Broadway with AJ and Sarah

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...

This week’s episode is exactly what the title promises — a little bit of everything. We’re recapping AJ’s packed weekend of shows and sharing some candid theatre thoughts along the way. We're also talking Hillbarn Theatre’s production of Songs for a New World and feature interviews with the show’s current stars — Sophie, Jessica, and Coleton — about stepping into Jason Robert Brown’s powerful...

This week, we’re heading to Foothill Music Theatre to talk about The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ! 🐝✨ We share our experience with this quirky, heartfelt musical and discuss the performances, comedic timing, and audience interaction that make the show such a fan favorite. We break down what stood out to us in this production, how the cast handled the improv-heavy moments, and why Spel...

This week, we’re sitting down with Dedrick Weathersby to talk about the creation and evolution of Tutti Fruiti: The Musical. In our conversation, he shares how the show was first conceived, the inspiration behind the story, and the creative journey of bringing it to life. 🎭✨ We also talk about what’s next for Tutti Fruiti, including future plans to take the show to new audiences and expand its r...

This week, we’re sharing our thoughts on The Notebook at ATG San Francisco and diving into this sweeping, emotional stage adaptation of the beloved story. 💙 We talk about how the production brings the romance to life onstage, the performances that stood out to us, the musical score, and how the show balances intimacy with spectacle. From the storytelling choices to the overall emotional impact, w...

This week, we’re diving into A.C.T.’s striking and unconventional production of A Streetcar Named Desire . In this episode, it’s just us talking through our experience with this super unique rendition of Tennessee Williams’ classic. We discuss the bold directorial choices, performances, design elements, and how this production reimagines a familiar story in a way that feels fresh, challenging, and...

This week, we’re heading to Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club to talk about our night seeing Gutenberg! The Musical! — and especially what it’s like experiencing this show as a full dinner theatre event . 🍽️🎭 We spend a lot of time discussing the supper club atmosphere, how the food-and-show setup shapes the evening, and why Paper Wing’s intimate dining experience makes this production feel ev...

This week, we’re diving into BroadwaySF’s production of The Book of Mormon and sharing our experience with this bold, hilarious, and wildly energetic musical. We talk about the performances, comedy, and why the show continues to resonate with audiences years after its premiere. 🎭😂 We also got to chat with Shafiq, who plays the General, about stepping into such a memorable role, navigating the sh...

This week, we’re sitting down with actor and creator Mitch Wood for a fun and insightful conversation about his work onstage and online. We talk about how he crafts his hilarious and sharply observed skits, where his ideas come from, and how he balances comedy with storytelling. 🎭✨ Mitch also gives us a sneak peek at his upcoming turn in Traitors: The Musical , plus we swap some truly scary (and...

This week, we’re talking all about NCTC’s production of Ruthless! — the campy, darkly hilarious musical that turns ambition and innocence completely on their heads. 🎭✨ We share our experience with the show, dive into the performances, humor, and tone, and discuss how this production leans into the satire. From big laughs to bold choices, we break down what stood out to us and why this show works...

This week, we’re heading to the iconic red windmill to talk all about BroadwaySF’s production of Moulin Rouge! ❤️✨ We share our experience seeing this high-energy, spectacle-filled show — from the stunning choreography to the immersive design that pulls you right into the world of the Moulin Rouge. We also got to chat with Kenneth, who serves as a dance captain and swing for the production. He gi...