WEBVTT
00:00:01.600 --> 00:00:10.240
From the cast on stage and cruise behind the curtain to community partners supporting efforts to bring professional Broadway performances to West Michigan.
00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:14.960
Plus, all things in between, this is BGR's Backstage Buzz.
00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:23.519
Hi friends, I'm Jen for Pasqua, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at Broadway Grand Rapids.
00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:27.440
And I'm Steve Stegetty, producer and proud BGR Ambassador.
00:00:27.679 --> 00:00:40.240
And we are coming to you on the go in this episode, recording from the stunning Pantlin Ballroom inside the Amway Grand Plaza, just steps away from where our 26-27 season reveal just wrapped.
00:00:40.320 --> 00:00:41.280
It's loud in here, Steve.
00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:49.039
It is nearly 1,200 people filled the Voss Performance Hall this President's Day for this reveal, and I think they might have followed us over here right now with how loud this is.
00:00:49.439 --> 00:00:49.920
I think so.
00:00:50.079 --> 00:00:59.679
Well, of course you can hear the energy is still buzzing as we continue the celebration here at our VIP Afterglow, where we'll be joined by some very special guests.
00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.960
And what a season we just unveiled, Jen.
00:01:03.039 --> 00:01:03.840
Tell us a little bit about what.
00:01:04.319 --> 00:01:06.480
Oh my serious a great lineup.
00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:15.040
Alicia Keys How's Kitchen, the Notebook, Maybe Happy Ending, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Death Becomes Her, and duh.
00:01:15.519 --> 00:01:16.000
The big one.
00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:17.680
Phantom of the Opera.
00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:19.200
Phantom of the Opera.
00:01:19.280 --> 00:01:23.680
Plus, subscribers can turn their packages into lucky number seven.
00:01:24.079 --> 00:01:26.879
With the addition of Six, the musical.
00:01:26.959 --> 00:01:30.640
Because honestly, who doesn't want a little extra royalty in their season?
00:01:30.879 --> 00:01:32.159
I see what you did on that one.
00:01:32.400 --> 00:01:33.359
Let's dive in, Jen.
00:01:33.439 --> 00:01:34.959
Who are we gonna talk to tonight?
00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:51.200
We are talking with Broadway Grand Rapids president and CEO Megan Distal and Bob Bucci, president of marketing and content at Broadway Across America, who've done a great job of explaining why it's such a big deal when we get a Michigan premiere, when we get these Tony shows.
00:01:51.439 --> 00:01:56.640
Talk a little bit more about that area for those who don't quite get it yet.
00:01:56.879 --> 00:01:57.040
Right.
00:01:57.120 --> 00:02:01.439
I mean, it's all the circle of this ecosystem of Broadway.
00:02:01.599 --> 00:02:06.480
If our community supports Broadway, Broadway in turn wants to come to this community.
00:02:06.560 --> 00:02:13.120
And we have had such an influx of support over the last decade where our subscribers have grown.
00:02:13.280 --> 00:02:17.919
People are wanting, they're showing up for Broadway Grand Rapids in a big way.
00:02:18.080 --> 00:02:20.000
And that only shows the industry.
00:02:20.159 --> 00:02:22.400
Grand Rapids is a place we want to go.
00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:23.919
We want to stop there.
00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:26.560
And we're now part of that national conversation.
00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:35.199
I mean, it's not just the subscription, but yes, it's it's connecting more to people who are the ones who are routing and who are making some of those decisions.
00:02:35.439 --> 00:02:38.159
Um, but as I mentioned, it is a really hard process.
00:02:38.240 --> 00:02:47.439
So every year when we announce the season, we're not kidding when we say it is a game of Tetris because there are so many factors of how we build it together.
00:02:47.599 --> 00:02:59.680
And to have something for everyone, to have some brand new shows from Broadway, and to have these big giant shows like Phantom of the Opera, I think we really hit the mark and really proud of what we've accomplished this season.
00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:08.719
Yeah, and and you had mentioned this uh tonight, but we rely on our audiences to tell us what they're interested in as well.
00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:31.439
And those surveys that we send out, we really take them seriously because we want to know what they're interested in, or even more so, as a show is evolving and changing, is not only do we talk about shows that are on Broadway right now, there's a section of the uh of the survey that we're asking people this is in development.
00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:32.960
Would you be interested in seeing that?
00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:34.479
And people take that to heart.
00:03:34.960 --> 00:03:40.080
So we want our audiences to feel like they're part of helping us bring the best of Broadway to Grand Rapids.
00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:49.199
You know, something I noticed about this year's lineup, which I think is really interesting, and maybe you have some insight, is a lot of the shows are from other media sources, it seems.
00:03:49.280 --> 00:03:56.560
There's a lot of movie material in there now, and there's a lot of musicians who are putting their spin on stories, creating their own worlds, or having outright bios on them.
00:03:56.879 --> 00:03:58.319
Is this a trend that's coming?
00:03:58.400 --> 00:04:02.800
And do you see this kind of Well, and I also think it's something that's always happened, right?
00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:08.719
There's it it comes in cycles, and people look for inspiration in other IPs and things like that.
00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:23.839
So um we were just at a conference and there were a couple of other either singer-songwriters that were taking their catalog to create something original and new, or they're actually creating something that's based on their catalog as well.
00:04:24.079 --> 00:04:25.920
Yeah, I mean, I think it's always been done.
00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:32.399
It's if you look at some of the seasons we've had recently, a lot of our shows have been based off of movies or based off of novels.
00:04:32.560 --> 00:04:33.519
So that isn't new.
00:04:33.600 --> 00:04:44.800
It's rarer to have something that's a totally original piece, but I do think that there are more and more um mainstream artists who are getting involved in Broadway and trying their hand at writing abroad.
00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:46.000
John Legend is an example.
00:04:46.480 --> 00:04:54.240
Yeah, we saw we saw a presentation of uh John Legend musical that's coming out, which is gonna be amazing and he's writing an original score.
00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:57.759
He's not using his catalog, he's writing a brand new original score.
00:04:58.079 --> 00:05:00.160
To the imitation of life, which was a movie.
00:05:00.319 --> 00:05:06.720
So it's uh, you know, I think that's uh what a lot of uh creatives are looking to do is pair them together.
00:05:06.800 --> 00:05:12.560
It's like they have a work, whether it's a book, a movie, and then find the right artist to help with the score.
00:05:12.800 --> 00:05:20.639
And I and I know it's one of your favorite shows, but I also think that's why maybe Happy Ending to me stands out so much because it's so original.
00:05:20.800 --> 00:05:25.199
And not only is the story original, the score is original, and it's beautiful and touching.
00:05:25.279 --> 00:05:26.720
And yeah, it really is.
00:05:27.040 --> 00:05:36.399
That one holds a lot of interest for me uh because it is such I'm so fascinated, certainly in today's uh, you know, today's world of AI and just who are we and where is our space in the world today.
00:05:36.720 --> 00:05:38.000
How are we finding connection?
00:05:38.240 --> 00:05:40.959
Exactly, and to have a theater, you know.
00:05:41.439 --> 00:05:42.800
You know, maybe happy ending.
00:05:42.879 --> 00:05:50.800
There's also a deeper meaning in that show, and it's really, you know, the the first song in that show is called Why Love?
00:05:51.120 --> 00:05:57.199
And you know, we all as humans go through life and we're aging, we're getting older, we're becoming obsolete.
00:05:57.360 --> 00:06:05.600
In the show, these robots are becoming obsolete, and they are still though, you know, would you why do we love knowing we could lose?
00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:10.000
You know, knowing that our parts are are getting old or are getting obsolete.
00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:13.279
And it tells the story of that that connection that's so beautiful.
00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:20.480
And um, I I just think it's a show that people are gonna be so surprised by and just really walk away loving.
00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:34.240
Well, on that extra turn of the obsolescence, you know, the another show that's come, Death Becomes Her, one of my favorite movies is a movie person, you know, what a great dark comedy from the 90s, and another though, topic of being comfortable in your own skin.
00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:38.240
And can you talk a little bit about how that show uh you know seems to thematically fit as well?
00:06:38.800 --> 00:06:40.000
Yeah, um, no, it is.
00:06:40.079 --> 00:06:43.120
It's it's but it's also musical comedy and it's finest.
00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:43.920
I mean, for sure.
00:06:44.079 --> 00:06:54.399
But you can go deep if you want into some of those layers, absolutely, about people who want uh you know, drinking from the fountain of youth, and yeah, and yes, it's paid homage to the film.
00:06:54.560 --> 00:07:09.920
And again, I know I said it this evening, all those moments that you expect the falling down of the stairs, the turning of the head, the being shot through the body, all those things you will see on stage with incredible theatrical magic.
00:07:10.399 --> 00:07:19.839
But it's also an expanded version of the movie because they had to really grow these characters so that you cared about them.
00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:26.959
And um, that's one of the things that I loved about seeing the movie and then seeing it live on stage in a completely different way.
00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:31.759
But what Bob is saying the production value of Death Becomes Her is enormous.
00:07:31.920 --> 00:07:36.319
I mean, it's the sets, the special effects, the tech is huge in that show.
00:07:36.480 --> 00:07:38.480
Um, a huge ensemble cast.
00:07:38.639 --> 00:07:38.959
Yeah.
00:07:39.120 --> 00:07:49.279
You know, when we are putting these shows together and making sure, like Steve had alluded to before, of making sure there is something for everyone, I think that the reaction was very clear.
00:07:49.600 --> 00:08:02.079
Reaction on social has been so interesting to watch as the announcement was going on, that there are some that are so big fans of one and others uh, you know, maybe big fans of another.
00:08:02.160 --> 00:08:03.600
So it's not always the same people, right?
00:08:03.920 --> 00:08:04.560
Well, that's true.
00:08:04.720 --> 00:08:20.560
We know that you can't please everyone, but what we love about a season like this is that when you're a season ticket holder, you show up for a show like maybe happy ending, knowing absolutely nothing about and hearing that it's about robots, and you're thinking, how is Megan saying this is her favorite show last year, right?
00:08:20.639 --> 00:08:23.839
And you're gonna leave, and I guarantee you everyone has the biggest smile.
00:08:23.920 --> 00:08:30.639
They're they either they're you know they're beaming as Bob said, or they just they they connect with it because it's about connection.
00:08:30.800 --> 00:08:40.320
So you may think that you know you know what shows you want to see, but sometimes it's just giving it an opportunity, giving it a chance of going to the theater and then being super entertained by something you didn't expect.
00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:44.960
Or a show like the notebook where someone would say, Oh, well, I saw that film or I read that book.
00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:54.639
But seeing it put together on stage in the ingenious way that they did with the three different couples, it's a totally different experience than what you had seen on film or read in the book.
00:08:54.879 --> 00:09:01.759
And the other thing about the notebook, right, it's your one of uh a beloved movie, but to have music added, it gives it this whole new dimension.
00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:09.120
And yes, it's a love story, but I think so many of us can relate to the story of aging and the love story.
00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:19.120
And when I saw it, I was in the audience by myself and connected with an older gentleman who both of us at Intermission were talking about loss in our own lives with a parent.
00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:32.960
And at the end of the show, we embraced, and it was like we had this, I was crying, he was giving me tissues, we had this moment of live theater that that's that was beautiful, and I feel like that's what live theater does.
00:09:33.039 --> 00:09:42.320
You connect in this communal experience, and you walk away just feeling just more than ever, how meaningful it is.
00:09:42.480 --> 00:10:02.080
You know, I want to put a challenge to our friends out here in West Michigan because I truly think that people should go see the show with whomever they want, and then go see the show solo because it is a different dynamic when you go see a show solo next to a complete stranger and the Bond walking out of that theater when you both connect so true in those moments.
00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:03.039
Yeah, it's incredible.
00:10:03.279 --> 00:10:13.440
The same thing happened at Hell's Kitchen because as much as Hell's Kitchen is a high-energy, amazing story of Allie's coming of age, it's also a mother-daughter story.
00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:15.440
And I really connected to that as well.
00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:30.879
And I also found myself in tears at Hell's Kitchen, actually, and thinking about the loss of you know, one generation and then the beautiful um now development of the daughter, my daughter in I's relationship as a as her as she becoming an an adult.
00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:34.000
And you know, so stories touch you in different ways.
00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:36.799
And again, I saw it alone, someone was handing me tissues.
00:10:36.960 --> 00:10:40.000
And you know, how amazing is that in this world today?
00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:50.240
I mean, to feel connected to people when everyone's on their devices and on their phones, to sit in a theater for two and a half hours and and connect with a stranger, I just think it's incredible.
00:10:50.480 --> 00:11:05.200
And connecting in a way that what someone experiences on Saturday will be entirely different on Sunday because live theater changes and it's a changeable, and what you bring into it and what you take out of it changes.
00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:05.840
Absolutely.
00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:12.799
I think you just answered the next eight questions about the importance of theater in general with all these wonderful examples.
00:11:13.120 --> 00:11:13.279
Right.
00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:31.519
I mean, you're just talking about AI a minute ago, or we're talking about being on our devices, and you know, I we all, I mean, to me, you go inside a theater and you're just again sitting side by side, whether it's a stranger, whether it's a loved one, and you're laughing at the same time, you're crying at the same time, the the performers feel you.
00:11:31.679 --> 00:11:42.240
I mean, I'm I'm not a performer, but honestly, when we're doing the show tonight and revealing all the shows, that the the reaction that the love that the audience gives you, you feed off of it.
00:11:42.480 --> 00:11:43.759
It's actually true, right?
00:11:43.919 --> 00:11:47.679
And I think it's just um, yeah, it's amazing to have.
00:11:48.080 --> 00:11:49.759
Well, it was a wonderful reveal.
00:11:49.919 --> 00:11:51.840
We did have a large loud house.
00:11:51.919 --> 00:11:58.240
I was sitting next to a lot of shrieking people in there, so there was a lot, a lot of excitement in there, and you you both did magnificently.
00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:03.679
All right, we'll be back right after a word from our sponsor, AHC Hospitality.
00:12:04.159 --> 00:12:12.000
If you have stayed or visited us before, you might be wondering why does this place give off such good energy?
00:12:12.240 --> 00:12:14.960
Or make everything more flavorful?
00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:19.039
It's because we believe one degree of difference makes all the difference.
00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:22.639
That the little details are what set your experience over the top.
00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:30.000
So we keep doing the small things that make your stay, your dinner, your events, your everything.
00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:43.440
All right, and we're back, and we're sitting here with Megan Distal, president and CEO of Broadway Grand Rapids, and Bob Bucci, president of marketing and content at Broadway Across America.
00:12:43.679 --> 00:12:55.440
But now we wonder if we might be able to take you on a quick theatrical journey, a quick little musical journey with us, where we would rattle off a few song titles from age-old favorites.
00:12:55.759 --> 00:12:56.000
Okay.
00:12:56.240 --> 00:13:00.159
Just to see which one of you can guess it faster now that you've uh Okay, okay.
00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:01.200
Megan's competitive.
00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:04.320
I know, I'm already on pins and needle.
00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:07.919
Bob is actually a former performer, and he probably knows way more than I do.
00:13:08.159 --> 00:13:12.320
Okay, well, again, these are for the home audience as well, so they're not gonna be probably too taxing.
00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:12.720
Okay, okay.
00:13:12.960 --> 00:13:15.039
But let's see how, uh let's see how you go first.
00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:16.240
Is this something we're listening to?
00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:17.039
You're just gonna tell us.
00:13:17.200 --> 00:13:18.080
I'm just gonna tell you.
00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:20.480
But if you like the song well enough, feel free to sing it.
00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:22.799
Or sing the main line here, okay?
00:13:23.519 --> 00:13:24.639
One short day.
00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:27.440
Okay, you were your best.
00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:28.320
Wicked.
00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:28.960
There you go.
00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:30.320
Oh, yeah, she got it.
00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:32.080
Yeah, see now we'll use my nephew.
00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:34.000
Seasons of love.
00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:38.559
Wow, that that's I don't know.
00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:42.960
You can't see this at home, but both eyes focused into those mics and went like okay.
00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:43.679
That's a tie.
00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:44.559
I'm sorry, what was the answer?
00:13:44.960 --> 00:13:46.799
Rent rent, of course.
00:13:47.039 --> 00:13:47.519
Memory.
00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:48.399
Cats.
00:13:49.840 --> 00:13:55.600
Oh, I think there's a little edge out there on Megan, I think, for a split second before that.
00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:57.919
Um, one day more.
00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:58.960
Le Miz.
00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:00.559
Oh, Megan!
00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:02.639
I cannot believe it.
00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:03.600
It's you know why?
00:14:03.679 --> 00:14:06.080
It's because Steve started to almost like singing.
00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:08.720
And it almost threw me off.
00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:10.159
Because my voice is terrible.
00:14:10.480 --> 00:14:13.120
As everyone knows, Leigh Miz is my favorite show.
00:14:13.360 --> 00:14:16.399
So, I mean, I'm happy I can bring that to you.
00:14:16.960 --> 00:14:17.120
Okay.
00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:19.519
The next one is You Can't Stop the Beat.
00:14:19.679 --> 00:14:20.320
Oh, hairspray.
00:14:20.559 --> 00:14:21.120
Hairspray.
00:14:22.720 --> 00:14:22.879
Okay.
00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:24.320
Megan got that bike.
00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:29.039
And the last one is all that jazz.
00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:34.159
I think I was just quick with the mic because I'm so competitive.
00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:36.080
But I really think it was a big tie, Bob.
00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:36.799
It's a tie.
00:14:37.039 --> 00:14:39.840
I'm gonna go out and say it was a tie for everybody involved in that.
00:14:40.399 --> 00:14:41.200
Okay, you picked good ones.
00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:44.879
You were definitely the you could tell in your faces you both knew when you were aiming at it.
00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:45.919
Yeah, yeah.
00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:47.679
I was like, okay, I need a buzzer next time.
00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:48.399
I need a buzzer.
00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:50.159
We need to insist a buzzer, Steve.
00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.279
That's what we'll do next time.
00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:52.159
Thank you both.
00:14:52.480 --> 00:14:53.120
Oh my gosh.
00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:54.080
So fun.
00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:55.120
Thanks for having us.
00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:55.440
Yeah.
00:14:56.399 --> 00:14:57.519
And everyone wants to talk to both.
00:14:57.840 --> 00:14:58.080
Absolutely.
00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:58.320
Yeah.
00:14:58.879 --> 00:14:59.279
Thanks, everyone.
00:14:59.679 --> 00:15:00.960
Thanks, Steve and Jennifer.
00:15:01.039 --> 00:15:01.840
Appreciate you.
00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:09.759
And don't forget, head to Broadway Grand Rapids.com to secure your 26-27 season seats.
00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:16.639
We'd like to thank our sponsors, season sponsor Meyer and Pine Rest, and title sponsor, Fifth Third Bank.
00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:22.159
And the Broadway Grand Rapids current season continues with Anne Juliet March 10th through 15th.
00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:26.480
Disney's a Lion King for three weeks starting April 8th through the 26th.
00:15:26.720 --> 00:15:28.960
The Outsiders June 9th through 14th.
00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:33.600
And the Great Gatsby July 21st to 26th.
00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:36.879
Tickets for all those shows are on sale now.
00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:37.919
Awesome, Jan.
00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:39.919
Thank you for joining us today.
00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:41.600
And we'll see you at the show.
00:00:01.600 --> 00:00:10.240
From the cast on stage and cruise behind the curtain to community partners supporting efforts to bring professional Broadway performances to West Michigan.
00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:14.960
Plus, all things in between, this is BGR's Backstage Buzz.
00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:23.519
Hi friends, I'm Jen for Pasqua, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at Broadway Grand Rapids.
00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:27.440
And I'm Steve Stegetty, producer and proud BGR Ambassador.
00:00:27.679 --> 00:00:40.240
And we are coming to you on the go in this episode, recording from the stunning Pantlin Ballroom inside the Amway Grand Plaza, just steps away from where our 26-27 season reveal just wrapped.
00:00:40.320 --> 00:00:41.280
It's loud in here, Steve.
00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:49.039
It is nearly 1,200 people filled the Voss Performance Hall this President's Day for this reveal, and I think they might have followed us over here right now with how loud this is.
00:00:49.439 --> 00:00:49.920
I think so.
00:00:50.079 --> 00:00:59.679
Well, of course you can hear the energy is still buzzing as we continue the celebration here at our VIP Afterglow, where we'll be joined by some very special guests.
00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.960
And what a season we just unveiled, Jen.
00:01:03.039 --> 00:01:03.840
Tell us a little bit about what.
00:01:04.319 --> 00:01:06.480
Oh my serious a great lineup.
00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:15.040
Alicia Keys How's Kitchen, the Notebook, Maybe Happy Ending, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Death Becomes Her, and duh.
00:01:15.519 --> 00:01:16.000
The big one.
00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:17.680
Phantom of the Opera.
00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:19.200
Phantom of the Opera.
00:01:19.280 --> 00:01:23.680
Plus, subscribers can turn their packages into lucky number seven.
00:01:24.079 --> 00:01:26.879
With the addition of Six, the musical.
00:01:26.959 --> 00:01:30.640
Because honestly, who doesn't want a little extra royalty in their season?
00:01:30.879 --> 00:01:32.159
I see what you did on that one.
00:01:32.400 --> 00:01:33.359
Let's dive in, Jen.
00:01:33.439 --> 00:01:34.959
Who are we gonna talk to tonight?
00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:51.200
We are talking with Broadway Grand Rapids president and CEO Megan Distal and Bob Bucci, president of marketing and content at Broadway Across America, who've done a great job of explaining why it's such a big deal when we get a Michigan premiere, when we get these Tony shows.
00:01:51.439 --> 00:01:56.640
Talk a little bit more about that area for those who don't quite get it yet.
00:01:56.879 --> 00:01:57.040
Right.
00:01:57.120 --> 00:02:01.439
I mean, it's all the circle of this ecosystem of Broadway.
00:02:01.599 --> 00:02:06.480
If our community supports Broadway, Broadway in turn wants to come to this community.
00:02:06.560 --> 00:02:13.120
And we have had such an influx of support over the last decade where our subscribers have grown.
00:02:13.280 --> 00:02:17.919
People are wanting, they're showing up for Broadway Grand Rapids in a big way.
00:02:18.080 --> 00:02:20.000
And that only shows the industry.
00:02:20.159 --> 00:02:22.400
Grand Rapids is a place we want to go.
00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:23.919
We want to stop there.
00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:26.560
And we're now part of that national conversation.
00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:35.199
I mean, it's not just the subscription, but yes, it's it's connecting more to people who are the ones who are routing and who are making some of those decisions.
00:02:35.439 --> 00:02:38.159
Um, but as I mentioned, it is a really hard process.
00:02:38.240 --> 00:02:47.439
So every year when we announce the season, we're not kidding when we say it is a game of Tetris because there are so many factors of how we build it together.
00:02:47.599 --> 00:02:59.680
And to have something for everyone, to have some brand new shows from Broadway, and to have these big giant shows like Phantom of the Opera, I think we really hit the mark and really proud of what we've accomplished this season.
00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:08.719
Yeah, and and you had mentioned this uh tonight, but we rely on our audiences to tell us what they're interested in as well.
00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:31.439
And those surveys that we send out, we really take them seriously because we want to know what they're interested in, or even more so, as a show is evolving and changing, is not only do we talk about shows that are on Broadway right now, there's a section of the uh of the survey that we're asking people this is in development.
00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:32.960
Would you be interested in seeing that?
00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:34.479
And people take that to heart.
00:03:34.960 --> 00:03:40.080
So we want our audiences to feel like they're part of helping us bring the best of Broadway to Grand Rapids.
00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:49.199
You know, something I noticed about this year's lineup, which I think is really interesting, and maybe you have some insight, is a lot of the shows are from other media sources, it seems.
00:03:49.280 --> 00:03:56.560
There's a lot of movie material in there now, and there's a lot of musicians who are putting their spin on stories, creating their own worlds, or having outright bios on them.
00:03:56.879 --> 00:03:58.319
Is this a trend that's coming?
00:03:58.400 --> 00:04:02.800
And do you see this kind of Well, and I also think it's something that's always happened, right?
00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:08.719
There's it it comes in cycles, and people look for inspiration in other IPs and things like that.
00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:23.839
So um we were just at a conference and there were a couple of other either singer-songwriters that were taking their catalog to create something original and new, or they're actually creating something that's based on their catalog as well.
00:04:24.079 --> 00:04:25.920
Yeah, I mean, I think it's always been done.
00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:32.399
It's if you look at some of the seasons we've had recently, a lot of our shows have been based off of movies or based off of novels.
00:04:32.560 --> 00:04:33.519
So that isn't new.
00:04:33.600 --> 00:04:44.800
It's rarer to have something that's a totally original piece, but I do think that there are more and more um mainstream artists who are getting involved in Broadway and trying their hand at writing abroad.
00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:46.000
John Legend is an example.
00:04:46.480 --> 00:04:54.240
Yeah, we saw we saw a presentation of uh John Legend musical that's coming out, which is gonna be amazing and he's writing an original score.
00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:57.759
He's not using his catalog, he's writing a brand new original score.
00:04:58.079 --> 00:05:00.160
To the imitation of life, which was a movie.
00:05:00.319 --> 00:05:06.720
So it's uh, you know, I think that's uh what a lot of uh creatives are looking to do is pair them together.
00:05:06.800 --> 00:05:12.560
It's like they have a work, whether it's a book, a movie, and then find the right artist to help with the score.
00:05:12.800 --> 00:05:20.639
And I and I know it's one of your favorite shows, but I also think that's why maybe Happy Ending to me stands out so much because it's so original.
00:05:20.800 --> 00:05:25.199
And not only is the story original, the score is original, and it's beautiful and touching.
00:05:25.279 --> 00:05:26.720
And yeah, it really is.
00:05:27.040 --> 00:05:36.399
That one holds a lot of interest for me uh because it is such I'm so fascinated, certainly in today's uh, you know, today's world of AI and just who are we and where is our space in the world today.
00:05:36.720 --> 00:05:38.000
How are we finding connection?
00:05:38.240 --> 00:05:40.959
Exactly, and to have a theater, you know.
00:05:41.439 --> 00:05:42.800
You know, maybe happy ending.
00:05:42.879 --> 00:05:50.800
There's also a deeper meaning in that show, and it's really, you know, the the first song in that show is called Why Love?
00:05:51.120 --> 00:05:57.199
And you know, we all as humans go through life and we're aging, we're getting older, we're becoming obsolete.
00:05:57.360 --> 00:06:05.600
In the show, these robots are becoming obsolete, and they are still though, you know, would you why do we love knowing we could lose?
00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:10.000
You know, knowing that our parts are are getting old or are getting obsolete.
00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:13.279
And it tells the story of that that connection that's so beautiful.
00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:20.480
And um, I I just think it's a show that people are gonna be so surprised by and just really walk away loving.
00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:34.240
Well, on that extra turn of the obsolescence, you know, the another show that's come, Death Becomes Her, one of my favorite movies is a movie person, you know, what a great dark comedy from the 90s, and another though, topic of being comfortable in your own skin.
00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:38.240
And can you talk a little bit about how that show uh you know seems to thematically fit as well?
00:06:38.800 --> 00:06:40.000
Yeah, um, no, it is.
00:06:40.079 --> 00:06:43.120
It's it's but it's also musical comedy and it's finest.
00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:43.920
I mean, for sure.
00:06:44.079 --> 00:06:54.399
But you can go deep if you want into some of those layers, absolutely, about people who want uh you know, drinking from the fountain of youth, and yeah, and yes, it's paid homage to the film.
00:06:54.560 --> 00:07:09.920
And again, I know I said it this evening, all those moments that you expect the falling down of the stairs, the turning of the head, the being shot through the body, all those things you will see on stage with incredible theatrical magic.
00:07:10.399 --> 00:07:19.839
But it's also an expanded version of the movie because they had to really grow these characters so that you cared about them.
00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:26.959
And um, that's one of the things that I loved about seeing the movie and then seeing it live on stage in a completely different way.
00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:31.759
But what Bob is saying the production value of Death Becomes Her is enormous.
00:07:31.920 --> 00:07:36.319
I mean, it's the sets, the special effects, the tech is huge in that show.
00:07:36.480 --> 00:07:38.480
Um, a huge ensemble cast.
00:07:38.639 --> 00:07:38.959
Yeah.
00:07:39.120 --> 00:07:49.279
You know, when we are putting these shows together and making sure, like Steve had alluded to before, of making sure there is something for everyone, I think that the reaction was very clear.
00:07:49.600 --> 00:08:02.079
Reaction on social has been so interesting to watch as the announcement was going on, that there are some that are so big fans of one and others uh, you know, maybe big fans of another.
00:08:02.160 --> 00:08:03.600
So it's not always the same people, right?
00:08:03.920 --> 00:08:04.560
Well, that's true.
00:08:04.720 --> 00:08:20.560
We know that you can't please everyone, but what we love about a season like this is that when you're a season ticket holder, you show up for a show like maybe happy ending, knowing absolutely nothing about and hearing that it's about robots, and you're thinking, how is Megan saying this is her favorite show last year, right?
00:08:20.639 --> 00:08:23.839
And you're gonna leave, and I guarantee you everyone has the biggest smile.
00:08:23.920 --> 00:08:30.639
They're they either they're you know they're beaming as Bob said, or they just they they connect with it because it's about connection.
00:08:30.800 --> 00:08:40.320
So you may think that you know you know what shows you want to see, but sometimes it's just giving it an opportunity, giving it a chance of going to the theater and then being super entertained by something you didn't expect.
00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:44.960
Or a show like the notebook where someone would say, Oh, well, I saw that film or I read that book.
00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:54.639
But seeing it put together on stage in the ingenious way that they did with the three different couples, it's a totally different experience than what you had seen on film or read in the book.
00:08:54.879 --> 00:09:01.759
And the other thing about the notebook, right, it's your one of uh a beloved movie, but to have music added, it gives it this whole new dimension.
00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:09.120
And yes, it's a love story, but I think so many of us can relate to the story of aging and the love story.
00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:19.120
And when I saw it, I was in the audience by myself and connected with an older gentleman who both of us at Intermission were talking about loss in our own lives with a parent.
00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:32.960
And at the end of the show, we embraced, and it was like we had this, I was crying, he was giving me tissues, we had this moment of live theater that that's that was beautiful, and I feel like that's what live theater does.
00:09:33.039 --> 00:09:42.320
You connect in this communal experience, and you walk away just feeling just more than ever, how meaningful it is.
00:09:42.480 --> 00:10:02.080
You know, I want to put a challenge to our friends out here in West Michigan because I truly think that people should go see the show with whomever they want, and then go see the show solo because it is a different dynamic when you go see a show solo next to a complete stranger and the Bond walking out of that theater when you both connect so true in those moments.
00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:03.039
Yeah, it's incredible.
00:10:03.279 --> 00:10:13.440
The same thing happened at Hell's Kitchen because as much as Hell's Kitchen is a high-energy, amazing story of Allie's coming of age, it's also a mother-daughter story.
00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:15.440
And I really connected to that as well.
00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:30.879
And I also found myself in tears at Hell's Kitchen, actually, and thinking about the loss of you know, one generation and then the beautiful um now development of the daughter, my daughter in I's relationship as a as her as she becoming an an adult.
00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:34.000
And you know, so stories touch you in different ways.
00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:36.799
And again, I saw it alone, someone was handing me tissues.
00:10:36.960 --> 00:10:40.000
And you know, how amazing is that in this world today?
00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:50.240
I mean, to feel connected to people when everyone's on their devices and on their phones, to sit in a theater for two and a half hours and and connect with a stranger, I just think it's incredible.
00:10:50.480 --> 00:11:05.200
And connecting in a way that what someone experiences on Saturday will be entirely different on Sunday because live theater changes and it's a changeable, and what you bring into it and what you take out of it changes.
00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:05.840
Absolutely.
00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:12.799
I think you just answered the next eight questions about the importance of theater in general with all these wonderful examples.
00:11:13.120 --> 00:11:13.279
Right.
00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:31.519
I mean, you're just talking about AI a minute ago, or we're talking about being on our devices, and you know, I we all, I mean, to me, you go inside a theater and you're just again sitting side by side, whether it's a stranger, whether it's a loved one, and you're laughing at the same time, you're crying at the same time, the the performers feel you.
00:11:31.679 --> 00:11:42.240
I mean, I'm I'm not a performer, but honestly, when we're doing the show tonight and revealing all the shows, that the the reaction that the love that the audience gives you, you feed off of it.
00:11:42.480 --> 00:11:43.759
It's actually true, right?
00:11:43.919 --> 00:11:47.679
And I think it's just um, yeah, it's amazing to have.
00:11:48.080 --> 00:11:49.759
Well, it was a wonderful reveal.
00:11:49.919 --> 00:11:51.840
We did have a large loud house.
00:11:51.919 --> 00:11:58.240
I was sitting next to a lot of shrieking people in there, so there was a lot, a lot of excitement in there, and you you both did magnificently.
00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:03.679
All right, we'll be back right after a word from our sponsor, AHC Hospitality.
00:12:04.159 --> 00:12:12.000
If you have stayed or visited us before, you might be wondering why does this place give off such good energy?
00:12:12.240 --> 00:12:14.960
Or make everything more flavorful?
00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:19.039
It's because we believe one degree of difference makes all the difference.
00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:22.639
That the little details are what set your experience over the top.
00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:30.000
So we keep doing the small things that make your stay, your dinner, your events, your everything.
00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:43.440
All right, and we're back, and we're sitting here with Megan Distal, president and CEO of Broadway Grand Rapids, and Bob Bucci, president of marketing and content at Broadway Across America.
00:12:43.679 --> 00:12:55.440
But now we wonder if we might be able to take you on a quick theatrical journey, a quick little musical journey with us, where we would rattle off a few song titles from age-old favorites.
00:12:55.759 --> 00:12:56.000
Okay.
00:12:56.240 --> 00:13:00.159
Just to see which one of you can guess it faster now that you've uh Okay, okay.
00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:01.200
Megan's competitive.
00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:04.320
I know, I'm already on pins and needle.
00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:07.919
Bob is actually a former performer, and he probably knows way more than I do.
00:13:08.159 --> 00:13:12.320
Okay, well, again, these are for the home audience as well, so they're not gonna be probably too taxing.
00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:12.720
Okay, okay.
00:13:12.960 --> 00:13:15.039
But let's see how, uh let's see how you go first.
00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:16.240
Is this something we're listening to?
00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:17.039
You're just gonna tell us.
00:13:17.200 --> 00:13:18.080
I'm just gonna tell you.
00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:20.480
But if you like the song well enough, feel free to sing it.
00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:22.799
Or sing the main line here, okay?
00:13:23.519 --> 00:13:24.639
One short day.
00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:27.440
Okay, you were your best.
00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:28.320
Wicked.
00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:28.960
There you go.
00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:30.320
Oh, yeah, she got it.
00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:32.080
Yeah, see now we'll use my nephew.
00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:34.000
Seasons of love.
00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:38.559
Wow, that that's I don't know.
00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:42.960
You can't see this at home, but both eyes focused into those mics and went like okay.
00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:43.679
That's a tie.
00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:44.559
I'm sorry, what was the answer?
00:13:44.960 --> 00:13:46.799
Rent rent, of course.
00:13:47.039 --> 00:13:47.519
Memory.
00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:48.399
Cats.
00:13:49.840 --> 00:13:55.600
Oh, I think there's a little edge out there on Megan, I think, for a split second before that.
00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:57.919
Um, one day more.
00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:58.960
Le Miz.
00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:00.559
Oh, Megan!
00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:02.639
I cannot believe it.
00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:03.600
It's you know why?
00:14:03.679 --> 00:14:06.080
It's because Steve started to almost like singing.
00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:08.720
And it almost threw me off.
00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:10.159
Because my voice is terrible.
00:14:10.480 --> 00:14:13.120
As everyone knows, Leigh Miz is my favorite show.
00:14:13.360 --> 00:14:16.399
So, I mean, I'm happy I can bring that to you.
00:14:16.960 --> 00:14:17.120
Okay.
00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:19.519
The next one is You Can't Stop the Beat.
00:14:19.679 --> 00:14:20.320
Oh, hairspray.
00:14:20.559 --> 00:14:21.120
Hairspray.
00:14:22.720 --> 00:14:22.879
Okay.
00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:24.320
Megan got that bike.
00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:29.039
And the last one is all that jazz.
00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:34.159
I think I was just quick with the mic because I'm so competitive.
00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:36.080
But I really think it was a big tie, Bob.
00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:36.799
It's a tie.
00:14:37.039 --> 00:14:39.840
I'm gonna go out and say it was a tie for everybody involved in that.
00:14:40.399 --> 00:14:41.200
Okay, you picked good ones.
00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:44.879
You were definitely the you could tell in your faces you both knew when you were aiming at it.
00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:45.919
Yeah, yeah.
00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:47.679
I was like, okay, I need a buzzer next time.
00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:48.399
I need a buzzer.
00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:50.159
We need to insist a buzzer, Steve.
00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.279
That's what we'll do next time.
00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:52.159
Thank you both.
00:14:52.480 --> 00:14:53.120
Oh my gosh.
00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:54.080
So fun.
00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:55.120
Thanks for having us.
00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:55.440
Yeah.
00:14:56.399 --> 00:14:57.519
And everyone wants to talk to both.
00:14:57.840 --> 00:14:58.080
Absolutely.
00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:58.320
Yeah.
00:14:58.879 --> 00:14:59.279
Thanks, everyone.
00:14:59.679 --> 00:15:00.960
Thanks, Steve and Jennifer.
00:15:01.039 --> 00:15:01.840
Appreciate you.
00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:09.759
And don't forget, head to Broadway Grand Rapids.com to secure your 26-27 season seats.
00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:16.639
We'd like to thank our sponsors, season sponsor Meyer and Pine Rest, and title sponsor, Fifth Third Bank.
00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:22.159
And the Broadway Grand Rapids current season continues with Anne Juliet March 10th through 15th.
00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:26.480
Disney's a Lion King for three weeks starting April 8th through the 26th.
00:15:26.720 --> 00:15:28.960
The Outsiders June 9th through 14th.
00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:33.600
And the Great Gatsby July 21st to 26th.
00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:36.879
Tickets for all those shows are on sale now.
00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:37.919
Awesome, Jan.
00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:39.919
Thank you for joining us today.
00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:41.600
And we'll see you at the show.
