4.09.25

Behind the Curtain of Broadway Flight: The Inspiration and Creativity That Brought the Show to Life



“I had small children when I moved here, and there weren’t a lot of opportunities for short-commitment productions,” Laura explained. Having experience with cabarets—performances that feature a collection of songs without a unifying storyline—she started hosting them at Creative 360 and the Midland Center for the Arts. These cabarets became quite popular, offering performers a chance to participate in a low-commitment but high-energy experience. However, as more theaters started embracing the cabaret format, Laura sought to bring a fresh idea to the stage.

“I wanted to create something that balanced storytelling with a short time commitment,” she said. The idea of Broadway Flight was born—a performance based on the concept of a wine or beer flight, where audience members could sample a variety of Broadway songs in one evening. Adding an actual wine flight was an obvious next step.

This format not only gave theatergoers a chance to explore music from different productions but also helped promote lesser-known shows to a wider audience. “Many times, people skip seeing a production simply because they don’t recognize the title,” Laura explained. “With Broadway Flight, they get a taste of different shows, making them more inclined to see a full production in the future.”

Finding and Showcasing Talent

One of the key aspects of a Broadway Flight is the commitment to featuring a mix of both seasoned performers and fresh voices. Laura makes it a priority to include new talent in every production, aiming for at least 50% of the cast to be first-time participants.

“This area has some of the most talented performers I’ve encountered,” she noted, acknowledging that while finding talent is easy, scheduling and availability can be challenging. With many performers juggling multiple commitments, coordinating rehearsals and ensuring reliability remains one of the trickiest aspects of production.

To address these challenges, Laura actively scouts for new talent: identifying potential performers, and then reaching out to them personally. “I go to shows, circle names in programs, and think, ‘Who can I recruit?’” she shared. Her dedication to nurturing and uplifting voices within the community has played a significant role in the show’s continued success.

The Growth and Future of Broadway Flight

Since its inception, Broadway Flight has only gained momentum. Audience attendance has steadily increased, driven by word of mouth and the excitement surrounding each new performance. “People come once, have a great time, and bring their friends the next time,” Laura explained. The constant influx of new performers also expands the show’s reach, as each cast member brings their network of supporters.

With approximately ten Broadway Flight productions completed, including a newly launched youth edition, Laura sees no shortage of material for future shows. “There are so many incredible Broadway musicals out there, whether they are well-known classics or hidden gems,” she said. “We have endless possibilities.”

As Broadway Flight continues to evolve, its impact on the local theater scene is undeniable. By offering an accessible, exciting, and innovative way to experience musical theater, both for performers and for audiences, Laura Brigham has created a format that not only entertains but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the art form. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Broadway Flight promises to be an unforgettable experience—one taste at a time.

While many of the performers hail from the Tri-City area—including Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, and Freeland—Broadway Flight has drawn talent from even further afield. Past productions have included performers traveling from Kalamazoo, Flint, and Ann Arbor, as well as individuals who once lived in the area but returned specifically for the opportunity to perform. “I’m always excited about bringing in new people from different distances,” says Laura.

College Connections and Community Collaboration

Although Broadway Flight doesn’t officially partner with local colleges, it has organically become a space for students from Central Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University, and Delta College to showcase their talents. ”We have featured many CMU students in the productions, and there are a couple in the next show. We have also recruited SVSU students, and I’m currently in talks with a Delta College student about participating.” The production thrives on these connections, often welcoming new performers through word-of-mouth and personal recommendations. “I’ve met so many people who love to perform but can’t commit to a six- or eight-week show. Broadway Flight gives them a home to express their passion.” 

In addition to individual student participation, Broadway Flight is exploring partnerships with other organizations to enhance its productions. Past productions have featured guest performances from Elite Dance in Singin’ in the Rain, Lux Women’s Choir in Titanic, Harmony Diversity Choir in Wicked, and the Girls Choir from the Center for the Arts in Dear Evan Hansen. These collaborations add a special touch to each show, offering unique and memorable experiences for both performers and audiences alike.

Looking to the Future

What does the future hold for Broadway Flight? While there are no immediate plans for drastic structural changes, the focus remains on making each production unique and continually engaging new voices.

The Youth Broadway Flights have become a vibrant extension of our long-standing Broadway Flights series, spotlighting the talents of young actors in han exciting, fresh way. Recent productions, including highlights from Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Shrek, were a huge success and brought so much energy to the stage. The opportunity to give talented young actors a chance to shine was met with an outpouring of enthusiasm from audiences and participants alike. The strong turnout and glowing reviews highlighted the community’s excitement for youth-focused performances. 

The response has been so overwhelmingly positive that we’re thrilled to announce there will be more Youth Broadway Flights this year! We’re excited to continue fostering young talent and create opportunities for these rising stars to take center stage. 

With an ever-expanding network of performers, partnerships, and creative ideas, Broadway Flight remains a vital part of the local arts scene—one that continues to grow, inspire, and bring people together.