The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Ep439 - Zhailon Levingston: Building a New Breed of Cats

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Zhailon Levingston joins the show to discuss his incredible trajectory from selling concessions in Broadway houses to becoming the youngest Black director in Broadway history with Chicken and Biscuits. He dives deep into the "cosmic synergy" of his career, explaining how a chance meeting at a concert led to a Broadway debut and how he managed to stage a production during a global pandemic by building a set literally on top of another show's equipment. Zhailon also shares how his ADHD serves as a creative asset, allowing him the high capacity and patience required to lead a room as a director.

The conversation centers on his current hit, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, a production that marries the legendary score of Andrew Lloyd Webber with the vibrant, radical joy of Ballroom culture. Zhailon explains the meticulous process of ensuring authenticity while moving the show from a downtown "happening" to the Broadhurst Theatre. From the "human spectacle" of live performance to the profound connection found in "chosen families," he illustrates how this reimagining invites a multi generational, cross cultural audience to see themselves in the poetry of the text.

Zhailon Levingston is a director, writer, and activist who serves as the Artistic Director of Inheritance Theatre Project and sits on the board of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition. In addition to his historic work on Chicken and Biscuits, his directorial credits include the Obie Award winning Cats: The Jellicle Ball at PAC NYC and the acclaimed Table 17. He co created the Theatre of Change course at Columbia University School of Law and has served as a resident or associate director on major productions including Hadestown, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and Reconstructing.

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Ep438 - Betty Buckley: From Rodeo Reporter to the Heaviside Layer

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Betty Buckley joins the show to discuss her deep connection to storytelling and the spiritual "calling" she first felt at eleven years old while watching the original Bob Fosse choreography in Pajama Game. She shares incredible stories from her early days in Texas, including her time as a teenage rodeo reporter and the persistent friction with her father regarding her pursuit of a career in show business. Betty also reflects on the power of the "11 O'clock Number," her legendary debut at Carnegie Hall, and why she firmly believes she is responsible for the modern usage of the word "dude".

The conversation dives into her yearly residency at Joe's Pub and her role as an artist in residence at Mercyhurst University, where she leads acting workshops. Betty offers her enthusiastic "blessing" to the new Cats: "The Jellicle Ball" production, noting how the original score remains a brilliant social statement in its new ballroom culture setting. From her childhood "super weapon" voice to her studies in comparative world religions, this episode is a masterclass in staying true to one’s essence while navigating a decades long iconic career.

Betty Buckley is a Tony Award winning actress and singer and a Theater Hall of Fame inductee. Her legendary career includes starring roles in Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Triumph of Love, 1776, and Pippin. On screen, she has appeared in films such as Carrie, Tender Mercies, and Split, as well as the hit television series Eight is Enough and Law and Order: SVU.

Connect with Betty:

Get tickets to see her at Joe's Pub
IG: @BLBuckley

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Ep437 - Kevin Chamberlin: Chasing the First Laugh

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Kevin Chamberlin sits down to discuss the serendipitous nature of a forty year career that has spanned from the Jersey Shore to the heights of Broadway and the global reach of the Disney Channel. He shares the story of his first big laugh as Smee in Peter Pan, an experience he describes as a drug that instantly solidified his career path. Kevin also dives into the "Uncle Fester contract," a unique industry standard he inadvertently helped create during the development of The Addams Family, and reflects on the bittersweet experience of being the sole Tony nominee for shows that were otherwise struggling with critics.

The conversation shifts to Kevin’s modern evolution as a digital creator, where he has amassed a massive following on TikTok and Instagram. He opens up about finding a creative outlet during the pandemic and how he balances his theatrical roots with the fast paced world of social media branding. Kevin also gives a look behind the scenes of his current project, When Playwrights Kill, discussing the joy of playing a role that allows him to pull from decades of experience working with legendary directors while finally portraying a gay character on stage for the first time in his theatrical career.

Kevin Chamberlin is a three time Tony Award nominee for his performances in Dirty Blonde, Seussical, and The Addams Family. His extensive Broadway credits include My Favorite Year, Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Triumph of Love, Chicago, The Ritz, Disaster!, and Wicked. On screen, he is widely recognized for his work in Die Hard With a Vengeance, the film adaptation of The Prom, and for his long running role as Bertram on the Disney Channel series Jesse. He is currently starring in the world premiere of When Playwrights Kill in Boston.

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Instagram: @chamberlin.kevin
TikTok: @chamberlin_kevin
Threads: @chamberlin.kevin

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Ep436 - Diane Paulus: Six Floors of Masquerade Madness

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Diane Paulus joins the show for a deep dive into her remarkably storied career, starting with the serendipitous discovery of her father’s history as a director for the Army Entertainment Corps in post-war Tokyo. She shares how growing up at the doorstep of Lincoln Center and performing as a child at the New York City Ballet shaped her rhythmic, music-first approach to storytelling. Diane also pulls back the curtain on the "NASA mission" level of complexity required to mount her latest production, Masquerade, explaining the mathematical precision needed to move audiences through six floors of a converted art supply store.

The conversation explores Diane's obsession with the audience's role as the "final character" and her mission to move theater beyond the traditional proscenium. From the disco-fueled origins of The Donkey Show to the egoless, collaborative rehearsal process of rotating six different Phantoms, Diane reveals how she manages to make the impossible possible. It is an inspiring look at the future of immersive experiences and the enduring power of human-centered, visceral ritual.

Diane Paulus is a Tony Award-winning director and the Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director of the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University. Her celebrated Broadway credits include the high-octane revivals of Hair, Pippin, 1776, and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, as well as the hit musicals Waitress, Finding Neverland, and Jagged Little Pill. She is currently the visionary behind Masquerade, a brand-new immersive reimagining of The Phantom of the Opera in New York City.

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Ep435 - Juan Carlos: Why Every Actor Needs a Plunger

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Juan Carlos joins the show to share the incredible story of his journey from Miami to the Broadway stage. He opens up about the "athlete's mentality" he brings to his craft, a perspective shaped by his time as a high school carpenter and a college student working three jobs to make ends meet. Juan discusses the bold leap of faith he took by driving across the country to Los Angeles with no representation, only to create his own short film, Oh Brother, which ultimately served as the catalyst for his professional career.

The conversation dives deep into the technical and emotional demands of originating a role in the Stranger Things universe. Juan reveals his unique approach to the audition process, including how a "bad" self-tape setup and a willingness to lean into "extrusive thoughts" helped him land the role of young Bob Newby. From hilarious stories about clogged toilets and slipping on ice to poignant reflections on being a person of color in the industry, Juan’s earnestness and "delusional" optimism provide a refreshing look at what it takes to succeed in theater today.

Juan Carlos is a multi-talented actor, writer, and director who made his Broadway debut in Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Growing up in Miami, Florida, he initially found his way into the arts through animation and musical theater, later honing his skills at a liberal arts college where he balanced acting with carpentry and resident assistant duties. His screen credits include roles in Grey’s Anatomy, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and Elsbeth.

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Instagram: @itsjuanccarlos

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Ep434 - Alex Wyse: Why Your Debut Isn't Your Destiny

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Alex Wyse joins the show for a deep dive into the relentless "compulsion to create" that has fueled his journey from the suburbs of Cleveland to the Broadway stage and the director's chair. He shares a hilarious story about the childhood soccer match where he opted to fake a faint rather than kick a ball, a clear sign that his true calling was always the theater. Alex speaks candidly about the "fairy tale" of a Broadway debut, reflecting on how the early closing of Lysistrata Jones felt like a personal failure and how that heartbreak eventually taught him to diversify his creative life to survive the industry's inevitable highs and lows.

The conversation explores the "therapy" of the creative process, from the unapologetic queer joy of his digital series Indoor Boys to the sci-fi musical he is currently developing. Alex discusses the unique challenge of his role in Marcel on the Train, a play that uses silence and mime to tell the harrowing true story of Marcel Marceau’s work saving Jewish children during World War II. By the end of the episode, it is clear that Alex is a master of "spinning plates," proving that the best way to handle the pain of waiting for an audition is to simply go out and make something yourself.

Alex Wyse is an actor, writer, director, and producer whose Broadway credits include Waitress, Spring Awakening, and Lysistrata Jones. He is the co-creator and star of the Emmy-winning digital series Indoor Boys and has appeared on television in The Bold and the Beautiful, Marvel’s Iron Fist, and Modern Family. Most recently, he starred in the world premiere of Marcel on the Train at Classic Stage Company.

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Instagram: @alexjwise

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Ep433 - Maya Jade Frank: From Little Cosette to Big Business

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Maya Jade Frank joins the podcast to share the fascinating journey of a career that began with a serendipitous audition for her sister’s project and led her to the Broadway stages of Evita and Mary Poppins. She opens up about the unique experience of growing up on the road with the 25th Anniversary National Tour of Les Misérables, where she balanced three hours of daily schooling with visits to historical monuments and backstage "Docu-drama" marathons. Maya discusses the transition from being a child actor in New York to a Disney Channel star in Los Angeles, reflecting on how her supportive, non-theatre parents helped her stay grounded while she pursued a "normal" college experience at USC.

The conversation dives deep into Maya’s impressive ability to merge her creative passions with a sharp business mind. Beyond her current starring role as Zoe Murphy in the South Florida premiere of Dear Evan Hansen, she reveals the inner workings of her digital media company, Mangoes and Bubblegum, and her work as a global Pilates instructor. From her "morning jump around" ritual to early 2000s pop punk to her dreams of performing Shakespeare at the Globe, Maya exemplifies a modern multi-hyphenate artist who prioritizes physical health and analytical data just as much as her vocal warm-ups.

Maya Jade Frank is a New York City native whose extensive credits include the Broadway revival of Evita, the final Broadway cast of Mary Poppins, and the 25th Anniversary National Tour of Les Misérables. She received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her work on Nickelodeon’s History and Heritage and appeared on Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark. A graduate of the University of Southern California and the Royal Academy of Music in London, her recent stage work includes Next to Normal and the UK revival of Be More Chill. She is currently appearing in Dear Evan Hansen at the Actors' Playhouse in Coral Gables.

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Instagram: @mayajadefrank

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Ep432 - Stella Cole: Judy Garland Vibes for a TikTok Generation

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:36:00 -0000

Stella Cole joins the podcast to discuss her unique journey from a musical-theatre-obsessed child in Springfield, Illinois, to a global jazz sensation. She opens up about the "old soul" label she has carried since infancy and how she navigated a high-pressure academic environment at Northwestern University while privately yearning for the music of Judy Garland and Doris Day. Stella shares the vulnerable story of nearly quitting singing altogether before finding her voice again during the 2020 lockdown, leading to a meteoric rise on TikTok that felt more like a "fake little thing" on her phone than a career-changing event.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of being a touring artist in the modern age, from the scrappy days of singing for dinner in Brooklyn to signing with a major label and recording with a full string orchestra at Power Station. Stella discusses the profound emotional power of the Great American Songbook, her transition from viral creator to live performer, and her future aspirations to return to her theater roots. She offers insightful reflections on mental health, the dangers of social media overstimulation, and why she still keeps the idea of law school in the back of her mind just in case.

Stella Cole is a vocalist and recording artist who first gained international attention through her viral performances of jazz standards on social media. A graduate of Northwestern University, she has toured extensively as a featured performer with Postmodern Jukebox and has sold out prestigious venues in New York, London, and beyond. Her discography includes her self-titled debut project and the 2024 album It's Magic, featuring arrangements by Grammy winner Alan Broadbent.

Connect with Stella:

Website: stellacole.net
Instagram: @stellakcole
TikTok: @stellakcole
Listen to My Funny Valentine" EP out via Decca Records US
Make sure to catch Stella's second residency at NYC's Café Carlyle, running May 12–16, 2026!

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Ep431 - Chloe Tucker Caine: Why Every Actor Needs a Real Estate License

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Chloe Tucker Caine joins the show to discuss her fascinating transition from a national tour leading lady to a high stakes real estate powerhouse on Netflix's Owning Manhattan. She shares the vulnerable reality of arriving in New York expecting a parade only to find herself bartending and eventually running an "illegal" Airbnb business out of her Hell's Kitchen apartment. Chloe opens up about the secret life she led while establishing her real estate career, including sneaking off to vocal lessons and dance classes between property showings because she feared being dismissed as just another "annoying theater kid".

The conversation dives deep into the creation of her viral "property musicals," a niche that blends her performance background with luxury sales to help move quirky listings that had previously sat on the market for years. Chloe reflects on the lessons learned from being cut on the first night of an MTV reality show and how motherhood has shifted her professional perspective from wanting to be a "shark" to simply being her authentic self. From recording her single "Fly High" for her daughter to her dreams of playing Velma Kelly in Chicago, Chloe proves that you don't have to close the door on your passions to find massive success in a new field.

Chloe Tucker Caine is a multifaceted performer and real estate agent who starred as Sophie in the national tour of Mamma Mia!. She is a central cast member on the Netflix series Owning Manhattan and a top agent at the SERHANT. brokerage. In addition to her real estate success, she is the creator of the digital series Chloe in Manhattan and recently released the single "Fly High"

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Connect with Chloe:

Instagram: @chloeinmanhattan
TikTok: @chloetuckercaine
Listen to the single Fly High
Listen to Michael Mott's music

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Ep430 - Bess Wohl: Getting Out of the Way

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:49:00 -0000

Bess Wohl joins the podcast to discuss the journey of bringing her latest play, Liberation, to Broadway after a decade of development. She shares the "woo woo" details of her creative process, describing a vision of her characters waiting in a metaphorical doctor's office for her to finally tell their stories. Bess reflects on how the play, which travels between the 1970s Women’s Liberation Movement and the present day, became unexpectedly urgent in the current political climate.

The conversation dives into Bess's transition from an acting student at Yale Drama to an acclaimed playwright, a shift she describes as almost destined. She explains her rebellious approach to writing, from the "masterclass in silence" found in Small Mouth Sounds to the vulnerable, full-ensemble nudity in Liberation. Through stories of her mother’s time at Ms. Magazine and her own experiences in the rehearsal room, Bess highlights how storytelling serves as a visceral exercise in empathy for audiences and actors alike.

Bess Wohl is a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award winning playwright and filmmaker. Her body of work includes the Tony Award nominated Grand Horizons, as well as Small Mouth Sounds, Make Believe, American Hero, Continuity, Camp Siegfried, and the feature film Baby Ruby. A graduate of Harvard University and the Yale School of Drama, her plays have been produced on Broadway and at major theaters including Ars Nova and Second Stage.

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Instagram: @besswohl

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Ep429 - Irene Sofia Lucio: Golden Chest Armor is Liberating

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Irene Sofia Lucio stops by to discuss the journey from being a shy kid in Puerto Rico who had to force herself to raise her hand to starring in some of the most provocative plays on Broadway. She opens up about the intersection of motherhood and art, explaining how becoming a parent shifted her relationship with her body and why creative teams led by mothers are simply more efficient. We also dig into the "white passing" label she carried for years and how she finally decided to fully reclaim her Latinx identity and name in an industry that loves to categorize.

We get into the specifics of her current role in Liberation, including the decision to wear a custom golden armor bust of her own body for opening night and the unique power of performing a nude scene while her father is in the audience. Irene shares how the play explores the history of women's liberation and why physical vulnerability on stage creates a "force field" of safety with her castmates. It is a candid look at how the political climate impacts performance and why gathering in a theater is a form of community building we desperately need right now.

Irene Sofia Lucio is an actor and creator whose Broadway credits include Liberation, Slave Play, and Wit. Her Off-Broadway work includes Our Dear Dead Drug Lord. On screen, she has appeared in In the Heights, Tell Me Lies, The Big Cigar, and co-created the web series Butts. She holds a BA from Princeton University and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama.

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Instagram: @irenesofialucio

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Ep428 - Wayne Brady: The Introverted Improviser

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Wayne Brady opens up about the surprising reality that despite his career as an improvisational powerhouse, he considers himself a quiet recluse who never actually aspired to be funny. He breaks down how he approached comedy as a science rather than a natural personality trait and shares the deep work ethic instilled in him by his grandmother in Orlando. We also get a candid look at his "get in where you fit in" philosophy and learn how he thrived as part of an ensemble by scratching the itch to perform whatever role was required.

The conversation takes a vulnerable turn when he recounts the terrified moment he blanked during his audition for Hamilton in front of friends Lin-Manuel Miranda and Thomas Kail. He explains how he recovered from that stumble to land the role of Aaron Burr in Chicago and why he actually finds more comfort in the structure of a script than in the freedom of improv. We also discuss his current role as a talking horse in All In and why he loves playing grounded characters in absurd situations.

Wayne Brady is a multiple Emmy Award winner and Grammy nominee known for his work on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and as the host of Let's Make a Deal. His extensive television credits include How I Met Your Mother, The Masked Singer, Black Lightning, and Chappelle's Show. On Broadway, he has starred in Kinky Boots, Chicago, and The Wiz, and played Aaron Burr in the Chicago production of Hamilton. He is currently starring in All In on Broadway.

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Instagram: @mrbradybaby
Facebook: The Official Wayne Brady
YouTube: Wayne Brady

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Ep427 - Christiani Pitts: Scene Stealing Nativity Cows

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Christiani Pitts stops by to chat about her journey from playing a scene stealing cow in a church nativity play to leading Broadway blockbusters. She shares a hilarious story about how a miscommunication led to her performing stand up comedy at a nightclub at age eleven for an event associated with Dave Chappelle, and how her parents supported her dreams while navigating the tricky world of early industry scams.

We dive deep into her experience starring in King Kong, discussing the technical insanity of acting opposite a massive puppet and how she manifested doing an action movie on stage. She also opens up about her current role in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), exploring how the show handles mental health with subtle physicality, the "simplistically complex" set design, and the joy of balancing life as a Broadway star and a mom to a daughter who thinks she is also in the cast.

Christiani Pitts is a history making performer who received critical acclaim playing Anne Darrow in the Broadway production of King Kong. After previously starring as Jane in A Bronx Tale, she played Beverly in the Netflix romantic comedy Resort to Love and starred as Pernessa in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, with additional credits including Elementary, Evil, The Good Fight, Blue Bloods, and Dead Ringers. She is currently starring as Robin in the new Broadway musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).

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Instagram: @christianipitts
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Ep426 - 2025 Wrap Up with Mike Abrams

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:55:00 -0000

Alan and Mike sit down to process a packed year of theater, trading hot takes and reviews on a massive slate of 2025 productions. From the cult popularity of Teeth and the star power of Audra McDonald in Gypsy to the technical marvel of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, they cover the shows that defined the last twelve months. They also dig into the unique experiences of immersive theater, the polarizing nature of certain plays, and the sheer stamina required to keep up with the New York theater scene.

The discussion moves beyond reviews into a look at the state of the industry, debating the potential for simple streaming solutions to build audiences outside of New York City. Mike recounts his year of Cats related travel, including a roller coaster version in Pennsylvania, and they speculate on what 2026 holds for Broadway with upcoming productions like Smash, Schmigadoon!, and the return of Cats: The Jellicle Ball.

Mike Abrams is the host and creator of The Wrong Cat Died, a podcast entirely dedicated to the musical Cats. Originally launched as a short comedic exploration of the show's plot holes, it has grown into a long running series featuring interviews with cast members and creatives from productions around the world.

Connect with Mike and listen to The Wrong Cat Died:

@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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Ep425 - Kate Baldwin: Making It Up As She Goes

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:09:00 -0000

Kate Baldwin has a way of looking at the industry that is both deeply grounded and incredibly refreshing. She opens up about her approach to playing Roxie Hart in Chicago, describing her version of the character as a "Bad Nellie Forbush" who is just trying to survive. She also shares the fantastic story of how wearing the "wrong" dress to her Hello, Dolly! audition ended up being the perfect choice for Jerry Zaks and helped her find the spine of Irene Molloy.

We also dig into the shifts in her personal life and career philosophy since 2020. Kate speaks candidly about letting go of the pressure to be a crossover star in TV and film and instead embracing her true love for musical theater, which she affectionately calls the "Island of Misfit Toys." From the lessons she learned growing up in Wisconsin to the joy of throwing big parties just because she can, this conversation is a celebration of finding out what actually matters to you.

Kate Baldwin is a two-time Tony Award nominee for her performances in Finian’s Rainbow and Hello, Dolly!, roles that also earned her Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations. Her extensive Broadway career includes starring roles in Big Fish, The Full Monty, Wonderful Town, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Off-Broadway, she received Drama Desk nominations for her work in Giant at The Public Theater and John & Jen with the Keen Company, as well as a Lucille Lortel nomination for Superhero at Second Stage. She most recently starred as Roxie Hart in Chicago.

Connect with Kate:

Instagram: @realkatebaldwin
Web: kate-baldwin.com

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Ep424 - Sadie Dickerson: From Competitive Swimming to Sandra Dee

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Transitioning from competitive swimming to the stage requires a specific kind of discipline, but Sadie Dickerson has mastered the pivot. She opens up about the intense audition process for Just in Time, which spanned months and a cross country move to Los Angeles, only to receive the life changing offer while house sitting with some very old dogs. She also shares stories about her time working at a Comic Con t-shirt stand and coaching swim lessons before finally getting her big break.

Stepping onto a Broadway stage for the first time is daunting enough, but doing it after sitting backstage for an entire act adds a unique layer of anticipation. Sadie discusses the nerves of that first performance, the supportive environment backstage, and how she balances the technical precision of camera acting with the energy required for live theater. We also get into her love for Newsies and the drive that keeps her pushing for perfection.

Sadie Dickerson is an Austin, Texas native and a graduate of Missouri State University where she earned a BFA in Musical Theatre. She was previously seen Off-Broadway in Vladimir at Manhattan Theatre Club and is currently making her Broadway debut as Sandra in Just in Time.

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Instagram: @Sadie.Dickerson
TikTok: @Sadie.Dickerson

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Ep423 - Christian Cowan: Dressing Lady Gaga at Eighteen with Super Glue and Sequins

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Christian Cowan’s journey to the top of the fashion world is anything but traditional. He opens up about applying to Central Saint Martins with a literal soup can instead of a standard portfolio and explains how a childhood obsession with insects helped him understand high fashion structures. He also shares the wild story of receiving a commission from Lady Gaga at just 18 years old while he was still a first-year student who barely knew how to ship a package.

Now making his Broadway costume design debut with The Queen of Versailles, Christian discusses the challenge of translating high glamour into durable stage wear. He reveals details about touring Jackie Siegel’s massive closet which features a stripper pole and round bed, and breaks down the technology behind the 3D printed vases on his Marie Antoinette costume. We also geek out over his love for animation, his collaboration with The Powerpuff Girls, and his desire to design for sci-fi films.

Christian Cowan is a British fashion designer known for his vibrant and sculptural aesthetic. He launched his eponymous label in 2017 and has dressed global icons including Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Miley Cyrus. He was a finalist for the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund and has collaborated with brands like Cartoon Network and Adobe. The Queen of Versailles marks his Broadway debut as a costume designer.

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Instagram: @christiancowan

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Ep422 - Kevin Del Aguila: The Actor Who Accidentally Became Everything

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Kevin Del Aguila has one of those careers that feels impossible on paper but makes perfect sense once you hear him talk about it. He shares how acting and writing grew side by side almost accidentally, from staging one-acts with unemployed friends to becoming the secret ingredient that finally unlocked Altar Boyz. Kevin opens up about years of temp jobs, the anxiety of switching to a full-time artistic life, and the surprising moment he quietly “quit acting” without telling anyone—only to find himself pulled back in through Peter and the Starcatcher, where collaborating with Christian Borle reignited his love for performing. His stories from backstage, especially the legendary “silent aria” of laughter waves, remind you why the magic of theater is so addictive.

We also explore the second creative empire Kevin has built in children’s entertainment, from Wonder Pets to his Emmy-winning work on Peg + Cat, to writing the lyrics for Click, Clack, Moo and the wildly popular Dog Man: The Musical. He breaks down why kids instantly know when something has been sanitized, how a little edge goes a long way, and why he’s drawn to writing that treats young audiences with intelligence and respect. Kevin also reflects on his full-circle return to The Baker’s Wife more than twenty years after first performing it, now taking on Antoine in the highly anticipated Classic Stage Company revival. The episode is full of craft, heart, humor, and the reminder that longevity—not overnight success—is the real engine of a creative life.

Kevin Del Aguila is an Emmy Award–winning writer and Tony-nominated actor whose career spans theater, television, and children’s entertainment. He wrote the book for the long-running hit Altar Boyz and the lyrics for Click, Clack, Moo and Dog Man: The Musical. His Broadway and stage performances include Some Like It Hot, Frozen, and Peter and the Starcatcher. His television writing earned him an Emmy for Peg + Cat, and he appears in the newest season of Hazbin Hotel. Kevin currently stars as Antoine in the Broadway revival of The Baker’s Wife.

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Instagram: @kevinoftheeagle

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Ep421 - Gabrielle Nevaeh: Flying From All That Into the Upside Down

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Gabrielle Nevaeh’s journey to Stranger Things: The First Shadow feels like a real-time coming-of-age story. In our conversation, she opens up about growing up painfully shy in Florida, discovering acting at a performing arts school, and then making the leap to Los Angeles at just twelve years old with nothing but six suitcases and a dream. From navigating the whirlwind of Nickelodeon fame, to essentially attending “Nick High,” to juggling seven different shows while finishing high school, she shares how she slowly learned to trust her instincts, embrace her authentic self, and listen less to the external noise. That confidence is exactly what carried her into one of the wildest audition processes I’ve ever heard, including a full seven-hour callback in New York where she literally performed the entire play as a one-woman show.

Once she stepped into the world of Stranger Things, everything changed. Gabrielle talks about finding her voice onstage eight shows a week, building Patty Newby from the ground up, and experiencing that electric moment when the season five trailer drops in the theater and the audience erupts. We dive into the emotional weight of this role, the physical demands of doing an “action movie” every night, and why she actually loves a rowdy audience member who shouts back at the actors. She also reflects on how surreal it is to walk the line between longtime Nickelodeon kids who know her comedy work and the massive Stranger Things fans who now show up dressed like Patty or get props from the show tattooed on their bodies.

Gabrielle Nevaeh is an award-nominated actor known for standout work on Nickelodeon’s All That, That Girl Lay Lay, Danger Force, and as the voice of Clawdeen Wolf in Monster High. Her credits also include Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, Curses, and hosting duties for major Nickelodeon events including the Kids’ Choice Awards. She earned a Young Artist Award and an Emmy nomination for her on-screen work before making her Broadway debut as Patty Newby in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, where she continues to shape the character in collaboration with the creative team.

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Connect with Gabrielle:

Instagram: @gabriellenevaeh
TikTok: @gabriellenevaeh

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Ep420 - Kimiko Glenn: Hang Out Forever and the Art of Being Unapologetically You

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Kimiko Glenn brings a mix of honesty, humor, and delightful chaos to this conversation, opening up about the vulnerable journey behind her new single Hang Out Forever and why the music video takes such a hilariously dark turn. She talks about songwriting as her personal diary, how she finally found the courage to share it publicly, and why creative control feels like oxygen after years of being the “vessel” for other people’s visions. We dig into the surprising things that make her the most self-conscious, the unexpected fears that shaped her early career, and why being an “impatient cheerleader” might be her truest personality trait.

She also speaks candidly about the realities behind the fame surge during Orange Is the New Black, including the overwhelming moments she endured in public and the long path toward reclaiming safety and boundaries. Kimiko shares the story of developing panic disorder during Waitress, how she learned to manage anxiety in different performance environments, and the tools she’s built to protect her joy. We also get into identity, community, vulnerability, the pressure to perform online, and what she hopes her upcoming music — including the acoustic version of Hang Out Forever — will reveal about her.

Kimiko Glenn is an actor, singer, songwriter, and multi-hyphenate creator whose work spans Broadway, television, film, animation, and music. She originated roles in Waitress and the National Tour of Spring Awakening, earned global recognition as Soso in Orange Is the New Black, and became one of the most distinctive voices in animation with roles in Hazbin Hotel, Kiff, Centaurworld, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, DuckTales, My Little Pony, and more. Her latest artistic chapter focuses on original music, beginning with her single Hang Out Forever and a forthcoming EP that blends emotional storytelling with sharp comedic edge.

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Find Kimiko Online

Instagram: @kimikoglenn, @kimiko.wav
TikTok: @itskimiko
Watch Hang Out Forever

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Ep419 - Nathan Lee Graham: The Working Actor’s Working Actor

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

This conversation with Nathan Lee Graham goes deeper than expected, mixing sharp humor with real insight into a career built on consistency, curiosity, and craft. He reflects on growing up between St. Louis and Los Angeles, navigating a childhood shaped by divorce, experimental schools, and parents who understood early on that the arts were his home. Nathan talks about discovering his calling in high school, the moment Marin Mazie encouraged him to move to New York, and how that one decision launched decades of steady work across stage and screen. Along the way he opens up about playing twins on Scrubs, aging in Hollywood, the discipline required to keep his instrument ready, and why he still sees himself first and foremost as a working actor rather than someone chasing fame.

We also dive into the surprising path that led him to Zoolander the day after The Wild Party closed, the unique challenge and joy of creating memorable moments with only a handful of lines, and how he approaches every medium — stage, film, TV — with the same mindset and integrity. Nathan shares what it means to trust collaborators, what he’s learning during previews of The Baker’s Wife at Classic Stage Company, and why patience, perspective, and self-care have become essential to his life and artistry. It’s a thoughtful, warm, and often funny look at a career defined not by one role, but by the sum of its parts and the relationships that shaped them.

Nathan Lee Graham is a Grammy winner for Best Classical Album (Songs of Innocence and of Experience), a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award recipient for The Wild Party, and a Drama League Award nominee for Wig Out. His stage work includes originating roles in The Wild Party and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, with national tours of Hadestown and Show Boat. On screen, he is known for Zoolander, Zoolander 2, Sweet Home Alabama, Hitch, The Comeback, Scrubs, LA to Vegas, Mid-Century Modern, and more. He currently stars as Marquis in The Baker’s Wife at Classic Stage Company.

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Connect with Nathan:

Instagram: @nathanleegraham

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Ep418 - Nasia Thomas & Casimar Valles: The Haus Is Where Where Kids Go and Grow

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Two artists with big hearts take center stage to talk about building a true home for kids in the South Bronx. Casimar Valles shares how The Haus of Performing Arts grew from an uncle’s dream into a community hub that picks students up after school, feeds them, and lets them stand up and create instead of being told to sit still. Broadway powerhouse Nasia Thomas jumps in with lived proof of what early arts access can do, reflecting on mentors who poured into her and why representation matters when a dark-skinned Black girl sees someone like her headed to rehearsal. Together they unpack real needs on the ground from mirrors to meals to hygiene supplies while celebrating the kids’ artwork, dancing, and the joy of a safe space to go and grow.

They also invite us to show up for “A Night in December,” a fundraiser on December 1 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, doors at 6:00 PM, with Broadway friends slated to perform and all proceeds supporting The Haus’s programs. If you cannot attend, you can still donate here.

Listen for how The Haus celebrates neurodivergent students, why community grandmothers helped it blossom, and the moment Casimar decided that every child deserves a place in the front row.
Nasia Thomas is a Broadway artist and educator whose credits include Six, Ain’t Too Proud, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Casimar Valles is a co-founder of The Haus of Performing Arts in the South Bronx, a multi-disciplinary nonprofit for ages 5 to 17; a ballroom and Latin dancer; and an educator with a master’s in education committed to making arts training accessible, affirming, and safe.

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Connect with Nasia, Casimar and The Hause:

Nasia Thomas: Instagram @nasiathomas
Casimar Valles: Instagram @casimar
The Haus of Performing Arts: thehaus.nyc

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep417 - Phillip Johnson Richardson: Mental Health, Identity, and the Work

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

We go deep with Phillip Johnson Richardson on the real stuff behind a Broadway glow up. He opens up about being a young Black man showing vulnerability onstage, the pressure to be perfect, and how identity, belonging, and mental health shape the work. We talk about choosing when to step away, the cost of staying, and the tools he uses to keep his center steady when the noise gets loud. Quick heads up: if you hear a low rumble while I am speaking, that was the rain hammering the studio during our recording.

We also get into the creative process behind his original music, the difference between chasing applause and building a life that feels true, and the practical ways performers make it work in New York. If you want to see him live, his final performance in Hell’s Kitchen is November 30. This one is candid, grounded, and full of takeaways you can actually use. Phillip Johnson Richardson is an actor and musician whose Broadway credits include Hell’s Kitchen as Knuck and the recent revival of The Wiz as the Tin Man. On screen, audiences have seen him in projects like Sharper, Little Voice, The Last O.G., Chicago P.D., Proven Innocent, and The Other Two. He writes and records original music and continues to build a multi hyphenate career across stage, film, television, and the studio.

Connect with Phil:

IG: @philsgoodmusic, @glaeddad
Web: https://philsgoodmusic.com/, https://glaeddad.com/

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep416 - David Armstrong: Broadway’s Untold Story- Who Really Created the American Musical

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Originally recorded for my other podcast Was It Chance? with my co-host Heather Vickery, this conversation with director, producer, educator, and author David Armstrong felt like a perfect fit for The Theatre Podcast as well.

David shares stories from his remarkable 40-year career in theatre — including his years leading Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre, where he helped develop Hairspray before it became a Broadway smash. We dive into his new book, Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical, and explore how marginalized voices shaped the art form we love today.

From childhood performances in Cincinnati to mentoring future generations through his course at the University of Washington and his Broadway Nation podcast, David embodies what it means to take creative risks, honor history, and build the future of theatre.

Make sure to check out Was It Chance? wherever you are listening now.

Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical ⁠— available everywhere books are sold (or through Bloomsbury for a discount!)

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Ep415 - Ari’el Stachel: When Performing Becomes Survival

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:08:00 -0000

Tony Award–winner Ariel Stachel sits down for a candid and deeply personal conversation about his new Off-Broadway solo show Other. More than just a performance piece, the show is a marathon of vulnerability — exploring identity, anxiety, and the pressure to belong — and Ariel shares how it feels to put his entire self on stage for 90 minutes without a break.

We talk about why he treats performing like athletic training, why therapy has become a non-negotiable part of his process, and how he went from hiding his background and struggles to embracing them as the very heart of his art. His honesty about anxiety, identity, and purpose reveals a side of Broadway life we don’t often get to see.

Ariel Stachel is a Tony and Grammy Award–winning actor, singer, and writer. He won the 2018 Tony Award for his Broadway debut as Haled in The Band’s Visit. His screen work includes Zola, Don’t Worry Darling, and The Night Agent. With Other, he steps into the role of both writer and performer, bringing his story of identity and belonging to the Greenwich House Theater Off-Broadway.

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Connect with Ariel

Instagram: @arielstachel
TikTok: @arielstachel

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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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BONUS - "Romy & Michele: The Musical" Performances and Interviews from Press Day

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0000

The cult-favorite film Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion has officially made the leap to the stage, and we got a front-row seat at the press day for Romy & Michele: The Musical. From the long road of development to the joy-filled energy the show brings today, this conversation takes us inside the creative journey of bringing Romy and Michele’s world to New York.

Across a series of interviews, the cast and creative team share why this story of friendship and self-acceptance feels more timely than ever. With insight, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs, they reflect on the movie’s lasting influence, what it means to revisit these characters onstage, and how the musical balances comedy, heart, and pure fun.

Interviewees (in order):

Jordan Kai Burnett (Heather Mooney) & Michael Thomas Grant (Sandy Frink)
Robin Schiff (writer of the original screenplay and book of the musical) & Kristin Hanggi (director)
Steven Soucy (co-lead producer)
Laura Bell Bundy (Michele) & Kara Lindsay (Romy)

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep414 - Marisha Wallace: Royal Performances and Radical Honesty

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Marisha Wallace brings both powerhouse vocals and fearless honesty to this conversation, diving deep into what it really means to lead Cabaret during one of the most politically charged times in recent memory. She shares how audience reactions shifted depending on the day’s headlines, and how she embraced the role not just as entertainment, but as activism—using art to help people process the world around them.

From growing up in North Carolina to moving to London on a week’s notice, Marisha’s journey is anything but ordinary. She reflects on the leaps of faith that shaped her career, the moments when following her gut changed everything, and the surreal honor of performing for the King of England. Her story is a reminder that perseverance, self-belief, and courage to break molds can create opportunities where none seem to exist.

Marisha Wallace is an Olivier Award–nominated actress and singer. She starred as Sally Bowles in Cabaret on Broadway, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, and Ado Annie in Oklahoma! at the Young Vic. West End credits include Effie White in Dreamgirls, Becky in Waitress, and Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray. She recently released her live album Live in London, recorded at the Adelphi Theatre.

This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day.

Connect with Marisha:

Instagram: @marishawallace
TikTok: @marishawallace
Listen to Live In London: Spotify link

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep413 - Nik Walker (from the vault)

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:13:00 -0000

Originally aired as episode 120 on December 9, 2020.

Nik Walker is an artist, educator, and activist who made his Broadway debut in Motown The Musical. He spent 3 years with the Broadway and touring companies of Hamilton, adding both Aaron Burr and George Washington to his resume. Other stage credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (off-Broadway), and regional productions at La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe and The Denver Center, to name a few. He can also be seen on TV in Law & Order: SVU. Nik is a self-proclaimed cinefile and theme park nerd, and co-hosts his own movie analysis podcast called Little Justice The Podcast. He also co-hosts a video series on Broadwayworld.com called The Chaos Twins. Nik currently leads the Broadway cast of Ain’t Too Proud playing Otis Williams, and is an adjunct professor at his alma mater, New York University.

Nik shares that his mother worked a job as a news anchor when he was growing up, so she wasn’t really home a lot. So it was movies that played babysitter and kept his imagination going. But movies and stories played an even bigger and more important role in focusing him as a child after he was diagnosed with ADHD, eventually leading to his early involvement in theater. And later, a BFA in Theater from NYU.

During our conversation, Nik speaks candidly about coming to Broadway with very little dance background, sharing that Motown was his first brush with dancing professionally and getting paid for it. He shares memories of intense dance training for Ain’t Too Proud while still on tour with Hamilton - 5 hours of dance a day, and a performance of Hamilton in the evening - and the sense of pride he gained as a result of “being comfortable with letting go of your comfort zone”. Nik also opens up about the journey he has taken during the COVID pandemic which brought him back to NYU, this time as a professor. And while he acknowledges performing in Ain’t Too Proud and teaching at the same time will be a lot of work, he not only feels rewarded by his new job, but knows he is contributing to the education and growth of the next generation of theater artists.

Connect with Nik:

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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep412 - Ian Knauer & Mike Abrams: Was Old Deuteronomy the Right Jellicle Choice?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

When two podcasts collide, the conversation gets wild — and that’s exactly what happened when Mike Abrams of The Wrong Cat Died joined me for this crossover episode with actor Ian Knauer. We cover Ian’s journey through Broadway, the West End, regional theater, and even his time performing on Disney Cruise Line. Along the way, Ian shares the perseverance it took to finally land Cats after years of auditioning, what it was like stepping into the role of Jafar at sea, and how those experiences shaped his career both onstage and off.

Of course, with Mike in the room, we couldn’t resist diving headfirst into the eternal Cats debate — was Grizabella really the right choice, or did the wrong cat die? Ian makes a compelling case for Old Deuteronomy, and things only get livelier from there. From cruise ship lore to Broadway memories to a game of “Did the Wrong Cat Die?” reimagined with iconic stage and screen deaths, this episode is equal parts thoughtful and hilarious.

As promised, here's the video to James Cameron proving Jack could have survived on the door with Rose when the Titanic sunk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1mYHQZcD70

Ian Knauer’s career spans Broadway (Anastasia), the West End (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), national tours, regional theater (Cats, White Christmas), and concert and film appearances. A University of Michigan graduate, he has also performed with Disney Cruise Line as a Broadway guest artist, where he delighted audiences as Jafar in Aladdin and beyond.

This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day.

Connect with Ian and Mike:

Ian's Instagram: @theianknauer
Ian's website: www.ian-knauer.com
Mike Abrams’ podcast: The Wrong Cat Died
Mike Abrams' Instagram: @thewrongcatdied

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Ep411 - Jack Viertel: The Secret Architect of Broadway Hits

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Jack Viertel has quietly shaped Broadway for decades, guiding landmark productions from behind the scenes while rarely stepping into the spotlight himself. In this conversation, he opens up about the art and the business of theatre, reflecting on how shows get chosen, how failures and successes both shape a career, and why Broadway has always been in a cycle of decline and rebirth. We also wander into the bigger picture — what the industry is doing right, where it stumbles, and what it will take to keep live theatre thriving for future generations.

Of course, Jack’s influence isn’t limited to the stage. He’s also a writer with a brand-new crime thriller, The Glass Eel, co-written with his son Josh. Described as “Breaking Bad on the coast of Maine,” the novel dives into the murky world of baby eels, environmental stakes, and the dark edges of human ambition. Jack shares how the story came to life, what it was like to collaborate with family, and why storytelling — in any form — remains at the heart of his work.

Jack Viertel served for decades as Senior Vice President and Creative Director at Jujamcyn Theaters, helping shepherd productions including Into the Woods, M. Butterfly, Angels in America, The Producers, Book of Mormon, and Dear Evan Hansen to Broadway. He was also Artistic Director of New York City Center’s Encores! series, and is the author of The Secret Life of the American Musical, Broadway Melody, and now The Glass Eel, co-written with his son.

Connect with Jack:

Website: jackviertel.com
Book site: jjviertel.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep410 - Burke Swanson: From Third Grade Stand-Up to the Netflix Universe

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Burke Swanson brings the heart, humor, and metaphysical musings to this episode in a way that’s rare and deeply refreshing. From his early days as a third-grader doing stand-up at a summer camp to stepping into the Netflix universe as Hopper Jr. in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Burke shares the moments that shaped him—and the ones that continue to ground him. We go well beyond credits to talk about the importance of ensemble energy, the spiritual nature of collaboration, and how 65% of his audience are seeing theater for the first time thanks to this production. That’s no small ripple effect.

We also talk about what it means to chase artistic expression when you’re not even sure what form it’ll take, and how acting might just be the day job that funds your actual art. Whether it’s football plays as choreography, crying backstage during a surprise Season 5 trailer drop, or reflecting on experimental poetry zines, this one is full of unexpected gems. Burke is equal parts philosopher, clown, and community-builder—and it shows in every minute of this conversation.

Burke Swanson is currently starring as James Hopper Jr. in Stranger Things: The First Shadow at Broadway’s Phoenix Theatre. His previous credits include George McFly in the Back to the Future tour and his Broadway debut in The Rose Tattoo. He is also a founding member of JMP Collective, where he produces experimental performance and multimedia work.

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Connect with Burke:

Instagram: @burke_swanson
Collective: @jmpcollective

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep409 – Alison Jaye: Stranger Things Have Happened on Broadway

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

What happens when one of the biggest TV shows in the world makes the leap to Broadway? Alison Jaye takes us behind the scenes of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, where she steps into the role of Joyce Maldonado in a production unlike anything Broadway has ever seen. With audiences made up largely of first-time theatergoers, Alison describes what it feels like when the show plays like a full-on rollercoaster one night and like a hushed movie the next. She also opens up about the collaboration that shaped her character, the three-year journey from top-secret workshops to opening night, and why she calls Broadway the “Olympics of theater.”

In this candid conversation, Alison talks about sustaining the physical, vocal, and mental energy needed for such a demanding role, and how she keeps curiosity and honesty at the center of her artistry. From discovering the surprises hidden within this massive production to finding joy in the unpredictability of live audiences, Alison brings humor, humility, and insight to a show that continues to expand the Stranger Things universe in thrilling new ways.

Alison Jaye made her Broadway debut as a child in Sunday in the Park with George and later returned in Mary Poppins. She has built a wide-ranging career across stage, screen, and voice acting, including her BAFTA-nominated work in Horizon Forbidden West, and a featured role in Call Jane alongside Sigourney Weaver and Elizabeth Banks. She now stars as Joyce Maldonado in Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway.

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Connect with Alison:

IG: alisonjaye
Web: https://www.alisonjaye.com/

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Ep408 - Gerianne Pérez: Six Degrees of Mincemeat

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Gerianne Pérez joins us for a candid and hilarious conversation about her winding path from choir kid to Broadway scene-stealer. She shares how an early love of a cappella shaped her artistry, why walking away from a “safe” office job was the best decision she ever made, and what it’s like to audition for Six in front of a room full of other queens going for the same role. We get into her current adventure in Operation Mincemeat, where she covers multiple roles and leans into the joy—and chaos—of live theater, from botched hat tosses to full-on breaking on stage.

Gerianne also opens up about navigating performance anxiety, the nuanced realities of being a Latina performer in a typecasting-heavy industry, and the thrill of telling a story that honors forgotten heroes of history. Whether she’s singing backup for a fellow principal, leading the charge as Monty, or making the audience laugh through an unexpected mishap, Gerianne embodies resilience, humor, and heart at every turn.

Gerianne Pérez is an NYU Tisch-trained actor and singer whose career spans Broadway, national tours, and acclaimed off-Broadway productions. She made her Broadway debut in In Transit before joining Waitress and the national tour of Six: The Musical. She has also appeared in In the Heights, Grease, and Oratorio for Living Things, and is currently bringing her comedic chops to Operation Mincemeat on Broadway.

This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day.

Connect with Gerianne:

Instagram: @gerianne.perez
TikTok: @gerianne.perez

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Ep407 - Alex Serino: Why Do We Have Books?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Alex Serino didn’t take the “traditional” path to Broadway, but his journey is one fueled by community, heart, and hustle. A proud Boston native, Alex grew up surrounded by music, theater, and an extended family that felt more like a village. From band kid to puppeteering Audrey II, to a standout performance in The SpongeBob Musical and hosting Emerson’s EVVY Awards, his love of performance kept evolving until it landed him on one of Broadway’s biggest stages. We talk about the defining moments—from playing Uno with a Boston accent to discovering his passion for acting (with a little help from his cousins)—that led him to the role of Albus Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

This episode dives into what it means to find your place in a new city, how to hold onto your authentic self in high-stakes environments, and why Alex never hesitates to ask for help. He opens up about the vulnerability of auditioning, the surreal experience of being cast in a Broadway show before even having an agent, and the ongoing journey of carving your own identity—both on and offstage. Oh, and yes, we go full nerd on spells, Polyjuice Potion, and the Hogwarts Legacy game.

Alex Serino is an actor and musician making his Broadway debut as Albus Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. A graduate of Emerson College, he studied Theatre Education and Performance before transitioning to a BFA in Acting. While at Emerson, he co-hosted the nationally recognized EVVY Awards and performed in numerous productions, including The SpongeBob Musical. Originally from Peabody, Massachusetts, Alex’s creative foundation was shaped by a musically rich family and years of regional youth theater.

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Connect with Alex:

Instagram: @alexfserino
TikTok: @alex.f.serino
Twitch: @hypeape

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Ep406 - Ayanna Nicole Thomas: Embracing Neurodivergence, One Spell at a Time

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Ayanna Nicole Thomas didn’t follow a traditional path to Broadway—but that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling. After growing up between the Bronx and LA, she eventually made her way back to New York to study musical theatre. But right before her senior year, she booked her Broadway debut in How to Dance in Ohio—a show that celebrates neurodivergence and gave her a sense of belonging she didn’t expect. Now, she’s playing Rose Granger-Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, bringing her own warmth and humor to a character born from one of the world’s most beloved franchises.

In this conversation, Ayanna opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and how that diagnosis helped her better understand her brain and her process. She shares how she uses Play-Doh and fidget toys backstage, what it was like to be a Broadway swing, and how she balances structure with spontaneity in a show filled with choreography, magic, and fireballs. She’s charming, thoughtful, and not afraid to let her Bronx roots shine through.

Ayanna Nicole Thomas is currently starring as Rose Granger-Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in How to Dance in Ohio and studied musical theatre at the Manhattan School of Music. A lifelong performer with a deep love of musicals and jazz, she’s also a passionate advocate for neurodivergent representation onstage.

Connect with Ayanna:

IG: @ayannanicolethomass

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Ep405 - Aaron Bartz: The Redemption of Draco (and Dirty Birds at 8AM)

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Aaron Bartz brings a grounded, thoughtful energy to the role of Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and in this conversation, he shares just how much life and imagination go into keeping the magic alive night after night. From flying and fire to illusions and high-stakes contingencies, Aaron walks us through what it’s like to debut on Broadway in one of the most technically demanding plays out there—and why so many actors in the production come from classical Shakespeare backgrounds.

We also explore Aaron’s journey from Great Falls, Montana to the Lyric Theatre in NYC, including a pivotal classroom moment that set him on the path to acting, and how a love of storytelling (and a little persistence) helped him land gigs that ultimately led to an MFA from Yale. Now a father of two, Aaron reflects on how playing Draco as a parent has shifted his own understanding of growth, vulnerability, and legacy.

Aaron Bartz is an actor and writer currently starring as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. He earned his MFA from the Yale School of Drama and began his career with regional Shakespeare productions across the country. He toured nationally with the Montana Repertory Theatre in To Kill a Mockingbird, and his previous work includes Loves Labour’s Lost, Macbeth, and other classical works.

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Connect with Aaron:

Instagram: @aaronbartz

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Ep404 - Sarah Killough: How to Audition Without Touching the Reader

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

From playing the oboe in northern Minnesota to casting spells as Ginny Potter on Broadway, Sarah Killough's story is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Sarah chats about her early musical roots, growing up surrounded by theater in a creatively rich family, and the pivotal decision to attend Interlochen as a teenager. She shares how she carved her path through school, summer stock, and eventually New York City—where a survival job as an audition reader turned into a backstage pass to the industry and a surprising pipeline to major roles.

Now captivating audiences eight shows a week in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Sarah discusses the emotional weight of the role, the fandom surrounding the show, and what it’s like to portray a character as iconic as Ginny. She reflects on being part of casting processes from the other side of the table, the joys and challenges of working in a high-tech, high-stakes production, and what it means when fans tell her she is the “book Ginny.” Full of heart, humor, and a few tales of audition room mishaps, this conversation showcases the magic behind Sarah’s grounded presence on stage and off.

Sarah Killough is an actor, musician, and dialect coach currently starring as Ginny Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. Her stage credits include Leopoldstadt, The Lehman Trilogy, Travesties, and Long Day’s Journey Into Night. A Minnesota native and graduate of the Hartt School, she also serves as a trusted audition reader for major casting offices in New York.

Connect with Sarah:

Instagram: @rhymeswithpillow

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Ep403 - Matthew James Thomas: Harry Potter, Spider-Man, and Severance Theories

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Matthew James Thomas opens up in this heartfelt conversation about his journey from a rebellious, bullied teen in the English countryside to finding truth and belonging on stage. Growing up feeling misunderstood, he found safety and purpose in acting, discovering early on that truth-telling through performance was his way of making sense of the world. He shares the emotional weight he carries playing Harry Potter on Broadway, how he navigates the show’s intense emotional peaks night after night, and why live theatre never gets old — even after over 135 performances.

We also dive into the legacy of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, his love-hate relationship with social media, and why he believes musicals are only great when they get it exactly right. And yes, there’s some mutual fan-girling over Severance, a hilarious attempt at explaining Les Misérables, and plenty of insight into what makes live theatre both terrifying and electrifying.

Matthew James Thomas is a British actor, director, and songwriter. He originated the title role in the 2013 Broadway revival of Pippin, starred as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and has appeared in Accused, Summer of Rockets, Britannia High, Billy Elliot, and About a Boy. He currently stars as Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway.

Connect with Matthew:

Instagram: @mattjamesthomasyes

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Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Ep402 - Rachel Christopher: When Poetry Meets Platform 9¾

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 11:59:00 -0000

Rachel Christopher brings a poet’s heart and a scholar’s mind to the stage eight times a week as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. In this conversation, she opens up about her lifelong love of language, her background in translating ancient Greek poetry, and the deeply personal connection she feels to storytelling—both on stage and off. Whether she’s talking about her time at Epcot or reflecting on how imagination shaped her childhood, Rachel reveals just how much joy and intention she pours into her work.

From cooking lamb meatballs and tending to her city garden to revisiting classic Greek texts, Rachel’s passions outside of theater are just as vibrant as the characters she portrays. She shares what it means to step into the legacy of Hermione, how theater expands what we imagine is possible, and why making space for community and curiosity is at the heart of her artistry.

Rachel Christopher is an actor and poet currently playing Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. Her stage credits include For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf and Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Her screen credits include The Girl on the Train and The Upside. A graduate of Vassar College, she double-majored in drama and classics, and has collaborated on stage adaptations of The Aeneid and The Iliad.

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Connect with Rachel:

Instagram: @rachel_e_christopher

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Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Ep401 - Erik Christopher Peterson: Magic, (de)Mentors, and the Malfoy Legacy

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Theatre and magic collide as Erik Christopher Peterson kicks off a seven-episode Harry Potter and the Cursed Child cast takeover on the podcast. In this deep-dive conversation, Erik reflects on growing up with a theatre educator dad, trading in his baseball glove for the stage, and eventually making his Broadway debut as Scorpius Malfoy. He shares the inspiration behind some of his original plays (like the hilariously surreal The Tragedy of Clownpheus and EuridIceCream), how Shakespeare continues to influence his work, and the joy of building his version of Scorpius eight shows a week.

Erik talks about navigating the illusion-heavy world of Cursed Child, from mastering time turners and flaming trolleys to discovering emotional nuance in the show’s father-son themes and the beautifully complex friendship between Scorpius and Albus. He opens up about performance anxiety, self-care, and the unexpected fan art that continues to move him. It’s a candid, heartfelt look at what it means to debut on Broadway in one of its most technically complex productions.

Erik Christopher Peterson is a writer, director, and actor whose credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, Othello, and several original plays he co-created, such as The Tragedy of Clownpheus and EEuridIceCream. He graduated from Webster University and currently stars as Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway.

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Connect with Erik

IG: @erik.c.peterson

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Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Ep400 - Bobby Moynihan: Collectibles, Comedy, and Catharsis

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

From growing up in Eastchester, New York with dreams of joining Saturday Night Live to becoming one of the most beloved cast members in its history, Bobby Moynihan’s story is packed with heart, humor, and a lot of unexpected turns. In this episode, Bobby reflects on his nine seasons at SNL—including the anxiety, the magic, and the behind-the-scenes chaos—and shares how improv and the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) shaped his creative voice. He opens up about working with legends like Keenan Thompson and Colin Jost, the surreal experience of being called into the 50th anniversary show just hours before it taped, and the moment he realized he’d become “Drunk Uncle” to a new generation of kids.

Bobby also talks about his pivot into animation, voicing memorable characters in Inside Out 2, IF, LEGO Star Wars, and Loafy (which he also created), as well as the joy he finds in writing children’s books like Not All Sheep Are Boring. With stories about his massive toy collection, his dream to pitch an all-star SNL season, and the advice he’d give to anyone stepping into the pressure cooker of Studio 8H, this is a hilarious and heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.

Bobby Moynihan is a comedian, writer, and voice actor best known for his nine-year run on Saturday Night Live, where he created iconic characters like Drunk Uncle and Anthony Crispino. His screen credits include Me, Myself & I, Girls, Documentary Now!, Inside Out 2, IF, Summer Camp Island, The Bravest Knight, and Loafy. He is also the co-author of the children’s book Not All Sheep Are Boring.

Connect with Bobby:

Instagram: @bibbymoynihan
BlueSky: @BibbyMoynihan
TikTok: @bibbymoynihan

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Ep399 - Jeffrey Seller: Storytelling, Struggle, and the Rise of a Broadway Giant

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

From growing up in a modest neighborhood known as "Cardboard Village" in Oak Park, Michigan, to becoming one of the most influential producers in Broadway history, Jeffrey Seller's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep love of musical theater. In this candid and insightful conversation, Jeffrey reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his journey—from the early days of Rent to launching Hamilton, and how he’s always championed new voices that challenge the status quo. He opens up about his unique childhood, his bold choices as a young producer, and why he felt compelled to write his new memoir, Theater Kid.

We talk about the emotional impact of revisiting his past, his creative process, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that brought shows like In the Heights, Avenue Q, and Hamilton to life. He also shares the significance of working in Times Square since 1986 and what it means to literally see his professional history from the studio window. Jeffrey’s perspective is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring—a must-listen for anyone who loves theater and believes in the power of storytelling.

Jeffrey Seller is a five-time Tony Award-winning producer behind landmark musicals including Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, and Hamilton. He also produced The Cher Show, De La Guarda, and The Inheritance, among others. He is the co-creator of Broadway’s first ticket lottery and a champion for innovation in access and storytelling. His memoir Theater Kid chronicles his remarkable journey from Oak Park, Michigan, to the heights of Broadway.

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Connect with Jeffrey:

Instagram: @sellerj
Theater Kid (Memoir) – available wherever books are sold

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

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BONUS - "The Little Mermaid" Cast & Creatives at Papermill Playhouse

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Dive into a magical behind-the-scenes journey with the cast and creative team of The Little Mermaid, now running at Paper Mill Playhouse through June 29th! This special bonus episode takes you inside the rehearsal room and onstage with the artists who are reimagining the classic Disney tale with heart, humor, and fresh perspective. From the emotional depth of the parent-child relationship to the physical challenges of portraying life under the sea, this production brings new layers to a story we all thought we knew.

Hear from director/choreographer Joanne Hunter on how she approached the story from a modern lens, and enjoy candid conversations with the cast as they share what makes this version of The Little Mermaid so special. From bold audition choices to unexpected emotional moments, this episode is a celebration of theatrical creativity and connection.

Get your tickets now at https://papermill.org/.

Interviewees (in order of appearance):

JoAnn M. Hunter – Director & Choreographer
Aubrey Matalon – Flounder
Hillary Fisher – Ariel
Haven Burton – Ursula
Jared Goldsmith – Scuttle
Sean Patrick Doyle – Flotsam
Nick Cortazzo – Jetsam
Kyle Taylor Parker – Sebastian
Graham Rowat – King Triton
Mark Doyle – Prince Eric
Christopher Gurr – Grimsby

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep398 - Molly Griggs: Between Southern Comfort and Broadway Grit

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

What starts as a conversation about acting quickly turns into a heartwarming reunion between two North Carolina natives who had no idea they practically grew up next door. Molly Griggs opens up about her Southern roots, early theater experiences at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and how growing up in Fayetteville shaped her worldview both on and off stage. From MerleFest memories to reflections on leaving—and later embracing—her hometown identity, this episode is full of unexpected nostalgia.

Molly also talks about her emotionally charged role in John Proctor Is the Villain on Broadway and why it felt like the universe handed her the script at just the right moment. She reflects on the vulnerability required to bring parts of her younger self to the stage, the tension between people-pleasing and truth-telling, and what it means to play “the one you love to hate” in Netflix’s The Residence. It’s a layered, funny, and refreshingly honest look into how personal growth and performance are deeply intertwined.

Molly Griggs is a stage and screen actor currently starring as Bailey Gallagher in John Proctor Is the Villain on Broadway. Her previous credits include Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly!, as well as TV roles in Succession, Servant, Doctor Death, and Netflix’s The Residence, where she plays Lily Schumacher.

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Connect with Molly:

Instagram: @mgriggz

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep397 - Rob Madge: A Smoke Machine Wish, Tons of Wigs, and a Dream

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rob Madge grew up staging living room musicals with wigs, smoke machines, and the unwavering support of their parents and grandmother—but what started as childhood play eventually became the viral, heartfelt, and Olivier-nominated solo show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?). In this episode, Rob shares how those home videos evolved into a theatrical sensation, and how a show born during lockdown has become a powerful celebration of queer joy, family, and radical acceptance—now heading to New York City Center for its limited U.S. debut.

We talk about everything from queer theory and comedy as activism to being a theater kid in a small UK village and why their grandmother was the ultimate co-conspirator. Rob opens up about the emotional weight of visibility, the importance of letting kids be themselves, and the unshakable confidence that comes from being loved early and completely. Plus, they reflect on their journey from Gavroche to leading their own story—and the joy of tweaking the show for each new audience.

Rob Madge is a writer and performer whose solo show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) earned an Olivier Award nomination following its West End run. They began their career as a child actor in Mary Poppins, Oliver!, and Les Misérables, and trained at Sylvia Young Theatre School before studying English Literature at Warwick University. Rob also stars as the Emcee in Cabaret on the West End, and continues to explore themes of identity, family, and theatricality through their writing and performance.

Connect with Rob

Instagram: @robmadge02

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Ep396 - Anthony Veneziale & Aneesa Folds: Hip Hop, Humanity, and Hacking the Stage

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:20:00 -0000

Anthony Veneziale and Aneesa Folds return to the podcast with the same brilliance and warmth that made their first appearances unforgettable—this time teaming up to talk about their new boundary-breaking musical, Co-Founders, premiering at ACT in San Francisco. With its Bay Area hip hop roots, tech satire, and cutting-edge stage visuals powered by Unreal Engine, the show challenges both theatrical norms and late-stage capitalism, all while telling a deeply personal story about representation, equity, and belonging. We unpack the eight-year journey behind the show’s creation, how Aneesa came aboard, and how both artists bring authenticity and heart into every moment—onstage and off.

We also dive into hip hop’s regional influence on the show’s score, the emotional toll of being labeled a “breakout star,” and why community and kindness are non-negotiable parts of the creative process. And if that’s not enough, we improvise the plot of a musical called Mystical Desperate Zebras. This episode is a celebration of art that disrupts, heals, and uplifts—don’t miss it.
Anthony Veneziale is a Tony Award-winning co-creator of Freestyle Love Supreme and co-founder of FLS Academy. He’s known for blending freestyle rap with neuroscience and education to foster creativity and collaboration. Aneesa Folds made her Broadway debut in Freestyle Love Supreme and has since become a standout performer and educator, known for her powerhouse presence and vibrant improvisational skills. Together, they now star in Co-Founders, a new musical blending activism, technology, and Bay Area hip hop culture.

Connect with Anthony & Aneesa

@twotouchfls (Anthony)
@aneesafolds (Aneesa)

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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BONUS - 2025 Tony Awards Predictions with Samantha Tuozzolo and Jason A. Coombs from Survival Jobs, a Podcast

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Just in time for Broadway’s biggest night, the 2025 Tony Awards, Survival Jobs hosts ⁠Jason A. Coombs⁠ and⁠ Samantha Tuozzolo⁠ drop a special bonus episode today featuring The Theatre Podcast host and Broadway insider Alan Seales. This fun, laid-back conversation is packed with 2025 Tony Award predictions, hot takes, and heartfelt reflections on this year’s standout nominees. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or just catching Tony fever, this bonus episode is the perfect companion to the excitement building up to Sunday night.

This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard experience where you can be a star for a day.

This celebratory episode shines a spotlight on the incredible artistry represented in this year’s nominees and invites listeners to laugh, debate, and cheer along as the trio shares their favorite picks and unexpected predictions. Don’t miss out—stream the episode now on all podcast platforms, and get ready for the 2025 Tony Awards airing Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS!

Connect with the Survival Jobs Peeps:

Broadway World Article on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Season 3 Launch Party⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Samantha: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Jason on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter.⁠⁠⁠⁠
Check out⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason's Official Website here⁠⁠⁠⁠
Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Samantha's official website here⁠⁠⁠⁠
Check out and support ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bridgeport Film Fest⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales ⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram
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If you enjoy Survival Jobs: A Podcast be sure to subscribe and follow us on your preferred podcast listening app! Also, feel free to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!!

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Ep395 - Julia Knitel: Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully Herself

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:31:00 -0000

Julia Knitel grew up immersed in theater, with parents who ran a community company out of a church basement. From an early age, she was surrounded by costumes, sets, and the collaborative chaos that comes with putting on a show — and she was hooked. After booking her Broadway debut as a teen in Bye Bye Birdie, Julia continued to carve her own path through the industry, landing the lead in Beautiful, touring with Come From Away, and now earning her first Tony nomination for Dead Outlaw. In this conversation, she opens up about what it means to embrace your weirdness, trust your instincts, and find your place in a profession that often tries to put you in a box.

We talk about her journey from ensemble kid to leading lady, why she swears by film photography and beta blockers, and how Dead Outlaw gave her the rare opportunity to be fully herself onstage — quirks, noodle cowboy, and all. Julia also shares her thoughts on staying grounded, celebrating individuality, and the power of telling yourself you’re a star before you step into the spotlight. Julia Knitel is a Tony-nominated actor currently starring in Dead Outlaw on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in Bye Bye Birdie, later starred as Carole King in the national tour of Beautiful, and appeared in Come From Away. She plays eight characters in Dead Outlaw, a genre-defying musical with seven Tony nominations, including one for her performance.

Connect with Julia:

Instagram: @juliaknitel
Film photography account: @knitelonfilm

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep394 - Joy Huerta & Benjamin Velez: Pop Meets Plot in a Tony-Nominated Twist

Sat, 31 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez might come from very different musical worlds — Latin pop and musical theatre — but their collaboration on Real Women Have Curves proves just how powerful a cross-genre partnership can be. Meeting for the first time over Zoom in the middle of the pandemic, these two composers built trust, respect, and a Tony-nominated Broadway score entirely online before ever meeting in person. In this episode, they share how they developed unique musical identities for each character, the surprising ways their backgrounds complemented each other, and why their creative process was built on laughter, voice memos, and a lot of mutual admiration.

They also open up about the challenges of adaptation, the emotional toll of cutting songs, and the magic of writing a show that celebrates culture, womanhood, and resilience. Joy discusses her transition from pop music to theatre and how it expanded her creative vocabulary, while Benjamin talks about learning to let go of perfection and embrace joyful collaboration. Plus, the duo reflects on what it means to be “activated” — a word you’ll never hear the same way again after this conversation.

Joy Huerta is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, best known as one half of the internationally acclaimed Latin pop duo Jesse & Joy. Benjamin Velez is an ASCAP award-winning composer whose work has been developed by Lincoln Center Theater, Ars Nova, and the Public Theater. Together, they co-composed the original Broadway score for Real Women Have Curves, now playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre.

Connect with Joy and Benjamin:

Joy Huerta: @joy
Benjamin Velez: @benjaminvelezmusic
Benjamin's Website: benjaminvelez.com
Cast album out June 6!

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep393 - Taylor Trensch: A Pink-Eared Dog and a Tony Nominee Walk Into a Theater…

Tue, 27 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

After first joining the podcast back in episode 96, Taylor Trensch returns with a Tony nomination under his belt and a powerful performance in Floyd Collins that's leaving audiences breathless. We dive into the fascinating real-life story behind the show, his emotionally raw portrayal of journalist Skeets Miller, and how a tragic event from 100 years ago still mirrors today’s media culture. Taylor shares what it’s like to be the emotional center of a musical, how his understanding of connection has deepened post-lockdown, and the joy (and challenge) of performing for an audience that includes a dog with pink ears in the front row.

From mental health advocacy to navigating the tension between real-life presence and online identity, Taylor gets candid about the evolution of his craft and the culture around him. He even takes us on a comedic detour into the plot of Cats (kind of) and imagines a version of Into the Woods that features Titus Burgess in every role, with the Muppets rounding out the cast. Whether you’re here for the insight, the artistry, or the chaos—it’s all here.
Taylor Trensch is a Tony-nominated actor currently starring as Skeets Miller in Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center Theater. His past Broadway credits include Dear Evan Hansen, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Hello, Dolly!, and Matilda. He's also known for his advocacy around mental health and his commitment to emotionally resonant storytelling on stage.

Connect with Taylor:

Instagram: @knucklesandwich
Listen to episode episode 96

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep392 - Kevin Csolak: Stages, Stadiums, and Spielberg

Wed, 21 May 2025 16:44:00 -0000

Kevin Csolak shares his journey from growing up in his mom’s New Jersey dance studio to starring as Tulsa in the Broadway revival of Gypsy. He opens up about performing alongside Audra McDonald and Danny Burstein, the artistic influence of the live orchestra, and how the cast is breathing new life into a classic. Kevin also reflects on what it means to approach each show with intention and curiosity—even months into the run.

He takes us behind the scenes of his whirlwind audition for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, including the surreal moment of dancing in front of the director himself. Plus, he recalls the unexpected overlap between his commercial dance career and Broadway—like performing at the Super Bowl with Justin Timberlake just hours before starting Mean Girls rehearsals. Throughout, Kevin shares insight into how rejection can fuel reinvention, and why staying creatively sharp is non-negotiable.

Kevin Csolak is a Broadway, TV, and film actor known for playing Tulsa in Gypsy, Diesel in West Side Story, and Aaron in Mean Girls. His screen work includes roles on Jessica Jones, Boardwalk Empire, Animal Kingdom, and the Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room. He's also danced in major live performances with artists like Justin Timberlake and Hayley Kiyoko.

Follow Kevin on social:

Instagram: @kevincsolak

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep391 - Erika Henningsen: From Mean Girl to Sandra Dee and Everything Between

Tue, 13 May 2025 12:07:00 -0000

Erika Henningsen opens up about the real ups and downs of a life in the spotlight, from early rejection to career-defining roles. Known for originating Cady Heron in Mean Girls on Broadway, Erika dives into the emotional rollercoaster of auditioning, the shift from seeking audience approval to prioritizing collaboration, and why working with people she admires—like Jonathan Groff and Alex Timbers in Just In Time—makes all the difference.

She also shares what it’s like to voice animated characters in Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss, and how she’s currently balancing stage work with her new Netflix series The Four Seasons, where she stars alongside Steve Carell and old friend Tina Fey. With heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Erika brings honesty to the realities of navigating the business—and the joy of finding creative freedom along the way.

Erika Henningsen originated the role of Cady Heron in Broadway’s Mean Girls, earning a Drama Desk nomination. Other stage credits include Les Misérables, Joy, and Just In Time, in which she currently stars as Sandra Dee. Her voice work includes Charlie Morningstar in Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel and Bethany in Helluva Boss. On screen, she appears in Peacock’s Girls5Eva and Netflix’s The Four Seasons.

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Connect with Erika:

IG: @erikahenningsen

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep390 - Julia Lester: Acting with Carell, Singing with Sondheim

Fri, 09 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Julia Lester brings heart, humor, and honesty to this deep-dive into her journey from a theatre-loving kid in LA to a Tony-nominated Broadway star. She talks about growing up surrounded by performers, how Into the Woods became a defining chapter in her career, and the surreal moment when Stephen Sondheim personally approved her audition tape. Julia also shares the backstage magic of working with legends like Phillipa Soo and Gavin Creel, and how those experiences shaped her as both an artist and collaborator.

Currently starring in the Off-Broadway play All Nighter, Julia reflects on the thrill of originating a role, her love of well-crafted comedy, and why staying true to the text is so important to her process. She also opens up about her identity as a queer woman, her hopes for future creative opportunities, and what it’s been like stepping into the world of television again — this time as Steve Carell’s daughter in Netflix’s upcoming The Four Seasons.

Julia Lester is a Tony-nominated actress best known for her breakout Broadway role as Little Red in Into the Woods. She starred as Ashlyn Caswell in all four seasons of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, appeared in Hulu’s Prom Dates, and recently performed in I Can Get It for You Wholesale at Classic Stage Company. She’s now starring Off-Broadway in All Nighter and appears in Netflix’s The Four Seasons alongside Steve Carell and Tina Fey.

Connect with Julia:

Instagram: @julialester
TikTok: @jujthefirst

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep389 - Erich Bergen: He Can Doo-Doo This!

Tue, 06 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

From recreating music videos on VHS as a kid to being cast by Clint Eastwood with no callback, Erich Bergen’s path in entertainment has always been uniquely his own. In this episode, he shares the early influences that sparked his creativity—like turning Brio trains into the New York subway system—and how his love of producing was hiding in plain sight even as he pursued a performance career. Erich also opens up about getting fired from Jersey Boys only to land Gossip Girl a week later, and the call that led him to originate a role in Boop! on Broadway after years of stepping into shows that had already opened.

With warmth, humor, and an eye for the details that make live performance special, Erich reflects on what it means to balance ego with humility, how to protect the laughs without sacrificing story, and why the audience must always come first. This is a candid and inspiring conversation with someone who’s experienced just about every twist and turn show business can offer.

Erich Bergen is known for his performances as Bob Gaudio in both the Broadway and film versions of Jersey Boys, as Blake Moran in Madam Secretary, and on stage in Waitress and Chicago. He is also a producer of large-scale live events and currently stars as Raymond in Boop! The Musical on Broadway.

Connect with Erich:

Instagram: @erichbergen
Twitter: @erichbergen

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠
Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep388 - Norm Lewis: Fame, Failure, and the Phantom Mask

Fri, 02 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

From church choir in Eatonville, Florida, to becoming the first Black Phantom on Broadway, Norm Lewis opens up about his unique path to the stage. He shares how early dreams of a tennis career turned into a life in music and theatre, and the surprising way a cruise ship job launched it all. In this candid conversation, Norm reflects on near-misses, bold moves, and the audition advice that changed his life.

We also discuss his current role in Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, a rarely produced Off-Broadway play making a powerful return. Norm dives into the emotional depth of playing a character reckoning with failure and legacy, and how the story echoes his own questions about longevity, identity, and purpose in the industry. Plus, we talk about the importance of representation, founding Black Theatre United, and why mentorship is such a vital part of his mission today.

Norm Lewis is a Tony, Emmy, and SAG Award-nominated performer known for his Broadway roles in The Phantom of the Opera, Porgy and Bess, Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables, Once on This Island, and Chicken and Biscuits. His screen credits include Da 5 Bloods, The Good Fight, Pose, and NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live. He is a founding member of Black Theatre United and currently stars Off-Broadway in Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.

This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day.

Connect with Norm:

@normlewis777 on Instagram
Black Theatre United: blacktheatreunited.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠
Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠
Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep387 - Ana Gasteyer: From SNL to Broadway and Beyond

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

From opera student to comedy icon to Broadway belter, Ana Gasteyer’s career has been anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation, Ana opens up about her winding path through improv comedy, the creative chaos of Saturday Night Live, and why live performance continues to mean so much in a media-saturated world. She shares the real backstage realities of SNL’s 50th anniversary, the challenges of being taken seriously as a vocalist after finding fame through sketch comedy, and how she’s now channeling everything she's learned into writing two musicals.

Ana also dives into what motivates her today, how she stays grounded while juggling career highs and creative fears, and why collaboration with longtime friends keeps her energized. Plus, she shares hilarious stories about surviving technical disasters onstage, her love for Christmas, and why hard work always seems to pay off — even when the path looks nothing like you planned.

Ana Gasteyer is an actress, singer, and comedian known for her six-season run on Saturday Night Live, where she originated beloved characters like Martha Stewart, Margaret Jo of NPR's Delicious Dish, and one-half of the Culps alongside Will Ferrell. On Broadway, she starred as Elphaba in Wicked, Mrs. Peachum in The Threepenny Opera, and most recently Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress. She is also a celebrated jazz vocalist with albums including Sugar & Booze, and has starred on screen in Suburgatory, American Auto, Wine Country, and more.

Connect with Ana

Instagram: @anagasteyer
TikTok: ⁠@anagasteyer⁠
Twitter/X: ⁠@AnaGasteyer⁠
Stream the Once Upon a Mattress cast album everywhere you listen to music, or get the CD here

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BONUS - "Floyd Collins" Press Day with Jeremy Jordan, Lizzy McAlpine, Taylor Trensch, and more (Mar 11, 2025)

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 21:29:00 -0000

Exclusive, behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and creatives from LCT's Floyd Collins musical. Recorded on March 11, 2025 in a rehearsal space at Lincoln Center Theatre. Interview order as follows:

Ted Sperling
Lizzy McAlpine
Jeremy Jordan
Sean Allen Krill
Taylor Trensch
Tina Landau
Adam Guettel
Jessica Molaskey
Marc Kudisch
Jason Gotay

Get your tix to Floyd Collins here: https://www.lct.org/shows/floyd-collins/

Read more about the true story: Buy the book Trapped here.

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⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠
Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠@alanseales⁠
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep386 - Caesar Samayoa: Trust the Team, Tell the Story

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Whether he’s helping shape a brand-new show or breathing life into real people onstage, Caesar Samayoa brings authenticity and heart to every role. In this conversation, Caesar shares what it's like building Just in Time from the ground up—balancing daily rehearsals with nightly performances, and trusting in the collaborative energy of a veteran cast. He opens up about the emotional weight of portraying real people, the lessons learned from immersive productions, and the beauty of audience connection—especially when someone’s first or last theatre experience is in his hands.

Caesar reflects on his early influences, growing up as a first-generation American, and how a performance of Peter Pan set him on a path toward the stage—despite starting college with plans to study Japanese and international relations. He dives into working with Alex Timbers across four productions, the power of vulnerability in rehearsal, and how How to Dance in Ohio and Come From Away expanded his understanding of representation, empathy, and creative freedom.

Caesar Samayoa’s Broadway credits include Just in Time, Come From Away, Sister Act, The Pee-wee Herman Show, and How to Dance in Ohio. His TV work includes appearances on Law & Order: SVU, Chicago P.D., and The Code. He is a longtime collaborator of director Alex Timbers and is known for bringing deep emotional range and truth to both fictional and real-life roles.

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Connect with Caesar:

Instagram: @caesarsamayoa
Website: caesarsamayoa.com

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Ep385 - Cassie Silva: Surviving Reality TV and Thriving on Broadway

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:39:00 -0000

It’s safe to say you’ve never heard an episode quite like this one. Cassie Silva joins me for a conversation filled with raw honesty, surprising twists, and a lot of laughter. We dive into everything from her unexpected life-changing trip to London, where & Juliet reignited her passion for performing, to the deeply complicated and emotional aftermath of her time on MTV’s Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods. Cassie shares behind-the-scenes stories that will absolutely change how you think about reality TV, while also reminding us how resilience, humor, and a good charcuterie board can get you through almost anything.

We also talk about her time touring with Six the Musical, the reality of swinging and covering multiple tracks, and how teaching and mentorship have become just as important to her as performing. Cassie’s journey is a masterclass in finding joy no matter what — embracing the chaos, learning to love the unexpected, and turning early career challenges into a foundation for a beautiful, sustainable life in theatre. She’s witty, wise, and endlessly warm, and it’s impossible not to root for her every step of the way.

Cassie Silva is an actor, singer, and arts educator whose career spans Broadway, national tours, television, and film. She has appeared in Rock of Ages, Matilda the Musical, Six the Musical, and currently stars in & Juliet on Broadway. A veteran performer since childhood, Cassie brings a unique blend of experience, empathy, and empowerment to both her work onstage and her passion for teaching. She formerly served as Artistic Director of Studio Collective for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, and continues to mentor the next generation of artists while celebrating the joy of storytelling in all its forms.

Connect with Cassie:

Instagram: @cassiemsilva

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Ep384 - Terrence Mann: Backstage with the Man, the Myth, the Tugger

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

What do you get when you mix Broadway royalty with sci-fi cloning, environmental theater, and a dash of boogie-woogie piano? A wildly entertaining conversation with the legendary Terrence Mann. From his earliest days growing up in a musical household to helping launch the North Carolina Theatre, Terry’s journey is packed with passion, persistence, and a whole lot of timing. He shares the story behind how he actually got cast in Cats (it involves London and a royal connection), and how he practically willed his way into Les Misérables after being told multiple times they didn’t want to see him. His advice for young performers? “Have no fear, there are no wrong choices, and be specific”—words he lives by and teaches.

Now back on stage in Broadway’s The Great Gatsby as Meyer Wolfsheim, Terrence opens up about what it feels like to return to the theater after years in “Foundation land,” filming Apple TV’s epic sci-fi series. We also dive into his work as a director, educator, and his longtime love for North Carolina’s historic Lost Colony production. And yes, we play a game of Plot in 60 Seconds, get a surprise cameo from iOS balloons, and bond over the beautiful chaos of 1980s New York auditions. This episode is packed with decades of wisdom and a whole lot of heart.

Terrence Mann is a three-time Tony nominee best known for originating iconic roles such as Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, Javert in Les Misérables, and the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. His Broadway credits also include Pippin, Tuck Everlasting, The Addams Family, Scarlet Pimpernel, and Rags. On screen, he’s appeared in Sense8, all four Critters films, and currently stars as Brother Dusk in the Apple TV+ sci-fi series Foundation. He’s also an accomplished director, educator, and co-founder of Triple Arts, a musical theater training program.

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BONUS - "Real Women Have Curves" Press Day (Mar 4, 2025) - Cast & Creatives

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000

The cast and creative team behind Real Women Have Curves: The Musical gathered for an exclusive press day, and we were there to soak in the joy, passion, and powerful stories that define this new Broadway production. From bold choreography to songs that stick in your head long after the final note, this episode captures the spirit of a show that centers Latin culture, immigrant narratives, and shared humanity in a way that’s as timely as it is timeless. Whether you’re drawn to the musical’s universal themes or its deeply personal storytelling, every voice in this episode brings something heartfelt to the table.

We hear first from producers Barry Weissler and Jack Noseworthy about why this story matters now more than ever, followed by composer/lyricist Benjamin Velez, who shares how he and Joy Huerta crafted the musical world of 1980s East L.A. Alan Madagoitia then gives us insight into her powerful role as Itzel, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala. Writer Nell Benjamin reflects on adapting a true story with timeless themes, and Sergio Trujillo dives into directing and choreographing something deeply personal. We also hear from cast members Carla Jimenez and Jennifer Sanchez, who infuse their characters with humor, heart, and lived-in truth. Finally, Florencia Cuenca shares her emotional journey as Estela, and how this role has transformed her both personally and professionally.

Visit https://www.realwomenhavecurvesbroadway.com/ for tickets and more info!

🎭 Interview order:

Barry Weissler (Producer) & Jack Noseworthy (Producer)
Benjamin Velez (Composer/Lyricist)
Aline Madagoitia (Itzel)
Nell Benjamin (Writer)
Sergio Trujillo (Director/Choreographer)
Carla Jimenez (Pancha) & Jennifer Sanchez (Rosali)
Florencia Cuenca (Estela)

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Ep383 - Joanna Gleason: Be the Protein on the Plate

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Joanna Gleason’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, she’s graced Broadway in I Love My Wife, The Real Thing, Social Security, Nick & Nora, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Sons of the Prophet. Beyond the stage, her work spans film and television, with memorable roles in Boogie Nights, The Wedding Planner, Friends, The West Wing, and The Good Wife. But Joanna’s artistry doesn’t stop at performing—she’s also a writer and director, drawn to storytelling in all its forms.

In this episode, Joanna shares what brought her back to the stage in We Had a World, a deeply personal new play. She reflects on how her career has evolved, from shifting between stage and screen to stepping behind the camera as a director. We discuss the challenges of the industry, the changing role of social media, and why she believes in letting go of expectations. With humor and honesty, Joanna offers invaluable advice for artists at every stage of their journey, and we even play a fun round of "Plot in 60 Seconds" to wrap it all up.

Joanna Gleason is a Tony Award-winning actress known for her iconic portrayal of the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, which also earned her Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. She has received multiple Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations throughout her career, with Broadway credits including I Love My Wife, The Real Thing, Social Security, Nick & Nora, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Sons of the Prophet. Her film and television work includes Boogie Nights, The Wedding Planner, The West Wing, Friends, and The Good Wife. In addition to acting, Joanna has expanded her creative career into writing and directing, with her feature film The Grotto winning awards on the festival circuit. She now returns to the stage in We Had a World, an intimate new play at Manhattan Theatre Club.

Connect with Joanna:

Instagram: @therealjoannagleason

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Ep382 - Matt Doyle: Singing Sinatra and Surviving Sondheim

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Matt Doyle has built an impressive career on stage, from originating roles on Broadway to stepping into legendary ones. He reflects on his journey, from his early breakout in Spring Awakening to his Tony-winning turn as Jamie in Company. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from unexpected career pivots, the realities of show business, and how he navigates the highs and lows of performing eight shows a week. His recent role as Frank Sinatra in Sinatra: The Musical marked a thrilling West End debut, and he’s now captivating audiences off-Broadway in Conversations with Mother, a deeply personal and heartfelt play.

Matt opens up about the moment he realized he needed a perspective shift early in his career, the intense experience of performing "Getting Married Today" the night Stephen Sondheim passed, and how his struggles with anxiety have shaped his performances. He also shares how his upbringing and personal relationships inform his work, especially in roles that explore complex family dynamics. From personal anecdotes to industry insights, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and a candid look at the life of a working actor.

Matt Doyle is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning actor best known for his performance as Jamie in the Broadway revival of Company. His Broadway credits include Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, War Horse, and Bye Bye Birdie, while his Off-Broadway work features Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, and Brooklynite. He made his West End debut as Frank Sinatra in Sinatra: The Musical and currently stars opposite Caroline Aaron in Conversations with Mother Off-Broadway. A frequent concert performer, he has headlined sold-out solo shows in New York and beyond, and has appeared with symphonies across the country.

Connect with Matt:

🔹 Instagram: @mattfdoyle

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Ep381 - AnnMarie Milazzo: Vocals, Vision, and Very Real Ghosts

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000

AnnMarie Milazzo is a musical storyteller with an incredible gift for shaping sound and emotion. Her concept album The Shape of Things, inspired by Joy the Musical, has completely captured my imagination, and in this conversation, we break down how it all came together. She opens up about her creative process, the organic way she approaches vocal arranging and songwriting, and why concept albums are having a resurgence in musical theatre. We also get into the balancing act of artistic integrity, learning from failure, and why she chooses to stay offline when it comes to reviews and feedback.

But one of the most unexpected and fascinating parts of this conversation? AnnMarie’s childhood stories of growing up in a former funeral home. From eerie encounters to an ever-present sense of energy in the house, her ghost stories are the kind that stick with you long after you hear them. Whether you’re a fan of her music, curious about the creative process, or just love a good supernatural tale, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and a few chills.

AnnMarie Milazzo is a Grammy and Tony-nominated vocal arranger, composer, and songwriter. Her latest work, The Shape of Things, is a concept album featuring songs from Joy the Musical, which tells the inspiring true story of Joy Mangano, the inventor of the Miracle Mop. She has been a key creative force behind some of Broadway’s most iconic modern musicals and continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through music.

This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/

Connect with AnnMarie:

🎵 Stream The Shape of Things
🎭 See Joy the Musical this summer off-Broadway at the Laura Pels Theatre

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Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
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Ep380 - Kelsie Watts: Broadway, Pop Music, and the Power of Perseverance

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0000

From viral high notes to Broadway debuts, Kelsie Watts is making waves in the theatre world! You might remember her powerhouse vocals from The Voice, where she wowed audiences (and Kelly Clarkson) with her soaring range, but now she’s taking center stage in a whole new way—as Jane Seymour in Six on Broadway. In this episode, Kelsie shares how she built a career as an independent artist, the unexpected moment that led her to Six, and the challenges of stepping into musical theatre after years away.

She opens up about the realities of being an unsigned artist, balancing music and business, and how her opera training shaped her signature sound. Plus, she dives deep into her passion for mental health advocacy, the importance of authenticity in the industry, and how a single piece of feedback changed the course of her career. And yes, she even gives us a preview of her upcoming single—you don’t want to miss it!

Kelsie Watts is a vocalist, songwriter, and independent recording artist who first gained national recognition as a contestant on The Voice Season 19, where she landed on Team Kelly Clarkson. Known for blending pop and theatrical influences, she has built a strong following through social media and original music. In 2025, she made her Broadway debut as Jane Seymour in Six. A strong advocate for mental health awareness, she uses her platform to encourage self-care and resilience in the entertainment industry.

This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/

Connect with Kelsie:

🔹 Instagram: @kelsiewatts
🔹 TikTok: @kelsiewatts
🔹 Music Streaming: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and more

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Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
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Ep379 - Vinny DePonto: Memory Palaces and the Magic of Thought

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Prepare to question what’s real and what’s just your imagination with renowned mentalist and illusionist Vinny DePonto. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway show Mindplay, Vinny doesn’t just perform tricks—he crafts immersive experiences that blend psychology, memory, and storytelling, making every audience member part of the magic. In this episode, Vinny opens up about the journey from a childhood fascination with a shoebox of vintage magic tricks to becoming a master of mind-bending performances that challenge perception and invite wonder.

We dive into the delicate art of mentalism, discussing how memories shape us, the ethics of mind-reading, and the emotional vulnerability that can surface during performances. Vinny shares the creative evolution behind Mindplay—a show that’s never the same twice—and reflects on how audience interaction breathes life into every performance. You’ll also hear about his deep appreciation for theater, design, and storytelling, as well as the unexpected ways his work connects people through shared experiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of art, psychology, and the mysterious power of the human mind.

Vinny DePonto is a New York-based mentalist, illusionist, and theater maker whose work fuses psychological tricks with immersive storytelling. His critically acclaimed show Mindplay brings audience participation to the forefront, blurring the lines between memory and illusion. A former performer at the Geffen Playhouse, DePonto has collaborated with renowned directors and writers, continually pushing the boundaries of what mentalism can be. His work is driven by a deep passion for human connection, exploring how memory, perception, and theater intersect to create unforgettable experiences.

Connect with Vinny:

Instagram: @vinnydeponto
Website: vinnydeponto.com

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Ep378 - Tala Ashe: From "Legends of Tomorrow" to Broadway Today

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Tala Ashe has captivated audiences on screen as a time-traveling hacker in Legends of Tomorrow and on stage in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play English. Now making her Broadway debut, she brings a deeply personal perspective to her role, exploring themes of language, identity, and cultural assimilation.

In this conversation, Tala opens up about her own experiences growing up in Ohio after emigrating from Iran, the complexities of representation in Hollywood, and the emotional weight of performing English on Broadway. She shares the challenges of switching between accents on stage, how her family’s journey shaped her artistic path, and why she’s fiercely selective about the roles she takes. With humor, insight, and vulnerability, Tala offers a thoughtful perspective on storytelling, advocacy, and what it truly means to find your voice.

Tala Ashe is an Iranian-American actress best known for her role as Zari Tomaz/Zari Tarazi in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. She has also appeared in Smash, American Odyssey, Covert Affairs, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and As the World Turns. On stage, she received critical acclaim for her performance in English, Sanaz Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, and is now making her Broadway debut in its transfer. A graduate of Boston University’s School of Theatre, she has built a career focused on complex, fully realized characters that challenge stereotypes and expand representation.

Connect with Tala:

📷 Instagram: @talaashe

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Ep377 - Alexandra Socha: Life Beyond the Stage (and in the Bubble)

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

From making her Broadway debut as a teenager in Spring Awakening to stepping into the iconic role of Glinda in Wicked, Alexandra Socha has experienced the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of a life in theater. In this candid and insightful conversation, she opens up about her journey, including the surreal experience of joining Spring Awakening right after the Tony wins, the hard lessons of navigating a career beyond that first big break, and what it’s like to take the stage in Wicked at a time when the show is having a massive pop culture moment.

Alexandra also shares her experience being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, how it reshaped her understanding of herself, and the ways neurodivergence has impacted both her personal life and her work as an actor. We talk about masking, resilience, and why she sees ADHD as both a challenge and a superpower—especially when it comes to problem-solving in rehearsals. Plus, we get into Broadway bootleg nostalgia, the balancing act of being a working parent, and why she believes having a full life outside of theater is essential for any artist.

Alexandra Socha made her Broadway debut in Spring Awakening and has since appeared in Brighton Beach Memoirs, Head Over Heels, and Wicked as Glinda. Her TV credits include The Big C, Damages, Royal Pains, Red Oaks, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Connect with Alexandra Socha:

Instagram: @alexandrasocha

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Ep376 - Marjan Neshat: How Are YOU Doing Today?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:50:00 -0000

Marjan Neshat is having a moment, making her Broadway debut in English the same night The Night Agent Season 2 premiered on Netflix. In this episode, she opens up about navigating cultural identity, language barriers, and the deep emotional connection she brings to her work. Marjan shares the journey of her family leaving Iran, growing up between worlds, and how storytelling became her way of making sense of it all. She discusses the impact of English, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about bilingualism and self-perception, and why she relates so deeply to its themes. Plus, she reflects on filming The Night Agent under high-stakes conditions and the importance of authentic representation in Hollywood.

With credits spanning Rescue Me, Law & Order, Royal Pains, Quantico, and more, Marjan has built a career that thrives on emotional honesty. She talks about the challenges of performing a one-woman show, the responsibility of portraying Iranian stories on stage, and the power of human connection in theater. Whether unpacking the complexities of identity or the thrill of live performance, Marjan brings a rare depth to every role she takes on.

This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/

Connect with Marjan:

Instagram: @Margie33

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Ep375 - Bill Berloni: A Lifetime of Rescues, Roles and Rehearsals

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0000

Bill Berloni has dedicated nearly five decades to bringing animals to life on stage and screen, all while championing rescue work and humane training practices. From his semi-accidental start training Sandy for the original production of Annie to working with a menagerie of animals for Broadway, film, and TV, Bill’s journey is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. In this episode, Bill shares stories of training everything from dogs and cats to butterflies and snakes, and how he has created unforgettable moments in productions like Gypsy, The Greatest Showman, and Legally Blonde. He also discusses his groundbreaking work with Naomi Watts in The Friend and how this movie is redefining animal performance in film.

Bill’s commitment to treating animals with respect and compassion shines through as he recounts the joys and challenges of working in theater and entertainment. Whether it’s training an actor to command a dog or preparing a cat to handle audience applause, Bill’s creative solutions and passion for storytelling offer invaluable lessons for anyone working in the arts—or with animals. With humor, honesty, and insight, this episode is a tribute to the deep connections we share with our animal companions and the magic they bring to the stage.

Bill Berloni is a Tony Honoree for Excellence in Theatre and the founder of William Berloni Theatrical Animals, a company that provides trained animals for theater, film, and television. His career began in 1977 with the original Broadway production of Annie, where he trained Sandy, a rescued dog. Since then, he has worked on countless productions, including Legally Blonde, The Ferryman, Gypsy, and The Leftovers. Bill is an advocate for animal rescue and humane training practices, and his work has been featured in books, television, and film.

This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/

Connect with Bill:

Instagram: @berlonitheatricalanimals
Website: berlonianimals.com
Learn more about The Friend: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_friend_2024

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Ep374 - Eva Noblezada (from the vault)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Originally aired as episode 198 on March 22, 2022.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders.

At the age of 25, Eva Noblezada is a two time Tony Award nominee, a Grammy Award winner, and a WhatsOnStage Award winning actress and singer. She starred as Kim in Cameron Mackintosh’s London revival of Miss Saigon when she was 17 years old, and shortly after played Eponine in the West End revival of Les Misérables. Eva later reprised her performance as Kim in the first Broadway revival of Miss Saigon (also her Broadway debut). In 2019, she made her film debut in Yellow Rose starring alongside Lea Salonga, who originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon. Eva originated the role of Eurydice in Hadestown on Broadway, and it's in Hadestown where she continues to lead, and take audiences “way down under the ground”.

Eva speaks candidly about her past toxic relationship with the word “perfect”, how it affected her life as a 17 year old all on her own abroad, leading Cameron Mackintosh’s London revival of Miss Saigon, and why she felt like she was “falling for years”. She opens up about living with anxiety, panic attacks, and body dysmorphia, and how she’s learned to come back to herself at those times, and ask the important questions - “Are we in danger? - We're okay”. Talking about Hadestown, Eva shares her thoughts on Eurydice (and playing Eurydice), and her love for the “extra layer of consciousness” that can be seen throughout the whole show.

In this episode, we talk about:

Growing up Filipino Mexican, and discovering musical theater
A strong work ethic, instilled by her father
The mental and physical toll of an 8 show schedule
Meeting Tara Rubin at the Jimmy Awards
Pole dancing as fitness, and how society sexualizes women
Her “all or nothing” way of life

Connect with Eva:

IG: @livevamaria
Twitter: @EvaNoblezada

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep373 - "Eureka Day" Opening Night with Jessica Hecht, Bill Irwin, Thomas Middleditch, Amber Gray, Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz, and more

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:09:00 -0000

Interviews live from the opening night of Eureka Day, which took place on December 16th, 2024. The order of interviews is:

Thomas Middleditch
Anna Shapiro
Amber Gray
Jonathan Spector
Chelsea Kurtz
Bill Irwin
Jessica Hecht

Eureka Day brings comedy and contemplation to the stage, tackling personal beliefs, community conflict, and the art of truly listening. These interviews explore the play's themes of empathy, collective responsibility, and the nuances of human connection amidst a mumps outbreak at a progressive private school.

You'll hear insights about the challenges of portraying deeply layered characters who all believe they are "right," the parallels between the play’s themes and real-world conflicts, and the humor that helps audiences face uncomfortable truths. Whether you're a fan of theater, thoughtful storytelling, or the quest to find common ground in divisive times, this episode delivers heartfelt takeaways and plenty of laughs.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep372 - Ethan Slater: From Bikini Bottom to Shiz University

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Ethan Slater returns to the podcast, and what a journey he’s had since his last visit! Best known for his Tony-nominated performance as SpongeBob in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, Ethan has since showcased his versatility in the Spamalot revival and in the much-anticipated Wicked films, where he portrays the endearing yet conflicted Boq. In this conversation, Ethan delves into the evolution of his career, from embracing unexpected opportunities to stepping into beloved roles with fresh perspectives. His reflections on preparation, self-advocacy, and the importance of storytelling offer invaluable insights for anyone in the arts.

We explore his experience working with Broadway legends, the excitement and challenges of filming Wicked, and his process for making iconic characters his own. Ethan also shares a heartfelt deleted scene from Wicked and reveals how real-life friendships and moments of serendipity have shaped his career. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway, film, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with inspiration and fun.

Ethan Slater is a Tony-nominated actor, singer, and writer, celebrated for originating the role of SpongeBob in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical. His recent stage credits include the revival of Spamalot on Broadway, and his screen roles span projects like Lost on a Mountain in Maine, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Wicked. Known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, Ethan continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt performances.

Connect with Ethan:

Instagram: @EthanSlater

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep371 - 2024 Wrap up with Alan Seales and Sarah Goodman (and a little Jackie Burns)

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Welp, we've finally made it to the end of 2024. This year was full of changes, ups, downs, and some overall just weird behavior across the board. But hey, we got some amazing shows out of the new 2024-2025 season, and fortunately between the two of us, guest host Sarah Goodman (from the GOOD SHOW Podcast) and I were able to see a lot of them! Listen in as we recap some of our fav's, not-so-fav's, and tucked inside the episode is even a quick appearance from Jackie Burns. Happy new year!

Connect with Sarah:

Instagram: @goodshowpodcast
TikTok: @goodshowpodcast
Listen to GOOD SHOW: https://bpn.fm/goodshow

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep370 - Andy Karl: Revisiting Groundhog Day and Finding New Perspectives

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Andy Karl returns to the pod for the first time since episode 4, bringing his signature charm and thoughtful insights. Andy reflects on his incredible journey since his first appearance back in episode four, sharing how his career has grown and evolved over the years. From his Olivier Award-winning role in Groundhog Day to tackling diverse characters in Rocky and Pretty Woman, Andy dives deep into the physical and emotional challenges of performing on stage. He also discusses revisiting Groundhog Day in the UK years later, highlighting the profound personal and professional growth he experienced along the way.

Currently starring as Pastor Bill O’Keefe in the boundary-pushing Teeth: The Musical, Andy shares what it’s like to explore such a unique and provocative role. He opens up about the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and maintaining joy in the ever-demanding world of theater. This episode offers a perfect blend of inspiration, humor, and behind-the-scenes stories, making it a must-listen for Broadway fans and aspiring performers alike.

Andy Karl is a three-time Tony-nominated actor and Olivier Award winner known for his dynamic stage presence and versatility. His celebrated performances include Groundhog Day, Rocky, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Legally Blonde, and On the Twentieth Century. He has also appeared on television in Blue Bloods, The Good Fight, and Prodigal Son. Andy currently stars Off-Broadway in Teeth: The Musical, showcasing his ability to take on bold and innovative projects.

Connect with Andy:

Instagram: @andy_karl
Twitter: @andy_karl
Facebook: Andrew Karl
Official Website: teethemusical.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep369 - Jared Loftin: Stage, Screen, and Turning Audiences Against You

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:55:00 -0000

Jared Loftin takes us on a captivating journey from his Alabama roots to his thriving career in theater and television. With notable credits including Teeth at New World Stages, Tick, Tick… Boom! on Netflix, and Little America on Apple TV, Jared reflects on the unique process of developing new works, the highs and lows of regional theater, and his experiences in the evolving post-pandemic performing arts world. This episode shines a spotlight on his ability to bring complex, layered characters to life, sharing insights into the emotional and technical challenges behind his performances.

From the thrill of audiences turning against his character in Teeth to navigating the early days of his career without a showcase or agent, Jared’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community. His advice for aspiring performers is as inspiring as it is practical: dive in, embrace the challenges, and stay open to the magic of collaboration. This episode offers a blend of humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom that will resonate with theater lovers and aspiring artists alike.

About Jared Loftin:

Jared Loftin is a New York-based actor with a diverse array of credits in theater and television. His stage work includes Teeth at Playwrights Horizons and New World Stages, Gigantic, The Panic of ’29, and regional productions of Peter Pan, All Shook Up, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. On screen, Jared has appeared in Tick, Tick… Boom! on Netflix, Little America on Apple TV, and Red Oaks on Amazon. Originally from Alabama, he studied musical theater at Elon University and has become a sought-after collaborator in new musical theater works.

Connect with Jared:

Instagram: @jloftin2

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep368 - Alyse Alan Louis: Boundaries, Boldness, and the Body’s Secrets

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:08:20 -0000

Alyse Alan Louis takes us on a deeply personal and inspiring journey in this episode. From her Broadway credits in Mamma Mia!, Amélie, and Soft Power to her groundbreaking work in Teeth: The Musical, Alyse opens up about the evolution of her career and the unique challenges of her craft. Her portrayal of Dawn in Teeth showcases her ability to embody bold, complex characters while navigating both emotional and physical demands. Alyse reflects on how years of collaboration shaped the role and shares the lessons she’s learned about setting boundaries and embracing vulnerability as an artist.

This conversation also dives into the fascinating connection between the body and performance. Alyse discusses how she discovered she was holding stress in her pelvic floor, the impact of that realization on her work, and how she’s learned to manage the physical and emotional toll of performing in demanding roles. From her experiences as a young performer in regional theater to her insights on the importance of self-advocacy, Alyse offers practical wisdom for aspiring artists and anyone navigating a creative path.

Alyse Alan Louis is a Broadway performer celebrated for her work in Amélie, Soft Power, Mamma Mia!, and Disaster! She currently stars as Dawn in the critically acclaimed Teeth: The Musical, a role she has helped shape over the past decade. Known for her fearless approach to bold material, Alyse has earned a reputation for bringing humor, depth, and nuance to her performances. Her dedication to storytelling and her advocacy for self-awareness make her a standout voice in musical theater.

Connect with Alyse:

Instagram: @alysealanlouis
Threads: @alysealanlouis
TikTok: @alysealanlouis
Facebook: Alyse Alan Louis
Teeth: The Musical: @teeth_nyc
Website: teeththemusical.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep367 - Anna K. Jacobs: Evangelical Teens, Andy Warhol, and Live Action Moana

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Broadway and beyond, Anna K. Jacobs is creating waves in musical theatre. A Sydney-born composer, lyricist, and educator, Anna's storytelling prowess shines through her diverse works, from the live-action adaptation of Moana for Disney Cruise Line to the boundary-pushing Teeth, a horror musical exploring ideology, faith, and desire. With a foundation in classical composition and a career built through bold experimentation, Anna’s journey is as inspiring as it is unique.

In this episode, Anna dives deep into her creative process, her collaboration with talents like Michael R. Jackson, and the evolution of her musicals, including her experiences developing Teeth amidst a cultural shift. She also discusses her impactful work as an educator, her journey from Sydney to New York, and her upcoming performance at 54 Below, where she'll premiere songs from her new musical, A House Without Windows. Whether it's crafting larger-than-life stories or inspiring young artists, Anna’s artistry and passion for innovation stand out in today’s theater landscape.

Anna K. Jacobs is a celebrated composer, lyricist, and educator originally from Sydney, Australia. Her works include Teeth (co-written with Michael R. Jackson), Pop (a murder mystery about Andy Warhol), and the live-action stage adaptation of Moana for Disney Cruise Line. A recipient of the Jonathan Larson and Billy Burke Ziegfeld Awards, she is an alumna of NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program and a mentor to emerging artists through the New York Youth Symphony and The New School. Anna’s vibrant, daring approach to musical storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Connect with Anna:

Instagram: @theannakjacobs
Website: annakjacobs.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep366 - Grey Henson: Playing with the Freedom in the Framework

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Tony-nominated actor Grey Henson joins Alan for an engaging conversation about his journey through the world of Broadway comedy. Grey reflects on his rise from a Georgia-born performer with a background in ballet to a Tony-nominated role as Damian Hubbard in Mean Girls: The Musical. He opens up about the challenges of transitioning into comedic roles, including his current portrayal of Buddy the Elf in Elf: The Musical on Broadway. Grey shares the importance of embracing your unique qualities and how his comedic style evolved through his experiences in high school theater, college at Carnegie Mellon, and professional work.

Throughout the episode, Grey discusses the impact of comedy on his career and the importance of balancing preparation with spontaneity. He talks about his time in Shucked, a show that required him to be constantly aware of the audience's reactions and how that shaped his performance. The conversation also touches on his thoughts on comedy in general—how it should feel effortless and truthful rather than forced—and how he brings that mentality into every role, from Mean Girls to Elf. Grey also dives into the reality of performing eight shows a week, the pressures of portraying iconic characters, and how the key to a long career in theater is remaining grounded and generous to your scene partners.

Grey Henson is a Tony-nominated actor best known for his comedic roles on Broadway. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s prestigious School of Drama, Grey first made a name for himself as Elder McKinley in the Book of Mormon first national tour before joining the Broadway company. He later earned a Tony Award nomination for his standout performance as Damian Hubbard in Mean Girls: The Musical. Grey has also appeared in Shucked, playing Storyteller Two, and most recently, he’s been bringing holiday cheer as Buddy the Elf in Elf: The Musical on Broadway.

Connect with Grey

Instagram: @greyhenson

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep365 - Jennifer Ashley Tepper: Preserving the Past, Shaping Broadway’s Future

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Jennifer Ashley Tepper, a celebrated Broadway historian, producer, and author, joins Alan for an inspiring conversation about preserving theater history and amplifying untold stories. As the programming director at 54 Below, Jennifer has curated over 7,000 performances, and her work as the author of The Untold Stories of Broadway series and her latest book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out, has cemented her as a vital voice in the theater community.

In this episode, Jennifer shares her passion for uncovering the forgotten corners of Broadway’s past, including musicals that never made it into the spotlight and the enduring impact of cast recordings on theater history. She also discusses the fascinating research process behind her new book, which spans centuries of contributions from female musical theater writers, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of women shaping the art form. With insights on how Broadway can embrace a more inclusive future, this conversation is a must-listen for theater enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Jennifer Ashley Tepper is a Broadway historian, producer, and author. She has served as the creative and programming director at 54 Below, curating over 7,000 performances. She is the author of The Untold Stories of Broadway book series and Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That History Books Left Out. Her producing credits include Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Love in Hate Nation, The Jonathan Larson Project, and the revival of Godspell. She has also worked on [title of show] and her projects have been featured in outlets such as Broadway Podcast Network, The New York Times and TheaterMania.

Connect with Jennifer:

Instagram: @jenashtep
Get Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out
Discover the 4 The Untold Stories of Broadway volumes
Listen to ALBUM PODCAST with Jennifer and Joe Iconis: https://bpn.fm/album
Listen to The Untold Stories of Broadway podcast: https://bpn.fm/untoldstories

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep364 - Lea DeLaria: Queer, Loud, and Unapologetically Iconic

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Heads up - this episode has lots of profanity!

Lea DeLaria has never been one to hold back—and thank goodness for that. From making history as the first openly gay comic on late-night TV to her unforgettable role as Big Boo in Orange Is the New Black, Lea’s fearless authenticity has paved the way for countless others. In this episode, she takes us through her groundbreaking comedy career, her love affair with jazz and theater, and the unyielding passion that fuels her activism. Along the way, we dive into hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, her creative process, and the ways she continues to use her platform to fight for LGBTQ+ representation.

Lea shares the origins of her famous brunch series at 54 Below, her experiences blending stand-up and music into a signature performance style, and her advice for embracing rejection in the entertainment industry. She also reflects on the highs and lows of her journey, reminding us all to keep pushing forward with humor, heart, and a little bit of rage when needed. This episode is equal parts inspiring, entertaining, and unapologetically Lea.

Lea DeLaria is an award-winning comedian, actress, jazz singer, and LGBTQ+ activist. She made history in 1993 as the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show with her debut on The Arsenio Hall Show. Her Broadway credits include On the Town (1998), The Rocky Horror Show (2000), POTUS (2022), and a national tour of Chicago as Mama Morton. Lea is best known for her SAG Award-winning role as Big Boo in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black. A celebrated jazz musician, she has released several albums, blending comedy and music into her performances. Lea continues to champion LGBTQ+ representation in the arts and hosts a monthly brunch series at 54 Below in New York City.

Connect with Lea:

Website: leadelaria.com
Instagram: @realleadelaria
TikTok: @realleadelaria

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep363 - Laura Donnelly: From Belfast to Broadway's Emotional Core

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Laura Donnelly shares her powerful journey from her Belfast upbringing to becoming an acclaimed stage actress. In this episode, she delves into how Irish ballet first ignited her love for storytelling and how that passion evolved through drama school and a career full of emotionally rich roles. Laura reveals the deeply personal inspiration behind her performance in The Ferryman, sharing stories of family secrets and how her uncle’s tragic disappearance during the Troubles in Northern Ireland influenced the creation of the play.

Laura also discusses her current role in The Hills of California, offering insights into portraying two distinct characters—mother and daughter—and the emotional and technical challenges it presents. She candidly reflects on the mental toll of intense performances and how she learned to balance her personal well-being with the demands of the stage. In a surprising twist, Laura recounts her childhood gymnastics experience, revealing a unique connection to her life on stage. With an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling, she shares heartfelt advice on self-belief and pursuing one’s passion.

Laura Donnelly is a Tony-nominated and Olivier Award-winning actress known for her standout performances in theater and television. Born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, she trained in drama in Scotland before embarking on a career that spans critically acclaimed roles such as Caitlin Carney in The Ferryman, Jenny Fraser in Outlander, and Amalia True in The Nevers. Her work also includes credits in Marvel's Werewolf by Night, Britannia, and The Fall. Currently, she stars in The Hills of California on Broadway, continuing her legacy of powerful and complex performances.

Connect with Laura:

IG: @laurafdonnelly

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep362 - Ophelia Lovibond: The Hills (of California) Are Alive with the Sound of (Accents)

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Ophelia Lovibond. Known for her diverse and memorable roles in film and television, Ophelia shares candid insights about her journey in the entertainment industry. This episode is filled with rich discussions that range from her early career breakthroughs to the creative processes that help her bring complex characters to life.

Ophelia opens up about the defining moments that have shaped her career, the invaluable lessons she’s learned from working alongside esteemed peers, and her approach to embodying authenticity in every performance. She delves into how the industry has evolved, the shifting landscape of storytelling, and why maintaining a balance between her professional and personal life is essential to sustaining her passion for acting. Listeners will appreciate her thoughts on what keeps her motivated, her commitment to storytelling, and the advice she has for aspiring performers.

A must-listen for fans and future actors alike, this episode is brimming with relatable stories, career reflections, and practical advice from an artist dedicated to her craft.

Ophelia Lovibond is a British actress renowned for her versatile performances across film, television, and stage. Born and raised in London, she began acting at a young age and gained early recognition with roles in popular TV series and films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Nowhere Boy. Lovibond's career includes a standout portrayal in the comedy-drama series W1A, where she showcased her impeccable comedic timing as the enthusiastic junior executive Izzy Gould. More recently, she captivated audiences as Carrie Symonds in the political drama This England and earned acclaim for her starring role in Minx, where she embodied the determined feminist Joyce Prigger.

Connect with Ophelia:

Instagram: @opheliabits

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep361 - Cheyenne Jackson: Sobriety, Stages, and Super Dad Duties

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Buckle up for a deep dive into Cheyenne's journey from humble beginnings in Washington State to becoming a Broadway star, TV favorite, and proud father. From his breakout role in All Shook Up to his stints on 30 Rock and American Horror Story, Cheyenne reflects on the unexpected twists that shaped his career, like a chance encounter with Tina Fey that landed him a role on 30 Rock. He shares candidly about the challenges of growing up in a religious, conservative environment and coming to terms with his identity, along with his battles with sobriety.

Throughout the conversation, Cheyenne reveals his love for storytelling, opening up about tough career choices, including the emotional trade-offs between stage and screen work. With humor and heart, he talks about the joys and demands of being a father to twins, balancing an eight-show week, and why his children still don’t quite understand his fame. Wrapping up, he shares advice for aspiring performers: follow your dreams only if it’s the first and last thing on your mind every day.

Cheyenne Jackson is a multi-talented performer known for his roles across Broadway, film, and TV. His Broadway highlights include All Shook Up, Xanadu, and Into the Woods, while TV fans know him from Glee, 30 Rock, and American Horror Story. Offstage, Cheyenne is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a devoted father. He is currently starring in La Cage aux Folles at Pasadena Playhouse.

Connect with Cheyenne:

Instagram: @MrCheyenneJackson

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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BONUS - Nicole Scherzinger, Mandy Gonzalez, JoJo and More: LIVE From the SUNSET BLVD Opening Night Red Carpet

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Get ready for an all-access pass to Broadway’s brightest stars in this special bonus episode. Join host Salisha Thomas as she takes us onto the red carpet for the highly anticipated opening night of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, captured live for The Broadway Exclusive.

In this episode, Salisha catches up with cast members, creatives, and some surprise guests, delivering fun interviews full of behind-the-scenes insights, opening night energy, and advice for aspiring performers. From star-studded moments to career reflections, this episode perfectly captures the magic of a Broadway premiere.

If you love the excitement of red carpets and the charm Salisha brings to every conversation, this one’s for you!

Follow the podcasts:

The Salisha Show: Listen here
The Broadway Exclusive: Listen here

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep360 - Meghan Finn: Winning $200k to Disrupt the Broadway Industry

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Meghan Finn is leading the charge to reshape New York City’s theater landscape. As the artistic director of The Tank, she champions affordable access to creative spaces and amplifies new voices in the arts. Recently awarded the prestigious David Prize for her innovative ideas, Meghan is determined to revitalize theater by developing sustainable financial models and creating more venues to foster emerging talent. Her vision addresses the pressing challenges of rising production costs, theater closures, and the need for equitable opportunities.

In this episode, Meghan reflects on her journey from Ann Arbor, Michigan to becoming a pivotal figure in New York’s cultural ecosystem. She discusses her work with The Tank, including the challenges of managing a nonprofit theater and the success of revenue-sharing models that have allowed artists to thrive even amidst adversity. Meghan also shares insights on the intersection of art, advocacy, and accessibility, emphasizing the importance of nurturing new talent to keep theater vibrant for future generations.

Connect with Meghan:

Website: meghanfinn.com
The Tank: thetanknyc.org
Instagram: @thetanknyc

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep359 - Aurin Squire: From Journalism to Jazz Hands

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Aurin Squire’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing unexpected opportunities. Originally on the path to journalism, a paperwork mix-up in college led him into the world of film and theater. That detour launched him into a multi-faceted career as a writer, producer, and playwright. From producing hit TV shows like This Is Us, The Good Fight, and Evil, to contributing articles to outlets like the Chicago Tribune and ESPN, Aurin has honed his storytelling craft across various mediums. Now, he’s set to make his Broadway debut as the book writer of A Wonderful World, the new Louis Armstrong musical opening November 11 at Studio 54.

In this conversation, Aurin reflects on the blend of chaos and order in producing for TV versus theater, highlighting how each medium shapes his creative process. He discusses how his Miami upbringing, surrounded by diverse communities, deeply influenced his voice as a writer. Aurin also touches on his passion for telling complex stories through race, identity, and history. Whether he’s sharing how Armstrong’s four wives shaped the musical’s structure or offering advice on following uncomfortable opportunities, Aurin’s insights are both inspiring and practical.

Connect with Aurin:

Instagram: @aurinsquire

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Ep358 - Helen J. Shen: Finding Humanity Finding her Maybe Happy Ending

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Rising star Helen J. Shen, who is making her Broadway debut in Maybe Happy Ending opposite Darren Criss, dives into her journey from a classical piano prodigy to a Broadway performer, reflecting on the intense years of piano competitions and how those skills have shaped her approach to musical theater. She shares stories from her time at the University of Michigan, where her passion for theater solidified, and talks about the thrill of playing a robot in her Broadway debut.

Helen also opens up about the creative process behind Maybe Happy Ending and how she's putting her personal spin on a role previously staged in Korea and Asia. She reflects on what it’s like working alongside Darren Criss and the supportive environment of her team. They discuss the unique challenge of playing robots and how the production explores themes of mortality, connection, and what it means to be human.

Helen J. Shen is an actor, musician, and writer. Before her Broadway debut in Maybe Happy Ending, she starred in The Lonely Few at MCC Theater and captivated audiences in Teeth at Playwrights Horizons. Her regional credits include Man of God at Williamstown Theater Festival and Sunset Boulevard at ACT of Connecticut.

Connect with Helen:

Instagram:insta
TikTok: @miss.shelen

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Ep357 - Gavin Creel (from the vault)

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Originally aired as episode 169 on October 22, 2021.

Gavin Creel is an actor, singer and songwriter who received a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!, starring Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce. He made his Broadway debut originating the role of Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which he received his first Tony Award nomination, and has additional Broadway credits that include La Cage aux Folles, She Loves Me, Mary Poppins, Waitress, and Hair, which earned him his second Tony Award nomination. Gavin originated the role of Elder Price in the West End production of Book of Mormon (earning an Olivier Award), and reprised the role on Broadway and the US National Tour. On television he co-starred alongside Julie Andrews in ABC’s Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime, and stars in Ryan Murphy's new spin off American Horror Stories.

From conservative Ohio, to the lights of Broadway, Gavin is a proud member of the theatre community, but also talks candidly about the mental, physical and emotional toll of a life on the stage. He reflects on the last few years through the pandemic, how he went “inward” in a way he never has before, and opens up about the ways in which therapy - “unconditional acceptance” and support - have helped him. Gavin talks about using his voice to support activists/activism, and shares the story of his involvement in getting the green light for the Broadway’s Hair to miss a show and join the National Equality March in Washington, D.C in 2009. He also chats about the history of Broadway Bares, and the magic of “I Put A Spell On You: The Sanderson Variant”.

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Ep356 - Chad Beguelin: The Journey Behind the Lyrics and 'Showmance', a New Novel

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:10:00 -0000

Chad Beguelin is a six-time Tony Award-nominated book writer and lyricist, whose name is synonymous with Broadway hits like The Prom, Disney’s Aladdin, The Wedding Singer, and Elf: The Musical. From his humble beginnings in a small town where he fell in love with theater to becoming a key figure behind some of Broadway’s biggest productions, Chad shares his remarkable journey. He takes us behind the scenes of his latest creative venture, a novel called Showmance, giving us a glimpse into the challenges of transitioning from writing musicals to penning fiction. With parallels to his own life, Showmance follows a struggling Broadway writer navigating the highs and lows of theater life.

Chad opens up about the resilience it takes to thrive in show business, recounting career-defining moments like the crushing reviews of his early work and the ultimate triumph of Aladdin on Broadway. He also discusses the collaborative process of writing for musicals versus novels and shares advice for aspiring writers and theater professionals. Whether you're a fan of his Broadway musicals or curious about the world of showbiz from behind the curtain, this conversation offers something for everyone.

Chad Beguelin is a Tony-nominated book writer and lyricist known for his work on The Prom, Disney’s Aladdin, The Wedding Singer, and Elf: The Musical. He recently made his debut as a novelist with Showmance, a witty and heartfelt story inspired by his own experiences as a Broadway writer. Chad's works have graced both stage and screen, earning critical acclaim and legions of fans. With a career marked by both creative triumphs and challenges, Chad continues to be a dynamic force in the world of theater and beyond.

Connect with Chad:

Get Showmance
Instagram: @chadbeg
Website: www.chadbeguelin.com

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Ep355 - Sydney Lemmon: Staying Grounded and Tackling Tough Roles

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Sydney Lemmon brings her authentic charm and deep insight to this conversation, sharing her journey from growing up in an entertainment family to her Broadway role in the thought-provoking play JOB. With an impressive background that includes rigorous training at the Yale School of Drama and roles in hit shows like Fear the Walking Dead, Hellstrom, and Succession, Sydney opens up about the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in acting. She offers a candid look at how she balances the demands of heavy roles, the importance of self-care routines, and the role mentors have played in shaping her path. Her dedication to her craft shines through as she shares advice for aspiring performers about staying committed and following their passion.

We dive deep into what it means to stay grounded while navigating the highs and lows of a performer's life. Sydney’s genuine approach to handling intense roles, coupled with her light-hearted love for reality TV, makes her journey relatable and inspiring. She reminds us that while the road may be tough, it’s filled with unexpected moments of joy, growth, and self-discovery. Whether you're looking for insight into the acting world or simply want to be inspired by someone who’s living her dream, this episode has something for you.

Sydney Lemmon is a talented actress with a rich background in both stage and screen. She earned her master's degree from the Yale School of Drama, where she was the recipient of the Julie Harris Scholarship. Sydney made her Broadway debut alongside Uma Thurman in The Parisian Woman and has captivated audiences with roles in Fear the Walking Dead, Hellstrom, and Succession. As a singer and guitarist, she also writes music with her brother, actor Jon Lemmon. Currently, she stars in the provocative Broadway play Job, which has been extended through October 27th.

Follow Sydney Lemmon:

Instagram: @sydney_lemmon

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Ep354 - Miranda Ferriss Jones: Breaking Binaries and Finding Harmony

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Miranda Ferriss Jones brings a refreshing blend of storytelling, activism, and creativity to this episode. With her upcoming concert, Spiral Bound, she discusses her passion for challenging societal binaries and feminine identity through her music and performances. We dive deep into how her upbringing in Vermont, with a Black father and a white mother, shaped her perspective and inspired her to explore themes of race, gender, and identity in her work. Miranda also opens up about her experience with ADHD, and how it fuels her creativity, helping her balance multiple projects, motherhood, and her commitment to activism.

Miranda's journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of being true to oneself. She shares the story of how her father's passion for jazz and her mother's love for Motown influenced her artistic path, and how her work continues to be rooted in her lived experiences and the desire to see positive change in the world. Tune in to hear about her activism, her thoughts on societal binaries, and the inspiration behind Spiral Bound.

Miranda Ferriss Jones is a Vermont-born songwriter, theatrical storyteller, performer, and creativity/vocal coach whose work explores feminine identity and challenges societal binaries. She has four shows in development, including The Precipice, which received support from Bob Weir and was workshopped at Williamstown with Laura Benanti, who is also a creative producer on Miranda's song cycle Spiral Bound. Her other works include Edmonia, gearing up for a spring workshop, and Showing Up, which had readings at Middlebury College and Princeton University. As a mother of two and wife to Ben, Miranda embodies the multifaceted journey of an artist committed to crafting stories that challenge and inspire.

Social Media Accounts:

Instagram: Miranda Ferriss Jones
Get tickets to Spiral Bound

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Ep353 - Laura Benanti: Will The Real Melania Trump Please Stand Up

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

This heartfelt episode features the multi-talented Laura Benanti, a Tony Award-winning actress known for her unforgettable performances on Broadway and TV. From her powerful roles in Gypsy and My Fair Lady to her hilarious portrayal of Melania Trump on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Laura shares the ups and downs of her diverse career. This conversation goes deep as Laura opens up about the challenges of balancing motherhood and a thriving career, her struggles with postpartum depression, and how becoming a parent has shaped her approach to acting.

Beyond the stage and screen, Laura is a dedicated activist, working with theater maker Miranda Ferris Jones to present benefit concerts in support of political and social causes. A mother of two, Laura speaks openly about the struggles and joys of balancing parenthood with her career, and how these experiences have made her a more empathetic and dynamic performer.

Laura Benanti is a Tony Award-winning actress with an illustrious career that spans Broadway, TV, and film. Known for her roles in Gypsy, She Loves Me, and My Fair Lady, Laura has captivated audiences with her stunning vocal range and emotional depth. On TV, she's appeared in series such as Younger, Supergirl, and The Good Fight, while her portrayal of Melania Trump on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has brought her comedic talents to a whole new audience.

Connect with Laura:

On the web: laurabenanti.com
IG & TikTok: @laurabenanti
Voices for Victory Benefit Concert (September 25, 2024) at City Winery, NYC
Spiral Bound Benefit Concert (September 30, 2024) at Racket, NYC
Laura’s one-woman show on Audible: Nobody Cares

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Ep352 - Roger Bart: Going the Distance with Doc Brown and Beyond!

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

We dive deep into the incredible career of Roger Bart, a Tony Award-winning actor who has brought iconic characters to life on both stage and screen. Currently starring as Doc Brown in Back to the Future: The Musical, Roger shares his journey with us, from his early Broadway debut in Big River to his voice work as young Hercules in Disney's animated classic.

Roger reflects on his career highlights, including his award-winning role as Snoopy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, working with Mel Brooks in The Producers and Young Frankenstein, and his memorable TV roles in Desperate Housewives and Revenge. He offers fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from his time developing Back to the Future from its early days in Europe to its current run on Broadway, touching on the challenges of portraying Doc Brown and how he brings his unique comedic flair to the role. Roger also discusses his love for comedy, the influence of Warner Bros. cartoons on his sense of humor, and how he balances broad comedic moments with genuine character depth. He offers heartfelt advice for young performers: be prepared, be kind, and don’t be afraid to make bold choices.

Roger Bart’s passion for performing began in childhood, using his singing talent to connect with his parents and spark his love for the stage. His professional journey truly began after studying acting at Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he transitioned from instinctual performing to a more profound understanding of the craft. This education laid the foundation for his wide-ranging career, where his unique blend of humor and depth has become a hallmark of his performances. His comedic style, influenced by the precise timing and structure of Warner Bros. cartoons, was refined during his collaborations with Mel Brooks in the beloved productions of The Producers and Young Frankenstein.

Roger’s career spans both stage and screen. He made his Broadway debut in Big River and won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Snoopy in the 1999 revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. In addition to his stage work, Roger has also left a mark on television with notable roles in Desperate Housewives, Revenge, Good Trouble, and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Film and voice work include the 2005 movie version of The Producers and voicing young Hercules in Disney’s Hercules. Currently, he stars as Doc Brown in Back to the Future: The Musical, a role that has earned him a Tony nomination and further solidified his reputation as a versatile and beloved actor.

SPECIAL ACCESSIBLE BTTF TICKET INFO, valid on performances Sept 17 - Nov 10, 2024 only

Upper Level Seats from $59 (including fees)
Stage Level Seats from $79 (including fees)
Tickets are available at BackToTheFutureMusical.com, through Telecharge by calling 212-239-6200 or visiting Telecharge.com, or at the Winter Garden Theatre box office.

Connect with Roger:

Instagram: @rogerbartofficial
Watch the full "Shooting Star" cut song from Hercules: https://youtu.be/hkPhGYMGmno

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Ep351 - Patti LuPone (from the vault)

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Originally aired as episode 200 on April 5, 2022.

With a remarkable 14 nominations and six wins across the Emmys, Grammys, Olivier, and Tony Awards, Patti LuPone is a force in the entertainment industry. Her illustrious career includes 27 Broadway credits, most notably her Tony Award-winning roles as Eva Perón in Evita and Rose in the 2008 revival of Gypsy. Other significant Broadway appearances include Anything Goes, Sweeney Todd, Noises Off, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, War Paint, Working, Oliver!, The Robber Bridegroom, and The Beggar's Opera.

LuPone has also made her mark on the London stage, originating roles in Les Misérables, The Cradle Will Rock, Sunset Boulevard, and starring in the West End revival of Company. Beyond the stage, her extensive career in television and film includes performances in Driving Miss Daisy, Frasier, Will & Grace, Ugly Betty, 30 Rock, Glee, American Horror Story, Girls, Penny Dreadful, and Life Goes On. A versatile performer, LuPone has also lent her talents to voiceover work, cabaret performances, and regular appearances with the New York Philharmonic, contributing to 22 albums. She is the first American to win an Olivier Award and has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. Currently, she stars in the Broadway revival of Company.

In this episode, LuPone reflects on her introduction to Gypsy, recalling her role as Louise in high school, and shares the story of how she was once banned from working on any of Arthur Laurents' projects before ultimately winning a Tony Award for her portrayal of Rose. She opens up about the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 shutdown, discussing how the lack of purpose impacted her deeply. She also highlights the strong sense of camaraderie and support among the cast and crew of Company, forged through their shared experiences during the pandemic. LuPone delves into her rehearsal process, explaining why she completes all her preparation in the rehearsal room so that she and the audience can enjoy the spontaneity and energy of live performance. Additionally, she reveals why she makes it a point to look at the audience every night.

In this episode, we discuss:

Being one of the first students in Juilliard’s School of Drama in the 1970s
Her Marilyn Monroe impression at three years old
The joy she finds in eliciting laughter from an audience
The “Italian blast” and her unapologetic lack of a filter
The infamous “Andrew Lloyd Webber memorial pool”
Her frustration with producers who underestimate the intelligence of their audience

Connect with Patti:

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Ep350 - Evan Alexander Smith: Cruise (Ship'ing) His Way to Broadway

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

We explore the remarkable journey of Evan Alexander Smith, whose path from Ontario to Broadway—and beyond—has been marked by diverse experiences and significant milestones. Evan's passion for theatre ignited in his early years, catalyzed by a transformative production of "Oliver" and a pivotal audition opportunity presented by a friend for an arts high school.

Evan reflects on his tenure with Disney Cruise Line, where he not only honed his craft but also experienced a "showmance" that blossomed into marriage, ultimately guiding him to the vibrant theatre scene of New York City. He discusses his role as an audition reader and how this experience helped him demystify the audition process, thereby alleviating his fears and enhancing his performance skills. Having shared the stage with luminaries such as Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez in the production of "Merrily We Roll Along," Evan emphasizes the centrality of storytelling in his approach to acting.

He delves into his current portrayal of George McFly in "Back to the Future: The Musical," a role he approaches with a blend of humor and depth, focusing on George's distinct mannerisms and psychological complexity. Evan concludes with practical advice for aspiring performers: prioritize authenticity and self-belief over concerns about others' perceptions. His insights offer valuable guidance for those navigating the competitive landscape of the performing arts.

Evan Alexander Smith is an actor, singer, and voiceover artist hailing from Toronto. A Dora Award nominee and Gemini Award winner, he starred in the original Canadian production of “The Toxic Avenger” musical and spent two seasons at Canada's prestigious Shaw Festival in productions of “Ragtime”, “His Girl Friday”, “Guys & Dolls”, and “Lady Windermere's Fan”. His National Tour credits include “Dirty Dancing” and “The Play That Goes Wrong”. His Broadway credits include “Amazing Grace” the recent revival of “Merrily We Roll Along" and now, “Back to the Future: The Musical” where he is currently starring as George McFly.

Connect with Evan:

Website: www.evanalexandersmith.com
Instagram: @iamevansmith

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Ep349 - Isaac Mizrahi: Professionals Do It Until They Can't Get It Wrong

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Isaac Mizrahi, an acclaimed fashion designer, performer, and television personality, has achieved an iconic status in the fashion industry—despite initially having little desire for a career in this field. In this episode, Mizrahi unveils the source of his bold creativity and charismatic presence, offering a candid look into his extraordinary journey. From his beginnings in Brooklyn, where his passion for fashion first took root, to his childhood fascination with designing clothes for puppets, his path has been both unique and inspiring. He discusses his formative years at Parsons School of Design and the subsequent launch of his celebrated fashion label.

Mizrahi also shares his personal habit of reading obituaries, driven by a desire to ensure his own legacy is accurately remembered—ideally as a performer rather than merely a fashion icon. Despite his substantial success in fashion, Mizrahi reveals a long-held aspiration to act, sing, and perform—dreams he once hesitated to pursue. With new acting opportunities on the horizon, his future is poised to be as dynamic as ever.

Reflecting on his experiences, Mizrahi expresses a preference for failure over success, acknowledging that setbacks are a natural part of pursuing an acting career. He emphasizes that, regardless of the outcome, delivering a stellar performance in auditions ensures that one's talent is recognized.

Isaac Mizrahi is a creative force with an unparalleled ability to blend fashion, entertainment, and art. He has left an indelible mark on each field he touches, and his journey from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the glittering stages of Broadway and the forefront of fashion innovation has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a decades-long career, he has become a household name known for his sharp wit, bold designs, and magnetic personality. Whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight, he has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be a modern-day Renaissance man. He can be seen performing at 54 Below from August 28th through 31st.

Connect with Isaac:

Website: https://www.isaacmizrahi.com/
Instagram: @imisaacmizrahi
Isaac Mizrahi: A Brief History at 54 Below: Get tickets here

Connect with Heather Vickery and the Was it Chance podcast:

Slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance
More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
More about Was It Chance using bpn.fm/wasitchance

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Listen Now - The Magical Making of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph.

Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the challenges faced during out-of-town tryouts, the unwavering determination to overcome them, and the celebration of reaching over a decade on Broadway – a remarkable feat in the world of musical theatre.

This captivating series features exclusive conversations with the original cast and creative team behind ALADDIN including Alan Menken, Casey Nicholaw, James Monroe Iglehart, Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, Sonya Balsara, Adi Roy and more as they recount their experiences with the show.

Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan, a theatre enthusiast, or simply captivated by the magic of storytelling, this series is a must-listen. Unveil the untold story of ALADDIN and discover the passion, resilience, and drive that created a Broadway sensation.

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Ep348 - Sophie Carmen-Jones: Learning to Dance Without a Mirror

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Sophie reflects on her remarkable journey from a passionate young dancer in the UK to a celebrated triple-threat performer on London’s West End and New York’s Broadway. She recounts her early dedication to dance, including her practice sessions in a local church hall and self-recorded rehearsals for critique. This unwavering commitment laid the foundation for her illustrious career, which began in the West End and culminated in her Broadway debut.

Sophie provides an insightful look into her audition process for “Moulin Rouge!” conducted via Zoom during the pandemic. She shares how she impressed director Alex Timbers with her fresh and dynamic interpretation of the role of Nini. Additionally, she discusses her transition into television and film, highlighting her significant milestone of securing a non-musical acting role in the UK soap opera “Casualty,” which demonstrated her versatility beyond dance and singing.

Sophie also delves into the camaraderie of performing in productions like “Moulin Rouge!” where the cast becomes a close-knit second family. She contrasts her experiences working in the UK and the US, addressing the challenges of accessibility and financial concerns faced by performers. With her deep passion for the craft, Sophie offers valuable advice to aspiring performers: to push beyond their comfort zones and maintain a balanced life that includes both professional growth and personal enjoyment.

Sophie Carmen-Jones has appeared in several West End productions and UK tours, including “Moulin Rouge!”, “Jersey Boys”, “Wicked”, “We Will Rock You”, and “Chicago”. Her film and TV credits include the live-action films of “The Little Mermaid”, “Cats”, “Aladdin”, and “Beauty and the Beast”, and she recently made her Broadway debut in the Broadway production of “Moulin Rouge!” as Nini.

Connect with Sophie:

Instagram: @sophiecarmenjones

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Ep347 - David Harris: Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love and Belonging

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

David Harris is an Australian actor who somehow found himself moving from architecture school to the bright lights of Broadway. He shares his early passion for architecture and how he pivoted to a career in performing arts just three days into his studies. He looks back on his journey, including participating in talent quests at RSL clubs in Australia and having friendly competitions with Broadway performer Ricky Rojas. Being in the workshop and eventually being cast in "The Boy From Oz" marked a significant turning point in his career and what he considers his claim to fame. He reminisces about his experience working with Hugh Jackman in the show, and a memorable commercial shoot with him just before New York shut down for COVID (click here to watch). David reflects on the differences in how musical theatre is perceived in Australia, the UK, and the US, his personal experiences with it, and his frustrations with the lack of recognition for musical theatre actors in Australia compared to Broadway performers in the US. He emphasizes the critical importance of swings and understudies in theatre, and his gratitude for them in keeping the show running smoothly. While he’s already managed to prove naysayers wrong, David has no plans on stopping when it comes to the pursuit of growth and constant learning.

David Harris is a native of Australia, where he's one of the most acclaimed leading men of his generation. In the US, he has received critical praise for his performance of Dan in TheatreWorks’ “Next to Normal”. He starred as Jean Valjean in the Connecticut Repertory Theatre production of “Les Misérables”, which was co-starred and directed by Tony Award winner Terrence Mann. He starred as Billy Crocker in Goodspeed's production of “Anything Goes” and as Father in Barrington Stage Company's “Ragtime” in 2017. He originated the role of Max Bronfman in Stephen Schwartz's new production of “Rags” at Goodspeed Opera House. After playing the role of the Duke on the first national tour of “Moulin Rouge” in 2022, he can now be seen playing the same role in “Moulin Rouge” on Broadway.

Connect with Brian:

Website: www.davidharrisofficial.com
Instagram: @davidharrisoz
Watch David with Hugh Jackman

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Ep346 - Brian Stokes Mitchell: Life Is Just Full of Commas

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Brian Stokes Mitchell is a two-time Tony Award-winning actor who has always thought the universe chose him. Born on Halloween when “people dress up in costumes and pretend to be other people”, the stars have indeed decided. Aside from performing, he also writes, dances, produces his own music, and orchestrates, but out of all the things he can do, his best quality is being a really good student. He details his latest project, “HOPE”, realizing that sometimes creative works have their own timing - this video dropping exactly when we need to hear it the most. He presents a profound metaphor about life as a "long sentence" full of commas rather than periods, and what his “dead questions” are. With an upcoming role in “3 Summers of Lincoln” at the La Jolla Playhouse, he recounts how the project deeply resonated with him upon reading the script. Aside from all his projects, he always makes sure to give back to the community–from being chairman of the board for the Entertainment Community Fund for 19 years to providing entertainment from his balcony during the pandemic. Stokes shares how curiosity continues to motivate him, and why we should follow our heart in all our endeavors.

Brian Stokes Mitchell is a two-time Tony Award-winning, Drama Desk Award-winning, and Outer Critics Award winning actor. He is renowned for his powerful baritone voice and dynamic stage presence with standout performances in Broadway productions like “Ragtime”, “Kiss Me, Kate”, “Man of La Mancha”, and “Shuffle Along”. He's become a celebrated figure in musical theater, but beyond Broadway, he has showcased his talent on television, including shows like “Vampirina”, “Wolverine”, “Billions”, “Mr. Robot”, and of course, “Trapper John, M. D.” He's also recognized for his philanthropic work, particularly for his 19 years of serving as chairman of the board for the Entertainment Community Fund, and is a member of the Theater Hall of Fame since 2016.

Connect with Brian:

Website: www.brianstokes.com
Facebook: @bstokesmitchell
Instagram: @brianstokesm
Youtube: @brianstokesmitchell7280
X: @bstokesmitchell
Listen: Brian Stokes Mitchell - HOPE (feat. Jason Robert Brown)
“3 Summers of Lincoln” at La Jolla Playhouse
What’s Possible When the Arts Belong to Everybody | Lear deBessonet with Brian Stokes Mitchell | TED

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Ep345 - André Ward: The Part of a Lifetime in the Show of a Lifetime

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

André Ward never played house when he was little, but he always played “New York City Apartment”, and with impressive Broadway credits, he can fully say he’s finally living in the midst of his dream. Growing up a “talkative” child, his teacher recommended he might need to find a way to work out some of his excess energy, and so they sent him to a children's theater company and hasn’t stopped performing since. He also delves into the challenges of transitioning between theater and film, highlighting the differences in performance styles required for each. Currently playing as Toulouse-Lautrec in "Moulin Rouge! The Musical," Andre takes glee in the opportunity to showcase both his comedic and emotional range. He opens up about his fears and aspirations regarding directing and writing, his dream of playing a sci-fi character, and why he continues to strive for balance between work and his personal life.

André Ward is a seasoned Broadway actor with an impressive Broadway resume dating back over 24 years or so, beginning with “Saturday Night Fever”, “Xanadu”, “Rock of Ages”, “Something Rotten”, and “Escape to Margaritaville”. He has five national tours under his belt, including performing as the leading player in “Pippin”, as well as numerous regional credits. His TV and film credits include “Masters of None”, “Broad City”, “Elementary,” and “High Maintenance”. He can be seen now as Toulouse-Lautrec in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” on Broadway, which just celebrated its 5th Anniversary.

Connect with André:

Instagram: @theandrelward

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Ep344 - Conrad Ricamora (from the vault)

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Originally aired as episode 276 on July 18, 2023.

Conrad Ricamora is a talented actor known for his roles on Broadway and his portrayal of Oliver Hampton in the hit TV series "How to Get Away with Murder." He shares his insights as they delve into his background, including his family's journey from moving to the U.S. to growing up in military bases, and how he got into acting and theater. Conrad discusses the significance of "Here Lies Love," a groundbreaking Broadway production featuring an all-Filipino cast, and shares his experiences with the show, including how it explores the intertwined history between the Philippines and America. He also looks back on how he auditioned and got involved with it 11 years ago. The discussion expands to the challenges of performing on Broadway, the staging of "Here Lies Love," and the unique experiences of interacting with the audience up close. Conrad reflects on the current state of democracy and political issues, drawing parallels between historical events and the fragility of democracy today. From sharing personal anecdotes to addressing important social issues, Conrad's passion for his craft shines through as he tells what motivates him as an actor: storytelling and connecting through stories.

Conrad Ricamora is an actor best known for his role as Oliver on the ABC network hit “How to Get Away with Murder”. His TV and film credits include “Fire Island”, “Over the Moon”, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”, and “The Light of the Moon”. His stage credits include “The King and I”, which was his Broadway debut,” Little Shop of Horrors”, “Soft Power”, and numerous plays penned by Will Shakespeare. He is a 2016 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award recipient and 2017 Equality California Award recipient. He can now be seen in the Broadway hit, “Here Lies Love”, reprising his role of Ninoy Aquino, which he developed 11 years ago in the original Off-Broadway Workshop.

Connect with Conrad:

Instagram: @conradricamora
TikTok: @conradwaynericamora

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Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep343 - Lori Alan: Talking Reefer Madness with Pearl Krabs

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 22:13:00 -0000

Growing up in a family deeply entrenched in the arts, Lori Alan naturally gravitated towards the stage and microphone. Her parents were theater majors who later ventured into advertising and directing, so it’s no surprise that growing up in a creative environment played a pivotal role in shaping her career path. She looks back on the early stages of her career, including a Shakey's Pizza commercial she starred in that marked her initial foray into professional acting at the age of 5. Despite getting bullied for her unique voice, she chose to embrace her talent instead. After studying and pursuing a career in acting in New York, she decided to move to LA to explore new opportunities. This marked the beginning of her extensive work in voice acting, including iconic roles in "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "Family Guy". She shares how she honed her skills, her ability to adapt to different genres, and where she usually draws inspiration from in bringing characters to life. Lori also talks about her time in “Reefer Madness”, the show’s success, and a memorable moment when she met Warren Beatty, who had once shown interest in her mother. Beyond her acting and voice career, she is also a dedicated voice acting coach, emphasizing the importance of studying the craft, being in the moment, and giving your all in whatever you do.

Lori Alan is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and coach who fell out of the womb sitting in front of a microphone. She is the voice of Pearl Krabs on the “SpongeBob SquarePants” animated series and among many other roles has brought to life Diane Simmons on “Family Guy”, Sue Richards aka The Invisible Woman on “The Fantastic Four”, and The Boss on the “Metal Gear Solid” video game series. She originated the role of Mae Coleman in the award-winning musical “Reefer Madness” in 1988, and is now reprising the same role in the current LA production.

Connect with Lori:

Website and VO Coaching: https://www.lorialan.com/
Instagram: @loritalk4
X: @LoriAlan1
Reefer Madness Tickets: https://reefermadness.com/

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Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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Ep342 - Alexi Melvin: Broadway Producing and Queer Social Media Influencing

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Alexi Melvin is making significant strides in the Broadway community as a producer in shows like "Here Lies Love," "The Outsiders," and "The Notebook". She highlights the struggle of balancing commercial success with artistic bravery, advocating for more support for innovative and risk-taking productions. Growing up with a professional baseball playing dad, she looks back on her journey to finding her calling, how she developed a love for the arts thanks to her mom, and the unwavering support she got from both parents along the way. With almost 100k followers on TikTok, she reflects on her experience with social media, transitioning from queer relatable content to theater-focused posts, and how her audience has positively received this shift. She also delves into the role of social media in modern theater marketing, and how shows like "The Outsiders" leverage platforms like TikTok to reach more audiences. As more and more shows feature queer stories and diverse casting like "The Notebook" and "Illinois", she stresses the need for more queer representation on stage and the challenges of achieving this in an industry dominated by big-budget musicals. Alexi opens up about her journey with pronouns and gender identity, sharing her transition from they/them to she/they and the importance of creating a safe environment for self-exploration. Whether it’s producing or posting on social media, she encourages aspirants to channel their “fan girl energy” and not shy away from doing what you're a fan of.

Alexi Melvin is a multi-Tony Award-nominated Broadway producer for her work on “Illinois” and “The Outsiders”. She has also done work on the producing teams of “Here Lies Love” and “The Notebook”. A writer and actor who takes the term multi-hyphenate to an all-new level, she is a proud member of and advocate for the LGBTQ-plus community and is deeply involved with type one diabetes organizations such as JDRF and Beyond Type 1. She has notable voice work in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”, onscreen appearances in “Time Out of Mind”, and “Quarter”, and a significant presence as an LGBTQ-plus creator on TikTok with almost 100,000 followers.

Connect with Alexi:

TikTok: @theonlylex
Instagram: @thealexijames

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Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
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Ep341 - Mary Testa: No One Is Better at Cold Readings

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

From loving TikTok to enjoying cold readings playing “delightfully stupid” characters, Mary Testa is a talented actress who’s “not on a stardom path and never will be”. She starts off where her acting journey began: choosing between law school and performing. Ultimately, she pursued the latter and eventually moved to New York in 1976, explaining why she just likes working on interesting things with people she loves. She discusses self-taping auditions during the pandemic, and that while she believes it's better to be in the room for auditions, she understands the preliminary role of self-tapes. Known for playing strong-willed characters, Mary reflects on her career as a character actress. She recalls asking Michael John LaChiusa to write a role for her as “a very stupid character”, challenging the usual type casting she gets. She also admits to loving cold readings, the spontaneity, and the challenges that come with them. Reflecting on her journey, she gets real as she talks about perfectionism, how insecurities can lead to tyrannical behavior, and why self-awareness and being comfortable in your own skin is important to keep you grounded.

Mary Testa is an actress with a phenomenal career spanning almost 50 years, which includes 12 Broadway shows such as “Oklahoma!”, “42nd Street”, and “On the Town”, resulting in her three Tony Award nominations. Her TV and film credits beginning in 1979 include “Cagney & Lacey”, “Sex and the City”, “Whoopi”, “The Battery's Down”, “Eat, Pray, Love”, and “The Good Fight”, “The Blacklist”, and many, many more. She's been a part of the “Ratatouille”, the TikTok musical, and is an experienced voiceover artist. She can be heard in the podcast comedy TWITS: A Streampunk Distraction available everywhere you find your podcasts.

Connect with Mary:

Instagram: @marytesta.actress
Listen to TWITS: http://bpn.fm/twits

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Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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Ep340 - Jessica Fontana: Every Day Special

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 21:15:52 -0000

Jessica Fontana admits that her need to feel like she’s in control impacts her journey in balancing her professional and personal life. Her passion for performing arts began with ballet, which eventually set the stage for her career in musical theater. While Jessica’s mom highly supported her artistic endeavors, her father initially wasn’t. She talks about her college experience at the University of Michigan and its role in shaping her career and changing her dad’s mind. Married to fellow actor, Santino Fontana, she recalls how they met at Birdland Jazz Club, recounting how he left before they could get a drink together, only to friend her on Facebook later that night, slipping into her DMs. Jessica explained her shift from performing regularly to creating her album, "Every Day Special" – a transition that allowed her more control over her creative work and schedule, reflecting her desire for creative autonomy and finding joy and fun in whatever she does.

Jessica Fontana is an actress, and the writer, host, co-creator, and co-executive producer of “Everyday Special”, an improvised satirical podcast. She has starred on Broadway in the title role of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”, “Baby It's You”, and “Pipe Dream” in New York City Center's Encores! Series. She's been seen in the hit web series “Submissions Only”, and has starred in the world premiere productions at regional theaters, including the Goodspeed Opera House, Paper Mill Playhouse, Signature Theater, and Carnegie Hall. Also a songwriter, she recently released her solo debut album, “Every Day Special”.

Connect with Jessica:

Website: www.jessica-fontana.com
Instagram: @iamjessfontana
Listen to “Every Day Special” Album

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
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Ep339 - Jonathan Groff, Kara Young, George C. Wolfe, Daniel Radcliffe, Maleah Joi Moon & more at the 2024 Tony Awards

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:04:26 -0000

Listen in behind the scenes with this special episode featuring media room speeches from 2024 Tony Award winners Shaina Taub, Dede Ayite, Tom Scutt, George C. Wolfe, Justin Peck, Ryan Rumery, Nikiya Mathis, Will Brill, Kara Young, Daniel Radcliffe, Kecia Lewis, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Sarah Paulson, Jonathan Groff, and Maleah Joi Moon.

Guest hosted and edited by fellow Broadway Podcast Network host Sarah Goodman! Make sure to check out her podcast too.

Connect with GOOD SHOW:

Listen and follow the podcast at http://bpn.fm/goodshow

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BONUS - "CATS: The Jellicle Ball" Recap with Alan Seales of The Theatre Podcast

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

"I love this show and I love this production. This production was so much fun because it spans all theater fans, all ballroom fans, and just people who want to go have a good time will like this." This bonus episode is a recap of "CATS: The Jellicle Ball" featuring Mike and Alan Seales of the Theatre Podcast recorded immediately after seeing a preview of this incredible production. This episode contains a few spoilers about the show but gives a breakdown of the what to expect when you enter the PAC. Mike and Alan give the production high praise and rave about it from start to finish. Be sure to check out this Jellicle masterpiece during their limited run.

Check out The Theatre Podcast on Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Check out The Theatre Podcast on Tik Tok: @thetheatrepodcast
Check out The Theatre Podcast's Website: bpn.fm/ttp
Get your tickets to CATS: The Jellicle Ball: pacnyc.org/whats-on/cats-the-jellicle-ball

Produced by:

Alan Seales & Broadway Podcast Network

Instagram/Twitter/Tik Tok: @TheWrongCatDied

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Ep338 - Jeremy Jordan: Bonnie & Clyde LIVE

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Currently captivating audiences as Jay Gatsby in the Broadway production of “The Great Gatsby”, Jeremy shares insights into his career, both on stage and screen as we join him for a special press event discussing the upcoming pro-shot release of “Bonnie and Clyde”. After initially performing B&C on Broadway in 2011. He shares the differences between the Broadway and West End productions, especially the challenges of maintaining continuity in his costumes during the filming process, admitting that the lack of tech rehearsals with costumes led to some fun on-the-fly decisions. He also shares his favorite moment in the production, specifically "Bonnie," a solo he performs on the ukulele that makes him feel like a musician.

Jeremy Jordan is an incredibly versatile and dynamic Tony Award-nominated performer, and is currently captivating audiences as Jay Gatsby in the Broadway production of “The Great Gatsby''. He has established himself as a prominent figure in both theater and television, with credits such as “Waitress”, “Newsies”, “American Son”, “The Last Five Years”, “The Flash”, and “Supergirl” among others. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming pro-shot release of “Bonnie and Clyde” on June 24, 2024, where he will once again bring his extraordinary talent to the screen in the beloved musical.

Connect with Jeremy:

Website: www.jeremy-jordan.com
Instagram: @jeremymjordan
Pre-order Bonnie and Clyde tickets: bonnieclydelive.com

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Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
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Ep337 - Andy Mientus: The Ultimate Spring Awakening Stan

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome to a crossover episode of "Was it Chance" where Alan Seales and Heather Vickery peel back the layers of serendipity to uncover the hard work and opportunities behind what looks like mere chance. In today's episode, we bring you a conversation with the extremely handsome and talented Andy Mientus, a true maverick of the stage and screen. From accidentally becoming one of Broadway's first social media managers to his heartwarming experience with Dolly Parton on the set of Heartstrings, and one amazing Broadway production credit after another, Andy's journey is one you don’t want to miss. Andy shares with us his belief in staying proximate to your aspirations, even if the connection seems tangential, and how this philosophy led him to astounding opportunities—like touring with Spring Awakening and soaking in the Wicked Tour which felt like a "warm bath.” We're also have some juicy revelations—such as Alan Seales' surprising stance on Sondheim, the unexpected significance of The Met Gala for the theatre community, and the personal tales of failure that Andy calls his "close friends," teaching him resilience and the art of bouncing back. Moreover, Andy gives us a glimpse into his life beyond the stage lights. As a best-selling author of YA books and an actor who's not shied away from portraying significant LGBTQ+ roles, like the openly Gay character Hartley Rathaway in The Flash, Andy is a testament to the diverse avenues of artistic expression.

Connect with Andy on Instagram. Get his books The Backstagers series: Backstagers and The Ghost, Backstagers and The Theater of the Ancients, Backstagers and the Final Blackout as well as his latest book, Fraternity.

Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance.
More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files

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Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
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Ep336 - Eden Espinosa: Friendship Bracelets and Theatre

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 19:25:00 -0000

Eden Espinosa’s performance as Tamara in “Lempicka” garnered her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical…and she’s not guilty about it. She highlights both the triumphs and tribulations of her career – from being a part of Colby's Clubhouse and working at Disneyland when she was young to dealing with rejections and criticisms. Maybe best known for her role in “Wicked”, she shares how she got involved with the show (thanks to fellow Disney performer Stephanie J. Block) and why chose to be a standby over understudy. She delves into her recent role in the musical "Lempicka", how she auditioned for the part, and why ever since then, she made sure it was in her contract that if she had to be replaced, they’d have to pay her. She opens up about the challenges faced by the production, including dealing with its unexpected closing. She reflects on the importance of authentic representation, particularly in portraying queer characters, and the responsibility she feels to honor such roles. Eden shares a memorable interaction with an audience member during the show’s final performance, where she broke character to address a disruptive phone use incident. Despite the show’s sudden closing, Eden’s motivation to connect with others in any way, shape, or form is definitely not going anywhere.

Eden Espinosa made her Broadway debut in 2003 in the original cast of “Wicked” as the Elphaba standby and Nessarose understudy. She also garnered critical acclaim playing Elphaba full-time in the sit-down productions in Los Angeles and San Francisco. She originated the lead role in the show “Brooklyn” in 2004, before going on to the closing company of “Rent” as Maureen in 2008. She graced the screen with roles in shows like “Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure”, and “Alice's Wonderland Bakery” for which she earned an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Queen of Hearts in 2022. She has two complete solo albums to her name, “Look Around” and “Revelation”, and most recently, her performance in the world premiere of “Lempicka” garnered her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

Connect with Eden:

Website: www.edenespinosa.com
Instagram: @edenespinosa

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep335 - Dorian Harewood: A 47 Year Return to Broadway

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:33:07 -0000

Dorian Harewood's career journey is anything but ordinary, and he's got three wonderful women (and luck) to thank for it. And after over 45 years, he’s back on the Broadway stage as Older Noah in “The Notebook”. He shares what made him want to come back, owing it to his manager who pushed him to audition for the role. With almost 200 credits under his name, he looks back on what got him to performing – from starting as a singer and auditioning for a four-year scholarship as advised by his teacher to moving to New York at 22 and doing a musical with the legendary Bette Davis, who also became his acting mentor. He looks back on his first acting role, “Don’t Call Back”, and why even though the show opened and closed the same night, it led him to even better opportunities. Being in an industry inherent to rejection and hardship, he discusses the necessity of having hobbies outside of one's profession and pursuing one's passion to help navigate life's challenges. Aside from theater, he actually has more passions: bowling, pool, and blackjack and shares the importance of respecting passions other than theater, whatever they may be, in order to stay happy and healthy. Currently starring as Older Noah in Broadway’s “The Notebook”, he talks about the challenge of keeping performances fresh for the audience and the communal experience live theater offers. With so many accomplishments and lasting legacy to leave behind, Dorian isn’t done learning new things. He shares his philosophy of viewing every day as a "birthday" and a new beginning, expressing gratitude for life itself.

Dorian Harwood made his Broadway acting debut in the 1971 production of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”. His additional Broadway credits include “The Mighty Gents”, “Streamers”, and “Don't Call Back”. He pivoted to TV and film for almost the next 50 years, racking up a total of 187 credits on IMDb. His film credits include “Gothika”, “Levity”, “Pacific Heights”, and “Full Metal Jacket”. His TV credits include “7th Heaven”, “Criminal Minds”, “Twelve Angry Men”, and “The Roots: The Next Generations”. He's a voiceover artist for cartoons and video games and is now a Tony-nominated actor for his role as Older Noah in “The Notebook” on Broadway, which also happens to be his first time back on the Broadway stage since 1978.

Connect with Dorian:

Website: www.dorianharewood.com
Instagram: @officialdorianharewood
YouTube: officialdorianharewood

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
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Ep334 - Rick Elice: Rescued by Water for Elephants

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

If there’s one lesson to take away from Rick Elice’s life story, it’s to never say no to a free lunch. He shares anecdotes from his past, including childhood memories of seeing theatre productions that got him to pursue acting and getting fired for his first Broadway show as an actor. While he’s always loved theatre, Rick also looks back on the beginning of his advertising career, which happened at a musical’s opening night at the Public Theatre where he found himself standing next to Matthew Serino. With so many successful stints and an amazing career trajectory, he likens himself to a pinball, getting flipped from one project to the next. Having written the book for Broadway’s “The Addams Family”, he recalls the show’s timeline and why the national tour became a much more successful version of the story then they had originally written. He talks about his latest work, “Water for Elephants”, and the show’s universal themes of belonging and loss. He reflects on his personal experiences, including grief over the loss of his partner that deeply influenced his approach to writing the musical – emphasizing the importance of storytelling as a way to connect with the audience and to provide comfort to those who feel marginalized or unheard. Ultimately, he talks about his motivations and inspirations in life, citing the beauty of the world and his sense of his own unimportance as the main ones.

Rick Elice is a four time Tony Award nominated author, a playwright, an actor, a teacher, and an entrepreneur who has been involved in the Broadway scene in one form or another since 1979. In 1982, he became the creative director of Serino Coyne, Inc., one of the top theatrical marketing agencies in New York, and then became a creative consultant for the Walt Disney Studio from 1999 to 2008. His first Broadway credit as a book writer aka playwright was “Jersey Boys”, which opened in 2005, and led him to write the stories, the books for the Broadway shows of “The Addams Family”, “Peter and the Starcatcher”, “The Cher Show”, and now, “Water for Elephants”, which just nabbed him his fourth Tony nomination. Rick is also writing the books for “The Princess Bride” musical, and “Smash” musical, among others.

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Ep333 - All Things Liza Minnelli, with Bruce David Klein (A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story)

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Liza lovers, this episode is for you! We had the incredible Bruce David Klein, director of the brand new documentary, "LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story," in the virtual studio dishing all about the film and the legendary Liza Minnelli herself. The first and only documentary Liza has personally approved and allowed herself to appear in, Klein pulls back the curtain on Liza's life and career, from her childhood under the spotlight with Judy Garland to her own meteoric rise and the challenges she's faced along the way. This is an exclusive look you won't want to miss! Tune in for behind-the-scenes secrets, never-before-heard stories, and all the reasons why we adore Liza Minnelli.

See the world premiere of the documentary at the 2024 Tribeca film festival: https://tribecafilm.com/films/liza-a-truly-terrific-absolutely-true-story-2024

Emmy-nominated filmmaker Bruce David Klein is a force behind some of your favorite documentaries and television shows. Founder of Atlas Media Corp., Klein has directed, written, and produced across various platforms. Whether it's exploring the eccentric world of rock legend Meat Loaf or diving into the high-stakes world of finance with "Icahn: The Restless Billionaire," Klein consistently brings captivating stories to life.

Connect with Bruce

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Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
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Ep332 - Maryann Plunkett: Theatre is Great if You're Shy

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

For Tony Award winner Maryann Plunkett, she will always be a shy person. But thanks to theatre she's learned how to enter a room and own it. Currently playing as Older Allie in the Broadway adaptation of "The Notebook," Maryann delves into her approach to embodying the character, the collaborative process with her co-stars and director, and the importance of observing her fellow actors to create a seamless portrayal of Allie across three different ages. With previous experiences on Broadway, she notes that her last starring role in a Broadway musical was in 1987. She reflects on her decision to return to musicals, and how she resonates with “The Notebook”, seeing her role as a way to honor her mother who lived with dementia and showcase the importance of entering the world of those affected rather than dismissing their experiences. Maryann gets more personal as she talks about her family, how she met her husband on an episode of a television show, and their first kiss… which was actually scripted and caught on film. Growing up shy, she opens up about overcoming her struggles through theatre, and “the power and strength in living one's life in a way that one can be proud of.”

Maryan Plunkett is a celebrated actress and singer who has captivated audiences on both Broadway and the screen for decades. Her career began on the prestigious stages of New York, most notably with her Broadway debut as Sister Agnes in “Agnes of God”, but it was her portrayal of Sally Smith in “Me and My Girl” that truly launched her into the spotlight and earned her a coveted Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical in 1987. She has delivered powerful performances in plays, including but not limited to Arthur Miller's “The Crucible”, “Sunday in the Park with George”, replacing Bernadette Peters, “A Little Hotel on the Side”, “The Master Builder”, and “A Man for All Seasons”. She also spent 12 years doing Richard Nelson's “Rhinebeck Panorama”. Her TV and film credits include “Bull”, “Chicago Med”, “Little Women”, “Blue Valentine”, “Dr. Death”, and “Manifest”. She can now be seen as Older Allie in “The Notebook” on Broadway, which just nabbed her another Tony award nomination.

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Ep331 - David Korins: Don't Do Stupid Things

Fri, 31 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Four time Tony Awards nominee David Korins lets us into his world as he talks about his creative process and the intricacies of set design. He shares insights into his work's detailed and often granular nature, emphasizing the importance of even the smallest elements in creating a believable world for actors and audiences alike. He discusses set design for complex productions like “Beetlejuice”, and how he and director Alex Timbers viewed the house as a character itself, which led to numerous model versions to perfect the design. For “Hamilton”, he recounts starting with imaginative sketches and how the final design emerged through collaboration and feedback. While it might not make sense to the audience at times, David underscores the importance of (unseen) detailed set elements, and how they play an important role in helping actors perform authentically. He reflects on coming up with set designs for different mediums and finding new techniques to make his visions come to life, highlighting the evolving role of technology in set design and using Dear Evan Hansen and “The Who’s Tommy” as examples. With countless visions realized, David reveals that ultimately, he gets his motivation from the desire to help others realize their own.

David Korins is an internationally recognized award-winning creative director and designer responsible for creating 360-degree, fully immersive, holistic experiences for some of the biggest stars, brands, and events worldwide and in theatre and Broadway. He brought to life the environments for smash hits like “Hamilton”, “Dear Evan Hansen”, “Beetlejuice”, and “Mrs. Doubtfire”, among many others. He's worked as a creative director for Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Sia, and Andrea Bocelli to bring their musical visions to the stage. His film and TV experience includes series on HBO, CBS, Bravo, IFC, and PBS. He received the 2016 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special for “Grease: Live”. His scenic designs were seen last season in the play, “Just for Us”, and this season's “Here Lies Love” and “The Who’s Tommy”.

Connect with David:

Instagram: @davidkorins
Twitter: @DavidKorins

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Ep330 - Hannah Cruz: Ultra Competitiveness Led Her to Broadway

Tue, 28 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Thanks to her competitiveness in sports and being a “terrible loser”, Hannah Cruz found her way into performing and theatre. She shares insights into her journey, including going viral on YouTube and getting asked to audition for “Legally Blonde”, and eventually moving to New York. She opens up about the pressures of performing, including the constant self-doubt and anxiety she experiences, her struggles with perfectionism, and the internal battle to find validation in her work. Having played complex characters such as Eliza in “Hamilton”, and Robin in “The Connector”, she sheds light on the emotional depth required to portray them, the research process involved in preparing for these roles, and the personal connections she has forged with her characters. As someone who learned from her co-actors’ tough love, Hannah believes that for musical theatre, you don’t necessarily have to go to school to be the best. Currently making her Broadway debut as Inez Milholland in “SUFFS”, she shares how it differs from pre-Broadway, why silence is essential (and powerful) in a show, and the importance of providing the most truthful performance to the audience.

Hannah Cruz was most recently seen in the off-Broadway production of “The Connector”. Her additional off-Broadway credits include “Only Gold” and “SUFFS”. On tour and regionally, she was seen in “Hamilton”, “Bullets Over Broadway”, “The Da Vinci Code”, and “Young Frankenstein”. She is now making her Broadway debut in the Broadway transfer of “SUFFS”, playing the incomparable Inez Milholland.

Connect with Hannah:

Instagram: @thisishannahcruz
Twitter: @heyhannahcruz

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Ep329 - Brent Comer: Accidentally Discovering A Love for Theatre

Fri, 24 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Brent Comer caught the theater bug by accident in high school when he signed up for musical theatre class instead of a news casting class – and he hasn’t stopped performing since. While it was cut short for a bit during the pandemic, his passion for performing did not waver. He opens up about his struggles as an actor during the lockdown, learning how to do self-tapes, and why it hurt his heart to see a Zoom musical because the whole magic for him was being present. Currently starring as Daryl Curtis in the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” he shares insights into his character, Danya Taymor’s unique audition process, and the broader themes explored in the show. Growing up in a household of predominantly male family members, he reflects on the impact of his upbringing on his portrayal of Daryl, highlighting the character's struggle to communicate and be seen authentically. He reflects on the authenticity of human interactions in contrast to what he terms as "robotic pleasantries", and the importance of experiencing life and connecting with others to fuel artistic creativity.

Brent Comer is an actor previously seen in the “Les Misérables” National Tour and in the La Jolla production of “The Outsiders”. He just made his Broadway debut as Daryl Curtis at the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” which was also recently nominated for 12 Tony Awards.

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Instagram: @_brentcomer_

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Ep328 - Jason Schmidt: My Ego Loves The Outsiders

Tue, 21 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Jason Schmidt and Alan Seales discussed their experiences in music and acting, including the challenges of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Schmidt shared his personal approach to writing music, drawing from his own experiences and emotions, while I emphasized the importance of authenticity and perseverance in the face of hardships. Both speakers highlighted the transformative potential of artistic expression in healing personal struggles. We both shared our experiences as an outsider in various contexts, including high school and a Broadway production of "The Outsiders"'

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IG/TikTok: @jason.s.schmidt

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Ep327 - Justin Levine: Orchestrating Almost Completely by Ear

Fri, 17 May 2024 12:34:00 -0000

A multifaceted talent known for his work as a book writer, composer, and lyricist, Justin Levine delves deep into the creative process behind his works, particularly "The Outsiders" musical adaptation. He draws parallels between his work on that production and his involvement with "Moulin Rouge." He also discusses the balance of honoring the original source material while also infusing the adaptation with a fresh perspective and vision. He shares how the team encourages each other to contribute ideas beyond their traditional roles, emphasizing the collaborative nature of musical theater and describing the process as a relay race. Justin challenges stereotypes about musical theater, arguing that it's a misunderstood art form with deep cultural significance. He highlights the influence of musicals on popular music and culture – as proven when he was asked by Anna Wintour to do the music for the Met Gala to celebrate Broadway coming back. With long credits under his name, he still encourages people to prioritize personal well-being, maintain meaningful relationships, and pursue work that aligns with one's passions above anything else.

Justin Levine is a theater book writer, lyricist, music supervisor, and orchestral arranger with Broadway credits that include “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson”, “Moulin Rouge!”, and “Here Lies Love”. His additional credits include creating original music for Shakespeare in the Park’s “A Midsummer Night's Dream”, arranging vocals for Vevo x Lorde - Melodrama, music directing “Love's Labour's Lost”, music directing “The Robber Bridegroom” at the Roundabout Theatre, and music directing “Murder Ballad” at MTC and Union Square Theatre. He is now the co-book writer, co-lyricist, music supervisor, and orchestral arranger for Broadway’s “The Outsiders”.

Connect with Justin:

Instagram: @justinlevine

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Ep326 - Brody Grant: He's Got Great Expectations

Fri, 10 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

For Brody Grant, his bug for performing all started with his love for Star Wars. He shares insights into his journey from being a shy kid and relating to the original "The Outsiders" book to receiving a Tony nomination for his role as Ponyboy (it’s just destiny!). He reflects on the significance of the book and how it resonated with both him and his mom, one of the most important people in his life. Brody discusses his initial audition experience, feeling uncertain about pursuing acting amidst his focus on music and songwriting. His passion for acting and love for "The Outsiders" persisted, eventually leading to his casting as Soda Pop and later as Ponyboy. Brody highlights the supportive and collaborative environment fostered by their director, Danya Taymor, emphasizing the importance of chosen family and genuine connections among the cast members. He shares moments of vulnerability and bonding during rehearsals, where checking in with one another became a norm, fostering a sense of trust and camaraderie. Nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, he recalls how he found out about it through his mom, and the overwhelming support he got from his family and friends–proving that “if you continue to water the seed of the garden that you're in, you're going to end up with a forest and it's going to be beautiful.”

Brody Grant is a New York-based, multi-hyphenate independent recording artist who has appeared in productions like “Parade” at the New York City Center and “The Outsiders” at La Jolla Playhouse. He just made his Broadway debut in “The Outsiders” as Ponyboy Michael Curtis, which has already nabbed him a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.

Connect with Brody:

Instagram: @brody_grant
TikTok: @brody_grant

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Ep325 - Emma Pittman: The Search for Roxie Leads to The Outsiders

Tue, 07 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Emma Pittman’s been “live, laugh, love-ing” dance ever since she was two years old–at least until she discovered in high school that it’s best partnered with acting. She looks back on her “The Search for Roxie” experience, winning and not being able to tell it to anyone right away, and the show getting postponed because of the pandemic. She shares her journey with the production of “The Outsiders”, including her early connection with the show, having read the book and performed in a play adaptation in high school. Emma describes the unique ensemble-based approach of the play and how it resonated with her. One standout moment she discusses is her audition process for the play, highlighting the personal connection established by director Danya Tamor, who prioritized genuine conversations with the actors during the audition process. Emma opens up about her personal experiences, including her life in high school and the challenge of breaking free from preconceived notions. She also talks about the impact of "The Outsiders" on younger audiences, and the profound effect of the show's raw and visceral scenes, particularly the rumble. In an industry where it’s easy to get boxed into a particular type, Emma imparts advice on embracing one's uniqueness and staying true to oneself wherever you go.

Emma Pittman is a Mississippi native who graduated from New York City's Wagner College. In late 2019, she won “The Search for Roxie”, an online contest to find the next Roxie for “Chicago” on Broadway. After she won, she made her Broadway debut in 2022, replacing Pamela Anderson. Her regional credits include Janet in the drowsy chaperone and Lola in damn Yankees. She's also a teaching artist, a director, and a choreographer. Her choreography credits include “On the 20th Century,” “In the Woods,” and “The Cradle Will Rock”. She was part of the original cast of Broadway’s “Back to the Future,” and is now making audiences cry eight times a week as Cherry Valance in “The Outsiders”, which just received 12 Tony nominations.

Connect with Emma:

Instagram: @emmapittmanofficial
TikTok: @emmapittmanofficial

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Ep324 - Rick & Jeff Kuperman: It Always Starts with the Rumble

Fri, 03 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Rick and Jeff Kuperman talk about their roles as choreographers for the Broadway production of "The Outsiders," diving deep into various aspects of the show's creation, from choreography and staging to its technical elements like sound and lighting. The two share how their collaboration with Danya Taymor began, their non-traditional theatre practices, and the story behind “The Outsiders” choreography, particularly the rumble scene. Apart from theatre and directing, Rick and Jeff share their other interests, such as Jeff's appreciation for Russian literature and Rick's fascination with philosophical introspection. With their success, the two reflect on the role of luck and how things aligned for them, the pride they take in their work, and the collaborative aspect of their job, highlighting the importance of teamwork, creativity, and dedication to storytelling.

Rick and Jeff Kuperman is a directing and choreographing team with many projects that you've seen on stage and screen. Their recent highlights include co-directing and choreographing the immersive show from the producers of “Sleep No More”, choreographing a new musical adaptation of “The Outsiders”, which just opened, and choreographing “Alice by Heart” which won the Lucille Lortel Award, the Chita Rivera Award, and the Callaway Award for Outstanding Choreography. They've also worked on “Cyrano” with Peter Dinklage, Phish at Madison Square Garden, and choreographed the feature film, “Dicks: The Musical”, which you can find streaming online. Other camera work includes “Living With Yourself” with Paul Rudd, and “Silent Retreat”.

Connect with Rick and Jeff:

Website: kupermanbrothers.com
Instagram: @kupermanbrothers

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Ep323 - Danya Taymor: Captaining 'The Outsiders' Ship

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:44:00 -0000

Welcome to the first of many episodes for 'The Outsiders' takeover here on the podcast!

Tony Award Nominee(!) Danya Taymor didn’t know that she was going to stick with theater until she was towards the end of her college career. She’s enjoyed being a director (or the captain of the ship, as they say) since then. She recalls doing plays in Duke and why it was a gift that allowed her to try and fail, and hone her directing style. Currently manning the ship for Broadway’s Tony Award Nominated “The Outsiders”, she discusses her experiences leading up to the opening night of the show, her creative process, and the challenges of bringing a beloved story to the stage. As a director, she emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of the collective health of a project and knowing when to stop working on it. She talks about how the show resonates with the younger audiences, her approach to make the show appealing and relatable to the youth, and the warmup they do every day to cultivate a safe space for the actors and crew. Dayna also looks back on her experience directing "Pass Over," the first Broadway show to reopen after the shutdown due to the pandemic. She describes it as an honor and a divine experience, and how it has been a blessing throughout her career. She shares the collaborative nature of directing, the importance of caring for actors' well-being and feeling their energies, and her belief in the healing power of theater.

Danya Taymor is a New York-based director who reopened Broadway with the play, “Pass Over”. Her other works include the out-of-town production of “The Outsiders”, Samuel Beckett's “Endgame”, Will Arbery's Pulitzer Prize finalist, “Heroes of the Fourth Turning”, “Evanston Salt Costs Climbing”, and Jeremy O'Harris’ “Daddy”. She's the recipient of the Joan Cullman Award for Extraordinary Creativity from Lincoln Center. Her latest credit is the Broadway production of “The Outsiders”, which just opened at the Jacobs Theater.

Connect with Danya:

Website: about.me/danyataymor

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BONUS - 2024 Tony Nominations Recap

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0000

Full list of 2024 nominees here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/theater/tony-awards-nominations.html

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Best Musical

- Hell's Kitchen

- Illinoise

- The Outsiders

- Suffs

- Water for Elephants

Best Play

- Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Author: Jocelyn Bioh

- Mary Jane, Author: Amy Herzog

- Mother Play, Author: Paula Vogel

- Prayer for the French Republic, Author: Joshua Harmon

- Stereophonic, Author: David Adjmi

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

- William Jackson Harper, Uncle Vanya

- Leslie Odom, Jr., Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

- Liev Schreiber, Doubt: A Parable

- Jeremy Strong, An Enemy of the People

- Michael Stuhlbarg, Patriots

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

- Betsy Aidem, Prayer for the French Republic

- Jessica Lange, Mother Play

- Rachel McAdams, Mary Jane

- Sarah Paulson, Appropriate

- Amy Ryan, Doubt: A Parable

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

- Brody Grant, The Outsiders

- Jonathan Groff, Merrily We Roll Along

- Dorian Harewood, The Notebook

- Brian d'Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses

- Eddie Redmayne, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

- Eden Espinosa, Lempicka

- Maleah Joi Moon, Hell's Kitchen

- Kelli O'Hara, Days of Wine and Roses

- Maryann Plunkett, The Notebook

- Gayle Rankin, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

- Will Brill, Stereophonic

- Eli Gelb, Stereophonic

- Jim Parsons, Mother Play

- Tom Pecinka, Stereophonic

- Corey Stoll, Appropriate

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

- Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Doubt: A Parable

- Juliana Canfield, Stereophonic

- Celia Keenan-Bolger, Mother Play

- Sarah Pidgeon, Stereophonic

- Kara Young, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

- Roger Bart, Back To The Future: The Musical

- Joshua Boone, The Outsiders

- Brandon Victor Dixon, Hell's Kitchen

- Sky Lakota-Lynch, The Outsiders

- Daniel Radcliffe, Merrily We Roll Along

- Steven Skybell, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

- Shoshana Bean, Hell's Kitchen

- Amber Iman, Lempicka

- Nikki M. James, Suffs

- Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Monty Python's Spamalot

- Kecia Lewis, Hell's Kitchen

- Lindsay Mendez, Merrily We Roll Along

- Bebe Neuwirth, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

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Ep322 - Jayne Atkinson: STILL Craving Human Connection

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Jayne Atkinson believes she has this kind of magic superpower of getting what she wants if she puts her attention to it, and she’s got a long list of credits to prove just that. She looks back on her childhood and having an English sensibility (and sense of humor) even though she grew up in America. She credits her high school drama teacher as the one who gave her the foundation of her work, and thinks fellow classmate Michael Greif is her “theatre angel”. Jayne talks about her latest play, "Still," which she stars in alongside her old friend Tim Daly. She shares the story of what made her say yes to the play after receiving the script from Will Rucker, and the show’s themes of love, connection, and the importance of listening to each other. Jayne gets real as she reflects on the impact of technology on human connection, why she thinks “the SAG strike didn’t hit some of the issues it needed to hit”, and the significance of live theater, especially today. With a successful acting career and so many credits under her name, she shares her personal motivations, advising aspirants to prioritize self-care and enjoyment in auditions.

Jayne Atkinson is a British American actress who's graced everything from Broadway's grand stages to popular television shows. You might recognize her from her Emmy-nominated role as Karen Hayes on “24” or her powerful performances in “House of Cards” and “Criminal Minds”. Her accolades extend far beyond the screen, including Tony Award nominations for her captivating theater work in the 2000 production of “The Rainmaker” and the 2003 production of “Enchanted April”. Her other TV and film credits include “Parenthood”, “A Year in the Life”, “Gossip Girl”, “Madam Secretary”, and “Death and Other Details”. Jayne is also a three-time Drama Desk Award nominee. She was last seen on stage starring alongside Angela Lansbury in “Blithe Spirit”, and can now be seen in the off-Broadway production of “Still” at the DR2 Theater.

Connect with Jayne:

Instagram: @jayneatkinsonofficial

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Ep321 - Isabelle "Izzy" McCalla: Diving Deep Into the Water (for Elephants)

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:39:44 -0000

A lot has changed since Izzy McCalla first appeared in episode 38 back in 2019 and she’s more than happy to share the latest news in her journey – from her early roles to now playing Marlena in "Water for Elephants." She reflects on how each role built her confidence and prepared her for new challenges, her tendency to gravitate towards ensemble pieces, and her ability to go back and forth between the comedic and dramatic genres. Izzy opens up about the challenges of replacing actors in established shows, the pressure of delivering in front of audiences, and the process of finding inner peace and self-acceptance. She shares an important lesson on being funny on stage, and that nothing kills comedy faster than hesitation and anxiety. Currently playing as Marlena in “Water for Elephants,” she talks about the character’s complexities, and her evolving perspective on love, relationships, and self-worth. She also discusses her Haitian heritage and its personal connection to her role, sharing her family's history and how they immigrated to Haiti with the Danish circus. Izzy gets real as she opens up about vulnerability, self-discovery, her tendency to fix others, and the importance of setting boundaries while maintaining empathy as she navigates emotional growth.

Izzy McCalla first appeared in episode 38 back in 2019 and our special 150th Pride episode in June of 2021. Since then, she has added more credits, including the Paper Mill Playhouse production of “Clue” and “Hercules”, and “Footloose” at the Kennedy Center, and was part of the closing cast of "Shucked" earlier this year. She’s currently part of the recently opened production of “Water for Elephants” as Marlena.

Connect with Izzy:

Instagram: @izzymccalla

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Ep320 - Andrew Samonsky: RIP Jerry Garcia

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:56:08 -0000

Andrew Samonsky believes that Jerry Garcia’s death (yes that Jerry Garcia) may have instigated his performance career in some way. From being a “deadhead” to becoming a Broadway actor, Andrew opens up about his years of following the Grateful Dead and dealing with drug problems that led him to go to rehab. Lost and feeling helpless, he decided to pray to help find his path. He soon received a letter from his old voice teacher encouraging him to pursue a career in singing, and the rest is history. He looks back on his childhood, his love for singing despite being a shy kid, and how, ultimately, theatre and its community are what saved him during his troubled years. Currently playing as Tadeusz Lempicki in “Lempicka”, Andrew shares the story behind his cosmic connection to the show, which goes all the way back to 22 years ago and a random interaction with the Peace Corps. He discusses the challenges and joys of originating a role, the importance of trust and collaboration between actors and creative teams, and the feeling of gratitude for the opportunity to bring characters to life and how it can impact audiences.

Andrew Samonsky made his Broadway debut in the 2008 production of “South Pacific” and has additional Broadway credits, including “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, and “Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson”. His TV credits include “Madam Secretary”, “It Could Be Worse”, and “Elementary”. He can now be seen as Tadeusz Lempicki in the Broadway production of “Lempicka”.

Connect with Andrew:

Instagram: @asamonsky

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Ep319 - Ryan Vasquez: Hamilton is "Paid Therapy"

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Ryan Vasquez looks back on his career journey, including living with French acrobats in a seven-bedroom house while doing a show, and eventually booking Hamilton. Playing as many characters as he has in Hamilton was to him just “paid therapy”. Having passed up competing offers to star in Water for Elephants and The Outsiders, he is now starring as Middle Noah in "The Notebook", Ryan opens up about why he chose to be part of the show–believing in its impact and just how it personally hits him hard. He reflects on the various aspects of the show, from having diverse couples portray the different stages of Noah and Allie's relationship to witnessing the audience cry and experience deep emotions during performances. He also discusses the misconception that the show is purely about sadness, noting that it touches on a range of emotions like joy and self-actualization. Ryan also talks about her chemistry with his co-star Joy Woods and how much real life fun they have performing together. Aware that he's stepping into an iconic role, he reveals that he doesn't feel pressured but instead focuses more on the importance of bringing his own authenticity to the character. After all, it’s what motivates him: bringing his “authentic-isms” and self to the world.

Ryan Vasquez can probably reenact all of Hamilton on his own having played multiple roles in the ensemble, including Philip Schuyler, Reynolds, Hercules Mulligan, James Madison, George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, and ultimately, the title role of Hamilton himself. He has been in “Wicked” as Fiyero and other roles, and in Broadway's production of “Waitress”. He can be seen on both the big and little screens in “The Good Fight”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Tick, Tick... Boom!”, and “In the Heights”. He can now be seen as Middle Noah in the Broadway cast of “The Notebook”.

Connect with Ryan:

Website: www.ryanvasqueznyc.com
Instagram: @itsryanvasquez

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Listen Now - Singular Sensation: The Podcast

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:03:00 -0000

Join us for an extraordinary deep dive inside the most transformative decade on Broadway through gripping behind-the-scenes accounts of shows such as Sunset Boulevard, Rent, Angels in America, Chicago, The Lion King, and The Producers - shows that changed the history of the American theater. Host Michael Riedel, author of the best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway, has created a companion podcast featuring his never-before-heard, taped audio interviews with legendary artists from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Patti LuPone, and so many more.

Michael presents the drama behind the decade’s mega-hits and shocking flops, bringing readers into high-stakes premieres, fraught rehearsals, tough contract negotiations, intense Tony Award battles, and more. From the bitter feuds to the surprising collaborations, all the intrigue of a revolutionary era in the Theater District is packed into Singular Sensation. Broadway has triumphs and disasters, but the show always goes on.

Enjoy Singular Sensation: The Podcast everywhere you get your podcasts or use http://bpn.fm/singularsensation to listen and learn more, and be sure to get the book here: https://amzn.to/4cNdfO3.

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Ep318 - Joy Woods: Opening 'The Notebook' on Broadway

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

You don't have as much time as you think you do, so you better be prepared. At least that’s how Joy Woods lives her life. She shares how she caught the acting bug, starting as a dancer but eventually fell in love with theatre and acting. She looks back on her time in “Little Shop of Horrors”, her audition process in “SIX The Musical” and the sisterhood among cast members. She moved around during the pandemic, “broke, alone and free”, realizing that part of her needed that freedom to grow. Now starring as Middle Allie in Broadway’s “The Notebook”, Joy talks about the different aspects of the show, including the depth of its characters, and the unique experience of performing in a production that resonates deeply with audiences while also invoking intense feelings of nostalgia. She reflects on her personal connection to her character, and the things she’s learned about herself in the process.

Joy Woods made her Broadway debut in 2022, taking over the role of Catherine Parr in “Six The Musical”. She was part of the ongoing hit production of the off-broadway production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” returning to play the role of Audrey in 2023 after originating the role of Chiffon in the original 2019 revival cast. Her additional credits include the 2020 production of “Mac & Mabel” at City Center on Chorus!, the viral “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical”, and a 2023 production of “I Can Get It For You Wholesale” off-Broadway, and a 2023 production of “Dreamgirls,” which took place at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. She has just opened “The Notebook” on Broadway as Middle Allie.

Connect with Joy:

Instagram: @joynwoods
TikTok: @joynwoods

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Ep317 - Cayleigh Capaldi: Perfectionism is the Enemy of Creation

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Cayleigh Capaldi may have the perfect pitch, but she’s not letting perfectionism get in the way of finding who she is as an individual and as a performer. She delves into her background, growing up surrounded by artists, and how it helped her embrace her talents. She also reflects on her role in “Titanique”, the challenges and joys of portraying Celine Dion, including incorporating her own style while honoring the character's legacy, and how the show helped her grow as a performer. Now part of “Figaro: An Original Musical”, she shares her involvement in the musical and the collaborative process behind recording the album. Cayleigh candidly shares her unique vocal abilities, and what actually happens to her throat muscles when she does a whistle tone. Having millions of views and thousands of followers on her social media, she talks about how it all started during the pandemic, and how she eventually found and established her niche–giving her a new and different avenue to be creative and express herself.

Cayleigh Capaldi is an actress and singer whose performance career started at the age of three and was recording professional vocals by the age of seven. She had her undergraduate studies in music and East Asian studies at Columbia University and trained in acting and performance at New York University Tisch School of the Arts, AMDA, and AADA. She hosted the “Discovery Channel Europe and China's Hangzhou Global Tour”, and has a massive following on social media where she's known for her incredible riff challenges, harmonies, whistle-tone videos, and perfect pitch videos. Her stage credits include “Tatanique”, “Frozen”, “Macbeth”, “Into the Woods”, and “Little Women” among others. Cayleigh can now be heard leading a brand new world premiere cast recording called “Figaro: An Original Musical”.

In addition to her film, TV, and theater credits, Cayleigh has amassed an impressive social media following of over 275K followers. Her fanbase has grown primarily on TikTok, where she has gained over 7 million total likes, 80 million views, and countless viral videos. She is best known for her riff challenges, harmonies, covers, and her musical theater & lifestyle content.

Connect with Cayleigh:

Website: www.cayleighcapaldi.com
Instagram: @cayleigh.capaldi
TikTok: @cayleigh.capaldi
Learn more about Figaro: An Original Musical: https://www.figaromusical.com/

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Ep316 - John Tartaglia: How Jim Henson Started It All

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

John Tartaglia believes everything happens for a reason, and his career trajectory is a testament to this. He lets us into the world of puppetry and theatre as he shares his experiences, and how he got started in pursuing his “dual dream” of becoming a successful puppeteer and performing on Broadway. He talks about the influence of Jim Henson in his career, how devastated he was when Jim died, and how one earnest letter he sent Jim when he was eight years old led to working for “Sesame Street” as a puppeteer at the age of 16. He reflects on the profound impact of puppetry on audiences, recalling heartwarming moments from doing shows. He also talks about the process of creating characters for shows like “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock”, and finding the balance between practical puppetry and CGI. John offers advice to young puppeteers and performers, encouraging them to trust their passion, ignore naysayers, and being as certain in your dreams as possible.

John Tartaglia is an Emmy and Tony award nominated actor who began his professional career at age 16 as a puppeteer for “Sesame Street”. His Broadway debut in “Avenue Q” earned him a Tony nomination for originating the dual roles of Princeton and Rod. His other Broadway credits include Lumière in “Beauty and the Beast” and originating Pinocchio and the Magic Mirror in “Shrek The Musical” on Broadway. He has received eight Emmy Award nominations for “Johnny and the Sprites” on Disney Junior, a show that he created, executive produced, and starred in. John is also an executive producer, director, writer, and radio personality. He most recently wrapped filming season two of “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock”, and this time he is also the creative supervisor for the whole series.

Connect with John:

Website: www.johntartagliaproductions.com
Instagram: @johnnytartags
Facebook: @John-Tartaglia
Cameo: www.cameo.com/johnnytartags/book

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Ep315 - Cecily Strong & Andrea Syglowski: Airing Out Their "Brooklyn Laundry"

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Powerhouse actors Cecily Strong and Andrea Syglowski provide insights into their acting careers, and how they navigated life’s complexities throughout their journey. The two talk about the show they currently co-star in,“Brooklyn Laundry”, their admiration for playwright John Patrick Shanley, and the play’s portrayal of women. Cecily opens up about how she relates to the play’s themes, reflecting on her own experiences of loss and self-discovery, particularly the loss of her cousin to brain cancer and the impact it had on her outlook on life and love. This loss inspired her to write her memoir, "This Will All Be Over Soon". She recalls her time on SNL, and what made her shift from comedy to “serious acting”. Andrea shares her love for teaching acting, how she deals with uncertainties. Both recall their motivations for pursuing careers in the theater, highlighting the joy of storytelling and the opportunity to connect with audiences, and perseverance.

Andrea Syglowski is an actress who was last seen in “DIG” at Primary Stages. Her additional stage credits include Broadway's “Passover”, off-Broadway’s “Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven” and “queens”. Her TV credits include “Evil”, “New Amsterdam”, “Blue Bloods”, “Elementary”, “The Good Wife”, and “How to Get Away with Murder”.

Cecily Strong is best known for her work as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2012 to 2022, which garnered her multiple Emmy Award nominations. She was most recently seen on Apple TV's hit musical series, “Schmigadoon!”, in addition to film credits that include “The Female Brain”, the recent “Ghostbusters” reboot, as well as Melissa McCarthy's “The Boss”, “The Bronze”, and “The Meddler”. She made her New York stage debut in 2021 and hasn't looked back since.

Together, Andrea and Cecily are 50% of the four-member cast of “Brooklyn Laundry”, a world premiere play written by Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, John Patrick Shanley.

Connect with Cecily and Andrea:

Instagram: @justcaseylikes
Twitter: @justcaseylikes
TikTok: @justcaseylikes

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Ep314 - Schele Williams: Encouraging Everyone to Stay Weird

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Schele Williams has never been afraid to immerse herself in the thing that she loves in order to achieve what she wants. She reflects on her journey, the motivations and support from her family, and the significance of storytelling in her life, which has led her to where she is today. She shares how she chooses which projects to work on, given her busy schedule, her creative process, and making sure to foster a sense of involvement and connection with her children in whatever she does. She also emphasizes the importance of building relationships throughout her career and creating a supportive network. While she’s accomplished so many things already, Schele opens up about dealing with imposter syndrome, particularly when transitioning to new roles, and how she overcame it. Currently co-directing “The Notebook”, Schele explains the conscious choice to diversify the casting in the show, which aims to make the story more inclusive and relatable to a broader audience. We also dive into her excitement about directing “The Wiz”, its impactful storytelling, how it celebrates blackness, friendship, and courage, and the joy of seeing children in the audience.

Schele Williams is a Broadway director who was originally pursuing her dreams of playing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra as a teenager. She eventually became an actor with credits, including both “RENT” and “Aida” on Broadway, leading her to become dance captain for “RENT” on Broadway and an associate choreographer for the tour. She uncovered her true calling to being a director. She associate-directed “Motown the Musical” on Broadway, and is currently working on a stage adaptation of “Hidden Figures”. She is also co-directing “The Notebook” alongside Michael Greif, which just opened on Broadway, and is also solo directing the incoming extremely highly-anticipated production of “The Wiz”, scheduled to open on April 17th at the Marquis Theater–the first black woman to direct a Broadway musical in over 50 years.

Connect with Schele:

Website: schelewilliams.com
Instagram: @schelewilliams

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Ep313 - Ali Louis Bourzgui: Finding His Happy Place on Stage

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Ali became enamored by the idea of performing since he was a kid as a way to study the human condition. He looks back on his multicultural upbringing that blends American and Moroccan influences, and his journey into acting and performing, revealing his passion for storytelling. Despite growing up surrounded by artists, he opens up feeling alone at one point when his dad wasn’t fully on board with his dream of pursuing an acting career yet. Playing the lead role in the production of “The Who’s Tommy”, Ali shares his involvement in the show, highlighting his deep dive into the music and ethos of The Who for his role. He also talks about the cathartic nature of performing and the immersive experience of being on stage, as well as its unique format, which eliminates applause during the show to maintain uninterrupted storytelling and for the audience to fully immerse themselves into the story.

Ali Louis Bourzgui is one of the industry's newest rising stars who truly embraces what makes him unique. He recently just finished the first national tour of “Company 1st”. He was previously in the national tour of “The Band’s Visit” and originated the role of young amazing Yosef in The Goodman’s World Premiere play, “Layalina”. Apart from that, he’s also an accomplished voiceover artist. You can hear him in the popular podcast, “Quiet Part Loud”, produced by Jordan Peele. He is also a jazz artist, a guitar player, and a songwriter, and you can soon catch him making his Broadway debut in the lead role of Tommy in the upcoming production of “The Who's Tommy”.

Connect with Ali:

Website: www.alilouisbourzgui.com
Instagram: @ali.louis

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Bonus - 'The Outsiders' Press Junket with Cast and Creatives

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 03:32:00 -0000

Exclusive interviews from inside the 'The Outsiders' rehearsal room on a special, invite-only press junket. Watch the behind the scenes video here: https://www.instagram.com/theatre_podcast/reel/C4mRRe6uoYG/

Hear from:

Brody Grant (Ponyboy Curtis)
Sky Lakota-Lynch (Johnny Cade)
Joshua Boone (Dallas Winston)
Brent Comer (Darrel Curtis)
Jason Schmidt (Sodapop Curtis)
Emma Pittman (Cherry Vallance)
Daryl Tofa (Two-Bit Matthews)
Kevin William Paul (Bob Sheldon)
Dan Berry (Paul Holden)
Tilly Evans-Krueger (Ace, Associate Choreographer)
Danya Taymor (Director)
Adam Rapp (Book)
Justin Levine (Book, Score)
Zach Chance (Score)
Jonathan Clay (Score)
Jeff & Rick Kuperman (Choreography)

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Ep312 - Marc Summers: Telling His Life and Slimes

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Marc Summers believes that if he didn’t have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), he wouldn’t be where he is today. He looks back into the humble beginnings of his diverse career, his struggles with severe OCD, battles with cancer, and his resilience that ultimately defined his career journey. Marc highlights the unique aspects of “Double Dare”, how he landed the job, and his creative input in the physical challenges and the show's distinctive nose that’s supposedly modeled after his own. His off-Broadway show, “The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers” written by Alex Brightman and featuring music by Drew Gasparini, showcases his life, including the various challenges he faced throughout, from a car crash where he broke every bone in his face to the stigma of having obsessive-compulsive disorder on his career. It also touched on his early career as a magician and comedian, his experiences at the Comedy Store alongside legends like Dave Letterman and Robin Williams, and the supportive role his wife played in his life and career for over 50 years. He discusses the show's exploration of overcoming obstacles and the theme of perseverance–traits that Marc takes pride in.

Director Chad Rabinovitz and composer Drew Gasparini talk about their collaboration on "The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers", including the creative process and thematic elements behind bringing the show to fruition. Chad reminisces about his childhood admiration for Marc, his dream of participating in "Double Dare", and the journey from being a fan to collaborating with Marc, Drew, and Alex Brightman in creating and directing the show. Drew shares how a summer stock production of "Grease" brought him and Marc together, the immersive nature of the production, intertwining the nostalgic elements of "Double Dare" with heartfelt storytelling about Marc's life, and his unique perspective as the composer of the show.

Marc Summers is a TV personality, comedian, game show host, producer, and talk show host known from the original “Double Dare” game show on Nickelodeon, and as the host of “Unwrapped” on the Food Network. He was the executive producer for Food Network's “Dinner: Impossible” and “Restaurant: Impossible’, and now he has an off-Broadway, almost one-man show called “The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers” written by Alex Brightman, and with music by Drew Gasparini.

Connect with Marc Summers:

Instagram: @realmarcsummers
Instagram: @drewgasparini

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Ep311 - Scott Bakula: (Quantum) Leaping Onto the Broadway Stage

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000

A globally renowned actor known for his iconic roles in shows like "Quantum Leap", “Star Trek: Enterprise” and "NCIS: New Orleans," Scott Bakula looks back on his fruitful and diverse career, including his time as Dr. Sam Beckett (Becket?), and some interesting behind-the-scenes details including whether or not that final end screen of the series actually has a typo! With so many changes that occurred post-pandemic, he shares his thoughts on doing self-tapes for auditions, why he thinks it’s become an empty experience, and why it can be limiting and isolating. He talks about his current role in the new Jason Robert Brown musical “The Connector”, his view on journalism after doing the show, and the reason behind their incredibly designed double-raked stage. With his family and the joy of connecting with people as his driving forces, Scott advocates theater as a foundational learning ground for aspiring actors.

Scott Bakula is an actor who commanded the leading role of Dr. Sam Beckett in “Quantum Leap” from 1989 to 1993 and has earned him a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy Nominations. His other TV and film credits include “Star Trek: Enterprise” where played Captain Jonathan Archer, “American Beauty”, “Necessary Roughness”, “Murphy Brown”, and Ray Romano's “Men of a Certain Age”. Aside from lending his voice to animated series such as “American Dad”, “The Simpsons”, and “Archer”, he also has a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the 1988 Broadway production of “Romance/Romance”. His additional stage credits include “Is There Life After High School” in 1982, “Marilyn” in 1983, and “Three Guys Naked from the Waste Down” in 1985 for which he received a Drama Desk Award nomination. Apart from acting, he’s now showing off his dancing and singing skills eight times a week as Conrad O'Brien in “The Connector”, extended through March 17th at MCC Theater in New York.

Connect with Scott:

Instagram: @scottbakula

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Ep310 - Camille A. Brown: Finding a Voice Through Dance

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

A renowned choreographer, director, and educator, Camille A. Brown gives us a rundown of her artistic journey and the challenges and triumphs she faced in the world of dance and theatre. She looks back on her early experiences and influences, particularly her introduction to dance through her mother. From concert dance to musical theatre, she reveals how she got the courage to pursue her passion despite facing skepticism and stereotypes as a black female choreographer in a field dominated by males, including reaching out to mentors like Diane McIntyre and Marlee Ciorri for guidance. Camille’s Broadway directorial debut with “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow Is enuf” was a success, earning her Tony nominations for Best Direction and Best Choreography. She shares her emotional journey working on a beloved work and the value of staying true to your artistic vision. Her latest project, "Hell's Kitchen: The Musical" opens up new challenges and opportunities for Camille, such as her approach to the choreography and working with Alicia Keys' music. With her continuous success, she imparts simple but valuable advice to aspiring artists: to believe in the possibility of all things.

Camille A. Brown is a widely acclaimed choreographer, director, educator, and storyteller. She has a total of 62 award honors to her credit so far, including three Tony Award nominations. Her 2016 TED-Ed talk, “Camille A. Brown: A Visual History of Social Dance in 25 Moves” was chosen as one of the most notable talks of the year by TED curator Chris Anderson. Her Broadway credits include “A Streetcar Named Desire”, “Once On This Island”, “Choir Boy”, “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf”, and now, the upcoming production of “Hell's Kitchen: The Musical”.

Connect with Camille:

Website: www.camilleabrown.org
Instagram: @camilleabrown
Facebook: @camilleabrownanddancers

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Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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Ep309 - Anoushka Lucas: Accidentally Intentional

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

With Anoushka Lucas’ talent and success as a songwriter, it may come as a surprise for some that she initially had no interest at all in working in theatre. Just like in most of her endeavors, she fell into it. She expands on this as shares her journey, revealing her initial passive disposition, which contrasts with her willingness to embrace diverse experiences–the duality of man, as they say. From playing the piano and writing songs at an early age, Anoushka talks about her upbringing, writing songs from the point of view of the characters on TV, and how the piano became her sanctuary. She reflects on failure and her aversion to it, and the heartbreak and acceptance that her initial plan of becoming a pop star and securing a record deal isn’t going to happen. Despite the initial struggle, she recognizes the value of the experience, emphasizing the usefulness of failure in shaping her life positively, proving that tenacity goes a long way.

Anoushka Lucas is a singer, songwriter, musical theatre composer, and actor who has starred in West End productions, including “Oklahoma!” and “Jesus Christ Superstar”. She began composing music at the age of 14 and has a degree in Russian and Italian from Oxford University. She has been nominated for an Olivier award, an Evening Standard Theatre Award, and a Black British Theatre Award. She was the recipient of the Best Writer award in the 2023 stage debut awards. Among other films. You can also see her in “Murder on the Orient Express” and starting on the 21st of February, she can be heard in a brand new original musical podcast called “U.Me: The Complete Musical”.

Connect with Anoushka:

Website:www.anoushkalucas.com
Instagram: @anoushkalucasmusic
Listen to U.Me: The Complete Musical

Connect with Heather Vickery and the Was it Chance podcast:

Slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance
More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
More about Was It Chance using bpn.fm/wasitchance

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Ep308 - John Lavelle & Haskell King: Your Everyday Russian Trolls

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

From cults and documentaries to their deeply thought out character motivations, actors John Lavelle and Haskell King look back on their theatre journey. The two share their background, doing productions when they were younger, and what eventually made them pursue acting as a career. Currently starring in "Russian Troll Farm: A Workplace Comedy", they talk about how they got involved with the show, hitting it off on the first meeting, and the allure of cults and how people get drawn into them. With the show being as relatable as ever today, they reflect on how it changed their relationship with social media, how they interact with it, and the complexity of playing as bad guys. John and Haskell also impart some advice to aspiring actors and their motivations, including the desire to be seen and connect with others and become a better person for one’s family.

Haskell King has performed all over the Off-Broadway and regional stages such as the Irish Repertory Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and the Abingdon Theatre. His TV and film credits include “Dear Edward”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, “As the World Turns”, “The Fly Room”, and “Shadow & Lies”. John Lavelle has been on Broadway in “The Graduate”, and off-Broadway stages including La Jolla Playhouse, The Shakespeare Center LA, and The Old Globe. His TV and film credits include “Selma”, “Frozen”, “Wreck-It Ralph”, “Zootopia”, “The Taking of Pelham 123”, “Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts”, and “Grace and Frankie” among many others.

They are both part of the stellar cast of the off-Broadway production of “Russian Troll Farm”, an office comedy, at the Vineyard Theater in New York City. More info and tix here: https://vineyardtheatre.org/shows/russian-troll-farm/

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

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Ep307 - Jai Rodriguez: 'Culture Vulture' in the Original Queer Eye Fab Five

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Among all the things Jai Rodriguez knows how to do well, not punching down is at the top of the list . Sharing his journey from going to Broadway to landing a role in the groundbreaking TV series, “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy”, his grit and talent took the stage by storm, playing in shows like “Rent” and “The Producers”. He shares how he got started by going to his first audition at the age of 12 – a funny but inspiring anecdote on why you shouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer easily. Jai also recounts his “Queer Eye” audition, the success of the show, and the overwhelming response they received early on. Despite the external glamor, Jai reveals his financial struggles during the press tours. He also gets real as he talks about a pivotal moment in his career during a meeting with agents, and how he was told that he may not be castable due to his identity – an untrue trope that stayed with him throughout a lot of his career. While it may have affected him deeply, Jai did not let it stop him from taking up space in the industry by rephrasing “you can’t do it” as “it’s just never been done before”.

Jai Rodriguez is an actor and musician best known for his role in the original Fab Five 'Culture Vulture' in the award-winning show “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy”. He had his Broadway debut at the age of 18 when he was cast as Angel in the critically-acclaimed musical, “Rent”. His other credits include the long-running musical, “The Producers”, “Zanna, Don’t!”, and an off-Broadway hit, “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man”. He has a web series, “The Horizon”, which is the most-watched LGBTQ web series in the world.

Connect with Jai:

Website: linktr.ee/jairodriguez
Instagram: @jairodriguez
TikTok: @jairodriguezworld

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More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
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Ep306 - Melissa Errico: Paying Tribute to Sondheim

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

A multifaceted artist, Melissa Errico talks about her career, including her album "Sondheim In The City," her latest project which pays tribute to the legendary Stephen Sondheim. Melissa also reveals the reason behind her Instagram username, what it’s like raising kids in a “tough city”, and how theatre became her place to organize her emotions. Living in New York, she’s developed a deep connection with the city, which also reflects on her exploration of Sondheim's profound relationship with Manhattan–emphasizing the importance of preserving its vibrant and pluralistic spirit. With an upcoming residency at Birdland, Melissa shares her plans to combine Sondheim, jazz, and film noir elements, creating a unique and immersive experience for the audience.

Melissa Errico is a Tony Award nominated actress who made her Broadway debut in the 1992 production of “Anna Karenina”. She's since added a bazillion more credits to her resume, including “My Fair Lady”, “Amour”, “High Society”, and “Dracula, The Musical”. Her TV and film credits include the 1995 TV series, “C.P.W.”, “Law & Order”, “Blue Bloods”, “The Good Wife”, “The Jim Gaffigan Show”, “The Knick”, and “Billions” among many others. She's also a writer and a recording artist and was a frequent collaborator with the late great Stephen Sondheim for decades. Her 2018 album, “Sondheim Sublime”, was called “The best all-Sondheim album ever recorded” by the New York Times. She now has a new album dropping on February 16th called “Sondheim in the City”.

Connect with Melissa:

Website: melissaerrico.com
Instagram: @melissa_errico_fairymom
TikTok: @melissa_errico_fairymom
Melissa Errico and Billy Stritch: "BABY ITS WOKE OUTSIDE" by Adam Gopnik
Listen to Sondheim in the City: found.ee/SondheimInTheCity

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Ep305 - Ariana Madix: Roxiepump Rules

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

From growing up a self-proclaimed overachiever to her recent success in “Dancing with the Stars”, Ariana Madix remains unstoppable as she makes her Broadway debut in an eight-week run as Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of “Chicago”. She reflects on her childhood, what got her into performing and theatre, and the shows she drew inspiration from. She also looks back into her early career, including moving to New York as a theater major after college, and the realities of the industry that led her to move to Los Angeles. As she returns to New York for her Broadway debut in “Chicago”, she talks about her role and the preparations she’s doing for the show and imparts an important piece of advice for aspiring actors: “Get in line. Never get out of line because one day your number will be called.”

Ariana Madix is a TV personality, actress, model, and author who’s known for being a cast member on the Bravo reality TV series, “Vanderpump Rules”, and was one of Variety's 40 Most Powerful Women on Reality TV. She just finished in the top three in the latest season of “Dancing with the Stars”, and has a book out called “Single AF Cocktails”. Starting January 29th, 2024, she's making her Broadway debut in an eight-week run of “Chicago” as Roxie Hart.

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Instagram: @arianamadix
TikTok: @arianamadix
Book: Single AF Cocktails: Drinks for Bad B*tches by Ariana Madix

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Ep304 - Alexandra Silber: Developing an Exit Practice

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:18:00 -0000

An accomplished actress, singer, author, and educator, Alexandra Silber delves into her extensive career as she shares her origin story, revealing that her early influences, particularly her deep connection to literature and theater, emerged from the challenges of her father's illness when she was a child. Believing in the transformative power of storytelling, it became her sanctuary to explore profound questions about life and death, including reading (listening to, and watching) “The Secret Garden” and how it impacted her life. She opens up about her GI battles, her father’s death, and dealing with grief through acting. Currently starring in the limited off-Broadway run of "Our Class", Alexandra explores the unique chemistry and connection formed between actors on stage, its significance in creating authentic performances, and why having a community with your co-actors is necessary. She also talks about the unique “exit practices” in their production, her perspective on being a multidimensional artist–underscoring the importance of exploring different creative outlets, especially for aspiring artists.

Alexandra Silber is a Grammy nominated artist who has performed roles on Broadway, the West End and on TV and film, and many concert stages. She had her Broadway debut in 2011 in the production of “Master Class”. She also starred as Tzeitel in the 2015 revival of “Fiddler on the Roof", and on the West End, she created the role of Laura Fairlie in “The Woman in White”, played Hodel in the 2007 production of “Fiddler on the Roof", and was Julie Jordan in “Carousel”. She's also an author, with "After Anatevka” as her debut novel, and her memoir "White Hot Grief Parade". She’s currently starring in the limited off-Broadway run of “Our Class”.

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Website: alexandrasilber.squarespace.com
Instagram: @alsilbs

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Ep303 - Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer: She's a Vintage Porsche

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

It's always better the second time around! Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer returns to the podcast to talk about her life and career post-pandemic back on her time in “Beetlejuice”, the show closing during the pandemic, and everything that went down in between. Currently starring in “Spamalot”, she takes pride in the exceptional ensemble dynamics in the show and shares how she’s approaching her role as The Lady of the Lake. She also provides an insider's perspective on the decision-making process behind a potentially controversial number in the show and the cast's collective discussion and commitment to presenting the performance in the spirit of joy and celebration. Leslie shares her insights into the role of theater both as a means of escapism and a space for reflection, as well as the audience's right to interpret and experience the show in their own way. She reflects on the vocal challenges of her role and gets real as she opens up about going through vocal injuries, and learning the importance of knowing your limits and “maintaining your vintage Porsche [body]”.

Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer made her Broadway debut in “Hairspray” in 2004, followed by a string of amazing roles in “Legally Blonde”, “A Catered Affair”, “Elf”, and “Something Rotten”. She’s also starred in TV shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Bridge and Tunnel”, “New Amsterdam”, and “The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal” among others. Leslie is now tearing up the stage as the Lady of the Lake in the Broadway revival of “Spamalot”.

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Instagram: @lesliekritzer
Twitter: @LeslieKritzer
Tiktok: @leslierodriguezkritzer

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Ep302 - Ellen Adair: Rosalind is My Gender Identity

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

An actor, writer, and Shakespeare enthusiast, Ellen Adair shares their journey into acting and the profound impact it has had on their life. From their early fascination with Shakespeare to experiences in various productions, they emphasize the importance of connection in their work and the collaborative aspect that comes with it. They find joy in interacting with fellow actors, exploring characters, and being present in the moment. Ellen also delves into the challenges artists face, highlighting the necessity of mental equilibrium for navigating the unpredictable nature of the industry. Starring in the 2023 horror movie “Herd”, they reflect on the message of the movie and how it reflects our society today. Ellen shares personal anecdotes, from their aversion for anything with tentacles to growing up with no TV. They get personal as they talk about gender identity, the joy of being an actor, and connection as a form of motivation.

Ellen Adair is a star of stage and screen with TV credits that include “Bull”, “The Good Fight”, “Billions”, “The Sinner”, “Homeland”, and “Nurse Jackie” among many others. Her stage credits include off-Broadway and Regional Productions of “Sleep No More”, “Romeo and Hamlet”, “As You Like It”, “The Importance of Being Earnest”, “A Doll's House”, “Macbeth”, “Taming of the Shrew”, and “The Merchant of Venice”, among many more other credits. You can now watch Ellen in the lead role of Jamie Miller in a new horror film called “Herd”.

Connect with Ellen:

Website: www.ellenadair.com
Instagram: @ellenadairg
Twitter: @ellen_adair
TikTok: @ellen.adair

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Ep301 - 2023 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Diana Salameh

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Can we call it a tradition now? Diana Salameh, Vice President of Brand Integration at Serino Coyne, once again co-hosts the final episode of the year. Serino Coyne is the nation's longest-running theatrical advertising agency, so as always Diana brings some fun insider insight to how this strange business of show actually goes down.

What was your favorite show of 2023? What are you most looking forward to seeing in 2024? Tag me in your stories and let me know!

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Instagram: @_dianasalameh
Twitter: @_dianasalameh

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Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep300 - Stephanie J. Block: Rejection is Protection

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

For Stephanie, she was either going to be a nun or a musical theatre actress. She elaborates on this as she looks back on her early days and her influences growing up, including her mom. She reflects on her journey as an actress, moving to New York in her early 20s and being intimidated by the city, leaving and eventually finding her way back. Being involved with the original creation of “Wicked”, Stephanie recalls how she dealt with rejection and why she believes that rejection is protection. She shares more anecdotes, including the two-hour work session she had with Hugh Jackman, meeting her now husband Sebastian Arcelus on the Wicked 1st Nat’l Tour, what made her say yes to playing Cher, and getting the right speaking voice for the role… with the help of Crest Whitestrips. She also talks about balancing motherhood and a performing career, revealing how they give importance to portraying a sense of teamwork with her family. She recently released a Christmas album called “Merry Christmas, Darling”, and shares the process of recording it, while on tour for “Into the Woods”.

Stephanie J. Block is a three-time Tony Award nominee and six-time Drama Desk Award nominee for her work on the Broadway stage. She has originated or starred in many Broadway productions including “The Boy From Oz”, “Wicked”, “9 to 5”, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, “Falsettos”, the recent revival of “Into the Woods”, and the first national tour of “Wicked”, and of course, “The Cher Show” where she won a Tony Award in 2019. Her TV and film credits include “Madam Secretary”, “Orange is the New Black” and “Homeland”. She recently released her latest album, “Merry Christmas, Darling,” available everywhere you find your music.

Connect with Stephanie:

Instagram: @stephaniejblock
Stream “Merry Christmas, Darling” everywhere you listen to music
Listen to the “Stages Podcast”

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Ep299 - Norbert Leo Butz: Acting Needs an Audience

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

A two-time Tony Award-winning actor and singer, Norbert Leo Butz opens up about his childhood, the challenges he faced pursuing a career in acting, and the remarkable twists of fate that brought him to Broadway. Hailing from a large family of 11 siblings, he shares how the importance of education was instilled to them by his parents. Despite his family's support for school plays, his strict upbringing and limited resources led Norbert to sneakily pursue his love for acting. Norbert eventually had to confess to his father about attending a different college and studying to become an actor, a moment that ultimately led to his parents becoming his biggest supporters. He recounts his serendipitous entry into Broadway with "Rent," joining the cast as a cover for the roles of Roger and Mark–a right place, right time moment for him. He also talks about how he dealt with the pandemic through music, which eventually resulted in releasing his 4th solo album “King of Hearts” co-written with her daughter, Clara Davis. Growing up, Norbert developed a sense of self-reliance and resilience that shaped his approach to hard work and dedication. He encourages aspiring actors to avoid seeking validation through advice and instead cultivate self-awareness and a love for their craft.

Norbert Leo Butz is a four-time Tony Award nominee having won two of those four nominations for his performances in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”, and “Catch Me If You Can”. He made his Broadway debut in “Rent” in 1996 before moving on to a slew of additional Broadway credits, including “Wicked”, “The Last Five Years”, and “Big Fish”, among many others. He’s also an accomplished TV and film actor with credits such as “Justified: City Primeval”, “The Good Wife”, “Blue Bloods”, Fosse/Verdon”, Dan in Real Life”, “Better Nate Than Ever” and the most recent, “The Exorcist: The Believer”. His fourth and latest solo album, King of Hearts was co-written with his eldest daughter, Clara Butz.

Connect with Norbert:

Instagram: @norbert_leo_butz
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Ep298 - Casey Cott: Gotta Slap The Lamp

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Casey Cott, a talented actor best known for his role as Kevin Keller on "Riverdale," discusses his current role and Broadway debut as Christian in the Broadway production of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical”. He shares insights into his journey from television to the Broadway stage, including how he landed the role, finally fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams. Casey reflects on the challenges and rewards of performing on Broadway, including the supportive and encouraging atmosphere within the "Moulin Rouge" cast and crew. He talks about the unique experience of singing in the show and the mental aspects of navigating the demanding schedule of eight performances a week while caring for a newborn at home!. He shares their pre-show routines and rituals, involving a "Ted Lasso Believe" sign in Casey's dressing room and slapping a lamp before going to the stage. He opens up about moments of self-doubt and anxiety, and realizing the importance of enjoying the imperfections and finding grace in the pursuit of perfection instead. Casey gets personal as he discusses the significant influence of his family, particularly his newborn son and wife, on his motivation and performance. He advises aspiring artists to give themselves grace and enjoy the journey, acknowledging the inevitability of failure in the performing arts.

Casey Cott is an actor best known for his role as Kevin Keller in the long running CW series “Riverdale”. His other TV film credits include “Asking for It”, “All The Little Things We Kill”, “Law & Order: SVU”, “Katie Keene”, “Instinct”, and some theater credits which include “The Who's Tommy” at the Kennedy Center. He recently had his Broadway debut as Christian in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”.

Connect with Casey:

Instagram: @caseycott

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Ep297 - Lili Thomas: The First Asian American Mama Morton

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

From dancing to “Chicago” songs to finally playing the role of Mama Morton in the long-running musical, Lili Thomas’s acting career has definitely come full circle. Celebrating her first anniversary on the show, Lili shares the unique experience of being part of a production with constantly changing casts, and the show’s dynamics, including the encouragement for actors to bring their individuality to their characters. She also talks about her Broadway debut and the excitement of performing on opening night, the complexity of her character, and the challenges of adapting to a fast-paced environment. As a mother and Broadway performer, Lili sheds light on the balancing act required to manage her career and responsibilities at home. She reflects on her unique journey as a single mom in the industry and offers advice to aspiring performers, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself.

Lili Thomas is an actress who just recently ended her leg of the “Dear Evan Hansen” First National Tour playing the role of Cynthia Murphy. Before that, she appeared in Dave Malloy’s pre-Broadway run of “Octet” and has other off-Broadway credits including “We're Gonna Die”, “The Hello Girls”, and “Only Human”. She is now making history in her Broadway debut as the first Asian American to play the role of Mama Morton in “Chicago”.

Connect with Lili:

Website: www.lili-thomas.com
Instagram: @thelilithomas

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Ep296 - James Ijames: Creating Black, Queer Representation in Theatre

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames starts off by sharing his love for writing and the meaning behind the philosophy on his website. He discusses the transformative power of his first encounter with a play and how it ignited his desire to help “expand the range of storytelling about black people”. The conversation also delves into his play "Fat Ham" wherein he reflects on its creative process, the play's resonance, and the impact it had, especially in the context of Black and queer representation in the theater. As a founding member of Orbiter 3, James discusses the unique model of his group. He emphasizes the importance of creating a community and supporting local playwrights, giving light to the collaborative and inclusive aspects of their work. He shares how long it normally takes for him to write a full-length and the common themes found in his works. Additionally, James provides insights into his role as an associate professor at Villanova University where he teaches acting and collaborative theater-making, and how working with bright and enthusiastic students keeps him inspired and engaged.

James Ijames is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who recently received five Tony nominations, including Best Play for his hit Broadway show, “Fat Ham”. He's also an actor in his own right, a professor, a two-time winner of the Barrymore Awards for Outstanding Direction of a Play, and the 2015 winner of the Terrance McNally New Play Award, among many others.

Connect with James:

Website: www.jamesijames.com
Instagram: @jwijames

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Ep295 - Steve Haggard: Living Inside Your Own Imagination

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Steve discusses his role as Harry Potter in the Broadway production of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" and delves into the challenges and thrills of bringing such an iconic character to life on stage. He recounts his initial reactions to being cast as Harry Potter and the overwhelming nature of playing a famous character. He shares his experiences with the production, the preparation involved, and the unique aspects of the show, including the magical illusions and set design that immerse the audience in the world of Hogwarts. Steve opens up about his personal journey, such as his therapeutic motorcycle trip from Washington State to New York City, and how it’s great to put yourself in environments to learn from yourself. He reflects on the hardships he faced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Steve also opens up about the concept of self-compassion, emphasizing its significance in overcoming self-criticism and fostering personal growth.

Steve Haggard made his Broadway debut in 2019 as part of the year two company of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”. He's appeared regionally at Steppenwolf Theatre in “Tribes”, at Writers Theatre in “Witch”, “The Importance of Being Earnest”, “Doubt” and “Old Glory” among others. He's also appeared on television shows like “The Chai”, “Chicago P.D.”, “Chicago Fire”, and “Prison Break”. Steve is currently starring on Broadway’s “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”.

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Instagram: @s.haggard

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Ep294 - Marilu Henner & Caroline Aaron: Two Madwomen of the West

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

A dynamic duo with impressive acting credits, Marilu Henner and Caroline Aaron discuss their friendship, careers, and their play "Madwomen of the West." The two fondly share their strong and enduring friendship, how they met, and their mutual respect and support for each other despite their differences They also talk about their current play, "Madwomen of the West", the relationship they have with the other actresses, its success in Los Angeles, and bringing the show to New York. The two look back on how they got into theatre and what made them fall in love with performing. Marilu discusses her early struggles in auditions and how she learned to embrace her uniqueness, encouraging aspiring artists to celebrate what makes them special instead of conforming to expectations. She also talks about her highly superior autobiographical memory and the book she wrote about it. Caroline, on the other hand, opens up about being driven by early experiences with death, emphasizing the value of cherishing life and leaving a positive impact.

Marilu Henner has been in seven Broadway shows, and two classic sitcoms, namely “Taxi” and “Evening Shade”. She has five Golden Globe nominations, is a New York Times bestselling author of 10 books, and is one of 12 people documented with highly superior autobiographical memory.

Caroline Aaron gained prominence in the 1980s with roles in films directed by Woody Allen, Mike Nichols, and Nora Ephron. Her television career includes recurring roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Transparent”, and “The Leftovers”. A seasoned theater actress, Caroline has performed on Broadway and in numerous off-Broadway and regional productions.

Marilu and Caroline are both currently starring in the new off-Broadway comedy, “Madwomen of the West”.

Connect with Marilu and Caroline:

Instagram: @therealmarilu, @therealcarolineaaron
Twitter: @TheRealMarilu, @therealcarolineaaron

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Ep293 - Casey Likes: Initially, He Had To Turn Down 'Back To the Future'

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

With impressive stage credits at a young age, Casey Likes who’s currently playing the iconic role of Marty McFly in "Back to the Future: The Musical" is someone to watch out for in the Broadway scene. Starting his acting career at age three, Casey talks about his road to Broadway and the lessons he learned from his mom who’s also an actress. The rising star shares how he initially heard about "Back to the Future: The Musical" when it was announced in 2018, considering it a fun idea to play Marty McFly one day potentially. Casey talks about his audition process, getting the part, and learning to play the guitar to portray Marty better. He shares that Huey Lewis, who performed the song, "The Power of Love" in the movie, provided him with a note about the song's timing. Casey describes the challenge of incorporating iconic movie scenes into the show and highlights his favorite moments. He emphasizes the importance of continuously working on your craft–stressing the significance of continued growth and improvement in his talents.

Casey Likes is one of Broadway's brightest rising stars who made his Broadway debut as the lead in last season's production of “Almost Famous”. His film credits include playing the young Gene Simmons in the Neil Bogart biopic, “Spinning Gold”, Richie Shepard in the leading role at MGM's feature “Dark Harvest”, and the film “Everything Must Go”, where he portrayed a young Will Ferrell. His TV credits include the recent Crypt TV and Facebook Watch series, “The Birch” and National Geographic's “American Blackout”. A filmmaker himself, he has won awards for the direction of his films, “Seriously” and “How to Romance”, and at the age of just a wee 17, he won the ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards for best lead male and was a finalist in the 2019 Jimmy Awards. He can now be seen tearing up the stage as Marty McFly in Broadway's “Back to the Future”.

Connect with Casey:

Instagram: @justcaseylikes
Twitter: @justcaseylikes
TikTok: @justcaseylikes

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Ep292 - Liana Hunt: The Improv Comedy That Led To Back to the Future

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:16:34 -0000

Liana Hunt is a triple-threat actress currently gracing the stage as Lorraine Baines in the Broadway musical, "Back to the Future". She talks about her journey to theatre, sharing that even though nobody in her family is in the arts, or into theater and music, their unwavering support was more than enough. Having experiences with improv comedy, Liana highlights the importance of trust and vulnerability in improvisation, and how it helped her to embrace unpredictability and let go of perfectionism. Playing an iconic role in "Back to the Future," she recalls the time of her audition process, the challenges that came along with it, bringing their own uniqueness to their roles while being faithful to the movie, and why she thinks the show is filled with “Broadway magic”. Beyond her work on stage, Liana emphasizes the significance of spending time with herself, personal growth, and authenticity in her journey as a performer.

Liana Hunt is known for her remarkable performances on stage. She has appeared on Broadway, national tours, regionally, on television, and in films. She's a skilled improviser, teacher, and private coach, and has been seen on the Broadway stage previously in “Newsies” and “Mamma Mia”. Now she's bringing her flavor to the iconic role of Lorraine McFly in “Back to the Future” on Broadway.

Connect with Liana:

Instagram: @lianamariehunt
Twitter: @lianamariehunt

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Ep291 - Jelani Remy & Merritt David Janes: On Stage and Real Life BTTF Buddies

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

This is the second of four of the “Back to the Future” podcast takeover! This episode features Merritt David Janes and Jelani Remy, two real-life friends and on stage frenemies. Merritt talks about the show’s influence on his childhood and describes being a part of the show as a pinch-me moment for him, Jelani discusses his early experiences with performing and touring and the two talk about their experiences with the production of "Back to the Future" , how they auditioned for their roles, and what it means to them. They emphasize the positive and collaborative atmosphere on the set and how the cast gets along well, their favorite parts of the show, and the fulfillment they get from the support of younger fans and the theater community. Merritt and Jelani share their motivations and advice for aspiring performers, including finding reasons to show up to pursue one's dreams (and good food!).

Merritt David Janes and Jelani Remy are both no strangers to the Broadway stage. Jelani Remy’s credits include “Ain't Too Proud”, “The Lion King”, “High School Musical” (1 and 2), and “Smokey Joe's Cafe”. He was recognized as a Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star and is a Chita Rivera Award recipient. Merritt David Janes, on the other hand, recently graced the Broadway stage in the original cast of “School of Rock” and has performed in national tours of “School of Rock”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “The Wedding Singer”, “Phantom of The Opera”, “Shrek”, and “Catch Me If You Can”, and was recently in the world premiere of “The Griswolds’ Broadway Vacation”. Together, they have numerous credits, including Jelani now playing Mayor Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry and Merritt playing Principal Strickland, both in the Broadway production of “Back to the Future”.

Connect with Merritt David Janes and Jelani Remy:

Instagram: @mdjtanner, @itsjelaniremy
Facebook: @merritt.janes

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Ep290 - Nate Hackmann: From Arizona to Opera

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

From playing Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables” to working with some of the best orchestras in the world, Nathaniel Hackmann has etched his mark as a versatile artist. Nate grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, doing community theater at a very young age which eventually led to his love for theatre and performing arts. He talks about his initial goal of becoming the youngest baritone to make his debut at the Metropolitan Opera and life lessons along the way that made him realize the music theater community and the people who work in music theater are his tribe. Nate looks back on his turning point which came when he auditioned for the NETwork’s Beauty and the Beast National Tour in 2010. Currently playing as Biff Tannen in the production of Broadway's “Back to the Future”, he reveals his in-depth knowledge of the film, its production history and the challenges it faced, and his starstruck moment with Huey Lewis. Nate reflects on his motivations as an artist, emphasizing service, community, and spreading joy, and why young artists should find their voice and what motivates them.

Nathaniel Hackmann is an incredibly versatile actor who has held many roles alongside many of the world's greatest orchestras. He's played both Jean Valjean and Javert in “Les Misérables” on Broadway in addition to iconic roles like Jekyll and Hyde and Hunchback of Notre Dame for the internationally televised BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall. He was Curly with the John Wilson Orchestra in the acclaimed production of “Oklahoma!”. He’s also an opera singer, and an alumnus of the prestigious Merola Opera Program in the San Francisco Opera and has performed with the Virginia Opera, Michigan Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, San Francisco, Lyric Opera, and many others. On the concert stage, he appeared with the John Wilson Orchestra, Sinfonia of London, Hong Kong Symphony, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, and Springfield Symphony. He can now be seen as Biff Tannen in the current production of Broadway's “Back to the Future”.

Connect with Nathaniel:

Instagram: @n8hackmann
TikTok: @nathanielhackmann

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Ep289 - Gordon Greenberg: Fail Early, Fail Fast

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

If grit, talent, and perseverance were a person, it would be in the form of Gordon Greenberg. The multifaceted artist looks back at his younger years, sharing his first creative moment, and anecdotes about his journey which includes secretly taking a bus and walking into a producer’s office in the hopes of getting offered a role. Gordon also shares his experiences in writing and directing, including his latest off-Broadway work, "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors," a comedic adaptation of the classic vampire tale, which originally found a home in 2020 as a radio play comedy. He talks about the creative process, casting choices, and the unique and campy style of the show. He reflects on the evolution of his career, juggling multiple creative roles, and how he ensures that his outputs remain authentic and engaging. Driven with passion and purpose in whatever he does, Gordon shares a powerful piece of advice to aspiring artists: “All the things you think are your greatest liabilities are going to become your greatest virtues.”

Gordon Greenberg is an accomplished writer, director, producer, and teacher, and has collaborated with people like Zachary Quinto, Calista Flockhart, Antonio Banderas, Steven Schwartz, Steve Rosen, Neil Patrick Harris, Jerry Seinfeld, and Gary Marshall among others. He's created multi-award-winning shows all over the world, including places like the Geffen Playhouse and the Old Globe Theater. Gordon has created musical adaptations for Nickelodeon, the Disney Channel, and Universal Pictures, as well as TV commercials for J. Walter Thompson, one of the largest creative agencies in the world. His latest project, “Dracula, a Comedy of Terrors”, recently opened off-Broadway at New World Stages.

Connect with Gordon Greenberg:

Website: www.gordongreenberg.com
Instagram: @gordongreenberg
Listen to the original Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors radio comedy: http://bpn.fm/dracula
Listen to the Dracula off-Broadway companion podcast, Dracula the Podcastula: http://bpn.fm/podcastula

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Ep288 - Pipeline Vocal Project: Alaska's First Professional a Capella Group

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Get to know Molly Bracken, Lisa Hawkins, and Adriana Rodriguez, the talented trio behind Pipeline Vocal Project, a groundbreaking professional a cappella group hailing from Alaska. The three talk about PVP’s origins, from Lisa and Adriana’s initial meeting in high school to Molly auditioning, and becoming the all-female a cappella sensation they are today. The three fondly look back on how they ended up headlining a festival just one month after meeting in a parking garage for the first time, and how the pandemic contributed to their quick rise to fame. They discuss getting in with Disney through LinkedIn, how they choose what to sing, and their experiences performing on cruise ships. They also delve into the challenges and joys of life on the road as they share stories from their travels, and how it can be unpredictable but fulfilling at the same time. They highlight the impact of music on people worldwide, sharing their mission to inspire the youth to pursue their dreams through music and workshops.

The Pipeline Vocal Project (PVP) is Alaska's first professional vocal trio composed of a lead (Adriana Latonio), bass/alto (Molly Dieni), and vocal percussion (Lisa Hawkins). The all-female group puts a unique twist on well-known favorites whatever era or genre they may be (and yes, including Disney songs!). They’ve been invited to perform all over the world, resulting in the creation of a trail of acca-nerds and viral videos all over the internet. They recently released their second full-length album titled, “Silver” which accompanies their debut album titled “Bronze”.

Connect with Pipeline Vocal Project:

Listen to their latest album, “Silver”
Website: www.pipelinevocalproject.com
Instagram: @pipelinevocalproject
TikTok: @pipelinevocalproject
Facebook: @pipelinevocalproject

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Introducing Dracula the Podcastula

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

What do you get when you cross Dracula with a podcast? Bite-sized episodes that will have you howling with laughter! Welcome to the official companion podcast for off-Broadway’s Dracula A Comedy of Terrors, now playing at New World Stages. Hosted by blood curdling Broadway veteran Andrew Keenan-Bolger, this podcast takes you inside the show’s (teeny tiny backstage) world with interviews and games featuring the cast and creatives that helped bring this hilarious comedy to life. So grab a wooden stake, a satchel of garlick, pull out your bloody mary recipe, and settle in under your favorite cape for a podcast guaranteed not to drive you batty!

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Ep287 - Chilina Kennedy: Wild About You

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

From playing iconic people to trying different artistic endeavors, Chilina Kennedy is just getting started. Growing up in different parts of the world, she discusses her early experiences and influences that ultimately led her to grace the Broadway stage. From portraying iconic people like Carole King to releasing her own album called “What You Find in a Bottle”, she talks about how she splits her focus between joining other people’s works and creating her own, and why she finds it way harder to play a real person on stage. She also gets real when asked if she ever gets tired of playing the same role over and over, and why she loves it when people don’t recognize her from the previous roles she played. Putting your work out there can be nerve-wracking, but for Chilina, it’s the point of being creative: to be confident and bold and not be afraid to make mistakes. She explains why auditions are a bit like dating, the complexities of casting, and how perseverance can create luck!

Chilina Kennedy is an actress, singer, and songwriter known for playing Carole King in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in 2012 in “Jesus Christ Superstar”, and originated the Tony Award-winning role of Dina in the first Broadway National Tour of “The Band's Visit”. She was most recently seen on Broadway in “Paradise Square”, and was part of the originating cast of the first National Tour of “Mamma Mia”. She has her own full-length album called “What You Find in a Bottle”, and has co-written a new musical called “Call It Love”. Chilina is part of the upcoming release of the world premiere recording of “Wild About You”.

Connect with Chilina:

Website: www.chilinakennedy.com
Instagram: @chilinakennedy
Facebook: @ChilinaKennedyOfficial

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Ep286 - Andrew Keenan-Bolger: Can You Start Rehearsals on Friday?

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

A Broadway actor, author, and web series co-creator, Andrew Keenan-Bolger opens up about his personal experiences, life lessons, and insights into the world of theater, social media, and literature. He recalls his introduction to theater and his early influences, which include his older sister, and how he was able to pursue a career in acting, thanks to the overwhelming support he received from his parents at such a young age. Currently playing seven different characters in “Dracula, a Comedy of Terrors”, Andrew shares a glimpse of what the production is like, including costume changes, and why having chemistry with the people you work with is essential. While he successfully grew his online presence, he candidly reveals the toll social media can take on one’s mental health, ultimately choosing to show only certain aspects of his life and providing valuable content to his followers. Andrew also touches on the transition from co-creating the digital series, “Submissions Only” to co-writing the book series, "Jack and Louisa". He reflects on the responsibility of writing for a younger audience, getting inspired by other people’s works, and the importance of staying true to one's unique voice.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger is a multi-talented actor, author, and social media influencer who began his professional theatrical journey at the age of 10, with his earliest roles in productions like "A Christmas Carol", “Beauty and the Beast”, and "The Sound of Music." His other stage credits include roles in productions such as "Seussical,""Mary Poppins," "Newsies," and "Tuck Everlasting." His TV credits include “The Undoing”, “The Blacklist”, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Nurse Jackie”, and “Naked Brothers Band”. He co-authored the middle-grade novel series "Jack and Louisa" alongside Kate Wetherhead, a delightful series that explores the adventures of two theater-loving friends. He is the co-creator of the critically acclaimed web series, “Submissions Only” and is currently part of the ensemble cast of “Dracula, a Comedy of Terrors” now playing at New World Stages.

Connect with Andrew:

Website: www.andrewkeenanbolger.com
Instagram: @KeenanBlogger
Threads: @KeenanBlogger
YouTube: @AndrewKeenanBolgerTV
Twitter: @KeenanBlogger

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Ep285 - Katie Rose Clarke: Holding The Record of "Longest Glinda"

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Katie Rose Clarke is known for her roles in many musicals, including “Wicked” (where she holds the record for playing Glinda the longest), “The Light in the Piazza,” and “Miss Saigon.” Katie delves into her career highlights, particularly on her iconic role as Glinda in the hit musical "Wicked." She discusses the challenges and joys of portraying an iconic character and the unique demands of performing in a long-running Broadway show. Katie reflects on her involvement in the Broadway musical “Merrily We Roll Along,” wherein she auditioned when she was nine months pregnant. She looks back on her involvement in the development of the musical “Heart of Rock and Roll” with Huey Lewis and the News, highlighting her collaboration with the creative team and working with Huey Lewis himself. The conversation also delves into personal aspects of Katie's life, including her experience as a mother of three and balancing her career and family. She shares some anecdotes, such as playing a game of Fishbowl with her co-actors including Daniel Radcliffe, and advice for aspiring performers, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and self-compassion, and trusting one’s journey.

Katie Rose Clarke is a talented actress who’s played iconic roles, including Glinda in the hit musical “Wicked”. She also left an indelible mark as Clara in “The Light in the Piazza” and as Ellen in "Miss Saigon". She was also involved in the development of the musical “Heart of Rock and Roll” alongside Huey Lewis and the News. Her TV credits include “The Good Wife”, “Relevant”, and “Submissions Only”. Katie is set to play Beth Shepard in the upcoming Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along”.

Connect with Katie Rose:

Instagram: @katieroseclarke
Website: www.katieroseclarke.com

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Ep284 - Asi Wind: The Magician's Magician

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

A globally renowned magician and performer, Asi Wind shares his journey in the world of magic and the art of performance, including his childhood encounter with a magician that shaped the rest of his life. He shares insights into his creative process, discussing how he designs and refines his tricks, always striving to balance perfection and enjoyment. Asi reflects on his views on failure, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and finding beauty in imperfections. He speaks about the unique connection between a performer and their audience, highlighting the role of empathy and sensitivity in delivering a memorable experience. He also touches on various topics, including the significance of perspective, the inspiration drawn from everyday acts performed with care and attention to detail, and the idea of continuous improvement–providing a fascinating glimpse into the mind and philosophy of a dedicated magician and artist.

This episode is a special crossover with Heather Vickery, the co-host of my other podcast, Was It Chance.

Asi Wind is a highly acclaimed magician known for his innovative and captivating performances in the world of magic. He has performed all over the world and is currently sharing his talent on the off-broadway stage in "Asi Wind's Inner Circle" which is produced by David Blaine and is currently scheduled to until January 2024 at the time of this episode drop (it’s already been extended at least 4 times – we lost count!).

Connect with Asi:

Instagram: @asiwind
Youtube: @asiwind
Twitter: @asiwind
Facebook: @AsiWindsInnerCircle
Magician REVEALS trick and still fools Penn & Teller!!! - Asi Wind on Penn & Teller: Fool Us

Connect with Heather and Was It Chance:

Slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance.
More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
Follow Was It Chance

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Bonus - Influencing on Social Media, with Kerry Skinner (@thebwaybuzz, @sixbroadwayfanforever)

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 20:17:00 -0000

Being a social media influencer is harder than it sounds, and comes with its own unique set of challenges and growth blockers. Kerry Skinner, the brain behind @thebwaybuzz on IG and @SixBroadwayFanForever on YouTube, shares some of her behind the scenes stories in this bonus episode.

Connect with Kerry:

IG: @thebwaybuzz
YouTube: @sixbroadwayfanforever

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Ep283 - Justin Guarini (from the vault)

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Originally released as episode 48 on Aug 20th, 2019, here's another episode from the vault with Once Upon A One More Time's Prince Charming Himself, Justin Guarini!

Original description as follows:

Justin Guarini’s robust performance career launched with the first season of American Idol in 2002, performing alongside Kelly Clarkson. His stage and screen appearances since then include Broadway productions of American Idiot, Romeo and Juliet, Wicked, and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Justin has hosted shows shows like Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight along with live events for the TV Guide Network, the Oscars, the Emmys, and the Grammys. He continues to reprise his role as the lovable Lil’ Sweet in commercials for Diet Dr. Pepper while branching out into the new world of podcasting, book writing, and audition coaching.

Growing up in Atlanta, he was exposed to the entertainment industry at an early age. He moved to New York and actually turned down his Broadway debut when he was offered a spot on American Idol, a show no one had heard about at that time. After his success on Idol came, he was left feeling empty and wanting more as he dealt with the struggles of overnight fame and fortune.

Connect with Justin online:

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Ep282 - Miriam Silverman: Surprise, You're Going to Broadway!

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Miriam Silverman’s journey through the world of theater traces a path from graduate school to regional theater and eventually to Broadway. She reflects on the complexities of balancing motherhood, acting, and teaching, highlighting the building of her teaching career while prioritizing her passion for acting at the same time. Miriam reveals the heartwarming and humorous aspects of involving her children in her profession, sharing their reactions to her performances and her recent Tony win. She offers insights into portraying complex characters, like her role in "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window”, and recounts the unique trajectory of the show from an Off-Broadway run that was thought to be its conclusion to a surprise Broadway transfer. Miriam's portrayal of Mavis garnered praise, and she humbly shares her disbelief at receiving the Tony Award for her outstanding performance. Through her experiences, Miriam emphasizes the communal power of theater and the value of meaningful work, and embracing the beautiful chaos along the way.

Miriam Silverman made her Broadway debut in 2017 in “Junk”. Her TV credits include “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Fleishman Is In Trouble”, “Dead Ringers”', “Blue Bloods”, “NOS4A2”, and “The Blacklist” among others. She's also an acting coach and currently a theater professor at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Miriam just won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Mavis in the recent off and on Broadway revival of “The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window” alongside Rachel Brosnahan and Oscar Isaac.

Connect with Miriam:

Instagram: @miriamsilverman

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Ep281 - Jose Llana: History Keeps Repeating Itself

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Jose Lana, a talented actor and performer, delves into historical events, politics, theater, personal experiences that shaped his family’s story and brought him full circle to the story told in Here Lies Love.. He shares his deep insights into his role as Ferdinand Marcos, discusses the challenges and responsibilities of portraying a controversial figure, and shares how the show brings to light important historical events. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of power, delusion, and ego in the context of political leaders like Marcos, Trump, and Putin. Jose reflects on the motivation behind his work, including the desire to make his family proud. He offers advice to younger individuals starting out in the industry, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey and staying true to oneself.

Jose Llana has been gracing the Broadway and international stage for over two decades now, having appeared in both the 1996 and 2015 revivals of “The King and I”. He has also appeared in “Rent”, “Martin Guerre”, “Street Corner Symphony”, “Flower Drum Song”, “Wonderland”, and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, which earned him a Drama Desk Award. His TV and film credits include “Sex and the City”, “Hitch”, and “Unconscious”. Jose can now be seen tearing up the dance floor on the Broadway stage again as President Marcos in “Here Lies Love”.

Connect with Jose:

Website: www.josellana.com
Instagram: @thejosellana
Twitter: @thejosellana

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Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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Bonus - "The Shark is Broken" RED CARPET Coverage

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 21:35:00 -0000

Recorded live on Aug 10th, 2023, this red carpet coverage of "The Shark is Broken", a show based on the true events that happened between takes on set with Roy Schneider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw. This opening night episode includes convos with Alex Brightman, Colin Donnell, Ian Shaw, Peter Bradbury, Stephen Dexter, Coby Getzug, James Monroe Iglehart, Patti Murin, Elizabeth Teeter, Blake Roman, Guy Masterson, Christian Slater, and an actual shark: Robert Herjavec.

Do YOU remember who the leader of the Sharks is!?

Be sure to visit https://thesharkisbroken.com/ for more info.

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Ep280 - Zoe Jensen: Leaving A Legacy of Herstory in SIX

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

The talented and charming Zoe Jensen is currently making waves on Broadway as part of the cast of "Six: The Musical". Zoe takes us on a journey through her career, sharing anecdotes about her path to the Broadway stage. She opens up about her transition from studying journalism to pursuing her passion for musical theater, a decision that has led her to grace the Broadway stage. Doing numerous shows a week, she talks about the camaraderie and genuine friendships among the "Six" cast members, both on and off the stage. Zoe delves into her early musical education, which has contributed to her versatility as a performer. Even as a seasoned actress, Zoe gets real as she shares her experiences of dealing with nerves before going on stage and finding ways to stay grounded and focused, such as reading intention cards before a performance. She offers valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself, embracing new opportunities, and remaining open to unexpected paths.

Zoe Jensen was recently seen as Eliza Hamilton in the first national tour of “Hamilton", and in the Broadway production of “Dear Evan Hansen”. She’s currently on Broadway, rewriting her story eight times a week as Katherine Howard in "Six: The Musical".

Connect with Zoe:

Instagram: @lanazoejensen
Twitter: @lanazoejensen

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Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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Ep279 - Kevin Cahoon: Let's Get Shucked!

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

With an illustrious career spanning all throughout theater, TV, and film, Kevin shares his experiences and insights through his life in the spotlight. He looks back on his early years, including his life as a professional rodeo clown (starting at the age of 6!) and his role in the iconic musical "The Lion King." As a young actor in a different cultural landscape, Kevin reflects on the challenges and triumphs he faced during a time when representation and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals were still evolving. Kevin delves into one of his career-defining moments—his role in the groundbreaking rock musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”. He reveals how this daring and transformative production became a turning point in his artistic journey, inspiring him to embrace authenticity and express his true self both on and off the stage. Kevin's latest project "Shucked" opened on Broadway and gained critical acclaim as it evolved from its early stages to its current form, highlighting its impact on representing small-town communities and challenging stereotypes with humor and heart. Kevin emphasizes the power of empathy and connecting with others, the joy of making people laugh, and the importance of embracing individuality to create a better and more inclusive world.

Kevin Cahoon is an actor and a Tony nominee for his breakout comedic role of Peanut in “Shucked”, which also marks his Broadway return after a 16-year hiatus. He is also critically praised for his role as drag queen Bobby Barnes on “GLOW”. His other TV credits include “Monarch”, “A Series of Unfortunate Events”, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Nurse Jackie”, “Modern Family” among others. His stage credits include “The Wedding Singer”, “The Rocky Horror Show”, “The Lion King”, and “The Who’s Tommy”.

Connect with Kevin:

Instagram: @kevincahoon
Twitter: @KevinCahoon

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
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TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Bonus - Laura Bell Bundy, Lilli Cooper, Dana Steingold and Sandy Rustin LIVE from BroadwayCon 2023 (The Women of 'The Cottage')

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Recorded LIVE at BroadwayCon 2023 on July 23rd, we talk with Laura Bell Bundy, Lilli Cooper, Dana Steingold and Sandy Rustin about the new soon-to-be-Broadway smash hit, THE COTTAGE. Set in the English countryside in 1923, this tale of sex, betrayal and love unfolds when Sylvia (played by LBB) decides to expose her affair to both her husband and to her lover’s wife. The true meaning of fate, identity and marriage are called into question as a surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous – potentially murderous – romantic comedy.

Visit https://thecottageonbroadway.com/ for more info and tix!

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Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
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Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep278 - Dana Steingold: The Girl Scout in The Cottage

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Dana Steingold is a talented actress known for her versatile performances on Broadway and recent role in the uproarious comedy "The Cottage." Dana takes listeners on a journey through her career, from her early days as a performer to landing roles in hit Broadway productions. She shares the challenges and joys of playing different characters, from the hilarious Girl Scout in "Beetlejuice" to Dierdre in "The Cottage." She opens up about the audition process and how she approaches each role with dedication and creativity. Dana discusses the significance of "Beetlejuice" and its impact on Broadway fandom and how social media has changed the landscape of theater, including the special connection it creates between the show's cast and its devoted fans. As they dive into "The Cottage," Dana sheds light on the collaborative process of creating an original comedy and the thrill of working with an exceptional ensemble. From hilarious moments on stage to unexpected mishaps, she shares behind-the-scenes stories. Beyond the stage, she discusses her views on marriage, fidelity, and the boundaries of relationships, all of which were explored in "The Cottage." Throughout the episode, Dana's passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences shines through, making it clear why she's a standout performer on stage.

Dana Steingold was last seen on Broadway originating the role of Girl Scout in “Beetlejuice” on Broadway, where she also covered the role of Lydia Deetz. Her other notable stage credits include “Godspell” and “Avenue Q”. Dana can now be seen on the Broadway stage as the hilarious Deirdre in “The Cottage”.

Connect with Dana:

Instagram: @dsteinface
Twitter: @dsteinface
TikTok: @dsteinface

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep277 - Tatiana Maslany: You Can Just Call Her "Tats"

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Talented actress Tatiana Maslany is currently helping creep up the stage as Max in the critically acclaimed Broadway show, "Grey House." She delves into the captivating complexities of her character, what happens behind the scenes, and the dynamics at play in this spooky production. Amidst the nature of the play, she shares the process of uncovering more about the story alongside her fellow cast members, and recounts how she and Paul Sparks, who plays her husband in the show, helped each other in navigating their characters' relationship. She looks back on her improv years and becoming a certified improvisational trainer, and studying for a while before pursuing acting for good. A seasoned actor, it's no surprise that she always brings her A-game to the table. She reflects on the digital age and why she yearns for authentic, in-person connections just like in the analog days. In a world where self-tapes and virtual auditions have become the norm, she advocates for the revival of in-person interactions and the “magic” that occurs when artists come together. Tatiana also expresses her unwavering support for the writers' strike, standing up for the rights of artists and the importance of storytelling—proving that despite her success, her heart remains rooted in community and fostering connections in whatever she does.

Please note that as this episode was recorded before the SAG strike began, we do briefly discuss several of her past TV projects.

Tatiana Maslany is an award-winning actress who began her dance career at age four and started performing on the stage at the age of nine. She rose to fame on TV for her multiple roles in “Orphan Black,” and won her a Primetime Emmy Award. Her tv credits include “Heartland”, “The Harper House”, “Perry Mason”, “3Below: Tales of Arcadia”, “The Nativity”, “Heartland”, and “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” where she earned a 2023 Critics Choice Super Award for Best Actress in a Superhero Series. She appeared in movies like "Stronger", "Cas & Dylan", "The Other Half", and "The Vow". She's lent her voice to several audiobooks, including the “Hunger Games” trilogy before making her Broadway debut in 2018 in “Network” alongside Bryan Cranston. She can now be seen as Max in the Broadway thriller, “Grey House”.

Connect with Tatiana:

Instagram: @tatianamaslany

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
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Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep276 - Conrad Ricamora: Filipino Love on Broadway

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Connect with Conrad:

Instagram: @conradricamora
TikTok: @conradwaynericamora

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep275 - Sophia Anne Caruso - Exploring the Dark Side

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Sophia is a talented and multifaceted actress currently creeping up the stage as Marlow in the hit Broadway show, “Grey House”. She talks about her role as Marlow, the complexities of her character, and her deep appreciation for the creative freedom provided by the playwright, Levi Holloway, the open-ended nature of the play being open to interpretation. With her innate ability to tap into the dark side partnered with her empathic nature, it’s no surprise that she’s able to perform and connect to both her character and the audience. She shares how she embraces curiosity as a driving force and how this allows her to explore different emotions, and the importance of balance between her personal life and maintaining a healthy separation from the characters she plays. She also delves into generational differences and why she’s a fan of Gen Zs despite the bad rap they get. Apart from acting, she unveils her love for painting which she considers as a meditative practice that keeps her aligned. Despite the chaos the industry brings sometimes, curiosity has been a driving force for Sophia, and this curiosity is what keeps her going.

Sophia Anne Caruso is a talented actress with tv and film credits such as the Netflix hit feature, “The School for Good and Evil”, "37", "Jack of the Red Hearts", "I Am Number Four", CBS’ “Evil”, and the NBC's hit series “Smash” among others. Her stage credits include "Beetlejuice", "Lazarus", "Runaways", "Blackbird", "The Nether", and "The Sound of Music Live!". She’s currently playing as Marlow in the hit Broadway show, “Grey House”.

Connect with Sophia:

Instagram: @sophiaannecaruso
Twitter: @sophiaannecaruso

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep274 - Bonnie Milligan (from the vault)

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:50:00 -0000

Originally released as episode 5 on Nov 19th, 2018, here's another episode from the vault with 2023 Tony Award winner, Bonnie Milligan! Make sure to listen to her in the BPN original "As the Curtain Rises": bpn.fm/atcr, and go see her as Aunt Deb in Kimberly Akimbo!!

Original description as follows:

Bonnie Milligan discusses her childhood, growing up in a religious household in Illinois, finding self confidence in controlling her narrative, and the importance of representation on the stage. Bonnie is currently making her Broadway debut in Head Over Heels as Princess Pamela, though she has been with the show since its early years in workshops and out of town tryouts. She tells us about being active and using her voice to promote love, light, and acceptance.

Connect with Bonnie:

Instagram: @beltingbons
Twitter: @BeltingBonnie

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan’s personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian’s personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep273 - Ariana DeBose (from the vault)

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Originally released as episode 2 on Oct 26th, 2018, I'm bringing you one of my oldest episodes with Oscar winner Ariana DeBose! Make sure to listen to her in the BPN original "As the Curtain Rises": bpn.fm/atcr

Original description as follows:

This week we speak with 2018 Tony nominee Ariana DeDose. She discusses how her early childhood as a competitive dancer led her to So You Think You Can Dance. She eventually moved to New York to land her first job on her first day in the city. Ariana tells us about the importance of legacy, what it was like to be part of the Hamilton theatrical revolution, how she feels staring in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, her thoughts on pride and sexuality, and the need to keep moving forward without getting too comfortable.

UPDATE Jan 14, 2019: Ariana will also star as Anita in the upcoming remake of “West Side Story,” being recreated by Steven Spielberg.

UPDATE Jan 14, 2021: Holy crap, her career has exploded! Congrats, Ari!

Connect with Ariana on social:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

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Bonus - 2023 Tony Awards Special with Winners Jodie Comer, Sean Hayes, J. Harrison Ghee & More

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 02:26:00 -0000

Join Robert Peterpaul of The Art of Kindness podcast and Alan Seales of The Theatre Podcast as they recap their night at the 2023 Tony Awards! Hear from all the winners they were honored to speak with in the press room, including: Jodie Comer (Prima Facie), Sean Hayes (Good Night, Oscar) , J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot), Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo), Bonnie Milligan (Kimberly Akimbo), Brandon Uranowitz (Leopoldstadt), Michael Arden (Parade), and many more! Buckle up, friends!

PS, watch this IG reel to see where #kermitandhermit was born: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtXWuh9rRI1/

Connect with Robert Peterpaul and listen to The Art of Kindness

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep272 - Javier Muñoz: Sexy Hamilton Did Not Throw Away His Shot

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:24:00 -0000

Now starring alongside Jesse Mueller in the musical concept album, “My Heart Says Go”, Javier Muñoz has truly come a long way from being a science nerd to a Broadway actor. Javier talks about his passion for theatre and performing and the importance of having a hobby outside of your job, which in his case includes exploring other creative artistic hobbies like doing film and tv, doing voiceovers, writing a new book, or diving into his activism. He originally had to quit acting in 2002 to work full-time as a manager at a restaurant after a string of unsuccessful auditions. A firm believer in the universe knocking at your door, Javier decided to get back into theatre after getting encouragement to audition for “In the Heights”. He talks about his relationship with the other cast and the special bond they have, and how his parents pushed him to continue pursuing his acting career. Javier gets vulnerable as he opens up about being a cancer survivor, getting diagnosed when he was doing “Hamilton”, how it affected his career and coming to terms with it, and his healing journey.

Javier Muñoz is an actor with stage credits including the 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival's off-Broadway show “All Is Love”, Broadway’s “In the Heights” and “Hamilton”, where he took over for Lin Manuel and earned the title of “Sexy Hamilton”. His TV and movie credits include the 2021 release of “In the Heights”, “Blindspot”, ”Quantico”, “Odd Mom Out”, “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee”, “Shadowhunters”, and “Eureka!” among others. He is now starring alongside Jesse Mueller in “My Heart Says Go”, a musical concept album currently available to stream everywhere.

Connect with Javier:

Instagram: @javiermofficial, @myheartsaysgomusical
Twitter: @JMunozActor
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1eMDPQBK4RVzPdqYaNaSfL

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep271 - Jessie Mueller: Her Heart Says Go

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

With her many awards and nominations, it’s safe to say that Jessie Mueller is one of the most talented actors of today. She gets real as she shares what it’s like getting a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut and dealing with imposter syndrome. Moving to New York for “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever” was a big move for Jessie and when the show closed, she was faced with the dilemma of staying or moving back to Chicago. Ultimately, with the support of her family and partner, Jessie decided to stay and continue to pursue a career in acting. Originating the role of someone as iconic as Carole King, Jessie recalls her audition process and how she got the role, her experience doing the show, and the pros and cons of doing press appearances. Co-starring in a brand new concept album, “My Heart Says Go”, she looks back on how it all started and why Matt Hawkins chose to make an album. She also opens up about growing up in a family of actors, using her privilege to help other people, and always performing little acts of kindness (because they do matter!).

Jessie Mueller is an actress and singer who won a Tony award for her lead role as Carole King in the 2014 production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”. She has three additional Tony Award nominations for her roles in “Waitress”, the 2018 Revival of “Carousel”, and “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever”. She's a Grammy Award Winner, Drama Desk Award winner, Theatre World Award honoree, and made her feature film debut in Stephen Spielberg's movie, “The Post”. She has appeared in many TV shows, including “Blue Bloods”, “Madam Secretary”, “Candy”, and is a series regular on the Netflix Children's “Centaurworld”. She's now co-starring in a brand new concept album, “My Heart Says Go” alongside Javier Munoz.

Connect with Jessie:

Listen to “My Heart Says Go”

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep270 - Lewberger & The Wizard of Friendship

Tue, 30 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Keith Habersberger, Alex Lewis, and Hughie Stone Fish of Lewberger are a handsome trio currently selling out shows across the U.S. and Canada. The three share how their 3-man comedy band started and what drew them to comedy. Each talk about their background, with Alex sharing his musical theatre experience, Keith his improv experience, and Hughie his songwriting experience. Keith used to tour with an improv group out of college where he learned to do video production which is how he ended up in the world of Buzzfeed and Try Guys. The three reflect on their dynamic as a comedy group and their formula for their comedy music. The three recall their turning points in terms of taking themselves seriously as a comedy band and pursuing bigger things for their group, which include opening for Garfunkel and Oates at a music festival in 2016 and getting amazing reception from their audience and doing one-take videos on TikTok. For a long time, the group struggled with how they came across to some people, but today, they can confidently say that they're a musical theatre comedy act. They also give an overview of "Lewberger & The Wizard of Friendship", an interactive comedy show best described as “wildly theatrical” that had a successful Off-Broadway run. Currently in a period of growth, Lewberger is cooking up more projects and strategizing to reach more goals, one of which is to keep making people laugh. Catch the album release show of “Lewberger & Wizard of Friendship,” which features some improv royalty, on June 23, 2023 everywhere you stream your music.

Lewberger got a standing ovation on America's Got Talent and were finalists on NBC's Bring The Funny. With viral songs that have been heard by many online and on TV, the group has been described as the illegitimate love child of The Lonely Island and Flight of the Conchords. Keith is a member of the internet sensation, The Try Guys, which has millions of subscribers on YouTube and its own production company. Alex is an actor-comedian who can be seen on several TV shows and movies like "All About Nina" and the "Valley Girl" remake. Hughie is an Emmy award-winning songwriter and music producer, educator with a non-profit bringing arts education to his hometown of Syracuse, New York. Their original musical "Lewberger & The Wizard of Friendship" just finished a celebrated sold-out off-Broadway run.

Connect with Lewberger:

Website: lewbergercomedy.com
Instagram: @lewberger, @keithhabs, @i8athumbtack, @hughiestonefish
Twitter: @lewberger, @keithhabs, @i8athumbtack, @hughiestonefish
TikTok: @lewbergermusic, @keithhabs
Youtube: @lewberger, @tryguys
Hughie’s Non-Profit: theartsprojectsyracuse.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep269 - Betsy Wolfe & Stark Sands: They Want It That Way

Fri, 26 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Betsy Wolfe and Stark Sands are currently co-starring as the husband and wife duo Anne Hathaway and William Shakespeare in the hit Broadway show, “& Juliet”. The two speak about their relationship with Max Martin and his songs, the broad appeal of the show, and how they got involved with it. Betsy reflects on what makes the show special. Being the only parents in the show, Betsy and Stark share fondly what it's like to have their kids watch the show and recognize the songs they sing outside of the play. From waiting at the stage door and dreaming of performing on stage to seeing kids, famous actors, and artists like Will Ferrell, Katy Perry, and Chris Martin watch their show is a full circle moment for both Betsy and Stark. The two recall their humble beginnings, what got them into theatre and performing, and what it's like to act alongside people they just used to admire. Both grateful for all these full circle moments in their lives, Betsy and Stark reflect on the fame that comes with being on Broadway and why it's different from being TV and movie famous but in a good way, and the importance of making bold choices and stepping out of the box.

Betsy Wolfe - Broadway: Waitress (Jenna); Falsettos (Cordelia); Bullets Over Broadway (Ellen); The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Rosa Bud); 110 in the Shade; Everyday Rapture. Other credits include The Last 5 Years (Second Stage); Merrily We Roll Along (NY City Center Encores!); How to Succeed... (Kennedy Center). Soloist for over 60 symphonies across the world. Film/TV: Estella Scrooge, First One In, “Instinct.” BFA, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Co-founded BroadwayEvolved, a training program for students. For Poppy, always. Instagram: @bwolfepack. TikTok: @betsywolfe. broadwayevolved.com betsywolfe.com

Stark Sands - Broadway: To Kill a Mockingbird, Kinky Boots (Tony Award nomination, Grammy Award winner); American Idiot, Journey’s End (Tony Award nomination, Theatre World Award winner). Off-Broadway includes Twelfth Night (The Public Theater); The Tempest (Classic Stage Company, AEA Bayfield Award). Film includes The Post; Inside Llewyn Davis; Flags of Our Fathers; Die, Mommie, Die; Shall We Dance; 11:14. Television includes “Minority Report,” “Generation Kill,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Six Feet Under.” BFA: USC.

Connect with Betsy and Stark:

Instagram: @bwolfepack, @starkweather
Website: www.betsywolfe.com
BroadwayEvolved: http://betsywolfe.com/broadwayevolved

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep268 - Paulo Szot: From Opera to Pop Stardom

Tue, 23 May 2023 14:11:00 -0000

Currently playing the role of Lance Du Bois in the hit Broadway show, "& Juliet", Paulo Szot is a Brazilian actor slash operatic baritone singer who opens up about his immigrant parents’ huge influence on his love of theatre and performing. Thanks to Paulo’s love for soccer, his lack of skills for the sport eventually led him to pursue performing instead. He recalls watching “A Chorus Line” which was also the moment he fell in love with the craft. This newfound calling led to Paulo’s (literal) journey to study in Poland and connect to his roots. He shares his 23-day travel by cargo ship, and his academic and professional life in Poland, including joining a song and dance company. While the pop music style of “& Juliet” isn’t exactly Paulo’s strong suit, his supportive colleagues and love for trying out and throwing himself into new experiences prevail. He reflects on why he honors his job by respecting everyone and learning from people, highlighting that perfection is wrong and that as humans, we always have to leave space for the unexpected.

Paulo Szot is a Brazilian operatic baritone singer and actor who is known for his powerful and versatile voice, which has allowed him to excel in various genres, including opera, musical theater, and popular music. He’s performed everywhere, including with the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Philharmonic, and more. He won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Emile de Becque in the Broadway revival of "South Pacific," earning him a Tony Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Theatre World Award, and Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He was also nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for the same role in his West End debut. Apart from “South Pacific”, he’s also appeared in the Broadway production of “Chicago”. Szot continues to impress audiences worldwide with his remarkable talent and charismatic stage presence in the hit Broadway show “& Juliet”.

Connect with Paulo:

Website: www.pauloszot.com
Instagram: @pauloszot
Facebook: @pauloszot

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep267 - Luke Sheppard & Jenn Weber - Director and Choreographer of the 9-Time Tony Nominated Show "& Juliet"

Tue, 16 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Luke Sheppard and Jenn Weber are two creative geniuses currently teaming up for the smash hit, "& Juliet", as the show’s director and choreographer, respectively. The two discuss the instant connection they had and where the concept for the show originated. While making "& Juliet" was originally a stretch for him, Luke recalls how it was also the most satisfying and fun he's ever had directing a show. The two recall how their journeys with "& Juliet" began, and how the workshops helped in getting the story and tone right. For Jenn the most exciting part is collaborating with the director and writer. The two take pride in the show’s culture where there’s room for support and honesty for each other. While Jenn and Luke’s stories on how they got into theatre differ, the two share a common approach when it comes to pursuing their dreams: not taking no for an answer—a true testament that rejection doesn’t mean failure and that you don’t have to follow the traditional path that most people take to get to where you want to be.

Luke Sheppard is a British theatre director known for his work in the West End and on Broadway. He studied at the University of Warwick before going on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Sheppard's directing credits include the West End productions of "In the Heights," "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾," and "The Comedy About a Bank Robbery." He also directed the Broadway production of "& Juliet," which opened in 2019. Sheppard has won several awards for his work, including the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival for "In the Heights" in 2016.

Jenn Weber is a choreographer and director who’s also a double Tony Award nominee for the 2022-2023 Broadway season with nominations for Best Choreography for her Broadway debuts of “& Juliet” and “KPOP”. She made her West End debut as the choreographer of “& Juliet” and collaborated with Disney+ as an Executive Producer and Choreographer for a new film version of “The Hip Hop Nutcracker”. Her Off-Broadway choreography credits include “KPOP”, “Teenage Dick”, “Cruel Intentions”, and “Stockholm”.

Connect with Luke and Jenn:

Instagram: @jenniferwebernyc

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep266 - Philippe Arroyo: Living His "Pinch-Me" Moments

Tue, 09 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Currently making his Broadway debut as Francois Du Bois in "& Juliet", Philippe Arroyo takes us through his personal journey. The actor shares what he does to recharge, including having alone time and reading plays at the famed Drama Bookshop. He looks back on why he got into theatre and growing as a person as he surrounds himself with different people, becoming more honest on stage—quite a parallel with Francois. While Philippe shares that he's exactly where he wanted to be today, he's aware that life can be incredibly unpredictable and uncontrollable at the same time, and that it's one of the beauties of it. He recalls getting replaced in the past, auditioning for Francois and getting the call that he got the role and his standout pinch-me moment which is seeing Lin-Manuel Miranda in the audience. As a kid, Philippe wanted to be a writer, and now that he’s starting to make a name as an actor, he plans to pursue writing as well. And with his talent and his need/want to always be better in what he does, there’s definitely no stopping Philippe.

Philippe Arroyo is an actor and a Carnegie Mellon graduate whose past includes the first national tour of “Aladdin”, Joe Iconis’ “Punk Rock Girl”, and the first national tour of “Into the Woods” among others. He also made an appearance in the series “Evil” and “Uncoupled”. Philippe currently making his Broadway debut playing Francois DuBois in the runaway hit “& Juliet”.

Connect with Philippe:

Instagram: @philippearroyo
TikTok: @philippearroyo

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TheTheatrePodcast.com
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Bonus - 2023 Tony Award Nominee Recap

Tue, 02 May 2023 16:47:00 -0000

Due to podcast episode character limits, the full nominee list cannot be added here. See the description of the video version of this episode for the full list! https://youtu.be/IyIWjOx_w4Y

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Ep265 - Brittany Nicholas: Creating The Universal Swing

Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Brittany Nicholas is currently back on Broadway playing the role of Viola, as a swing, the understudy for Angelique, and as the dance captain in the runaway hit “& Juliet”. Perhaps unbeknownst to many, her Broadway debut was actually "Billy Elliot", where she was universal swing (before that was ever a thing!). She shares the wild story of how it all happened, and how it was all a blur. She looks back on her childhood, dancing since she was four all the way through gymnastics training in high school. In fact, her love for dancing became the gateway for her to get into theatre after joining Destination Broadway. This discovery eventually inspired Brittany to audition for…literally everything, eventually becoming a swing for “Billy Elliot ” without knowing what a swing was yet. She also shares when her journey with “& Juliet” started, and how her “Matilda” journey played a part in it. Being in a show where she gets to sing songs she grew up with, it’s the most fun Brittany’s ever had. Having multiple responsibilities in the show, she reflects on how she looks at the big picture and makes sure she knows everything—a seemingly challenging task that Brittany makes look easy, all thanks to her talent and passion for making things happen.

Brittany Nicholas is a multi-hyphenate artist who made her Broadway debut in “Billy Elliot”. She was part of the original cast of “Mean Girls” and has starred in the National Tours of “Billy Elliot” and “Matilda the Musical”. Her TV credits include Marvel's “Hawkeye”, and “America's Got Talent”. Brittany is also a teacher, gymnastics coach, competition adjudicator, and dance captain. She is now back on the Broadway stage in the runaway hit “& Juliet” as Viola, as a swing, the understudy for Angelique, and as the dance captain.

Connect with Brittany:

Website: www.brittanynicholas.com
Instagram: @brittnnicholas

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TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep264 - Andrew Barth Feldman & Alex Boniello are FOUL PLAY'ing

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 13:07:00 -0000

Andrew Barth Feldman and Alex Boniello are a power duo who have most recently teamed up for "Foul Play", a new online murder mystery series that's reinventing how the internet works. The two share where and when their friendship began and why Andrew thinks the two of them are an unlikely pairing—one that works so well. The story behind Foul Play is an interesting one – listen in as they discuss how it all started, how much of it is improv, and how they accidentally found themselves developing an entirely new online technology for entertainment in the process. Alex and Andrew also share what it was like finding the right people for the project through vibe check alone, what makes "Foul Play" special, including not counting on any one person to be a star and allowing them to be exactly who they are and letting people do their thing, which isn't far from what motivates the two of them: doing what makes you happy and supporting other people.

Andrew Barth Feldman is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He rose to fame for his portrayal of the lead role in the Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen" at the age of 16, becoming the youngest actor to do so. Aside from his Broadway debut, Feldman has also appeared in several theater productions, including "Romeo and Juliet" at the Guthrie Theater and "The Phantom Tollbooth" at the Kennedy Center. He took a role in "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" and starred in "Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical", "A Tourist's Guide to Love" on Netflix as well as in the upcoming comedy film, "No Hard Feelings". He has also performed at various events and benefits, including the Tony Awards and "The Jimmy Awards," where he won the Best Actor award. Feldman is also a talented songwriter, having written original music for "It Could Be Worse: The Musical" and "Normativity," two off-Broadway productions. He is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and is passionate about using his platform to support various charitable causes.

Alex Boniello is an American actor, singer, and musician who’s won Tony Awards for co-producing “Hades Town”. He is known for his work on Broadway and off-Broadway productions, as well as in film and television. Boniello made his Broadway debut in 2011 as the understudy for the role of Moritz Stiefel in the musical "Spring Awakening". He later played the role of the voice of the skateboarder in the Broadway musical "American Idiot". In 2018, he originated the role of Connor Murphy in the Broadway production of "Dear Evan Hansen". His other stage credits include “21 Chump Street: The Musical”, “Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical”, and “I Am Harvey Milk”. Aside from his work on stage, Boniello has also appeared in films such as "The Intern" and "Friendsgiving", and in television series such as "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", “Ghosts” and "Jessica Jones". In addition to acting, Boniello is a musician and has released original music as a singer-songwriter. Alex will be seen in the upcoming follow-up to Disney's "Descendants" franchise.

Andrew and Alex co-created and hosted Broadway Jackbox and Broadway Whodunit and recently, they have launched a new online murder mystery series called "Foul Play".

Connect with Andrew and Alex:

Watch Foul Play: foulplay.live
Instagram: @alexboniello, @andrewbfeldman_, @foulplaymystery
Twitter: @AlexBoniello, @andrewbfeldman
TikTok: @andrewbfeldman_

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Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep263 - Wesley Taylor... is Summoning Sylvia

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Wesley Taylor (one of this podcast's earliest guests!) is a multi-talented artist who's taking the entertainment industry by storm and has recently debuted as a writer AND director in his new movie, “Summoning Sylvia”. Wesley talks about creating "Summoning Sylvia" with his friend, Alex Wyse, how the idea for it started, the casting process, and making sure it's not just another typical gay movie. Working alongside Meryl Streep in the hit Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building" is a dream come true for Wesley. He shares the difference between working with actors with theatre experience versus people who've only done tv and films, and why he prefers to disassociate during set. Wesley reflects on his early days as a writer, learning to take himself seriously, and finding Alex which, to him, felt like finding his other half in terms of creativity. Having been in the industry for years, he shares some tips to keep getting interested and inspired, such as asking favors, strategically acquiring what you need to acquire, looking at auditions as an opportunity to show off, and getting motivated by laughter.

Wesley Taylor is an actor who has won a Theatre World Award and Chita Rivera Award and was an Outer Critics Circle nominee. He made his Broadway debut in the original cast of “Rock of Ages” before starring opposite Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth in the original cast of Broadway's “The Addams Family”. He also originated the role of Sheldon J. Plankton in “Spongebob Squarepants” before it was filmed for Nickelodeon as “The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!”. Wesley’s additional tv and film credits include “The Good Wife”, “The Tomorrow People”, and “Smash”. He co-created and starred in three original digital series, including the latest Emmy-nominated “Indoor Boys” with Alex Wyse. He will also appear in the 3rd season of “Only Murders in the Building” with Alex. Recently, he and Alex made their feature film debut as writers and directors in “Summoning Sylvia”, a new movie out now for a limited theatrical release and now available to stream.

Connect with Wesley:

Instagram: @sirwestaytay, @summoningsylvia

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
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TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep262 - Andréa Burns: Theatre is the Ultimate Form of Expression

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

This is the fourth episode of a special 4-part takeover with cast & creatives from Hulu's new musical series UP HERE. Make sure to stream the entire 21 song UP HERE soundtrack everywhere you find your music.

Andréa Burns is currently in the original musical comedy series, "Up Here" playing Rosie, a strong and supportive “Latin Jewish” mother. The actress lets us in on how she ended up in the show and talks about her childhood friendship with fellow actress, Katie Finneran. Being raised in movie musicals, she was always amazed at how you could use your singing voice to tell a story and describes musical theatre as one of the ultimate forms of expression. She speaks candidly about playing a homemade collection of Billy Porter's recordings in the delivery room as she was giving birth, the thrills of moving into New York to meet people and create something, and performing for the sake of performing, regardless of how a show is going to turn out. Andréa also talks about her latest role in "Up Here" and how she found familiarity with the character, Rosie. With the surge of musicals on tv and film, she reflects on its positive outcome, including reaching a wider, global audience to tell real human stories and make an emotional connection.

Andréa Burns is an actress who’s won a Drama Desk Award for her creation of the role of Daniela in the Tony Award-winning musical "In The Heights". Her other Broadway credits include "On Your Feet", "The Rose Tattoo", "Beauty and the Beast", and "The Full Monty" among others. She was in the original cast of "Songs for a New World" opposite Billy Porter, and was selected by Stephen Sondheim to create the role of Celeste in his musical "Saturday Night". She can be heard on the soundtracks for the film versions of "In The Heights", "Tick, Tick... Boom!", and "Vivo". Andréa's tv and film credits include "The Electric Company", "Jessica Jones", "West Side Story", and "Blue Bloods". Currently, she can be seen as Rosie in the original musical comedy series, "Up Here", streaming on Hulu.

Songs used in this episode:

Can I Ever Know You
Please Like Me
Can I Ever Know You (Finale)

Connect with Andréa:

Website: http://www.andreaburns.com
Instagram: @theandreaburns

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep261 - Tommy Kail and Sonya Tayeh: Cut From the Same Cloth

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:04:00 -0000

This is the third episode of a special 4-part takeover with cast & creatives from Hulu's new musical series UP HERE. Make sure to stream the entire 21 song UP HERE soundtrack everywhere you find your music.

Director Tommy Kail and choreographer Sonya Tayeh have teamed up for the first time in Hulu’s new rom-com musical, “Up Here”. Not wanting to stick to just one medium, Sonya talks about being an expansive artist and following wherever her passion takes her. Tommy also shares his deal with Disney, putting a musical on mainstream TV and how Kirsten and Bobby's ability to make musical comedy resonated with him. While Sonya has done numerous projects and won awards already, the choreographer shares open up about dealing with imposter syndrome, calling it "big, old, scary monsters" and why she loves physicalizing them. Working as the director and choreographer for "Up Here", both Tommy and Sonya share how they operate, including collaborating with other creatives and shooting with at least two cameras at all times. Sonya reflects more on her love for collaborating, trying out all the options, starting a conversation and hearing what her collaborators have to say. Tommy, on the other hand, speaks about consciously surrounding himself with talented people that make him a better person. With Sonya and Tommy's love for collaborating, it's no surprise that the two found each other to create something beautiful.

Sonya Tayeh is a TONY Award-winning choreographer and director. She has choreographed for renowned artists, including Madonna, Miley Cyrus and Florence and the Machine. She’s been nominated twice for Emmy Awards for her work on So You Think You Can Dance, and won the Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards for “Outstanding Choreography” for her work on David Henry Hwang’s dance-play “Kung Fu”, for which she also received a Drama Desk nomination. She made her Broadway debut as the choreographer for the hit show, “Moulin Rouge the Musical” and worked on the production of “Sing Street”. Sonya has recently joined the creative team for the upcoming production of "Gatsby" and “The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window” and is gearing up for the world premiere of “Is It Thursday Yet?”, a play that she directed, co-choreographed and co-conceived.

Tommy Kail is a theatre director known for directing the Off-Broadway and Broadway productions of Lin-Manuel Miranda's musicals “In the Heights” and “Hamilton” for which he won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Direction of Musical. His other credits include “Lombardi”, “Magic/Bird”, “Randy Newman's Faust and The Wiz”, “Broke-ology”, “When I Come to Die”, “Family Furniture”, and “The Tutors” among others. Tommy was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor in 2018 and won a Special Tony Award in 2021 for “Freestyle Love Supreme”.

Songs used in this episode:

Can I Ever Know You
Tiger Shark
Can I Ever Know You (Finale)

Connect with Tommy and Sonya:

Website: www.sonyatayeh.com
Instagram: @directorkail, @sonyatayeh

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep260 - Steven Levenson: UP HERE With Our Favorite Tony-Winning Executive Producer

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:24:00 -0000

This is the second episode of a special 4-part takeover with cast & creatives from Hulu's new musical series UP HERE. Make sure to stream the entire 21 song UP HERE soundtrack everywhere you find your music.

Tony-award-winning playwright and screenwriter Steven Levenson is back to let us in on his current project with Hulu, “Up Here”. He recalls how it all started and why it was a terrifying moment for him at the time to turn it into a TV show, why they decided to find an additional executive producer for the show and their deliberate choice to set the show in 1999. Coming from theatre and having written for both movie musicals and TV musicals, Steven discusses the misconceptions and challenging aspects of TV and musicals, and why it is rarely undertaken. He also shares some of his learnings such as finding locations and having a solid plan during production to keep the ground running—a challenging but fun puzzle he likes to solve. While he can’t share the projects he’s currently working on, Steven is excited to get back to stage writing and continue to create something joyful and also have fun while doing so.

Steven Levenson is a playwright and screenwriter who won a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for “Dear Evan Hansen”. He has written for “Masters of Sex”, “Fosse/Verdon”, “Dear Evan Hansen”, the movie and the musical, ”Tick, Tick... Boom!”. He has recently adapted Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez’ stage musical “Up Here” for the screen which is currently streaming on Hulu.

Songs used in this episode:

Can I Ever Know You
Please Like Me
Can I Ever Know You (Finale)

Connect with Steven:

Watch UP HERE

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep259 - Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez: Two of Our Generation's Greatest Songwriters

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:23:00 -0000

This is the first episode of a special 4-part takeover with cast & creatives from Hulu's new musical series UP HERE. Make sure to stream the entire 21 song UP HERE soundtrack everywhere you find your music.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez are living proof that two is better than one. They have now co-created a romantic musical comedy called “UP HERE”, streaming exclusively on Hulu. The talented and award-winning duo talk about their humble beginnings and how they crossed paths, all thanks to the BMI workshop. They share the underlying themes of “Up Here”, which includes reestablishing relationships as we go through changes in life that they deeply relate with as a couple. Having the luxury of working together, they look back on their previous projects such as “Coco” “Finding Nemo” and “Frozen”, and how sometimes their work is a reflection of their experiences and what they’re feeling and going through at the moment. Having never worked in television before, the two talk about what the process is like and why it’s been an eye-opening experience for them. Kirsten and Bobby also recall their time working together for WandaVision and why it’s the most fun they’ve ever had working on anything. Ultimately, the power duo’s success can be attributed to two things: the desire to keep getting better and to connect with people.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez are two talented individuals who have collaborated and co-created music and lyrics for movies and television shows, including “Frozen 1” and “Frozen 2”, “Coco”, “Finding Nemo the Musical”, “Wonder Pets”, “Winnie the Pooh”, and “WandaVision”. Kristen is an Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy award-winning songwriter who helped create Broadway's first a capella musical, “In Transit” while Bobby is the world’s only official double EGOT winner who helped create “Avenue Q”, “Book of Mormon” for Broadway and has written for shows like “Phineas and Ferb”, “Scrubs”, and “The Simpsons”. For their latest project, Kristen and Bobby are co-creating a romantic musical comedy called “UP HEREUp Here”, now streaming on Hulu.

Songs used in this episode:

Can I Ever Know You
Tiger Shark
Can I Ever Know You (Finale)

Connect with Kristen and Bobby:

Twitter: @Lyrikris10
Instagram: @kristenampersandlopez
TikTok: @k10lopez

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep258 - NaTasha Yvette Williams: We All Like It Hot!

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Natasha Yvette Williams is currently originating the role of Sweet Sue in the brand new production of “Some Like It Hot” on Broadway. She gets real as she opens up about why she doesn’t consider herself a singer, admitting that she’s still a little insecure about her singing, but despite dealing with imposter syndrome, Natasha remains positive by constantly reminding herself that everything is a challenge, a lesson, and a blessing. She also shares where she used to get validation and why all the validation she needs now comes from her. Being a part of “Some Like It Hot”, she continues her goal to develop a great relationship with each and every other cast member and see how it unfolds on stage. Natasha recalls watching Lily Tomlin in “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe,” which sparked something in her to join the musical theatre, and why she wants to have the same impact on other people whenever she performs.

Natasha Yvette Williams is an actress who has starred in Broadway shows, including “The Color Purple”, “A Night with Janice Joplin”, “Waitress”, “Chicago”, “Chicken and Biscuits”, and “Porgy and Bess”. Her national credits include “Waitress”, “Xanadu”, “The Drowsy Chaperone”, and “All Shook Up”. Natasha has also starred in several tv shows and movies such as “Harlem”, “I Take Thee Zoe”, and “Better Late Than Never” among others. You can also catch her in “Alice”, the Disney Plus’ “Better Late Than Never”, and the Netflix series “Partner Track”. She’s currently on stage originating the role of Sweet Sue in the latest production of “Some Like It Hot”.

Connect with Natasha:

Instagram: @natashayvettewilliams

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep257 - Jordan Fisher: A Professional eSports Athlete on Broadway

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Jordan Fisher is currently starring in the upcoming production of "Sweeney Todd" on Broadway. Being drawn to art and performing from a young age, it's no surprise that he ended up in the industry. Apart from performing, the actor shares his love for gaming and what it's like to be a professional eSports athlete, including his day-to-day work in the gaming space. Jordan talks about what's different about this production of Sweeney this time and their take on the piece, which will look, feel and sound familiar but bigger and larger at the same time—the most realistic telling of the story, if you will.

Jordan Fisher is an actor, singer, songwriter, producer, and gamer who has done numerous projects in the TV, movie, theatre, and gaming industry. He can be seen in Netflix’s "Work It" and "To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before" sequel, The CW’s "The Flash", and most recently, Netflix’s "Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between" and HBO’s "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience". Apart from acting, he's an avid gamer and has commentated for the 2019 Fortnite World Cup. Jordan was also the first Black actor to portray the title character of Evan in "Dear Evan Hansen" and Mark in the Emmy-nominated "Rent: Live". He was also named a breakout star by MTV and People Magazine for Fox’s Emmy-winning broadcast "Grease Live!" and won ABC’s 25th season of Dancing with the Stars. He collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda wherein he performed a duet with him for Disney’s "Moana" soundtrack and joined the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical, "Hamilton". Jordan is part of the upcoming production of "Sweeney Todd" on Broadway on March 26, 2023, and you can also catch him streaming on Twitch.

Connect with Jordan:

Instagram: @jordanfisher, @jordanfishergaming
Twitch: @jordanfisher
Twitter: @jordanfisher
YouTube: @@jordanfisher
TikTok: @jordan_fisher

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep256 - Sierra Boggess: Exploring Relationships

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

With the recent passing of Lucy Simon, playing the role of Lily Craven in "The Secret Garden" is both special and bittersweet for Sierra Boggess and the rest of the cast. Despite people telling her to switch to vocal performance, Sierra stayed as a musical theatre major so she can “graduate a triple threat.” She recalls how she got to do Phantom in Las Vegas which changed the trajectory of her career. She considers leaning into acting as the most important aspect no matter what you're doing and always considers her character's need at the moment to help her with how she's going to sing or dance. Being a part of "The Secret Garden" now playing at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, Sierra talks about the different messages of the show, her relationship with Lucy and how they’re honoring her, and the contrast between working with adults and kids. She also gets real about her beliefs, her relationship with fans, knowing what your truth is and why you shouldn't let anyone take your love of performing away.

Sierra Boggess is an Olivier-nominated actress who made her Broadway debut in 2007, originating the role of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid" wherein she received Drama Desk and Drama League nominations. She's also best known for her re-inventing the coveted role of Christine Daae in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "The Phantom of the Opera". In fact, Lord Webber himself went on record to say that she’s the best Christine. Her other stage credits include "It Shoulda Been You", "School of Rock", "Master Class", "Love, Loss, and What I Wore", and "Music in the Air". She also starred in London West End's "Les Miserables", and "Love Never Dies". Currently, Sierra is playing Lily Craven in "The Secret Garden" at Los Angeles' Ahmanson Theatre.

Connect with Sierra:

Website: www.sierraboggess.com
Instagram: @officialsierraboggess
Get tickets to The Secret Garden: http://ahmansontheatre.org

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep255 - Marla Mindelle: Writing a Love Letter to Celine Dion

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Marla Mindelle is currently making people laugh playing an over the top Celine Dion in the off-Broadway production of "Titanique". At an early age, she already knew that a career in musical theatre was all she ever wanted to do, thanks to her father (who was a musical theatre composer) and all the obscure musical theatre records she consumed. She chronicles her life from booking her first show and her experience as an actress to moving to Los Angeles to become a television and film writer. For Marla, writing as a career is harder than acting, proven by her humble beginnings in L.A. where she also worked at a "ratchet" dinner theatre venue doing movie and musical parodies. Ironically, this is also where the idea for "Titanique" was born. She shares the musical's (long) journey to success, including getting Celine Dion's team's blessing and keeping the script fresh and up-to-date, and how timing and the team's goal of making each other and the audience genuinely cackle are a huge part of its success.

Marla Mindelle is an actress, writer, and composer who made her Broadway debut in "South Pacific" and originated the role of Sister Mary Robert in "Sister Act" as well as the role of the evil stepsister Gabrielle in the 2013 revival of "Cinderella". She also played Kitty in the first national tour of “The Drowsy Chaperone” and the evil boss Olivia in the Emmy-nominated series "Special" on Netflix. Her other tv and film credits include “The Nomads”, “Life in Pieces”, and “The Devil’s B*tch”. As a writer and composer, she has had multiple writing projects sold and is in the works. Currently, she can be seen on stage playing Celine Dion in "Titanique" at the Daryl Roth Theatre, a musical she also co-wrote.

Connect with Marla:

Website: www.marlamindelle.com
Instagram: @marlamindelle, @titaniquemusical
Get tickets to Titanique

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep254 - Robert Horn: Learning to Laugh at Ourselves

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Robert Horn's life story is an incredible testament that you can use humor as a way of survival—well, that and a little bit of luck. From getting separated from his twin and sneaking out of an orphanage when he was a little over 13 to renting an apartment in New York that was possibly run by the mob and eventually moving to LA to pursue a career in writing, his life is anything but boring. Robert talks about how he got his first gig and how it was kismet, what a showrunner really does and why it's great training for theatre, and his myopic approach when it comes to writing jokes. He looks back on his life in New York City during the 70’s, which included working all sorts of jobs, including writing monologues for actors and working as a phone sex operator.

Robert has two productions currently on stage - the first is Disney’s “Hercules”, currently open at the Papermill Playhouse, the other is “Shucked”, which begins previews on March 8th. With his long list of works and achievements, Robert reminds us that we should never stop learning how to laugh at ourselves and follow our instincts.

Robert Horn is a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and New York Drama Critics' Circle award-winning book writer. His career started in film and television where he worked as a writer on the CBS series "Designing Women" and as a writer and producer on the Fox series "Living Single". Following that, he created and Executive Produced the CBS series "High Society". He was also signed to an overall production deal with Warner Brothers Studios, where he developed, wrote, and executive-produced numerous network pilots and series. He also signed a script deal at Sony Studios and an overall pilot deal at ABC studios. Together with Bob Boyett, he created and wrote the FX series “Partners”. Robert's Broadway credits include "Dame Edna", "13 The Musical", "Back With A Vengeance", and "Tootsie" among others.

Connect with Robert:

Instagram: @rhorn1

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Ep253 - Jelani Remy: Putting in the Work Like Beyoncé Does

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

"Everybody wants to be Beyoncé, but does everybody wanna put in the work?" is just one of Jelani's many foods for thought in this episode. He shares where his love for theatre started, being a jack-of-all-trades type of person growing up, making it into Broadway and what it's like meeting a new generation of artists today that aspire to have the same profession. Jelani recalls his "The Lion King" journey, from the first time he saw the show to having a full circle moment of playing the role of Simba for years. This experience was eye-opening for him... becoming an inspiration and making connections with people. He was a standby when he first got the job for "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations" and enjoyed being a swing because while it can be a lot of pressure sometimes, it also helps him explore and test his abilities. Jelani also shares his experience with accidents on stage and why the show must go on, Broadway as a sport, and that “no” doesn’t no, it just means not right now, so if you’re an aspiring actor, make sure to stay ready and always be prepared.

Jelani Remy is an actor best known for his role as Simba in the Broadway, National Tour, and Vegas company of Disney's "The Lion King". He was also part of Disney's "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2", "Parade", "Cabaret", Broadway's "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations" where he played the role of Eddie Kendricks, “The Apple Boys”, and the Off-Broadway production of "Smokey Joe's Cafe" among others. Jelani will be the guest in the upcoming Broadway Lecture Series at StageWorks at Studio 237 on March 11, 2023.

Connect with Jelani:

Instagram: @itsjelaniremy
Check out the Broadway Lecture Series: broadwaylectureseries.com

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Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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TheTheatrePodcast.com
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Ep252 - Julie Boardman and Diane Nicoletti: Creating Broadway's First Museum

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Julie and Diane are both co-founders of The Museum of Broadway in Times Square which opened November, 2022.

Julie Boardman and Diane Nicoletti have teamed up in 2022 to bring the best of the Broadway and experiential worlds in the form of The Museum of Broadway in Times Square. Julie and Diane have known each other for decades now and the two chronicle their journey from being in the same sorority to finally working together on many successful projects. Having worked on fan experiences, Diane explains what it's like building sets of popular tv shows and movies and the overall process of building a set. Julie, on the other hand, talks about an event staffing agency she started in 2009 to help Broadway performers, which then pushed her to pursue her dream of being on the producing end of Broadway. This shift was also the beginning of Diane and Julie's partnerships. With a similar mindset of creating something that doesn’t exist yet, it’s no surprise that the two would work together to create a museum dedicated to Broadway. Julie and Diane share how it all started, the challenges they came across along the way, and how they made it an immersive experience for the visitors. Following its success, the two share their standout, pinch-me moments, including a visit from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and the overall positive reception from people—a true mark that they have created something impactful and lasting for the theatre community.

Julie Boardman is a two-time Tony Award-winning producer who is currently a co-producer on the Broadway revival of "Funny Girl" and “A Doll’s House”. Her other Broadway credits include "An American in Paris", "Carousel", "Company", "Dames at Sea", "Head Over Heels", "Hughie", "Indecent", and "The Inheritance". Her tour credits include "An American in Paris", "Dreamgirls", and "Peter and the Starcatcher". Apart from being a Tony voter and member of The Broadway League, Julie is also on the Theatre Committee at New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and the Leadership Council for the Costume Industry Coalition among others. Her company, Boardman Productions, has worked with numerous leading brands including Nike, Maybelline, Vogue, Victoria’s Secret, Microsoft, Diet Coke, Samsung, Game of Thrones, and Disney’s The Lion King on their activations and fan experiences.

Diane Nicoletti is a creative director, producer, and entrepreneur, who has produced some of the biggest events in fan experiences for two decades now, including the Game of Thrones Fan Experience, Gretzky's Retirement Gala, and brand activations at the Super Bowl, Comic-Con, CES, and SXSW. She's also the founder of the award-winning experiential marketing agency, Rubik Marketing, and has had the privilege of working on amazing properties like Game of Thrones, Deadpool, Frozen Hotel Transylvania, Dumbo, Shark Tank, The Muppets, How To Train Your Dragon, American Horror Story, Ghostbusters, among many others.

Connect with Julie and Diane:

Museum of Broadway: www.themuseumofbroadway.com
Instagram: @museumofbroadway
Julie’s Instagram: @msjulieboardman

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Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
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Ep251 - Ilana Levine: You're a Good [Wo]Man, Ilana Levine

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Infected by her mom's love for Broadway shows, Ilana was introduced to the world of theatre at an early age. After getting a haircut by one of the most handsome people she's ever seen when she was 18 years old, she ended up at his acting studio in New York and walked into a room of people performing a private moment exercise, which changed everything in her life from that moment on, including her college major. Chance after chance, and with the luck of being surrounded by other talented people, Ilana highlights the importance of having an artistic community where you can "fail beautifully over and over again." Apart from acting, Ilana also entered the podcast universe in 2016. According to her supportive friends, there’s something about her that makes it easy for people to open up about all sorts of things. Today, she hosts a couple of podcast shows, which to her have become a great avenue and a safe space for people to share stories, and complex issues. This, and her love for creating art with others, tie in neatly with what motivates her in life: connecting.

Ilana Levine is an actress best known for her role as Lucy Van Pelt in the Broadway revival of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". She also starred on Broadway's “Jake’s Women”, "Wrong Mountain" and "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" and performed at the Tony Awards. Ilana also appeared in many television shows and movies, including the infamous Seinfeld episode, "The Contest", "Law & Order", "Tanner '88", "Damages", "Tanner and Tanner", "Failure to Launch", "Friends with Kids", "The Nanny Diaries", and "Confessions of a Shopaholic" among others. In 2016, she started hosting the podcast show, “Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine”. Today, she also hosts the podcast shows, “And the Award Goes To... Hosted by Ilana Levine” and “How To Be More Chill”.

Connect with Ilana:

Listen to And the Award Goes To: bpn.fm/atagt
Listen to How to Be More Chill: bpn.fm/howtobemorechill
Instagram: @littleknownfactspodcast
Twitter: @ilanalevine
Website: littleknownfactspodcast.com

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Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep250 - Brandon Victor Dixon: Driving Change Using the Arts

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 13:39:00 -0000

Driven to inspire other people with art, Brandon Victor Dixon has been sharing his talent with the world for decades now. And this month, the actor slash theatrical producer is part of the much-anticipated world premiere of the award-winning "MacGyver: The Musical’s" album which will be released on January 27th. Apart from theatre, Brandon is also doing advocacy work. He talks about the We Are Foundation which he created, and how he uses it to bridge gaps between art and us as communities. He brings up a good point on human behavior, what makes it for some people to be kind, and how art can be a gateway to understanding and helping them. In choosing a role or a piece, he considers the tools that can make his role and the exchange between him and the audience the most effective. He adds that the pieces choose him and come into his life at a time when he needs them the most. When he was just starting, Brandon had to pause his graduation to go on a national tour, come back, finish school, and then originate a role on Broadway for which he got a Tony nomination. He recalls his audition process for the role of Simba, why he thinks he shouldn't have been cast, and how he overcame his doubts and the challenges he encountered as it was happening. As one of the stars in the world premiere album of “MacGyver: The Musical”, Brandon talks about his character, doing comedy, and how his process usually adapts to the show his doing. Brandon reflects on his role as Haywood Patterson in “The Scottsboro Boys”, why he considers it his favorite role, and how it ultimately goes back to his advocacy: to change and help people with the power of art.

Brandon Victor Dixon is an actor, singer, advocate, and theatrical producer known for his Tony Award-nominated Broadway performances as Harpo in the 2005 musical "The Color Purple" and Eubie Blake in "Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed". Apart from originating both roles, he also originated the leading role of Berry Gordy Jr. in Broadway's "Motown: The Musical", which earned a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. In 2016, Brandon assumed the role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway company of "Hamilton". He also played the role of Hayward Patterson in "The Scottsboro Boys" both Off-Broadway and in London's West End, and was nominated for a 2014 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. As a producer, his credits include Broadway revivals of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch which won the 2014 Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for best revival of a musical, and "Of Mice and Men". In 2018, he played Judas in NBC's live concert version of Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice's rock opera, "Jesus Christ Superstar" where he received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. His other stage credits include "Chicago", "The Lion King", "The Color Purple", "Rent", and "Shuffle Along" among others. His tv credits include "Power", "She's Gotta Have It", "Modern Love", and "The Best Man: The Final Chapters". Brandon is part of the much-anticipated album of the award-winning "MacGyver: The Musical’" which will be released on January 27th, 2023.

Connect with Brandon:

Instagram: @brandonvdixon
Twitter: @brandonvdixon
Website: www.brandonvictordixon.com

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Ep249 - Squigs (aka Justin Robertson): Illustrating for the Acting World

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

You can take the boy out of Oregon, but you can't take the Oregon out of the boy. Or something like that.

After growing up on the west coast and spending some time in LA, Squigs - Broadway's modern day Al Hirschfeld, found his way to NYC both acting and supplementing his income creating some of the most sought after caricatures of the Broadway community. After growing up watching feeling his dad was an artist by being able to create and fix almost anything, Squigs's natural ability to draw led him down a path he never expected, all the way to designing the upcoming key art for the J.P. Morgan Squash Tournament of Champions (where they setup a squash court inside Grand Central Station!). As co-creator of the Lights of Broadway trading cards, he's certainly busy creating some of the most sought after illustrations of our day. Oh, and if you like Broadway... and cooking... and dad jokes... or any of the three, make sure to check out Give My Swiss Chards to Broadway, a hilarious cookbook co-authored by Gideon Glick and Adam D. Roberts, illustrated by Squigs himself.

Justin "Squigs" Robertson is an acclaimed illustrator and caricaturist specializing in capturing the ephemeral and collaborative art form of theatre. He has been hailed by the New York Times as one of the "Line King's Heirs", carrying on the theatrical caricature traditions exemplified by legendary Times artist Al Hirschfeld. His illustrations have been seen regularly since 2010 as the Broadway Ink feature on Broadway.com. They have also appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, Variety, the Playbill Broadway Yearbook, Jennifer Ashley Tepper's Untold Stories of Broadway series, and in promotional campaigns for Actors' Equity Association (including their "Ask If It's Equity" efforts and the cover of their centennial book Performance of the Century), Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, the Theatre World Awards, and theatrical productions in New York, London, and around the world. He was born and raised in Oregon, lived in Los Angeles for many years, and now calls New York City his home.

Connect with Squigs:

Get the cookbook Give My Swiss Chards to Broadway: https://amzn.to/3QqPTTC
Check out the Lights of Broadway cards
IG: @squigsrobertson
Facebook: Squigs Knows His Lines
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/squigs
Web: SquigsOnline.com

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Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep248 - Eddie Izzard: Living up to Great Expectations

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Eddie Izzard is a Tony Award nominated, Emmy Award winning actress who quickly rose to fame in the 90s as a phenomenal standup comedian - producing two of my all time favorite specials Glorious and Dress to Kill. Among her 41 film credits include The Avengers, Ocean’s Twelve, Ocean's Thirteen, and Rock Dog. She has around 40 TV credits, is a politician, activist, philanthropist, historian, linguist, has lent her voices to video games and now along with her brother Mark have adapted Great Expectations, the Charles Dickens classic, into a 2 act play now showing at the Greenwich House Theater in NYC where she plays 19 different characters.

This episode covers why Eddie ran for Parliament (yes, THE Parliament), how she finds her comedic seams that glue her standup together, why running marathons became a hobby, and what it means that she is exactly 150 years younger than Charles Dickens (spoiler, it doesn't mean much!). After losing her mom at a very young age, Eddie turned to the theatre in what she believes is the need to feel the love from the audience - a substitution for the missing affection from her mother.

Connect with Eddie:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

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Ep247 - 2022 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Diana Salameh

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 20:43:00 -0000

2022 - the first full year of theatre since Broadway shutdown in 2020. It was full of highs and lows, but one thing's for certain we're glad Broadway is back! Once again, Diana Salameh, Vice President of Brand Integration at Serino Coyne, co-hosts the final episode of the year. Serino Coyne is the nation's longest-running theatrical advertising agency, so Diana brings some fun insider insight to how this strange business of show actually goes down.

Spoiler alert - I've never seen a single production of Into the Woods, and she's never seen the Back to the Future movies. Um, that's not right.

Connect with Diana:

Instagram: @_dianasalameh
Twitter: @_dianasalameh

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep246 - Michael Urie & Ryan Spahn: Partners in Life and on Stage

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Having been together for over 14 years as real life partners, Michael Urie and Ryan Spahn now get to share the stage together as scene partners in parts specifically written for the two of them. Interestingly enough, this episode contains as much hidden relationship advice as it does theater advice and stories, as we dive into what really makes them successful as a couple after all this time, especially both being in such a tumultuous, competitive profession. They also share how they turned pandemic lemons into pandemic lemonade by experimenting with Zoom multicam, aka two cell phones in two different rooms, to make their at-home performances have a little extra pizzaz -- which them led them through the change opportunity rabbit hole that put them on stage together now.

More about Michael Urie

STC: Hamlet, Will on the Hill (2022). NEW YORK: Broadway: Chicken & Biscuits, Grand Horizons, Torch Song, How To Succeed in Business... Off-Broadway: Performer: Buyer & Cellar, The Government Inspector, Angels in America, The Temperamentals, A Bright Room Called Day, The Cherry Orchard. Director: Bright Colors and Bold Patterns. Producer: Happy Birthday Doug (both written and performed by Drew Droege and both available on BroadwayHD). Co-Founder/Co-Producer: Pride Plays, an LGBTQIA theater festival. TV: Ugly Betty, Younger, Modern Family, Good Wife/Fight, Hot in Cleveland. FILM: Single All The Way, Swan Song, Lavender, Decoy Bride, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, He’s Way More Famous Than You (also directed). UPCOMING: TV: Shrinking, Krapopolis. FILM: Jerseys Boys Live.

More about Ryan Spahn

STC: Hamlet. NEW YORK: Off-Broadway: Good Enemy;Jane Anger;Lessons in Survival;Mr. Toole;How To Load aMusket;Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow; Daniel’s Husband; Summer & Smoke; Still at Risk; Exit Strategy; Gloria. REGIONAL: Williamstown Theatre Festival, Goodman Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Philadelphia Theatre Company. FILM: September 17th, The Raging Heart of Maggie Acker, Shirley, Abducted, Nora Highland (writer/director), He’s Way More Famous Than You (co-writer), Grantham & Rose (writer), Woven (co-writer). TV: Chicago P.D., Modern Love, The Bite, The Blacklist. PERSONAL: he/him | Ryan’s writing has been published by Rotten Tomatoes, Talkhouse, USA Today, and D.C.’s Metro Weekly. | Training: The Juilliard School.

Connect with Michael and Ryan:

Listen to Michael's original episode #148
IG: @MichaelUrieLikesIt, @RyanSpahn
Twitter: @MichaelUrie, @Ryan_Spahn

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep245 - Tovah Feldshuh: Bringing Real Mom Love to to Lea Michele and Julie Benko

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

With a Broadway career spanning over 50 years, Tovah Feldshuh takes us through her journey as she shares her life as an actress, wife, and mother. While she loves politics, it's her love of people that motivates her to fight for what she believes in and help in every way that she can. Initially determined to go to Harvard Law School to stay close to her father, her brother encouraged her to apply for the McKnight Fellowship in acting and was eventually chosen as one of the four to attend the fellowship. This trajectory change was the beginning of Tovah's pursuit of becoming an actor, which to her is "so much cheaper than therapy". Tovah talks about her role as Mrs. Brice in "Funny Girl" and bringing a level of humanity and relatability to her character, and her memoir, “Lilyville: Mother, Daughter, and Other Roles I've Played” which explores mother-daughter relationships, and her complex relationship with her mother. Married for 46 years, she shares what makes their marriage work. Tovah intends to keep acting for as long as she can, mainly motivated by her love of people and making connections.

Tovah Feldshuh is an actress, singer, and playwright who's been a Broadway star for more than four decades now, which earned her Tony Award nominations and two Emmy Award nominations. She made her Broadway debut in the 1973 musical "Cyrrano". Her other stage credits include "Saravá", "Lend Me a Tenor", "Golda's Balcony", “Dreyfus in Rehearsal”, “Lend Me a Tenor”, “Golda’s Balcony”, "Irena's Vow", "Pippin", and "Yentl". She made her cabaret debut with her act, "Tovah: Crossovah! From Broadway to Cabaret", followed by "Tovah: Out of Her Mind!" and was selected as Best Cabaret Artist of 2000 by the Boston Globe. Tovah has also appeared in numerous tv shows, including "Ryan's Hope", "Holocaust", "Mariah", "As the World Turns", "Law & Order", "Flesh and Bone", "The Walking Dead", "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend", and "Star Wars Resistance". Her film credits include "Kissing Jessica Stein", "Just My Luck", "She's Funny That Way", and "Armageddon Time". Tovah is currently playing Mrs. Brice in the Broadway revival of "Funny Girl", and is the author of the memoir, “Lilyville: Mother, Daughter, and Other Roles I've Played”.

Connect with Tovah:

Instagram: @tovahfeld
Website: www.tovahfeldshuh.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep244 - Julie Halston: Confidence, Clarity, and Commitment

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

For a person who claims she can’t really sing or dance, Julie Halston sure has done a lot of Broadway musicals (and rightfully so!). Even during the pandemic, she remained booked and busy despite the circumstances. She even took to the internet to keep the fans entertained (after some persuasion and help from her friend, Jim) with over 40 episodes of her hit web series called “Virtual Halston”. Julie tells the story of starting a theatre company with Charles Busch, and starring in a little play he wrote entitled, "Vampire Lesbians of Sodom" which ended up playing Off-Broadway for six years and opened up countless more opportunities for her. Her love for theatre and acting can be traced all the way back from when she was nine years old and that one afternoon her mom took her and her sisters to watch "West Side Story". She shares how she trained by doing, her three Cs of comedy: confidence, clarity, and commitment, the difference between a one-person show and a straight standup comedy routine, and her late husband's tip when you land that one punchline which is to take a look at the audience. With the cultural change happening today, Julie reflects on its relationship with comedy and how it makes it very tricky, especially when it comes to controversial topics. Apart from cultural change, Julie discusses current New York theatre problems, a possible resurgence in Off-Broadway, the need for public officials to value the arts, and how connecting with other people motivates her to keep doing what she’s doing.

Julie Halston is a comedian and actress who recently received the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for raising awareness and funds for The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. She first achieved recognition as an actress through her co-starring performances in the comedy plays of writer-performer, Charles Busch. "Julie Halston's Lifetime of Comedy", a series of one-woman comedy shows that she wrote had a successful Off-Broadway production and earned her an Outer Critics Circle nomination for Best Play and a CBS network development deal. Julie was recently seen on Broadway playing Rita Marshall in “Tootsie”. Her other Broadway credits include “On The Town”, “You Can’t Take It With You”, “Anything Goes”, “Hairspray”, “Twentieth Century”, “Gypsy”, “The Women”, and “The Man Who Came To Dinner”. She's a founding member of Charles Bush's theatre company and has collaborated with Charles on numerous productions, including “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom” and “The Divine Sister”. Her tv credits include “Gossip Girl”, “The Good Fight”, “Almost Family”, “Divorce”, and “Law & Order” among others. She is also reprising her role as Bitsy Von Muffling in the “Sex and the City” reboot, “And Just Like That…” During the pandemic, she launched a web series, “Virtual Halston”, and garnered popular acclaim with over 40 episodes on YouTube. Today, Julie plays an asshole talent agent owner in Broadway Podcast Network’s new series, "Rolling Calls."

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: @actressjuliehalston
Twitter: @juliehalston
Facebook: @juliehalston

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep243 - Elizabeth A. Davis: Defying Death Through Theatre

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Elizabeth A. Davis is currently gracing the Broadway stage as Thomas Jefferson in “1776”, where she has the unique opportunity to showcase her actual violin skills at the same time. She talks about what it's like performing eight shows a week while pregnant, and the financial and societal expectations that come with it. Elizabeth's love for music started at a very early age, sharing that she started playing an instrument with a butter box with a ruler in it when she was three years old. She reflects on how music was an important part of her family's life, and why she played not because she had an inkling it would be her trajectory but for the discipline of it. Playing as Thomas Jefferson, she shares that the pieces that she's playing on stage were pieces that Jefferson himself played, how she auditioned and how they were particular about casting actors who can play instruments very well, and why she considers "1776" a true musical theatre. She admits that singing on stage still terrifies her, and while she thought she wasn't a good enough violinist or a vocalist to major in them, she knew that she was a storyteller and got her degrees in classical theatre performance instead. As a storyteller, Elizabeth reflects on why the act of acting is a total defiance of death, why she aims to live her life as a thank you, and why failure is your friend and something that is not to be feared.

Elizabeth A. Davis is a multi-talented, multi-hyphenate actress who received a Tony Award nomination for originating the role of Reza in the Broadway production of "Once". She has over 30 Off-Broadway credits, including "The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui", "Women on Fire: Stories from the Frontlines", "Zorba", "Rain", "Allegro", "The Caucasian Chalk Circle", and "The 39 Steps". She's appeared in several TV shows such as "Fringe", "Blue Bloods", “The Jim Gaffigan Show”, and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit". She has also written original musicals and short plays, and sung on Ben Platt's album, "Sing to Me Instead". Elizabeth is playing Thomas Jefferson in Broadway's "1776", where she sings and plays the violin on stage.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Website: www.elizabethadavis.com
Instagram: @elizabetadavis
Twitter: @ElizabetADavis
Facebook: @officialelizabethadavis

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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Bonus - "& Juliet" (exclusive) Red Carpet Opening Night Interviews

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 03:38:00 -0000

Recorded Nov 17th, 2022, listen to exclusive interview with the cast of & Juliet from the red carpet on opening night!

Interviews include:

Lorna Courtney (Juliet)
Betsy Wolfe (Anne Hathaway)
Stark Sands (William Shakespeare)
Justin David Sullivan (May)
Melanie La Barrie (Angelique)
Paulo Szot (Lance)
Phillippe Arroyo (Francois)
Ben Jackson Walker (Romeo)
Alaina Vi Maderal (Gwynn/swing)
Jasmine Rafael (Imogen)
Joe Moeller (Henry, u/s Shakes, u/s Lance)
Megan Kate (Lucy, u/s Angelique, u/s Anne)

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Ep242 - Jefferson Mays: Making Storytelling Cool Again

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:50:00 -0000

Jefferson Mays is currently on Broadway in his original interpretation of "A Christmas Carol" doing perhaps what he does best: playing multiple roles in a single show. Jefferson recalls the strange beginning of how it all started, which was when he and his wife ran smack into Matt Schackman, the Artistic Director of Geffen Playhouse, as they were walking their dogs. He was eventually inspired to base their version on Dickens’ original, one-man version. Jefferson also has his parents to thank for reading "A Christmas Carol" to him and his siblings when they were young, which sparked his love for performing and storytelling, thinking it was theatre in its purest form. Decades of experience later, he reflects on how this year has been the year of the understudy and swing, and how their talent and heroism changed his whole idea of what a company means. While performing on stage brings him joy, it's those moments off stage that makes him appreciate the magic of theatre even more. Jefferson admits to gravitating towards storytelling, sharing that this allows him to explore characters and their complexity endlessly. And while he doesn't have a list of roles to play before he reaches a certain age, he enjoys getting "mugged or ambushed by a production" for different kinds of roles. He shares what it's like to grow up with older siblings and the privileges that come with it, hearing the voices of his parents when he's performing on stage, and how his sense of curiosity and wonder motivates him to keep performing.

Jefferson Mays is an actor and a three-time Tony Award nominee for his performances in "Oslo", "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder", and "I Am My Own Wife" a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Doug Wright, where he played over 40 different roles and won for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. His other stage credits include "The Front Page", "The Best Man", "Pygmalion", and "Journey's End". His TV credits include "The Americans", "Westworld", "Nurse Jackie", "Law and Order: SVU", "The Closer", "Julia", "Perry Mason", "Hacks" and a guest role on "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt". He was most currently seen on Broadway's "The Music Man", and recently completed his one-man rendition of "A Christmas Carol" and is now bringing the same show to Broadway. He has also appeared in numerous films, including "Inherent Vice", "Ned Rifle", "Showing Up", "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs", "Kinsey" "Rebel in the Rye", and "The Giver" among others.

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Ep241 - Michael Mott: Composing for Actors

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Nothing brings people together more than music and performing; Michael Mott got the best of both worlds as he prepares for his second annual holiday show, "Michael Mott & Friends,” happening in December, along with the release of a brand new single performed by the incomparable Jessica Vosk. Michael was also a professional actor for seven years and while he was grateful for all the work, he realized he was never fully happy. This led him to apply to the prestigious BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, which subsequently changed his life.. Aside from acting, he's also a successful composer and has always been passionate about music. He talks about finding his own style, writing for another person, his issues with the current things on Broadway, the craft that goes into making a musical theatre song, and the indescribable feeling and comfort music brings him that he wants to give back to listeners. A decade later, amongst all his writing and composing success, he even finds himself accepting roles again.

Michael Mott is an award-winning composer, lyricist, songwriter and vocal producer who's also recognized internationally for his talent. He graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre Performance and is currently living and working in New York. Michael had a successful acting career in the late 2000s, performing in many Off-Broadway, regional and national touring shows, including "Milk and Honey", "I'd Rather Be Right", "Kiss Me, Kate", "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?", "9 to 5", "A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline", and "Miracle on 34th Street". In 2012, he decided to pursue writing and was accepted into the prestigious BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Writer’s Workshop. Since then, Michael has written numerous original musicals, including "In The Light", "A Faustian Tale" (book by Nathan Wright and Justin Silvestri), "The Fairy's Tale" (book by Gretchen Suárez-Peña), "Mob Wife", "A Mafia Comedy" (book by Corey Skaggs) and "Riding Out The Storm" (book & lyrics by Christine Toy Johnson). He was also commissioned to write the music and lyrics to "Lucifer". Apart from writing music, Michael is also known for his recording studio works which include the LPs "Where The Sky Ends", "In The Light, A Faustian Tale", which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Musical Theatre charts, and "Abandoned Heart". His EPs include "The Only One", "Where The Sky Ends: The Dance Remixes" and "Gone: The Remixes" while his singles include "Christmas, Will You Stay?" (feat. Laura Osnes), "The Impossible" (feat. Matt Bloyd), "Fly High" (feat. Emma Howard). He has written original award-winning material for NYC's The Boy Band Project, including "Get Behind My Love" and "Jingle My Bells" which won Best Original Song at the 2020 Broadway World Cabaret World Award. He will be releasing a new song with Jessica Vosk on December 2nd, 2022, and having his second annual holiday show, "Michael Mott & Friends" at The Green Room 42 in NYC on December 3rd, 2022.

Connect with Michael:

Website: www.michaelmott.net
Instagram: @Michael_Mott
TikTok: @Michael_Mott

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Ep240 - Anika Larsen: Being Real-Life Famous in 'Almost Famous'

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Anika Larsen is having a great time as she takes the challenge of both playing the mom on Broadway's "Almost Famous" and being the mom of two boys offstage. Anika's passion for saving the planet is contagious, and as a member of the Broadway Green Alliance and ambassador for Global Goals for Sustainability, she's making sure she can show and tell her children that she really tried to do what she can to pass on a healthy planet. Growing up with 9 brothers and sisters became a defining characteristic of her life and how it made her the compulsive team player that she is today. Juggling working and being a mom in real life, Anika reflects on the good and the bad things that come along with it, and how she languished during the height of the pandemic as a stay-at-home mom. She opens up about being a better mom because she's working, and the beautiful, symbiotic relationship between her home life and stage life now that she’s playing a mom in “Almost Famous”. There was a point early in Anika's career when she didn't work for two years, which she considers an invaluable lesson. All the hardships that have happened to her made her smart not just about money but her future as well, and while for her the worst part of being in the industry is the unpredictability of it, she wouldn't trade it for anything.

Anika Larsen is an actress who has performed on the Broadway stage in well-received shows like “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” wherein she won Drama Desk Award's Outstanding Feature Actress in a Musical and received a Tony nomination. She also originated the role of Roberta in the cult Off-Broadway musical, "Zanna, Don't!", for which she received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her other stage credits include "Xanadu", "All Shook Up", "Avenue Q", "Chess", and “Rent” where she made her Broadway debut in 2000. She’s a member of the Broadway Green Alliance, a passionate ambassador for the Global Goals for Sustainability, a member of Actor’s Equity, and serves on the board at the New York City Children's Theater. Anika has an album of lullabies, “Sing You to Sleep” which you can listen to on different streaming platforms, including Spotify. She could now be seen on stage as rock Elaine Miller in Broadway’s “Almost Famous”.

Connect with Anika:

Website: anikalarsen.biz
Facebook: @anika.larsen.nyc

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Ep239 - Robyn Hurder: Bringing the "IT Factor" in A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond Musical

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Currently playing the role of Marcia Murphey in the Broadway show, "A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical", Robyn Hurder shares how she got involved with the show and how she never thought it would be her biggest role to date. In fact, she auditioned for a different role but didn't think much of it because she felt like she wasn't right for it. Robyn speaks candidly about her love of performing, what it's like to work during the pandemic and the physical demands of it. She recalls how she got into theatre and how growing up with a supportive family, especially her mom, was one of the main reasons why she was able to follow her dreams. From doing community theatre productions in her younger years to playing the role of Mary Magdalene in a production of "Jesus Christ Superstar", it was that first taste of being the star of the show which pushed her to pursue performing as a career. Robyn also talks about having the “it” factor, the importance of believing in yourself and your talent, and that if you remain true to yourself and what you want, you’re going to be okay.

Robyn Hunter is an actress best known for originating the role of Nini in "Moulin Rouge! The Musical", which also earned her a Tony Award nomination. Her other Broadway credits include "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", "Chicago", "Grease", and "Nice Work If You Can Get It". She's also performed in numerous Off-Broadways shows such as "Play It Cool", "Paint Your Wagon", "The New Yorkers", and "A Chorus Line" among others. Her tv credits include "The Right Girl", "Fosse/Verdon", and "Starlight Express". Robyn recently finished originating the role of Marcia Murphey in "A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical", which has now transferred to Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre.

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @robynhurder

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Ep238 - Krysta Rodriguez: Opportunity is Not a Lengthy Visitor

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Currently starring as Cinderella in the Broadway revival of “Into The Woods”, Krysta Rodriguez is a talented actor, singer, and dancer with countless Broadway, TV and film credits. As the world starts to adjust to the new normal, she talks about her life and being thrust back on stage in a well-received show, which was completely unexpected for her. Playing the role of Cinderella made her realize that while it's fun to watch a show, it's even more fun to perform because there's “no bottom to it”. She reflects on how said role gives her a fresh perspective of Cinderella, and what the pressures to become a mother means. For Krysta, it was her search for fun that made her come back to acting, and with all her accomplishments and fulfilled dreams, she can still find fulfillment in different ways. Her dream of theatre leads her to her bigger "dream of life", which includes traveling, home design, and having meaningful relationships. From playing iconic people like Liza Minelli to iconic characters like Cinderella, she tries to give a fresh take by finding a lifeline as to how she and these characters are alike. She recalls her "Spring Awakening"days, the impact it has on her, and the bond she formed with the cast, most especially with the Deaf West revival cast, which was also the time she was going through therapy after getting diagnosed with cancer. Krysta opens up about her healing journey, why she decided to go public about it, her blog, ChemoCouture and how it became her form of activism, and personal growth as her number one life motivation.

Krysta Rodriguez is a talented actress and singer with countless stage and tv credits under her name. She made her Broadway debut in the short-lived 2005 jukebox musical "Good Vibrations". Later on, she became a replacement for the role of Bebe in the Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line". Krysta has also played many ensemble and understudy parts in the Broadway productions of "Spring Awakening", "In the Heights", and the regional production of "The Boy Friend" directed by Julie Andrews. Her other stage credits include "What We're Up Against", "A Chorus Line", "The Addams Family", "First Date", “Hercules”, and “West Side Story” among others. She is also best known for her tv roles as Ana Vargas in "Smash", Summer Henderson in "Trial & Error", Maxine Griffin in "Quantico", and Ms. Cruble in "Daybreak." Her other tv credits include "Inside Amy Schumer", “Gossip Girl”, and “Halston” where she plays the role of Liza Minnelli. Her film credits include "The Virginity Hit", "My Bakery in Brooklyn", “The Bitch Who Stole Christmas”, and “Killing Diaz”. In 2015, Krysta was diagnosed with breast cancer, and started a blog, ChemoCouture.com to share her journey during chemotherapy as well as fashion, beauty, and wellness advice. That same year, she also returned as Isle in the Deaf West Theatre production of "Spring Awakening" as well as its Broadway production. She is currently starring as Cinderella in the 2022 Broadway revival of “Into The Woods”.

Connect with Krysta:

Instagram: @krysta_rod
Website: krystacouture.com and www.curatedbykr.com

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Ep237 - Julie Benko: Fanny Brice Was the Role She Never Knew She Wanted

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

With all the talent and awards Julie Benko has received at such a young age, it begs the question: What can't she do? Julie proves that it’s never too late… or too early to learn anything. Currently the Fanny Brice alternate in "Funny Girl" on Broadway, Julie shares her life as an actor and how she handles the hectic schedule that comes along with it. She also recalls doing a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” when she was younger which changed the trajectory of her family. Unlike most, she spent her time during the height of the pandemic doing performances online and raising money for various charities, including starting a series with her husband called, "Quarantunes" which also became the basis of their album “Hand in Hand” that was just released in August 2022. Initially scared of comedy, Fanny Brice was the role she never knew she wanted, but thanks to her friends' encouragement and help, Julie pushed through with the audition and eventually got the part. She talks about doing eight shows a week, what it’s like being thrust into the spotlight, how she recovers and recharges, and the training that helped her in performing with ease. From acting and singing to writing and directing, Julie is set to do everything all at once and try other mediums too—all of which are motivated by her love for learning and passion for connecting with others.

Julie Benko is an amazing actress, singer, writer, musician, director, and philanthropist based in NYC. She holds a BFA in Drama and an MFA in Acting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. She currently plays as Fanny Brice in the Broadway show, "Funny Girl", and released her brand new album, "Hand in Hand" last August. Julie's stage credits include "Fiddler on the Roof", "Les Miserables", "Spring Awakening", "Once", "The Fantasticks", and "Rags" among others. She has also appeared in several films, including "Alberto", and "Unrequited Vanya". Apart from these, Julie is also a recipient of numerous nominations for her acting skills, including the Wilde Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical which she won for her performance as Girl in "Once". She also won the Gold Medal and the Johnny Mercer Award in the national American Traditions Vocal Competition. Her recent projects include writing, directing, and starring in her first short, "The Newlywed's Guide to Physical Intimacy", which won an Honorable Mention at its premiere July 2020 premiere at New Faces New Voices Film Festival. Her first full-length play, "The District," was also named a semifinalist at the 2022 Eugene O'Neil National Playwrights Conference. During the pandemic, Julie raised money for different charities through her "Quarantunes" musical duo series with her husband.

Connect with Julie:

Twitter: @Jujujuliebee
Instagram: @jujujuliebee
TikTok: @jujujuliebee

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Ep236 - Beth Malone: Giving "Fun Home" A Not-So-Secret Second Act

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

From creating a one-woman show, "Beth Malone: So Far" to originating the role of "Fun Home's" Alison Bechdel, Tony and Grammy award nominee Beth Malone has set a name for herself on the Broadway stage. Beth takes us through her journey to getting into performing and becoming an actress, sharing her younger years which included watching “Singing in the Rain on TV” and working at a dinner theatre growing up Colorado. Growing up queer, she opens up about her relationship with her parents, getting disowned in her 20s and focusing on art as a way to cope, meeting her wife and getting her master's degree and finally reconnecting with her parents. Beth's experiences have inspired her to take her art into activism, and she continues to stay active in the space and raise awareness through her solo shows. She recalls how "Fun Home" has become a form of therapy for people, some of which would talk to actors and share their stories at the stage door. In fact, they would say that the stage door was act two of the show. Apart from raising awareness, she talks about her work, including recording the cast album of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" during the pandemic, and her current and upcoming shows like "City On Fire". Despite not being on stage as much as she used to, Beth shares her love for rehearsals which is also what she misses the most, writing a musical, and being motivated by hope in whatever she does.

Beth Malone is a singer and actress known for her work in Broadway, off-Broadway and regional theatre. She originated the role of Alison Bechdel in the musical "Fun Home", for which she received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance. Her other stage credits include "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" where she played multiple roles and now has an official cast album, "Pride Plays", "Nassim", "Angels in America", and "Ring of Fire" among others. She has also created a cabaret show, "Beth Malone: So Far" which tells her life story. Beth has also appeared in numerous films like "Tick, Tick...Boom!", "The God Committee", "Brittany Runs a Marathon", "The Comedian", "Hick", and TV shows such as "BrainDead", "Rono 911!", "Judging Amy", "Bull", "The Baker and the Beauty", and "All Rise". She released her first solo album, "Lunch Shift" in 2008. Beth stars as Linda Schafer in "Five Days at Memorial" and will be in Apple TV’s "City on Fire" in 2023.

Connect with Beth:

Twitter: @heebyfluff
Instagram: @thebethmalone

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Ep235 - Sasha Hutchings: Performing From a Place of Love and Compassion

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Currently leading the North American tour of the hit show, “Oklahoma!” as Laurey Williams, Sasha Hutchings proves to be a performing powerhouse. Sasha's love for dancing has brought her to where she is today. Dancing as a career was a slow burn for her, but her parents and teachers' support helped her take it more seriously and pursue the craft. She attended Oklahoma City University, where she discovered musical theatre and fell in love with it. And while Sasha says she only does things she's good at, she admits that dancing was hard but that she kept going and trained so she was continually learning and improving her skills. She reflects on how theatre people deal with a certain amount of uncertainty, and the things she did during the shutdown, including taking voice lessons and auditioning for TV shows. With the new take on the classic story of “Oklahoma!” as well as its diverse casts, Sasha gets real about both the positive and negative responses to the show as they tour different cities all over the country. To her core, what matters is to perform with an intention that comes from a place of love and compassion. After all, Sasha considers theatre as a sanctuary where we people, despite our differences, go to watch, feel, and ponder collectively.

Sasha Hutchings is an actress, dancer, and singer with several Broadway credits including "Oklahoma!", "Memphis", "My Fair Lady", "Motown: the Musical", "Rocky", and "Hamilton" where she was an understudy and ensemble member in the original Broadway cast. She plays the character of Hope on the Starz comedy series, "Run the World". Her other TV credits include "Smash", "Master of None", "Jessica Jones", "Fosse/Verdon", and "Blue Bloods". Sasha has been recently cast in a recurring role in AMC’s upcoming sci-fi comedy, "Damascus", and is currently playing Laurey Williams in the North American tour of the “Oklahoma!”

Connect with Sasha:

Twitter: @sashahutchings
Instagram: @sashahutchings

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Ep234 - Talia Suskauer: Defying Gravity

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Talia Suskauer is currently playing Elphaba in "Wicked" on Broadway, following the success of the Munchkinland National Tour of the same show where she played the same role. From being a pasta lover to being a dog lover, Talia gets super personal as she shares how she got into theatre, which includes singing recordings in the car with her mom and sister. Talia looks back on the things that inspired her to pursue acting, the lessons she took throughout her childhood and teenage years, and how the support she got from her parents and mentors has molded her and helped her find her identity as an artist and performer. She recalls her first audition for "Be More Chill" just a week before graduating and her Broadway debut which she considers as unexpected and wild. During their closing week, Talia auditioned for "Wicked" as an Elphaba replacement and eventually got the role. And with live theatre shutting down for almost two years due to the pandemic, Talia opens up about how it affected her mental health, not being able to turn to theatre as a means of escape, and what helped her get out of her rut, including exercising. She was a part of the reopening cast for "Wicked" which was the first Broadway-caliber show to reopen in the country. She talks about being on tour and being on Broadway, why she loved touring, her passion for her job, and why you shouldn’t let anyone try to put you in a box because your uniqueness is what makes you special.

Talia Suskauer is a New York-based actor and singer who made her Broadway debut in "Be More Chill" and recently finished a long run in the Munchkinland National Tour of Wicked as Elphaba. She attended Penn State, where she received her BFA in Musical Theater. Her other stage credits include "Shrek", "Little Women", and "The Secret Garden". Talia is currently playing Elphaba in "Wicked" on Broadway. She's also appeared in a few TV shows such as "The Kelly Clarkson Show" and "The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal".

Connect with Talia:

Twitter: @taliarach
Instagram: @taliasuskauer
Facebook: @taliasuskauernyc
Website: taliasuskauer.com

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Ep233 - Alyssa Fox: From Elsa to Ephaba

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Alyssa Fox is currently in "Wicked" on Broadway as Elphaba standby, having been a part of "Wicked" for around 12 years now. Her lifelong dream of becoming true Disney royalty and growing up watching Disney movies was her first introduction to acting and singing and theatrical expression. Alyssa shares her love for singing and performing live, discovering "Wicked" in senior high school and finding her calling. She talks about her "Wicked" journey, why she decided to drop out of college, and how she went to New York for the first time to audition for a non-equity cattle call she saw on playbill.com. From humble beginnings, she went from not having an agent to booking "Wicked" and only having $18 in her bank account. As we all know, we discuss how the understudy, standby, and swing life is much harder in a different way from your standard roles. She shares some of her experiences as “Frozen’s” Elsa and “Wicked’s” Elphaba standby, from remembering her lines and staying sharp on stage to stage mishaps, and talks about the sisterhood and connection that comes with playing the difficult character of Elphaba, and why despite finding touring hard, it's also where she felt the happiest and most fulfilled. Reflecting back on her work, she sees all her peers as equals, explains why she loves doing theatre, and the amazing connections made between the performer and the audience.

Alyssa Fox is an actress born in Dallas, Texas who is currently in "Wicked" on Broadway as Elphaba standby, also having played the lead role on the national tour. Her other stage credits include "Frozen" (Broadway and Regional) where she was Elsa standby.

Connect with Alyssa:

Twitter: @alyssafox
Instagram: @alyssajoyfox
Facebook: @Allyfox22

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Ep232 - Steve Rosen & David Rossmer: Joined in Holy Career Matrimony

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 14:27:00 -0000

Longtime friends and creative partners, David Rossmer and Steve Rosen are currently working together as lyricists and songwriters for the "The Griswolds’ Broadway Vacation" musical, which just opened for its world premiere at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. The two share their first meeting at a performing arts camp, and the rest, as they say, is history. Growing up in a musical household and a family that has an appreciation for art, it's no surprise that both David and Steve ended up having a career in the creative industry. The two talk about stage adaptation, what makes it exciting, and how their current project is a love letter not just to the Griswolds but also to theatre. They also deep-dive into their creative processes, including writing together, creating something and acting on it at the same time, etc. With all the successful projects both David and Steve have done together and individually, they're proud to say that they still make each other laugh. The two speak about their love for collaboration and their goal to keep making stuff, not only to fulfill their passion but also to get inspiration from other people and create an artistic community.

David Rossmer and Steve Rosen are a talented duo with numerous Broadway acting credits under their name. Their recent Broadway production of “The Other Josh Cohen” received rave reviews. They created the successful variety show benefit, “Don’t Quit Your Night Job”. They have also worked together for Rated P, developed for television by Kelly Ripa’s Milojo Productions and bought by ABC Studios, and made comedy material for Zachary Levi, Sting, etc. Individually, both have created several podcasts, radio plays, and radio comedies. Currently, they are working together as lyricists and songwriters for the "The Griswolds’ Broadway Vacation" musical. David's stage credits include “Les Miserables”, “Peter and the Starcatcher”, “Children and Art”, “Fiddler on the Roof”, and “Titanic”. His TV credits include "Elementary", "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel", "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", and "It Could Be Worse". Meanwhile, Steve's stage credits include "The Little Mermaid", "A Confederacy of Dunces", "Disney's Beauty and the Beast", "Peter and the Starcatcher", "Guys and Dolls", "The Farnsworth Invention", "Monty Python's Spamalot". His TV credits include "Kings", "The Resident", "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", "Blue Bloods", "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel", and "Elementary".

Connect with David and Steve:

Instagram: @stevierosen, @davidrossmer, @rossmerrosen

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Ep231 - Hunter Foster: Clark Griswold, Eat Your Heart Out

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

As a young kid, he originally wanted to be a novelist. A audition for a high school production of Bye Bye Birdie landed him the lead role of Conrad, which blasted open the doors for him in the acting world. He ended up going to University of Michigan when they were first beginning to make a name for themselves as one of the best places to learn the craft, and then found his way easily onto the Broadway stage. He ended up shifting focus about 8 years ago to directing, where he found what he describes as his new passion for the stage. A quick call from an old friend led him to step in and perform as Clark Griswold in The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation brought him back to the stage, originating the role in the world premiere at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington, alongside Kate Rockwell.

Hunter is an actor, director, writer and librettist with Broadway acting credits including Little Shop of Horrors (which earned him a Tony Award nomination), Urinetown, The Producers, Footloose, Les Miserables and Grease. He was named 2018’s director of the year by the Wall Street Journal for his productions of 42nd Street at the Bucks County Playhouse, and The Drowsy Chaperone at the Goodspeed Opera House, recently directed the critically acclaimed The Other Josh Cohen off Broadway here in NYC, is the Artistic Director for the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, NY, and as we speak is originating the role of Clark Griswold in the Griswolds' Broadway Vacation.

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Ep230 - Mikayla Renfrow: Making a Wickedly Amazing Broadway Debut

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Mikayla Renfrow is currently making her Broadway debut as Nessarose in "Wicked", one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. Mikayla shares her background, including growing up in Cincinnati and moving around a lot. She talks about inherited trauma, a point in her life where she always felt like a black sheep, and how that changed thanks to the Cincinnati art school she went into. Mikayla recalls how her "Wicked" journey started, including sending one tape, getting a call back the following day, almost missing her Broadway debut due to a conflict in schedule, and eventually getting the role of Nessarose. She adds how it was a validation of her gut feeling that it was meant for her. Mikayla talks about her interest in astrology, why she believes that every milestone was meant to place her where she is at the moment, creating a routine and sticking to it and that everyone should go to therapy. She shares how the pandemic affected the trajectory of her life and career as well as using her dance skills to get another job. She also speaks candidly about her being a competitive gymnast and a national champion when she was younger. Mikayla looks back on writing her dream life in her journal and how she's living her dreams today, and why it's important to go back to our "why's" to help us keep going.

Mikayla Renfrow graduated from Cincinnati's School for Creative and Performing Arts in 2017 and then from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music in 2021. Her regional stage credits include "Cinderalla" (Paramount Theatre), "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (The Muny), and "Smokey Joe's Cafe" (The Fulton Theatre). She's currently making her Broadway debut as Nessarose in the hit show "Wicked."

Connect with Mikayla:

Instagram: @mikayla.renf
TikTok: @mikrenfrow
Twitter: @mikrenf

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Ep229 - Jordan Barrow: The First Black Actor to Play Boq in North America

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Jordan Barrow is currently making his Broadway debut as the principal role of Boq in "Wicked", making him the first black actor to play the role in North America. He talks about how he got into performing—from joining a theatre camp to doing voiceover work and getting his first professional job when he was 13. He shares how didn't sing until he was 11 and even cried after getting the role of Danny Zuko and finding out he had to sing in front of people for a Grease musical in a summer camp. Jordan explains why he decided to go to school instead of pursuing acting right away (his agent ended up dropping him eventually). He shares his career journey from auditioning for Shakespeare in the Park in 2015 to booking a guest starring part on “POSE”. Jordan gets real about how the pandemic affected his work, wherein he lost 14 weeks of work removed, but despite that, it was also during the pandemic that he auditioned for "Wicked" and got the role of Boq. He shares that it was his fifth time auditioning and that he did not give up thanks to his mindset of how every audition is an audition for the next thing. He recalls his Broadway debut and what the experience was like, doing spot-check rehearsals, and what makes his work exciting and fresh.

Jordan Barrow is an actor based in New York City currently making his Broadway debut as the principal role of Boq in "Wicked". He graduated from the University of Michigan in the Musical Theatre program and holds a certificate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts Shakespeare in Performance program. His other stage credits include "Sousatzka", "America V 2.1: The Sad Demise and Eventual Extinction of the American Negro", "Witness Uganda", "Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust Road", "The Tempest", "Hairspray" and "Peter Pan". He has appeared in several movies and tv shows, including "POSE", "Broad City", and "Amy and Peter are Getting Divorced".

Connect with Jordan:

Twitter: @jordant_b
Instagram: @jordant_b
Website: jordan-barrow.com

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Ep228 - Elizabeth Teeter, Dana Steingold, Zonya Love and Michelle Aravena from Beetlejuice LIVE at BroadwayCon 2022

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

A live panel discussion with Elizabeth Teeter, Dana Steingold, Zonya Love and Michelle Aravena from Beetlejuice. This was recorded LIVE at BroadwayCon 2022 on July 8th, 2022.

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Ep227 - Patrick Page: Originally a Magician, Now King of the Underworld

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Patrick Page is a Grammy award-winning actor and playwright currently playing Hades in "Hadestown". He looks back on his early years growing up in Oregon and becoming a professional magician wherein he toured an illusion show and won awards. He shares how doing magic gave him the validation he needed and taught him about audiences and how to hold the stage. Patrick eventually got deeply interested in acting as a craft and pursued it as a career. While he decided to go for a Liberal Arts degree, he also spent his college years performing in plays. He shares his audition story for The Utah Shakespeare Festival despite being unqualified. Patrick shares how because he didn't go to acting school, he sort of learned by failing. He also talks about the first time someone told him his way of work was out of line and why he considers that a good thing. Apart from acting and writing, Patrick also has an acting studio in New York where he teaches. He talks about the importance of time management and knowing what you can do and offer, his hearing loss and the struggles that came along with it, including having to rely on muscle memory, and pursuing acting not because it's how you wish to be perceived but because it is who you are.

Patrick Page is an actor and playwright known for his role in "In the Heights", "Flesh and Bone", and "The Good Wife". His other TV and film credits include "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", "The Blacklist", "Evil", "Chicago P.D.", "Elementary", and "Spirited". He originated the roles of Norman Osborn and Green Goblin in "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark", The Grinch in Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical", and Hades in "Hadestown". Patrick's Broadway credits also include "Saint Joan", "Spring Awakening", "Beauty and the Beast", and "Lion King". His long list of stage credits also includes "Cymbeline" (New York Shakespeare Festival), "Richard II" (The Public Theatre), "The Sound of Music" (Carnegie Hall), "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (The Papermill Playhouse), and "Rex" (York Theatre). He's an Affiliated Artist with The Shakespeare Theater Company in DC and The Old Globe in San Diego, has taught acting in numerous programs and classes and is the founder of The Patrick Page Acting Studio where he also teaches. Apart from acting, Patrick is also a playwright. One of his plays, "Swansong", was nominated for Best New Play by The American Theatre Critics’ Association and received many regional productions. In his early years, Patrick did magic and was honored by The International Brotherhood of Magicians as the “Best International Teen Illusionist” at their yearly convention in 1979. Patrick is also the recipient of The Grammy Award, The Tony Award nomination, the Helen Hayes Award, The William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theater, and The Emery Battis Award among others.

Connect with Patrick:

Twitter: @pagepatrick
Instagram: @pagepatrick
Website: patrickpageonline.com
Facebook: @thebigbrothertho

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Ep226 - LIVE from BroadwayCon with Salar Nader, Eric Sirakian and Damian Sandys from The Kite Runner

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

A live panel discussion with lead Actor Eric Sirakian, tabla phenom Salar Nader and Associate Director Damian Sandys from Broadway's The Kite Runner. This was recorded LIVE at BroadwayCon 2022 on July 10th, 2022.

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Ep225 - Amir Arison: FBI Special Agent Aram Mojtabai Makes His Broadway Debut

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Best known for his recurring role as FBI Special Agent Aram Mojtabai on the NBC hit TV show, "The Blacklist” is stage and TV actor Amir Arison who's also currently making his Broadway debut as Amir in "The Kite Runner". He shares one of the hardest scenes in the show for him, and that while playing his role can get tiring at times, he finds it "bizarrely energizing" and cathartic. Amir recalls the preparation he did for his role where he spent months not doing anything, practicing his lines and how his dog barking at him while doing so is a good thing. Amir shares an incident of a service dog barking in one of their shows and how he uses incidents like that as an opportunity to have a direct relationship with the audience. He shares the two moments that made him want to pursue acting, the support he's gotten from his parents who are both in the medical field, and why he thinks medicine is an art. Advocating for mental health, animal rescue and arts education, Amir makes sure to do good and that while he's alive, and why he believes that the one thing that transcends time and space is love.

Amir Arison is a stage and screen actor best known for his role as FBI Special Agent Aram Mojtabai in NBC's "The Blacklist". His TV and film credits include "Billions", "Fringe", "Homeland", "The Mentalist", "American Horror", "NCIS", "Girls", "The Visitor", and "Jane Wants a Boyfriend". His stage credits include "Hamlet", and Off-Broadway productions like "The Way of the World", and "Aftermath". In 2018, he received the Mendez Award from the Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown, an award given to those who use their platform to give back to the community. Aside from acting, Amir advocates several causes , including mental health, arts education, and animal rescue. He recently made his Broadway debut as part of the ensemble cast of the Kite Runner, playing the role of Amir.

Connect with Amir:

Twitter: @AmirArison
Instagram: @amirarison
Facebook: @amirarison

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Ep224 - Faran Tahir: From Sci-Fi to Broadway

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Actor, writer, director and producer Faran Tahir may be best known for his roles in “Iron Man” (he tried to kill Tony Stark!) and “Star Trek” (he was killed by Nero!) but is now currently making his Broadway debut as Baba in “The Kite Runner”. Faran talks about playing villain roles, the challenge that comes with it, and how he brings a level of humanity to his roles. He talks about his childhood and growing up in a family who has been in the arts, and why he wasn't initially supported in his goal of becoming an actor. Aside from playing a bad guy, Tahir also shares the challenge of playing a good guy and of finding flaws, why he thinks art is "about putting up mirrors so that we can look at and examine ourselves". He shares what he would tell his students when he used to teach acting, which was you can never say you've mastered something. He also reflects on his role as Baba in "The Kite Runner", finding your spiritual community, and how as humans there is always room for redemption.

Faran Tahir is an actor, writer, director, and producer who came from a theatre family. He has appeared in over 50 stage productions across the US and the world. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley and his graduate degree from the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University. His film credits include "Iron Man", "Star Trek", "Escape Plan", and Elysium. He has also appeared in numerous TV shows, including "The West Wing", “12 Monkeys”, "Shameless", "Supernatural", "24", "Lost", "Prison Break", "Chuck", "Criminal Minds", and "How to Get Away with Murder". He's recently played the title role of Othello at Shakespeare Theatre Company and Richard III at Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. His other theatre credits include "Macbeth" at American Repertory Theatre, "Beast and Moon" and “A Perfect Ganesh” at Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, and "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" at the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Tahir is currently making his Broadway debut as Baba in "The Kite Runner".

Connect with Faran:

Twitter: @farantahir_
Instagram: @faran.tahir
Facebook: @OfficialFaranTahir

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Ep223 - Damian Sandys: A Chance Encounter with Cameron Mackintosh

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Damian Sandys is currently bringing his talent to the Broadway stage as The Kite Runner's associate director. The theatre director talks about the difference between the UK production and Broadway production of “The Kite Runner”, the importance of humor in the show, and how its US audiences are more vocal. He shares how he started getting into theatre directing, from watching and learning from his dad to meeting Cameron Mackintosh which opened up opportunities for him. Damian recalls how after graduating, he ended up taking a teaching job at a boy's boarding school where he taught English and Drama, and after putting on shows at the Edinburgh Festival, a producer who watched one of his shows offered him a directing job. He talks about working for the show, “NewsRevue” which was influential in his career. Damian also shares how he got connected with "The Kite Runner" production, why he decided to stay with the show for this long, and why he thinks a line from the show, "there's a way to be good again" is the key to life.

Damian Sandys is a theatre director with productions across the UK, Edinburgh Fringe, the West End and internationally. He graduated from Oxford University and has directed over 50 productions at the Edinburg festival, including “Shakespeare For Breakfast: 25th Anniversary”. He has been the resident/associate director for several West End and international tours of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”, “The Kite Runner”, and more. His other directing credits include “Aladdin”, “The Taming of the Shrew”, “Beauty and the Beast”, and “Sleeping Beauty” among others. He's also been a part of the teams responsible for the London revival of “Tick, Tick... Boom!”, “When Midnight Strikes”, and “West Side Story”. Currently, he's the associate director for Broadway's "The Kite Runner”.

Connect with Damian:

Twitter: @munchkindamo
Instagram: @munchkindamo

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Ep222 - Azita Ghanizada: Operating from a Place of Truth and Integrity

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 14:31:00 -0000

Azita Ghanizada is currently making her Broadway debut in "The Kite Runner" as Soraya, and is now the first woman of Afghan descent to originate a role on Broadway. As we learn, Azita's childhood life was far from ordinary and easy. Her family fled Afghanistan and ended up in the US as political asylum seekers. Similarly to what happens in “The Kite Runner”, she had trouble getting citizenship because she didn't have proper paperwork, including her birth certificate. She talks about growing up and learning how to speak English through watching tv shows and movies, which has also sparked her interest in acting. She shares how she pursued acting by buying a one-way ticket to Hollywood and ended up working at E! for a couple of years where she learned everything about show business. From finding a loophole in not getting jobs she used to get to being told she was white, Azita, together with other actors who joined her cause, successfully drafted a new SAG-AFTRA – AMPTP TV/Theatrical hiring contract for the first time in 37 years. She also talked about MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition, an organization she founded to support and educate. Azita reflects on the issues we still need to fight for such as inclusion, and why we have to create from our heart and operate from a place of truth and integrity.

Azita Ghanizada is an Afghan American actress who began her on-air camera career as a commercial model. Her family fled Afghanistan to the US and were granted asylum to remain. She has appeared in numerous television series, including “How I Met Your Mother”, “Entourage”, “Veronica Mars”, “The Wedding Bells”, “NUMB3RS”, “Bones”, “Psych” and “Castle”. Her film credits include "Killroy Was Here", “Our Friend”, “We Broke Up”, “Draupadi Unleashed”, “Complete Unknown”, “X's & O's”, and “A Kiss on the Nose” where she received a film festival best actress nomination for her performance. She's the Founder and President of MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition, an organization she launched after helping build the MENA category into the SAG-AFTRA theatrical contracts. In 2020, she gave her first TEDx talk on the path to visibility in Hollywood. In addition to "Ballers," and Freeform's "Good Trouble," she's also got a recurring role on the CBS show, “United States of Al” and is currently performing in Broadway’s "The Kite Runner" as Soraya.

Connect with Azita:

Watch Azita’s amazing TEDx Talk “The Invisible to Stereotyped: The Journey to Hollywood”
Twitter: @azitaghanizada
Instagram: @azitagram
MENA Arts Advocacy

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Ep221 - Eric Sirakian: A Shy Kid Finding His Home on Stage

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Eric Sirakian recently made his Broadway debut in "The Kite Runner" as both Hassan and Sohrab. With stage credits such as "The Jungle", "Twelfth Night", "The Comedy of Errors", and "Pericles", Eric is definitely putting the extracurriculars he did at Yale and his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art into good practice. He recalls his first acting class and being introduced to London’s West End shows by his aunt and uncle, which helped him realize his passion for acting and gave him the push to pursue it as a career. He shares what it was like to attend school in London and New York and the difference between the two. Eric talks about how he got the role for “The Kite Runner” and how the entire process was done on Zoom, the preparation and research he did for his roles, including Afghan cooking and music. He talks more about his training, including how to deal with heavy subject matters and pushing himself to the extremes in a safe environment. He shares that he's been doing transcendental meditation for more than five years now, the difference between acting and therapy and that acting is “in service of something.”

Eric Sirakian is a first-generation Armenian-American actor who graduated from Yale and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He starred in podcast series, "The Effect" and "Passenger List", and short films such as "Deadpan" and "Nightswims". He is set to appear in the upcoming TV mini-series, "Masters of the Air", and the Netflix movie, "Havoc". Eric is also making his Broadway debut in "The Kite Runner" as Hassan and Sohrab. His other stage credits include "The Jungle" (West End), "Twelfth Night", "The Comedy of Errors", and "Pericles" (Shakespeare’s Globe).

Connect with Eric:

Twitter: @ericsirakian
Instagram: @esirakia

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Ep220 - Salar Nader: World-Renowned Percussionist Royalty

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

With years of training with the best teachers, including Grammy award winner Ustad Zakir Hussain, it’s no surprise that Salar Nader is considered percussionist royalty. Apart from being the tabla artist and creating additional arrangements for The Kite Runner, Salar has also performed for the hit show and is playing the tabla for its current Broadway run. Salar passionately shares the history of tabla and the tradition that comes with it, treating instruments as a living entities and why it's important for him to connect with an instrument before playing it. No matter how long he's been playing and making music, Salar still considers himself a student who has more to learn--whether it's from performing or from the cast. He shares a story of buying three sets of tablas in 2020 to use for Stanley Clarke's concert, not knowing that the world is going to shut down two weeks later. He talks about the longevity of tablas, and why he would usually have a secret backup off stage in case they break on the spot. Salar recalls how he met Khaled Hosseini in the late 90s and how he eventually ended up making music for the Kite Runner's stage adaptation. For Salar, music has no boundary and is the most peaceful way of connection. He shares the emotional aspect of playing music for Kite Runner, and why it gets heavy at times.

Salar Nader is a percussionist, composer, producer, beat maker, and one of the most sought-after Tabla virtuosos of his generation. He started his music career at an early age, doing classical training with Tabla bols as his main concentration. He also began studying with the Grammy award-winning Tabla virtuoso, Ustad Zakir Hussain, at the age of seven. With years of training and experience, he has become the leading pioneer in combining the art of Tabla with the musical sounds and rhythms from Afghanistan being the primary component. He is constantly expanding his musical language by weaving Tabla into contemporary music. In 2019, Saler launched the Salar System Collective which offers scholarships, as well as The Salar System album. He originally played the tabla and composed additional arrangements for the hit Broadway show, Kite Runner, which has been nominated for several awards. He has now played the tabla in seven “Kite Runner” productions, including its current Broadway run. He’s also currently touring with legendary bassist, Stanley Clarke.

Connect with Salar:

Twitter: @salarnader
Instagram: @salar_system
Website: www.salarnader.com
Facebook: salartabla

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Ep219 - Ian Eisendrath: Being An Artist is Like Coming Home (special crossover episode)

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

For Ian Eisendrath, being an artist is like coming home. So many kids, Ian shares, don’t feel like they fit or belong until they find their creative outlet. By embracing chance, trusting his gut and putting himself out there in big ways, Ian has done just that.

The University of Michigan School of Music graduate could never have predicted the path he would forge that has included various roles on the original Broadway version of Come From Away, which led him to a 2018 Olivier award and a 2017 Grammy nomination. Ian served as the Music Supervisor, Executive Music Producer, and Arranger for Come From Away.

After the show's successful run on Broadway, Ian then music-supervised the Apple TV film version, which was recorded live on stage in New York City.

Ian is currently the Executive Music Producer on Apple’s Spirited (starring Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell & Octavia Spencer) and his upcoming projects include Disney’s live-action Snow White (starring Rachel Zegler & Gal Gadot) and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (starring Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem & Constance Wu).

Ian has traveled the world with his family and continues to take exceptional risks that seem to have beautiful rewards. He’s always looking for that “I can’t not do this” feeling as that’s his sign to go, go, go!

We love when our creative worlds collide! Ian is also a big fan of former WIC guest, Josh Breckenridge (we’re big fans also!). It was fun to chat about that during the episode.

Follow Ian on Instagram and on the web.

Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance.
More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

So many artists are kids that felt they “didn’t have a place” when they were younger.
Access to live theater and music can, literally transform a child life.
Mentors matter from a very young age.
You have to ask for it … take the risk, put yourself out there. It’s with the risk because you never know what the answers will be if you don’t ask.
Sometimes we can love what we do so much that it induces fear of failure.
It’s amazing what people will do for and with you once they know how deeply and passionately you care. That you won’t lead them stray because you care too much to let it fall apart.
Art, music, and theater are so powerful. They help people heal, grow and learn.
Look for that “I can’t NOT do this” feeling and then go, go, go.

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Ep218 - Sonoya Mizuno: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Sonoya Mizuno recently made her stage debut as Maggie in the first Off-Broadway production of the Tennessee Williams classic, "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof". The actress slash ballet dancer and now a stage performer speaks candidly about her childhood, and how her uncle who was a stage actor inspired her to pursue acting. She talks about her ballet dancing career, auditioning and getting the role of Kyoko in Alex Garland's "Ex Machina" which was also her first feature film. She would later appear in Garland's other works as well. She shares what made her try theatre and how she got an audition for "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof", the production timeline and how the pandemic affected it, her favorite part about performing on stage, and why she prefers to play characters that are far from her personality.

Sonoya Mizuno is an actress and ballet dancer who has appeared in movies, including Alex Garland's works like "Ex Machina" and "Annihilation". Her other film credits include "La La Land", "Beauty and the Beast", and "Crazy Rich Asians". She also appeared in film shows such as the Netflix miniseries "Maniac" and "Devs". Her upcoming works include the HBO Game of Thrones prequel series, "House of the Dragon" and the movie, “Civil War”. She made her stage debut as Maggie in the first Off-Broadway production of the Tennessee Williams classic, "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof".

Get tickets to see "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof": https://www.telecharge.com/Off-Broadway/Cat-on-a-Hot-Tin-Roof/Overview

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep217 - Rob McClure, Brad Oscar & Analise Scarpaci LIVE at BroadwayCon 2022

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

A LIVE panel discussion with Rob McClure, Brad Oscar, and Analise Scarpaci of “Mrs. Doubtfire” talking about the roller coaster of being part of a Broadway show during a pandemic and the bond formed as they all dealt with the effects of COVID, including their show getting postponed. Rob recalls what it was like playing a role originally played by Robin Williams, and why he thinks the greatest adaptations of either material or performances are those that try to imitate how it made the audience feel. Analise shares her experience working with Rob and Brad, and how she helped her younger co-actors in the show. Coming from two shows back to back that dealt with serious matters in a comedic way, Rob shares the positive reception they got from people, and why comedy is such a good genre in that "you come to laugh and then through laughter we crack you open so that in the end we can deliver a message". Brad supports this by sharing how doing comedy is a means of catharsis. Rob explains the term "actually actually" that he cherishes particularly in comedy, and how acting is "reacting truthfully to imaginary circumstances". The three also talk about their favorite scenes, rehearsal as playtime, and the learnings they got from being in “Mrs. Doubtfire”.

Rob McClure is an actor best known for his roles in musical theatre, particularly as Nick Bottom in "Something Rotten!" and Adam Maitland in "Beetlejuice". His performance in the title role of the musical "Chaplin" has earned him a nomination for the 2013 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and has won the Theatre World Award. His other theatre credits include "I'm not Rappaport", "Avenue Q", "Noises Off", "Honeymoon in Vegas", and the latest one, "Mrs. Doubtfire" where he was nominated for the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He won Best Actor at both The Queen’s World and Williamsburg Independent film festivals for the movie, "Recursion". His TV credits include "Person of Interest", "Elementary" and "The Good Fight".

Brad Oscar has been seen on numerous Broadway shows, including "Something Rotten!" and “The Producers” where he earned two Tony Award nominations for his performance. He has also performed in "The Big Fish", "Nice Work...", "The Addams Family", "Spamalot", "Jekyll & Hyde", "Aspects of Love", and “Mrs Doubtire” among others. His Off-Broadway and Regional credits include “Damn Yankees”, “Forbidden Broadway”, “Sweeney Todd”, and both the “Phantom of the Opera” and “Young Frankenstein” national tours. He has also appeared in movies and TV shows such as "Ghost Town", "The Producers", "Madam Secretary", "Smash", "The Good Wife"', and "Law & Order".

Analise Scarpaci made her Broadway debut in 2012's “A Christmas Story, The Musical” where she played the role of Esther Jane. Her other stage credits include "Matilda the Musical", "Lolita, My Love", and "Mrs. Doubtfire" which was her first principal role as Lydia Hillard. Analise has also appeared in the short films, "Thespians" and "We're Gonna Come Back". She recently released her debut EP, "Pathetic Little Dreamer" which received positive reviews. Apart from performing, Analise has also done activist work and raised money with her walking group, Broadway for Bellies, and is currently giving private coaching and lessons to teens and kids.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep216 - Analise Scarpaci: Mrs Doubtfiring Her Way Into Our Hearts

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Analise Scarpaci is a powerhouse performer who landed her first principal role as Lydia Hillard in "Mrs. Doubtfire". She talks about how she coped when the pandemic hit, including playing the guitar and recording her first EP, "Pathetic Little Dreamer", finishing her Bachelor's Degree in Musical Theatre, and why it was a blessing in disguise for her when "Mrs. Doubtfire" got postponed. She shares why she got into performing, which started with her parents' love for Phantom of the Opera, listening to Shirley Temple, and seeing “Billy Elliot”. Analise also talks about what it was like to perform as a child and do eight shows a week, swing into multiple tracks, get notes for mistakes, and why despite the pressure, she appreciated being treated like they were adults—which framed the artist that she is today. She talks about how she got the role in “Mrs. Doubtfire”, recording the cast album and why she found it difficult. Analise opens up about getting diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and what pushed her to pursue her dreams, despite the odds.

Analise Scarpaci is a New York-based performer who made her Broadway debut in the ensemble of 2012's “A Christmas Story, The Musical” as Esther Jane. Her other stage credits include "Matilda the Musical", "Lolita, My Love", and "Mrs. Doubtfire" which was her first principal role as Lydia Hillard. Analise has also appeared in short films, including "Thespians" and "We're Gonna Come Back". She recently released her debut EP, "Pathetic Little Dreamer" which received positive reviews. Analise has also done activist work and has raised money with her walking group, Broadway for Bellies, and is currently giving private coaching and lessons to teens and kids as one of her passions.

Connect with Analise:

Twitter: @analise_2999
Instagram: @analise.scarpaci
Website: analisescarpaci.com
TikTok: @analisescarpaci
Facebook: @analise.scarpaci

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep215 - Frankie Grande: Sinking The Titanique Ship 8 Times a Week

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

A man of many talents, Frankie Grande is currently playing Victor Garber and Luigi in the Off-Broadway production of “Titanique”. In a parallel universe, Frankie went to med school and became a doctor, but in this universe, he’s an unstoppable, multi-hyphenate creative and philanthropist. He speaks candidly about his upbringing, triple majoring in college, meeting Celine Dion, paving the way for his sister, Ariana Grande, and why he’s a “chronic 15-minute late person”. Frankie talks about starring in "Mamma Mia!" where he made his Broadway debut, and eventually produced shows on and off Broadway which include "Hamlet", "La Bête", and the recent Tony-winning production, “Dana H”. He shares his philanthropic work and why he does it. He also opens up about his alcoholism and drug addiction and how getting diagnosed helped him, and why you need to give yourself permission to fail and feel exhausted.

Frankie Grande is currently starring as Victor Garber and Luigi in the Off-Broadway production of Titanique. An actor, philanthropist, dancer, singer, model, producer, television host, and YouTube personality, Frankie began his Broadway career on stage in “Mamma Mia!”. His other stage credits include "Rock of Ages" and "R.R.R.E.D.", the Off-Broadway revival of "Pageant", and the regional production of "Crazy For You". Frankie is also known worldwide for starring in the hit reality TV shows "Big Brother" and "Celebrity Big Brother UK". His credits for TV shows and movies include “Haters Back Off”, “Henry Danger”, “Worst. Post. Ever.”, “'Spree”, and more. He also has credits as a Broadway producer, which include "Hamlet", "La Bête", “Dana H” and "Born Yesterday". As a philanthropist, Frankie is a founding member of Broadway in South Africa, a global arts outreach group. In 2014, he was awarded by buildOn with their Global Impact Award for his charity work in Malawi.

Connect with Frankie:

Twitter: @frankiejgrande
Instagram: @frankiejgrande
Website: jaredmgrimes.com
YouTube: frankiejgrande
Facebook: @thebigbrothertho

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep214 - Marylouise Burke: She'll Give You an Epiphany!

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

With a career spanning decades, Marylouise still finds joy in acting and is now starring in Brian Watkins' new play "Epiphany" as Morkin at Lincoln Center Theater. She chronicles her journey of pursuing her dream of becoming an actress, from switching majors and going to grad school to getting a day job and attending an acting school, and eventually moving to New York during the 70s. She recalls what it was like doing free theatre in New York in the 70s and then gradually taking acting seriously. She talks about doing TV and movies, getting the role of Morkin for “Epiphany” and how she connected with her character immediately, and the theatrical experience she hopes the audience will get from the play.

Marylouise Burke is an actress who has appeared in numerous Off-Broadway plays, including "Ripcord", "The Broken Pitcher", "Kimberly Akimbo", "Fuddy Meers" where she won Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Gertie, and the latest one, Brian Watkins’ “Epiphany”. She has also appeared in various films and television shows including "Sideways" where she played Phyllis, the lead character's mother, "Ozark", "30 Rock" "The Blacklist", "Fringe", “Hung”, and "New Amsterdam". Her Broadway credits include "Into the Woods", "Is He Dead", "Inherit the Wind", "True West", and "Fish in the Dark".

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep213 - J. Harrison Ghee: Breaking the Norm

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

J. Harrison Ghee made their Broadway debut as Lola in the Tony-winning musical “Kinky Boots” where they received recognition for their performance. J. briefly talks about their humble beginnings, from coming out to their parents and leaving their hometown in North Carolina to pursuing their dreams and sharing their talent with the world. They share some of their stage credits, including their role as Velma Kelly in The Muny's “Chicago”, which was played by Catherine Zeta-Jones in the movie. They have been breaking gender barriers when it comes to casting and how we imagine traditional roles. J. also talks about drag as one of their passions, the importance of thinking outside of the box as an artist, and why “you have to free yourself to see yourself”.

J. Harrison Ghee is a Broadway actor and drag artist born and raised in North Carolina and is currently based in New York City. They have performed all over the world, and made their Broadway debut as Lola in “Kinky Boots” the musical and has received recognition for their performance. They originated the role of Andre Mayem in “Mrs. Doubtfire”, and will appear as Jerry/Daphne in the 2022 stage musical “Some Like It Hot”. Their TV credits include HBO's "High Maintenance" and the Netflix series, "Raising Dion".

In this episode, we talk about:

How J. got the role of Velma in "Chicago".
Gender pronouns and gender fluidity
Growing up in North Carolina
Doing drag and entertaining as part of J.'s ministry

Connect with J.:

Twitter: @jharrisonghee
Instagram: @jharrisonghee

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep212 - Charlie Rosen: A Strange Loop... of orchestrating

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Tony and Grammy award-winning Charlie Rosen takes us through his journey as a musician and now an orchestrator. Born in a family of talented musicians, it's no surprise that Charlie grew up to be a good multi-instrumentalist and has already worked for renowned Broadway shows like "Be More Chill", "Moulin Rouge", etc., and won prestigious awards for his work. He talks about what it's like to work and prepare for the recently rescheduled revival of "Some Like It Hot". Charlie explains what exactly an orchestrator is, how he works with other departments, and how he uses Spotify and YouTube to get the overall feel of the show. He talks about his fascination with big sounds, why theatre is a great place for a "Swiss army knife" kind of musician like him, and the communal aspect of making music that motivates him to do and create more.

Charlie Rosen is a musician, composer, arranger, orchestrator, musical director, and music producer who is best known for his work on Broadway. Some of his credits include "Be More Chill", "Prince of Broadway", "Moulin Rouge!", "A Strange Loop", "Some Like It Hot", and "American Psycho". He has also worked for TV shows such as "The President Show" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel". He has won numerous awards, including an Obie Award for "A Strange Loop", Tony Award for Best Orchestrations for "Moulin Rouge!", and a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for "Meta Knight's Revenge (From Kirby Superstar)".

In this episode, we talk about:

What makes a great orchestrator composer and a musical successful
How Charlie got involved with the musical, “A Strange Loop”
Charlie's 35-piece jazz orchestra called The 8-Bit Big Band
Composing for video games

Connect with Charlie:

Twitter: @crosenmusic
Instagram: @crosenmusic
Website: charlierosen.com and the8bitbigband.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep211 - Elizabeth Teeter: Spilling the Deetz about Beetlejuice the Musical

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

When Elizabeth Teeter found out she will be taking on the role of Lydia Deetz in the beloved musical, Beetlejuice, the world suddenly shut down due to COVID and she never got to take her first bow as Lydia. Now, two years later, Elizabeth recalls what it felt like as well as the things she did while dealing with the new normal, including some performing experiences. She talks about her early years on stage, from making her Broadway debut in Mary Poppins to performing alongside renowned actress, Helen Mirren, in The Audience. Elizabeth also shares her experience living alone in New York at age 14 to pursue her dreams, all while making sure she still gets to have a normal life and childhood. With the success of Beetlejuice, she opens up about the connection she has with her character and the show’s message, and why she does it for the fans of the show.

Elizabeth Teeter is an American actress and Broadway performer with impressive stage credits under her belt, including several Broadway shows namely, "Beetlejuice", "The Crucible", "Mary Poppins" and "The Audience". Her other credits include "The Secret Life of Bees" (Off-Broadway), “Jerome Robbins' Broadway” (Regional), and "The Sound of Music" (Regional). Her TV and film credits include "The Last O.G." and "Leaving".

In this episode, we talk about:

Living in New York alone at the age of 14
Playing alongside and attending an award show with Helen Mirren
What it was like getting COVID during tech
Doing ballet

Connect with Elizabeth:

Instagram: @elizabethteeterofficial
TikTok: @eteetphonehome

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep210 - SIX Queens: Khaila Wilcoxon, Jasmine Forsberg, Storm Lever, Olivia Donalson, & Gabriela Carrillo

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Get to know Khaila Wilcoxon, Jasmine Forsberg, Storm Lever, Olivia Donalson, and Gabriela Carrillo from the first national tour of SIX THE MUSICAL as they share their journey from auditioning for the show to joining the Aragon tour. They talk about the different and interesting auditioning processes each of them went through and the stress and difficulties that came along with it as the pandemic hit. The queens discuss about what it's like being on a tour have been so far, how special the show is for having a diverse cast—an opportunity some of them have never had before, and how the group auditions helped in forming a camaraderie with the other casts, and the sisterhood that was formed along the way. Gabriela talks about her successful YouTube channel and why acting and vlogging are important for her. Khaila and Olivia share their Broadway experience, the physical and mental aspects of it versus doing Six now. From receiving gifts to meeting the audience after the show, they reflect on the widespread fame of the show and what it means to them.

Khaila is currently playing Catherine of Arogan in the Aragon leg of the 2022-23 North American Tour production of Six the Musical. Her stage credits include Company (University of Wisconsin), Ruben and Clay's First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show (Imperial Theatre), and Hadestown (Walter Kerr Theatre).

Jasmine is currently Jane Seymour in the Aragon leg of the 2022-23 North American Tour production of Six the Musical. Her stage credits include Shrek the Musical (Orlando Repertory Theatre), Legally Blonde (Penn State Centre Stage), A Grand Night for Singing (Goodspeed Opera House), and The Lucky Boy (Penn State Center Stage)

Storm is currently playing Anne Boleyn in the Aragon leg of the 2022-23 North American Tour production of Six the Musical. Her stage credits include Romeo and Juliet (Arthur Miller Theatre), Freaky Friday (Signature Theatre), Almost Famous (The Old Globe), and Hair (The Old Globe)

Olivia is currently playing Anna of Cleves in the Aragon leg of the 2022-23 North American Tour production of Six the Musical. Her stage credits include Tangle the Musical (The Disney Magic), Disney Dream (The Disney Magic), and Aladdin (US Tour, New Amsterdam Theatre)

Gabriela is currently playing Catherine Parr in the Aragon leg of the 2022-23 North American Tour production of Six the Musical. Her stage credits include Atlantis (Tuacahn Amphitheater), The Prince of Egypt (Tuacahn Amphitheater), Love Actually Live (Bram Goldsmith Theatre), Mamma Mia! (La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts)

In this episode, we talk about:

Their favorite moments in the show
Gabriela's YouTube vlogs and why documenting her life is important for her
How Olivia recorded her self-tape
What it’s like doing group auditions and seeing each other in the final callbacks
Jasmine doing Broadway Bounty Hunter
The ability to make dolphin sounds

Connect with Khaila, Jasmine, Storm, Olivia, Gabriela:

Twitter: @KhailaWilcoxon, @forsbergjasmine, @StormLever, @oliviadonalson, @officialgabrielacarrillo
Instagram: @thekhailawilcoxon, @jasmine_forsberg, @stormlever, @oliviadonalson
TikTok: @khaila.wilcoxon, @jasmineforsberg, @stormlever, @oliviadonalson
YouTube: Gabriela Carrillo
Website: jasmineforsberg.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep209 - Jared Grimes: Finding His Purpose as a Quadruple Threat

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

With credits in singing, dancing, acting and choreographing, and now a 2022 Tony Nominee for his role in Broadway's first-ever revival of Funny Girl, Jared Grimes deserves the title “quadruple threat”. The Broadway Star recalls his early days when he would tap dance and perform in the New York City subway and other spots in the city. Jared shares the story of how he landed a gig as Mariah Carey's backup dancer, and how he pulled off filming Manifest and rehearsing for Funny Girl at the same time. He talks about his inspiring outlook regarding rejection and why he considers it as "just a different path to another opportunity", resilience as one of his superpowers, and the importance of finding your purpose.

Jared is a dancer, singer, actor, and choreographer whose long list of credits includes touring with iconic singer, Mariah Carey, and dancing for popular artists like Salt-n-Pepa and Busta Rhymes. His theatre performance credits include "A Soldiers Play on Broadway", "The Radio City Spring Spectacular", "After Midnight on Broadway", "Twist", "Babes in Arms", and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". His TV credits include NBC's Manifest, Fox's "Fringe" and HBO's "Boardwalk Empire". His choreography credits include “Banana Shpeel” off-broadway, “After Midnight” on Broadway, and “Holler If You Hear Me”, “Jelly’s Last Jam”, “The Scottsboro Boys”, "Ain't Misbehaving", “42nd Street” where he won a Jeff Award for Best Choreography and “Lights Out: Nat King Cole” where he won a Barrymore Award for Best Choreography. Jared has also choreographed his first film, "Breaking Brooklyn". His film credits include "The Marc Pease Experience", "Little Manhattan" and "First Born.

In this episode, we talk about:

The history of tap dancing
Dancing for Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Salt-n-Pepa, and more
Bailing school to audition as one of Mariah Carey's backup dancers
Trying out for his middle school basketball team and getting cut twice
Getting the role of Eddie Ryan in Funny Girl

Connect with Jared:

Twitter: @JaredMGrimes
Instagram: @grimeystepz
Website: jaredmgrimes.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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From Cautionary Tales: Bless the Coal-black Hearts of the Broadway Critics

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Here’s a special preview of the Cautionary Tales podcast from Pushkin Industries. On Cautionary Tales, bestselling author Tim Harford shares stories of human error, natural disasters, and tragic catastrophes from history that contain valuable lessons for today. In this preview, you’ll hear about Movin Out', the 2002 Billy Joel-inspired Broadway show created by dance legend Twyla Tharp. When Billy Joel agreed to let dance legend Twyla Tharp turn his songs into a Broadway musical it seemed like a surefire hit. But in previews, Movin’ Out was panned by the critics. It was soon headed for Broadway and was set to be an expensive and embarrassing failure. So how could Twyla turn things around and avert disaster before opening night? Hear more from Cautionary Tales at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/ctbroadway?sid=ttp.

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Ep208 - Kaden Kearney & Kalyn West: Emma and Alyssa in the Nat'l Tour of "The Prom"

Tue, 31 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Starring opposite each other in the national tour of The Prom, Kaden Kearney and Kalyn West talk about what it’s like to be part of the award-winning musical. With Kalyn being a part of the Broadway cast and Kaden being relatively newer to the scene, the two talk about their experience going on a national tour during a pandemic and the challenges they faced, including rehearsing (and dancing hard!) with their masks on. Kalyn shares her story of how her love for theatre started and moving to New York to pursue her dreams. Kaden recalls their experience watching The Prom on Broadway and begging their manager to get her an audition for the movie when it came out. While not a trained dancer it didn’t stop Kaden from doing musicals and auditioning for The Prom. Kalyn and Kaden also talk about what it was like to develop a rapport and how it was easy for them to work with each other. The two reflect on their experiences with the audiences, and what it feels like to be part of a show that tackles important issues and teaches you empathy.

Kalyn has been in many productions, from regional to Broadway. She was on the first national tour of Mean Girls, and some of her credits include Moby Dick and The Prom. Her TV and film credits include Imitation Girl, Blue Bloods, and The Times. Kaden, has recently attended the University of California, Irvine and received their Master's of Fine Arts. They have done a number of shows and some of their credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, One Man Two Guvnors, Agent 355, and the TV series, Prodigal Son.

In this episode, we talk about:

Kalyn auditioning for The Prom in 2018 and understudying Alyssa
Doing self-tape for auditions
The rehearsal process during a pandemic and why Kalyn missed it
Kaden accidentally going onstage with their mask on

Connect with Kaden and Kalyn:

Website: www.kalynwest.com
Twitter: @kadenokearney
Instagram: @kadenokearney & @misskurlykay
Find tickets to The Prom

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep207 - Rachel Dratch: Her Tony-Nominated Role in POTUS is no Debbie Downer

Tue, 24 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Rachel Dratch recently had her Broadway debut in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, a play by Selina Fillinger. With three decades of experience in the business, Rachel recalls her SNL days where she worked for seven years and compares the pressure that came along with it and how it differs from doing Broadway. She speaks candidly about her love for comedy, particularly improv and sketch, and whether she'll ever try drama on stage or in movies. Rachel also shares why she prefers sticking to the script and rarely improvises on a film, why she decided to leave SNL, and why you should have fun when you're in a "dip".

Rachel Dratch is an actress, comedian, and writer, whose latest stage credits include POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, her Broadway debut. She was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for seven years, where she had memorable characters like Debbie Downer, Boston teen Denise, and the "Lovers" professors with Will Ferrell. She was an alumna of the Second City Theater in Chicago, where she performed in four revues on the main stage, two of which she received the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Revue. Some of her live comedy credits include ASSSCAT 3000 at the UCB Theater in New York, "Dratch and Fey". Her TV credits include "Frasier," "Ugly Betty," "30 Rock," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," and "Shameless," and some of her film credits include "Wine Country," "Click," and "Just Go with It."

In this episode, we talk about:

Having a minor in Psychology and wanting to be a therapist
Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
Unexpectedly getting pregnant at 44
Living in Chicago for nine years and getting into The Second City
Her memoir, Girl Walks into a Bar . . .: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle

Connect with Rachel:

Twitter: @TheRealDratch
Instagram: @raedratch

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Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep206 - Dave Harris: He is his own Exception to the Rule

Tue, 17 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

With two of his plays, Tambo & Bones and Exception to the Rule, being produced simultaneously, Dave Harris shares his chaotic but exciting schedule as he goes back and forth to LA and New York to help and make sure everything is in order on their openings. He talks about his relationship with writing and how switching from a public school to a private one influenced his writing as well as his love for theatre. He reflects on what makes theatre frustrating at times, why he chooses to write from an individual perspective, and how he uses playwriting to address his personal fears. Dave also shares why he’s happiest when he’s doing multiple projects, and why his friends’ imaginations motivate him the most.

Dave Harris is a poet, performer, and playwright whose recent works include Tambo & Bones produced at Playwrights Horizons and Center Theatre Group, and Exception to the Rule which will premiere this year at Roundabout Underground. He has won numerous awards, including the 2019 Ollie Award, The Lorraine Hansberry Award, Mark Twain Award from The Kennedy Center, the 2018 Venturous Fellowship from The Lark, and a Cave Canem poetry fellowship. Other works include Summertime, his adapted film that premiered at Sundance in 2020. His first full-length poetry collection, Patricide was also recently published from Button Poetry. His work has also been seen at Actors Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival, Roundabout Underground, Manhattan Theater Club, Center Theatre Group, The Goodman, Victory Gardens, The Kennedy Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and many more.

In this episode, we talk about:

His fear of birds and how he got it
Getting into the Tow Foundation Playwright Residency Program
Joining the Callaloo poetry workshop
Reading Stephen King at a young age
Playing Elden Ring for a week straight

Connect with David:

Instagram: @staydancingdave
Twitter: @StayDancingDave
Web: staydancingdave.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
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TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep205 - David Morse: The Green Mile to Broadway

Tue, 10 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

2022 Tony Nominee(!!) David Morse is reprising his role for Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play How I Learned to Drive, making it's Broadway debut! David recalls his journey from loving theatre in high school to joining the Boston Repertory Company and eventually moving to New York to join the Circle Repertory Company. He also shares what made him change his mind from vowing to never do TV early in his career to becoming an established actor with a long list of TV and film credits. He opens up about how acting and playing different characters helped him get through tough times when he was younger, giving up theatre when he was struggling financially, finding the silver linings and being grateful for the way things turned out despite any shortcomings.

David has become an established actor with an incredible TV, film, stage, and acting career, boasting a long list of credits like “The Green Mile” and the Off-Broadway production of Paula Vogel's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, “How I Learned to Drive” where he won numerous awards, including an Obie Award and a Drama League Award. He appeared in over 30 productions with the Boston Repertory Company and further his stage career with the Circle Repertory Company in New York before giving TV and film a chance. Some of his other notable credits include movies like “St. Elsewhere”, “12 Monkeys”, “Contact”, “The Hurt Locker”, “Proof of Life”, “Double Vision”, and a number of TV series like “Hack”, “The Chair”, and “House”.In this episode, we talk about:

In this episode, we talk about:

Auditioning for the Boston Repertory Company
Joining Neighborhood Playhouse to study for two years
Facing bankruptcy
Waking up Richard Donner in his hotel room to get a script from him
Doing a one-person play
Getting offered a film from Sean Penn

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep204 - A.J. Shively: This History Nerd is on Broadway!

Tue, 03 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

A.J. shares how he had to learn Irish step dance for the new Broadway musical, Paradise Square where plays the role of Owen Duignan. He also talks about his acting career which started at a young age, from landing his first professional job for the national tour of the Sound of Music and living in New York to pursue his dreams, to moving back to Ohio after the 9/11 attacks. He also shares a fun anecdote about his years in Professional Children's School, where a girl from his math class turned out to be Scarlett Johannson. A.J. opens up about how there’s still so much to learn about America’s history despite being a history nerd himself, why Broadway feels intimate to him, and why he thinks storytelling is important to help us remember and find empathy.

A.J. stars as Owen Duignan in the new musical Paradise Square which opened recently on Broadway at the Barrymore Theater. He has also been seen on Broadway in Bright Star; The Sound of Music; National Tour: Bright Star; La Cage aux Folles, and more. Some of his other Off-Broadway/stage credits include February House (The Public); Brigadoon (Irish Rep); The Suitcase Under the Bed (Mint); Unlock’d (Prospect); A Contemporary American’s Guide to a Successful Marriage (Cherry Lane); Things To Ruin (Second Stage). He was also recently seen in television shows, including CBS's “Bull” as Jerry McConnell and HBO Max's “Julia” as Chef André Soltner. A.J.’s Film and TV credits also include “Hunters”, “The Blacklist”, “Madam Secretary”, “Younger”, and “Homeland”.

In this episode, we talk about:

Being on tour with The Sound of Music when he was 12 years old
Attending the Professional Children’s School
Living in New York when 9/11 happened
Getting the role of Jean-Michel for La Cage aux Folles right after he graduated
Watching Douglas Hodge's Tony-winning performance every night for a year

Connect with A.J.:

Instagram: @aj_shively
Web: ajshively.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep203 - Alyssa May Gold: "There are doctors who do heart surgery, and then there are actors who work on your heart."

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Alyssa May Gold recently made her Broadway debut alongside Mary-Louise Parker and David Morse in the long-anticipated Broadway premiere of How I Learned To Drive. She was previously seen in WP Theater/Second Stage’s acclaimed world premiere of Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, and other New York credits include Arcadia (Broadway), Juliet + Romeo, Julius Caesar, The Maid’s Tragedy (Pocket Universe), Middle of the Night, Lemon Sky (Keen Company), and Brilliant Traces (Art of Warr). Alyssa’s Film and TV credits include “Rebel in the Rye,” “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood,” “Taking Woodstock,”and “Law &Order: SVU.” She is also the founder of Pocket Universe, a theater/film production company dedicated to reconsidering and re-imagining classic stories and conventions.

Upon being asked how she first became involved in theater, Alyssa recalls seeing the Annie movie when she was four years old, and says she hasn’t stopped since. She talks about the inspiration and creation of her production company, Pocket Universe, revealing the meaning behind its title and how it relates to string theory. Alyssa also opens up about the great responsibility she feels to the audience as part of How I Learned To Drive, saying the play “is putting a handout to the people who need to be pulled up through hell back to Earth” – “…that's why there are doctors who do heart surgery, and then there are actors who work on your heart.”

In this episode, we talk about:

Why she considers this her actual Broadway debut
Playing in the World Series of Poker in Vegas
Her love for science and metaphysical discussions
Playing the oldest and the youngest woman in the story, and what makes her track beautiful
Why Mama Mia is one of her favorite musicals of all time
Listening to the things that light your heart on fire

Connect with Alyssa:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep202 - Simon Bailey: A West End Bad Boy with a New Take on Moulin Rouge's 'The Duke'

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0000

Actor Simon Bailey hails from London, where his career on the West End is booming. He trained at the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, and his West End credits include Heathers: The Musical, Jersey Boys (Tommy DeVito), The Phantom of the Opera (Raoul), Enjolras in the 21st Anniversary cast of Les Miserables, I Can’t Sing! The X-Factor Musical, Romeo and Juliet -The Musical, Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, We Will Rock You, and more. SImon can be seen now in the West End production of Moulin Rouge as The Duke at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Simon reminisces about his experience as part of the original workshop for Heathers: The Musical in London, and shares why it holds such a big place in his heart. He opens up about landing the role of The Duke, why he’s had so much fun building and developing a darker character, and also talks about why he particularly loves the first 10 minutes of the show when he’s able “to look out and see everybody… just completely entranced in this thing.” Simon also reflects on working as an understudy, and why he feels it’s such an important ground to start from and build on.

In this episode, we talk about:

The community working on the West End
Attending the National Youth Theatre, and bypassing drama school
Why being an actor now is very different than it was pre-2020
His experience as a swing in We Will Rock You
Creative freedom from Alex Timbers

Connect with Simon:

IG: @simonbailey1210
Twitter: @SimonBailey1210

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep201 - Michael Maliakel: Making His Broadway Debut as Aladdin

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Michael Maliakel recently made his Broadway debut, following Broadway’s reopening, starring in the title role of Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Additional credits include the National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera (Raoul u/s), Anything Can Happen: The Songs of Maury Yeston, Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding (Berkeley Rep), and She Loves Me (PlayMakers Rep). You may have also seen Michael on TV in Bull, and FBI.

As a first generation Indian American, Michael reflects on what he calls his “unexpected journey” to a career in the performing arts, including how his love for music brought him to the Peabody Conservatory to earn a degree in opera. He speaks candidly about representation in the industry, noting that as a child he had no real role models or examples for what his performing arts career could be, but trusted his gut and the way music made him feel alive in order to create space for himself and others like him. Michael also opens up about making his Broadway debut as the title character in a hit Disney musical, including the whirlwind audition process which began in the midst of the COVID shutdown, and the “full goosebumps” moment of his first curtain call as Aladdin.

In this episode, we talk about:

Attending the American Boychoir School in Princeton
Using his facebook profile picture as his headshot at an open call
The interactive and collaborative experience of choral singing, and theater
Touring with Phantom of the Opera as the Raoul understudy
His love for Broadway’s Spring Awakening, and Bridges of Madison County

Connect with Michael:

IG @michaelmaliakel

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep200 - Patti LuPone: Broadway Royalty

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Combined across the Emmys, Grammys, Olivier and Tony Awards, Patt LuPone has 14 nominations and six wins. Her resume includes 27 Broadway credits, including Eva Perón in the original Broadway production of Evita (1st Tony Award), Anything Goes, Sweeney Todd, Noises Off, Rose in the 2008 Broadway revival of Gypsy (2nd Tony Award), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, War Paint, Working, Oliver!, The Robber Bridegroom, and The Beggar’s Opera. In London she starred in the original casts of Les Misérables, The Cradle Will Rock, Sunset Boulevard, and the West End revival of Company. She also has a long and illustrious career across TV and film, with credits including Driving Miss Daisy, Frasier, Will and Grace, Ugly Betty, 30 Rock, Glee, American Horror Story, Girls, Penny Dreadful, and of course, Life Goes On. She's a voiceover artist, a cabaret performer, a mom, and performs regularly with the New York Philharmonic, all of which mean you can find her singing across 22 different albums. Patti LuPone was the first American to ever win an Olivier Award, has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame, and can now be seen on Broadway in the revival of Company.

LuPone recalls her first introduction to the musical Gypsy (playing Louise) in high school, speaking candidly about not understanding the play at the time, and shares how she was initially banned from participating in any of Arthur Laurents work before going on to win a Tony Award for playing Rose. She reflects on going to the “dark side” a lot when COVID shut the industry down, noting it wasn’t that she couldn’t perform but rather that she had nothing to fill that void with, and shares how close-knit and supportive the cast and crew of Company is as a result of the collective trauma and uncertainty they faced together once they resumed rehearsals. LuPone also speaks about the importance of doing her work completely in the rehearsal room, allowing her and the audience to both play and relax once she is onstage, and shares why she looks at the audience every single night.

In this episode, we talk about:

Being in one of the first-ever students in Juilliard’s school of drama in the 70’s
Her Marilyn Monroe impression at 3 years old
What it is about laughter from an audience that brings her joy
What she calls the “Italian blast”, and not having a filter
Her “Andrew Lloyd Webber memorial pool”
Resenting producers or anybody that underestimates the audience's intelligence

Connect with Patti:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep199 - Reeve Carney: He Originally Said 'No' To Hadestown

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Reeve Carney is an actor, singer-songwriter, and musician, who may be best known for originating the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark on Broadway, and playing Orpheus in the original Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown. Other notable roles include his portrayal of Dorian Gray in the Showtime series Penny Dreadful, and Riff Raff in the Fox musical television film The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again. Reeve is also the lead singer and songwriter of the band Carney, also consisting of his brother Zane, Aiden Moore, and Jon Epcar, who together have toured with The Veronicas, and opened for Arcade Fire and U2. He recently appeared as Tom Ford in the Oscar nominated film House of Gucci, and can currently be seen performing his original music in his residency at The Green Room 42, or captivating audiences eight times a week as Orpheus in Hadestown on Broadway.

Reeve chronicles his almost 27 year guitar playing journey, which began at age 12 and led to playing in nightclubs in LA a few years later, where fellow musicians convinced him if he ever wanted to lead a band, he needed to learn how to sing. He recalls meeting Julie Taymor for the first time at one of his band’s shows, and how that meeting set the course for working with Bono and The Edge, and originating the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man on Broadway. Reeve also shares how he became involved with Hadestown, how the character of Orpheus changed significantly between their run at the National Theatre in London and the Broadway opening, and why he said “no” when asked to be a part of the first reading in 2012.

In this episode, we talk about:

Growing up in a family of artists
Being mistaken for Macaulay Culkin
Getting signed to Interscope Records when he was 22
His electronic effects pedal company called Quarantine Effects USA
How Orepheus’s purity of voice is reflected in his character

Connect with Reeve:

Check out his Effects Pedal company: https://quarantineeffectsusa.com/
IG: @reevecarney
Twitter: @reevecarney

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep198 - Eva Noblezada: Struggling with the word 'Perfect'

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders.

In this episode, we talk about:

Growing up Filipino Mexican, and discovering musical theater
A strong work ethic, instilled by her father
The mental and physical toll of an 8 show schedule
Meeting Tara Rubin at the Jimmy Awards
Pole dancing as fitness, and how society sexualizes women
Her “all or nothing” way of life

Connect with Eva:

IG: @livevamaria
Twitter: @EvaNoblezada

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep197 - Telly Leung & Cameron Adams: The importance of Ensemblists

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Telly and Cameron discuss the inspiration behind the documentary Ensemble, the catharsis of filming it, and the resilience of the 13 very diverse people in different stages of their life and career who are featured on screen. They share thoughts on George Takei’s legacy as an artist, activist and producer, and how his career encouraged and cleared a path for so many after him. Telly and Cameron express their support of “call out culture” in order to take time for yourself physically and mentally, and reflect on the old adage “the show must go on”. They also open up about what they hope people walk away with after watching their new documentary, Ensemble which dropped on March 11th on Broadway On Demand. Telly, as the producer, and Cameron, as a featured performer, are part of this brand new documentary, which gives an inside look at the private lives of Broadway ensemble members a year after Broadway shut down.

Telly Leung made his Broadway debut in the 2002 revival of Flower Drum Song, and was named one of 12 Faces to Watch in 2012: Dance, Theater, Architecture, and Art by the Los Angeles Times. He boasts an extensive resume on both stage and screen, and other notable roles include Aladdin in Aladdin on Broadway, the Broadway revival and national tour of Rent, Godspell, The Secret Garden, and In Transit.

Cameron Adams has over a dozen Broadway credits on her resume after making her Broadway debut in the 2000 revival of The Music Man, and she will return to Broadway and her role in Mrs. Doubtfire when the show re-opens for the second time post COVID.

In this episode, we talk about:

COVID compliance while shooting a documentary
Looking back and seeing how far you’ve come
Diversifying the power structures of broadway
The mythology of Broadway
The necessity of becoming a “multi-hyphenate artist”

Connect with Telly and Cameron:

Watch Ensemble on Broadway On Demand
IG: @tellyleung & @cameron.nyc

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep196 - Trent Saunders, T. Oliver Reid, Eddie Noel Rodríguez: Being Hermes

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

What makes the heart, soul, and sound of Hermes? Ask three different Hermes u/s and get three different answers. That speaks to the brilliance of the Hadestown creative team, and their encouragement to anyone who steps into the winged shoes of Hermes to bring their actual selves to the role. With us in this episode are T. Oliver Reid, Trent Saunders, and Eddie Rodriguez (two Broadway and the national tour understudies respectively), three uniquely different individuals who are all joined together in their privilege of being to play Hermes, the messenger.

Eddie Noel Rodríguez (Swing, u/s Hermes) is a proud Puerto Rican performer who has lived and worked as a professional artist since he was 14 years old, starting with the folkloric dance company Gíbaro de Puerto Rico traveling the world representing his culture. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón with a specialty in telecommunications and theater. He’s collaborating with different Broadway artists to bring musical theater workshops to the artists living in Puerto Rico. Eddie is thrilled, honored and grateful to be in his second national tour with the family of Hadestown. Tour: On Your Feet! (Emilio). Regional: Godspell (Jeffrey), Man of la Mancha (Dr. Carrasco), La Cage Aux Folles (Hanna), Footloose (Willard), Rent (u/s Roger), Piaf (Ensemble), Hair (Ensemble).

T. Oliver Reid (Swing, u/s Hermes, u/s Hades) Broadway show #13 for this award-winning artist. Broadway: Kiss Me, Kate; Follies; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Never Gonna Dance; La Cage Aux Folles; Chicago; The Wedding Singer; Mary Poppins; Sister Act; After Midnight; Sunset Boulevard; Once on This Island. TV/Film: The Sixth Reel, “Sex & The City,” “The Blacklist.” Educator Trent Saunders (Worker, u/s Orpheus, u/s Hermes) is grateful for the chance, joining this incredible company. He has been building some exciting things with his cohort and family of collaborators, The Saunders Collective (thesaunderscollective.com). Favorite credits: Evita (Che), Aladdin (OBC), American Idiot (St. Jimmy). Love to Tree, the Delfinitas, Mike, the family and all of you. Let’s tell the story!

In this episode, we talk about:

How majoring in telecommunications helped Eddie make it to Broadway
Why their unique differences help unify them in the role of Hermes
The stress of the vocal ranges required for covering multiple tracks
How do get over that "I HAVE TO PEE!" feeling before going on stage
Representation of 3 different guys being the same character

Connect with Trent, T., and Eddie:

IG: @eddienoelr, @toliverreid & @trensaun
@nyugradacting @columbiamfaacting @ridermusicaltheatre

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep195 - Mauro Refosco: David Byrne's American Utopia

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0000

A professional percussionist, Mauro Refosco has performed and recorded with artists such as David Byrne, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Thom Yorke’s Atoms for Peace. After beginning his touring career in 1994 as Byrne’s percussionist, he returned to NYC and joined cult creative ensemble The Lounge Lizards, playing experimental punk jazz. He formed his own band, Forro in the Dark, which has recorded four full-length albums and performed at major domestic and international festivals. He’s also composed music and soundtracks for movies, television, fashion shows and Off-Broadway plays. You can now find him walking around barefoot, on Broadway, in American Utopia

Born in Brazil, he found his way to NYC and ultimately the professional touring world of music. His career exploded alongside other music legends. Once he began to embrace what makes him unique and different, he found his tribe after a short stint bring a NYC-based street performer in Central Park and in the subway. He found his way to an audition for David Bryne, which resulted in an interview(!). The rest, as they say, is history.

In this episode, we talk about:

How his love for soccer led to his professional career as a percussionist
How the album “American Utopia” made its way to Broadway as a show
The difference a percussion player and a drum player
Why Ted Lasso is the greatest show ever
Being a NYC busker
Why he decided to stop singing backing vocals for David Byrne

Connect with Mauro:

IG: @MauroRefosco
Web: MauroRefosco.com
Listen to Jomoro (and Blue Marble Sky)
Get tickets for American Utopia on Broadway

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

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Ep194 - Kay Trinidad and Malcolm Armwood: The Fate of Swings in Hadestown

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Malcolm Armwood made his Broadway debut as a swing in Hadestown, and can currently be seen playing one of the workers. He previously starred in the national tours of Motown: The Musical and Smokey Joe’s Cafe, and other credits include Grease, Ragtime, Hairspray, and Showboat. Kay Trinidad is part of the original Broadway cast of Hadestown, and has continued her role as one of the Fates since Broadway’s reopening. Kay made her Broadway debut in the original cast of The Little Mermaid, and additional credits include the world premiere of Lempicka (Williamstown Theatre Festival), the New York Premiere of BARE: A Pop Opera, Children of Eden in concert at The Kennedy Center, The King and I, and Beauty and The Beast.

Not only do Kay and Malcolm have a Broadway show in common, they reveal both performing as kids at home in front of their families, and recall memories of each of their early interests in the performing arts. Chatting about the heightened importance of theatre and the arts in the midst of a pandemic, Kay and Malcolm share their thoughts on what they find so compelling about Hadestown, and storytelling in general. They also chat about working with the “powerhouse” creative team behind Hadestown, including the collaboration between cast and crew that went into creating the final product.

In this episode, we talk about:

Singing in front of crowds
Why they’ve stuck with Hadestown
Missing post-performance stage door visits during COVID
Their favorite moments of the show
Call out culture, and self care

Connect with Kay and Malcolm

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep193 - Tara Jackson & Sayo Oni: Taking Us Way Down Underground to Hadestown!

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Tara Jackson and Sayo Oni, both triple threats, recently made their Broadway debuts in Hadestown. Originally from Canada, Tara Jackson was previously part of the Hadestown Canadian premiere, and is now assistant dance captain, a swing, and an understudy for The Fates in Hadestown on Broadway. Sayo Oni recently completed his junior fall semester at Elon University, and can now be seen in Hadestown as a swing and an understudy for Orpheus.

Tara (who covers 8 tracks) and Sayo (who covers 6 tracks) chat about their experiences as swings and understudies - the unpredictability, the excitement, and the documents they both created to keep all their tracks mapped out. They recall what they were doing professionally when COVID shut the industry down, Tara with a flight booked to join the Broadway cast, and Sayo in his freshman year of college, and share how it affected their lives and careers. Tara and Sayo also take us back to when they were first bitten by the theater bug, and how they found their way to Broadway.

In this episode, we talk about:

Joining the Broadway cast of Hadestown
Learning choreography by osmosis
Finding theater in high school and college
Forming a dentist voice lesson company
Family reactions to their career choice

Connect with Tara and Sayo:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep192 - Alysia Reiner & David Alan Basche: Power Couple and Acting/Producing Powerhouse

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Alysia Reiner and David Alan Basche are a power couple of TV, film and theater. Alysia may be best known for playing Natalie “Fig” Figueroa, a warden on Orange is the New Black, and has a plethora of additional credits including Better Things, The Deuce, Masters of Sex, How to Get Away with Murder, 30 Rock and the upcoming production of Mrs. Marvel. David may be best known for his five seasons starring in the TV Land original series The Exes, and for his portrayal of Todd Beamer in the film United 93. His own string of credits includes Royal Pains, Blind Spot, Frasier, 30 Rock and Lipstick Jungle. Alysia and David are co-producers, co-creators, and co stars, who can now be heard in the podcast original Around The Sun.

As collaborators, Alysia and David share how they decide which projects to work on together behind the camera, as well as their experiences working together on camera. They dive into the realities of living with a fellow actor and artist, including how they balance their careers, handle jealousy or envy, and how they curb self-doubt. And as actors who have to engage in intimate scenes with others, Alysia and David also share their philosophies on the importance of trust as a couple, and thoughts on the dichotomy of being actors whose job it is to “get caught up in what’s not real” for a role, but also acknowledging that it’s a lie.

In this episode, we talk about:

Meeting during a summer stock production of Twelfth Night
Love for voiceover work
Self-taping auditions for each other
The process of letting your character go at the end of the day
Working on Around the Sun

Connect with Alysia and David:

Listen to Around the Sun (episode 105 here)
IG: @alysiareiner && @davidalanbasche
Web: socialenterprisegiftguide.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Bonus - The Music Man (Opening Night Red Carpet Interviews)

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Join me live on the red carpet for the opening night of The Music Man! In this episode we hear from Hugh Jackman, Sutton Foster, Jerry Zaks, Warren Carlyle, Jayne Howdyshell, Jefferson Mays, Daniel Patrick Russell, Drew Minard, Eloise Kropp, Kammie Crum, Marie Mullen, Jordan Beall, Maria Briggs, Phillip Boykin, Ronnie S Bowman, Sherisse Springer, Garrett Long, and Lance Roberts.

There are even special cameos from Seth Meyers and Randy Rainbow. #justsayin

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Ep191 - Robert W Schneider: Director, Producer, Podcaster

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Robert Schneider is one of Feinstein's/54 Below original programming producers, a freelance director, and co-host of the popular podcast Behind the Curtain: Broadway's Living Legends, the official podcast of BroadwayWorld. Some of his favorite directing credits include Memphis (Regional Premiere), Rock of Ages (Millbrook Playhouse), The Last Five Years (Fuse Productions), Good People with Tony Award winner Johanna Day, and City of Angels (Young Artists Ensemble). Robert is also the Artistic Director for the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company, which just began its second season. Robert is currently on the faculty of both Penn State University and the New York Film Academy, and has a new book coming out on March 31st, called Fifty Key Stage Musicals, now available for pre-order.

Robert shares how the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company was born through connections fostered while working at 54 Below, and recalls memories of the day the pandemic shut them down. He talks about the wisdom accrued and lessons learned from his guests as one of the co-hosts of one of the industry’s favorite Broadway podcasts, one of the most noteworthy being the validation that there really is no security in this business for anyone. Robert also gives us an inside look to his new book, Fifty Key Stage Musicals, including how they decided which shows to include, and what kind of healthy debate he hopes it inspires.

In this episode, we talk about:

How musical theater has always been in his DNA
His dad, the private investigator
A common consensus on Danny Kaye
Why he hopes to see an end to open call auditions
What types of show’s he thinks we’ll see more of in the future

Connect with Rob

IG: @robwschneider
IG: @j2spotlightnyc
Listen to his podcast BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Check out J2 Spotlight

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep190 - Lynn Nottage: Two-time Pulitzer Prize Winning Playwright

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Lynn Nottage is a two time Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, and the first and only woman to win the category twice, for “Ruined” and “Sweat”. She's a screenwriter, a Tony nominee, a producer, the recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant fellowship and was included in Time magazine's 2019 list of the 100 Most Influential People. Lynn’s work can currently be found on 2 different Broadway stages: “Intimate Apparel” the opera at Lincoln Center Theater (Libretto), and “MJ” a new Broadway musical at the Neil Simon Theater (Libretto). She's an activist working with the Art for Justice Fund, among others, and is an associate professor of playwriting at Columbia University.

Lynn opens up about one of her main reasons for going into teaching, noting the importance of nurturing and mentorships, and being invested in the success of her students, particularly her students of color. She talks about getting involved with the Art for Justice Fund specially through her play “Clyde’s”, a not for profit invested in how art can be used to help people who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated tell their stories and “transcend their circumstances”. Lynn also chats about one of her newest projects, the new opera “Intimate Apparel”, and why it’s considered a brand new show rather than a revival.

In this episode, we talk about:

Almost becoming a journalist instead of a playwright
Researching and conducting interviews for her plays
Creating Broadway industry internships through the Art for Justice Fund
Reimagining her great grandmother's life to write Intimate Apparel
Working on MJ the Musical

Connect with Lynn

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep189 - Lorin Latarro: Mrs Doubtfire Choreographer with 14 Broadway credits to her name

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Lorin Latarro is a director and choreographer, who also has fourteen Broadway credits to her name as a performer, including Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out, Fosse, Swing!, Kiss Me Kate, A Chorus Line, Spamalot and Man Of La Mancha. She choreographed Broadway’s Mrs. Doubtfire, Waitress, Les Liasons Dangereuse, Waiting For Godot with Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stuart, Merrily We Roll Along for Roundabout, La Traviata at The Met Opera, and was the Associate Choreographer for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and American Idiot. Her choreography has also been seen at The Public Theater, The Kennedy Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, City Center Encores!, and the Old Globe. Lorin is a Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Chita Rivera Award nominee, and recently directed Candace Bushnell’s one woman show, Is There Still Sex In The City, which became a NYTimes Critic’s Pick.

Lorin dives right into a conversation about her love for neuroscience and how it relates to the body (specifically dance), her obsession with the idea of how a collective experience (like watching live theatre) changes your brainwaves, and why she almost left the entertainment industry to create her own business. She opens up about why choreographing and directing suit her more than performing, and talks about her road to becoming a successful choreographer. Lorin also speaks about working on her newest Broadway show, Mrs. Doubtfire - how and why she integrated many different styles of dance, and how she carried out her vision.

In this episode, we talk about:

Deciding she was going to be a dancer at 4 years old
Being married to a brain surgeon
Studying dance at Julliard
Her upcoming projects: Almost Famous, and The Outsiders
Founding ArtAmmmo.org - Artists Against Gun Violence

Connect with Lorin

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep188 - Kelli O'Hara: 7-Time Tony Nominee

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

A seven-time Tony Award nominee, actress and singer Kelli O'Hara won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of The King and I. She has also received Tony nominations for her performances in The Light in the Piazza, The Pajama Game, South Pacific, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Bridges of Madison County, and Kiss Me, Kate. Kelli made her opera debut at The Metropolitan Opera in Franz Lehár's The Merry Widow in 2014. She also has many TV and film credits including Masters of Sex, 13 Reasons Why, Blue Bloods, and All My Children, and can currently be seen on TV in The Accidental Wolf and the new HBO series The Gilded Age.

Kelli may have studied opera at Oklahoma City University, but she opens up about why her true love is and always was Broadway, and how she often set herself into an “unusual size box” on Broadway in order to sing the way she felt most comfortable. She notes how performers are starting to take better care of themselves through both action and words, and shares why the shift to sharing roles more often with understudies, swings, covers, and standby’s sounds “delicious”. Kelli also chats about all things The Gilded Age, from lessons in using cutlery appropriately for the period, to where they filmed, to why she feels the shooting schedule is supportive of a family.

In this episode, we talk about:

Differences between Broadway and Opera performance schedules
Having two babies while starring on Broadway
Working on The Gilded Age with other seasoned Broadway performers
Her children's artistic talents and interests

Connect with Kelli

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep187 - Brad Oscar: 2-Time Tony Award Nominee, currently starring in Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Actor Brad Oscar has earned two Tony Award nominations for his performances in The Producers and Something Rotten!, and has additional Broadway credits which include The Addams Family, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Spamalot, Jekyll & Hyde, and Big Fish. Off-Broadway and Regional credits include Damn Yankees, Forbidden Broadway, Sweeney Todd, and both the Phantom of the Opera and Young Frankenstein national tours. You've seen him on TV in The Good Wife, Submissions Only, Madam Secretary, and Smash. Brad can currently be seen as Frank Hillard in the Broadway musical Mrs. Doubtfire.

Brad takes us on his journey with Mrs. Doubtfire, from the first table read of a very different iteration in 2015, to auditioning for the project in 2019, and the joy of working with the production’s creative team and cast. He opens up about his love and reverence for Stephen Sondheim, the man and his work, and about overcoming his fear of breaking the fourth wall in order to be a part of Barrow Street Theatre’s immersive production of Sweeney Todd. Brad also chats about the roller coaster of being part of a Broadway show in the time of COVID, and looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel.

In this episode, we talk about:

Growing up in DC around theatre
Working with Jerry Zaks, and Rob McClure
Memories of Stephen Sondheim at Barrow Street
Which musicals he calls his “touchstones”
Performing professionally in his hometown for the first time

Get your tix for Mrs. Doubtfire's return:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep186 - Kiera Allen: Hulu's Run, Broadway Podcast Network's TWITS

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Actress Kiera Allen was named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of their breakout stars of 2020, due in no small part to her performance opposite Sarah Paulson in Hulu's psychological thriller Run. She is the first wheelchair user to star in a major thriller in over 70 years, which has advanced the conversation about disability representation in the industry. Kiera has a collection of regional theater credits, including the world premiere of Bekah Brunstetter’s Girl #2, and is currently studying Creative Writing at Columbia University. She can now be heard as Pansy Freehold in the Broadway Podcast Networks’s new original radio comedy TWITS, starring opposite Michael Urie and Christian Borle.

Kiera talks about being exposed to the world of theatre from a young age, and how as a result of growing up around creatives, she learned about the hard work and dedication required to succeed, as well as to have respect for the process. She speaks candidly about holding space on social media for important conversations pertaining to the disability community, and shares her thoughts on being called “an inspiration”. Keira also chats about working on TWITS, and why she is proud to be a part of the project.

In this episode, we talk about:

Finding inspiration from the new Beatles documentary
Mental health, and why she finds acting and writing therapeutic
Being in a writer’s group with Tom Alan Robbins
Booking her debut feature film role opposite Sarah Paulson
Changes she hopes to see in the industry pertaining to disability and representation

Connect with Kiera:

IG: @kierajallen
Twitter: @kierajallen
Listen to TWITS on Broadway Podcast Network
Watch Run on Hulu

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep185 - Major Attaway: The Longest Running Genie of All-Time

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Major Attaway has over 20 years of experience as an entertainer, actor, singer, and voiceover artist, and may be best known for playing the Genie in Disney's Aladdin on Broadway for the longest amount of time (three years). He also debuted in Mack and Mabel as Fatty Arbuckle at NY City Center Encores in 2020, and his regional credits include Hot Mikado, Hands on a Hardbody, Little Shop of Horrors, and Ain’t Misbehavin. An accomplished Voice Actor and Twitch Streamer, Major has lent his voice to numerous projects including One Piece, Bread Barbershop, Fairy Tail, Battleborn, Borderlands 3, and more. He can be seen in an upcoming HBO series as well as in The Netflix original series Orange is the New Black, and is currently revamping his Disney based cabaret show, Genies Jukebox, for an upcoming 54 Below performance.

Major shares how singing led him to musical theatre, and the life lessons he learned as a child while performing at Casa Mañana Theatre in Ft. Worth, Texas. He chats about continuing his growth as an artist through voiceover work, and how he gets into character for those roles. Major also talks all things Genie on Broadway, as well as his cabaret, Genie’s Jukebox, where he delves into Genie's life before/after Aladdin by exploring questions like: What if the Genie had villain friends? - Maybe he used to be friends with Ursula. How does Genie spend his free time? - Maybe he takes magic courses. Major calls the show a combination of his dream of being a Disney villain, and a love letter to Disney.

In this episode, we talk about:

Working on the Netflix Pokemon movie
Finding peace in art
Receiving his first standing ovation
Standbys and swings as unsung heroes
Being the voice of NuCalm

Connect with Major:

IG: @majorattaway
Twitter: @majorattaway
Facebook: @BigTexGenie

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep184 - Stephanie Styles: Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Stephanie Styles is an actress, singer, and dancer who made her Broadway debut in the recent Roundabout Theatre revival of Kiss Me, Kate, opposite Kelly O'Hara, Will Chase, and Corbin Bleu. Other credits include Katherine Plumber in the national tour of Newsies, The Sound of Music national tour, and Kingdom Come at Roundabout Underground’s Black Box Theatre. On TV she may be best known as Autumn on Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, and can also be seen as Kate in the Netflix series Bonding. Her film credits include Bombshell, and Booksmart. Stephanie can now be heard on the original studio cast album of Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium, available wherever you get your streaming music.

Taking us back to the beginning, Stephanie shares her story of seeing The Phantom of the Opera for the first time at four years old (two nights in a row), and how it set the course for the rest of her life. She opens up about her love for all things Disney, and why she thinks both children and adults alike are drawn into Disney’s “sense of imagination, innovation, and hope”. Stephanie also chats about what it means to be part of the new original studio cast album of Goosebumps The Musical, and her experience singing and recording during COVID.

In this episode, we talk about:

Being a D23:The Official Disney Fan Club charter member
Horoscopes, and being a Libra
What type of music she is drawn to singing
Disney Theme Parks
Her love for Broadway and musical theatre

Connect with Stephanie:

IG: @bystyles
Web: stephaniestyles.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep183 - Glynn Turman: 'Women of the Movement' and 50+ Years of Acting Excellence

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Glynn Turman is an Emmy Award winning actor, writer, director and producer, who made his Broadway debut at 12 years old originating the role of Travis Younger in A Raisin In The Sun. With a successful TV and film career spanning more than 50 years, Glynn has had notable roles in films including Cooley High, The River Niger, Gremlins, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Men of Honor, Justine, The Way Back, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. His TV credits include Peyton Place, Matlock, The Wire, In Treatment, House of Lies, How to Get Away with Murder, Mr. Mercedes, Fargo and many, many more. Glynn has also directed episodes of Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, A Different World, and The Wayans Bros. He is now the newest face for Beyonce’s new Ivy Park denim line, and can also be seen starring opposite Tony award winner Adrienne Warren in ABC’s new limited series Women of the Movement.

Glynn credits his mother for getting him into theater and acting, and talks about what life was like growing up in NYC's Greenwich Village in the 50’s and early 60’s, immersed in a bohemian lifestyle. He chats about his love for all things horses and rodeo, and tells the story of a dinner with Beyonce that led to him becoming a spokesperson for her new Ivy Park line. Glynn also reflects on his career and the opportunities that have led to where he is now - “I’m glad that I’ve lived long enough to see that we as a black people have gotten the opportunity to tell some of our stories from our point of view”.

In this episode, we talk about:

Auditioning for playwright Lorraine Hansberry, a friend of his mother’s and the creator of A Raisin in the Sun
Skipping school to spend time with the horses in Central Park
Getting into character as Mose Wright for Women of the Movement
Auditioning to be the original Han Solo, and booking it
Acting icons James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Sidney Poitier, and Ruby Dee

Connect with Glynn:

Twitter: @GlynnTurman
Learn more about Women of the Movement

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep182 - Debra Sperling: The Voice You Didn't Know You Know

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Debra Sperling is a professional voiceover artist with over 26 years of experience. Throughout her career, Debra has been the voice of dozens of national television campaigns such as Charmin, Cascade, Pampers, Maybelline, Listerine, Walmart, Folgers, Kellogg’s, Olive Garden, Johnson and Johnson, Band-Aid, and many more. Debra is a big player in the Promo world as well, having been the voice of The Oxygen Network and the voice of WEtv, with ongoing promo spots for many networks including NBC, National Geographic, USA, Investigation Discovery, A&E, Animal Planet, and HBO. She is also equally passionate about teaching and coaching, and her renowned "Authenticity in Voiceover" class has helped students worldwide.

After attending the High School of Performing Arts, Debra went on to earn her BA in Theatre, her MFA in Acting, and has “been an actor since”. Although she makes her living as a voiceover artist now, she speaks candidly about how her journey began, noting she didn’t really know what voice overs were when she first started out. Debra talks about her approach to acting for theatre, TV or film compared to acting for voice overs: why “it is the same thing” for her, and how it starts with bringing your authentic self to the microphone, stage, or set. She also opens up about her love for teaching and coaching, and shares why she feels like leading her voice over class on Zoom during COVID saved her.

In this episode, we talk about:

The culture shock she felt while attending her first show in London
Morgan Freeman’s voice
Why she tells people to “stop acting words”
Stephen McKinley Henderson as a mentor and teacher
Missing the collaborative aspect of voice over work due to COVID

Connect with Debra:

Web: debrasperling.com/about
IG: @debrasperlingvo

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep181 - 2021 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Ayanna Prescod

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

We've successfully completed yet another year around the sun (sorry flat Earthers, the truth hurts), this time with only about 4 months of Broadway theatre to talk about, and we're already seeing more shows permanently closed than expected due to Omicron breakthrough cases. Sheesh.

Ayanna Prescod, a Broadway producer, critic, writer, and creator, and host of What's Up Broadway joins us for this final episode of the year as we discuss our favorite moments, shows, and what we're looking forward for in 2022.

A big shout out to all the shows of 2021 that closed too early:

Is This A Room
Dana H
Chicken & Biscuits
The Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Diana, the Musical
Thoughts of a Colored Man
Jagged Little Pill
Waitress
Beautiful
Ain’t Too Proud

Connect with Ayanna:

Twitter: @AyannaPrescod
Web: OurBKSocial.com
Listen to What's Up Broadway: bpn.fm/wub

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep180 - Ilda Mason: Spielberg's "West Side Story"

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Ilda Mason is a Panamanian actress, singer, and dancer who began her career in productions including Peter Pan, The Beauty and the Beast, A Chorus Line, Hello Dolly, and Legally Blonde. She performed as a professional dancer on Panama’s Dancing with the Stars for two seasons, and made her Broadway debut in Ivo van Hove’s adaption of West Side Story in 2020. Ilda has also performed in two other productions of West Side Story: at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, and at Paper Mill Playhouse. Ilda can now be seen as Luz (a Shark) in Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation and remake of West Side Story, now in theatres.

Born and raised in Panama, Ilda talks about moving to NYC 8 years ago to study musical theater and acting for film, and the “feeling” she had in high school that even though she didn’t know how she was going to do it, she was going to be a performer. She details how she found out about auditions for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, the audition process, and booking the role of Luz without an agent or a manager. Ilda also opens up about why acting matters to her, and why it is her dream.

In this episode, we talk about:

Studying structural architecture as a plan B
Writing imaginary essays to Steven Speilberg
Taking stock of her accomplishments, and enjoying the moment
Her love for movie trailers
Working with Stephen Sondheim
“The Movies That Made Us” series, and Jurassic Park

Connect with Ilda:

IG: @IldaMason
Twitter: @liveMariana

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep179 - Michael Zegen: The Marvelous Mrs. Miasel, Trouble in Mind, Rescue Me

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Michael Zegen is an actor who may be most well known for his various roles on TV, including Joel Maisel, on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Damien Keefe, on Rescue Me, in addition to various recurring roles on Boardwalk Empire, The Walking Dead, How To Make It In America, and Girls. Michael made his Broadway debut in Ivo Van Hove’s Tony Award winning A View From The Bridge starring opposite Mark Strong in 2015. Other theatre credits include creating the role of Liam in Bad Jews off-Broadway, and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, and The Spoils, both with The New Group. His film credits include The Seagull, Frances Ha, Brooklyn, Adventureland, and Taking Woodstock. You can currently catch Michael back on the Broadway stage in the breakout play Trouble In Mind.

Michael chats about his newest role as Al Manners in Trouble In Mind, calling the production bittersweet as Alice Childress (the black female playwright) was never able to see her dream of having a play on Broadway come to fruition while she was alive. He opens up about what he finds so satisfying about performing on stage, but why ultimately he’s not particular about the medium (film, TV, theatre), as long as he’s doing good work with great people. Michael also shares some of his first impressions from the early days of filming The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and what’s it’s been like to witness the show get bigger and bigger every year.

In this episode, we talk about:

The history behind Trouble In Mind
One of his first gigs being on The Letterman Show
An early crash course in learning about getting an agent
What he does in his very spare downtime
Goals and aspirations for his writing

Connect with Michael:

IG @michaelzegen
Twitter: @zegenmichael

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Bonus - Steven Sater! (and introducing 'Was It Chance?')

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

The podcast's first ever repeat guest, Steven Sater (Tony/Grammy/Olivier/Lortel/Drama Desk Award-Winning Awesome Guy) rejoins us to discuss his latest project, the grammy nominated concept album called Some Lovers, a collaboration with friend Burt Bacharach. This episode is pulled from a brand new podcast that I started with co-host Heather Vickery called 'Was It Chance?', all about how embracing fear and how taking intentional risk helps shape people's creative successes. More information about the new podcast via bpn.fm/wasitchance, or find it wherever you're listening to this podcast now!

And now, here's the description from the 'Was It Chance?' feed:

A chance encounter with Burt Bacharach led Steven Sater to collaborate on a decade-long project to produce a full length musical concept album featuring some of the industry's biggest artists. Now 93, Burt hasn't written anything for the stage since Promises, Promises in 1968. Steven felt drawn to Burt, this project, and their mission to explore what it's like to write love songs for couples after the "newness" of the relationships are over, and they've settled into their routines. This album is a must-listen, and this podcast episode is ... an even muster-listener.

Find Some Lovers on Spotify, or everywhere you stream music: https://open.spotify.com/album/1tEyFYVH36zYUYfFK58gPN. List of featured artists include:

Christy Altomare
Kristin Chenoweth
Lilli Cooper
Auli'i Cravalho
Santino Fontana
Molly Gordon
Jonathan Groff
Jennifer Holiday
Derek Klena
Katrina Lenk
Lea Michele
Laura Osnes
Ashley Park
Graham Phillips
Conrad Ricamora
Colton Ryan
Ari'el Stachel
Ethan Slater
Tracie Thoms
Betsy Wolfe

Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our DMs at @wasitchance.
More about Heather via @vickeryandco and listen to The Brave Files
More about Alan via @theatre_podcast and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

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Ep178 - Robin de Jesús: tick... tick... Boom!, In the Heights, La Cage aux Folles, The Boys in the Band

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Robin de Jesús is an actor and singer who has received Tony Award nominations for his roles in In the Heights, La Cage aux Folles, and The Boys in the Band. He made his Broadway debut in Rent in 2005, and has also appeared as Boq in Wicked on Broadway. His film and TV credits include his breakout role in the independent film Camp, as well as appearances in Hair Brained, How to Make It in America, and Law & Order: SVU. Robin can now be seen starring alongside Andrew Garfield as Michael in the musical drama tick, tick… BOOM!, directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and available on Netflix.

Robin takes us behind the scenes of working with Andrew Garfield, from their first reading, to the table work where they realized the weight and importance of Michael and Jonathan’s relationship as a catalyst for the second half of the movie. He opens up about his Puerto Rican heritage, and talks about the full circle moment of starring in tick, tick… BOOM, having made his Broadway debut in Rent years ago. Robin also speaks about representation, taking care of his mental health, and why he would love his career to showcase range, in a predominantly gay career.

In this episode, we talk about:

How simple, human, and in the moment Jonathan Larson’s work is
Laying the foundation for Rent in tick, tick… BOOM!
Why and how he’s trying to be a “disruptor”
A fortuitous visit to his grandmother in Puerto Rico when he was 2
The audition process for tick, tick… BOOM!

Connect with Robin:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep177 - Jake Bazel: Disney's Winnie the Pooh; Puppeteer, Voice actor, Writer, Director and Coach

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Jake Bazel is a puppeteer, voice actor, writer, director and coach with over a decade of experience working in children's media. Credits include multiple productions of Sesame Street (HBO, PBS, Apple TV and NBC), Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Disney’s Muppets, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Paddington Gets in a Jam, Sandra Boynton’s Frog Trouble, Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train Live!, and many others. He has directed two national tours of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, as well as an international tour and two regional co-productions. Jake helped create and write Disney Theatrical’s newest collaboration, Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Adaptation, which he stars in, and is now playing off-Broadway.

Jake chronicles the four year development of Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical adaptation: the desire to target the off-Broadway market, working with Jonathan Rockefeller on the pitch, the writing and workshopping process, and taking on the role of Pooh himself. He takes us back to his start as a puppeteer, sharing he was a huge Jim Henson and Muppets fan growing up, and was already building puppets himself as a child before later participating in Sesame Street workshops. Jake also chats about the staying power of the Winnie The Pooh stories and characters; stories about relationships and friendships, stories full of metaphors for humanity, and stories full of characters both children and adults alike have come to cherish.

In this episode, we talk about:

The impact of COVID on the production, and Jake personally
Developing the souvenir books which serve as programs for the audience
How he operates and brings Pooh to life
Acting with a puppet v. without one
His love for working on projects for multi generational audiences

Connect with Jake:

Web: www.jakebazel.com
IG: @jakebazel
Twitter: @jakebazel

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep176 - Sierra Boggess & Julian Ovenden: Together At A Distance

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Broadway and West End stars Sierra Boggess and Julian Ovenden have reunited with a new album of classic and contemporary Broadway duets. Sierra Boggess is best known for originating the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid on Broadway, as well as for multiple appearances as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. Other credits include West Side Story, The Pirates of Penzance, The Boy Friend, and Sweet Charity. Julian Ovenden has starred on Broadway and West End stages, as well as television series and films both in the U.K. and U.S. Theatre credits include Merrily We Roll Along, Grand Hotel, Annie Get Your Gun, Sunday in the Park with George, among others, while TV credits include Downton Abbey, Smash, Person of Interest, and Bridgerton. Recorded remotely during the pandemic, “Together At A Distance” features iconic musical theatre hits from legendary Broadway composers, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown and more.

Sierra and Julian take us back to how they met while singing together at The Proms (short for promenade) at the Royal Albert Hall, a concert series founded in August 1895, and one which Julian calls “the biggest classical music festival in the world”. They speak about their love for classical singing, classic musical theatre, and how they share the same type of musical language. They dive into what sparked the idea to create their new album, noting a need for connection, healing, and making music during the pandemic, and also detail how they went about recording remotely and apart from one another.

In this episode, we talk about:

The Proms concerts at Royal Albert Hall
Creating improvised home studios to record their album
Why and how they were drawn to particular duets
How people responded once they began releasing tracks
What this project has meant to them

Connect with Sierra and Julian:

Listen to Together At A Distance: https://found.ee/TogetherAtADistance
IG: @officialsierraboggess and @julianovenden

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep175 - Steven Levenson: Tick... Tick... Boom!, Dear Evan Hansen, Fosse/Verdon

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Stephen Levenson is a Tony award winning playwright and screenwriter who famously won his Best Book of a Musical Tony for Dear Evan Hansen. He later adapted the script for the film adaptation. Stephen has numerous Off-Broadway credits, as well as a resume boasting TV and film. He was a writer for the Showtime series Masters of Sex, and served as show runner for the miniseries Fosse/Verdon. Most recently Stephen penned the screenplay for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s biographical musical tick, tick… Boom!, starring Andrew Garfield and available now on Netflix.

Stephen shares an inside look to all aspects of his newest project, from the research, to the writing, to casting, through production. He recalls acting in a production of tick, tick… Boom! in college, already having reverence for Jonathon Larson, and how desperately he wanted to be involved in 2017 when he heard Lin-Manuel would be directing a film adaptation. Stephen talks about the impact of COVID on filming, which shut down the production after only 10 days in March 2020, and how the pandemic gave the film a new urgency once shooting resumed. He also opens up about the weight and responsibility he felt telling someone else’s story in tick,tick… Boom!, versus writing a script with his own original thoughts and ideas in Dear Evan Hansen.

In this episode, we talk about:

The extensive research and process behind the script for tick, tick… Boom!
Having Julie Larson on board and in the room
Andrew Garfield’s progression from non-singer, to musical theater performer
Workshopping the film as if it were a stage production
Working with Netflix versus a traditional big studio

Watch the Tick... Tick... Boom! trailer: https://youtu.be/YJserno8tyU

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep174 - Julia Murney: Baby, The Wild Party, Wicked (plus a surprise interview crash from Andrew Lippa)

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Actress and singer Julia Murney originated the role of Queenie in Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party (earning her first Drama Desk Award nomination), and later became one of the most well known Elphaba’s in both the national tour and Broadway companies of Wicked. Her other New York credits include her 2005 Broadway debut in the musical Lennon, Falling (earning her second drama desk nomination), A Class Act, The Landing, Saved, Crimes of the Heart, Queen of the Mist, and Time and Again (Lucille Lortel nomination). Julia was also seen in the Actors' Fund benefit concerts of Funny Girl, Chess, Hair, and the World AIDS Day Benefit Concert Pippin. She has been featured on television in Sex and the City, Ed, NYPD Blue, 30 Rock, Elementary, Succession, and Madam Secretary, among many others. She can now be seen in the Out of the Box Theatrics production of the Tony nominated musical Baby, which opened November 14th.

In addition to our wonderful chat with Julia, we had friend Andrew Lippa crash the interview!

Born and raised in New York City, Julia grew up making up shows in her childhood bedroom, and fell in love with singing after joining the choir in junior high. She shares an inside look at her newest project, a revival of the 1980’s musical Baby, noting the necessity for rewrites, and the beauty of having same sex and interracial couples represented on stage. She opens up about the ups and downs of playing the iconic Elphaba: from the weight of people's expectations to the extraordinary high of finishing the first act with broom in hand, aloft in a cherry picker. Julia also reunites with longtime friend and colleague Andrew Lippa, and together they share memories of their first meeting and the instant kinship they felt.

In this episode, we talk about:

Working with Baby lyricist Richard Maltby
The influence of her childhood choir director
The fun of community and chosen family in theatre
Singing Meadowlark for Stephen Schwartz, accompanied by Andrew Lippa
Recognizing a kindred spirit in Andrew Lippa

Connect with Julia:

IG: @pepamama
Twitter: @JuliaMurney

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep173 - Aaron Dalla Villa: A classically trained ballet dancer, rapper, singer, and actor

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Actor, dancer, musician and producer Aaron Dalla Villa was most recently seen as the slimy Mordred in the Bay Street Theater production of Camelot. His Off-Broadway credits include Seeing You, and Sleep F$@cking: Revision, while regional theater roles include Mr. Mistoffelees in CATS, Treat in Orphans, and Peter Pan in Peter Pan Workshop (Broadway Asia). His slew of TV credits include Gossip Girl, Girls5Eva, Madam Secretary, Duels, Gotham, On The Verge, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. He can also be seen in numerous films including Alpha Rift, All Those Small Things, Pledge, Trick, and Immortal. Aaron is both a classically trained ballet dancer, and a rapper.

Growing up in Suffolk, Virginia, Aaron’s affinity for rap and hip hop put him on the path to becoming a trained ballet dancer, and eventually, an actor. He opens up about a creative endeavor which he has only recently begun sharing publicly - writing and producing his own music. He speaks candidly about his journey with therapy, sobriety, and self-reflection, which have all allowed him to stay grounded and focused on his artistic choices and career. Aaron also shares his hopes for inspiring “that little kid in the audience” (who was at one time him), and the beauty of capturing moments, albeit differently, on stage and on screen.

In this episode, we talk about:

A missed opportunity to audition for Billy Elliot on Broadway
Why “dance” is under special skills on his resume
His drive to be a movie star
How he unwinds, recharges, and takes care of himself
The importance of consistently showing up
Tracing his Italian roots

Connect with Aaron:

IG: @aarondallavilla
Twitter: @aarondallavilla

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep172 - Ana Villafańe: Chicago, On Your Feet, Mozart in the Jungle

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Ana Villafañe is an Outer Critics Circle Award, Astaire Awards, and two-time Drama League Award nominated actress and singer best known for originating the role of Gloria Estefan in On Your Feet!, and starring in the hit musical throughout its entire run on Broadway. She was named one of the New York Times 30 Under 30, and has been honored by the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts for trailblazing Latin representation in entertainment. Her TV credits include Mozart in the Jungle, South Beach, New Amsterdam and Younger, among many others, and she will soon appear as a series regular in the upcoming NBC series Night Court, a sequel to the classic sitcom. Ana is now helping to usher in the return of Broadway starring as Roxie Hart in Chicago, the Broadway classic.

Ana was a kid with a lot of energy, and performed in her first musical at a regional theater in Miami when she was nine years old. She opens up about being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 7, being confined to a wheelchair frequently as a result, and how her struggle with the illness growing up shaped her approach to life and her career. Ana recalls finding out about the open call for On Your Feet!, feeling “magnetically drawn” and called to audition, and what a life changing experience the show was for her. She also speaks candidly about embracing her inner dancer, and joining the well-established company of Chicago on Broadway as Roxie Hart.

In this episode, we talk about:

Moving to LA by herself at 18 years old
Being an empath
Learning the importance of discipline and self-care after burning out
Landing the role of Gloria Estefan
Being the daughter of immigrants
Being on the set of Night Court with John Larroquette

Connect with Ana:

IG: @anavillafaneofficial
Twitter: @aanavee

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep171 - Neal Brennan: Unacceptable, 3 Mics, Chappelle's Show

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Neal Brennan is a three time Emmy nominated writer, director, producer and stand up comedian known for co-creating and co-writing the Comedy Central series Chappelle's Show with Dave Chappelle, with whom he also co-wrote the cult classic film Half Baked. He is currently a creative consultant and on air correspondent on Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, served as executive producer on Chris Rock's latest stand up special Chris Rock: Tambourine, and has performed stand-up on Last Call with Carson Daly, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Lopez Tonight, and Conan. Neal’s directing credits include the feature film The Goods starring Jeremy Piven, multiple episodes of Inside Amy Schumer, JAY-Z’s 4:44 documentary series, and Michelle Wolf's recent HBO special Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady, to name a few. His critically acclaimed one man show 3 Mics enjoyed a sold out Off-Broadway run in New York City in 2016, and now he is back for his new show Unacceptable, which has just been extended through November 21st.

Neal was always funny, and after spending years of grade school weekends traveling to NYC to see his brother perform in comedy clubs, Neal applied and got into NYU to study film. Neal shares how he met Dave Chapelle while working the door of a comedy club, why he dropped out of school, and how he started writing. He chronicles his journey to creating Half Baked, now a cult classic, and how that experience informed how he approached work on later projects like The Chappelle Show. Neal also opens up about his personal genre of theatrical comedy, performed in Off-Broadway houses rather than comedy clubs, and how their vulnerability sets them apart.

In this episode, we talk about:

The trial and error of stand-up comedy
Why he didn’t like film school
His turbulent childhood
Using comedy as a coping mechanism
Why he would rather do something sober than drunk

Connect with Neal:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep170 - Megan Hilty: Wicked, Smash, 9 to 5, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty - and so many more

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Megan Hilty is a Tony Award nominated actress and singer who may be best known for her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked. Other credits include Broadway’s 9 to 5: The Musical as Doralee Rhodes and Noises Off as Brooke Ashton (which also earned her Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations), as well as Annie Get Your Gun and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes at New York City Center. She became a worldwide triple threat known as Ivy Lynn on NBC’s musical drama Smash, with other television credits including Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce, The Good Wife, BrainDead, Sean Saves the World, Louie, Desperate Housewives, and Ugly Betty among many others. Megan has performed across the globe to sold out houses, including concerts with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. She's recorded three albums of her own and is now making her 54/Below debut with a six show series running from November 2-7th.

Growing up outside Seattle, Washington, Megan was an avid singer and a veteran performer within her local community theater. She chats with us about what first drew her to theater as a child, and what keeps her coming back to the stage even with a successful film and tv career. While in LA with Wicked, Megan recalls realizing the need to diversify her career, and shares how she began her journey into the TV and film world. She reflects on the heartbreak of closing 9 to 5: The Musical, and speaks candidly about leaving NYC, pounding the pavement in LA, and finding herself in an audition room for Smash. Megan also gives us an inside look at her upcoming 54 Below debut, which she calls “a huge pinch me moment”.

In this episode, we talk about:

Almost going the opera singer route
Being inspired by Bernadette Peters’ career
Landing Wicked in NYC right out of college
The reality of the harsh comparisons and criticisms actresses endure
Performing with Brian Stokes Mitchell

Connect with Megan:

Get tix to her 54/Below event
IG: @meganhilty
Twitter: @meganhilty
Subscribe to the 54/Below Podcast: bpn.fm/54below

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep169 - Gavin Creel: Hello Dolly!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, I Put A Spell On You: The Sanderson Variant

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we talk about:

His friendship with Jay Armstrong Jones
The format for this years I Put A Spell On You event
Learning to set boundaries for your mental health
Activism through theatre and the arts
The new show he is writing through MetLiveArts

Connect with Gavin:

More info about "I Put A Spell On You: The Sanderson Variant"
Get tix to his MetLiveArts event
On the web: gavincreel.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep168 - Cassie Beck: What The Constitution Means to Me, The Humans, I Know What You Did Last Summer

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Cassie Beck is a star of stage and screen whose previous credits include the Broadway revival of The Rose Tattoo and the original cast of The Humans on Broadway. Other stage credits include The Norman Conquests (Broadway), The Drunken City (Playwrights Horizons), Happy Hour, and Oohrah! (off-Broadway). Her TV credits include Pose, Elementary, Connecting, and Chicago Med. Cassie is the former Artistic Director of Crowded Fire Theatre Company in San Francisco where she also appeared in several productions. She is currently on the road leading the national tour of What The Constitution Means To Me, and can also be seen in the Amazon Prime series I Know What You Did Last Summer, as well as opposite Mark Wahlberg in the feature film Joe Bell.

Cassie grew up a dancer in Redlands, California, until high school when she did her first musical. She shares memories of catching the acting bug as a teenager, and finding her way to the bay area after college where she joined the ensemble of Crowded Fire Theatre Company in San Francisco. She opens up about her experience in The Drunken City at Playwrights Horizons (her first professional performance in NYC, and only her second time ever in the city), and reflects on the opportunities that followed after deciding to move to New York when she was 30. Now leading the national tour of What The Constitution Means To Me, Cassie chats about her relationship with playwright and actress Heidi Schreck, how the play continues to adapt to changes in the political climate, and the impact of having young people take part in the show every night.

In this episode, we talk about:

Her first electric moment back onstage after 18 months
Her initial hesitancy to take over Heidi’s role
Training post college in South Carolina and San Francisco
Having no experience with on camera work when she moved to NYC
Working with Patti LuPone

Connect with Cassie:

IG: @cassiebeckster
Twitter: @cassiebeckster
Check out the Constitution tour schedule

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Bonus - "Is This A Room" Opening Night Red Carpet Interviews

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

The smash hit Broadway play Is This A Room opened at the Lyceum Theater on Oct 10th, 2021. Guest podcast host Beatriz Westby takes us down to the red carpet to talk to Tina Satter, Amanda Villalobos, Andy Grotelueschen, Blyth Adamson, Chris Giarmo, Deirdre O'Connell, Frankie Grande, Judy Kuhn, Lee Kinney, and Steven Sater.

Get tickets and info to Is This A Room and Dana H via thelyceumplays.com/

Follow Beatriz Westby on the Instas: @biaizidoro

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep167 - Tarik Davis: Freestyle Love Supreme & 20 year improv actor

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Tarik Davis is an actor and writer based in New York City with a 20 year history of acting, performing improv and writing comedy. Past experience includes performing for The Upright Citizens Brigade in NY, Boom Chicago in Amsterdam, and The Second City in Chicago. He is a member of the longest running improv team at The PIT, The Baldwins, and also performs with Baby Wants Candy and Shamilton at UCB in Hell's Kitchen. Tarik is a founding member of the monthly improv show Comedy People’s Time that features writers and performers from shows like Late Night with Seth Meyers and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. He made his Broadway debut in Freestyle Love Supreme, which just returned to Broadway on October 7th, and is well known as the sidekick and announcer on The Amber Ruffin show on Peacock.

A self proclaimed theater nerd, Tarik reflects on his recent Tony Award’s performance with Freestyle Love Supreme, calling it one of the best days of his life. He describes the fill circle moment he experienced as he held hands with Wayne Brady on the Tony’s stage, and shares that it was Brady’s performance on Whose Line Is It Anyway? that encouraged him to stick with improv years ago. Tarik opens up about the high’s and low’s of imposter syndrome, and learning to embrace life as an improviser, and say “yes”. He also takes us behind the scenes of his audition for Freestyle Love Supreme, how it played out, and what made it different from other auditions.

In this episode, we talk about:

How the FLS Tony Awards performance was crafted
When he realized 20 years of improv had prepared him for FLS
What he learned from years of small black box performances in NYC
Following your passion, and betting on yourself
The importance of comedy

Connect with Tarik:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep166 - Jill Furman: Producer on FLS, In The Heights, Hamilton, West Side Story & More

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

“If you can do something that makes you happy and that you really feel passionate about, it's not going to feel like work, it's going to feel joyous.”

Two-time Tony Award winning theatrical producer Jill Furman is part of the driving force bringing Freestyle Love Supreme back to Broadway this month, after having originally brought it to Broadway in 2019. She is also currently producing six productions of Hamilton, including one on Broadway and one in London’s West End. Additional Broadway credits include In the Heights, the 2013 revival of Cinderella, The Heiress, Seminar, West Side Story, The Drowsy Chaperone, Sly Fox, and Fortune’s Fool.

Jill grew up in New York City going to the theatre with her parents, reading Variety magazine with her father, producer Roy Furman, and always knew she wanted to be in entertainment. She chronicles her journey from NYC, to LA, and back again, through college, grad school, and starting her own production company. Jill shares how she became involved with In the Heights very early on in 2003 after watching Lin Manuel perform in the basement of the drama bookshop; and how later the same year, she witnessed Freestyle Love Supreme for the first time. Jill also opens up about how she chooses projects to work on, highlighting the importance of her shows having a positive impact on an audience in some way.

In this episode, we talk about:

The special Tony Award given to Freestyle Love Supreme
Deciding when and how to bring shows back post-shutdown
The thought process behind remounting FLS on Broadway
Her preference for working in theatre v. film
Two new projects she has in development

Connect with Jill:

IG: @jillfurman

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep165 - James Monroe Iglehart and Tommy Kail Talk Freestyle Love Supreme & FLS Academy

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

To celebrate it’s reopening on Broadway next month, the acclaimed director of Freestyle Love Supreme joins one if it’s first company members to talk about all things past, present and future for their show, and for FLS Academy.

Tommy Kail is a director and producer known for his amazing work on Hamilton, In the Heights, Grease Live!, and Fosse/Verdon. James Monroe Iglehart just reprised his role as Lafayette/Jefferson in the newly reopened Hamilton on Broadway, originated Genie in Disney's Aladdin, and has other Broadway and TV credits including Memphis, Spelling Bee, Netflix's Maniac, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and the Tangled animated series. Both Tony Award winners, Tommy (director) and James (one of the first members to join FLS) are set to bring their hit show Freestyle Love Supreme back to Broadway next month for a limited run beginning on October 7, 2021.

Tommy and James recall their first meeting at James’ audition for Freestyle Love Supreme, where James was hired on the spot. James shares how he met, performed, and became friends with Chris Jackson, who later introduced him to Freestyle Love Supreme in its early years. Tommy gives us an inside look on what it’s like directing an improv show like FLS, comparing it to being the coach of a basketball team, and describing how important it is for him to find new members whose energies vibe with the rest of the group. They also open up about what makes FLS so unique and different from any other show they’ve worked on, highlighting the unfailing affection and admiration each company member has for the other.

In this episode, we talk about:

How Freestyle Love Supreme was born
The family they’ve created, and why they always return
Discovering new member Aneesa Folds at the FLS academy
The impact of the audience storing their phones during the show
What Tommy looks for when casting a show like FLS
The future of Freestyle Love Supreme

Connect with Tommy:

Good luck! He's not on social media!
Watch We Are Freestyle Love Supreme on Hulu

Connect with James:

IG: @jmiglehart
Twitter: @jamesmiglehart

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep164 - Jenny Steingart, Producing Powerhouse

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Jenny Steingart is a powerhouse producer for theater, film, and television. She has worked alongside some of the greatest names in the industry, including Tina Fey, Joel Grey, Sir Patrick Stewart, Josh Groban, and Lin Manuel Miranda. Recent productions include Freestyle Love Supreme on Broadway, a limited engagement of Sir Patrick Stewart's A Christmas Carol, Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, Mean Girls and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. She most recently produced the documentary We Are Freestyle Love Supreme, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Jenny is the co-founder of Ars Nova, New York City’s premier theater for emerging artists and new work. She has also co-founded a Japanese animation studio called Ultra Super Pictures.

Jenny grew up in a creative household, where her mother, a singer and musician, and her father, a broadcaster, strongly encouraged her to pursue her passions. A theater kid, initially not able to conceive of doing anything else except acting, Jenny takes us back to her post college days when she realized performing was actually not going to be for her. She recounts her introduction to producer Margo Lion, for whom she became an assistant, and details how she began her own journey to producing. Jenny chats about the years she has happily devoted to the development and production of FreeStyle Love Supreme, and also candidly speaks about how the pain and grief of losing her brother became a catalyst for founding Ars Nova.

In this episode, we talk about:

The advice her father always gave her
Having powerhouse female producers as role models
Her oldest son’s interest in the performing arts
How failing is an essential part of any creative process
Her favorite game in Freestyle Love Supreme

Connect with Jenny:

IG: @jennysteingart

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep163 - Barry Sonnenfeld: Schmigadoon, Big, Men In Black, Addams Family Values, When Harry Met Sally, and so many more!

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

He began his career working as a cinematographer alongside the Coen Brothers, made a name for himself as a director, and now reflects on much of the journey which brought him to Schmigadoon, and a new memoir: Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains talk of child sexual abuse and molestation.

Barry Sonnenfeld is a filmmaker and writer who broke into the film industry as the cinematographer on the Coen brothers first three films: Blood Simple, Raising Arizona and Miller's Crossing. He was also the Director of Photography on Throw Momma from the Train, Big, When Harry Met Sally and Misery, among others. Barry made his directorial debut with The Addams Family in 1991, and went on to direct more films including Addams Family Values, Get Shorty, Wild, Wild, West, and the first three Men in Black movies. His television credits include Pushing Daisies, for which he won an Emmy, Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events, and most recently, Apple TV’s Schmigadoon. The paperback version of his book, “Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother”, is available now.

When Barry decided to go to grad school for film, it wasn’t out of any love for film, but rather as a way to avoid spending three more years trying to figure out what to do with his life outside of school. He chronicles how his background in still photography set him up for a chance to work as a cinematographer with the Coen Brothers, who were also just starting their own careers. In talking about the subject matter and process for writing his new book, Barry opens up about his tumultuous childhood and the age-old question - did he become who he is because of or in spite of his parents? Barry also candidly shares what led him to direct Schimigadoon, despite his general dislike for the musical theatre genre, and chats about what filming was like.

In this episode, we talk about:

His complicated relationship with his parents
Turning his teenage bedroom into a darkroom
How all comedy is hiding pain
Meeting and working with the Coen Brothers
Almost directing Forrest Gump
The fun of pre and post production

Connect with Barry:

IG: @bsonnenfeld
Get his book Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep162 - Ciara Renée: Frozen, Legends of Tomorrow (The Flash), Pippin

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

“I feel like, as an artist, and doing my art, that is how I am seen... and I want to do that for others by creating a safe space for them”.

Ciara Renée made her Broadway debut in 2013 as The Witch in Big Fish, before joining the Broadway revival of Pippin as the Leading Player. She also starred as Esmerelda in the Hunchback of Notre Dame at Papermill Playhouse and La Jolla Playhouse. Ciara can be seen on TV as Hawkgirl in the CW series DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, a spin-off of Arrow and The Flash, and has additional credits which include Law & Order, Master of None, and The Big Bang Theory. She was most recently seen on Broadway as Elsa in Frozen, and can now be heard as one of the leads on the new studio cast album IN THE LIGHT, A Faustian Tale.

Originally from small town, Pennsylvania, where she felt like she never fit in, Ciara knew early on it was “music or nothing”. She opens up about being one of the few people of color in her town as a child, which led to feeling “in between worlds”, but also to embracing musical theatre. She takes us back to the days she spent simultaneously training and preparing to play the Leading Player in Pippin, while performing in the final lab of Hamilton before it moved to The Public Theater. Ciara also speaks candidly about her short but sweet time playing Elsa in Broadway’s Frozen, and the opportunity it provided for little girls who look like her to see themselves as Queens.

In this episode, we talk about:

How her duel passions, psychology and theater, go hand in hand
Why theatre speaks to her more so than other mediums
Training to do 20 pull-ups, and fly on trapeze in Pippin
Choosing Esmerelda and a TV show, over Peggy in Hamilton
Joining the cast of IN THE LIGHT, A Faustian Tale

Connect with Ciara:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep161 - Susan Kelechi Watson: This Is Us, Merry Wives, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Opening up about her first live performance since the COVID pandemic began, this performer shares her joy in welcoming enthusiastic audiences back to the theatre, and says if people didn’t know it pre pandemic, they certainly know it now - “life without the arts is not living."

Susan Kelechi Watson may be best known for her role as Beth Pearson in This Is Us, but she made her Broadway debut in 2005 in a Richard Greenberg play, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way. She later found her way to a successful TV and film career, with credits including Law & Order, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Veep, Billions, and recurring roles on Louie, NCIS, The Following, Third Watch, and The Blacklist. Additional Off Broadway credits include Twelfth Night and A Raisin in the Sun. Susan also starred as Andrea Vogel in the Fred Rogers biopic A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood alongside Tom Hanks. She can now be seen in the Shakespeare in the Park production of Merry Wives, playing through September 18th.

Susan opens up about how her deep love and appreciation for her own Jamaican culture influenced and informed the work she put into her newest role as a Nigerian woman in Merry Wives. Part of her efforts to be as specific as possible included sending her script to friends for help with cadence and rhythm of language, as well as watching Nigerian movies every night for a month and a half. She calls theatre “magic”, and shares why she’ll keep coming back to it even in the midst of a successful film and TV career. Susan also talks about what it’s felt like to finally return to live theatre performance, and to be a part of a show which allows a crowd of people to laugh together once again.

In this episode, we talk about:

Welcoming people back to the theatre every night at Merry Wives
Performing while the COVID pandemic continues
This modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Merry Wives
Being a first generation Jamaican, born in Brooklyn
Why she switched her major from English to Acting in college

Connect with Susan:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep160 - Jay Armstrong Johnson: Phantom of the Opera, Quantico, On The Town, Hands on a Hardbody

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

After realizing he “didn't just want to get up there and do a kick ball change, and sing a high C”, but also wanted his art to make change in the world, this Broadway veteran decided social justice would become a theme in his career.

Jay Armstrong Johnson is no stranger to the stage, or screen for that matter, having six Broadway productions on his resume, as well as a recurring role on the ABC series Quantico. His Broadway credits include Phantom of the Opera (Raoul), On The Town, Hands on a Hardbody, Catch Me If You Can, and Hair (Broadway debut). Jay originated the role of Banko in Roundabout Theatre Company’s world premiere of Scotland, PA, for which he received a 2020 Outer Critics Circle Award Honor. He is the driving force, and a star of, the Hocus Pocus themed concert event “I Put A Spell On You”, which raised over a quarter of a million dollars for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS last year. Coming up next, Jay will be celebrating his birthday with all who tune in to his live streamed show from 54 Below on September 1st.

Jay grew up a “queer kid” in Texas, and when he joined a community theater group at 12 years old, he realized he had found his place and his people. Jay shares his deep love for the movie Hocus Pocus with us, and how it later inspired him to create the now yearly and widely successful “I Put A Spell On You” show/fundraiser. He opens up about how his Broadway debut in Hair was a “life changing experience”, one where they played the part of 60’s hippies on stage, and also walked the walk offstage going to rallies and marches for marriage equality as a cast. Jay also speaks candidly about the “reckoning” of the last year within the theater industry, and the need for representation both on and off stage.

In this episode, we talk about:

Being bullied at school as a child
Growing up as a “scholarship kid”
How he almost ended up a swimmer
How his parents divorce provided some “relief”
Connecting with Bette Midler

Connect with Jay:

IG: @jay_a_johnson
Twitter: @jay_a_johnson
On the Web
Get Tickets to his 54/Below Birthday concert

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep159 - Allison Luff: Heels, Waitress, Wicked

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

From the Broadway stage to the television screen, this performer opens up about her undying love for live theater, as well as the new bug she caught for doing TV while filming her new series.

Alison Luff is a Broadway veteran, maybe best known for her roles as Jenna in Waitress, and Elphaba in the First National Tour of Wicked. Her other Broadway credits include Matilda (Miss Honey), Les Mis (Fantine), Ghost, Scandalous, Escape to Margaritaville, and Mamma Mia (her Broadway debut). On TV she has appeared in FBI and New Amsterdam. Alison now has a starring role as Staci Spade in the Starz wrestling drama Heels, which was just released on August 15.

Alison began performing professionally at age 10 in Texas, and opens up about the journey that took her from Houston, to New York City straight out of high school to pursue her dreams. From understudying greats like Carolee Carmello, to earning star billing herself, Alison charts her career by a series of brave decisions. She recalls the first time she read sides for her starring role on the new Starz series Heels, what attracted her to the role, and what the audition process was like. Alison also chats about what draws her to performing onstage, and while she will always return to the theatre.

In this episode, we talk about:

Following her gut while auditioning for Elphaba
The Margaritaville connection that lead to her Heels audition
The stunt performances on Heels
Being one of the first shows to begin filming during COVID
Performing emotional scenes on stage v. on camera

Connect with Alison:

IG: @alisonluff
Watch HEELS on Starz

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep158 - Toneisha Harris: The Voice #TeamBlake, Hairspray North American Tour

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

“Music is so beautiful, because it is the tapestry of our lives. There is a song or a lyric for absolutely every emotion - good, bad, high, low - it doesn't matter…”

Toneisha Harris is a singer and songwriter who may be best known for receiving a four chair turn and becoming the runner up on the most recent season of The Voice. Coming up this November she will join the North American tour of Hairspray as Motormouth Maybelle.

Starting at the age of five, Toneisha could be found singing with her family in church and on the road along Maryland’s lower eastern shore with her mother’s singing group. She didn’t know what it would lead to then, but Toneisha was tied to music for life.

Toneisha recalls her experience watching all four judges turn their chairs to fight for her on The Voice, and speaks honestly about the “meltdown” she had just moments before stepping on stage. She opens up about receiving her son’s cancer diagnosis in 2011, and shares how throughout nearly 4 years of treatment, Toneisha’s son continued to encourage her to get back on stage. Toneisha also chats about one of her biggest dreams (now coming true) - to get back into theater.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why she decided to join #TeamBlake
Filming parts of The Voice at home, with the help of her son
How her dad opened her eyes to the whole world of music
Her songwriting philosophy
Affirmations, and gratitude for the present moment

Connect with Toneisha:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep157 - Antonio Cipriano: Jagged Little Pill, In The Light, 2017 Jimmy Award Finalist

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Antonio Cipriano starred in the World Premiere of Jagged Little Pill at the American Repertory Theater as ‘Phoenix’, and reprised this role for his Broadway debut in the fall of 2019. He previously won the 2017 Sutton Foster Ovation Award for Best High School Theater Actor and was a finalist in the 2017 NHSMTA - Jimmy Awards. His regional theatre credits include La Jolla Playhouse, York Theatre Company, Second Stage Theatre, New York Stage and Film, and Michigan Opera Theatre. Antonio has performed in multiple concerts at Feinstein’s 54 Below, and TV credits include “God Friended Me”, “City on a Hill”, and an upcoming supernatural TV series, “Safehaven”. Antonio can be heard now as a lead in the new studio cast album called IN THE LIGHT, A Faustian Tale, which is the brainchild of Michael Mott.

Antonio grew up in Michigan “a wild child”, and his parents sought different outlets for his energy. At summer camp when he was 8 years old, he played Zeke in a production of High School Musical, and he hasn’t stopped performing since.

Antonio chats about finding success right out of high school, including his journey to working on Jagged Little Pill. He opens up about making his Broadway debut a few months prior to the COVID shutdown, how he felt when the industry came to a screeching halt, and what he has learned during the downtime. Antonio also talks about working alongside big names on the new cast album “IN THE LIGHT, A Faustian Tale”, and how he was invited to be part of the project.

In this episode, we talk about:

His new love for golf
Working with actors he’s looked up to while younger
His stage door experience, and having fans
Imposter syndrome, and being humble
The Jimmy Awards process

Connect with Antonio:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep156 - Mauricio Martinez: International star of stage and screen

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

A household name in Mexico, and now an Emmy award winning actor and Broadway performer, this bi-cultural artist commits himself to a life of learning and advocacy, and opens up his mental health journey through cancer and COVID-19. This summer, he hosts the Bryant Park Picnic Performance series here in NYC.

Mauricio Martinez is an international star of both stage and screen, most recently seen in Papermill Playhouse’s production of Unmasked: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, after playing Emilio Estefan in Broadway's On Your Feet!, and leading the national tour of the same name. Mauricio is an International Emmy Award winner for the TV show El Vato on NBC Universal and became a household name in Latin America before crossing over to Broadway, having starred as the leading man in the Mexican productions of Beauty and the Beast, Saturday Night Fever, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Drowsy Chaperone, Sweet Charity, The Last Five Years and A View from the Bridge. He can currently be heard as Thomas in the Broadway Podcast Network original podcast soap opera As The Curtain Rises and is now the host of the Bryant Park Picnic Performance Series.

When he was 13 and growing up in Mexico, Mauricio discovered that the movie musicals his mom always played for him were actually based on live theatre shows. After realizing, “Wow, you can do this for a living”, he sought out voice lessons, saved his money, auditioned for AMDA, and moved to NYC when he was 18.

Mauricio chronicles his journey from studying in NYC, to Berkeley summer programs, singing aboard cruise ships, and winning third place on Mexican Idol. He speaks about his love for working in multiple mediums at one time - doing theater while performing in concerts, or concerts while also filming for tv, or even better, a musical where he can sing, dance and act all at once. Mauricio also candidly opens up about his battle with cancer, touching on the importance of taking care of his mental health then and now.

In this episode, we talk about:

Hosting the Bryant Park Picnic Performance Series
How El Vato allowed him to reach audiences across borders
His experience on Mexican Idol, which made him a household name
Life and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic
Learning and relearning during times of social and cultural change

Connect with Mauricio:

Instagram: @martinezmau
Twitter: @martinezmau
Listen to As The Curtain Rises

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep155 - Madison Lagares: This 13 Year Old is Going Places!

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

With two Broadway shows and a record deal already to her name, this 13 year old actress and singer has something to teach us all about following your dreams whenever they find you.

Madison Lagares is a highly accomplished Broadway veteran, and she’s only 13. She was previously hand selected by Gloria Estefan for On Your Feet!, helped bring School of Rock to life with Alex Brightman, and has recently signed to a recording label, become buds with Andrew Lloyd Webber, and currently happens to be workshopping a new musical with John Mellencamp. Madison also has numerous TV and film credits including Blindspot, Search Party, A Walk Among The Tombstones, and Manhattan Night.

Madison was an active, energetic child, who by the age of 6 had already figured out what she wanted to do with her life - pursue a career in musical theater. On top of voice lessons, maintaining her grades in school, and auditioning, she made her Broadway debut at 9 years old.

Madison turned down the tour of On Your Feet! in order to stay in school, and she shares with us why school was, and still is, a priority for her. She opens up about learning the importance of organization when preparing for auditions, and what it’s like being a part of the professional Broadway world at such a young age. Madison also chats with us about being a part of her first professional workshop for a new musical by John Mellencamp.

In this episode, we talk about:

Her hopes for recording different genres of music
Auditioning for Disney
How her parents help and support her career
Actresses she looks up to and admires
Representation on stage and screen

Connect with Madison:

Instagram: @madisonlagaresofficial

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

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Ep154 - Lilli Cooper - Tootsie, Spongebob Squarepants, Spring Awaking ... and motherhood!

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

A witch, a squirrel, and soon a mom, this actress opens up about climbing the ranks since she was a teenager, and shares the joys and challenges that have accompanied some of her most notable roles.

Lilli Cooper is an actress and singer who made her Broadway debut at age 16 in the original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening, originating the role of Martha Bessell, and recently earned a Tony Award nomination for her role in Tootsie on Broadway. Lilli’s other stage credits include the Elphaba standby for the North American tour, Australian tour, and Broadway productions of Wicked, originating the role of Sandy Cheeks in the Broadway production of Spongebob Squarepants, and playing Hélène Kuragina in the American Repertory Theatre production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. She has numerous TV and film credits, including The Good Fight, Bull, Elementary, Instinct, The Post, Dynasty, and Indoor Boys. Coming up next, Lilli will debut a brand new solo show at 54 Below at the end of July.

Growing up in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in midtown New York City, and with two actors for parents, Broadway and the arts were ingrained in Lilli and her brothers at a young age. When she was 15 and a student at LaGuardia High School, an agent took notice of Lilli and opened the door to her first professional audition and Broadway credit - Spring Awakening.

Lilli opens up about the triumphs and challenges of landing Spring Awakening while still in high school, pointing out that while she didn’t really have a support system at school for being a working actor at that age, she luckily had that support at home with her family. She also reflects on the profound experience that was being in a musical about teenagers while being a teenager herself. Looking back on originating the role of Sandy Cheeks in Spongebob, Lilli tells us how she first heard about the project, and why it was such a magical process. And she also shares her feelings regarding her Tony Award nomination for her role in Tootsie, and why she struggles at the same time she celebrates.

In this episode, we talk about:

Developing her solo show for 54 Below while pregnant
Singing in concert with her father, Chuck Cooper, and Seth Rudetsky
Life as a standby for Elphaba
Booking Spongebob Squarepants with college friend Ethan Slater
Hopes for major cultural shifts within the theatre industry

Connect with Lilli:

IG: @lilcoopz
Twitter: @LilliCooper

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep153 - Katrina Bowden: 30 Rock, Tucker and Dale vs Evil, Great White

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Since making a name for herself in the comedy world after starring in 30 Rock, this actress has shifted her focus to explore other genres, sharing she “always likes a challenge”, and happily found exactly that while working on her new film.

Katrina Bowden is an actress you may remember best as Cerie, Liz Lemon’s clueless assistant on the NBC sitcom 30 Rock, or as Flo Fulton on over 217 episodes (so far) of the CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. Her additional film and TV credits are numerous and include Ugly Betty, New Girl, Psych, Dirty John, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, Scary Movie 5, and Sex Drive. Katrina can now be seen as Kaz in a brand new movie called Great White, which comes out on July 16th.

Raised in Wyckoff, New Jersey, Katrina is a self described “big ham” who loves a camera, and began modeling, doing commercials, and taking acting classes as a teenager. She knew she wanted to pursue an acting career, and had reluctantly began preparing to head to college in NYC when she booked 30 Rock at 17 years old.

Katrina gives us an inside look to her new film Great White, chatting with us about pre-production cast bonding and rehearsals, as well as the challenges of filming on, in, and underwater. She opens up about discovering her love for acting while taking classes with Ann Ratray in New York City, and how she still uses those same techniques today. Katrina also touches on how the tides of change within the entertainment industry are shaping how she’s moving forward in her own career.

In this episode, we talk about:

The whirlwind journey to landing 30 Rock
Being drawn to new challenges in Great White
Avoiding sunburn while shooting on a beach all day
Her love for therapy
Breath hold and scuba training for Great White

Connect with Katrina:

IG: @katrinakbowden
Twitter: @katrinakbowden

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep152 - JoAnn M. Hunter: Top Choreographer working on ALW's Cinderella

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

JoAnn M. Hunter is a performer and choreographer with 20 Broadway credits and five US National tours on her resume, including Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (her Broadway debut), Miss Saigon, Guys and Dolls, Damn Yankees, Chicago, Spring Awakening, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, School of Rock, Kiss Me Kate, Curtains, She Loves Me, and most recently Disaster!. She is now across the pond choreographing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brand new Cinderella, set to open soon on the West End.

Born in Japan, and raised in a small town in Rhode Island, JoAnn grew up as a first generation Japanese American in a “very white place”. She found somewhere she felt like she belonged around age 10 when she began taking dance classes, and later, after spending a high school summer dancing in NYC, she dropped out to move to New York and pursue a career.

JoAnn talks with us about working on Andrew Llloyd Webber’s Cinderella, a new iteration of the classic musical set to open in London’s West End at the end of July, and also opens up about her working relationship with Webber himself. She shares her hopes for the theater community as a whole to collectively come together and figure out how to make live performance work in the midst of a pandemic, circumstances no one alive has ever encountered before. JoAnn also chronicles her journey from performer to choreographer, a journey she admits was not easy nor a conscious decision, but later realized she actually loved it more than she anticipated.

In this episode, we talk about:

How Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella differs from other revivals
Frustration over societies devotion to sports over the arts
The impact of theatre immediately following September 11th
Leaving school for New York City as a high schooler
The lack of protocols for reopening theatre in the U.S.

Connect with JoAnn:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep151 - Jenn Colella: Come From Away, "The Flame: An Original Podcast Musical"

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

From a comedian in LA to a Broadway veteran in NYC, Jenn Colella is driven by connection and joy, and shares how she is moving through the shifts in her career as they come, including her latest podcast appearance on The Flame: An Original Podcast Musical.

Jenn Colella is a comedian, actress and singer perhaps best known for her Tony Award nominated performance as Captain Beverley Bass in Broadway’s Come From Away; a role she originated, earning her Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards. Other Broadway credits include High Fidelity, Chaplin, If/Then, and Urban Cowboy (her Broadway debut). Jenn’s Off-Broadway credits include Closer Than Ever, Slut! the Musical and Side Show. She also has several television credits, including appearances on All My Children, The Good Wife, and Elementary. Jenn can now be heard as one of the leads in The Flame, an original romantic comedy musical podcast on the Broadway Podcast Network.

Growing up just outside Charleston, South Carolina, where there wasn’t a great deal of theatre, Jen quickly became a “choir nerd” eager to sing anywhere she could. But while watching a production of Phantom of the Opera in high school, something clicked - she thought “I can do that. I need to do that”.

Jenn chronicles her time in undergrad at Columbia College, during which she worked at an insurance company, was the lead singer in a rock band, and a company member at the only professional theatre at the time called TrustUs Theater. She shares her journey from grad school to stand-up comedy, recalling trips to LA watching sets at the Comedy Store and Laugh Factory, and encouragement by people “to just write a set” and try to get up there, and how she did. Jenn also opens up about her process for developing a character based on someone who actually exists in real life (namely Captain Beverley Bass), and the immediate kinship she felt upon meeting Captain Bass for the first time.

In this episode, we talk about:

One of her earliest memories, which connected music to joy
Embracing downtime and learning to adapt during COVID-19
Her love for the rehearsal room
The Flame, developed by an LGBTQ identifying creative team
The courageousness stand-up comedy offered her
Witnessing Captain Beverly Bass watch Come From Away

Connect with Jenn:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep150 - The Prom Reunion LIVE to celebrate PRIDE (with Caitlin Kinnunen, Izzy McCalla, Josh Lamon, Dori Berinstein, Bob Martin, and Matthew Sklar)

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 20:03:00 -0000

In a special LIVE podcast panel discussion, Alan Seales hosts cast & creatives of THE PROM on Broadway to celebrate Pride Month. After premiering on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre in October 2018, The Prom was the first musical of the 2018–2019 Broadway season to be named a New York Times Critics Pick. To celebrate a Pride like no other, after a year like no other, The Prom creatives join to speak about their own personal reasons for bringing this story to the page and stage, highlighting the show's universal messages of acceptance, understanding, empowerment, and love. They are joined by members of the original cast, who discuss their personal journeys as they relate to the queer community, and why the show is, and always will be, important to them.

Watch the video of the event here: https://youtu.be/laQQ4MAZ24I

The Prom panel guests include creatives Matthew Sklar (music), Bob Martin (book), and four-time Tony Award winning Producer Dori Berinstein, as well as original cast members Caitlin Kennunen (Emma Nolan), Josh Lamon (Sheldon Saperstein), Isabelle Mcalla (Alyssa Greene), and Michael Potts (Principal Tom Hawkins).

In this episode, we talk about:

What Pride means to each
A brief history of Pride
Reactions and responses from audience members
How the show’s journey affected personal journeys
Theatre as a tool for social activism
Making history at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep149 - Kate Reinders: "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series"

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This performer’s life changed after being cast in a summer stock production starring Rita Moreno, and she’s been gracing stages ever since.

Kate Reinders is a multi-talented performer who originated the role of Portia in the Broadway musical Something Rotten!, as well as the role of Caroline in the Broadway jukebox musical Good Vibrations. Other Broadway credits include June in the 2003 revival of Gypsy starring Bernadette Peters, Glinda in Wicked, Into The Woods, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and most recently Cynthia Weil in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Kate’s TV credits include Ugly Betty, Modern Family, and Anger Management. As of 2019 she has been portraying drama teacher Miss Jenn in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, currently finishing it’s second season on Disney Plus.

Kate grew up in small town Spring Lake, Michigan, knowing nothing about Broadway. But one summer while attending a theater camp, she was encouraged to audition for a nearby summer stock production of Gypsy (starring none other than Rita Moreno), and “that was the beginning of the rest of” her life.

Kate talks about growing up in a time before Broadway.com or podcasts existed; when her only knowledge of musical theater came from Fiddler on the Roof and Yentl, the first videotapes her father brought home after they bought a VHS player, and repeated viewings of Sound of Music which she taped from the TV. She candidly chronicles her career which began with a series of swing and understudy roles, and then “shot out of a canon” after landing the role of June in the 2003 Broadway revival of Gypsy. Kate also chats about growing up in a small Christian reformed Dutch community, and how her eyes were opened to the diversity and inclusion of the theater world, and the world at large, while briefly attending University of Michigan before moving to New York City.

In this episode, we talk about:

Her first professional show as a child, alongside Rita Moreno
Being starstruck by Sandra Bullock only after working with her
Making her actual Broadway debut playing a pig
Flying to London to audition for Sam Mendes
Her comedy duo/band Tastiskank, with Sarah Litzsinger
Playing Miss Jenn on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

Connect with Kate:

IG: @katereinders
Twitter: @katereinders

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep148 - Derrick Baskin: Ain't Too Proud, 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 54/Below

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

A Broadway veteran, who finished a Tony and Grammy nominated run in Ain’t Too Proud just before COVID-19 shut the industry down, reflects on the inner work and reflection last summer's protests and pandemic prompted in both himself and the country, and shares hopes for audiences to watch Ain’t Too Proud and similar shows with new eyes.

No stranger to originating Broadway roles, actor and singer Derrick Baskin recently earned Tony and Grammy nominations for playing Otis Williams in Broadway’s Ain’t Too Proud. Other Broadway roles he originated include Gator in Memphis (a role he reprised in the filmed version), Jetsam in The Little Mermaid, and Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Derrick has numerous TV and Film credits including Marshall with the late Chadwick Boseman, Nate on three seasons of Hulu’s critically acclaimed sitcom Difficult People, starring alongside Ethan Hawke in the miniseries The Good Lord Bird, and a recurring role on Law & Order: SVU. Derrick’s concert experience includes performances with Wynton Marsalis, Michael Buble, Wiz Khalifa, and Mariah Carey, and now he has a brand new show coming up at 54 Below, playing June 29th to July 3rd.

Born in North Carolina, the oldest of six kids, Derrick Baskin’s first true love was music and singing; however, he was also a science geek. After graduating college with a biology degree (pre-med) and taking the MCAT, a self-reflective moment prompted Derrick to buy a one way ticket to NYC and never look back.

During our conversation, Derrick shares his early experiences in New York working as a waiter alongside other aspiring artists. He recalls “following them around”, and how he ended up at his first open call audition for Rent. Derrick opens up about his close relationship with Otis Williams (or “Uncle O”, as he calls him), who he portrayed in Ain’t Too Proud, sharing what it was like creating the show alongside him, as well as watching Otis experience the show as an audience member. Derrick talks about his time on set for the film Marshall, reverently remembering Chadwick Boseman’s infectious energy, and incredible work ethic. Derrick also fills us in on his upcoming show at 54 Below, and shares why this is the first time he is headlining at the venue.

In this episode, we talk about:

The impacts of the BLM movement
How Dominique Morisseau honored the lives of The Temptations in her writing
The support system his parents have provided
How his dream found him while watching Rent for the first time
His relationship with best friend and fellow Broadway star James Iglehart
Performing at the Tony Awards while his kidneys malfunctioned

Connect with Derrick:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep147 - Lauren Marcus: Be More Chill, Tick, Tick... Boom

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

From iconic stage roles, to cabaret and rock band performances, this performer is building a successful artistic career while also navigating an autoimmune disorder with grace. - “I would so much rather have tried and failed, or tried and not gotten to where I want to be, than to have never have tried.”

An actress, singer, and songwriter, Lauren Marcus made her Broadway debut as Brooke in Be More Chill after previously originating the role at Two River Theatre in 2015, and again off-Broadway at Signature Theatre in 2018. She also starred as Amy in Company at Barrington Stage Company alongside Aaron Tveit, and as Brigid in The Humans at St. Louis Rep., a performance which earned her a BroadwayWorld Regional Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. As a retro pop singer/songwriter, Lauren performs regularly with her band around New York City, and in 2016 released her debut EP Never Really Done with You. She is also a veteran at cabaret clubs like 54 Below, Joe's Pub, and Rockwood Music Hall. Up next, Lauren will appear in the movie adaptation of Tick, Tick... Boom, and debut a brand new show on June 18th at 54 Below.

From Chicago, to New York, to Scotland, Lauren shares that she “always wanted to be an actor”. And like every artist, she has had a unique experience navigating life during COVID-19.

She shares with us feeling like she’s “living COVID backwards”, having felt fine at the start, but now like she’s dragging; and how she pushed through to create her newest song (and video) “Big Hat” for the NPR 2021 Tiny Desk Contest. Lauren talks about her desire and drive to create and leave behind things that will outlive her; a legacy - things her future children can listen to. She candidly opens up about her journey with alopecia, both the internal and external struggles she navigates as a performer, and notes that losing her hair “affected every single aspect” of her life in a way that she never, ever would have guessed. We also discuss Lauren’s upcoming show at 54 Below on June 18th!

In this episode, we talk about:

Lauren’s retro pop singer/songwriter style
Imposter Syndrome
How she and husband Joe Iconis support each other’s work
Writing a one woman show about her Alopecia journey
The number one thing Alopecia has taught her
Leading by example, and the importance of visibility

Connect with Lauren:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep146 - Trevor Dion Nicholas: Hamilton, Aladdin, The Shows Must Go On!

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

He didn't smash watermelons, he smashed cups of yogurt. After memorizing entire Gallagher comedy routines as a kid in West Virginia, Trevor Dion Nicholas and his family always loved musical theater. His parents encouraged him to follow his passion and put him into improv and theater classes. Being a "big black kid in West Virginia", the expectations put upon him were that he'd focus on sports. Able to put that pressure aside, he found his extended family on stage, and now a new home in London. Now West End royalty, he is co-hosting THE SHOW MUST GO ON LIVE AT THE PALACE THEATRE with fellow theater legend Bonnie Langford. "Theatre is not a passion, it's a profession."

The Show Must Go On Live at the Palace Theatre is set to be the biggest celebration of musical theatre this year with 18 of the biggest musicals in London West End all performing! Including Tina, Dear Evan Hansen, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, SIX, Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Wicked, Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical, & Juliet, Les Misérables, Disney’s The Lion King, The Prince of Egypt, Come From Away, The Phantom Of The Opera, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia! Back to the Future The Musical and Pretty Woman The Musical along with a thrilling line-up of West End talent, a multi award winning creative team and the finest musicians in London.

In this episode, we talk about:

Dealing with the expectations of being a "big black kid in West Virginia"
Performing all over the world
What's to come with Aladdin: Live From the West End coming soon to Disney+
Navigating the emotional highs and lows of quarantine
The athletic training required to prepare to play Genie

Connect with Trevor:

IG: @astonishingtrev
Twitter: @astonishingtrev
Watch The Show Must Go On: https://www.youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep145 - Jackie Cox: Drag Queen, Super Nerd, and Lover of all things Broadway

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

After moving to NYC as a Broadway hopeful, and discovering the drag community, power and freedom simultaneously, Jackie Cox now looks ahead to a more inclusive future for the entire theatrical community.

Jackie Cox may be best known as one of the top four contestants from Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and was the first Queen of Iranian descent to appear on the show. In New York City. Jackie has long been a feature of the theatrical cabaret scene, with performances of her own original shows at the famed Laurie Beechman Theater. She's also appeared on TV in ABCs What Would You Do?, Fusions Shade: Queens Of NYC, as well as numerous appearances on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live. Jackie is back touring again doing her amazing live shows (ticket information can be found on her Instagram page, and she also hosts a podcast called “It Do Take Nerd” that is an amazing intersection of queerness and nerdom.

As a kid, Jackie loved to tell stories. She loved making people smile, and sharing truth through theatre. But after moving to NYC in 2010 and discovering pretty quickly that the traditional theatre route wasn’t for her, she found drag “kind of by luck”. It was in drag that Jackie discovered power in the ability to own the stage and express herself in new ways.

During our conversation, Jackie talks about the inspiration for her podcast “It Do Take Nerd”, emphasizing the importance of representation and celebrating the queer themes that are found in a lot of “nerdy things”. She educates us on the intersection of the drag and trans communities, noting that trans women were really the pioneers in the gay rights movement. And in light of the conversation around gender happening across the country, Jackie honors drag as a welcoming space for all genders to participate or enjoy.

In this episode, we talk about:

The inspiration behind and creation of her podcast “It Do Take Nerd”
Discovering drag after moving to NYC
Peppermint’s contributions to the trans community and the drag community
Her YouTube series celebrating Broadway performers
The birth and growth of Jackie Cox
Making a living as a drag Queen

Connect with Jackie:

Subscribe to It Do Take Nerd
IG: @JackieCoxNYC
Twitter: @JackieCoxNYC

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep144 - Laura Bell Bundy: Legally Blonde, Hairspray, Wicked, and TV/Film credits out the wazoo

Wed, 26 May 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Best known for credits that include performances as the original Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, the original Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (for which she earned a Tony nomination), Tina in Ruthless (Outer Critics/ Drama Desk Nominations), and Glinda in Wicked, Laura Bell Bundy cannot be stopped. Outside of New York City her credits include the national tour of The Sound of Music, and Gypsy at Paper Mill Playhouse. Laura has appeared in over 100 hundred episodes of television including roles on Good Behavior, American Gods, How I Met Your Mother, The Guest Book, Home Improvement, Hart of Dixie, Fuller House, AJ & The Queen, and Anger Management. She has toured in concerts worldwide since 2010, released several studio albums, and penned hundreds of songs. Along with her cohort Shea Charter, she co-hosts Women Of Tomorrow, a musical podcast that explores issues women are facing today, examines the history of those issues and provides solutions for moving forward. Their album Women of Tomorrow (which inspired the podcast) is out now and available everywhere you listen to music.

Raised in Kentucky, Laura was 5 years old when she was introduced to show business as a beauty pageant contestant, which led to an unexpected modeling contract in NYC. But Laura realized really quickly that modeling was boring, and acting, singing and dancing were much more fun. Laura opens up about her early experiences in NYC as a child, renting out rooms in small apartments with her mom, and the cast of characters they encountered. She speaks passionately about the creation and mission of her album and podcast of the same name, Women of Tomorrow, and credits the work behind both for igniting her passion for learning more about women’s history. Laura also shares her thoughts on the important roles both truth and vulnerability play when you are an actor.

In this episode, we talk about:

Her experience in the world of beauty pageants
The importance of self-awareness
How the 2016 election inspired the creation of Women of Tomorrow
How women’s rights have changed over time
Her spiritual beliefs about our collective human experience

Connect with LBB:

Listen to Women of Tomorrow (the album)
Listen to Women of Tomorrow (the podcast)
IG: @laurabellbundy
Twitter: @laurabellbundy
Web: laurabellbundy.com
YouTube channel

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus EP: "In the Heights" Exclusive Interviews!

Sat, 22 May 2021 16:39:00 -0000

Our BPN Podcasters bring you exclusive interviews with cast and creatives from In the Heights, in theaters on June 11 2021. Watch the video version of this event here: https://youtu.be/py3YLSt8MSo.

Interview 1: Daphne Rubin-Vega, interviewed by Salisha Thomas

http://bpn.fm/bhbl

Interview 2: Olga Merediz and Jimmy Smitts, interviewed by Dori Berinstein

http://bpn.fm/ddb

Interview 3: Quiara Alegría Hudes (screenwriter), interviewed by Jesse McAnally

http://bpn.fm/mwc

Interview 4: Scott Sanders (producer), interviewed by Ruthie Fierberg

http://bpn.fm/wwt

Interview 5: Gregory Diaz, interviewed by Eli Tokash

http://bpn.fm/takeabow

Interview 6: Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins and Leslie Grace, interviewed by Alan Seales

http://bpn.fm/ttp

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep143 - Max von Essen: Anastasia, Evita, An American In Paris

Tue, 18 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

The Broadway shutdown has been hard for people across the country, but this performer shares that amidst the difficulty, it’s also “been an incredible reminder of how lucky I've been... What a great career that I feel I've personally had.”

Max Von Essen is an actor and singer who most recently starred on Broadway as Gleb in Anastasia, followed by touring the country as Marvin in the Lincoln Center production of Falsettos. Max performed in the Broadway revival of Evita in 2012, playing Agustin Magaldi while frequently stepping in for Ricky Martin in the role of Che, and in 2016 he completed his Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominated run in An American in Paris. Other Broadway credits include Jesus Christ Superstar and the first revival of Les Misérables, as well as the national tours of Xanadu, Chicago, West Side Story (European Tour), and a backup singer for Liza Minnelli. Max’s regional theatre credits are numerous, and his TV credits include The Good Wife, Gossip Girl, Boardwalk Empire, Law & Order: SVU, and Elementary. Next up, Max will be performing on May 24th in the Town Hall’s Signature Series Broadway by the Year: The Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber Years virtual concert.

Born in Queens, and growing up in Long Island, Max has always been a New Yorker, and from a young age knew he would end up in NYC. Introduced to the magic of piano in elementary school, he begged for piano and voice lessons, which naturally led him to musical theater.

Max shares that while he didn’t go to college for theater, he still performed anywhere he could during his time there. He opens up about knowing he had the potential to succeed, even though it was going to be hard. Max also speaks candidly about how COVID has affected this chapter of his life; the difficulty, as well as the positive realizations - “I do it for more than just a job… I do it because I love it so much, and it's like part of my soul”. And while he loves the Broadway stage, Max talks about his affinity for regional and touring productions, sharing that some of his best experiences have been at different theaters around the country.

In this episode, we talk about:

His early memories of being enchanted by the piano
What he would be doing if he wasn’t performing
The importance and success of touring productions
His experience playing the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar
Virtual performances during quarantine

Connect with Max:

Get tickets to Broadway By The Year
IG: @maxizpad
Twitter: @maxizpad

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep142 - Ethan Slater: Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon, Broadway By The Year

Tue, 11 May 2021 05:00:00 -0000

He may have made his mark playing a famous yellow sponge on stage, but this artist is passionate about exploring all colors of a creative career, and looks “forward to building back the most accessible kind of theater in every angle”.

Ethan Slater is an actor, singer, writer, and composer who made his Broadway debut in the title role of SpongeBob SquarePants the musical, for which he won Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and TheaterWorld Awards, as well as a Tony Award Nomination. He is a familiar face on screen with TV credits that include Instinct, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Fosse/Verdon. As a writer Ethan has a number of pieces in development, including the musical Edge of the World, and as a recording artist has released two EPs. Next up he is part of a phenomenal lineup of people performing on May 24th in the Town Hall’s Signature Series Broadway by the Year: The Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber Years virtual concert.

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Ethan's auspicious debut came at age four when he played Toto to his sister’s Dorothy in a community production of The Wizard of Oz - and he loved it. He went on to perform in his high school productions, and later found his way to New York.

Ethan opens up about his experience with the SpongeBob musical, a project he joined while in college and worked on for 7 years. He takes us from the first audition, to dealing with the harsh criticism the Broadway show received a year before it even opened, to knowing in his heart that they were “gonna show all the haters”, and it was “gonna be glorious”. Ethan shares one of the biggest parts and passions of his career is writing, and that while the pandemic has been a rollercoaster, focusing on being a “writer who acts” has benefited his mental health. He also speaks about the challenges and beauty of artistic collaboration, and his affinity for the rehearsal process.

In this episode, we talk about:

What songs he’ll be singing for the Town Hall concert
Being a writer who acts, and an actor who writes
Why he was worried about a year long run with Spongebob
Handling criticism as an artist
Advice from classmate and fellow actor Noah Robbins
What he’s looking forward to once theatre is back

Connect with Ethan:

Get tickets to Broadway By The Year
IG: @ethanslater
Twitter: @ethanaslater

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep141 - Liz Callaway: Disney's Anastasia, Broadway by the Year, Merrily, CATS and many more

Tue, 04 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

The voice on the soundtrack of many childhoods, this performer made a name for herself on stages from New York to South Korea, and continues to connect with audiences virtually until theatre is back in full force.

Liz Callaway is a Tony nominee and Emmy Award winning actress, singer and recording artist, who may be best known by some as the singing voice of Anastasia in the 1997 animated film. Liz made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Baby, and for five years, won acclaim as Grizabella in Cats. She has also starred in the original casts of Miss Saigon, The Three Musketeers, and The Look of Love. Other New York appearances include the legendary Follies in Concert at Lincoln Center, A Stephen Sondheim Evening, Fiorello!(Encores!), and Hair in Concert. Having released six solo albums, Liz has also established a major career as a concert and recording artist, and is now part of a phenomenal lineup of artists performing in the virtual concert Broadway by the Year: The Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber Years on May 24th for The Town Hall’s signature series.

Liz grew up in Chicago, and even though she loved to sing as a child, she would only do so if people left the house. As “kind of a loner”, it wasn’t until high school that she discovered the wonderful feeling of family you get being involved in theatre, and at 18 years old moved to NYC with her sister to pursue performing.

During our conversation Liz opens up about how early sibling rivalry grew into a close, enduring relationship with her sister Ann, also an artist who has made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, award winning songwriter, and Tony-nominated performer in the hit Broadway musical Swing!. She speaks about her surprise when fans approach to tell her Anastasia was the soundtrack of their childhoods, saying, “I had no idea, because you’re in a studio, so you don’t know the effect”. Liz also chats with us about new skills she’s acquired during the pandemic, emphasizing how important it is to keep learning and challenging ourselves no matter what stage of life we are in.

In this episode, we talk about:

The Callaway Sisters: Side by Side live Zoom concert
Plans for her first performance post shutdown
Her connection to TV sitcom The Nanny
Moving to NYC with her sister when she was 18
Craving connection with others during the pandemic
The power and influence of music on our brains, memory

Connect with Liz:

Get tickets to Broadway By The Year
Get tickets to The Callaway Sisters: Side by Side live Zoom concert
IG: @lizgoeson
Twitter: @lizgoeson
YouTube: @LizCallaway

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep140 - Jeremy Jordan: Newsies, Supergirl, Smash, Bonnie & Clyde, Rock of Ages

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

A Tony and Grammy nominated actor, this actor and new dad dishes on what it takes to keep himself going, and his latest sources of inspiration(s). Originally preformed live in the "before times" back in Feb 2020, Jeremy's cabaret show Carry On is being virtually reprised for 3 weeks only at 54/Below (tickets here). Part comedy, part therapy session, Carry On dives into what makes Jeremy who he is today piling onto what he describes as his "rocky childhood," which opens up a side of himself that most audiences have never seen before.

As a child, Jeremy would almost only sing in the shower. After being encouraged by his mother to start singing in class (partially because he was "just ok" at sports), he was picked for the boys chorus. The rest, as they say, is history, building up his confidence enough to almost go to college for a vocal major. However, it was a local production of The Fantasticks where he was cast as The Mute where he felt he really learned how to act. Unable to sing, he was forced to listen, which only made him realize what he had been missing to help him round out his craft.

In this episode, we talk about:

The type of love he's discovered as a father
His grandma casting him in community theatre
Our constant fear of... {insert your favorite item here}
Being unable to show your unfiltered self unless you write your own material
Getting in trouble with police in Times Square during Bonnie & Clyde
How his career began to snowball while performing Bonnie & Clyde at night and rehearsing for Newsies during the day

Connect with Jeremy:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep139 - Rick Pender: Author of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

“My writing about theater in general, is to inspire people to go to the theater... But I especially like to inspire people to dip their toes into the oceans of Sondheim.”

An award winning theater critic since 1986, Rick Pender was named Ohio’s best critic in 2002 and 2017 by the Society of Professional Journalists. He is the former editor of the Sondheim Review, and currently the executive editor and publisher of Everything Sondheim, a website and nationally distributed quarterly magazine. For his new book, The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia, Rick has compiled a trove of detailed entries about nearly every subject Sondheim touched, bringing to life not only the man's well known collaborators and projects, but also many names you may have glimpsed in programs, or on cast albums, and has gathered definitive descriptions of lesser known works and influences that you'd have to search dozens and dozens of books to to uncover. Rick holds a PhD in English Literature, and has interviewed Stephen Sondheim, onstage and in the studio, several times. The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia is now available for purchase.

As a child in Ohio, Rick was “kind of a theater geek”, and participated in his high school productions. He had an early attraction to the lyrics of West Side Story, the first LP soundtrack he purchased as a teenager, but at the time was still unfamiliar with Stephen Sondheim. It was after a surgery in the 80’s when Rick discovered a CD called A Collector’s Sondheim, and his passion took hold.

“By virtue of having all that education in literature, the whole concept of storytelling is very important to me”, Rick shares. He opens up about his initial attraction to Sondheim’s work, noting the words and lyrics in particular first drew him in, and describes his love for Sondheim's integration of music and lyrics to fit and expand upon character. Rick also takes us through the timeline for the creation of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia, which he originally thought would be the work of multiple contributors, and chronicles the development of his own relationship with Stephen Sondheim himself.

In this episode, we talk about:

The making of The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia
Being inspired by West Side Story
Why he thinks of Sondheim as a modern day Shakespeare
The intellectuality of Sondheim’s music and lyrics
The working relationship between Sondheim and Hal Prince
Hammerstein mentoring Sondheim, who later mentored Lin Manuel Miranda

Connect with Rick:

Download and/or purchase The Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia
Visit Everything Sondheim

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep138 - Ramin Karimloo: Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Holby City

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

From Iran to Italy to Canada and finally to London, this performer forged a path uniquely his own, knowing the only failure is not trying. “When someone puts a seed in my head, I'll dive in not knowing how deep it is, but I'll just go for it and just see what happens.”

Ramin Karimloo is an Olivier and Tony Award nominee who made his name in the early 2000’s starring in some of the West End's most enduring productions, notably Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, after becoming the youngest actor ever to play the Phantom in 2007. Ramin later originated the role of Phantom in the 2010 sequel Love Never Dies, and made his Broadway debut in the 2014 revival of Les Misérables as Valjean (earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical). Throughout his career he has released two EP’s and two albums as an independent recording artist, including his 2019 album From Now On which landed on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Ramin now hosts his own podcast called “The Hang” on the Broadway Podcast Network, and in addition to playing the dreamy Dr. Kian Madani in Holby City on the BBC, he can be heard playing the dreamy Stavros in “As The Curtain Rises”, Broadway’s first original podcast soap opera.

Shortly after his birth in Iran during the Iranian Revolution, Ramin’s family escaped the country and found themselves in Italy. After several years in Italy, and relocating to a small town in Ontario, it was a 7th grade field trip to see Phantom of the Opera when things changed for Ramin. He left the theater that day thinking, “I want to make people feel like this…”.

During our conversation, Ramin chronicles his journey from high school, to cruise ships, to London - a journey fueled by his endless pursuit of the goals he set for himself as a teenager. Ramin emphasizes the impact encouragement from others can have on your life, and speaks fondly of the bar owner/father figure who championed his dream of one day playing the Phantom. He also revisits the initial impact of COVID-19 on his creative pursuits, and shares details about his most recent creations - a clothing line, a production company, a podcast, and more.

In this episode, we talk about:

His family’s journey from Iran, to Italy, to Canada
Being inspired by Colm Wilkinson
Shadowing Phantom Peter Karie in Toronto when he was 16
Life lessons from Mike Nelson, bar owner/dean of the school of life
The serendipity of meeting his first agent in London
His passion projects, and their challenges

Connect with Ramin:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep137 - Claire Warden: Groundbreaking Intimacy Director / Choreographer for Broadway and Beyond

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

“When you give the artist the opportunity to be free and respected, they will give you the world with their performance.”

Claire Warden is a Drama Desk Award winning intimacy coordinator, fight director, teacher and actress with over 20 years experience in theater, TV and film across America and the UK. She has worked as an intimacy coordinator and consultant on numerous television productions under various studios, including HBO, Hulu, Amazon, and Showtime, as well as major motion picture studios such as Sony and 20th Century Fox. Some of Claire’s credits include work on the series Mrs. Fletcher, Your Honor, Finding Alaska, Hunters, Billions, the feature film of West Side Story, and many more. She recently made history as the first intimacy director on Broadway with Frankie and Johnny, and also worked on the Broadway productions of Slave Play, The Inheritance, Jagged Little Pill, Linda Vista, West Side Story and Company. Claire is part of the collaboration team advising SAG-AFTRA on their effort to standardize, codify and implement guidelines for on-set intimacy coordinators, and in 2019 she was awarded Variety Magazine's '10 Broadway Players to Watch'.

Claire began her career in the UK as an actor, a fight director, and a teacher. As a teacher she specialized in supporting actors with various traumas - emotional, physical, and psychological. She had always felt a calling, a feeling of purpose, so when she just happened to read about intimacy direction for the first time in the NY Times, she realized, “Oh, that’s why I’m here.”

Claire opens our eyes to the discipline of intimacy direction, which has only been around in its “beginning form” since the end of 2016. She chronicles the team effort to actually codify an approach to sex scenes, intimacy, and nudity for an actor - something that had never been done before. Claire also walks us through her process and approach when starting a new project and working with new actors/directors, the goal always being to empower artists. And she gives us a sneak peek into her work on the Broadway productions of Jagged Little Pill and Slave Play.

In this episode, we talk about:

How to become an intimacy director / choreographer yourself via idcprofessionals.com
An intimacy coordinator vs. an intimacy director
How intimacy direction rides on the waves of social movements
The lack of understanding about intimacy on stage and screen
Why she asks her actors if they’re “confident” rather than “comfortable”
The importance of strong “closure practices”
Her work on Jagged Little Pill and Slave Play

Connect with Claire:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus - Andrew Barth Feldman: Avvatar the Musical Science Consultant

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Many people know Andrew Barth Feldman made his Broadway debut in the title role in Dear Evan Hansen and is now starring in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, but what most people don’t know is that while he was in DEH performing his 6 shows a week, he was also attending Yale -- and obtained a master’s degree that has landed him his latest gig being the Science Consultant on the forthcoming Avvatar The Musical.

Find More about Avvatar the Musical:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep136 - Adam Jacobs: Aladdin, The Lion King, Les Miserables

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0000

A Disney prince and a family man, this performer opens up about the importance of faith, hard work, and determination, and shares a look behind the curtain of his career both past and present.

Adam Jacobs is an actor and singer maybe best known for originating the title role in Aladdin on Broadway, a performance which garnered him both Grammy and Drama Desk Award nominations. Adam’s other Broadway credits include The Lion King, and Les Miserables, as well as the national tours of Mamma Mia!, Cinderella, Les Miserables, The Lion King, and Aladdin. Offstage, Adam’s talents and credits range from writing, and directing, to producing, and even visual effects. His latest film project, Adam Jacobs Behind The Curtain, features a live recording of his 2019 cabaret at Feinstein's Upstairs at Vitello's in LA, as well as interviews and a behind the scenes look at Adam’s artistic journey.

During our conversation, Adam speaks candidly about his mixed-ethnicity and the confusion it led to as a child trying to figure out where he fit in. He recalls it first feeling like an obstacle he had to overcome, but explains how he later discovered his heritage was an advantage, allowing him to play a variety of roles. Adam also talks about the decision to leave NYC and move to the suburbs of Chicago with his family a few years ago, which has offered him more performance opportunities, and a homebase between LA and NYC. And we delve into the evolution of Adam’s latest project Behind The Curtain, from live cabaret to filmed “docu-concert”.

In this episode, we talk about:

Overcoming self-doubt and challenging the status quo
The impact of his high school mentor and teacher
His experience in NYU’s CAP21 program
Having other interests outside of performing
How his family influences career decisions
The creation of the Behind The Curtain film

Connect with Adam:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep135 - Donny Most: Happy Days, Middletown

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

From a meteoric rise to fame at 20 years old, to all the performances he hopes to still tackle in his 60’s, this artist opens up about balancing multiple passions, and serves as an inspiration for all to keep plugging away at your dreams.

Widely recognized for his rise to fame as Ralph on one of the most successful television sitcoms of the 1970’s - Happy Days, Donny Most is a multi talented artist with an amazing career spanning decades across stage and screen. Donny’s numerous stage credits include two national tours - Grease in the 90’s, and Damn Yankees with Dick Van Dyke in the 80’s; while he also boasts a slew of TV and film credits including The Love Boat, Glee, Star Trek: Voyager, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Bold and The Beautiful, Edtv, Murder, She Wrote, Baywatch, and Family Guy. In addition to acting, Donny is an accomplished producer, director, writer, and singer, with 2 albums and 4 singles and EP’s to his name. Adapting to the time of COVID, he can currently be seen starring in a virtual stage production of Middletown, now available for streaming online.

During our conversation, Donny describes his journey on Happy Days as “an incredibly exciting time”, and reveals why he actually turned down the initial offer. He talks about how the notoriety from the show changed his life, in great but also challenging ways, and also opens up about the brick wall he hit when he left the show after 7 years. Noting how he now feels he is at an age where people can accept him as a different sort of character, Donny shares some of the “cool roles” that have been coming his way, and gives us an in depth look at his latest project, Middletown.

In this episode, we talk about:

His fathers early influence on his acting career
The decision to leave college and move to LA
Working with Gary Marshall and Ron Howard
Life after leaving Happy Days
Developing a TV series with his wife
His love for singing, and Bobby Darin

Connect with Donny:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

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Ep134 - Lena Hall: Tony Award Winner (Hedwig), TNT's Snowpiercer, Tarzan

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

From the non-stop nature of a Broadway performer's life, to the slower pace of TV, this Tony Award winner opens up about her struggles as an artist during the pandemic, and the importance of stopping to “look back and realize how far you have come” on your way to your goals.

Lena Hall is a Tony Award winner and Grammy nominee known for her phenomenal performance of Yitzhak in the 2014 Broadway production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Following her award winning run, she toured North America with Josh Groban on his Stages tour. Lena’s slew of Broadway credits include 42nd Street, Tarzan, and Cats, as well as originating the role of Nicola in the Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots. She is a recording artist, with 2 albums and 12 EP’s to her name, and numerous TV and film credits including Girls, BoJack Horseman, Sex and the City, and All My Children. Lena can now be seen as Miss Audrey in Snowpiercer on TNT.

Currently in Canada quarantining and filming season 3 of Snowpiercer, Lena opens up about how her “light” shooting schedule leads to nostalgia for the workhorse nature of being a Broadway performer. She speaks candidly about the impact the pandemic has had on her creative mind and vision; and shares how she has struggled with the stress, the anxiety, and the not knowing, while taking solace in the knowledge that “we are all in the same boat”. Lena also takes a look back at her career and chronicles how tonsil problems from hell led to a chance to re-start, re-learn, and explore new parts of her voice.

In this episode, we talk about:

Working on TV versus working on Broadway
Missing her creative mojo
The impact social media and sitting in front of screens has on our brains
Singing for Pope John Paul II when she was 7
Getting a re-do, and learning how to sing again after tonsil surgery
Her “Obsessed” series

Connect with Lena:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep133 - Guys Who Like Musicals Podcast: A Special Crossover with Joe & Dan!

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0000

The amazing podcast crossover event that no one asked for but everyone needs! Joe Carroll and Dan Tracy, two dudes who love musicals and have numerous Broadway credits of their own, sit down with me to discuss... what else... musicals! Or maybe I sit down with them? We were never quite sure what was going on, but all we know is that we love Broadway.

Think of this episode as an origin story - for both podcasts. We recount why and how both podcasts start, how everyone's pivoted during COVID and the Broadway shutdown, and all of our hopes for the future.

Connect with Guys Who Like Musicals:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep132 - Robert Hartwell: 5x Broadway Triple Threat Turned Education Leader

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 05:15:00 -0000

From Broadway performer to Broadway educator, this performer opens up about the teachers that became his mentors, setting him on his unique course, and urgently encourages us all - “Don’t let your parade pass you by!”

Robert Hartwell is a Broadway performer and Founder of The Broadway Collective. His Broadway credits include Hello, Dolly! starring Bette Midler, Motown The Musical, Cinderella, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and Memphis, as well as the National Tours of Dreamgirls and Motown The Musical. As a Director/Choreographer Robert’s work has been seen at Lincoln Center, Music Theatre Wichita, Pace University, Naples Performing Arts Center, and The University of Michigan. He also served as the Assistant Director on the First National Tour of Once On This Island. Robert is a member of the Tony Award winning Broadway Inspirational Voices, and is currently the Associate Artist at North Carolina Theatre.

Robert opens up about his teaching journey. At the height of his Broadway success, Robert realized that although he loved performing, his true passion was teaching the arts. This led him to create The Broadway Collective, a musical theatre training academy where he and his team of performing arts professionals train the next generation of Broadway stars. In order for this endeavor to be successful, Robert discusses the Imposter Syndrome he defeated by realizing that his value was not attached to being in a Broadway show. He also talks with us about his working relationship with Eric Woodall, which has allowed him to return to North Carolina Theatre as an Associate Artist, as well as a director and choreographer.

In this episode, we talk about:

Working on Memphis at NCT before COVID-19 forced them to close
Founding The Broadway Collective
Building trust in your company
Focusing on self-care with his students, before their 16-bar cuts
The spiritual moment he experienced nightly in Hello, Dolly!
Principal v. Ensemble journeys

Connect with Robert:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep131 - Rebecca Vocal Athlete: YouTube Star, Vocal Coach, Theatre Lover

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Rebecca Moore, better known as Rebecca Vocal Athlete, is a vocal coach, mentor, singer, songwriter, YouTuber and entertainer with more than 20 years of experience within the music industry. She provides ongoing professional training in reputable vocal techniques, methodologies, vocal anatomy, physiology, and voice research. Over the years, Rebecca has cultivated a massive social media following with her videos, particularly on YouTube. Her 2018 album “Black and White Sunset” is currently available on Spotify and iTunes, as is her 2020 EP “Golden Daffodils”.

Based in England, Rebecca’s fascination with music started very young; her father recalls her dancing in front of the TV when she was 2 years old. As a child, she quickly fell in love with voice, sound, music, and even doing impressions. This soon evolved into a love for songwriting and all of the ways “we express ourselves”.

Rebecca speaks candidly about her struggle with depression and anxiety over the years, and the impact negative self talk can have on our bodies. She opens up about the operation she had in 2016 to remove a non-cancerous tumor, involving the removal of one of her ovaries, and shares that the recovery afterwards was “the worst” as she wasn’t able to walk for a while. However, it was also during this time that Rebecca delved into self-improvement, meditation, yoga, and a journey to expand her platform on YouTube. With 1.14 million subscribers, Rebecca’s reach continues to grow as she helps people all over the world learn about their voices and gain confidence in their art.

In this episode, we talk about:

Her interest in the physiology of the voice
How she would conduct a lesson with a new student
Inviting failure
The YouTube journey
Her operation in 2016
Dealing with internet trolls

Connect with RVA:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep130 - Drew Gasparini: Composer for The Karate Kid Musical, The Skittles Musical, Smash, and all-around good guy

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

"I only ever want to be Ben Harper famous." Drew Gasparini is an award winning musical theatre songwriter and performer. Currently he is writing the scores for a number of new stage musicals including the Broadway-bound adaptation of The Karate Kid, an adaptation of Night Shift for Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, and an adaptation of the Ned Vizzini novel/film It's Kind of a Funny Story for Universal Theatrical Group (book by Alex Brightman), among others. Some of Drew’s original musicals include Crazy Just Like Me (winner of “Best Of Fest” and runner up for “Best Book” in the New York Musical Theatre Festival 2011), and Make Me Bad (book by Alex Brightman, Bloomington Playwrights Project, winner of PACE New Musicals). Drew was a contributing composer for the fictional musical Hit List on the NBC series Smash, and in 2019 wrote the music for Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical, a highly publicized PR stunt starring Michael C. Hall for Super Bowl LIII. He has released several of his own albums, and on January 13th, Drew launched his new podcast "Now We're Talking with Drew Gasparini" on the Broadway Podcast Network.

Born and raised in southern California, his father a drummer and his mother a music teacher, Drew recalls that “music was like water, food, and oxygen” in his household. But it was ultimately his music teacher in high school who, after listening to some of his original songs (which he began writing when he was 12), challenged him to work harder and inspired him to dedicate his life to songwriting.

Drew chronicles the journey which took him from living out of his car in LA, to writing his first musical and moving to New York City; where a few years later, he put up a concert of his songs starring Titus Burgess, Jeremy Jordan, and others. He shares that some of the best education he’s had has come from failing in New York, and reiterates that there are going to be down moments for all artists, but if you love it, you have to stick with it. Drew has signed 5 contracts for projects which were Broadway bound but never made it, which he says only makes him hungrier - “I want to write something that’s left behind in a big way.” This dream could just be on the horizon, as Drew recollects landing his current big project - writing the score for the Broadway bound adaptation of Karate Kid.

In this episode, we talk about:

Wanting to be Ben Harper famous
Getting “permission” from success
The first song he ever wrote at age 12
Leaving school to travel the west coast with his band “Drew G and the B”
Creating his “Now We’re Talking” podcast

Connect with Drew:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep129 - Stephanie Hsu: Be More Chill, Spongebob Squarepants, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Stephanie Hsu is a familiar face on both the stage and screen, maybe best known for originating the role of Christine in Be More Chill at Two River Theater, and then on Broadway. She previously made her Broadway debut as Karen the Computer in the original cast of Spongebob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical. Her TV and Film credits include The Path (seasons 1-3), Set It Up, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Asking For It, and Mei in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Born in Torrance, CA, Stephanie shares that it was mostly just her and her mom growing up. The two clashed at times - her mother was not sure America was built for her as an immigrant, while Stephanie was “adamant about being an American.” As a child, Stephanie was very into basketball, and fought against the urge to become a “drama geek”. But when a fellow classmate in high school arranged an audition for her with the drama teacher, it “launched everything”, including heading to NYU to study acting.

Stephanie stresses the importance of visibility in the arts, and candidly talks with us about her role on The Marvelous Maisel - Mei, who as a bilingual, strong and independent Chinese American woman in the 1960’s, was “unlike any character” she’d ever seen in her life. During our conversation, Stephanie continues to bring us back to themes of “love”, sharing, “Love has always been my favorite thing in the whole world,” (her college thesis was about love). When she was recently commissioned by Works & Process, the performing arts series at the Guggenheim, to create a piece of self expression, she found herself in the silence of the pandemic trying to understand “if being in love is ok”. Stephanie walks us through the creation of her piece “Another Love Letter”, where she battled between feeling the desire and responsibility as an artist to be productive and to make something big, but also feeling drawn to explore the poetic parts of quiet simplicity.

In this episode, we talk about:

Creating her virtual commission “Another Love Letter”
One of her favorite things to do at museums
Working on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The importance of making work you care about with people you care about
Her journey to landing a role in the new film Everything Everywhere All At Once

Connect with Stephanie:

Watch Another Love Letter
IG: @hsulace

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep128 - Michael Urie: Ugly Betty, Torch Song, Grand Horizons

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Maybe best known for his starring role as Mark St. James on Ugly Betty (opposite Vanessa Williams), Michael Urie is not only a star of the stage and screen, but also a director and executive producer. He originated the role of Arnold in the Broadway revival of Torch Song (after receiving Lucille Lortel Award and Drama League Award nominations in the off-Broadway production), as well as the role of Brian in Grand Horizons on Broadway. Other stage credits include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, High Buttons Shoes, The Government Inspector, Angels in America, and his award winning performance in Buyer and Cellar. Michael’s other TV and film credits include Modern Family, Workaholics, Younger, The Good Fight, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, and a guest judge on RuPauls Drag Race. Michael can currently be heard in As the Curtain Rises, Broadway's first podcast soap opera, and is part of a digital performance of a new play called Smithtown, which premieres online February 13th.

Although born in Houston, Texas, Michael grew up outside of Dallas, and as a child loved and wanted to make movies. It was eventually his high school theater teacher who encouraged and challenged him to pursue his passions for directing and acting, and a poetry competition where he discovered his comedic chops, that led him on his journey to Juilliard.

Looking back on the beginning of his career post college, Michael opens up about the first time he auditioned for a TV pilot, while also balancing being in play. Although that particular pilot didn’t get picked up, Michael chronicles how the experience guided him to his starring role on Ugly Betty a few years later. He also shares his thoughts on film acting vs. theater acting, and “the feat of watching a theater artist go on the journey in front of you right then and there”. Michael talks with us about how he was able to incorporate this feat in his newest project Smithtown, a play which was adapted for Zoom and shot virtually.

In this episode, we talk about:

Finding his footing in high school theater class
Falling in love with Shakespeare and the classics
His first TV pilot audition, a flop, and Ugly Betty a few years later
Working with Vanessa Williams on Ugly Betty
His new project, Smithtown
His approach to and opinion on social media

Connect with Michael:

IG: @MichaelUrieLikesIt
Twitter: @MichaelUrie

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep127 - Colin Donnell: Chicago Med, Jersey Boys, The Nineteen Twenty

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

“It’s going to be bumpy, but it’s going to be worth it”. Colin Donnell is a singer, actor, and musician who has starred on both the stage and screen. His stage credits include the Broadway productions of Jersey Boys, Violet, and Anything Goes (for which he received a Drama Desk Award nomination), as well as many national tours including Mamma Mia! and Wicked. Colin made his TV debut in ABC’s Pan Am alongside names like Christina Ricci and Margot Robbie, and has since appeared on Person of Interest, The Affair, Chicago PD, and both Arrow and Chicago Med as a series regular. Off of the stage and screen, Colin is also an incredible musician. While in quarantine, he and bandmate Brian Usifer formed The Nineteen Twenty, and their debut album Chaos + Cocktails is now available on all music streaming platforms.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Colin shares he “basically lived the High School Musical in reality”. He was “a sports kid” for most of his life, until freshman year of high school when he broke his ankle playing football. On a whim, and because he could juggle, Colin auditioned for the school production of Barnum. The rest is history.

Speaking about his career, Colin opens up about what keeps it fun and interesting - continually striving to improve, grow, and tell the next story in a new and exciting way. He touches on the inevitable self doubt that creeps in when you share your work, but how freeing his newest project with The Nineteen Twenty has been, allowing him and Brian to focus on making the kind of music they want to make - something they could be proud of amid the shadow of a pandemic. Colin also talks about looking forward to the inevitable “explosion of creativity” in the years ahead, born out of the COVID-19 era - “what’s to come is going to be really special”.

In this episode, we talk about:

The inspiration behind, and creation of his new band The Nineteen Twenty
Giving himself permission to quit performing
His experience doing his first straight play
Something he admires about wife Patti Murin
His love/hate relationship with social media
Eleven O'Clock Number: The wine he and Patti collaborated on for Nocking Point Wines

Connect with Colin:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep126 - George Salazar: Be More Chill, Percy Jackson, Works & Process at the Guggenheim

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Catapulting into the limelight after originating the role of Michael Mell in Be More Chill on Broadway, George Salazar speaks candidly about struggling with his identity growing up, as a child of a Filipino immigrant and an Ecuadorian immigrant. Watch the full video of this episode here.

He recently created a video exploring his self discovery, titled “My Identity”, as part of a virtual commission he received from Works & Process, the performing arts series at the Guggenheim. George also opens up about his goals as an artist moving forward - creating work for people that look like him, so they too feel like anything is possible.

Born and raised in Florida, George shares that theater and Broadway weren’t a part of his family’s life - “I didn’t know what a musical was,” he says. But he loved entertaining, and admits he was always the class clown in school. George “accidentally” discovered theater his junior year of high school, after singing his own Weird Al inspired parody in computer class and being asked to audition for the school's production of Little Shop of Horrors. George earned a BFA in Musical Theater from University of Florida, moved straight to NYC, and made his Broadway debut a few years later.

In this episode, we talk about:

The inspiration behind “My Identity”
Why he decided to move to LA
How he discovered theater
Interning in NYC during FL summer stock seasons, because no one would cast him
The exact moment he freed himself from the need for validation
How and why his artistic process during The Lightning Thief was different from others

Connect with George:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep125 - Keith Powell: 30 Rock, This is Us, Connecting

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

“The key to success is figuring out how to survive in an industry that needs you, but doesn’t want you.”

Keith Powell is best known as series regular James “Toofer” Spurlock on NBC’s Emmy-winning sitcom 30 Rock, where he received the 2008 Screen Actors Guild Award for Comedy Ensemble. Recently, Keith has mostly focused on writing and directing. He is currently writing a feature for Film 44 and HBO Films, and is set to direct his first film, Buffalo. Keith also directs for TV, having helmed an episode of NBC’s Superstore. After 30 Rock, Keith wrote, directed and starred in every episode of his web series, Keith Broke His Leg (which also starred his wife), for which he won two Indie Series Awards - Best Comedy and Best Actor. Keith boasts a strong theatre background as well having previously run his own theater company, and performed at The Old Globe in San Diego. You can currently catch Keith playing Garret on NBC’s Connecting, and Dr. Vance on This Is Us.

Although born in Philadelphia, Keith spent much of his childhood in Monterey, CA before moving back east around the age of twelve, and making Delaware home. After many years participating in community theater (along with other Delaware natives like John Gallagher Jr. and Aubrey Plaza), Keith attended NYU and made New York City his home.

During our conversation, Keith talks in detail about what the filming process was like for Connecting on NBC, a show set entirely on Zoom and mostly shot on iPhones. He also takes us back to his days with 30 Rock, the show where “he learned how to work in TV”, and shares his journey to landing the role of Toofer. Keith opens up about struggling to find “his own artistic comedic voice” after 30 Rock ended, and how a minor surgery led to the first inspirations for his own web series, Keith Broke His Leg. He now lives in Los Angeles, and along with directing, writing, and acting, each year Keith also mentors a new group of students fresh out of NYU as they begin navigating their careers in LA.

In this episode, we talk about:

What a typical shoot day for Connecting involved
His Grandmother’s saying - “What's yours will know your face.”
How he views himself as an artist and storyteller
His experience working on 30 Rock
Starting his own theater company after college, and Lynn Redgrave performing
The inspiration behind Kevin Broke His Leg
Being resilient in an industry full of rejection

Connect with Keith:

Instagram: @bykeithpowell
Twitter: @keithpowell

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep124 - Frank DiLella: Emmy Award-winning host of “On Stage” on Spectrum News NY1

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

As the host of NY1’s “On Stage” and a microphone for the theatre community, this Emmy Award winner's stories have shifted from Broadway openings and red carpet events, to how people are surviving and pivoting while Broadway is on hold.

Frank DiLella is the Emmy Award winning host of “On Stage” on Spectrum News NY1, the news channel’s weekly half-hour theater program. His celebrity interviews, along with his in-depth reporting of the theatrical scene, have helped make him a household name in the theater and entertainment communities in New York City, as well as around the globe. Since joining NY1 in 2004, he has interviewed many legendary artists including Tom Hanks, Vanessa Redgrave, Nathan Lane, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Hugh Jackman, Lin-Manuel Miranda, James Earl Jones, Chita Rivera, Jane Fonda, Ben Vereen, Angela Lansbury, Tony Kushner, Andrew Lloyd Webber and more. Frank is the recipient of 3 New York Press Club Awards including 1 in 2019 for his special on the Broadway revival of Angels in America – and the other in 2020 for his special on Network. He’s made multiple big and small screen appearances as “himself” including The Prom – opposite Meryl Streep, Smash, The Little Voice, and The Forty Year Old Version. Frank is also an adjunct professor teaching theater journalism at his alma mater Fordham University at Lincoln Center.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Frank always loved theater as a kid (but he also loved watching Dateline NBC and America’s Most Wanted). He grew up performing, and participated in the school musicals throughout his childhood. Frank fell in love with New York City, and after moving to attend Fordham University to pursue Broadway aspirations, an Intro to Media Studies class and an internship at Spectrum News NY1 altered his course.

During our conversation, Frank talks about how he created an outlet for himself in the industry, and became a voice in the community. “Being on air, and being a reporter, and being in journalism...” is similar to acting and to theater because you are still telling stories, he shares. He also reveals that “that little fix or high” you get when you’re on stage happens all the same while he is on air reporting, or hosting events. Frank opens up about his work during COVID - and how he sees himself as a microphone/platform for the community, helping them get the word out there in both good times and bad.

In this episode, we talk about:

Being a theater kid
Moving to NYC to pursue performing
The callback and internship opportunities which helped determine his career path
How he worked his way up the ladder at NY1
Covering the 2007 Broadway stagehand strike
The one thing he always says to his students
Filming “The Prom” with Meryl Streep

Connect with Frank:

Instagram: @fdilella
Twitter: @fdilella
Watch "On Stage"

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

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Ep123 - 2020 {C,W}rap up with Alan Seales and Diana Salameh

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Let's face it -- 2020 was a dumpster fire, at best. In this episode, Diana Salameh, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Serino Coyne, co-hosts the final episode of the year - a year which has been unprecedented for the theatre industry. And not only for performers. Serino Coyne, the nation's longest-running theatrical advertising agency, was just embarking on the beginning of the Spring theater season - openings, etc - when Broadway suddenly shut down.

Diana and Alan discuss everything from their favorite shows they were able to see before everything closed, the blossoming of virtual storytelling mediums, and missing the shared experience of seeing live theater in general. Reminiscing on seeing SIX in early March, Diana shares her excitement for Broadway to reopen because SIX is “the kind of show that New Yorkers and tourists, everybody is going to need to lift our spirits... and help us escape.”

Like all theatre lovers, Alan and Diana both agree there’s nothing quite like sitting in a room full of strangers and going on an emotional journey with them. But in lieu of live theater, they discuss two productions from this year that were able to recreate this sort of communal shared experience really well - Hamilton and What The Constitution Means To Me. Diana also opens up what she has been doing in order to remain connected with her clients and their fans. She shares “the thing that has been the biggest rock for me is the Broadway Women’s Alliance”, a community of women on the business side of Broadway. Founded officially in January of this year, and focused on connection and empowerment, the Broadway Women’s Alliance has held about a dozen events for over 500 women in the industry during the course of the lockdown.

In this episode, we talk about:

The first shows they saw in 2020
Seeing SIX the musical
Diana’s Christmas theater tradition with her best friend
New creativity being born on virtual mediums
Which of Henry VIII wives they each would be
The Tony Awards
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Connect with Diana:

Instagram: @_dianasalameh
Twitter: @_dianasalameh

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep122 - Krystal Joy Brown: Hamilton, Motown The Musical & VoteRiders activist

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 21:06:00 -0000

Krystal Joy Brown is a singer, dancer and actor who made her Broadway debut in 2009 in Hair. She is best known for her portrayal of Diana Ross in the Broadway musical Motown: The Musical. Her other Broadway credits include Leap of Faith, Big Fish, and Hamilton, where she will return to the role of Eliza when the industry returns. She is also a two-time Adele and Fred Astaire nominee for best female dancer in a Broadway show. Krystal voices the character of Netossa in the DreamWorks/Netflix animated series She-Ra Princesses of Power, and her other TV appearances include the Disney film MAGIC CAMP (Disney+), NBC’s Law & Order: SUV, Hulu’s Deadbeat, ABC’s Castle, Disney’s Sydney to the Max, and most recently, Hallmark Channels "One Royal Holiday" with Aaron Tveit & Laura Osnes. Krystal is an avid activist in mental health, wellness, and social justice, and co-host’s the podcast, HOW WE DO THIS.

Krystal grew up in the DC area, part of a family where many worked for the government - her mother for FEMA, her grandparents for the Pentagon, and her father as a police officer. For Krystal, being civilly and civically engaged was ingrained early on, and was always important. She recently hosted several virtual letter writing parties with VoteWriters.org, an organization that focuses on providing Voter ID assistance, which is now assisting Georgia voters for the runoff election.

During our conversation Krystal illustrates how she has brought her activism to her art. While performing in Motown: The Musical, and in the streets protesting Treyvon Martin’s murder, she created a podcast called HOW WE DO THIS (a “female feminist political podcast”), which became a platform for conversations about mental health. And now, as part of the company of Hamilton, she takes an active role on the Hamilton Racial Justice Task Force. Krystal also champions self care. She opens up about going to therapy for the first time, and how it helped unlock her ability to be vulnerable onstage, and more deeply connect with audiences as Eliza Hamilton.

In this episode, we talk about:

Growing up in a politically active family
Her reaction to the 2016 election
AOC, and being “radical”
Ancestral healing
The Hamilton Racial Justice Task Force
The importance of understanding and processing your internal life, before using it in your work onstage

Connect with KJB:

On the web: https://www.thekjb.com
Twitter: @KrystalJoyBrown
Instagram: @KrystalJoyBrown

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep121 - Michael James Scott: A Fierce Christmas, Aladdin, Something Rotten!, Book of Mormon

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Michael James Scott is an actor and singer who originated the role of Genie in the Australian production of Disney's musical Aladdin, which opened in Sydney in August 2016. He received a Helpmann Award in 2017 for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for his work in this production. Michael reprised his role as the Genie on the North American tour, The West End, and most recently, Broadway (where he will return when theaters reopen). He also originated the role of The Minstrel on Broadway in Something Rotten!, as well as Dr. Gostwana in the original Broadway company of The Book of Mormon. Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia, Tarzan, All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Elf, and Hair. Off-Broadway, he co-starred in Here’s to the Public! opposite Donna McKechnie and was also part of the concert cast of Jerry Springer: The Opera at Carnegie Hall. Michael can be seen in the new Showtime TV series Black Monday, and recently released his first studio album, A Fierce Christmas, available now on all music platforms.

Michael was born in Baltimore, MD, but moved to Orlando, FL with his family when he was five years old. As a child he “just wanted to sing and dance” no matter where he was - the grocery store, the doctors office, etc, and according to his mom, Michael sang before he spoke. Recognizing his creative energy and talent, one of Michael’s elementary school teachers helped guide him towards the world of auditioning for TV and commercials, and participating in children's singing groups, and he “was hooked”. Michael later earned his BFA from The Conservatory of Theatre Arts program at Webster University in St. Louis, MO; and while in college, he went on to be the standby for Ben Vereen on the international tour of Fosse.

While Michael might now be well known for his role as the Genie, in our conversation he admits that the role was never even on his radar. He opens up about the preconceived notions that came along with the role, the pressure - and shares that once the creative team behind Aladdin gave him permission to just be himself, he was able to bring his inner singing and dancing child from youth onto the stage with him. Michael also talks to us about the inspiration behind his brand new debut studio album, A Fierce Christmas, which is out now. Citing the current pandemic, as well as the “racial awakening” in the country, Michael says of his album, “this was my protest… I’m gonna protest with joy.”

In this episode, we talk about:

The year 2020 being the year of the “pivot”
The impact of the theater community on society as a whole
Having parents who just said “yes”
The inspiration behind and production of his album, A Fierce Christmas
His “Ah ha” moment while playing the Genie
The advice Ben Vereen once gave him

Connect with MJS:

Get his album and visit him online: https://www.michaeljamesscott.com/
Twitter: @iammjscott
Instagram: @iammjscott

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep120 - Nik Walker: Hamilton, Ain't Too Proud, NYU Professor(!)

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 13:15:00 -0000

In this episode, we talk about:

His affinity for Jeff Goldblum, and Jurassic Park (together, and separately)
His love for theme parks
Becoming a professor at NYU
His joy as part of Ain’t Too Proud
Being an activist
The necessity for change within the Broadway community

Connect with Nik:

Listen to Little Justice, the Podcast
Instagram: @nikkywalks
Twitter: @nikkywalks

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep119 - Carolee Carmello: Three Time Tony Nominee

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

She thought theater was something she just needed to get out of her system, but many years and a successful career later this performer opens up about pursuing your dreams to avoid regret, and participating in the new virtual era theater finds itself in.

No stranger to the stage, Carolee Carmello is a Broadway veteran with fourteen Broadway shows on her resume. She is a three-time Tony Award nominee and a 5-time Drama Desk nominee, winning the 1999 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Lucille Frank in Parade. Carolee’s other Broadway credits include the original casts of Falsettos, Lestat, The Addams Family, and Tuck Everlasting. In the last several years she received rave reviews for her role as Mrs. Lovett in the off-Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd, as well as Dolly in the US national tour of Hello, Dolly (which shutdown in March when theaters were closed). Carolee can now be seen in a fun new take on your favorite Dickens classic called Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist, a virtual production that brings together casts and creatives from some of Broadway’s biggest shows.

Carolee grew up in Albany, NY, where watching movie musicals on TV as a kid was how she learned about theater. She later participated in a few community theater productions for fun while attending the University of Albany (where she majored in Business and French), never thinking she would actually make a career out of performing.

In our conversation Carolee opens up about the “combination of things” which lead to her decision to move to the city after college, and give herself a year to make things happen (Hint: There’s no people like show people). A year turned to two years, which eventually turned into an incredibly successful career performing in some of Broadway’s most iconic shows. Carolee also shares her memories of being on tour with Hello, Dolly in Buffalo, NY in March the night theaters were shut down, which led to her work on the new virtual production Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist. Filmed entirely on greenscreen, alone in a room with only sticks and toilet paper rolls to act with, Carolee and the Broadway community are finding all new ways to bring theater to their audiences.

In this episode, we talk about:

The Tony Awards in the time of COVID-19
Her experience with community theater while studying business in college
Learning about Actor’s Equity for the first time
What made her decide to pursue theater
Working on Estella Scrooge
The Ratatouille Musical on TikTok

Connect with Carolee:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep118 - Gen Parton-Shin: Bridging the Gap Between Japan and Broadway

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

When he’s not pursuing his dreams onstage, this performer spends his spare time translating musicals like Hamilton from English to Japanese, on a mission to bridge the gap between Japanese and American musical theater audiences.

Gen Parton-Shin is a Japanese-British actor who made his professional debut as Angel in the Official Japanese cast of Rent in 2008. While pursuing his dreams in the US, he furthered his career with leading roles in Japan's official Broadway productions of next to normal (Gabe), Dracula (Jonathan), Bare (Jason), and Rocky Horror Show (Rocky). Gen also played the lead role in an original Japanese musical Mitsuko ~Love Crosses All Borders~ in 2010, composed by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll and Hyde, The Civil War). He has been a part of numerous musical/play readings in NYC, including Other World (directed by Gabriel Barr and written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen of Title of Show), off-Broadway’s K-pop, and Mafatu (produced by Broadway veteran Telly Leung). He co-founded a company called Broadway in Japan, which introduced Broadway musical theatre faculty to Japanese aspiring musical theatre performers, offering invaluable education opportunities in Japan. Gen has also appeared on TV, including roles on Season 4 of Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and The Other Two on Comedy Central. In addition, Gen has self-produced three solo cabaret shows, and in the latest one he translated and performed “My Shot” from Hamilton in Japanese.

During our conversation, Gen describes his musical theater journey which has taken him from the stages of Japan, to those of New York. He shares that while performing in Japan, he wasn’t always satisfied with the translations they were given to work with; thus sparking his drive and desire to see if he could do the job himself. Gen has now translated about three fifths of Hamilton into Japanese, comparing the process to completing a puzzle which he really enjoys.

He also shares that one of his life missions is “to bridge Japan and the U.S.”, which he has begun to do with his foray into translation, hoping to make American musical theater easier for Japanese audiences to listen to and process.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why he identifies as a Third Culture Kid
Completing the One-Year Conservatory program at T. Schreiber Studio on a tourist visa
How he was inspired to start translating musicals into Japanese
The intricacies of translating English to Japanese
Why he thinks musical theater is so popular in Japan
Takarazuka Revue - the all female musical theater troupe in Japan

Connect with Gen and watch two of his Hamilton translations:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep117 - Eddie Perfect: Beetlejuice, King Kong - Tony Award Nominated Lyricist/Composer

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

From The Land Down Under to The Big Apple, this singer-songwriter, pianist, writer and comedian just released his new album, Beetlejuice: The Demos! The Demos! The Demos!, and is showing other Australians that it’s possible to make the leap and find yourself working on a Broadway musical (or two).

Eddie Perfect is an Australian singer-songwriter, pianist, comedian, writer and actor. He is now also a Tony Award Nominee after receiving a nomination for best original score for Beetlejuice the musical. During the same season, Eddie also wrote songs and vocal arrangements for King Kong on Broadway. Eddie is a four time nominee and two time Helpmann Award winner for his work in Australia. In 2009, his biographical musical comedy Shane Warne: The Musical won the 2009 Helpmann Award for Best New Australian Work. This production also received a Victorian Premier's Literary Award and a Green Room Award. Eddie has recorded solo albums and written and performed in numerous cabaret shows, including Songs from the Middle with the Brodsky Quartet. Following his songwriting career on Broadway, Eddie returned to Australia where he waits to star as Franklin Hart Jr. in Dolly Parton's musical 9 to 5 once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. And most recently he released his fifth album, Beetle Juice: The demos! The demos! The demos!, a new album of demos created for his Tony-nominated score to Beetlejuice. The album also contains 17 cut songs that will be new to everyone's ears.

During our conversation, Eddie candidly talks about his process for creating. He describes “kind of a weird trance I go into when I make stuff, where I really think about what it would be like to be in the audience watching it.” He focuses on what he wants an audience to think, feel, or learn in a particular moment. Reflecting on the process for Beetlejuice, Eddie shares that he wrote the opening number for the show over a 5 year period. He also recalls it was during their first previews that Beetlejuice really started building it’s cult like fan base. And it was this fanbase that served as some of the inspiration behind releasing the Beetlejuice demos in the first place. Eddie was blown away by the unique creative responses many fans of the show have had, saying he’s “never experienced anything like that.” His new demo album serves to broaden the universe of Beetlejuice a little bit “for those fans that do really riff off the work.”

In the episode, we talk about:

The intense Beetlejuice fandom
The Beetlejuice preview when they knew the show had struck a chord with people
Reading the reviews of the original 1988 film to cheer them up after their DC reviews
Australia being an importer of Broadway shows
Being in a period of his life now where he is confident with his writing and his process
Working with the cast and creatives of Beetlejuice
Juggling work on Beetlejuice and King Kong simultaneously

Connect with Eddie:

Listen to Beetlejuice: The Demos! The Demos! The Demos!
@TheEddiePerfect on Twitter
@EdmundPerfect on IG

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep116 - Michael Riedel: theater critic, broadcaster, and columnist

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Michael Riedel is an American theater critic, broadcaster, and columnist. He has been a controversial yet very influential Broadway columnist in the NY post for over 20 years. Michael is also the co-host of “Len Berman and Michael Riedel in the Morning” on 710 WOR in New York City, weekdays from 6-10am. Michael’s book Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway won the 2015 Marfield Prize for arts writing and is widely considered to be the successor to The Season, William Goldman's classic 1967 book about Broadway. His next book, Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway, arrived November 10, 2020. Get the book here: https://amzn.to/3jXpHhz.

During our conversation, Michael shares how he carved a unique path for himself as both a critic and columnist - how he managed to be a reporter, as well as get his opinion out there. Being a traditional critic, seeing show after show and writing reports, never appealed to him. Rather, he enjoyed hanging out with theater people and getting to know them, “collecting the gossip, and putting it all together”. After life as a columnist, or a “sprinter” in his words, Michael opens up about the initial doubts and panic he had about writing his first book. And that it was during all of the research and interviews when he discovered the narrative he wanted to share, and found joy in putting together all the pieces of the puzzle. Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway has since received interest from TV networks. Michael also takes us through the inspiration and story behind his newest book "Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway", chronicling Broadway through the 90’s and its recovery after September 11th, 2001 - illustrating how Broadway rallied and “showed the world that New York could not be brought to its knees”.

In this episode, we talk about:

The story behind Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway, and the forward he added in light of COVID-19
How Rent ushered in a new era of broadway after years of British dominance
Fixing Alan Rickman’s air conditioner while working for Elizabeth I. McCann
Maintaining friendships and relationships with people you’ve written about
How he conducted interviews for his newest book
Seeing The Lion King for the first time, recalling “pandemonium” in the theater
His writing process

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep115 - Jeanna de Waal: Diana the Musical, Marvel's Iron Fist, Kinky Boots, and Broadway Weekends co-founder

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Jeanna de Waal originated the title role of Diana, Princess of Wales in Diana at La Jolla Playhouse and at the New York Stage and Film Powerhouse Theatre reading at Vassar College. Her previous Broadway credits include starring as Lauren in Kinky Boots and Heather in American Idiot. Jeanna originated the role of Dawn in the A.R.T. production of Waitress by Sara Bareilles, and the role of Mary Barrie in the A.R.T. production of Finding Neverland, both directed by Diane Paulus. She has previously appeared off-Broadway in Orwell in America at 59E59 Theatre, and played Chris Hargensen in MCC Theatre's reimagined production of Broadway's Carrie. Other notable credits include her West End debut in the Queen musical We Will Rock You, Glinda in the National Tour of Wicked and Janet in The Rocky Horror Show at The Old Globe. In addition to the stage, she can be seen in the recurring role of Sophia in the Netflix/Marvel series Iron Fist. Jeanna is also an amazing entrepreneur, and is the founder Broadway Weekends, the first theater camp for adults led by Broadway performers. Amid the COVID-19 shutdown, her company pivoted and became Broadway Weekends At Home. They continue to host theater classes virtually for people of all ages.

Nonetheless, performing was surely in the stars for Jeanna. Her first professional job out of school was the Queen musical We Will Rock You on the West End. During this production, Jeanna became friends with cast members of Broadway's Hair, in London at the time, and simultaneously she finally received her green card. Suddenly she knew it was time to go to New York. Jeanna shares with us the journey that took her from attending open calls in Times Square, landing her her Broadway debut role in American Idiot, to working consistently from the time she was 21 to 27 years old. Jeanna later opens up about leaving Kinky Boots behind, and her commitment to booking a show in which she could originate a lead role. It was during this period of down time, when she was without a schedule and a “purpose”, that she was inspired to found Broadway Weekends with her sister. These days, the classroom may be virtual (temporarily), but until Diana is able to open on Broadway next year, Jeanna is getting a kick out of bringing to others all the things she gained from her own education in theater - friendships, freedom to trust your body, self-confidence, camaraderie, and more.

In this episode, we talk about:

The inspiration and motivation for founding Broadway Weekends
Growing up in England and attending a performing arts boarding school
What attracted her to theater in the first place
Her journey from performing on the West End, to her Broadway debut
Re-discovering her purpose and self worth after leaving Kinky Boots
The spiritual nature of theater
Her journey so far with Diana, the new musical

Connect with Jeanna:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep114 - Meghan Picerno: Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Hailed by the New York Times for her “attractive soprano voice,” and for having “total control of the stage,” (Broadway World) coloratura soprano Meghan Picerno currently stars as Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. In 2017 Meghan collaborated with legendary director Hal Prince as Cunegonde in his production of Candide at the New York City Opera. She quickly became one of the most sought-after Cunegondes in the world and reprised the role at San Francisco Symphony, Princeton Symphony, and the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona. Meghan next took on the role of Christine Daae in the US Premiere and 1st National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. She has represented Andrew Looyd Webber’s body of work by special invitation in performances on the ITV Television broadcast of the Classic BRIT Awards in 2018, making her Royal Albert Hall debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and a guest appearance on the Live at Chelsea Concert Series honoring his 70th birthday. After Love Never Dies, Meghan joined The Phantom of the Opera family as Christine on the World Tour, premiering the iconic piece in Tel Aviv, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. This past fall she made her Broadway debut as leading lady, Christine Daae, in The Phantom of the Opera, and was hailed as one the Top Broadway replacements of 2019 by BroadwayBox.

Like many people during COVID-19, Meghan is back home spending time with her parents. In this episode she shares how she dealt with the initial blow when Broadway was shut down - finding herself in a bit of an identity crisis not being able perform and sing, the one she thing she loves more than anything else in the world. She talks candidly about coming out the other side, and feeling now like she is awake again - “it’s kind of magical,” she shares. Meghan also takes us on the whirlwind journey that began by meeting Hal Prince and landing a leading role in Candide, to touring with Love Never Dies and Phantom of the Opera as Christine, to making her Broadway debut in The Phantom of the Opera this past fall. Until the curtains on Broadway rise again, she is finding time to give back and help people, “one part of theater” she really loves, by hosting workshops, master classes, and private voice lessons, and getting inspired by her students.

In this episode, we talk about:

Adapting to the new virtual normal as a performer
Music as an emotional outlet
The plans she has for her future
Working for Renee Fleming in grad school
Her time living and studying in Vienna, Austria
Competing in Plácido Domingo's Operalia, The World Opera Competition
Working with Hal Prince, and Andrew Lloyd Webber

Connect with Meghan:

IG: @meghanpicerno
On the web: https://www.meghanpicerno.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

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Ep113 - Anthony ‘Two-Touch’ Veneziale, (We are) Freestyle Love Supreme & FLS Academy co-founder

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Anthony Veneziale, also known by his stage name ‘Two-Touch’, is the conceiver and co-creator of the improvisational hip-hop comedy musical group Freestyle Love Supreme, as well as the FLS Academy. He has been performing and teaching improv for more than 20 years and is a leader in the field of musical improvisation. Anthony has used these techniques for endeavors with names such as Tommy Kail, Lin Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs, and numerous others. He co-founded Speechless Inc, an “an improv thinking company that helps humans create, collaborate, and find their authentic voice”. For several years Anthony has worked with, and been involved in studies by, Dr. Charles Limb out of UCSF Sandler Center, who is renowned for his research on brain activity during musical improvisation. Anthony was most recently seen on Broadway in the limited run of Freestyle Love Supreme, and has appeared on TV in Sex and the City, All My Children, Looking, Bartlett, and the Hulu documentary We Are Freestlye Love Supreme, which documents the groups 15 year history.

Never once did Anthony think he could make a living out of doing improv. But, he says, “I loved it so much that I continued to do it until people paid me for it”. During our conversation, Anthony reiterates how interested he is in the affects improvising has on people's brains. This is evident in his creation of and work with the companies Speechless Inc., and Freestyle Love Academy. Even more so, he is interested in the affects improv can have on a community. In their classes at FLS Academy, they work to create an environment where people feel authentically themselves, where they are seen and recognized as their authentic selves, and are then able to encourage others to do the same. Improv has proved to be “a fabulous tool to help people do that”. Anthony also shares more on the work he has been a part of with Dr. Charles Limb, who uses an fMRI machine to create 3D models of the brain, and identify when subjects are in a “flow state”. For some, this flow state is a “runner’s high” while running, and for others, improv is the key.

In this episode, we talk about:

The parts of the brain associated with a “flow state”
Discovering hip hop music when he was 10 years old
Auditioning for his college improv troupe
How he got his stage name, Two Touch
The mission and work of Freestyle Love Supreme Academy, and Speechless Inc.
How isolation during COVID affects our brains
Alan and Anthony play an improv game called Convergence

Connect with Anthony:

IG: @freestylelovesupreme, @FLS_Academy
Twitter: @AnthVeneziale, @freestylelove, @FLS_Academy

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus - A discussion of the 74th annual Tony Award nominations

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 05:03:00 -0000

Listen to a quick discussion about the 74th annual Tony Award nominations that were announced yesterday for the shortened 2019-2020 Broadway season. While COVID-19 and the resulting Broadway shutdown did ensure that shows like SIX, Company, and Sing Street would not yet see their opening nights, the shows that were able to make the eligibility cutoff - Moulin Rouge, Jagged Little Pill, Tina, and a handful more were each able to walk away with a hefty number of nominations. Slave Play, with its 12 nominations, just became the most nominated play ever.

Special guest co-host Lauren LeBeouf joins me for this quick episode to discuss what the nominations mean to us, the possible complete lack of a 2020-2021 season, and so much more.

Find complete info about The Tony Awards via TonyAwards.com.

Connect with Lauren

IG: @LaurenLeBeouf
IG: @stuck_theseries

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep112 - Isabella Rossellini: Actress, Author, Philanthropist, Filmmaker and Model

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:31:00 -0000

Isabella Rossellini is an Italian-American actress, author, philanthropist, filmmaker and model. She is the daughter of Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and Italian film director Roberto Rossellini. A Golden Globe and Emmy award nominee, she started out her career as a successful model, appearing on the covers of numerous magazines such as Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. She is also noted for her successful tenure as a Lancôme model and spokesperson. Isabella has worked as an actress in films directed by extraordinary talents such as Robert Zemeckis, David O’Russell, and David Lynch, to name a few. Some of her most notable American films include Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, White Nights, Cousins, Death Becomes Her, Fearless, Big Night, Crime of the Century (for which she received a Golden Globe nomination), and most recently, Joy. She has also appeared Off Broadway in many performances. Isabella holds a masters degree in animal behavior and conservation, which has lent itself to her many award winning short films about animals and sex. Her latest project, Sex and Consequences, follows suit as a one-of-a-kind, 40-minute comedy about biodiversity and the multiple ways animals reproduce, which will be live-streamed from her farm 60 miles outside New York City beginning October 16th.

During our conversation, Isabella gives us an in depth look on how her hit series Green Porno came about. Robert Redford had been re-inspired by short films, and reached out to a series of people in his universe about creating films focused on the environment for the Sundance channel. She remembers having a light bulb moment - she could make a “very comical” film by transforming herself into different animals and showing how they mate. Thus, Green Porno, a series of short films on animal sexual behavior, was born. She credits her time studying costume design with giving her the ability to envision the costumes for each animal. And her newest show, Sex and Consequences, will explore similar ideas. With in person live performances limited due to COVID, Isabella is hoping to reconnect with audiences through her live-streamed Zoom performance, a method that many singers and musicians have found success with during this time. Although Isabella’s family is Hollywood royalty, to her her parents are still “Mama’ and “Father.” And towards the end of our conversation, Isabella reflects on the gift they gave to her and her siblings - “If our parents gave us a gift it was to always try to do what was interesting to us… It was always try to, follow your curiosity, follow your interest… They did and we’re doing it too.

In this episode, we talk about:

How an interest in short films, and the advent of YouTube, provided an opening for Green Porno
The reason she enjoys exploring sexuality in her work
The makings of Sex and Consequences
What appeals to her about storytelling
How her parents, Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, met and fell in love, and the way Hollywood reacted
Celebrity in Europe versus America
Her thoughts on working for, being let go by, and being re-hired by Lancôme
How the ideas of self expression and beauty have changed over the years

Connect with Isabella:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep111 - Amber Ardolino: Moulin Rouge!, Hamilton, Head over Heels, Rock of Ages

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Amber Ardolino is a dancer, singer and actress who made her Broadway debut in Hamilton, and was also in the original Chicago company. She is currently part of the Broadway cast of Moulin Rouge!. Amber has previously been seen as Mopsa in Head Over Heels on Broadway, Sherrie in Rock of Ages in Las Vegas, as well as on national tours of Flashdance, West Side Story, Legally Blonde, and both the Philip and Eliza tours of Hamilton. She recently sang a duet with former Head Over Heels co-star Bonnie Milligan on the new concept album Within Earshot, a new musical with music and lyrics by Jackson Teeley, and a book by Sarah Galante. The album is now available on all streaming platforms. When Broadway returns, Amber will reprise her roles in Moulin Rouge! as a swing, and the understudy for Satine, Arabia, and Baby Doll.

Amber covers 10 tracks in Moulin Rouge! including Satine, Arabia, Baby Doll, La Chocolate, and the Can-Can girls. During our conversation, Amber delves into what life is like as a swing, revealing that she started covering La Chocolate after someone was injured on stage, and that when she actually made her initial Moulin Rouge! debut, she went out in a costume she had tried on once, wearing no make-up, and her hair thrown up into a wig. If it sounds chaotic, it’s because it can be. But Amber says that’s kind of the most exciting part and what she enjoys most about swinging, “you could go on at any moment.” She also gets candid with us about what life has been like as a performer during the pandemic, sharing there was a moment when for the first time ever, she doubted being in musical theater. But after opening up about her experience with anxiety and depression, she shares that the most important thing this pandemic has taught her is how important it is to take care of yourself.

In this episode, we talk about:

Building stamina as a swing
Being on stage with Aaron Tveit and Karen Olivo
Her decision to pursue musical theater
Creating content on instagram, and why she loves TikTok
Being authentic on social media
Spending 3 years performing with Hamilton
The Within Earshot concept album
Her experience navigating depression and anxiety

Connect with Amber:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

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Ep110 - John Lloyd Young: Jersey Boys, President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

John Lloyd Young is a multi-award winning performer, who originated the role of Frankie Valli in Broadway’s Jersey Boys. He is the only American actor to date to have received a Lead Actor in a Musical Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award and Theatre World Award for a Broadway debut. John also starred in Jersey Boys on London’s West End, and was hand-picked by director Clint Eastwood to reprise his role in the Warner Bros. film adaptation. As a concert artist he has played to sold-out crowds at the Hollywood Bowl and has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the White House, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Café Carlyle, and with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marvin Hamlisch. John served as a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, appointed by Barack Obama, and as a member of the Committee, Young represented the United States on the first U.S. Cultural Mission to the Republic of Cuba. John’s five-star-rated solo album of classic R&B, My Turn..., debuted as a best-seller on Amazon. And next up, he can be seen online when his concert “John Lloyd Young’s Broadway” streams live from The Space in Las Vegas on October 3rd.

Throughout our conversation, John comes back to the importance of and the reverence he has always had for what he believes to be the most important element of a Broadway show - the audience. What he has learned to be true is if you invest in your audience, they’ll stay and be with you even in hard times. John shares how he found other creative outlets in the “dicey years” after Jersey Boys ended, and hopes that when the smoke from the pandemic clears, and audiences and performers alike are allowed back inside theatres, “hopefully we’ll be a little more humble and appreciate the privilege” of being able to be creative for a living.

In this episode, we talk about:

Working on the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities under Barack Obama
The importance of investing in your audience as a performer
What he’d like his return to Broadway to look like
The choices you have when you get pigeon-holed as a particular role
The moment when he knew Jersey Boys would be a hit
The lessons he hopes creatives will take away from this pandemic
His visual arts career

Connect with JLY:

IG @JohnLloydYoung
Twitter: @GenuineJLY
JohnLLoydYoung.com/live (to get tix to his events!)

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep109 - Mo Brady: The Ensemblist podcast host, The Addams Family, SMASH

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Mo Brady is a jack of all trades - a broadway actor turned social media specialist turned podcaster. After working for many years as a performer in Seattle, Washington, Mo made his Broadway debut in The Addams Family musical in 2010. He later landed work as a recurring character on the second season of the NBC TV hit show Smash. These days, Mo works as the Communications Project Manager for Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, and continues to host a wildly popular podcast, which he also co-created, called The Ensemblist. Amassing a following over the years, The Ensemblist has become an “online advocate for the talented artists working in theatre ensembles.” Now boasting not only a podcast, but a website and a social presence as well, they are “creating conversations about what it means to be a successful artist in the theatre.”

Mo spent a few years working as a full time performer in Seattle, including in shows at The 5th Ave Theatre. In 2010, he made the jump to New York City, and six weeks after his arrival, he had landed his first Broadway show - The Addams Family musical. After a year on Broadway, Mo shares how his offer to volunteer for Broadway Cares turned into a full time job, and how he at one time was balancing working this full time job with filming episodes of Smash in Long Island City at the same time. When Mo later realized he didn’t really love being an actor in NYC the way he had in Seattle, and that he wasn’t feeling as fulfilled, he decided to let his agents go and focus on his Broadway Cares job. In doing so, he was also able to revisit his initial idea for The Ensemblist, which had struck him while in The Addams Family. He loved the people he had performed with, and wanted to share their stories - the stories of the ensemble. These days you can catch Mo twice a week on The Ensemblist podcast, proudly championing Broadway’s underdogs, by visiting BPN.fm/theensemblist.

In this episode, we talk about:

Finding community in the theater
His hands on experience at Whitman College
Working as a performer in the Seattle theater scene
Being a part of The Addams Family musical
Why and how he decided to let performing go (for now)
The inspiration behind The Ensemblist, and how it has grown since the beginning
Being a dad, and what the surrogacy process was like

Connect with Mo:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep108 - Alice Lee: Spring Awakening, Spider-Man, TV/film star, and indie recording artist

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Alice Lee is an actress, singer and musician who made her Broadway debut in 2008 when she joined the cast of Spring Awakening. Her other New York theater credits include Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark on Broadway, as well as Off-Broadway productions of Bare and Heathers: The Musical. While she is no stranger to the stage, she is also no stranger to the screen. Alice was a contestant on the ABC reality TV show Rising Star in 2014, with other television credits that include Smash, The Mindy Project, Switched at Birth, 2 Broke Girls, Take Two, Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist, and many more. She can also be seen in the Netflix film Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, and last year's hit indie movie Brittany Runs a Marathon. While she lived in NYC, Alice performed in numerous concerts at Rockwood Music Hall, where she frequently debuted original material. Coming up next she can be seen online performing through the Times Square Alliance Broadway Busker’s Concert series.

Alice was born and raised in the north suburbs of Chicago, the only child of parents who immigrated from South Korea. She shares that music entered her life at a very early age, and recalls learning to play instruments and sing long before she knew she wanted to be a performer. Her dad is also a great singer, and when Alice was young they would sing karaoke together. While she dabbled in the drums and clarinet, the two instruments she still plays today are the piano and guitar. When deciding what course of study to pursue in college, Alice researched the programs at NYU. And feeling like she didn’t quite fit into either the musical theater or the classical vocal performance categories, she opted to earn her BM in Music Business. It was while she was a freshman at NYU that Alice attended a performance of Spring Awakening, and in her own words, became “obsessed”. So when she found out they were holding open calls for replacements, Alice went and auditioned - and booked her first Broadway show.

In our conversation, Alice candidly talks about growing up and feeling different, but so badly wanting to fit in. And while she and her parents never had any conversations specifically about race, she recalls that she was always aware of the differences, and of other people's attitudes towards them. Alice also lovingly recalls visiting family in South Korea every two years as she grew up, memories which she holds onto and celebrates as part of her identity. Shortly after quarantine began this year, Alice left her apartment in Los Angeles where she lives alone to go spend time with her parents outside Chicago. While there Alice shares she has been spending her time writing, recording demos and making pop music. “This is my frickin destiny” she realized this summer, affirming her vision for her next big dream - to become the first big Asian-American pop star.

In this episode, we talk about:

Deciding to major in Music Business
Why she moved from NYC to LA about 5 years ago
Her experience on the reality TV show Rising Star on ABC
Being recognized in public for her performances
Activism on Instagram
Growing up the child of immigrants
The joy she finds in writing and making music

Connect with Alice:

IG @aliceheyalice

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep107 - Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer: Hadestown, Grease LIVE!, In the Heights

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

This multifaceted, multi-talented performer takes us on a trip into her psyche, sharing how she lives by the idea that “competence breeds confidence”, which encourages her to continue to learn and grow even after achieving great success.

Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer is a Cuban-American actress, author, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She performed as Cha Cha in Fox’s Grease: Live, Vanessa in the 1st Broadway National tour of In the Heights, and currently as one of the Fates in the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown on Broadway. Yvette has starred in stage productions of West Side Story, Much Ado About Nothing, and 3 Mo’ Divas, and won a Craig Noel Award in the category of Outstanding Female Lead. On television she has appeared as Kiki in the Emmy Award Winning Nickelodeon TV series The Fresh Beat Band, and Soleded Penagos on Madam Secretary. As a singer and songwriter, Yvette won the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and her songs have been heard on Sirius XM and in a variety of films and TV shows, including the feature film Life Itself and television’s NCIS: Los Angeles. Yvette has performed at prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall, toured around the globe with a variety of artists, and can now be seen online performing through the Times Square Alliance Broadway Busker’s Concert series.

In our conversation, Yvette lovingly articulates what it is she finds so addicting about performing. There is something to be said about losing yourself in a character, she says, about losing “myself in what I’m doing”. She shares that she finds a liberation and a freedom on stage, which then almost becomes like mediation. Yvette is also a firm believer in continually working on your craft, and always continuing to learn. She puts her money where her mouth is too, taking guitar lessons during quarantine, because in her own words, “competence breeds confidence”. Yvette is missing performing, and was excited to share some of her own original music through the Broadway Busker’s Concert series.

In this episode, we talk about:

The story behind of the origin of her last name “Nacer”
The violin her mother made her when she was 1.5 years old
Being bullied in elementary school, and how drawing became her escape
What she finds so liberating about performing
The inspiration behind her music single “Quicksand”, and who she originally wrote it for
The power of positive thinking
The importance of not staying silent about the things that matter

Connect with Yvette:

On the web
Twitter: @YvetteNacer
Instagram: @YvetteNacer

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep106 - Montego Glover: The Color Purple, Memphis, Les Miserables & Netflix's Inventing Anna

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Montego Glover is an actor, singer and voiceover artist who made her Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of The Color Purple as Celie and Nettie. She went on to create the role of Felicia Farrell in the Broadway musical Memphis, for which she received a Tony Award Nomination, and won both the Outer Critics’ Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award. Montego also received acclaim for her performances in The Royale at Lincoln Center Theater, and All The Natalie Portmans produced by MCC Theater. She starred in the 2016 Broadway revival of Les Miserables as Fantine, and most recently, Montego completed a run as Angelica Schuyler in the Chicago Company of Hamilton. On television she can be seen in Bull, Black Box, The Following, Hostages, Smash, Golden Boy, The Good Wife, White Collar, NYC 22, Law & Order, and Memphis on Broadway for PBS. Montego has lent her voice to many video gaming projects which include: Battlefront, Renegade Squadron & The Old Republic all for the Star Wars franchise. And in the world of animation she can be heard voicing characters for Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go. We will soon see Montego in a new show called Inventing Anna on Netflix.

After moving to New York City to pursue her career, Montego gave herself a month to learn her new home - to get acquainted with the city, the subway, and catch up with old friends. During this month, she told herself she wouldn’t worry about auditions. However, two weeks after her move, she received a phone call from a fellow FSU alumni who was in a show downtown, and they’d just lost their leading lady. She auditioned and landed the job on the spot. Montego began working steadily in theater, but soon added commercials, television, voice-over projects, and guest spots with symphony orchestras to her repertoire. In her own words, the current pandemic has “changed the game”, and Montego shares with us how she is continuing to take care of her heart and her spirit, allowing her to keep showing up for herself, her career, her family, and her chosen family.

In this episode, we talk about:

How she is staying busy and sane during quarantine
One of the things she loves most about Theater
Her “toolbox”
Playing a woman with “a darkness” inside in All the Natalie Portman’s
How she recovers after a deeply emotional performance
Stumbling upon her first acting class in school when she was young
Her BFA program at Florida State University
Her views on abundance

Connect with Montego:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep105 - Adam Pascal: Rent, Aida, Memphis & Solo Rock Artist

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Adam Pascal is an actor, singer, and musician most widely known for originating the role of Roger in the original 1996 cast of Jonathan Larson's musical Rent on Broadway. Rent was not only his Broadway debut, it also earned him a Tony Award nomination, a Theater World award, and an Obie Award. He went on to originate the role of Radames in Aida, as well as play the Emcee in the 1998 revival of Cabaret, Huey Calhoun in Memphis, Billy Flynn in the revival of Chicago, Chad in Disaster!, and William Shakespeare in Something Rotten! Adam reprised his role as Roger in the 2005 movie version of Rent, as well as the Broadway tour in 2009. He also performed in the London concert version of Chess at the Royal Albert Hall in London, alongside his Rent co-star and friend, Idina Menzel. Adam has two solo rock albums to his name, Model Prisoner (2000) and Civilian (2004), as well as a collaborative rock album called Blinding Light (2008) with pianist Larry Edoff. Most recently Adam has been seen onstage in limited engagements of Pretty Woman. And soon he can be seen virtually as part of the Times Square Alliance Broadway Busker’s Concert series.

During our conversation, Adam shares how growing up and becoming a responsible adult was a challenge after having had his first audition experience lead to such success so early on. Amid this initial success, Adam recalls still being one hundred percent focused on playing in a rock band one day. When he started getting offers to audition for starring roles in Hollywood, what he really wanted was a record deal. This disconnect led to him making some “bad decisions” based on his ego, which he then spent years working on scaling back. Rent began the long journey of accepting the harsh realities of the career in which he found himself, but it also gave him a sense of safety. It gave him the overwhelming feeling of comfort whenever he walked out on stage. The feeling of being home in a way that playing in a rock band had never given him. He finally felt like he was where he belonged. And 25 years later, he’s still going strong.

In this episode, we talk about:

Which movie musicals had an influence on him as a child
How his friendship with Idina Menzel led to his audition for Rent
The struggles that came with early success and recognition
How he helped open the door for different types of voices on Broadway
Why he prefers playing pre-existing roles to originating a character
His desire for a record deal, and finally getting one
What he would want to talk to Jonathan Larson about today

Connect with Adam:

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Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

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Ep104 - Jeannette Bayardelle: Girl from the North Country, HAIR, The Color Purple

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

A go-getter spirit at heart, a spirit which has taken her from singing in church to singing on a Broadway stage, this Broadway veteran shares how she is finding new focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her Girl From The North Country Family is helping sustain her.

Jeannette Bayardelle is a Broadway veteran seen most recently as Mrs. Neilson in the new Bob Dylan musical Girl From The North Country. Her other Broadway credits include the revival production of HAIR as Dionne, and The Color Purple as Celie. Jeannette originated the role of Celie on the First National Tour of The Color Purple where she received an NAACP award for best lead actress in a musical. Other stage credits include the 10th-Anniversary production of Rock of Ages, touring productions of Rent and Deaf West’s Big River, as well as many other regional credits. Jeannette is the first Broadway actress to write the book, music, lyrics and star in her own musical, entitled SHIDA, which premiered Off-Broadway in NYC and went on to have successful runs at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge MA, The West Angeles Theater in Los Angeles, CA, as well as in London. Her success has landed her television appearances with Oprah and Live with Regis & Kelly, the opportunity to perform for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and work on Disney’s Princess and the Frog.

Jeannette also created and stars in the new web series “I Take Thee Zoe".

Jeanette shares with us how her experience with The Girl From The North Country has changed her life - from workshop, to the Public Theater stage, to Broadway - and refers to the show as her “church”. She couldn’t have known that when the Public Theater called saying they wanted her to be a part of this project, at that time just a reading, the Girl From The North Country family would be the one with which she would experience the COVID-19 pandemic. Believing there will be a renewed appreciation for live theater when it finally comes back, Jeanette is now patiently awaiting the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine so that she can share in this revival of theater when Girl from the North Country and Broadway return.

In this episode, we talk about:

Meeting and hanging out with Bob Dylan in his dressing room at the Beacon
How she began preparing for COVID back in February
How COVID is creating opportunities for change, both personal and societal
The differences in the rehearsal process for Girl From the North Country from other shows she’s done
The inspiration behind and process of creating SHIDA - her one woman musical
How her cast mates inspired her to learn guitar, and what the instrument has taught her about herself

Connect with Jeannette:

IG: @jbayardelle
Twitter: @jbayardelle

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep103 - Rachel Potter: The Addams Family, Evita, Wicked tour & Nashville indie artist

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 06:19:00 -0000

Rachel Potter is not only a Broadway veteran, she is also an accomplished Nashville recording artist. She made her Broadway debut in 2010 as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, and originated the role of the Mistress in the 2012 Tony Nominated revival of Evita, starring Ricky Martin and Michael Cerveris. Rachel has also toured with the smash hit, Wicked, where she understudied Glinda. Rachel’s television appearances include MTV’s Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods, where she placed in the top 15, and season 3 of FOX’s The X Factor as a Top 12 finalist. Rachel has been a guest soloist with many symphony orchestras, and enjoys a fruitful solo career, having released 2 solo albums and multiple singles. Recently, she released a new EP as Rachel Potter & Steel Union, a fresh country trio, made up of herself, Josh Matheny and Donny Fallgatter. And she can now be seen virtually as part of the Times Square Alliance Broadway Busker’s Concert series.

Rachel shares with us her experiences flying back and forth from Orlando to New York CIty to attend EPA’s and ECC’s after graduating college. She recounts meeting Pat Goodwin at an open call for Leap of Faith, which led to Bernard Tesley helping her get an audition for MTV’s Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods. She shares how finding her voice while singing in a wedding band helped sustain her until the audition that would lead to her booking the National Tour of Wicked. It was on this tour that she received the call to audition for Wednesday Addams, the role that would mark her Broadway debut in The Addams Family. And all the while, Rachel continued to write and explore her love of country music. A love which would eventually land her in Nashville, where she would successfully record 2 solo albums and multiple singles.

In this episode, we talk about:

The first album she recorded when she was 15
Growing up in the Baptist Church, and the events that lead to her leaving
How working for Disney opened her eyes
Discovering her voice while singing in a wedding band
The Glinda audition which booked her the job
Driving to the airport in a blizzard to get to her The Addams Family audition
The pull she felt to move to Nashville
The X-Factor experience she still recalls as traumatic

Connect with Rachel:

IG @therachelpotter
Twitter: @therachelpotter
Watch the Broadway Buskers: TSQ.org/BroadwayBuskers or on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/TimesSquareNYC

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep102 - James Harkness: Ain't Too Proud, Beautiful, The Color Purple, and Navy veteran!

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 19:54:00 -0000

James Harkness is a Broadway veteran, as well as a best director nominee, and award winning choreographer, and a songwriter. He made his Broadway debut in AIDA in 2001, and has been on a roll ever since. He is currently starring as Paul Williams in Ain’t Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, and previously could be seen in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Other Broadway credits include Chicago and The Color Purple, as well as the Dreamgirls national tour. In 2017, James wrote and performed his debut show, Fragments of Me, at the Metropolitan Room in New York. And on August 4th, he can be seen online performing more of his original work through the Times Square Alliance Broadway Busker’s Concert series.

Originally from El Paso, Texas, James grew up constantly bouncing around and jumping “off all the things” - including the roof of his single-story childhood home. He recalls his mother always singing and dancing around the house, and is sure he learned to move by watching her. But it wasn’t until high school that he encountered structured dance classes, which changed his life. He had found a place that made him “100% happy”. After graduation, James joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, and it was there that dance came back to him. Throughout his career in the Navy, James would spend his days working on a ship, and then attend dance classes in the evening. When he left the military behind, James started going on regular job interviews. He signed up with a temp agency, and got an office job. But, he also continued going on dance auditions.

James shares with us how a one-off audition for Whitney Houston’s concert tour led to him signing with an agent, auditioning for Debbie Allen, and finally meeting Kenny Ortega at an audition to dance for Michael Jackson on tour. While he didn’t tour with Michael Jackson, James would spend two and half years on tour dancing for Puerto Rican Latin pop singer Chayanne. And after continuing to pursue a career as a commercial dancer in LA, he was pulled to Las Vegas by work and friends. It was in Las Vegas he would book his first job singing and dancing as the lead in a show - “one of the best things that has ever happened” to him. And a little while later, when Broadway came calling - it called twice. James simultaneously booked Saturday Night Fever and AIDA, all without an agent. And he has been gracing stages in New York City ever since.

In this episode, we talk about:

The nickname his AIDA cast mates gave to him
How he came to find dance again when stationed in San Diego
The Whitney Houston concert tour gig he was offered, but couldn’t take
Shaking Debbie Allen’s hand
What a typical audition day looked like for him between LA and San Diego
The theater experience that convinced him to move to Las Vegas
The honor and responsibility he feels in portraying Paul Williams in Ain’t Too Proud

Connect with James:

Twitter: @ijamesharkness
Instagram: @ijamesharkness
Watch the Broadway Buskers: TSQ.org/BroadwayBuskers or on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/TimesSquareNYC
Le James Cafe with The Wiggles

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep101 - Lisa Goldberg: Ballet Dancer Turned Press Agent for the Stars

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Lisa Goldberg is the founder and owner of LSG Public Relations in New York, Los Angeles and London. She represents talent and creatives all across the board in film, television, theater and music, as well as in charity work, at bars and for red carpet events. Her clients have been nominated and won Emmy’s, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Grammy’s, Independent Spirit Awards and Tony Awards, and participated in campaigns for multiple Oscar nominated films.

Lisa maintained a successful career in the theater for a while, but then she suddenly started getting sick. After struggling with an autoimmune disorder which made her unable to perform, she had to move back home with her parents in South Carolina for a few years to seek treatment. But New York City was still calling her name, and once she was in remission, she packed her bags, went back, and “had to figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up.” Lisa shares how a chance offer to do in house PR for one restaurant eventually turned into two restaurants, which turned into phone calls with George Clooney’s publicist. A publicist who would later become her mentor, and recommend she start her own firm. So she did, and continues to work successfully almost 14 years later.

In this episode, we talk about:

When her parents had to convince her to go to college, rather than NYC right out of high school
The curve ball her autoimmune disorder threw at her
Chasing down George Clooney’s publicist after beginning PR work for a restaurant
How she made connections and gained clients early on in her PR career
How her experience as a publicist has changed amidst COVID-19
Losing client and friend Nick Cordero to COVID-19
Why she enjoys and continues working for herself, rather than joining a larger firm

Connect with Lisa:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep100 - Rebuilding Broadway: With Erika Alexander, Karen Olivo, James Monroe Iglehart, Nik Walker, Adrianna Hicks & Brittney Mack

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

In a special LIVE panel discussion, moderator Erika Alexander (Living Single, The Cosby Show, Get out, John Lewis: Good Trouble) will be guest hosting the 100th episode of The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales, exclusively on the Broadway Podcast Network. This panel, composed of prominent BIPOC Broadway performers, will discuss how to move forward from where we are and create an equitable, anti-racist, and safe Broadway community. If the industry is torn down, there will be nowhere left to work. We must help create the world we want to live in.

Panelists: Tony-winner Karen Olivo (Moulin Rouge, West Side Story), Tony-winner James Monroe Iglehart (Freestyle Love Supreme, Aladdin, Hamilton), Nik Walker (Ain’t Too Proud, Motown, Hamilton), Adrianna Hicks (The Color Purple, SIX), & Brittney Mack (SIX).

Moderator: Erika Alexander (Living Single, The Cosby Show, Get out) who most recently produced the documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble.

A roundtable discussion designed to bring to light the inequality and racist behavior towards Black people and people of color in the theatre and wider entertainment industries, presented in a way that offers an open-discussion for BIPOC performers to discuss their experiences and their hopes for the future.

Watch the video of the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKVK-LmwZA0

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

This episode is released in a time of crisis and mass awakening. Black Lives Matter. Please consider donating to any of the following:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep99 - Harris Doran, Jason Schafer, and Arthur Bacon, the "Bleeding Love" Creatives

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

It’s first incarnation may have been 10 years ago, but in a surreal case of art mirroring life, their show which takes place in a world where it's too dangerous to go outside is more relevant than ever.

Harris Doran, Jason Schafer, and Arthur Bacon are well known individually for their own bodies of work. But their most recent collaboration, Bleeding Love (a brand new original musical podcast radio play on The Broadway Podcast Network) is truly one of a kind. Recorded completely during quarantine, the World Premiere Podcast production of Bleeding Love is directed by Harris Doran, based on a story by Jason Schafer, suggested by Oscar Wilde’s fairy tale “The Nightingale and the Rose” with a book by Jason Schafer, music by Arthur Lafrentz Bacon, and lyrics by Harris Doran. Not only does the show feature an all-star cast of Broadway veterans, it is the same cast of performers who participated in the original demo recordings for Bleeding Love 10 years ago.

Jason Schafer’s inspiration for Bleeding Love started as a small idea while he was an undergrad. He shares that it was not a quick process, as the show evolved over a number of years. “It was a back-burner project” through many of his other projects. Eventually Schafer came to know Harris Doran, who started his career as an actor, and performed in some of Schafer’s work. Doran later met Arthur Bacon at the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, a prestigious workshop in New York for musical theatre composers, lyricists and librettists. The trio began working together on Bleeding Love in 2010, and after recording demos, Bleeding Love had its premiere at NAMT (National Alliance for Musical Theatre) in 2012. It went on to have a successful world-premiere run in 2015, live on stage in Denmark at the Fredericia Teater. A few years passed and the fate of Bleeding Love was unclear. After being approached by The Broadway Podcast Network early this year, they questioned how they felt about revamping the show to be an audio-only experience. But less than a week later, COVID-19 changed everything. And a week after that, they began recording.

Make sure to listen to all of Bleeding Love via bpn.fm/bleedinglove

In this episode, we talk about:

What inspired Jason Schafer to write this story, and how he did it
How Harris Doran and Arthur Bacon met, and what their writing process looks like
What it’s like collaborating on a new musical
The ways in which the script had to be altered in order to suit a podcast production
Harris Doran’s experience editing the final product
What inspired them each to become involved in the performing arts in the first place

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

This episode is released in a time of crisis and mass awakening. Black Lives Matter. Please consider donating to any of the following:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep98 - Tony Vincent: Bleeding Love The Voice, American Idiot, Jesus Christ Superstar

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Tony Vincent is a recording artist, actor and producer, widely known for his appearance as a finalist on the second season of NBC’s The Voice. While in college, he started his own record company, Adobe Flats, writing and producing the EP Love Falling Down. And made his Broadway debut in 1998 playing Roger in Rent, after playing the same role on the first national tour. Tony originated the role of St. Jimmy in the Green Day Rock Opera American Idiot, appeared as Judas Iscariot in Jesus Christ Superstar, and was most recently seen on Broadway in Rocktopia. He originated the role of Galileo Figaro in the rock band Queen’s We Will Rock You on London’s West End and has also fronted the band multiple times, including a performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. He has independently released two albums, A Better Way, produced by Adam Anders (Glee, Rock of Ages), and the self-produced In My Head, following his appearance on The Voice. Tony can currently be heard as Puppy in Bleeding Love, a brand new original musical podcast radio play on The Broadway Podcast Network.

In this episode, we talk about:

His enthusiasm for becoming a drummer
What he thought about Van Halen as a kid
Why he’s always been a solo artist
The impact David Bowie has had on his life
The thrill of originating roles onstage
His enthusiasm for recording records
His experience on NBC’s The Voice

Connect with Tony:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

This episode is released in a time of crisis and mass awakening. Black Lives Matter. Please consider donating to any of the following:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep97 - Rebecca Naomi Jones: Bleeding Love, Oklahoma!, American Idiot, Hedwig

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:05:00 -0000

Rebecca Naomi Jones is an actress and a singer who made her Broadway debut in 2008 when Passing Strange transferred from it’s Off-Broadway run. She went on to create the role of Whatshername in the Green Day Rock Opera American Idiot, which opened on Broadway in 2010. In 2012 Rebecca played the Narrator in Manhattan Theatre Club's Off-Broadway musical Murder Ballad, for which she received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress. Her other Broadway credits include replacing Lena Hall as Yitzhak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch in 2015, a starring role in Significant Other in 2017, and Laurey Williams in Daniel Fish’s revival of Oklahoma!, a role for which she earned a Drama Desk Nomination after appearing in the original production at St. Ann's Warehouse. Rebecca has also appeared in National Tours of Rent and Caroline, or Change, and starred in the film adaptation of Passing Strange. In 2014, she was awarded the Lilly Award, a prize designed to honor women in theater. Rebecca can currently be heard as Lolli in Bleeding Love, a brand new original musical podcast radio play on The Broadway Podcast Network.

Rebecca was born in New York City to bi-racial parents, her mother Jewish, and her father African-American. She shares that growing up in NYC and “being mixed is a different thing than growing up in other places and being mixed,” and wasn’t made aware of how unique that was or how complicated it can be for people until much later. Rebecca is no stranger to the New York Stage. But doesn’t mean she is immune to performance anxiety. In our conversation, Rebecca opens up about her first encounters with anxiety and panic attacks in 2015, attacks that would linger even as she was performing on stage during Hedwig and the Angry Inch. She shares that during the run of Oklahoma! she kept up a regular meditation routine so she could prepare herself “for the fear”.

In this episode, we talk about:

Her inner demons that come out when she is gaining recognition or awards for her work
Her memory of the first time she experienced a panic attack
How performing to a house full of people with the lights on during Oklahoma! tested her
Her experiences practicing and performing opera with the children's choir at The Met
The trial and error of recording Bleeding Love
Some of the film and TV work she has done, and why she finds this work so exciting and thrilling

Connect with Rebecca:

IG: @onerebeccajones
Twitter: @rebeccasername
Listen to Bleeding Love

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

This episode is released in a time of crisis and mass awakening. Black Lives Matter. Please consider donating to any of the following:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep96 - Taylor Trensch: Bleeding Love, Dear Evan Hansen, To Kill a Mockingbird, Wicked

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Taylor Trensch has been a familiar face on Broadway since 2012, when he made his Broadway debut in Wicked as Boq. He originated roles in the Broadway debut productions of Matilda The Musical, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in Night-Time. Some of his more recent roles include Barnaby Tucker in the revival of Hello Dolly!, the title role in Dear Evan Hansen, and starring next to Ed Harris as Dill Harris in To Kill A Mockingbird. Taylor can currently be heard as Sweet William in Bleeding Love, a brand new original musical podcast radio play on The Broadway Podcast Network.

Taylor has been spending his time in quarantine in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, but was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He shares that he grew up in the same house his dad grew up in - had the same childhood bedroom, as well as the same seat at the family dinner table. When Taylor was 5 years old he performed in his first community theater show - The Wizard of Oz. He loved the movie as a child and begged his parents to take him to the audition. He says he peed his pants opening night, and “from then on I couldn’t be stopped.” Growing up, Taylor had severe allergies and asthma, which deterred him from spending a lot of time outside. When he discovered theater, the immediacy of a group of people being in a room together, getting laughs and applause, he was hooked. He shares that by the time he was in middle school, he knew he was gay. And by doing community theater, he started to become aware of the gay and queer adults who were also there, and began to see himself in them.

Playing Sweet William in Bleeding Love is a bit of a throwback for him, as Taylor took part in the original demo recordings that took place in 2016. But the main difference, due to the current coronavirus pandemic, is that no one in the cast can actually be together. Taylor records his songs, and one off lines from the bathroom in his apartment. He describes what a unique challenge it is, calling it “bizarre to try to make a specific, honest choice” as an actor, with sort of no context or ability to play off his fellow actors. There is inherent energy between cast members when they are performing together, they fuel one another. Taylor shares that part of this experience is creating that energy for yourself. Bleeding Love is a show about being in quarantine, but it was written years prior to our current pandemic. And it seems it was rediscovered at precisely the right time.

In this episode, we talk about:

His failed attempt to escape NYC during quarantine
The personal catharsis he experienced while playing the lead in Dear Evan Hansen
The two versions of self he believes are inside every theater artist
Grounding himself in his life, while having Ben Platt on speed-dial and being buddies with Ed Harris
Performing with his boyfriend in Dear Evan Hansen
The end of the recent CATS film
His idea of what the theater may look like when quarantine is over

Connect with Taylor:

IG @knucklesandwich
Listen to Bleeding Love

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

This episode is released in a time of crisis and mass awakening. Black Lives Matter. Please consider donating to any of the following:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep95 - Marc Kudisch: Bleeding Love, Girl from the North Country, The Tick, Millie, and more

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Marc Kudisch stars off the Bleeding Love musical podcast takeover, a brand new completely original musical podcast set in a post-apocalyptic future where it's not safe to go outside.

Marc is a 3-time Tony Award nominee for his work in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and 9 to 5. He is a Drama Desk Award winner and two-time Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee. Some other Broadway highlights include Finding Neverland, Hand to God, Assassins, the Scarlet Pimpernel, and Beauty and the Beast. You also might recognize him from TV and film credits such as The Tick, Billions, Mindhunter, Limitless, House of Cards, Unforgettable, Person of Interest, Gossip Girl, Blue Bloods, SMASH, and even Sex and the City. He recently starred in the off-Broadway production of Girl from the North Country and is now reprising the same role -- once Broadway returns, of course! However you can catch him right now in a brand new way as both the Super and the narrator in the original musical podcast Bleeding Love.

Connect with Marc:

IG: @marckuds
Twitter: @marckuds

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

This episode is released in a time of crisis and mass awakening. Black Lives Matter. Please consider donating to any of the following:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep94 - BLACK LIVES MATTER

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 01:50:00 -0000

Hi everyone, over the last year and a half, I have released at least one episode of The Theatre Podcast every single week without fail. Today, I have decided to break this tradition. I am purposely postponing the next episode in order to release this statement.

Black Lives Matter. Please know that I see you, I hear you, I stand with you, and I recognize that the current movement is a response to hundreds of years of systematic racism having permeated our culture.

I realize that it is no longer enough to be against racism as we all must strive to be anti-racist, and actively take steps to stop racist behavior in a non-violent way.

Every journey begins with a first step and for many of us, now is the time. Available below are links to places where you can lend your support. I have done the same. Allow those who are doing their best to be supportive to continue to grow and learn. Remember, fighting your ally only strengthens your enemy.

In a few days I will continue to release my episodes as normal, as I feel that art can be used as a tool to heal, and must continue to be created.

Everyone please stay safe and care for one another.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep93 - Courtney Monsma, Katherine Howard in SIX the Musical (Australian cast)

Fri, 29 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

To watch the video version of this interview, please click here. Listen to the SIX studio cast recording, or grab the sing-a-long edition!

Courtney Monsma is an actor, singer and dancer from Queensland, Australia. Most recently Courtney performed in the Australasian tour of Disney’s Aladdin, and also appeared in the Australian tour of MAMMA MIA! understudying the role of Sophie. During her years of training, Courtney played Charity in Sweet Charity, Carmen in The Life; toured with the production of I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change, and in her final year played Maria in West Side Story. She appeared in Opera Queensland’s Kiss Me Kate and was a 2018 finalist for the prestigious Rob Guest Endowment Award. Courtney is currently playing Katherine Howard as part of the original Australian cast of SIX the Musical.

While Courtney was born in Adelaide, Australia, she relocated to Queensland when she was fairly young, and currently resides there. Courtney started as a dancer at a young age, and after seeing her sister perform in a community theater production when she was 8 years old, she quickly followed suit. This is also when she discovered singing, and finally felt, ‘ah yea, this is for me” - she knew this was what she wanted to do with her life. “There’s nothing that compares to the feeling I get when I sing,” she told us. Courtney quickly became involved with the community theater scene, and upon graduating from high school sought a way to hone her skills and pursue performing as a career. She found herself at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and graduated with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre.

Portraying Katherine Howard in SIX the Musical is not for the faint of heart, and Courtney reflected on how much she’s grown and learned throughout a journey that's included auditions, rehearsals, and performances. She shares how Howard taught her about getting rid of the white noise in her head, and that there is no time for feeling down on yourself because it only holds you back. Throughout auditions and rehearsals the queens were instructed to never do anything that wasn’t authentic to themselves as individuals. As a result, she has also gained a lot of confidence - confidence that will carry her into her next starring role as Anna in the Australian tour of Frozen. Courtney shares that if it hadn’t been for SIX, she doesn’t think she’d be ready for Frozen. “SIX taught me so much about myself”, she says, both personally and as a performer.

In this episode, we talk about:

Realizing at a young age that performing was what she wanted to do with her life
Starting SIX and being in a room full of performers she’d always admired from afar
Her reality living with anxiety as a actor
Her love for NYC, and being there the week SIX was supposed to open
The new sort of pressure she feels as she prepares for Anna in Frozen
The time she was able to spend chatting with Patti Murin (Frozen on Broadway’s Anna)

Connect with Courtney:

IG: @courtneymonsma

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep92 - Brittney Mack, Anna of Cleves in SIX the Musical (Broadway cast)

Tue, 26 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

To watch the video version of this episode, click here. Listen to the SIX studio cast recording, or grab the sing-a-long edition!

Brittney Mack is a performer from Chicago, Illinois, who was most recently seen as Anna of Cleves in the North American Tour of SIX the Musical. Her other credits include Rent, The Wiz, Hairspray, Avenue Q, Shrek, In the Heights, Ain’t Misbehavin’, All Shook Up, and Little Shop of Horrors, as well as the national tour of Memphis. She has performed on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and has been seen on the FOX television show Empire. Brittney is making her Broadway debut with her portrayal of Anna of Cleves in SIX the Musical.

Born on the south side of Chicago, Britney was one of 5 raised by a single mother and “an incredible tribe of friends.” She shares that one of her favorite things to do as a kid was listen to late night story times - full stories and plays - on the radio. She recalls one show in particular called It’s Your World!, a modern day radio soap opera that played on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, which she would wake up at 5 AM to listen to before school. She believes it was these radio shows that helped spark her imagination. Her mother was always supportive of her dreams to perform, and Britney says, “My mom is the reason why I’m doing what I’m doing.” Brittney attended the Chicago Academy for The Arts, a college prep high school, and later went on to attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) both in Los Angeles and New York City.

Brittney shares that as an artist she has always been blessed to find steady work. Throughout a performing journey that has taken her all over the world, she recalls revisiting her storage unit in between contracts in order to swap out some clothes and head out for the next production. Brittney had been out to sea on her contract with Royal Caribbean when her grandfather became ill, after which she relocated back to Chicago to be closer to her grandmother. And it was after being on the road with the national tour of Memphis that she found herself in a general audition for Chicago Shakespeare Theater. She shares that it wasn’t until about her 4th audition for them that she really even knew what SIX was all about. She is grateful for this in retrospect, as it could have added unnecessary pressures in the audition room. “It was a blast being in the room,” she said, as they all auditioned in front of and with each other. It was an audition experience like none other, and she’s pretty sure she’ll never have another like it.

In this episode, we talk about:

How she’s been spending her time in quarantine
The time she told her mom she wanted to be Gary Coleman in Shirley Temple
Paying for her first year of school at AMDA
Being shot by a paintball gun when she first moved to NYC
The intensive audition process for SIX the Musical
Her feelings on having a social media presence, and the SIX fan base

Connect with Brittney:

IG: @brittmack8

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep91 - Chloé Zuel, Catherine of Aragon in SIX the Musical (Australian cast)

Tue, 26 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

UPDATE 2021, March 19: Congrats to Chloé who just opened Hamilton in Australia as Eliza Hamilton!! To watch the video version of this episode, click here. Listen to the SIX studio cast recording, or grab the sing-a-long edition!

Chloé Zuel is a singer and performer who has worked as a lead singer across Australia and Internationally including two years at Universal Studios Japan and three months at The Venetian, Macao. She was most recently seen as Anita in West Side Story, and as Sarah in Ragtime. Chloé’s other various credits include the Australian premier production of Beautiful; The Carole King Musical, Hairspray, Legally Blonde the Musical, The Mikado, Les Misérables, Rent, the Australian tour of Little Shop of Horrors and Porgy and Bess. She is currently part of the original Australian cast of SIX the Musical as Catherine of Aragon.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Chloé’s mother had her when she was young, and up until she was 8 years old it was just the two of them. Chloé speaks of her mother with awe and appreciation, as she single handedly supported her early performing arts dreams. She started taking dance classes at age 5, competed regularly in dance competitions, and began singing when she was 12 years old. Chloé calls herself that kid who put all her eggs into one basket - it was always clear in her mind that performing was all she wanted to do. She shares that she used to put on a CD every night and would fall asleep to music. Chloé went on to study and graduate from ED5 International, Australia’s premiere Performing Arts Training Facility, and has been lucky enough to be working steadily ever since.

Chloé opens up to us about living with terrible anxiety as a performer. For a little while she wasn’t sure she wanted to continue performing - she forgot why she loved it and why she did it. She says, “When you have anxiety, performing everyday, performing every moment” can be hell. She recalls having panic attacks in the wings during performances of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. As someone who struggles with anxiety, she tells us that she found the audition process for SIX really difficult, as a lot of it required singing, dancing and performing in front of everyone else who was also auditioning. But also shares that from the get go - from auditions - the environment created was always one which was about supporting each other, cheering each other on; about being unique, and appreciating everyone else’s unique qualities. She recalls getting butterflies at their initial launch for SIX, realizing what a special project she was now a part of. And now they are a family. Chloé shares, “There’s a really deep love and respect that we have for each other, and an understanding”.

In this episode, we talk about:

Her whirlwind journey from West Side Story, into Ragtime, into getting married, back to West Side Story to close it out, and starting SIX rehearsals the next morning
Why she and her husband decided to spend this time in Tasmania
Why she loves performing, and what she feels she gets from it’s magic
Her experience with the other queens on launch day for SIX in Australia
How her anxiety has affected her performing
Her admiration for the writers of SIX, and why she finds it so clever
Her peanut butter addiction

Connect with Chloé:

IG: @chloezuel
Twitter: @chloezuel

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep90 - Vidya Makan, Catherine Parr in SIX the Musical (Australian cast)

Tue, 19 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

To watch the video version of this episode, click here. Listen to the SIX studio cast recording, or grab the sing-a-long edition!

Vidya Makan is a composer, singer, actor, and musician based in Melbourne, Australia, and most recently starred as Dot/Marie in Sunday in the Park with George. Vidya’s other credits include: Lady Capulet in Romeo And Juliet, Green Day’s American Idiot, Merrily We Roll Along and Little Inez in Hairspray. As a composer, Vidya is currently working on My Home Too, a song cycle about Australia and home, while her debut full length musical Woman, inspired by the lives of bohemian artists Gerda Wegener and Lili Elbe is also in development. She is currently part of the original Australian cast of SIX the Musical as Catherine Parr.

Vidya’s parents grew up in apartheid South Africa, later moving to Australia in the 1990’s to get away and start their family. She remembers going to the theater frequently with her family as a child, and when talking about her parents, calls her mom an “absolute arts nerd”, while her dad has a “beautiful” singing voice. Vidya started playing the piano when she was 3, and began singing in choirs when she was 5 years old - but was also a self-declared “tom-boy”. Her first dream was to play soccer for Australia, and at 15 years old Vidya received a scholarship to train at the Manchester United Soccer School in England for a week. While in England, she and her father attended a performance of Wicked, and Vidya recalls, “There was something about that show that just got under my skin.” They returned home to Australia, she auditioned for the school musical for the first time - The Wiz - and landed the role of Dorothy. And that was it! From there it was ‘goodbye soccer, hello theater’. Vidya went on to study musical theatre at The Queensland Conservatorium’s Griffith University.

During our conversation, Vidya talks with us about the journey of finding her place in the performing arts industry in Australia. As a woman of color she “hasn’t had the cookie-cutter career because she isn’t the cookie-cutter performer” - as successful musical theater shows that transfer from America to Australia aren't necessarily crafted to showcase more ethnically diverse performers. She shares that a large part of her journey has been about finding those companies (usually with younger people at the helm) where she can be seen just as a woman, outside of type or ethnicity or race. And so it seems SIX the Musical is very naturally the next step in this journey, as casting was “not about anything else other than getting the right person for the role”, boasting diverse casts across all its productions.

In this episode, we talk about:

How the postponement of the Australian production of SIX affected her
The outpouring of love and support they have received from the SIX fan base
The importance of being a role model now that she’s in the spotlight
How English actress Jameela Jamil’s social media activism against female body shaming has changed her life
Taking the sexualization of women in pop culture/music and turning it on its head in SIX
The differences in the performing arts industry in Australia versus America
What she calls a “Muggle Job”
Composing her own music, and working on creating an original musical of her own

Connect with Vidya:

IG: @vidyamakan
Web: vidyamakan.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep89 - Kala Gare, Anne Boleyn in SIX the Musical (Australian cast)

Fri, 15 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

To watch the video version of this episode, click here. Listen to the SIX studio cast recording, or grab the sing-a-long edition!

Kala Gare is a singer, actor, musician and songwriter based out of Melbourne, Australia. Her stage credits include Alice in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Maureen in Rent, Olivia in Twelfth Night, and Anastasia Steele in 50 Shades!. She is also a classically trained musician with musical direction credits, and is the lead singer of an up and coming band called Legacy, which won Best Emerging Band at the Emergenza Festival in 2017. Kala is currently portraying Anne Boleyn in the Australian and New Zealand Tour Production of SIX the musical.

Kala, born and raised in Melbourne, grew up in a very musical family. Both of her parents are opera singers, who met at the same university where Kala would eventually find herself studying musical theatre. Kala shared that her parents harbored the love and excitement she has for music because it was “just everywhere” growing up. Kala first trained classically as a vocalist, honing her legit sound, and as she continued with theater, developed other parts like her belting technique. She earned a B.F.A in Music Theatre from the Victorian College of the Arts, where, she shares, she had a love for “cross training” her voice.

Kala shares with us that its a “whole new world” once you become a part of the SIX the Musical family. Both on stage and off, SIX is teaching her lessons. She shares, “SIX taught me about standing in your own power as well as standing with other people in their own power, and how we can do that” without competition. In performance, Kala and her cast mates learn to deal with new stimuli every night as they constantly break the fourth wall and interact with the audience. And we also hear from Kala about the challenge of maintaining 100% energy for each of the 9 shows they perform in a week. But through it all, you can hear it in her voice and her words when she shares, “it’s hard to not have a very fun time on that stage.”

In this episode, we talk about:

The influence music began having very early on in her life
Realizing the true power of theater, and feeling it is exactly what she is meant to be doing
How they spent their for rehearsal for the SIX tour
The upsides and downsides of having so many fans of the show
How the cast and crew adjusted to the stage door experience
Her music writing process

Connect with Kala:

IG: @k.gare_

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep88 - Adrianna Hicks, Catherine of Aragon in SIX the Musical (Broadway cast)

Tue, 12 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

To watch the video version of this episode, click here. Listen to the SIX studio cast recording, or grab the sing-a-long edition!

Adrianna Hicks is no stranger to the Great White Way, as she returns to Broadway as Catherine of Aragon in SIX the Musical. Her other Broadway credits include the revivals of The Color Purple and Aladdin. Adrianna has performed in regional and touring productions of The Wiz, Ragtime, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, and The Color Purple Revival Tour. Internationally she has performed in productions of Sister Act and Dirty Dancing in Germany, and Legally Blonde in Austria. While in college, Adrianna also landed the opportunity to perform with Michael Buble in his Call Me Irresistible Tour whenever it came through Oklahoma City.

Adrianna was born in California, but was raised in Texas where her family relocated to when she was four years old. She remembers being “that kid” who would go to her room, close the door, put on Aladdin, and “perform Princess Jasmine”. She loved singing, dancing and acting, and by participating in the International Thespian Society in high school, she discovered that she could make a career out of doing all three together. Adrianna earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Oklahoma, and after graduating spent over 3 years living and performing in Germany and Austria.

Adrianna shares that she never really had a desire to go to New York City. She loved traveling, and having the opportunity to perform overseas. But as she was preparing for her next role in Europe after Dirty Dancing, both of her parents became ill. So she made the decision to come back home after three and a half years, to be with and help take care of her family. It was upon returning home that she had the opportunity to audition for The Color Purple - the show that would finally take her to New York City, and eventually, help her find her way to Catherine of Aragon in SIX the Musical.

In this episode, we talk about:

Her whirlwind memory of the day that their Broadway opening night was cancelled
How she has been spending time in quarantine with her brother in Atlanta
Her thoughts on her social media presence
The journey that took her from the stage in Oklahoma to the stage in Germany
How watching Beyonce’s concerts as a child came in handy for her SIX audition

Why performing in The Wiz was an “ah ha” moment

Connect with Adrianna:

IG: @missadriannahicks
Twitter: @msadriannahicks

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep87 - Andrea Macasaet, Anne Boleyn in SIX the Musical (Broadway cast)

Fri, 08 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

To watch the video version of this episode, click here. Listen to the SIX studio cast recording, or grab the sing-a-long edition!

Andrea Macasaet has appeared in each North American iteration of SIX the Musical, including productions at the American Repertory Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Ordway Theater, and Citadel Theatre. Throughout Canada she has also performed in productions of Heathers: The Musical, Avenue Q, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Miss Saigon. While she is no stranger to playing Anne Boleyn in SIX the Musical, this production will mark her Broadway debut.

Andrea was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She shares that her childhood was full of Filipino singing competitions, where she would use karaoke tracks and her mother would direct her - “Now walk over here and make sure you look at them in the eye.” In the 4th grade, Andrea was first introduced to musical theater when she performed in a local production of The King and I. It was after this production that Andrea began pursuing acting, singing, and dancing. She became a competitive dancer, performed in local theater productions throughout high school, and upon graduation went to study the performing arts in Victoria, British Columbia.

Andrea opens up to us about her life around 2016-2018, what she recalls as a really hard few years. Without an agent, and constant rejection, Andrea decided to take a break from theater because she didn’t want her “heart broken anymore”. She had been an employee on and off between shows at LuluLemon for a while, and decided to pursue a career with the company. She went back to school to earn a diploma in Human Relations. But an ad for SIX the Musical on Facebook changed her course. In February 2019, Andrea signed up for an open call for the show in Toronto, and the rest is history.

In this episode, we talk about:

The moment in high school which made her realize she wanted to pursue a career in theater
Why she decided she needed a break from theater at one time
Her experience working for Lululemon, a company she shares was supportive of her
The whirlwind that was auditioning for and landing a role in SIX the musical
What it’s like working with creators Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss
The time they watched the Beyonce concert as a cast for research purposes

Connect with Andrea:

IG: @andrea.cesyl

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep86 - Samantha Pauly, Katherine Howard in SIX the Musical (Broadway cast)

Fri, 01 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

To watch the video version of this episode, click here. Listen to the SIX studio cast recording, or grab the sing-a-long edition!

Samantha Pauly has been performing regionally on stage since 2010, including roles in Honeymoon in Vegas, Elf The Musical, Suessical and Godspell. She has played the title role of Eva Peron in Evita three times, one of which allowed her to make her West End debut last year in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. In 2018 she appeared as Valkeryrie in Bat Out Of Hell, before landing her current role as Katherine Howard in SIX the Musical on Broadway.

Samantha was born and raised in Iowa, and attributes her love for singing to watching Disney Movies as a child. But while she loved singing, Samantha didn’t catch the musical theater bug until her junior year of high school. It was this year that she went on a trip with her school choir to New York City, and saw her first shows on Broadway - The Drowsy Chaperone and Wicked. It was also this same year she auditioned for her first school show, The Pajama Game. She began seriously considering pursuing theatre in college, and after winning a scholarship at the Iowa Thespian Festival, she went on to attend Viterbo University and earn her BFA in musical theatre.

In recounting the journey that brought her to SIX the musical, Samantha recalls her experience with the National Tour of Bat Out Of Hell in 2018. After 5 weeks of rehearsals and a successful run in Toronto, the tour was abruptly cancelled before they set out on the road. She shares that upon returning to Chicago where she lives with her husband, she became depressed and stopped auditioning for a few months. It was during this break that SIX the musical started reaching out to her. It was also this break that taught her everything happens for a reason.

In this episode, we talk about :

How she is handling her time in quarantine with her sister nearby
The bright side of having this break from performing in SIX the musical
What it’s like to be performing eight shows a week during previews, while also continuing rehearsals during the day
Why she decided to call Chicago home
How she ended up performing the “Single Ladies” choreography in an audition for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Her experiences at the Broadway stage door post show

Connect with Samantha:

IG: @sampauly
Web: https://www.samanthapauly.com/

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep85 - Keith Sherman, 18 years as a publicity agent repping over 300 shows, and now COVID-19 positive

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

His favorite four-letter word, in response to both success and failure, is “next”. After recovering from COVID-19, and with his career on pause, this Broadway publicist talks about the future of Broadway.

Keith Sherman operates Keith Sherman and Associates, a Times Square Public Relations firm which he founded in 1989. He has an extensive background in theatre - 300 plus shows including, recently, Be More Chill, We Will Rock You and Mike Birbiglia: The New One, as well as the Tony Awards for 18 years. Keith previously represented the New York Times for a decade, and over the years his clientele has expanded to film, TV, music, major global events, organizations, award shows, individuals, fine art, brands and Olympic sports.

When asked how he became interested in publicity, Keith recalls Christmas when he was 8 years old, a Jewish boy in New Jersey living next to a Christian family. He received two LP records that year by The Supremes, and fell in love. By age 12 he was reading Variety magazine every Thursday to see what nightclubs The Supremes were playing in around the country. Keith later became an intern at the new Roundabout Theatre Company while in college, eventually accepting a job offer as their Marketing Director. He spent years bouncing around jobs in various press offices, when he finally decided “he could build a better mousetrap”, and founded his own company in 1989. He had found his calling.

Keith opens up about his new reality amid the COVID-19 pandemic as the head of a PR firm for the entertainment industry. What will Broadway look like when it reopens? Keith believes the theater will survive, it will come back, but thinks it “will come back in a different form.” Not only is his career on pause, having had to furlough his employees as well, Keith and his husband have also both recently recovered from the coronavirus. And in light of it all, he remains an optimist.

Connect with Keith

@keithshermanassociates

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep84 - Jeff Thacker, 5x Emmy nominee and "So You Think You Can Dance" Executive Producer

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Jeff Thacker a 5 time Emmy nominee for his work on So You Think You Can Dance. He is the show’s executive producer, and has been with it since day one when it first aired back in 2005. Now 252 episodes later, the show is still as strong as ever. Helping with the casting of contestants, judges, and choreographers, he’s partially responsible for making the careers of some of the biggest names on Broadway today.

We speak about how the divide between Broadway and TV has shrunk because of programs like SYTYCD and how choreographers are now known just not for what they do but ‘who they are’. So many choreographers have become household names because of Jeff's work on SYTYCD, and he has helped feed the Broadway community by raising the visibility of both choreographers and aspiring dancers -- some of which have made it through to star on the Great White Way.

Jeff and I were originally supposed to conduct the interview in person here in New York City as he traveled here to conduct auditions for this fall's season of SYTYCD, but #socialdistancing has forced him and the team to re-think their audition process. Not deterred by the fact that we cannot be together in person, and using the internet to his aid, they continue to "hold auditions" and are still hopeful that we will have live shows in front of live studio audiences come this fall.

Connect with Jeff:

IG: @jeffthacker

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep83 - Laura Osnes: Cinderella, Bandstand, Bonnie & Clyde, Grease, Fosse/Verdon

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Laura Osnes is a two-time Tony Award nominee for her roles as Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde, and Cinderella in Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. After winning NBC’s 2006 reality TV show You’re The One That I Want, she made her Broadway debut as Sandy in the 2007 revival of Grease. Other Broadway credits include starring roles in South Pacific, Anything Goes, and most recently Bandstand. You can also see her on TV as Shirley McClaine in Fosse/Verdon, and the Hallmark movie In the Key of Love.

As a child growing up in Egan, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, Laura always gravitated towards music and theatrics. She listened to musical soundtracks and acted them out in her living room, danced competitively for 13 years, and started working professionally in Minneapolis when she was in middle school. After attending the University of Wisconsin for a year studying theater, she got offered a job as a performing apprentice at a theater in Minneapolis, and said “yes” to the opportunity. Instead of going back to school, Laura then found herself in Los Angeles competing on a reality TV show for a starring role in Grease, and shortly after, arrived in New York City for her Broadway debut.

Laura shares with us her thoughts on the culture shock she experienced upon moving to LA from Minnesota. As a self-declared introvert, she admits she most enjoys becoming a character onstage - transforming into someone else, and working with a cast of people. Laura says performing is the one thing she always wanted to do - the thing she knew she was always meant to do.

To watch the video version of this event, click here.

In this episode, we talk about:

How she is spending her time during quarantine
Why she Googles herself sometimes
What the experience of filming her first Hallmark movie taught her
Why she turned down the National Tour of Grease
A day in the life of being a Tony nominee
How she approaches creating her roles
How she is keeping busy by teaching online classes

Connect with Laura:

IG: @lauraosnes
Twitter: @lauraosnes
Laura teaches online master classes via A Class Act (@ AClassActNY) - Register here: https://aclassactny.com/virtual-classes/
And Broadway Artists Alliance (@BAAofNYC) - Register here: https://www.broadwayartistsalliance.org
Follow the Broadway Princess Party on IG at @bwayprincesspty and keep up to date with concert dates and new merch items here: www.broadwayprincessparty.com
#RHGoesLive: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s #RHGoesPop initiative comes live to your living room via YouTube live stream performances with Bway stars, hosted by Laura Osnes! Subscribe to the R&H YouTube channel so you don’t miss an episode! https://youtu.be/AnkBNI1lMlM

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep82 - Ashley Loren, Moulin Rouge!, Jekyll and Hyde, indie pop artist

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Ashley Loren is currently the standby for Satine in Moulin Rouge! The Musical! She has worked with artists such as Kathleen Marshall, Bono of U2, and Yoko Ono; and has sung backup for artists like Carly Rae Jensen, Melissa Etheridge and Iggy Azalea. She made her Broadway debut in the revival of Jekyll and Hyde, and followed it up with the national tour. You may have seen her on American Idol season 8, or season two of NBC’s This is Us. She currently has a film in post production called Be The Light.

Ashley was born and raised in Central Jersey, where she started her journey in musical theater at the age of 6, at summer camps, and in community and regional theater. She signed her first production contract as a solo artist in middle school, sang at open mics in NYC throughout high school, and deferred her acceptance to Berklee College of Music to sign with Universal and record music. Ashley went on to work and tour with Carly Rae Jepsen, calling it “one of the most transformative” things she’s done.

Ashley opens up about her chronic Lyme Disease diagnosis as a child, and the neurological complications she dealt with as a result. She stresses the need for more common knowledge about this tricky, complicated, and multi-faceted illness. But she also says her struggle led her to a life in the arts, as theater and music became her outlets.

Connect with Ashley:

IG @ashleyoren
Twitter @msashleyloren
Ashleyloren.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep81 - Rob Rokicki, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Rob Rokicki is an actor, music director, composer, and lyricist whose shows have been nominated for Drama Desk, Lortel, and Off-Broadway Alliance awards. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, Actor's Equity, and an alum of the Tony Award-winning BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Writing workshop. He wrote the music and lyrics for the critically acclaimed Broadway musical THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, which recently finished up its limited Broadway run.

Growing up in the Colorado plains, he listened almost exclusively to classical music. The acquisition of a boombox exposed him to rock music for the first time, which morphed into a love for the rock musical genre. In addition, this episode covers:

His natural affinity towards monsters (maybe since he was born on Halloween?)
His theory that "real life" is just high school with more money -- adults are still living scared and trying to win their parents' affection
Working with Joe Tracz on The Lightning Thief long before Be More Chill ever surfaced
The story of how The Lightning Thief went from a non-equity, hour-long touring production to a full-fledged Broadway production
Monster Songs: Rob's graphic novel you also listen to (stories told from different monsters' point of views)

Connect with Rob:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep80 - Kathryn Gallagher, Jagged Little Pill & Spring Awakening revival

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

To watch the video version of this episode, click here.

Kathryn Gallagher is an amazing singer/songwriter who made her Broadway debut in 2015 in the Deaf West revival of Spring Awakening. She stars as Annika Atwater in the show YOU on Netflix, and is currently starring as Bella in Jagged Little Pill on Broadway!

This interview was filmed entirely on the floors of our respective houses during the #socialdistancing COVID-19 outbreak. In her own words, she’s been “preparing for quarantine her whole life.” Aside from discussing the obvious, we go deep into her own psyche, how playing Bella has helped her work through her own past trauma, and how Spring Awakening also fell in her lap, thus changing her life. At a young age, Kathryn was always performing -- she put on "shows" for her invisible audience while brushing her teeth as a child (and maybe even last week!).

In this episode, we talk about:

How the #metoo movement and sexual assault awareness began while they were workshopping JLP, thus changing the core character breakdown
How her photo shoot with Tyler Shields helped her regain a decade of lost body image confidence
The incredible story of [almost not] booking her Broadway debut in Spring Awakening (2015)
Her love/hate relationship with social media
Why she puts mushrooms in her coffee
The catharsis that is her experience working through her own past trauma in Jagged Little Pill

Connect with Kathryn:

IG: @kathryngallagher
Twitter: @kathryng

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep79 - Len Cariou, Tony Award winner & original Sweeney Todd, Blue Bloods, Harry Townsend's Last Stand

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Cariou is a three-time Tony Award nominee and Tony Award winner for title role in Sweeney Todd. Working steadily his entire career in theatre, film, and tv, he was on the popular television mystery series, Murder, She Wrote opposite his good friend and former Sweeney Todd co-star Angela Lansbury. With 85 additional TV/film credits including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and 80 stage credits, he is currently starring on Blue Bloods on CBS opposite Tom Selleck, Donny Wahlberg, and Bridget Moynahan. He was most recently seen on the off-Broadway stage opposite David Lansbury in the new play Harry Townsend’s Last Stand at City Center Stage II.

Len is a member of the Order of Canada (similar to being knighted in the UK) and in 2004 was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

In this episode we talk about:

Breaking the news of him being cast in the upcoming film adaptation of Tick, Tick... Boom!
Being well-known as a child in his neighborhood for walking home and singing every night
The honor it is to become a member of the Order of Canada and how it feels to be inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame
Working on the film Secret Window opposite Johnny Depp, and then watching Johnny go on to portray Sweeney Todd on film
His career working with such icons as Angela Lansbury, Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones, and more

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coronavirus & Broadway Bonus Episode: Julia Hobsbawm, social health expert, author, and entrepreneur

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 17:31:00 -0000

In an unprecedented move to help contain the spread of COVID-19, aka Coronavirus, Broadway has just gone dark for weeks. Julia Hobsbawm, a social health expert, entrepreneur, and author of a new book called The Simplicity Principle: Six Steps Towards Clarity in a Complex World, I felt the need to discuss the effect of this mandatory social distancing.

For people both on and off stage, Broadway and theatre in general feeds our social health, but without that outlet now, what can we do? How do we adapt? How do we use technology without getting sucked into it? As it relates to Broadway, the shutdown, and the Coronavirus, Julia and I tackle all of these questions and more... when at the end of the day, we find out that this simplicity and isolation may actually be a good thing.

Connect with Julia:

Get her book: The Simplicity Principle
IG: @itsjuliahobsbawm
Twitter: @juliahobsbawm
www.juliahobsbawm.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep78 - Samuel H. Levine, The Inheritance

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Samuel H. Levine is making his Broadway debut currently starring in the production of The Inheritance. He was last seen performing in The Inheritance’s West End production - which won the Olivier Award for Best New Play. He’s just wrapped a currently untitled feature film opposite Jennifer Lawrence, and can even be seen on TV in the CBS productions of Instinct, Bull, and Elementary.

Samuel was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, not far from Broadway. But it wasn’t until he found his way to the drama department at his public middle school that something about performing “just felt right.” He went on to graduate from LaGuardia High School, and then headed west to attend California Institute of the Arts. He was only there two years, when upon landing his first professional job in NYC, he dropped out.

Reflecting on the two and a half year journey that The Inheritance has taken him on, Samuel talks about the family it has given him, the importance of teaching and learning queer history, and the challenges and rewards of playing two different characters in the same play. He also shares his thoughts on how he is preparing to let go of the characters who have very much become a part of himself.

Connect with Sam:

IG: @samhlevine

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep77 - Natalie Weiss, actor, singer, emoji: "Breaking Down the Riffs", Emojiland, American Idol

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Natalie Weiss gained an international following from her performance videos and popular YouTube web series, "Breaking Down The Riffs," which have collectively reached over 4 million views. She’s an actress, singer, private vocal coach, master class teacher, and is one of the most sought-after voices among new musical theatre writers. She is currently starring as Construction Worker emoji in Emojiland the Musical.

Connect with Natalie:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep76 - Danny Burstein, 6 time Tony Award nominee, Moulin Rouge, Fiddler, Cabaret, Golden Boy, Follies, South Pacific, The Drowsy Chaperone, and more

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Danny Burstein is a six-time Tony Award nominee who made his Broadway debut in 1992 and now has 18 Broadway credits including Company, Titanic, The Drowsy Chaperone, South Pacific, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Follies, Fiddler on the Roof, and most recently My Fair Lady opposite Laura Benanti. He can be seen all over the small and big screens, currently as D.A. Lewis Cormier on the CBS TV series Evil, and can even be heard lending his voice to video games such as Grand Theft Auto and more. He is now on stage as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge the musical.

After deciding at a young age that performing was for him, he attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York, Queens College, and then University of California, San Diego to take an MFA in Acting. Throughout his highly acclaimed career, he almost said no to the offer of what then came The Drowsy Chaperone. While performing 8 times a week, he also makes the time (often at the expense of sleep) to also maintain an active TV, film, and voice over career.

On a more serious note, we discuss Rebecca Luker's (his wife) recent diagnosis of ALS, more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. He is candid and emotional about the toll it has taken on both of them in addition to the incredible drive and strength Rebecca has to stay well. Please visit http://prosetin2020.org/ to donate to further research and test an ALS drug candidate that Rebecca will be trying.

Connect with Danny:

IG: @dannybur

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep75 - Morgan Marcell, actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, director, all around awesome person

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Morgan Marcell is an actor, dancer, choreographer, and director with Broadway credits ranging from the original Broadway cast of Hamilton to the original Broadway cast of Bandstand to Fosse Verdon. She is now on stage in the original Broadway cast of Moulin Rouge, the musical.

A San Diego native, she originally planned on going to law school, she eventually found her way back to LA as a trained dancer. Soon after performing with the In the Heights tour, she took over for the dance captain after just 8 months. Working her way through just a handful more gigs, she has even contributed to the TV scene as an Assistant Choreographer for Fosse Verdon.

With other members of the Hamilton family, Morgan and Philippa Soo co-founded The Eliza Project, a philanthropic endeavor led by Hamilton cast members to lead artistic workshops and create new works with the students at Graham Windham, the orphanage created by Eliza Hamilton herself. I addition, she has recently made her directorial debut with Sharing Our Stories: The Eliza Project. It is a 10 minute Short Documentary about the inception, purpose and hopeful legacy of The Eliza Project, featuring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff, Lin-Manuel Miranda & the students of Graham Windham.

Connect with Morgan:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep74 - Karen Olivo, Satine (the Sparking Diamond!) in Moulin Rouge the Musical

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Karen Olivo is a Tony-Award winner who made her Broadway debut in Rent before going on to roles in Brooklyn, the Musical, In The Heights, and West Side Story (which is where she won her Tony!). She is now amazing audiences, critics, and everyone in between 8 times a week as Satine in Moulin Rouge the Musical.

Karen was born in the South Bronx before moving to Central Florida. Although far from Broadway, performing was still in her family. Her dad was a director and mom worked lots of jobs in the theatre. After her dad started his own troupe, she found herself on stage at the age of 6, where she discovered a sense of power and belonging. The stage gave her balance and was a safe haven to escape the troubles of youth.

After bouncing between a performing arts high school and "regular" high school, she found herself at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) -- but never graduated. She went to her first open call [for Rent]... and booked it. The rest, as they say, is history.

Connect with Karen:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep73 - Sonya Tayeh, choreographer (Moulin Rouge, Sing Street, So You Think You Can Dance)

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Sonya Tayeh made her way from the city of Detroit to New York City to find herself choreographing for some of today’s biggest names including Madonna, Miley Cyrus and Florence and the Machine. She’s been nominated for two Emmy Awards for her work on So You Think You Can Dance, and won the Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards for “Outstanding Choreography” for her work on David Henry Hwang’s dance-play Kung Fu, for which she also received a Drama Desk nomination. She recently made her Broadway debut as choreographer for the smash hit Moulin Rouge the Musical and is also working on the upcoming production of Sing Street.

Sonya's process may be unique - sometimes she has to dance in silence before adding the music back in so that she makes sure she doesn't get trapped in the music because "If it's interesting without music it will be interesting with music." In all her work, she utilizes the ensemble to push the story along and doesn't just have them dance because they're there. In Moulin Rouge, the story progression relies heavily on the ensemble and the dancing.

Connect with Sonya:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep72 - Tam Mutu, the Duke: Moulin Rouge the Musical

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:41:00 -0000

One of Broadway's favorite bad boys, Tam Mutu is The Duke in the smash Broadway hit Moulin Rouge, the Musical, You may also recognize him from his TV appearances on The Walking Dead, Bluebloods, and Sherlock, or from being on stage in Doctor Zhivago on Broadway and Love Never Dies in London.

After a successful time playing football... er, soccer... something called to him to start performing on stage, and the rest was history. After years working in the UK and the West End, he was supposed to make his Broadway debut in the infamous show Rebecca, which was riddled with scandal and never saw its first curtain. Think his personification of The Duke is something to laugh at? Think again, as his portrayal is different, dark, and more real than we've seen before.

Connect with Tam:

IG: @tammutu
Twitter: @tammutu

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LIVE: Beetlejuice at BroadwayCon 2020 with Alex Brightman, Kerry Butler, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Jenny Gersten and Callie Goff

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

LIVE from BroadwayCon 2020 in New York City, here is the main stage panel for BEETLEJUICE with Alex Brightman, Kerry Butler, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Jenny Gersten and Callie Goff. We talk all things TikTok, cosplay, social media, audience reactions, and even conclude the event with BroadwayCon's largest selfie, ever!

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

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Ep71 - Steven Sater, Tony and Olivier Award winning poet, playwright, lyricist, television writer and screenwriter

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Steven Sater is a two time Tony Award winning, Olivier Award winning, and Grammy Award winning, writer and author of shows such as Murder at the Gates, Alice by Heart, and of course, Spring Awakening. He is now also the author of Alice by Heart the novel, being released on Feb 4th, 2020.

Born in Evansville Indiana, Steven didn’t have a childhood like most. An injury left him bed ridden where he taught himself ancient greek and started writing his first plays. This has now resulted in some of the most beloved musicals of all time, such as Spring Awakening. His latest project is the release of his new book, based off of his musical, Alice by Heart, inspired by the story of Alice in Wonderland.

In this episode, we discuss:

Growing up as a ‘bubble boy’, being unable to attend school
Jumping off a 3rd floor balcony in college to escape a fire
His life at Princeton University, and how it pointed him towards his career
How he keeps himself centered, and his involvement in Soka Gakkai International where he met both his wife and Duncan Sheik
Where the idea for Spring Awakening came from

Connect with Seven

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep70 - Elizabeth Stanley, Mary Jane Healey: Jagged Little Pill

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 05:05:00 -0000

Starring as Mary Jane Healy in Jagged Little Pill, one of the biggest musicals on Broadway, Elizabeth Stanley leads audiences on an unforgettable journey of self-reflection and serious thought… 8 times a week.

She made her Broadway debut in the 2006 revival of Company, and has also starred on Broadway in Cry-Baby, Million Dollar Quartet, and On the Town. She was in the 2009 tour of Xanadu, and the 2015 tour of The Bridges of Madison County in addition to numerous TV credits such as Fringe, All My Children, The Affair, and The Get Down.

Elizabeth has a very open conversation about the effects of mental health portrayed in the show and to her personally. She has her routines that help her to step out of that dark headspace playing a character like Mary Jane Healy will sometimes leave you. Including different techniques she uses when walking off stage. She will leave you captivated listening to the podcast as much as you would be watching her on stage.

Connect with Elizabeth

IG: @el.stans

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep69 - Bernie Telsey, one of this generation's biggest and best casting directors

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Bernie Telsey is one of the biggest names in the business. You may not see him on stage but he has introduced the world to some of the biggest names on Broadway. He and his team at Telsey + Company have cast literally hundreds of Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional productions, in addition to your favorite TV shows and movies, and more. He is also one of the co-creators of MCC Theatre, which he started right after graduating NYU. Bernie got his big break after casting one the most beloved musicals, Rent, and started a casting trend that almost single handedly changed the face of the industry, and helped to bring the large volume of filming tv, film, and commercials to New York City that we see today.

Among many things, we cover:

The behind the scenes of casting a show and how it is different for each genre
Starting MCC Theatre with friends from college
Getting his big break casting Rent, after trying to not do it
How the internet has helped (and hurt) how shows are cast these days
What it takes to run bi-coastal, massive casting agency
How he helped usher in a new wave of Broadway and changed the industry
Advice on how to get seen in this business, and the proper way to submit yourself to casting agents

Connect with Bernie

www.telseyandco.com
IG/Twitter: @telseyandco

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep68 - The Skivvies: Lauren Molina & Nick Cearley

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Comprised of Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, The Skivvies is a cabaret, musical, comedy show all wrapped up into one fun night, sometimes with the occasional special guest. Lauren and Nick have taken their act from performing stripped down versions of songs stripped down on Youtube, to now touring the country and having various residencies around New York City.

The Skivvies is about confidence and acceptance, not sexuality. While dealing with the occasional wardrobe malfunction(!), they accept everyone and every body as it is, all while creating incredible musical arrangements, often at the last minute, as their amazing friends join them to perform while touring across the country.

Connect with The Skivvies:

IG: @theskivviesnyc
Twitter: @theskivviesnyc
Lauren: @lomo212
Nick: @clearlycearley

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatre
Podcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep67 – 2019 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Mo Brady

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

It's the end of the year (and the end of a decade)! Along with special co-host Mo Brady, host of The Ensemblist podcast, Alan takes you through some of his favorite shows, performances, events, and more from the past year... and even what they're looking forward to in 2020. Happy holidays, everyone!

Connect with Mo & The Ensemblist:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep66 - Lesli Margherita: Her Last Name is More than a Tasty Drink

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Lesli Margherita is an Olivier Award winning actress who made her Broadway debut in Matilda in 2013 after a successful run on the West End in Zorro, which earned her the award. She was recently in Dames at Sea here on Broadway, but made her first big splash in the entertainment scene in 1997 in the TV show Fame LA. and is about to open Emojiland off-broadway as The Princess.

From the immediate career high to the emotional lows that came from being cast on Fame LA, this episode covers a range of topics and feelings. Did you know Lesli almost became an ice dancer? Did you know she loves all things Disney and Star Wars? We discuss body shaming, therapy, how it's hard for comedic women to be seen for anything but comedic, why it's harder for women in general on the Broadway stage, and much more.

And in case you're wondering, yes, Lesli Margherita is her real name... not a stage name, nor a porn name!

The "really weird looking dog" tweet can be found here.

Interview content begins at 2:24.

Closing standards begin at 54:00.

Connect with Lesli:

IG: @queenlesli
Twitter: @queenlesli

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatre
Podcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crossover Bonus - CATS the movie, review. Seriously, listen right meow

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

I recently went with Mike Abrams, the host of The Wrong Cat Died podcast, to go see the CATS movie. We gave it a review... le sigh. So, here it is! Original episode description as follows:

Get your movie review here, folks! Step right up, step right up!

Mike was invited to see an early screening of CATS the movie! Hear Mike and Alan (from The Theatre Podcast) breakdown the movie, discuss the crazy ending, and give a few award CATegories at the end. Seriously, what did they watch? Hear the good, the bad, and the furry. Don't forget to see the Cats Movie in theaters starting December 20th, 2019!

Disclaimer: Mike is a horrible reviewer. In college he gave I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry an A- (read that review here).

Music by: Anthony Norman

Produced by:

Alan Seales & Broadway Podcast Network

Instagram & Twitter: @TheWrongCatDied

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Ep65 - Will Hochman: The Sound(s) Inside (His Head)

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Will Hochman is a Brooklyn-born actor making his Broadway debut in the play The Sound Inside written by pulitzer prize finalist Adam Rapp, directed by Tony-winner David Cromer, and starring alongside Tony-winner Mary-Louise Parker.

After growing up primarily focusing on sports, he eventually graduated college with an economics degree before deciding to pursue performing full time (he took his first acting class his Junior year of college!). After college, he did production work, learning the behind-the-scenes of some of the industry in order to better understand and navigate it.

Interview content begins at 2:19.

Closing standards begin at 40:14.

Connect with Will:

Twitter: @willhochman
IG: @willhochman
https://soundinsidebroadway.com/ - playing until Jan 12th, 2020

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep64 - Cody Renard Richard: Stage Managing Broadway's Biggest Shows

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

From a horse ranch in Texas to the Great White Way, this Broadway production stage manager has never stopped. Cody Renard Richard takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to be a stage manager for some of the biggest shows on Broadway and TV live shows such as Dear Evan Hansen, The Lion King, Hamilton, Motown the Musical, the 2019 Tony Awards, #HairsprayLive, #TheWizLive and #JesusChristSuperstarLive just to name a few. He is currently the stage manager of Freestyle Love Supreme. We get an insight to what it actually takes to make a career in stage managing and all of the aspects that come along with it.

In this episode, we discuss:

How Cody made being a Stage Manager a career
Getting his start with Cirque du Soleil
Breaking down what exactly a stage manager does
Being true to who you are, no matter where you are
The complication of being stage manager for TV live shows

Interview content begins at 2:02.

Closing standards begin at 40:53.

Connect with Cody:

IG: @codyrenard
Twitter: @codyrenard

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep63 - Desi Oakley: She's Officially an Officiant

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Desi Oakley made her Broadway debut in Wicked in 2012, before going on to shows such as the Annie revival (also in 2012), the First National Tour of the revival of Evita!, Les Mis, and even starred as Jenna in the national tour of Waitress. She’s appear on TV in Gotham, and even has a couple albums of her own as a recording artist out there in the world. She could most recently be seen as Roxie Hart in Chicago.

In this episode, we dive deep into some of her terrifying stories of learning piano, temporarily moving to Canada as a child, and being incredibly self-aware and not caring what people think while constantly seeking validation. She discusses why she started developing on-stage anxiety while leading the first national tour of Waitress leading to her mantra to maintaining mental health (that we discovered during the episode) called MEPCY... yeah, we made that up, but it works!

She even officiated Kyrstina Alabado's wedding!

Interview content begins at 1:58.

A meditation lesson at 31:48

Closing standards begin at 50:45.

Connect with Desi:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep62 - Chris Sullivan (Shockwave) & Aneesa Folds (Young Nees) from Freestyle Love Supreme

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

This episode features Chris Sullivan (aka Shockwave) & Aneesa Folds (aka Young Nees) who are two of the newest stars to the Broadway stage. They’re part of the amazing cast that makes up the critically acclaimed, completely improvised hip hop show FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME, which was just extended to Sunday, January 12th, 2020.

In 2004 before In The Heights and Hamilton, there was FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME. It is the critically acclaimed show created by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Anthony Veneziale, FLS is a blend of hip-hop, improvisational theater, music and vocal stylings and with recent special guests including Christopher Jackson, James Monroe Iglehart, Wayne Brady, Sarah Kay, Daveed Diggs, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The joyful show features talented performers providing non-stop action throughout this fast-paced evening, spinning suggestions from the audience into humorous bits, instantaneous songs and riffs, and fully realized musical numbers.

Interview content begins at 2:16.

Closing standards begin at 42:52.

Connect with Chris and Aneesa

freestylelovesupreme.com
freestylelovesupreme.com/academy
Chris on IG: @sharkwave
Chris on Twitter: @offbookbeatbox
Aneesa on IG: @aneesafolds
Aneesa on Twitter: @aneesafolds

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep61 - Daniel J. Watts: Tina the Musical, Hamilton, In the Heights

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 08:00:00 -0000

Daniel J, Watts made his Broadway debut in The Color Purple in 2006. He has also been in shows such as The Little Mermaid, In The Heights, Ghost the Musical, Motown the Musical, After Midnight, and Hamilton. His TV credits include Smash, Boardwalk Empire, Person of Interest, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Blindspot, The Deuce, and of course the role of Felony on The Last O.G.. Daniel is now starring as Ike Turner in Tina, The Tina Turner Musical which just opened on Broadway.

In case you need to know, this episode goes deep. We cover Daniel's younger life as an only child to a single mother living outside of Charlotte, NC, why he decided to get into theatre, moving to New York knowing almost nothing about Broadway other than that he wanted to be a part of it, what he talks about in therapy and why he goes, and even dives into the minds of Ike and Tina Turner themselves, exploring the mental and physical abuse they both endured throughout their entire lives.

Connect with Daniel

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep60 - Derren Brown, mentalist, illusionist, and author

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

From stage to screen, two-time Olivier Award winner Derren Brown has mesmerized millions worldwide with his unique brand of mind reading, persuasion, and psychological illusion. Now, for the first time ever, this U.K. phenomenon and Netflix star brings his talents to Broadway for the first time in his newest show, Secret.

Derren is an English mentalist, illusionist, and author. Since his television debut with Derren Brown: Mind Control in 2000, Brown has produced several other shows for the stage and television in both series and specials. His 2006 stage show Something Wicked This Way Comes and his 2012 show Svengali won him two Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment. He has also written books for magicians as well as the general public.

He does not claim to possess any supernatural powers and his acts are often designed to expose the methods of those who do assert such claims, such as faith healers and mediums. In his performances, he often says that his effects are achieved through "magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection, and showmanship".

Interview content begins at 1:27.

Closing standards begin at 44:32.

Connect with Derren

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep59 - Andrew Polk: Making his Broadway Debut at the Age of 54

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Andrew just finished his Emmy winning run as Avrum in The Band’s Visit (which was his Broadway debut at the age of 54!). He co-stars on Alan Cummings' Instinct on CBS as Alan’s wacky sidekick. He’s also in the midst of roles on Showtime’s Billions and City on a Hill, in addition to Amazon’s Marvels Mrs Maisel. He’s the Broadway guy on every television show including past appearances on 30 Rock, Law and Order, The Closer, The Blacklist, Person of Interest, The Good Wife, Madame Secretary, House of Cards, and so many more.

Andrew founded The Cape Cod Theatre Project where he was the Artistic Director for 17 years. Andrew is also a teacher, teaching at NYU, AADA and privately. He recently wrote a new television series that is currently in development with Beech Hill Films.

Interview content begins at 1:46.

Closing standards begin at 41:35.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep58 - Elliot Mattox, Dana Steingold, Ramone Owens of the Beelejuice Ensemble (Part 2)

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Part 2: I've said it before, and I've said it again... ensemble members, swings, and standbys have some of the hardest jobs on the stage. This episode with Ramone Owens, Elliott Mattox, and Dana Steingold (who is also the girl scout!) from the Beetlejuice ensemble continues to prove that point.

Building off of the September Beetlejuice takeover, we're giving you one more episode featuring cast from this spooky production, just in time for Halloween!

Closing standards begin at 23:00.

Connect with them online:

Ramone on IG: @ramonedeshon
Elliot on IG: @elliottmattox and @equityonepodcast
Dana on IG: @dsteinface

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep58 - Elliot Mattox, Dana Steingold, Ramone Owens of the Beelejuice Ensemble (Part 1)

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Part 1: I've said it before, and I've said it again... ensemble members, swings, and standbys have some of the hardest jobs on the stage. This episode with Ramone Owens, Elliott Mattox, and Dana Steingold (who is also the girl scout!) from the Beetlejuice ensemble continues to prove that point.

Building off of the September Beetlejuice takeover, we're giving you one more episode featuring cast from this spooky production, just in time for Halloween!

Interview content begins at: 2:40.

Connect with them online:

Ramone on IG: @ramonedeshon
Elliot on IG: @elliottmattox and @equityonepodcast
Dana on IG: @dsteinface

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

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Ep57 - Krystina Alabado: She's the Weiner!

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Krystina made her Broadway debut in American Idiot in 2011 before originating the role of Vanden in American Psycho. She is now starring as Gretchen Weiners in Mean Girls, the Musical.

In this episode, we cover a huge array of topics of course including her road to Broadway, but how she maintains her mental health with lots of meditation, overcoming bullying, working through anxiety, how she brings her own take to Gretchen Weiners, working with Casey Nicholaw and Tina Fey, and so much more.

Interview content begins at 2:04.

Closing standards begin at 33:52.

Connect with Krystina online:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep56 - Bret Shuford, Broadway actor and life coach

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 04:05:00 -0000

He’s an actor and theatre creator who has appeared in numerous national tours, feature films, and 5 Broadway shows including Beauty and the Beast, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Little Mermaid, Amazing Grace, and most recently Cirque du Soleil Paramour -- He one half of the duo that makes the widely popular @broadwayhusbands Instagram account, and is also a Certified Life/Career Coach. As he puts it, he is “helping to create Balance on Broadway.

Bret started out as a Texan who loved to sing and dance, but found his way to the Broadway stage as a young adult. Throughout this episode, we cover. As the Broadway Life Coach, a personal brand 5 years in the making, Bret helps people find their full potential, get clear about their purpose, and create balance and self-confidence. In this episode, he explains his philosophy on striking a balance between pursuing your Broadway dream and paying the bills, how to stay sane and avoid burnout while performing 8 shows a week, and his experience as a gay man in the theatre industry (coming from Texas, of course!).

Interview content begins at 1:56.

Closing standards begin at 35:35.

Connect with Bret online:

Twitter: @bretshuford
Instagram @bretshuford, @BroadwayLifeCoach, and @broadwayhusbands balanceonbroadway.com broadwaylifeapparel.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep55 - Astrid Van Wieren: She Actually Comes From Away

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

This Dora award-winning Canadian actress made her Broadway debut in Come From Away in 2017, and has now performed her role of Beulah over 1000 times. She is also currently starring in a new Canadian film The River You Step In.

In this episode, we discuss Astrid's childhood in London, Ontario, being the youngest of 4 and making her way into performing to help satiate a need for attention. She uprooted her life to leave Canada and move to the US to join the La Jolla Playhouse production of Come From Away, eventually relocating to New York City where she says the show has changed her life.

Interview content begins at 2:04.

Closing standards begin at 50:04.

Connect with Astrid online:Twitter: @AstridvanwierenInstagram: @astridvw2020 www.the-river-you-step-in.caConnect with The Theatre Podcast:Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcastTwitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.comAlan's personal Instagram: @alansealesEmail us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep54 - Alex Brightman (Part 2): Beetlejuice, School of Rock, Big Fish, Wicked

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 04:05:00 -0000

Part2: This 2-time Tony-nominated actor made his Broadway debut in Wicked as 2008 as Boq, and since then has gone on to roles in Assassins, Matilda the Musical, Big Fish, and School of Rock where he originated the role of Dewey Finn, earning him his first Tony nomination. His TV/Film credits include Royal Pains, The Good Fight, and Documentary Now! among many others, He now holds the title role in Beetlejuice on Broadway which brought him his second Tony nomination.

This interview shows a unique and different side of Alex. Known as the funny man, he has a deeply real part of himself that he taps into before every performance.

Connect with Alex online:

Twitter: @ABrightMonster

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep54 - Alex Brightman (Part 1): Beetlejuice, School of Rock, Big Fish, Wicked

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 04:01:00 -0000

Part1: This 2-time Tony-nominated actor made his Broadway debut in Wicked as 2008 as Boq, and since then has gone on to roles in Assassins, Matilda the Musical, Big Fish, and School of Rock where he originated the role of Dewey Finn, earning him his first Tony nomination. His TV/Film credits include Royal Pains, The Good Fight, and Documentary Now! among many others, He now holds the title role in Beetlejuice on Broadway which brought him his second Tony nomination.

This interview shows a unique and different side of Alex. Known as the funny man, he has a deeply real part of himself that he taps into before every performance.

Connect with Alex online:

Twitter: @ABrightMonster

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep53 - Kerry Butler: Beetlejuice, Mean Girls, Rock of Ages, and like a zillion more

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 04:05:00 -0000

This Tony nominated actress made her Broadway debut in 1993 in Blood Brothers, before starring in shows such as Beauty and the Beast, Le Mis, Hairspray, Little Shop, Xanadu, Rock of Ages, Catch Me If You Can, Disaster!, and Mean Girls. She has numerous on screen credits such as 30 Rock, Cupid, The Mindy Project, Blue Bloods, and Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. She is now staring as Barbara Maitland in Beetlejuice on Broadway.

After starting her performing career at age 3 in a Fab TV commercial, she continued her passion all the way through college - where she ended up taking her first voice lesson. It was then she learned how to belt. She didn't realize until she lost her voice right out of college during a European tour of Oklahoma! that she was actually belting incorrectly.

Going into this vocal injury and more, this episode also covers what a "psoas" is (and why she injured hers), her time studying with Liz Kaplan, why she decided to adopt her two beautiful daughters, and even what happened to the Off-Broadway hit Bat Boy after 9/11.

Connect with Kerry online:

Instagram: @kerrybutler1
Twitter: @kerrybutlernyc

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep52 - Alex Timbers (Part 2): Tony Nominated Director & Writer

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 04:05:00 -0000

Part 2: "This two-time Tony nominated writer and director is a recipient of Golden Globe, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and London Evening Standard Awards, as well as two OBIE and Lucile Lortel Awards.

His Broadway directing credits alone include Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Oh Hello! On Broadway, Rocky, Peter and the Starcatcher, and of course Beetlejuice which was recently nominated for 8 Tony Awards this past 2019 season. He is even a co-creator of the Amazon series Mozart in the Jungle which won the 2016 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series.

Growing up in New York City, he created his own public access sketch comedy show at age 12, he moved on to sell a video short to PBS by age 15 and directed his first show at age 19. He graduated manda cum laude from Yale (with a focus in Polish cinema!). This conversation covers his two currently running shows on Broadway, Beetlejuice and Moulin Rouge, the development process for both, how Baz Lurman approached HIM to do Moulin Rouge, how Beetlejuice was retooled after some mixed reviews in the DC out of town tryout, and oh so much more.

Connect with Alex online: @alextimbers

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep52 - Alex Timbers (Part 1): Tony Nominated Director & Writer

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:05:00 -0000

Part 1: This two-time Tony nominated writer and director is a recipient of Golden Globe, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and London Evening Standard Awards, as well as two OBIE and Lucile Lortel Awards.

Connect with Alex online: @alextimbers

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep51 - Leslie Kritzer: A Self-Proclaimed Jew-rican Tearing Up Broadway

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 04:05:00 -0000

This self-proclaimed Jew-rican is tearing it up 8 times a week in Beetlejuice on Broadway, consistently proving herself as one of the funniest people on Broadway.

Leslie made her Broadway debut in Hairspray in 2004, followed by a string of amazing Broadway roles in Legally Blonde, A Catered Affair, Elf, and Something Rotten.

After deciding she loved performing at a young age, she found herself playing piano at Carnegie Hall at age 9. She originally felt she would seek classical voice training before deciding musical theatre was the way to go, but not before a slight problem with stealing led her to find her tribe. Her story is one of astonishment, as it includes an amazing instance of "theatre saved my life."

Connect with Leslie online:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep50 - William Ivey Long (Part 2): 6-time Tony Award Winning Costume Designer

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 04:05:00 -0000

PART 2: A 6-time Tony Award winner (with 17 total nominations) over his 43 year career as a costume designer on Broadway, this Raleigh, NC native shares his incredible story. This two-part episode is the first of several coming at you this month as part of a Beetlejuice the Musical takeover!

William Ivey Long literally lived in a Raleigh Little Theatre dressing room for the first few years of his life before ultimately leaving the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where he originally studied art history) to attend the Yale School of Drama, rooming with some modern day celebrity powerhouses and studying set design under Ming Cho Lee.

In 2000, Long was chosen by the National Theatre Conference as its "Person of the Year" and was honored with the "Legend of Fashion" Award by the Art Institute of Chicago in 2003. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame for 2005. His professional credits go on forever, but he won his Tonys for Nine, Crazy for You, The Producers, Hairspray, Grey Gardens, and the 2013 revival of Cinderella. He now has two productions currently running on Broadway: Beetlejuice and Tootsie, which both opened in the 2019 season 1 day apart from each other.

Connect with Beetlejuice the Musical online:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep50 - William Ivey Long (Part 1): 6-time Tony Award Winning Costume Designer

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 04:05:00 -0000

PART 1: A 6-time Tony Award winner (with 17 total nominations) over his 43 year career as a costume designer on Broadway, this Raleigh, NC native shares his incredible story. This two-part episode is the first of several coming at you this month as part of a Beetlejuice the Musical takeover!

Connect with Beetlejuice the Musical online:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep49 - Kirsten Scott: She Is Going to Rock Our Socks Off

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 04:05:00 -0000

The bubbly and bright Kirsten Scott is taking the Off-Broadway the stage by storm as Sherrie in the 10th Anniversary revival of Rock Of Ages.

Kirsten made her Broadway debut in Hairspray right after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, a role which she initially turned down right before starting her freshman year. She has been seen in the Broadway productions of Jersey Boys, Big Fish, and Follies. Kirsten is tearing up the stage in Rock Of Ages -- recently extended into 2020!

In this episode, we discuss the ups and downs of this rocky business we call theatre life, why she turned down her Broadway debut to attend college, dealing with the "personal loss" that was the extremely short run of Big Fish, add even how and why she got married at what most would call a young age and how she continues to make it work.

Connect with Kirsten online:

Instagram: kbscotty

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep48 - Justin Guarini: The American Idol is More Than a Lil' Sweet

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 04:05:00 -0000

Connect with Justin online:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep47 - Jawan Jackson: He Ain't Too Proud to Admit He Wanted To Be a Dolphin Trainer

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 04:05:00 -0000

This Detroit native had no idea that one day he would get to play one of the most influential people of his lifetime not once, but twice! Currently starring as Melvin Franklin, one of the original Temptations, his incredibly sexy and powerful bass voice tingles everyone's eardrums 8 times a week in Broadway's Ain't Too Proud.

Originally thinking he would be a dolphin trainer, he quickly changed his mind after being given the chance to swim with sharks in open water. His professional career began as a tenacious radio personality on Detroit's HOT 107.5, before following a friend's advice, taking his first headshot as a selfie in front of his bathtub's curtain, and then landing his Broadway debut in Motown the Musical.

Connect with Jawan online:

Twitter: jawanjackson4
IG: jawanjackson

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep46 - Jackie Hoffman: A Personal Comedy Hour

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 04:05:00 -0000

Jackie Hoffman has solidified herself as one of the funniest women of her generation, perhaps even of all time. This Emmy-nominated, Obie-award-winning actress can currently be seen off-Broadway in the National Yiddish Theatre's production of Fiddler on the Roof as Yente the matchmaker.

After growing up in Queens, NY, Jackie honed her comedy craft in Chicago where she was a member of Second City. Once she headed back to New York, she made her Broadway debut in Hairspray. Her other Broadway credits include Hair, Xanadu, The Addams Family, On The Town, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Jackie received an Emmy nomination for her role in FX’s Feud as Mamacita. She will be performing her one woman show THEMELESS on August 12th, 18th and 25th 2019 at Joe’s Pub. Get your tickets here.

Connect with Ken online:

Twitter: @jackiehoffman16

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep45 - Ken Davenport: Tony-Winning Producer, Writer & Theatre Entrepreneur

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 14:31:00 -0000

This 2-time Tony winning producer has a 26 year career directly involved with Broadway. As one of the most entrepreneurial people in the creative space, he continues to reinvent himself and how he is involved in Broadway. In 2004, he founded Davenport Theatrical Enterprises (DTE) which allows him to create, produce, and manage. His first ventures as a producer were the three Off-Broadway shows: The Awesome 80s Prom, Altar Boyz, and My First Time, which he also wrote! Davenport's first Broadway credit as a producer was 13, and since then he has produced over a dozen other Broadway shows, including the first Broadway revival of Godspell, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Kinky Boots, and Deaf West Theatre's Spring Awakening.

Connect with Ken online:

Twitter: @kendavenport
Instagram: kendavenportbway
Rave Theater Festival: http://ravetheaterfestival.com/

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep44 - Andrew Barth Feldman: High School Musical, Dear Evan Hansen

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 16:21:00 -0000

After winning the 2018 Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor, Andrew Barth Feldman found his way -- at the age of 16 -- into the title role of Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen, his first professional gig, ever.

We cover his humble upbringings, falling in love with theatre, being discovered by Stacey Mindich and Tara Rubin, deciding to leave high school to be on Broadway, and beyond.

UPDATE March 4, 2021: ABF scores a breakout role on High School Musical: The Series on Disney+!

Connect with Andrew online:

Instagram: @andrewbfeldman_Twitter: @andrewbfeldman

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cereal: Part of a Broadway-Lover’s Complete Breakfast – Part 5: The Tony Awards, The Press Room

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 04:04:00 -0000

Part 5 – The Tony Awards: The Press Room: The 73rd Annual Tony Awards Awards took place on June 9th 2019, at the Radio City Musical Hall, hosted by James Corden. The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway, more commonly known as the Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League . The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances, and an award is given for regional theatre.

This 5-part mini series brings you exclusive, behind-the-scenes content from the 2019 awards season, ranging from the Tony Nominations themselves to red carpets to press rooms and conversations with this year’s biggest winners.

Interviews in this episode:

Rob Howell, The Ferryman
Bradley King, Hadestown
Bertie Carvel, Ink
Rachel Hauck, Hadestown
Bob Mackie, The Cher Show
Fitz Patton, Choir Boy
Robert Horn, Tootsie
Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown
Sergio Trujillo, Ain't Too Proud
Ali Stroker, Oklahoma!
Ryan Murphy & David Stone, The Boys in the Band
Rosemary Harris, lifetime achievement award
Anais Mitchell, Hadestown
André De Shields, Hadestown
Bryan Cranston, Network
Stephanie J. Block, The Cher Show
Hadestown wins Best Musical
The Ferryman wins Best Play

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep43 - Kate Rockwell: Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages, and foodie!

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 04:05:00 -0000

Kate Rockwell is showing Broadway that playing dumb takes a lot of brains. Currently starring in Mean Girls as Karen Smith, she has just entered year two with the production. Kate has proven that practice and smarts are the best recipe for comedy.

Kate made her Broadway debut in Legally Blonde on Broadway. She has also stared in Rock of Ages and Bring It On. Each of her comedic characters helped establish her as one of Broadway’s funniest women. Along with performing in several regional productions, Kate is also a certified expert by The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. You can also hear more of her voice on her solo album “Back To My Roots.”

Connect with Kate

www.katerockwell.com
Instagram: @katerockwellnyc and @broadwaywino

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Paul Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

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Cereal: Part of a Broadway-Lover’s Complete Breakfast – Part 4: The Tony Awards, The Red Carpet

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 04:05:00 -0000

Part 4 – The Tony Awards: The Red Carpet: The 73rd Annual Tony Awards Awards took place on June 9th 2019, at the Radio City Musical Hall, hosted by James Corden. The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway, more commonly known as the Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League . The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances, and an award is given for regional theatre.

Interviews/clips in this episode:

The red carpet banter begins
Guests start to arrive
Malcom and Margaret Corden, James Corden's parents
Mark Kaufman, Tootsie
Chris Clarke and Ashlee Clarke, Tootsie
Robert Horn, Tootsie
Dominique Morisseau, Ain't Too Proud
James Harkness, Ain't Too Proud
Bradley King, Hadestown
Anais Mitchell, Hadestown
Clint Ramos, Torch Song

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep42 - Sarah Stiles: For the Billionth Time, Go See Tootsie

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 04:05:00 -0000

Sarah Stiles is taking the stage and screen by storm. She is currently starring in Tootsie The Musical on Broadway, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award. She is also currently starring in Billions on Showtime.

Sarah was born to hippie parents. From a young age age knew she wanted to be a performer. She made her Broadway debut in Avenue Q and went on to perform in other shows such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Into The Woods, and Hand To God. Sarah has also been seen on several television shows. She is most well known as a regular on Get Shorty and Billions.

Connect with Sarah online:

Instagram and Twitter: @Lulubellestiles

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cereal: Part of a Broadway-Lover’s Complete Breakfast – Part 3: The Drama Desk Awards, The Press Room

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 04:15:00 -0000

Part 3 – The Drama Desk Awards: The Press Room: The 64th Drama Desk Awards took place on June 2nd 2019, at the Town Hall Theatre on 43rd Street. The press room, where the winners are escorted after accepting their awards and giving their acceptance speech, was a few doors down on 43rd St at a local restaurant. The Drama Desk Awards are special in that they nominate from shows across Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway all in the same categories. Please be sure to visit https://www.dramadeskawards.com/ for more info about these awards.

Interviews in this episode:

Rachel Chavkin: Hadestown (Outstanding Director of a Musical)
Celia Keenan-Bolger: To Kill a Mockingbird (Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play)
Nick Powell: The Ferryman (Outstanding Sound Design in a Play)
Charles G. Lapointe: The Cher Show (Outstanding Wig and Hair Design)
Bradley King: Hadestown (Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical)
David Korins: Beetlejuice (Outstanding Set Design for a Musical)
Bob Mackie: The Cher Show (Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical)
Dori Berinstein, Bill Damaschke, and Jack Lane: The Prom (Outstanding Musical)
Extra closing standards

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep41 - Diana Salameh & Erik Piepenburg: Marketing Agents Extraordinaire

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:30:00 -0000

You’ve seen Diana Salameh and Erik Piepenburg’s work but you may not know it. Diana and Erik are employees of NYC marketing agency Serino Coyne. Diana is the director of marketing and communications and Erik is a features editor. Both of them are responsible for helping spread the word about your favorite shows.

In this episode they discuss what marketing and advertising actually is (it’s a bit confusing but stick with them), how their love of theatre drew them to their current roles off the stage, and the need for equality in the workplace and worldwide.

Connect with Diana and Erik online:

Diana- Instagram: @_dianasalameh
Diana - Twitter: @_dianasalameh
Erik - Instagram: @erikp57 & @you.donut.own.me
Erik - Twitter: @erikpiepenburg

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cereal: Part of a Broadway-Lover's Complete Breakfast - Part 2: The Drama Desk Awards, Red Carpet

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Part 2 – The Drama Desk Awards: Red Carpet: The 64th Drama Desk Awards took place on June 2nd 2019, at the Town Hall Theatre on 43rd Street. The red carpet was setup on the corner of 43rd St and 6th Ave, which is where the content for this episode comes from. The Drama Desk Awards are special in that they nominate from shows across Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway all in the same categories. Please be sure to visit https://www.dramadeskawards.com/ for more info about these awards.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep40 - Chase Brock, Choreographer: Be More Chill

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Making his Broadway debut at just 16 years old in The Music Man, Chase Brock has grown into the role of choreographer on many projects on the stage and screen. He is perhaps most well known as the choreographer of Be More Chill, giving the show its distinct “finger tutting” style.

After beginning his Broadway career as a performer, Chase ultimately decided to turn to the creative side of the table. He is credited for creating additional choreography for Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Chase has choreographed various other stage productions in New York, regionally, and internationally. He also run his own dance company, The Chase Brock Experience.

Follow Chase online:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cereal: Part of a Broadway-Lover's Complete Breakfast - Part 1: Tony Nominations

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Part 1: Tony Nominations: Jillian wakes up early. Like super early. And heads to the New York Public Library of the Performing Arts and Lincoln Center to hear the 8am ET presentation of the 2019 Tony Award nominations. Brandon Victor Dixton and Bebe Newarth present, along with Gayle King, real life bff of Oprah and CBS morning show host.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep39 - Ann Harada: Capturing Our Hearts Since Avenue Q

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Ann Harada captured our hearts in Avenue Q, where she played the insightful and hilarious Christmas Eve. She has been on Broadway since 1988, making her debut in M. Butterfly. She has played various roles in shows such as Seussical, Les Miserables, 9 to 5, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and more.

On this episode, Ann discusses her long career, including becoming a mom while being a working actor. We also talk about her new streaming musical “No One Called Ahead” (which was filmed for a brand new streaming media format) and how film and the internet is changing the theatre industry.

Connect with Ann online:

Twitter: @annharada
Instagram: @iamannharada
No One Called Ahead: noonecalledahead.com
StreamingMusicals.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep38 - Caitlin Kinnunen & Isabelle McCalla: The Prom on Broadway

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 07:00:00 -0000

Caitlin Kinnunen and Isabelle McCalla are not only co-stars of The Prom, but real life besties. Playing Emma and Alyssa respectively, they have a strong sense of trust which is clear to all on and off the stage.

Tony nominee Caitlin Kinnunen made her Broadway debut in 2008 at the age of 16 in Spring Awakening. She went on to star in The Bridges of Madison County. Most recently, Caitlin received a 2019 Tony nomination for her performance as Emma in The Prom. Isabelle McCalla made her Broadway debut in 2018 as Jasmine in the production of Aladdin after coming off of the tour of the same name, and now stars as Alyssa also in The Prom.

This episode dives deep into their amazing friendship (dare we say they are soulmates!?), what they love most about performing, the support from their family, and why they continue to do what they do. They discuss figuring out their own sexuality, and what their respective roles in The Prom have taught them about themselves. They are both strong advocates for mental health and therapy and deal with their own stresses and anxiety in strong and unique ways.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep37 - Des McAnuff: Tony Winning Director/Producer

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Two Time Tony Winning Director Des McAnuff has been directing on Broadway for over 30 years. His latest Broadway hit, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life And Times of The Temptations has landed him another Tony nomination for best direction of a musical.

He his career includes 48 Broadway credits across a career spanning more than 37 years, he has directed and/or produced so many of the most popular Broadway shows of our lifetimes. As a duel American/Canadian citizen, Des was born in Illinois but grew up in Ontario. As a young adult, he moved to New York to pursue a career in the arts.

He made his directorial debut with Big River, for which he won a Tony Award. He went on to becoming the artistic director of La Jolla playhouse for several years. Some of his other credits include, The Grapes of Wrath, The Secret Garden, Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Forum, 1776, Footloose, Urinetown, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Into the Woods, Matilda The Musical, A Bronx Tale The Musical, Groundhog Day, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and of course Big River & Jersey Boys for which he won his two Tonys.

Check out Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations online at ainttooproudmusical.com.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep36 - Casey Nicholaw: Tony Award Winning Director/Choreographer

Tue, 28 May 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Casey Nicholaw has been credited for having “galvanized the modern form of the classic musical comedy” – Playbill.com. The nine musical comedies he’s shepherded to Broadway thus far have earned 62 total Tony Award nominations and 14 wins.

This Tony-Award winning director, choreographer, and actor began his Broadway career as a performer in 1992 in the original cast of Crazy For You, before going on to perform in shows such as Victor/Victoria, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Saturday Night Fever, Seussical, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. He has either directed, choreographed, or directed AND choreographed many iconic shows such as Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone, Elf, Book Of Mormon, Disney Aladdin, Something Rotten, and Mean Girls. He’s personally received 11 Tony nominations, 6 drama desk award nominations, and 6 outer critics circle award nominations. His latest show to open on Broadway, The Prom, just netted him his latest Tony nom for best direction of a musical.

Check out Casey’s shows currently running on Broadway:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep35 - Becca Lee, Teddy Toye, & Mary Antonini: A Loving Trio from Broadway's The Prom

Fri, 24 May 2019 04:30:00 -0000

This special episode features Becca Lee, Teddy Toye, and Mary Antonini, three of the amazing ensemble members from The Prom. Their real-life friendship translates to their on-stage characters in a way very few other shows can claim, adding to endless list of what makes The Prom such an amazing show to watch. The Prom is nominated for 7 2019 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

On the episode, Teddy, Becca, and Mary tell heartfelt stories about their time with the show. They tell the story of the group of teenagers who chose to spend their actual prom nights seeing The Prom. We hear about Becca’s dancing stint for the NY Knicks, Teddy’s love of golf, and Mary’s validation as a triple threat by playing Anita not once, but twice in two production of West Side Story. We discuss the energy and stamina (and literal training) required to maintain Casey Nicholaw’s high-intensity hip-hop choreography 8 shows a week. The audience feedback and validation that these 3 discuss is incredibly meaningful, changing them for the better one show at a time.

Connect with Becca, Teddy, and Mary

Becca: IG – @beccaleebackstage
Teddy: IG/Twitter @teddytoye
Mary: IG – @maryemily18

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep34 - Christopher Sieber: He's Come a Long Way Since His Living Room Performances

Tue, 21 May 2019 04:30:00 -0000

As a young child, Christopher Sieber would create and perform his own shows in front of a window in his living room. The grass and unsuspecting passerby was his audience. Fast forward several yeras and he’s taken the plunge, moving to New York City. He eventually lands his Broadway debut in 2004 staring as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. He then joins other iconic casts, such as Chicago, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Into the Woods before his legendary stint as Sir Dennis Galahad in Monty Python’s Spamalot (a role which he had 4 days’ notice to prepare for!). After roles in Shrek The Musical, La Cage aux Folles, Matilda the Musical, and Pippin, he now finds himself as the arrogant, self-centered character of Trent Oliver in The Prom, which has been nominated for 7 2019 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Far from the string of arrogant characters, his real-life personality is humble, kind, and loving. Listen in to hear more.

Connect with Christopher:

Twitter: @therealsieber
Instagram: @christopher_sieber

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Prom Takeover - Bonus Callback to Beth Leavel and Dori Berinstein

Fri, 17 May 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Before there was the May 2019 The Prom takeover, there were episodes 9 and 14 with Beth Leavel and Dori Berinstein. Please take a moment to revisit their episodes to hear each of their unique stories!

Find The Prom Online via ThePromMusical.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep33 - Angie Schworer: The Role was Literally Written for Her

Tue, 14 May 2019 04:30:00 -0000

A 28 year veteran of the Broadway stage, Angie Schworer, a true-life gypsy has been part of the original casts in 9 out of 11 of her Broadway credits, which include Will Rogers Follies, Annie Get Your Gun, Young Frankenstein, Catch Me If You Can, Something Rotten, The Producers, and more. She is now starring as “Angie” in The Prom, which was just nominated for 7 2019 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Connect with Angie:

Instagram: @angieschworer

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep32 - Warren Carlyle: Tony Award Winning Director/Choreographer

Fri, 10 May 2019 14:35:00 -0000

Warren Carlyle is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critic Circle Award winning director and choreographer. To top it all off, he was just nominated for 2019 Tony Award for best choreography for Kiss Me, Kate, now playing on Broadway through June 30, 2019. This British-born powerhouse has a mile long resume and a big heart that just needs to dance.

Warren has worked with the likes of Bob Fosse to Mel Brooks to Susan Strohman to Hugh Jackman and so many others. In this episode, he discusses his humble beginnings as a hyperactive child in the UK which led him to start dancing professionally. He caught his big break when he moved over to the US to work on The Producers in 2000. Warren is now working on the revival of The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. He’s previously won a Tony Awards for best choreography for After Midnight, in which he also received a second nomination for Best Direction. Other popular credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, A Christmas Story, She Loves Me, and Hello Dolly.

Connect with Warren on Instagram: @warrencarlyle

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep31 - Josh Lamon: Theatre Literally Saved His Life

Tue, 07 May 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Josh Lamon is currently starring as Sheldon in The Prom on Broadway (which was nominated for 7 2019 Tony Awards including best musical). Josh made his Broadway debut in 2009 in the revival of Hair before landing iconic roles in Elf, Finding Neverland, and Groundhog Day. He has also toured Hair and Wicked.

However, all of this success did not come easily. In this episode, Josh discusses growing up in California with his adoptive family. He fell in love with theatre as a child but ultimately failed out of acting school in Philadelphia. After escaping an abusive relationship, he wound up in New York where he ended up reluctantly auditioning for the show that would ultimately become his Broadway debut.

Josh continues to grow his career and is in the process of starting his very own podcast “Josh Swallows Broadway,” coming soon to a podcast feed near you (45:20)!

Connect with Josh:

Instagram: @josh.lamon
Twitter: @joshlamon
joshlamon.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep30 - Michael Kushner: Photographer, Investor, Producer, Multi-Hyphenate

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 04:30:00 -0000

A true multi-hyphenate, Michael Kushner is an amazing example of how you can be heavily involved in theatre without being on stage all the time. He is an actor, producer, makeup artist, and photographer whose work has been featured in The New York Time, Vogue, The Tony Awards in addition to publications in print and online internationally. He is the creator of The Dressing Room Project (which photographed the first #BlackGlinda on Broadway), and is one of the founding members of Musical Theatre Factory, currently in residency with Playwrights Horizons.

Michael has produced several web series and films with Wesley Taylor. In addition, he’s recently begun investing in productions, most notably Be More Chill. Michael continues to strive for ways to express himself and is an integral part of the Broadway community. Listen to this episode to collect all of these secrets and more…

Connect with Michael:

Instagram: @themichaelkushner, @thedressingroomproject, @sandwichthefrenchbulldog
www.michaelkushneronline.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep29 - Micaela Diamond: This Cher "Babe" Representing the Young, Queer Community

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0000

Micaela Diamond traded in freshmen year for opening night. This powerhouse 19 year old is currently making her Broadway debut as Babe in The Cher Show. A New Jersey/New York native, she has been training her whole life for this and is now taking the world by storm.

Micaela began dancing at 2 years old. She quickly out grew all of her local dance studios so her mother opened her own studio. When she was 11 years old, she and her mother moved from New Jersey into New York to pursue a career in musical theater. A week before she was scheduled to start her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon, Micaela got the call that she would be staring in The Cher Show on broadway.

In this episode Micaela discusses how singing always made her feel bigger and seen when she was a child. She also talks about how she navigates negative thoughts to ultimately keep a positive outlook. Micaela loves not being a normal teen and using her voice to represent the bisexual and larger queer community, in addition to what it means to her to be of the lucky few to help secure Cher, one of our generation’s biggest legends, into the Broadway history books.

Connect with Micaela:

Twitter: @micaeladiamond_
Instagram: @micaela_diamond

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep28 - Loren Lott (aka Loren Sharice): Broadway Turned Soap Star

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Loren Lott is the brilliant Broadway belter, turned TV star. She has appeared on Broadway in Motown the Musical and Once on this Island after making it to the top 16 in American Idol season 14. She is now playing Ana Hamilton in The Young and the Restless.

In this episode Loren discusses getting her degree in television production and her views on getting an education in the entertainment industry. She talks about some behind the scenes happenings during her time with American Idol, and how that effected her. Loren tells the story of how she saved the day at Once On This Island and she ends with talking about her goals and where she sees her future self.

Connect with Loren:

Instagram and Twitter: @lorensharice
Facebook.com/LorenSharice

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep27 - Brandon Uranowitz: Being His Authentic Self

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 04:30:00 -0000

Brandon Uranowitz is a two-time Tony-nominated actor best known for his roles as Adam in An American in Paris and Mendel in the 2016 Broadway revival of Falsettos. Both roles resulted in his Tony nominations. He was also nominated for a Drama Desk award for Falsettos. With credits that also include Prince of Broadway and the touring production of Rent, he was most recently seen in The Band’s Visit on Broadway and has appeared on TV in productions including Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Dietland, Bluebloods, and Inside Amy Schumer. Brandon is now playing Larry in Burn This on Broadway.

In this episode, Brandon discusses growing up in show business but ultimately deciding to be a normal teenager once he hit high school. Growing up in a jewish household, he was concerned about coming out to his parents as gay but learned to live his truth in college. He has played amazing roles on broadway but he is most proud of getting to play a gay character in the new play Burn This.

Connect with Brandon on Instagram via @branuran

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep26 - Jarrod Spector: Record Breaker, Heart Taker

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Tony nominee Jarrod Spector made his Broadway debut as Gavroche in the original production of Les Misérables, and went on to play a record-breaking 1500 performances as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys on Broadway. He’s been seen on the national tours of Les Misérables and Jersey Boys and in the off-Broadway productions of Hamlet. Jarrod was nominated for both a Tony and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his performance as Barry Mann in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. He can now be seen in The Cher Show as Sonny Bono. In this episode, Jarrod discusses beginnings as a Broadway baby. When he found traditional college was not his path, he chose a new one which lead him to New York. He speaks of the importances of being honest with and taking care of oneself.

Connect with Jarrod online:

Twitter/Instagram:@jarrodspector
www.facebook.com/jarrod.spector

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep25 - Patti Murin: Frozen, Lysistrata Jones, Xanadu, Wicked

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0000

Patti Murin made her Broadway debut in 2007 in Xanadu. She went on to originate the title character of Lysistrata Jones in 2011. Following that, she played Glinda in the first national tour of Wicked in 2012. Patti is pathologist Nina Shore on the NBC medical drama television series Chicago Med. She can currently be seen as Princess Anna in Frozen the Musical on Broadway.

In this episode, we discussPatti’s first show, Cinderella, included the Shoop Shoop songIntentional parentingUploading our consciousness into The CloudWhy The Bachelor’s Colton and Cassie made their first, public date a trip to see Patti in Frozen on BroadwayBeing a Disney princess now for a second timeDealing with severe anxiety and depressionWhy she still cries every time she calls out of a showThe best parts of bringing Anna to lifeTo read the Refinery29 article referenced in the podcast, click here.

Connected and support Patti online:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian’s personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep24 - Noah J. Ricketts: A Childhood Injury Kicked Off His Broadway Dreams

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 08:00:00 -0000

After starting as an ensemble member and understudy, Noah J. Ricketts has taken over the role of Kristoff in Frozen the Musical on Broadway. The Louisville native first began performing when a childhood injury left him with a broken wrist and a theatre summer camp. Noah attended arts boarding school his senior year of high school. After graduation he joined Broadway Dreams in which he traveled around to world to teach performance to young people.

Noah made his Broadway debut in Beautiful, which he also performer in the national tour. After a long audition process, he joined the company of Frozen as a member of the ensemble and understudy for Kristoff and Pabbie. He recently took over Kristoff full time!

Connect with Noah:

Instagram/Twitter: @noahjrkts
www.broadwayconnection.net

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep23 - Tom Kitt: Composer, Arranger, Orchestrator and Music Director

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 08:00:00 -0000

Tony, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt has been writing and arranging music for over three decades. He talks about his long career on and off Broadway and how his art grows with him. Tom is best known for Next To Normal, Bring It On, American Idiot, and many others. His newest musical is called Superhero and is playing at 2nd Stage in New York (as of March 2019).

In this interview he discusses his early days growing up outside of New York City, which lead him to fall in love with Broadway. Tom discusses the difference between being a composer, arranger, orchestrator, music director, and how they all play an important part in making musicals come to life. He’s found over time that his process changes depending on the project and as he’s grown and changed, his writing style has too.

Connect with Tom on Instagram: @tomkittmusic

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep22 - Ryann Redmond: The First Woman to Play Olaf

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 08:00:00 -0000

Currently starring in Frozen the Musical on Broadway as Olaf, she is the first woman in history to play this role on any stage or screen!

She made her broadway debut as the original Bridget in the Reading, Workshop, World Premiere, National Tour, and Broadway production of Tony Nominated Bring It On: The Musical. She then went on to star alongside Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, and LaChanze in the original cast of If/Then in Washington, D.C. and on Broadway before working with Jimmy Buffett in Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville on Broadway.

Interview content begins at 3:40.

Hear Ryann perform a ventriloquist act at 46:00.

Connect with Ryann:Twitter/IG – @ryannredsRyannredmond.comConnect with The Theatre Podcast:Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcastFacebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcastTheTheatrePodcast.comAlan’s personal Instagram: @alansealesJillian’s personal Instagram: @jillianhochmanEmail us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep21 - Joe Carroll: The Prince of Broadway

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 09:00:00 -0000

Joe Carroll joins us this week to kick off our Disney’s Frozen on Broadway takeover month. Joe recently joined the company of Frozen as Prince Hans, but he’s no stranger to playing a prince. He formally played Prince Topher in Cinderella. His other Broadway credits also include Once, Romeo and Juliet, and Bandstand. Joe recently starred in the Boston production of Moulin Rouge and has been featured on various television shows including Chicago Fire and All My Children.

On this episode, Joe discusses his childhood as a sports kid until an injury led him to spend time learning music. He decided to pursue musical theatre is college at the University of Michigan. He landed his first Broadway show shortly after moving to New York City and has been hustling ever since.

Connect with Joe online: Instagram and Twitter: @Joe_CarrollMich

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep20 - Christopher Ashley: Tony Award Winning Director and Mastermind behind La Jolla Playhouse

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 11:00:00 -0000

Tony winning director Christopher Ashley is best know for various shows including Come From Away, Memphis, Xanadu, and All Shook Up and is the artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. In this episode, he speaks about his time at Yale as a math major who spent a lot of time in the theatre department. We discuss his career as a Broadway director, which eventually lead him to a Tony Award for best direction of a musical for Come From Away (and even how it is going to be made into a film!).

Christopher speaks about the difference between the New York and California theatre communities, the importance of arts funding and how theatre brings people together and creates a sense of community.

Find more information about the La Jolla Playhouse by visiting lajollaplayhouse.org.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep19 - John Bolton: How to Succeed in Comedy Without Really Trying

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:00:00 -0000

With over 25 years in the industry, John Bolton is the ultimate showman. He made his Broadway debut in 1994 and has been honing his comedy skills ever since.

In this episode, John discusses his upbringing in Rochester, New York, where he was a leading member of his community theatre. Once arriving in New York City, he spent his time studying comedy legends. He built his reputation in Broadway community, eventually leading him to take on roles picked out for him directly from creative teams. John has starred in many many show, with some of the most notable being How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Titanic, Spamalot, Contact, Curtains, Dames At Sea, and A Christmas Story.

John is currently starring as Vlad in Anastasia on Broadway, which he has been a part of since the 2016 Hartford, CT production. Anastasia ends its spectacular run on Broadway on March 31, 2019 so get tickets before it’s too late!

Connect with John on Instagram and Twitter via @itsjohnbolton

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep18 - Chad Kimball: Kicking An Adderall Addiction and Starring on Broadway

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 11:00:00 -0000

This episode features Tony nominee Chad Kimball, currently starring in the Broadway production of Come From Away. The episode discusses a wide range of topics from Chad’s early life in Seattle, to attending Boston Conservatory, joining Civil War on Broadway three weeks before closing, and even how he kicked his addiction to adderall after severely hurting himself during Memphis. (watch the full, live performance of Memphis here)

Chad made his broadway debut in 1999 in the production of Civil War, followed by the off-Broadway revival of Godspell in 2000. He went on to play Milky White the cow in Into The Woods, which led to rave reviews. Chad has appeared in, Good Vibrations, Lennon, Memphis (Tony nom), and is currently starring in Come from Away.

Connect with Chad:

IG: @chadkimball76
Twitter: @chadkimball1Facebook.com/ChadKimballFanPage

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep17 - Jana Robbins & Haley Swindal: This Friendship Can't Quit You

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 16:26:00 -0000

Visiting the podcast this episode are the dynamic duo Jana Robbins and Haley Swindal – a pair that meet somewhat recently in This One’s For the Girls off-Broadway and have gone on to become a producing, acting, singing, writing powerhouse team. They are currently performing their sold out show “We Just Move On – The Songs of Kander and Ebb” at Feinstein’s/54 Below. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics including why Jana decided to add writing and producer to her credits, and what it was like for Haley to grow up with a love for theatre in the midst of her baseball-loving family (her grandfather is the late Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner!).

Tony nominee Jana Robbins made her Broadway debut in 1974 win the musical Good News, followed by many others including I Love My Wife, Crimes of the Heart, and Gypsy before making her Broadway producing debut in 2005 with Little Women, followed by Ragtime (Tony nomination). In the winter of 2017, Jana joined other renowned theater artists and producers as part of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s Artistic Council. She is currently the lead producer behind the smash hit, “Fiddler on the Roof – In Yiddish” (http://fiddlernyc.com/).

Haley Swindal is about to make her principal Broadway debut as Matron Mama Morton in the hit revival of Chicago (congrats!), but made her Broadway debut in 2013 in the production of Jekyll & Hyde. She has numerous off-Broadway credits to her name as well, including The Secret Garden, Damn Yankees, and of course, This One’s for the Girls.

Connect with Jana via JanaRobbins.com and Haley via @hswindal on Instagram.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep16 - Harrison Chad: The Voice of Tarzan and Boots from Dora the Explorer

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 11:00:00 -0000

Harrison Chad may have been a big part of your childhood without you even knowing it. Best known for his voiceover performance of Boots from Dora The Explorer and Tarzan in Tarzan 2, Harrison has been in the entertainment business for most of his life. He was a Broadway kid, starring in Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, and Caroline or Change. Harrison has been seen on Smash and SNL. In 2006 he took on the role of producer for the off-broadway play “Straight.” He can currently be heard on the musical podcast Loveville High as Noah.

Connect with Harrison:

Instagram: @harrisonchad7
Twitter: @HarrisonChad

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus - Loveville High Launch Party

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 14:41:00 -0000

In this special bonus episode, we talk to the cast and creative team of Loveville High – A Prom In Nine Musical Podcasts at their NYC launch party. Learn all about how this musical podcast came to be, what the cast loves about it, and even some embarrassing prom stories.

Interviewees include:David Zellnick (1:00)Harrison Chad (6:56)Connor Ryan (15:45)Mason Alexander Park (23:20)“Call Me Adam” (33:35)Connect with Loveville High:Twitter/Instagram: @LovevilleHighFacebook.com/LovevilleHighLovevillehigh.comConnect with The Theatre Podcast:Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcastFacebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcastTheTheatrePodcast.comAlan’s personal Instagram: @alansealesJillian’s personal Instagram: @jillianhochmanEmail us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep15 - Kathryn Allison: A Rising Broadway Powerhouse to Keep Your Eye On

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 03:59:00 -0000

This week’s episode is with Kathryn Allison. In 2014 she was chosen out of 200 singers to win the NY Musical Theatre Festival’s Next Big Broadway Sensation contest put on my New World Stages. She is an alumni of Paper Mill Playhouse where she won the Douglas Michael Krueger Scholarship in addition to having Bucks County Playhouse and The Muny on her resume. Kathryn was also recently featured by Broadway.com as 1 of the 5 rising stars they’d pick to play Dorothy in The Wiz Live! Now currently in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway and playing Madison in the new podcast musical Loveville High (LovevilleHigh.com).

Connect with Kathryn:

Instagram and Twitter: @kathryndallison
Web: kathryn-allison.comSoundcloud.com/kathryn-allison

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep14 - Dori Berinstein: 4-Time Tony Award Winning Producer

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 11:00:00 -0000

Dori Berinstein is a four-time Tony Award-winning producer, Emmy Award-winning director, and Robert Whitehead Award recipient from the Commercial Theater Institute. She began her career at Morgan Stanley in Mergers & Acquisitions before transitioning to strategic planning for NBC and Paramount. After graduate work at Harvard for Business, The Kennedy School of Government (Public Policy & the Arts), and later at the Yale School of Drama, she immersed herself in film and special effects before taking an opportunity to run a division for Walt Disney Imagineering. Dori is now producing The Prom on Broadway.

Her theatre credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Crucible, Flower Drum Song, Legally Blonde, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? And The Prom.

Her film & tv credits include Carol Channing: Larger Than Life, Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did for Love, Gotta Dance, The Last Blintz, Some Assembly Required, ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway, Eavesdropping with Alan Cumming, and The Isaac Mizrahi Show.

Connect with Dori:

Instagram: @dori.berinstein
dramaticforces.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep13 - Michael Lee Brown: From Understudy to Alternate, Dear Evan Hansen is Where He Will Be Found

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 10:00:00 -0000

This week we speak with Michael Lee Brown. Michael made his Broadway debut in Dear Evan Hansen as an understudy for the three male teens; Evan, Connor, and Jared. He is now the Evan Hansen alternate, in which he takes the stage weekly to play the role, all while still understudying the roles of Connor and Jared.

Outside of the theater, Michael is a singer/songwriter. He has a new EP out called Way It Used To Be. During our conversation, we dive into his humble beginnings, the difference between an understudy and an alternate, and what he loves so much about theatre, Broadway, and Dear Evan Hansen.

Connect with MLB:

Twitter: @HeyMichaelLeeB
IG: @HeyMichaelLeeBrown
“Way It Used to Be” – EP on Spotify

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep12 - Alison Burns & Lulu Picart from the 10KDollarDay Comedy Podcast

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 11:00:00 -0000

Actresses, singers, teachers, composers, comedians, and hosts of 10KDollarDay, a podcast about fake luxury travel, Alison Burns Jackson and Lulu Picart tell the story of who they are, how they met, their theatre history, and why podcasting has become their new passion. Fake luxury turns to comedy every week on 10KDollarDay. As their acting and teaching careers continue to thrive, they continue to reinvent themselves, most recently through podcasting.

They were both seen off-Broadway in Disenchanted!, a show that sets the record straight on the original Disney storybook heroines you think you already know.

Connect with Alison, Lulu, and the 10KDollar Day Team:

Instagram: @10KDollarDay, @AlisonBurnsJackson, @LuluPicar
Twitter: @10KDollarDay
Web: 10kdollarday.com
Facebook: /10KDollarDay
YouTube: Click here

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep11 - Ani DiFranco: Grammy Award Winning Singer, Songwriter, Poet, and Activist

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:00:00 -0000

Ani DiFranco is certainly no stranger to performing in front of thousands. She is a gold record maker, grammy award winner, and one of this generation’s leading ladies of rock. While an amazing singer & musician but also poet, songwriter, and activist, Ani is also a lover of Broadway and was a key collaborator to Anias Mitchell in the creation of Hadestown The Musical, coming to Broadway in 2019.

Connect with Ani DiFranco:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep10 - 2018 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Jillian Hochman

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 15:38:00 -0000

This week host Alan Seales and Producer Jillian Hochman present their favorite shows of 2018, both on and off Broadway. Favorites include: Spongebob Squarepants The Musical, Head Over Heels, The Prom, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two, Hamilton, The Band’s Visit, Daniel’s Husband, The Cher Show, Lifespan of a Fact, King Kong, and many more.

A special shout out to all of our guests this year on the podcast and all of their brilliant performances this and past years. We’re looking forward to all that’s to come in 2019 including Oklahoma!, Hadestown, Be More Chill, Kiss Me Kate (because Jillian loves Will Chase!).

We want to hear what your favorite shows of 2018 were. Let us know via feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep9 - Beth Leavel: The Prom, The Drowsy Chaperone, 42nd Street

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 11:00:00 -0000

This week’s guest is Raleigh, North Carolina native Beth Leavel! Beth currently stars as Dee Dee Allen in The Prom on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in the original cast of 42nd Street and was featured again in the 2001 revival. The Prom marks her “lucky 13th” show in Broadway! Past credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (Tony) Baby It’s You (Tony nomination), in addition to Show Boat, The Civil War, Mamma Mia!, Elf, and Bandstand.

In this episode, Beth sheds light on the fact that she never even knew what musical theatre was until her senior year of high school (she auditioned to meet guys!), and how she quickly changed paths to make performing her life’s work once she was bitten by the acting bug.

Connect with Beth:

Instagram @BethLeavel

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep8 - Ali Stroker; Oklahoma!, Spring Awakening, Loveville High

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 13:46:00 -0000

Ali Stroker is unstoppable. We fell in love with her while she was on The Glee Project but in recent years has made history as the first person in a wheelchair on Broadway in the 2015 production of Deaf West’s Spring Awakening. From a very young age, all Ali has wanted to do is perform after the acting bug bit her when she was cast in a neighborhood production of Annie. She was recently seen in the off-Broadway production of Oklahoma! at St. Ann’s Warehouse, and can be heard in the upcoming podcast, Loveville High (lovevillehigh.com). In this episode, she speaks about disability awareness, representation, education, how she positively overcomes the daily struggles, and why she actually doesn’t prefer being called an ‘inspiration’ to others.

Connect with Ali:

Instagram: @alistroker
Twitter: @alistroker

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

Cheryl Hodges-Selden, Paul Seales, David Seales

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep7 - Orfeh: Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, Saturday Night Fever

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0000

The Broadway belter talks about how she never actually expected to end up on Broadway after her early pop career as one half of the duo Or-N-More. Orfeh dreamt of pop stardom while growing up in New York City. Broadway was never a goal of hers. She talks about her start in drama school, which led her to a music career and record deal. When plans changed, she found herself auditioning for Broadway and she’s been here ever since.

She also recounts an amazing story describing the first time she and now-husband Andy Karl went on stage together that she literally made him forget an entire scene!

Orfeh earned a Tony nomination playing Paulette in Legally Blonde The Musical in additional to other notable roles in Saturday Night Fever and Footloose. She can currently be seen as Kit De Luca in Pretty Woman The Musical.

Connect with Orfeh:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan’s personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian’s personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep6 - Nancy Opel: Urinetown, Wicked, Evita... where should we stop?

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 11:00:00 -0000

Nancy Opel has a long career spanning over three decades. She is now appearing on Broadway as Wicked’s Madame Morrible. She was nominated for the 2002 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical and won an Obie as Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown. In addition, she was nominated for the 2015 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical in Honeymoon in Vegas. Nancy has appeared in Evita, Teddy & Alice, Sunday in the Park with George, Anything Goes, Triumph of Love, 2004’s Fiddler on the Roof, Memphis, the 2014 revivial of Cinderella as Madame. She was also title character in the first national tour of The Drowsy Chaperone.

Connect with Nancy

Twitter: @NancyOpel
IG: @opelnyc
Web http://www.nancyopel.com

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan’s personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian’s personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep5 - Bonnie Milligan (aka Broadway's Beltress): Head Over Heels

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:00:00 -0000

Connect with Bonnie:

Instagram: @beltingbons
Twitter: @BeltingBonnie

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan’s personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian’s personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep4 - Andy Karl: Pretty Woman, Legally Blonde, Rocky, Altar Boyz

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0000

Olivier Award winning and three time Tony nominated actor Andy Karl joins us this week. Throughout his time in New York, he has done 13 Broadway shows, earning him the trust of the Broadway community. He tells us about his early beginnings, his definition of success, and the changes he sees in the theatre community over time.

Andy is currently starring as Edward in Broadway’s Pretty Woman: The Musical. He’s also known on TV as Sgt Mike Dodds on Law & Order: SVU. Past roles include (our favorite) Kyle the UPS Guy in Legally Blonde The Musical, Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys, Rocky Balboa in Rocky The Musical (Tony nomination), Bruce Granit in On The Twentieth Century (Tony nomination), Phil Connors in Groundhog Day (Olivier Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Tony and Drama Desk nominations), in addition to many other shows like Wicked, 9 to 5, The Wedding Singer, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Altar Boyz.

Connect with Andy:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep3 - Wesley Taylor: Spongebob Squarepants, Indoor Boys, Rock of Ages

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 05:10:00 -0000

This week we talk to actor, singer, dancer, writer, and director Wesley Taylor. Wesley speaks to growing up in Orlando with the performance bug. He landed his first role on Broadway six months out of college originating the role of Franz in Rock of Ages. He then moved on to play Lucas in The Addams Family. Wesley went on to star in the hit TV show Smash and Spongebob Squarepants the Musical on Broadway. We discuss finding early success, mental health, the importance of artist financial planning, his various web series, and what’s next.

Connect with Wesley on social:

Twitter: @WesTayTay
Instagram: @sirwestaytay
facebook.com/WesTayTay
Billy Green
Could Be Worse
Indoor Boys

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep2 - Ariana DeBose: The Prom, Donna Summer, Hamilton, SYTYCD

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 23:34:00 -0000

UPDATE Jan 14, 2019: Ariana will also star as Anita in the upcoming remake of “West Side Story,” being recreated by Steven Spielberg.

UPDATE Jan 14, 2021: Holy crap, her career has exploded! Congrats, Ari!

Connect with Ariana on social:

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!

If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep1 - An Introduction to The Theatre Podcast

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 18:33:00 -0000

Intimate, personal conversations with theatre’s biggest talents, ranging all across the spectrum of individuals involved in the professional theatre industry. It features both stars and creatives such as producers, stage managers, directors, press and marketing agents, or even the people who own the theaters themselves.

Hosted by Alan Seales.

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.

Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast Trailer

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:00:00 -0000

Intimate, personal conversations with the biggest talents from professional theatre, tv, film, and more. Hear their secrets, what makes them laugh, stresses them out, and how they manage the anxiety of success. We feature both stars and creatives such as producers, stage managers, directors, press and marketing agents, or even the people who own the theaters or productions themselves.

This is a podcast for artists, made by artists. With over 2 decades of experience in film and theatre both as cast and creative, host Alan Seales speaks with Broadway, TV, film and beyond’s biggest talents to learn more about not only how the world of theatre and performing operate, but also what makes it so real and human. In-depth, personal, behind-the-scenes conversations will highlight special details of the industry that most people may not know exist, will always find out what makes the guests love their craft, what makes them tick, and what truly inspires them.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices