Valerie Fagan shares her experiences in theater, highlighting the joy of connecting with the audience, the challenges of Broadway, and the emotional impact of performing. She also discusses the transition from writing to performing and offers advice for navigating life and embracing authenticity.

Takeaways

• Laughter as a powerful bridge
• Emotional connection with the audience

This week on Cleveland Stage Door: We talk with powerhouse musical theater actress Emily Koch about all things Kimberly Akimbo! From life on the road with her partner to the heartwarming, Tony-winning story at the center of the show, Emily shares what makes this musical so special. She also reflects on her journey from Wicked to Waitress to Kimberly Akimbo, and offers inspiring advice for anyone dreaming of a life on stage. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of Broadway’s most beloved new shows!

Nella Cole joins Cleveland Stage Door!

Actor and recording artist Nella Cole returns to Cleveland as Anne Boleyn in Six the Musical, the global sensation that reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as a fierce pop concert.

In this inspiring conversation, Nella shares what makes Six such a powerful celebration of life, resilience, and sisterhood. She reflects on her diverse career across Broadway, touring shows, and television, discussing how she’s learned to trust herself as a performer — and why telling women’s stories on stage continues to move her deeply.

🎟️ Six the Musical plays at Playhouse Square, November 11–16, 2025. 🎶 Follow Nella: @nellacole 🎙️ Follow Cleveland Stage Door for more exclusive Broadway and national tour interviews.

We’re kicking off the holiday season with a visit from Andrew Hendrick, who stars as Santa Claus and Mr. Greenway in the national tour of Elf the Musical, coming to EJ Thomas Hall in Akron, November 11–12, 2025.

Andrew shares what makes this stage adaptation of the classic holiday film so special, how he switches between two completely opposite roles every night, and what it’s like touring with a Christmas show that spreads joy across the country.

He also reflects on his incredible career performing in all 50 states and around the world, with past credits including Come From Away, Kinky Boots, Fiddler on the Roof, Bullets Over Broadway, and Jekyll & Hyde.

It’s a warm, funny, and festive conversation that’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

Elf the Musical 📍 EJ Thomas Hall – Akron, OH 📅 November 11–12, 2025 🎟️ Tickets: PlayhouseSquare.org

Cleveland Stage Door — conversations with Broadway and national tour performers, hosted by Jimmy Davis.

Quinn VanAntwerp discusses his experience with the Broadway musical 'Shucked,' sharing insights into its unique premise, the creative process behind its music, and the audience's unexpected emotional responses. He reflects on his transition from 'Jersey Boys' to 'Shucked,' offering personal anecdotes and advice for aspiring performers, while also highlighting the importance of laughter and community in theater.

Kurt Perry discusses his role as Mr. Smee in the upcoming production of Peter Pan, highlighting the modern adaptations made to the classic story. He shares insights into the balance of humor and seriousness in performance, recounts behind-the-scenes experiences, and expresses his aspirations for future roles in theater. The discussion also touches on his love for Disney and the importance of dance in an actor's training.

In this engaging conversation, Jimmy Davis speaks with Kali Marie Oliver from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater about her upcoming performance in Cleveland. They discuss the legacy of Alvin Ailey, the significance of the dance pieces being performed, and Kali's personal journey in dance. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of dance and the hope that audiences will connect with the performances on a personal level.