Nate Millado

Jun 25, 2024 | backstage.com | Nate Millado

A crashing chandelier, a turntable barricade, a life-size helicopter—if these dazzling set pieces evoke misty, water-colored memories of “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Misérables,” and “Miss Saigon,” then you already know all about megamusicals. As the name implies, the early megamusicals leaned into a “bigger is better” mentality—from the budget to the cast size to the elaborate staging.

Jun 11, 2024 | backstage.com | Nate Millado

New York…concrete jungle where dreams are made of! Who will realize their dreams at the 77th annual Tony Awards? Perhaps Alicia Keys and Kristoffer Diaz’s electrifying jukebox musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” singing to the tune of 13 nominations; or David Adjmi’s buzzy behind-the-music play “Stereophonic,” which also earned a baker’s dozen. The Broadway League and American Theatre Wing will celebrate the best of the Great White Way at Lincoln Center on June 16, with the ceremony airing live on CBS.

May 6, 2024 | backstage.com | Nate Millado

What do Liza Minnelli, Billie Holiday, and Miley Cyrus have in common? They’re all famous altos! Aside from having more of a chest voice versus a head voice, altos tend to be richer and darker in tone than sopranos. “Closer to natural, everyday human speech,” says New York–based vocal teacher David Brunetti. So what does the “Acting Songs” author recommend altos sing at their next audition? “If you’re auditioning for a show like ‘Les Miz,’ this is a perfect song because there’s a power to it.

Apr 25, 2024 | backstage.com | Nate Millado

Before she wowed us as Celie in “The Color Purple,” Fantasia Barrino brought us to tears—and Simon Cowell to his feet— with a soul-stirring rendition of “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess.” “People sing better when they’re connected to the emotional life of a song,” says New York City–based vocal teacher David Brunetti.

Feb 28, 2024 | backstage.com | Nate Millado

If you’re at an open call, you’ve got only 10 to 16 bars (32 if you’re lucky) to leave a strong impression. That’s less than a minute to make your mark! Song choice is everything, especially if you’re a beginner. Backstage talked to veteran casting professional Alison Franck to get her advice on unexpected, easy audition songs for beginners. But first, a few pitfalls to avoid when you’re first starting out. A song from the show you’re auditioning for.