.

[28:46] Keaton: I'm gonna be on the treadmill cursing you later.

[28:48] Unknown speaker: Or you can just be doing cartwheels with us on stage, you know. Pick your poison.

[28:51] Unknown speaker: Okay, deal.

[28:52] Keaton: Deal, what's it like to do all of that, this life that you've worked on and you studied and trained to do this performer and now do it on Broadway?

[28:58] Keaton: Yeah, I mean, it's incredible to do a show like this on Broadway. Because I grew up in the circus. So my real life when I was a child was setting up a red circus tent all around America, hammering in the stakes every day and traveling around like that. And so now to be able to bring that to a city like New York, it's incredible. It's such a beautiful experience.

[29:16] Unknown speaker: Well, you all are amazing. It is amazing to watch. This is a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity. So break all the legs. Congratulations so much.

[29:24] Nicholas Jelmoni: My name is Nicholas Jelmoni. I'm one of the circus performers.

[29:25] Keaton: You are.

[29:28] Nicholas Jelmoni: I am. I want the upper body strength that you all have.

[29:31] Keaton: Let's go.

[29:31] Nicholas Jelmoni: Come train with us.

[29:32] Keaton: I don't know if I can. I mean, my little gym in New Jersey is not gonna be able to work with you all.

[29:37] Nicholas Jelmoni: Hey, hey, we adapt. Can you get people to stand on your shoulders right now?

[29:41] Keaton: Let's go. And you could get on up the down that pole and that rope and I'll leave that to the real to Gab.

[29:48] Nicholas Jelmoni: So you're not real?

[29:49] Keaton: Well, the real, like, you know, strong, strong. I'm just like fake real, you know, like people just stand on my shoulders.

[29:54] Nicholas Jelmoni: How long have you been working on circus tricks?

[29:56] Nicholas Jelmoni: Uh, it's been 15 years now almost.

[29:58] Unknown speaker: Where did you train?

[29:59] Nicholas Jelmoni: So I trained at San Francisco Circus Center first and then three years at the National Circus School in Montreal.

[30:05] Unknown speaker: Oh, it is amazing. I want to go join the circus.

[30:08] Nicholas Jelmoni: There we go. Come, move, move. What can I do?

[30:10] Keaton: You can juggle?

[30:11] Nicholas Jelmoni: No.

[30:12] Keaton: No? I mean, you're a big guy. You could hold someone on your shoulder.

[30:16] Nicholas Jelmoni: And I can walk you to Junior's cheesecake. It will be a viral moment.

[30:20] Keaton: Hey, work hard, play hard. Are you having fun on Broadway?

[30:23] Nicholas Jelmoni: Always. A blast. I mean, hey, what is- Are you ever scared?

[30:27] Keaton: No, I mean it's part of a job, you know. It's like the excitement of like controlled risk, I always say. When you when people tape their feet, do you do it because you're hurt or do you do it for balance?

[30:36] Nicholas Jelmoni: Oh, it's usually because they're hurt, but shit.

[30:38] Keaton: Okay, I there no one's hurt in this show. But what I know is they tape feet. I my friend said it was because he keeps you balanced.

[30:47] Nicholas Jelmoni: We'll say with that too. We'll say with that. It's only that. That's just that's a trick. Just tape your feet and you'll be fine.

[30:52] Unknown speaker: Thank you. Very nice to meet you.

[30:54] Unknown speaker: Did you ever ride an elephant at the Metalands fair?

[30:57] Nicholas Jelmoni: Did you?

[30:59] Unknown speaker: You did? And a camel.

[31:01] Nicholas Jelmoni: And a camel. It used to be my favorite thing. I once rode a camel with your sister.

[31:05] Unknown speaker: Which sounds like a dirty joke, but it's not a dirty joke. That's a fact. I once rode a camel with my camera woman co-producing superstar Adrian. Her sister and me were on a camel at the Metal Lands fair. Like if you ever walk around in a camel in the parking lot in East Rutherford, that is what I did used to do for fun in the summer. That's what I did before I was in show business. I would just go to fairs and ride camels.

[31:30] Unknown speaker: Yes, my name is Antoine.

[31:32] Nicholas Jelmoni: And you are beautiful in this show.

[31:36] Antoine: Oh, thank you. Are you ever scared up there?

[31:39] Nicholas Jelmoni: No, I'm not trying to scared. It's just like, you know, it's like you get in that zone. It's like the same as when you're dancing, and you just get to like feel the feels, listen to Molena's voice, or where was singing, and like go on the trip and a journey. It's beautiful.

[31:54] Unknown speaker: What tell everyone your specialty as a performer is I do aerial silks in the show?

[31:59] Antoine: Flying, like through the air.

[32:01] Nicholas Jelmoni: You're a horse. You're a beautiful figment of our imagination. You're everything in the show. It's magical to be in. It's like such a special experience, really.

[32:11] Unknown speaker: And the scene, uh the scene, not to spoil it, but the scene as you and the horse on outfit is so special, so gorgeous.

[32:17] Antoine: Thank you so much. It feels just like to be on that stage with easy singing that song that is so beautiful. So get to fly over the audience and like I get to see everyone's faces like under me. It's quite magical.

[32:29] Unknown speaker: Well, welcome to Broadway. Happy opening. Enjoy every second of it.

[32:33] Antoine: Thank you.

[32:34] Unknown speaker: Will you tell us your name?

[32:35] Isabella Diaz: Yeah, my name is Isabella Diaz. Everyone calls me Bella.

[32:36] Unknown speaker: Hi Bella.

[32:38] Isabella Diaz: Hi. Welcome to Broadway.

[32:40] Unknown speaker: Thank you. This is so exciting. What can you tell us what you do with the show?

[32:45] Isabella Diaz: Uh yeah, I'm one of the circus acrobats. Um, also in the ensemble, and yes, I have a self-given name of a character. Her name is Betty.

[32:52] Unknown speaker: I like Betty.

[32:53] Isabella Diaz: I like the name Betty. I had a chameleon named Betty.

[32:56] Unknown speaker: Oh yeah?

[32:57] Isabella Diaz: Yes. Betty has big dreams of being a ballet broad.

[33:01] Unknown speaker: Yes, come on. How long have you been a circus performer?

[33:04] Isabella Diaz: Uh it's been about three years now. I started as a gymnast and a dancer, and then were you a gymnast like as a little little person?

[33:12] Isabella Diaz: Yes, from age three until 18. I was if it wasn't cold and I didn't have gloves on, I have all those notes, and I secretly remember that you are a gymnast from like three years old.

[33:22] Unknown speaker: Yeah.

[33:23] Isabella Diaz: One of the little robot gymnasts. Do you ever get scared? Like, is it scary? Are there scary tricks in this show, or is it just joy and you just do it?

[33:30] Isabella Diaz: Most of it is joy. Even the ones that look the most scary, like when I'm on top of two other people. It is honestly so safe and comfortable to me because I have so much trust in everyone who's holding me.

[33:42] Unknown speaker: And not just on their shoulders, like you're standing on people.

[33:45] Isabella Diaz: Yeah, yeah. But it's good. You really do just put blind faith and trust in everyone that you work with, and they always catch me, and even when things go wrong. I love it though. It's all great. It's a beautiful show. Happy opening. Congratulations.

[34:00] Unknown speaker: Thank you so much.

[34:01] Isabella Diaz: Betty!

[34:03] Unknown speaker: Betty in the show.

[34:06] Unknown speaker: Yeah.

[34:06] Michael Mendez: Michael Mendez is a professor. Everybody.

[34:09] Unknown speaker: I'm a professor, yes.

[34:10] Michael Mendez: I teach at Mary Matt Manhattan College.

[34:12] Unknown speaker: Teach and do you teach musical theater?

[34:13] Michael Mendez: I teach. I'm a full-time musical theater professor. So I am doing I'm teaching in the mornings and doing Broadway at night, which is amazing.

[34:19] Unknown speaker: Are your students just a guy? Like you must they're thrilled.

[34:21] Michael Mendez: I mean, every night they've been coming, they're just like, I can't believe that like you're teaching me while you're on Broadway at night. And it's just been inspiring to like have these like young 20 year olds who are I'm living out their dream right now, which is amazing. And then one day they'll be on Broadway and you'll be coming to see them.

[34:36] Michael Mendez: Absolutely, absolutely. I just have my first student who booked a Broadway show that's coming in this season, so I'm so excited and proud.

[34:41] Unknown speaker: What's it ah that's the coolest thing ever. I uh as a I'm a I'm an elementary school teacher and I'm at the age where now the kids come back and they say, Oh, I'm in law school at and I'm like, oh man, I'm old and I'm so happy.

[34:53] Unknown speaker: Well, what what is it like to be with this cast every single night?

[34:56] Michael Mendez: Oh my god, it is I'm having so much fun. I mean, this I've never been to a circus or worked with circus performers before, so they are just they keep me young. They keep me lively up there, and we are just having a blast every night.

[35:07] Unknown speaker: Well, I want people to come down and see it. It's a fun, great night of theater and circus street and all the fun. Congratulations.

[35:13] Michael Mendez: Thank you so much.

[35:15] Holly Davidson: Holly Davidson, everybody, and welcome to Broadway.

[35:18] Unknown speaker: Thank you. It's really super exciting.

[35:21] Holly Davidson: How exciting. What has it been like to be a part of this production and work with these amazing artists?

[35:25] Holly Davidson: I mean, it's just been incredible. It's in such a journey and like so much sweat and pains and just it's just been beautiful. Everyone's been so supportive of each other and really become a family by the time we're opening.

[35:40] Unknown speaker: What do you hope people leave at the end of the night learning when we do this show? When you do this show eight shows a week. What is the message?

[35:47] Holly Davidson: That I mean, I feel like every time I watch it, the message that I get is just like life is a journey, and it's just about jumping in with two feet and just believing in yourself and like doing your best by other people and by yourself. And I think that we all need that.

[36:02] Unknown speaker: That's a hundred percent. I mean, who can complain about a show based around that?

[36:06] Holly Davidson: Absolutely. Well, it's a beautiful show. Congratulations, happy opening, and break all the legs tonight.

[36:11] Unknown speaker: Great, thank you. It's so nice to meet you. You tell everyone your full name?

[36:14] Brandon Block: Yes. I am Brandon Block.

[36:15] Unknown speaker: Brandon Block coming to the Broadway.

[36:17] Brandon Block: Coming to the Broadway.

[36:19] Unknown speaker: Coming in hot.

[36:21] Brandon Block: Coming in hot in Water for Elephants.

[36:24] Unknown speaker: Here we are. What's it what's it been like to be a part of this show?

[36:27] Brandon Block: And Dream Come True. I have never been more challenged. Um with the most amazing group of humans.

[36:33] Unknown speaker: So and this is your Broadway debut.

[36:35] Brandon Block: Is this my Broadway debut, yes?

[36:37] Unknown speaker: And you're like the fight captain.

[36:38] Brandon Block: Yeah, swing dance captain and fight captain.

[36:41] Unknown speaker: What is fight call and swing call and dance call like for this show?

[36:45] Brandon Block: It's very, very long. We start about an hour and fifty minutes before the curtain.

[36:48] Unknown speaker: An hour and fifty minutes.

[36:50] Brandon Block: Yes. There's actually a circus call, so they go through whatever acts they want to go through, and in that we have fight call, and then we also have lift call in there as well.

[36:59] Unknown speaker: So it's very That's a lot of calls.

[37:02] Brandon Block: It is. You guys well, congratulations. That's amazing. This is an undertaking. This is an experience, an event. And welcome to Broadway.

[37:10] Unknown speaker: Thank you so much. Hi, will you tell us your name?

[37:12] Matthew Barbar: Oh my gosh, I'm Matthew Barbar.

[37:14] Unknown speaker: Hi, Matthew. Happy opening, the Broadway.

[37:16] Matthew Barbar: Thank you so much. We are so excited for you.

[37:19] Unknown speaker: Oh my gosh, me too. I'm so excited to do that. Tell us what do you do with the show?

[37:23] Matthew Barbar: Um, so in the show, I'm in the ensemble, and I'm also an onstage swing.

[37:27] Unknown speaker: So much fun. So how many parts do you know?

[37:29] Matthew Barbar: So I right now I'm covering four tracks, and I'm adding another one.

[37:34] Unknown speaker: Four tracks and adding an I don't even know I don't even have the script and I don't know my lies. How do you study all of that?

[37:39] Matthew Barbar: Oh my god, it takes a lot of homework and offstage time. Um and we have our um understudy rehearsals on stage um with our fabulous dance captain. Um yeah, so we're I really love it.

[37:55] Unknown speaker: Congratulations, happy opening. Enjoy every second.

[37:58] Matthew Barbar: Thank you so so much.

[37:59] Samantha Gershman: Hi, I'm Samantha Gershman, and I'm a swing and a standby.

[38:02] Unknown speaker: Yeah. How do you feel being a part of this? How does it feel to be here opening night?

[38:06] Samantha Gershman: It feels pretty surreal and um just I feel present. I feel ready, I'm excited.

[38:13] Unknown speaker: What do you hope people learn in this show? What do you hope people leave with what humanity they find in the show?

[38:18] Samantha Gershman: Oh, uh, there's so much. I honestly I feel like this show has such a beautiful um sense of reflection. So I feel like everyone I honestly I feel like people just kind of stop what they're thinking and just are present for the next two and a half hours.

[38:33] Unknown speaker: Amen.

[38:33] Samantha Gershman: Yeah. Well, I want to say congrats, happy opening, enjoy the world. Have a wonderful time.

[38:38] Unknown speaker: Thank you.

[38:39] Michelle West: Hello, everyone. My name is Michelle West, and I am a swing on the Waterfall Elephants team.

[38:43] Unknown speaker: Michelle West, you're on the Broadway and it's opening nice.

[38:46] Michelle West: I am. It's so exciting. And you look gorgeous.

[38:48] Unknown speaker: Thank you.

[38:49] Michelle West: Thank you so much. What's it like to work with this cast and be here and doing this circus extravaganza?

[38:53] Michelle West: Amazing. This is like such an amazing group of people, super talented, and everybody is so invested in this story. That's why I love being a part of this company. And it's so awesome to have done the company in Atlanta and bring it to Broadway. So I'm just super happy to be here.

[39:11] Unknown speaker: I just love the circus life. I want to run off to the circus myself.

[39:15] Michelle West: Absolutely. Do you have a circus trick? Have you talked to the circus performers?

[39:18] Unknown speaker: Oh, you know what? I I don't do the trick.

[39:22] Michelle West: So you're not gonna balance a chair on your No, that would not be me.

[39:26] Unknown speaker: But you'll see me when I come in, and you know, it's it's I'm like, you know, I come in, I pop out. I'll come in, I pop out.

[39:33] Michelle West: That's the swing's job. So I'm like that. I'm like that secret hidden talent.

[39:37] Unknown speaker: I love it. Congratulations.

[39:39] Michelle West: Thank you so much.

[39:41] Unknown speaker: Thank you. Thank you. So when I was in second grade, I decided to be in Saturday Happenings, which Saturday Happenings was a program that was on Saturday mornings where it was happening, and they had a magician magic clown class. So I wanted to join the clown class and join the circus. So my parents dropped me off, and my dad forgot to pick me up from clown class, and I was the last kid there, and I was crying, and then my dad came and picked me up. And now that I'm in therapy once or twice a week for the past ten years. So if you put your kids in clown class, A, remember them, B, pick them up, C, they may join the circus and end up on Broadway. I did not join the circus, even though working at where I work feels like a circus.

My personal life has often felt like a circus. My fa I might as well be in the circus. But my personal life is good now. Now it's like let's just end this while it's ahead. But man Ace making faces. Is this too much? Am I sharing too much?

[40:44] Unknown speaker: Well, the stars were out. We start things off with Mean Girls and Strange Loop Star, Joaquel Spivey. This is a cautionary tale.

[40:52] Robert Bannon: Yes! You're here.

[40:54] Adriana Hicks: Yes, finally. Welcome.

[40:56] Robert Bannon: It's nice to see you.

[40:57] Adriana Hicks: You too. Outside of, we said, like the little boxes, they exist in real life.

[41:02] Robert Bannon: From Zoom to real life. Look at us now. You've been so good and so kind to me, to the students, to the people out here who are fanning out and loving your work. What's it like to come see a show like this tonight?

[41:13] Adriana Hicks: It's really exciting. I honestly don't get that many chances to come to Broadway because working. Working, and also if it's expensive for you, it's expensive for us. And not everybody can give comps, which I understand. But it's nice to be able to support an original, a new work, you know, like to make space for I think I heard seven new writers, composers on this. I'm so excited to see them get their show. And people's Broadway debuts, it's so much fun to talk to people about their Broadway debut. Do you remember the moment, the day? Were you sick, nervous? Were you excited? Like, what's it like before you step out there on that Broadway stage?

[41:45] Robert Bannon: You know, leading up to it, yes, I was bent over with anxiety about to throw up, but then you know, I realized like it's happening, and if you don't live in a moment, you're gonna miss it. So I hope this entire cast crew team is living in the moment, because we're gonna celebrate them tonight. And we're ready for more. I told you on the f I told you on the Zoom the TV, the films, the music, the m let's go. We got some things coming. We got some things. I hope I get to share it soon.

[42:10] Robert Bannon: Hey, we're here. You the stunning Adriana Hicks stops by.

[42:15] Adriana Hicks: Oh, it's so good to see you.

[42:18] Robert Bannon: How are you doing?

[42:19] Adriana Hicks: I'm so good.

[42:20] Robert Bannon: I look great.

[42:21] Adriana Hicks: So good is like the answer that I want to hear. How do you feel to be in another opening here for Water for Elephants?

[42:27] Adriana Hicks: Um I'm so happy and excited for the cast and what they're getting ready to do. I've heard such beautiful things about the show. And like, I honestly, I haven't even seen like the movie, so I'm excited to just have a first take of it with the musical.

[42:39] Robert Bannon: Well, you as someone who is known all around the stages in the world, wait till you see some of the tricks up there.

[42:45] Adriana Hicks: Oh, I can't wait! I love I love the fun of it all. It's gonna be great, and I know they're gonna do a spectacular. How is the season for you? What do you think of Broadway so far this season?

[42:53] Adriana Hicks: I'm excited for Broadway and just all these new pieces that are coming out, and then you know, some things that are like hitting close to home, and I can't wait to just explore more. I love the notebook and I mean even with uh Alicia Keys' new piece, it's like this yes, it's gonna be so good.

[43:08] Robert Bannon: I'm here for it too. We love you.

[43:10] Adriana Hicks: We love you.

[43:12] Robert Bannon: And we're so grateful to see enjoy I know it's freezing out. Go enjoy the night.

[43:18] Adriana Hicks: One more second. Look, I just saw your very tall friend.

[43:23] Robert Bannon: Yes because you are this is called fashion, y'all. Honey, let me tell you something. Dustin is an amazing actor. You will know him in a few movies, but I want to let him talk about that if you would like to talk about that.

[43:33] Adriana Hicks: The thing at hand tonight.

[43:34] Robert Bannon: Yes. We are we're we're on you. This is an intervention.

[43:37] Adriana Hicks: I know. We want the Adriana Hicks album. Where is it?

[43:40] Robert Bannon: Where stop. I I'm thinking of things. So I'll just put that in there. People keep telling me that, and now I'm like, I'm I'm hoping this year too. We want the concerts and we want the music and we want the acting, and we want it all. So we just had to guess. We had to get when is the album coming out?

[43:57] Adriana Hicks: Oh, that's it. We're here, we're here now. I love that.

[44:00] Robert Bannon: Absolutely. The original Flash, John Wesley Shipp zips in the Flash himself.

[44:07] John Wesley Shipp: Uh one of them. Going to see another Flash, sing and dance.

[44:10] Robert Bannon: That's right, I am. I'm so excited. You know, it was great being on the CW Flash for nine years with Grant and playing his father, I feel sort of, you know, I don't know what you call that. Uh no. Very uh very excited for him. It's been his dream all his life to be on Broadway, and by God, here he is.

[44:28] Robert Bannon: And that's amazing. And we are such a fan of yours. It's an honor to talk to you.

[44:32] John Wesley Shipp: Thank you, sir. We grew up with you. You're it.

[44:34] Robert Bannon: You're it. Thank you.

[44:37] John Wesley Shipp: Thank you. Star of the Flash, Brandon McKnight.

[44:41] Robert Bannon: We watched Mr. McKnight on the television. You know, my fifth grade students, when I told them I'm coming here, and Grant, you got Grant's here and the Flash Cat. I'm the coolest teacher in New Jersey right now.

[44:53] Brandon McKnight: What does it feel like for a co-star to be here on Broadway after working for years on this series?

[44:57] John Wesley Shipp: I'm so happy for him, and I'm so excited for him. I, you know, between setups and between uh takes, he'd always be dancing and singing, and I know he came from like this is this is what he comes from. This is his background. So to see him actually get up and get to do it full blown all the way through, I'm so happy for him. And so excited. Especially just a year after the show ended.

[45:15] Brandon McKnight: Yes. Which is crazy.

[45:16] John Wesley Shipp: So soon, yeah. So, like super power, like are you a superhero person?

[45:20] Brandon McKnight: Am I super like do I love superheroes? So much.

[45:23] John Wesley Shipp: You do? Yes. And you like know the difference between DC and Marvel?

[45:27] Brandon McKnight: Oh, 100%. See, she's giving me dirty looks because uh the last superhero movie I saw might have been Danny DeVito and Batman. I'm not come on, don't judge me.

[45:35] John Wesley Shipp: Okay, I'll see you. It's nice to talking to you.

[45:39] Brandon McKnight: But you think mean? You haven't seen any of the new ones?

[45:42] John Wesley Shipp: Well, I'm gonna watch The Flash in Succession.

[45:44] Brandon McKnight: Okay, gotcha. And then I'm gonna DM you and let you know what you're doing.

[45:47] John Wesley Shipp: Let me know, please. Yes, yes. Tell me what you think.

[45:48] Brandon McKnight: Okay, deal. When you were a young actor growing up, what's it like when you get that call to be a series regular on an iconic series? Is it like check, like, or is it you is always climbing that mountain? What's next?

[45:58] Brandon McKnight: It was a lot of tears. Um it was like, yes, I have a job. Um, and then you know, m it's funny because mine and my little sister, our favorite superhero was The Flash growing up. We watched the entire show. She has like flash tattoos, all the things. So it was kind of like this weird life full circle moment to book that show and to to get to experience like what it was to like be part of this universe, you know what I mean? So it was really crazy. It was like it was uh it was about like a few weeks of like weird, surreal, like, is this real, is this not? Somebody pinch me, type of thing. Yeah, it was crazy.

[46:30] John Wesley Shipp: Well, it's so nice to meet you. It was a pleasure to meet you. Real nice to we'll be watching, they'll be watching. I'll be watching too. Don't judge. Tell your students I said hey.

[46:37] Brandon McKnight: Absolutely well. And could you made it through the strike and people are back on set, so let's go, let's make some great work.

[46:42] John Wesley Shipp: Yes, for sure. Thank you so much.

[46:44] Robert Bannon: Law and Order organized crime star Rick Gonzalez.

[46:47] Rick Gonzalez: All right, Rick, you are like quintessential New York, right here.

[46:50] Rick Gonzalez: I am. I am here. I'm excited. Uh excited to see the show.

[46:55] Robert Bannon: Um Yeah, I mean, we're here. This is Broadway.

[46:57] Rick Gonzalez: This this is Broadway. Now we know you're from TV. We know you from but but you theater, you're an actor. Like theater is where it's at.

[47:03] Rick Gonzalez: Absolutely. I I went to LaGuardia High School Performing Arts. Uh, did some theater at the Harold Clareman Theater was very young. Um this is like it, you know. So, so like, I know I was a little boy taking the L train, you know, coming to to Forty Second Street and um seeing all the shows and you know, just thinking like, oh, could I be there or could I do something like it? You know? Um so and and to have a friend of mine who's starring in something like this, like I I just it's uh it's nice, you know, it's really great. It's a beautiful show, you're gonna really enjoy it.

[47:38] Robert Bannon: I'm so excited. It's so funny, my in-laws are in Detroit and they think of New York City as Law and Order and Blue Bloods. Like Yes, they do.

[47:45] Rick Gonzalez: This I I think New York is quintessential law and order, yeah.

[47:49] Robert Bannon: I think it's quintessential order. It's real. See? It's real. Law and order is here.

[47:55] Rick Gonzalez: Thank you so much. Nice to meet you. Enjoy tonight.

[47:57] Robert Bannon: The one and only Broadway darling, Jessica Voss.

[48:02] Jessica Voss: Oh my god, I'm sorry.

[48:04] Robert Bannon: You can always curse.

[48:08] Jessica Voss: Oh my god, I've not gotten to see you in so long. Weird fact about the round Jessica Voss was the first guest on the quarantine cabaret cocktails. She sang John Prine, if it wasn't for you, I would not be here.

[48:20] Robert Bannon: Oh honey No, that's not true. She brings the Jersey sash, that's what she said, because it's Jersey, y'all.

[48:25] Jessica Voss: Jersey baby, we don't pop our gas, we pop our fists.

[48:27] Robert Bannon: That's amen to that. I we talked to your dear dear friend here that's in this show. Miss Rosen.

[48:32] Jessica Voss: Yes, this is Water for Elephants for Marissa Rosen.

[48:35] Robert Bannon: That's it. It's so amazing, and I told her she sings with the greats and now she's a great. Listen, she has worked for years and years and years for this moment. She is one of the most deserving people of having this massive debut alongside acrobats.

[48:48] Jessica Voss: I mean I want them to throw her in the air, quite frankly.

[48:50] Robert Bannon: I do too. But that's just me. That's what I want.

[48:53] Jessica Voss: That's what I want. Well, look, she sells out concerts in four seconds, like the other day.

[48:58] Robert Bannon: Oh my god. Four seconds. Can you believe?

[49:00] Jessica Voss: How does she sing? Well, I'm I'm that I'm very excited about. It's an old it's the very first all Broadway set list I've ever had, so come on, we're ready.

[49:08] Robert Bannon: We need to to join the whole world. I'll see you at the Chuto Mondo Mio and we'll have pasta together.

[49:15] Jessica Voss: You're the best. Enjoy.

[49:18] Robert Bannon: Writer of the prom, Bob Martin.

[49:21] Bob Martin: Well, you've written some pretty popular shows.

[49:27] Robert Bannon: I hope so. Define popular. But yes, they've been on the Broadway. Yes, they've been made into movies.

[49:34] Bob Martin: Yes. Yes. And now you're here, and some of the people that have worked with you and done your works have are in this show. Izzy is in this show.

[49:40] Bob Martin: I'm very excited to see her. I love her with all my heart. As and I and Rick, Rick Ellis. Yes, who's who's uh not only a dear friend, but we we work together. We've worked together on a couple of shows, and we really share the trials and tribulations of book writing.

[49:56] Robert Bannon: Yes, for real. And I asked him, how scary is the cursor blinking when you open a document to start working?

[50:01] Bob Martin: That terrifies me. Yeah, it is. It but you gotta you gotta start with the big picture and work your way in, and and then you're just solving a series of problems. That's how I look at it.

[50:10] Robert Bannon: I get well, you wrote my dream musical theater. I would come out of retirement to be Buddy the Elf. I am I am ready to walk through the Lincoln Tunnel and eat gum drops and have the four food groups and all of the I love the show.

[50:24] Bob Martin: Well, here's a treat. It's gonna be at the Sydney Opera House this winter.

[50:28] Robert Bannon: Can you imagine Buddy at the Sydney Opera House?

[50:30] Bob Martin: That is amazing! Tell anyone. I'm not too. But yes, it is. I'm gonna send you my tape right after this.

[50:38] Robert Bannon: Congrats. Thank you for all of your work. Thanks for stopping. Enjoy tonight.

[50:41] Robert Bannon: Broadway star Jay Armstrong Johnson.

[50:44] Jay Armstrong Johnson: My question for you, because I saw you like 40 seconds ago.

[50:46] Robert Bannon: You did.

[50:47] Jay Armstrong Johnson: And then we only saw each other online, and now I see him twice in a week. How much clothes do you own?

[50:52] Jay Armstrong Johnson: Oh, I don't own a lot of clothing. My very good friend DW is my personal stylist, and we kind of wear the same size, so anytime I go to an event like this, he dresses me for it, which is why I always look fabulous.

[51:03] Robert Bannon: I need a friend. If anyone's out there in my size and would like to be my best friend and has a fabulous closet, can you please reach out? Because you look fabulous.

[51:10] Jay Armstrong Johnson: Thank you so much. I don't own any of actually I bought the shoes today because he said you need a brown boot. So I found a brown boot.

[51:16] Robert Bannon: They're very in the brooch.

[51:18] Jay Armstrong Johnson: I know. Not mine. It's DW's.

[51:20] Robert Bannon: DW. He's good stuff. We're almost the same height. It could work.

[51:23] Jay Armstrong Johnson: But we could be. I could I'm not the same way size though. But if I stop eating carbs for like a month, I believe in you.

[51:30] Robert Bannon: Thank you. But don't stop eating carbs. No one wants that.

[51:32] Jay Armstrong Johnson: Okay, okay. Enjoy tonight. It's a beautiful show.

[51:35] Ivan Hernandez: I'm excited.

[51:36] Robert Bannon: Ivan Hernandez, right from TV to the red carpet. We we have Ivan Hernandez here. Ivan, I love your work.

[51:41] Ivan Hernandez: Oh, do you? That's so nice.

[51:44] Robert Bannon: I do. I have binge watched and Netflix and done all of the things here.

[51:47] Ivan Hernandez: Yeah, all that fun stuff.

[51:48] Robert Bannon: Yes, all of that fun stuff. What water for elephants, a brand new original show on Broadway.

[51:54] Ivan Hernandez: I know. So exciting, right? It's always great when there's something new. What what is about theater and when acting and and singing and all that, but you've done stuff on set. What what does it feel like as an actor like to do stage work?

[52:05] Ivan Hernandez: Stage work, oh I mean, that's my my true love, my first love. I think uh, you know, any actor who's done the theater will tell you the same thing, just to be a part of this family, you know. You go through fire together, and uh and then to have the connection with the live audience, and of course, musical theater, and yes, which is just such a wonderful way to express emotions and uh and and to to be a part of a true American art forum.

[52:30] Robert Bannon: So it is. And we made it through the SAG strike this year.

[52:33] Ivan Hernandez: We did. People are back on set. People are working.

[52:36] Robert Bannon: Thankfully, yeah. And if I you are like the quintessential, you can play anything. You need a dad, you need a cop, you need the good guy, you need the bad guy. You just call him up.

[52:44] Ivan Hernandez: I'm here.

[52:46] Robert Bannon: You're it's really nice to meet you. I enjoy your work very much.

[52:49] Ivan Hernandez: Thank you.

[52:51] Robert Bannon: Absolutely. Alex Grayson and Mika Abraham, the married couple who they're so cute.

[52:58] Mika Abraham: So good to see you.

[53:02] Robert Bannon: We are so excited to see you.

[53:04] Alex Grayson: These are like the married. They were the wedding of the century. New York City.

[53:07] Mika Abraham: Almost one year ago. April 8th.

[53:10] Alex Grayson: I think after I spoke to her, I got engaged.

[53:13] Mika Abraham: Oh yeah? Oh well, congratulations. So now I need to know like how to get all the things. The beautifulness, the Central Park, the and opening shows on Broadway and Instruction Parade.

[53:24] Alex Grayson: I mean it was a dream.

[53:26] Mika Abraham: Yeah. It was. It was 100%.

[53:28] Alex Grayson: Absolutely. And you are so fun and funny and great and show and you were show stopping.

[53:34] Mika Abraham: Thank you.

[53:34] Alex Grayson: Thank you.

[53:37] Robert Bannon: Right there. Well, uh, you're gonna enjoy tonight. Enjoy tonight.

[53:41] Mika Abraham: It's so good to see you.

[53:42] Alex Grayson: There are couple goals, you're all thank you.

[53:47] Robert Bannon: Thank you. Well, there you have it. What a fun night. What a red carpet. What a season with so many more red carpets and shows still to come. Check out Water for Elephants the Musical dot com to get your tickets. Go down to the Imperial Theater. Go support shows today. If you see us on the red carpet, say hi. Come over and say what's going on. Follow me at Robert M. Bannon and make sure you check us out every day on the Broadway Podcast Network. The best is yet to come. Bye, everybody.