🎧 Re-Released: My 2021 Interview with Sean McDaniel – From Book of Mormon to Smash

Back in 2021, I sat down with one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers on Broadway: Sean McDaniel.

Since that interview, Sean’s career has only expanded. He’s played Some Like It Hot, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and now holds the drum chair for one of the most buzzed-about new musicals on Broadway: Smash.

So I figured—why not bring this conversation back to the forefront?

In this re-released episode, Sean gives us an inside look at the early development of The Book of Mormon, starting with a modest 20-minute workshop. It’s wild to hear how the show started with hand-drawn cartoons projected behind a reading stage—and how Sean’s ability to adapt, play by ear, and control dynamics became essential in shaping the drum parts that evolved over the years.

He talks about the two lives of Broadway drumming: playing with “toothpicks” during readings and unleashing full stadium energy in the pit once the show is fully staged. That flexibility—combined with a deep understanding of styles and musical storytelling—is what sets him apart.

Sean also shares how his high school show choir days prepared him for the dynamic, mic-less world of workshops and readings. He developed a skill many overlook: playing softly while still maintaining intensity.

If you’re a drummer looking to understand what it really takes to build a Broadway career from the ground up—this is an essential listen.

The full episode drops this Saturday.

📢 Ways to Listen & Support:

🎧 Listen & Subscribe – Find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.
🎥 Watch the full videos – Check out our YouTube channel for exclusive interviews and insights.
☕ Love what we do? – Support the podcast by Buying Me a Coffee and helping us bring you more valuable content.
👕 Get the Merch! – Rep Broadway Drumming 101 with exclusive T-shirts and more in our shop.

📖 Big News! – I’m writing a new book that breaks down everything you need to know about being a Broadway musician. Stay tuned for updates!

💡 Spread the Word!
Tell people about our content, share this with friends, and let’s keep building the next generation of Broadway musicians together! 🎭🥁🔥

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com