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[0:00] Robert Bannon: Are you ready? It's The Roundtable with me, Robert Bannon.

[0:15] Robert Bannon: Hey everybody, Robert Bannon here, and this is a good show for you Broadway fans. Broadway Podcast Network, you better all stand up and get ready because it's a show.

[0:26] Robert Bannon: Diamonds are forever. You know, she knows the song. She sings at eight shows a week and Courtney Reed has been a princess. She's toured around the world being a princess. She's starred in all the shows. She has flown on the carpet. She still will not tell us how it happens.

[0:40] Robert Bannon: And now she is in Moulin Rouge and then in her day off in the middle of January, she's like, you know what, let me do two shows at Joe's Pub just for fun because I can and my voice is gorgeous. And I'm, yeah, that's exactly what it is.

[0:51] Robert Bannon: Courtney Reed was one of our first guests back in COVID during Quarantine Cabaret and Cocktails. She came on with Adam Jacobson. We talked about Aladdin and I am so honored and grateful she took time out of her 162 projects to be with us here tonight.

[1:03] Courtney Reed: Yes! It's so good to see you.

[1:07] Robert Bannon: I'm so happy to see you. What a journey and ride and fun it's been to watch you.

[1:15] Courtney Reed: Get out. You're ridiculous. Oh my gosh, thank you. You're the best.

[1:21] Robert Bannon: It is so true. I'm so excited and I have to come over. I have to see the show. I have to see you do the show.

[1:29] Courtney Reed: You have to see the show. You've seen it.

[1:31] Robert Bannon: I saw it and we had a great chance to talk to Titus and I know he's about to be done and this amazing cast, but I want to see you.

[1:40] Courtney Reed: You've got to come see me. Oh man.

[1:43] Robert Bannon: Look at this. Look at this gorgeousness. Look at this.

[1:48] Courtney Reed: Oh my gosh. Get out. Wait. Wow. Airbrushed within an inch of its life. I love it.

[1:55] Robert Bannon: I don't allow any pictures of me without being airbrushed within an inch. You know this is you right here.

[2:00] Courtney Reed: Oh bless your sweet soul.

[2:02] Robert Bannon: So before we talk about Loveblood and Bloodlub and all that is vampires and all that fun, you, we know you from back in the Aladdin days.

[2:13] Courtney Reed: Yes.

[2:15] Robert Bannon: And then you go on to do Broadway and television and have this career. You do the princesses on tour and do all of this amazing stuff.

[2:24] Robert Bannon: And then you start the national tour of Moulin Rouge and tour the country. What was it like when you got the phone call that said, okay, Courtney, let's go head on over to the Hirschfeld and let's do this.

[2:38] Courtney Reed: Oh my gosh. You know, I, I, when I, when I booked the tour, I never ever anticipated moving to Broadway. I think a lot of people think like that's like sort of like the next step and it's like that it isn't necessarily, you know? And so, um, I, I think like I was having so much fun on tour. It was an incredible family that we built and I had never toured before. So it was so fun and so exciting and getting to take this show on the road for the very first time and bring it to these new cities was so exciting. And I always thought on the back of my mind, you know, I love to play this on Broadway. And when I got the call, it was just like, oh my gosh, we're going back to Broadway and it just feels so crazy.

And, you know, it's like every time I book something, I'm always like shocked and amazed, you know, because every time I book something, I'm like, this is definitely gonna be my last job. You know, it's like as an actor, you always think that. And so it's just so great to be back in the city and, you know, it's Christmas time. And, um, and, you know, the company is so wonderful and, and I'm just like, I pinch myself like every day. I really do.

[3:39] Robert Bannon: Well, if you haven't seen it, it is the perfect time to see it. This is the perfect time when you're in New York City. It is a spectacle, big, giant Broadway extravaganza with the costumes and the songs and the performances. And it is very immersive. You are transported in that theater every single night. You must not be afraid of heights because, not giving things away, but I'm petrified of heights. What is that like?

[4:02] Courtney Reed: You know, four years on a magic carpet really, really prepared me for the descent into basically what feels like the middle of the audience. Yeah, I just, I guess I just fly in like all of my shows now.

[4:15] Robert Bannon: That's it. You're the flying.

[4:17] Courtney Reed: I'm ready.

[4:18] Robert Bannon: Wicked is next. What else flies?

[4:21] Courtney Reed: Yeah, exactly.

[4:22] Robert Bannon: They're going to revive, they're going to revive Spider-Man.

[4:26] Courtney Reed: And I also, I'll swing in on that too.

[4:29] Robert Bannon: Who knows? Mary Poppins right up to the.

[4:32] Courtney Reed: Exactly.

[4:34] Robert Bannon: You need to tie it up, up an actor and send them to the rafters. Courtney Reed is your person.

[4:39] Courtney Reed: Yes, call me any.

[4:41] Robert Bannon: Well, when you got the call, you must get off. I'm not trying to be facetious, but you must. People want to hear you. You sing. People probably have asked you to do cabarets and concerts and readings and all this fun stuff. You're in a juggernaut of a show right now on Broadway. How do you pick a project and why Blood Love?

[5:02] Courtney Reed: You know, I think it's like, I think, you know, a lot of times towards like the middle of your career, once you've established yourself a little bit, you make a lot of connections with people that you absolutely love. And Daniel Clare, who's directing the show, he reached out and he was like, I think you'd be so amazing for this project. And he sent me the music and he sent me all the promo stuff. And I was like, wow, OK, this is really impressive. They really have their stuff together. The music is amazing. It's so good. Like all of the songs feel like they could be on the radio. And who doesn't love a vampire musical? And he was explaining to me what the character is like. And I was like, OK, well, she's like, you know, she she's absolutely in my world.

She's absolutely in my wheelhouse. Her name is Cleo, first of all. What a gag. I love it. And she's like this like fun, sexy kind of ditzy friend that like makes all these like crazy choices. And and I think it's just it's it's going to be a really fun time. And I haven't been back to Jones Club in forever. And so it was basically a no brainer. I was like, I'm in.

[6:04] Robert Bannon: Well, bloodlove.com, get your tickets. Go to publictheatre.org and get your tickets to see the show. It sounds like super duper. Courtney Reed is Cleo. Work. January. You better work. Come on. That is the size right there on January. Two shows at 530 and 930. Like I said, you have nothing to do January on a Monday night. People get a ticket. Just get a ticket. Get it together. Come down. While you get your tickets, you could just make your whole holiday grab bag. The whole Courtney Reed extravaganza. Like if you haven't been to Mulan. I'm telling you people. It is so much fun.

[6:43] Courtney Reed: We really is. I went when it opened as a class trip. We went with all the teachers of New Jersey, which this is your show. Teachers of New Jersey. And then we and now I've got to bring my partner because he's in Detroit. And and he's going to he loves a pop. He runs Motor City Pride. I mean, if you want pride and you want playlists and you want pop music, you want a medley about diamonds by Courtney Reed. And and her singing your song to your face. You got to get your tickets. Get them now. Too late.

[7:14] Robert Bannon: Yeah. So when you look back now, you say mid-career in your career. And you get to be a part of these big shows and these different places and literally have your face on buses and billboards around New York City. Do you ever look back to you as being a young theater fan and the journey and the ride and think what the heck? How, what, when?

[7:32] Courtney Reed: A hundred percent. Yeah. All the time. All the time. I think about, you know, that I, I just think I never ever would have anticipated this. And had I known, I don't know. I don't know if I would have believed my younger self. I think, you know, just like as I get older, I'm just like, oh my gosh, time just flies so fast. And I don't want that to be over just because I I'm just loving it so much. I'm just loving the journey. And I, of all the people that I've, you know, become close with throughout all of the companies that I've been in, it's just like, I don't know, just feel a lot of gratitude and a lot of joy. And I just like, I'm like, I want to be a vampire. I don't want to die. I just love it. I love life.

[8:26] Robert Bannon: Welcome back to The Roundtable! I am so excited to have my guest today, the incredible Courtney Reed, who is currently lighting up the stage in "Moulin Rouge" at the Hirschfeld Theatre. Courtney, how are you?

[8:54] Courtney Reed: I'm doing great! Thank you so much for having me, Robert. It's always a pleasure to chat with you!

[9:20] Robert Bannon: I love your energy! You are just sunshine, happiness, and magic rolled into one. How has it been performing in "Moulin Rouge"?

[9:50] Courtney Reed: It has been absolutely amazing! The energy from the audience is electric, and being part of such a vibrant show is a dream come true. I feel so lucky to be able to perform in front of such enthusiastic crowds eight shows a week.

[10:10] Robert Bannon: That’s fantastic! And I know you’re also working on a new musical called "Love/Blood" at Joe's Pub. Can you tell us a bit about that?

[10:30] Courtney Reed: Yes! "Love/Blood" is a really special project for me. It's a new musical that explores some deep themes, and I’m thrilled to be part of it. We have two special shows coming up, and I can't wait to share this work with everyone.

[10:50] Robert Bannon: It sounds incredible! How do you balance performing in "Moulin Rouge" and working on "Love/Blood"?

[11:10] Courtney Reed: It's definitely a juggling act! I try to manage my time well and make sure I’m taking care of myself. After a show, I usually have a routine that helps me unwind and recharge for the next performance.

[11:30] Robert Bannon: What does that routine look like for you?

[11:50] Courtney Reed: Well, after a show, I like to have a little snack—usually something light and healthy. Then I’ll spend some time relaxing, maybe do some light stretching or meditation to help me wind down. It’s all about finding that balance!

[12:10] Robert Bannon: That’s great advice! And what do you usually eat after a show?

[12:30] Courtney Reed: I love having a smoothie or some fruit. It’s refreshing and gives me the energy I need without feeling too heavy before bed.

[12:50] Robert Bannon: Perfect choice! Now, I have to ask, what has been your favorite moment in "Moulin Rouge" so far?

[13:10] Courtney Reed: Oh, there are so many! But I think one of my favorite moments is when we all come together for the big ensemble numbers. The energy is just so infectious, and it’s such a joy to be part of that.

[13:30] Robert Bannon: I can only imagine! The choreography must be incredible.

[13:50] Courtney Reed: It really is! The choreography is so dynamic and fun, and it really brings the story to life. I love every minute of it.

[14:10] Robert Bannon: That’s amazing! I can’t wait to see you perform. For those listening, make sure to grab your tickets to "Moulin Rouge" and check out "Love/Blood" at Joe's Pub!

[14:30] Courtney Reed: Yes, please do! You won’t want to miss either show.

[14:50] Robert Bannon: Thank you so much for joining me today, Courtney. It’s always a pleasure to chat with you!

[15:10] Courtney Reed: Thank you for having me, Robert! I always love our conversations.

[15:30] Robert Bannon: And to our listeners, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to The Roundtable. We’ll see you next time!

[15:50] Courtney Reed: Bye everyone!

[16:10] Robert Bannon: Bye!