This week on Cocktails at Table 7- Inside New York’s Joe Allen; Dana, Sean, and Jason have a lively and insightful conversation with Broadway World’s Richard Ridge. We spoke to Richard about his decades-long connection with Joe Allen Restaurant and how his early years as a server at the star-studded Ted Hook’s Backstage led to his current career as Broadway’s most trusted insider. We touch upon Richard’s friendship with MGM superstar Ann Miller, his evolution from performer to interviewer, and his uncharacteristically ambitious quest to win a coveted Joey Award. Cocktails at Table 7- Inside New York’s Joe Allen is produced and hosted by Jason Woodruff, Dana Mierlak and Sean Kent with music by James Rubio. The producers would like to extend a special thank you to Christina D’Angelo for her amazing artwork, and the owners of Joe Allen, Orso, and Bar Centrale Restaurants.
Richard Ridge is the lead correspondent for Broadway World, one of the most popular theatre websites in the world. Richard hosts “Backstage with Richard Ridge," a popular outlet for Broadway stars and legends to chat about their careers. His guests have included Chita Rivera, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Cherry Jones among numerous other Broadway luminaries. Prior to that, Richard was the host of the groundbreaking “Broadway Beat” for 20 years and his latest venture, the SAG/AFTRA Foundation/ BroadwayWorld “Conversations Q & A Series" celebrates the vibrant theatre community in NYC. Past participants have included Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Harold Prince, Stockard Channing, Nathan Lane, Darren Criss, and Sara Bareilles. Richard made his Broadway debut last season in the groundbreaking musical THE PROM. Here's Richard's page at Broadway World.