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 ...
Jan 14, 2025•55 min•Ep. 373
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 f...
Jan 07, 2025•55 min•Ep. 372
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 ...
Dec 31, 2024•55 min•Ep. 371
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 Groundho...
Dec 27, 2024•55 min•Ep. 370
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 t...
Dec 24, 2024•40 min•Ep. 369
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 shar...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 368
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 div...
Dec 17, 2024•52 min•Ep. 367
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 an...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 366
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 epis...
Dec 10, 2024•57 min•Ep. 365
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...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 364
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 inf...
Nov 25, 2024•54 min•Ep. 363
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 e...
Nov 19, 2024•50 min•Ep. 362
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 w...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 361
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...
Nov 05, 2024•34 min
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 clo...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 360
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. N...
Oct 22, 2024•53 min•Ep. 359
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 a...
Oct 15, 2024•37 min•Ep. 358
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 ea...
Oct 11, 2024•50 min•Ep. 357
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 cha...
Oct 08, 2024•49 min•Ep. 365
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 dem...
Oct 01, 2024•51 min•Ep. 355
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 w...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 354
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, a...
Sep 22, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 353
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 B...
Sep 17, 2024•55 min•Ep. 352
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...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 351
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 ...
Sep 03, 2024•51 min•Ep. 350
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, h...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 349
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 chall...
Aug 23, 2024•16 min
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 audi...
Aug 20, 2024•53 min•Ep. 348
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 ...
Aug 13, 2024•44 min•Ep. 347
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 ...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 346
