A-Sides Interview: Andrew Keenan-Bolger Talks <i>Newsies</i>; Megan Reilly's "Little Angel"

I recently spoke to Andrew Keenan-Bolger about the evolution of themusical and what he thought of the critically-panned/cult sensation film that the musical is based on.
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It's fitting that Broadway star Andrew Keenan-Bolger is appearing in an Alan Menken-penned musical on Broadway. Much like the famed and multi-award winning composer (Tangled, The Little Mermaid -- the list goes on), Keenan-Bolger is finding himself in the good graces of Disney. Prior to taking on the role of Crutchie in Disney's Newsies: The Musical, he's appeared in "mouse" company productions of Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast. He's also starred as Omar in the world premiere of Aladdin.

In an interview at the Primary Wave Music Listening Room in New York City, I spoke with the young Broadway star, and asked him why he's been so fortunate to appear in so many Disney incarnations. I also spoke to him about the evolution of the Newsies musical, which he's been a part of from the get-go, and what he thought of the critically-panned/cult sensation film the current Tony Award-winning musical is based on. Watch. Listen. Love.

...and since "A-Sides" typically features a live, informal performance, here's Megan Reilly, a budding singer/songwriter, performing her track "Little Angel" in Chicago. The Memphis-bred artist's new album The Well recently dropped.

About A-Sides with Jon Chattman
Jon Chattman's music series typically features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing.Note: in this case, it's just an informal interview. No song. Sorry. Love me a little anyway, OK?

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