interviews | mostefinitely

February 14, 2020

Interview: Life on the road with Anne Brummel of “My Fair Lady”

Wharton Center for the Performing Arts is continuing its 2019-20 Broadway season later this month with one of the most beloved musicals in history. The Lincoln Center Theater production of “My Fair Lady” is making its way to Wharton Center February 26th-March 1st.

I had the opportunity to interview Anne Brummel, who is currently performing in the Ensemble and as the understudy for Mrs. Pearce. Brummel is touring the country with her young son Harlen and husband Michael Williams, who is also a part of the “My Fair Lady” cast. I spoke with her about working and traveling with family, always being prepared as an understudy, and why “My Fair Lady” is an enduring favorite.

January 25, 2020January 25, 2020

Interview: Behind the magic of “THE ILLUSIONISTS – Live from Broadway”

Magic lovers, get ready. On Saturday, February 8th, Wharton Center will welcome THE ILLUSIONISTS – Live from Broadway, a showcase of some of the greatest illusionists. Among the cast in the 2020 tour are The Mentalist Chris Cox, The Daredevil Jonathan Goodwin, and The Trickster David Williamson. Wharton Center audiences will have two chances to see the show, with 3:00PM and 8:00PM showings scheduled.

I interviewed David Williamson about his influences, the enduring love of magic, and what audiences can expect from the show.

November 18, 2019

Interview: Kaena Kekoa is experiencing a whole new world on tour with “Aladdin”

More than two decades after audiences fell in love with the Disney animated film “Aladdin,” the story continues to enchant all generations as a Broadway musical. Wharton Center in East Lansing will make way for the national tour of “Aladdin,” arriving December 4 and running through December 15. Click here for show and ticket information.

Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, Kaena Kekoa stars in her first national tour as Princess Jasmine. While her character is still the strong and independent woman we remember and love from the 1992 animated film, Kekoa is proud to say that the stage version has even more oomph to her.

I spoke with Kekoa about her experience leaving Hawaii for “Aladdin,” her favorite moment in the show, and what it’s like seeing a whole new world on the road.

November 5, 2019November 5, 2019

Interview: Matt Shingledecker on enjoying the ride as Enjolras in “Les Miserables”

This month, Wharton Center will welcome perennial favorite Broadway musical “Les Misérables” to the stage, with performances from November 12-17, 2019. Click here for show and ticket information.

Matt Shingledecker stars in this touring company of “Les Mis” as Enjolras, leader of the Friends of the ABC. Shingledecker has also tackled the roles of Fiyero in “Wicked” and Tony in “West Side Story” on Broadway, among others. I spoke with him about his experiences with the “Les Mis” tour, his must-have on the road, and how he casually just completed a marathon this fall.

October 8, 2019

Interview: Storm Large, a force of nature

This weekend, Wharton Center audiences will be treated to the song stylings of five-time Grammy-nominated vocalist/pianist Michael Feinstein and Pink Martini’s powerhouse Storm Large. Their Shaken & Stirred tour, arriving in East Lansing October 12th, features song selections from the Great American Songbook. Click here for additional show information and tickets.

Storm Large — musician, actor, playwright, and author — is a musical force of nature, best known for her appearance on CBS’s “Rock Star: Supernova,” musical memoir “Crazy Enough,” and performing with Pink Martini. I spoke with Storm about her career, working with Michael Feinstein, and how music connects us all.

September 3, 2019

Interview: Chatting with Julie Johnson of “Come From Away”

The 2019-20 Broadway season at Wharton Center kicks off this month with the arrival of “Come From Away,” the Tony-nominated musical based on true events surrounding 9/11 and the days that followed. The national tour’s East Lansing stop runs from September 10-15, 2019, making it an especially poignant time of reflection for the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“Come From Away” tells the true story of 7,000 passengers stranded in a small town in Newfoundland and the local residents who helped feed, house, and support them in the confusing and chaotic aftermath of 9/11.

Julie Johnson stars as Beulah and other characters in the touring company of “Come From Away.” Johnson isn’t a stranger to the Wharton Center: she also starred as Mama in the first national tour of “Memphis,” which stopped in East Lansing during the 2011-12 season.

I spoke with her about the humanity in “Come From Away,” her connection with the cast, and her unexpected voice role in the 1990s and 2000s.

April 12, 2019April 12, 2019

Interview: Six questions for Mairéad Carlin of Celtic Woman

Since its debut, global musical sensation Celtic Woman’s concerts continue to touch the hearts of a huge audience that spans the globe. Both an accomplished recording ensemble and a world-class performing collective, Celtic Woman celebrates Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage, while continuing its remarkable legacy of introducing some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians onto the world stage.

On Tuesday, April 16th, the Wharton Center will welcome Celtic Woman’s newest show, “Ancient Land,” which celebrates the group’s 13th studio album of the same name. East Lansing is one of almost 70 U.S. cities that are a part of this tour.

I interviewed Celtic Woman member Mairéad Carlin about the “Ancient Lands” tour, her musical roots, and her must-haves when traveling across the country and the world.

April 3, 2019April 3, 2019

Interview: Taking Ten with Take 6’s Alvin Chea

The Wharton Center will welcome two legendary a cappella groups on April 10th with The Summit: The Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6. With 20 Grammy Awards between the two of them, it’s certain to be a celebration of music from multiple genres, including jazz and gospel.

While you might not recognize Take 6 bass singer Alvin Chea’s name, you have certainly heard his voice. From the ubiquitous Chili’s baby back ribs jingle to the “Glee” theme to Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” Alvin’s bass is a household voice.

I spoke with Mr. BassLines about his musical influences, career highlights, and favorite moments from The Summit.

March 8, 2019

Interview: Emily Bautista on her career, tapping into her emotions, and the legacy of “Miss Saigon”

The Wharton Center will welcome one of the most legendary musicals of the last thirty years this month with the arrival of “Miss Saigon.” Performances are scheduled from March 12-17th. From the creators of “Les Misérables” and based on Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly,” “Miss Saigon” tells the tragic story of a romance between a 17-year-old Vietnamese woman named Kim and American G.I. Chris.

Emily Bautista stars as Kim in “Miss Saigon”

Emily Bautista made her Broadway debut in the lead role of Kim as an understudy and performer. I spoke with her about her influences, why representation in theatre has made an impact on her career, and the role she’d love to pursue next (paging Lin-Manuel Miranda).

February 13, 2019February 13, 2019

Interview: Chatting about covers, touring, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Morgan James

This Valentine’s Day weekend, Wharton Center audiences will be treated to the final performance of The Best of Bernstein’s Broadway, a collaboration between singer/songwriter Morgan James and acclaimed conductor Teddy Abrams. The show, set for February 16th, will feature selections of Leonard Bernstein’s Broadway works in celebration of the 2018 centennial.

I spoke with Morgan James about the upcoming show, her experiences on Broadway, and her ambitious cover album projects.