The Broadway Cast

chevron_right

Suffs | Anastacia McCleskey, Tsilala Brock, Kim Blanck

Nov 4, 2024

In this lively discussion, Broadway stars Anastacia McCleskey, Tsilala Brock, and Kim Blanck share their journeys in the groundbreaking musical 'Suffs.' Tsilala opens up about her thrilling Broadway debut and character preparation as Dudley Malone. Kim dives into the intricacies of developing Ruza’s unique accent. Anastacia reflects on the powerful ensemble energy and the historical significance of her role as Mary Church Terrell. Together, they discuss the show's evolution, personal connections to their characters, and how it has sparked conversations around activism and empowerment.

01:12:11

forum

Ask episode

web_stories

AI Snips

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Broadway Call Became A Celebration

Tsilala Brock describes learning she joined the Broadway transfer over a dinner that turned into a crying celebration.
That Zoom call marked a major career milestone after pandemic-era uncertainty for the company.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Accent Built With Teachers And Films

Kim Blanck recounts using coaches and native speakers to build Ruza's Polish accent.
She studied films, native speakers, and reconnected with a former teacher to refine the dialect.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Playing Mary Felt Like A First

Anastacia McCleskey says SUFFS felt like her first Broadway show despite previous credits.
Playing Mary Church Terrell energized her because Mary was a fearless visionary and doer.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Celebrating Suffs and 200 Performances

02:01 • 1min

chevron_right

Cast Introductions and Broadway Debuts

03:26 • 2min

chevron_right

Finding Ruza's Accent and Coaching

05:22 • 2min

chevron_right

Why Suffs Feels Special to Anastacia

07:29 • 2min

chevron_right

Pre-Suffs Connections Between Cast

09:31 • 3min

chevron_right

Playful Game: History Has Its Eye On You

12:17 • 6min

chevron_right

Early Theatre Memories and Paths

18:29 • 9min

chevron_right

When Each Joined Suffs' Development

27:17 • 5min

chevron_right

Cuts, Lost Characters, and Research

32:42 • 2min

chevron_right

Mary Church Terrell's Expanded Arc

34:54 • 3min

chevron_right

Personal Connections to Characters

37:46 • 7min

chevron_right

Audience Reactions and Activism Sparked

44:51 • 7min

chevron_right

Favorite Moments To Perform

51:56 • 6min

chevron_right

Challenges: Consistency, Stairs, and Activist Weight

57:48 • 5min

chevron_right

Self-Care, Company Support, and Healing Work

01:02:59 • 5min

chevron_right

Dream Future Roles and Closing Reflections

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

The classic Sunday Times bestseller

George Orwell

Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" is a unique novel narrated by Christopher Boone, a teenager with autism. The story follows Christopher's investigation into the mysterious death of a neighbor's dog, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and challenging societal perceptions of autism. The novel's simple yet powerful language and intricate plot structure create a compelling narrative that explores themes of family, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships. Christopher's perspective offers a fresh and insightful look at the world, highlighting the beauty and challenges of neurodiversity. The book's success lies in its ability to connect with readers on an emotional level, regardless of their familiarity with autism.

#18354

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Guys and Dolls

Damon Runyon

Guys and Dolls is a collection of thirty-two short stories by Damon Runyon, set in the vibrant and often illicit world of New York City's Broadway during the 1920s and 1930s. The stories are known for their humor and unique slang, which Runyon coined as 'Runyonesque. ' Characters like Nathan Detroit, Sky Masterson, and Nicely-Nicely Johnson are central to the tales, which were later adapted into the famous Broadway musical of the same name.

#50

• Mentioned in 202 episodes

The Book of Mormon

Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Mormon and Moroni

Joseph Smith

The Book of Mormon is a scripture that tells the story of a group of Hebrews who migrated from Jerusalem to the Americas around 600 BCE. It describes their history, including their division into two main groups: the Nephites and the Lamanites. The book emphasizes the appearance of Jesus Christ to these people after his resurrection, where he teaches them and establishes his church. It also discusses various doctrinal topics such as the fall of Adam and Eve, the nature of God, baptism, and the importance of faith and repentance. The book ends with Moroni's testimony and an invitation to readers to come unto Christ and be perfected in him.

#2912

• Mentioned in 13 episodes

Anne of Green Gables

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Published in 1908, the novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl who is sent by mistake to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Avonlea. Despite initial reservations, Anne's vivid imagination, talkativeness, and joyful spirit transform the lives of the Cuthberts and the community. The novel follows Anne's adventures in school, her friendships, and her rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, as well as her growth and adaptation to her new home. Montgomery infused the work with her own girlhood experiences and the rural life and traditions of Prince Edward Island.

#12284

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Little shop of horrors

Alan Menken

Little Shop of Horrors, originally a 1960s B-movie, is a horror-comedy musical about a down-on-his-luck florist who discovers a plant that feeds on human blood. The musical explores themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of unchecked desires. The story's dark humor and catchy songs have made it a cult classic. The musical's popularity stems from its blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of human nature and the seductive power of temptation.

• Mentioned in 23 episodes

Othello

The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice

William Shakespeare

Written around 1603, 'Othello' is a tragedy that delves into the destructive nature of jealousy and the vulnerability of trust in relationships. The play follows Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, whose marriage to Desdemona is manipulated by his ensign Iago, leading to tragic consequences. Iago exploits Othello’s insecurities about his race and marriage, sowing seeds of doubt that ultimately result in the death of Desdemona and Othello's own downfall. The play is renowned for its exploration of racial and cultural issues, as well as its nuanced portrayal of human nature and the complexities of love and trust.

In this powerful and timely roundtable discussion, we dive deep into the revolutionary musical "Suffs," featuring insights from original cast members Anastacia McCleskey, Tsilala Brock, and Kim Blanck. Join us as we explore the powerful themes, groundbreaking performances, and the incredible journey behind this remarkable show!

In this engaging episode, Ben leads an insightful conversation that captures the essence of "Suffs," celebrating its impact on the Broadway landscape and the stories of the women who fought for suffrage. Our talented guests share personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes experiences, and the emotional connections that make "Suffs" a must-see production. 🌟

Whether you’re a theatre lover or new to the Broadway scene, this episode is packed with poignant moments and inspiring discussions that highlight the importance of female empowerment and the enduring legacy of those who paved the way.

So tune in and be part of the conversation that celebrates art, activism, and the magic of musical theatre! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to stay updated on all things Broadway!

Home Top podcasts Popular guests Top books