Beltline to Broadway

Dana Costello joins the pod squad to discuss how performing in Suffs built her confidence on and off the stage, the importance of regional theater, and her long-running involvement with the upcoming musical Joy. Dana is performing in the Theatre Raleigh production of The Trip to Bountiful alongside four-time Emmy Award-winner Kim Zimmer. Dana Costello is a talented actress and vocalist known for her work in theater, television, and digital media. She has appeared on Broadway in Jekyll & Hyde, Finding Neverland, and Suffs and has starred in numerous regional theater productions, including Miss Saigon, Little Women, and RENT. Costello has also made television appearances, notably in Law & Order, and participated in digital projects like A Killer Party: A Murder Mystery Musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan McGinnis joins the pod squad to reflect on her dual career as an actor and director, her experience touring, and the challenges of performing opposite a demon with issues on the national tour of Beetlejuice. Whether you're a longtime Beetlejuice fan or new to the musical, this conversation offers a heartfelt and entertaining glimpse behind the scenes. Megan McGinnis is a talented actress and singer currently touring with the national production of Beetlejuice. Best known for her acclaimed performance as Eponine in Les Misérables and her Drama Desk-nominated role in Daddy Long Legs, McGinnis has an extensive Broadway and touring resume, including roles in Little Women, Beauty and the Beast, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. With her powerful vocals and heartfelt performances, she continues to captivate audiences nationwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miki Abraham joins the pod squadd to share their journey with Shucked, from its early days as The Hee Haw Musical to Broadway and beyond. They discuss the evolution of the production, the creative team's commitment to adapting the show to its performers, and the empowering experience of playing Lulu. We also explore deeper themes of identity, representation, and the importance of showing up authentically in the theater industry. Plus, Mickey reflects on the impact of their performance on audiences across the country and the importance of creating space for queer and non-binary voices in the arts. Miki Abraham They/them. Broadway: Shucked(OBC), Off-Broadway: A Sign Of The Times at New World Stages. National Tour: Once On This Island, and Beautiful. Beyond the stage they are the owner of Castle In The Sky Self-Esteem and Career Coaching, sharing joy and empowerment through transparency and tough love. They live by a life and business motto of "The most important story you will ever tell is the one you tell yourself about yourself”@mikiabraham_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norbert Leo Butz and Lauren Kennedy reunite to reflect on their journey as the original Cathy and Jamie in The Last Five Years. They share behind-the-scenes stories about the show's development, including how Jason Robert Brown shaped the music around their performances. The conversation explores the challenges of performing such an emotionally intense two-person musical, the struggles of engaging audiences with its unconventional structure, and how the show deeply influenced their personal and professional lives. Norbert Leo Butz is a two-time Tony Award-winning actor known for his powerhouse performances in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Catch Me If You Can, and My Fair Lady. A versatile performer across stage and screen, he has appeared in TV series such as Bloodline, Fosse/Verdon, and Debris. Lauren Kennedy, a celebrated Broadway actress, is known for her roles in Sunset Boulevard, Side Show, and Spamalot. Beyond performing, she has made a name for herself as a producer and director, shaping the next generation of theater artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Carol de Giere (Defying Gravity) joins the podcast to explore the fascinating history and unsung stories behind Pippin. Hear how Stephen Schwartz developed the show as a student at Carnegie Mellon, about his creative clashes with legendary director Bob Fosse, and how the 2013 revival reimagined the production (and ending) for a new generation. Carol also shares insights into Schwartz’s songwriting process, his musical influences—from Carole King to Paul Simon—and why Pippin remains timeless over 50 years after its premiere. Carol de Giere is the author of Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked, an in-depth biography chronicling the life and work of the legendary composer. Through extensive interviews with Schwartz and his collaborators, she provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind iconic musicals like Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked. Carol is also the creator of The Schwartz Scene, an online newsletter dedicated to fans of Stephen Schwartz’s work. Love what you hear on the podcast? Join the pod squad by joining our online community! Dive deeper into the episodes, share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow listeners. Visit https://beltlinetobroadway.org/register-2/ to join our theater fam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices