call and response podcast
By Felicia Fitzpatrick
call and response podcastMay 28, 2021
Celebrating 30 Years of Beauty and the Beast with Three Belles: Episode 104
Happy 30th Anniversary to Beauty and the Beast! 30 years ago today, Disney’s first musical premiered on Broadway and we are celebrating with a special episode. In honor of the milestone, we chatted with three Black actors who have played Belle: Briana Brooks from ZACH Theatre’s 2018 production (Austin, TX), Jade Jones from Olney Theatre Center’s 2021 and 2022 production (Olney, Maryland), and Ashley Blanchet from The Muny’s 2023 production (St. Louis, Missouri). It’s a tale as old as time, but how is it elevated with different identities? Be our guest as we dive into this fascinating discussion.
Jazzing Up The Nutcracker - Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker: Episode 103
After a long hiatus, we are BACK for a special holiday episode! We take you inside the creation of Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker, the jazz-steeped reimagining of the classic ballet that runs at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre this month. We talk with producers Ron Simons and Valencia Yearwood, conductor and pianist Harold O'Neal, and dancer Alicia Mae Holloway about their experience bringing this new adaptation to the stage.
Claiming Artistic Freedom - Season 5 Finale: Episode 102
For the season five finale of call and response, we celebrate FREEDOM. In a time where fear and scarcity feel wide-spread, how can we claim freedom, abundance, and liberation for ourselves? We talk with five artist-creators about what artistic freedom means to them. Hear from actor and multidimensional storyteller Ja'Michael De'Shawn, director Miranda Haymon, actor, musician, and singer-songwriter Tayler Harris, Broadway ad agency account executive Stevie Coleman, and Broadway photographer Marc J. Franklin.
Making Room for Presence, Vulnerability, and Liberation - Britton Smith: Episode 101
For season 5's penultimate episode, we talk with artivist Britton Smith, who you’ve seen on Broadway in Be More Chill, Shuffle Along, and After Midnight, about how he learned to embrace his authentic self, what he’s learned from his work with Broadway Advocacy Coalition, and why he started his funk liberation band, Britton & The Sting.
Honoring the Community of the Call and Response Podcast: Episode 100
We are so hype, so thrilled, and so excited that call and response podcast has hit of 100 episodes! To celebrate the milestone, we’re looking back at the previous 99 episodes, highlighting and reliving some of the best moments—the joy, the tears, and the thought-provoking conversations on what it means to exist at the intersection of Blackness and performing arts.
Securing Your Bag While Doing What You Love – Gerald Caesar: Episode 99
We talk with Gerald Caesar, soon to be seen in the Dear Evan Hansen movie adaptation, about making his Broadway debut in A Bronx Tale, performing with Choir Boy on the Tony Awards, and navigating social media pressures and nuances.
Building My Own Castle - Tonya Pinkins: Episode 98
We talk with Tony winner Tonya Pinkins about what she learned from starring in Caroline, or Change, why she initially didn’t want to move to New York City, and how she grew from her experience as the writer-director-star of the award-winning socio-political horror film Red Pill.
Choosing Joy Daily - Jawan M. Jackson: Episode 97
We chat with Ain’t Too Proud star Jawan M. Jackson about how his support system encouraged him to pursue music, what his journey to New York City was like, and why he is committed to giving back.
Igniting The Fire This Time Festival: Episode 96
We talk with the leadership team of the Obie-winning The Fire This Time Festival—executive director and founder Kelley Girod, producer Julienne Hairston, associate producer and director of TFTT New Works Lab A.J. Muhammad, and artistic director Cezar Williams—about how the festival has cultivated the feeling of family, why freedom of voice is essential for Black playwrights, and what has changed for them as an organization and as individuals in 2020.
Rollin’ With My Homies - Zurin Villanueva: Episode 95
We chat with Broadway performer Zurin Villanueva about what she gained from attending Howard University, how she felt performing in the musical adaptations of the iconic movies Clueless and Mean Girls, and why learning from Savion Glover in Shuffle Along changed her dance game.
Leaning Into What Works – Adrienne Walker: Episode 94
We talk with The Lion King and Kiss Me, Kate star Adrienne Walker about studying vocal performance at Spelman College, fighting assumptions as a Black soprano, and launching her multimedia series 32 Bar Cut.
Connecting in Glorious, Humanistic Ways – Ty Jones: Episode 93
We chat with Ty Jones, the Producing Artistic Director of Classical Theatre of Harlem and an award-winning stage actor (NAACP, OBIE) about rebuilding the organization to make an uptown impact, finding inspiration for programming, and creating theatre that is all about the people.
Crossing the Finish Line Together – Brian Moreland: Episode 92
We talk with Tony-nominated producer and recently named Global Producer of the Year Brian Moreland about the producer contributions to diversifying audiences, the need to break free of hamster-wheel conversations, and the necessity of rediscovering the North Star of Theatre.
Educating for the Win(s) – Tali Allen: Episode 91
We talk with The Muny’s Director of Education Tali Allen about when she fell in love with music education, what her Gen Z students have taught her, and why being “the only” can feel both exhausting, yet rewarding.
Pivoting With Purpose – Marty Austin Lamar: Episode 90
We chat with actor-musician and Howard University’s BFA Musical Theatre Coordinator Marty Austin Lamar about the dare that led him to musical theatre, the power of education in the pursuit of equity, and the lessons he brings from his acting career to the classroom.
Shaping the Conversation as an Artist-Scholar – Dr. Lisa B. Thompson: Episode 89
We talk with award-winning playwright, author, and University of Texas professor Dr. Lisa B. Thompson about why theatre is like a postcard, the importance of intergenerational connections, and how her work in academia and the theatre world inform each other.
Disrupting the State of the Art – Khalilah Elliott: Episode 88
We chat with marketing executive and entrepreneur Khalilah Elliott about finding mentorship as Black women in the performing arts space, working at iconic institutions like the Apollo Theater and Disney Theatrical, and forming her own company, Gafford Communications.
Becoming (An Entrepreneur) – ChiChi Anyanwu: Episode 87
We talk with talent manager and entrepreneur ChiChi Anyanwu about her game-changing experience at the McCarter Theatre, the origin story of creating her own management company, and the important three C-words that inform her work with her clients.
Investigating the Possibilities – Kyle Taylor Parker: Episode 86
Welcome to the land of Kyle Taylor Parker! We talk about his liberating experience in Kinky Boots, infusing his truth into his work, and producing his solo album Broadway Soul, Vol. 2 during the time of the ‘Rona.
Living the Life You’re Supposed to Live – Jhanaë Bonnick: Episode 85
We chat with Jhanaë Bonnick about her journey to and life as a Broadway stage manager— the lighting cue that made her fall in love with it, three skills she recommends for success, and the important foundation she considered when building Slave Play's stage management team.
Conducting the Music of Something Beginning – Kalena Bovell: Episode 84
We talk with Memphis Symphony’s assistant conductor Kalena Bovell about finding her love of music by accident, inspiring the next generation of classical musicians, and collaborating with Rob McClure on the Ragtime-themed Conductor Cam music video.
Commencing Season 5 With a Look to the Future — Nick Daly: Episode 83
After a tumultuous and unpredictable year that completely shook up the world, we’re back at the mic and looking to the future! The season five premiere episode kicks off with Nick Daly, a musical theatre and playwriting student at the University of Michigan and the winner of Playbill’s Search for a Star contest. We discuss his experience of performing in the first high school production of The Scottsboro Boys, rising to TikTok fame, and protesting in Kenosha this summer with a Gen Z perspective.
(I’m) Coming Out – Candice Marie Woods: Episode 82
It’s call and response’s season four finale and we want the world to know! Kick off the final Friday of Black History Month with Candice Marie Woods. We chat about immersing themselves in queer culture, addressing misconceptions about trans and nonbinary folx, and navigating crossover appeal like their onstage counterpart in Ain’t Too Proud, Diana Ross.
Leading With Yourself - Cody Renard Richard: Episode 81
Episode 81, go! In season four’s penultimate episode, we talk with Broadway production stage manager Cody Renard Richard all about stage management life—from his favorite part of putting up a show to what skills will help you succeed to what myth about the job he’d like to bust.
Creating a New Form — Raja Feather Kelly: Episode 80
We talk with director-choreographer Raja Feather Kelly about why he started the feath3r theory, what he finds rewarding about his work at the intersection of theatre and dance, and what he’s accomplishing with We’re Gonna Die, currently playing at Second Stage Theater.
Measuring Your Life in Broadway (Marketing) — Stevie Coleman: Episode 79
We chat with Stevie Coleman, an account executive at SpotCo! She breaks down what it’s like to work at a Broadway advertising agency, how she merged her two passions of theatre and marketing, and her most memorable opening night experience.
Call and Response LIVE: A Threepeat – BroadwayCon 2020: Episode 78
We’re kicking off Black History Month a day early with a THREEPEAT! For Call and Response’s third live show at BroadwayCon, we chat about the intersection of blackness and Broadway with Tina Turner Musical’s Destinee Rea, We’re Gonna Die’s Janelle McDermoth, Ain’t Too Proud’s Jelani Remy, Head Over Heels’ Taylor Iman Jones, and SURPRISE GUEST: Frozen’s Aisha Jackson!
Overcoming Snitching Moms and Other Obstacles – Kevin Curtis: Episode 77
Give five hurrahs and twelve hip-hips for Kevin Curtis! We dive into his experience (and the optics of) playing LeFou in Beauty in the Beast, his first two TV appearances on Pose and Younger, and how his Grandma inspired him to start performing.
Feeling Good and Feeling Seen – Eboni Booth: Episode 76
We chat with actor-playwright Eboni Booth about feeling isolated as the only black woman in a space, transitioning from actor to Juilliard playwright fellow, and making her Off-Broadway playwriting debut with Paris, currently playing at Atlantic Stage 2.
Get tickets to Paris here: https://atlantictheater.org/production/paris/
Enriching the Community With Joy – Eric Lockley: Episode 75
We talk with award-winning actor-producer-writer-creative Eric Lockley about creating work that is meaningful, winning Apollo Theater Amateur Night (THRICE), and uplifting voices with The Movement Theatre Company and Harlem 9.
Providing the Medicinal Hope – Jordan E. Cooper: Episode 74
Kick off the new decade with a double-dose of Capricorn energy in this very special episode as Felicia lives out her fan-girl dreams with Ain’t No Mo’s Jordan E. Cooper! We chat with the award-winning playwright and actor about creating theatre as a kid in Texas, writing for television, and providing a hopeful space for black theatregoers. Plus, an exclusive performance of Ain’t No Mo’s powerful “Easy” monologue.
Retiring from the BS – Zeniba Now: Episode 73
It's call and response's final episode of 2019 and the DECADE (but don’t worry, there’s more episodes for season 4 ahead!). We talk with musical storyteller Zeniba Now about her experience with Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal’s BARS Workshop at the Public Theater, the differences between the West and East coast, and her mystical epic The Loophole.
Trusting the Process - James Roberts IV: Episode 72
After a chance meeting outside of Broadway Dance Center, we chat with James Roberts IV about finding his way back to performance after majoring in marketing, creating his own content, and reenergizing yourself as an artist.
Inviting Folks to the Theatre Party – Jim Joseph: Episode 71
We chat with ART/NY’s Director of Operations and TedxBroadway alum Jim Joseph about his journey to theatre, the rewards and challenges of working in arts administration, and NFL’s Rooney Rule that inspired his TedxBroadway talk.
Diggin’ It (Uh Uh Uh) – Khleo Thomas: Episode 70
Before you go and dig those holes, listen to our latest episode as we chat with actor-entrepreneur Khleo Thomas about working on the iconic Disney movie Holes, transitioning to telling stories through music, and evolving into a multi-faceted identity.
Saying Yes to This (Transformation) – Jasmine Cephas Jones: Episode 69
We chat with Jasmine Cephas Jones about her favorite Hamilton memories, her childhood in the downtown theatre scene, and the lessons she learned returning to the stage in the musical adaptation of Cyrano, currently playing Off-Broadway.
Igniting (New) Fires in the Mirror – Michael Benjamin Washington: Episode 68
We talk with Michael Benjamin Washington about transitioning from Texas to New York City, preserving black and queer history through his writing, and finding specificity for the 28 characters he plays in the revival of Anna Deavere Smith’s Fires in the Mirror, currently playing at Signature Theatre.
Working From a Place of Abundance – Marchánt Davis: Episode 67
We chat with Marchánt Davis about the importance of finding abundance as an artist, the magic created in the Ain’t No Mo’ rehearsal room, and the dramaturgy for his role in The Great Society, currently running at Lincoln Center Theater.
Diversifying Diversity – Miranda Haymon: Episode 66
Ready for some Big Virgo Energy?! We talk with director Miranda Haymon about investigating conclusions in the rehearsal room, operating in all-white spaces, and promoting Diversity with a capital “D.”
Monstering the World – Whitney White: Episode 65
We talk with Susan Stroman Award-winning director and creator Whitney White about finding rhythms within scripts, code-switching within predominantly white spaces, and discovering the dynamics within for all the women who thought they were Mad, currently running at Soho Rep. Also check out the other show Whitney recently directed, Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, currently running at Second Stage.
Telling Our Future - Derrick Davis: Episode 64
The Phantom of the Opera is here! We talk with Derrick Davis, the titular star of Phantom’s national tour about the cosmic journey to fulfill his Phantom destiny, the nuances of playing Carousel's Billy Bigelow as a black man, and the importance of sharing truthful stories of black experiences.
Celebrating Season 4 The Glinda Way - Brittney Johnson: Episode 63
Let us be glad and let us be grateful, because we are BACK for season four, y’all! For our premiere episode, we talk with Brittney Johnson about the nuances of making history as Wicked’s first black Glinda, the freedom in not limiting yourself, and the importance of finding a character's essence.
Claiming the Space – Lynn Nottage: Episode 62
And like that, another call and response season is complete! For the season three finale, we talk with two-time Pulitzer Prize winner (and one of Felicia’s personal heroes) Lynn Nottage about approaching every play in a new way, ignoring the restrictions put on black women writers, and tapping into her musical roots for her current project, Secret Life of Bees, at Atlantic Theater.
Building Our Sandcastles of Art – Jelani Alladin: Episode 61
For season three’s penultimate episode we talk with Jelani Alladin about originating the role of Kristoff in Frozen on Broadway, exploring identity through writing, and acknowledging an artist’s superpower to change the world.
Celebrating Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations: Episode 60
Get ready, 'cause here they come! With just a week away from the 2019 Tony Awards, we got to celebrate the 12-time Tony-nominated Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. Hosted LIVE at Lululemon, we talk with Jarvis Manning Jr., Jahi Kearse, Edgar Godineaux, and Esther Antoine about bringing The Temps to the stage, navigating "cross-over appeal," and connecting moments from 1960s to now.
Finding Your Glory – Glory: Episode 59
We talk with Glory about finding her way to stand-up comedy (and back again), embracing moments of failure, and pushing back against racism and sexism in the comedy industry through her shows Strawberry Milk and Pretty Funny Friends.
Writing Towards Freedom – Chisa Hutchinson: Episode 58
We talk with award-winning writer Chisa Hutchinson about fighting assumptions, working as Lynn Nottage’s assistant, and exploring her sense of duality in her new Audible-commissioned play Proof of Love, currently running at Minetta Lane.
Erasing the Line – Kent Gash: Episode 57
Get ready for a full-circle moment that was eight years in the making! We chat with NYU Tisch New Studio on Broadway’s Founding Director and professor (who is also a full-time director!) Kent Gash about navigating between academia and the professional theatre world, creating a safe space for students in higher education, and examining (and humanizing) the world of incarceration.
Collaborating For The Truth; or, We Go Together – Saheem Ali: Episode 56
This week, we chat our first director guest! Saheem Ali discusses what excites him when reading a script, why immigrating to America changed his perspective on theatre, and how a trip to London—and a production of Grease—changed his life.
You can read Saheem's essay about Grease in the New York Times here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/15/theater/grease-in-a-nairobi-high-school-saheem-ali-on-his-first-time-directing.html
Feeling Like Home – Tiffany Denise Hobbs: Episode 55
We talk with Tiffany Denise Hobbs about acting in Donald Glover’s Atlanta on FX and Sara Bareilles’ Waitress on Broadway, overcoming the feeling of being an outsider as the only black student in ballet class, and accessing your ancestral home through art.