Broadway with AJ and Sarah
Broadway with AJ and Sarah is your backstage pass to the Bay Area theater scene! Join AJ and his theater partner-in-crime, Sarah, as they go beyond the reviews to explore what truly brings a production to life. As members of the San Francisco Bay Area Theater Critics Circle, they spotlight the artists, actors, and creative minds behind the curtain through in-depth interviews, all while sharing their insights on the latest shows. Whether you’re a theater lover or an industry insider, this podcast is your guide to the vibrant world of Bay Area theater!
Episodes
In this episode, we're headed to Silicon Valley Shakespeare to catch their charming outdoor production of Emma, Jane Austen’s classic story of matchmaking and self-discovery. We loved the clever direction, sharp performances, and all the delightful Austen wit brought to life under the stars.
We also had the pleasure of chatting with director Erin Southard about the process of adapting Emma for the stage and what makes this versi...
In this episode, we chat with Rachel Simone Webb, star of the & Juliet North American tour. She shares her journey from ensemble member to leading lady, the bold move that landed her the role, and what it means to bring a modern, empowered Juliet to life. We dive into tour life, representation in theater, and the pop songs that make this show a fan favorite.
AJ’s back from New York and ready to spill all the theatrical tea! In this episode, they recap their whirlwind Broadway adventure, including a hauntingly glamorous take on Sunset Boulevard, a powerhouse revival of Gypsy, and the hilariously campy musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her. From standing ovations to standing in line at the stage door, AJ shares all the highlights, hot takes, and unforgettable moments from their trip to...
🎭 This week, we stepped into the world of The Drowsy Chaperone at WVLO! After enjoying the show, we caught up with two standout cast members—Melissa (Janet Van De Graaff) and Tony (Adolpho)—to chat all things musical theater. From lightning-fast quick changes to their ultimate dream roles, this behind-the-scenes peek is full of laughs, insight, and Broadway dreams. Whether you’re a theater fan or just love a good interview, you wo...
This week, we’re chatting with Ruby Day! Recently starting in Waitress at SF Playhouse and now currently closing out the month at the San Jose Stage in Sweet Charity! We talk about her theater journey, some dream roles, and rhyming game leaving us wondering if we should quit our day jobs.
This week, we’re diving into SVS’s thrilling new production of The Tempest—a fantastical reimagining where Shakespeare meets Dungeons & Dragons.
We share our thoughts on the show’s creative world-building, standout performances, and how this magical island adventure gets a tabletop twist. Plus, we sit down with director Drew Benjamin Jones to talk about his bold DND-inspired vision, turning Prospero into a dungeon master, and ho...
We’re breaking down Broadway’s biggest night—the Tony Awards! 🎭✨ Tune in as we share our favorite show-stopping performances, gush (and side-eye) over red carpet fashion moments, and dive into the win that truly stole our hearts. From standing ovations to style statements, we’ve got all the glittering highlights and hot takes you need.
This week, we’re headed off from Sacramento with the electrifying Billy Rude, who’s currently tearing up the stage as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet at Broadway At Music Circus! 🎹🔥
We chat all about the unique experience of performing in the iconic theater-in-the-round, what it takes to bring the “wild child” of rock ‘n’ roll to life, and how the energy of the tent fuels the performance. Billy also opens up about his pa...
Double episode week! This time, we journey into the misty Highlands with South Bay Musical Theatre’s production of Brigadoon. We unpack the timeless charm of Lerner and Loewe’s classic, from its lush score to the romantic, otherworldly tale of a village that appears once every hundred years. Tune in as we share our thoughts on the local cast, standout musical numbers, and what made this production feel like stepping into a dream.
This week, we're headed to San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre to experience the Tony-winning revival of Parade. From the haunting score to the powerhouse performances, we break down what makes this production so emotionally gripping and historically resonant. Join us as we dive into the story of Leo Frank, the musical’s timely themes, and our personal takeaways from the show. Plus, a few behind-the-scenes tidbits from the Broadway...
We’re back! Did you miss us? We’re here to discuss our latest adventure with special guest Renee!
This week, we’re taking you along for the ride from Jersey Boys at Palo Alto Players! From the harmonies to the heartbreak, we’re breaking down everything we loved about this high-energy production of the Tony Award-winning musical.
Plus, we’ve got an exclusive treat for our listeners: use promo code BILLBOARD for a special discount on tickets!
Hit play, and let’s walk like a man through one of Broadway’s biggest jukebox hits...
This week, we’re chatting with AJ’s castmates in his latest show, Eshani (Billie) and Raelaine (Assistant Director). Join us as we share our shenanigans thus far from our rehearsal progress and what we’re looking forward to the audiences enjoying!
Use code ERIC for a discount on tickets, available now at SVCT.org
This week, we’re diving into the darkly hilarious world of Heathers: The Musical with Korsa Musical Theater! From powerhouse vocals to jaw-dropping moments, we’re breaking down what made this production so “very.” We’ll talk about the show’s bold themes, standout performances, and whether this Heathers had us saying “How very!” or reaching for a slushie. Tune in for our full review—it’s gonna be Big Fun!
This week, we’re heading back to Rydell High as we check out Grease at Altarena Playhouse! We got the chance to chat with cast members Liam, Seana, Kitt, and Luc about bringing this iconic musical to life, their favorite moments on stage, and what makes this production stand out. From slicked-back hair to high-energy dance numbers, we’re breaking down all the magic happening at Altarena. So grab your leather jackets and poodle skir...
This week, we’re diving into The Cher Show! We saw the musical celebrating the Goddess of Pop herself and have thoughts. From dazzling costumes to powerhouse vocals, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and whether this show does justice to Cher’s legendary career. Tune in as we discuss the highs, the lows, and everything in between—because, as Cher would say, the beat goes on!
This week, we take a magical journey into WVLO’s production of Pippin! From dazzling choreography to standout performances, we break down what made this production shine. Plus, we reveal our final rating and, most importantly, Sarah adds a brand-new joke to her ever-growing Rolodex of comedy. Don’t miss this one—it’s got spectacle, laughs, and a little bit of existential crisis.
We’re back! This week, we’re diving into ACT’s stellar production of Nobody Loves You, the sharp and hilarious musical that takes reality TV romance to the stage. We break down the show’s witty book, infectious score, and standout performances that had us both laughing and fully invested. Plus, we discuss how this underrated gem brilliantly satirizes modern dating culture while delivering plenty of heart. Tune in as we share our fa...
Another straight play! This week we’re returning to our lovely Half Moon Bay theater to support our director Allie with her latest endeavor. Join us as we chat with cast members Chloe, Shann, and Devin!
It's a show about peeing! Join us this week as we chat with Andrew (Bobby) and Michelle (Hope) about South Bay's latest production, Urinetown, running until February 16th at the Saratoga Civic Theater.
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