The Salisha Show-Where Broadway Meets Culture

This week on The Salisha Show, Salisha Thomas sits down with Broadway star Taurean Everett to explore his incredible creative journey and discuss the importance of dreams and representation in the world of theater. Known for his roles in productions like Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Miss Saigon, and Death Becomes Her, Taurean shares stories about his rise to Broadway stardom, his unique perspective on authenticity, and the discipline required to succeed in the performing arts. From touring with Priscilla Queen of the Desert to working with legendary designers like Bob Mackie, Taurean offers an inspiring look at the drive...

This week on The Salisha Show, Salisha Thomas sits down with the extraordinary Natasha Yvette Williams currently in Wicked on Broadway to discuss her inspiring journey on Broadway, balancing family and faith, and her creative successes. Natasha, a Grammy and Tony-nominated powerhouse, shares stories about her incredible career, from starring in iconic shows like Chicago, The Color Purple, and Wicked as Madam Morble, to her role as a founding member of Black Theater United. Recorded at Gotham Production Studios in Midtown Manhattan as part of The Gotham Network, this episode dives into Natasha's resilience and the importance of representation...

This week on The Salisha Show, Salisha Thomas sits down with James Monroe Iglehart, Broadway’s Genie of Joy✨, to share stories about his incredible creative journey. From his Tony-winning role as Genie in Aladdin to unforgettable performances in Hamilton, Chicago, and Freestyle Love Supreme, James opens up about his path to the Broadway spotlight, his love for storytelling, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Hear him reflect on his experiences as a voiceover artist, director, and actor in hit TV shows like Kimmy Schmidt and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. James also talks about choosing joy, his dedi...

This week on The Salisha Show, Salisha Thomas chats with the stars of Broadway's *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee* for a hilarious test of spelling skills and behind-the-scenes stories! From understudies sharing their creative journeys to cast members laughing through tough words like "rhinoceros" and "entrepreneur," the episode is packed with humor and heart. Salisha dives into the cast's experiences in rehearsals, the history of this beloved show, and how the magic of Broadway comes to life.  

Featuring guests like Jabril Cook, Emily Rudolph, Autumn Best, Justin Kulie, and more, this lively episode captures the e...

Join Salisha on this lively and inspiring episode of The Salisha Show as we welcome Broadway star Jalynn Steele. Known for her electrifying performance as Tanya in “Mamma Mia!”, Jalynn shares her journey from small-town Texas to the national stage, the exhilaration of touring a beloved musical, and how she brings authenticity and joy to every role she plays.

We dive into:

This episode was originally Episode 5 on Black Hair in the Big Leagues recorded on October 16, 2020 with Cheslie Kryst, the reigning Miss USA at the time. Cheslie has sinced passed away and this episode is in honor of her. She made an impact on so many and will be deeply missed. 

@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com; Many thanks to Gotham Network in NYC, TyNia Brandon for writing and laying vocals down for the updated theme song. and Big Red Studios for the intro video wherever you watch the latest season of The Salisha Show!

Hey y’all, what’s up? 🌟 In this video, we dive into an exclusive BroadwayCon chat with the incredible Amber Iman! From her Broadway debut in "Soul Doctor" playing Nina Simone to her Tony-nominated performance in "Lempicka," Amber has truly made her mark on the Broadway stage. 🎭Ever wonder what it takes to shine in shows like "Shuffle Along" with legends like Brian Stokes Mitchell and Billy Porter? Amber spills all the tea on her journey, her Glam Squad, and the whirlwind of emotions surrounding her Tony nod. Plus, we talk about her groundbreaking work with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition...

Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, I'm thrilled to introduce you to the incredible Jasmin Richardson, a Broadway powerhouse whose journey from athlete to actress is nothing short of inspiring! Ever wonder what it takes to transition from running tracks to stealing the show on stages like Broadway? Jasmin's story is full of passion, resilience, and triumph! With roles in "Dream Girls," "Memphis," and her show-stopping performance in "The Bodyguard" as Nicki Maron, she’s a queen in her own right. We chat about her experiences on Broadway. You’ll also hear how she balances life between...

In this video on Black Hair in the Big Leagues (The Salisha Show), we're diving into the incredible journey of Samantha Williams, a true Broadway sensation! Ever wonder what it’s like to shift from dreaming of being a doctor to starring on Broadway? Samantha spills the tea on her path from being a pre-med student to taking the stage in iconic roles like Alana Beck in "Dear Evan Hansen" and Emmie Thibodeaux in "Caroline, or Change." Join me, Salisha Thomas, in this conversation from 2021 as we chat about her experiences, from handling the pressure of big roles to em...

Author of Stash, Laura Cathcart Robbins visits Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas Weiss. She takes us on the journey of how her addiction began, the agony of rehab, and how she returned to the world and persisted in living a life of sobriety, and living to tell the story. Laura is a freelance writer, speaker, and host of The Only One In The Room podcast, a 2022 TEDx speaker, and an LA Moth StorySlam winner.Buy her book. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Stash/Laura-Cathcart-Robbins/9781668005347Follow her. @lauracathcartrobbins, www.lauracathcartrobbins.com 

@salishathomas @thesalishashow, w...

Host, Salisha Thomas welcomes Broadway's Aisha Jackson as her first guest on Black Hair in the Big Leagues! Aisha's Broadway credits include Beautiful the Carole King Musical, Waitress (OBC), Frozen (standby as the first and only Black Anna on Broadway), and is slated to star in The Britney Spears Musical One More Time upon Broadway's return.Follow Aisha Jackson on IG @gifted2sing

This is a throwback episode. Aisha has continued to slay show after show on Broadway as the queen she is. 

@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com; Many thanks to Gotham N...

Safiya Vanterpool has worked as an assistant on Black Hair in the Big Leagues and is now the Social Media Manager for Black Hair in the Big Leagues/The Salisha Show!  We are SO PROUD that she has recently created her own show called Meeno, available wherever you listen to podcasts!Follow her @Safiya.anika_ and @meenopodcas 

This is a throwback episode! Thank you for listening while we film our newest season of The Salisha Show!

@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com; Many thanks to Gotham Network in NYC, TyNia Brandon for writing and laying vocals do...

Powerhouse Joaquina Kalukango joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host Salisha Thomas this week! She is currently starring in Paradise Square, bringing down the house 8 times a week playing Nelly. The show is fantastic. She is PHENOMENAL. She was also in the Godspell Revival, Hollar if Ya Hear Me, The Color Purple, and the original Broadway cast of A Slave Play. Not to mention When They See Us, Mahalia, One Night in Miami, and Lovecraft Country.Follow her journey @joaquinakalukango!

@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com; Many thanks to Gotham Network in NYC, TyNia Brandon for...

This is a throwback episode featuring Janeece Freeman Clark on Black Hair in the Big Leagues before it transitioned to The Salisha Show! She is an actor, director, producer, and the founder of Vanguard Theater Company which educates the youth and also has a HUGE mentorship program matching up each student with an actor currently on Broadway. She was in the Broadway production of Urinetown but truly has a heart for education. You'll leave this episode feeling like you want to go and make a difference in the world!Learn more about Vanguard Theater Company!

Welcome to one of our favorite throwback episodes with American Idol's Justin Guarini as he stops by Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas for an episode of laughter and nostalgia. Justin recently closed his run as Prince Charming in Once Upon a One More Time at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway. In addition to performing live in front of 30 Million viewers during American Idol season 1 and landing in the top two, Justin has also gone on to have an impressive career on Broadway, headlining 7 shows. He is the author of Audition Secrets and you may...

This is a throwback episode with the one and only Jocelyn Bioh! Originally Jocelyn sat down with jost, Salisha Thomas gracing Black Hair in the Big Leagues with her presence the 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, was...

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 on this week's episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues! Jasmine is a true Triple threat. She’s a Jimmy awards fin...

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 why being a 10 is all about embracing your authent...

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 why being a 10 is all about embracing your authent...

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 laugh, reminisce, and celebrate Traci’s inspiring story of resilience, talent, and grace. From tackling c...

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 laugh, reminisce, and celebrate Traci’s inspiring story of resilience, talent, and grace. From tackling c...

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! Whether you’re curious about what it takes to be a swi...

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! Whether you’re curious about what it takes to be a swing, wow an audience, or own the spotlight...

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, and the magic of representation on stage. Plus, we chat about her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and how sh...

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, and the magic of representation on stage. Plus, we chat about her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and how sh...

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 teaching and solo shows! We also chat about Broadway life...

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 teaching and solo shows!We also chat about Broadway life...

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 about her creative process, her love for physical acting, and even her connection to iconic shows like "Hairsp...

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 about her creative process, her love for physical acting, and even her connection to iconic shows like "Hairsp...

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 his hilarious costume adventures as King Triton! 🎭✨Norm shares his path from singing in church to becoming...

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 his hilarious costume adventures as King Triton! 🎭✨

Norm shares his path from sing...

🎭 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 performances, and why Broadway’s unsung heroes deserve ALL the love. Plus, Emily gives us the inside scoop on her brand-new Pocket T...

🎭 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 performances, and why Broadway’s unsung heroes deserve ALL the love. Plus, Emily gives us the inside scoop...

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 behind-the-scenes tea about tech rehearsals, her breathtaking costumes, and even flying on stage! Hillar...

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 behind-the-scenes tea about tech rehearsals, her breathtaking costumes, and even flying on stage! Hillar...

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! 🎤🎹Ever wonder what happens when Broadway meets Motown and throws in a little house party groove? Ryan Shaw’s incredible voice and Ray Angry...

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! 🎤🎹 Ever wonder what happens when Broadway meets Motown and throws in a little house party groove? Ryan Shaw’s incredible voice and Ray Angry...

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 shows, and unforgettable conversations about creativity, risk, and celebrating women who open doors for others. I had the BEST time conn...

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 shows, and unforgettable conversations about creativity, risk, and celebrating women who open doors for others...

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 (Once Upon A One More Time) for an honest discussion about maintaining balance in show business. These tal...