Episoder
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Eden Espinosa’s performance as Tamara in “Lempicka” garnered her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical…and she’s not guilty about it. She highlights both the triumphs and tribulations of her career – from being a part of Colby's Clubhouse and working at Disneyland when she was young to dealing with rejections and criticisms. Maybe best known for her role in “Wicked”, she shares how she got involved with the show (thanks to fellow Disney performer Stephanie J. Block) and why chose to be a standby over understudy. She delves into her recent role in the musical "Lempicka", how she auditioned for the part, and why ever since then, she made sure it was in her contract that if she had to be replaced, they’d have to pay her. She opens up about the challenges faced by the production, including dealing with its unexpected closing. She reflects on the importance of authentic representation, particularly in portraying queer characters, and the responsibility she feels to honor such roles. Eden shares a memorable interaction with an audience member during the show’s final performance, where she broke character to address a disruptive phone use incident. Despite the show’s sudden closing, Eden’s motivation to connect with others in any way, shape, or form is definitely not going anywhere.
Eden Espinosa made her Broadway debut in 2003 in the original cast of “Wicked” as the Elphaba standby and Nessarose understudy. She also garnered critical acclaim playing Elphaba full-time in the sit-down productions in Los Angeles and San Francisco. She originated the lead role in the show “Brooklyn” in 2004, before going on to the closing company of “Rent” as Maureen in 2008. She graced the screen with roles in shows like “Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure”, and “Alice's Wonderland Bakery” for which she earned an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Queen of Hearts in 2022. She has two complete solo albums to her name, “Look Around” and “Revelation”, and most recently, her performance in the world premiere of “Lempicka” garnered her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.
Connect with Eden:
Website: www.edenespinosa.com
Instagram: @edenespinosa
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Dorian Harewood's career journey is anything but ordinary, and he's got three wonderful women (and luck) to thank for it. And after over 45 years, he’s back on the Broadway stage as Older Noah in “The Notebook”. He shares what made him want to come back, owing it to his manager who pushed him to audition for the role. With almost 200 credits under his name, he looks back on what got him to performing – from starting as a singer and auditioning for a four-year scholarship as advised by his teacher to moving to New York at 22 and doing a musical with the legendary Bette Davis, who also became his acting mentor. He looks back on his first acting role, “Don’t Call Back”, and why even though the show opened and closed the same night, it led him to even better opportunities. Being in an industry inherent to rejection and hardship, he discusses the necessity of having hobbies outside of one's profession and pursuing one's passion to help navigate life's challenges. Aside from theater, he actually has more passions: bowling, pool, and blackjack and shares the importance of respecting passions other than theater, whatever they may be, in order to stay happy and healthy. Currently starring as Older Noah in Broadway’s “The Notebook”, he talks about the challenge of keeping performances fresh for the audience and the communal experience live theater offers. With so many accomplishments and lasting legacy to leave behind, Dorian isn’t done learning new things. He shares his philosophy of viewing every day as a "birthday" and a new beginning, expressing gratitude for life itself.
Dorian Harwood made his Broadway acting debut in the 1971 production of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”. His additional Broadway credits include “The Mighty Gents”, “Streamers”, and “Don't Call Back”. He pivoted to TV and film for almost the next 50 years, racking up a total of 187 credits on IMDb. His film credits include “Gothika”, “Levity”, “Pacific Heights”, and “Full Metal Jacket”. His TV credits include “7th Heaven”, “Criminal Minds”, “Twelve Angry Men”, and “The Roots: The Next Generations”. He's a voiceover artist for cartoons and video games and is now a Tony-nominated actor for his role as Older Noah in “The Notebook” on Broadway, which also happens to be his first time back on the Broadway stage since 1978.
Connect with Dorian:
Website: www.dorianharewood.com
Instagram: @officialdorianharewood
YouTube: officialdorianharewood
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If there’s one lesson to take away from Rick Elice’s life story, it’s to never say no to a free lunch. He shares anecdotes from his past, including childhood memories of seeing theatre productions that got him to pursue acting and getting fired for his first Broadway show as an actor. While he’s always loved theatre, Rick also looks back on the beginning of his advertising career, which happened at a musical’s opening night at the Public Theatre where he found himself standing next to Matthew Serino. With so many successful stints and an amazing career trajectory, he likens himself to a pinball, getting flipped from one project to the next. Having written the book for Broadway’s “The Addams Family”, he recalls the show’s timeline and why the national tour became a much more successful version of the story then they had originally written. He talks about his latest work, “Water for Elephants”, and the show’s universal themes of belonging and loss. He reflects on his personal experiences, including grief over the loss of his partner that deeply influenced his approach to writing the musical – emphasizing the importance of storytelling as a way to connect with the audience and to provide comfort to those who feel marginalized or unheard. Ultimately, he talks about his motivations and inspirations in life, citing the beauty of the world and his sense of his own unimportance as the main ones.
Rick Elice is a four time Tony Award nominated author, a playwright, an actor, a teacher, and an entrepreneur who has been involved in the Broadway scene in one form or another since 1979. In 1982, he became the creative director of Serino Coyne, Inc., one of the top theatrical marketing agencies in New York, and then became a creative consultant for the Walt Disney Studio from 1999 to 2008. His first Broadway credit as a book writer aka playwright was “Jersey Boys”, which opened in 2005, and led him to write the stories, the books for the Broadway shows of “The Addams Family”, “Peter and the Starcatcher”, “The Cher Show”, and now, “Water for Elephants”, which just nabbed him his fourth Tony nomination. Rick is also writing the books for “The Princess Bride” musical, and “Smash” musical, among others.
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Liza lovers, this episode is for you! We had the incredible Bruce David Klein, director of the brand new documentary, "LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story," in the virtual studio dishing all about the film and the legendary Liza Minnelli herself. The first and only documentary Liza has personally approved and allowed herself to appear in, Klein pulls back the curtain on Liza's life and career, from her childhood under the spotlight with Judy Garland to her own meteoric rise and the challenges she's faced along the way. This is an exclusive look you won't want to miss! Tune in for behind-the-scenes secrets, never-before-heard stories, and all the reasons why we adore Liza Minnelli.
See the world premiere of the documentary at the 2024 Tribeca film festival: https://tribecafilm.com/films/liza-a-truly-terrific-absolutely-true-story-2024
Emmy-nominated filmmaker Bruce David Klein is a force behind some of your favorite documentaries and television shows. Founder of Atlas Media Corp., Klein has directed, written, and produced across various platforms. Whether it's exploring the eccentric world of rock legend Meat Loaf or diving into the high-stakes world of finance with "Icahn: The Restless Billionaire," Klein consistently brings captivating stories to life.
Connect with Bruce
Get tix to see the film
IG: @atlasmediacorp
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For Tony Award winner Maryann Plunkett, she will always be a shy person. But thanks to theatre she's learned how to enter a room and own it. Currently playing as Older Allie in the Broadway adaptation of "The Notebook," Maryann delves into her approach to embodying the character, the collaborative process with her co-stars and director, and the importance of observing her fellow actors to create a seamless portrayal of Allie across three different ages. With previous experiences on Broadway, she notes that her last starring role in a Broadway musical was in 1987. She reflects on her decision to return to musicals, and how she resonates with “The Notebook”, seeing her role as a way to honor her mother who lived with dementia and showcase the importance of entering the world of those affected rather than dismissing their experiences. Maryann gets more personal as she talks about her family, how she met her husband on an episode of a television show, and their first kiss… which was actually scripted and caught on film. Growing up shy, she opens up about overcoming her struggles through theatre, and “the power and strength in living one's life in a way that one can be proud of.”
Maryan Plunkett is a celebrated actress and singer who has captivated audiences on both Broadway and the screen for decades. Her career began on the prestigious stages of New York, most notably with her Broadway debut as Sister Agnes in “Agnes of God”, but it was her portrayal of Sally Smith in “Me and My Girl” that truly launched her into the spotlight and earned her a coveted Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical in 1987. She has delivered powerful performances in plays, including but not limited to Arthur Miller's “The Crucible”, “Sunday in the Park with George”, replacing Bernadette Peters, “A Little Hotel on the Side”, “The Master Builder”, and “A Man for All Seasons”. She also spent 12 years doing Richard Nelson's “Rhinebeck Panorama”. Her TV and film credits include “Bull”, “Chicago Med”, “Little Women”, “Blue Valentine”, “Dr. Death”, and “Manifest”. She can now be seen as Older Allie in “The Notebook” on Broadway, which just nabbed her another Tony award nomination.
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Four time Tony Awards nominee David Korins lets us into his world as he talks about his creative process and the intricacies of set design. He shares insights into his work's detailed and often granular nature, emphasizing the importance of even the smallest elements in creating a believable world for actors and audiences alike. He discusses set design for complex productions like “Beetlejuice”, and how he and director Alex Timbers viewed the house as a character itself, which led to numerous model versions to perfect the design. For “Hamilton”, he recounts starting with imaginative sketches and how the final design emerged through collaboration and feedback. While it might not make sense to the audience at times, David underscores the importance of (unseen) detailed set elements, and how they play an important role in helping actors perform authentically. He reflects on coming up with set designs for different mediums and finding new techniques to make his visions come to life, highlighting the evolving role of technology in set design and using Dear Evan Hansen and “The Who’s Tommy” as examples. With countless visions realized, David reveals that ultimately, he gets his motivation from the desire to help others realize their own.
David Korins is an internationally recognized award-winning creative director and designer responsible for creating 360-degree, fully immersive, holistic experiences for some of the biggest stars, brands, and events worldwide and in theatre and Broadway. He brought to life the environments for smash hits like “Hamilton”, “Dear Evan Hansen”, “Beetlejuice”, and “Mrs. Doubtfire”, among many others. He's worked as a creative director for Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Sia, and Andrea Bocelli to bring their musical visions to the stage. His film and TV experience includes series on HBO, CBS, Bravo, IFC, and PBS. He received the 2016 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special for “Grease: Live”. His scenic designs were seen last season in the play, “Just for Us”, and this season's “Here Lies Love” and “The Who’s Tommy”.
Connect with David:
Instagram: @davidkorins
Twitter: @DavidKorins
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Thanks to her competitiveness in sports and being a “terrible loser”, Hannah Cruz found her way into performing and theatre. She shares insights into her journey, including going viral on YouTube and getting asked to audition for “Legally Blonde”, and eventually moving to New York. She opens up about the pressures of performing, including the constant self-doubt and anxiety she experiences, her struggles with perfectionism, and the internal battle to find validation in her work. Having played complex characters such as Eliza in “Hamilton”, and Robin in “The Connector”, she sheds light on the emotional depth required to portray them, the research process involved in preparing for these roles, and the personal connections she has forged with her characters. As someone who learned from her co-actors’ tough love, Hannah believes that for musical theatre, you don’t necessarily have to go to school to be the best. Currently making her Broadway debut as Inez Milholland in “SUFFS”, she shares how it differs from pre-Broadway, why silence is essential (and powerful) in a show, and the importance of providing the most truthful performance to the audience.
Hannah Cruz was most recently seen in the off-Broadway production of “The Connector”. Her additional off-Broadway credits include “Only Gold” and “SUFFS”. On tour and regionally, she was seen in “Hamilton”, “Bullets Over Broadway”, “The Da Vinci Code”, and “Young Frankenstein”. She is now making her Broadway debut in the Broadway transfer of “SUFFS”, playing the incomparable Inez Milholland.
Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: @thisishannahcruz
Twitter: @heyhannahcruz
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Brent Comer caught the theater bug by accident in high school when he signed up for musical theatre class instead of a news casting class – and he hasn’t stopped performing since. While it was cut short for a bit during the pandemic, his passion for performing did not waver. He opens up about his struggles as an actor during the lockdown, learning how to do self-tapes, and why it hurt his heart to see a Zoom musical because the whole magic for him was being present. Currently starring as Daryl Curtis in the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” he shares insights into his character, Danya Taymor’s unique audition process, and the broader themes explored in the show. Growing up in a household of predominantly male family members, he reflects on the impact of his upbringing on his portrayal of Daryl, highlighting the character's struggle to communicate and be seen authentically. He reflects on the authenticity of human interactions in contrast to what he terms as "robotic pleasantries", and the importance of experiencing life and connecting with others to fuel artistic creativity.
Brent Comer is an actor previously seen in the “Les Misérables” National Tour and in the La Jolla production of “The Outsiders”. He just made his Broadway debut as Daryl Curtis at the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” which was also recently nominated for 12 Tony Awards.
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Instagram: @_brentcomer_
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Jason Schmidt and Alan Seales discussed their experiences in music and acting, including the challenges of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Schmidt shared his personal approach to writing music, drawing from his own experiences and emotions, while I emphasized the importance of authenticity and perseverance in the face of hardships. Both speakers highlighted the transformative potential of artistic expression in healing personal struggles. We both shared our experiences as an outsider in various contexts, including high school and a Broadway production of "The Outsiders"'
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IG/TikTok: @jason.s.schmidt
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A multifaceted talent known for his work as a book writer, composer, and lyricist, Justin Levine delves deep into the creative process behind his works, particularly "The Outsiders" musical adaptation. He draws parallels between his work on that production and his involvement with "Moulin Rouge." He also discusses the balance of honoring the original source material while also infusing the adaptation with a fresh perspective and vision. He shares how the team encourages each other to contribute ideas beyond their traditional roles, emphasizing the collaborative nature of musical theater and describing the process as a relay race. Justin challenges stereotypes about musical theater, arguing that it's a misunderstood art form with deep cultural significance. He highlights the influence of musicals on popular music and culture – as proven when he was asked by Anna Wintour to do the music for the Met Gala to celebrate Broadway coming back. With long credits under his name, he still encourages people to prioritize personal well-being, maintain meaningful relationships, and pursue work that aligns with one's passions above anything else.
Justin Levine is a theater book writer, lyricist, music supervisor, and orchestral arranger with Broadway credits that include “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson”, “Moulin Rouge!”, and “Here Lies Love”. His additional credits include creating original music for Shakespeare in the Park’s “A Midsummer Night's Dream”, arranging vocals for Vevo x Lorde - Melodrama, music directing “Love's Labour's Lost”, music directing “The Robber Bridegroom” at the Roundabout Theatre, and music directing “Murder Ballad” at MTC and Union Square Theatre. He is now the co-book writer, co-lyricist, music supervisor, and orchestral arranger for Broadway’s “The Outsiders”.
Connect with Justin:
Instagram: @justinlevine
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For Brody Grant, his bug for performing all started with his love for Star Wars. He shares insights into his journey from being a shy kid and relating to the original "The Outsiders" book to receiving a Tony nomination for his role as Ponyboy (it’s just destiny!). He reflects on the significance of the book and how it resonated with both him and his mom, one of the most important people in his life. Brody discusses his initial audition experience, feeling uncertain about pursuing acting amidst his focus on music and songwriting. His passion for acting and love for "The Outsiders" persisted, eventually leading to his casting as Soda Pop and later as Ponyboy. Brody highlights the supportive and collaborative environment fostered by their director, Danya Taymor, emphasizing the importance of chosen family and genuine connections among the cast members. He shares moments of vulnerability and bonding during rehearsals, where checking in with one another became a norm, fostering a sense of trust and camaraderie. Nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, he recalls how he found out about it through his mom, and the overwhelming support he got from his family and friends–proving that “if you continue to water the seed of the garden that you're in, you're going to end up with a forest and it's going to be beautiful.”
Brody Grant is a New York-based, multi-hyphenate independent recording artist who has appeared in productions like “Parade” at the New York City Center and “The Outsiders” at La Jolla Playhouse. He just made his Broadway debut in “The Outsiders” as Ponyboy Michael Curtis, which has already nabbed him a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.
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Instagram: @brody_grant
TikTok: @brody_grant
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Emma Pittman’s been “live, laugh, love-ing” dance ever since she was two years old–at least until she discovered in high school that it’s best partnered with acting. She looks back on her “The Search for Roxie” experience, winning and not being able to tell it to anyone right away, and the show getting postponed because of the pandemic. She shares her journey with the production of “The Outsiders”, including her early connection with the show, having read the book and performed in a play adaptation in high school. Emma describes the unique ensemble-based approach of the play and how it resonated with her. One standout moment she discusses is her audition process for the play, highlighting the personal connection established by director Danya Tamor, who prioritized genuine conversations with the actors during the audition process. Emma opens up about her personal experiences, including her life in high school and the challenge of breaking free from preconceived notions. She also talks about the impact of "The Outsiders" on younger audiences, and the profound effect of the show's raw and visceral scenes, particularly the rumble. In an industry where it’s easy to get boxed into a particular type, Emma imparts advice on embracing one's uniqueness and staying true to oneself wherever you go.
Emma Pittman is a Mississippi native who graduated from New York City's Wagner College. In late 2019, she won “The Search for Roxie”, an online contest to find the next Roxie for “Chicago” on Broadway. After she won, she made her Broadway debut in 2022, replacing Pamela Anderson. Her regional credits include Janet in the drowsy chaperone and Lola in damn Yankees. She's also a teaching artist, a director, and a choreographer. Her choreography credits include “On the 20th Century,” “In the Woods,” and “The Cradle Will Rock”. She was part of the original cast of Broadway’s “Back to the Future,” and is now making audiences cry eight times a week as Cherry Valance in “The Outsiders”, which just received 12 Tony nominations.
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Instagram: @emmapittmanofficial
TikTok: @emmapittmanofficial
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Rick and Jeff Kuperman talk about their roles as choreographers for the Broadway production of "The Outsiders," diving deep into various aspects of the show's creation, from choreography and staging to its technical elements like sound and lighting. The two share how their collaboration with Danya Taymor began, their non-traditional theatre practices, and the story behind “The Outsiders” choreography, particularly the rumble scene. Apart from theatre and directing, Rick and Jeff share their other interests, such as Jeff's appreciation for Russian literature and Rick's fascination with philosophical introspection. With their success, the two reflect on the role of luck and how things aligned for them, the pride they take in their work, and the collaborative aspect of their job, highlighting the importance of teamwork, creativity, and dedication to storytelling.
Rick and Jeff Kuperman is a directing and choreographing team with many projects that you've seen on stage and screen. Their recent highlights include co-directing and choreographing the immersive show from the producers of “Sleep No More”, choreographing a new musical adaptation of “The Outsiders”, which just opened, and choreographing “Alice by Heart” which won the Lucille Lortel Award, the Chita Rivera Award, and the Callaway Award for Outstanding Choreography. They've also worked on “Cyrano” with Peter Dinklage, Phish at Madison Square Garden, and choreographed the feature film, “Dicks: The Musical”, which you can find streaming online. Other camera work includes “Living With Yourself” with Paul Rudd, and “Silent Retreat”.
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Website: kupermanbrothers.com
Instagram: @kupermanbrothers
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Welcome to the first of many episodes for 'The Outsiders' takeover here on the podcast!
Tony Award Nominee(!) Danya Taymor didn’t know that she was going to stick with theater until she was towards the end of her college career. She’s enjoyed being a director (or the captain of the ship, as they say) since then. She recalls doing plays in Duke and why it was a gift that allowed her to try and fail, and hone her directing style. Currently manning the ship for Broadway’s Tony Award Nominated “The Outsiders”, she discusses her experiences leading up to the opening night of the show, her creative process, and the challenges of bringing a beloved story to the stage. As a director, she emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of the collective health of a project and knowing when to stop working on it. She talks about how the show resonates with the younger audiences, her approach to make the show appealing and relatable to the youth, and the warmup they do every day to cultivate a safe space for the actors and crew. Dayna also looks back on her experience directing "Pass Over," the first Broadway show to reopen after the shutdown due to the pandemic. She describes it as an honor and a divine experience, and how it has been a blessing throughout her career. She shares the collaborative nature of directing, the importance of caring for actors' well-being and feeling their energies, and her belief in the healing power of theater.
Danya Taymor is a New York-based director who reopened Broadway with the play, “Pass Over”. Her other works include the out-of-town production of “The Outsiders”, Samuel Beckett's “Endgame”, Will Arbery's Pulitzer Prize finalist, “Heroes of the Fourth Turning”, “Evanston Salt Costs Climbing”, and Jeremy O'Harris’ “Daddy”. She's the recipient of the Joan Cullman Award for Extraordinary Creativity from Lincoln Center. Her latest credit is the Broadway production of “The Outsiders”, which just opened at the Jacobs Theater.
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Website: about.me/danyataymor
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Full list of 2024 nominees here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/theater/tony-awards-nominations.html
Find more of The Theatre Podcast at http://bpn.fm/ttp
Best Musical
- Hell's Kitchen
- Illinoise
- The Outsiders
- Suffs
- Water for Elephants
Best Play
- Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Author: Jocelyn Bioh
- Mary Jane, Author: Amy Herzog
- Mother Play, Author: Paula Vogel
- Prayer for the French Republic, Author: Joshua Harmon
- Stereophonic, Author: David Adjmi
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
- William Jackson Harper, Uncle Vanya
- Leslie Odom, Jr., Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
- Liev Schreiber, Doubt: A Parable
- Jeremy Strong, An Enemy of the People
- Michael Stuhlbarg, Patriots
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
- Betsy Aidem, Prayer for the French Republic
- Jessica Lange, Mother Play
- Rachel McAdams, Mary Jane
- Sarah Paulson, Appropriate
- Amy Ryan, Doubt: A Parable
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
- Brody Grant, The Outsiders
- Jonathan Groff, Merrily We Roll Along
- Dorian Harewood, The Notebook
- Brian d'Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses
- Eddie Redmayne, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
- Eden Espinosa, Lempicka
- Maleah Joi Moon, Hell's Kitchen
- Kelli O'Hara, Days of Wine and Roses
- Maryann Plunkett, The Notebook
- Gayle Rankin, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
- Will Brill, Stereophonic
- Eli Gelb, Stereophonic
- Jim Parsons, Mother Play
- Tom Pecinka, Stereophonic
- Corey Stoll, Appropriate
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
- Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Doubt: A Parable
- Juliana Canfield, Stereophonic
- Celia Keenan-Bolger, Mother Play
- Sarah Pidgeon, Stereophonic
- Kara Young, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
- Roger Bart, Back To The Future: The Musical
- Joshua Boone, The Outsiders
- Brandon Victor Dixon, Hell's Kitchen
- Sky Lakota-Lynch, The Outsiders
- Daniel Radcliffe, Merrily We Roll Along
- Steven Skybell, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
- Shoshana Bean, Hell's Kitchen
- Amber Iman, Lempicka
- Nikki M. James, Suffs
- Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Monty Python's Spamalot
- Kecia Lewis, Hell's Kitchen
- Lindsay Mendez, Merrily We Roll Along
- Bebe Neuwirth, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
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Jayne Atkinson believes she has this kind of magic superpower of getting what she wants if she puts her attention to it, and she’s got a long list of credits to prove just that. She looks back on her childhood and having an English sensibility (and sense of humor) even though she grew up in America. She credits her high school drama teacher as the one who gave her the foundation of her work, and thinks fellow classmate Michael Greif is her “theatre angel”. Jayne talks about her latest play, "Still," which she stars in alongside her old friend Tim Daly. She shares the story of what made her say yes to the play after receiving the script from Will Rucker, and the show’s themes of love, connection, and the importance of listening to each other. Jayne gets real as she reflects on the impact of technology on human connection, why she thinks “the SAG strike didn’t hit some of the issues it needed to hit”, and the significance of live theater, especially today. With a successful acting career and so many credits under her name, she shares her personal motivations, advising aspirants to prioritize self-care and enjoyment in auditions.
Jayne Atkinson is a British American actress who's graced everything from Broadway's grand stages to popular television shows. You might recognize her from her Emmy-nominated role as Karen Hayes on “24” or her powerful performances in “House of Cards” and “Criminal Minds”. Her accolades extend far beyond the screen, including Tony Award nominations for her captivating theater work in the 2000 production of “The Rainmaker” and the 2003 production of “Enchanted April”. Her other TV and film credits include “Parenthood”, “A Year in the Life”, “Gossip Girl”, “Madam Secretary”, and “Death and Other Details”. Jayne is also a three-time Drama Desk Award nominee. She was last seen on stage starring alongside Angela Lansbury in “Blithe Spirit”, and can now be seen in the off-Broadway production of “Still” at the DR2 Theater.
Connect with Jayne:
Instagram: @jayneatkinsonofficial
Connect with The Theatre Podcast:
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A lot has changed since Izzy McCalla first appeared in episode 38 back in 2019 and she’s more than happy to share the latest news in her journey – from her early roles to now playing Marlena in "Water for Elephants." She reflects on how each role built her confidence and prepared her for new challenges, her tendency to gravitate towards ensemble pieces, and her ability to go back and forth between the comedic and dramatic genres. Izzy opens up about the challenges of replacing actors in established shows, the pressure of delivering in front of audiences, and the process of finding inner peace and self-acceptance. She shares an important lesson on being funny on stage, and that nothing kills comedy faster than hesitation and anxiety. Currently playing as Marlena in “Water for Elephants,” she talks about the character’s complexities, and her evolving perspective on love, relationships, and self-worth. She also discusses her Haitian heritage and its personal connection to her role, sharing her family's history and how they immigrated to Haiti with the Danish circus. Izzy gets real as she opens up about vulnerability, self-discovery, her tendency to fix others, and the importance of setting boundaries while maintaining empathy as she navigates emotional growth.
Izzy McCalla first appeared in episode 38 back in 2019 and our special 150th Pride episode in June of 2021. Since then, she has added more credits, including the Paper Mill Playhouse production of “Clue” and “Hercules”, and “Footloose” at the Kennedy Center, and was part of the closing cast of "Shucked" earlier this year. She’s currently part of the recently opened production of “Water for Elephants” as Marlena.
Connect with Izzy:
Instagram: @izzymccalla
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Andrew Samonsky believes that Jerry Garcia’s death (yes that Jerry Garcia) may have instigated his performance career in some way. From being a “deadhead” to becoming a Broadway actor, Andrew opens up about his years of following the Grateful Dead and dealing with drug problems that led him to go to rehab. Lost and feeling helpless, he decided to pray to help find his path. He soon received a letter from his old voice teacher encouraging him to pursue a career in singing, and the rest is history. He looks back on his childhood, his love for singing despite being a shy kid, and how, ultimately, theatre and its community are what saved him during his troubled years. Currently playing as Tadeusz Lempicki in “Lempicka”, Andrew shares the story behind his cosmic connection to the show, which goes all the way back to 22 years ago and a random interaction with the Peace Corps. He discusses the challenges and joys of originating a role, the importance of trust and collaboration between actors and creative teams, and the feeling of gratitude for the opportunity to bring characters to life and how it can impact audiences.
Andrew Samonsky made his Broadway debut in the 2008 production of “South Pacific” and has additional Broadway credits, including “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, and “Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson”. His TV credits include “Madam Secretary”, “It Could Be Worse”, and “Elementary”. He can now be seen as Tadeusz Lempicki in the Broadway production of “Lempicka”.
Connect with Andrew:
Instagram: @asamonsky
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Ryan Vasquez looks back on his career journey, including living with French acrobats in a seven-bedroom house while doing a show, and eventually booking Hamilton. Playing as many characters as he has in Hamilton was to him just “paid therapy”. Having passed up competing offers to star in Water for Elephants and The Outsiders, he is now starring as Middle Noah in "The Notebook", Ryan opens up about why he chose to be part of the show–believing in its impact and just how it personally hits him hard. He reflects on the various aspects of the show, from having diverse couples portray the different stages of Noah and Allie's relationship to witnessing the audience cry and experience deep emotions during performances. He also discusses the misconception that the show is purely about sadness, noting that it touches on a range of emotions like joy and self-actualization. Ryan also talks about her chemistry with his co-star Joy Woods and how much real life fun they have performing together. Aware that he's stepping into an iconic role, he reveals that he doesn't feel pressured but instead focuses more on the importance of bringing his own authenticity to the character. After all, it’s what motivates him: bringing his “authentic-isms” and self to the world.
Ryan Vasquez can probably reenact all of Hamilton on his own having played multiple roles in the ensemble, including Philip Schuyler, Reynolds, Hercules Mulligan, James Madison, George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, and ultimately, the title role of Hamilton himself. He has been in “Wicked” as Fiyero and other roles, and in Broadway's production of “Waitress”. He can be seen on both the big and little screens in “The Good Fight”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Tick, Tick... Boom!”, and “In the Heights”. He can now be seen as Middle Noah in the Broadway cast of “The Notebook”.
Connect with Ryan:
Website: www.ryanvasqueznyc.com
Instagram: @itsryanvasquez
Connect with The Theatre Podcast:
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YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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TheTheatrePodcast.com
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Join us for an extraordinary deep dive inside the most transformative decade on Broadway through gripping behind-the-scenes accounts of shows such as Sunset Boulevard, Rent, Angels in America, Chicago, The Lion King, and The Producers - shows that changed the history of the American theater. Host Michael Riedel, author of the best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway, has created a companion podcast featuring his never-before-heard, taped audio interviews with legendary artists from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Patti LuPone, and so many more.
Michael presents the drama behind the decade’s mega-hits and shocking flops, bringing readers into high-stakes premieres, fraught rehearsals, tough contract negotiations, intense Tony Award battles, and more. From the bitter feuds to the surprising collaborations, all the intrigue of a revolutionary era in the Theater District is packed into Singular Sensation. Broadway has triumphs and disasters, but the show always goes on.
Enjoy Singular Sensation: The Podcast everywhere you get your podcasts or use http://bpn.fm/singularsensation to listen and learn more, and be sure to get the book here: https://amzn.to/4cNdfO3.
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