Behind The B

BEHIND THE B

The Bushnell’s first podcast ever, Behind the B, gives our donors and Broadway Series Subscribers a glimpse behind the curtain of shows that visit The Bushnell and conversations with the personalities that make them memorable – both on and off stage. Get updates on industry news, other community arts programs, and - of course - information about programs and opportunities at The Bushnell.

Behind the B is presented by:

EPISODES

Episode 1: Booking Shows

The Bushnell Broadway Series are always packed with great shows, but what goes into coordinating and booking a Broadway season? Our VP of Programming, Ric Waldman, gives us an inside look at his process for scheduling shows and what led him to invest in one. Learn about the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on Broadway, the musical Disney has been teasing for years, and a reenactment of the machine-gun-toting gangster role that gave him his start in theater (you don't want to miss it!). Join hosts Paul Marte and Taylor Shelly, as they take you Behind the B on our first episode of The Bushnell's first podcast!
(Note: This podcast was recorded before the announcement about Wicked and Hadestown.)

Episode 2: Warriors Don't Cry

Are you ready to give your ears an adrenaline shot of positive energy? On this episode of Behind the B, hosts Paul Marte and Taylor Shelly talk to Regan Sims, star of The Bushnell and TheaterWorks USA's one-woman show, Warriors Don't Cry. She discusses the Black Lives Matter movement and how despite the show's source material being more than 60 years old, the play could have been written yesterday. Regan also talks about meeting and working with Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals and the collaborative journey she embarked on to modernize her memoir for today's audiences.

Episode 3: Hamilton

We're celebrating the fifth anniversary of Hamilton! In this episode of Behind the B, hosts Paul Marte and Taylor Shelly talk to JB Bassett, production supervisor for the U.S. and international productions of Hamilton. JB tells us what it was like on opening night five years ago (and what he'd rather do that evening). Plus, hear all about his life on Broadway with the cast of the hit musical, celebrities that have stopped by backstage, and what it's like sending a distinctly American musical on an international tour.

Episode 4: TheaterWorks Hartford

In this episode of Behind the B, hosts Paul Marte and Taylor Shelly share the mic with our neighbors downtown, TheaterWorks Hartford! We're joined by artistic director, Rob Ruggiero and producing associate, Taneisha Duggan. We talk about how COVID-19 has forced them to adapt their season in exciting and innovative ways and what that will look like for audiences. Plus, we discuss how they haven't shied away from social justice issues and what changes they're making to ensure representation in their theater.

Episode 5: Racial Equality in the Arts

Godfrey L. Simmons Jr., Artistic Director of Hartbeat Ensemble, sits down (virtually) with Behind the B hosts Taylor Shelly and Alex Page-Hatley, to talk about the significance of the 2020 movement toward racial equality and its relation and impact on the arts. Additionally, learn about HartBeat Ensemble's mission and work under Simmons' leadership.

Episode 6: Broadway Flops

A moose murder mystery, a bloody prom massacre, a train god that lives in a boy's mind, and organized fraternal kidnapping - all real plot lines of real Broadway shows. In this episode, hosts Taylor Shelly and Alex Page-Hatley look at Broadway shows whose short engagements became legendary failures and those that had all the ingredients to be a flop, but found success despite mixed reviews.

Episode 7: Ovations 2021

Behind the B goes behind the scenes of The Bushnell's Ovations 2021 gala. This year instead of being a grand party with 500+ attendees, we're hosting a virtual soirée complete with a secret garden, Broadway performances, and exciting guests. We talk to the folks behind the camera that are setting the stage for an amazing night.