Theater People

Laura Benanti needs no introduction, you guys!! The Tony winner and five-time nominee joined me live on the main stage at Broadway con where we chatted like old pals....in front of 2500 people. We swapped parenting stories and talked about everything from 'Women on the Verge,' because I'm still obsessed, to Melania Trump and Stephen Colberet. I'm obsessed with her. Enjoy!

Live From Broadwaycon 2018, we bring you "Being Out on Broadway!" Each BroadwayCon, I ask some of my favorite LGBTQ guests to sit down for a live panel discussion about how it is to be OUT on Broadway. On this year's panel, we discussed everything from dating to politics to polyamory. to the state of union under Trump. I look forward all year to moderating this panel at BroadwayCon. The conversation is always lively and fun and this year was no exception. Enjoy!

We're Back! Take a listen to this episode's intro to find out what Patrick and Producer Mike have been up to and how the Theater People production schedule will be a little bit different going forward. AND THEN, prepare ye for our interview with Jennifer Ashley Tepper.We are THRILLED to welcome our friend Jennifer Ashley Tepper to the podcast! Jenn is a writer ("The Untold Stories of Broadway"), producer, director, Programming Director at Feinstein's/54 Below, and all around force of nature. She's currently producing Joe Iconis' "Be More Chill" off-Broadway at NYC's Signature Theater AND is producing / directing the upcoming "The Jonathan Larson" project at Feinstein's/54 Below. She is the embodiment of theater kid living our her dreams on Broadway and I'm obsessed with her. We did this interview sitting on the floor of her office and I never wanted to leave. Enjoy!

Hey Theater People! Yes, it’s been a minute since our last episode. We will have much more on that in our next episode—an interview with newly minted Tony nominee Lindsay Mendez. You guys, if you haven’t seen "Carousel" yet, RUN, do not walk to the Imperial Theater. The one thing I do want to let you know is that Theater People is NOT going away. And we WILL continue to produce new episodes with Tony winners, Broadway legends, and today’s brightest theater stars. There are going to be some changes to our release schedule, but again more on that next time. Today we’re excited to share a new episode of one of our favorite sister podcasts, "The Ensemblist." After a four month hiatus, "The Ensemblist" is back to share some of their favorite stories from their website. In this episode, they’re sharing some of the very best stories from their blog this spring read by the actors who wrote them including George Abud, Aaron Albano, and Tomar Wilson with stories from Hamilton, The Band’s Visit, and more. And as a special bonus "The Ensemblist" is bringing back their reviews of favorite performances of Broadway ensemblists in their spring round table. So enjoy this episode of "The Ensemblist" and we’ll see you in about two weeks with a brand new episode of Theater People featuring Tony Nominee Lindsay Mendez.

Hey theater People! We have big big news! Check it out!

We're SO thrilled to welcome Adam Kantor back to the podcast! When we last chatted with Adam, he was mid-run as Motel in the 2015 Broadway revival of "Fiddler on the Roof." Adam is now back on Broadway as Telephone Guy in "The Band's Visit," one of the most critically acclaimed new musicals of the year. For the episode, we chat about how Adam won the roll, working with creative team (including one of our personal favorites, David Yazbeck) on creating the role, and perfecting his character's haunting and beautiful song "Answer Me."

YOU GUYS!!!! Sitting down with Lea Salonga for this interview was literally a dream come true. Lea, of course, needs no introduction, but since I have to put something here, here goes: In 1989 she was selected to star as Kim in "Miss Saigon"--first in London and then on Broadway where, of course, she won the Tony Award for her work. She would go on to star in "Les Miserables," "Flower Drum Song," and "Allegiance" to name just a very few shows. She was also the singing voice of Jasmine in the Disney film version of "Aladdin" and Mulan in "Mulan." In the Philippines, where she is a mega-star, she is a co-host of the popular TV show "The Voice" Her credits go on and on and on. And now she's back on Broadway as Erzulie, The Goddess of Love, in Michael Arden's utterly magical production of "Once on this Island" now playing at Circle in the Square. It was one of the high honors of my career to get to meet and chat with Lea. Enjoy!

You Guys!! We are the biggest Ryann Redmond fans ever! We first fell in love with her in 2012 when she made her Broadway debut as Bridget, the lovably awkward sidekick in "Bring It On: The Musical." From there, she went on to originate roles in "if/Then" and the critically beloved off-Broadway hit "Gigantic." This season she's back on Broadway in the Jimmy Buffet crowd pleaser "Escape To Margaritaville" which begins previews at the Marquis Theater on February 16th. We LOVED chatting with Ryann! enjoy!

We're SO excited to welcome Telly back to the podcast! Since we last spoke with him, Telly has solidified his standing as one of Broadway's most popular leading men! For the episode, we'll chat about his recent move to the New Amsterdam Theatre where he as taken over the title role in Disney's "Aladdin.' We'll also chat about last season's "In Transit" and "Allegiance." Enjoy!

For our final episode of 2017, we're chatting with our pal, everyone's favorite Olivier winner, Lesli Margherita (Matilda The Musical, Dames At Sea, Zorro The Musical). This holiday season, Lesli is starring in the one-woman (insert Ru Paul voice) extravaganza "Who's Holiday" at the Westside Theater. Lesli plays a grown-up Cindy Lou Hoo, the beloved character from the classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Grown-up Cindy Lou is a drinker (amen) who, after an affair with The Grinch and a stint in jail, has fallen on hard times and she shared her story in rhyming couplets. We're obsessed!"Who's Holiday" runs through New Year's Eve. RUN out and see it!

YOU GUYS!!! I am completely obsessed with today's guest, Gillian Pensavalle. Not only is the creator, producer, editor, and host of "The Hamilcast," but she is ALSO Patrick's podcast soulmate and ch-host of "True Crime Obsessed," their comedy / true crime podcast (which you should all be listening to!). Today, Gillian shares the story of how "The Hamilcast" came to be and tells us EVERYTHING about getting Lin-Manuel Miranda hammered in her living room and doing a 4-hour interview with him which resulted in FOUR EPISODES of the "The Hamilcast." Take a listen and find "The Hamilcast" wherever you get your podcasts!

YOU. GUYS. I. AM. DYING. OF. EXCITEMENT! We have been trying to get Helene Yorke on Theater People for YEARS! We have been completely obsessed with her since seeing her in her star-making turn as Olive in "Bullets Over Broadway" but we became full on Helene Yorke maniacs after seeing her in "American Psycho." Words cannot explain how much we loved that show and her performance as Evelyn. She was everything we hoped she'd be and more! Enjoy!

This episode has been YEARS in the making. We are so so so excited to welcome Jeremy Jordan to the podcast. .And actually, we sort of tricked him into it. Jeremy initially agreed to sit down for an interview for the "Bonnie and Clyde" episode of our other podcast, Broadway Backstory. But we enjoyed each other so much that he agreed to stick around for what we like to call the "full Theater People." Jeremy made his Broadway debut in 2009 as an understudy in "Rock of Ages." He went on to play Tony twice a week in the Broadway revival of "West Side Story." He originated the role of Clyde Barrow in 2011's "Bonnie and Clyde" (which we are obsessed with) and earned a Tony nomination for originating the role of Jack Kelly in 2012's "Newsies." We love him. Enjoy!

YOU GUYS!! We are SO excited to welcome director Jeff Caohoun to the podcast!Jeff has been at the helm of some of our favorite shows like "Brooklyn: The Musical," "Bonnie & Clyde," and "Newsies." He shared AMAZING stories from his decades long career on Broadway as a performer, choreographer, and director. We're obsessed with him! Enjoy!

YOU GUYS! I've been obsessed with Morgan James for years and I was SO thrilled to get to learn more of her story for this episode. Morgan first moved to NYC to study voice at Julliard--and the story of how she made that happen is one of the coolest stories I've heard. And then, after graduating from one of the best conservatories in the world, she struggled to find work. She, of course, went on to work on Broadway in "The Adams Family," "Wonderland," "Godspell," and "Motown: The Musical." In recent years she's taken a sidestep away from theater to focus on music, first as an artist with Epic Records and now with her very own label.

YOU GUYS!! We are so so excited to welcome today's guest, Tyler Hanes! I first met Tyler years and years ago when he was making his Broadway debut in "Oklahoma!" and I have been creepily stalking his career ever since. Since then he's stacked up 8 more Broadway credits including "Hairspray," "The Boy From Oz," "A Chorus Line," and Gaby in "On the Town." He is currently starring as Rum Tum Tugger in "Cats" and he is sooooooooo good n the role! And more. It was SUCH a thrill to catch up with him. Enjoy!

This Week: A Two-Parter! First Up, the FABULOUS Alexandra Silber share stories from her amazing career on Broadway (2015's "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Master Class") and The West End ("The Woman in White" and Fiddler on the Roof"). And she shares how her own life story prepared her to write the new novel "After Anatevka" which follows the character Hodel after the events of "Fiddler on the Roof." In the second part of the show, Tony winner Reed Birney talks "1984," the terrifying and thrilling new play based on George Orwell's best-selling novel.

We're OBSESSED with Julia Murney! In the early days of her career, Julia made a name for herself working downtown in some of off-Broadway's hottest theaters. Her biggest break early on came in 2000 when she was cast in the leading role of Queenie in Andrew Lippa's "The Wild Party." She made her Broadway debut in 2005 in "Lennon" and is probably best known for taking over the role of Elphaba in 2007 in the Broadway production of "Wicked." Her TV, commercial, and film roles are too many to name, but she will forever live in my heart for her work on "Sex and the City." We talk about all of it! Enjoy!

Today's episode is in two parts, you guys! Up first is our dear friend Laura Osnes, making her FOURTH appearance on the podcast). Laura recently invited us to her perfectly appointed dressing room at the Jacobs Theater where she is starring as Julia Trojan in "Banstand." We talk about how it's been for her to see the show through from it's very first reading all the way to Broadway. In the Second half of the episode, we chat with "The Play That Goes Wrong's" Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer--co-writers and actors in the show. The pair share the show's Broadway Backstory and how it developed from a one-act being performed in a 60-seat theater above a put to the Olivier Award winning hit and Broadway favorite.

The handsome, charming, and talented Derek Klena invited us to his dressing room at the Broadhurst theater to chat about starring in "Anastasia." He also shared the AMAZING story of his road to professional acting, and his work in "Carrie: The Musical," "Wicked," and "Dogfight." Enjoy!

It's no secret that I'm OBSESSED with "Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812"--I truly think it is one of the most powerful and affecting pieces of theater I've ever experienced. The first time I saw the show, I knew we had to have Brittain Ashford, who plays Sonya, on the podcast ASAP. Brittain has been with the show from the earliest readings and has played Sonya in all of the show's incarnations. In the episode we find out where she came from, how she met the show's creator Dave Malloy, and how it is to be making her Broadway debut in such an unusual and magnificent work.

It's a 2017 Tony Extravaganza! In this two-part episode, we have two of this year's most loved nominees! Up first, two-time Tony winner Andy Blankenbuehler ("In the Heights" "Hamilton) talks this year's "Bandstand" which he directed and choreographed. He is nominated for his choreography. In the second part of the show, we chat with Johanna Day about her work and Tony nomination for her work in this year's Pulitzer Prize winning "Sweat." I LOVED chatting with these two! Enjoy!

YOU GUYS! The "Come From Away" obsession continues! For today’s episode, I had the great honor of sitting down for a chat with the Irene Sankoff and David Hein who conceived the show and wrote the music, book, and lyrics. I could barely contain myself. The show, of course, is nominated for 7 Tony Awards this year including Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score for Irene and David. It's also nominated for the all important Best New Musical. It was so exciting to get to chat with them about how the show came to be and it’s journey from their living room to Broadway. I loved them SO much! Enjoy!

I still can't breathe, you guys! Words cannot explain the pure exhilaration of sitting across the table from the one and only Betty Buckley and the concentration it took trying to sound smart while asking her questions! This Tony-winning Broadway legend certainly needs no introduction, but for the uninitiated, Betty made her Broadway debut in 1969 in 1776--a role she won on her VERY FIRST DAY IN NEW YORK and for which she earned her first Tony nomination. Among many other credits, she originated the role of Grizabella in "Cats," the role for which she won her Tony, she also originated the title role in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" as wells as in "Song and Dance," "Carrie" (!!!!!!!!!), and "Triumph of Love." She also won raves for playing Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" in both the West End and on Broadway. You can get her new album "Story Songs" on iTunes or wherever else you get your music. I'm obsessed with her. Enjor!

Full Disclosure, you guys, I’m OBSESSED with "Come From Away" And I’m equally obsessed with today’s guest, Caesar Samayoa. Caesar plays multiple roles in the show including Kevin, who is one half of a gay couple in which both men are named Kevin, and Ali, a Muslim chef, both of whom are stranded in Gandor, Newfoundland on September 11th 2001 during the true events that make up the plot of "Come From Away". Caesar’s performances in the show are spellbinding and I was thrilled to get to ask him all the questions about it. Caesar made his new York city debut in 1998’s long running off-Broadway production of "R & J". He made his Broadway debut in 2006 in "Hot Feet." He was also seen in on Broadway in "The Pee Wee Herman Show" and "Sister Act" before landing his roles in "Come From Away." I love this guy! Enjoy!

This was, without a doubt, one of the most fun and interesting interviews I've ever done, you guys. Gabriel Ebert talks being cast as Mr. Wormwood in "Matilda" at the age of 24--winning a Tony Award for the role at age 25--and a new and BRILLIANT play called "Gently Down the Stream" which is currently playing off-Broadway at the Public Theater.

You Guys, I said it the day it happened and I'll say it again: The chat I had with Miss Saigon's Eva Noblezada is one of the most memorable I've ever had. I can't put my finger on exactly why, but I found her to be SO charming and SO funny and SO downright personable that I just wanted to talk to her for hours. I won't give too much away here, but her story of being literally plucked from obscurity--with NO professional theatrical credits--to lead the company of the "Miss Saigon" revival is amazing. She is such a delight! Enjoy!

At Long Last the Jenn Colella interview is here! We couldn't be more excited to talk with the fabulous Broadway star about her work in this season's "Come From Away" and to hear her AMAZING and HILARIOUS stories from "If/Then," "Chaplin," "High Fidelity," and "Urban Cowboy." We're obsessed with her and you need to be too! Enjoy!

You guys, We're OBSESSED with Ariana DeBose! Ariana is Currently co-starring as Jane in the critically acclaimed "A Bronx Tale"--directed by Robert De Niro and Jerry Zacks. She made her Broadway debut in 2012 in "Bring it On: The Musical" (one of my faves!) and went on to join the Broadway cast of "Pippin." In 2013 was invited by Lin-Manuel Miranda to participate in the first readings of the show that would become "Hamilton." She would stay wit the show through its off-Broadway and Broadway runs as a member of the ensemble and, notably, #TheBullet. Enjoy!

28-year-old Gideon Glick is giving one of the most buzzed-about performances on Broadway this season as Jordan Berman, an unlucky in love New York City bachelor in the play "Significant Other." It was such a pleasure chatting with him about this star-making turn, his real life love life (which is going great!), and his earlier work on Broadway--2006's "Spring Awakening" and 2011's "Spiderman: Turn off the Dark." Enjoy!

I LOVE NATHAN LEE GRAHAM! As a lot of you know, I'm a bit of a gay history nerd, so I was thrilled recently to get to see Nathan--one of my favorite NYC actors--in the new off-Broadway musical, "The View Upstairs." The show tells the little-known true story of The Upstairs Lounge--one of the country's first gay bars--where an arsonist set a fire which killed many of the bar's patrons. Nathan made his Broadway debut in 2000 in Michael John Lachuisa's "The Wild Party." He was also seen in "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" and the acclaimed off-Broadway show "Wig Out." Enjoy!

YOU GUYS!!! I've been pursuing this interview with Rebecca for YEARS! I'm totally obsessed. I first fell in love with this incredible woman in 2008 when I saw her in the Broadway production of "Passing Strange"--a show she'd been with since the 2007 production at The Public Theater. I fell even deeper in love with her when I saw her in 2010's "American Idiot," and, of course, I loved her in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." And now she's making her play Broadway debut--yes, that's a thing--in the TERRIFIC "Significant Other." Sheeeeeeeeee's amazing! Enjoy!

You Guys! It was such a thrill to spend an afternoon chatting with the perfectly British and perfectly handsome and perfectly hilarious Michael Xavier. Currently starring opposite Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, Michael is on loan to us from Mother England where he is one of the West End's biggest stars. With two Olivier nominations to his name, he's brought his charm and talent across the pond and is giving one of this season's most celebrated performances as Joe Gillis in one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest works.

YOU GUYS!! Theater People is 100 episodes old!! To mark the occasion, we recorded this episode live at BroadwayCon. Basically I made some of my favorite guests listen to me talk about how much I love them. Hilarity ensued! Enjoy!

What an episode, you guys! In the first segment two-time Tony winner (and five time nominee!!!) Michael Cerveris is back to talk making his own music, acting, and life post-"Fun Home." In the Second half of the show, two of our favorite guests ,Jose Llana and Laura Michelle Kelly, return to talk all things "The King and I" tour! Enjoy!

You guys, we've been working on locking down an interview with today's guest Rory O'Malley for YEARS! He was originally scheduled to be the THIRD ever guest of Theater People! For this episode we talk all things "Hamilton"--he was King George on Broadway before heading off in the role on the national tour. We also talk about "Book of Mormon," "Little Miss Sunshine," politics, boyfriends, and everything in between. I looooooooooved chatting with him! Enjoy!

We are SOOOOO excited to finally welcome everyone's favorite Screltress, Shoshana Bean to the show! As if I need to tell you guys, Shoshana made her Broadway debut in 2002 in the original cast of "Hairspray." She, of course went on to be the first replacement for the role of Elphaba in the Broadway company of "Wicked." She is also beloved internationally as a recording artist with her chart-topping albums "Superhero," "O'Farrell Street," and "Shadows to Light." We LOVE her! Enjoy!

YOU GUYS!! today is the day that we get to bring you our interview with the one and only Rachel Bay Jones. You all helped us book her when you all responded to my call via twitter to let her know just how much we wanted to chat with her. She is amazing and hilarious. She made her Broadway debut in 1989 in "Meet me in St Louis", She was in the recent Broadway revival of "Hair", she has a HILARIOUS story of understudying Patti LuPone in "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" that she shares with us here. You probably also remember her as Catherine in the 2013 revival of "Pippin." And if you’re anything like me, you’ve been crying your eyes out listening to her and the rest of the cast on the recently released cast album of "Dear Evan Hansen" in which she stars as Heidi Hansen, Evan’s mom. We did this interview in her dressing room just before a show. She was warm and delightful and I LOVED chatting with her! Enjoy!

We are SO SO SO excited to welcome Tony-winning actress LaChanze back to the podcast! For this return visit, we get to talk about her life and career in a way that we didn't the first time. We start with a little bit of background about growing up and discovering her talent at a young age, we then talk about her iconic work in "Once On This Island," "Bubbly Black Girl...," and "The Color Purple. And we end with some exciting news:On February 27, 2017 LaChanze is bringing her one-woman show "Feeling Good" To the Highline Ballroom. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.highlineballroom.com

Tony nominee--and just fabulous human--Orfeh has an incredible story of growing up in NYC, going to high school at the famed La Guardia High School (the "FAME" school), starting a pop band and getting a record contract that took her all over the world, and then landing on Broadway in such shows as "Saturday Night Fever," "Footloose," and "Legally Blonde"--earning a Tony nomination for playing the role of Paulette. She's divine and totally my kind of gal. Enjoy!

The handsome and charming Michael Park is currently co-starring in this season's hottest new musical, "Dear Evan Hansen." Michael has been a working NYC-based actor for almost 25 years. He got his start off-Broadway in the almost legendary productions of Michael John Lachiusa's "Hello Again" and Jeanine Tesori's "Violet." Prior to "Dear Evan Hansen", his Broadway credits include "Carousel," "Smoky Joe's Cafe," and one of my favorites from last season, "Tuck Everlasting." We loved chatting with this guy! Enjoy!

The genius Orchestrator / Arranger / Musical Director tells all about his experiences working on Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, In the Heights, and more! We go deep and get great stories of working alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Tommy Kail, Michael Greif, Ben Platt, and more!

We're OBSESSED with Emily Skinner and we FINALLY get to meet her!! Emily made her Broadway debut in 1997 in the original Broadway cast of "Jeckyll & Hyde." Less than a year later she originated the role of Daisy Hilton in "Side Show." She was next seen in "James Joyce's The Dead" before originating the role of Vicki Nichols in "The Full Monty." She was most recently seen on Broadway in "Billy Ellliot: The Musical" where she was hand picked by director Stephen Daldry to play the role of Mrs. Wikinson. She's amazing and we love her to pieces.

For today's show, we're doing something a little different! We're traveling to Philadelphia, PA to spend the afternoon with the creative team behind the fabulous new musical "Found," which is now playing at the gorgeous Philadelphia Theatre Company. The show, which began in the basement theater of the Drama Bookshop and had it's off-Broadway premiere last year at the Atlantic Theater Company, is inspired by the popular "Found Magazine" and it's founder Davy Rothbart. Our guests are Davy Rothbart, Lee Overtree (co-book writer / director), Eli Bolin (music & original lyrics) and Victoria Lang (producer)

Today's the day, Theater People! Our brand new podcast," Broadway Backstory", premieres today! Episodes 1 and 2 tell the incredible true backstory of the Tony Award winning "In The Heights". We're playing the first 20 minutes of episode 1 here, but you can get the first two full episodes RIGHT NOW by searching iTunes, Stitcher, Googleplay or any other podcast catcher for Broadway Backstory. Enjoy!

We loved chatting with this guy!! He's funny, charming, has a GREAT head of hair, and really knows how to tell a story! Brandon made his Broadway debut in 2011's "Baby It's You." He received a Tony nomination for his turn as Adam Hochberg in last season's "An American in Paris," and can now be seen eight times a week as Mendel in William Finn's and James Lapine's hilarious and heartbreaking "Falsettos." He shares great stories about his long road to booking "Falsettos," how James Lapine was lovingly hard on him throughout the rehearsal process, and that time he accompanied Katie Holmes on a shopping spree.

WE"RE OBSESSED! We had the MOST fun hanging out with Mandy Gonzalez in her dressing room backstage at the Richard Rodgers Theater before a performance of "Hamilton." It had been less than two weeks since she'd taken over the role of Angelica, and she still hadn't completely moved in!Mandy made her Broadway debut in 2000 in "Aida" as the Amnneris standby-she eventually took the role over full time. She went on to originate roles in "The Dance of the Vampires" and "Lennon" before winning her breakout role as Nina in Lin-Manuel Miranda's "In the Heights"--a role she originated in the show's pre-Off Broadway days. She went on to take over the role of Elphaba in "Wicked," and can now be seen eight times a week in the hottest show on Broadway--"Hamilton."

I am so excited to announce that Theater People has partnered with the fab folks at TodayTix to create a brand new podcast called Broadway Backstory. Each episode tells the story of how a show develops from an idea to a full Broadway production. We get the behind-the-scenes story directly from the people who lived it - the concievers, actors, directors, producers, composers, and more. Season 1 will feature stories from "In the Heights", "Fun Home", "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", "The Secret Garden", "Legally Blonde", and the Deaf West production of "Spring Awakening". And the best part: You, our listeners, get to vote on our 7th show! We've picked another 5 shows for you to vote on, and the most popular wins! We'll get to work interviewing everybody we can find who was involved with the show!Episodes 1 and 2, which premiere on Tuesday, November 15th, tell the incredible true backstory of the Tony-winning "In the Heights."

I"m a little obsessed with today's guest, Jay Armstrong Johnson. I loved him in "Hands on a Hardbody" and "On the Town" and I think I've listened to his new album "Jay Armstrong Johnson Live at Feinstein's / 54 Below" like 100 times. It's that good. He made his Broadway debut in 2009 in "Hair" and went on to standby for Aaron Tveit in "Catch Me if You Can" before originating his roles in "Hands on a Hardbody" and "On the Town." This episode has TONS of music from Jay's new album. Enjoy!

The Legendary three-time Tony nominee talks "Fun Home," The secrets to having a long career, and we even talk politics! Rebecca made her Broadway debut in the original Broadway cast of "The Phantom of the Opera"--She was a Christine standby before eventually taking over the role full time. Other highlights from her amazing career on Broadway include Lily in "The Secret Garden," Magnolia in "Showboat,"Maria in "The Sound of Music," and Marian in "The Music Man."

It was such a thrill to chat with the Tony winning "Hamilton" director all about the magic of that show! We also go all the way back to the beginning and talk "In the Heights," "Lombardi," and the short lived "Magic/Bird." And we, of course, talk "Grease Live" for which Thomas just won the Emmy Award for directing!

The handsome, charming, and SMART Jose Llana talks lying his way into his first NYC audition (the most adorable story every), starring in two productions of "The King and I" on Broadway, the productions of "Flower Drum Song," Spelling Bee," and his new album "Altitude."

Happy Friday, Theater People!. As many of you know, the fabulous "The Ensemblist" podcast has recently launched their new season. Hosts Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone tell us all about it!

YOU GUYS! I’m still hyperventilating over the fact that I got to sit in a room with Will Chase and Rob McClure. These two gorgeous and hilarious men are currently starring in the absolutely fabulous "Something Rotten" currently running at the St. James Theater. I have to say, I’ve seen the show three times now and it NEVER gets old. With Rob McClure in the leading role of Nick Bottom--a struggling playwright in Renaissance-era London and Will Chase in the role of Shakespeare, who, in this telling is a pompous, lady killing, self-doubting mega-star, the show is every bit as hilarious as it was when I saw it in previews. Rob McClure, of course, is best known for originating the roles of Charlie Chaplin in "Chaplin" and Jack Singer in "Honeymoon in Vegas." Will Chase is best known for his work in "Rent," "Aida," "High Fidelity," and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" in addition to a thousand TV shows. It was so much fun to get to chat with these two. Enjoy!

You guys, I’m gonna use a word that I don’t think I’ve ever used before to describe a guest. Are you ready? Debonair. That’s right, today’s guest, Jeremy Kushnier, is best described as… debonair.....He’s handsome and charming and has one of those, like, gorgeous deep voices. And he’s funny and humble and is just one of those guys who has great insightful stories and ideas who you could just talk to for hours.Anyway, Jeremy made his Broadway debut in the starring role of Ren McCormick in the 1998 production of "Footloose"—the story, by the way, of how he got that job will knock your socks off. He went on to star in "Rent", "Jersey Boys", and the stunning 2012 revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in which he understudied both Jesus and Judas and yes, we do talk about how on Earth he was able to pull that off. He was recently in the original New York company of "Shear Madness", a show that I’m sort of obsessed with from Boston. It’s that’s a hilarious, improvey who-done-it, and we talk all about it. Jeremy can currently be seen starring in Cirque Du Soleil’s first ever Broadway show—"Paramour"—which is playing at the Lyric Theater. I loved talking to this guy. Enjoy!

It is such a pleasure to welcome three-time Tony winning Producer Kevin McCollum to our show! Kevin is well known in the industry for being the kind of producer that can spot something special miles--and years--away from being a fully formed product. This is the guys who, waaaaaaaaaay back in the early 90s saw a very early workshop of RENT and made a promise to Jonathan Larson--AT THE WORKSHOP'S INTERMISSION--that he would get the show to Broadway. In addition to a MILLION other shows, Kevin helped shepherd "In the Heights", "The Drowsy Chaperone", and "Something Rotten" to Broadway. He sat down with us to talk about his most recent productions--"Motown The Musical", which had a quick return to Broadway this summer--and "Something Rotten". And, yes, he indulged me in my "In The Heights" obsession and answered a few questions about 'discovering' Lin-Manuel Miranda.

We are SO excited to welcome Carmen Cusack back to the podcast! Since we last spoke with her, Carmen received her first Tony nomination for her work in the FABULOUS "Bright Star." For this episode, we talk about the wonderful craziness of the Tony Awards season, saying goodbye to "Bright Star" performing at the DNC, and her upcoming sold out solo shows at Feinstein's / 54 Below. We're obsessed with her! Enjoy!

Hello Theater People! So, the plan was for us to take two weeks off and have a little bit of a summer break. But then we did this great interview with this young actress named Allison Semmes. She was playing Dianna Ross in "Motown The Musical" on Broadway. The day before out interview, the show got it’s closing notice. It was limited engagement on Broadway anyway, but now the show was closing way earlier than expected. Mike and I had LOVED Allison in the show and we loved her even more in person, so we wanted to get this episode out while the show was still fresh on people’s minds. It’s a really short interview, which made for a really short episode, but I urge you to keep your eye on her, she clearly has a really bright future on Broadway. Just, to let you know why I sound a little insane in this episode--it was our first time recording in an actual recording studio. I am veeeeeeery particular about the sound of this podcast and I was just loving every second of being in that padded room. So just, you know, bear with me. Ok, ENJOY!

SURPRISE EPISODE! Happy Friday, Theater People! We're so excited to bring you this mini bonus episode featuring Broadway powerhouses Emily Skinner and Alice Ripley! Alice and Emily first met in 1998 when they were cast as the conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton in the 1998 production of Side Show. Though they'd each go on to have separate thriving careers, they joined forces for the critically acclaimed albums Duets and Unsuspecting Hearts. Now they're back with a brand new album Unattached, from Broadway Records. It was such a thrill to get to interview them both at the same time! Enjoy!

You guys, I just have to go ahead and admit it, I have a full on Broadway crush on today’s guest, THREE time Tony nominee, Christopher Fitzgerald. I know, I know, I know, it’s probably inappropriate to call a full grown man adorable, but I can’t help it, he’s so…..Adorable. Of course, he’s also insanely talented. If you’re one of the lucky ones who has gotten to see the new musical, "Waitress," you know what I’m talking about. In the role of Oogie, sure, he may not appear until about 50 minutes into the first act, but when he arrives, he completely steals the show. Chris began working professionally in New York in the late 90s. One of his first big gigs in town was the somewhat controversial Terrance McNally play "Corpus Christi." Actually, strike the word somewhat from that sentence, it was COMPLETELY controversial and I was so excited to get the chance to talk to him about it here. In addition to about ten thousand other credits, he, of course originated the role of Boq in the 2003 smash hit "Wicked," he earned his first Tony Award nomination in 2007 for originating the role of Igor in "Young Frankenstein," and he earned his second Tony nomination for originating the role of Og in the 2009 production of "Finian’s Rainbow." He earned his third Tony nomination, of course, for "Waitress." He was such a delight. I’m counting the seconds until we get to talk again. But not, like, in a creepy way.Enjoy!

You guys, I’m SO excited to share our interview with Tony winner James Monroe Igleheart with you today. This guy is so smart and warm and funny, I could have talked to him for hours. He made his Broadway debut in 2007 as a replacement in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and then went on to co-star as Bobby in 2009’s Tony Award winning best musical, "Memphis." In 2014 he landed the role of a lifetime as the Genie in the Broadway production of the Disney musical "Aladdin." He would, of course, go on to with the Tony Award for his work in that show. He is still hoofing it as the Genie 8 times a week at the New Amsterdam Theater, if you can get there to see him, you absolutely must. The sheer energy he brings to that performance is show stopping. He was so much fun to talk with! Enjoy!

YOU GUYS!! The day has finally arrived! We are SO thrilled to share this hilarious and heart warming interview with Betsy Wolfe with all of you!Betsy made her Broadway debut in the 2007 production of "110 In The Shade" (which she got through an OPEN CALL! Open calls really work sometimes, you guys!). Her next Broadway gig was alongside our pal Lindsay Mendez backing up Sherie Rene Scott in one of my all time favorite shows, "Everyday Rapture" in 2010. In 2012 she starred as Rosa Bud in Roundabout Theater Company production of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" before going on to win the coveted role of Cathy in the Second Stage production of Jason Robert Brown's "The Last Five" Years in 2013. She was last seen on Broadway in the 2014 production of "Bullets Over Broadway." Of course, she recently starred as Elsa in the lab production of the Broadway bound "Frozen." That all happened after this interview was recorded, so we don't get into that here....it just means that she'll hopefully come back to talk about it!She was such a great interview. Enjoy!

Theater People! I'm STILL in a state of shock that the Tony winning powerhouse that is Alice Ripley agreed to sit down for an interview with me! I was SO nervous--I stammered like a fool and kept telling her what an honor it was. Ugh. ANYWAY, she was amazing! Such a delight and so so kind We met in her dressing room and talked ALL about :American Psycho". I'm completely OBSESSED with the show, so she was kind to indulge me!For the uninitiated, Alice made her Broadway debut in the 1993 production of "The Who's Tommy". She went on to star in "Les Miserables" and "Sunset Boulevard" before landing the star-making role of Violet Hilton in 1997's "Side Show." After performing roles in "James Joyce's the Dead" and "The Rocky Horror Show," she won her second role of a lifetime as Dianna in 2009's "Next To Normal"--a role for which she won a Tony Award. She was a delight. I'm obsessed. Enjoy the interview!

You Guys! Jenn Damiano (she told me to call her Jenn, so.....) has to be one of the kindest, funniest, most humble humans I've ever met. Most recently Jenn starred in the fabulous, hilarious, legitimately scary, and gone-way-too-soon "American Psycho." She made her Broadway debut at the age of 15 in the groundbreaking and Tony winning "Spring Awakening." She earned a Tony nomination for her work in "Next To Normal" before being cast as Mary-Jane Watson in the Broadway mega-hit "Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark." She was SUCH a delight! Enjoy!

THEATER PEOPLE!!! We are SO excited to bring you this first-ever cast reunion episode! We are thrilled to welcome Krysta Rodriguez, Andy Mientus, and Alex Boniello to the podcast to discuss the Tony nominated Deaf West production of "Spring Awakening". We recorded this interview with the three of them the day after the Tony nominations were announced, so there was a lot of excitement in the room! We chatted about how they all came to be involved with the show, the excitement and challenges of working alongside deaf actors, and how it feels for their show to have been nominated for a Tony in a season full of stand out shows. So Fun! Enjoy!

It's no secret that 'Bright Star,' the new musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, is one of my favorites of the season. And there is no question that the show's leading lady, today's guest Carmen Cuasck, is delivering one of this season's most powerful performances in the role of Alice. In describing Carmen's performance, I use all the cliché words - astonishing, breathtaking, riveting. I remember SQUEEZING producer Mike’s arm every time she opened her mouth to sing. I knew nothing about her before seeing the show and I was instantly obsessed. She’s nominated for a Tony Award this year for her work and, without being controversial, I will have it be known that I’m really pulling for her. I was so excited to meet her and I’m delighted to share this conversation with you guys. Enjoy!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!Remember last summer when The Heavens opened up and sent Tony winner and (now) five-time Tony nominee Laura Benanti to our show? Remember when I, sort of jokingly, said that she and her mom should come back for a special Mother's Day episode and Laura promised that they would? Well you guys, Ms. Benanti has made good on her promise and this week we are DELIGHTED to bring you our special Mother’s Day interview with Laura and her beautiful and hilarious mother Linda Benanti. We talk about 'She Loves Me' and Laura’s FIFTH Tony nomination, but mostly I just try to get Linda to tell me all of the embarrassing stories about Laura from her childhood. Getting to sit with this Broadway mega-star—who is truly one of the kindest and loveliest humans I’ve ever met—and her equally kind and lovely mother in her dressing room at Studio 54, which, by the way, is bigger than my apartment, was just the most amazing way to spend an afternoon. Oh! We shot some video of Linda and Laura talking about their most embarrassing moments on stage. We’ll have that up on our website this week. Enjoy! and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

You guys!!! it’s been a while since I’ve gotten butterflies before an interview, but I have to say, I was NERVOUS before meeting today’s guest, Laura Michelle Kelly. I mean, you know, she was the ORIGINAL west end Marry Poppins, She won an Olivier, she was in the 'Sweeney Todd' movie, she British, beautiful and perfect. But then, of course, she was disarmingly charming and friendly. Her dressing room at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater where she is currently starring in 'Finding Neverland,' is a little magic fairy kingdom with tents and tepees and maps of Neverland. I never wanted to leave. Laura made her West End debut as a baguette—yes, the bread—in the West End production of 'Beauty and the Beas't when she was 16 years old. In the West End, She went on to star in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 'Whistle Down the Wind,' as well as 'Sped the Plow,' 'Lord of the Rings,' and of course 'Mary Poppins,' for which she won her Olivier. She made her Broadway debut as Hodel in the 2004 production of 'Fiddler on the Roof,' She later took over the role of Mary in the Broadway production of 'Mary Poppins,' and now she’s back on Broadway in the as Sylvia, the role she created last season in the smash hit 'Finding Neverland.' She was such a delight. Enjoy!

Emmy winner and three-time Tony nominee Martha Plimpton is back! Since she was last with us, she has landed the leading role on the new hit ABC sitcom "The Real O'Neals." She has also continued her work as advocate and activist for women's health and reproductive rights. She joins us today to talk about her new TV show, past work on Broadway, and the annual fundraiser called Broadway Acts for Women--happening this Sunday at Feinstein's / 54 Below-- put on by her organization A is For.

You Guys! We're not going to beat around the bush here, we are OBSESSED with the new Steve Martin & Edie Brickell musical 'Bright Star.' And we are THRILLED to welcome one of the show's stars, Paul Alexander Nolan, to the podcast this week. Paul made his Broadway debut in 2012 in the title role of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' He went on to replace as Guy in the Tony winning Broadway production of 'Once', and just last year starred in the short Lived 'Dr. Zhivago.' Go see Bright Star, you guys, Paul is great in it and the show is so magical and unique. It was such a pleasure to get to basically chew his ear off about it. Here’s our conversation. Ooh, we use a TON of music from the original cast recording of 'Bright Star' in the episode. The album is now available for pre-order from Ghostlight Records. The album is officially released on April 29th.

I recently described today's guest, the great Danny Burstein, as a glow worm. On stage, the man, truly, is lit from within. If you've ever seen him in anything,you know what I'm talking about. Whether the role is large or small, passionate or passive, when he's on stage, you can't take your eyes off of him, and you wouldn't want to--he's just magnetic that way. Danny began his career in New York in the early 90s taking a lot of small roles and understudy gigs. Then, a few years on, he made the terrifying decision that actors sometimes do--not to take any work that didn't challenge him artistically and advance him towards a more fulfilling career. Of course, we all know the rest. He went on to earn five Tony Award nominations for his work in such shows as 'The Drowsy Chaperone,' 'South Pacific,' 'Follies,' 'Golden Boy,' and 'Cabaret.' This season he's back on Broadway wowing audiences 8 times a week as Tevye in the stunning Bartlett Sher production of 'Fiddler on the Roof,' currently playing at the Broadway Theater. I know I say this a lot, but it really was an honor to get to sit with this man for forty minutes in his dressing room and talk about his amazing body of work. Enjoy!!!

You guys, I have to say that interviewing today’s guest, Andrea Burns, was one of the most fun hours I’ve ever spent in a theater. First of all, she had heard of our little podcast before, which i LOVED, but second, she was just completely game to share her stories and answer my sometimes ridiculously vague questions. I first fell in love with Andrea as Daniela the fabulous and maybe just a little bit gossipy hair dresser in "In The Heights" and I was completely blown away by her as Glosria Fajardo—Gloria Estefan’s mother—in this season’s "On Your Feet." Of course Andrea's long list of credits really begins with Jason Robert Brown’s groundbreaking "Songs for a New World" back in 1995. Also, did you know that those two went to summer camp together? Oh, last thing—I LOVE recording these interviews in dressing rooms before showtime because I think it really offers our listeners a sense of what it’s like backstage before the show starts. And that includes some interruptions and sound checks and other shenanigans. Rather than editing around that, I’ve left it all in because I love it. I hope you do too. Ok, here’s our conversation.

You guys, we are so excited to welcome choreographer Spencer Liff to the podcast this week. Like a lot of people, I first became aware of Spencer for his Emmy nominated work as a choreographer on the hit show 'So You Think You Can Dance--' I had no idea that he’s totally a Broadway guy! Spencer made his Broadway debut at age 11 in the musical 'Big'. He went on to appear in 'The Wedding Singer,' 'Cry Baby,' 'Equis,' and' 9 to 5', taking on more and more responsibility along the way. He was the Associate Choreographer and Dance captain for 'Cry Baby' and was the Dance Captain on 'Equis'. After hitting it big on so You Think You Can Dance, he came back to Broadway to provide the musical staging for the Neil Patrick Harris led 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch', and was then hired to choreograph the Deaf West Production of 'Spring Awakening', which ultimately transferred to Broadway earlier this season. He was recently tapped by James Lapine himself to choreograph the upcoming revival of the much loved musical 'Falsettos'. It was such a delight to spend a Sunday morning chatting with this guy.

OK fellow Theater People, you've been asking for this interview for almost as long as the podcast has existed, so we are THRILLED to be bringing you this episode featuring the fabulous Adam Kantor!Adam made his Broadway debut in 2008 as Marc in the closing Broadway company of 'Rent' (grab your tissues when he tells the story of how he learned he'd won the roll) and he went on to replace in the role of Henry in the hit Broadway production of 'Next to Normal.' In 2013, he was cast as Jamie opposite Betsy Wolfe in Second Stage's highly anticipated revival of Jason Robert Brown's 'The Last Five Years.' This season he's back on Broadway in the role of Motel in the Bartlett Sher helmed production of 'Fiddler on the Roof.' We had such a great time chatting in his dressing room surrounded by old family photos and heirlooms that are so meaningful to him--especially as they relate to his work in 'Fiddler,' we'll let him explain that further. Enjoy!

You Guuuuuuuuuuys!!! We could not be happier to bring you today’s episode featuring the divine, the lovely, the just ridiculously talented Phillipa Soo. Phillipa created the role of Eliza Hamilton in last year’s off-Broadway production of the smash hit musical Hamilton at the Public Theater and this season she made her Broadway debut in the role. She first rose to fame in the title role of Natasha in the 2013 off Broadway hit 'Natasha Pierre and the Great Commit of 1812.'So, you guys, we have a really special surprise for you at the end of this episode. It’s a first for us. It’s completely related to our interview with Phillipa, but even she doesn't know about it. So stick around after our interview with her, I promise it will be worth it.

When Sierra Boggess made her Broadway debut in 2008 in the title role of the hit Disney musical 'The Little Mermaid,' she became an overnight not just star, but also idol, role model, sensation even in a way that happens so rarely to person appearing on a Broadway stage for the first time. She, of course, went on to star in the Broadway revival of 'Master Class opposite' Tyne Daily and as Christine Daae in London’s West End production of 'Love Never Dies,' Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to the Phantom of the Opera. I first got to witness the greatness that is Sierra Boggess on stage in last season’s 'It Shoulda Been You'—a show that I found to be so special for a variety of reasons that we’ll get into in this interview. She is currently starring as Rosalee Mullins, the sort of tight lipped, rulsey principal in the brand new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical 'School of Rock'—a show that frequent listeners know that I am completely obsessed with. I love this interview for a lot of reasons. Not the lease of which being that we did the interview in Sierra’s dressing room about 90 minutes prior to an evening performance and I think it really captures the bustle and energy of the backstage of a Broadway theater just before showtime. At one point we’re interrupted—good naturedly—by a stage manager, The charming Alex Brightman makes a small cameo, oh and then there was the moment Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber himself spoke over the PA system. Anyway, Sierra is a force of nature and just as brilliant as you imagine she is. It was so much fun to chat with here. Enjoy our conversation!

YOU GUYS!!!! We don't even know what to say!!! Megan Hilty is a dream and a delight and a perfect guest! She is just as warm, charming, and fabulous as you're imagining. AND she makes a killer espresso!Megan made her Broadway debut as Glinda in the Broadway cast of 'Wicked,'--a role she would go on to do briefly on the national tour before creating the role for the Los Angeles sit down production. She went on to star in '9 to 5 The Musical' before being cast in the career making role of Ivy Lynn on TV's 'Smash.' She is now back on Broadway as Brooke Ashton in Roundabout Theatre Company's production of 'Noises Off.' She is unbelievably charming and hilarious! Don't forget, tickets are now on sale for our Live Summer Series! Just $10 to see Lesli Margherita, Laura Osnes, and Lindsay Mendez live! All the details and tickets can be found on our website: www.theaterppl.com. Click the 'Summer Series' tab.

There is no other way to say it, Theater People, with Alex Brightman’s turn as Dewey in the brand new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical School of Rock, a star is born. His energy, his passion, and his comedic timing are brought to life with an athleticism I don’t think I’ve ever seen on stage before. And oh my God, that voice. His career before School of Rock would have been considered a success story for any actor. He was a replacement in the role of Boq in the Broadway company of Wicked—a job he heled onto for two years before decided to walk away, though he’d been offered another extension to his contract--, he was an understudy in Glory Days, a show that famously closed the very night it opened, he replaced in Matilda, and was in the original company of Big Fish. Now, having been catapulted to the elite ranks of those who originate starring roles, he has risen to the occasion with grace and charm. ALSO, we've just announced our Summer Series--a series of 4 intimate live events featuring (so far) Lesli Margherita, Lindsay Mendez, and Laura Osnes, Information and tickets (which are EXTREMELY limited) can be found at www.theaterppl.com

Beth Malone, Beth Malone, BETH MALONE! We were SO excited to get the chance to sit down with the Tony nominated Fun Home star! Her turn as the grown up Alison--a performance in which she never leaves the stage--is at once intense and vulnerable, sarcastic and so completely honest. In a word, it's unforgettable. And her stories will blow your mind. From making her Broadway debut in 'Ring of Fire,' to rooming with Cherry Jones at the Sundance Theater Lab, to being mistaken for a techie backstage at the Tonys, Beth is about to blow your mind. Enjoy!

We don't usually play favorites here at the Theater People Podcast, but for us, Renee's turn at Angelica Schuyler in the mega-hit "Hamilton" is the performance of the season. And her performance of the song "Satisfied" is one of the most genuinely riveting pieces of storytelling to hit the stage in years. For this episode, we talk about how she won the role, the experience of starring in one of the most popular and groundbreaking shows in recent memory, and how she balances her work and family life.

Norm Lewis is a dream, you guys. With a career spanning two and a half decades (and counting!) on and off Broadway, in the West End, and on the international concert circuit, Norm is one of the most sought after and celebrated actors of our time. And oh my Lord, is he handsome. His career highlights include "The Who's Tommy," "Side Show," "The Wild Party, " "Les Miserables," "The Little Mermaid," and "The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess" (Tony nomination), and we talk about all of them!

If you've been paying attention to the Broadway press over the last few days, you know that the incredibly popular--and incredibly anonymous--social media personality Annoying Actor Friend has identified himself. World, meet Andrew Briedis. Wonder why he did it, what he got out of it, and why he picked now to reveal himself? Take a listen and find out!

WE LOVE ELIZABETH STANLEY! Currently headlining the national tour of "The Bridges of Madison County," Elizabeth was most recently seen on Broadway as Claire in last season's Tony nominated "On The Town." We first discovered Elizabeth in the 2006 John Doyle production of "Company," in which she played April (as well as the oboe, alto saxophone, and tuba). She went on to star in the short-lived but much-loved Broadway production of John Waters's "Cry Baby." She followed that performance up as Dyanne in the 2010 production of "Million Dollar Quartet." We have to say, though, it was her turn as Gussie in the 2012 Encores production of "Merrily We Roll Along" alongside Celia Keenan-Bolger, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Betsy Wolfe, and Colin Donnell that cemented her standing as one of today's greatest theater stars. Enjoy! Oh, and check out www.bridgesmusical.com to find out when the tour of "Bridges" will be in a city near you!

One of our favorite guests comes back! Can you believe Annaleigh was the third ever guest of the Theater People Podcast? Since we last spoke, this hilarious spitfire has gotten married, won a TONY AWARD, earned rave reviews for her work on the hit Showtime series "Masters of Sex," and has released a Live album called "Lost in the Stars." She's currently starring alongside Matthew Broderick and Julie White in the Broadway revival of "Sylvia." She's hilarious and lovely, it was terrific to have the opportunity to catch up with her.

The youngest female Tony Award winner is back! For this episode we catch up with Daisy who has just relocated from LA to NYC where she is living the theater auditioner life for the first time in nearly 12 years. She shares stories we didn't get the first time--including working with Christopher Walken on the Broadway production of James Joyce's The Dead. She also tells all about her upcoming show 'Daisy and Jordan: Rejected Bond Girls' which premieres Sunday, November 15 at 54 Below.

For our 50th episode (!!!) we present the absolutely darling Kate Baldwin. Kate is currently starring in the brand new ABSOLUTELY AMAZING musical "Songbird" which is now playing at 59 East 59th Street Theater. The show features a blue grass / honky tonk / country / rock and roll score by Lauren Pritchard, and it has to be heard to be believed. We can't say it enough, get your tickets.Kate is perhaps best know for her work in "Finian's Rainbow" (Tony nomination), "Big Fish," and the off-Broadway production of Michael John Lachuisa's "Giant." She was such a pleasure to chat with. Enjoy!

Tony winner Lena Hall shares hilarious and inspiring stories from her 10-plus years as a working actor and musician in New York City. She talks making her Broadway debut in "Cats" at 19 years old, working alongside the great Jerry Mitchell in "Kinky Boots," and tell all about how she landed the career changing--and Tony winning--role of Yitzhak in last year's "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."

The always fabulous and tremendously busy Lesli Margherita made time to catch up with us while rehearsing "Dames At Sea" during the day and performing in "Matilda" at night. What a gal! This is the first in a new series we're launching where we catch up with previous guests in mini episode form!

This week we're bringing you a special mini episode with a focus on the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play "Hamlet in Bed," now playing at the Rattlestick Playwrights's Theater. The play is a two-hander starring Michael Laurence (who also wrote the play) and Annette O'Toole, and we have them both! Ticket information is available at www.rattlestick.org

Too funny, brilliant, and downright entertaining for 1 episode, Tony winner Laura Benanti is back for part 2. In this episode we discuss "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," her work on TV, including the hugely popular "Sound of Music Live," her working alongside the Radio City Rockettes in last years's "Spring Spectacular," her live album, and her upcoming book. Oh, and we also talk about that time in high school when she dressed up as Fosca form Stephen Sondheim's "Passion" and went trick or treating for Unicef.

Laura's interview was so funny, and honest, and inspiring, that we just couldn't stop asking her questions--so we had to make it a two-parter! You loved her in "The Sound of Music," "Swing" (Tony nomination), "Into The Woods," (Tony nomination), "Nine," Gypsy" (Tony WIN), "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" (Tony nomination), NBC's "The Sound of Music Live!" And so many other things. In a word, she's AH-mazing.

Co-Directors Michael Mayer and Dick Scanlan tell all about their new hit play "Whorl Inside A Loop." Co-written by Scanlan and Sheire Rene Scott, the play is loosely based on Scanlan and Scott's experience working with prison inmates on writing and performing monologues about the circumstances that landed the inmates in jail. Currently playing at Second Stage Theater, the new work is a New York Times Critic's pick.

The 'Hand To God' Tony nominee shares stories from the 10-plus years it took her to become an overnight success. Having come to NYC to be a banker, she stumbled upon acting almost by chance. From commercials to Beyonce and Kevin Bacon, to guesting on over 15 network TV shows, to her star-making turn as Margery in 'Hand To God,' this woman has done it all, and she shares GREAT advice for actors!

Get ready to smile and laugh till it hurts. Tony nominee Montego Glover is about to deliver 43 minutes of pure fun times. She shares stories of making her Broadway debut in 'The Color Purple' (understudying LaChanze, no less), Originating the role of Felicia in 'Memphis', the role for which she received her first Tony nomination (the show took home the Tony for Best Original Musical), and her most recent turn as Annie in 'It Shoulda Been You.' She's amazing! Check her out!

Broadway Leading Lady! Groundbreaking Stand-Up Comic! Recording Artist! Television Star! Lea DeLaria does it all, and we talk about all of it!From her starring role as Big Boo on the Netflix mega-hit "Orange Is the New Black" to her latest album, "The House of David," to her critically acclaimed turns in the Broadway productions of "On the Town" and "The Rocky Horror Show," Lea shares some of the most hilarious and outrageous stories we've ever heard! Warning: This episode contains a LOT of swearing. Lea has hilarious and important things to say and she DOES NOT CENSOR HERSELF!

Two time Tony winner Michael Cerveris invited us to his dressing room at the Circle in the Square Theater to talk 'Fun Home,' 'Tommy,' Assassins,' and more! One of the Broadway's great leading men, Michael is funny, charming, and generous with the stories!

WE LOVE KERRY BUTLER! The 'Xanadu' star (and Tony nominee!!) Kerry Butler shares memories from her amazing career on and off-Broadway. From 'Bat Boy' to 'Hairspray' to 'Little Shop of Horrors,' to 'Catch Me if You Can,' Kerry has starred in all of your favorite musicals. Hear how she got the roles, her insight into the characters she brought to life, and her thoughts on her success.

Three time Tony nominee sits down with us to chat about "Hand To God," the Tony nominated play that everyone is talking about. This episode is a little different for Theater People and is a very special episode to us--take a listen and you'll understand why. And stick around after our interview with Marc for a brief chat we had with Krysta Rodriguez, Andy Mientus, and Alex Boniello about Deaf West Theater Company's production of "Spring Awakening" in which they all star.

The Tony nominated composer of "Fun Home" talks her five-year journey with the piece -- how she and book writer Lisa Kron worked tirelessly to turn Alison Bechdel's graphic novel into the groundbreaking Tony-nominated musical. She also shares stories from her tremendous career composing the music for such shows as "Violet," "Caroline, or Change," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and "Shrek."

We first discovered the incredible talent that is Lisa Howard back in 2006 when she starred as Rona Lisa Peretti in Bill Finn's '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,' and became instant fans--I mean, that voice! We followed her career as she went into 'South Pacific,' 'Priscilla: Queen of the Desert,' and '9 to 5.' We were elated to find her back on Broadway this season in a starring role in 'It Shoulda Been You.' She is Drama Desk Award nominated for the role of Jenny and is bringing the house down nightly. We were so thrilled to have the chance to speak with her about it.

The newly minted Tony nominee talks about his star making turn as Gayby in this years critically acclaimed and Tony nominated revival of 'On the Town.' He shares stories from making his Broadway debut at age 11 in the Arthur Laurents directed, Tyne Daly helmed 'Gypsy' , revisiting the piece years later in the role of Tulsa in the Patti LuPone helmed 'Gypsy' under the same director. He also shares memories from his breakout performance as Al in the 2006 Broadway revival of 'A Chorus Line.'

The 'First Lady of British Musical Theater', Elaine Paige is bona fide musical theater royalty. Best known for having originated the roles of Eva Peron (yes, she did it before Patti) in 'Evita' and Grizabella (yes, she did it before Betty), she also starred in the West End productions of 'Chess,' 'Anything Goes,' 'Piaf,' 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'The King and I', and 'The Drowsy Chaperone.' She made her Broadway debut in 1996 in 'Sunset Boulevard' and returned to Broadway in the 2012 Production of 'Follies.' She’s recorded 18 solo albums, 7 cast albums, had several top 10 hits, performed concerts all over the world, and in 1995, Queen Elizabeth herself appointed Elaine appointed her an officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Three-time Tony nominee, Emmy winner, and Patrick's favorite movie star, the great Martha Plimpton discusses her important work as an activist for women's reproductive rights and stories from her incredible career as an actress. Martha talks about her parents (who met as original cast members of the groundbreaking musical 'Hair'), memories from her childhoood in NYC--including making her acting debut at age 8 in a musical at the Public, eventually becoming a member of the famed Steppenwolf Theater Company, and her most memorable work on Broadway including 'Pal Joey' and 'The Coast of Utopia.'We also announce the launch of our Kickstarter campaign! Help us keep Theater People going for another year. visit www.theaterppl.com for details.

At long last, our interview with Rocky himself! Andy sits down with us to discuss his earlier work in 'Legally Blonde, and 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' before telling all about starring as the title character in the $17 million mega musical 'Rocky.' He shares stories about how the experience changed his life and career as well as his new project, Roundabout Theatre Company's 'On the Twentieth Century.'

The hilarious Tony nominee chats with us about the 3 years she spent playing Tracy Turnblad in the national tour of "Hairspray" , making her Broadway debut in "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert", winning the role of Norma Valverde in the (criminally short lived) "Hands on a Hardbody" and the Tony nod that came with it, and playing Madame Thenardier in "Les Mis" 8 times per week. This episode is packed with emotion, hilarity, and heart!

Our first ever live show was a smashing success! Two time Tony nominee Laura Osnes ('Cinderella' and 'Bonnie & Clyde) talks life after 'Cinderella,' the roles she auditioned for but didn't get to play, starring in the upcoming 'Carousel,' and we even get her to rap Lin-Manuel Miranda style. And Ellyn Marie Marsh performs a hilarious excerpt from her sold out 54 Below debut solo show 'Inappropriate.'

Here's our chance to share one of our favorite theater podcasts! Broadway actors Mo Brady ('The Adams Family') and Nikka Graff Lanzarone ('Women on the Verge...' and 'Chicago') talk with us about 'The Ensemblist' podcast and how they show Broadway from the inside out.

The beloved Broadway beltress shares stories of moving to NYC fresh out of high school and booking her fist Broadway gig. She also tells all about her incredible career, including being hand picked by the legendary director Joe Mantello to star Off-Broadway in "Dogfight," and, of course, taking on the role of Elphaba in the Broadway company of "Wicked."

The Tony winning star of "If/Then" invited us to her dressing room at the Richard Rodgers theater to talk about her journey with this smash hit rock musical and to look back on her legendary career. We talk about the show that made her a star -- Ahrens and Flaherty's "Once On This Island" -- and her Tony Award-winning turn as Celie in the Oprah Winfrey produced "The Color Purple." She talks about being a working single mom, shares stories from the rehearsal room, and talks about bonding with co-stars Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, and Jenn Colella.

Today's guest, the great Mary Testa, has 13 Broadway credits, 2 Tony Award nominations, 26 off-Broadway credits, 2 Obie awards, and a Drama Desk award for her nearly four decades of outstanding work in the New York Theater. She talks to Theater People about her new album "Have Faith," which is her collaboration with Tony-winning orchestrator Michael Starobin ("Next to Normal," "Sunday in the Park with George"), and her work with the great composer/orchestrators William Finn, Aherns & Flaherty, and Michael John LaChiusa.

Alysha Umphress, who co-stars as Hildy to critical acclaim in the smash hit Broadway revival of 'On the Town,' tells all about her journey with the show; she shares how, after a slew of Broadway ensemble roles, making the bold decision to only audition for principal parts led to this career making opportunity for her; she tells great audition stories, and she reminisces about her days slinging drinks and hosting shows at the Laurie Beechman Theater.

The 'Side Show' star talks playing one half of the conjoined Hilton twins in the highly anticipated Broadway re-imagining of the show. She also talks about making her Broadway debut as young Edith Bouvier Beale in 'Grey Gardens,' getting notes from Sondheim during her run in 'A Little Night Music,' and she tells a hilarious story about working alongside the legendary Elaine Stritch.

This week we find out what happens when an 'unknown' actor is cast in a leading role for their first time on Broadway. First up, Margo Seibert, who was put through 9 auditions--9!!--before landing the coveted role of Adrian in last season's "Rocky." Then we talk to Amber Iman who takes us through her journey of being cast as the legendary Nina Simone in the short lived "Soul Doctor."

The three time Tony nominee talks "Spelling Bee," "The Glass Menagerie," her new play "The Oldest Boy" and SO much more. She's all wit, humor, and smarts! She generously shares stories from her amazing 13 year (and counting) career.

The Tony, Emmy, Obie, Drama Desk (and every other conceivable) winning and Pulitzer Prize nominated GENIUS talks the upcoming "Hamilton," "In the Heights," and growing up in NYC.

The popular actor, dancer, singer tells all about his role on 'Glee,' how Tony winner Billy Porter helped him get his first Broadway job, his close friendship with Lea Salonga, working with the legendary George Takei, and taking on the role of Producer for 'Grind'--a new rock musical short film.

The multi-talented actress talks "Enron," "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," and "Kinky Boots." She also tells why it took three Broadway contracts for her to make it to the stage, being a Broadway mom, and--once and for all--chooses between Schmackery's cookies and Pie Face. Oh, and did we mention that she's Patrick's best friend?

The Tony winning Director/Choreographer talks the wild success of his Tony winning "Kinky Boots." He also talks his directorial debut--"Legally Blonde." In addition, he talks choreographing "Hairspray," and "Catch Me If You Can" and other. He also shares memories of his lengthy career as a Broadway chorus boy, being mentored as a choreographer by Jerome Robbins and Michael Bennett, and what led to his creating "Broadway Bares."

The Tony winning actress made headlines when, at the absolute height of her career, she decided to step away from acting and move to Madison, WI to pursue other passions and interests. She discusses this decision, what she's up to now, her work in "In the Heights", and Tony winning performance as Anita in the 2009 Arthur Laurents helmed production of "West Side Story."

The two time Tony nominated star of "In the Heights" and "La Cage Aux Folles" talks making his film debut in "Camp", and making it on Broadway. And you MUST hear his great story about friend and "Heights" co-star (and upcoming Theater People guest) Karen Olivo.

The Tony Award winner talks making her Broadway debut in the infamous Stephen Sondheim musical flop "Merrily We Roll Along," creating the role of Caroline in the Tony-nominated and Olivier Award-winning "Caroline, or Change," and why she was compelled to come back to Broadway this season in "Holler If Ya Hear Me," the mostly rapped-through musical featuring the music, lyrics, and poetry of Tupac Shakur.

All Hail The Queen! The fabulous "Matilda" star talks growing up on a cattle ranch, winning the role of Inez in London's "Zorro The Musical" and how that led to an Olivier award for her performance, how she landed the role of Mrs. Wormwood in "Matilda" for her Broadway debut, and why she calls herself The Queen.

The "If/Then" and "Rent" (and, um "Adventures in Babysitting") star talks returning to Broadway in one of this seasons hottest new shows, reuniting on stage with friend and co-star Idina Menzel, and, of course, not getting enough shift hours at Starbucks in his pre-"Rent" days.

The Broadway beltress discusses her humble beginnings as a Disney theme park performer, her breakthrough performance in the Title role of the 2004 musical "Brooklyn", being Idina Menzel's standby in the original company of "Wicked", and performing her dream role of Maureen Johnson in the closing company of "Rent." She also shares auditioning advice for up-and-comers, goes deep on her respect and professional friendship with Idina Menzel (they have, after all shared two of the most important roles in recent musical theater history) and tells all about her career ups and downs.

The hilarious (and blindingly gorgeous) two-time Tony winner talks about dropping out of Carnegie Mellon to study in NYC with Uta Hagen, balancing career and motherhood, how to win a Tony with just two scenes of material. beating out movie stars for the role of Miss Hannigan in the recent revival of "Annie," and her upcoming show at 54 Below. Oh, and she has a bunch of tips for performers just starting out!

This week we welcome two women with vastly different styles who dominate NYC's cabaret scene, downtown and up. First up, Bridget Everett, who packs 'em in at downtown hot spots Joe's Pub and La Mama. Second, Maude Maggart, who plays internationally renowned rooms like Feinstein's and Cafe Carlyle. Warning: some adult language is used; this episode may not be suitable for young kids.

The Tony nominated director of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" talks casting Neil Patrick Harris, the show's long traipse to Broadway, his other hit shows including "Spring Awakening," (Tony Award) "American Idiot," and "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and tells the definitive of how Sutton Foster was elevated from understudy to Millie's title role.

The Tony nominated "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" co-star discusses growing up as 1 of 10 kids, the highs and lows of her career, quitting the business the day before being cast in "Beautiful", and how she almost died two days into rehearsal. You can't make this stuff up.

The "Submissions Only" co-creator stops by to talk about season 3 of the popular web series and the many (stylish) hats he wears in bringing the show to life, his Broadway work, and how Sutton Foster was at one point his babysitter. Seriously.

The "Ugly Betty" star sits down to discuss his (fictional) year working in Barbra Streisand's basement in the hit play "Buyer and Cellar," making his Broadway debut, and how that sneaky Vanessa Williams taught him some very important tricks of the acting trade.

The hilarious and sardonic actress reflects on child stardom, winning a Tony Award at age eleven, how motherhood has changed her, and still trying to "make it" in the business.

The Tony nominated star of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" and Frank Wildhorn's "Bonnie and Clyde" (among many others) sits down with us to discuss married life, new projects, and, of course, scrapbooking.

Everybody say Yeah! The Tony nominated Kinky Boots star drops by to discuss her career, go-go dancing with Lady Gaga, and why she loves playing hookers. OMG, OMG You Guys, this episode is awesome.

The playbill.com columnist discusses his hit play "Patti Issues" about his obsession - turned - (tumultuous) friendship with Broadway legend Patti LuPone.

Tony Award winner Cady Huffman kicks off our podcast with hilarious and moving stories from her career--and a killer Ethel Merman impression.

Introducing your new favorite theater podcast, bringing you interviews with theater stars, up-and-comers, and the creative people who make the magic happen.