The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

Rafael Silva joins The Roundtable to discuss his new film The Compatriots. In this intimate conversation, Rafael walks us through his character’s journey: an undocumented queer man who reconnects with his estranged friend, and together they confront the realities of immigration, identity, and chosen family. We dive into what drew Rafael to this story, how he prepared to portray someone navigating...

Actress-writer-producer Lisa Brenner joins us to talk about her heartfelt new comedy One Big Happy Family. Inspired by a DNA test that upends a woman’s life on the eve of her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, the film follows Rachel and her wonderfully opinionated mom on a laugh-out-loud, soul-searching journey about identity, heritage, and the families we make. The cast features the legendary Linda Lavin a...

Renowned singer-songwriter Susan Werner has long been celebrated for her wit, charm, and incredible ability to tell stories through music. Now, she’s taking her talents to the stage in a whole new way with Bull Durham, the beloved baseball classic reimagined as a musical, coming soon to Paper Mill Playhouse. As the composer and lyricist, Susan brings her signature blend of humor, heart, and Americ...

From indie dramas to Hollywood comedies, Louis Mandylor has carved out an unforgettable career both in front of and behind the camera. Now, he steps into the director’s chair with Prisoner of War, a gripping and emotional new project that showcases his vision and storytelling craft. Known for bringing intensity and authenticity to his work, Mandylor proves that his talent extends far beyond acting...

From global stages to viral videos, HAUSER has taken the cello to places it’s never been before. Known for his electrifying performances with 2CELLOS and now as a solo artist, the Croatian virtuoso joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about his brand-new album Cinema and the magic of blending classical tradition with pop culture flair. With a career that has seen him collaborate with le...

Today we welcome actor, producer, and activist Mike Manning! From his breakout days on The Real World: D.C., where he bravely came out on national television, to his award-winning work on Days of Our Lives and The Bay, Mike has built a career that’s as diverse as it is inspiring. Alongside memorable turns on Teen Wolf, This Is Us, and Disney Channel’s Cloud 9, he has also made his mark as a produc...

Vocal powerhouses and industry mentors Raii & Whitney join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk artistry, longevity, and building a sustainable career as working performers. Known for their work alongside icons like Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran, Common, and more, and as standout artists featured on The Voice, Raii & Whitney bring a wealth of experience from the world’s biggest stages and studios....

Today on The Roundtable, we’re joined by hip hop legend Kwamé, who burst onto the scene in the late ’80s with hits like The Rhythm and Ownlee Eue, and became instantly recognizable with his signature polka dots and inventive flow. Now, after decades of shaping the sound of hip hop behind the scenes, Kwamé returns with his brand-new album The Different Kids — a 16-track project that blends the gold...

On this episode of The Roundtable, we welcome acclaimed composer and lyricist Michael Finke to celebrate the release of his brand-new album, Get What You Want: The Songs of Michael Finke. Out now, the record showcases his signature storytelling through music—songs that capture characters striving for their deepest desires, blending heartfelt emotion with theatrical flair. Michael takes us inside t...

Get ready for a dazzling Roundtable! Today, we welcome the fabulous Drag Race star and Broadway powerhouse Rosé. Known for her wit, powerhouse vocals, and larger-than-life charisma, Rosé joins us to talk all about her magical turn in Finding Neverland. From RuPaul’s Drag Race to the theatrical stage, she shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and what it means to bring her artistry to both...

Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we’re diving headfirst into indie film with Pools, the new movie making waves from creators Michael Vlamis (Roswell, New Mexico) and writer/producer Sam Hayes. A heartfelt, funny, and raw story of connection and rediscovery, Pools captures the messy, beautiful truth of friendship, love, and finding yourself in unexpected places. Michael and Sam join Robe...

Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we head to Princeton, NJ, for a very special conversation about the brand-new production I & You: The Musical at the McCarter Theatre Center. Starring the incredible Jasmine Forsberg and Benji Santiago, this fresh new musical reimagines Lauren Gunderson’s beloved play with soaring music, heart, and a story that reminds us how two strangers can change eac...

Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome the incomparable Kiki Shepherd! Beloved for her years as the iconic co-host of Showtime at the Apollo, Kiki has built a career filled with talent, grace, and charisma. From her work as an actress and television personality to her role as a cultural trailblazer, she’s entertained and inspired audiences across generations. But Kiki’s story doesn...

Today we welcome acclaimed filmmaker Cosima Spender, the director of the powerful new documentary Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe. Known for her intimate and deeply human approach to storytelling, Cosima takes audiences behind the curtain into the extraordinary life of Andrea Bocelli. From his Tuscan roots to his journey as one of the world’s most beloved voices, the film paints a portrait that...

Today, we welcome the one and only Matteo Bocelli, the rising global star carrying forward the legendary Bocelli name while stepping boldly into his own spotlight. With his brand-new album, Falling in Love (out September 12, 2025), Matteo blends his Italian roots with modern pop and romantic storytelling, creating songs that connect across cultures and generations. Growing up alongside his father,...

Today we welcome Jack Viertel, one of Broadway’s most influential voices and now a novelist. For decades, Jack shaped the landscape of American theatre as the longtime creative force behind Jujamcyn Theaters, the Artistic Director of New York City Center’s Encores! series, and the mind behind shows like Smokey Joe’s Café, After Midnight, and The Prom. He also penned the best-selling book The Secre...

Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome scholar, writer, and cultural critic Daniel Pollack-Pelzner to talk about his brand-new book Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist. The first major biography of the Tony-, Grammy-, and Pulitzer-winning creator, the book traces Miranda’s journey from a young artist growing up in Manhattan to an international cultural force behind In th...

Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we’re taking it back to the corner under the streetlight with the incredible voices of The Doo Wop Project. Known for blending the timeless harmonies of the 1950s and 60s with today’s biggest hits, these powerhouse performers are keeping the doo wop spirit alive while adding their own fresh spin. With Broadway roots and pure vocal magic, the group is her...

Today on The Roundtable, we welcome singer-songwriter and rapper Nadim Azzam. Known for blending hip hop, folk, and soul into a fresh, genre-bending sound, Nadim has been making waves with music that speaks to identity, resilience, and connection. From his roots in Ann Arbor to stages across the country, Nadim has built a loyal following with his heartfelt lyrics, electric energy, and the unique w...

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome Grammy-nominated entertainer Clint Holmes, one of the most dynamic voices in music today. Known for his electrifying stage presence and ability to cross genres from jazz to pop to Broadway, Clint has spent decades captivating audiences around the world. With new tour dates ahead — including a highly anticipated return to 54 Below in...

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome the multi-talented Catherine LeFrere to talk about her powerful work in House of McQueen. This striking piece, inspired by the artistry and vision of Alexander McQueen, blends poetry, fashion, and performance into an unforgettable theatrical experience. Catherine shares how she stepped into this world of bold design and emotional sto...

This week on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome the trailblazing R&B powerhouse Adina Howard. Ever since she stormed the charts with her unapologetic anthem “Freak Like Me,” Adina has been a voice of liberation, attitude, and pure groove. Now, with her brand-new track “Overthink,” she shows that her creativity is still thriving, giving fans fresh music while honoring the legacy of her i...

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome breakout star Everett Blunck, who shines in the coming-of-age film Griffin in Summer. At just 14, Everett takes on the role of Griffin Nafly, an ambitious young playwright navigating friendship, first crushes, and the trials of adolescence. His performance has already been called confident, charming, and award-worthy, marking an unfo...

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome director Dennis Corsi and writer/performer Anthony Anello to talk about their powerful new work, Let’s Talk About Anything Else, making waves in NYC. The show dives into what it means to navigate relationships, trauma, and resilience with humor, honesty, and creativity. Both Dennis and Anthony bring unique voices to the theater scene...

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome writer and performer Dana Namerode to talk about her latest project, The A-Frame. With her sharp wit and fearless perspective, Dana has been making waves in the comedy and theater worlds, and The A-Frame is the newest example of her unique storytelling voice. Blending humor, heart, and a touch of the unexpected, this work promises to...