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[0:10] Robert Bannon: Are you ready? It's the round table with me, Robert Bannon. Well, we are here on the red carpet of Harmony, 30 years. 30 years. I'm and I'm only 22 years old, and this show has taken 30 years to be made. Listen, we've discussed this at length. I literally have an album with nine Barry Manilow songs on it. It is 23 times, maybe 24 times that I've seen him. I can sing every song. I can sing every song in this show. Because he recorded an album of all the songs of this show. So Barry will be here. Bruce Sussman, who co-wrote the show with him as co-writer, will be here. The amazing cast of the show. We did the press say, you watched it, you saw Sierra, you saw the harmonist, you saw Julie, you saw Chip, and they'll be here as well. We're gonna interview all of the casting creatives. Plus, we have the VIP guests and arrivals. Come check out Harmony at the Barrymore Theatre. Open. The music is beautiful. This one's for you, Barry.

[1:17] Barry Manilow: Birthday was the best surprise ever. Did I do okay?

[1:21] Robert Bannon: You're amazing. I'm glad. Look, you know, I've said I've seen Barry 23 times in concert. I literally told Gary I could sing everywhere to jump shout Boogie. I am so proud of the work that you've always done in your life. What does it mean that the show is here? It's open.

[1:36] Bruce Sussman: Oh, this is this is what Barry and I were uh always wanted to do. I met Barry not as a pop composer but as a theater composer. And then this thing called Mandy happened and screwed everything up.

[1:49] Robert Bannon: How dare he? But you know, from everything you've wrote from Copa to I made it through the rain to everything, I'm just so proud of this show. Congratulations. Barry, Barry, 23 times I've seen you in concert. Oh my God. I love you to pieces. And I just want to say from your scores album with Bruce to this being on Broadway, congratulations. Congratulations. It's gorgeous.

[2:12] Gary Keefe: Thank you so much.

[2:13] Robert Bannon: Producer, manager, and Barry Manilow's husband, Gary Keefe. Gary, congratulations! How are you?

[2:19] Gary Keefe: I am freak out! You have no idea!

[2:27] Robert Bannon: Thank you, Gary. Thank you for taking such good care of the show and for taking care of our Barry.

[2:33] Gary Keefe: Thank you. I take call uh 24 times. Yeah. I have been out to Vegas and I've been everywhere you guys are, and your civil security's looking for you.

[2:41] Robert Bannon: That's right. He knows. I'm so excited for this show and for the work that you put in. Congratulations on being a producer and putting this show on Broadway. How does it feel?

[2:51] Gary Keefe: I'm not gonna do another one. It takes 31 years. I'll tell you that. I'll be up here in Milwaukee. No, it's exciting. You know, it's uh I'm gonna turn into a balling idiot in about five minutes.

[2:58] Robert Bannon: Yes.

[2:58] Gary Keefe: It's uh I'm gonna do it right now. Anyway. It is a uh a work of love, and the score and this story is more important and prevalent than ever. Gotta be told. It's gotta be told. Gotta be told all over. Come on, people. Can't we all just get along like these guys did?

[3:19] Robert Bannon: Absolutely. And Bruce Sussman and Barry Manilow are magic.

[3:24] Gary Keefe: Yeah. You know, they they only do things that speak to them. Uh get them in the gut, get them in the heart. Uh they don't do things just to just to do it. Right. And this story really spoke to both of them, and it's hopefully it'll speaks for the audience.

[3:40] Robert Bannon: It is, it speaks to us, and we'll be here on Friday night. We have our tickets. Every single day is the most beautiful song you will ever hear. Gorgeous. And Barry, Radio City, next year.

[3:49] Gary Keefe: Yeah. You better all get your tickets. And he added last time, not too long ago in 1944. When every month Bruce Sussman wrote those lyrics, so I'm here for it. Yeah, we never know what he's gonna do. You know, we he figures out what the show's gonna be, and then we all sit there and go, oh, look at that. He's he's brilliant.

[4:06] Robert Bannon: You're brilliant. Thank you for the show and all the work.

[4:10] Gary Keefe: Thank you very much. Thank you. It's an honor to be.

[4:13] Robert Bannon: So Barry's husband knows my album and knew me. And said security was looking for me, which is true. Shaking, little shaking.

[4:24] Warren Carlyle: Director Warren Carlyle. Warren, it's Warren, you're so he's the sweetest person. You can't be a director.

[4:34] Robert Bannon: Oh god. When I think of a director, I think of sit down, I'm gonna throw this chair at the end.

[4:38] Warren Carlyle: No, I'm that guy too. I'm that guy too. I'm very mean.

[4:41] Robert Bannon: No, you're not.

[4:42] Warren Carlyle: No, I'm not. This show is so gorgeous, it's so full of heart. It is so sunny. We're coming again on Friday.

[4:47] Robert Bannon: Okay, good. What does it mean you did it? The work is done, the show is set, you're frozen. We're here.

[4:52] Warren Carlyle: I know I'm unemployed.

[4:53] Robert Bannon: Not for long.

[4:55] Warren Carlyle: Not for long. Oh god. And and I'm just excited for the world to see this. Congratulations on this beautiful night. Happy opening.

[5:04] Robert Bannon: Thank you so much. Thank you. What a pleasure. Thank you. Good to see you. I love you.

[5:08] Chip Zien: Chip! It's Broadway opening night here for Harmony. I'm jumping out. I'm having an out-of-body experience. I couldn't even make a sentence.

[5:18] Robert Bannon: Well, if I was gonna act an out-of-body experience, I would hire you to be the one to show me how to do it.

[5:23] Chip Zien: Thank you, thank you. I I uh you know, I uh hope I can get back together uh to be able to do the show.

[5:28] Robert Bannon: Yes, well, you know, this is not your first rodeo.

[5:30] Chip Zien: This is I I know, but you know what? I I should be better at this point because I have done it a few times. But the kids are all excited. We have 20 debuts going on here, and everybody's just high as a kite. And it, you know, it is uh it it's it it feels new every time.

[5:45] Robert Bannon: Well, I was just saying, sir, my favorite people to interview are people who make their Broadway debut because the excitement.

[5:50] Chip Zien: Yeah do you remember your Broadway debut?

[5:52] Chip Zien: Uh you know what? I I I do remember my I was understudying a show called All Over Town, and what I remember about it most is that I couldn't feel anything from the neck down. I was absolutely terrified. Um that was that was my debut. It's a lot of auditions and a lot of a lot of years and work to get here and to do this. Why is this show so important and why why is it now important?

[6:14] Chip Zien: Oh, and your emotional arc, you see this show, my god, it's yeah. Well, that's the whole point. I I mean I get to do I get to fool around, I get to talk to the audience, I get to talk to the audience, and then it becomes this unbelievable emotional arc. And I I feel like a responsibility to make it, you know, as real as I can. And it's uh, you know, it's a journey every night, and it's basically it's an actor's dream.

[6:37] Robert Bannon: Yes, it's a dream. Well, get your tickets. Come you he blows the roof off the place. Yeah, come and see it. Happy opening. Congrats, thanks.

[6:45] Randy Rom: Hey! You look so gorgeous.

[6:47] Robert Bannon: Thank you so much. This is Randy Rom. I I'm I I'm uh I want upset. I need her, I want to, my dream is to be your waist size one day. That's the truth. Last time we spoke, we were talking about in the rehearsal room on Pres Day that this show was gonna come to the Barrymore. And now here we are.

[7:03] Randy Rom: And now here you are. I know. It's really crazy how that happens. All of a sudden. What has it been like? And we were talking before about what is it like now that there's an audience here on Broadway.

[7:12] Randy Rom: I know you were with the show downtown. Yeah. What has it been like to look out during curtain call and see the reaction of the story from the people that are sitting there?

[7:19] Randy Rom: It's amazing. I forgot how much I love Broadway audiences. I really did. It's um it's really something special. Um I am so glad that this show is finally happening. I feel like this is one of my like greatest honors of my life to get to tell this story. Like I really, really do.

[7:36] Robert Bannon: And the Broadway audiences love you.

[7:40] Randy Rom: Nice.

[7:41] Robert Bannon: That's nice. My little my students at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, who are studying musical theater, they obsess over the Sierra Boggess.

[7:48] Randy Rom: Oh well, I appreciate that. That makes me feel good. Because you sing up and down and around.

[7:51] Randy Rom: Up and down, and then up and up.

[7:56] Robert Bannon: Well, we'll be here on Friday to see the show. Why is it so important to tell this story now in this crazy world we live in?

[8:02] Randy Rom: Well, unfortunately, fortunately for us, because we get to tell this story, but also unfortunately, this is timely. This is happening again. And I am glad that we are telling this story now. Um, but I want people to come know that your heart will break, but also know that you will walk away feeling hopeful. This is the show is about the hope. Um, and they they don't win. The bad guys don't win, and they won't, and they won't today either. Um, and that's why it's important.

[8:32] Robert Bannon: Yeah.

[8:33] Sierra Boggess: No, actually. That's all I got nothing else to say.

[8:37] Robert Bannon: Me neither. Thank you so much. Julie Benko.

[8:40] Julie Benko: Julie! Hi! It's so good to see you. I am so excited for you. We've now heard the cast album, so we know all the little secret surprises in that gorgeous voice. Although there is a section that didn't make it onto the cast album because we recorded it before we went into rehearsal.

[8:56] Julie Benko: So there is you have you do have to come see the show if you want to hear this little extra section in our time.

[9:01] Robert Bannon: Well, your voice is so stunning. Your part is so needed and the story is so important.

[9:05] Julie Benko: Thank you. And I just want to pitch a side project that you have. There's a Julie Benko Christmas album.

[9:11] Julie Benko: Oh yes, there is. Thank you. Thanks for pitching that.

[9:16] Robert Bannon: You need to get a listen to the Julie Benko Christmas album.

[9:19] Julie Benko: Yeah, we have it's an EP that's coming out December 1st, but two of the songs are already out. And uh one is one is The Man with the Bag, you know, eh, and uh the other one is a song I wrote that I sing with Michael Kilgore, who is one of the best vocalists living ever. Uh just unbelievable. So uh that's kind of a retro soul tune that's got sort of blue Christmas Elvis vibes.

[9:42] Robert Bannon: Yes, I love it.

[9:43] Julie Benko: I don't know how that came out of me, but it did. I'm so excited for it, and I wanted you to know that this performance and this person, you are just a class act through and through. You are voice and your acting is amazing, and we're so excited for everything that's to come.

[9:56] Robert Bannon: Thank you so much. I'm ready for this album.

[9:58] Julie Benko: EP. Uh yeah. I might have gotten a little bit of a sneak peek from a publicist. I might have heard it.

[10:04] Robert Bannon: What's your favorite song?

[10:06] Julie Benko: I think you and Mikhail Kilgore, that song that you wrote, his voice and you. It's like do you know where I wrote that song? Was in the tiny little closet backstage at Funny Girl where they stored all of the understudy costumes and shoes. And there was no internet and there was no wife, you know, there was no um heat or air conditioning. And I would go in there to get some peace and quiet and just lock myself in this room that had one little light bulb. Um, and I would just I just wrote that song. Uh wrote that song just sitting around among all these costumes and shoes on the floor, just you know, singing into a voice memo and and well and creating harmonies over each other in garage band.

[10:50] Robert Bannon: You are gonna be it's it's a gor it's gorgeous, it's really gorgeous. I'm excited for people to see it, and congratulations on tonight. It is a beautiful show. I'm so excited for everyone to see the show. Break legs, happy opening.

[11:06] Danny Cornfield: Danny, what's up? How are you? I congratulate, I when I see him I want to go and I love and hold it for days.

[11:14] Robert Bannon: Oh, you better hold a note. Hold a note on perfect pitch. I'm so jealous. I'm infuriating. Uh, I hope you the cast album is so gorgeous.

[11:23] Danny Cornfield: Thank you. And I'm so excited for the world to see this show.

[11:26] Robert Bannon: Me too. It feels so needed right now. What does it mean to open the show on Broadway in these times?

[11:33] Danny Cornfield: This story, which is sadly more important than ever. As a Jewish actor myself, to be telling the story right now feels like one of the most important honors and duties of my life. Anti-Semitism is always going to be prevalent, and so I think it is so necessary for a show like Harmony to be on Broadway every single season.

[11:57] Robert Bannon: Well, you need to get your tickets and go to the Barrymore. He is a star, killer, killer, star. And your voice is stunning. Congratulations, break all the legs.

[12:05] Danny Cornfield: Hi, I'm Sean Bell, and I play Bobby in Harmony. Would you like to guess what vocal part he plays in it?

[12:10] Robert Bannon: I'm the tenant.

[12:11] Danny Cornfield: No, I'm the absolutely the bass. You know, they say if you're a bass and you're a real bass, you're gonna always work because we need a bass.

[12:18] Robert Bannon: You know, it's true, there's not that many of us, and that's why I'm on Broadway. No, it's um no, it's so exciting because there's not many young bass roles, um, and to be originating one on Broadway is it's a gift and a joy.

[12:29] Chip Zien: You all sound like one person. It's a brilliant, you are brilliant, all of you together.

[12:34] Sierra Boggess: Thank you. How does it feel now to open it? You all the years, all the rehearsal, all of the it's here, we're here.

[12:39] Eric Peters: It's been a journey, it's been absolutely incredible. I mean, to finally be here, to bring Bruce and Barry's dream to life. The show is this show belongs on Broadway, and it always has. It's so exciting that it's here. And it's more important than ever that people are talking about. Unfortunately, it's so relevant. It's just, it's a story that needs to be told right now.

[12:54] Robert Bannon: Well, I want to wish you the happy opening, break all the legs, and I'm so excited for the world to see it. Nice to see you!

[13:00] Eric Peters: How have you been?

[13:00] Robert Bannon: I've been uh not as great and amazing as you here on the Broadway.

[13:04] Eric Peters: I'm Eric Peters. I play Eric Collin in the show.

[13:06] Robert Bannon: Eric Peters playing Eric Collins in the show. It imitates life.

[13:09] Eric Peters: Life imitates art.

[13:10] Robert Bannon: No, that's right. What has it been like since I saw you on Press Day on the stage with an audience?

[13:15] Eric Peters: It's fantastic. I mean, to have the energy of other people in the room, especially with a show like this where we try to put the comedian and comedian harmonists. It's so great to feed off the energy, and frankly, the energy tonight so far has been fantastic. I'm really looking forward to it.

[13:28] Robert Bannon: Oh, tonight you're gonna blow the roof off of the Barrymore. So in the line of harmony, what are you?

[13:33] Eric Peters: I sing second from the bottom, so I'm a smooth baritone, but realistically, we all kind of sing all over the place in the show.

[13:39] Robert Bannon: Okay, so when I was a baritone in a harmony group, I used to write things in my script. I want to give you advice.

[13:44] Eric Peters: Sure.

[13:44] Robert Bannon: I would write things like scary noise, weird haunted house, sounds bad noises. That's my musical knowledge for you, but we have a few moments in the show where we are, we're making instrument noises, we're doing various other sounds here and there. So funny enough, I have some notes in my script that are whistle noise here, trumpet sound there.

[14:04] Eric Peters: So uh same boat. I told the tenors and everyone already, I said that's the easy part. The baritone has the hardest chunk. We get the crunchiest vocal lines to try and make the harmonies fill out.

[14:14] Robert Bannon: So you all are so brilliant, so brilliant. The story is so important, it's more important than ever.

[14:19] Eric Peters: Thank you. And I can't wait to be here and see it on Friday night.

[14:22] Robert Bannon: You and me both. I can't wait to have you in the crowd.

[14:24] Steven Telsey: My name is Steven Telsey and I played Lesh in Harmony, a new musical on Broadway tonight.

[14:29] Robert Bannon: I know Steven, and I met Steven and Press Day.

[14:32] Steven Telsey: Yeah.

[14:32] Robert Bannon: And you all, they're the most impressive people in the what part in the harmony are you?

[14:38] Steven Telsey: I sing the top harmonies.

[14:39] Robert Bannon: Okay, I'm up on the tippy tippy top.

[14:42] Steven Telsey: Like you never never stop one hop.

[14:44] Robert Bannon: Did you always have the range to go up there?

[14:47] Steven Telsey: No. Um I give complete credit to my voice teacher at Elon University. Without him, I would not have the falsetto that I have. I didn't have a falsetto when I first went to college, and I am eternally grateful for him.

[15:00] Robert Bannon: Don't I just want to like not physically hurt him, but the fact that he went to college and he had no falsetto, and now he's opening here on Broadway on the top line of the harmonists here.

[15:10] Steven Telsey: Well, that's why theater education is very important. You know that's why he redeemed himself.

[15:15] Robert Bannon: I hear that. I hear that. What is I when we talked to press that you were about to come into the theater, you were about to start working on the stage. What has it been like to see the audience every night and now have that reaction on Broadway?

[15:25] Steven Telsey: We knew the show was something special. We got to do it downtown, but to see the reaction of people every night is just absolutely magical. It is such a moving piece, it's an important piece, and to get the opportunity to tell it eight times a week is going to be an absolute dream come true. It already is.

[15:39] Robert Bannon: It is. The show is so powerful. We'll be back here on Friday. I cannot wait to see it again.

[15:42] Steven Telsey: I can't wait to see it again. And you look great, man. Look at the shoes. You've got these shoes, the whole You look amazing. Break all the legs.

[15:51] Robert Bannon: Thank you, sir. I'm gonna be taking notes on Friday to get my voice uh member you're good to see you again.

[15:58] Alison Simms: Well, it's so good to see you again.

[16:01] Robert Bannon: Alison, Alice and Simps. We talked, we did Diana Ross choreography together at Press Day.

[16:06] Alison Simms: Thanks. Fanilow as well.

[16:07] Robert Bannon: If I'm a memory.

[16:08] Alison Simms: Yes, of yes.

[16:10] Robert Bannon: I remember those socks, honey.

[16:12] Alison Simms: Yes.

[16:13] Robert Bannon: Yes, yes.

[16:15] Alison Simms: She's got a memory.

[16:16] Robert Bannon: That is a memory. There are certain things I remember.

[16:19] Alison Simms: That was memorable.

[16:21] Robert Bannon: Manilow socks is the winner. Listen.

[16:23] Alison Simms: This show.

[16:24] Robert Bannon: Welcome back to Broadway.

[16:25] Alison Simms: Ah, thank you. Originating a role, too.

[16:27] Robert Bannon: This is a first for me. Originating a role, another iconic musical legend. Tell everybody what you're who you're playing and what's it like to be this amazing performer.

[16:37] Alison Simms: I am playing Miss Josephine Baker in Harmony. This is insane. It's it's insane, but I also feel like I've been preparing for this all my life, you know. First it was just uh first it was Diana Ross, you know, who has always been a muse for me. And now Josephine, who was Diana's muse. I guess. And then her story with the comedian Harmonists. It's the timing is everything, and it's so perfect now. And the show's timing is as prevalent and important as ever.

[17:03] Robert Bannon: What's the audience's reaction when you see people at the stage door, people you know after they see this, what is the reaction from the audience every night?

[17:10] Alison Simms: Oh my god. You know, I remember we were taking bows, I looked out and I saw this grown man in this full suit just weeping. And I said, This is why we do this. This is why we do this. We want to pull at the heartstrings, we want to break the hearts open so that we can see and love more and understand more. And so it feels great to be a part of this.

[17:29] Robert Bannon: I am so excited. We'll be here.

[17:30] Alison Simms: She said to me, Am I gonna cry? I said, Oh yes. Uh yeah, just bring tissue. Bring your hanky brings some tissue. Yes. And get on down to the Barrymore. Congratulations, happy opening.

[17:41] Alison Simms: He knows me, it's go scary. You knew my name. He's got a memory. You look so good.

[17:44] Robert Bannon: Thank you so much.

[17:49] Alison Simms: It's my my buttons are coming unbuttoned sometimes, so I need to check him every now and then. You know, Andrew is the bad guy.

[17:57] Robert Bannon: Unfortunately, uh for everybody in the show, but fortunately for me because I have the job.

[18:02] Alison Simms: No, yes, and it's needed. We need that part.

[18:05] Robert Bannon: Absolutely. The show can't happen without the bad guy. It's it's unfortunately the reason why it has to be told.

[18:11] Alison Simms: So this is your Broadway debut.

[18:13] Robert Bannon: Broadway debut, yeah.

[18:14] Alison Simms: It feels surreal. Um I yeah, I don't know when I'll come down.

[18:20] Robert Bannon: Well, since I saw you on Press Day, what has it been like the rest of this process to get the show on its feet now that you're in the theater, you've done it in front of an audience, and you've been a part of this Barrymore production, the Broadway production. What is it, what how can you describe it?

[18:31] Alison Simms: I mean, it's it's been insanity. The number of people who have to come together to pull this off. Um in the room, a ton. When we got here, even a ton more. And there's the the house staff who are incredible. There's the the production staff who have to figure out where everything goes and how to meld into what they're doing. There's uh the security team. There's I mean, there's so many different pieces that fall into place, and everyone has to figure out how to work together, and we've we've somehow figured it out. It's been incredible. I am so excited for everyone to come down here and check out.

[19:06] Robert Bannon: We'll be here Friday night.

[19:07] Alison Simms: Amazing. I cannot wait. I've been listening to this music for almost 30 years, and I'm so excited to finally see it on its feet here on Broadway.

[19:13] Robert Bannon: Thank you so much. Have an amazing run. Good to see you.

[19:15] Sarah Edwards: Hi, I'm Sarah Edwards, and I am the associate director and choreographer for Harmony.

[19:20] Robert Bannon: And congratulations.

[19:21] Sarah Edwards: Thank you. Warren Carlyle is quite a genius.

[19:25] Robert Bannon: He is.

[19:25] Sarah Edwards: He is. I'm so lucky that I get to work with him.

[19:28] Robert Bannon: And he has chosen you.

[19:29] Sarah Edwards: I know he chose me. He chose me.

[19:31] Robert Bannon: I you know, I have a lot of students. I teach musical theater at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, and a lot of kids want to be a director. And they want how how do you how do you become who you are?

[19:42] Sarah Edwards: Hi, sorry! New York people. It's a party.

[19:45] Robert Bannon: How do you become who I am?

[19:47] Sarah Edwards: Yes. Working really hard.

[19:49] Robert Bannon: Yes.

[19:50] Sarah Edwards: Asking all the right questions. Um and and paying a lot of attention. I pay a lot of attention to what's going on. When I was performing, I was always checking out what was happening behind the table and the planning and the it's storytelling is so difficult sometimes. This piece in particular is a really tough story to tell. Um and someone like Warren, who is whose creativity is boundless, um, it is the right match for this. And it's been an awesome journey to be by his side and and and um weaving a beautiful story about these fellas.

[20:28] Robert Bannon: Oh, we are so excited to see it. You’ll be here Friday night. So we'll be and to see it on Broadway and now make Congratulations. I hope you have the most amazing run.

[20:37] Sarah Edwards: Thank you so much. So it's freezing cold and it's like 40 degrees, and it is um raining. It is our first red carpet in the rain outside, and we we don't know what's gonna happen, but we're gonna stand here in the rain without a hood or an umbrella and freeze.

[21:00] Robert Bannon: And it's lovely. Are you?

[21:03] Michael Feinstein: It's so good. Michael Feinstein is gonna be at Carnegie Hall.

[21:07] Robert Bannon: Yes, twice this month and next month. And you're doing your greatest hits.

[21:09] Michael Feinstein: I'm doing what?

[21:12] Robert Bannon: Are you doing a greatest hits? Like some of your greatest hits is what it said in the press release.

[21:16] Michael Feinstein: Well, I thought that would be better than the songs nobody wants to hear.

[21:19] Robert Bannon: I want to hear I love a piano so bad.

[21:21] Michael Feinstein: Well come Wednesday. I love a piano.

[21:24] Robert Bannon: You don't need me.

[21:24] Michael Feinstein: No, I'm it's such an honor. I know it's raining. Go enjoy the show tonight. Congratulations.

[21:28] Michael Feinstein: Thank you. I'm melting.

[21:29] Robert Bannon: No, that's a hat. How are you?

[21:31] Michael Feinstein: I'm well, I'm well, thank you. How are you doing?

[21:32] Robert Bannon: You're here opening night on Harmony. You're no stranger to some pitch perfect harmonies.

[21:38] Michael Feinstein: That's very true. You're the first person that's actually said that tonight, and I appreciate it. You know, and now strike's over, so we could talk about your.

[21:45] Robert Bannon: I can talk about anything. I can tell you my whole resume. I'm ready for it.

[21:48] Michael Feinstein: Sorry. We went to the elementary school, first school play. Sundance 2007, Hamlet 2. That's where things happen.

[21:55] Robert Bannon: That's where it's all started. Yeah. What does it mean to be here on a Broadway show opening night here and to see, you know, actors get on stage and put the work to pedal to the metal?

[22:07] Michael Feinstein: Yeah, thank you. My goodness. Blending those harmonies perfectly. It means everything. Anytime I get to come to an opening night of any Broadway show, it feels very historic. Um this show specifically, I I went to the closing night off Broadway. And now I'm here for the opening night, so it feels uh like a full circle moment for me. And I just I just love the show. I love the music, I love the cast. I'm really excited to see it all scaled up. We're fans. We're here for it.

[22:32] Robert Bannon: Congrats.

[22:34] Michael Feinstein: Thanks. I want to say it's great. You must be excited to see Julie Benko in this show.

[22:38] Robert Bannon: She is so brilliant in it.

[22:40] Michael Feinstein: I know I've seen her. I came to the first preview.

[22:44] Robert Bannon: Okay. Thank you for your work.

[22:45] Michael Feinstein: Thank you for all the work you do. It was an honor to play Julie's stage mother. She is my dear friend. I totally believe in her and her talent and her kindness. She has uh light in her soul for her decency. And that I prize above all. And to Chip Zien and to the wonderful director and to Bruce Sussman and Barry Manilow and all the gifted performers, I am with you 150%.

[23:09] Montego Glover: And that's 50 years on Broadway speaking.

[23:11] Robert Bannon: That's right. Legendary. Thank you for your Montego Glover.

[23:17] Montego Glover: Lover. I see her. I want to start singing into the woods.

[23:22] Robert Bannon: Hi.

[23:23] Montego Glover: Hi, hi, hi! I can't, I have be remiss to say two things to you. A, your eyelashes are gorgeous.

[23:28] Robert Bannon: Oh my gosh.

[23:29] Montego Glover: Thank you. Secondly, I'm gonna off camera ask you for your shoulder workout, because you better.

[23:34] Robert Bannon: Excuse me? That's a lot of I know that's right. Um I've enjoyed listening to you and seeing you on stage. What is it like to be at another Broadway opening, especially a show like this in these times?

[23:46] Montego Glover: Um such a theater kid, and I love an opening. I love the idea of celebrating of a company coming to that place where they're ready to present officially their piece to the world. I have friends in this play that I love so dearly, and I think the story is so important. It's told in such a beautiful and delicate way. I saw it downtown, so I'm very excited tonight to see it now that it has moved uptown, and the creative process I'm sure has gotten so much deeper and broader. Thrilling.

[24:09] Robert Bannon: Well, your work has shown a lot of range. If it's Memphis, if it's color purple, if it's whatever you have done, being an artist and telling a story is is such a noble job and profession. How important is it for you to pick pieces that have something strong to say, like this show?

[24:24] Montego Glover: Oh gosh, it's uber important, actually. It's the most important thing. I feel like as an artist, the more you develop, the more you recognize that you should be pulling projects to you that align with your value, align with your spirit, align with your artist heart, and I have always sought to have that. So the more I grow and learn in my life and in my profession, that's the thing. It's like a flower that blooms.

[24:44] Robert Bannon: I love her. She's gorgeous. It's an honor to talk to you. Thank you for being here. Have a great time tonight.

[24:50] Montego Glover: It is my pleasure. Thank you. You people think this job is fun. You know how many people write to me and say, You're so lucky, you're doing such a great job.

[24:58] Dana Bash: It's so fancy and glamorous. It's raining on me and it's freezing. And this is like... So next time you say that, this could be you. And the thing I wore this coat for fashion. Son of a Dana Bash. CNN! I see you, and I want to like hit the little, you know, the little states and go into the counties. Yes, I love the magic wall. What does a show like tonight mean for you all? It's a historic piece. It's a piece about history, and we need it more than ever. So we need it more than ever, and that is by it, it's a reminder of what history can show us about how quickly things can turn in the most sophisticated, most advanced, most cultured of societies as Germany was a hundred years ago, and as the United States is now.

It's happening, it's happening here, it's happening all over again. So shows like this show the world what art can do and how art can heal, and couldn't be more proud to be here and celebrate these guys. Well, as reporters and as people who tell the news, thank you for telling the truth. Thank you for telling the truth. It matters so much. Well, and what we see in this musical is the truth, and it's a hard truth. But it's wrapped in this just exquisite bouquet of music and story and all of it. Only like Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman could bring us, right? Oh, I couldn't wait to see where you were going with bouquet. I was ready for music and passion. And always the fashion. But we're not at the Coke. No, not at the Copeland. But get down here and see the show at the Barrymore. Thank you. So an honor to meet you both. Thank you. Enjoy tonight.

[26:43] Conrad Ricamora: I'm great, Conrad Ricamora, everybody. Hi. I could talk to you about TV because the strike is over. I know, finally. He's not gonna kill anyone tonight. I know. We can well, and also I can talk about our Emmy nominated Fire Island finally, because we got the Emmy nomination the day before the strike happened. So then we could... Yeah. And it's brilliant, and you're so funny and brilliant in it. And the one of the most dynamic performances, your scene, and Here Lies Love in the audience on the balcony to us all is showstopping. Thank you. Showstopping. What is it like to open a show this season on Broadway and with all these other amazing shows and be here in another opening and this journey?

Yeah, no, this is my first time doing an actual show like on Broadway. I mean, The King and I was technically Broadway, but it's so far Lincoln Center is so like its own thing. Um so to be in the middle of this amazing energy that is Times Square has been incredible. Well, enjoy before it rains on us all, have a good show.

[27:42] Douglas Lyons: Playwright and actor Douglas Lyons. So Douglas, yes, you're so good in Parade. Oh, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And Chicken and Biscuits was so good. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. And you know, Douglas used to live with James who played piano for me, and then he was there for the whole experience of your and I would rehearse with him, and he would be like, You were writing, and you're gonna be this, and he's so good. Oh, thank you. Thank you very much. I'm just excited for all the work that you have to come, everything you're working on, and thank you for what you do. Absolutely. I love the work, I love putting in the work, and I'm excited to see what comes of it. I have a lot of things up my sleeve. So we need it. We're ready for it. Let's go. Enjoy tonight. Thank you. Thank you again.

[28:20] Tom Dangora: I know who you are, but would you like to tell the people why you're here? Tom Dangora, co-producer of Harmony. Michael Dangora, co-producer of Harmony, and the biggest Broadway star of all time. I am Mayade's, and these are my wonderful, wonderful. This is my family. She married us. She married us. I was the priest that day. So I was, the princess. Have you seen the show? I have. Well, I haven't seen it recently. I saw one of the first. She went to opening night off Broadway. Yes, and it was stunning then. So I can't even imagine what I'm for tonight. It is gonna knock your socks off. Tom, Michael, you've been a part of the show for a moment now. You have been like, this is a story to tell, the world needs to tell this story.

What does it feel like to be here now, opening night on Broadway? It's the honor of my lifetime. Just to have my name on the same page as these exquisite artists blows my mind. Bruce Sussman, Barry Manilow, Warren Carlyle, Julie Benko, Danny Kornfeld, all of them. They're just the most exquisite people in the industry today, and it's blowing my mind that we're here, and it's just such an important time to tell the story. Disturbingly topical. Yes, disturbingly. Well, I was gonna say I could go on about how important and wonderful the show is, but I'm just so excited because Tom's childhood idol was Mr. Barry Manilow. And so the fact that we are here on an opening night for Barry Manilow's Broadway debut.

Okay, but now my adult idol is Bruce Sussman. So it's very, very thrilling and very exciting. And just like I was obsessed with Rent growing up, and then this lady married us. She was Mimi in Rent forever. He was obsessed with Barry Manilow, and now here we are in just Broadway dreams. Dreams come true. Broadway dreams come true. Yes, I'm a Yes, come on. Happy opening! Thank you, baby. Have the best time.

[30:09] Bruce Landry: Check out the rest of the cast, the ensemble, the swings, and the covers. Understudies too of Harmony, the unsung heroes of any production on Broadway. Hi, I'm Bruce Landry. Bruce Landry. That's it. Broadway, here we are, right? Well, okay, so Bruce was in Les Mis and Anastasia Tour. Oh, you're prepared. I try to be prepared. That's right, that's right. And I actually did Les Mis on Broadway and Anastasia on Broadway, and I didn't send a relatory. My apologies. No, no more. See, you said I was prepared and I was not prepared. Okay, that's okay. Anastasia. But this is my first Broadway opening, and it's really feeling very special. Well, I was gonna say those other shows that you did on Broadway, big monster giant shows.

That's right, that's right. So that's why they called you through for this. Because they were like, this is a big monster show, so we have to call him. Listen, if from your mouth, you know, I just feel lucky to be here. I don't know how I made it here.

[31:07] Zach Edwards: So, what is it like to work with this cast and these creative teams? It's a dream come true. You know, I'm pinching myself every day to be working with some of the theater greats like Warren Carlyle and Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman, and then this all-star cast. I don't know how I got here, honestly. I'm still kind of waiting to wake up and realize that it's all been a dream. So I feel super lucky. You are here because you earned it. It's your time that this story needs to be told. Why is it so relevant? Why is it as important to tell this story more than ever? You know, it is such a turbulent time right now in the world, and this show has been in the works for almost 30 years, and to be able to come into it at this time at its peak when the world needs to hear it the most feels so important, and I'm just really grateful.

Well, I hope you have an amazing opening. Congratulations. Everyone needs to get their tickets and come on down here. Absolutely. Yes, at the Barrymore Theater. And break legs, have the best time. Thank you. Nice to meet you.

[32:05] Benjamin H. Moore: My name is Benjamin H. Moore. Benjamin H. Moore. And you're here on Broadway. On Broadway, baby. I'm just a Broadway baby. And this is your Broadway debut. It's my debut. A lot of tours, a lot of off-Broadway. Yeah, you know, I did this last year, downtown off-Broadway. I've done two tours, and here I am. So all of the auditions and all the cuts and all of the summer stage, living in a garage. That's what does it mean like when you got the... Yes. What does it mean like now this is off the list? Done. Broadway debut tonight. I am incredibly grateful. I'm just like, that's the thing that rings in my heart the most is gratefulness. You know, just thinking about all the sacrifices that my parents made, all the times that they supported me and helped me pay my rent.

Yeah, I hear you. You know, I'm so grateful, incredibly blessed just to think Warren, our director kept telling us, director choreographer kept telling us, you know, like this is impossible. He just kept saying throughout the process, this is impossible to make it here. So the fact that you all made it here, you know, like yes, there's a lot of changes and things are happening, but I hope you really take time to really like fully embrace it and take the beauty of this, take in the beauty of this moment. So I've really been trying to do it. You know, of course, we're exhausted and but we're having so much fun. Uh so I'm trying to keep the balance. I'm so grateful, so grateful. This show is so beautiful, it's as timely as ever, it's such an important story.

So get your tickets and get on down here. Happy Broadway debut. Let's go. And you look amazing. I'm here for this outfit. Was it hard to pick an outfit or are you just that fashionista? I did it myself. I mean, I kind of had some help from a friend of mine who's a stylist. Um but yeah, I'm wearing a company called Or 2, which is in Soho. So yeah. Well, it is fire. So we have an amazing time tonight.

[33:50] Zach Edwards: Hey, I'm Zach Edwards. I am in the ensemble of Harmony. Yes, Zach! What was it like the moment you realized that this show was coming to Broadway and you were going with it? Oh my god. Well, I have been with the show since 2019. So I'm one of the like really OG people. So it was this incredible culmination of so many things, so much work. So it's been amazing. Like what an emotional, incredible thing to have happen. And what is it like to work with the creative team and this cast? Oh my gosh. It's you know, not only are they the most talented, amazing, of course, you expect that everyone's gonna be talented and wonderful, but everyone is so kind and so good at their job and so willing to work with each other and collaborate.

It has not felt like just get up there and do your job kind of thing. They're so lovely to work with, in addition to being amazing. Well, I was really excited to talk to you for a very odd, peculiar reason. In Zach's playbill, he writes that he dedicates, like at the end, you talk about Will, and you say he's the opposite of heartbreak. Yes. And I thought that was the most romantic work. It's actually right over here. This is my fiancé right there, Will. Um and we early on when we were dating, we were saying, you know, we have the term for heartbreak, we all know what heartbreak feels like, but there's also the opposite feeling of like where you're just like feel content and warm and comforted and stuff like that, and you just find that thing, and there's not a word for it.

And so we've said for a long time that you are my opposite of heartbreak. I read it and it struck me. It's really beautiful. You know exactly what it means, right? You know, it's that thing of it's not heartbreak, it's the it's actually absolutely my Darius didn't write that in any bio. I'm just kidding, I love him to pieces. I love him to be just kidding. He would. But I'm so happy for you. Congratulations. I know you've been on this road for a long time, and I'm so proud and excited for you guys to get this show up on a speed.

[35:51] Constantine Pappas: Thank you so much. It's a hi, I'm Constantine. He's Constantine. It's Pappas. Pappas, Papus. Yes. He was in Phantom of the Opera. Oh, how'd you know that? I you know everything. Great. I know I love it. We're he's off it's his Broadway debut. He's done a lot of off-Broadway, and I would have made a list if my word document had more space. No, you're good. That's so great. So when you got the call that you were gonna be in this show at this time with this cast and creative team, what was your reaction? I was in awe. I immediately called my family. Where'd you grow up? So I grew up in Fresno, California. Okay, so shout out Audra McDonald and Heidi Blickenstaff. Yes, musical theater. I'm following you both.

Um follow back, Audra. Absolutely. Um and then I called my Uncle Evan because I didn't realize he did the second reading of this show, and he was one of the roles that I cover now. And so it's just a super surreal moment. So, Uncle Evan Pappas, I love you. Oh, I love this, and you play how many parts? How many roles are you? So I cover two of the leads. And how do you know, like when they put you in, are you gonna like I get so stressed and nervous? It's amazing to me. Well, you know what's great is that through this previews process, I actually had seven times an opportunity to go on for the role of Harry. Alright, so we're ready. It was great. Yes. Now I just have to do Young Rabbi. Yes, I'm ready for that too. Super excited. I am so excited for this show. We'll be here Friday night where we get your tickets, come on down.

[37:24] Daniel Z. Miller: Get them. And congratulations. Broadway debut. It's done. Check. I know. I can't believe it.

[37:35] Daniel Z. Miller: Me too. Daniel Z. Miller's Broadway debut right here. This is true. So are you understudy for three roles?

[37:42] Daniel Z. Miller: I am understudy for three roles, yeah. So I understudy Eric, Chopin, and Standart and Fuhrer. And two of those roles take up most of my headspace. And then one of those roles is really only active for a couple scenes, so he doesn't take up as much headspace. But yeah, I cover two of the comedian harmonists, which is a lot to keep track of.

[38:00] Daniel Z. Miller: That means that's two different harmony parts. Yep. Two different blocking choreo. Yep. So it fascinates me. All of the above. How did you do it? How do you sit down and get this in your head?

[38:11] Daniel Z. Miller: It's still a work in progress. Um, but it's just a matter of you watch the rehearsal, you sit in the wings, you see what they're doing, you take notes, you go home, you put them all in a spreadsheet, and then you spend your waking moments when you're not at the theater just going over them, running them in your living room. Um, the app Line Learner has been a godsend for me as I have been like learning these lines in heapy track.

[38:35] Daniel Z. Miller: And then for the harmonies, it's just you get recordings and you drill them and you listen to them and you pray to God that you're able to sing Eric when you're on for Eric and sing Chopin when you're on for Chopin and that you don't mix them up.

[38:46] Robert Bannon: Look, you don't even have to worry. We already know you know it. Like you're ready right this second. Right now, right on this card, but you're ready.

[38:53] Daniel Z. Miller: I am so excited for you. I think it's the most moving thing when people make their debut on Broadway because I can only imagine the amount of auditions and work that it's taken to get here. Congratulations.

[39:01] Daniel Z. Miller: Thank you so much. It's been a journey.

[39:04] Daniel Z. Miller: Yes, it's a journey, and it's here. You're here.

[39:06] Daniel Z. Miller: Yes. Um, my name is Kayleen Seidel.

[39:08] Kayleen Seidel: Kayleen Seidel, Broadway debut.

[39:10] Daniel Z. Miller: Yes. I know. Broadway debut!

[39:13] Kayleen Seidel: It's a debut! You were with the show off Broadway.

[39:16] Kayleen Seidel: I was, yes.

[39:17] Kayleen Seidel: I was. What was it like when you got the call that the show is officially transferring to Broadway and you were gonna make the transfer with it?

[39:22] Kayleen Seidel: Oh my gosh. I screamed and laughed and then I sobbed. I think that summed it all up.

[39:31] Robert Bannon: Do you, when you look back and you think of that first musical theater moment, that first show you did where you grew up and then to see the dream that all of the years of work and auditions and cuts and how do you even sum it up?

[39:43] Kayleen Seidel: I don't know if I can. I mean, are you trying to make me cry?

[39:47] Robert Bannon: Yes, I am.

[39:49] Kayleen Seidel: I don't I don't know. I just it's really special to have people from all along this chapter. This fall is my ten years in the city, and it's just like the biggest. I don't know, I don't think I can talk. I think I'm gonna cry. It's just it's really special, and it's a lot of hard work, and it's exciting to be at this moment.

[40:06] Robert Bannon: Well, the show is super special, and its message is more important than ever. So I hope people come and have a blast.

[40:12] Kayleen Seidel: They're gonna hope they hear the message. That's what we want. That's what we want, and that's what makes it worth doing night after night for hopefully a long time.

[40:21] Robert Bannon: And guess what? You're probably gonna be no one's ever taken it away. It's done. Done. Broadway star right here. Congratulations, happy opening. Have a great run.

[40:29] Matthew Mucha: Thank you. Hi, I'm Matthew Mucha. Um, I'm a swing, understudy, fight captain, all of the captains here at Harmony, and it's a dream come true.

[40:36] Matthew Mucha: Captain America, Captain Marvel.

[40:38] Robert Bannon: Captain America, yes, that's me.

[40:39] Matthew Mucha: All of them. Fight Captain, when's Fight Call?

[40:42] Matthew Mucha: Fight Call used to be right before Live Call, but some stuff got changed in previews. So you'll have to come see to find out.

[40:48] Robert Bannon: Oh, okay. That was a good one. That's a little spoiler alert. Thank you.

[40:53] Matthew Mucha: You wouldn't like me at a fight call because I would be on my phone, I wouldn't pay attention. I'd get written up.

[40:57] Robert Bannon: That's all right. We'd have an accident report for you.

[40:59] Matthew Mucha: That's why you're on Broadway and I'm here.

[41:00] Robert Bannon: I guess I am.

[41:01] Matthew Mucha: I guess I am. What is it like? What was it like when you got the call that you would be here and be a part of this show and this cast and creative team?

[41:07] Matthew Mucha: I was part of the show downtown at the Folksbina, and when I heard it was coming to Broadway, I was thrilled for the show no matter what. And then two days before my birthday, I got the phone call, and I cried to my mom. My mom lost her mind, my dad lost her mind, my brother, and it just feels like a dream come true, as cliché as it sounds. Really it does.

[41:25] Robert Bannon: And how many parts are you understudy and swinging and scared?

[41:29] Matthew Mucha: The whole male ensemble, and then I understudy young rabbi. Um, so young chip, which is, I mean, come on. I wish I was chip as a young version now. I mean it's a dream. Come on. He's amazing.

[41:39] Matthew Mucha: He is unbelievable. He is so triumphant in this role, it's really something. So when you're an ensemble part, do you know like you go stage left or stage right, or what? Where do you how do you do this?

[41:48] Matthew Mucha: It's my first time swinging, so it's been a trial by fire, and our other two swings are unbelievably supportive. I went on for a first act only this weekend with a 20 minute heads up, and our dance captain Kate Wessler, I love you, thank you. Just holds your hand, tells you where to go, and you do your job.

[42:07] Robert Bannon: And it's amazing. Well, the fact that you can do this is amazing. This show is amazing.

[42:11] Matthew Mucha: Thank you, Shepard. Happy opening, have an amazing run. Congratulations.

[42:14] Broadwin: Uh, I'm Broadwin and I'm in the ensemble.

[42:16] Robert Bannon: And you're here opening night on Broadway.

[42:19] Broadwin: That's right. What was it like when you found out that the show was coming to Broadway and you got the call that you were joining this creative and cast and to be a part of this?

[42:26] Broadwin: Oh my gosh. I mean, it was a lifelong dream. I didn't do the out-of-town production, so this has been my first experience with the show, first original Broadway cast.

[42:34] Broadwin: So, yeah, I got the call on the side of the street and just freaked out and kept asking my agents if it was for sure. They were like, no, it's for sure. This is your Broadway debut.

[42:43] Broadwin: Not my Broadway debut, but my like on stage original cast, David.

[42:47] Robert Bannon: Okay. My apologies.

[42:49] Broadwin: Oh, I mean all good. And when you came in and you met this cast and this company and you'd be a part of the creative team, what has the process been like in the rehearsal room to get this on its feet?

[42:58] Broadwin: Yeah, oh it's been great. I mean, Warren has such like a passion and a drive, and like he will not let us settle for anything less than the best. So I really respect that, and just you know, have been ready to work.

[43:09] Robert Bannon: Yes. And eight shows, you gotta come down here to the Barrymore, you gotta get your tickets to see this show. Why is it so timely now? Why is this story so universal for everybody to really come check it out?

[43:18] Broadwin: I mean, just with everything going on now, it's like such an important reminder of like what can happen and like how we need to remember our past. And it's a true story, so it's really important.

[43:29] Robert Bannon: Well, congratulations. I hope you have a blast tonight. Have the most amazing run.

[43:33] Kyla Stone: I'm Kyla Stone.

[43:35] Robert Bannon: That's me. Kyla?

[43:36] Kyla Stone: Yes. But you're is this your Broadway debut?

[43:39] Kyla Stone: Yes!

[43:41] Robert Bannon: Okay, did you study musical theater or music?

[43:44] Kyla Stone: I did. I was a theater girl, I was a musical theater girl growing up. I saw this show in LA when I was like 12, and I said it has to come to Broadway, and now here we are, which is insane.

[43:54] Kyla Stone: Yeah, this show has been the road to Broadway. I mean, I've only seen Barry like 24 times in concert, so I know the show.

[44:01] Robert Bannon: Same.

[44:02] Kyla Stone: Exactly. I've seen him eight times in concert. I'm proud to say it.

[44:04] Robert Bannon: Yep. So to be making your Broadway debut after all those hours, all those years of singing and auditions and headshots and submitting, what was the moment like when you found out you booked the gig?

[44:14] Kyla Stone: Uh, I burst into tears. It was 9 a.m. in LA, and I just wept because it's one of those like overwhelming emotions of like I've worked so hard to get here, and now it's actually happening.

[44:25] Kyla Stone: So, uh, unreal.

[44:27] Robert Bannon: And what is it like to work with this creative team and this cast on this show?

[44:31] Kyla Stone: I love Warren Carlyle. He is so magnificent, uh, just so giving. He makes a collaborative room, and we all have so much fun.

[44:40] Robert Bannon: That's one of the best things.

[44:42] Kyla Stone: And Barry and Bruce, I mean, are as kind and wonderful as you think they are, which is just even better.

[44:47] Robert Bannon: Well, I'm so excited. We'll be here Friday night.

[44:50] Kyla Stone: Yes.

[44:50] Robert Bannon: And we are so ready for the show. Congratulations, happy opening.

[44:53] Kyla Stone: Thank you.

[44:54] Ronnie Rosmantia: Hello, my name is Ronnie Rosmantia, and I am in the ensemble of Harmony.

[44:58] Robert Bannon: And you look so gorgeous.

[44:59] Ronnie Rosmantia: Thank you. Was this a big production to find the dress? What happened? Where'd you find it?

[45:02] Ronnie Rosmantia: Well, I can't share all of my secrets.

[45:06] Robert Bannon: Okay.

[45:07] Ronnie Rosmantia: But we it was a lucky find.

[45:09] Robert Bannon: Okay. I like that. You have a you have a BA in musical theater.

[45:13] Ronnie Rosmantia: I have a BM, Bachelor of Music from Baldwin Wallace, yeah.

[45:16] Robert Bannon: And this is your Broadway debut.

[45:18] Ronnie Rosmantia: So when you go thinking about going to school and those late nights and studying for this hope and dream that one day you'd be on this Broadway stage, did you have a moment where you got the call and it really sunk in?

[45:31] Ronnie Rosmantia: Yes, I was actually working at my childhood like theater school, um, well, dance school, and I was teaching camp. So I was teaching like six and seven-year-olds how to dance, and then I got the call on a break, and I was just like, you know, like how wonderful is it to just full circle.

[45:47] Ronnie Rosmantia: It's full circle, and just to be able to be a part of this original show that's so poignant and so needed in this time, you know. Like, I don't know, I just feel like the luckiest girl alive.

[45:56] Robert Bannon: Well, we are lucky that we get to see the work that you all are doing because this show is gorgeous from the music to the set in the happy opening. Congratulations.

[46:06] Ronnie Rosmantia: Party it up tonight.

[46:07] Ronnie Rosmantia: Well, we got a show tomorrow, so yeah, we will definitely have some fun tonight. Congratulations.

[46:12] Dan Hoy: Hi everyone, I'm Dan Hoy. I am an understudy, a swing and the assistant dance captain.

[46:16] Robert Bannon: You know, Dan, first of all, I love your earrings.

[46:18] Dan Hoy: Oh my god, thank you.

[46:19] Robert Bannon: And the haircut.

[46:20] Dan Hoy: Uh and the tuxedo?

[46:22] Robert Bannon: Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.

[46:23] Dan Hoy: Oh my god, I need you to follow me around and build up my ego, my god.

[46:26] Robert Bannon: That's it. I'm available. I'm cheap too.

[46:27] Dan Hoy: Amazing. Assistant dance captain. How many parts are you understudying and swinging and all?

[46:33] Dan Hoy: I am covering ten in total. So I cover three, I cover three of the harmonists. I cover the tenor one, the tenor two, and the bass, and I cover all seven of the male ensemblists.

[46:44] Robert Bannon: I have nothing to say.

[46:46] Dan Hoy: I how did you memorize the lines and parts?

[46:49] Dan Hoy: Uh yes, it's been a journey. It's been a journey, lots of spreadsheets, lots of tracking spreadsheets.

[46:53] Dan Hoy: But you know, it's such a blessing to be here, and even if my brain may be mashed potatoes here on opening night, um, I am I'm just reveling in the glory of all of this.

[47:03] Dan Hoy: I mean, it's such a beautiful experience, really.

[47:06] Robert Bannon: Uh I'm so excited.

[47:07] Dan Hoy: I told the harmonist at Press say that the worst experience of my life was doing barbershop quartet music man in a bad production in Connecticut.

[47:14] Robert Bannon: How do you know the harmony lines?

[47:18] Dan Hoy: How is it just a natural gift you have? Are you just a harmonist savant?

[47:23] Dan Hoy: Uh you know, I wouldn't say I'm a harmonist savant, but I am a I'm a hard worker. We'll say that.

[47:29] Robert Bannon: We'll say that.

[47:29] Dan Hoy: Very hard worker. Humble and sweet.

[47:31] Robert Bannon: There you go.

[47:32] Dan Hoy: But and I mean in Barry's harmonies are so stellar. So, you know, we don't want to screw them up. We want to make sure that they are perfect every single night, and wait till you hear these six boys.

[47:42] Dan Hoy: Oh my god. They've been singing together now for years and it shows. Wait till he's put in and you've got to come down and see him.

[47:49] Robert Bannon: And this is your Broadway debut.

[47:51] Dan Hoy: This is my Broadway debut. Let's go.

[47:53] Kate Westler: Hi, I'm Kate Westler. I'm in the ensemble and I'm Dance Captain.

[47:57] Robert Bannon: Kate Whistler is in Dance Captain Broadway debut, and you have the best headshot ever.

[48:01] Kate Westler: Oh, thank you so much.

[48:03] Robert Bannon: And what about my dress?

[48:04] Kate Westler: I yes, of course I can.

[48:06] Kate Westler: Look at this dress. Look at this jewelry. Tell me where'd you find it?

[48:09] Kate Westler: So this dress is um a Catherine Dean, London. And then these jewels.

[48:13] Robert Bannon: Oh, we got some high notes going on over there.

[48:17] Kate Westler: I love it. And these jewels are very special to me. Um, they're part of the family, and it's uh this one is for my parents' 40th anniversary that they lately celebrated.

[48:26] Robert Bannon: Yay, where are you from?

[48:28] Kate Westler: I'm originally from Alabama, and but I'm a New Yorker through and through now.

[48:31] Robert Bannon: There you go. Well, you look gorgeous. You are here on this big gigantic Broadway opening night.

[48:36] Kate Westler: This is your Broadway debut.

[48:39] Kate Westler: It's my Broadway debut. I'm originating in a Broadway cast. I'm dance captain. I'm a part of the cast album. It's all of the things I could ever imagine happening in one night, and it's so very special.

[48:52] Robert Bannon: What time is dance call today?

[48:54] Kate Westler: Dance call is all day.

[48:56] Robert Bannon: Are we kidding?

[48:57] Kate Westler: Hello.

[48:59] Robert Bannon: Well, I'm so happy that I'm not in this show because you wouldn't want to see me dance.

[49:03] Kate Westler: I would give you a lot of anxiety.

[49:04] Kate Westler: I like to think that I'm incredibly supportive and I'm there to help lift those that, you know, maybe aren't, you know, like ballerinas, and so it I my hope is that they feel great, they feel confident, and they go out there feeling like the best dancer out there.

[49:19] Robert Bannon: And you all are gonna have the best night.

[49:21] Robert Bannon: I hope you party and celebrate. Congratulations. This show is so beautiful.