Broadway is home to some of the best vocalists in the world, making audiences feel a myriad of emotions throughout their performances. Let’s meet some of the celebrated artists whose voices are currently lifting the spirits of Broadway and find out which Broadway Inbound workshops can set you on a path to becoming one of them.
Brody Grant: A Deep Dive into the Vocal Demands of The Outsiders
Brody Grant received a Tony® nomination for his role as Ponyboy Curtis in the stage adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s classic novel The Outsiders and is quickly gaining recognition as a performer to watch out for.
The role of Ponyboy, a wayward Tulsa teen, is one that requires a wide vocal range, including soaring ballads that dive into Ponyboy’s inner turmoil and energetic ensemble numbers that capture the spirit of youthful rebellion. With his professed love for vocalists such as Bruno Mars and Adam Lambert, and a background creating music as an independent artist, Grant is a perfect fit for this wide-ranging role.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy.
Lauded as “a terrific singer” by Time Out, Grant’s vocal prowess lends a significant depth to his performance, making him a standout in a show teeming with bright young actors. “There’s a moment right before the show starts where I’m journaling onstage as the audience filters in,” said Grant of his process. “I often write poetry, set an intention, or journal a conversation between Ponyboy and myself. At that moment, I feel so much like myself and Ponyboy at the same time.”
Enhance Your Skills with The Singer and The Musician
Aspiring vocalists will enjoy Broadway Inbound’s new 90-minute workshop, The Singer and The Musician. This masterclass emphasizes the importance of honing the depths of one’s vocal abilities combined with an understanding of the role of a singer on Broadway and collaborating with the orchestra. The class also encourages performers to delve deeper into their understanding of music and develop a stronger connection with their material, from rehearsing to performing. Like Grant, every performer can learn to use their voice in service of their character’s journey, creating an even richer performance.
John Cardoza: Navigating The Vocal Challenges of Moulin Rouge! The Musical
In the pop song-laden world of Moulin Rouge! The Musical—based on Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-winning 2001 film—actor John Cardoza creates a deeply empathetic character with his portrayal of Christian, a passionate writer in the Belle Epoque era who falls head over heels in love with Satine, a cabaret star with a notable secret, played by Solea Pfeiffer. Cardoza’s role calls for an eclectic mix of vocal styles, from pop-rock anthems to ballads, echoing the diverse musical landscape of the original film while updating the playlist.
This variety of pop styles presents its own unique set of vocal challenges, but Cardoza rises to the occasion, as he has done in multiple Broadway productions, including The Notebook and Jagged Little Pill.
In a recent interview with Tribune Chronicle, Cardoza expressed his unbridled enthusiasm for playing Christian, stating, “…You’re really stretching every single muscle you have, whether it’s emotional, physical, mental. It’s a very full-body experience playing this role, and I’m somebody who likes to dig into work like that. It was the role and being able to sing some of this music.”
Enhance Your Vocal Journey with Living the Music
Broadway Inbound’s workshop Living the Music is an engaging program which is highly recommended for those with an interest in working in vocal ensembles or choirs. The workshop offers an opportunity to delve into the world of professional theatre, guided by seasoned Broadway professionals.
In this 95-minute course, students are taught the intricate art of song interpretation. The focus isn’t merely centered on hitting the right notes but on a deeper understanding of the music’s narrative and emotional depth. By the end of this workshop, students will have not only refined their vocal skills but have also gained knowledge of the power and passion inherent in Broadway scores.
Ryan McCartan: Mastering the Vocal Spectrum for The Great Gatsby
Ryan McCartan’s titular role in The Great Gatsby—based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 Jazz Age novel—requires a wide range from the acclaimed actor, from suave and controlled tones that mirror millionaire Jay Gatsby’s public persona to raw and intense songs that reflect his inner struggle.
McCartan, a veteran of Broadway shows such as Wicked and Frozen, draws inspiration from a diverse array of musical influences, including Jamie Cullum, Michael Bublé, Norbert Leo Butz, Bobby McFerrin, and the legendary Patti LuPone. This eclectic mix of influences informs McCartan’s vocal style, allowing him to deliver performances that are both technically proficient and deeply emotive. Having started his professional acting career at just 8 years old, McCartan blends these inspirations to capture the complex essence of Gatsby, using his voice to convey the character’s ambition and underlying vulnerability.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.
Elevate Your Experience with Broadway Beat!
Broadway Beat is a workshop created for aspiring stars of the Broadway stage. The 90-minute class replicates an actual audition flow, laying emphasis on vocal technique, focus, and specificity with the material. The workshop will also equip participants with essential tools to shine, even within the constraints of audition timeframes. The distinctive approach will ensure that performers enhance their chances of success in the fiercely competitive Broadway scene. Those interested in participating should prepare 16 bars of a song of their choosing ahead of the workshop.
Broadway Inbound also offers group discounts for Broadway shows, making it a great option for school groups, family outings, or a fun night out with friends. There’s no better way to experience a Broadway show than with a group of fellow theatre lovers, and Broadway Inbound is there to help make the journey even easier.
Main photo courtesy of Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
