The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Reefer Madness Reunion Concert (one night only!): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reefer-madness-the-musical-reunion-concert-one-night-only-tickets-943062925597 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Get tix to see the film IG: @atlasmediacorp 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Connect with Brent: Instagram: @_brentcomer_ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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"' Connect with Jason: IG/TikTok: @jason.s.schmidt 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices