The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

The sensational Tony DeSare joins us to talk about his acclaimed Billy Joel Symphony Show, a tribute that blends his powerhouse vocals, piano mastery, and storytelling with full symphonic arrangements of the Piano Man’s greatest hits. From “New York State of Mind” to “Just the Way You Are,” Tony shares how he reimagines Joel’s timeless catalog for orchestras across the country while keeping the he...

Elizabeth Ann Weber joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for a rare and deeply personal conversation. Known to many as Billy Joel’s first wife and longtime muse, Elizabeth helped shape his early success while quietly managing much of his business behind the scenes. After decades of silence, she opens up about life in the spotlight, her pivotal role in music history, and her decision to step awa...

The multi-talented RJ Christian joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk all about Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern! This hit interactive stage adventure is rolling into the Fisher Theatre in Detroit November 1–3, 2025, and RJ gives us an inside look at the magic behind the mayhem. From his journey as a musician and performer to the imaginative world of D&D brought to life on sta...

Horror legend Allen Danziger, known for his iconic role in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, joins writer and producer Ray Spivey to talk all about their wickedly funny and blood-soaked new film The WeedHacker Massacre. Allen opens up about returning to the genre that made him a cult icon, while Ray shares how this outrageous, indie slasher-comedy was born out of love for old-school horror and satire....

Writer and performer Dante Fuoco joins Robert Bannon alongside director Clara Wiest to dive into Blue Seal, Blue Sea—a bold and deeply personal solo show exploring grief, queerness, family, and the haunting power of technology. The piece blends movement, memory, and multimedia to tell the story of a son confronting the legacy of his father and finding truth in unexpected places. Robert talks with...

Star and writer Keith Varney joins Robert Bannon to open up about his powerful and deeply personal solo show Ten Times I Should Have Known I Was Autistic. With heart, humor, and honesty, Keith shares his journey of self-discovery and late diagnosis, reflecting on how his art, relationships, and everyday experiences suddenly made sense through a new lens. Robert and Keith talk about the courage it...

The extraordinary Christine Allado joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about bringing Jo: The Little Women Musical to life — and what it means to embody one of literature’s most beloved heroines. Known for her powerful voice and emotional depth, Christine takes us inside the process of recording the role of Jo March at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and how this fresh musical adaptat...

Playwright, actor, and director Reggie D. White joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about the world premiere of his powerful new play Fremont Ave., now running at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Through three generations of Black men bound by love, silence, and the game of Spades, Reggie weaves a story that’s as funny as it is deeply human. He opens up about what inspired this multigen...

Today at The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome filmmaker Anna Elizabeth James—writer-director of “Held Hostage in My House,” a suspense-thriller that sees a single mom waking up captive in her vacation rental and forced to unravel clues from past guests to survive. Anna breaks down how the idea came about, what drew her to telling the story of female resilience under pressure, and how she...

It’s a love letter to Karen Carpenter, nostalgia, and the power of chasing dreams! Laurie Roldan joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about her stunning 54 Below debut, A Song for You: The Music of Karen Carpenter, and how this lifelong passion turned into a show that’s as heartfelt as it is inspiring. From growing up on those timeless melodies to finding her voice on one of New York’s...

Broadway meets rock ’n’ roll once again! Donnie Kehr—actor, musician, and founder of Rockers On Broadway—joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to celebrate over three decades of bringing the worlds of theater and rock together for one incredible cause. This year’s concert sails into Sony Hall with the smooth and soulful Yacht Rock edition, honoring Jefferson Starship with the Rock Legend Award a...

The powerhouse R&B group Sentury stops by The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about their rise, their smooth harmonies, and what it means to bring real soul music back to the forefront. Known for blending classic R&B influences with modern flair, the group opens up about their latest music, their creative process, and the brotherhood that keeps them grounded through it all. In this fun and f...

GRAMMY-winning producer, songwriter, and choir master Donald Lawrence joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to discuss his powerful work creating new music for Oh Happy Day at The Public Theater. From crafting timeless gospel hits to inspiring generations of artists, Donald opens up about his creative process, his storied career, and how faith continues to guide his art and his life. In this hea...

Tony Award winner Melba Moore joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for an unforgettable conversation about her incredible journey through music, Broadway, and faith. With a career spanning over five decades, Melba reflects on her resilience, her new book, and the stories behind her latest singles that continue to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide. In this soul-stirring chat, Robert and Mel...

A hauntingly original musical is making its New York debut! Sally Spectre — written, composed, and lyricized by David P. Johnson — tells the darkly whimsical tale of a young girl trapped between life and death in a decaying Victorian mansion. With its mix of gothic humor, heart, and ghostly charm, this award-winning piece offers a unique take on grief, forgiveness, and the power of imagination. Jo...

Acclaimed playwright Anne Washburn joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about her newest work, The Burning Cauldron of Fiery Fire, now igniting The Vineyard Theatre. Known for her imaginative, fearless storytelling (Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, Shipwreck), Anne dives into a wild new world where an off-the-grid California commune wrestles with loss, community, and the rituals that ho...

The incomparable duo Rachael & Vilray join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk all about their brand-new album, West of Broadway. Known for their throwback sound that blends golden-era jazz with modern wit, vocalist Rachael Price (of Lake Street Dive) and guitarist-songwriter Vilray bring their signature charm to a collection that celebrates storytelling, swing, and romance. They open up abo...

Filmmaker Sean King O’Grady joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about his gripping new series, Suspicious Minds. The project dives deep into the world of artificial intelligence—how it’s reshaping not just our technology, but the way we think, feel, and see the world. Known for his sharp visual style and fearless storytelling, O’Grady explores the psychological and emotional impact of...

Authors, genre-fans and entertainment junkies — we’ve got the one you’ve been waiting for. P. Moss returns with his latest novel Screwing Sinatra, a wild alternate-history crime thriller set against the glitz, glamour and grit of 1960-era Las Vegas. In this episode, P. Moss talks us through how he got pulled into the world of the Rat Pack, the Kennedys and the Mafia, how he fused fact with audacio...

The incredible Joaquina Kalukango is back at The Roundtable! The Tony Award–winning powerhouse returns to talk about her moving and magnetic performance in Saturday Church at New York Theatre Workshop. In this heartfelt chat, Joaquina opens up about portraying Aunt Rose — a character full of faith, love, and resilience — and how this story, blending gospel, house, and community, speaks to the powe...

Sam White joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to celebrate the groundbreaking work of Shakespeare in Detroit! — the company she founded to bring the Bard’s words to life in the Motor City’s most unexpected places. From outdoor performances in parks and factories to reimagined classics staged in iconic Detroit landmarks, Sam has built a movement that fuses art, accessibility, and community prid...

Olivia Levine joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about her fearless and funny new solo show UNSTUCK, now playing at SoHo Playhouse. In this deeply personal and sharply written piece, Olivia dives into life with obsessive-compulsive disorder — not the pop-culture version, but the intrusive thoughts, real fears, and the complicated humor that come with it. Directed by Molly Rose Heller,...

Broadway favorite Chilina Kennedy and writer Jeffrey Scharf join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk all about Reunions, the brand-new musical opening October 24th at New York City Center Stage II. With book and lyrics by Scharf, music by Jimmy Calire, and direction by Gabriel Barre, Reunions intertwines two timeless one-acts — The Twelve Pound Look by J.M. Barrie and A Sunny Morning by the...

Legendary crooner Freddie Jackson takes a seat at The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to celebrate a lifetime of timeless music and enduring soul. From unforgettable classics like “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight” to his decades of chart-topping hits, Freddie opens up about his journey through R&B history, the stories behind the songs, and what continues to drive his passion for performing. As...

The incomparable Faith Evans joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for a heartfelt, soulful conversation about music, legacy, and purpose. From her chart-topping classics like “Love Like This” and “Soon as I Get Home” to her Grammy-winning collaborations, Faith opens up about her journey through decades of R&B history and what keeps her inspired as an artist, writer, and producer. In this powerf...