Everything Theater Podcast

Podcasting from New York's Capital District, Ellen Cribbs and Benita Zahn talk all things theater - why we got into this crazy, creative business to what's currently happening on stages locally and around the world. Join us as we interview guest artists in various theatrical fields every other week. The spotlight will shine on theater artists onstage and behind the curtain.

Jimmy Awards and "Mystic Pizza" 07/20/2026

Jimmy Awards and "Mystic Pizza" Lauren A. Marchand is the 2023 Jimmy Awards winner who is currently playing Kat in "Mystic Pizza" at Capital Repertory Theatre. We chat with Lauren about her high school experience leading up to her Jimmy Awards win, what she's been up to since high school, and what to expect in the film turned musical, "Mystic Pizza." /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/42147800

SisterPlay 06/23/2026

SisterPlay On April 2, 2016, a 37-year-old mother of three, Lisa, died needlessly in a jail cell. She was a pretrial detainee who had not been convicted of any crime. In her final hours, she pleaded for help, but her cries were ignored. She was denied basic medical care, and her life was taken from her children, her family, her community, and her sister, Elizabeth Ostler. Elizabeth joins us to talk about her play "SisterPlay," which tells Lisa's story. The play will premiere in New York City in September 2026. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/41738130

New Plays at Great Barrington Public Theater 06/16/2026

New Plays at Great Barrington Public Theater There is an exciting summer season of new plays at the Great Barrington Public Theater, featuring intimate human stories with global implications. The summer starts with "Fragments" by Jim Petosa which focuses on the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, followed by "iBoss" by Thomas Kee which explores the use of AI, and ends with "Yellow 2.0 Wallpaper 2020" by Jennifer Maisel based on Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s 1892 short story "The Yellow Wallpaper." We chat with co-artistic directors Jim Frangione and Judy Braha about the season and working with new plays. www.greatbarringtonpublictheater.org /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/41659850

Tony Awards 2026 06/05/2026

Tony Awards 2026 The Tony awards are coming up, and we have our predictions! NYC actor, writer, producer, and casting director Helene Galek joins us to discuss this past Broadway season. Is the hilarious Broadway spoof "Schmigadoon!" the fun show the voters want right now? Will the brave reimagining of "Cats" win out over the beloved "Ragtime" revival? Is "Death of a Salesman" a shoo-in? We'll find out on June 7th! /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/41545070

Moulin Rouge! 06/04/2026

Moulin Rouge! "Moulin Rouge!" is the winner of 10 Tony Awards, including "Best Musical", and now it's on tour, visiting Proctors Theatre. We speak with Luke Monday who is currently playing Christian on the US tour. We chat about life on the road, working on a show with such popular music, and taking care of yourself as an actor. "Moulin Rouge!" is playing at Proctors until June 7th, 2026. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/41531635

SLOC - 100th Season 05/27/2026

SLOC - 100th Season SLOC Musical Theater is entering their 100th season! We discuss this milestone with Heather-Liz Meglino, the Chair of the Centennial Committee. We review the history of SLOC, chat about the challenges and successes they've faced through the years, and learn about what's in store for their centennial season! /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/41435510

"Rooted" at WAM Theatre 04/30/2026

"Rooted" at WAM Theatre Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill has already been pulled out of artistic retirement to direct Deborah Zoe Laufer's "Rooted" at WAM Theatre. We chat with Maggie and Erin Patrick (General Manager at WAM) about the play and the mission of WAM to focus on women theatre artists and/or stories of women and girls. "Rooted" runs from May 1 - May 16, 2026. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/41071670

Water for Elephants 04/09/2026

Water for Elephants Acrobatics, puppetry, folk-pop music... "Water for Elephants" has it all in a breathtaking musical production that is currently touring the United States. We speak with "Water for Elephants" star Helen Krushinski about learning all the skills for the show, keeping yourself healthy on the road, and staying present onstage during a long run. "Water for Elephants" is at Proctors in Schenectady until April 12th 2026. This episode is sponsored by the Sand Lake Center for the Arts' production of "1776" running April 10 - 19, 2026. Tickets are available at www.slca-ctp.org. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/40782095

There's a New Theater in Town! 03/25/2026

There's a New Theater in Town! Mike Ford is back in Cambridge, and he's brought a new theater company with him! The Bridge Theatre serves as a connection between Upstate New York and New York City, fostering a vibrant exchange of artistic ideas and talent. We talk to Mike about starting a new theater company and chat with actress Sarah Diamond about Bridge Theatre's inaugural production, "Constellations." Website: Bridgetheatreco.com Tickets for Constellations: Instagram: @bridgetheatreco /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/40615310

Oscars 2026 03/12/2026

Oscars 2026 Who will take home the golden statues this year?! We are back with film critic Jackson Murphy to talk about the films of the 2026 award season and share his predictions for Oscar night. With a lot of films connected to theater ("Hamnet", "Sentimental Value"... or the shocking "Wicked For Good" snub), we have a lot to talk about! /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/40409145

Macbeth 03/03/2026

Macbeth It may be considered cursed, but Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most popular and beloved plays. We chat with Dazmann Still (playing Macbeth) and Amy Frances Quint (playing Lady Macbeth) who are tackling this classic text at The Frog + Peach Theatre Company in NYC running through March 2026. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/40292740

2 Classics for a Snowy February 02/25/2026

2 Classics for a Snowy February Despite the cold and snow this winter, several companies have been hard at work rehearsing shows. Home Made Theater and Confetti Stage, Inc. are presenting two classics this winter. We chat with director Toni Anderson-Sommo and actors Matthew Crowley and Bridget Dunigan about the timeliness of "The Crucible" at Home Made Theater and then we discuss the power of "The Lion in Winter" with director Adele Scheiber at Confetti Stage. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/40224415

Backstage Episode 48 - Winter Shows 01/27/2026

Backstage Episode 48 - Winter Shows It's always a challenge to work on a winter show when the weather can be so unpredictable. Ellen and Benita talk about working on winter shows, and review exciting upcoming events and shows in the Capital Region in 2026! /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/39892300

The Longest Running Play in the History of the USA 01/06/2026

The Longest Running Play in the History of the USA "Shear Madness" has been translated into 28 foreign languages, in 36 foreign countries, playing worldwide in a host of cities including Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Paris, Rejkavik, Rome, Tel Aviv, Melbourne, Johannesburg, Seoul, and Shanghai. Over 14.5 million people worldwide have joined in the fun. We chat with the creators, writers, and original cast members, Bruce Jordan and Marilyn Abrams, about the origins of the play in Lake George, NY to the huge success it is today. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/39623580

2025 and 30 Years of Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill in Review 12/30/2025

2025 and 30 Years of Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill in Review We can't believe we're at the end of 2025 and our 6th year of podcasting! We also can't believe we're at the end of an era. The incredible Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill has wrapped up her 30 years as Producing Artistic Director at Capital Repertory Theatre. We chat with Maggie about her phenomenal run at The Rep, and what the theater scene looks like going into 2026. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/39562380

"In the Same World" at the International Human Rights Art Festival 12/09/2025

"In the Same World" at the International Human Rights Art Festival Argentine playwright and actor Gaston Leguizamon's new short play, “In the Same World,” will be presented at the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) at The Tank in NYC on December 11, 2025. We chat with Gaston about his company (VoxArt Lab Productions), his creative process, and the mission of the International Human Rights Art Festival. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/39334595

How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical 12/02/2025

How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical The holiday season is upon us, and Christmas shows are now running! We catch up with a dear friend of the Capital Region, Alex Perone, who is traveling with "How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" which is coming to Proctors Theatre Dec 2nd - 7th, 2025. We discuss the musical, traveling during the holidays, and what it's like taking a show on the road. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/39236065

A Christmas Carol 11/18/2025

A Christmas Carol David Girard, Artistic Director of Troy Foundry Theatre, is back for the third year playing ALL the characters in an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol." We discuss the timeless appeal of the story, how it resonates in today's world, and the tricks to tackling a one-man show. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Swing State" running Nov 15 - 23, 2025 /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/39074245

Backstage Episode 47 - Burnout 11/11/2025

Backstage Episode 47 - Burnout While we love everything about theater, it can cause burnout. Jumping from project to project while balancing other life commitments can take its toll. We chat about setting boundaries, recognizing the symptoms of burnout, and how to take care of yourself. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of Swing State by Rebecca Gilman, running Nov. 14 - 23, 2025 /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/38989130

Have Critics Gone Soft? 10/07/2025

Have Critics Gone Soft? The New Yorker published an article on Sept 2, 2025 asking if critics are too nice these days. So we decided to chat with reviewer Bill Kellert about his observations over the years. Has the modern world put an end to harsh criticism? /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/38451875

Nietzsche - A New Musical 09/17/2025

Nietzsche - A New Musical Kimerer LaMothe does it all. An award winning author, dancer, playwright, and farmer, Kimerer's latest endeavor has been writing the musical, Nietzsche, about the famous German philosopher. We discuss the process of writing and mounting the new musical, as well as the timeliness of it's message. "A love that teaches us to hate is not love." "Do not throw away your love and your hope." Off-Brand Opera in NYC is producing the musical, running from Oct 10th - 12th, 2025. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Deep Blue Sound", playing Sept 12th - 21st, 2025 at Steamer No.10 Theatre. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/38248595

The Box Office 09/09/2025

The Box Office The theatrical experience starts as soon as you walk in the door and collect your tickets. Jeffrey Hocking has been the box office manager at Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC Musical Theater) for 10 years and has many stories to share. Jeffrey also manages the Capital District events calendar and announcement/audition mailing list that spreads info across the area to boost support and involvement in the theater community. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Deep Blue Sound" running Sept. 12 - 21 at Steamer No. 10 Theatre. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/38138650

Save Fort Salem 08/27/2025

Save Fort Salem Fort Salem Theater has been entertaining audiences with exceptional performances over the past several years, but now they are facing a financial crisis due to unexpected expenses and loss of funding. We talk to Kyle West and Jared West about their outreach for help to keep the curtain up in Fort Salem. https://mailchi.mp/fortsalem/urgent-appeal-for-support?fbclid=IwY2xjawMbRfRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFla003enRMNFM3d0JQZFhRAR62lkvyGDF61FmYdQnenlPuw-lUO23sn_9X_T3B-n58Dr2qcHAQWmc24k9pnQ_aem_doqE0vxkEVG-FilVB-Knrw /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37973985

Backstage Episode 46 - New Plays and Summer Theater 08/22/2025

Backstage Episode 46 - New Plays and Summer Theater The summer is coming to a close! But Ellen and Benita have been super busy exploring the wealth of summer theater in the area, including many new plays at companies such as the Cape Cod Theater Project and the Great Barrington Public Theater. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37918205

Sandhill Repertory Theatre 07/25/2025

Sandhill Repertory Theatre Michael Pizzi is Producing and Artistic Director of the Sandhills Repertory Theatre, bringing all NYC and Broadway talent to the Sandhills, with a percentage of ALL show net profits funding performing arts in Moore County schools. He is also the creator and producer of the Special Broadway Camp for children with special needs in the Sandhills.Besides being an artist, Michael is an occupational therapist, a health and wellness lifestyle coach and co-owner of the NC organization Sandhills Adaptive Living (SAL). We talk to him about the cabaret-style shows he had developed in the Berkshires, as well as how theater touches other elements of people's lives. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Between Riverside and Crazy", performing at Albany Civic Theater from July 18th - 27th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37544010

Programming for Audiences Today 07/15/2025

Programming for Audiences Today Martha Banta, the Founding Artistic Director at the Adirondack Theater Festival, an Artistic Associate at New York Theater Workshop, the Associate Director of MAMMA MIA! on Broadway and the National Tours, and the Original Resident Director of RENT for NYTW, Broadway, two National Tours, and London, joins us to talk about her current production of "Gutenberg! The Musical!" at the Adirondack Theater Festival and thoughts about how to program shows for these current times. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Between Riverside and Crazy", performing at Albany Civic Theater from July 18th - 27th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37408835

Oklahoma! 07/11/2025

Oklahoma! "Oklahoma!" is commonly considered the first modern American musical, shaping the theatrical forum for decades. Playhouse Stage Company is presenting a bold new interpretation of the classic musical in Washington Park in Albany this summer. Director Chuck Kraus and assistant director/choreographer Ashley Simon Kirchner join us to talk about the production and how it applies to our modern world. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "Between Riverside and Crazy", performing at Albany Civic Theater from July 18th - 27th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37371375

On Tour with "Beauty and the Beast" 06/30/2025

On Tour with "Beauty and the Beast" Be our guest! And join our conversation with Danny Gardner, who is traveling the country playing Lumiere in the national tour of "Beauty and the Beast." We chat about this iconic Disney show and Danny's life on the road as he tours with his wife, Emily Larger (who is also in the show), their dog, and their infant son. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/37206000

Hair, Wigs, and Makeup 06/11/2025

Hair, Wigs, and Makeup J. Jared Janas is an acclaimed hair, wig, and make-up designer who has worked on over 700 shows, including the recent Broadway productions of "John Proctor is the Villain", "Dead Outlaw", and "Glengarry Glen Ross" to name a few. In addition to his thriving work on Broadway, Jared remains steadfast in his mission of supporting the craft, and platforming up and coming designers to work alongside him on high end productions – opportunities they may not have been afforded otherwise. We chat with Jared about his career, his approach to design, and the shocking lack of a hair and makeup category at the Tony Awards. This episode is sponsored by Harbinger Theatre's production of "At the Wedding" running at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts June 6th - 15th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/36948750

Tony Awards 2025 06/03/2025

Tony Awards 2025 It's Tony time! Adam Prado-Deremer joins us again to discuss all things Broadway, from our favorite shows of the season, to changing audiences, and award predictions! The Tonys will air on Sunday, June 8th (6:40pm - Act One on Pluto, and 8:00pm - Act Two on CBS/Paramount Plus). This episode is sponsored by Harbinger's Production of "At the Wedding" playing at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts from June 6th - 15th. /episode/index/show/healthbeatwithbenita/id/36829895

Everything Theater Podcast

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