The Salisha Show-Where Broadway Meets Culture - podcast cover

The Salisha Show-Where Broadway Meets Culture

THE SALISHA SHOW offers an intimate look into the lives of Broadway stars, creatives, and changemakers. Hosted by Broadway actress Salisha Thomas, each episode features heartfelt conversations that inspire, entertain, and celebrate the magic of theater and the arts. Tune in for behind the scenes stories, life lessons, and a dose of motivation from the world's stage.

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Episodes

#192- The Icon and Living Legend: Jocelyn Bioh

The one and only Jocelyn Bioh graces Black Hair in the Big Leagues with her presence this week for our 100th Episode!!!!!!! She is the woman who wrote School Girls: The African Mean Girls Play, and Nollywood. She's a playwright with Manhattan Theater Club and Atlantic Theatre Company. She's a resident playwright at Lincoln Center. She adapted Marry Wives for Shakespeare in the Park which was turned into a documentary on HBO Max. The musical soon to hit Broadway starring Amber Iman called Goddess...

Aug 15, 202544 minEp. 100

#191- Jasmine Amy Rogers shines as BETTY BOOP and Beyond!

This is a throwback episode to our new icon Jasmine Amy Rodgers. Previously released on April 25, 2024 before her Broadway run as Betty Boop in BOOP! Since this episode, she has been Tony nominated for best leading actress and truly took Broadway by storm, leaving a firm stamp on the industry that YES: Jasmine Amy Rodgers is truly a STAR through and through. Betty Boop's BOOP: Jasmine Amy Rogers joins host, Salisha Thomas Weiss on this week's episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues! Jasmine is ...

Aug 08, 202541 min

#190- LIVE: In Conversation at The Drama Book Shop with Guest Host TyNia Brandon

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, we’re live at The Drama Book Shop in New York City for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation hosted by the amazing TyNia Brandon! Ever wonder what it’s like to shine on Broadway, tackle 12 roles as a swing, or even step into Cinderella’s glass slippers during *Once Upon a One More Time*? Salisha Thomas shares it all! From her journey in *Beautiful: The Carole King Musical* to becoming a Black Cinderella, to her new show, *The Salisha Show*, she’s proving ...

Aug 01, 202545 min

#189- Traci Elaine Lee in The Great Gatsby

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, we’re diving into the incredible Broadway journey of Traci Elaine Lee! 🌟 Ever wonder what it takes to go from ensemble to starring on Broadway? Traci shares it all—her time as a swing, taking on iconic roles like Daisy Buchanan in *The Great Gatsby*, and her unforgettable performances in shows like *Beautiful: The Carole King Musical*, *Ain’t Too Proud*, and *Shucked*! Plus, we talk about embracing curls and staying authentic.Join Salisha Thomas as we laug...

Jul 25, 202545 min

#188- LIVE: Tony and Grammy Winner J Harrison Ghee at BroadwayCon

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, Salisha Thomas sits down with the incredible Broadway star J Harrison Ghee to spill all the tea on their secret to success and life! 🌟 Ever wonder what it takes to light up the stage in hits like *Kinky Boots*, *Mrs. Doubtfire*, and *Some Like It Hot*? J shares their journey, from unforgettable performances to embracing authenticity in every role.Live from BroadwayCon (2/7/25), we’re talking everything from Broadway magic to behind-the-scenes stories! Whet...

Jul 18, 202554 min

#187- 59 & Thriving: Sandra's Inspiring Broadway Debut 🎭

We’re celebrating Sandra Valls’ inspiring Broadway debut at 59 years old in Real Women Have Curves! 🎭 Ever wonder what it’s like to make your dreams come true later in life? Sandra shares her incredible journey to Broadway, starring in the empowering and heartwarming “Real Women Have Curves.” From embracing her authentic self to breaking barriers, Sandra's story is proof that it’s never too late to follow your passion. We dive into her transformative role, the powerful themes of body positivity...

Jul 11, 202538 min

#186- From Dream to Disney: Marcus M. Martin’s Genie Journey 🌟

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, I’m sitting down with the totally magnetic Marcus M. Martin as he shares his incredible journey from dreaming big to becoming the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway 🌟! Ever wonder what it’s like to go from stage door dreams to stardom? Marcus spills all the tea, from his first auditions to hitting the Great White Way with unforgettable performances. Plus, we get into what it means to inspire future generations and keep the hustle alive with side gigs like...

Jul 04, 202536 min

#185- Behind the Curtain: Alice Reys Talks "Machinal" & More 🎭

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, I sit down with the incredible Alice Reys to chat about all things Broadway, her passion for storytelling, and her journey as a performer! From starring in "Machinal" at New York City Center to touring with "Pretty Woman the Musical," Alice shares her behind-the-scenes experiences, and what makes this production so unique. Ever wonder what it’s like to juggle multiple shows, including Broadway Bares, while creating stunning hairpiece designs? Alice opens up a...

Jun 27, 202534 min

#184- Norm Lewis: Broadway’s First Black Phantom Shares Unexpected Journey

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, I sit down with the legendary Norm Lewis—Broadway’s first Black Phantom! We’re talking about everything from his groundbreaking role in *The Phantom of the Opera* to his inspiring journey through 14 Broadway shows over nearly four decades. Ever wonder what it’s like to play King Triton in *The Little Mermaid* or star in *Les Misérables*? Norm spills it all, with stories about unforgettable performances, working alongside icons like Audra McDonald, and even hi...

Jun 20, 202538 min

#183- 2025 Tony Awards : Breaking Down Broadway's Biggest Night with Emily Elliot

🎭 Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, I’m diving into Broadway’s biggest night—the 2025 Tony Awards—with the fabulous Emily Elliott! From Nicole Scherzinger’s jaw-dropping performance in *Sunset Boulevard* to Audra McDonald’s unforgettable moments in *Gypsy*, we’re spilling ALL the tea. We’re breaking down the surprises, snubs, and standouts of the night, including the buzzworthy shows *Oh Mary*, and *Purpose*. We also chat about the power of *swings* in theater, those incredible ensemble pe...

Jun 13, 202543 min

#182- Meet Broadway’s Black Ariel: Hillary Fisher

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, I’m chatting with the incredible Hillary Fisher, Broadway’s Black Ariel 🌊🎭, as she takes center stage in Disney’s *The Little Mermaid* at the Paper Mill Playhouse! Ever wonder what it’s like to perform as a modern-day princess? Hillary shares her journey from modeling to Broadway, her love for theater, and what it means to play an iconic role like Ariel. 🎤✨We dive into her experiences working in *The Notebook* and balancing life as a performer, plus some b...

Jun 09, 202528 min

#181- Broadway Meets Soul: Ryan Shaw & Ray Angry's Off Broadway 🎶

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, we’re diving into the electrifying world of Broadway with a soulful twist! 🎶 Meet Ryan Shaw, a three-time Grammy-nominated powerhouse known for his unforgettable performances in Broadway hits like "Motown: The Musical" as Stevie Wonder, and Ray Angry, the virtuoso pianist from The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Together, they’ve created "Off Broadway," a genre-bending album that reimagines Broadway classics with soul, jazz, and gospel magic...

May 30, 202539 min

#180- Inside the Glamorous WP Theater Annual Gala at The Edison Ballroom NYC

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, join me, Salisha Thomas, as we take you inside the glamorous WP Theater Gala 🎭✨! Ever wonder what it’s like to celebrate trailblazing women in Broadway and beyond? From honoring extraordinary talents like Adrienne Warren to chatting with Broadway icons Jason Robert Brown and Kara Young, we’re bringing you all the glitz, heartfelt moments, and inspiring stories from the red carpet. 🌟This gala was packed with Broadway magic—think performances, shoutouts to ...

May 23, 202533 min

#179- Broadway Stars Reveal How They Stay Sane Under Pressure 🎭

PILOT EPISODE FOR THE SALISHA SHOW LIVE! Starring Salisha Thomas and filmed at The Museum of Broadway in New York City. Ever wonder how Broadway stars keep their cool under the bright lights? In this intimate conversation, three incredible Broadway performers share their secrets to staying grounded in the theater industry! 🎭Join host Salisha Thomas at the iconic Museum of Broadway as she sits down with Aliyah Kashay (The Lion King), Ryan Steele (MJ The Musical, Newsies), and Gabrielle Beckford ...

May 16, 202528 min

#178- MOTHER'S DAY/How I Surprised my Friends We Were Pregnant

Hi Friends! In this episode I gathered my best friends together in New York City and surprised them with the news of my pregnancy!!! It was so much FUN!!! But before that, I have the pleasure of sitting down with two incredible Broadway performers who are also balancing motherhood: LaQuet Sharnell Pringle and Diana Vaden. They give me the real real and help my mind grasp a few things. I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I love talking to them! And then toward the end, my talented frien...

May 13, 202528 min

#177- Broadway Star N'Kenge Talks Balancing Motherhood & Career

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, I sit down with the incredible Broadway star N'Kenge to talk all about balancing motherhood and her powerhouse career! 🎭 Ever wonder what it’s like to go from starring in hit shows like "Motown on Broadway" and "Caroline, or Change" to creating a musical about Dorothy Dandridge—oh, and doing all of that while being a mom? Yep, N'Kenge spills it all right here!From headlining at Carnegie Hall to performing songs from "Motown," and "Tina" on a bougie Ritz-Carl...

Apr 25, 202540 min

#176- 9 Broadway Shows Later: Anastacia McCleskey in BOOP on Broadway

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, I sit down with the phenomenal Anastacia McCleskey to talk all things Broadway and beyond! 🌟 Ever wonder what it’s like to star in Boop on Broadway? Or how it feels to transition from a swing role in Hairspray to leading the stage in powerhouse performances like Hair and Waitress? Anastacia spills it all—her journey, lessons learned, and even how she found her purpose through storytelling and healing.From her first Broadway contract to starring in nine Broad...

Apr 11, 202536 min

#175- Savy Jackson’s Journey to Take The Lead 🌟

Hey y’all, what’s up? On this episode, I chat with the incredible Savy Jackson about her Theare journey, starring as the lead in the new musical *Take the Lead* at Papermill Playhouse! 🌟 Savy shares her inspiring story of hard work, passion, and perseverance. From playing Ariel in *The Little Mermaid* at the Muny to navigating the intense world of theater as a swing, Savy opens up about her love for performance, her experiences with iconic roles like Cinderella, and how she’s taking center stag...

Apr 04, 202540 min

#174- Inside ‘minor•ity’: Breaking Barriers Off-Broadway 🎭✨

Hey y’all, what’s up? Ever wonder what it’s like to break barriers in Off-Broadway theater? In this episode, we take you *Inside ‘minor•ity’* 🎭✨, a powerful new production redefining representation and storytelling on stage. Join Salisha Thomas as she chats with the incredible cast and crew, including playwright francisca da silveira and director Shariffa Ali, about their creative process, the challenges of being minority artists, and the beauty of leading an all-Black cast and creative team. F...

Mar 28, 202525 min

#173- Ashley De La Rosa’s Broadway Journey 🎭

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Ashley De La Rosa to talk all about her Broadway journey! From touring with *Hamilton* and *Rent* to making history as the first Black Regina George in *Mean Girls*, Ashley has done it all. We discuss her upcoming role in the Broadway debut of *Buena Vista Social Club*. Plus, Ashley shares how she’s taking center stage with her EP *God Complex* and her first-ever concert at Ars Nova.Ever wonder what it’s like to balance a Broa...

Mar 21, 202544 min

#172- Fate vs Destiny: Author Jill Santopolo on Love and Choices 💕

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of fate, love, and the power of choices with none other than Jill Santopolo! 💕📚 Ever wonder what it’s like to create unforgettable characters, write a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, and balance it all with being an editor at Penguin Random House? You’re in for a treat! 🎉Jill, the brilliant mind behind the internationally acclaimed novel *The Light We Lost*, shares her thoughts on destiny versus free will, the inspirati...

Mar 14, 202541 min

#171- What is For You Will Not Pass You By: From Auditions to Broadway with Chadaé

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, we’re diving into the incredible story of Chadaé Nichol and her inspiring journey from auditions to Broadway! 🎭 Ever wonder what it takes to go from showing up at a small audition to making your big debut on Broadway? Chadaé is here to share it all—the highs, the challenges, and the unforgettable moments that shaped her as a performer, mom, and creative force. We talk about everything, including her time on the Motown national tour and her debut on Broadwa...

Mar 07, 202536 min

#170- Broadway Star J Harrison Ghee’s Secret to Success ✨

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, Salisha Thomas sits down with the incredible Broadway star J Harrison Ghee to spill all the tea on their secret to success and life! 🌟 Ever wonder what it takes to light up the stage in hits like *Kinky Boots*, *Mrs. Doubtfire*, and *Some Like It Hot*? J shares their journey, from unforgettable performances to embracing authenticity in every role. We’re talking everything from Broadway magic to behind-the-scenes stories, plus a little sprinkle of fairy-tale ...

Feb 28, 202532 min

#169- LIVE from the A WONDERFUL WORLD Red Carpet

She saw Broadway Stars and Red Carpets too, Salisha got the scoop for me and you! Host Salisha Thomas is LIVE on the red carpet at opening night of A Wonderful World on Broadway at Studio 54. Listen in as she chats with the incredible cast, creatives, and celebrities who came to see the show.Salisha spoke with cast and creatives: James Monroe Iglehart, James T. Lane, Gavin Gregory, Brandon Louis Armstrong, Dewitt Fleming Jr, Jennie Harney-Fleming, Dionne Figgins, Jason Forbach, Kim Exum, Rickey ...

Nov 25, 202429 min

#168- LIVE from the TEETH Red Carpet

TEETH is taking a bite out of New World Stages as the stars, cast, and creatives walk the red carpet for opening night on the spookiest night of the year, Halloween! Go trick or treating with host Salisha Thomas as she talks to Alyse Alan Louis, Andy Karl, Will Connolly, Jason Gotay, Michael R. Jackson, Anna K. Jacobs, Raja Feather Kelly, Jessica Vosk, Eden Espinosa, and more!Check out Broadway Podcast Network on Instagram and TikTok for more red carpet content and fashion hot takes with host Sa...

Nov 10, 202423 min

#167- LIVE from the SUNSET BLVD. Broadway Red Carpet

Nicole Scherzinger is ready for her close up! Broadway Podcast Network is live on the red carpet of the Broadway opening of SUNSET BLVD with host Salisha Thomas. Listen in as Salisha chats with stars attending the show including JoJo, Matt Rogers, Skylar Astin, Jessica Vosk, and Wendell Pierce plus interviews with designers and creatives. After the show the carpet continues with the cast, including Tom Francis, Caroline Bowman, Mandy Gonzalez, Nicole Scherzinger, and more!Check out Broadway Podc...

Oct 25, 202431 min

#166- Rebecca's Hair Tale: From Motown to Hamilton

Hey y’all, what’s up? I'm thrilled to revisit this 2021 conversation with my dear friend Rebecca Covington Webber! Ever wonder what it's like to journey from Motown to Hamilton on Broadway? Rebecca shares her incredible hair tale and Broadway experiences with us. From her stunning natural waves to her secrets for maintaining that Broadway-ready look, Rebecca spills it all! We reminisce about our time together on the national tour of Beautiful and delve into her roles as a swing in Hamilton, shar...

Oct 24, 202438 minEp. 24

#165- Krystal Joy Brown's Journey: From Broadway to Activism

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, I'm chatting with the phenomenal Krystal Joy Brown about her incredible journey from Broadway to activism! Ever wonder what it’s like to transition from starring as Eliza in Hamilton to becoming a voice for change? Krystal shares her experiences and the passion that drives her from the bright lights of Broadway to powerful movements like Black Lives Matter. In this conversation from 2021, we dive into her iconic roles bringing life to characters. From Salis...

Oct 10, 202455 minEp. 49

#164- Unlocking Freedom Through Hair: Leandra's Story

Hey y’all, what’s up? This week we're throwing it back to my 2021 chat with my fabulous friend, Leandra Ellis-Gaston. We talked about her incredible journey to unlocking freedom through hair! You won't believe how a bold haircut transformed her career, leading her to take Broadway by storm as the dance captain in "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical." Ever wonder what it's like to balance the magic of Broadway while embracing your own natural beauty? Leandra shares her personal stories, from her debut...

Oct 03, 202455 min

#163- Unveiling Chianti Blackmon: The EDI Trailblazer

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, we're unveiling Chianti Blackmon, the EDI trailblazer making waves in the world of equity, diversity, and inclusion! Ever wonder what it's like to be at the forefront of change at a leading arts school like AMDA? Chianti spills the tea on her incredible journey, from her early days to becoming the VP of EDI. We chat about everything from her transformative work to her personal self-care rituals, and hair journey! Plus, we dive into some Broadway magic with sh...

Sep 26, 202451 min
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