BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: ToB: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2025 | Cassadee Pope on ‘Rolling Thunder’
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host: Matt Tammanini
Guest: Cassadee Pope

Introduction

In this episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tammanini welcomes listeners to a special hybrid episode featuring an in-depth interview with Grammy-nominated singer and actress Cassadee Pope. The focus of the conversation centers on Cassadee's role in the Off-Broadway musical Rolling Thunder, currently playing at New World Stages.

Broadway News Overview

Before delving into the main interview, Matt provides an update on Broadway's recent performance metrics:

• Show Count: Steady at 28 shows, consistent with the previous week, despite notable changes.
• Grosses and Attendance: Broadway experienced a 5% dip in grosses to $30,062,727 and a 4% drop in attendance, totaling 236,981 attendees. The average ticket price also saw a slight decline of 1%, averaging $126.86.
• Notable Performances:
  • Wicked at the Gershwin Theater led the grosses at $2,344,841.
  • Hamilton and The Lion King followed closely with $2.23 million and $2.2 million respectively.
  • Mamma Mia! On Broadway made a strong debut with a sold-out first performance, extrapolated to an impressive $2.09 million over eight shows.
• Capacity: 19 out of 28 shows filled at 90% capacity or higher, with Wicked and Mamma Mia! achieving 100% capacity.

Matt highlights the strategic push by Tony-nominated shows to maintain audience engagement through targeted marketing and street team initiatives, ensuring sustained interest as Broadway transitions into the fall season.

Transition to Main Interview

With Broadway’s landscape discussed, Matt transitions to the main segment, introducing Cassadee Pope. He outlines her impressive career trajectory—from winning The Voice in 2013 to her current theatrical endeavors—and sets the stage for an insightful conversation about her experiences with Rolling Thunder and her multifaceted career.

Interview with Cassadee Pope

Recovery from Illness

[14:01] Matt begins by addressing Cassadee's recent absence from performances due to laryngitis.

Cassadee Pope: "Laryngitis takes a while, and I haven't lost my voice like that in years... It's back. It's a little raspy."

Matt reassures her that the raspy voice complements the rock genre of Rolling Thunder, emphasizing that her recovery is progressing well.

Transition from Music to Theater

Cassadee discusses her shift from a music-centric career to embracing acting and musical theater.

[17:49] Cassadee Pope: "I feel really, really grateful. My trajectory has been... not normal. So, I keep getting gigs."

She highlights the parallels between touring as a musician and performing in musical theater, particularly the endurance and stage presence required in both fields.

Role in 'Rolling Thunder'

Cassadee delves into her character, Linda, and the unique structure of Rolling Thunder as part musical, part documentary.

[19:35] Cassadee Pope: "My story is of a loved one, this girl, Linda... experiencing the missing that person... it's a very complicated time for her."

She explains how the musical interweaves iconic rock songs with real-life stories from the Vietnam War era, providing a deep, emotional narrative for the audience.

Connecting Historical Themes to Modern Parallels

The conversation shifts to how the themes of the Vietnam War resonate with current events.

[22:03] Cassadee Pope: "It's hard to not draw those parallels... themes are coming up now in the modern day."

Cassadee expresses hope that the musical preserves historical narratives while allowing audiences to find relevance in today's context.

Favorite Moments and Songs

Cassadee shares her favorite moments from the show and highlights standout performances by her fellow cast members.

[23:43] Cassadee Pope: "Deontay Goodman... his voice soars... Nowhere to Run where Courtney Carter... she's incredible."

These insights underline the high-caliber talent involved in Rolling Thunder and the powerful renditions of classic songs.

Personal Life: Moving to New York

Matt and Cassadee discuss her recent move from Nashville to New York City, a significant change from her life on the road as a touring musician.

[26:07] Cassadee Pope: "He's a French bulldog. And his name's Cuppy."

Cassadee describes settling into New York City, her dog Cuppy’s adjustment to the bustling environment, and the creative inspiration she draws from living in her dream city.

Balancing Music and Theater

Cassadee talks about maintaining her musical career alongside her theatrical pursuits.

[29:38] Cassadee Pope: "I love that I can have [music] when I want it... writing songs is kind of like a muscle."

She emphasizes the importance of creative versatility and her ongoing passion for songwriting, even as she focuses on acting.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Cassadee shares her aspirations within the entertainment industry.

[31:19] Cassadee Pope: "I would love to also do film and TV... My goal is to end up doing more stuff on camera."

She expresses a desire to expand her acting repertoire beyond the stage, aiming for roles in film and television while remaining open to diverse opportunities.

Collaborative Nature of Theater

Cassadee reflects on the differences between being a solo artist and performing in an ensemble.

[33:36] Cassadee Pope: "You are not up there wondering... you are playing a show where it's about you and people are either coming to see you or they're not... It is not like that in an ensemble situation."

She appreciates the supportive environment of theatrical ensembles, which alleviates the personal pressures often felt in solo performances.

Presentation of Iconic Songs in 'Rolling Thunder'

The discussion turns to the musical direction and the faithful rendition of classic songs within the show.

[35:15] Cassadee Pope: "Most of them are really true to the recordings... It’s a full-on rock show."

Cassadee assures listeners that the musical performances honor the original compositions while integrating seamlessly into the narrative of Rolling Thunder.

Audience Takeaways

Cassadee articulates her hopes for the audience's experience.

[36:21] Cassadee Pope: "I hope they leave feeling moved... I hope people can relate to any of these characters."

She aspires for the musical to resonate emotionally with diverse audiences, fostering a deep connection to the characters and their stories.

Conclusion

Matt concludes the episode by expressing his admiration for Cassadee's transition into musical theater and shares his excitement to see her performances in Rolling Thunder. He encourages listeners to purchase tickets and follow both Cassadee and BroadwayRadio on social media for updates.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Cassadee Pope on Laryngitis Recovery [14:01]:
  "It's a little raspy, it's getting there."

• Cassadee on Transitioning Careers [17:49]:
  "I feel really, really grateful. My trajectory has been... not normal."

• Cassadee on Character Linda [19:35]:
  "My story is of a loved one, this girl, Linda... experiencing the missing that person."

• Cassadee on Drawing Parallels to Modern Day [22:03]:
  "It's hard to not draw those parallels... themes are coming up now in the modern day."

• Cassadee on Favorite Moments [23:43]:
  "Deontay Goodman... his voice soars... she's incredible."

• Cassadee on Future Plans [31:19]:
  "I would love to also do film and TV... My goal is to end up doing more stuff on camera."

• Cassadee on Ensemble vs. Solo Performances [33:36]:
  "It is not like that in an ensemble situation."

• Cassadee on Audience Impact [36:21]:
  "I hope they leave feeling moved... I hope people can relate to any of these characters."

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