Break A Bat! where Baseball Meets Broadway

From August 2021. LOOKOUT! It’s one of those special days in The Batter’s Box as Sierra Boggess joins us for Episode 95! For nearly a decade and a half, Boggess has cemented a standing as one of the best players in the game here on Broadway through her brilliant ability to bring iconic characters to life on stage, powerful singing voice, and inspiring disposition that embodies the good stuff in show business. Whether it was originating the role of Ariel in the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid, her portrayal of Christine Daaé in both the Broadway and London 25th Anniversary productions ofThe Phantom Of The Opera, or her other memorable performances inSchool Of Rock, It Shoulda Been You, Master Class, Lés Miserables, andLove Never Dies, her accomplishments on Broadway and The West End are on par with any hitter who's dominated in both the American and National League. Ironically, some of Boggess’ success on stage is rooted in her own athletic background, as she grew up as a competitive figure skater in her native Denver. Despite having to put the skates aside in her early teens, her passion for the sport has never wavered, and the values it taught her have truly helped shape her into the All-Star actress she is today. Over the past year, she's rediscovered those skills on the ice and this week, she takes host Al Malafronte through this incredible chapter of joy and the intense work she's put into it. She also discusses some of her eventual aspirations in the sport, which may just include competing on the professional level! One of the ultimate testaments to a performer either on stage or at the stadium is their mental fortitude, and some of Boggess’ stories behind her success on Broadway fully back up that notion in this conversation. Her ability to set herself apart as a star player in order to achieve her dreams is on par with anyone we’ve ever spoken with. One might even view her as a master "hitter" when it comes to her technique, mindfulness, and ability to evaluate scouting reports before going into an audition room. On the subject of hitters, it’s fitting that Boggess views herself as a “DH” if she were to take on a position in baseball, and also has some great memories of her hometown Colorado Rockies! If you're in New York, be sure to catch Sierra Boggess in her upcoming concert series at 54 Below from September 8-11, as she helps ring in Broadway's triumphant return this fall! Tickets are available here. Connect with Sierra Boggess on her website, as well as Instagram: @officialsierraboggess Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From February 2021. It’s a SWISHALICIOUS day on Broadway, as the one and only Nick Swisher joins us for Episode 71! During a memorable Broadway tenure that spanned 2009-2012, few performers in New York Yankees history are more beloved than Swisher. While dawning the pinstripes, he not only cemented a legacy as a World Champion (2009) and All-Star right fielder (2010) but as a colorful personality and passionate player that would run through a wall for Yankee fans. These days, he's still involved with the team as a Special Advisor and can be seen on TV as a studio analyst for FS1. Swisher brings great stories and big laughs to The Batter’s Box, as he and host Al Malafronte look back fondly on his Yankee years. Whether it be changing the dynamic of a stuffy clubhouse, triumphing in the face of adversity, or helping ring in the new Yankee Stadium with a World Series, Swisher truly bares it all and then some. Like much of our fanbase, he’s also extremely passionate about the performing arts, as some of his favorite nights in the city center around trips to the theatre. He even has an epic Broadway dream role in mind and shares the little-known backstory behind his own acting gig on How I Met Your Mother. Swisher is one of baseball's good guys, and that very much shines through in this conversation that we're so proud to share with you. Connect with Nick Swisher on Instagram: @yourboyswish and Twitter: @NickSwisher Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast and Twitter: @break_a_bat Hosted by Al Malafronte Photo credit: AP Photo/Kathy Wilens Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From October 2020. Joel McHale brings some big laughs to The Batter’s Box in Episode 55!Having made a name for himself in show business as the host ofThe Soup,and star ofCommunity, McHale has kept as busy as anyone in the industry throughout 2020. Whether it be hosting the critically acclaimedTiger Kingafter-show special, launching his own podcast The Darkest Timeline, or guest judging onThe Masked Singer, McHale’s work ethic and passion for what he does is undeniable. He also serves as the host of ABC’sCard Sharksrevival, which has its second season set to premiere this Sunday, October 18 at 10/9c. In addition to everything McHale has accomplished on-screen, he’s also a tremendous fan of both sports and theatre, having participated in baseball, football, and school plays growing up in his hometown of Mercer Island, Washington. After going onto play college football at the University of Washington, and then launching a now 25+ year career in entertainment, his love of both mediums has never wavered. This week, McHale sits down with host Al Malafronte to not only discuss of all of his exciting recent work, but also his thoughts on life in show business, the possibility of a Community reboot, and his many career highlights. We also rehash McHale’s fond memories of the 1995 Mariners, as his hometown is currently celebrating the 25thanniversary of the team that saved baseball in Seattle. Never one to shy away from the big moment, McHale even touches on what it would take for him to dip his toe into Broadway’s waters, as he remains an avid fan of theatre with some phenomenal insight and stories. Connect with Joel McHale on Instagram: @joelmchale and Twitter: @joelmchale Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Photo used in episode art: F. Scott Schafer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From March 2021. It's one of those special days in The Batter's Box, as Jodi Bensonjoins us for Episode 75! Inducted as a Disney Legend after serving The Walt Disney Company for the past 33 amazing years, Benson has received worldwide recognition and critical acclaim for her tremendous talent and iconic performances. She's best known as the beloved singing and speaking voice of Ariel in the Academy Award-winning Walt Disney animated feature film, The Little Mermaid. To this day, she remains the only actress to voice Ariel in all of the subsequent Disney projects that have followed the film's initial release. With a resume that spans dozens of prominent voiceover credits, she also performed the bubbly voice of Tour Guide Barbie in Disney Pixar's Toy Story 2, winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture, and then reprised the role in the Academy Award-winning Toy Story 3. In addition to everything Benson has accomplished on-screen, it was right here on Broadway where she began her phenomenal career in show business. Her four Broadway credits are highlighted by a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Crazy For You, which went onto win the Tony Award for Best Musical. This week she joined host Al Malafronte to discuss anything from her love of sports and theatre, the legacy of her characters, and some of the incredible behind-the-scenes stories that have helped shape her as a true Disney Legend in every way. This conversation also featured a guest appearance from our show's original co-host Scotty Katzmann, who was eager to share his latest song parody that pays homage to both The Little Mermaid and The National Pastime. Ms. Benson is truly the good stuff in show business and this conversation ranks high among our podcast's essential episodes - filled with plenty of insight, laughter, and of course, music! Connect with Jodi Benson on Instagram: @jodi.benson Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From December 2020. New York Yankees legend Bobby Richardson steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 65! Over the course of a storied 12-year career spanning 1955-1966, Richardson was selected to more All-Star Games (8) and won more Gold Glove Awards (5) than any 2nd Baseman while performing on Broadway. He also won the 1960 World Series Most Valuable Player Award when he set an all-time Fall Classic record with a remarkable 12 Runs Batted In. That record still stands today, as Richardson would go onto retire as a member of 4 World Championship casts, and the proud owner of a lifetime .305 Batting Average in the World Series. In our 2020 finale, Richardson talks with host Al Malafronte about some of his fondest memories while dawning the pinstripes. Whether it be performing with some of the most iconic casts and characters in baseball history, leading the American League in hits in 1962 with 209, or catching Willie McCovey's screaming liner to close out the World Series, his countless stories were nothing short of a joy to listen to. He also touched on the special relationship he had with his teammate Mickey Mantle, especially during the final years of Mantle's life. It was Richardson that had Mantle's funeral, and delivered a passage that's since become key scripture in the baseball community in "God's Hall of Fame." We were fortunate enough to hear Mr. Richardson recite those words in this conversation that was as uplifting as anything we've ever experienced on this podcast. Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot (Photo by Photo File/MLB Photos via Getty Images) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From February 2020. Katlyn Carlson steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 22! Carlson enjoyed one of the most exciting rookie years on Broadway in 2019 as one of the stars of Be More Chill. While far from a rookie in the acting world with other credits including Holly Star, The End Is Here, Billions, and The Jim Gaffigan Show, it was refreshing to hear her perspective on performance and how to navigate the success and adversity that comes with it. Something many baseball players have to deal with as well. In this episode, Carlson takes us through the phenomenon that was Be More Chill, how to raise your game against tough competition, and even how Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda crashed her wedding weekend in her hometown of St. Louis. A lifelong Cardinals fan, it was really interesting to hear what she picked up at the ballpark and how she applied it to her craft. True to our show's style, we did manage to work some Cardinals, Aroldis Chapman, and Be More Chill trivia into this week's 7th Inning Stretch. Our crew has always been a big fan of Carlson's, especially given how open she is with her fanbase when it comes to relatable real-life issues, which speaks to her authenticity as a person. That definitely shines through in this episode. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Katlyn Carlson on Instagram: @katlyncarlson Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From February 2021. Darryl Strawberry steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 69! Beloved by both Mets and Yankee fans during his time on Broadway, the New York baseball legend has just authored a new book Turn Your Season Around: How God Transforms Your Life. In the book, Strawberry uses both his baseball performances and deep faith to share foundational principles that have helped shape who he is today. Strawberry’s playing career was filled with many highs on the field including 8 All-Star Game selections, 4 World Series Championships, and 335 career Homeruns to his name. He accomplished all of this while battling tremendous inner-demons that he’s since overcome, and speaks candidly about with host Al Malafronte. As 2021 marks the 35th anniversary of the iconic 1986 New York Mets championship team, we also looked back on the wild and crazy ride that Strawberry endured as a key member of one of Broadway’s most beloved casts. Strawberry also performed at one of Broadway’s most famous theatres in Yankee Stadium from 1995-1999, and that tenure was certainly filled with plenty of behind the scenes stories. Whether it was bench-clearing brawls, the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, or dramatic moments in the playoffs, Strawberry bares it all in this intimate conversation that can be enjoyed by baseball and theatre fans alike. Turn Your Season Around is available for purchase here. Connect with Darryl Strawberry on Instagram: @darrylstrawberry18 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From June 2021. LOOKOUT! A much-anticipated day has finally arrived, as Patti Murin joins us for Episode 87! Murin made her Broadway debut in one of our favorite shows of all time in Xanadu, and then went on to star in Lysistrata Jones, as well as the touring production of Wicked. She's also done a great deal of work on-screen including a recurring role on Chicago Med, and had starring roles in the Hallmark classics Holiday for Heroes and Love on Iceland. Of course, she's best known to the Broadway world for her most recent performance in Frozen when she starred as Anna, earning both Drama League and Outer Critic Circle Award nominations in the process. A proud New Yorker, Murin steps into The Batter's Box to discuss her long-time love of the New York Yankees. Whether it was their triumphs in the 2000 World Series against the Mets or the heartbreak endured during the 2004 ALCS against the Red Sox, Murin's relationship with the Pinstripes is marked by tremendous passion and spans all the peaks and valleys. She even has a specific code of ethics when it comes to following the team, and reveals some little-known facts about her sports fandom in general. In a conversation that truly covered all bases, we also discussed her biggest grand slams here on Broadway, the John Stamos-Beach Boys connection, and even played a fun round of Baseball meets Broadway trivia in this week's edition of The 7th Inning Stretch! Connect with Patti Murin on Instagram: @pattimurin Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From May 2020. Abby Mueller steps into The Batter’s Box with host Al Malafronte for Episode 33! Mueller discusses some of the parallels she sees in high levels of performance both on stage and at the stadium, having grown up in a family that embraced both sports and the arts. Both of her parents were esteemed actors in Chicago’s theatre scene, and her grandfather, Bill Mueller, played centerfield for the Chicago White Sox in the 1940’s. Mueller even shares a memorable ’scene’ that her grandfather had on the field with the great Joe DiMaggio, while the White Sox hosted the New York Yankees at the historic Comiskey Park. Mueller has taken The Great White Way by storm in All-Star caliber fashion ever since her Broadway debut in Kinky Boots in 2013, has since gone onto star in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in which she played Carole King, and is currently set to take the stage in one of Broadway’s most anticipated shows of the upcoming season - Six the Musical, starring as Jane Seymour. Not unlike quarantined ballplayers gearing up for MLB Opening Day, Mueller is staying atop her game for Six’s eventual opening and offers insight into why she believes the show garnered such a passionate fanbase in its out of town tryout. She also discusses what she’s looking forward to most about its official opening upon Broadway’s return, and just how needed theatre will be to help bring joy back to the city. Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Abby Mueller on Instagram: @abcmuell and Twitter: @abcmuell Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From March 2021. Show me that smile again...As we wrap Women's History Month, it's our pleasure to welcome the great Joanna Kerns to The Batter's Box for Episode 77! Kerns' career in show business now spans 45 years both as an actress and director. She got her first big break when she starred as Maggie Seaver in the hit sitcom Growing Pains and has since gone on to serve as a pioneer for female directors with nearly 70 television directing credits to her name and counting. In 2020, she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her work on Hulu’s Light As A Feather and was part of the team of directors nominated for a GLAAD Award on Dinsey's High School Musical: The Series. Kerns also currently sits on the Board of the Directors Guild of America and serves on its Ethics Committee. Kerns has kept quite busy in 2021, having recently lent her directing talents to High School Musical: The Series. This week, she joins host Al Malafronte to discuss her recent work on the show, as well as her role in the progress that female directors have enjoyed in the entertainment industry. We also had quite a bit of fun strolling down memory lane, as Kerns happily shares some amazing behind-the-scenes stories from her time on Growing Pains, her thoughts on why the show still stands strong today, and even touches on her work in the baseball community when she directed Pitch on FOX. As someone who actually launched their performing career via the stage, Kerns remains a tremendous theatre fan, and talks about some of her favorite nights on Broadway which include three trips to Hamilton! As an advocatefor empowering and uplifting the next generation of artists, Kerns is honored to have been recently invited to be an Advisory Board member for Notes for Notes, Inc., a national nonprofit providing youth free access to pro recording studio settings, producers, and creative outlets through the creation of recorded music. There's a reason why Kerns' work has endured for so many years, and that very much shines through in this wonderful conversation! Connect with Joanna Kerns on Instagram: @the.real.joannakerns Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices