Grammy and Tony-winning legend Brenda Russell drops by The Roundtable to talk about her gorgeous new single “You Know What It’s Like,” her first new music in years and a silky, Brazilian-flavored reminder of why her songs live rent-free in our hearts. We dig into the story behind the track—co-written with the iconic Roberta Flack—and how it connects to her upcoming album Songpainter, her first full collection in two decades. From the groove and romance of the new single to the way she crafts melody and lyric, Brenda breaks down her creative process with warmth, humor, and that unmistakable calm, soulful presence. Then we zoom out and celebrate the full Brenda Russell universe: the timeless power of “Piano in the Dark” and “Get Here,” writing for legends across genres, and the life-changing journey of co-creating the Tony-winning Broadway musical The Color Purple. Brenda shares career stories, hard-earned wisdom, and what keeps her inspired and evolving after more than four decades in music. It’s a masterclass in artistry, longevity, and staying true to your voice—from one of the greats. Catch this conversation on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, streaming on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you watch and listen. For more on Robert, visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertMBannon on Instagram. #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #BrendaRussell #YouKnowWhatItsLike #Songpainter #PianoInTheDark #GetHere Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heart-hugging holiday chat, we welcome the wonderful Vivian Bayubay McLaughlin, beloved from Disney’s Out of the Box and a longtime favorite in children’s theatre and musical education. Vivian joins us to celebrate her return to the stage as Ma Otter in Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas at OFC Creations. She shares why this show has been part of her family’s holiday tradition for years, the magic of working with Henson-style puppetry, and how stepping back into the spotlight after motherhood and teaching has awakened a whole new layer of joy. Vivian opens up about the emotional heart of the story, the nostalgia that shaped her as a child performer, and the gratitude she feels bringing this tale of hope to a new generation. From backstage memories to the overwhelming smiles sparked by the puppets themselves, this conversation is full of warmth, holiday spirit, and the kind of authenticity that makes Emmet Otter such a cherished classic. The Roundtable with Robert Bannon streams on BroadwayWorld, iHeartRadio, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertMBannon for more. #VivianBayubayMcLaughlin #EmmetOtter #OFCcreations #JimHenson #HolidayTheatre #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannonThe best is yet to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmie Herrod — the powerhouse vocalist who stopped the nation in its tracks on America’s Got Talent — joins The Roundtable to celebrate the release of his brand-new album. With a voice that soars from velvet-soft storytelling to jaw-dropping high notes, Jimmie opens up about the creative journey behind the project, the music that shaped him, and the deeply personal stories woven throughout these tracks. It’s a stunning new chapter from one of the most distinctive voices in music today. In this conversation, Jimmie gets wonderfully candid about inspiration, artistry, and the emotional honesty that drives his work. We talk the whirlwind years since AGT, his evolution as a performer, and what fans can expect from this new era. Warm, brilliant, and always unforgettable — Jimmie Herrod brings heart, humor, and pure vocal magic to The Roundtable. The best is yet to come. Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. More at RobertBannon.com | IG: @RobertBannonOfficial #JimmieHerrod #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #NewMusic #AGT #AlbumRelease #SingerSongwriter #Vocalist #MusicInterview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on The Roundtable, we welcome Cultivated Collective, the phenomenal new gospel super-group bringing together the extraordinary talents of David Bratton, Shontelle Norman-Beatty, Lamont Sanders, and Anisa Fowler. Each artist has carved out an incredible solo path—from David’s award-winning songwriting legacy (“Every Praise”) to Shontelle’s powerhouse vocals, Lamont’s chart-topping inspiration, and Anisa’s soaring, contemporary worship sound. Together, they’ve created a dynamic, spirit-filled collective that blends experience, heart, and pure musical fire. In this conversation, they share the calling behind forming the group, the joy of merging their artistic voices, and the stories behind their latest music. Expect laughter, testimony, musical inspiration, and a whole lot of heart as Cultivated Collective brings their passion and purpose to The Roundtable. One mission. One sound. One unforgettable conversation. Watch on: Broadway World, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple, Amazon, YouTubeRobertBannon.com | @RobertMBannon #CultivatedCollective #GospelMusic #AnisaFowler #LamontSanders #ShontelleNormanBeatty #DavidBratton #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, The Roundtable takes you directly to the sparkling red carpet of Le Gala de l’Alliance 2025, where Adrienne Garzillo is talking with global superstar Angèle and an elite lineup of French chefs, singers, actors, and cultural icons. From high-fashion entrances to major artistic moments, Adrienne captures the excitement, elegance, and creative spirit that define this world-class celebration. She brings you exclusive conversations, backstage insights, and the human stories behind the glamour—mixing culinary brilliance, musical artistry, film magic, and Parisian flair with signature Roundtable warmth. Whether she’s chatting with award-winning performers or culinary legends, Adrienne delivers the kind of up-close energy and connection only The Roundtable can. A red carpet. A cultural spotlight. One unforgettable Roundtable. Watch on: Broadway World, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple, Amazon, YouTubeRobertBannon.com | @RobertMBannon #Angele #LeGalaDeLAlliance #RedCarpet #RoundtableExclusive #FrenchCulture #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Obie Award–winning playwright and songwriter Ethan Lipton drops by to talk about The Seat of Our Pants, his wildly imaginative new musical at The Public Theater. Inspired by Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth, the show follows the unstoppable Antrobus family as they survive ice ages, floods, monsters, and modern chaos with humor, heart, and a whole lot of resilience. Ethan dives into how this musical blends satire, absurdity, and emotional truth in a way only he can. In our chat, Ethan opens up about the creative process behind crafting a world where dinosaurs roam, time collapses, and humanity keeps trying again. We talk about building music that balances comedy with real pathos, what it means to write for an ever-evolving society, and the joy of working with The Public. Expect wit, honesty, and a deep look at the genius behind one of the season’s most inventive new works. Streaming on all platforms | RobertBannon.com | @RobertBannon #TheRoundtable #EthanLipton #ThePublicTheater #TheSeatOfOurPants #NewMusical #NYCTheatre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, the one and only Billy Zane steps into The Roundtable for a conversation that’s equal parts thrilling, thoughtful, and wildly entertaining. From becoming a global blockbuster icon in Titanic to redefining villainy in The Phantom and Dead Calm, Billy’s career has covered every corner of Hollywood. Now he’s back with Deadly Vows, a dark, stylish new thriller that shows off his signature intensity and proves he’s still one of the most compelling actors working today. Billy opens up about the creative spirit that drives his bold choices, the joy of playing unpredictable characters, and the surprising inspirations behind his latest film. We dive into his evolution as an artist, his passion for independent cinema, and the excitement of bringing something fresh to longtime fans. A true original with a résumé full of unforgettable moments—this is one Roundtable you won’t want to miss. Watch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on BroadwayWorld, YouTube, Spotify, iHeart, Apple, and wherever you stream your favorite shows. 🌐 RobertBannon.com | 📸 @RobertMBannon #BillyZane #DeadlyVows #FullBlownMovieStars #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #Titanic #FilmTalk #ActorsLife #IndieFilm #DetroitArts #RobertBannon #TheBestIsYetToCome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ariel Estrada and Đavid Lee Huỳnh stop by The Roundtable to take us inside WINTERFEST, Leviathan Lab’s bold upcoming celebration of Asian American storytelling. Ariel walks us through Full Contact, his gripping new solo work receiving an NNPN NYC Rolling World Premiere. From confronting a high-control cult to navigating Filipino American identity, faith, trauma, and the memory of his father, Ariel brings raw honesty and artistry to a piece that’s already generating major buzz. Đavid then dives into X#! YOU VERY MUCH, MOM*, his darkly funny and deeply human exploration of colonialism, love, generational communication, and the Vietnamese and French histories that shaped him. Together, their double-bill creates an evening of theatre that challenges, inspires, and hits straight to the heart. We also talk all things WINTERFEST — running at Theaterlab — including its intimate white-box staging, its focus on mental health, cultural legacy, and representation, and how these artists are reshaping what solo performance can be. Ariel and Đavid open up about craft, community, and the power of telling stories that rarely get center stage. It’s an unforgettable, deeply resonant conversation with two fearless creatives whose work refuses to look away. Catch The Roundtable with Robert Bannon on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, YouTube & more. RobertBannon.com • @RobertBannon #TheRoundtable #WINTERFEST #LeviathanLab #ArielEstrada #DavidLeeHuynh #AsianAmericanTheatre #SoloPerformance #NYCTheatre #RepresentationMatters #TheBestIsYetToCome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re celebrating the vibrant artistry of Cedric Leiba Jr.—actor, writer, educator, and powerhouse performer—whose work blends Puerto Rican culture, movement, music, and storytelling. Cedric takes us inside the world of Baile Cangrejero, the electrifying new piece at Pregones/PRTT that celebrates community, identity, resilience, and the rhythms that move us. From its fusion of bomba, contemporary dance, and theatrical imagination to the cultural legacy it honors, Cedric brings this story to life with heart and fire. In our chat, Cedric opens up about the collaborative process, his personal connection to the work, and the joy of creating art that uplifts Afro-Borikén traditions and queer voices. Expect warmth, humor, and a beautifully human conversation about what it means to carry culture forward—on and off the stage. It’s an inspiring visit you won’t want to miss. The Roundtable streams on Broadway World, YouTube, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. Visit RobertBannon.com and follow @RobertMBannon. #CedricLeibaJr #BaileCangrejero #PregonesPRTT #PuertoRicanTheatre #AfroBoricua #Bomba #NYCTheatre #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for an evening of holiday magic as rising star Kirsten Bleu Kaiser joins us to celebrate the national tour of A Christmas Story, The Musical! She brings warmth, wit, and nostalgia to the role of “Mother” in this festive favorite — now touring the country and stopping at Detroit’s iconic Fox Theatre this weekend! From the Red Ryder BB-gun and the infamous leg lamp to pink bunny pajamas and Christmas chaos, this musical brings the classic film to life in all its joyful glory. Kirsten shares what makes this story timeless, her journey from college stages to the national spotlight, and the behind-the-scenes fun of life on tour. Expect laughter, heart, and plenty of holiday cheer as we chat about what it means to spread magic through music — and keep traditions shining bright across the country. 🎙 The Roundtable with Robert Bannon is available on Broadway World, iHeart, Spotify, and YouTube. 🌐 RobertBannon.com | 📸 @RobertMBannon #KirstenBleuKaiser #AChristmasStory #AChristmasStoryTheMusical #FoxTheatreDetroit #DetroitEvents #BroadwayTour #HolidayMusical #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #BroadwayWorld #TheBestIsYetToCome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The one and only Lesley Ann Warren joins us to celebrate 40 years of “Clue,” the beloved cult classic that turned murder and mystery into pure comedy gold! Lesley reflects on her unforgettable role as Miss Scarlet, shares behind-the-scenes stories from filming with the legendary ensemble cast, and talks about the enduring fan love that keeps the movie alive—now being honored with a special anniversary screening and live Q&A tour, including a stop in Detroit this weekend! Beyond Clue, Lesley’s career has spanned over five decades of excellence across film, television, and Broadway. From her Oscar-nominated performance in Victor/Victoria to iconic roles in Cinderella, Desperate Housewives, and Pure Country, she’s cemented herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating performers. Lesley also dives into her new short film “Olive”—a heartfelt and personal project that showcases her continued passion for meaningful storytelling and collaboration. 🎙 The Roundtable with Robert Bannon is available on Broadway World, iHeart, Spotify, and YouTube. 🌐 RobertBannon.com | 📸 @RobertMBannon #LesleyAnnWarren #Clue40 #MissScarlet #VictorVictoria #OliveFilm #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #DetroitEvents #FilmIcons #BroadwayWorld Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DeeAnn joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk all about her new music, her evolution as an artist, and the passion that drives her unmistakable sound. From her reimagined take on Al Green’s classic “Simply Beautiful” to her powerful new rendition of “Piano in the Dark” — DeeAnn opens up about collaborating with producer Ted Perlman, blending jazz, R&B, and soul, and finding her true voice in this next chapter of her career. In this heartfelt and inspiring chat, DeeAnn shares the stories behind the songs, the personal experiences that shaped her artistry, and a preview of her upcoming album — a stunning mix of jazz, smooth grooves, and soul that celebrates love, resilience, and authenticity. Available on Broadway Podcast Network, iHeart, Spotify, and YouTube.RobertBannon.com | @RobertMBannon #DeeAnn #NewMusic #SoulJazz #SimplyBeautiful #PianoInTheDark #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #RNB #Jazz #Soul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christine Andreas and Marty Silvestri join me for a passionate conversation about their collaborative project The Beat of a Wandering Heart — a musical journey through love, loss, and the enduring rhythm of the human spirit. Christine brings her unmistakable Broadway presence, and Marty adds his rich perspective as composer and arranger, together creating something intimate, elegant, and deeply moving. We talk about how the idea came to life, the stories behind the songs, and what it means to stay creatively connected after decades of music and partnership. It’s a beautiful look at artistry, collaboration, and the courage it takes to follow where the heart leads. Dates & Where: The Beat of a Wandering Heart runs November 11–15, 2025, at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York City. Available on Broadway Podcast Network, iHeart, Spotify, and YouTube. RobertBannon.com · @RobertBannon #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #ChristineAndreas #MartySilvestri #TheBeatOfAWanderingHeart #Broadway #Cabaret #MusicThatMoves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Unger joins us to talk about her bold and deeply personal solo show THE LONGER MY MOTHER IS DEAD, THE MORE I LIKE HER. After years in development, the piece dives into the complex, funny, and emotional relationship between a mother and daughter — and the unexpected clarity that can come with loss. It’s raw, reflective, and full of heart, bringing humor to the hardest truths about love, grief, and family. We talk about what inspired Deborah to tell this story on stage, the challenge of embodying both herself and her mother, and the lessons she’s learned about forgiveness and self-acceptance along the way. It’s a powerful, fearless conversation about art, healing, and the beauty of finally understanding the people who shaped us. Available everywhere you stream — YouTube, Spotify, Apple, iHeart, and more. RobertBannon.com · @RobertBannon #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #DeborahUnger #TheLongerMyMotherIsDead #SoloTheatre #WomenInTheArts #Storytelling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Director Rachel Wolther joins us to talk about her clever and chaotic new film The French Italian. After premiering to great buzz at Tribeca, this debut feature has everyone talking — from its sharp wit to its hilarious look at New York neighbors, theater dreams, and the messy art of revenge. Rachel opens up about her inspiration, her love for storytelling, and what it means to finally see her vision come to life on screen. We dive into how her background in theater shaped the film’s structure, what it was like working with a knockout cast including Catherine Cohen and Aristotle Athari, and how humor and humanity drive her creative process. It’s a conversation full of laughter, honesty, and the beautiful chaos that happens when art imitates life. Available everywhere you stream — YouTube, Spotify, Apple, iHeart, and more. RobertBannon.com · @RobertBannon #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #RachelWolther #TheFrenchItalian #IndieFilm #WomenInFilm #NYCStories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gospel powerhouse and multiple Stellar Award winner VaShawn Mitchell joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to celebrate his milestone 30 years in gospel music and the release of his brand-new album, SOUNDCHECK. Known for timeless hits like “Nobody Greater” and “Turning Around for Me,” VaShawn opens up about his journey of faith, creativity, and consistency in the ever-changing world of gospel. His new project bridges old-school soul and contemporary worship, reminding us that before the spotlight, there’s always the preparation—the soundcheck. In this inspiring and joy-filled conversation, Robert and VaShawn dive into the making of SOUNDCHECK, the stories behind songs like “Make A Way” and “Working Together,” and the importance of community and purpose in music. Expect laughter, wisdom, and a powerful reminder that gospel music isn’t just heard—it’s felt. Available on Broadway World, the Broadway Podcast Network, iHeart, Spotify, and YouTube. 🔗 RobertBannon.com | @RobertMBannon #VaShawnMitchell #Soundcheck #MakeAWay #WorkingTogether #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #GospelMusic #Faith #Worship #PraiseAndWorship #ChristianMusic #Inspiration #MusicIsUniversal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor, writer, and advocate Jamie Sanders joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about his latest project, Initiative, a world-premiere play at The Public Theater written by Else Went and directed by Emma Rosa Went. Jamie stars as Tony in this bold new story that explores identity, connection, and the courage to show up fully as yourself—both on and off the stage. A passionate voice for the Tourette Syndrome community, Jamie opens up about bringing authenticity and lived experience to his work, his journey as an artist, and what it means to see representation evolving in the theatre world. It’s a conversation filled with laughter, honesty, and inspiration as we celebrate a rising star whose heart and artistry shine in everything he does. Available on the Broadway Podcast Network, iHeart, Spotify, and YouTube. RobertBannon.com | @RobertBannon #TheRoundtable #JamieSanders #ThePublicTheater #Initiative #RepresentationMatters #Broadway #Inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven LaBrie joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for a powerful and personal conversation about music, opera, and the magic of performing with Il Divo. One of the most dynamic baritones of his generation, Steven has sung on the great stages of the world—from the Metropolitan Opera to international concert halls—and now brings that same passion to audiences across continents with Il Divo’s signature fusion of classical and pop. He shares what it’s been like stepping into the group’s legendary lineup, honoring Carlos Marín’s legacy, and finding new ways to connect through music that moves and uplifts. In our chat, Steven opens up about his early roots in opera, the challenges and joys of touring the world, and how the brotherhood within Il Divo fuels their creativity and strength. He talks candidly about balance, resilience, and why he believes the stage remains a sacred space to tell stories and heal hearts. It’s an inspiring look at artistry, legacy, and the enduring power of music to unite us all. Available now on all major platforms. RobertBannon.com | Instagram: @RobertBannon #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #StevenLaBrie #IlDivo #Opera #VocalPower #MusicJourney #ClassicalCrossover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playwright Barry Boehm joins the Roundtable alongside TOSOS Artistic Director Mark Finley to talk all about The OGGs in Hoboken — a sharp, funny new comedy about Rob and Frank, a married gay couple in their sixties whose quiet Hoboken life turns upside down when a young friend starts a podcast about them and Netflix suddenly comes calling. With performances slated for Monday, November 10, 2025 and Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 7 p.m., the two-night benefit reading marks a bold moment for LGBTQ+ theatre in New York. Together, Barry and Mark share how this story found its way to the stage through TOSOS, New York’s oldest and longest-producing LGBTQ+ theatre company, known for amplifying authentic queer voices for over two decades. Their conversation explores the humor and heart at the center of The OGGs in Hoboken and celebrates the community that keeps stories like these alive. Watch the full conversation now on YouTube and Facebook! 🎙 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Amazon Music 🌐 RobertBannon.com | 📸 @RobertMBannon #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #TOSOS #BarryBoehm #MarkFinley #TheOGGsInHoboken #LGBTQTheatre #NYTheatre #QueerVoices #HobokenTheatre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Director Evan Oppenheimer joins The Roundtable to talk about his latest feature, Peas & Carrots — a bold blend of music, sci-fi, and family dynamics. With a career spanning indie family films, thrillers, and comedies, Evan brings his eighth film to life in a way that reflects his passion for storytelling, rock music, and the surreal. The film follows a teenage girl whose rock-star parents’ one-hit-wonder past collides with an alternate reality, offering a heartfelt and inventive look at fame, family, and identity. In our chat, Evan opens up about turning his dream of a family band into the heart of Peas & Carrots, how music icons like Lee Ranaldo and Marky Ramone joined the project, and how an unexpected on-set injury changed the production’s course. It’s a candid, funny, and inspiring talk about creativity, resilience, and the power of collaboration. Available now on all major platforms. RobertBannon.com | Instagram: @RobertBannon #TheRoundtableWithRobertBannon #EvanOppenheimer #PeasAndCarrots #IndieFilm #DirectorChat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices