Beltline to Broadway

Gerianne Perez (Operation Mincemeat) joins the pod squad to talk about her journey from singing in her high school's show choir to Broadway. Hear what she has to say about the importance of representation in theater, the quiet confidence learned from working with powerhouse women, and the performer mindset that helps overcome nerves. Gerianne Perez is a powerhouse performer known for her soaring vocals, emotional depth, and commanding stage presence. A proud New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent, she has built a dynamic career spanning Broadway and several national tours. She made her Broadway debut in the groundbreaking a cappella musical In Transit and went on to appear in Waitress, where her vocal strength and heartfelt performance left a lasting mark. Most recently, she is standing by for the tour de force role of Montagu in the U.S. premiere of the West End hit Operation Mincemeat, earning praise for her comedic brilliance and versatility in one of the most buzzed-about new musicals of the season. Her national tour credits include Vocalosity, Waitress, and the original U.S. Boleyn Tour company of SIX, where she originated the role of Catherine of Aragon. Gerianne has also worked extensively in regional theatre, bringing warmth, wit, and vocal fire to both classic and contemporary roles. For more information visit www.gerianneperez.com. Be sure to follow Beltline to Broadway on social media @beltlinetobroadway OR visit us online at www.beltlinetobroadway.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode dives into the play Native and the independent film adaptation The Problem of the Hero, both of which explore the relationship and ideological conflict between literary figures Richard Wright and Paul Green. The conversation delves into themes of racism, patriotism, artistic integrity, censorship, and the role of art in driving social change. David zum Brunnen is a seasoned actor, director, and theater-maker with decades of experience in both classical and contemporary work. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Paul Green in Native and The Problem of the Hero, roles that reflect his longstanding interest in the life and legacy of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. In addition to acting, zum Brunnen is also a respected educator and producer, known for fostering collaborative ensemble work and promoting historically significant narratives. J. Mardrice Henderson is an accomplished actor and storyteller known for his dynamic stage presence and thoughtful portrayals of complex characters. A classically trained performer with a passion for social justice and truth-telling through art, Henderson first came to prominence through his role as Richard Wright in the stage play Native, later reprising the role in the award-winning independent film The Problem of the Hero. His performance earned acclaim for its emotional depth and fierce authenticity. Outside of acting, Henderson is an educator and advocate for equity in the arts, often lending his voice to discussions around representation and cultural integrity in storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of the Beltline to Broadway podcast, hosted by Lauren Van Hemert, spotlights a new production of Hairspray at Thalian Hall in Wilmington, NC. What makes this production unique is its powerful blend of Broadway alumni, live TV experience, and hair-raising (literally) design, brought together by the Opera House Theatre Company. Melissa VanPelt is a native of Memphis TN and a graduate of AMDA(The American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in NYC. Theater credits include Hairspray on Broadway, Hairspray National Tour, Once On this Island, Ain’t Misbehavin', Purlie and Fame. Live Entertainment credits include Hairspray with The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Spirit cruises, Cedar Point, Libertyland, and The USO Show Troupe. Rhon Saunders is a dynamic performer and choreographer whose career bridges the worlds of stage and screen. A featured dancer in NBC’s Hairspray Live!, Rhon’s high-energy performance and deep understanding of the show's iconic choreography brought him national attention and solidified his connection to the Hairspray legacy. With over a decade of professional dance experience, Rhon has worked across theater, television, and live entertainment, bringing both charisma and precision to every project he touches. As co-choreographer for the Opera House Theatre Company’s production of Hairspray, Rhon combines his lived experience in the show with a thoughtful, inclusive approach to storytelling through movement. Erin Sullivan is a seasoned performer and wig designer whose connection to Hairspray spans decades and roles. She starred as Amber Von Tussle in the national tour from 2008 to 2010 and now returns to the stage as Velma, bringing full-circle flair and fierce comedic timing to the Opera House Theatre Company’s production. A true multi-hyphenate, Erin also serves as the show's wig supervisor, drawing on her deep knowledge of character transformation and period styling. Her passion for theatrical storytelling—both onstage and backstage—makes her an invaluable part of the Hairspray legacy and a beloved mentor to rising performers. Links: Opera House Theatre Company Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Woodall joins the pod squad to discuss the 2025 Tony Awards season, with reflections on Broadway trends, productions, performers, and predictions across various categories. Eric Woodall is a nationally respected theater director, casting professional, and arts leader with deep roots in both Broadway and regional theater. Currently serving as the Producing Artistic Director of Theatre Raleigh, Eric is known for his visionary leadership, dynamic productions, and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Before returning to North Carolina, Eric spent over a decade as a casting director for Broadway and national tours with Tara Rubin Casting in New York City. His casting credits include blockbuster productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Billy Elliot, and Mamma Mia!. A former Tony Awards voter, Eric brings an insider's perspective to the Broadway industry, blending a love for new works with a reverence for classic storytelling. His creative lens is marked by innovation, inclusivity, and an enduring passion for reimagining beloved works—traits evident in his acclaimed regional productions of Gypsy, Parade, August: Osage County, and Ragtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thoughtful and heartfelt episode, host Lauren Van Hemert sits down with acclaimed actor, producer, and musician Brandon Victor Dixon to discuss his artistic journey, advocacy, and newly released single, "Maybe." Known for roles in Hamilton and The Color Purple, Dixon opens up about the soulfulness behind his music, the importance of civic engagement, and the power of storytelling in creating social change. The episode serves as both an inspiring dialogue and a wake-up call—reminding listeners that allyship and anti-racism are continuous commitments. Lauren reflects on her own biases, thanking Dixon for challenging her perspective and deepening the conversation. Brandon Victor Dixon is a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy-nominated performer, producer, and activist best known for his unforgettable performances in Broadway hits like Hamilton, The Color Purple, and Shuffle Along. A graduate of Columbia University, Dixon has built a celebrated career defined by versatility and purpose. He originated the role of Harpo in The Color Purple, earned critical acclaim as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, and captivated television audiences as Judas in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. His dynamic talents extend behind the scenes as well—he is a co-founder of WalkRunFly Productions, a company committed to developing socially conscious theater and amplifying diverse voices. Beyond the spotlight, Dixon is a passionate advocate for equity, civic engagement, and social justice. He’s used his platform to speak out on issues ranging from voting rights to arts accessibility and is widely recognized for his bold 2016 message to then-Vice President Mike Pence during a Hamilton curtain call. Most recently, Dixon released his soul-stirring single “Maybe,” a musical meditation on collective responsibility and hope, inspired in part by James Baldwin. With every performance and project, Dixon continues to challenge, uplift, and inspire audiences through the intersection of art and activism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices