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[0:00] Robert Bannon: Welcome to The Roundtable! I’m your host, Robert Bannon, and today we have a fantastic guest joining us.

[0:31] Robert Bannon: Broadway favorite Bobby Conte is here to talk about his starring role in COPPERFIELD! The New Musical, a brand-new Off-Broadway adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novel.

[0:46] Robert Bannon: Bobby has built an incredible Broadway career, originating the role of Calogero in A Bronx Tale and appearing in Company and The Who’s Tommy.

[1:06] Robert Bannon: Now, he takes on the iconic role of David Copperfield in this new musical about finding your place in the world, overcoming adversity, and discovering what home really means.

[1:36] Robert Bannon: Bobby and I will chat about bringing Dickens to the stage, the beauty of the new score, his Broadway journey, and the excitement of creating something entirely new.

[2:06] Robert Bannon: With book, music, and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and direction and choreography by Gabriel Barre, COPPERFIELD! brings this timeless story to life.

[2:26] Robert Bannon: Performances begin September 29, with an official opening on October 19, at The Duke on 42nd Street in NYC.

[2:46] Robert Bannon: So, without further ado, let’s welcome Bobby Conte to The Roundtable!

[3:06] Bobby Conte: Thanks for having me, Robert! I’m really excited to be here and talk about COPPERFIELD!

[3:26] Robert Bannon: It’s great to have you! Let’s dive right in. What does it feel like to take on such an iconic character like David Copperfield?

[3:46] Bobby Conte: It’s honestly a dream come true. David Copperfield is such a rich character with a deep journey, and I feel honored to bring him to life on stage.

[4:06] Robert Bannon: I can only imagine! What do you think sets this adaptation apart from other versions of the story?

[4:26] Bobby Conte: The new score is absolutely beautiful, and the way Jeffrey Scharf has crafted the music really enhances the emotional depth of the story.

[4:46] Robert Bannon: That sounds amazing! How has the rehearsal process been for you?

[5:06] Bobby Conte: It’s been incredibly collaborative. Gabriel Barre has a vision that really brings out the heart of the story, and it’s been a joy to work with such a talented team.

[5:26] Robert Bannon: Collaboration is key in theater! What has been your favorite moment so far in rehearsals?

[5:46] Bobby Conte: There’s a scene where David really confronts his past, and it’s such a powerful moment. The energy in the room when we work on it is electric.

[6:06] Robert Bannon: I can’t wait to see that! What do you hope audiences take away from this production?

[6:34] Bobby Conte: I hope they feel inspired to reflect on their own journeys and the importance of finding where they belong.

[7:02] Robert Bannon: That’s a beautiful message. What has been the most challenging aspect of playing David for you?

[7:30] Bobby Conte: The emotional range is definitely a challenge. David goes through so much, and capturing that authenticity is crucial.

[7:38] Robert Bannon: It sounds like a rewarding challenge! What do you think Dickens would think of this adaptation?

[8:06] Bobby Conte: I like to think he’d be proud. We’re honoring the essence of his story while also bringing a fresh perspective to it.

[8:34] Robert Bannon: That’s wonderful to hear! I’m sure audiences will appreciate that.

[8:44] Bobby Conte: I hope so! We’ve put a lot of heart into this production.

[9:04] Robert Bannon: I can’t wait for everyone to see it! Thank you for joining me today, Bobby.

[9:24] Bobby Conte: Thank you for having me, Robert!

[9:44] Robert Bannon: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in to The Roundtable!

[10:00] Bobby Conte: I'm so excited to be here and talk about COPPERFIELD! The New Musical! It's such a unique adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved novel, and I can't wait for audiences to experience it.

[10:30] Robert Bannon: Absolutely! You've had such an incredible journey on Broadway. Can you tell us a bit about how you got involved with this project?

[10:50] Bobby Conte: Of course! I was approached by the creative team, and after reading the script and hearing the music, I knew I had to be a part of it. The story of David Copperfield is timeless, and this new musical really captures the essence of finding one's place in the world.

[11:20] Robert Bannon: That's amazing! What do you think sets this adaptation apart from other versions of the story?

[11:40] Bobby Conte: I think the new score by Jeffrey Scharf really brings a fresh perspective to the material. The music is beautiful and complements the narrative perfectly, allowing us to explore the characters' emotions in a new way.

[12:00] Robert Bannon: I love that! And you mentioned the journey of David Copperfield. What themes do you think resonate most with audiences today?

[12:20] Bobby Conte: The themes of overcoming adversity and discovering what home truly means are incredibly relevant. Everyone can relate to the idea of searching for belonging and navigating life's challenges.

[12:40] Robert Bannon: Definitely! And you've played some iconic roles in your career. How does stepping into the shoes of David Copperfield compare to your previous roles?

[13:00] Bobby Conte: Each role is unique, but David Copperfield feels particularly special. There's a depth to his character that allows for a lot of exploration, and I’m excited to bring that to life on stage.

[13:20] Robert Bannon: That's fantastic! What has been the most rewarding part of working on this musical so far?

[13:40] Bobby Conte: Honestly, collaborating with such a talented team has been a highlight. Gabriel Barre's direction and choreography really elevate the story, and it's been a joy to work alongside everyone involved.

[14:00] Robert Bannon: It sounds like a dream team! Can you share a little about the rehearsal process?

[14:20] Bobby Conte: The rehearsal process has been intense but incredibly fulfilling. We've been diving deep into the characters and the music, and it's been wonderful to see how everything is coming together.

[14:40] Robert Bannon: I can only imagine! And for those who may not be familiar, can you give us a brief overview of the story?

[15:00] Bobby Conte: Sure! COPPERFIELD! follows the life of David Copperfield from his childhood through adulthood as he faces various challenges and learns about love, friendship, and resilience. It's a journey of self-discovery.

[15:20] Robert Bannon: That sounds captivating! What do you hope audiences take away from the show?

[15:40] Bobby Conte: I hope they leave feeling inspired and reflective about their own journeys. It's a story about hope and the importance of finding your own path, no matter the obstacles.

[16:00] Robert Bannon: Beautifully said! And with performances starting soon, what are you most looking forward to as you approach opening night?

[16:20] Bobby Conte: I'm really looking forward to sharing this story with an audience. There's something magical about live theater, and I can't wait to see their reactions.

[16:40] Robert Bannon: I can’t wait either! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today, Bobby.

[17:00] Bobby Conte: Thank you for having me, Robert! It's been a pleasure.

[17:20] Robert Bannon: And for everyone listening, make sure to check out COPPERFIELD! The New Musical, opening soon!