In this episode, I talk with Michael Manasseh, the drummer for the current Hadestown national tour. Michael shares his unique path from studying economics at Columbia University to landing gigs on Broadway tours, and how his early training shaped the versatile musician he is today.
We talk about:
How growing up in Boston, church music, and early jazz studies shaped his drumming identity
His college years at Columbia, balancing academics with student theater, and realizing music could become a career
The turning point of joining Muse (Musicians United for Social Equity) and mentorship with John Clancy, which led to his first big break on the Shrek tour
What it’s like playing Hadestown night after night—the mental and physical demands, the freedom to improvise, and why it feels like “jazz theater”
Stories from the road, including near-misses with quick costume changes, learning directly from orchestrators, and pulling influences from Art Blakey to Mark Guiliana
His perspective on the business side of Broadway, the economics of touring shows, and why relationships—not transactions—drive opportunities for drummers
Michael’s story highlights not just the technical side of playing drums on a major tour, but also the importance of balance, community, and adaptability in building a long-term career in theater.
If you’re a drummer looking to break into Broadway—or just want to hear what life is really like behind the kit on a national tour—you won’t want to miss this conversation.
More about Michael: https://www.michaelmanassehmusic.com/
If you want to understand how to make a lasting career in this business — not just play the music — my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career dives deep into both the art and the industry.
Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don’t miss Michael’s episode and other conversations that go beyond the notes.
