Kip's Korner

   Alabama’s very own Addison Garner is sitting in the pilot’s seat as “Come From Away” flies into Huntsville One of the things I love about my job is that a couple of weeks ago I got to interview my friend, Sharon Wheatley, who was in the original Broadway company of Come From Away (CFA) and now I get to hear from Addison Garner who is coming to Huntsville with the National Tour of CFA playing Captain Beverley Bass. Addison is no stranger to starring in a National Tour as audiences across the country loved her portrayal of the infamous pageant queen, Velma Von Tussle, in Hairspray for the past two years. Originally hailing from Opelika, Alabama, Addison recently shared this sentiment on her Facebook page: “Here’s to trading in batons for boot cut jeans. I’m so looking forward to earning my wings! The next adventure continues, and I can’t wait to share this incredible story across the country.” Can you share with us what your journey has been with CFA , from the first time y...

  Wicked turns twenty on Broadway and Christianne Tisdale is here to spill the “green” tea It’s hard to believe that Wicked debuted on Broadway twenty years ago! I was lucky enough to see the original cast in October of 2003 and remember being completely blown away by “Defying Gravity” at the end of Act I. It was one of those Broadway moments that will forever be seared into my memory. I’m delighted to interview my friend Christianne Tisdale, aka Tiz   (because no one can pronounce her name), about this monumental anniversary for this prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Tiz is no stranger to Broadway, making her debut in 1995 as Belle in Beauty and the Beast , and since 2019 she’s been entertaining audiences onstage in Wicked as the Midwife/ensemble as well as Madame Morrible at certain performances. In addition to an impressive list of Broadway and Off-Broadway credits, she is also a reformed opera singer with over 20 roles under her belt. Tiz has also earned degrees from Ya...

    Having the distinction of being the only actress who’s performed in the Broadway productions of Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and Cats (the final company) among others, Sharon Wheatley was taking a break from New York City when fate intervened and brought Come From Away and her together. Sharon was living in San Diego in 2015 when she received a Facebook message from a casting director saying that she’s perfect for this new show that is originating there, and they needed a local hire. Well Broadway was calling her back to NYC and the rest is history. What was it about Come From Away that persuaded you back to New York City? Come From Away is not a traditional musical. We just happen to be singing as we tell this beautiful story. There are only three applause breaks in the whole show. This one is special! There have been a couple of misconceptions about this show, for instance, why make a musical about a tragedy such as 9-11? What do you think about ...

Debbie Horton has been breaking glass ceilings for years and it all started with Johnny Cash Not only is Debbie Horton the lead guitarist for the 2023/24 Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience , but she holds the distinction of being the only woman who has ever played lead guitar for Johnny Cash himself. Debbie says of Johnny, “He was the most charismatic person I have ever met, but with the humblest way about him. What a blessing it was for me to be around him as much as I was.” They maintained a friendship for over twenty years. I was lucky enough to talk to Debbie over the phone, just before a rehearsal in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and learn more about her incredible journey which led her to this momentous tour. How was it that you got to meet and know Johnny Cash? I was a fan first. In fact, I joined his fan club in Virginia when I was a kid. His voice, persona and storytelling ability just drew me right in. He made me want to learn how to play guitar. And that changed...