The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

She's been part of some of television's biggest hits, and now Shannon Purser is taking on an exciting new challenge!

Best known for her breakout role as Barb Holland in Netflix's Stranger Things, as well as her work on Riverdale and the Netflix film Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, Shannon is making her New York stage debut in The Ask, a thought-provoking new Off-Broadway production alongside the legendary Marilu Henner!

Set in a New York City apartment, The Ask follows a young ACLU fundraiser and a longtime donor whose seemingly routine meeting turns into a...

It's the reunion fans have been waiting for, with a holiday twist!

Lucy Hale and Ian Harding spent years captivating audiences as Aria Montgomery and Ezra Fitz on the hit television series Pretty Little Liars. Now, the beloved co-stars are reuniting for a brand-new holiday adventure in Hulu's The 12 Dates of Christmas, bringing their familiar chemistry to a festive new story.

And what better way to celebrate than with a visit to The Roundtable with Robert Bannon!

Our very own Adrienne sits down with Lucy and Ian for a special holiday conversation about...

Well, THIS is a conversation you don't have every day on The Roundtable! And trust us, it's one you don't want to miss!

Adrienne takes the host's chair to welcome the fascinating Dee Oliver, funeral director, inspirational speaker, and author of The Undertaker's Wife: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Laughter in the Unlikeliest of Places and Going Out in Style!

Sounds wild, right?! But Dee has a remarkable story to tell!

After marrying into a fourth-generation funeral home family, Dee spent decades helping others navigate life's most difficult moments. But when...

It's a HAPPY day at The Roundtable with Robert Bannon! 🎉

Mr. Aron is here! The talented co-creator songwriter, musician, and husband of beloved children's entertainer Ms. Rachel joins us for a joyful conversation about music, family, creativity, and the magic behind the songs millions of children and parents love.

We're talking about his song “So Happy,” his creative partnership with Ms. Rachel, their love story, and what goes into making music that brings so much happiness to families everywhere.

From the inspiration behind the music to the love and laughter that fuel their work, i...

What happens when dreams, desire, love, and a little psychoanalysis collide on stage? We are heading into the fascinating world of DREAM: A Freudian Musical as award-winning composer, writer, and performer Daniel Emond and acclaimed vocalist and actress Jo Lampert join us on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon! Daniel, a Jonathan Larson Grant recipient and the creative force behind Kill The Whale, is bringing his imaginative new musical to the iconic Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater for two special concert performances on November 15 and 22! Inspired by the remarkable true story of pioneering psychoanalyst Sabina Spielrein, her complicated re...

🎭 BRODY WENT MISSING! Florence Friebe & Matthew Fay Join The Roundtable!

A missing best friend, a wild road trip, and a whole lot of laughs!

Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we're joined by Florence Friebe and Matthew Fay, two of the stars of the hilarious new Off-Off-Broadway comedy Brody Went Missing!

Written and directed by Matt Stephens, this music-filled, fast-paced buddy comedy follows best friends Angie and Doug as they hit the road in search of Brody, the coolest guy in their small town, who has suddenly disappeared without warning.

Wha...

🎄 FROM BROADWAY TO HALLMARK! 🎭✨

What happens when a three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer trades the bright lights of Broadway for a little Christmas magic?

Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we're welcoming the wonderful BRISA CARLETON!

From working on Broadway hits like Hamilton and Moulin Rouge! to becoming a novelist and Hallmark screenwriter, Brisa is bringing her storytelling talents to the holiday season!

We're chatting about her brand-new romantic comedy novel, Just Her Holiday Type, arriving November 5, and her upcoming Hallmark Channel movie, Double Booked for the Holidays, premiering November 22!

It...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on The Roundtable, and we've got one of television's favorite leading men joining the celebration!

Actor Christopher Russell stops by The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about his latest holiday film, A Christmas Prayer Tradition, which premiered October 24 on Great American Family!

If you love a good Christmas movie filled with romance, heart, family, and a little holiday magic, chances are you've already fallen for Christopher Russell!

With an impressive career spanning television, film, and countless beloved romantic movies, Christopher has become a familiar...

This week on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we're sharing an extraordinary story of courage, reinvention, heartbreak, and ultimately, hope.

Singer-songwriter, filmmaker, and former Silicon Valley executive Michele Bettencourt joins Robert for a deeply personal conversation about the journey that changed everything.

For decades, Michele lived as a man while privately struggling with her gender identity. Professionally, she had achieved the kind of success most people only dream about, rising through the ranks of Silicon Valley to become a public-company CEO and chairperson.

But behind the titles, accomplishments, and seemingly picture-perfect life was...

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived! The queens are back, and they're ready to ROCK Detroit!

The international musical sensation SIX is heading to Detroit's historic Fisher Theatre, and one of its fabulous new queens is stopping by The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to give us the royal scoop!

Melina Savannah Cruz, who stars as Jane Seymour in the North American tour of SIX, joins Robert for a fun-filled conversation about the musical phenomenon that has taken Broadway and the world by storm!

Fresh out of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and...

It's been nearly 30 years since Melissa Joan Hart first cast a spell on television audiences as Sabrina Spellman, and the magic is still going strong!

Beloved actress, director, producer, and television icon Melissa Joan Hart joins Robert Bannon for a special Halloween edition of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, celebrating the upcoming 30th anniversary of Sabrina the Teenage Witch!

Premiering in 1996, Sabrina the Teenage Witch became one of the defining sitcoms of a generation. With its unforgettable characters, hilarious magical mishaps, and heartfelt coming-of-age stories, the series ran for seven seasons and made Sabrina Spellman...

What happens when you bring a legendary comedian, a filmmaker, and Robert Bannon together for a conversation about a wedding gone horribly wrong?

ABSOLUTE CHAOS!

Comedy icon Jon Lovitz and writer-director Tom W. Meyers join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for a wildly entertaining conversation about their new comedy, THE TOAST, making its world premiere at the 2026 Austin Film Festival!

And trust us, this conversation might be just as unpredictable as the movie itself!

In THE TOAST, Lovitz plays the father of the bride, whose drunken determination to deliver a wedding...

From Wu-Tang to Hollywood to the New York stage, Shyheim has done it all, and he's joining us on The Roundtable! Known to hip-hop fans as Shyheim the Rugged Child, he burst onto the music scene as a teenage sensation with deep ties to the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. From sharing the stage with hip-hop royalty to making his mark in film and television, Shyheim has spent decades building a career filled with unforgettable moments. You may also recognize him from The Preacher's Wife alongside Whitney Houston, Original Gangstas, In Too Deep, and TLC's iconic "Waterfalls" music video! Now he's...

What happens when two of literature’s most fascinating figures collide? Acclaimed director and theater artist Eric Rosen joins The Roundtable to talk about STOKER/WILDE, a compelling theatrical exploration of Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula, and legendary writer Oscar Wilde.

We dive into the fascinating history behind these two literary giants, the creative vision behind the production, and the themes of identity, ambition, art, and complicated relationships that make their stories so captivating.

Eric also shares insights into his career, his love of theater, and the importance of bringing bold, thought-provoking stories to th...

🎄✨ Christmas Is Coming, and Kat Edmonson Is Bringing the Magic! 🎶

Get ready for a little holiday sparkle, vintage glamour, and some seriously beautiful music!

The extraordinary Kat Edmonson joins Robert Bannon on The Roundtable to celebrate her brand-new Christmas album, Have Your Merry Christmas With Me, arriving November 6, and her upcoming nationwide holiday tour!

Known for her unmistakable voice and timeless blend of jazz, classic pop, and old Hollywood charm, Kat is bringing her signature style to the sounds of Christmas. Her new album features holiday favorites including “Santa Baby,” “Last Christmas,” and “Christmas Time Is...

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING FUNNY, AND A WHOLE LOT OF TRUTH!

The fabulous Meg Millane joins Robert Bannon on The Roundtable to talk about her acclaimed one-woman show, “Bride To Be!”, heading to New York City's iconic SoHo Playhouse!

What happens when the happiest day of your life comes with a mountain of expectations, traditions, pressure, and a whole lot of opinions? Meg is here to unpack it ALL!

Fresh from earning rave reviews and festival recognition, including a Best Cabaret honor, Meg brings her high-energy performance style, sharp comedy, outrageous characters, and...

It's time to get funky, fabulous, and FULL of disco fever!

The incredible Detroit Disco Daddies, Adam and Jerome Bell-Bastien, join Robert Bannon for a conversation filled with music, laughter, love, and plenty of sparkle!

You may remember this dynamic married duo as OneUp, the talented vocal pair who turned chairs on NBC's The Voice. But their story goes far beyond the television stage! From their journey as performers to building a life together, Adam and Jerome are bringing their signature harmonies, infectious energy, and love of classic dance music to a whole new chapter...

The clock is ticking, and we're going behind the scenes of one of New York City's most exciting theatrical traditions!

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we're joined by Mark Armstrong, Artistic Director of The 24 Hour Plays, and acclaimed playwright Jonathan Marc Sherman to talk about the creativity, collaboration, and absolute theatrical madness of bringing six original plays to life in just ONE DAY!

This year's The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway takes place Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7 PM at the Todd Haimes Theatre, honoring Tony Award-winning Hamilton director Thomas Kail!

And...

Today on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we're joined by internationally acclaimed magician, illusionist, and storyteller Helder Guimarães to talk about his remarkable theatrical experience, HOPE THEORY!

From his journey as a young magician in Portugal to becoming one of the world's most celebrated illusionists, Helder has built a career on making audiences question what they see, what they believe, and what's truly possible. We talk about his creative process, the deeply personal stories behind his work, and why hope might just be the greatest magic trick of all.

It's a fascinating conversation about a...

From “No Reason to Cry” and “Come Into My Arms” to “Love You, Will You Love Me,” the incredible Judy Torres has been the soundtrack to generations of freestyle fans! With her powerhouse voice, unforgettable hits, and larger-than-life personality, Judy remains one of the most beloved artists in dance music.

But there's so much more to Judy than the music!

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we're talking about her legendary career, her decades on New York's 103.5 KTU, and her powerful new memoir, No Reason to Cry.

Judy opens up about the hi...

Harry Belafonte was one of the greatest entertainers of all time, but his most important work may have happened far beyond the stage. The legendary singer, actor, humanitarian, and civil rights activist spent his life fighting injustice, championing equality, and inspiring generations to use their voices for change.

Now, the extraordinary documentary FOLLOWING HARRY takes us inside the final twelve years of his remarkable life, revealing the man behind the legend and the movement he helped build.

On this special edition of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome acclaimed filmmaker Susanne Rostock and activist...

Get ready for the lights, the lasers, the music, and the magic because the legendary TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA is joining us on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon!

For decades, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has transformed the holiday season into an unforgettable rock spectacle, blending soaring guitars, symphonic arrangements, incredible storytelling, and some of the most spectacular live productions in music.

From the iconic "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24" to beloved holiday favorites like "Christmas Canon" and "Wizards in Winter," TSO has created a Christmas tradition unlike anything else!

We're talking about the music, the legacy of visionary founder...

Would you sell your house to make your best friend's dream come true?

Filmmakers Eric Foss and Brandon Pickering join The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about their documentary SELL YOUR HOUSE, the remarkable story behind the making of The Last Stop in Yuma County.

When James Claeys sold his house to finance his best friend Francis Galluppi's first feature film, neither could have imagined the journey ahead. From the chaos of independent filmmaking to the challenges of Hollywood distribution, it's a story about friendship, sacrifice, ambition, and the price of chasing a dream.<...

Jordan Matthew Brown, Gizel Jiménez, Angela Reed & Tony nominee A.J. Shively join The Roundtable to talk about the hilarious new Off-Broadway comedy from 13-time Emmy winner David Javerbaum!

Sit! Stay! And get ready to laugh!

All four stars of THE DOG SHOW: COME. SIT. STAY. are joining Robert Bannon on The Roundtable!

Broadway favorites Jordan Matthew Brown (The Book of Mormon, Into the Woods), Gizel Jiménez (Wicked, Miss You Like Hell), Angela Reed (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and Tony Award nominee A.J. Shively (Paradise Square, Bright Star) ar...

What happens when a play written more than a century ago still has something important to say today?

Director Britt Berke joins Robert Bannon on The Roundtable to talk about PHYL, the rarely seen comedy by pioneering playwright and women's rights advocate Cecily Hamilton, now making its New York premiere with Mint Theater Company.

Britt takes us inside this fascinating production, the story of a spirited young governess determined to break free from society's expectations, and the remarkable history of a play that was once banned from its planned Oxford premiere.

It's a...

Who really controls Broadway? Who decides which shows get produced, which artists get opportunities, and how much audiences pay for tickets?

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome acclaimed author, legal scholar, and Broadway producer Spencer Weber Waller to discuss his fascinating new book, Power and Greed: Monopolies, Mergers, and Cartels on the American Stage.

From the powerful theater syndicates of the Gilded Age to the rise of the Shubert empire, Waller pulls back the curtain on the business deals, rivalries, and monopolies that shaped American entertainment.

And the...

What happens when two robots discover something beautifully human? Maybe love really does have a happy ending!

The Roundtable welcomes Claire Kwon and Steven Huynh, the stars of the first North American tour of the six-time Tony Award-winning musical Maybe Happy Ending, for a heartfelt and fun conversation about bringing one of Broadway's most celebrated new musicals to audiences across the country!

Both members of the original Broadway company, Claire and Steven are stepping into the leading roles of Claire and Oliver, two retired HelperBots living in Seoul whose unexpected friendship blossoms into something extraordinary.<...

Actor, director, producer, and martial artist Michael Jai White joins Robert Bannon on The Roundtable for an engaging conversation about life, art, Hollywood, and the movies that have shaped his extraordinary journey!

With a career spanning more than three decades, Michael has become one of the most recognizable faces in action films and beyond. He made history as one of the first Black actors to portray a major comic-book superhero in a feature film with Spawn (1997), and has delivered memorable performances in The Dark Knight, Black Dynamite, Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, and Tyler Perry's beloved Why...

There's something special about discovering an emerging talent, and Gavin Goudey is ready for his moment in the spotlight!

Gavin joins Robert for a fun and engaging conversation about his latest movie, the experiences that shaped his performance, and what it means to be part of a new generation of performers making their mark in entertainment.

From life on set to the challenges and rewards of acting, Gavin shares a glimpse into his creative world, his passion for storytelling, and what audiences can look forward to next.

And what a debut it is...

After more than six decades of enchanting audiences around the world, The Fantasticks is finally making its Broadway debut — and this time, the beloved musical is telling a new kind of love story!

Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli, music supervisor and orchestrator Sam Davis, and the extraordinary men of the Broadway company join Adrienne for a special conversation about bringing this iconic musical to a new generation.

Featuring Maxim Chlumecky, Nathan Levy, Zane Phillips, Kevin Del Aguila, David Patrick Kelly, and Ahmad Simmons, the production reimagines the classic story of young love through th...

The courtroom drama is heating up, and we have a front-row seat!

This time on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we're welcoming the wonderful Angela Grovey, one of the stars of Hulu's hit series “Reasonable Doubt!”

Angela brings humor, heart, strength, and a whole lot of personality to her portrayal of Krystal Walters, the straight-talking, fiercely loyal assistant to powerhouse attorney Jax Stewart, played by Emayatzy Corinealdi.

Now in its fourth season, Reasonable Doubt continues to deliver the twists, turns, complicated relationships, and jaw-dropping moments that have made it a fan favorite. With a ca...

The internet's favorite lovebirds join Robert Bannon for one of their first interviews, sharing the love, laughter, and real-life moments behind their growing social media phenomenon!

They've captured hearts, made people laugh, and built a passionate online community by simply being themselves. Now, Kasaun & Amari are coming to The Roundtable!

This week, Robert Bannon welcomes the viral social media couple for a special conversation that goes beyond the videos, the comments, and the cameras.

Known for their hilarious relationship moments, playful chemistry, lifestyle adventures, and unapologetically authentic personalities, Kasaun & Amari have created an...

Nobody puts Baby in a corner!

This week on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we're having the time of our lives with Annalese Starzec and Blake Zelesnikar, the stars of the new North American tour of Dirty Dancing: The Musical!

Annalese takes on the beloved role of Frances “Baby” Houseman, while Blake steps into the iconic shoes of Johnny Castle, bringing one of the most unforgettable love stories in movie history to the stage for a whole new generation.

Based on the beloved 1987 film starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing: The Musi...

Come fly with us! The timeless music, unforgettable style, and extraordinary legacy of Frank Sinatra take center stage as Eric Comstock, Christopher Gines, and Hilary Kole join Robert Bannon on The Roundtable to celebrate the return of OUR SINATRA: A Musical Celebration!

More than 25 years after first bringing their love of Ol’ Blue Eyes to the legendary Oak Room at New York City's Algonquin Hotel, the original creators and performers are reunited for a special Off-Broadway revival at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater.

What began as an intimate musical tribute became an Off-Broadway sensation, ca...

What does it mean to truly be yourself when you've spent your life moving between different cultures, countries, and identities?

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, Japanese composer, songwriter, producer, and orchestrator Miu Sato joins Robert to spotlight her deeply personal new EP, To Let Me Be Me, released September 18 on Joy Machine Records.

Born in Singapore and raised across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and New York, Miu has spent much of her life navigating what it means to belong. Those experiences are at the heart of her latest musical project, which explores...

Justin Guarini is taking center stage once again, and this time, he's helping others find the confidence to do the same!

The singer, actor, Broadway star, television personality, and now author joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon for a conversation about his extraordinary journey through show business and the release of his new book, Center Stage Confidence: How to Own Your Story and Command Any Room, available October 6, 2026.

Millions first fell in love with Justin during the inaugural season of American Idol, where his incredible voice, charisma, and unforgettable performances made him a household name...

On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, Robert welcomes musical theatre writer, composer, lyricist, and violinist Timothy L. Michuda for a conversation about his powerful new musical, TURING.

Co-written by Michuda and Benjamin Ward, TURING tells the true story of Alan Turing, the brilliant British mathematician whose work was instrumental in cracking Nazi Germany’s Enigma code during World War II — and who was later prosecuted by the British government because he was gay.

Rather than tell Turing’s life as a conventional chronological biography, the musical unfolds across three parallel timelines, introducing audien...

What happens when the trip of a lifetime becomes the ride from hell?

Writer, director and producer Kristian McKay joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk about his new horror thriller KILL TRIP, a Texas-set nightmare that takes a group of festival-bound friends and sends their road trip in a terrifying direction.

On their way to a music festival in Austin, a group of carefree travelers accepts a ride from a magnetic stranger. What should be the beginning of an unforgettable weekend quickly turns sinister as members of the group begin disappearing. With their...

We’re heading Off-Broadway as WP Theater’s Producing Artistic Director Lisa McNulty, director Tatiana Pandiani, and stars Alyssa May Gold and Yasmin Ranz-Lind join The Roundtable to take us inside the world premiere of Melis Aker’s FISH!

Set in London in 2016, FISH follows 17-year-old Karya as she struggles with the unresolved disappearance of her brother. When a theory from her mother begins to gain traction, Karya and her best friend create a twisted online experiment to search for answers — and soon find themselves venturing into much darker territory than they ever expected. It’s a sharp, fun...

Award-winning, Billboard-charting composer and songwriter Billy Recce joins us at The Roundtable to talk about his powerful new project, BIG MAN: A NEW MUSICAL!

Currently in development, BIG MAN takes us inside the imagination of Albert, an 85-year-old man living with Alzheimer’s whose world transforms from a memory care room into the bright lights, big-band sounds, and Rat Pack swagger of 1960s Las Vegas.

With music by Billy Recce and book and lyrics by Sheryl Berk, the show explores family, memory, caregiving, love, loss, forgiveness, and what it means to meet someone you love ex...