Broadway with AJ and Sarah

This week, I’m joined by Lisa Mallette , director of City Lights Theater Company’s production of Eureka Day ! 🎭✨ We chat about her approach to directing this sharp and timely comedy, bringing its complicated characters and conversations to life, and the process of shaping the production for City Lights audiences. Lisa also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her work as a director and what drew...

This week, I’m welcoming back Luke Sheperd , who joined us last year to talk about Into the Woods ! This time, he’s back to chat about music directing in Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s production of The Last Five Years . 🎭🎶 We catch up with Luke about taking on this intimate and emotionally demanding musical, his experience working on the production, and stepping into the world of Jason Robert Brown....

This week, I’m joined by Tori and Doug from Pacifica Spindrift Players’ production of Mean Girls , opening this week! 💖🎭 We chat about bringing this fan-favorite musical to the stage, the process of putting the production together, and what audiences can expect when they head to North Shore High. Plus, we get into what makes Mean Girls such a fun show for both performers and audiences. ____ 🌐 S...

This week, I’m joined by co-directors Megan and Carly to talk about bringing A.C.T.’s Crushing to the stage ahead of its September 10 opening! ✨ We chat about their collaborative directing process, the ideas behind the production, and what audiences can expect when Crushing opens at A.C.T. It’s a fun behind-the-scenes conversation about collaboration, creativity, and getting a new production read...

This week, I’m joined by my friends Ayanna and Vanessa to talk all about the long-awaited Hadestown proshot . 🎭✨ We dive into what makes this Broadway phenomenon so beloved, why the show has become such an iconic piece of modern musical theatre, and how the filmed production captures the magic of the stage. From unforgettable performances to favorite moments and the emotional impact of seeing th...

This week, I’m joined by one of my oldest theatre friends, Natasha , for a special reunion! We first met during our high school theatre days, and it was so much fun catching up and reminiscing about the shows, memories, and experiences that first sparked our love of performing. We also chat about our dream roles, favorite musicals, and the productions that have stayed with us over the years. It’s...

In this special mini episode, I’m sharing an important update about the future of the podcast. I talk about why the show is evolving, what led to the decision, and what you can expect from this next chapter. From more in-depth conversations with the artists who make theatre happen to a new home for many of my reviews, I’m excited to share where the podcast is headed. Thank you for being part of th...

This week, we’re heading to Coastal Rep Theatre in Half Moon Bay to talk about Once Upon a Mattress! 👑🛏️ We share our experience with this charming, laugh-filled musical and sit down with Sam, Maddie, Elena, and Austin to hear about bringing the show’s beloved characters to life. We chat about the rehearsal process, their favorite moments from the production, and what makes this classic fairy tal...

This week, we’re recording another car pod as we share our thoughts on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at ATG San Francisco. 🌹✨ From the performances and production design to the nostalgia of revisiting this beloved classic, we break down our overall experience. Along the way, we also get a little more candid than usual, sharing some honest reactions, theatre conversations, and the kinds of though...

After a three-week break, we’re back! 🎉 In this episode, we’re catching up and sharing our experience at Transcendence Theatre Company’s Radio Recall. 📻✨ We talk about this nostalgic celebration of classic hits, the incredible performances, and what makes a night at Transcendence such a unique experience. From the music to the beautiful Wine Country setting, we break down what stood out to us a...

This week, we’re heading to Broadway San Jose to talk about Back to the Future: The Musical! 🚗⚡ We share our thoughts on this stage adaptation of the beloved film, discussing the performances, special effects, music, and how the production brings Hill Valley to life onstage. From nostalgic moments to jaw-dropping theatrical magic, we break down what stood out to us and whether this time-travelin...

This week, we’re talking about We Will Rock You at San Jose Stage Company! 🎸👑 We share our thoughts on this high-energy production, discuss the performances and iconic Queen soundtrack, and break down what stood out to us in this rock-filled theatrical experience. ⸻ 🌐 See more episodes: broadwaywithajandsarah.com 📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @BroadwayWithAJAndSarah

This week, we’re joined by Tony Gonzalez, the new Artistic Director of Transcendence Theatre Company, for a conversation about his journey with the organization and what’s ahead for one of the Bay Area’s most unique theatre experiences. ✨🎭 We talk about Transcendence’s upcoming production of Ain’t Too Proud, what makes the company’s blend of Broadway-caliber performances and Wine Country setting...

This week, we’re heading to Berkeley Rep to talk about The Lunchbox , a new musical adaptation of the acclaimed film. 📬✨ We share our experience with the production and discuss how the show brings its intimate story of connection, loneliness, and unexpected friendship to the stage. We dive into the performances, music, and storytelling choices, and talk about what stood out to us as this story w...

It’s a double episode week and we’re heading to Berkeley Playhouse to talk about Cats! 🐾✨ We share our experience with this production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical and discuss how the show’s design and performances came together onstage. We dive into the atmosphere of the production, standout character moments, and how this interpretation balances the spectacle and emotion that have m...

This week, we’re heading to Foothill Theatre to talk about Oliver Twist and our experience with this new production of the classic story. 🎭✨ We discuss the performances, staging, and how the production brings Dickens’ world to life onstage. We also talk about the balance between the darker themes and emotional heart of the piece, standout moments that worked for us, and what made this interpreta...

This week, we’re talking all about Ray of Light Theatre’s production of Mean Girls and sharing our thoughts on this energetic, funny, and sharply staged take on the hit musical. 💖🎭 We discuss the performances, standout moments, and how the production captures the spirit of the show while making it its own. We also take some time to talk about the recent announcement that one of AJ’s all-time fav...

It’s a double episode week! We are welcoming back Janie Scott to the podcast! ❄️🎭 She joins us to talk about directing Palo Alto Players’ Frozen and what it takes to bring a production like this to life. We dive into her creative process, the challenges and rewards of directing, and what it really means to lead a show from concept to opening night. From working with actors to shaping the overall...

We’re back! 🎉 In our Season 4 premiere, we’re heading to ATG San Francisco to talk all about Hell’s Kitchen. 🎶✨ We share our experience seeing this highly anticipated new musical, diving into the performances, music, and storytelling that bring Alicia Keys’ world to the stage. From standout moments to overall impressions, we break down what worked for us and how this production lands live. It’s...

This week, we’re joined by Melissa WolfKlain and Nick Nakashima, currently starring in TheatreWorks’ production of Come From Away. ✈️✨ We chat about their experience working on this powerful, ensemble-driven show, what makes Come From Away so special to perform, and the roles they dream of taking on in the future. Plus, we mix things up with a fun, musical-themed karaoke roulette game you won’t w...

This week, we’re wrapping up Season 3 of Broadway with AJ and Sarah with another classic “episode about nothing”… and a little bit of everything. 🧡 We chat about upcoming theatre seasons across the Bay Area that we’re especially excited about, share what’s been on our minds lately, and reflect on this chapter of the podcast as we head into what’s next. ⸻ 🌐 See more episodes: broadwaywithajandsar...

This week, we’re sitting down with Eryn Allen, a piano accompanist who has worked on several Broadway national tours, to talk about life behind the music. 🎹✨ We chat about what it’s like being an accompanist on the road, the role of music in shaping a production, and the unique challenges and rewards of touring. Eryn also shares insight into collaborating with performers, staying flexible in a f...

This week, we’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at Palo Alto Players’ upcoming production of Frozen, opening April 24th! ❄️✨ We’re joined by Astraea (Elsa) and Karen (co-choreographer) to talk about the process of bringing this beloved story to life. We chat about rehearsals so far, what it’s like stepping into such iconic roles, and the creative work happening in the room as the show gets read...

This week, we’re heading back to Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club to talk about Avenue Q! 🎭✨ We share our experience with this hilarious, irreverent musical and how it plays in an intimate, dinner theatre setting. We dive into the performances, puppetry, and comedic timing, and talk about how the supper club atmosphere adds a unique layer to the show. From big laughs to surprisingly heartfelt mo...

This week, we’re diving into City Lights Theater Company’s production of Dial M for Murder and sharing our thoughts on this suspenseful, classic thriller. We talk about the performances, staging, and what makes this production such an engaging night of theatre. 🔍🎭 We also take some time at the top of the episode to share a personal update about our decision to step away from the SF Bay Area Crit...