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[0:00] Alan Seales: Hey everyone, this is Alan Seales, and welcome back to The Theatre Podcast.

[0:04] Alan Seales: This week's episode is something super special. A bonus episode recorded live on the red carpet from the Sunset Blvd Opening Night. You'll hear that the episode features none other than Broadway Podcast Network's very own Salisha Thomas. This one comes straight from the Broadway Exclusive, a brand new VPN podcast that takes you behind the scenes of Broadway's biggest events.

[0:24] Alan Seales: In this episode, Salisha catches up with some of the stars, creatives, and some of the amazing surprise guests that walk the carpet, all sharing their stories, inspirations, and excitement about the night. And if you haven't seen this production of Sunset Blvd, do yourself a favor, please, grab tickets now. You may think that you know the story and the score. I mean, it's the same story and score, but you've never seen a production like this. The technical genius that has gone into creating this production is amazing. I am a tech nerd, and you know this if you've listened to me at all on this podcast before, and I want to go see this over and over again to figure out how they did all the technical stuff.

It's great. I don't want to spoil things, but do yourself a favor and look it up online. So now, sit back, enjoy the ride, and if you love what you hear, be sure to follow the Broadway Exclusive for more insider content, and follow The Salisha Show for more fun content from Salisha Thomas herself. Don't forget to follow Theatre Underscore Podcast, that's me, on all the social medias, and spread the word to your fellow theater lovers. Now, in my best announcer voice, let's go down to Salisha Thomas, live from the Sunset Boulevard red carpet.

[1:27] Salisha Thomas: Hey there, listeners. Welcome to the Broadway Exclusive. I'm your host for this episode, Salisha Thomas, and I'll be bringing you along to Broadway's biggest events. From opening nights and celebrations to exclusive deep dives, this is your one-of-a-kind red carpet ticket.

[1:54] Salisha Thomas: Hello, what's up? It's me, Salisha. I'm Salisha Thomas, here with the Broadway Podcast Network. Tonight is opening night on Broadway for Sunset Boulevard. I'm so excited for this. Everyone's going to be coming out, and we'll be talking to all the stars on the stage, off the stage, the cast, the creatives. So, stay tuned.

[2:10] Fabian Alois: I'm Fabian Alois. I'm the choreographer of the show.

[2:15] Salisha Thomas: Hi, Fabian. Congratulations. So, I've heard a little bit about you pulling choreo from Nicole's life into this show. How can you not?

[2:23] Fabian Alois: How can you not? She's a superstar.

[2:30] Fabian Alois: A superstar. She's a superstar, and you've got to dive into it. I did so much research, and when I started to kind of YouTube stuff that I had never seen before, and then I came across the fact that she won Dancing with the Stars, and I was like...

[2:43] Salisha Thomas: Wait, I didn't realize she won Dancing with the Stars.

[2:46] Fabian Alois: Yeah, I'm pretty sure she won. She did the tango, and I was like, we are using that. We're using that. Look at what those legs can do. So, I pulled and pulled. There's a couple of really nice little Easter eggs for some true Pussycat Doll fans in the show, scattered in the show. So, how could you not? I mean, it's Nicole Scherzinger. I mean, she's one of the things that I think everyone's going to be really, really surprised, pleasantly surprised, is that she's so funny. She's probably one of the funniest people I've ever met.

[3:15] Salisha Thomas: I mean, I keep hearing these stories of her siding in the blood and everything.

[3:20] Fabian Alois: Yeah.

[3:20] Salisha Thomas: That's pretty fantastic.

[3:21] Fabian Alois: Yeah, she's epic, and she's come to slay.

[3:23] Salisha Thomas: Have you choreographed any other Broadway shows?

[3:25] Fabian Alois: No, this is my debut. This is my debut. My Broadway debut.

[3:30] Salisha Thomas: Congratulations.

[3:31] Fabian Alois: And I hope that you have a fun night, that you can actually enjoy it.

[3:34] Fabian Alois: Thank you. I'm sure I will. These guys are awesome.

[3:37] JoJo Leveque: Hey, I'm Joanna Jojo Leveque.

[3:39] Salisha Thomas: Okay, y'all. We are here with Jo, like the Jojo. It is cool to meet you.

[3:45] JoJo Leveque: It's cool to meet you. You look so wonderful. I love your outfit.

[3:47] Salisha Thomas: I feel like I grew up with you.

[3:48] JoJo Leveque: Oh, we grew up together. I was just a fetus.

[3:51] Salisha Thomas: Also, congratulations on Moulin Rouge.

[3:52] JoJo Leveque: Thank you.

[3:52] Salisha Thomas: I wish I got to see you. How was it?

[3:54] JoJo Leveque: It was so much fun. Getting to do it with Aaron Tveit was wonderful, and I just continue to learn so much every time I step on stage.

[4:01] Salisha Thomas: Was that your Broadway debut or no?

[4:03] JoJo Leveque: Last year, yes. My Broadway debut was at Moulin Rouge last year. I did a limited engagement and then got to come back this year.

[4:09] Salisha Thomas: Hey, congratulations.

[4:11] JoJo Leveque: Thank you.

[4:11] Salisha Thomas: Was it what you thought it was going to be?

[4:13] JoJo Leveque: It was so much more. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy the consistency, the discipline that it requires, the humbleness, and the community aspect is my favorite part of all. I'm here to stay. I love it.

[4:30] Salisha Thomas: One last thing. Do you have any advice for people coming up after you?

[4:34] JoJo Leveque: My advice is to listen to that little voice inside you, that internal guidance system that you might be afraid to listen to, but that is going to guide you in the more appropriate direction for you than what anybody else's opinion could do.

[4:50] Salisha Thomas: You can drop the mic.

[4:52] JoJo Leveque: Thank you so much. Have fun tonight.

[4:54] Skylar Astin: Hi, I'm Skylar Astin.

[4:55] Salisha Thomas: Oh, my goodness.

[4:57] Skylar Astin: And I'm here at the Sunset Broadway opening.

[5:00] Salisha Thomas: It's so exciting to talk to you. I am a fan. I'm so just Twitter faded. What's the first Broadway show that you've ever seen?

[5:09] Skylar Astin: My first Broadway show was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I was five years old and it blew my mind.

[5:19] Salisha Thomas: What was your favorite Broadway show that you've ever seen?

[5:22] Skylar Astin: Ever? Oh my God. That's really hard. There was a production of The Pillow Man that really blew my mind.

[5:28] Salisha Thomas: The Pillow Man?

[5:28] Skylar Astin: I know this is the weirdest answer you're going to get. That's really the one that shot to my mind only because it was a play and I've never seen such a thrilling piece of theater where I was like, there's not even, I don't even need music. This is just blowing my mind.

[5:42] Salisha Thomas: But yes, the more traditional answer.

[5:46] Skylar Astin: It doesn't have to be a traditional answer.

[5:48] Skylar Astin: Go with Pillow Man.

[5:48] Salisha Thomas: I think we can just go with The Pillow Man.

[5:51] Salisha Thomas: And out of all of the things that you've done, you're not blowing it. You are so not blowing it. What is something that you're the most proud of?

[6:01] Skylar Astin: I got a really cool and unique opportunity to sing songs from my favorite musical, Sunday in the Park with George, at the Hollywood Bowl in a celebration for Stephen Sondheim. And the cast was so stacked. It was like Brian Stokes Mitchell, Patti LuPone, Sutton Foster, Sierra Boggess, Skylar Astin, and then me. And then I was tasked with some of my favorite kind of dream role-iest things and sings. And I was able to do that kind of like in this magnified way. And it was really...

[6:30] Skylar Astin: I'm here at the Hollywood Bowl. Hello! It was really special.

[6:34] Salisha Thomas: Any advice for people coming up after you?

[6:37] Skylar Astin: Oh my gosh, just don't say no. Like you never know where accepting that ensemble role or helping out a friend's short film will lead you. And you don't do it for that reason. But you just also never know. I can't even tell you how many things that people were like, you don't need to do that. And I did it to help a friend out. And maybe that helped bring that success or me success. Or if you stay open, like everyone wins. And also just like train. Like keep understanding that you're always a student of this. You never kind of like are done learning.

[7:14] Salisha Thomas: That's great advice from a wise man.

[7:16] Skylar Astin: That's so wise.

[7:17] Salisha Thomas: From the pillow man himself.

[7:19] Skylar Astin: From the pillow man.

[7:21] Salisha Thomas: Thank you for joining us and have fun tonight.

[7:22] Skylar Astin: Thank you so much. What a delight you are.

[7:25] Jessica Vosk: I'm Jessica Vosk, a crazy person.

[7:28] Salisha Thomas: A crazy talented person with mad vocals. Let's go.

[7:31] Jessica Vosk: That's very nice of you. I'm so excited for you. Aren't you about to go into hell?

[7:35] Salisha Thomas: Yes, I am.

[7:36] Jessica Vosk: The kitchen of hell.

[7:37] Salisha Thomas: When?

[7:38] Jessica Vosk: December 12th, baby.

[7:39] Salisha Thomas: Not the kitchen of hell.

[7:40] Jessica Vosk: But in like the best kind of hell. Do you know what I'm saying? It's the best kind.

[7:43] Salisha Thomas: You're about to tear this up.

[7:44] Jessica Vosk: Oh God, I really hope so. I'm so excited. I'm so honored. And it was not on my 2024 bingo card. And I get to come back to Broadway. It's wild.

[7:54] Salisha Thomas: Amen to that. It's wild.

[7:54] Jessica Vosk: Are you training your voice with anybody right now?

[7:57] Salisha Thomas: I usually, if I do, her name is Susan Eichhorn Young. And she's an amazing vocal coach. She just understands a woman's voice. The fact that I love, you know, I'm a classically trained gal. But if I couldn't sing classically trained, the belt doesn't work. So that's just a little tip.

[8:12] Jessica Vosk: Yeah.

[8:12] Salisha Thomas: Oh, yeah.

[8:14] Jessica Vosk: Oh, we're getting the secrets tonight.

[8:18] Jessica Vosk: But one of my best friends taught me a riff that goes with that. When there's like a, you know, something that you don't expect. Like when I said I was classically trained, right? And you went, what the riff is? And you can do whatever you want at the end. But you have to start with.

[8:36] Salisha Thomas: That's what you have to start with.

[8:37] Jessica Vosk: It's hot.

[8:40] Salisha Thomas: Down the octave and a slow.

[8:43] Jessica Vosk: Alto.

[8:44] Salisha Thomas: She's an alto.

[8:47] Jessica Vosk: Delicious.

[8:48] Salisha Thomas: You're making me hot right now.

[8:49] Jessica Vosk: I'll take it.

[8:50] Salisha Thomas: Also, you look so fab. Love this denim moment.

[8:51] Jessica Vosk: My little Zach Posen, who is now the creative director at The Gap, sent this over. And this is just a bodycon. I don't know, somebody designed this who's not Zach, but he sure designed this bad boy. And denim's in. She's cute.

[9:06] Salisha Thomas: I hope you have the best night. So nice to meet you. And also, welcome back to Broadway.

[9:10] Jessica Vosk: Thanks.

[9:10] Jessica Vosk: Thank you.

[9:12] Jasmine Amy Rogers: Hi, I'm Jasmine Amy Rogers. And I'll be playing Boop in the Betty Boop musical coming in the spring.

[9:17] Salisha Thomas: You guys, it's Jasmine. It is the star of Boop. You've seen her on Black Girl in the Big Leagues. And we are here with the Broadway Podcast Network.

[9:25] Jasmine Amy Rogers: You look so hot.

[9:26] Salisha Thomas: Thank you. So do you in this pantsuit.

[9:28] Jasmine Amy Rogers: Baby.

[9:29] Salisha Thomas: Okay, let's talk about this last photo shoot, though. You were looking cute.

[9:31] Jasmine Amy Rogers: And then giving.

[9:33] Salisha Thomas: Lifted.

[9:34] Jasmine Amy Rogers: We said.

[9:34] Salisha Thomas: Yep.

[9:35] Jasmine Amy Rogers: Ah, the girls were out.

[9:36] Salisha Thomas: The girls were out.

[9:37] Jasmine Amy Rogers: This tattoo.

[9:38] Salisha Thomas: Thank you. It's, yeah.

[9:39] Jasmine Amy Rogers: Where did she come from?

[9:40] Salisha Thomas: I've had this for years. I think I got it in like, oh my gosh, maybe 2021. But I've had it.

[9:47] Jasmine Amy Rogers: You look stunning. We've seen you from a mile away, girl. We said we got to get her up over here.

[9:54] Jasmine Amy Rogers: It's hot in here.

[9:55] Salisha Thomas: Yeah, it's hot in here.

[9:57] Salisha Thomas: Okay, have the best night. You look so great. I'm so excited for you.

[10:00] Jasmine Amy Rogers: Thank you.

[10:01] Jasmine Amy Rogers: You too.

[10:02] Mandy Gonzalez: Hi, I'm Mandy Gonzalez.

[10:04] Salisha Thomas: You look stunning.

[10:06] Mandy Gonzalez: Thank you so much.

[10:07] Salisha Thomas: Okay, what is this look?

[10:08] Mandy Gonzalez: So this is my stylist, Jake Sokoloff. This is a Marquesa. And we thought tonight, since it's Sunset Boulevard and we're on the Broadway Boulevard that we have to bring, we have to bring all of it.

[10:20] Salisha Thomas: Baby, she brought it.

[10:21] Mandy Gonzalez: Okay, she brought it.

[10:23] Salisha Thomas: And the glam, the hair, the curls.

[10:25] Mandy Gonzalez: Thank you.

[10:26] Salisha Thomas: You're guest starring in this, yes?

[10:27] Mandy Gonzalez: Yes.

[10:28] Mandy Gonzalez: So I'm guest starring on Tuesday nights, Tuesdays at Norma's with Mandy Gonzalez. So I can't wait. My first night is this coming Tuesday. What is today? Today is the 20th.

[10:37] Mandy Gonzalez: In two days.

[10:41] LIVE FROM THE SUNSET BLVD Opening Night Red Carpet

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[21:22] Salisha Thomas: Welcome to the red carpet for the opening night of Sunset Boulevard! We're here to capture all the excitement and energy of this incredible event.

[21:52] Salisha Thomas: It's a star-studded night, and I can't wait to chat with some of the amazing talent involved in this production.

[22:20] Salisha Thomas: As we wait for the stars to arrive, the atmosphere is electric, and everyone is buzzing with anticipation.

[22:48] Salisha Thomas: I see some familiar faces in the crowd, and I’m excited to bring you all the highlights from tonight's festivities.

[23:18] Salisha Thomas: The excitement is palpable as we prepare to welcome the cast and creatives of Sunset Boulevard.

[23:42] Salisha Thomas: Stay tuned for some fun interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from this spectacular opening night.

[24:06] Salisha Thomas: The red carpet is the perfect place to hear from the stars about their experiences and what this show means to them.

[24:14] Salisha Thomas: I can’t wait to share their stories with you!

[24:38] Salisha Thomas: Let’s see who’s coming down the carpet next!

[24:46] Salisha Thomas: Oh, here comes one of the leading ladies!

[25:10] Salisha Thomas: It’s such a thrill to see everyone dressed up and ready to celebrate.

[25:18] Salisha Thomas: The energy here is just incredible!

[25:42] Salisha Thomas: I’m looking forward to hearing all about the journey of this production.

[25:50] Salisha Thomas: The anticipation is building, and I can feel the excitement in the air.

[26:14] Salisha Thomas: We’re just moments away from the first interviews!

[26:22] Salisha Thomas: I hope you’re as excited as I am to hear from the stars of Sunset Boulevard.

[26:42] Salisha Thomas: This is a night to remember, and I’m thrilled to be here with all of you.

[26:56] Salisha Thomas: Let’s kick off the interviews and dive into the magic of Broadway!

[27:24] Salisha Thomas: Here comes another star!

[27:32] Salisha Thomas: I can’t wait to hear their thoughts on this incredible production.

[27:52] Salisha Thomas: The excitement is just contagious!

[28:00] Salisha Thomas: We’re capturing all the best moments from the red carpet tonight.

[28:20] Salisha Thomas: Stay tuned for more interviews and insights!

[28:34] Salisha Thomas: This is truly a celebration of talent and creativity.

[28:58] Salisha Thomas: I’m so grateful to be part of this special night.

[29:06] Salisha Thomas: Let’s keep the energy going as we welcome more stars!

[29:26] Salisha Thomas: The night is young, and there’s so much more to come.

[29:34] Salisha Thomas: I can’t wait to share all the highlights with you!

[29:54] Salisha Thomas: The excitement of opening night is something truly special.

[30:02] Salisha Thomas: We’re here to capture every moment of this magical evening.

[30:22] Salisha Thomas: Let’s see who’s next on the carpet!

[30:30] Salisha Thomas: The stars are shining bright tonight!

[30:50] Salisha Thomas: I’m thrilled to be bringing you all the action live from the red carpet.

[30:58] Salisha Thomas: This is a night filled with dreams coming true.

[31:18] Salisha Thomas: I can’t wait to hear the stories behind the performances.

[31:28] Salisha Thomas: The energy is just incredible, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

[31:38] Salisha Thomas: Let’s keep the interviews rolling!

[31:50] Salisha Thomas: This is a night we’ll all remember for years to come.