The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon heads to one of the most exciting artistic incubators in the country as we sit down with Andy Sandberg, the Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat! Located on Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, the Hermitage has become a powerhouse destination where groundbreaking playwrights, composers, performers, poets, and creators come to develop bold new work....

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...

Fresh off the national tour of Peter Pan, rising star Serenity Mariana is stepping into the powerful new Off-Broadway play Indian Princesses at Atlantic Theater Company. Inspired by playwright Eliana Theologides Rodriguez’s real-life experiences, the production explores identity, family, cultural appropriation, and the stories we inherit — all through a sharp, emotional, and darkly funny lens. Ser...

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 rising stage star is making major moves in the theater world as she prepares to share the stage with none other than Hugh Jackman in the highly anticipated new production of New Born. The intimate theatrical event, written by acclaimed playwright Ella Hickson, will also feature Sepideh Moafi and is set for a limited engagement at New York’s Minetta Lane Theatre through Audible Theater.  Known...

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 ex...

Soul, heart, powerhouse vocals, and a whole lot of joy — Brother Wallace is here on The Roundtable! The Georgia-born singer, songwriter, pianist, and K-12 music teacher is bringing his electrifying blend of soul, gospel, blues, and rock to the world with his debut album “Electric Love.” From performing with gospel legend Kirk Franklin to sharing stages with The Heavy and lighting up venues across...

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...

The Roundtable with Robert Bannon hit the red carpet at the 2026 Lucille Lortel Awards celebrating the very best of Off-Broadway theater! We caught up with some of the biggest names of the night including Daniel J. Watts, Justin Cooley, Okieriete Onaodowan, Whitney White, Stephanie Hsu, and more to talk about the power, passion, and magic of the Off-Broadway community. From groundbreaking new work...

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 charact...

The Broadway season is heating up, and correspondent Rob Nicholson was front and center at the Meet the Nominees presentation for the Chita Rivera Awards! From the ballroom to the backstage buzz, Rob caught up with some of the incredible artists bringing dance and movement to life on stage and screen this year. First up, the jellicle magic of Cats: The Jellicle Ball! Rob chatted with nominees Sydn...

Tony Bordonaro and Ingrid Kapteyn are not just performing—they’re inviting audiences into a living, breathing experiment. Their latest work, Chalk Outline Portal, is an immersive “danceplay” that fuses movement, storytelling, and technology into something completely unpredictable. Built through their company Welcome to Campfire, the piece dives into grief, identity, and the shifting nature of self...

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we’re shining a spotlight on the women who quite literally keep the show running. From calling cues to managing chaos, these stage management leaders are the heartbeat of the productions we love. Aura Michelle (You Got Older), Katie Girardot (My Joy is Heavy at New York Theatre Workshop), pau (Spread at INTAR Theatre), and Christina M. Woolard...

Brooke deRosa is having a major moment—and New York audiences are about to experience it firsthand. The multi-hyphenate composer, lyricist, and director is behind a dynamic double feature of original musical comedies, Gunfight at the Not-So-OK Saloon and Does Not Compute, arriving for a limited run this May. Known for her ability to fuse classic musical theater traditions with modern storytelling,...

Rhonda Shear is officially back—and she’s not just revisiting the past, she’s reinventing it. The iconic host of USA Up All Night has launched a brand-new Roku destination, the Up All Night Network, bringing fresh episodes, classic vibes, and a whole new generation into her signature late-night world. Roku viewers can now dive into new content alongside the nostalgic chaos that made her a cult fav...

We’re thrilled to welcome William Church, Director of Theatre at Interlochen Center for the Arts, to The Roundtable. A powerhouse in arts education and performance, Church is also the founder and artistic director of the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival, a program he launched in 2008 that continues to elevate classical theatre for modern audiences. His career spans work with major theatre companie...

Kym Whitley is bringing the laughs, the heart, and the real-life stories that have made her a fan favorite for decades! The legendary comedian, actress, and host sits down to talk about her incredible career—from scene-stealing roles on screen to becoming one of the most authentic voices in comedy today. We dive into her dynamic chemistry with Sherri Shepherd, their wildly popular Two Funny Mamas...

From stealing scenes as Big Worm in Friday to bringing unforgettable energy to films like Elf, The Replacements, Couples Retreat, and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, Faizon Love has built a comedy legacy that spans decades. Starting stand-up at just 15, his larger-than-life presence and sharp, fearless humor have made him a standout across film, television...

Elena Sanchez is here, and she’s bringing heart, truth, and purpose with her. In Neglected, she steps into a story that refuses to be ignored—one that explores resilience, identity, and the emotional weight of being overlooked. Elena joins us to talk about what drew her to the project, the responsibility of telling stories that reflect real experiences, and how this role challenged and changed her...

The vampires came out to play as The Lost Boys officially opened at the Palace Theatre, and The Roundtable was there for every thrilling, gothic moment. Based on the iconic cult film, this bold new musical—directed by Michael Arden—brings Santa Carla to life with a rock score by The Rescues and a cast led by LJ Benet, Shoshana Bean, Ali Louis Bourzgui, Benjamin Pajak, Maria Wirries, and Paul Alexa...

Roxy Hunt is here and she’s shining a spotlight on one of NYC’s most exciting creative hubs—Lower East Side Film Festival. With a passion for championing independent artists, Roxy gives us the inside scoop on how the festival has grown into a must-attend event for filmmakers and audiences alike. From boundary-pushing shorts to unforgettable features, the festival captures the grit, heart, and dive...

Writer/director Joanne Mitchell is here to talk about her striking feature debut Broken Bird—a chilling, genre-bending story that dives deep into loneliness, trauma, and the human need for connection. Centered on Sybil, a socially isolated mortician, the film explores what happens when grief and desire blur into something far more unsettling. Drawing from her earlier short Sybil, Mitchell expands...

At the inspiring Vital Voices Global Partnership Global Leadership Awards, we hit the carpet for a night where glamour met purpose and every voice carried impact. From political powerhouse Huma Abedin to legendary designer and philanthropist Diane von Fürstenberg—who continues to champion women worldwide—to the radiant Nicole Ari Parker, the room was filled with women shaping culture, policy, and...

Friendship, heartbreak, and that song… yes, that song. Beaches has officially opened on Broadway, bringing the beloved story of lifelong friendship between Cee Cee and Bertie to the stage in a sweeping, emotional production filled with powerhouse vocals and nostalgic moments. Led by Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett, this new production leans all the way into the heart of the story—big voices, big fe...

Opening night of The Balusters was stacked with talent, energy, and that unmistakable Broadway buzz. We hit the carpet with an incredible lineup—Tony winner Anika Noni Rose alongside a full company bringing this sharp, hilarious new play to life. The cast also includes standouts like Marylouise Burke, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Margaret Colin, Richard Thomas, Kayli Carter, Ricardo Chavira, Michael Espe...