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[0:00] Robert Bannon: Welcome to The Roundtable! I’m your host, Robert Bannon, and today we have a very special guest joining us. He’s beloved by fans as Carter Grayson, the Red Lightspeed Ranger on Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue. Please welcome Sean C.W. Johnson!

[0:30] Sean C.W. Johnson: Thanks for having me, Robert! It’s great to be here.

[0:50] Robert Bannon: I’m so excited to chat with you today. You’re stepping onto the stage in Cristi’s Case Crackers, which sounds like a blast! Can you tell us a little bit about the show?

[1:10] Sean C.W. Johnson: Absolutely! Cristi’s Case Crackers is a murder-mystery comedy that combines classic whodunit storytelling with pop-culture parody. It’s filled with big characters and unexpected twists, and I can’t wait for audiences to see it.

[1:30] Robert Bannon: That sounds like so much fun! You’ve had such a diverse career beyond Power Rangers, with credits in shows like My Little Eye, CSI: Miami, and 7th Heaven. How has that journey been for you?

[1:52] Sean C.W. Johnson: It’s been an incredible journey! Each role has taught me something new, and I’ve loved exploring different characters and genres. Transitioning from television to stage is a new challenge, but I’m ready for it.

[2:12] Robert Bannon: Speaking of challenges, what’s it like to step into a role that’s so different from what fans know you for?

[2:32] Sean C.W. Johnson: It’s definitely a shift, but I think it’s important to show fans that I can do more than just the Ranger role. I’m excited to bring a new side of myself to the stage and connect with the audience in a different way.

[3:00] Robert Bannon: I love that! And it’s been over 25 years since Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue aired. How does it feel to still have fans celebrating your character, Carter Grayson?

[3:20] Sean C.W. Johnson: It’s honestly amazing! The love and support from fans have been overwhelming. I’m grateful that Carter has had such a lasting impact, and it’s always fun to meet fans who grew up watching the show.

[3:40] Robert Bannon: That’s so special. What do you think it is about Power Rangers that resonates with people even today?

[4:00] Sean C.W. Johnson: I think it’s the themes of teamwork, friendship, and overcoming challenges. Those messages are timeless, and they connect with people of all ages. Plus, the nostalgia factor definitely plays a big role!

[4:20] Robert Bannon: Absolutely! Now, as you prepare for Cristi’s Case Crackers, what are you most looking forward to about performing live?

[4:40] Sean C.W. Johnson: I’m really looking forward to the energy of a live audience. There’s nothing quite like it! The laughter and reactions from the crowd will make every performance unique, and I can’t wait to experience that.

[5:00] Robert Bannon: That’s going to be fantastic! Do you have any favorite moments from rehearsals so far?

[5:20] Sean C.W. Johnson: Definitely! There have been some hilarious moments during rehearsals, especially when we’re trying to nail down the comedic timing. It’s a great group of people, and we’re having a lot of fun together.

[5:40] Robert Bannon: It sounds like a wonderful cast! What’s been the biggest challenge for you in this new role?

[6:00] Sean C.W. Johnson: The biggest challenge has been adjusting to the rhythm of live theater. It’s a different pace than television, and I’m learning to embrace that spontaneity. But it’s also what makes it exciting!

[6:20] Robert Bannon: I can imagine! And for fans who might not be familiar with Cristi’s Case Crackers, what would you say to encourage them to come see the show?

[6:40] Sean C.W. Johnson: I’d say it’s a perfect blend of mystery and comedy! If you enjoy a good laugh and love a good whodunit, this show is for you. Plus, you’ll get to see me in a completely different light!

[7:00] Robert Bannon: I love it! Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans?

[7:20] Sean C.W. Johnson: Just a huge thank you for all the support over the years! I hope to see everyone at Cristi’s Case Crackers, and I can’t wait to share this new adventure with you all.

[7:40] Robert Bannon: Thank you so much for joining me today, Sean! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you.

[8:00] Sean C.W. Johnson: Thank you, Robert! It’s been great to be here.

[8:18] Robert Bannon: And to our listeners, make sure to check out Cristi’s Case Crackers and follow Sean on social media for updates. Until next time, keep celebrating the arts!

[10:05] Sean C.W. Johnson: Seamon McClay is one of the stars of Cristi's Case Crackers. His name is Keyshawn Cage, a crazy talented young man, that I got invited to this dinner party of sorts. And, you know, we all got to know each other. And then the invitation was extended. And I was like, yeah, let's do it. This sounds wild.

[10:26] Robert Bannon: You know, it's so fun to be able to talk to people who come in to do the show because there is an unconventional way that you guys get ready to do the show. So it is August. I'm assuming you have a script.

[10:38] Sean C.W. Johnson: Yes.

[10:40] Robert Bannon: And you guys really do meet. You do not meet in person until very close to the show. So what is the rehearsal process like for this show?

[10:47] Sean C.W. Johnson: Yeah, like you mentioned, it is over Zoom, which I'll be honest. I, you know, there have been some rehearsals that I've done that have been over Zoom, often by necessity. And this, you know, especially with me being in L.A. and, you know, the show being in New York, I think was part of it. But, you know, going through rehearsals over Zoom, this was a new experience for me, at least for a show of this size, because it is a full show and, you know, it's not a little sketch or anything like that. But it could not have been more smooth. It, you know, this is their 15th show. It feels like a well-oiled machine. You know, everybody shows up. They're ready to go. And, you know, we just dive in and, you know, again, they're professionals. And so the rest of the cast, they do their work. They show up prepared. And, you know, quite honestly, I'm just trying to keep up with the immense talent that I am being so fortunate enough to share a stage with.

[11:44] Sean C.W. Johnson: So one thing I know about the team that does this is that they don't play. They come with the best actors, the most dedicated actors, and they get to show up at no time at all. And it's going to be an incredible evening. If you are someone who goes to all of them or have never been to one, this is the one to see.

[12:02] Robert Bannon: So what is the it's a spoof. It's always a spoof. There's always some kind of throwback or nod to pop culture. So what is this one about, Sean?

[12:11] Sean C.W. Johnson: Yeah. So, I mean, again, it is a murder mystery of sorts. So there is a lot of that going on. It is wild. It is a heck of a good time. Very, very funny. And again, everybody is so talented. I like guaranteed laughs beginning to end. But it explores the idea of what is a hero, which I think ties in, you know, especially being the, you know, the guest that they've brought in for this particular production makes a lot of sense coming from that heroism of Power Rangers. But it explores like what is a hero? And my character is a firefighter, former Olympic athlete. But, you know, it's kind of touching on superheroes, first responders, athletes, and like where does, you know, what should be idolized? What is the important thing in, you know, this quest for, you know, heroism, fame, you know, whatever it might be. And so it touches on a very important subject, but in a very, very funny way.

[13:18] Sean C.W. Johnson: Oh yes, they're funny. They're a little raunchy. Yeah, give you a good look. They give you a good it is the perfect I say this when people come on is the perfect date night or is the perfect get your friends, get your boys, get the people that, you know, you go out to have a drink on a Friday night or Saturday night, get them together and go do something different. Go to the murder mystery, joyful, fun show of it all.

[13:42] Robert Bannon: So when do you get to New York?

[13:44] Sean C.W. Johnson: So I come up this come up on. Well, I'll be there on September 1st. And so the show is taking place at Secret Theater over Labor Day weekend. So it's me the Friday Saturday tickets are selling right now on pre Kindle. So anybody who's interested can come get them. I will say tying into what you just mentioned about the show. It can get a little racy. So for fans of Power Rangers who might be like, oh, you know what? I want to come see it and let me bring my seven-year-old maybe not. I might want to hold you come please but might want to find a sitter for the young ones. But um, but it's a good time. It's gonna be a great time and we're looking forward to it. Very proud of what you've been pulling together.

[14:26] Sean C.W. Johnson: Yes, September. You have nothing. Look, yeah, no plans. You know, get up off the couch, get it on the internet, click the link below, get a ticket and come celebrate with this show.

[14:42] Robert Bannon: So what are you looking forward to about flying out? Besides the show? Are you going to New York it up? Are you coming to come alone? Do you come with your team? Do you come with the people? What is the posse, the entourage that Sean is rolling into New York with?

[14:58] Sean C.W. Johnson: I was about to say I have an entire entourage. It's gonna be about 36 people that accompany me. That's my usual means of travel. No, just looking forward to honestly that the show is the thing very much looking forward to the in-person rehearsals that getting on the feet. I have met obviously the cast over Zoom, but the vast majority of them. This will be my first time getting to properly introduce myself and just looking forward to getting in that sandbox and having fun with everybody and then hopefully getting out and seeing a little bit of the city and catching hopefully a couple shows on Broadway or just off before I have to head back to L.A.

[15:37] Robert Bannon: That sounds like the perfect that is that is oh, this is the time to be in New York City.

[15:43] Sean C.W. Johnson: You got it. I'm going to send you some recommendations. We're going to make we're going to hook it up. I'm excited for you. I'm so excited for people to check this out. I can't tell you how much of a ridiculously good time and how incredible these shows are from the costumes to the antics of it all. It's incredible.

[16:00] Robert Bannon: What do you think now when you look back on your career in this industry? Look back on your career and the things that happened out of you talk about fortune or meeting the right person or being in the right place at the right time or having the talent that you have to have but now and if things are a little bit more removed or you look back through the years people come up to you and say I watch you with my kids or you are part of my childhood. How does that feel? What is your gratitude or thoughts about the journey that you've been on?

[16:35] Sean C.W. Johnson: I mean quite honestly anybody who has a life in the arts if you're able to make a living doing it it is just the most fortunate thing ever because you know, life can be challenging to begin with but I do feel like the arts. I mean, it's what connects us. It's our humanity the fact that the stuff I have been fortunate enough to participate in Power Rangers being one of them, you know when you can connect with an audience when your art means something to somebody, you know my character tying it in also to the show my character on Power Rangers was a firefighter before he became a Power Ranger. And so I love that that idea of even on Power Rangers acknowledging the fact that and I often say we were heroes before we were superheroes.

So that first responder thing but you know to meet people who have come up and said hey, I've been a firefighter for the last 12 years and it's because I watched you growing up and I was like I want to try to be like that character. I'm like that's amazing because you know, that's had a real impact on people and hopefully making the world a little bit of a better place despite the fact that Power Rangers can be kind of a fun silly show at times. And but yes, it's just an artist to be able to be able to been on stage and camera film. I'm also in music, you know, it's just it's you know, it's just incredibly fortunate. I would not have imagined this back when I was a kid growing up that I'd have this opportunity. So forever grateful.

[18:11] Robert Bannon: This is where you can check out the show on the 4th and said tickets they sell out. So you better get a ticket quick. You better get it. You better get it.

[18:20] Sean C.W. Johnson: Has it been a minute since you've been on the stage or do you still do say or is this a return after a hiatus?

[18:26] Sean C.W. Johnson: No this so this is more of a return. I mean that having been said I have done some small small things on a stage, but it's been a little more I don't wanna say private but definitely a smaller presence, but this is gonna be my first my first real, you know, kind of stage audience experience in quite quite a while. So looking forward to it. I mean, it's where it started. I do love film. I do love the medium, but you know, there's just nothing quite like the feedback from a live audience and very very much looking forward to it getting back to the roots as they say.

[19:08] Robert Bannon: We're here for it. Let's go back to the roots. You got to get your ticket click the link below. We're going to work. We're going to follow Sean on all the social media platforms. The link will be below as well to see future projects where he's going to be. Maybe you'll get a chance to see him down the road somewhere out in these streets or to see what's next the next part in the next adventure. I wish you the most incredible time break all the legs have all the fun. Say hello to this incredible cast just go to New York and have a blast.

[19:33] Sean C.W. Johnson: Yeah, it's impossible to go to New York and not have a blast. So thank you so much. I appreciate it. And yeah, please come on out to the show. It's going to be a great time.

[19:43] Robert Bannon: We'll see and thank you for the years of the work and the sacrifices you've made to give us so much joy and entertainment. It is it's a real honor and a joy to be able to chat with you today. Thank you for being here.

[19:52] Sean C.W. Johnson: It's my pleasure. Thank you so much.