How theatre can challenge social divides, break down barriers and remind us that even in a divided world, the stories we tell have the power to bring us together.
In this episode, we jazz things up with Scott Harrah - a New York-based theatre critic, journalist and founder of StageZine, known for his thoughtful, human-driven approach to covering Broadway and the stories behind the stage.
After arriving in New York through an internship at People magazine, Scott built a career in journalism and theatre criticism before taking a leap into the unknown and launching StageZine with his late partner, David.
More than 15 years later, Scott continues to explore theatre not only as entertainment, but as a powerful reflection of humanity, culture and the world we live in.
In this episode, theatre is not just entertainment…
* How representation and diversity on Broadway have evolved - and why opening the stage to different bodies, backgrounds and identities matters
* How Scott found his way from Nebraska to New York City and built a career in theatre journalism
* Why theatre can bring people together across race, sexuality, religion and political beliefs
* How Broadway can tackle social and political issues without losing the power to entertain
* The deeply personal story of Scott’s late partner David, his hidden Broadway past and the expectations that can keep artists from fully celebrating their gifts
* Why the same Broadway story can resonate completely differently across the United States, Britain and France
* What the success of August: Osage County in France reveals about culture, humanity and our fascination with stories beyond our own borders
Together, Cindy and Scott explore theatre as a space for connection, advocacy and social reflection - and the many different ways we can use our voices when the world around us feels divided.
Connect with Scott:
* Website
* TikTok
Applause-Worthy Moments
“Theatre is one place where everybody can come together, no matter what race you are, what sexuality you are, what religion you are.”
“We can all come together and we can just enjoy and laugh.”
“It’s also a way that we can make statements about what’s going on in the world.”
“You don’t have to be thin and white and Anglo-Saxon looking to make it in theatre anymore. You can be anything.”
“None of us are powerless.”
Next in the Spotlight
We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.
Next week, Cindy welcomes Dave Rappaport, Maya Days and Yassmin Alers for Part 1 of a special Broadway Roundtable, where they dish on authenticity, diversity, lifelong friendships and why truthful storytelling has the power to change lives..
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With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)
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