The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

We are talking NYTW In The Bricks — an exciting collection of bold theatrical works presented by New York Theatre Workshop and National Black Theatre that celebrates fearless storytelling and unforgettable performances. This powerful lineup includes The Peculiar Patriot by Liza Jessie Peterson in association with Lena Waithe, The Unexpected 3rd… by Kathryn Grody, Mention My Beauty by Leslie Ayvazian, and Sardines by Chris Grace. Each production brings a unique voice, perspective, and emotional journey to the stage while highlighting the transformative power of live theatre. From deeply personal stories to sharp humor and social commentary, these productions showcase why New York Theatre Workshop continues to be one of the most exciting homes for innovative theatre in America. Whether tackling incarceration, identity, family, culture, or connection, In The Bricks brings together artists who challenge audiences while creating unforgettable moments onstage. Theatre lovers — this is the kind of work that keeps the art form alive and thriving! Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, Roku, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio & more! Follow us at The Roundtable with Robert Bannon and visit RobertBannon.com for Broadway, entertainment, celebrity interviews, theatre news, music, and more! #NYTW #NewYorkTheatreWorkshop #InTheBricks #Theatre #OffBroadway #LizaJessiePeterson #KathrynGrody #LeslieAyvazian #ChrisGrace #LenaWaithe #NationalBlackTheatre #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #Broadway #TheatreNews #LiveTheatre #NYCArts #BroadwayPodcastNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon welcomes the legendary Reg E. Gaines to talk all about the 24th season of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival (DUAF)! A Tony nominee, Grammy-nominated poet, and one of the most influential voices in spoken word and urban theatre, Gaines continues to push boundaries through storytelling that celebrates culture, community, and authentic artistic expression. In this exciting conversation, Reg E. Gaines shares the mission behind DUAF, which returns to Joe’s Pub and La MaMa this season featuring 19 playwrights and groundbreaking new works from across the country. He also discusses his new presentation Under The Influence, the importance of creating space for diverse voices in theatre, and how DUAF has become one of New York’s most respected festivals for new works. Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, Roku, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio & more! Follow us at The Roundtable with Robert Bannon and visit RobertBannon.com for entertainment news, celebrity interviews, Broadway, music, film, and more! #RegEGaines #DUAF #DowntownUrbanArtsFestival #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #Broadway #OffBroadway #SpokenWord #BringInDaNoiseBringInDaFunk #Theatre #NYCTheatre #JoePub #LaMama #UrbanArts #MusicalTheatre #BlackTheatre #BroadwayPodcastNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a night celebrating dance, Broadway, and entertainment royalty at the Chita Rivera Awards! The Roundtable was on the red carpet for one of theatre’s most glamorous nights, honoring the artists who make movement, music, and storytelling come alive. One of the unforgettable highlights was Ann-Margret receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering a beautiful speech that celebrated her legendary career and lifelong love of performing. We also caught up with an incredible lineup of stars including Bebe Neuwirth, Layton Williams, Stevie Van Zandt, Isabelle McCalla, and stars from CATS: The Jellicle Ball, plus so many more Broadway favorites! From red carpet chats to show-stopping moments inside the ceremony, this was a night full of icons, artistry, and celebration. Watch now on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon! Broadway Podcast Network | BroadwayWorld | YouTube | Spotify | iHeartRadio@RobertBannonOfficial | RobertBannon.com #ChitaRiveraAwards #AnnMargret #BebeNeuwirth #LaytonWilliams #StevieVanZandt #IsabellaRossellini #IsabelleMcCalla #CatsTheJellicleBall #Broadway #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #BroadwayPodcastNetwork #RedCarpet #Dance #Theatre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Award nominee, Broadway superstar, and film & television favorite Laura Bell Bundy joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon! Best known for originating the iconic role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical and starring in Hairspray, Laura has also appeared in fan-favorite projects including Jumanji, Dreamgirls, How I Met Your Mother, Hart of Dixie, and more. Now, Laura is back on screen in the new comedy film Influenced, a sharp and hilarious satire of influencer culture set in New York’s Upper East Side. The film stars Jill Kargman alongside an all-star cast including Justin Bartha, Christine Taylor, Jessica Capshaw, Nathan Lee Graham, David Krumholtz, and Laura herself — with surprise cameos from Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and more. The comedy follows social media influencer “Dzanielle” as she chases fame, followers, and status while discovering what really matters beneath the curated chaos of online life. We also dive into Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now!, the hit concert event reuniting original Hairspray stars Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur for a night of music, stories, friendship, motherhood, and Broadway memories. Laura opens up about balancing stage and screen, revisiting the shows that shaped her career, and why this new chapter feels both personal and exciting. From Broadway to Hollywood, Laura Bell Bundy continues to shine with talent, humor, and heart — and this is a conversation you do not want to miss! #LauraBellBundy #InfluencedMovie #Broadway #LegallyBlonde #Hairspray #MamaImABigGirlNow #KerryButler #MarissaJaretWinokur #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #BroadwayWorld Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stars were out in full force for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards, celebrating the very best of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and beyond! From the casts of Ragtime, The Balusters, Schmigadoon!, The Lost Boys, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and more, the night was packed with powerhouse talent, unforgettable performances, and theatrical magic. Over 40 interviews with the best of theatre made the night even more unforgettable, as artists, creators, and performers came together to celebrate another incredible season on stage. Music icons and Broadway favorites lit up the room, including Scott Hoying & Mark Hoying, gospel legend Donald Lawrence, and stage superstars Jenn Colella and Ruthie Ann Miles. From legendary performers to the next generation of Broadway brilliance, the 70th Drama Desk Awards proved once again why theater remains at the heart of storytelling. The energy, passion, and celebration in the room made this milestone year one to remember. For more entertainment conversations, red carpets, and Broadway coverage, follow @robertmbannon and visit RobertBannon.com. #DramaDeskAwards #Broadway #Theater #Ragtime #Schmigadoon #JennCollella #RuthieAnnMiles #DonaldLawrence #ScottHoying #MarkHoying #BroadwayWorld #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Broadway stage manager to eco-conscious entrepreneur, Jennifer Kahn has created something truly one-of-a-kind with Scenery Bags — a company that transforms discarded theatrical materials into stunning handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Using retired backdrops, stage floors, costumes, and promotional materials from iconic productions, Jennifer has built a brand that celebrates theatre history while helping reduce waste in the industry. On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, Jennifer shares how her years working in theatre inspired the idea for the company, the emotional stories behind some of the pieces, and why preserving art matters. We also talk Broadway sustainability, honoring theatrical history through fashion, and the growing impact Scenery Bags continues to make within the arts community. Don’t miss Jennifer Kahn on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon! Watch and listen on Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, BroadwayWorld, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more! Follow @robertmbannon and visit RobertBannon.com for all things The Roundtable! #JenniferKahn #SceneryBags #Broadway #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #SustainableFashion #BroadwayStyle #EcoFashion #Theatre #BroadwayWorld #FashionWithPurpose #Upcycling #BroadwayCommunity #StageManager #BroadwayPodcastNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert Bannon sits down with filmmaker, producer, and now novelist Lovell Holder to discuss his gripping debut novel, The Book of Luke. The fast-paced, emotionally charged story follows Luke Griffin, a former reality TV champion whose carefully constructed life begins to unravel after a political scandal rocks his marriage and family. Forced back into the cutthroat competition show that first made him famous, Luke must confront old wounds, buried secrets, and the cost of reinvention in the public eye. Described as a mix of Survivor, The Challenge, and a deeply personal queer character study, The Book of Luke has quickly become a standout literary debut, earning praise from outlets including PEOPLE and Marie Claire. Holder brings audiences behind the curtain of fame, politics, and reality television while exploring identity, parenthood, ambition, and what happens when your past refuses to stay buried. () Known for his acclaimed work as a filmmaker and producer on projects including Lavender Men and Peak Season, Holder now brings his cinematic storytelling voice to the literary world in a major way. On The Roundtable, he opens up about crafting the world of The Book of Luke, the inspiration behind the story, queer representation in modern fiction, and why reality television continues to fascinate us all. () Catch all-new episodes of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Follow @robertmbannon and visit www.RobertBannon.com for the latest interviews, red carpets, and entertainment coverage! #LovellHolder #TheBookOfLuke #RobertBannon #TheRoundtable #LGBTQBooks #RealityTV #QueerStories #Books #Authors #BroadwayPodcastNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedy icon Robert Hays is taking flight once again as he and co-star Julie Hagerty hit the road celebrating one of the funniest films ever made — the legendary Airplane! The groundbreaking 1980 comedy changed movie history forever with its rapid-fire jokes, absurd humor, and unforgettable one-liners. Hays starred as Ted Striker, the troubled ex-fighter pilot forced to land a plane in chaos, delivering some of the most quoted moments in comedy history including the iconic, “Surely you can’t be serious.” Of course… “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.” The film became a box office smash and remains one of the most beloved comedies of all time. Now Robert Hays joins us on The Roundtable to look back at the making of the classic film, memories with Julie Hagerty and the cast, behind-the-scenes stories, and why Airplane! still connects with generations of fans today. From the deadpan delivery to the nonstop gags, Airplane! helped redefine parody films and launched countless comedy careers. We talk laughs, legacy, Hollywood memories, and why audiences still quote the movie over four decades later. Fasten your seatbelts… this conversation is cleared for takeoff! Follow at @robertmbannon and visit RobertBannon.com or more legendary conversations, celebrity interviews, and pop culture fun! Full episode streaming now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen! #AirplaneMovie #RobertHays #JulieHagerty #DontCallMeShirley #ComedyClassic #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #MovieLegends #Hollywood #80sMovies #CultClassic #BroadwayPodcastNetwork #BroadwayWorld #TedStriker #Comedy #FilmHistory #ClassicMovies #EntertainmentNews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Producing Artistic Director of The Acting Company joins The Roundtable to discuss reimagining Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy for a new generation and why Hamlet still speaks to audiences today. The Roundtable with Robert Bannon welcomes Devin Brain, the Producing Artistic Director of The Acting Company, to talk all about their exciting new production of Hamlet. A Yale School of Drama graduate and longtime creative force within the company, Devin has helped shape The Acting Company’s national tours and productions for over a decade while championing bold, accessible storytelling rooted in classical theater. We discuss bringing Shakespeare into a modern conversation, balancing tradition with accessibility, and how this production of Hamlet is connecting with contemporary audiences and students across the country. Devin also shares insight into the company’s mission, the importance of keeping live theater thriving, and why Shakespeare’s themes of grief, ambition, family, and identity remain as powerful as ever. Follow us at @robertmbannon and visit www.RobertBannon.com for more interviews, red carpets, Broadway, music, film, and entertainment conversations from The Roundtable! Watch and listen now on Broadway Podcast Network, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more. #Hamlet #Shakespeare #TheActingCompany #DevinBrain #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #Broadway #Theatre #ArtisticDirector #LiveTheatre #EntertainmentNews #BroadwayPodcastNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Roundtable hit Lincoln Center for the dazzling 2026 New York City Ballet Spring Gala and what a night it was! This year’s “Set in Stone: Creation & Preservation” celebration brought together the worlds of dance, fashion, philanthropy, and entertainment for an unforgettable evening. We caught up with stars on the carpet including celebrities, benefactors, supporters of the arts, and members of the ballet community while soaking in all the glamour and excitement surrounding one of NYC’s most iconic cultural events. The evening featured a world premiere choreographed by NYCB Principal Dancer Tiler Peck alongside the legendary Diamonds from George Balanchine’s Jewels. Our cameras also chatted with principal dancers, artistic voices behind the company, and the people helping keep ballet thriving for future generations. With Christie’s supporting the glamorous red carpet and stars like Mick Jagger, Norman Reedus, Diane Kruger, Olivia Palermo, Fran Drescher, Emmy Rossum, and more in attendance, the gala raised millions to support New York City Ballet programming and arts education initiatives. The fashion was stunning, the performances breathtaking, and the energy inside the David H. Koch Theater was electric all night long. Follow us @RobertMBannon and visit RobertBannon.com and The Broadway Podcast Network for more celebrity interviews, red carpets, and exclusive coverage from the biggest nights in entertainment! #NYCBallet #NewYorkCityBallet #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #LincolnCenter #NYC #Ballet #RedCarpet #ArtsAndCulture #Dance #BroadwayWorld #BroadwayPodcastNetwork #FranDrescher #OliviaPalermo #DianeKruger #EmmyRossum #TilerPeck #NYCGala #Fashion #CelebrityStyle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Rashidra Scott is here on The Roundtable to talk about the powerful new production “My Lord, What A Night!” Known for her incredible performances in Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Sister Act, and more, Rashidra is now stepping into a moving story inspired by the final night before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Filled with music, heart, humor, and history, the production explores an unforgettable imagined meeting between Dr. King and photographer Ernest Withers at the historic Lorraine Motel. We talk about the emotional impact of the piece, honoring history through performance, the power of storytelling, her incredible Broadway journey, and why this show feels especially important right now. PLUS we dive into music, legacy, and the magic of live theatre! Follow @RobertMBannon on IG or go to RobertBannon.com Full chat up now on Broadway Podcast Network, BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and more! #RashidraScott #MyLordWhatANight #Broadway #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #BPN #AintTooProud #Theatre #MartinLutherKingJr #LiveTheatre #Podcast #YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The chaos queens of rap-pop are HERE! Flyana Boss joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to celebrate their brand new single “Feelin It,” out NOW! If you love when our interviews completely go off the rails in the best possible way… buckle up. This one is FUN. The viral duo talks new music, friendship, creativity, internet fame, and building a brand that is totally and unapologetically THEM. Loud, hilarious, unpredictable, and ridiculously talented, Flyana Boss brought pure energy to the show and honestly… we are obsessed. This episode is giving sleepover chaos meets superstar energy and we loved every second of it. 🎥 Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, the Broadway Podcast Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more! 📲 Follow us: @RobertMBannon🌐 www.RobertBannon.com #FlyanaBoss #FeelinIt #JUNGLE #NewMusic #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #RobertBannon #HipHop #Rap #WomenInMusic #BroadwayWorld #BPN #YouWish #MusicInterview #PopCulture #Viral #YouTube #Spotify #iHeartRadio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you say legacy, craft, and real storytelling, you’re talking about Ruben Santiago-Hudson. A Tony Award winner for Seven Guitars, Ruben has built a career that seamlessly moves between Broadway, film, and television—bringing depth and authenticity to every space he enters. Now, he’s back on Broadway in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, stepping into the role of Bynum Walker—a character rooted in history, spirit, and identity. But what makes Ruben so special is how effortlessly he carries that same gravitas onto the screen. TV audiences know him from standout roles on series like Billions, Castle, The Good Wife, and East New York, along with his powerful work in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues—which he also wrote. Whether he’s commanding a stage or anchoring a scene on screen, he brings truth to every moment. From directing the Tony-winning revival of Jitney to shaping August Wilson’s legacy for a new generation, Ruben continues to define what it means to be a complete artist. Now, he joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk Broadway, television, legacy, and the stories that still need to be told. 🎧 Listen now on Broadway Podcast Network, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Follow Robert on IG: @robertmbannon or at www.RobertBannon.com #RubenSantiagoHudson #Broadway #TonyAwards #JoeTurnersComeAndGone #Billions #TheGoodWife #Castle #EastNewYork #TheRoundtable #RobertBannon #TheatreLife #BPN #iHeartRadio #Spotify #ApplePodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices