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[0:05] Robert Bannon: Are you ready? It's The Roundtable with me, Robert Bannon.

[0:09] Robert Bannon: Welcome to The Roundtable, everybody. My name is Robert Bannon. You're listening to us on Broadway World over here on the Broadway Podcast Network, iHeart, Spotify. I'm very excited because when I moved to Detroit two years ago to marry my husband, I left New York City. I left all my Broadway shows, and people would say to me, you are never going to see art again. You will just be there eating coney dogs in the middle of Detroit. And then I found the Fisher Theater in ATG Detroit and the incredible tours that come through. And one of my favorite shows that I have seen about inclusivity, about pop music, about joy, which we need more than ever, is And Juliet. And it's coming to the legendary Fisher Theater. And my Detroit friends need to get their tickets.

[0:52] Kathryn Allyson: I think I could be wrong, but I think our guest is a fellow Jersey native like me.

[0:58] Robert Bannon: I am. I'm a Jersey boy through and through. Come on, Jersey.

[1:05] Robert Bannon: Where did you grow up in New Jersey?

[1:11] Kathryn Allyson: I grew up in the Maplewood, South Orange and West Orange area. Yes. And I went to Seton Hall for one semester and then I dropped out to be an actor, which doesn't go over well with your parents, but that's beside that's another show.

[1:21] Robert Bannon: So you are off the turnpike out of Newark up to 80 or whatever you wherever you are up there in that world. Was being close to New York City inspiring to theater? How did you find a love of theater?

[1:33] Kathryn Allyson: Oh, my gosh, it was so inspiring. My parents are truly incredible. I was going to theater before I even knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. They were so incredible about putting me in spaces to allow me to learn that I could do anything I could want to do. And so it was very rare that let me back up. They were always just so great about putting me in spaces that were incredibly inclusive. So, like, I just was like, oh, I can do anything. Like, if I want to be in a play, I can be in a play. If I want to be in a musical, I could be in a musical because they would always take me to things that had black people or people of color in them. I remember seeing Alvin Ailey a lot. I would go see productions at Paper Mill Playhouse.

I would see I mean, my first musical was Lion King. I saw Tony Braxton in Beauty and the Beast. I saw Aida. I mean, like they were just so great about putting me in those spaces. And so when I found my love of theater through in middle school, I had a teacher. Her name is Miss Cerrito. She was like telling me every day after school, like your mom needs to call me. Your mom needs to call me. I was like, I'm trying. I don't know why she's not calling you back. And one day, I guess I nagged my mom enough that she called Miss Cerrito and she was like, look, your daughter can sing and I think you should put her into voice lessons. And so kind of that moment of her inciting this moment of telling my mom that I had some sort of talent kind of met this love of theater that I was kind of growing into and it kind of just took off from there.

[3:21] Robert Bannon: But you made the decision not only to do theater like in high school and like we all do, like I'm going to go to high school play and I'm going to hang out with theater nerds and all that. Then you make a decision that not only do you win an award about talk about Paper Mill Playhouse in your senior year, if I'm correct. You then go to Ithaca College and you decide to make it your career like this is what you trained to do. Was it scary to make that decision?

[3:43] Kathryn Allyson: You know, it was because at the time, which is so wild at the time, I really thought I was going to go to school for politics. Like I thought I was going to be a political science major. And again, I have to pay credit to my parents. I did so many wonderful programs during the summer to help determine whether it was something I wanted to do. So I did Cap 21 pre-college. I did the Carnegie Mellon pre-college. I also did political science camps and it was kind of through those times that I realized, you know what, as much as I love politics and what I can do for the community, I realized that theater has such an incredible way of reaching people in the same way and changing hearts and minds, which is why I love this show so much.

To loop it back around, I feel like not only is Ann Juliet providing safe spaces for queer people and people of all types touring America, but we're also going to places and teaching them that we're people, queer people are people who fall in love and want to have the same lives as everybody else. And the fact that I get to do that and honor that part of myself that really wanted to help people in a genuine way is just like, ugh. So it just like warms my soul.

[5:11] Robert Bannon: It warmed my soul when I saw it. That's why you need to get your tickets to see it. It's funny. I left musical theater school and went and became a poli-sci major because I think poli-sci and showbiz is the same thing.

[5:28] Kathryn Allyson: It is, right?

[5:31] Robert Bannon: And then here we are. We're all involved in politics and representation and also still involved in show business as well. So it's all. So for you, you've done tours. I mean, you just did a tour and you've done Broadway.

[5:44] Kathryn Allyson: Yes, yes.

[5:46] Robert Bannon: Is that like a check? Like when you get that call, you book a national tour, you book a Broadway show. What's the feeling? When you got the call for Ann Juliet, what was the feeling? Where were you?

[5:57] Kathryn Allyson: I was, oh my gosh, where was I? I was in Washington, D.C. actually playing the Kennedy Center, which was already like a very emotional experience. And obviously now it's that building has turned into something different. But at the time it was just like, oh, my word. Like all of my legends have performed here. I'm an avid Kennedy Center honors watcher. I rewatch the Barbara Cook tribute every year. And so performing on that stage and then getting the call that I would be doing this show was just so. I just feel so grateful. The career that I've had has truly been. Unspeakable. I just like I can't I can't believe it. Like when I say like, oh, yeah, like I've been on Broadway and I'm like, yeah, I've done three Broadway shows.

Like that's a crazy that's a crazy thing to come out of someone's mouth. And I'm so grateful for the experiences that I've had. And, yeah, getting the call for Ann Juliet was just like, yeah, let's do it. I love pop music. I this is the music I grew up listening to. And the fact that I get to collaborate with this group of artists that I've looked up to. It was just like, yeah, let's 100 percent. I'm in. I'm in.

[7:24] Robert Bannon: I have to be like 100 years older than you because but this is the music I grew up with as well.

[7:29] Kathryn Allyson: I fear we're probably the same age.

[7:32] Robert Bannon: OK, but I'm I'm an 80s baby.

[7:35] Kathryn Allyson: Oh, I see.

[7:37] Robert Bannon: Like born in the early 80s.

[7:39] Kathryn Allyson: See, you're not old, though. That was the polite way of saying you. You were older than me.

[7:46] Robert Bannon: So if you love the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears and all of these songs that you grew up in the early 2000s, all the Max Martin pop super hits. What's smart about the show is it says Shakespeare. It is about Romeo and Juliet. But it's not. You are not. You don't have to know anything about Shakespeare to enjoy the show. Not a lick. And you can bring your family, your friends, your kids, bring everybody and come see it. Why does the show speak your role? Angelique has made a lot of headway because it's very when it was cast on Broadway and the way that it's been cast and what that role has used to represent is so it shouldn't be groundbreaking. But it is still is groundbreaking for the show. So what does it mean for you about your role? Tell us about who Angelique is.

[8:32] Kathryn Allyson: So Angelique is the nurse in Romeo and Juliet. So if you remember reading it in high school and college, middle school even, she had she's one of the few characters besides Juliet and like Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet that are from the original text of the play. And so she has all of the things that people remember about her, that she's a little raunchy, she's a little bawdy, but she has this kind of undying love for Juliet that she just wants her to have the best life possible. So all of that is still true. But what's brilliant is that they give her a name. You find out that her name is Angelique. You find out that she had a whole life before Juliet. She had a love affair that she had to leave behind.

And I think what's also really beautiful is that this entire show is about second chances, right, and that some of the most unlikely people get a second chance at life and love and Angelique is one of those people. She gets to live out. She has spent her whole life taking care of other people. And in this show, she gets a chance to take care of herself and find out what she wants and what she needs.

[9:58] Robert Bannon: Welcome to The Roundtable with Robert Bannon. Today, we have the incredible Kathryn Allyson, who is taking the smash-hit musical & Juliet across the United States, including Detroit!

[10:22] Kathryn Allyson: Thank you so much for having me, Robert! I'm thrilled to be here and talk about this amazing journey.

[10:42] Robert Bannon: Absolutely! So, & Juliet is such a unique twist on Shakespeare’s classic. What drew you to this production?

[11:02] Kathryn Allyson: I was immediately captivated by the concept of the show. The idea of Juliet choosing her own destiny really resonated with me. Plus, the music is just phenomenal—it's a soundtrack filled with iconic pop hits that everyone knows and loves.

[11:22] Robert Bannon: It really is a fantastic score! Can you share a bit about what it’s like to perform in this high-energy production?

[11:42] Kathryn Allyson: Performing in & Juliet is exhilarating! The energy from the audience is palpable, and every night feels like a celebration. The choreography is dynamic, and the music keeps everyone on their toes. It's a joy to bring this empowering story to life.

[12:02] Robert Bannon: I can only imagine! What has been the most rewarding part of being on tour with this show?

[12:22] Kathryn Allyson: The most rewarding part has definitely been connecting with audiences across the country. Each city brings its own vibe, and seeing how people react to the show is incredibly fulfilling. It’s amazing to witness the joy and empowerment that the story brings to everyone.

[12:42] Robert Bannon: That sounds wonderful! Tour life can be quite a hustle, though. How do you manage the challenges that come with it?

[13:02] Kathryn Allyson: It definitely has its challenges! Balancing performances, travel, and self-care is crucial. I try to maintain a routine, stay healthy, and find moments to recharge. It’s all about finding that balance while still enjoying the experience.

[13:22] Robert Bannon: That’s great advice! What do you think makes & Juliet such a special experience for both performers and audiences?

[13:42] Kathryn Allyson: I think the combination of the relatable themes, the catchy music, and the vibrant performances creates a unique experience. The show encourages everyone to embrace their individuality and follow their dreams, which is a powerful message that resonates with so many.

[14:02] Robert Bannon: Absolutely! It’s a message that everyone can relate to. What has been a standout moment for you during this tour?

[14:22] Kathryn Allyson: One standout moment was performing in front of a particularly enthusiastic crowd. The energy was electric, and I could feel the audience's excitement. It reminded me of why I love doing this—sharing joy and connection through music and storytelling.

[14:42] Robert Bannon: That’s beautiful! As you continue your journey with & Juliet, what are you most looking forward to in the upcoming performances?

[15:02] Kathryn Allyson: I’m really looking forward to visiting new cities and meeting more fans. Each performance is a new opportunity to share this incredible story, and I can’t wait to see how different audiences respond to it.

[15:12] Robert Bannon: It sounds like an amazing adventure! For those who haven’t seen & Juliet yet, what would you say to encourage them to catch the show when it comes to their city?

[15:32] Kathryn Allyson: I would say, don’t miss out on this joyful experience! It’s a fun, uplifting show that will have you singing along and leaving the theater with a smile. It’s a celebration of love, empowerment, and the power of choice.

[15:52] Robert Bannon: Perfectly said! Thank you so much for joining me today, Kathryn. I can’t wait to see & Juliet when it comes to my city!

[16:12] Kathryn Allyson: Thank you, Robert! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you. I hope everyone gets a chance to see the show!

[16:22] Robert Bannon: And to our listeners, make sure to catch & Juliet when it comes to your city. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon!