The Cosmic Curtain

Mean Girls The Musical is currently on its North American Tour and playing at the Fisher Theater as part of the Broadway in Detroit series of shows from November 19 through the 24. Before its arrival, we spoke with one of its stars, Joshua Morrisey, who plays Damian! In this exclusive Cosmic Circus Broadway interview, Morrisey talks about his time on Mean Girls The Musical so far! Joining the production a few months back during the musical's Toronto stop, Morrisey has been working hard to bring his own spin to Damian. He discusses how Mean Girls The Musical was his first foray into this story, how he has made this role unique to him, and what he looks forward to with each stop on tour! Morrisey also speaks about what resonates most with him about this musical and what he hopes audiences will take away from it.     For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  You can find the video of this podcast here on YouTube! https://youtu.be/NIsssaqKBiM

Join Brian and fellow co-host and Box Seat Babe RJ as we explore the show and life of one of the greatest musical prodigies of our time. In this MJ the Musical episode, we break the story on stage, how the musical uses an interesting transition technique to flash back and forth through Jackson's life, and how the music in this jukebox musical enhances the story. For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway  You can find the video of this podcast here on YouTube! https://youtu.be/bSwdEIsK2v8?si=g0rla0ZLMl3uE62O

On the day of its opening night, Brian Kitson sat down with the director of the Ridgedale Players' production of Fun Home, Scott Steiger. Steiger talks about the challenges of bringing this musical based on Allison Bechdel's work to life on stage, what his approach to directing is and how it may change depending on what level of actor he's working with, what makes this show unique and the perfect show for Ridgedale Players, and what's coming next at this theater that is a staple in the Metro Detroit community. Enjoy! This musical is real and raw in its presentation of sexuality, family relations, and mental illness. While many of these topics weren't openly discussed when Bechdel was growing up, Fun Home brings them to a modern audience and presents them in a new way. Find the video of this interview on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/VV1umfdin2Y     For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

The examination of the human condition and the factors that make up a person that are front and center in Ridgedale Players' production of Fun Home. While this in-depth look at what makes up a human is largely due to the incredible source material of queer cartoonist Alison Bechdel, magic is created on stage in the staple theatre in Troy, Michigan, as they bring it to life. Ahead of Fun Home's opening night, we sat down with one of the show's stars, Alan Neuwirth. Playing the patriarch of the Bechdel family, Neuwirth's Bruce is the emotional lynchpin of the show. In this interview, Neuwirth speaks on the themes of sexuality and mental illness, and the impact both have on a family. He describes where he draws from to play a role like Bruce and what he hopes audiences take away from a powerful show such as Fun Home. Enjoy! Find the video of this interview on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ3kKpNKZsw     For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

Everyone remembers their first time. It's unforgettable, isn't it? The awkward energy as you are surrounded by more experienced people just looking for a good time and showing the virgins how to do it. There's no denying that seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show live with a shadow cast is a life-changing experience that you definitely have to see to believe.  It's something that both hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko have not participated in until the recent showing of the cult classic at The Fisher Theatre! In honor of the 49th anniversary of the film, Broadway in Detroit threw a proper Rocky Horror party with all the bells and whistles people have come to expect from a production such as this! Joining our Box Seat Babes in this episode of The Cosmic Curtain is special guest Kylie Wieand, who has attended more screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show than she can count on her hands, serving as our resident expert about all things Rocky Horror. Listen as these three break down all the thrills and chills of the film, how the shadow cast and props add to the experience, and if they would attend another showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. And, of course, they share some of the audience's discussion with the legendary Patricia Quinn, who starred in both the film and the original stage production. Find a full video of this podcast here https://youtu.be/xSpzU6GgiWE For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

Based on a Tony Award-winning Musical, which in turn is based on a graphic novel by Queer cartoonist Alison Bechdel, Fun Home explores one woman's look inwardly at the family dynamics that made her. Family is messy, but so is life, and Fun Home examines how every decision (and every trauma) makes us who we are. This musical pushes away the black-and-white thinking people tend to have grown up with and instead exhumes the morally gray area that the adults in her past firmly existed. In this Cosmic Circus Broadway interview, Brian Kitson sat down with one of Ridgedale Player's Fun Home stars, Lori Knoth, who is playing Allison Bechdel herself. Knoth discusses her love for this story, which began back in New York City, her stance on Queer representation in theater, and how she conveys so many emotions in Fun Home without saying many lines. Enjoy!  Find the video of this interview on the YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/vYnD1hDmOL4?si=7LJ7v07tCdBb1o-Z     For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

With the Wicked movie adaptation just around the corner, The Cosmic Curtain host Brian Kitson wanted to revisit the novel and musical to explore what people can expect from the first Wicked movie. Joining him in this Wicked discussion is the incomparable Izzy Friedman, a fellow writer at The Cosmic Circus and Broadway enthusiast. Listen as the duo explores possible storylines that could be expanded upon, essential pieces of the story that need to be included, and why anything with Johnathan Bailey is worth watching.  Wicked arrives in theaters on November 22! Are you excited about the film? Have you seen the Broadway musical before? What did you think of this episode? Let us know your thoughts on social media @mycosmiccircus and @boxseatbabes! Wicked the movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Johnathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard and many more! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider sharing it with friends and following us on social media. Find the full video version of this podcast on YouTube @CosmicCircusBroadway or the website https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com

MJ the Musical explores Michael Jackson's life through the songs that made him a pop music sensation. Having won four Tony Awards and becoming one of the highest-grossing musicals of all time, it makes perfect sense that MJ The Musical would tour North America! Ahead of its premiere here in Detroit at The Fisher Theatre as a part of the Broadway in Detroit series of shows, Brian Kitson sat down with one of the show's stars, Devin Bowles, who plays Joe Jackson and Rob in MJ The Musical! In this exclusive Cosmic Circus Broadway interview, Bowles talks about his life journey from football player to Broadway star, what he connected with in this show, and what makes MJ The Musical so special! Enjoy! For the full video of this interview visit our YouTube channel @CosmicCircusBroadway at https://youtu.be/BHADOmAj1oM?si=-V50M_tBAhwGq2nz Please subscribe, comment and like for more!   MJ The Musical is at The Fisher Theatre in Detroit, Michigan from now until November 3, as a part of the Broadway in Detroit 2024-2025 season! This musical is currently in year two of its tour, so catch it when it arrives in a city near you!    For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

With Strangers on A Train beginning its run last week, we've sat down with Meadow Brook Theatre's Artistic Director, Travis Walter, along with stars of this play, Ron Williams and Stephen Blackwell! In this interview, the two stars and director discuss why Strangers on a Train felt like the perfect show to begin the season with, what drew them to the project, how some of the character decisions and motivations came to be, and how this production has challenged them all in their respective roles. Enjoy! Timestamps for this interview: 00:00 - Intro00:40 - How is production going so far with Strangers on a Train? What has the audience reaction been?04:35 - Talking about the opening scene, the banter and intensity and the dynamic between the characters.11:42 - Impressive performances from the actors provide a lot for the audience to take in with every performance15:27 - Perception of Guy's behavior from the audience16:47 - Book (by Patricia Highsmith) vs Alfred Hitchcock film vs the play. How the hero and villain roles are presented, and the motives of the characters.28:25 - The addition of "the mirror bit" 30:00- Balancing humor & charm with an equally terrifying character32:00 - Charles' return and audience reaction35:30 - Guy's reaction and guilt about what happened36;55 - Challenges of this production43:05 - What are you hoping audiences will take away from Strangers on a Train?47:20 - Outro

Simon Henriques and Skylar Fox wrote The Grown-Ups, which The Ringwald is opening up their 2024-2025 season with! The show opened this past weekend and runs through November 4, and just before its debut, we were able to sit down with the director of this production of The Grown-Ups, Jennifer Goff! In this exclusive interview, Goff discusses what drew her to wanting to direct this story, which themes stick out to her the most, and the challenges of transitioning an outdoor show to a black box theater. Enjoy!   Timestamps for this interview: 00:00 - Intro 00:34 - How is the rehearsal process going for The Grown-Ups? 01:05 - What is The Grown-Ups about? 02:08 - What drew you to this story? What makes it unique? 05:41 - The show is closing just before the 2024 election, why was this the right time to tell this story? 06:16 - Challenges of bringing this play and story to life on stage? 08:49 - As the director, what's your process bringing your ideas to the stage? 11:40 - What themes in The Grown-Ups resonate with you the most? 12:30 - Outdoor vs indoor shows 14:02 - What do you want audiences to walk away with from The Grown-Ups? 14:35 - Outro   For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

Ahead of the production's debut on October 25th, Brian Kitson sat down with Krista Schafer, the director of the University of Detroit Mercy's Witch. In this interview, Schafer discusses what drew her to this production, how working with college actors differs from some of her past directorial work, how she's grown in this role, and what themes from Witch resonate with her the most. Enjoy the interview! Timestamps for this interview: 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - How are rehearsals going so far for Witch? 03:43 - Managing technical aspects of the show as the director 07:35 - About Witch 09:45 - What makes this show unique 13:49 - How as Witch been updated from the original story? 14:25 - Exploring gender and gender roles in Witch 18:23 - Process of bringing a show like this to stage 22:48 - How has Witch challenged you as a director? 25:02 - Themes in this play that resonate the most with you? 27:27 - What's next for you? 29:15 - Outro For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus @ boxseatbabes or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircusbroadway

If you're looking for the perfect stage show for Halloween, the University of Detroit Mercy's theatre department has the show for you, as they bring Jen Silverman's Witch to life on their stage! Ahead of the production's debut, I sat down with one of the Witch's cast members, Katherine Mutschler, a senior at the university. In this interview, Mutscheler discusses her role in the play, how this production has pushed her as an actor, what she's most excited for audiences to take away from Witch, and where she sees her future in show business going. Enjoy the interview! If you're in the Metro Detroit area, grab your tickets for University of Detroit Mercy's Witch, which runs for six shows beginning October 25! Timestamps for this interview: 00:00 - Intro00:35 - How are the rehearsals for Witch going so far?01:45 - About Witch, the premise for the show and Kathrine's role in it.03:40 - How the show has been updated/modernized from an old Jacobean story/play?05:35 - Why tell this story now? A good story to tell for around Halloween.07:03 - How does your character evolve over the course of the story?08:30 - How has this production pushed you as an actor?09:30 - What are the themes in Witch that resonate with you the most?11:16  - Standout moments in the production12:43 - What has been your experience with the University of Detroit Mercy's theatre department so far?14:32 - Do you plan to continue acting after graduation?15:20 - What is your dream role to play?17:17 - What do you hope audiences take away from Witch?19:10 - Show info, and outro For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @ mycosmiccircus and @ boxseatbabes and find the video version of this interview on our YouTube channel @CosmicCircusBroadway https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicCircusBroadway

The second show in Broadway in Detroit's 2024-2025 season, Some Like It Hot is an adaptation of a 1959 film starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe! This musical adaptation is not an exact remake of the film, as it makes some major updates to some of the stories and characters. Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko were excited to discuss the show and have a fascinating in-depth discussion! Brian and RJ discuss some of the changes, how their personal experience helped to dictate their enjoyment of the show, stand-out performances, and moments from Some Like It Hot, and if they would see it again. Catch Some Like It Hot when it arrives in a city near you! Timestamps 00:00 - Intros 00:53 - SPOILER warning for Some Like it Hot the musical and the movie discussed in this podcast, and general info about the show. 04:45 - Changes to the ethnicity of some of the characters from the film to POC. 09:30 - Sugar (Marilyn Monroe's character in the 1959 film) and the musical having a more modern approach to her character. 13:30 - Daphne/Jerry (Jack Lemmon's character in the film) and differences from the film. How the musical approaches a trans storyline. 20:18 - The older generation's reaction to the musical's trans aspects. (RJ's mom POV) 23:14 - Comparing this musical to how & Juliet handled a trans character, and audience reactions. 26:47 - Questions for the writers about the approach to the trans storyline. 27:14 - Moulin Rouge and & Juliet and aspects of the Jukebox musical having less of an impact on some audiences than a show like Some Like It Hot does for certain subjects. 28:45 - The crossdressing aspects of the film and shows like Mrs. Doubtfire and using it for comedy.  33:17 - Big band and the music in Some Like It Hot 38:31 - Stand out performers in the show 41:35 - The jokes and humor in the show 45:49 - Weak points 45:00 - The costumes and set 48:20 - Rewatchability of Some Like it Hot the musical 49:45 - Outros   For more Broadway musical and theatre coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com and follow @ mycosmiccircus and @ boxseatbabes on social media for updates!

Broadway in Detroit is looking towards the next show that is arriving in just a few weeks. Some Like It Hot, an adaptation of the 1959 film starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, opens in the Metro Detroit area on October 1st! We sat down with Stephen Michael Langton, who is a part of the ensemble as well as the understudy for Osgood! In this interview, Langton spoke about how the show (in previews at the time of recording) is developing, what the challenges are for his roles, how he balances his mental health on the road, and his love of gaming. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - About Some Like It Hot and what drew you to this show? 04:27 - Audition process 06:42 - Challenges to playing two different roles in the show. 10:20 - Getting into character 12:00 - How being in Newsies helped prepare you for Some Like It Hot 13:45 - Being a gamer: PC vs console and "comfort games." 15:35 - Protecting your mental health while on the road. 17:40 - How your role in Some Like It Hot pushes you as an actor 19:30 - Is there anything special or specific you try to do as you visit different cities during the tour? 21:50 - Outros Find the video version of this interview and more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicCircusBroadway For more Broadway coverage, visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus

Hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko saw Moulin Rouge! The Musical on opening night at the Detroit Opera House and couldn't wait to share their thoughts in the latest episode of The Cosmic Curtain! In this episode, they break down some of the show's highs and lows, whether the addition of more pop songs to the stage show from the film enhances the show or detracts from it, and how the duality of the tones works with the message of the show. Plus, listen as they discuss who the true villain of the musical is!    Timestamps: Moulin Rouge! The Musical discussion and review 00:00 - Intros00:45 - The 2001 Baz Luhrmann film which the musical is based on05:00 - SPOILER WARNING for the movie and the musical05:30 - Was the Moulin Rouge! The Musical a good adaptation of the movie?08:50 - The 2 tones to the story, romance and tragedy. 11:00 - Issues/problems that effect enjoyment of a show and things that can go wrong18:00 - Balancing the tragedy for the audience, and what stood out about the show 20:00 - Learning to love again22:20 - Differences with the Duke in the musical and film27:16 - Harold Zidler and his relationship with Satine. Is Zidler a villain?35:10 - Juke Box Musicals and songs in this musical. 43:30 - Audience interaction in this show46:21 - Best songs in Moulin Rouge! The Musical49:45 - Stand-outs from the cast in the show54:15 - The use of lights in this show57:27 - RJ's sister and the confetti cannon. The joy of theatre. 01:00:00 - Overall/final thoughts on this show. 01:05:33 - Rewatchability of Moulin Rouge! The Musical01:07:00 - Outros For more information, and tickets visit: https://moulinrougemusical.com/us-tour/home/ For the full video interview, visit YouTube @CosmicCircusBroadway  and for more Broadway coverage visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com

Hello, chickens! And welcome to the Moulin Rouge, a magical place full of wonder and excitement! We're beyond excited for Moulin Rouge the Musical to finally make it to Detroit, as it's one of our favorites! Based on the 2001 Baz Luhrmann musical of the same name, this revamped jukebox musical brings a healthy dose of romance and just as much drama. Moulin Rouge the Musical is spending just about three weeks in Detroit, so ahead of its arrival, we sat down with Robert Petkoff, who stars as Harold Zidler in the show! In this interview, Petkoff discusses what drew him to this role, what his audition process was like, how he balances the tonally difference aspects of the show, what some of the challenges have been to bringing Harold Zidler to life, and how his background in Shakespearean theater has helped him with his role in Moulin Rouge! Timestamps for this interview: 00:00 - Intro01:30 - Robert Petkoff talks about his character Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge02:40 - The pop songs featured in Moulin Rouge the Musical04:50 - Seeing it in NYC, an incredibly fun show05:20 - Changes to The Duke's character, movie vs musical06:33 - What sets the musical apart from the movie?09:15 - The casting process15:00 - Petkoff on what drew him to the character?18:25 - Leading those big musical numbers19:40 - Laughter in the performance20:45 - Process to get into character23:14 - Most challenging aspect of the part?26:15 - How has your Shakespearean background helped with this role?28:36 - Shows in one spot vs touring32:20 - Traditions on tour, things to do in different cities27:27 - Outros For more information, and tickets visit: https://moulinrougemusical.com/us-tour/home/ For the full video interview, visit YouTube @CosmicCircusBroadway  and for more Broadway coverage visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com

This weekend at The Ringwald Theatre located inside of The Affirmations building in Ferndale, MI, the Ringwald Reprise presents Applause, the first show of its kind at the theater! Being described as a staged concert version of the 1970 Tony Award-Winning musical, which in turn is based on the film All About Eve, Applause is looking to charm the audience once again! In this Interview, director and cast member Joe Bailey discusses why now felt like the right time to bring this frequently overlooked musical to The Ringwald, what it's like to be both a cast member and the director of the show, how it takes a village to bring a musical to life, and where he sees this staged concert series going in the future. For more information, and tickets visit: http://www.theringwald.com/production... For the full video interview, visit YouTube @CosmicCircusBroadway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfIbiSn_KNY&t=1s

Listen in as RJ Miller-Zelinko and Brian Kitson share their experience with Shrek from childhood to a more recent live show based on the beloved film Shrek The Musical via it's North America Tour. Have you seen Shrek the Musical? What was your experience? Let us know your thoughts on social media @mycosmiccircus and @boxseatbabes or comment below! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider sharing it with friends and following us on social media, or joining our Discord. Timestamps 00:00 - intro 01:41 - Childhood memories of watching the original Shrek movie 08:20 - Discussing Shrek the Musical and the complicated logistics of adapting the film to stage. 11:20 - Changes from the original version of the musical 17:20 - Shrek's backstory added to musical 19:41 - Lord Farquaad changes in the musical vs the original 23:43 - "Freak Flag" 25:01 - Comedic choices and changes in the musical 28:10 - Best performances in most recent viewing of Shrek The Musical North America tour stop in Michigan. 32:55 - The music in this show 38:16 - Staging and costume for Fiona's transformation, the Dragon and other effects 44:16 - What is the rewatch value of this show? 48:50 - Coming up next for Broadway in Detroit: Moulin Rouge 01:02:00 - Outro Podcast credits and show notes Contributors/Writers Brian Kitson RJ Miller-Zelinko Executive Producer/Editor Lizzie Hill FMI about Shrek the Musical's North America Tour visit https://shrekthemusicaltour.com/ For a written review by Brian visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com/shrek-the-musical-tour-review/ For Brian's exclusive interview with Timmy Lewis (Lord Farquaad) visit https://broadway.thecosmiccircus.com/exclusive-interview-timmy-lewis-talks-shrek-the-musical/ Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus

It's been about a month since our last episode of The Cosmic Curtain came out, which kicked off our new podcast dedicated to our love of Broadway and theatre in general. While we're waiting for the 2024-2025 season of Broadway in Detroit to begin, which kicks off with Shrek the Musical, we've been filling our time with local productions around our neck of the woods. With a few different shows on both the community and professional level, we decided it was high time to boot up the cameras and switch on our microphones because we had to share all our excitement about some fantastic Michigan theater. Listen as hosts RJ Miller-Zelinko and Brian Kitson discuss three recent shows featuring a mixture of musicals and plays. Beginning with OnOurOwnProductions of Beauty and the Beast, we cover The Ringwald's Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors and finish with Nicely Theatre Group's Guys and Dolls. With standout moments and aspects of each show, the Box Seat Babes discuss what made each production unique and what they look forward to seeing from the groups in the future. Check out the video of this podcast on our YouTube channel @CosmicCircusBroadway! What are some local shows you've seen? What did you think of this episode? Let us know your thoughts on social media @mycosmiccircus and @boxseatbabes! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider sharing it with friends and following us on social media, or joining our Discord.   Contributors/Writers Brian KitsonRJ Miller-Zelinko Executive Producer/Editor Lizzie Hill Recorded on 07/29/2024 A companion article for this podcast is available at broadway.thecosmiccircus.com

I'm sure everyone in my age bracket remembers the Dreamworks film Shrek. Released in 2001, the story follows the disgruntled green orge who wants peace in his swamp. But first, he has to save a princess from a tower and return her to the Lord of the land. However, nothing is as simple as it seems, and Shrek finds himself in the middle of some hilarious hijinx and possibly even falls in love. This animated film is beloved by so many, so much so that it's spawned three sequels, with Shrek 5 in development. It's ripe with opportunity and has a larger-than-life story, making it the perfect tale for theatre! And so Shrek the Musical was born! I sat down with Timmy Lewis, who plays Lord Farquaad, and we chatted about his time with the show! In this interview, Lewis discusses how his relationship with Shrek has changed from a child growing up with the film, to starring in the show's North American Tour. He breaks down how the show has developed and grown, such as adding original music and how it's changed from the original Broadway show. Lewis shares how he's made the role his own, and the difficulties of shifting and letting go of the past iterations of this character to make it uniquely his.   Host: Brian Kitson Producer/Editor: Lizzie Hill Find the companion article to this interview and more at broadway.thecosmiccircus.com