The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

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 Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.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

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 Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.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

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 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

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 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

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: Twitter: justinguariniI G: justinguariniJustinGuarini.com AuditionSecrets.com 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

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 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

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 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

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. 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

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 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

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 TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! 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

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

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

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

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

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

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: Twitter: @ArianaDeBose Instagram: @arianadebose Facebook.com/ArianaNDeBose 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

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 @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul https://bpn.fm/theartofkindness 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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