Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine: Recent Episodes
Hosted by actress Ilana Levine
With her unique style of hosting, Ilana Levine gives her listeners up close and personal access to today's biggest stars from Broadway, Film and Television. Her intimate and revealing conversations with Tony Award, Academy Award, Grammy Award and Emmy Award winners gives listeners the feeling they are part of a conversation between old friends. Guests include Julianne Moore, Matthew Broderick, Isabelle Huppert, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ben Platt, Uma Thurman, Matt Bomer, Aasif Mandvi, Octavia Spencer, Edie Falco, Allison Janney, Beanie Feldstein, John Slattery, Judith Light, Molly Ringwald, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Chenoweth, Anthony Rapp, Jason Alexander, Tony Shalhoub, Griffin Dunne, Kaskade, Laura Linney and many more. New episodes are released on Mondays.
Liana Hunt is a New York City based actor, singer and dancer who has appeared on Broadway, National Tours, regionally, on television and in films. Originally from Vermont, Liana received her BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and graduated with honors a semester early to star as Sophie on the National Tour of Mamma Mia!. After touring the country with the show, Liana was brought to Broadway, making her Broadway debut as Sophie in Mamma Mia! at the age of 23. Liana also starred on Broadway as Katherine Plumber in Disney’s Newsies. She has returned to Broadway this summer in Back to the Future Musical that is adapted for the stage by the movie’s creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and is directed by the Tony Award-winning John Rando. She stars in the production as ‘Lorraine McFly’. Liana has performed on stages all across the country. Some of her favorite National Tour credits include the role of Nessarose in Wicked and Margo in Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s Bright Star. Favorite regional credits include creating the role of Jessie Randolph in Clint Black’s new musical, Looking for Christmas, at The Old Globe, the St. Louis MUNY’s centennial production of Meet Me in St. Louis (Rose), and Noel Coward’s Private Lives at the Riverside Theatre (Sybil). Liana has studied Improv with UCB and is a part of the sketch comedy show SHIZ: Broadway Meets Sketch Comedy, which has had runs at UCB in Hell’s Kitchen and Improv Asylum, produced by National Lampoon. Liana also teaches musical theatre masterclasses to kids of all ages and coaches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Max Chernin Broadway: Parade, Bright Star, Sunday In The Park with George. NYC: Brooklynite (Vineyard), Golden Apple (Encores!) Regional: Passing Through (Goodspeed), Daddy Long Legs (Theatre Raleigh), Elf (Pioneer). Television: “Dickinson,” “Blacklist.” CCM Alum. @maxcherns. Alfred Uhry (Book) is distinguished as the only American playwrights to have won a Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award, and two Tony Awards. A 1958 graduate of Brown University, he began his professional career as a lyric writer under contract to the late Frank Loesser. He made his Broadway debut in 1968 with Here’s Where I Belong, which ran for one night. He had better luck with The Robber Bridegroom in 1976, which won him his first Tony nomination. He followed that with five recreated musicals at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut. His first play was Driving Miss Daisy, which began life at the 74-seat upstairs theatre at Playwrights Horizons in 1987 and went on to run for three years and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988. The film version, starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy, won the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1989 and gained Uhry his own Oscar for Best Screenplay. His next two Broadway outings won him Tony Awards: The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Best Play of 1997) and Parade (Best Book of a Musical 1999). In 2014, he was inducted into both the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mahira Kakkar: Off-Broadway: 7 Minutes, Waterwell; Here We Are, Theater for One; Addressless, Rattlestick; Opus, Primary Stages; Harper Regan, Atlantic; Romeo and Juliet, Public Theater; The Winter’s Tale, TFANA; When January Feels Like Summer, EST; Henry VI, NAATCO; Arturo Ui, Classic Stage Company; Ms. Witherspoon, Playwrights Horizons; Clive, The New Group. Regional: Life of Pi, A.R.T.; Skylight, McCarter Theatre; Rafta Rafta, Old Globe; Our Town, OSF; Monsoon Wedding, Berkeley Rep; Bedroom Farce, Huntington Theater Company; Inana, Denver Center; The Crucible, Cleveland Playhouse; Five Mile Lake, McCarter Theatre; Comedy of Errors, Hartford Stage, Jesus in India, Magic Theater. Film/TV: “A Suitable Boy” (series lead), “Manifest” (recurring), “New Amsterdam,” “Blue Bloods,” “The Blacklist,” “Louie,” “Odd Mom Out,” “Sweet Refuge,” “Bite Me,” Hank and Asha (Napa Valley Film Festival Best Actress, Wild Rose Festival Best Actress, Slamdance Audience winner, Bronze Lens winner), “Law & Order,” “Orange Is the New Black.” Training: Juilliard, SITI, Harold Guskin; B.A. Jadavpur University. mahirakakkar.com Salma Qarnain is a versatile Pakistani American actor, thrilled to be making her Broadway debut in the adaptation of one of her favorite books. She is a two-time Helen Hayes Award recipient, an AUDELCO nominee, and an award-winning theater and film producer. She has performed across major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, HBO, HBO Max, Hulu, Showtime), regionally, Off-Broadway, and Off-West End. Most recently, she produced the 2023 Oscar-qualified short film, Silent Partner (19 festivals / 4 Oscar qualifiers; 8 awards / nominations) and Speak Up Brotha!, which is premiering at the Oscar-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival. Selected credits: Bars and Measures (Off-Broadway); Acquittal (Off-Broadway); Rain + Zoe Save the World (Off-West End); “That Damn Michael Che” (RECUR, HBO Max); “FBI” (CBS); “The Blacklist” (NBC); “Law & Order: SVU” (NBC); “For Life” (ABC). Graduate of Stanford, MIT, Harvard Business School. Proud member of SAG•AFTRA, AEA, Equity. Thank you to Roderick, Gary, Lolita, Max, Finn, Duncan, Benton, Patrick, A.R.T, and Annette for getting me here. Love you, X! For my sisters Ayesha, Sonia, and Zehra and my parents Qarnain and Rashida in the stars. IG: @salma.qarnain; salmaqarnain.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Micaela Diamond starred as Lucille Frank in the Tony Award winning revival of Parade in 2023. She made her Broadway debut as ‘Babe’ – the youngest Cher – in The Cher Show. She recently appeared in both The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical and Leanord Bernstein’s opera Mass at the Kennedy Center, Williamstown Theatre Festival’s Row, and Ethan Coen’s A Play Is A Poem in Los Angeles. Television and film: NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live,” Peggy in Tick, Tick… Boom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ANDREW BURNAP - won the 2021 Tony Award for Best Lead Actor in a Play for his performance in Matthew Lopez’s The Inheritance, directed by Stephen Daldry, after a successful run at the Young Vic in London and a transfer to the West End. Additional theater credits include the titular role in the West Coast premiere of Matthew Lopez’s The Legend of Georgia McBride (Geffen Playhouse, director Mike Donahue), Nicky Silver’s This Day Forward (Vineyard Theatre, director Mark Brokaw) and Troilus in Troilus and Cressida (The Public, director Daniel Sullivan). TV and Film credits include the upcoming The Front Room (A24) and Disney’s live-action Snow White; as well as “Under the Banner of Heaven” (Hulu); “WeCrashed” (AppleTV+); The Chaperone (director Michael Engler); and Spare Room. Andrew graduated from the Yale School of Drama. DAKIN MATTHEWS - LCT: Henry IV (Drama Desk Award). Broadway: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Iceman Cometh, Waitress, The Audience, Rocky, The Best Man, A Man for All Seasons. New York: Shakespeare in the Park, The Bridge Project at BAM, Playwrights Horizons, City Center Encores!, The Acting Company. Over 200 regional productions. Recent film credits include True Grit, Lincoln, Bridge of Spies and Zero Charisma. Over 250 television credits including “The King of Queens,” “Desperate Housewives” and “Gilmore Girls.” Former Artistic Director of three professional companies, an award-winning playwright and translator, an Emeritus Professor of English and a Shakespeare scholar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Katey Sagal has entertained audiences in a variety of dramatic and comedic roles throughout her notable career. Her television credits include “Sons of Anarchy” (Golden Globe Award), “Superior Donuts,” “8 Simple Rules,” and “Married…With Children.” She has also appeared in feature films including “Bleed for This,” “Pitch Perfect 2” and “The Good Mother.” An accomplished singer, Katey has released the CDs “Well” and “Room” and performs with her band The Reluctant Apostles. Her first book, “Grace Notes: My Recollections,” was published in 2017 by Simon and Schuster. Katey can currently be seen on “The Conners” on ABC and starred in the title role of the ABC series “Rebel.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gavin Creel received a Tony Award® for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in HELLO, DOLLY! starring Bette Midler. After making his Broadway debut originating the role of Jimmy Smith in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, for which he received his first Tony Award® nomination, Creel went on to star in the Broadway productions of HAIR (Tony Award® nomination), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, SHE LOVES ME, THE BOOK OF MORMON, and WAITRESS. Creel was among the star-studded cast of New York City Center Encores! critically acclaimed production of INTO THE WOODS starring as Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince. The celebrated production transferred to Broadway where Creel reprised his role as Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince opposite Sara Bareilles, Brian d’Arcy James, Joshua Henry, Julia Lester and Patina Miller. Gavin received an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Elder Price in the London Production of THE BOOK OF MORMON and also appeared on the West End in MARY POPPINS, HAIR, and WAITRESS. This fall, Gavin brings WALK ON THROUGH: Confessions of a Museum Novice to Off-Broadway’s MCC Theater for a limited run. In his theatrical songwriting debut, Gavin takes us on an intimate, relatable journey of discovery and transformation through the lens of the art at The Met Museum that captured his imagination. On television, Creel recently performed a solo PBS concert special with “Stars on Stage",” starred as Troy in Ryan Murphy’s anthology series “American Horror Stories” and played Bill alongside Julie Andrews in “Eloise at the Plaza” and “Eloise at Christmasttime.” As a songwriter, Creel is currently writing an original musical piece entitled WALK ON THROUGH, based on the collections at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The musical has been selected for the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center’s 2022 National Musical Theatre Conference and the concert meets musical was highlighted in The Day. He has released three original albums: GoodTimeNation, Quiet (which landed on Billboard’s “Top Heat Seekers”), Get Out, and his single “Noise” raised money and awareness for marriage equality. Creel was a co-founder of Broadway Impact, the first and only grassroots organization to mobilize the nationwide theater community in support of marriage equality. A native of Findlay, Ohio, Gavin is a proud graduate of University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance and a 2022 Fellow at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ALFRED UHRY is a graduate of Brown University. He is the only American playwright to have won a Pulitzer Prize (Driving Miss Daisy), an Academy Award (Driving Miss Daisy) and two Tony Awards (The Last Night of Ballyhoo and Parade). In 2014 he was inducted into both the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame and the Theater Hall of Fame. He is the proud father of four daughters and the proud grandfather of six granddaughters and two grandsons. He lives in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Javier Muñoz is an actor and activist whose impressive body of work spans theater, film and television. He is best known for starring and co-creating the role of "Alexander Hamilton'' in the hit musical HAMILTON on Broadway for two years after Lin-Manuel Miranda departed the show (and was his alternate prior to that). He got his break starring as “Usnavi” in IN THE HEIGHTS on Broadway, also created by Miranda. Javier starred in the dark comedy indie feature, MONUMENTS, opposite David Sullivan & Marguerite Moreau, the indie feature LOVE RECONSIDERED and stars in THREE MONTHS, opposite Troy Sivan and Judy Greer, on Paramount+. He voices a lead character in the Disney Jr. animated series, Eureka! Other TV credits include recurring role on Shadowhunters, Blindspot and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. Javier is also an outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ rights, a Global Ambassador for (RED), which fights to end HIV/AIDS, and supporter of GMHC. Jessie Mueller is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress and singer. She was last seen on Broadway in Tracy Lett’s The Minutes. Other recent credits include the Kennedy Center’s Guys & Dolls, The Music Man, Julie Jordan in the Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel (Tony & Grammy nominations, Drama Desk Award), originating the roles of both Jenna in Waitress (Tony, DD & Grammy noms) and Carole King in Beautiful-The Carole King Musical (Tony, Grammy & DD Awards.) Concert appearances include Carnegie Hall, Chicago’s Lyric Opera, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Film and Television: Steven Spielberg’s The Post, Madam Secretary, Blue Bloods, Hulu’s Candy, and Lifetime’s Patsy & Loretta. She can be heard as part of the kooky cast of Netflix’ Centaurworld and Wondery’s Melon’s House Party. New studio recordings include My Heart Says Go and Diary of A Wimpy Kid, The Musical. She is an Arts Education champion for groups such as Rosie’s Theatre Kids (rosiestheaterkids.org) and a long-time supporter of The Entertainment Community Fund (entertainmentcommunity.org) & Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids (broadwaycares.org). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alex Brightman is a two-time Tony-nominated actor for his performances in Beetlejuice the Musical and School of Rock. Other Broadway credits include Matilda, Big Fish, & Glory Days. Most recently, Alex was seen on stage in Lewberger's The Wizard of Friendship as Ketih's Dad. You can also hear him on the upcoming cast recording of The Wizard of Friendship as Flim Flam the Sausage Man. Alex can be seen on the current (and final) season of The Blacklist on NBC as forensic analyst Herbie Hambright. Other TV credits include Law & Order: SVU, Documentary Now!, The Good Fight, Blue Bloods, and Important Things w/ Demetri Martin. Alex is the voice of Pugsley/Temeluchus on the acclaimed Netflix animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park. Other cartoon credits include Helluva Boss, Teen Titans Go!, and the upcoming Scooby Doo and the Haunted High Rise. As a writer, Alex has developed series with NBC, Universal Studios, 20th Century, and Warner Brothers. He is currently developing Cleaners, an animated musical comedy, with his writing partner (and Spamalot cast mate) Nik Walker, and Singular, a New York romantic comedy, with 20th Century Studios. Alex’s play, Everything Is Fine, recently received a developmental reading/workshop at Manhattan Theatre Club (directed by Cynthia Nixon), and is expected to have its world premiere in 2024. Alex lives in New York City and has a dog named Kevin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the fall and winter of 2021/2022 Laura Cahill taught screenwriting to 8 young acting students from Kyiv on Zoom in English. Their last class was February 6th, 2022. The war started 18 days later. Most of the students fled their homes. Laura reunited with her students and started teaching them playwriting. On May 1st, she started teaching a second playwriting class that had been advertised on a a Telegram channel for art programs for Ukrainian Youth. It was supposed to last four weeks. Most of those students were still in Ukraine, but some had fled. The May class went so well, they decided to keep going, so on June 1st, the two classes came together and formed Young Playwrights Ukraine.
On July 24th, six months after the war started, they had a reading of 18 short works with professional actors on Zoom for an audience. The cast included noted actors David Morse, Cara Buono, Ann Dowd, Kevin Corrigan, Misha Brooks, Bridgette Lundy-Paine, Ivanna Sakhno, Stefanie Lavie Owens, Oona Laurence and others. The plays were subsequently produced by Orion Theater in Stockholm Sweden, directed by Lars Rudolfsson, who had been in the audience on July 24th. The plays opened on March 20th, 2023, to outstanding reviews and ran for 30 performances. Laura and ten of the playwrights met in person for the first time in Sweden for the opening night. The collection is soon to be published by Smith&Kraus Young Playwrights Ukraine continues to meet every Saturday and Sunday to write. They’re currently working with professional mentors including Theresa Rebeck, Peter Hedges, Jacquelyn Reingold, Kate Robin, Alexis Scheer, as well as Will Arbery, Stephen Belber, Erin Cressida Wilson, Keith Bunin, Jessica Goldberg and Suzanne Heathecoate on a collection of ten minute plays that tell their stories of living with war.
Aside from the mentors, they have special talks with professional artists like filmmaker Mary Harron, TV creator Michelle King, Juilliard professor Kathleen McNenny, casting director Rob Decina, Playwright/TV writer Aurin Squire and others. Writers and directors offering help with this project include Warren Leight, Matthew Carnahan, Mark Brokaw, Paul McCrane, Whitney White, Lila Neubauer and more. The Young Playwrights Ukraine Festival of Ten Minute Plays is set for August 20th on Zoom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Steven Soderbergh (Producer) is a writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor. He most recently directed this year’s Magic Mike’s Last Dance, as well as the forthcoming HBO Max limited series “Full Circle.” He earned the Academy Award in 2000 for directing Traffic, the same year he was nominated for Erin Brockovich; and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for his 2013 HBO film “Behind the Candelabra.” Soderbergh earlier received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for sex, lies, and videotape, his feature film directorial debut. That film also won the Palme d’Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. Soderbergh has also worked as a theatrical director, creating and directing the play Tot Mom at the Sydney Theatre Company in December 2009; as well as directing the world premiere of Scott Z. Burns’ play The Library at New York’s Public Theater in April 2014. Emma Sheanshang (Playwright) is a playwright and screenwriter from New York City. Her first play, Every Girl Gets Her Man, was performed at the Soho Playhouse.Greetings from Tim Buckley, a film she co-wrote with director Dan Algrant, starring Penn Badgley and Imogen Poots, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. Dan Algrant (Director) is a film director and writer. His films include Greetings from Tim Buckley (Focus World/Tribeca), which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Naked in New York (Fine Line Features) and People I Know starring Al Pacino (Miramax Films). Dan has also directed HBO’s Emmy winning “Sex and the City” and award-winning short films including Some Film Chopping Wood. He directed the documentary Anything for Jazz about piano legend Jaki Byard, executive produced How to Grow a Band about prodigy mandolinist Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers and acted in Steven Soderbergh’s The Girlfriend Experience and Let Them All Talk with Meryl Streep, Candace Bergen and Lucas Hedges. Current directing projects include the film Little Rootie Tootie, executive produced by Whoopi Goldberg; and Cathedrals, a documentary spanning nearly fifty years of the lives of two young men living in the Cathedral Housing projects in Boston, MA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Painter and art teacher Sara Woster founded The Painting School in Brooklyn, NY in an effort to share her passion for painting with her community. Woster shows her artwork internationally and has illustrated several children’s books. Painting Can Save Your Life: How and Why We Paint from Penguin Random House / TarcherPerigee is Woster's how to/memoir dedicated to encouraging more people to try this transformative art. She lives with her family in Brooklyn and the Catskills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
An actress and filmmaker, Jennifer Westfeldt is perhaps best known for writing, producing and starring in the indie films Kissing Jessica Stein (Indie Spirit Nomination, Golden Satellite Award, GLAAD Media Award, multiple Audience Awards), Ira & Abby (Best Actress/HBO Comedy Festival, multiple Audience Awards), and Friends with Kids (Top Ten Films of 2012, New York Magazine, NPR), which also marked her directorial debut. Her television credits include Younger,This Is Us, Girls, 24, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Notes from the Underbelly, and Children’s Hospital, among others. Jennifer made her Broadway debut opposite Donna Murphy in Wonderful Town, directed by Kathleen Marshall, for which she received a Tony nomination, a Theater World Award and a Drama League Award. Other notable stage work includes the world premieres of Scott Z. Burns’ The Library at the Public Theater, directed by Stephen Soderbergh; Nell Benjamin’s The Explorer’s Club at Manhattan Theater Club; Nicky Silver’s Too Much Sun opposite Linda Lavin at The Vineyard Theater; Joe Gilford’s Finks at NYSAF; Cusi Cram’s A Lifetime Burning at Primary Stages; and Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros’ Big Sky at The Geffen Playhouse. On the writing side, Jennifer recently adapted Robinne Lee’s novel The Idea of You to the screen; the film, starring Anne Hathaway and directed by Michael Showalter, is shooting this fall for Amazon Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Saidah Arrika Ekulona is an award-winning theatre, television and film actress. She's originated roles on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in regional theatres and international theatres, and originated the role of Mama Nadi in the Pulitzer Prize winning play RUINED, for which she won an Obie Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Jeff Award, Audelco Award and the Black Theatre Alliance Award. She's currently shooting a Series Regular role as Ebunoluwa on BOB LOVES ABISHOLA, can also be seen as Toni Chapman in A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, and has been a recurring featured Guest Star on SNOWFALL, BETTER CALL SAUL, BULL, KEVIN CAN WAIT, IMPASTOR, and has also Guest Starred in SCANDAL, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, WHY WOMEN KILL, ROOM 104, THE 100, and SHAMELESS, among others. Saidah's film work includes DARK WAS THE NIGHT, HONEYGLUE, CHRISTIAN MINGLE, THE DEN, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123, RIGHTEOUS KILL, and others. Theatre credits include BROADWAY: Well OFF-BROADWAY: An American Daughter (Williamstown Theatre Festival); Othello; Unconditional; Well; The Square; Romeo and Juliet (Public Theatre/NYSF); The Thugs (Soho Rep); Fabulation (Playwrights Horizons); A Streetcar Named Desire (NYTW), The Thugs (Soho Rep) and more. Saidah received her BA from Albright College and her MFA in Acting from University of Minnesota. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
TOVAH FELDSHUH who will be celebrating her 50th year onBroadway, is a six-time Emmy and TonyAward nominee and four-time winner ofthe Drama Desk and Outer Critics CircleAwards. Her multi-decade career onBroadway has given us indelible performancesin Cyrano, Rodgers Hart, Dreyfusin Rehearsal, Yentl, Sarava!, Lend Me aTenor, Golda’s Balcony, Irena’s Vow andPippin. Her extensive Off-Broadway andregional credits include her recent portrayalsof Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Supreme CourtJustice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. TV audiencesknow her from “Holocaust,” “The WalkingDead,” “Law & Order,” “Salvation,”“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “Scenes Froma Marriage.” Her film credits includeKissing Jessica Stein, A Walk on the Moon,Brewster’s Millions, Just My Luck, Daniel,The Idolmaker, Clifford, Golda’s Balconyand Armageddon Time opposite AnthonyHopkins. Tovah has filled venues all overthe world with her celebrated concerts. Heraward-winning memoir Lilyville was #1 inparent child relationships on Amazon. FollowTovah’s travels on Instagram: @Tovahfeld.tovahfeldshuh.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
CHRISTINE EBERSOLE, is currently celebrating her new album After the Ball from Club44 Records, has captivated audiences throughout her performing career. Recognized with a string of honors that includes two Tony Awards, she has appeared in twenty Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, as well as gracing television series and specials, films, concerts, recordings and opera. It was for her “dual role of a lifetime” as Edith Beale and Little Edie Beale in Grey Gardens that Ebersole won her second Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, as well as virtually every available Off-Broadway honor. Other memorable New York roles include her Tony-winning turn as Dorothy Brock in the hit revival of 42nd Street, her Tony-nominated portrayal of Elizabeth Arden opposite Patti LuPone in War Paint, her Tony- and Outer Critics Circle-nominated appearance in Dinner at Eight, her Obie-winning and Drama Desk-nominated appearance in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, her performance as Guinevere alongside Richard Harris and Richard Burton in Camelot, and her leading roles in Oklahoma!,On the Twentieth Century, Steel Magnolias, The Best Man, and the revival of Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit. In 2018 she made her operatic debut under James Conlon’s leadership as the Old Lady in Francesca Zambello’s production of Candide at LA Opera. Recently starring as Lucille Dolittle, a role based on Lucille Ball, in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-nominated Licorice Pizza, Ebersole has appeared in numerous feature films. Previous film credits include The Wolf of Wall Street, Amadeus, Black Sheep, Dead Again, Folks!, Ghost Dad, My Girl 2, Richie Rich, Tootsie, True Crime, and The Big Wedding, which features her account of her original song “Gently Down the Stream.” Since launching her TV career alongside Eddie Murphy as a regular cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” Ebersole has also accrued a long list of television credits. Currently starring in Chuck Lorre’s hit CBS sitcom “Bob Hearts Abishola,” she recently portrayed Estelle Schneider in the award-winning Netflix series “The Kominsky Method,” and has appeared on “American Horror Story,” “Blue Bloods,” “Madam Secretary,” “Murphy Brown,” “Pose,” “Search Party,” “The Colbert Report,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Will & Grace” and Gypsy, in which she played Tessie Tura to Bette Midler’s Mama Rose. Ebersole has performed at some of the nation’s foremost concert halls, including New York’s Carnegie Hall, L.A.’s Disney Hall, Boston’s Symphony Hall and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Her concert highlights include appearances in San Francisco Symphony’s tribute to Leonard Bernstein, concert versions of The Grapes of Wrath at Carnegie Hall and of A Little Night Music with the Boston Pops, and Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall and The Rodgers & Hart Story: Thou Swell, Thou Witty, both of which were filmed for broadcast on PBS TV. A celebrated recording artist, her discography includes Christine Ebersole: Live at the Cinegrill, In Your Dreams, Sunday in New York, Christine Ebersole Sings Noël Coward, and Strings Attached. www.christineebersole.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana sits down with new release authors of suspenseful work: Hell town - Casey Sherman A Fatal Overture - Kathleen Marple Kalb Birthday Girl - Niko Wolf The Darkness of Others - Cate Holahan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Justin Bell Guarini’s robust performance career launched with the first season of American Idol in 2002. His stage and screen appearances since then include Broadway productions of American Idiot, InTransit, Paint Your Wagon, Romeo and Juliet, Wicked, and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Justin has hosted nationally broadcasted shows like Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight along with live red carpet events for the TV Guide Network, the Oscars, the Emmys, and the Grammys. He continues to reprise his role as the lovable “Lil’ Sweet” in the award winning national commercial campaign for Diet Dr. Pepper. In 2019, Justin founded The Warrior Artist Alliance (Warrior Artist Empire LLC) to help performers achieve the success they deserve in a challenging industry. He shares his tips, tricks, breadth of experience, and warrior mindset with a community of performers through podcasts, his best selling book “Audition Secrets”, blogs, and dynamic training programs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Amy Brenneman divides her time evenly between acting, producing, and political activism. She earned a degree in Comparative Religion at Harvard, with a specialty in Indo-Tibetan Religion, studying sacred dance and indigenous ritual in Kathmandu. She was a founding member of the Cornerstone Theater Company, which specializes in site-specific community-based theater on themes of social justice. Other theater: CSC Rep, Lincoln Center Theater, LA Theater Works, LATC, Williamstown Theater Festival, En Garde Arts, Spark, The American Repertory Theater, Yale Rep, Playwrights Horizons, and the Geffen Playhouse. Amy co-created, wrote and starred in Mouth Wide Open (The Yard, American Repertory Theater) and Overcome (The Yard). Overcome will have its premiere at South Coast Repertory as part of the 2021-2022 season. Amy created, executive produced and starred in “Judging Amy” (two TV Guide Awards, three Golden Globe nominations, Producer’s Guild Nomination, three Emmy Award nominations, People’s Choice SAG nomination) based on the work of her mother, the Honorable Judge Frederica Brenneman. Other television: “NYPD Blue” (2 Emmy nominations, SAG award), “Frasier,” “Heartbeat” (exec producer), “Goliath” and Shonda Rhimes’ “Private Practice.” Amy starred in “The Leftovers” (Peabody Award, Critic’s Choice nomination). Amy’s most recent television roles include playing opposite Jeff Bridges in the critically acclaimed FX/hulu series “The Old Man;” opposite Elisabeth Moss in “Shining Girls” on Apple TV+; and “Tell Me Your Secrets” on Amazon Prime. Film credits include: CASPER, FEAR, DAYLIGHT, HEAT, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB, PEEL, THE LOOK OF LOVE and WORDS AND PICTURES opposite Clive Owen. Amy has a long collaboration with Rodrigo Garcia, with whom she worked on NINE LIVES, THINGS YOU CAN TELL JUST BY LOOKING AT HER and MOTHER AND CHILD. Amy produced and directed the documentary “The Way the World Should Be” about the trailblazing work of the CHIME Institute and its mission of inclusive education. She created and hosts the podcast “The Challengers” now in its third season. As a teacher, she has taught drama and creative process the CHIME Charter school, which specializes in educating children of all abilities. She has also taught at Harvard and UCLA, among others. For her activist work, Amy has been honored by Women in Film, The Brady Center, the League of Women Voters, the California State Assembly, the National Children’s Alliance, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Help Group, the Producer’s Guild of America, among others. In 2016, she was part of the amicus brief for the Supreme Court case Whole Women’s v. Hellerstedt, ensuring that abortion clinics remain open in Texas and elsewhere; she received the Eleanor Roosevelt Award from The Feminist Majority for her ongoing commitment to reproductive rights. In 2019 Amy received the Change Agent Award from En Garde Arts in New York. She has served as keynote speaker for NARAL, Cal-Tash, The Council for Exceptional Children and on the steps Supreme Court. Amy splits her time between Los Angeles and West Tisbury, MA. She is married to writer/director Brad Silberling and has two children, Charlotte and Bodhi.
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Darren Goldstein Broadway: Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes, Bloody Bloody, Andrew Jackson. Off-Broadway: The Bedwetter (Atlantic Theater) Continuity, The Madrid (Manhattan Theatre Club); Rasheeda Speaking, The Good Mother, Abigail's Party (Lortel Nom. Featured Actor), Mouth to Mouth, Terrorism (all at The New Group); Oohrah! (Atlantic Theater); Mary Rose (The Vineyard). Regional: The Forgotten Woman (Bay Street), Beyond Therapy (Williamstown/Bay Street). Film: Sharper (upcoming), Paterno, Detroit, The Girl on the Train, Limitless. TV: Charles Wilkes on “Ozark,” Jackie Bennett on “American Crime Story: Impeachment,” Oscar Hodges on “The Affair,” “Under the Banner of Heaven,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Blindspot," "Damages,” “American Odyssey.” MFA: NYU Graduate Acting Program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jennifer Griffin is an American journalist who works as the chief national security correspondent at the Pentagon for Fox News. Griffin graduated from Harvard University in 1992, receiving a B.A. in Government. Prior to working at the Pentagon, Griffin started her career reporting for The Sowetan newspaper in Johannesburg, South Africa, covering Nelson Mandela’s prison release and South Africa’s transition from apartheid. She then lived in Islamabad, reporting on the rise of the Taliban in Pakistan and Afghanistan before moving to Moscow in 1996 where she reported for three years on the end of the Boris Yeltsin era and the rise of Vladimir Putin. In 1999, Griffin became a Jerusalem-based correspondent for 7 years, providing coverage of the Second Palestinian Intifada, suicide bombings, military incursions and failed peace deals. In 2000, she provided on-site coverage of Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, its withdrawal from the Gaza strip and Yasser Arafat’s funeral. In 2005, Griffin conducted a rare interview with former Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon before he lapsed into a coma. Griffin later coauthored with her husband NPR correspondent Greg Myre This Burning Land: Lessons from the Front Lines of the Transformed Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Since 2007, Griffin has reported daily from the Pentagon where she questions senior military leaders, travels to war zones with the Joint Chiefs and Secretaries of Defense, and reports on all aspects of the military. Since 2010, Griffin has hosted the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine's Heroes of Military Medicine Awards. For the past decade, Griffin has also hosted the Wounded Warrior Experience, which features stories from wounded veterans and service members. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Prevent Cancer Foundation and an Advisory Board Member for Report for America, an effort by the Ground Truth Project to save local journalism. She was recently awarded the Transatlantic Leadership Network 2022 Freedom of the Media Gold Medal Award for Public Service and received the Medal of Honor Foundation’s “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2015. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana hosted a live event at Bryant Park in New York City in the summer of 2022 with five authors who just published their debut novels. Liz Alterman, The Perfect Neighbor David Santos Donaldson, Greenland Francesca Giacco, Six Days In Rome Anne Heltzel, Just Like Mother Matt James, First Impressions: Off Screen Conversations With a Bachelor on Race, Family, and Forgiveness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jeffrey Richman is the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of the Netflix series “Uncoupled.” Prior to that, he was an Executive Producer of “Modern Family” for ten seasons, earning five Emmy Awards (including one for Outstanding Script), three Writers Guild Awards, three Producers Guild Awards, and a Golden Globe for Best Comedy. He has served as Executive or Co-Executive Producer on “Wings”, “Frasier” (another Emmy Award for Best Comedy), “Stark Raving Mad”, “Charlie Lawrence” (Creator), “Jake in Progress”, “Stacked”, “Rules of Engagement”, “Desperate Housewives” and “Back to You.” He also received an Emmy nomination for writing the 82nd Annual Academy Awards with hosts Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Marsha Mason has received four Academy Award nominations for her roles in the films The Goodbye Girl, Cinderella Liberty, Only When I Laugh and Chapter Two. She has been the recipient of two Golden Globe Awards for her film roles and an Emmy Award nomination for her role on “Frasier.” Her other TV credits include “The Middle,” “The Good Wife,” “Madam Secretary,” and “Grace & Frankie.” Broadway roles include Impressionism with Jeremy Irons, Steel Magnolias, The Night of the Iguana, The Good Doctor, King Richard III, and Cactus Flower. Off-Broadway she co-starred in the world premiere of Terrence McNally’s Fire and Air at Classic Stage and Little Gem at the Irish Repertory Theatre (Outer Critics Circle Award winner for Outstanding Actress in a Play). Regionally she has starred in All’s Well That Ends Well at Shakespeare in Washington, DC, A Doll’s House at ACT in San Francisco, Arms and the Man at Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and Watch on the Rhine at Arena Stage in Washington, DC. As a director, Marsha, has helmed productions of Neil Simon’s Chapter Two and Steel Magnolias at the Bucks County Playhouse, Chapter Two and the first female An Act of God with Paige Davis at the Arizona Theatre Company, Juno Swans for Second Stage in New York City and the world premiere of Tennessee Williams’s Talisman Roses starring Amanda Plummer at the Tennessee Williams Festival in Provincetown, Mass. Marsha was Associate Director with Jack O’Brien for the Roundabout Theater’s production of All My Sons on Broadway. She received a Daytime Emmy® Award for Direction of “Little Miss Perfect”. In 2020, she directed Walter Bobbie and Brooke Shields in The Man Who Came to Dinner for Bucks County Playhouse, starred with Brian Cox in Dear Liar for Bucks County, and opposite Richard Dreyfus in The Letters of Noel Coward for Bay Street Theater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Live in Bryant Par - a panel with the authors of truly inspiring people written by the following “truly inspiring“ authors - Zain Asher, Karen Hopkins, Katherine Gregorio and Tim McLoughlin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Patrick Page received a Tony Award nomination and a Grammy Award for his work in Hadestown on Broadway after starring as Hades in the off-Broadway, Citadel Theatre and National Theatre productions. Other Broadway: The Inquisitor in Saint Joan, Valentina in Casa Valentina, Buckley in Time to Kill, Adult Men in Spring Awakening, DeGuiche in Cyrano de Bergerac, Green Goblin in Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, Henry VIII in A Man for All Seasons, Decius Brutus in Julius Caesar, Scar in The Lion King, The Grinch in Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and Mackie in The Kentucky Cycle. Other New York: Cymbeline in Cymbeline (New York Shakespeare Festival/Delacort), Max in The Sound of Music (Carnegie Hall). Regional: Page recently created the roles of Dom Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame at La Jolla Playhouse and Papermill Playhouse, and Captain Dragutin Dimitrijevic in Rajiiv Joseph’s Archduke at the Mark Taper Forum. He is an Associate Artist of The Old Globe in San Diego (Cyrano, Malvolio), and the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington, D.C. (Coriolanus, Prospero, Macbeth, Iago, Claudius). Film: Upcoming Spirited for Apple+, In The Heights, Estella Scrooge, The Sixth Reel. Television: Richard Clay on The Gilded Age for HBO; recurring on Elementary, Madam Secretary, Flesh and Bone and guest starring roles on Evil, NCIS: New Orleans, The Good Wife, The Blacklist, Chicago P.D., and Law and Order: S.V.U. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Today’s episode features authors Jenny Mollen ( City Of Likes), Grant Ginder (Let’s Not Do That Again), Annabel Monaghan (Nora Goes Off Script) and Meredith Schorr ( As Seen On TV.) The Reading Room in Bryant Park with a storied history in the park, the Reading Room provides the use of books, newspapers, and magazines in the park during warm weather months. You'll also find a robust schedule of literary events, including Books on Broadway, Authors, BookClub, Poetry, StoryTime, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tony-Nominated JARED GRIMES is a true quadruple threat having starred on Broadway and Film/TV as an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer. He has danced alongside Wynton Marsalis, Gregory Hines, Ben Vereen, Jerry Lewis, Fayard Nicholas and also performed for Barack Obama and Ted Kennedy at the Kennedy Center. Grimes has toured with Musical legend, Mariah Carey, under the choreography of Marty Kudelka, and danced for artists such as Common, Salt-n-Pepa, Envogue, Busta Rhymes and the Roots. Jared made his choreography debut in Cirque Du Soleil's, Banana Shpeel off-Broadway, choreographed commercials for Chilis and also assisted choreography with Kristin Denehy for Macy's popular Kids Bop commercial. In the world of acting, Jared is known for his recurring role of “Adrian” on NBC’s hit show Manifest. He performed the lead role of “Jackson” in the Annapurna feature film SWING KIDS and Sammy Davis Jr.’s “Birth of the Blues” on Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook for PBS. Other film credits include Paramount's, "The Marc Pease Experience", starring Ben Stiller, New Line Cinema's "Little Manhattan" and Elevation Filmwork's' "First Born," starring Elizabeth Shue. In 2014, he won the prestigious Astaire Award for Outstanding Male Performer in the Broadway show After Midnight. Jared plays the role of “Eddie Ryan” in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Based on the novel by New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha Van Leer, Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting new musical for anyone who has ever sought to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood. But as the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur in both extraordinary and astonishing ways, Delilah has to confront whether she alone has the power to rewrite her own story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alex Edelman is a comedian and writer whose Orthodox Jewish upbringing has informed critically and commercially acclaimed work for the stage and screen. He is known both for his solo shows - three, all award-winning, sell-out hits in London’s West End and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - and for his TV writing. At the start of the pandemic, he served as the head writer and executive producer of Saturday Night Seder, a star studded 70-minute special, posted on YouTube, that has so far raised $3.5 million for the CDC Foundation (COVID-19) Emergency Response Fund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tom Moore directed the original Broadway production, eight national tours, and two London productions of Grease in the West End. He also directed Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize–winning ’night Mother, the subsequent film, and other Broadway productions, receiving two Tony nominations. Moore directed many years of film and television, earning three Emmy nominations along the way. His most recent project was the documentary on the Flying Trapeze, The Flight Fantastic. Ken Waissman discovered Grease at the Kingston Mines Theatre in Chicago, where it was running on weekends in the summer of 1971. Ken and his then partner Maxine Fox produced the original Broadway production, plus eight national tours and two London productions in the West End. Ken is a Tony Award– winning producer whose iconic hits, in addition to Grease, include Agnes of God and Torch Song Trilogy. He is one of only two producers in the history of Broadway to have a musical run over three thousand performances and a play run over one thousand performances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Amir Arison stars as Aram Mojtabai on NBC’s hit series “The Blacklist. Notable recurring roles in television include work on HBO’s “Girls,” the Emmy Award-winning “Homeland,” NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Zero Hour,” “Dallas,” “True Justice,” and “State of Georgia,” as well as Julia Stiles’ hit web series “Blue.” Recent guest star appearances include “American Horror Story,” “NCIS,” “The Mentalist,” “Major Crimes,” “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland,” “Gossip Girl,” “Fringe” and “See Dad Run,” among others. Arison has also been a series regular on Bryan Singer’s acclaimed Digital Series “H+” for Warner Bros. Arison’s film credits include “A Merry Friggin’ Christmas” with Robin Williams, “Big Words,” “I Hate Valentine’s Day” with Nia Vardalos, Tom McCarthy’s “The Visitor,” “Today’s Special,” “Vamps” with Alicia Silverstone, and the upcoming “Jane Wants a Boyfriend.” Arison also has an extensive background in theater, which includes the New York premieres of Stephen Belber’s “The Muscles in Our Toes,” “Aftermath” (Drama League Nominee), Christopher Durang’s “Why Torture Is Wrong… ,” Charles Mee’s “Queens Boulevard,” “A Very Common Procedure,” “Modern Orthodox,” “Omnium Gatherum” (Pulitzer Finalist), “Candy & Dorothy” and “A First Class Man.” Internationally, Amir starred in Michael Kahn’s award-winning “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (RSC’s Complete Works Festival). Notable regional credits include appearances in productions at The Shakespeare Theatre D.C., The Huntington Theatre Company, Yale Repertory Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, The Long Wharf Theatre, Portland Center Stage, The Lyric Theatre, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, Olney Theatre Center and the Dorset Theatre Festival. Amir grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and attended Columbia University in New York City. He recently made his Broadway debut playing the leading role of Amir in The Kite Runner on Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Neil Pepe is an acclaimed director and has been the Artistic Director of Atlantic Theater Company since 1992. Neil has been a master teacher at the Atlantic Acting School at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and an associate adjunct professor of directing at Columbia University Graduate Film Division. He has been a guest at The O’Neill Playwrights Conference as well as the American Theatre Wing. Neil holds an Honorary Doctorate as well as a BA from Kenyon College in Ohio. He has served on the Board of ART/NY as well as the Selection Committee for Harold and Mimi Steinberg Playwriting Award as well as the Pew Charitable Trust in Philadelphia. As a director, Neil’s Broadway credits include David Mamet;s American Buffalo, Doug Wright, Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green’s musical Hands on a Hardbody, the acclaimed revival of David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow, as well as Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre. At the Atlantic, Neil has most recently directed John Guare’s 3 Kinds of Exile, Moira Buffini’s Dying For It, Jez Butterworth’s Parlour Song, Mojo and The Night Heron. Other Off-Broadway and Regional credits include: Ethan Coen’s Happy Hour, Offices and Almost an Evening; Harold Pinter’s Celebration and The Room; Adam Rapp’s Dreams of Flying, Dreams of Falling; David Mamet’s American Buffalo (Donmar Warehouse, Atlantic); Romance, Keep Your Pantheon/School (Center Theatre Group, Atlantic); Zinnie Harris’ Further than the Furthest Thing (Manhattan Theater Club); Jessica Goldberg’s Refuge (Playwrights Horizons); Frank Gilroy’s The Subject Was Roses with Martin Sheen (CTG) and Eric Bogosian’s Red Angel (Williamstown Theater Festival). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael R. Jackson wrote the book, music and lyrics for the 2022 Tony Award winner for Best New Musical- A Strange Loop. He won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize and New York Drama Critics’ Circle–winning A Strange Loop (which had its 2019 world premiere at Playwrights Horizons in association with Page 73 Productions) was called “a full-on laparoscopy of the heart, soul, and loins” and a “gutsy, jubilantly anguished musical with infectious melodies” by Ben Brantley for The New York Times. In The New Yorker, Vinson Cunningham wrote, “To watch this show is to enter, by some urgent, bawdy magic, an ecstatic and infinitely more colorful version of the famous surreal lithograph by M. C. Escher: the hand that lifts from the page, becoming almost real, then draws another hand, which returns the favor.” In addition to A Strange Loop, he wrote book, music, and lyrics for White Girl in Danger. Awards and associations include a New Professional Theatre Festival Award, a Jonathan Larson Grant, a Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award, an ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Award, a Whiting Award, the Helen Merrill Award for Playwriting, an Outer Critics Circle Award, a Drama Desk Award, an Obie Award, an Antonyo Award, a Fred Ebb Award, a Windham-Campbell Prize, and a Dramatists Guild Fellowship. He is an alum of Page 73’s Interstate 73 Writers Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
An Australian native, Deniz Akdeniz has quickly made a name for himself through his performances of beloved characters. Deniz will next be seen reprising his breakout and widely beloved role of ‘Max’ in the upcoming second season of the critically-acclaimed and award-winning HBO Max series THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT alongside Kaley Cuoco and Zosia Mamet, which will be premiering in Spring 2022. He was most recently seen in the new hit Warner Bros for FOX series ,THE CLEANING LADY, produced by Shay Mitchell. His other recent TV credits include: Freeform’s SIRENS and ABC’s ONCE UPON A TIME where he played the role of ‘Aladdin. On the film side, Deniz is widely known for his role in I, FRANKENSTEIN, directed by Stuart Beattie. He was also seen in THE WATER DIVINE directed by Russell Crowe, Focus Feature’s THE HIGH NOTE, Netflix’s SIGHTLESS opposite Madelaine Petsch and the Australian box office feature hit, TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN, where he was nominated for an Inside Film Award in the category of “Best Actor.” Prior to acting, Deniz trained and competed professionally in MMA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
HARVEY FIERSTEIN wrote the books ( or adapted the books ) for the Broadway musicals Funny Girl, Kinky Boots. Newsies as well as Torch Song Trilogy (Tony®, Drama Desk, and OBIE Awards), La Cage aux Folles (Tony® and Drama Desk Awards), The Sissy Duckling (Humanitas Award), A Catered Affair (12 Drama Desk nominations), Safe Sex (Ace Award), Legs Diamond, Spookhouse, Flatbush Tosca, Common Ground, and more. His political editorials have been published in The New York Times, TV Guide, The Huffington Post, and broadcast on PBS’s “In the Life”. His children’s book, The Sissy Duckling, is now in its fifth printing. As an actor, Mr. Fierstein is known worldwide for his performances in films like Mrs. Doubtfire and Independence Day, and on stage in Hairspray (Tony Award®), Fiddler on the Roof, La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy (Tony Award®), and TV shows such as “Smash,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Good Wife,” “Cheers” (Emmy nomination), “The Simpsons,” and “Nurse Jackie.” Acclaimed originally for his groundbreaking writing and performance in his 1981 Torch Song Trilogy, Harvey Fierstein has refined and redefined the persona of the drag queen in the theater. Two years later, Fierstein brought that insight and humor into his book for the musical adaptation of La Cage aux Folles. As Frank Rich wrote in the New York Times, this “is the first Broadway musical ever to give center stage to a homosexual love affair – but don’t go expecting an earthquake. The show at the Palace is the schmaltziest, most old-fashioned major musical Broadway has seen since ‘Annie,’ and it’s likely to be just as popular with children of all ages.” Fierstein subsequently wrote the book for Legs Diamond (1988) with music and lyrics by Peter Allen, who also starred in the show. He did not return to Broadway until 2002, when he took on the role of Edna Turnblad in the musical adaptation of Hairspray (book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan; music by Marc Shaiman; lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman). According to Ben Brantley, Fierstein’s performance as Edna “is not just a cross-dressing sight gag. She’s every forgotten housewife, recreated in monumental proportions and waiting for something to tap her hidden magnificence.” After playing Tevye in the 2004 revival of Fiddler on the Roof, Harvey Fierstein wrote the book and starred in the 2008 musical, A Catered Affair. As a writer and actor, Fierstein has won three Drama Desk Awards and four Tonys®, most recently for his portrayal of Edna in Hairspray. His most recent memoir is called I Was Better Last Night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
DAVID MORSE received Emmy® nominations for his roles on “House” and HBO’s “John Adams,” and has appeared in numerous television series, including Emmy-nominated “Escape at Dannemora," “The Chair,” “The Morning Show," “The Deuce," "The Good Lord Bird,” “Hack,” “Treme,” “True Detective,” “Outsiders,” and “St. Elsewhere." Morse’s film credits include The Green Mile (1999), 16 Blocks (2006), The Hurt Locker (2009), World War Z (2013) and Concussion (2015). A stage veteran, Morse is currently on Broadway in Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize winning show How I Learned to Drive, reprising the role he originated opposite Mary-Louise Parker Off-Broadway in 1997. He previously starred on Broadway in the 2018 revival of The Iceman Cometh, for which he received a Tony Award nomination. His other notable stage performances include the 1984 Los Angeles production of Of Mice and Men; Lanford Wilson’s Redwood Curtain, in which he originated the role of Lyman; Heather MacDonald’s An Almost Holy Picture; the Broadway production of The Seafarer; the Off-Broadway production of The Unavoidable Disappearance of Tom Durnin; and the original Off-Broadway production of How I Learned to Drive, for which he won a Lucille Lortel Award, a Drama Desk Award and an Obie Award®. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
New Jersey native Emily Rothstein began her career after graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in Cinematic Arts. She spent nine years at ABC Studios where she worked in both drama and comedy development, assisting the drama team in the development of such series as AMERICAN CRIME and HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, and the comedy team on THE MUPPETS and AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE. She has been working at NBC Universal on the comedy development team across all platforms since September of 2019 where she is responsible for developing new projects in addition to identifying new voices and emerging talent. She has worked on series such as “Wolf Like Me” and on the upcoming series based on the “Pitch Perfect” movie franchise for Peacock in addition to “Mr. Mayor” on NBC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa Gilbert starred as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the hit NBC television show Little House on the Prairie. She has starred in numerous movies and plays and served two terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild. She is the author of Prairie Tale, Daisy and Josephine, My Prairie Cookbook, and Back to the Prairie. She resides in the Catskills and New York City with her husband, Timothy Busfield. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mona Monsour ( Playwright) THE VAGRANT TRILOGY will make its New York City debut in April 2022 at the Public Theater, directed by Mark Wing-Davey; the production was in technical rehearsals in March 2020 and was postponed due to Covid-19. UNSEEN will have its West Coast debut at Oregon Shakespeare Festival in spring 2022, directed by Evren Odcikin. WE SWIM, WE TALK, WE GO TO WAR premiered at SF’s Golden Thread in 2018 (dir. Odcikin). THE VAGRANT TRILOGY was presented at Mosaic Theater in June 2018, (dir. Wing-Davey.) Of the trilogy: THE HOUR OF FEELING (dir. Wing-Davey) premiered at the Humana Festival at Actors Theatre of Louisville, and an Arabic translation was presented at NYU Abu Dhabi, as part of its Arab Voices Festival in 2016. URGE FOR GOING: productions at the Public Theater (dir. Hal Brooks) and Golden Thread (dir. Odcikin). THE VAGRANT was commissioned by the Public and workshopped at the 2013 Sundance Theater Institute. THE WAY WEST: Labyrinth (dir. Mimi O’Donnell); Village Theater (dir. Christina Myatt); Steppenwolf (dir. Amy Morton); and Marin Theatre Company (dir. Hayley Finn). Other credits: IN THE OPEN, for Waterwell, directed by James Dean Palmer, and ACROSS THE WATER, written for third-year MFAs at NYU (dir. Scott Illingworth). Mona was a member of the Public Theater’s Emerging Writers Group. With Tala Manassah she has written FALLING DOWN THE STAIRS, an EST/Sloan commission. Their play DRESSING is part OF FACING OUR TRUTHS: SHORT PLAYS ABOUT TRAYVON, RACE AND PRIVILEGE, commissioned by the New Black Festival. Commissions include Playwrights Horizons and La Jolla Playhouse. 2020 Helen Merrill Award, 2012 Whiting Award. 2014 Middle East America Playwright Award, MacDowell Colony 2018, New Dramatists Class of 2020. Mona writes for NBC’s New Amsterdam and is creating series for FlipNarrative and AMC International. BEGINNING DAYS OF TRUE JUBILATION, directed by Scott Illingworth and conceived with her company SOCIETY, was part of New Ohio’s Ice Factory Digital Festival in summer 2020. In September 2020, Mona received the prestigious Kesselring Prize, awarded by the National Arts Club to one playwright a year. She was nominated by Seattle Rep for her play THE HOUR OF FEELING. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jodi Picoult is the author of 27 novels, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide. Her last eleven books have debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and five have been made into movies, with two more – A SPARK OF LIGHT and BOOK OF TWO WAYS – being adapted as limited series. She is the recipient of multiple awards, including the New England Bookseller Award for Fiction, the Alex Award from YALSA, the NH Literary Award for Outstanding Literary Merit, and the esteemed Sarah Josepha Hale Award. She holds honorary doctor of letters degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of New Haven. Two of her books, BETWEEN THE LINES and OFF THE PAGE (co-written with daughter Samantha van Leer) have been adapted as a Broadway-bound musical; she is also the co-librettist of the new musical BREATHE, which premiered in 2021, and of the musical adaptation of THE BOOK THIEF musical, which will premiere in the UK in 2022. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mary Clay Boland is a two time Emmy award winning casting Director. Boland started her career at Circle Repertory Theater where she had the honor to work with many brilliant playwrights and actors. Circle Rep was the perfect atmosphere to hone Mary Clay’s casting instincts and enable her to witness the best acting has to offer. Transitioning to television Boland became the Casting Associate at Walken/Jaffe Casting where she was the Casting Associate on the first two seasons of the Emmy award winning show The Sopranos as well as the feature films But I’m a Cheerleader, The Legend of Wiry Spindell, First Look and many other films over a three year period. Boland then moved on to the casting department of Warner Brothers Studios television where she worked on casting over 40 pilots including Everwood, Smallville, Gilmore Girls, George Lopez, and Without a Trace. While at Warner Brothers, Boland also cast the first two seasons of Third Watch, NBC and Witch Blade. In addition to that Boland was also responsible for the New York casting of their existing LA based shows ER, THE WEST WING, and FRIENDS. Throughout her career, Boland has also served as the Casting Director for many independent films that have played heavily on the festival circuit. Such films as MARCONI BROS. starring Dan Fogler, BEST THIEF IN THE WORLD starring Mary Louise Parker, CONFESS starring Melissa Leo, and many more. Mary Clay worked as the Casting Director for CBS’ AS THE WORLD TURNS for 8 years and won two Day Time Emmys for Outstanding achievement in casting a drama series. Boland went on to open her own company where she cast the first season of the Adult Swim series YOUR PRETTY FACE IS GOING TO HELL. She also cast a Warner Bros. Web series FINDING CODY starring Cody Simpson. She cast the film FOUR which won best ensemble cast at the LA Film Festival. For the last eight years Mary Clay has focused on motherhood while also keeping her foot immersed in the Louisville Film community. She has resided on the board of the Louisville Film Society. She was appointed by the mayor to be on the Louisville Film Commission. On the commission she acted as a liaison between New York and Los Angeles film productions that wished to shoot in KY and take advantage of their state tax film incentives. She taught media and film studies as a guest lecturer for the Governor’s School of the Arts and has also led multiple workshops on auditioning technique. In 2022 Mary Clay took over as head of MCM Creative’s casting division where she will be focusing on scripted television and features. MCM is a full service production and post-production facility located in midtown Manhattan. www.mcmcasting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kathleen Monteleone is an actress, singer/songwriter, producer and writer who captivates audiences with her memorable performances and storytelling. Born in Germany, Kathleen is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College where she majored in theatre/musical theatre. Her career kick-started when she competed for the role of Sandy on NBC’s GREASE: You’re the One That I Want. Soon after she landed roles as Elle Woods in the national tour of Legally Blonde The Musical and Dede Halcyon-Day in Tales of The City The Musical. She made her Broadway debut originating the role of Heather Stovall in Hands On A Hardbody. On the television side, Kathleen’s credits include the feature Are You Joking? directed by Jake Wilson, TNT’s Good Behavior alongside Michelle Dockery, and Comedy Central’s Goatface with Hasan Minhaj. Monteleone will next be seen starring in the feature film American Reject, which she also wrote and produced. The film, directed by Marlo Hunter, is a big-hearted comedy about a finalist who gets the boot from America’s hottest singing competition and is forced to move back in with her mother as reality cameras follow her every move. It is inspired by Kathleen’s true story and is a tale of finding oneself that features original music. The film won both “Best of Fest” at the Adirondack Film Festival and the Audience Award for Narrative Feature at Bend Film Festival in 2020. In addition, the film screened at the New Orleans Film Festival and the Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival in November of the same year, where the Las Vegas jury awarded Kathleen “Best Actress.” The film is set to release on-demand in April 2022. Monteleone splits her time between New Orleans and New York City with her husband and 4 children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sharon Wheatley originated the role of Diane in COME FROM AWAY where she appears nightly at The Schoenfeld Theater. Sharon can also be seen in the film version for Apple TV +, and on the cast recording. Previous Broadway includes Avenue Q, Les Misérables, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. Also a writer, Sharon’s most recent book DRIVE Stories From Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere, about finding happiness in hard moments, came out March 1, 2022 and is available on her website sharonwheatley.com and wherever books are sold. Sharon is mom to Charlotte and Tobi, and wife to stage manager, Martha Donaldson. They are animal people, often unable to sit on their own couch due to the four legged creatures seeking comfort there. Sharon grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and went to college there, getting her BFA in musical theater from CCM. Sharon has done a little TV stuff and a little film stuff, but really loves writing most of all. In addition to her most recent book, DRIVE, Sharon has a previous memoir, ‘Til the Fat Girl Sings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brad Oscar has been seen on Broadway in Mrs. Doubtfire, Something Rotten! (Tony nomination), Big Fish, Nice Work..., The Addams Family, Spamalot, The Producers (Tony nomination), Jekyll & Hyde and Aspects of Love. National Tours: The Phantom of the Opera, Young Frankenstein, Jekyll & Hyde. West End: The Producers. Off Broadway: Broadway Bounty Hunter, Nassim, Sweeney Todd (Barrow Street Theatre), Forbidden Broadway (Theater East). Regional credits: The Gods of Comedy (McCarter/Old Globe), Hairspray (KC Starlight), The Squirrels (La Jolla Playhouse), Fiddler on the Roof (Barrington Stage), Barnum (Asolo Rep, Maltz Jupiter Theatre; Carbonell Award for Best Actor, Musical), The Mystery of Irma Vep, Cabaret, Damn Yankees (Arena Stage). Film: Ghost Town, The Producers. TV: Madam Secretary, Smash, The Good Wife, three Law & Order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Elaine Del Valle is a Brownsville, Brooklyn bred Puerto Rican multi-hyphenate filmmaker. She is the winner of the HBO Latinx short film award, and was featured in the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) Director showcase. Her films have been supported by WarnerMedia 150, Knight Foundation, Fractured Atlas and the Sundance Institute. As a WRITER/DIRECTOR her short films, Me 3.769 and Princess Cut, went on to air on HBOmax. Her most recent project, Brownsville Bred recently won the Audience Award at the 2022 SXSW Festival in the “Episodic Pilot Competition” category Showrunner/Director/Screenwriter: Elaine Del Valle, Producers: Adrienne Lovette, Elaine Del Valle, Leslie Cohen, Debbie Esko-Gold, Eddie Frente Elaine is a Lynn Shelton award finalist and two-time Imagen Impact award nominee. Redefine Magazine and Miami New Times named her a Filmmaker to Watch. Ad Age called her short documentary, Tagged (filmed entirely on a mobile phone) “compelling.” While Elaine loves expressing emotion through her camera, she’s most proud of being referred to as an “actor’s director.” Her many years as an ACTOR trained by Wynn Handman at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, combined with her passion to bring authentic Latina voices to entertainment is what led her to create her autobiographical one-woman stage play, Brownsville Bred. Elaine went on to perform Brownsville Bred off-Broadway, where the New York Times raved, "From Girlhood Trials To Onstage Triumph." Empowered and fulfilled by the experience, Elaine would continue to act while creating content representative of her Latina experience. Elaine's most recent acting role is as a recurring guest star in the ABC series Queens. As a WRITER/CREATOR, Elaine's original drama pilot, The System, landed a pilot order with CBS and Sutton Street Productions (Jane The Virgin). Under her banner company, Del Valle Productions and Casting, Elaine is a CSA casting director who has cast talented actors in hundreds of projects and PRODUCED over 50 film titles. Elaine spends her free time speaking at youth director & arts programs in underserved communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Broadway: Waitress, Disaster, Les Miserables, Hair (Tony Award Nomination), 110 in the Shade, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Brooklyn: The Musical, Lestat. Off-Broadway, tours and concerts: Assassins, Rock of Ages, Camelot (NY Philharmonic), The Slugbearers of Kayrol Island, Adrift In Macao, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Miss Saigon, We Will Rock You, Fame. Will's first feature film as a writer and director was Sons of Provo, which won several film festivals, and was released in 2005. He is married to actress Audra McDonald. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ELERI WARD is an New York City-based actor, singer, and musician whose original pop music has been called “soaring” (Nexus Music Blog), “astonishing” (Rising Artists), and “dreamy” (Neon Music). Her most recent EP, Friction, was released in 2021. She has been singing and acting since she was eight years old, and has always strived to carve out her own space with the uniqueness she brings to the theater. Eleri studied songwriting at Berklee College of Music before transferring and graduating from The Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theater and an emphasis in Songwriting, which shows itself clearly in the way she has taken on the Sondheim canon. www.eleriward.com @eleriward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Steven Sater is the author and lyricist of Spring Awakening, winner of eight Tony Awards on Broadway and produced in 25 countries around the world. He has also collaborated with Duncan Sheik on Umbrage (HERE); Nero (Magic Theatre, New York Stage and Film); The Nightingale (La Jolla Playhouse and American Conservatory Theater); and the critically acclaimed album Phantom Moon (Nonesuch). Other plays include the long-running Carbondale Dreams; Perfect For You, Doll (Rosenthal Prize); Umbrage (Steppenwolf New Play Prize); A Footnote to the Iliad (New York Stage and Film); Asylum (Naked Angels); and a reconceived musical version of Shakespeare’s Tempest (Lyric Hammersmith). He is currently at work with Burt Bacharach on a new musical as well. Additionally, Sater works as a pop/rock lyricist and screenwriter (the forthcoming Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remake for Sony Pictures). Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score, the Drama Desk and Outer Critics’ Circle awards for Best Lyrics, the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and the 2010 Olivier Award for Best New Musical for Spring Awakening. His most recent project includes the Grammy nominated album Some Lovers , co written with Burt Bacharach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jamie Bernstein is a writer, narrator, broadcaster and filmmaker who has transformed a lifetime of loving music into a career of sharing her knowledge and excitement with others. Inspired by her father Leonard Bernstein’s lifelong impulse to share and teach, Jamie has devised multiple ways of communicating her own excitement about orchestral music. Beginning 15 years ago with “The Bernstein Beat,” a family concert about her father’s music modeled after his own groundbreaking Young People’s Concerts with the New York Philharmonic, Jamie has gone on to design, write and narrate concerts for worldwide audiences of all ages about the music of Mozart, Copland, Stravinsky, and many others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
For more than two decades, the GRAMMY and Academy Award-nominated rock band Counting Crows have enchanted listeners worldwide with their intensely soulful and intricate take on timeless rock & roll. Exploding onto the music scene in 1993 with their multi-platinum breakout album, August and Everything After, the band has gone on to release seven studio albums, selling more than 20 million records worldwide, and is revered as one of the world’s most pre-eminent live touring rock bands. In October 1996, the band's double-platinum sophomore studio album, Recovering the Satellites, debuted at number one and further solidified their growing reputation as one of the leading American alternative rock bands in the world. A follow up to their early success; Counting Crows went on to release This Desert Life (1999), Hard Candy (2002), Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings (2008), Underwater Sunshine (Or What We Did on Our Summer Vacation) (2012), Echoes of the Outlaw Roadshow (2013),and Somewhere Under Wonderland (2014.) In 2004, Counting Crows recorded the chart-topping “Accidentally in Love” for the animated motion picture Shrek 2. The instant success of the track earned them an Academy Award nomination for “Best Original Song” at the 2005 Academy Awards, a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Original Song” and a GRAMMY Award nomination for “Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.” In September 2014, Counting Crows released their critically acclaimed seventh studio album, Somewhere Under Wonderland, which debuted at No. 10 on the charts and was heralded by The Daily Telegraph as “… the best collection of songs since their debut.” The album consisted of nine sprawling tracks around rich sonic tapestries, which yielded some of the most grandiose yet intimate songs Counting Crows had recorded to date. 2018 marked 25 years since the band's inception and sent Adam Duritz, Jim Bogios, David Bryson, Charlie Gillingham, David Immergluck, Millard Powers, and Dan Vickrey back on the road for the “25 YEARS AND COUNTING” tour. In 2021, Counting Crows ranked #8 on Billboards’ “Greatest of All Time: Adult Alternative Artists” 25th anniversary chart. After seven years, Adam Duritz and Counting Crows have returned with Butter Miracle: Suite One released on May 21,2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lorin Latarro is the choreographer for Broadway’s MRS. DOUBTFIRE, ALMOST FAMOUS, The Public’s THE VISITOR, and Broadway bound THE OUTSIDERS and LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE. Lorin choreographed Broadway and London’s WAITRESS and LA TRAVIATA at The Met Opera. Lorin is directing Candace Bushnell’s one woman show, IS THERE STILL SEX IN THE CITY. Additional Broadway choreography includes Les Liaisons Dangereuse with Janet McTeer and Liev Schreiber, and Waiting for Godot with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Lorin is the Associate Choreographer of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and American Idiot. Rigoletto at The Met Opera (assoc), Huey Lewis’s Heart of Rock And Roll (Old Globe), Merrily We Roll Along (Roundabout), Chess (The Kennedy Center), Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 21 Chump Street for “This American Life” (Brooklyn Academy of Music), The Public Theater’s Twelfth Night and The Odyssey (Delacorte Theater), Queen of the Night which garnered a Drama Desk Award (Diamond Horseshoe), Assassins, Fanny, and God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater (City Center Encores!), Superhero (Second Stage), Beaches (Drury Lane Theatre), and A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre Center). Lorin directed #DateMe at The Westside Theatre, A Taste Of Things To Come at Chicago On Broadway and The York. Lorin performed in fourteen Broadway shows including Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out, Fosse, Swing!, Kiss Me Kate, A Chorus Line, and Man Of La Mancha. Lorin danced for Robert Wilson, Martha Graham, and Momix. Lorin has also worked with Pina Bausch, Jiri Kylian, Robert Battle, Frankie Manning, Ryan Francois, Pete Townsend, Green Day, Sara Bareilles, Melissa Etheridge, Cameron Crowe, and Charlize Theron. Ms. Latarro holds a BFA from The Juilliard School where she is also an adjunct professor. She also holds a degree from NYU Tisch Film And Television Directing Fundamentals. She is a Drama Desk, Lortel, and Chita Rivera nominee. Lorin has traveled to India and Africa multiple times to work with The Gates Foundation in family health and planning. Lorin is the founder of ArtAmmmo.org Artists Against Gun Violence as seen in the NY Times, PBS, Rachel Maddow, BBC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Carla Stickler is a woman of many talents. She is currently a Software Engineer at G2 in Chicago. She is an advocate for artists looking to make a career change into tech and a member of Artists Who Code. She loves chatting with folks interested in shifting gears from the arts to programming and especially hopes to get more women into the field!She spent over 10 years performing in Broadway musicals, most notably, Wicked. She is a world traveler having performed the role of Liesl in The Sound of Music-Asia Tour and the role of Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! on the National Tour throughout Canada and the US. Carla has headlined as a Guest Entertainer onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines and Disney Cruise Lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Emma Laird is quickly establishing herself as one to watch with her powerful performances as an actress on the rise. She was most recently recognized by Variety as one of the “Ten Brits To Watch” in 2021.
Laird can currently be seen as a lead in the Paramount + series Mayor of Kingstown opposite Jeremy Renner and Dianne Wiest. The series, co-created by Taylor Sheridan and Antonie Fuqua, follows the McLusky family – power brokers in Kingstown, Michigan where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. She plays Iris, a dancer who uses her charms to her benefit, until those charms are used against her. The series will drop on the streaming platform November 14th, 2021.
Emma began her acting career starring in various short films, including Florence Kosky’s In Conversation With A Goddess which was a an official selection at Shorts On Tap X Time Out London in 2019. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bess Kalb is an Emmy-nominated comedy writer and the bestselling author of “Nobody Will Tell You This But Me,” a New York Times Editor’s Choice. She wrote for eight years on Jimmy Kimmel Live. She also writes for The New Yorker's "Daily Shouts." She received a WGA Award in 2016. She has written for the Emmy Awards, the Oscars, and the 2020 DNC. She is the head writer and EP of Yearly Departed on Amazon Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Arian Moayed is an Iranian-born award-winning actor and the co-founder of Waterwell, a civic-minded and socially conscious non-profit art and education company. With Waterwell, recent productions include The Flores Exhibits, a series of videos in which artists, lawyers, advocates, and immigrants read the sworn testimonies of children held in detention facilities at the U.S./Mexico border (flores exhibits.org), The Courtroom: a re-enactment of one woman’s deportation proceedings, named "Best Theater of 2019" by The New York Times, and a dual-language Hamlet (Arian played the title role). Waterwell also created Fleet Week Follies, an annual festival of music, food, and kid-friendly activities, free to military service members and their families. At the Waterwell Education Program, over 250 students per year receive world-class arts training and education in advocacy at the Professional Performing Arts School, all free of charge. He has been a faculty member for nearly 15 years, currently teaching the Artist as Citizen and Senior Capstone classes. As a writer/director, Arian has created the Emmy-nominated thriller, The Accidental Wolf, produced by Topic, starring Tony-winners Kelli O’Hara, Laurie Metcalf, Sahr Nguajah, and many more. Current writing projects include 28 Mordad (upcoming), a film version of The Courtroom (Archer Gray/Topic) and a film adaptation of The Man in Red. He is currently writing an autobiography about his family’s immigration story. Notable acting credits: Broadway's The Humans (Drama Desk Award), Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Tony nomination), Guards at the Taj (Obie Award), Emmy-winning Succession (HBO), and an upcoming Shonda Rhimes’ series, Inventing Anna (Netflix). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
TODD ALMOND is known for his singular songwriting in addition to his work as an accomplished performer. He recently toured the U.S. in his original musical Kansas City Choir Boy starring alongside rock icon Courtney Love, and starred in three of his original musicals at the famed Delacorte Theater in Central Park (The Tempest, The Winter’s Tale, and The Odyssey). His musical Girlfriend – based on the Matthew Sweet album of the same title – is a perennial favorite for theater companies around the country, and he is currently collaborating with producer David Foster on a new, original musical. He has previously collaborated with Sarah Ruhl (Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical), Jenny Schwartz (Iowa), Laura Benanti (In Constant Search for the Right Kind of Attention), Sherie Rene Scott and Norbert Leo Butz (“Twohander”), Kelli O’Hara (“Live at Carnegie Hall”), and Andrew Rannells (“Live from Lincoln Center”). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ANDRÉA BURNS received an Outer Critics Circle Award Nomination for her portrayal of Gloria Fajardo in Broadway’s On Your Feet! She is a winner of a Drama Desk Award for her creation of the role of Daniela, the saucy hairdresser in the Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights. Ms. Burns began her career touring the opera houses of Europe as Maria in West Side Story when she was 18 years old. She has appeared on Broadway as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as Vicki Nichols in The Full Monty, as Googie Gomez in The Ritz and has sung concerts at Carnegie Hall. She starred opposite Nathan Lane on Broadway in the Lincoln Center production of The Nance which subsequently broadcast on PBS' "Great Performances". Ms. Burns was in the original company of Jason Robert Brown’s critically acclaimed Songs for a New World and has since become one of the foremost interpreters of his work. Burns portrayed Lucille Frank in the national tour of Jason Robert Brown's Parade, directed by Harold Prince, for which she received a Touring Broadway Awards nomination for Best Actress. She was also selected by Stephen Sondheim to create the role of Celeste in his musical Saturday Night in its New York premiere. Ms. Burns' debut solo album A Deeper Shade Of Red was described by Playbill as "superb on all counts”. “100 Stories," a single she co-wrote with her brother, music producer Mike Burns, rose to the #2 spot on the 2006 Billboard Hot Dance Club Play charts. A favorite at 54 Below Broadway Supper Club, Andréa performs her one woman show all of over the world, which has been hailed by the New York Times as “ uproarious, ebullient and playful”. Television credits include Mad About You (Reboot), Jessica Jones, Kevin Can Wait, Blue Bloods, Law & Order: SVU, Rescue Me, The Electric Company (2009 TV series), and Wonder Pets. She can also be heard on the original cast recordings of On Your Feet!, In The Heights, Songs for a New World, This Ordinary Thursday - The Songs of Georgia Stitt, Saturday Night, It’s Only Life, Dear Edwina, Shine, Broadway Bound, and Broadway Musicals of 1953. Ms. Burns can be heard as the voice of Elaine Stritch in Alexandra Jacob’s new biography, “Still Here - The Madcap, Nervy, Singular Life of Elaine Stritch.”
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Darby Stanchfield stars as ‘Nina Locke’ in the Netflix hit show Locke and Key. Stanchfield is well-known for her role as ‘Abby Whelan,” the spunky and outspoken investigator on all seven seasons of the Shonda Rhimes hit ABC show “Scandal” alongside ‘Olivia Pope’ (Kerry Washington). She also r stars in the Disney+’s film “Stargirl” which was adapted from the best-selling novel. Prior to “Scandal,” Darby was featured in season two of AMC’s Emmy ® Award winning drama “Mad Men.” In the hit series, Darby played the role of Helen Bishop, a liberal single mother who relishes in stirring up controversy with Betty Draper, the wife of an iconic advertising guru. Other television credits include starring opposite Nathan Fillion in ABC’s crime thriller “Castle,” a recurring role as Shannon Gibbs on CBS’s military drama “NCIS,” and a spot on CBS’s action packed series Jericho where she played “April Green.” In addition, Darby has appeared in roles across a host of successful television series including “Burn Notice,” “CSI: Miami,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “CSI: New York,” “The Mentalist,” “Private Practice,” “Bones,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Without a Trace,” and Monk . Her feature film credits include Adrienne Shelley's critically acclaimed “Waitress,” opposite Nathan Fillion and Keri Russell, and an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's “The Picture of Dorian Gray” co-starring opposite Josh Duhamel. Darby can be heard in a recording of Neil Simon's “Biloxi Blues” with Josh Radnor and Justine Bateman, part of an ongoing series of radio plays that LA Theatre Works produces for NPR. Originally from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Darby is a graduate of The American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco where she received a Master Of Fine Arts degree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Emma Nelson’s powerful performances have established her as a young actress on the rise. Nelson can be seen in the Netflix drama film The Unforgiveable alongside Oscar winners Sandra Bullock and Viola Davis. The film follows a woman who attempts to rebuild her life after serving time in prison for committing a violent crime. Nelson made her big screen debut in the film adaptation of the best-selling novel Where’d You Go Bernadette, helmed by Academy Award nominee Richard Linklater. Emma played the character of Bee, the daughter of the eponymous Bernadette, portrayed by Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett and also starred Billy Crudup, Laurence Fishburne and Kristen Wiig. A native of the Chicago area, Emma has participated in many local theater productions including a lead role in the pre-Broadway production of Trevor! The Musical, which was produced and directed by the renowned Marc Bruni. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Caissie Levy most recently seventh Broadway show, as Rose Stopnick Gellman in Roundabout’s revival of Caroline, Or Change, after originating the role of Elsa in Disney's blockbuster hit, Frozen. She recreated the iconic role of Fantine in the 2014 revival of Les Misérables on Broadway, and is known to New York and London audiences for originating the roles of Molly in Ghost, and Sheila in the Tony Award winning revival of Hair. Her other Broadway credits include Elphaba in the Broadway and Los Angeles productions of Wicked, Penny in the Broadway, 1st National Tour and Toronto companies of Hairspray and Maureen in the national tour of Rent. Off-Broadway, she played Patti Davis and Julie Nixon in the world premiere of Michael John LaChiusa's First Daughter Suite at The Public Theater, and Sara in the Off-Broadway production of Murder Ballad. She has starred in the short films Options and Ms. Bula Banerjee, and guest starred opposite Sean Pertwee on Fox's Gotham. In concert, she headlined Carnegie Hall with the NY Pops, backed up Sir Rod Stewart during his Las Vegas residency, guested with The United States Military Academy at West Point, and performed solo shows to sold-out audiences across the US and the UK. Recordings include Frozen, Ghost, Hair, First Daughter Suite and over twenty singer/songwriter's albums, including her own EP, With You, available everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Marc J. Franklin is a New York City-based photographer specializing in portrait and editorial photography, currently working as the Photo Editor and Principal Photographer for Playbill. His photos have been featured in The New York Times, The LA Times, Vogue, Elle, The Paris Review, Out Magazine, The Boston Globe, Mashable, People Magazine, and more. Highlight subjects include Hilary Clinton, Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Tina Fey, Jeremy Pope, Darren Criss, Lauren Ridloff, and many others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
JAMES CALLERI along with his partners Paul Davis and Erica Jensen own Calleri Jensen Davis, a creative casting partnership. They have been awarded 16 Artios Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Casting. James proudly served on the Board of the Casting Society of America for many years. He is an Associate Professor of Theater at Columbia University School of the Arts where he co-heads the Graduate MFA Acting Program. He is the co-author with Robert Cohen of ACTING PROFESSIONALLY: RAW FACTS ABOUT CAREERS IN ACTING published by Palgrave MacMillan, in it’s eighth edition it is one of the leading books in the country for young actors. He also runs his studio www.calleristudio.com where he coaches and explores the craft with professional actors. He resides in New York City and Saugerties, New York. Broadway Theater: Broadway credits include the current running Thoughts of a Colored Man and his office will cast the upcoming revival of For Colored Girls…this Spring. Other credits include Burn This starring Adam Driver and Keri Russell, Fool for Love starring Nina Arianda and Sam Rockwell, and Hughie starring Forest Whitaker, The Visit starring Chita Rivera and Roger Rees, Renee Fleming in Living on Love, the Tony winning revival Hedwig & The Angry Inch starring Neil Patrick Harris and Lena Hall, the revival of The Elephant Man starring Bradley Cooper, Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola which traveled to London's West End as well and Of Mice and Men with James Franco, Chris O'Dowd and Leighton Meester. Other Favorite Broadway credits include: Venus in Fur with Tony-winner Nina Arianda and Hugh Dancy, 33 Variations starring Jane Fonda, A Raisin in the Sun with Sean Combs, Audra MacDonald, Phylicia Rashad, Chicago with Usher, and James Joyce’s The Dead starring Christopher Walken. Off-Broadway includes Ives Lives of Saints and his revival of All in the Timing, Buyer & Cellar, Murder for Two, The Hilltown Plays, Satchmo at the Waldorf, My Name is Asher Lev, the long-running Fuerza Bruta and The Revisionist with Vanessa Redgrave and Jesse Eisenberg. Most proud of long terms collaborations with : Playwrights Horizons (10 seasons) including such premieres as Betty’s Summer Vacation, Lobby Hero, Small Tragedy, Goodnight Children Everywhere, Violet to name a few. Over 10 years with Classic Stage Company- including A Month in the Country with Peter Dinklage & Taylor Schilling, Peter Sarsgaard as Hamlet, Passion, New Jerusalem, Three Sisters, The Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya with Maggie Gyllenhaal & Peter Sarsgaard and The Seagull with Dianne Wiest & Alan Cumming. and was Resident Casting Director ... for CSC, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, Long Wharf Theater, The Flea, Keen Company, Williamstown Theater Festival, and Playwrights Realm. Other: City Theater, Berkeley Rep, Oregon Shakes, Naked Angels, New Georges, stageFARM, Epic Theater Ensemble and many seasons of SPF (Summer Play Festival) and NY Stage & Film Company. Some long running past productions... include Fuerza Bruta, Lobby Hero, The Guys, Fully Committed, Dinah Was, and The Vagina Monologues Nat’l Tour. TV: Love Life for HBO, Dickinson for Apple+, Queens for ABC , NY casting for When They See Us for Netflix, The Path for Hulu, Army Wives, Lipstick Jungle, Z Rock on IFC, the critically acclaimed A Raisin in the Sun on ABC also the hit series Ed, Hope & Faith, and Monk. Film: Beautiful Darkness, I Origins, Emoticon ;), Saint Janet, Another Earth, Refuge, Merchant Ivory’s The City of Your Final Destination, Heights, and The White Countess, Yearbook, Lisa Picard is Famous, The Jimmy Show, Ready? OK!, Trouble Every Day, Peter & Vandy and Armless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kimber Elayne Sprawl originated the role of Marianne in Girl From The North Country at The Public Theater and on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include A Bronx Tale, and Beautiful:The Carole King Musical. She performed in the National tour of The Lion King and regionally she appeared in The Niceties at the Milwaukee Rep and Memphis at the Walnut Street Theater. She is a graduate of CCM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bonnie McKee made a name for herself as a pop songwriter, writing 10 #1 hit songs for the chart topping stars of the past decade, and for her own career as an indie pop artist. After years of packing big emotional stories into tidy 3 1/2 minute songs and creating her own colorful music videos, she is finally expanding into a new realm of story telling. April Kills The Vibe is Bonnie’s screenwriting and directing debut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dori Berninstein is a four-time Tony-winning Broadway producer, an Emmy-award-winning director, producer and writer of film and television, a Golden Globe Nominee and the founder and CEO of The Broadway Podcast Network. Dori joined Ryan Murphy as Producer on the Netflix movie adaptation The Prom (Golden Globe Nominee), based on Dori’s Broadway musical The Prom (Best Musical – Drama Desk Award). Dori’s other Broadway Shows include: Is This A Room, Dana H., the 2021 revival of Company, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Tony Award – Best Play Revival); Legally Blonde: The Musical (Olivier Award – Best Musical), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony Award – Best Musical), The Crucible, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (Tony Award – Best Play Revival), Fool Moon (Special Tony Award), Flower Drum Song, Enchanted April and Golden Child. As a Documentary Filmmaker, Dori directed, wrote and produced: The Show Must Go On (launching November 2021), ShowBusiness: The Road To Broadway (Showtime); Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did For Love (Emmy Award / American Masters); Carol Channing: Larger Than Life (Showtime); Gotta Dance (adapted for the stage as Half Time); Some Assembly and The Last Blintz. For Television, Dori directed and produced Joshua Bell: Music at Home (PBS - 2020), Eavesdropping with Alan Cumming (Oxygen) and The Isaac Mizrahi Show (Oxygen). Dori is the recipient of Broadway’s Robert Whitehead Award for Outstanding Achievement in Commercial Theatre Producing and the Jacob Burns Vision Award. She is the curator and moderator of The Jacob Burns Actor’s Fund “Life On Stage” series. Dori is also partnered with illustrator Justin “Squigs” Robertson on the creation of the Lights of Broadway Trading Cards (www.lightsofbroadway.nyc) and is the co-founded Camp Broadway, an immersive behind-the-scenes Theatre Camp for kids. Dori executive produced and/or supervised over 50 feature, special f/x and/or animated productions, including Isaac Mizrahi’s award-winning documentary Unzipped, Dirty Dancing) and Jim Henson’s MuppetVision 3-D. She has executive produced websites for Oprah and President Clinton. Dori has worked as a Producer and/or an Executive for DreamWorks Theatricals, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, NBC, MTV, Sesame Workshop, Oxygen Media, Vestron Pictures, and Walt Disney Imagineering. Dori began her professional career as an Investment Banker in Mergers & Acquisitions for Morgan Stanley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jane Kaczmarek is best known for her role as Lois on Malcolm in the Middle, for which she received 7 consecutive Emmy nominations, 2 Televisions Critics Awards (the only woman to receive such recognition), and nominations for the Golden Globe and SAG Award .Her television career began with The Paper Chase, St. Elsewhere, and Hill Street Blues after graduating from The University of Wisconsin and the Yale School of Drama. In New York Kaczmarek has appeared both On and Off Broadway and at the Berkshire Theatre Festival ,the Eugene O'Neill Playwright Conference, The Williamstown Theatre Festival where she and Alfred Molina appeared in Tom Holloways ' AND NO MORE SHALL WE PART directed by Ann Kauffman . Also at Williamstown , with S. Epatha Merkerson in Jen Silverman's THE ROOMATE. Most recently she appeared as the Stage Manager in the Deaf West - Pasadena Playhouse production of Our Town . . Jane frequently hosts and reads on the Symphony Space Radio program SELECTED SHORTS. Los Angeles credits include KINDERTRANSPORT (Ovation Award), the premiere of Pulitzer Prize winning DINNER WITH FRIENDS and RAISED IN CAPTIVITY(L.A. Drama Critics Award) HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES (Mark Taper), GOOD PEOPLE (Geffen, Ovation nomination), and at L.A.Theatre Works -AWAKE AND SING , DEATH OF A SALESMAN with Stacey Keach and as Inge Morath in ARTHUR MILLER: A LIFE . She and Alfred Molina recorded A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE for BBC Radio and appeared as James and Mary Tyrone in LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT at the Geffen Theatre . The production was filmed and is available for viewing on BROADWAY HD. Jane is the founder of Clothes Off Our Back, an online auction that raised over 4 million dollars for children's charities by selling celebrity finery. She has traveled k to India, Tanzania and Rwanda to visit their hospitals and the children they help. She serves on the Board of the Pasadena Educational Foundation, the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and the Pasadena Playhouse. She lives in Pasadena with her 3 children . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mary McCormack is one of today’s boldest and most versatile actresses, continually challenging herself with roles that often defy Hollywood standards and bring to light the complex lives of ordinary women. The LA Times says, “McCormack has a kind of 20th century sass, a lively impertinence you find in classic Hollywood comedians like Barbara Stanwyck, Irene Dunne and Rosalind Russell.” She has shown her immense talent working in film, television and on stage, and has tackled roles ranging from slapstick comedy to intense drama. Tony-nominated for her role in Broadway’s “Boeing Boeing” opposite Mark Rylance, she is also widely known for her four seasons as a regular cast member of “The West Wing" (two SAG Award nominations), as the lead of USA’s critically acclaimed “In Plain Sight,” and for her role opposite Howard Stern in Private Parts. McCormack’s recent television work includes starring roles in the ABC series “The Kids Are Alright,” the AMC series “Loaded,” the NBC comedy series “Welcome To The Family” as well as arcs on such shows as HBO’s “The Newsroom,” “Scandal” (ABC), Gus van Sant’s award-winning miniseries “When We Rise” (ABC), “House of Lies” (Showtime) and the “Will & Grace” reboot (NBC). McCormack will also appear in the new Hulu Blumhouse anthology series “Treehouse.” McCormack can also be seen in the HBO Max feature Unpregnant. In non-scripted, McCormack produces the hit game show “25 Words or Less” alongside Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky which was just renewed for a second season. Next up, McCormack can be seen staring in the STARZ series “Heels.” McCormack returned to the Broadway stage in 2008 to star in “Boeing Boeing” alongside Christine Baranski, Mark Rylance and Bradley Whitford. Marc Camoletti’s classic sixties comedy won the Tony for Best Revival and earned McCormack a 2008 Tony nomination for “Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play.” Additional stage credits include a highly successful run opposite Alan Cumming as Sally Bowles in the Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall-directed Broadway production of “Cabaret” for the Roundabout Theatre Company, as well as the acclaimed London stage production of Neil LaBute’s play “Bash,” the David Warren-directed productions of “My Marriage To Earnest Borgnine” and Jon Robin Baitz’s “A Fair Country.” McCormack breakout performance, opposite Howard Stern in Private Parts, won her universal critical acclaim. McCormack’s additional television and feature credits include: Aaron Sorkin’s NBC smash hit “The West Wing,” a recurring role on “ER,” Right At Your Door, the Stephen King thriller 1408, Christopher Guests’ “For Your Consideration,” the Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney HBO political series “K-Street,” as Justine Appleton in Steve Bochco’s “Murder One,” as well as the USA Network miniseries “Traffic,” directed by Stephen Hopkins (24). In addition, McCormack has appeared in varied roles in such films as Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star opposite David Spade; K-PAX opposite Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey; Full Frontal, directed by Steven Soderbergh and opposite David Duchovny and Catherine Keener; High Heels & Low Lifes with Minnie Driver; Mystery, Alaska, written by David E. Kelley and starring Russell Crowe; Other Voices, with Stockard Channing and Campbell Scott; The Broken Hearts Club, opposite John Mahoney and Timothy Olyphant; The Big Tease opposite Craig Ferguson; Gun Shy with Sandra Bullock and Liam Neeson; the Clint Eastwood film, True Crime; Mimi Leder’s Deep Impact; The Alarmist, opposite Stanley Tucci; Father’s Day and Miracle on 34th Street. She also appeared in Michael G. Cooney's The Men and the feature film Drone with Sean Bean as well as Amazon’s period drama American Girl: Mary Ellen. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, McCormack is a graduate of Trinity College and resides with her family in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Born in Hunan, China, and raised by two moms outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan, I grew up as one of the only Asian kids in school. And, one of the only queer kids. I stood out from my peers, and for a while, I struggled to really embrace it. I came out as trans when I was 12 and started my social transition in middle school. With the support of a local group for queer and trans youth, I found a way to share my story. I learned how to tell my story in my own words. And later, I went public, documenting my transition online. Through Instagram, Huffington Post Articles, and MTV Voices, I documented my medical transition. I found a community of trans men and queer and trans people of color during my journey. Since coming out, my activism has centered the narratives of trans people, particularly trans people of color; authentic representation in the media; and deconstructing gendered systems. On screen Leo stars as Micah Lee on Showtime’s THE L WORD - GENERATION Q Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kristolyn Lloyd is an award winning Broadway Actress and Singer who is located in New York. She most recently was Jo March in an Off-Broadway Production of Little Women and Princess Faye in Bliss the Musical in Seattle. She is most known for originating the role of Alana Beck in the Tony Award Winning musical Dear Evan Hansen as well as more noticeable roles such as Heather Duke in Heather the Musical Off-Broadway and Dayzee on the daytime soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. She has worked as an audition coach, teacher, and director for all ages and was more recently honored with the Core Values Award for Artistry Professionalism and Compassion by Broadway For All, an organization committed to the inclusion and equity of BIPOC young professionals in the arts. She has directed and produced her own shows as well as assisted for Tony Award winning directors. She is an Activist and an Artist and is passionate about investing in and educating a more diverse and eclectic future generation of artist. Her training includes a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, John Rosenfeld Studios, and The Upright Citizens Brigade. Before having a successful acting career spent her summers coaching competitive swimmers and Tri-athletes. She was a lifeguard and a fitness instructor for all ages but specialized in cardio and plyometrics training. When she has the time she trains and runs in marathons and triathlons on the east and west coast or you can find her in Cross Fit or Core Rhythm Fitness. She believes that the way you do one thing is the way you do everything and that pushing yourself physically has mental and spiritual benefits.When training or co-training she focuses on the now and achieving personal goals one step at a time in the gym and in the kitchen. Photo Credit- Anthony Chatmon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ethan Slater is an actor, writer and musician (mostly) based in New York. He was nominated for a Tony Award, and won the Drama Desk Award for playing SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical, which also happened to be his Broadway debut! As a writer, some upcoming projects include the films Intervenors and Silent Mode, both of which he co-wrote and co-stars in. He’s released two EPs of original music, available on Spotify (or wherever you listen to stuff). As an actor, other theater includes: Who’s Your Baghdaddy..., PEMDAS, Camelot (Lincoln Center), and when theater returns this fall (!), he will be playing Lee Harvey Oswald/The Balladeer in Assassins at Classic Stage Company. Some TV/film credits: Fosse/Verdon (FX), Law and Order (NBC), Murphy Brown (CBS), SpongeBob: Live On Stage (Nickelodeon), Evol, Untitled Vanessa Del Rio Biopic (upcoming), Kurt. (upcoming). IG: @ethanslater TW: @ethansaslater
Nick Blaemire is a writer and performer based in Brooklyn. At 23 years old, Nick wrote the Broadway one-night-sensation rock musical Glory Days, which has since had over 50 productions around the world -- and will re-open in Japan in Fall 2021. He has written five other original musicals: A Little More Alive (commissioned by Broadway Across America, produced at Williamstown, Kansas City Rep, Barrington Stage, and is optioned as a feature film); Soon (premiered at Signature Theatre, upcoming at the Prima Theatre Fall 2021); Fallout (with Kyle Jarrow), Edge of the World (with Ethan Slater) and Space Dogs (with Van Hughes, upcoming Winter 2022 Off-Broadway at MCC Theatre). Nick has released three EPs of pop songs, all available on iTunes, Spotify, etc. As an actor, he most recently completed the National Tour of Falsettos as Mendel, recurred on Dash & Lily on Netflix, and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his performance as Jon in the Off-Broadway Revival of Tick, Tick...Boom!. IG: @blaemire TW: @nickblaemir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1964-2021
Rarely at a loss for work, Garson had appeared in over 300 episodes of television and more than 70 films. Garson is best known for his long runs on television, as Mozzie on WHITE COLLAR, Stanford Blatch on SEX AND THE CITY, and Henry Coffield on NYPD BLUE. Other TV series include ASK HARRIET, and JOHN FROM CINCINNATTI. He had been recurring as the grifter with a heart of gold Gerard Hirsch on "HAWAII 5-0" since 2015.
Born in New Jersey, he started training at The Actors Institute In New York, before majoring in Psychology and Theater at Wesleyan University. After graduation, he quickly started landing guest roles on shows such as CHEERS, FAMILY TIES, THIRTYSOMETHING, LA LAW, as well as continually recurring on a wide array of shows including XFILES, TWIN PEAKS, TWO & A HALF MEN, STARGATE, PUSHING DAISIES, THE PRACTICE, ALLY MCBEAL, JUST SHOOT ME, SPIN, SALVATION, etc etc. His favorite longform on TV was Dr. Kreutz for Steven Spielberg in the acclaimed miniseries TAKEN.
On the big screen, other than reprising his SEX & THE CITY role for two features, he has collaborated with the Farrely Brothers on 3 films, SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, KINGPIN, and FEVER PITCH, as well as appearing in SOAPDISH, GROUNDHOG DAY, MARS ATTACKS, THE ROCK, BEING JOHN MALKOVITCH, FEED, POLKA KING, and many others. He has often been re-used by such varied directors as Spike Jonze, Michael Bay, the late great Mike Nichols, and Ron Shelton.
Garson continued to perform with various bi-coastal theater companies such as Naked Angles, Manhattan Theater Club, The Roundabout Theater, and The Geffen. He is very involved with many charities, including AMFAR, Camp Joslin for Diabetes, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and especially The Alliance for Childrens Rights, which facilitates adoptions in LA County---this has a special place in the Garson family, as Willie adopted his son Nathen in Los Angeles in 2010, and has twice served as National Spokesman for National Adoption Day, as well as winning the Francis Wheat Award from The Alliance, and many others. Willie and Nathen speak about adoption nationwide.
Aside from acting, Garsonwas known as a world-class poker player, having been nicknamed "Evil Willie" on the first episode of CELEBRITY POKER SHOWDOWN, and continued to play in tournaments all over the world, both for charity, and through the WORLD POKER TOUR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NGOZI ANYANWU is a playwright, storyteller, and most recently a 2020 Steinberg Playwright Award winner. Previous productions include Good Grief (Vineyard Theatre in NYC / Center Theatre Group in LA) and The Homecoming Queen (sold-out world premiere run at Atlantic Theater Company). Good Grief was on the Kilroys List 2016 and a semifinalist for the Princess Grace Award, and won the Humanitas Award. The Homecoming Queen was on the Kilroys List 2017 and was a Leah Ryan Finalist. Her play Nike… (Kilroys List 2017) was workshopped at The New Black Fest in conjunction with The Lark and The Strand Festival in conjunction with A.C.T and Space on Ryder Farm. Ngozi also has commissions with NYU, The Old Globe, Two Rivers Theatre, Atlantic Theater, and Steppenwolf. Anyanwu has also received residencies from LCT3, Space on Ryder Farm, the Djerassi Resident Artists Program, The New Harmony Project, New York Stage and Film, and Page 73. She attended Point Park University (BA) and received her MFA in Acting from University of California, San Diego. DANIEL J. WATTS is an NYC-based multidisciplinary artist. For acting, Watts is a 2020 Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for his portrayal of Ike Turner in the hit Broadway musical TINA. He has appeared in nine Broadway shows including Hamilton, Memphis, and After Midnight. He received the Barrymore Award (People’s Light) and the LA Ovation Award (Geffen Playhouse) for Best Featured Actor for his portrayal of Sammy Davis, Jr. in Lights Out: Nat King Cole opposite Dulé Hill. TV credits include Season 3 of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Seasons 1 & 2 of “The Last OG,” “Blindspot,” and “Vinyl.” Off-Broadway he has starred as the title character in Suzan-Lori Parks' Death of the Last Black Man in the Entire World AKA The Negro Book of the Dead (Signature Theatre) and Whorl Inside a Loop (Second Stage Theater). A play-on-words, Daniel J. Watts’ The Jam pays homage to Watts’ great-grandmother who, after making jam from scratch, would share with others what she was unable to consume herself. The Jam is Watts’ continuation of that legacy, blending elements of stand-up comedy and compelling storytelling with his original spoken word, often set to music and/or dance. The Jam: Only Child was a wide success at the 2020 Public Theater Under the Radar Festival and has also streamed as part of the Signature Theater (DC) 2020-2021 season. Inaugural (2020) ANTONYO Award Winner for Best Quarantine Content. His original work and musical collaborations are featured on Raphael Saadiq’s newest album “Jimmy Lee,” Tituss Burgess’ “Saint Tituss,” Divinity Roxx’s “ImPossible,” Nick Blaemire’s “Ampersand;” as a contributing artist for Armstrong Now in conjunction with The Louis Armstrong House Museum; and featured in the young adult anthology "How I Resist" edited by The New York Times Best Seller Maureen Johnson for Wednesday Books/Macmillan. His TED talk “To Accomplish Great Things, You Need to Let Paint Dry” appears at go.Ted.com/danieljwatts. Watts is an artist in residence at ASU Gammage and also serves as an adjunct professor of NYU's Tisch New Studio. BFA, Elon University Music Theatre Program. 2021 Commencement SpDaniel J. Watts has appeared in eight Broadway shows including Tina : The Tina Turner Musical, Hamilton, In The Heights and Memphis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ANTHONY VENEZIALE (Two-Touch) is conceiver and co-creator FLS and FLS Academy. Founding member of American Immigrants (San Francisco). He has used improv techniques to create endeavors with Thomas Kail & Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Bartlett, “The Electric Company”), Daveed Diggs (The Freeze), numerous networks/companies (HBO, Cartoon Network, Sesame Workshop, Boardwalk Pictures, Google) and co-founded speechlessinc.com, an improv thinking company that helps humans create, collaborate, and find their authentic voice. STAGE: Freestyle Love Supreme, Servicemen, Death in One Acts, and Trashin': Time to Waste. TV: ”Sex and the City”, “Freestyle Love Supreme”. ANEESA FOLDS made her Broadway debut in Freestyle Love Supreme in 2019. Off-Broadway/NYC: Sistas The Musical. Regional: North Shore Music Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, Arrow Rock Lyceum. National Tour: Ragtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Maddie Baillio can be seen in the live action remake of CINDERELLA on Amazon. Maddie stars in the film as one of the evil step-sisters to Camilla Cabello’s Cinderella and Idina Menzel’s step-mother. She is a trained musical theater actress who first burst onto the scene as Tracy Turnblad in NBC’s HAIRSPRAY LIVE! After beating out thousands for the role. She most recently starred in the Netflix film DUMPLIN’. Maddie is also an accomplished vocalist who has performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana shares a quick end of summer note Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Adam Pascal was born on October 25, 1970, in the Bronx and raised in Syosset, New York. He started singing in various rock bands when he was 12, playing the local New York club scene for many years, and has been singing in bands, as a solo artist, in movies, or on the Broadway stage ever since. In 1996, Adam tried out for the then unknown, off-Broadway production of Rent. He landed the role of Roger Davis. Adam was nominated for a 1996 Tony Award as Best Actor (Musical), and won a Drama League and Obie award for his performance as Roger. The Show went on to become a worldwide success and one of the longest running shows in Broadway history. In 1997 He reprised the role of Roger (the first of several times he would do so) for the West End Premiere of Rent. In 1998, Adam’s career expanded to the big screen in the independent film SLC Punk! In 2000, Adam was cast as Radames in Elton John and Tim Rice’s new Broadway musical Aida, for which he received a Drama League award. In May of 2000, his debut solo album, Model Prisoner, was released. Also in 2000, Adam co- produced the hit off-Broadway play Fully Committed with fellow former Rent cast member, Jesse L. Martin. The show went on to garner many awards and played to sold out houses in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and London. In October 2003, Adam once again visited the Broadway stage, this time, asked to be the final Emcee in the Sam Mendes/Rob Marshall production of Cabaret at Studio 54, as part of the closing cast. Also during that time Adam starred alongside Jack Black, as Theo, the lead singer of “No Vacancy” in 2003’s School of Rock. Finally in 2004, Adam’s second CD, Civilian, was released in November, again on Sh-k-boom records. In 2005, Adam reprised the role of Roger in the movie version of Rent. Adam’s journey with Rent finally came to conclusion when in 2009, he reprised the role one last time alongside Anthony Rapp, in Rent The Broadway Tour which traveled all over the U.S. as well as Japan and South Korea. In 2008, Adam played the role of Freddie Trumper in the Tim Rice/Abba Musical Chess, alongside Josh Groban, and Idina Menzel for two sold out performances at The Royal Albert Hall, in London. The DVD is currently on sale worldwide. In 2010/11 Adam starred as Huey Calhoun in Broadway’s Tony Award winning musical Memphis and in 2013 Adam starred as Billy Flynn in Broadway’s long running hit Chicago. In 2015 Adam starred as Chad in Broadway’s Disaster. In 2017 Adam starred as Shakespeare on Broadway and in the first national tour of the musical Something Rotten. Most recently he starred as Edward Lewis in Broadway’s Pretty Woman and Harold Hill in the 5 Star Theatrical’s production of The Music Man. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rosanny currently stars as a series regular lead on Season 2 of Showtime’s THE L WORD: GENERATION Q. She will next be seen in Sam Esmail's limited series ANGELYNE for Peacock and UCP. Among her many NYC theater credits, Rosanny starred in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM for the Public Theater (Shakespeare in the Park). She recently performed the role of “Natasha” in the Roundabout Theater’s workshop of Anton Chekhov’s THREE SISTERS spearheaded by Resident Director Sam Gold. Rosanny's brilliant performance in the titular role of Jose Rivera's MARISOL while at Juilliard catapulted her into the NYC theater world. Rosanny is a major talent out of Juilliard – recurring recently on ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK for Netflix, MODERN PERSUASION on Hulu, as well as THE CODE, and INSTINCT for CBS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
BILL IRWIN: Original member of Kraken and San Francisco's Pickle Family Circus. Original works include: On Beckett, Old Hats, Fool Moon, Largely New York, The Harlequin Studies, Mr. Fox: A Rumination, The Happiness Lecture, and The Regard of Flight. Theatre: The Iceman Cometh, Show Boat (SF Opera), Endgame, Bye Bye Birdie, Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Waiting for Godot (2009 Drama Desk Nomination), Broadway/West End revival of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (2005 Tony Award, Helen Hayes Award), The Goat or Who is Sylvia, King Lear, Accidental Death of An Anarchist, 5-6-7-8 Dance! , Waiting For Godot at Lincoln Center, Scapin, The Tempest, Garden of Earthly Delights, Texts for Nothing, A Flea In Her Ear, 2003/2004 Signature Theatre Playwright in Residence, The Seagull, A Man's A Man, 3 Cuckolds. Television: PBS Great Performances: Bill Irwin Clown Prince, Third Rock from the Sun, Northern Exposure, Sesame Street, Elmo's World, The Regard of Flight, Closing Ceremony 1996 Olympic Games, The Cosby Show, The Laramie Project, Subway Stories, Bette Midler: Mondo Beyondo, Law and Order, Life on Mars, A Gifted Man, CSI, The Good Wife, Lights Out, Monday Mornings, Law & Order: SVU, Elementary, Quarry, Sleepy Hollow and Legion on FX. Film: Irresistible, HBO’s Confirmation, Interstellar, Identity Theft, Rachel Getting Married, Higher Ground, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Definitely, Maybe; Igby Goes Down, Lady in the Water, Dark Matter, Raving, Across The Universe, Popeye, Eight Men Out, Silent Tongue, Illuminata, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, My Blue Heaven, A New Life, Scenes from a Mall, Stepping Out. Awards: National Endowment for the Arts Choreographer's Fellowship, a Guggenheim, a Fulbright and a MacArthur Fellowship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Eric Petersen stars in the AMC series “Kevin Can F*** Himself” alongside Annie Murphy. A dark comedy that mixes single-cam and multi-cam shooting in front of a studio audience to re-examine the trope of the passive sitcom wife while peeking into her secret life, the series was developed by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack and created by Valerie Armstrong. A veteran of television and the Broadway stage, Petersen’s previous television credits include the TV Land series “Kristie,” and voicing Ant’ney the pigeon on the hit DreamWorks’ animated show “Madagascar: A Little Wild” now available on Hulu/Peacock. On stage Petersen has starred in the hit Broadway production and national tour of “Shrek: The Musical,” as Shrek, “School of Rock” as Dewey Finn, the musical “Escape To Margaritaville,” as Brick, and “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Petersen hails from the Chicago suburb of Carol Stream, Illinois. He attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where he earned a degree in Acting. He currently resides in both Los Angeles and New York with his wife and two children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Described by The New York Times as a “one-of-a-kind performer who combines the sass of a classic blues mama with the skill of a Broadway star,” Lillias White is world-renowned for her glorious voice and extraordinary ability to communicate the heart of a song. Her performance in Cy Coleman’s Broadway musical, The Life, won her the TONY® AWARD for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She was nominated for a second TONY® AWARD for her brilliant work in Fela! Additional Broadway credits include: Barnum, Dreamgirls, Cats, Carrie, Once on This Island, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Chicago. Other Off-Broadway and Regional Credits include The Public Theater’s Romance in Hard Times, for which she won the OBIE® AWARD, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (directed by Phylicia Rashad), for which she won the NAACP AWARD, and the Carnegie Hall Concert version of South Pacific, starring Reba McEntire, which was also broadcast on PBS’ Great Performances. In addition to receiving Broadway acclaim, Lillias is internationally-recognized for her TV and film work. Lillias received the DAYTIME EMMY® AWARD for her role as Lillian Edwards for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series on Sesame Street in 1992, and is beloved by audiences around the world for voicing the lead muse Calliope in Disney’s animated feature Hercules. Film credits include Pieces of April (starring Katie Holmes) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (starring Jim Carrey). Recent TV credits include the Baz Luhrmann-directed NETFLIX series The Get Down, as well as Russian Doll and Search Party. She has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world, including The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. She can be heard on several Broadway cast albums, in addition to her acclaimed From Brooklyn to Broadway. Get Yourself Some Happy! which is Lillias’ first solo studio album, was released on July 23, 2021 via Old Mill Road Recording. Instagram @LilliasWhiteOfficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alyssa first trained at UCB, and continues to do stand up all over the country. She has performed her solo show “No Bad Days”, in which she uses stand-up, sketches and even Zumba to look back on losing her father to brain cancer, at multiple festivals including Providence Fringe, Cinderblock and Improv Boston. She continues to host a podcast with May Wilkerson called “Crazy; in Bed”, where the two best friends join each week to discuss mental health, pop culture and more. Alyssa stars in the Gravitas Ventures film, TOO LATE, which can be found in select theaters and on digital platforms including iTunes, Google Play, Fandango Now and all major cable/satellite platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Andy Señor Jr. was born and raised in Miami, Florida. In the summer of 2021 he made his film directorial debut with the HBO Original Documentary Revolution Rent, Executive produced by Neil Patrick Harris . He was the Associate Director of Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s musical On Your Feet! on Broadway, Netherlands, and UK West End Productions as well as Roundabout Theatre Company’s Broadway production of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. He served as Associate Director on the new musical FLY at Dallas Theatre Center w Jeffrey Seller. Andy made his professional debut in the Tony Award winning musical RENT as "Angel," playing the role on Broadway, London’s West End, and US National and International Tours. Later he became the Assistant Director to Michael Greif on the RENT revival Off Broadway, and went on to re-stage the production in Tokyo, Japan and the historic production in Havana, Cuba. Most recently he directed two new Nilo Cruz plays, Tsunami and Farhad and the Secret of Being. He holds a BFA in Theatre from Florida International University who honored him with a Torch Award, noting him as a distinguished alumni, and further trained at The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare LAB where he appeared in All’s Well That Ends Well at the PUBLIC Theatre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kimiko Glenn is best known for her work as 'Brook Soso' in the award-winning Netflix series ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, which garnered her three Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series. As well as her work voicing ‘Peni Parker' in the Oscar winning animated phenomenon SPIDER-MAN INTO THE SPIDERVERSE. Recently, Kimiko can be seen in the YouTube Original, LIZA ON DEMAND, and the Freeform feature GHOSTING starring opposite Aisha Dee. She appeared in the second season of THE GUEST BOOK on TBS and DRUNK HISTORY as 'Maya Lin' on COMEDY CENTRAL. She has also guest starred on HBO's hit-series, HIGH MAINTENANCE, and was in second season of the Facebook Watch series SACRED LIES opposite Juliette Lewis. On the big screen, Kimiko was most recently seen in the feature film CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET starring opposite Alexandra Daddario. Her other feature credits include the feature film NERVE alongside Emma Roberts and Dave Franco and the feature film, IN REALITY. Kimiko is also known for her recurring role on FX's MARRIED, and made a memorable cameo on Comedy Central's BROAD CITY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Britton Smith is Co-founder and President of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC), In addition to his work as an advocate and facilitator and adjunct prof. at Columbia Law School, Britton is a Broadway actor recently featured in Be More Chill, Shuffle Along and After Midnight. Front man and songwriter Britton Smith leads Britton & The Sting with electric passion and mission for total community. The pack of musicians embody liberation in their fusion of SOUL, funk and it’s unique electro-neo groove. Recently featured in Vanity Fair, Vogue, Fault Magazine, and The New Yorker - Britton & The Sting’s latest single “Burn” was highlighted on Paper Magazine’s “Bops Only” 10 Songs You Need to Start Your Weekend Right” list, as well as a featured 2020 NPR Tiny Desk Submission Top Pick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sammi Cannold is a director who is one of Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 in Hollywood & Entertainment, class of 2019. Recent theater credits include Evita (New York City Center), Endlings (New York Theatre Workshop, A.R.T.), Ragtime on Ellis Island, Violet on a moving bus (A.R.T.), and Allegory (La Jolla Playhouse WOW). Upcoming projects include Carmen (Lincoln Center w. MasterVoices), a documentary film, and a feature film. Associate director credits include the Broadway production of Natasha, Pierre... (dir. Rachel Chavkin). Sammi has also served as an Artistic Fellow at the A.R.T., a member of Cirque du Soleil's Creative Cognoscenti, and a Sundance Institute Fellow and developed work with Playwrights Realm, The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, New York Stage and Film, Cirque du Soleil, and Nickelodeon. She holds a B.A. from Stanford University and an M.A. from Harvard University. www.sammicannold.com
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Actress/director/playwright/educator/activist Regina Taylor is a Meadows Distinguished Visiting Artist. She is the playwright-in-residence at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, a three-year appointment through the National Playwright Residency Program established by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and HowlRound Theatre Commons. Taylor is also writing new plays for Audible and for Southern Methodist University (the black album, about what it is to be Black in 2020).Her playwright credits include Bread (Edgerton Award, WaterTower Theatre); Crowns (four Helen Hayes Awards, including Best Director); Oo-Bla-Dee (Steinberg-ATCA award); Drowning Crow (Broadway, Manhattan Theatre Club); The Trinity River Plays (Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award); and stop.reset. (Signature Theatre Residency 5).Taylor received the Denzel Washington Endowed Chair in Theatre at Fordham University at Lincoln Center. An artistic associate of Goodman Theatre, Taylor is its most produced playwright.Taylor is featured in Netflix’s All Day and a Night starring Jeffrey Wright and Ashton Saunders and directed/written by Joe Robert Cole (writer for Black Panther), and guest stars on Council of Dads (NBC), The Red Line (producer Ava DuVernay, CBS), The Good Fight, and Lovecraft Country (producers Jordan Peele, J. J. Abrams and Misha Green). For her television role as Lily Harper in I’ll Fly Away, Taylor received a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress, three NAACP Image Awards and two Emmy Award nominations. Her other television roles include The Unit. Taylor was the first African American lead in Masterpiece Theatre’s Cora Unashamed, starred as Anita Hill in HBO’s Strange Justice (Gracie Award), and was featured in A Good Day to Die starring Sidney Poitier. She has co-starred in USA Network’s Dig and guest starred in Elementary and The Black List. Taylor’s film credits include Saturday Church, The Negotiator, Courage Under Fire, Clockers, and Lean on Me. Taylor was also the first Black woman to play Juliet in Romeo and Juliet on Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A vibrant and diversely talented actress, Zoey Deutch can recently be seen in Sony’s highly anticipated sequel to ZOMBIELAND for director Ruben Fleischer, starring opposite Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Woody Harrelson. She also can be seen in Ryan Murphy’s first series for Netflix THE POLITICIAN, starring opposite Ben Platt and Gwyneth Paltrow, and is currently shooting its second season. Most recently, Deutch starred in and produced the independent feature BUFFALOED, which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival and just released for Magnolia to rave reviews. Deutch can also be seen as the female lead of Netflix’s hit romantic comedy SET IT UP starring opposite Glen Powell. Recently announced, she and Glen will be reteaming with the same team of filmmakers for a new Netflix romantic comedy, tentatively titled MOST DANGEROUS GAME with Deutch and Powell also on board as exec producers. Additional credits include Max Winkler’s FLOWER, Russo-Young’s BEFORE I FALL, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival, RICHARD SAYS GOODBYE opposite Johnny Depp , REBEL IN THE RYE opposite Nicholas Hoult, EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! from writer/director Richard Linklater, WHY HIM? opposite Bryan Cranston, and more recently THE YEAR OF SPECTACULAR MEN, which she also produced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Steve Basilone is an American television writer and producer. He attended Emerson College in Boston before eventually moving to Los Angeles to pursue several writing opportunities. He eventually ended up on "Community" from 2011 to 2013 penning a number of episodes alongside his writing partner (and former Emerson College classmate) Annie Mebane. Basilone has since moved on this other projects including the "The Michael J. Fox Show". He was married to Lauren Morelli, a fellow television writer who works on the Netflix original series "Orange is the new Black". Morelli filed for divorce after two years upon coming out as a lesbian in 2014. Basilone currently serves as writer and producer of the ABC sitcom "The Goldbergs". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kurt Sutter is a storyteller. That obligation has manifested into writing, producing, directing, and acting. Born and raised in the homogenous suburbs of Jersey, his home positioned between the Mafia-stronghold neighborhoods to the west and Rahway State Prison to the east. Sutter would struggle with those conflicting influences -- absolute authority and unbridled rebellion -- for most of his life. After graduating from Rutgers University with a BA in Mass Media & Film, Kurt spent several years as an actor in NYC, performing in off-off-Broadway theatres, meatpacking warehouses, and NYPD holding cells. His theatre work eventually led to teaching and directing and in the mid-nineties he joined the faculty of The Gately-Poole Acting Studio on Theatre Row, teaching the Sanford Meisner Technique and directing productions at The Nat Horne Theatre. In the late 90’s Kurt was awarded an MFA Fellowship to attend Northern Illinois University. In Chicago, his exposure to the dramatic masters -- Strindberg, O'Neill, Genet -- inspired Sutter, and he began writing unproducible plays and cultivating ideas for the screen. After graduating with a Master of Fine Arts, Kurt moved to Los Angeles where he began his writing career. In 2001, he landed his first gig on FX's The Shield. Starting as a staff writer, he finished the last two seasons as an Executive Producer. Then, in 2008, Kurt created the critically acclaimed drama series Sons of Anarchy for FX. Its seven-year run is the most successful episodic series in the history of the network. In 2014, he followed up SOA with the medieval drama series, The Bastard Executioner. Then, co-created the next chapter of the Sons saga, Mayans MC. Mayans is entering its third season on FX. Kurt also ventured into reality programming with a documentary series on the Discovery Channel, Kurt Sutter’s Outlaw Empires. In 2015, Sutter made his feature writing debut with Southpaw starring Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Antoine Fuqua. A collaboration with award-winning BOOM! Studios produced several successful comic books for Sutter. Including Sons of Anarchy and two originals -- Lucas Stand, about a drug-addicted vet turned hit man for Hell. And Sisters of Sorrow, where victims of abuse spin their pain and rage into vengeance through the cover of vigilante nuns. The next four issues of Sisters will be on shelves in 2021. As an actor, Kurt had recurring roles on The Shield and Sons of Anarchy. Playing an Armenian hitman with a foot fetish and an incarcerated outlaw with a proclivity for ironic, self-mutilation. Chaos Walking, directed by Doug Liman, is Sutter’s first feature film role. Awards/Nominations Peabody Award (The Shield) Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics: “Come Join the Murder” (SOA) Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics: “Day is Gone” (SOA) Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Music: “This Life” (SOA) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Annabelle Gurwitch is an actress, activist, and New York Times bestselling author of five books including her latest You're Leaving When, Adventures in Downward Mobility. Other books include: I See You Made an Effort (a Thurber Prize finalist), Wherever You Go, There They Are; and Fired! (also a Showtime Comedy Special). She’s written for The New Yorker, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, amongst other publications and is currently adapting You're Leaving When? for HBO, centering on her Los Angeles Times op-ed about hosting an at-risk housing insecure couple in her home which was recognized with a 2020 Los Angeles Press Club excellence in journalism award. Gurwitch was the longtime cohost of Dinner & a Movie on TBS; a regular commentator on NPR; and host of WA$TED for the Discovery Channel. Her acting credits include: The World Premiere of Donald Margulies' Coney Island Christmas, The West Coast Premiere of Wendy MacLeod's Women in Jeopardy, and the West Coast Premiere of David Greenspan's Go Back to Where You Are. Her performance in the title role of Joe and Betty off Broadway and in Los Angeles won her inclusion in "The Top Ten Performances of the Year in Theater" in both The New York and LA Times. Other credits include: Seinfeld, Murphy Brown, Boston Legal, Dexter, and Melvin Goes to Dinner. She performs her stories with The Moth and at arts centers around the country. Gurwitch lives in Los Angeles and co-hosts the Tiny Victories podcast on the Maximum Fun Podcast Network, which Vulture called a “bright spot of light and laughter in 2020.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jeffrey Omura is an artist, activist, labor leader, and candidate for New York City Council District 6. As an actor, he recently appeared on TV in The Blacklist, Limitless, Succession, and Hawaii Five-0, and he's known for his work onstage across the country. He's a founding member of both Fair Wage Onstage and Be An Arts Hero, and an elected officer of Actors' Equity Association. If elected, he will be the first openly gay person to represent District 6 and the first Japanese American ever elected to office in New York State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jennifer Todd has been a film and television producer for over 20 years, and some of her notable credits include THE WAY BACK (2020), ALICE IN WONDERLAND and ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, MEMENTO, and the AUSTIN POWERS franchise. In 2017 and 2018, Jennifer produced the 89th and 90th Annual Academy Awards with Michael DeLuca for ABC, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. She currently serves as an Academy Governor representing the Producers Branch. Jennifer is currently producing films under her banner, Jennifer Todd Pictures, with a first-look feature deal at MGM. She is partnered with director Thomas Kail (FOSSE/VERDON, HAMILTON) in television, under an overall deal with Walt Disney Television Studios. She also currently serves as an Executive Producer on the Showtime series CITY ON A HILL. Prolific in both independent and studio films as well as television, Jennifer has been nominated for three Emmys, two Golden Globes, and the PGA David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Longform Television. She has won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Picture, Women In Film's Lucy Award, The Glaad Media Award and a People's Choice Award. From 2012 to 2018, Jennifer served as the President of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's production company Pearl Street Films, where she produced LIVE BY NIGHT for Warner Bros., which Affleck directed and starred in. She also served as an Executive Producer on JASON BOURNE in 2016. Additionally, Jennifer was an Executive Producer on HBO’s PROJECT GREENLIGHT, as well as the series INCORPORATED for the Syfy channel. Some of Jennifer’s other credits include CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER, MUST LOVE DOGS, PRIME, BOILER ROOM, NOW AND THEN, and the HBO film IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK II. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
JEREMY WEIN (Producer) is a producer and director based in New York City. Jeremy is the founder and artistic director of the virtual theatre initiative Play-PerView. His additional producing credits include Open Mike Eagle: Anime, Trauma, + Divorce: Live Emotional Processing Event (Dynasty Typewriter) Kevin McDonald: ALIVE (Theatre Row, Dynasty Typewriter), Neva (Brooklyn College) Godspell (2011 Broadway Revival) Faux Snow (Thespis Theater Festival), Take Me Home (Incubator Arts Project, Associate Producer, dir. Meghan Finn) and the 2012 documentary The Bitter Buddha (Co-Producer). He is also the founder of the New York City Podcast Festival, which he produced from 2013-2018. His directing credits include 8 by Dustin Lance Black (BMCC) and Neva by Guillermo Calderon (Brooklyn College). He recently produced the debut EP for The U.S Open (featuring Shawn Randell, William Jackson Harper, Steven Boyer, Diana Oh, Jeff Biehl and Bobby Moreno), which will be released later this year. Follow him on Twitter: @ThisMyShow and Instagram: @JeremyWein90 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jordan Thierry is a documentary filmmaker, activist, and storyteller. He has worked for over a decade to highlight the stories of people of color and working to undo the ongoing legacy of systemic racism in the U.S.A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kate Burton is best known for her Tony nominated work on Broadway (where she last appeared in Present Laughter with Kevin Kline) and for her Emmy nominated work in Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. On film, she was most recently seen in Where’d You Go, Bernadette! She can also be seen on television in Inventing Anna, Prodigal Son, Charmed and Supergirl. She is a professor at USC and lives in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Internationally renowned theater choreographer and director, SERGIO TRUJILLO is the first ever Latinx recipient of the Tony Award for Best Choreography. He was honored with the Tony in 2019 for AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS. Additionally, he won the 2015 Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for MEMPHIS. Sergio was previously nominated for several awards including a Tony Award for ON YOUR FEET!, Drama Desk Awards for HANDS ON A HARDBODY, LEAP OF FAITH, MEMPHIS, and JERSEY BOYS, a Lucille Lortel Award for SAVED, and received an Ovation Award for EMPIRE. He made his Broadway debut in 1999, dancing in JEROME ROBBINS’ BROADWAY. As a dancer, he has performed on Broadway in GUYS AND DOLLS, VICTOR/VICTORIA, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, and FOSSE. Sergio made his choreographic debut in 2005 with Broadway’s ALL SHOOK UP. His success expanded from there with JERSEY BOYS — which continues to grow in popularity worldwide. In 2011, four of his productions ran simultaneously on Broadway: NEXT TO NORMAL (2010 Pulitzer Prize), THE ADDAMS FAMILY, MEMPHIS (Olivier Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, NAACP Award, Drama Desk Award nomination, Astaire Award nomination), and JERSEY BOYS (Greenroom Award, Olivier Award nomination, Drama Desk Award nomination, Dora Award nomination, Outer Critics Circle Award nomination). Adding to his list of Broadway choreography credits are SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL (Chita Rivera Award, NAACP Award nomination), A BRONX TALE (Chita Rivera Award nomination), and GUYS AND DOLLS (Astaire Award nomination). Recent directing credits include Cirque Du Soleil’s PARAMOUR currently playing in Germany, ARRABAL for American Repertory Theater (Elliot Norton Award for best direction), the North American tour of FLASH DANCE THE MUSICAL, and the Broadway concert of GLORIA ESTEFAN & MIAMI SOUND MACHINE. Sergio is bringing a number of Latinx musicals aimed at bringing forth the stories of the Hispanic Culture in America. Some of his favorite future productions include: WAITING FOR SNOW IN HAVANA based on the book of the same title by Carlos Eire, LIVES IN LIMBO based on the book by Roberto Gonzales, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES based on the play by Josefina Lopez, and CASA DE LAS FLORES inspired the Netflix Series by Manolo Caro. He has introduced audiences to his choreography in many noteworthy Off-Broadway shows including INVISIBLE THREAD for Second Stage, ROMEO & JULIET for The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park, A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN and KISMET for New York City Center Encores!, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK for Dodger Stages, and BARE: A POP OPERA for the American Theatre for Actors. Sergio works and resides in New York City. He is proud to be the first choreographer ever invited to serve as a voting member of the American Theatre Wing’s Advisory Committee for the Tony Awards, is an avid supporter of and serves on the advisory boards of R.Evolution Latina and New York Theatre Barn, and is an active member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. Sergio is Colombian born, and was raised in Toronto. He studied science at the University of Toronto, and later pursued further education by attending chiropractic school. Recently he was distinguished as one of the Top 100 Colombians in the world by President Juan Manuel Santos and was voted as one of the top 50 Creative Colombian Artists in the world by Forbes Magazine. Since 1990, he has been in a loving and inspiring relationship with actor Jack Noseworthy. They married in 2011 and were ecstatic to welcome their baby boy, Lucas Alejandro Truworthy, in March 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Eden Espinosa is most recognized for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in "Wicked” on Broadway and in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other credits include originating the title character in “Brooklyn the Musical”, Flora in “Flora the Red Menace,” and Maureen in the closing company of “Rent” on Broadway. Eden also originated the role of Sadie Thompson in the world premiere of “Rain”, at the Old Globe Theater. She portrayed Eva Peron in TPAC and Studio Tenn’s production of “Evita”. In 2017 she toured Denmark and London playing Emma Borden in the rock musical “Lizzie”. She played Mary Flynn to rave reviews in Maria Freidmans productions of “Merrily We Roll Along” at the Huntington Theatre in Boston. Eden was Daniela in Kennedy Center’s “In The Heights”. Also portrayed Anita in West Side Story for the BBC PROMS at the Royal Albert Hall. Most recently she originated the role of Tamara De Lempicka in the world premiere of “Lempicka” at Williamstown Theatre Festival, directed by Rachel Chavkin. Her television appearances include shows such as Law and Order, Ugly Betty, and Elementary. Voiceover credits include Cassandra in the Disney Channel’s Tangled the Series, Robot Chicken, MAD TV, Elena of Avalor, and Titan Maximum Eden’s debut album, Look Around, charted in the Pop iTunes top 50 between Adele and Katy Perry. Her second album REVELATION of all new original music was released in January 2019. Karen Olivo is a television, film, and stage actor who is most recognized for her Tony Award-winning performance as Anita in the acclaimed 2009 Broadway revival of West Side Story, a role for which she also earned Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Astaire Award nominations. Some of her Broadway theater credits include originating the role of Vanessa in the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights (2008 Astaire Award) and starring as Faith in the Broadway production of Brooklyn The Musical. She played the role of Angelica Schuyler in the Chicago production of Hamilton and currently stars as Satine in Moulin Rouge on broadway. Additional theatre credits include Murder Ballad at the Manhattan Theater Club, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark by Lynn Nottage at 2nd Stage, and The Miracle Brothers directed by Tina Landau at the Vineyard Theatre. Olivo is also recognized for her many television appearances including recurring & guest-starring roles on “The Good Wife,” “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior,” “Chase,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Conviction,” and “Law & Order.” Karen Olivo is a native New Yorker who currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin. Olivo recently taught Musical Theater Styles at UW-Madison as well as working as a teaching artist and writer for Theatre LILA, she serves on the Advisory Committee for Forward Theater and she also coaches students in her private Madison studio. Karen also released her first solo, ‘Leave,’ album in 2017. www.Karenolivo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Howard Sherman is a theatre administrator, writer, and advocate. He has been executive director of the American Theatre Wing and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, managing director of Geva Theatre, general manager of Goodspeed Musicals, and public relations director of Hartford Stage, as well as interim director of the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts. He has also held administrative positions at the Westport Country Playhouse, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays. Since 2012, he has been the US columnist and a feature writer for The Stage newspaper in London, and in 2018 was named Contributing Editor of Stage Directions magazine. His writing has appeared in a number of other publications including Slate, The New York Times, The Guardian, and American Theatre magazine. Howard frequently consults, writes and speaks on issues of censorship and artists’ rights in both academic and professional theatre and he created the Arts Integrity Initiative in 2015 to focus on those efforts. He has delivered keynote addresses for, among others, the Educational Theatre Association, KCACTF, Florida Association for Theatre Education, and the Texas Educational Theatre Association’s Arts Program Administrators Conference. He was cited as one of the Top 40 Free Speech Defenders in 2014 by the National Coalition Against Censorship and received the Dramatists Legal Defense Fund’s “Defender” Award in 2015. A native of New Haven, Connecticut and graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Howard resides in New York with his wife, producer Lauren Doll. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After graduating from Yale University with a B.A. in Theatre Studies, Josh made his professional acting debut in the Broadway production of Aaron Sorkin’s A FEW GOOD MEN. He went on to star as Jeremy Goodwin in Sorkin’s critically acclaimed television series SPORTS NIGHT. Later, Josh co-starred as Will Bailey in Sorkin’s multi- Emmy winning THE WEST WING. Other Sorkin credits include the hit features THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT and MALICE. For three seasons, Josh portrayed multi-millionaire Peter Alpert on USA Network’s hit IN PLAIN SIGHT. Josh’s film credits include the comedy A VIEWFROM THE TOP with Gwyneth Paltrow and Mike Meyers, IN THE LINE OF FIRE with Clint Eastwood, and BULWORTH with Warren Beatty and Halle Berry. For seven seasons, Josh co-starred as David Rosen on ABC’s hit show SCANDAL. A co-creator of Bravo’s hit show CELEBRITY POKER SHOWDOWN, and a co-host of the podcast THE WEST WING WEEKLY, Josh was seen recently as President Siebert on the final season of THE BIG BANG THEORY. He can currently be seen on the final season of Showtimke’s SHAMELESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
MAURICIO MARTÍNEZ is a Mexican Emmy Winning actor, Broadway veteran and recording artist. He recently starred as Emilio Estefan in On Your Feet! The Story Of Emilio & Gloria Estefan on Broadway and in the world premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical memoir Unmasked at PaperMill Playhouse. He can also be seen in NBC Universo’s original Emmy Wining TV series “El Vato” on Netflix. Mauricio’s television credits include multiple Telenovela’s in Univision and Telemundo like Señora Acero and La Mujer Del Vendaval as well as the 40th Annual Kennedy Honors on CBS and “The 2019 Gershwin Prize” on PBS (performing next to artists like Patti Labelle, Cindy Lauper, Rita Moreno, Andy García and Gloria Estefan). In the Mexico City stage, Mauricio starred in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Saturday Night Fever, The Drowsy Chaperone, Sweet Charity, the premiere Spanish versions of Off Broadway's The Last Five Years, Songs From An Unmade Bed and Arthur Miller's A View From The Bridge, among others. Mauricio has released two Latin pop albums available on iTunes and is currently working on his first english album with Broadway Records. Follow @martinezmau on Instagram & Twitter Facebook.com/MauricioMartinezOficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Julia Murney last appeared on Broadway as Elphaba in Wicked after playing the role on the national tour for which she received an Acclaim Award. Other New York credits include Lennon, The Wild Party (Drama Desk nomination), The Vagina Monologues, Falling (Drama Desk nomination), A Class Act, The Landing, Saved, Crimes of the Heart, Queen of the Mist, and Time and Again (Lucille Lortel nomination). She’s been seen regionally all over the U.S.- Signature, Muny, Williamstown, Reprise!LA, Sacramento Music Circus, NCT, Lyric, Rubicon and Goodspeed, to name a few-and in concert she has performed solo shows nationally as well as in NYC at Feinstein's/54 Below, Birdland, Joe's Pub & Ars Nova. Symphony appearances have ranged from Carnegie Hall to The Kennedy Center, Caramoor to Town Hall, from Malaysia to Maui & a lot of spots in between. Among her TV credits are Madam Secretary, 30 Rock, Sex and the City, Elementary, Brothers and Sisters, Ed, NYPD Blue, all the Law and Orders, First You Dream and about a gazillion voiceovers. A Syracuse University graduate, her recordings include the original cast albums of The Wild Party and A Class Act, the Grammy nominated Actor’s Fund Benefit of Hair and her first solo album I’m Not Waiting, which is available on iTunes & on her website, juliamurney.com. Twitter: @juliamurney Instagram: @pepamama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Max von Essen is a Tony, Drama Desk and Grammy nominated singer and actor best known for his role as Henri in the award winning production of An American in Paris on Broadway. Most recently, he completed a year long run in the Broadway production of Anastasia and then toured the country in Lincoln Center Theater's revival of Falsettos. Other Broadway credits include Evita, the revivals of Les Miz and Jesus Christ Superstar, Dance of the Vampires, and the closing company of the original Les Miz. Additional New York credits include Yours Unfaithfully, Death Takes a Holiday, The Jerry Springer Opera, Hello Again, Finian's Rainbow and The Fantasticks. Tours include Xanadu, West Side Story and Chicago. TV & Film include Law & Order: SVU, Elementary, Boardwalk Empire, The Good Wife, Royal Pains, Gossip Girl, Seven Lovers, Sex and the City 2, and the webseries Submissions Only. Max's concert work has brought him all across the country and Canada, including The Kennedy Center, Birdland Jazz Club and a recent solo debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops. Recordings include An American in Paris, Evita, Death Takes a Holiday, Finian's Rainbow, Love Songs of Andrew Lloyd Weber, and his debut solo album, Call Me Old Fashioned: The Broadway Standard, now available on iTunes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nicole Kang stars in the CW television series BATWOMAN as Mary Hamilton. Kang was also seen on Greg Berlanti's Lifetime/Netflix series YOU. In the highly successful show, based off of Caroline Kepnes’ bestselling novel, she starred as Lynn alongside Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail and Shay Mitchell. Her other television credits include: THE CODE, INSTINCT and ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. On the big screen, Kang was most recently seen in SWALLOW, which premiered at the TriBeCa film festival, and will next be seen in TEN MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT, THE SOCIAL ONES and FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. She has starred in numerous productions on stage including the 2016 production of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY at the Folger Theatre, for which she earned a Helen Hayes Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play. Kang is an NYU BFA trained actress and a proud member of The Actor’s Studio.
ProtectMary
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How do you navigate managing the social media site for an entertainment magazine when there is a national crisis happening? How do you share content that works for both older and newer Broadway fans? How do you keep the conversation about theater going when there is no live theater due to a global pandemic? Meet Felicia Fitzpatrick the social media director for Playbill- the theater publication known all around the world to theater lovers. Felicia is the first black female department head at Playbill and is a pioneer in the social media landscape. She also hosts “CALL AND RESPONSE” a podcast that explores the intersection of Blackness and the performing arts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Did you ever wonder what the relationship between the stars and the writers of a hit sitcom is like? Go behind the scenes with Modern Family’s Ty Burrell and writer/exec producer Bill Wrubel With a range of performances across television, film, and theater, award winner Ty Burrell continues to proves himself as one of the finest and most versatile actors today. Burrell starred on ABC’s critically acclaimed hit, Modern Family. The actor garnered countless awards for his fan-favorite role of ‘Phil Dunphy’ including the 2014 and 2011 Emmy® Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series; the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series; the 2012 Critics Choice Television Award for the Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series; as well as the 2012 Comedy Award in the category of Performance by An Actor – TV. In 2012, Burrell shared the TCA Award with Nick Offerman for Individual Achievement in Comedy. Additionally, he has received notable nominations from the Teen Choice Awards, the Television Critics Association Awards, the People's Choice Awards, the American Comedy Awards and the Kids' Choice Awards, all for his role on the series. In July 2020, Burrell launched his production company, Desert Whale Productions, and signed an overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV, the studio behind the acclaimed comedy series, Modern Family. Desert Whale’s first sale under the deal is for the comedy show, Yours, Mine & Paul. The show centers on a woman named Lauren who agrees to be a surrogate for her best friend, Paul, and his husband Xander despite her and Xander hating each other. The show has been put into development at ABC and it was recently announced Sarah Hyland is set to star in the series. On stage, Burrell starred to incredible reviews in the world premiere of Caryl Churchill's two-hander play, Drunk Enough to Say I Love You, at the Royal Court Theatre in London. Burrell's extensive Broadway and Off-Broadway theater credits include the highly acclaimed Signature Theater Off-Broadway production of Burn This opposite Edward Norton, Catherine Keener and Dallas Roberts; starring as Lord Buckingham in the Public Theater's production of Richard III opposite Peter Dinklage and directed by Peter DuBois; and starring opposite Debra Monk and Judy Greer in Paul Weitz's Show People, directed by Peter Askin at Second Stage Theater. Burrell has been a longtime supporter of KIDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT (KITS) which trains youth in foster programs and other under-served youth to create, write, cast and star in their own 10-minute short films. This training culminates in an annual film festival where they present “Movies by Kids, for Kids.” During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Burrell created the program, “Tip Your Server,” to raise money for restaurant employees in Salt Lake City, Utah who lost their jobs due to restaurant closures. Burrell and his wife, Holly, donated $100,000 of their own funds to help ease the burden for the vulnerable members of the Salt Lake community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alex Boniello is an actor, musician, writer, and Tony Award winning producer from New York City. Most recently, he starred as Connor Murphy in the Broadway production of “Dear Evan Hansen” and has also appeared on Broadway as the voice of Moritz in Deaf West’s revival of “Spring Awakening.” Additionally, he is represented on Broadway in “Hadestown” for which he received a Tony Award as a co-producer. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, he created “Broadway JackBox” and "Broadway Whodunit" alongside his Dear Evan Hansen co-star, Andrew Barth Feldman. Broadway JackBox has raised over $100,000 for the Actor’s Fund since its creation. He can be seen in numerous television shows and films, has appeared in many theatre productions across New York City and North America, and his original work as a songwriter and singer is available wherever music is sold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A conversation with my father. Robert (Bob) Levine was born on December 16th, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York. His father, Julius, was a Certified Public Accountant by profession, his mother, Tess, was a homemaker and president of the P.T.A and both my grandparents were constantly volunteering for the many organizations that supported the causes they believed in. Their commitment to social activism was passed down to my father and his siblings and then to me and it is my hope that my children will continue that legacy to be activists for the things they believe in and to use their voices even when others wish it to be silenced. During the Covid-19 pandemic my visits with my parents were limited to good weather days when we could be outside with each other and talk from a distance. This conversation was recorded during one of those visits in December of 2020 at their home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cheyenne Jackson is a Grammy-nominated actor, singer, and songwriter who most recently was seen starring in HBO Max’s four-part LGBTQ+ Docuseries "Equal," Peacock's "Saved by the Bell" Reboot as well as Kenny Ortega's hit Netflix series "Julie and the Phantoms." Cheyenne previously collaborated with Kenny Ortega as he appeared in Disney's hugely popular "Descendants 3." He appeared in multiple seasons FX and Ryan Murphy's award-winning horror anthology "American Horror Story." On television, Jackson has also starred on HBO's "Watchmen," Paramount Networks “American Woman,” opposite Alicia Silverstone, NBC’s 30 Rock as “Danny Baker” for four seasons, and “Dustin Goolsby” on Glee. Other television credits include "The Morning Show," "Family Practice," "Life on Mars," "Ugly Betty," "It Takes a Village," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Local Talent," "HR," and "Law and Order." Jackson has appeared in numerous films including the 2006 Academy Award-nominated United 93, Behind the Candleabra, The Green, Price Check; Lola Versus, Love is Strange, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, Mutual Friends, Opening Night, Beautiful Now, Day out of Days and Hello Again. He will also appear in the forthcoming feature, Werewolves Within. On and off Broadway, Jackson has starred in The Performers, The Most Happy Fella, 8, Finian’s Rainbow (Drama Desk nomination), Damn Yankees, Xanadu (Drama League and Drama Desk nominations), The Agony & the Agony, All Shook Up (Theater World Award, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle nominations), the premiere cast of Altar Boyz, Aida, Thoroughly Modern Millie, On the 20th Century, and The 24 Hour Plays Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Native of Washington D.C. Has just finished a successful Three year run of The First National Tour Of The Book Of Mormon. He has been seen on Broadway in The Book Of Mormon, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Wonderful Town, Kiss Me Kate,You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, The Lion King, Jelly’s Last Jam and Oh Kay. Off Broadway credits include: St. Louis Woman with Vanessa Williams(Ugly Betty)at City Center’s Encores, Death Of A Salesman at Yale Rep with Charles Dutton(Rock), Lynn Nottage Ruined at Florida Studio Theatre, August Wilson’s Radio Golf at Kansas City Rep, Gem Of The Ocean(Seattle Rep) directed by Phylicia Rashad, Fences(Bristol Riverside Theater), Master Harold And The Boys(Triad Theater/Greensboro Carolina),You Can’t Take It With You(Pioneer Theater Co/Salt Lake City Utah,Blues For An Alabama Sky(Cleveland Playhouse), Day Of Absence( Baltimore Center Stage), Of Mice And Men(Dallas Theater Center), Cinderella(PaperMill Playhouse/ NJ) Williams And Walker (Bermuda Theater Festival)and Spunk directed by George Wolf at The Mark Taper Theater in LA and The Royal Court Theater in London. Television: Law & Order, Criminal Intent, SNL, Late Night With Conan O’Brien. Film: Magic Sticks, Dark Streets(SuperFly), Brother To Brother( Sundance Winner), Santa Baby (Animation Starring, Eartha Kitt, Gregory Hines and Vanessa Williams),Family On Board and Steve McQueen’s Shame. He has danced with Charles Moore African Drummers And Dancers. Done Commercials and voice-overs, and has taught and directed as a Teaching and Guest Artist for Rosie’s Theater Kids, Creative Arts Team NYU, Periwinkle Productions, Sacred Heart Arts Program, New Jersey Playwrights and The Brazo Valley Troupe of Bryan Texas. He studied Musical Theater at The Washington International College in D.C., HB studios and Cythia Belgrave’s Studio in NYC and was a member of Ebony Impromptu Theater Company in Washington D.C. He is a recipient of The Fred Astaire Award 1989, Monarch Award,1991, and The 2006 Adelco Award, Stanley is currently working on his won one-man show entitled “ Truth Be Told” and his multimedia play called “Preachin’ To The Choir/An Inconvenient Truth”. You can also catch Stanley as Principal Evan Ward on NBC’s Premier Season of “Rise” by the producers of Hamilton and Friday Night Lights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sean Allan Krill is an American actor who has crafted a career on Broadway, off-Broadway, at prestigious regional theaters, and in television. He studied at Wayne State University, where he received the Lily Tomlin Scholarship for Theatre. Sean was nominated for a 2020 Tony Award, Best Performance by a Featured Actor, for his role as Steve Healy in Jagged Little Pill, the acclaimed Broadway musical inspired by Alanis Morissette's groundbreaking 1995 album. He is also a Carbonell Award and Leon Rabin Award nominee, a Joseph Jefferson Award and Craig Noel Award recipient, and lives in New York, NY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Broadway: Wicked, Les Mis , Motown, Sunset Boulevard, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
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ANDREW BARTH FELDMAN won the 2018 National High School Musical Theatre Award (aka the Jimmy Award) as a high school sophomore, and went on to make his Broadway debut as the title character in the Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen as a junior in high school. In his “spare” time, Andrew runs a theatre company, Zneefrock Productions. Founded when Andrew was twelve years old, Zneefrock’s productions raise money for NEXT for Autism and have included Be More Chill, reimaginings of The Last Five Years and Seussical, and an original Star Wars parody musical called “SW: A New(sical) Hope,” which recently had a production at Feinstein's/54 Below. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrew, with Tony Award Winner Alex Boniello, created "Broadway Jackbox,” a hit web series where Broadway stars play games and raise money for The Actors Fund, as well as "Broadway Whodunit," a live, virtual, improvised murder mystery party series with Broadway stars. Andrew will soon be attending Harvard University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Celia Rose Gooding made her debut as Frankie Healy in the world premiere of Jagged Little Pill as well as the Broadway production. Past roles include Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown and Carmen Diaz in Fame at The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy in New York City. Celia has studied Acting and Film at the Berridge Conservatory in Normandy, France with a concentration in Shakespeare, and studied dance at The Alvin Ailey Institute. She is a graduate of Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York with honors in performing arts. She is currently a student at Pace University in New York City, majoring in Musical Theatre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
R.J. Cutler is an award-winning producer and director who has made some of the most significant documentaries of the past quarter century. Cutler’s films include The War Room, A Perfect Candidate, The September Issue, The World According to Dick Cheney, Thin and Listen to Me Marlon. He has also been a pioneer in the area of non-fiction television, having created such landmark programs as “American High,” “Freshman Diaries,” “30 Days” and many others. Cutler’s scripted work includes conceiving and directing “Nashville,” directing the feature film If I Stay (starring Chloe Grace Moretz), and creating, writing, directing and producing the award-winning podcast The Oval Office Tapes. Cutler’s upcoming projects include the feature documentary Belushi, which he directed and produced and which will air on Showtime later this year. He is also the producer and director of The Untitled Billie Eilish Documentary, an intimate look at the last year in the life of the 18 year-old pop sensation whose music has been streamed over five billion times. Cutler’s documentary series “Dear…” will premiere on Apple TV+ this spring, and his musical drama “Bronzeville” (which he executive produces along with John Ridley, Alicia Keys, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Mark Platt) has been ordered straight-to-series by Showtime. Cutler has been nominated for an Academy Award and numerous other awards, and he is the recipient of two Emmys, two Peabody Awards, a GLAAD Award, two Cinema Eye Awards, and two Television Academy Honor Awards. In 2009, the Museum of Television and Radio held a four-day retrospective of Cutler’s work. Cutler and his wife Jane live in Los Angeles with their daughter Madeleine, their son Maxwell, and their dog Dexter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Joaquina Kalukango received a 2020 Outer Critics Circle Award honor and a 2020 Tony Award nomination for her work in Slave Play. In total, Slave Play received 11 Tony Award nominations, the most for any play in Broadway history. Other Broadway: The Color Purple (revival), Holler If Ya Hear Me and Godspell. Off-Broadway: Red Letter Plays: F***ing A (Signature), Our Lady of Kibeho (Signature), Antony and Cleopatra (The Public Theater/ RSC), Emotional Creature (Signature/ Berkeley Rep) and Rent (NYTW). Recipient of a 2012 Theatre World Award and a Drama Desk nominee for Hurt Village (Signature). Television: HBO’s “Lovecraft Country,” “When They See Us” (Netflix), and “Instinct” (CBS). Upcoming film: Regina King’s directorial debut One Night in Miami. Instagram: @Joaquinakalukango Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Eden Espinosa is most recognized for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in "Wicked” on Broadway and in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other credits include originating the title character in “Brooklyn the Musical”, Flora in “Flora the Red Menace,” and Maureen in the closing company of “Rent” on Broadway. Eden also originated the role of Sadie Thompson in the world premiere of “Rain”, at the Old Globe Theater. She portrayed Eva Peron in TPAC and Studio Tenn’s production of “Evita”. In 2017 she toured Denmark and London playing Emma Borden in the rock musical “Lizzie”. She played Mary Flynn to rave reviews in Maria Freidmans productions of “Merrily We Roll Along” at the Huntington Theatre in Boston. Eden was Daniela in Kennedy Center’s “In The Heights”. Also portrayed Anita in West Side Story for the BBC PROMS at the Royal Albert Hall. Most recently she originated the role of Tamara De Lempicka in the world premiere of “Lempicka” at Williamstown Theatre Festival, directed by Rachel Chavkin. Her television appearances include shows such as Law and Order, Ugly Betty, and Elementary. Voiceover credits include Cassandra in the Disney Channel’s Tangled the Series, Robot Chicken, MAD TV, Elena of Avalor, and Titan Maximum Eden’s debut album, Look Around, charted in the Pop iTunes top 50 between Adele and Katy Perry. Her second album REVELATION of all new original music was released in January 2019. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lauren Patten originated the role of Jo in the new Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill both on Broadway (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards) and in the American Repertory Theater’s world premiere. Other theatre credits include: the Broadway production of Fun Home, The Wolves (Obie and Drama Desk winner), and Steven Levenson’s Days of Rage (Second Stage). Film and television credits include: “Blue Bloods,” “The Good Fight,” “Succession,” The Big Sick. www.laurenpatten.com @pattenlauren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
David Gordon is president of the Outer Critics Circle and Senior Features Reporter at TheaterMania. He is a graduate of Hofstra University (BA in Journalism) and Brooklyn College (MA in Theater History and Criticism). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kate Rockwell recently starred as the original Karen Smith in Mean Girls: The Musical at the August Wilson Theater, which garnered her a Drama Desk Nomination. A natural brunette, her previous Broadway dumb blondes include originating the role of Skylar in Bring It On: The Musical, as well as roles in Rock of Ages, Hair, andLegally Blonde. She’s also been seen recently as Nina Bennett on Fox’s Almost Family, and on High Maintenance, Deadbeat, and Sex and the City: the Movie. Rockwell released her debut solo album, Back To My Roots, in 2018 on Broadway Records, and has performed her solo concert by the same name at Birdland Jazz Club, City Winery, and other venues in NYC. She is a WSET-certified wine lover and has the two cutest dogs on the planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The consummate New York actor, Tisch graduate Hubert Point-Du Jour has performed in over 20 plays commissioned by the likes of The Old Globe (The Two Gentleman of Verona), The Public (Tiny Beautiful Things) and Shakespeare in the Park (Kenny Leon’s Much Ado About Nothing) as well as been honored in two Obie Award winning productions (A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes; A Map of Virtue), all while simultaneously balancing a growing television career. After a string of appearances on Happyish, Madame Secretary, The Path, Blindspot and Elementary, he is making his series lead debut alongside Ethan Hawke in Showtime’s limited event series, The Good Lord Bird. An adaptation of James McBride’s novel by the same name, the series follows Hawke’s abolitionist ‘John Brown’ as he leads Point-Du Jour’s ‘Bob,’ Joshua Caleb Johnson’s ‘Onion’ and a small army of anti-slavery insurgents on a journey to raid the federal armory in Harpers Ferry in effort to ignite a slave revolt. Often serving as ‘Brown’s’ conduit to what’s actually going on with slaves, ‘Bob’ become integral to ‘Brown’ in his endeavors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jessica Vosk was beginning her concert tour this year before the world shut down—and also had the Honor of recently starring as the Narrator in the 50th anniversary of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, at Lincoln Center. She also created the role of Aunt Val in the world premiere of Becoming Nancy last year, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Before that, she finished an acclaimed run as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway, having played the role for 2 years. Vosk also recently starred in the NYC Ballet Jerome Robbins tribute Something to Dance About, directed by Warren Carlyle and re-created the role of Fruma Sarah in the most recent revival of Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof. Other Broadway: Finding Neverland, The Bridges of Madison County. She starred as Anita in the Grammy-nominated San Francisco Symphony’s West Side Story. Debut Solo Album “Wild and Free” available for purchase at www.jessicavosk.com. Follow along @jessicavosk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Erica Gimpel is an actor, singer-songwriter, producer and screenwriter. Known internationally for her performance as “Coco Hernandez” in the groundbreaking hit series FAME, Erica has gone on to star in numerous primetime and cable shows including: CHICAGO MED, SHUT EYE, TRUE BLOOD, CRIMINAL MINDS, GREY’S ANATOMY, NIKITA, RIZZOLI & ISLES, HOUSE, ER, PROFILER, and VERONICA MARS. Most recently Erica played "Trish" on the CBS drama GOD FRIENDED ME for two seasons. Film credits include: TUESDAY MORNING RIDEwith Ruby Dee, Wayne Wang’s SMOKE opposite Forest Whitaker, Abel Ferrara’s cult classic THE KING OF NEW YORK with Christopher Walken, Hal Hartely’s NO SUCH THINGwith Helen Mirren, FREAKY FRIDAY opposite Jaime Lee Curtis, ROMEO AND JULIET IN HARLEM, with Harry Lennix and Aunjanue Ellis. Next, Erica will be seen in SYLVIE'S LOVE with Tessa Thompson on Amazon Prime’s special Christmas release. Off-Broadway and Regional credits include: originating the roles of “Mayme” in Lynn Nottages’saward-winning INTIMATE APPAREL, “Glory Bee” in Sam Shepard’s STATES OF SHOCKopposite John Malkovich, and “Nelly” in Jose Rivera’s EACH DAY DIES WITH SLEEP. Erica received the Los Angeles Stage Raw Award for Best Solo-Performance, for her dynamic portrayal of multiple characters in the one-woman play SISTER by Michael Phillip Edwards. Having earned gold and platinum records for her work on FAME. Erica began producing her own music as a singer-songwriter. The title track from her debut album SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND FLY is featured in the indie film HILL and GULLY, anOfficial Selection at Pan African de Cannes. As a screenwriter, Erica is currently developing several projects through her company WOMANS PARADISE PRODUCTIONS, dedicated to creatingfemale driven stories that inspire hope, passion and healing. Erica is the recipient of the LA Femme Film Festival’s “INNOVATIVE AWARD”, and is also an active member of the world peace organization, the SGI-USA dedicated to pursuing the values of peace, culture and education. Over the years Erica has used her talents to highlight different causes near to her heart by creating and producing benefit concerts focusing on women’s issues, homelessness, child abuse and the rise is of racially motivated acts of violence. Knowing first hand the transformative power the performing arts has on young people's lives, Erica teaches and mentors young artists whenever her schedule permits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Stephen Bogardus was featured in the Broadway revival of Man of La Mancha as Dr. Sanson Carrasco. Previously, he starred as Gabriel Conway in James Joyce’s, The Dead. He has also appeared on Broadway as reporter Mike Connors in High Society and choreographer Gregory Mitchell in Terrance McNally’s Love! Valour! Compassion! for which he received a Tony Award nomination and Obie Award. He was featured in the Alan Menken/Tim Rice opus King Davidwhich opened Disney’s newly restored New Amsterdam Theatre and in productions of Les Miserables and The Grapes of Wrath. Mr. Bogardus is an original member of the Broadway production of Falsettos. He created the role of Whizzer in the 1981 off-Broadway production of William Finn’s March of the Falsettos at Playwrights Horizons. Nine years later he reprised the role in Falsettoland at Playwrights Horizons and the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Between these engagements he portrayed Marvin in a revival of Finn’s In Trousers at the Promenade Theatre. Stephen made his Broadway debut in the 1980 revival of West Side Story as Mouthpiece and later starred as Tony in Paris and at the Hamburg Staatsoper. Stephen’s extensive Off-Broadway work includes The Pavilion (Rattlestick) Genesis and Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Public Theatre), Feathertop (WPA Theatre) No Way to Treat a Lady (Hudson Guild) and Love! Valour! Compassion! (Manhattan Theatre Club). For the City Center’s ‘Encores!’ he has co-starred in productions of Sweet Adeline and Allegro. For Los Angeles’ like-minded ‘Reprise!’ series he co-starred in Bells Are Ringing. He portrayed Gaylord Ravenal in the national tour of Show Boat, the writer Stine in the L.A. production of City of Angelsand Freddy Trumper in the national tour of Chess. Regionally, he appeared at Arena Stage as Rene Gallimard in M. Butterfly, as Bob Wallace in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Wang Center in Boston, in the American premiere of Doug Lucie’s Progress at the Long Wharf Theatre and Ray Davies’ 80 Days at the La Jolla Playhouse. On television he has guest starred on ‘Ed’, ‘Now and Again’, ‘Law and Order’ (also ‘Special Victims Unit’ and ‘Criminal Intent’), ‘New York Undercover’, ‘Murder She Wrote’, and ‘Tour of Duty’. His films include Alchemy, Second Best, States of Controland Love! Valour! Compassion! Mr. Bogardus attended Princeton University where he was a member of The Triangle Club and The Nassoons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KELLY HUTCHINSON IS AN ACTOR/WRITER WHO HAS APPEARED ON BROADWAY, OFF-BROADWAY, TV AND FILM. KELLY RECENTLY WROTE ON THE FIRST TWO SEASONS OF "DEAD TO ME" FOR CBS STUDIOS/NETFLIX (WGA AWARD NOMINATION FOR BEST NEW SERIES). SHE WAS FEATURED IN THE 2019 "YOUNG AND HUNGRY LIST" WHICH REPRESENTS THE MOST TALKED ABOUT, MOST IN DEMAND, AND MOST IMPACTFUL WRITERS OF 2019. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LIZ CAPLAN has been teaching and coaching voice since 1978 in New York City and lectures throughout the United States and Europe. Her students are currently featured in principle roles on Broadway, as artists in the recording industry, as well as actors on Film and TV. Many have also won the prestigious Tony, Grammy and Emmy awards. Besides working vocally with recording artists, Liz also does consulting work for all the major record labels. Additionally, Liz has the honor of working with many Tony and Grammy Award winning musical directors and arrangers. She consults on many projects long before they are fully realized, and as a result, she is able to get a sense of the upcoming trends in both musical theater and the music industry. Her students, therefore, benefit from a teacher who has an awareness of these new productions and their various musical styles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jordan Firstman is an Actor and writer, known for The Disgustings (2014) and Sold (2014). He is a man of personality that has over 198,000 followers on Instagram. He, along with Charles Rogers (director) Charles Rogers, co-wrote and co-starred in the short film Men Don't Whisper, which was an official selection at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival as well as the 2018 South by Southwest Film Festival. The film follows a gay Couple with masculinity issues who attempt to sleep with women. It is produced by JASH and also stars Fort Tilden and Search Party actors Bridey Elliott and Clare McNulty, as well as a guest appearance by SNL alum Cheri Oteri. Rogers is also one of the filmmakers behind the multi-director feature film Black Dog (film), Red Dog, produced by James Franco and Rabbit Bandini Productions, starring Logan Marshall-Green, Chloë Sevigny, and Whoopi Goldberg, which premiered at the 2015 International Film Festival of Guanajuato. The film was a class project at the NYU Graduate Film program, taught by James Franco, wherein ten student filmmakers adapted the poetry of Stephen Dobyns. Jordan is best known for his celebrated darkly comedic works The Disgustings, Sold and most recently Call Your Father, which he is adapting into a television series. He is a writer on the TBS series Search Party, which Charles co-created and executive produces Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NICOLETTE ROBINSON starred in Waitress on Broadway. Nicolette holds the distinction of being the first African American woman to play the musical's leading lady, "Jenna." On television, Robinson played ‘Jane’ on Showtime’s Golden Globe Award-winning drama series, The Affair. She has also appeared on Hart of Dixie, Unforgettable, Perfect Couples, and Cold Case, among others. Most recent and upcoming roles include "Sade" in Freeform's limited series, Love in the Time of Corona, and "Barbara Cooke" in Regina King's One Night in Miami. Robinson is a graduate of UCLA's School of Theater, Film, & Television. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jennifer Ashley Tepper is producer of the musicals Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, and Love In Hate Nation. She is also the Creative and Programming Director at Feinstein's/54 Below, and the author of The Untold Stories of Broadway book series. She is the creator of The Jonathan Larson Project and historian consultant on the upcoming film version of tick, tick...BOOM! Tepper was recently named recipient of a 2020 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award. As the leader of Feinstein's/54 Below's creative programming team, Tepper is responsible for programming every show at the Broadway supper club and concert venue. She has curated and overseen the production of over 3500 shows, ranging from musicals in concert, to original solo acts, to theatrical reunions, to songwriter celebrations, and beyond. Feinstein's/54 Below has become notable for being the only venue of its kind: presenting over a dozen shows every week, specializing in Broadway acts, and welcoming both traditional cabaret and innovative new work. Tepper's leadership has been instrumental in making the locale "Broadway's Living Room", where on any given night one can find Broadway's biggest stars and emerging talents side by side, creating and sharing new work in an intimate theatrical environment. Tepper's producing work on original ventures at the venue has gained praise from publications including The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Buzzfeed, Playbill, Newsday, the New York Post, and more. From Hit List (the live concert version of the fictional musical from NBC's Smash) to Smile: A Broadway Reunion Concert to her collaborations with musical theatre writers both established and emerging, Tepper has, according to Theatermania, "brought her encyclopedic knowledge and typical gusto to the venue, knowing just what musical theatre enthusiasts are looking for." Tepper is the co-creator of the Bistro Award-winning concert series, If It Only Even Runs A Minute, now in its 7th year. ...Runs A Minute celebrates short-lived Broadway and off-Broadway musicals in concerts that feature photos and research as well as songs. Each concert also boasts original cast members and writers telling stories, as well as songs that have never been recorded. The series thus far has comprised over 250 performers and over 200 'under-appreciated' shows. AM New York has called the series: "Artistically compelling... displays the blood, guts, sweat and tears that go into making Broadway shows." As a writer, Tepper has authored three volumes of The Untold Stories of Broadway series, published by Dress Circle. For these books, Tepper interviewed 250 theatre professionals about the Broadway theaters themselves and their stories of working in each house. The books cover over 70 years of our theatrical history, shared through first-hand interviews with Broadway professionals who were there. The Untold Stories of Broadway books comprise stories with actors, producers, directors, writers, designers, stagehands, door men and women, musicians, house managers, press agents, ushers, and many more. Interspersed with interviewees' stories are Tepper's own tales and discoveries about each historic building. The Untold Stories of Broadway partners with a charitable organization that receives proceeds from each volume, and is currently partnered with Broadway Impact, the Theatre Development Fund, and the Broadway Green Alliance. Published in 2013, 2014, and 2016, each book has occupied the #1 spot on Amazon.com's Best Sellers List in Broadway & Musicals. NBC New York has called the books an 'inspiring Must-Read'. Tepper was recently named one of the 10 professionals on Backstage Magazine's "1st Annual Broadway Future Power List", alongside Alex Timbers and Leigh Silverman. According to the article: "Proving herself both a zeitgeist predictor and theatrical historian with her eclectic programming, Tepper is leading the conversation on contemporary musical theatre." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
MARSHALL HERSKOVITZ is a writer, producer, and director who has won numerous awards for his work in television and film. Born in Philadelphia, he attended Brandeis University, then moved to Los Angeles in 1975, where he attended the American Film Institute. One of his classmates was Edward Zwick, and there the two created what is currently the longest-surviving creative partnership in Hollywood: The Bedford Falls Company, named for the town in Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life. In the ensuing decades they created such TV series as thirtysomething, My So-Called Life, and Once and Again; and Herskovitz variously produced and/or wrote many films with Zwick, including Legends of the Fall, Traffic, The Last Samurai, and Blood Diamond. Herskovitz also directed Jack the Bear and the cult-favorite Dangerous Beauty.
In 2007, Herskovitz created the groundbreaking online series and social network quarterlife, which at the time was the internet’s most successful scripted series, and the first online series to transition to network television.
A longtime environmentalist, Herskovitz has served on the board of several organizations dedicated to fighting climate change.
He is a past president of the Producers Guild of America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sasha Hutchings is an actress, foodie, lover of manatees, and collector of too many house plants. She was most recently seen as Laurey Williams in Oklahoma!, winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Revival. Sasha is notably an original cast member of Hamilton. Additional Broadway credits include My Fair Lady, Rocky, Motown, and Memphis. TV credits include Paula Kelly on Fosse/Verdon, The Bold Type, Jessica Jones, Master of None, Blue Bloods, and The Dangerous Book for Boys. Sasha is a teaching artist with the Arthur Miller Foundation, Epic Theatre Ensemble, and New York City public school theatre programs. She holds a BPA in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kelly AuCoin is currently shooting season 5 of Showtime’s Billions, on which he plays ‘Dollar’ Bill Stearn. He also currently plays Warren Sloan on Freeform/HULU’s The Bold Type. Recent other recurring TV roles includes Pastor Tim on FX’s The Americans, Hercules Mulligan on AMC’s TURN, and Gary Stamper on House of Cards. Other TV includes Blacklist, The Slap, Madam Secretary, Person of Interest, The Following, The Good Wife, Elementary, Blue Bloods, Unforgettable, Body of Proof, Gossip Girl, White Collar, The Sopranos, Without A Trace, and many Law & Order episodes of various suffixes. His film credits include the upcoming The Good House (Amblin), False Positive (A24) and A Shot Through The Wall, as well as previous apperances in, among others, The Post, The Wizard of Lies, Julie & Julia, The Kingdom, All That I Am (SXSW Award; Ensemble Acting), Drunk Parents, Benji The Dove, Police State, The Music Never Stopped, and The Word. Theatre credits include Octavius Caesar in Julius Caesar on Broadway opposite Denzel Washington, The 24 Hour Plays Broadway, and the first national touring company of Copenhagen. He was part of the Drama Desk Award-winning ensemble cast of The Wayside Motor Inn (Signature Theatre), and his other Off-Broadway credits include Long Lost and Of Good Stock (Manhattan Theatre Club), The Call (Playwrights Horizons), Some Men (Second Stage), Boy (Primary Stages), Happy Now? (Primary Stages), Jailbait (Cherry Lane), The Ladies Of The Corridor (Peccadillo), and The Fifth Column (Mint Theater). Regional appearances include Yale Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Williamstown, Syracuse Stage, Folger, Hartford Stage, TheatreVirginia, Virginia Stage, and New York Stage & Film. He is a former member of the Oregon Shakespeare festival acting company.
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Raúl Esparza is a Cuban-American stage and television actor, singer, and voice artist, best known for his role as New York Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Rafael Barba in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit where he had a recurring role in season 14 and was promoted to a series regular in seasons 15 to 19. He has received Tony nominations for his role as Philip Salon in the Boy George musical Taboo in 2004; Robert in the musical comedy Company in 2006; a lazy and snarky man in Harold Pinter's The Homecoming; and an aggressive volatile movie producer in David Mamet's Speed the Plow. He played the role of Riff Raff on Broadway in the revival of The Rocky Horror Show and the role of Caractacus Potts in the Broadway musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Esparza has been nominated in all Tony categories for which an actor is eligible. He is widely regarded for his versatility on stage, having performed musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Boy George, and the Sherman Brothers and plays by Mamet, Pinter, William Shakespeare, Tom Stoppard, and more. His film work includes Sidney Lumet's Find Me Guilty and Wes Craven's My Soul to Take and his television credits include roles on The Path, Medium, Hannibal, and Pushing Daisies. He narrated the audiobook for Stephen King's Under the Dome, as well as several others, and sings in concerts all over the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jelani Alladin is an artist and activist, mostly known for his stage work including Disney’s Frozen on Broadway and Hercules at the Public Theater. Upcoming TV/ Film: The Walking Dead: The World Beyond (AMC) and Respect (MGM). In addition, Jelani also writes and produces; having recently founded Dumont Millennial Productions. Jelani has a BFA in Drama from Tisch School of the Arts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lauren is an acclaimed singer-songwriter who reaches over 90,000 listeners monthly. As an actor, she recently made her Broadway debut as Brooke Lohst in the viral sensation Be More Chill while enjoying her first month-long residency at the legendary Rockwood Music Hall in New York City. As an actor, select regional and New York credits also include: Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Pittsburgh Public Theater), Brooke Lohst in Be More Chill (Two River Theater and Signature Theatre), Brigid in The Humans (St. Louis Rep), Amy in Company (Barrington Stage), Beatsville (Asolo Rep), The Jonathan Larson Project (Feinstein’s/54 Below), Mary Flynn in Merrily We Roll Along (Sharon Playhouse), Pregnancy Pact (Weston Playhouse), and Miss Asp in Love in Hate Nation (Two River Theater). Lauren is an alumnus of the Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project, and released her debut EP, Never Really Done With You, in July 2016. In 2015, her children’s musical, The Meanest Birthday Girl (book/lyrics), was part of the New York Children’s Theatre Festival and played the Player’s Theatre in Greenwich Village. Love Letter (co-written by husband Joe Iconis), an original cabaret show exploring the lives and music of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, played sold out runs at both Don’t Tell Mama’s and Feinstein’s 54 Below. Lauren is a current writer for GoNoodle Inc.’s new girl group, The Best Tees. She holds a Bachelor of Music from NYU and a Master of Arts from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Marisa Tomei continues to bridge the gap between rich, dramatic performances and smart, comedic turns. Marisa won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mona Lisa Vito in My Cousin Vinny. Tomei subsequently earned Academy Awards nominations for her performances in In the Bedroomand The Wrestler. Marisa recently wrapped her run as “Serafina Delle Rose” in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of the acclaimed Tennessee Williams play The Rose Tattoo, which marked Marisa’s return to the Broadway stage. She also recently wrapped production on Netflix’s action film, Sweet Girl, where she will appear alongside Jason Mamoa. Next, she will star alongside Pete Davidson in Universal Pictures’ The King of Staten Island, a comedy film from Judd Apatow. The film will premiere as the opening night film at 2020 SXSW, before releasing nationwide on June 19, 2020. Recently, Marisa returned to the silver screen for ABC’s live special of Live In Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All In The Family & The Jeffersons, where she starred as ‘Edith Bunker’ alongside Woody Harrelson, Jamie Foxx and Wanda Sykes. The one-night only events aired live on ABC on May 22 and December 18, 2019, and garnered three Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Variety Special (Live). Last year, Marisa reunited with Ira Sachs for independent drama, Frankie, which had its world premiere in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. She also reprised her role of “Aunt May” in Sony Entertainment and Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: Far From Home. The film released in theaters on July 2, 2019, dominating the box office weekend. Her other notable film credits include: The Big Short, Love is Strange, Crazy, Stupid, Love, Ides of March, Loitering with Intent, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, What Women Want, Happy Accidents, and Slums of Beverly Hills. She also recently appeared on television in Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and FOX’s “Empire,” among others. A veteran of the theater, Marisa starred as ‘George’ in Sarah Ruhl’s “How To Transcend a Happy Marriage” at Lincoln Center in 2017. Her previous Broadway credits include: Will Eno’s “The Realistic Joneses” (2014 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance), Caryl Churchill's “Top Girls” (Drama Desk Award nomination), “Oh! The Humanity” and “Other Good Intentions,” “Marie and Bruce,” “Design for Living,” “We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!,” “Waiting for Lefty,” “Rocket to the Moon,” “Demonology,” “Dark Rapture,” “Slavs!,” “The Comedy of Errors,” and “The Summer Winds,” among others. Tomei is a founding member of the Naked Angels Theater Company in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ariana DeBose is a Tony-nominated actress known for her varying roles on stage as well as on screen. DeBose is perhaps best known for her role as “Disco Donna” in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, which earned her a 2018 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. For the same role, she was nominated for a Drama League Award for “Distinguished Performance” and won a Chita Rivera Award for “Outstanding Female Dancer in a Broadway Show.” DeBose recently wrapped production on Ryan Murphy's Netflix adaptation of the hit-Broadway musical THE PROM, where she stars as Alyssa alongside Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and James Corden. In December, DeBose will be seen in Steven Spielberg’s highly anticipated reimagining of the Academy Award-winning musical WEST SIDE STORY. DeBose was chosen from thousands of actresses to portray the iconic role of Anita, which earned Rita Moreno an Oscar in 1962. In 2015, DeBose appeared alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda in the groundbreaking, Tony-winning musical Hamilton as a member of the original cast in both the Broadway and off-Broadway productions. A film version of the production will be released on Disney+ in July. After her departure from Hamilton in 2016, DeBose completed a run as Jane in the original Broadway cast of A Bronx Tale. Her additional theater credits include: Leading Player in the Tony Award-winning revival of Pippin, Mary Wilson of the Supremes in Motown The Musical, Nautica in Andy Blankenbuehler’s Bring It On: The Musical and ensemble in Stephen Sondheim's Company. Other credits include: The Breaks (VH1), Blue Bloods (CBS), OLTL’s Star Crossed Lovers Series and Season 6 of So You Think You Can Dance (FOX), where she was a top-20 finalist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Annie Golden considers herself the illegitimate child of the legitimate theatre, having been discovered on the Bowery fronting a rock band, and cast by Milos Forman as Jeannie in Hair, the 1978 film. Annie was an original cast member for five seasons of the award-winning Netflix series ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK; silence is golden, and so is Annie’s character, Norma Romano! She will also be seen on Season Three of HBO’s HIGH MAINTENANCE in Spring 2019 as “Bambie,” which was written for her by the show’s creators. She can also be seen in the upcoming feature film BITE ME. On Broadway and off, she was last seen in Violet, and created the role of Georgie Bukatinsky in The Full Monty; Sondheim’s original Squeaky Fromme in Assassins, the off-Broadway production at Playwrights Horizons, directed by Jerry Zaks; Ah! Wilderness with Colleen Dewhurst and Jason Robards; On The Town; and Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey. Her other numerous film credits include Touched With Fire opposite Katie Holmes; Twelve Monkeys; Baby Boom; Brooklyn Rules; Suddenly Seeking Susan; I Love You, Phillip Morris; and Miles. Her television credits include “Difficult People,” “The 2-2,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Cheers,” “Miami Vice,” and “Third Watch”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nik Walker is an actor, cinephile, theme park nerd and collector of talented frenemies. Currently leading the Broadway cast of Ain’t Too Proud (after 3 years as Aaron Burr in the Broadway and touring companies of Hamilton), he’s also been seen in Motown the Musical, Peter and the Starcatcher, on TV in Law and Order SVU, and regionally at La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe and The Denver Center, to name a few. A playwright, he is the co-writer of Company One’s ARTiculation, and the creator of The Bloody Boston Trilogy. He is cohost of the talk show The Chaos Twins, hosted by BroadwayWorld, and his movie podcast, Little Justice, is streaming with the Broadway Podcast Network. @nikkywalks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mira Katherine Sorvino was born in Manhattan. She is the daughter of Lorraine Davis, an actress turned drama therapist, and veteran character actor Paul Sorvino. Her father's family were Italian immigrants. The young Sorvino was intelligent, an avid reader and an exceptional scholar. Her father discouraged her from becoming an actor, as he knew how the industry often chews up young stars. She attended Harvard, majoring in Chinese, graduating magna cum laude in 1989, largely on the strength of her thesis, a Hoopes Prize-winning thesis on racial conflict in China, written and researched during the year spent in Beijing, which helped her fluency in Mandarin Chinese. However, she showed interest in a career in acting from an early age, and moved to New York City to try her hand in the City's film industry, waitressing, auditioning and working at the Tribeca production company of Robert De Niro. She succeeded in getting a little television work in the early 1990s, but got her first film job in the independent gangster movie Amongst Friends (1993), on which she worked her way up the ladder behind the camera to eventually associate-produce the film, and, more importantly, was eventually cast as the female lead. The indie production was well-received, and Sorvino's performance attracted enough buzz to get her cast in two more movies, one a more prominent indie, Barcelona (1994), the other her first Hollywood feature, Quiz Show(1994), and her skillful performances brought her yet more attention. An exceptionally poised and articulate young woman, she may have seemed inappropriate to play a crazy hooker, but Woody Allen took the chance, and her magnificent performance as the female lead in his Mighty Aphrodite (1995) proved her range as a performer and earned her an Oscar (at the tender age of 29) for Best Supporting Actress. Since winning the Oscar, Sorvino has continued to take a wide range of roles, including another stretch as Marilyn Monroe in Norma Jean & Marilyn (1996), co-starring with another very intelligent and skilled young actress, Ashley Judd. Forays into action and horror, such as Mimic (1997) and The Replacement Killers (1998) show that Sorvino is not above being playful in the film roles she chooses. However, what forever cemented her role in popular culture was her performance as charmingly silly California beach girl Romy White in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997), in which she and co-star Lisa Kudrow utter one hilarious absurdity after another. She is most recently featured in Ryan Murphy's Hollywood on Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nicole Blaine’s first stand-up special with Comedy Dynamics, Life's A Bit, is available on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and a variety of cable outlets. She is thrilled to embark on a midwest tour this summer for Scary Mommy Live, and you can catch her on the upcoming season 3 of Laugh After Dark on Amazon Prime. Nicole has been seen on NBC’s The Today Show, E’s That Morning Show, SFSketchfest, Big Sky Comedy Festival, The International FringeNYC Festival, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and HBO’s Women in Comedy Festival. Nicole and her producing partner/husband/assistant, Mickey Blaine, executive produced and directed the stand-up special, Burning the Light, which debuted on HBO in 2016. You can see Nicole perform every Monday night at the Kibitz Comedy Show at Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles. LA Weekly describes her as “a remarkable performer with brains, beauty and rich comic delivery,” and her honest (and crass) observations showcase her “humor, passion, dazzling charm and a naturalness that many performers, or even civilians, would kill for." (Backstage West) She lives in Santa Monica with her husband and two kids. They all suck so she has great material. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lena Hall is an American actress, singer and songwriter best known for her work on Broadway originating the role of Nicola in Kinky Boots, and her Tony Award-winning performance as Yitzhak in the 2014 revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which also earned her a Grammy nomination for the musical's official album. She made history by becoming the first person to play both Hedwig and Yitzhak in the same production during the national tour of the musical in 2016. Her other Broadway credits include Cats, 42nd Street, Dracula, the Musical and Tarzan, the Musical. Hall has also starred in Off-Broadway productions such as Radiant Baby, Bedbugs!!!, Rooms: A Rock Romance, The Toxic Avenger, Prometheus Bound, Chix6, and the 2017 original play How to Transcend a Happy Marriage. Hall has appeared in films such as Sex and the City (2008), The Graduates (2008), Born from the Foot (2009), The Big Gay Musical (2009), and Becks (2017), for which she received widespread critical acclaim. She has also appeared on TV shows like ABC's All My Children, HBO's Girls, Amazon Prime's Good Girls Revolt, and voiced the role of Countess Coloratura on My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. In 2020, she will star on TNT's science fiction epic Snowpiercer. Hall was the lead singer of the band The Deafening, they released an album with original songs in 2012 titled Central Booking. In 2015, Hall released her first solo album, Sin & Salvation: Live At the Carlyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Taylor Trensch was most recently seen in To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway almost directly after taking over the title role in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. Other credits include the Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!, in which he played Barnaby Tucker. Other Broadway credits include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Matilda and Wicked. He also was featured in the off-Broadway productions of Bare and Rent and on the first national tour of Spring Awakening. He's been seen in world premieres at Williamstown Theatre Festival, Dallas Theater Center, La Jolla Playhouse, Barrington Stage. On screen, he's been seen in Nickelodeon’s Nella the Princess Knight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Noah Galvin - Film: Booksmart (Dir Olivia Wilde), Assassination Nation (Dir Sam Levinson). TV: "The Real O'Neals" (ABC). Broadway: Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen. Off-Broadway: MCC, NYTW, Public Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Vineyard, Signature, Barrow Street, Rattlestick, and more. Regional: Huntington, Bay Street Theatre, Goodspeed, and more. Tours: Les Miserables (3rd National). Audiobooks: "Perks of Being a Wallflower", "What if it's Us", and others. 2019 Audie Award Nominee.
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REBECCA NAOMI JONES is an Americanactress and singer best known for her performances in the Broadway rock musicals Passing Strange, American Idiot, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.Jones was born in New York City, New York, to a musician father. Her mother is Jewish and her father is African-American. Jones performed in the children's chorus of the Metropolitan Opera as a youth and graduated from the Berkeley Carroll School in 1999. "I did theatre all throughout middle school and high school and was really into it, the same with singing," she said. Jones received her BFA in drama from the North Carolina School of the Arts, and appeared in the national tours of Rent and Caroline, or Change.In 2007 Jones made her Off-Broadway debut in Passing Strange, which transferred to Broadway on February 28, 2008. She created the role of Whatsername in the Green Day rock opera American Idiot, which opened on Broadway on April 20, 2010.[1]Paper magazine said of Jones, "She's carved out a nice niche for herself as the girl to call when there's a cooler-than-thou musical in town." In 2012 Jones played the Narrator in Manhattan Theatre Club's Off-Broadway musical Murder Ballad, for which she received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress. Jones returned for the show's engagement at the Union Square Theatre, which ran from May 22, 2013, to July 21, 2013. Later that summer, Jones appeared in a new musical adaptation of Love's Labour's Lost at Central Park's Delacorte Theater. On June 2, 2014, Jones received a Lilly Award, a prize designed to honor women in the theater. On April 14, 2015, Jones replaced Lena Hall as Yitzhak in the Broadway production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Jones played the role through the production's end on September 13.In 2017 she starred as Vanessa in Significant Other on Broadway.In 2018 Jones starred as Laurey Williams in Daniel Fish's production of Oklahoma! at St Ann's Warehouse. The production transferred to Broadway at The Circle In The Square Theatre in March 2019. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Erika most recently starred as Cady in Mean Girls on broadway. She has also been seen as Fantine in the recent Broadway revival of Les Miserables, Kim Ravenal in PBS’ Live from Lincoln Center: Show Boat and Beth in Signature Theatre’s world premiere of Kathleen Marshall/Sheryl Crow’ musical, Diner. She was featured opposite Tyne Daly in York Theatre Company’s staging of Jerry Herman’s Dear World and has also starred as Nellie Forbush in South Pacific and Sophie in Mamma Mia! at PCLO. She is the recipient of Alan Eisenberg Actors’ Equity Award and graduate of University of Michigan BFA Musical Theater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
TIMOTHY BUSFIELD is a Producer, Writer, Director and Emmy Award winning actor with over 650 professional credits. As a director, his most recent film Guest Artist, written by and starring Jeff Daniels, is scheduled to be released internationally in July of 2020. The film has won many awards since its premiere at The Santa Barbara International Film Festival, including Best Director at the New York Independent Film Festival. As an actor he has been a series regular or recurring character on 20 television series including the currently running “For Life”, “Almost Family”, “thirtysomething,” “The West Wing,” “Entourage,” “Designated Survivor,” “Sleepy Hollow,” Secrets and Lies,” “ED,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” “The Byrds of Paradise,” “Champs,” “Family Ties,” “Without A Trace,” “The Paper Chase,” “Reggie,” “All My Children”, “One Dollar”. He recently appeared in the mini-series “The Loudest Voice”. Mr. Busfield has appeared in over 40 television movies and feature films, including Field of Dreams, Stripes, Revenge of the Nerds, Nerds in Paradise, Quiz Show, Sneakers, Striking Distance, Little Big League, First Kid, National Security, 23 Blast, Strays and Trucks. His short film One Smart Fellow which he codirected, co-wrote, and also acted in, won many film festivals nationwide in 2015-2016. Timothy has directed over 140 episodes of television, including “This Is Us“ and multiple episodes of “The Fosters” (also directed the pilot), “thirtysomething, “Children’s Hospital”, “Sports Night,” “Damages,” “Lipstick Jungle,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Without A Trace,” “Las Vegas,” “The Night Shift,” “Secrets and Lies,” “The Glades,” “Designated Survivor,” “Law and Order SVU”, “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings”, “The Rookie”, “The Conners”, and many more. He has served as a Producing Director on six television series including “Secrets and Lies,” “Mind Games,” Lipstick Jungle,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Without A Trace,” “ED” and the mini-series “Maneater.” In theatre, he has appeared in over 50 regional theatre productions including productions at The Long Wharf, The Mark Taper Forum, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, and The Westport Country Playhouse. And on Broadway twice, most recently as Lt. Daniel Kaffee in Aaron Sorkin’s “A Few Good Men.” He has also directed more than 35 professional productions and written dozens of children’s plays. Mr. Busfield founded two of America’s most successful professional theatres, The Fantasy Theatre (AKA the B Street School Tour) and The B Street Theatre, both in Sacramento, California. Now in their 33rd season, the theatres perform annually for over 250,000 children and adults at their facility in Sacramento and in schools throughout northern California. He has an honorary PhD from Michigan State University and has served as an Artist in Residence and Director of National Content for their PBS affiliate WKAR. Timothy splits his time between New York City and Sullivan County, NY with his wife, television icon and fantastic cook, Melissa Gilbert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Multiple Emmy award-winning and Grammy Award- nominated Wayne Brady has made his mark on stage and screen as an actor, singer, dancer, improviser, songwriter and television personality. In December 2019, Brady was named the winner of season two of “The Masked Singer,” arguably the biggest performance competition show in the world. His musical artistry won over the judges and audiences all across the country. On the heels of his win, Brady dropped a brand-new original single, entitled “Flirtin’ w/ Forever,” which quickly climbed the streaming charts, as well as an accompanying music video. Long an accomplished singer and performer, Brady’s debut album was released in September 2008, with his version of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" earning him a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance category. Brady is known across America as host of the iconic CBS game show, “Let’s Make a Deal,” which has earned him two Daytime Emmy Awards – Outstanding Game Show Host and Outstanding Original Song. His previous foray into daytime television, “The Wayne Brady Show,” earned him two consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show Host. Brady was also nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards – winning one – for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for his stellar work on the American version of the improvisational comedy television series, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" In 2004, Brady teamed up with Dave Chappelle in the now classic “Chappelle’s Show” sketch spoofing the film, “Training Day.” The clip became legend and is constantly quoted and listed as one of the top sketches in the history of that show. Brady’s additional television credits include a recent role on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” which earned him yet another Daytime Emmy Award nomination. He also recurred on the 2018 USA Network series, “Colony,” 2016’s SyFy series, “Aftermath,” and on the CBS comedy series, “How I Met Your Mother.” Guest appearances include roles on “Key and Peele,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “30 Rock.” Wayne can soon be seen on ABC’s “Mixed-ish,” CBS’s “The Neighborhood” and has a major recurring arc on CW’s “Black Lightning.” On stage, Brady made his Broadway debut starring as ‘Billy Flynn’ in the long-running hit musical, “Chicago.” In November 2015, Brady starred as ‘Lola’ in “Kinky Boots,” Broadway’s Tony Award- winning Best Musical, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. His interpretation of the lead role was so popular, he was asked to return for a limited run in spring 2016. In January 2017, Brady assumed the lead role of ‘Aaron Burr’ in the Chicago production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award- winning “Hamilton” for three months. In Fall 2019, he reteamed with Miranda, making several appearances in the improvisational hip-hop spectacular, “Freestyle Love Supreme.” Wayne Brady currently resides in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brogan Ganley has been teaching meditation for over a decade. She has worked in hospitals in oncology and general wards, with patients and staff, in public and private schools with teachers and children, office/corporate environments, community centers and in private practice. Brogan has seen first hand how the modalities she uses can profoundly change people’s lives and this keeps her incredibly passionate about the work she does. After years of study in India, Nepal, New Zealand, UK and the US, she began teaching Mindfulness, Meditation and Yoga in 2007, became a Reiki Master in 2012, and Urban Zen Integrative Therapist in 2012. Brogan grew up in very rural New Zealand, where nature and the landscape played a huge role. Taking care of your own health and healing with the aid of nature and community was simply the way it was done. Brogan and her husband have two children and have lived in Brooklyn for 14 years. They have 40 acres of wooded land in upstate New York, completely off-grid, solar and hydro power where she meditates, restores, creates and harvests plants for healing to be used throughout the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
George Salazar is best known for originating the role of "Michael Mell" in Be More Chill (coming to the Signature off-Broadway this summer) and for his Drama Desk-nominated performance in off-Broadway's The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Most recently starred in the Pasadena Playhouse production of Little Shop of Horrors. He was previously seen off-Broadway in Keen Company's Drama Desk-nominated revival of tick, tick... BOOM! and in David Byrne and Fatboy Slim's hit off-Broadway immersive musical, Here Lies Love. George made his Broadway debut singing "Light of the World" in the 2011 Revival of Godspell and toured with the second national company of Spring Awakening prior to that. Regional credits include the world premiere of Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz's Be More Chill, the world premiere of Joe Iconis, Lance Rubin, and Jason "SweetTooth" Williams' Broadway Bounty Hunter, the world premiere of Raging Skillet, and "Chip Tolentino" in ...Putnam County Spelling Bee. He was also a cast member of the 10th Annual CBS Diversity Showcase in Los Angeles.
George's TV credits include CBS' BULL, HBO's DIVORCE, & appearances on CBS' LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, ABC'S THE VIEW, OWN'S THE ROSIE SHOW, and the 2012 TONY AWARDS telecast. He appears on various recordings including GEORGE SALAZAR AND JOE ICONIS: TWO-PLAYER GAME (Ghostlight), BE MORE CHILL (Ghostlight), THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Broadway Records), GODSPELL (Sh-K-Boom), BROOKLYN CRUSH (Broadway Records) and MOMENT BY MOMENT. For more information, follow him on Instagram and Twitter @georgesalazar or visit his website at www.thegeorgesalazar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A special episode of Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine On March 12th, 2020 Broadway shows and performances all over the United States came to an immediate halt but the voices of all the artists are going strong while waiting for shows to reopen or mourning the shows that will not be able to come back. Listen to Ilana and her friends Joe Iconis, Kristin Chenoweth, Judy Kuhn, Beth Malone, Kathryn Gallagher and Jonathan Marc Sherman tell their tales of shows ending abruptly and what that means to them and the community at large. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Elizabeth Stanley is a Drama Desk Award nominee, and widely recognized stage and screen actress. She can currently be seen starring as Mary Jane Healy in Jagged Little Pill featuring the beloved music of Alanis Morissette, a book by Diablo Cody, orchestrations by Tom Kitt, and directed by Diane Paulus. Stanley originated the role in its World Premiere at Harvard’s American Repertory Theater. In the show’s Broadway bow, Variety said that she portrayed Mary Jane with “with infinite compassion in a stunning performance.” She originated the roles of Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet and Allison in Cry-Baby. Additional Broadway credits include the revival of On the Town (Drama Desk Nomination) and the Tony Award-Winning revival of Company. She also appeared in the First National Tours of The Bridges of Madison County and Xanadu. On television, Stanley can be seen in “NOS4A2” (upcoming), “FBI,” “The Get Down”, “The Affair,” “Black Box,” “Made in Jersey,” “Fringe,” “The Chappelle Show,” and “PBS Great Performances – Company.” She resides in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
John Slattery is an American actor and director. He is best known for his role as Roger Sterling in the AMC drama series Mad Men. He has received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations and two Critics' Choice Television Awards for AMC's series Mad Men. He was also part of the Mad Men ensemble cast that won two SAG Awards. In 2013, Slattery directed his first feature film, God's Pocket, which premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. He is currently on the HBO series Veep. Apart from his role on Mad Men, Slattery is also known for roles on Homefront; the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon; the HBO series K Street; guest appearances on Will & Grace; Judging Amy; Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives. Other films include Mona Lisa Smile, Flags of our Fathers, Charlie Wilson's War and The Adjustment Bureau. In 2015, Slattery portrayed journalist Ben Bradlee Jr. in the Academy Award winning film Spotlight, and also appeared in the Netflix comedy series Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, for which he earned a nomination for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Zachary Quinto hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Carnegie Mellon where he received a BFA in Acting. In 2007 he was cast as Sylar on the hit NBC series Heroes. That same year, he was cast as Spock in the JJ Abrams directed reboot of the Star Trek franchise. He starred in the first season of American Horror Story in 2011, and won a Critic’s Choice Award and Emmy Award nomination for his portrayal on American Horror Story: Asylum. Quinto appeared in the 2010 Signature revival of Tony Kushner’s Angels In America, for which he won a Theater World Award and a Drama Desk Award nomination. He made his Broadway debut in the 2013 Tony Award winning production of the Glass Menagerie. He was also seen in MCC’s production of Noah Haidle's Smokefall and in the Joe Mantello directed revival of The Boys in the Band. Quinto began his production company Before the Door Pictures in 2008 and produced such films as Margin Call, All Is Lost, A Most Violent Year, and Aardvark. Quinto hosts the unscripted show In Search Of on the History Channel, and is currently starring in the AMC series NOS4A2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Zane has appeared most recently in Sunday (Atlantic Theater Company, dir. Lee Sunday Evans). Other selected theater includes Dead Poets Society (CSC, dir. John Doyle), Mercury Fur (The New Group, dir. Scott Elliott), and Skylight (McCarter Theater, dir. Emily Mann). Film/TV: “Room 104” (HBO, dir. Lila Neugebauer), Margot at the Wedding (dir. Noah Baumbach), Alba & June (short, dir. Pepi Ginsberg), and Minyan (upcoming, dir. Eric Steel, premiering at Berlin Film Festival 2020). Zane also wrote a television pilot which was optioned by Sony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It’s week 2 of previews of The Peeplexed - the new Richard Greenberg play - opening March 3rd at Manhattan Theater Club and Ilana shares some thoughts with her listeners from her dressing room at the theater. Tune in to Ilana’s audio journal as she sorts out the preview process and other tales and mishaps as the play transitions from the rehearsal room to the stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikki M. James most famously, originated the role of Nabalungi in the Broadway hit musical, Book of Mormon, for which she won the Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. After her award winning performance, Nikki went on to star as Éponine in the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Misérables. James starred on the Fox series Proven Innocent. James received rave reviews for her starring role as Viveca in Kirsten Child’s musical The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin in Encores! Off-Center production at City Center. The musical review was an ambitious follow up to Nikki’s portrayal of Portia, Brutus’ proud wife, in The Public Theatre’s extremely press worthy and politically prescient version of Julius Caesar at Shakespeare in the Park in 2017. Nikki reprised her role of Viola in the musical version of Twelfth Night this past summer under the direction of Oskar Eustis at the Delacorte Theatre. Recent notable work in television includes a starring role in CBS’ quirky series Braindead and a recurring guest arc on the hit series The Good Wife, CBS’ Bull, Escape From Dannemora on Showtime and reprised her role of Monica from The Good Wife on the CBS All Access series The Good Fight. Her film credits include: Lucky Stiff and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby. She has also performed several sold-out, one-woman cabaret shows at popular New York City venues such as 54 Below and Joe’s Pub. No stranger to Broadway, Nikki has starred in productions of All Shook Up and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Other memorable theater productions include; Romeo and Juliet, Caesar and Cleopatra alongside Christopher Plummer, The Wiz, Bernarda Alba, House of Flowers and Preludes. She resides in New York City and holds a BFA in Drama from NYU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dominic Fumusa is best known for playing "Kevin Peyton" opposite Edie Falco on Showtime's acclaimed show "Nurse Jackie" which ran for seven seasons from 2009-2015. Fumusa's extensive theater experience includes originating roles in the NY premieres of Sarah Ruhl's Stage Kiss and Passion Play, Richard Greenberg's Tony Award winning Take Me Out (NY and London), Melissa James Gibson's Obie Award winning [sic] and Stephen Belber's plays The Power of Duff, Fault Lines and Tape (NY, London and Los Angeles). His Broadway debut was in the 1998 revival of Wait Until Dark opposite Marisa Tomei and Quentin Tarantino. Select regional theater credits include numerous plays at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, the Stratford Festival in Canada, the Huntington Theater in Boston, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Humana Festival at the Actors Theater of Louisville. Fumusa's film work includes playing the real life hero John "Tig" Tiegen in this year's 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi directed by Michael Bay. Last year Fumusa appeared opposite Will Smith and Margot Robbie in the romantic comedy Focus. Other film work includes Allegiance, Helena from the Wedding, Management and Little New York. Other television work includes upcoming recurring roles on "Homeland" (Showtime) and "Taken"(NBC). He has also had numerous guest and recurring roles on such shows as "Blue Bloods," "Elementary," "Person of Interest," "Damages," "Sex and the City," "The Sopranos," "Bones" and many others. Fumusa earned his BA in Government from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI in 1991 and his MFA in Acting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1994. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, actress and producer Ilana Levine, and their two children, Georgia and Caleb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Derek Klena has been seen on Broadway as Fiyero in Wicked, Michael in The Bridges of Madison County and Dmitry in Anastasia. His off-Broadway credits include Dogfight and Carrie. Regionally, he has appeared in Anastasia (Hartford Stage), Diner (Signature Theatre, Delaware Theatre Company), Unknown Soldier (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Hairspray (Hollywood Bowl) and Jagged Little Pill (A.R.T.). His TV credits include Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Blue Bloods, Quantico, Law & Order: SVU and The Carrie Diaries. Derek can currently be seen in the broadway production of Jagged Little Pill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Amanda Green is a Tony-nominated lyricist/composer. She is the recipient of the 2013 Frederic Loewe Award from the Dramatists Guild (with collaborator Trey Anastasio) for her music for Hands On A Hardbody (lyricist; co-composer), one of two new musicals she premiered on Broadway in the 2012-2013 season. She also co-wrote the lyrics for Bring It On (currently on its second National Tour). For her work on Hands she was nominated for a Tony Award, Two Drama Desk Awards (music, lyrics) and an Outer Critics Circle Award. She was nominated for a third Drama Desk Award the same year for her lyrics (with Lin Manuel Miranda) for Bring It On. Also on Broadway:High Fidelity (lyrics). NY and regional credits: Stars of David (original songs; 2013; DR2 Theater). Arthur Laurents asked her to write additional lyrics for the revival ofHallelujah Baby (Arena Stage, directed by Mr. Laurents). For The Love Of Tiffany: A Wifetime Original Musical (lyricist, co-star; NY Fringe Festival). “Put A Little Love In Your Mouth! The Songs Of Amanda Green” (Second Stage Theater, Joe’s Pub); Up The Week Without A Paddle (2001 LADCC Nomination (Best Score), Backstage's Garland Award (Best Score). She is also an award-winning performer (2 MAC Awards, BISTRO Award) who performs her work, along with Broadway stars, in concerts everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Birdland to The Bluebird Café in Nashville. She has acted in musicals on Broadway and regionally, including originating the role of “Gary Coleman” in Avenue Q at The O’Neill Center. Legendary guitarist Trey Anastasio performs songs he and Amanda have co-written in arena concerts around the country with his bands PHISH and TAB. Other Awards: The Jonathan Larson Award, The Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Abe Olman Award. TV: The Wonder Pets. BMI Musical Theater Workshop, Alumni; B.A. Brown University; Dramatists Guild member. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chris Stills is a celebrated troubado ur who ’s releases include h is debut album 100 Year Thing produced by Ethan Johns, on through to the eponymous Chris Stills and most - recently, Don’t Be Afraid where Chris reconnected with that “California kid who loves Leon Russell and Tom Petty” . Raised between California and France, Chris has cultivate d his music internationally along side a successful a cting career where he’s played Julius Caesar in the top - grossing French musical Cleopatra - The Last Queen of Egypt . Stills went on to also appear opposite Mélanie Laurent in in the French film Requiem for a Killer and later landed a foot firmly in both music and acting camps when his contributions to the long - running U.S.hit series of Shameless led to a regular guest spot across two seasons of the show. Chris’s music is sought - after in film and television including his songs “Live To Live” on A merican Hustle and Black Betty in Hot Pursuit . He also sang the Bee Gees’ “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” in the 2018 Oscar ® winning movie I, Tonya . As a philanthropist, he’s the co - producer and musical director for “ Light Up the Blues ” - an annual concert to benefit Autism Speaks Kori Withers is the daughter of acclaimed artist Bill Withers and can be found at KoriWithers.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Zegen can currently be seen starring on the critically acclaimed Amazon series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. The series is recently won the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, a 2018 Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, the Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Television Series, Musical or Comedy and the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Comedy Series. The show is returning for it’s third season on Friday, December 6th.Previous television includes his standout recurring role as ‘Benny Siegel' on HBO's “Boardwalk Empire,” for which he was included in the 2015 SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Other recurring television arcs include: "The Walking Dead," "Girls," "How To Make It In America," "Happyish" and all seven seasons of "Rescue Me.” Michael’s film credits include Noah Baumbach's FRANCES HA, John Crowley's Oscar-Nominated film BROOKLYN, Greg Mottola’s ADVENTURELAND, and Ang Lee’s TAKING WOODSTOCK. Earlier this year, he wrapped production on the independent feature “The Stand-In” opposite Drew Barrymore. Michael was recently seen as 'Mikhail Medvedenko' in Michael Mayer's film adaptation of Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL, opposite Annette Bening and Elisabeth Moss. Other upcoming films include Sebastian Silva’s ensemble indie TYREL in which Michael appears alongside Michael Cera, Jason Mitchell and Caleb Landry Jones that premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival; and the musical film BECKS with Lena Hall. On stage, Michael starred as ‘Marco’ in the Broadway production of in Ivo Van Hove’s Tony-award winning "A View From The Bridge" opposite Mark Strong. Michael’s previous theater credits include originating the role of ’Ted’ in The New Group's production of "The Spoils," written by and co-starring Jesse Eisenberg for director Scott Elliott and the role of ‘Liam’ in Joshua Harmon's smash hit play "Bad Jews” directed by Daniel Aukin for Roundabout Theater Co. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Daniel J. Watts can be seen in TINA: The Tina Turner Musical and has appeared in eight Broadway shows including Hamilton, In The Heights and Memphis. Off Broadway he has starred in Suzan-Lori Parks' Death of the Last Black Man in the Entire World (Signature Theatre) and the world premiere of Whorl Inside A Loop (2nd Stage). TV credits include recurring roles on Amazon’s Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, NBC's Blindspot and HBO's Vinyl and The Deuce. The Good Wife (CBS), Blue Bloods (CBS), Odd Mom Out (Bravo), The Night Of (HBO), Boardwalk Empire (HBO), Person of Interest (CBS), Broad City (Comedy Central) and Smash (NBC). He currently appears as Felony in Tracy Morgan's new comedy series The Last OG on TBS. Daniel J. Watts' The Jam an homage to his great grandmother who made homemade jam from scratch and gave away what she couldn't eat herself, is a spoken word/storytelling experience fusing a live band, song, dance and multimedia where Watts encourages audiences to focus on social similarities opposed to differences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A message from Ilana Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa is best known for her starring roles on Broadway, but her career is characterized by diverse interests in many creative corners of show business. She has had a steady career in television, appeared in feature films, and performed in non-musical roles in Off-Broadway plays by Shaw, Wilde, and others. She has also explored music as both a recording artist and concert singer, releasing several music albums and working with some of the world’s best symphonies and jazz and cabaret spaces. More recently, she established herself as a writer, publishing essays in The New York Times and beyond. As a musical theater actress, she starred in the Broadway musicals Anna Karenina, My Fair Lady, High Society, Dracula, White Christmas, and Amour which won her a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical and began a longtime association with its composer Michel Legrand. Melissa was recently honored with a caricature at Sardi’s in celebration of her Broadway starring theatrical performances, her concerts as well as her engaging essays for The New York Times on the actor’s art.Her latest album Sondheim Sublime was released to critical acclaim, with The Wall Street Journal calling it, “The best all-Sondheim album ever recorded.” And throughout 2017, 2018, and 2019, Melissa performed successful and extended runs at Feinstein’s/54 Below of her solo concert “Melissa Sings Sondheim” celebrating the music of Stephen Sondheim and won raves when she brought it to London’s Live at Zédel for her sold-out UK concert debut co-written with Adam Gopnik in 2018. She also brought her Sondheim program to The Ravinia Festival in the fall of 2018 and appeared again at Feinstein’s/54 Below in for the new Sondheim CD release in November 2018. Her 2019 Sondheim performances include playing The Baker’s Wife in three concert performances of Into the Woods with Tony Award-winner Alice Ripley in March, the run of “Wordplay” at Lyrics & Lyricists produced by Ted Chapin for the 92nd Street Y in April, and being a featured performer on the forthcoming PBS Poetry in America portrait of Stephen Sondheim. Melissa also returned to London in May 2019 to Live at Zédel with her Sondheim concert after her sold-out run in 2018. Her solo CDs include Blue Like That (EMI/Capitol Records), Lullabies & Wildflowers (Universal), Legrand Affair (Ghostlight/Sony), and What About Today? Melissa Errico Live at 54 Below (Broadway Records; CD & DVD). In December 2017, Melissa had a new single release (Ghostlight/Warner Music Group) “Hurry Home” written by multiple Oscar-winner Michel Legrand, made an accompanying music video with filmmaker Gary Gardner, and proudly sings it on the title credits of the film Max Rose. Television roles include the series Central Park West by Darren Star, recurring roles on Steven Soderbergh’s The Knick (Catherine), and Showtime’s Billions (June). Melissa also recently finished shooting a role in The Magnificent Meyersons, an Eric Oppenheimer film with Kate Mulgrew (2019 release). Her other feature films include Frequency with Dennis Quaid and Life or Something Like It as Angelina Jolie’s character’s best friend. Melissa has also served on The National Endowment for the Arts and has published essays for The New York Times and is a contributing essayist in Cristina Cuomo’s The Purist and other magazines. She is married to tennis player and sports commentator Patrick McEnroe and they have three young daughters and a Yorkie named Pepper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ryan J. Haddad is an actor, playwright and autobiographical performer based in New York. His acclaimed solo play Hi, Are You Single? was presented in The Public Theater’s Under the Radar Festival and continues to tour the country. Other New York credits include My Straighties (Ars Nova/ANT Fest), Noor and Hadi Go to Hogwarts (Theater Breaking Through Barriers), and the cabaret Falling for Make Believe (Joe’s Pub). Regional credits include The Maids, Lucy Thurber’s Orpheus in the Berkshires (Williamstown Theatre Festival), and Hi, Are You Single? (Guthrie Theater, Cleveland Play House, Williamstown Theatre Festival). Television credits include “Bull,” “Madam Secretary,” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” Haddad has performed original work at La MaMa E.T.C., the New Museum and The LGBT Center of New York City. His plays in development include Good Time Charlie and Dark Disabled Stories. He is a member of The Public Theater’s Emerging Writers Group and a former Queer|Art Performance and Playwriting Fellow under the mentorship of Moe Angelos. Learn more at www.ryanjhaddad.com and follow him on social @ryanjhaddad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EVA NOBLEZADA previously starred in Hadestown at National Theatre in London. Last fall, she shot the lead role in the upcoming indie, Yellow Rose. In 2017–18, Noblezada starred on Broadway in the title role of the revival of Miss Saigon, receiving a Tony nomination. Variety called her Broadway debut performance “entrancing.” She previously starred in the London revival of Miss Saigon and played Eponine in the West End revival of Les Misérables. Noblezada was a high school student in Charlotte, NC, when she was discovered by casting director Tara Rubin at the 2013 Jimmy Awards in New York City.
AMBER GRAY stared in Hadestown (London’s National, Edmonton’s Citadel: Sterling Award, NYTW: Lortel nomination); Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Broadway: Theatre World Award, Kazino, Ars Nova); Daniel Fish’s production of Oklahoma! (Bard SummerScape); An Octoroon (TFANA, Soho Rep, P.S.122); and Taylor Mac’s A 24 Decade History of Popular Music: 1900’s–1950s (NYLA/UTR). Gray is a member of The TEAM and has codeveloped and performed in their Mission Drift, Primer for a Failed Superpower and the upcoming Reconstruction. Gray can always be found with political activist group and show Reverend Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping. Recent television: “Escape at Dannemora.” MFA: NYU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ELLA RUBIN can currently be seen in THE ROSE TATTOO on Broadway where she stars as Rosa, the daughter of Serafina, who is played by Marisa Tomei. On the big screen she has been featured in THE REWRITE, a film in which she also plays Marisa Tomei’s daughter. She can be seen on the small screen in the Hulu series DIFFICULT PEOPLE, Showtime’s BILLIONS and UNFORGETTABLE on CBS. Ella studied theater and performing arts at New York’s Professional Children’s School. Ella is an advocate for social change and raising awareness for climate change. She recently enforced a new policy in her high school to turn the cafeteria entirely green, and enforce once a week “eco-awareness” day. This summer she traveled to Tanzania to help build a kitchen at a school that didn’t have one (and therefore wasn’t able to serve lunch), and has also traveled to Peru to help enforce women’s access to education and to Costa Rica to learn about turtle conservation in their oceans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ruthie Fierberg is a New York City-based journalist and current Senior Features Editor at Playbill, creating innovative and engaging content through in-depth written, multimedia, and video pieces focused on the arts. She is also the host of Playbill's Live From the Red Carpet specials from the opening nights. A graduate of Barnard College, she has written for such national publications as Good Housekeeping, Parents, American Baby, Parents Latina, and Backstage magazines. Ruthie has moderated panels for the 92Y, the JCC of Manhattan, Disney Theatrical Productions, BroadwayCon 2016–2019, and the annual American Performing Arts Professionals Conference. She has guested on SiriusXM Volume radio and a number of podcasts as a guest expert. A lover of theatre, tennis, and yoga, Ruthie is also involved with such causes as Covenant House International and The Actors Fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana and Willie conclude their conversation in this episode. Rarely at a loss for work, Garson has appeared in over 300 episodes of television and more than 70 films. Garson is best known for his long runs on television, as Mozzie on WHITE COLLAR, Stanford Blatch on SEX AND THE CITY, and Henry Coffield on NYPD BLUE. Other TV series include ASK HARRIET, and JOHN FROM CINCINNATTI. He has been recurring as the grifter with a heart of gold Gerard Hirsch on "HAWAII 5-0" since 2015.
Born in New Jersey, he started training at The Actors Institute In New York, before majoring in Psychology and Theater at Wesleyan University. After graduation, he quickly started landing guest roles on shows such as CHEERS, FAMILY TIES, THIRTYSOMETHING, LA LAW, as well as continually recurring on a wide array of shows including XFILES, TWIN PEAKS, TWO & A HALF MEN, STARGATE, PUSHING DAISIES, THE PRACTICE, ALLY MCBEAL, JUST SHOOT ME, SPIN, SALVATION, etc etc. His favorite longform on TV was Dr. Kreutz for Steven Spielberg in the acclaimed miniseries TAKEN.
On the big screen, other than reprising his SEX & THE CITY role for two features, he has collaborated with the Farrely Brothers on 3 films, SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, KINGPIN, and FEVER PITCH, as well as appearing in SOAPDISH, GROUNDHOG DAY, MARS ATTACKS, THE ROCK, BEING JOHN MALKOVITCH, FEED, POLKA KING, and many others. He has often been re-used by such varied directors as Spike Jonze, Michael Bay, the late great Mike Nichols, and Ron Shelton.
Upcoming films include WALK TO VEGAS, MAGIC CAMP, and BELLMEN. As a director, Garson has directed episodes of WHITE COLLAR and GIRL MEETS WORLD, and, with Warner Brothers, is developing a half hour as producer/creator, which he will also appear in. LONE PINE, a feature for Garson to direct, is currently also in development.
Garson continues to perform with various bi-coastal theater companies such as Naked Angles, Manhattan Theater Club, The Roundabout Theater, and The Geffen. He is very involved with many charities, including AMFAR, Camp Joslin for Diabetes, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and especially The Alliance for Childrens Rights, which facilitates adoptions in LA County---this has a special place in the Garson family, as Willie adopted his son Nathen in Los Angeles in 2010, and has twice served as National Spokesman for National Adoption Day, as well as winning the Francis Wheat Award from The Alliance, and many others. Willie and Nathen speak about adoption nationwide.
Aside from acting, Garson is known as a world-class poker player, having been nicknamed "Evil Willie" on the first episode of CELEBRITY POKER SHOWDOWN, and continues to play in tournaments all over the world, both for charity, and through the WORLD POKER TOUR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rarely at a loss for work, Garson has appeared in over 300 episodes of television and more than 70 films. Garson is best known for his long runs on television, as Mozzie on WHITE COLLAR, Stanford Blatch on SEX AND THE CITY, and Henry Coffield on NYPD BLUE. Other TV series include ASK HARRIET, and JOHN FROM CINCINNATTI. He has been recurring as the grifter with a heart of gold Gerard Hirsch on "HAWAII 5-0" since 2015.
Born in New Jersey, he started training at The Actors Institute In New York, before majoring in Psychology and Theater at Wesleyan University. After graduation, he quickly started landing guest roles on shows such as CHEERS, FAMILY TIES, THIRTYSOMETHING, LA LAW, as well as continually recurring on a wide array of shows including XFILES, TWIN PEAKS, TWO & A HALF MEN, STARGATE, PUSHING DAISIES, THE PRACTICE, ALLY MCBEAL, JUST SHOOT ME, SPIN, SALVATION, etc etc. His favorite longform on TV was Dr. Kreutz for Steven Spielberg in the acclaimed miniseries TAKEN.
On the big screen, other than reprising his SEX & THE CITY role for two features, he has collaborated with the Farrely Brothers on 3 films, SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, KINGPIN, and FEVER PITCH, as well as appearing in SOAPDISH, GROUNDHOG DAY, MARS ATTACKS, THE ROCK, BEING JOHN MALKOVITCH, FEED, POLKA KING, and many others. He has often been re-used by such varied directors as Spike Jonze, Michael Bay, the late great Mike Nichols, and Ron Shelton.
Upcoming films include WALK TO VEGAS, MAGIC CAMP, and BELLMEN. As a director, Garson has directed episodes of WHITE COLLAR and GIRL MEETS WORLD, and, with Warner Brothers, is developing a half hour as producer/creator, which he will also appear in. LONE PINE, a feature for Garson to direct, is currently also in development.
Garson continues to perform with various bi-coastal theater companies such as Naked Angles, Manhattan Theater Club, The Roundabout Theater, and The Geffen. He is very involved with many charities, including AMFAR, Camp Joslin for Diabetes, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and especially The Alliance for Childrens Rights, which facilitates adoptions in LA County---this has a special place in the Garson family, as Willie adopted his son Nathen in Los Angeles in 2010, and has twice served as National Spokesman for National Adoption Day, as well as winning the Francis Wheat Award from The Alliance, and many others. Willie and Nathen speak about adoption nationwide.
Aside from acting, Garson is known as a world-class poker player, having been nicknamed "Evil Willie" on the first episode of CELEBRITY POKER SHOWDOWN, and continues to play in tournaments all over the world, both for charity, and through the WORLD POKER TOUR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
McAnuff is a two-time Tony Award-winning director and former Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival. Broadway: Summer, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Aaron Sorkin's The Farnsworth Invention, Jersey Boys (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical), Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays (Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event), Dracula, the Musical, How to Succeed..., The Who's Tommy (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Director), A Walk in the Woods, Big River (Tony Awards for Best Director, Best Musical). McAnuff is also Director Emeritus of La Jolla Playhouse, where during his tenure as Artistic Director, he staged more than 35 productions of classics, new plays, and musicals. Under his leadership, the Playhouse received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater. Raised in Canada, he was a part of the Toronto alternative theatre scene in the 70s. While at Stratford, he directed multiple productions including A Word or Two, The Tempest, and Caesar and Cleopatra (all starring Christopher Plummer), Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Twelfth Night (starring Brian Dennehy), ...Forum, As You Like It, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. In 2006, he received the prestigious Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing and in 2011, he was honoured with a doctorate from Ryerson University where he attended the Theatre School. In 2012, he was awarded Canada's esteemed Governor General's National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lang Leav is an international best-selling author and social media sensation. She is the winner of a Qantas Spirit of Youth Award and coveted Churchill Fellowship. Her books continue to top bestseller charts in bookstores worldwide. Lang has been featured in various publications including the Sydney Morning Herald, the Straits Times, the Guardian, and the New York Times. She currently resides in New Zealand with her partner and fellow author Michael Faudet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Betsy Wolfe has established herself as one of the most versatile and keenly intelligent Broadway performers of her generation. She recently starred as Jenna Hunterson, the title role in the Tony nominated musical Waitress. Prior to that, she played Cordelia, one of the one of the lovable “lesbians from next door,” in the Broadway revival of Falsettos directed by James Lapine, which recently aired on PBS. She is perhaps best known for her critically acclaimed performance as Cathy in the off-Broadway revival of The Last Five Years. In TV, she was most recently seen in a guest star role on season 2 of the CBS series INSTINCT. She also just wrapped the indie feature FIRST ONE IN with Georgia King. Originally from California, Betsy received her BFA in musical theatre from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. At age twenty—prior to graduation and prior being able to legally drink or get a British pilot’s license—she made her Carnegie Hall debut with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra under Maestro Erich Kunzel. After receiving her BFA, Betsy quickly starred in the San Francisco and Boston companies of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Soon after, she made her Broadway debut in the revival of 110 in the Shade. Betsy started to gain attention for her next role in both the off-Broadway and Broadway productions of Sherie Rene Scott’s Everyday Rapture, where she played one of the two Mennonettes. Only a few years later, Betsy would be Scott’s successor in one of contemporary musical theatre’s most challenging and well-known roles: Cathy in Second Stage Theatre’s revival of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years. Her complex performance as Cathy was lauded by critics and audiences alike. Betsy’s other Broadway credits include Ellen in the 2014 production of Bullets Over Broadwaydirected by Susan Stroman and Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She also appeared as Beth in the Encores! production of Merrily We Roll Along. She starred in the La Jolla Playhouse world premiere production of Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez’s new musical Up Here, and created the role of Mary Ann Singleton in ACT's world premiere of Tales of the City, a musical based on the Armistead Maupin novels. Betsy made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Douglas Carter Beane’s adaptation of Die Fledermaus. She has been a guest artist for over 50 symphony, pops, and philharmonic orchestras across the U.S. and internationally including the New York Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She collaborated with The New York Pops and played to sold-out crowds at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center with their Broadway Today and Women of Notesconcerts. Her recent collaboration with the BBC Orchestra and Jason Robert Brown ended up being recorded for Friday Music Nights for the BBC and can be heard on their channel. She can be heard on the recordings of Falsettos, Bullets over Broadway, The Last Five Years,The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Everyday Rapture, Stage Door Canteen, 35MM, and Merrily We Roll Along. She can also be seen in the film adaptation of The Last Five Years. Betsy is currently mini- touring with her one woman show ALL BETS ARE OFF and primarily lives in New York with her husband. She is so very proud to have created and co-founded the program Broadway Evolved, which has revolutionized the summer camp for both theatre students and educators alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cassidy Freeman currently stars as “Amber Gemstone” in the Danny McBride televangelist comedy THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES for HBO alongside McBride, John Goodman and Adam Devine. The series tells the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed and charitable work. The series premiere was HBO's most-watched comedy debut in more than 3 years and was recently renewed for season 2. Freeman’s diverse roles have allowed her to travel the world, from Vancouver to New York to Bolivia. She is well known for starring as “Cady Longmire” in LONGMIRE on Netflix and “Tess Mercer” in CW’s superhero drama SMALLVILLE. She has appeared on series such as ONCE UPON A TIME, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES and COLD CASE. Freeman co-executive produced and starred in horror-thriller YellowBrickRoad which premiered at Slamdance. Other film credits include DON’T LOOK BACK starring Lucy Griffiths and Kate Burton, IFC comedy film FINISHING THE GAME and indie feature BRAHMIN BULLS. On stage, she has appeared in Anthony Minghella’s Cigarettes and Chocolate and The Maids at the Moth Theatre. Freeman was born and raised in Chicago, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Middlebury College with degrees in Theatre and Spanish. She is the youngest of three actor siblings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah Stiles is currently one of the stars in the critically acclaimed EPIX Original Series GET SHORTY. She was nominated for a Tony for her role as "Sandy" in the Broadway production of TOOTSIE. She is recurring on Showtime’s BILLIONS. She voiced the character “Spinel” in STEVEN UNIVERSE: THE MOVIE. Broadway productions include her Tony nominated performance as Jessica in HAND TO GOD, ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREEVER, Kate/ Lucy AVENUE Q and THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNUM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. Recent television and film credits include Steven Soderbergh's UNSANE. I’M DYIN UP HERE, BLACKLIST, DIETLAND and the animated SUNNY DAY for Nickelodeon. Sarah lends her voice on the recording of Pasek and Paul’s JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. This year she penned her solo show SQUIRREL HEART which she performed to sold out audiences at Joe’s Pub at the Public in NYC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Emmy Award and multiple NAACP Image Award-winning film, television and stage veteran Joe Morton is perhaps best known for his role as Rowan Pope in the television series “Scandal.” Morton’s television credits include a recurring role as lawyer Daniel Golden on “The Good Wife,” on the Network; five seasons as scientist Henry Deacon in the Emmy-nominated series “Eureka”; “The Cosby Show” spinoff “A Different World”; the Kyra Sedgwick-produced “Proof”; and “Grace & Frankie.” In 2016 he portrayed the role of Roy Wilkins alongside Bryan Cranston in the Emmy-nominated biopic “All the Way,” adapted from the Tony Award-winning Robert Schenkkan play. In 2016 Morton appeared in the feature film “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” as Silas Stone, and he reprised the role in November 2017 in “Justice League.” His additional feature film credits include playing the title character in John Sayles’ “The Brother from Another Planet” and roles in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day,” “American Gangster,” “What Lies Beneath,” “Blues Brothers 2000” and “The Astronaut’s Wife.” Recently, Morton starred as the titular role alongside Tom Hanks in Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles’ production of “Henry IV.” Staged by Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan, the critically raved show featured Morton as Henry IV and Hanks as Sir John Falstaff. In spring 2016, Morton portrayed the groundbreaking comedian Dick Gregory in the one-man show “Turn Me Loose,” executive produced by Grammy Award winner John Legend. Morton was honored with the NAACP Theatre Lifetime Achievement Award and was awarded the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play. Also, he was nominated for the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance. In October 2017, he brought “Turn Me Loose” to Los Angeles at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Born in Harlem, Morton was raised in a military family and spent parts of his childhood in West Germany and Okinawa, Japan, before finishing school in New York. After attending Hofstra University, Morton debuted on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical “Hair,” followed by his starring role in “Raisin,” the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” which earned him a Tony nomination and Theatre World Award for his portrayal as the embittered Walter Lee Younger. In addition, he appeared in David Hare’s “Stuff Happens” at the National Theatre in London as Colin Powell and played Serge in “Art” on Broadway (and in London’s West End) with Judd Hirsch and George Wendt. Morton is a huge proponent of diversity in Hollywood and uses his platform to express the need for more contemporary non-white roles in television and film. Morton devotes his rare free time to writing, playing his guitar and recording music. Music has been a huge part of his life, and his talent has led him to write and score a multitude of songs for various film and TV projects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Prepare yourself to get Lost at the Smithsonian with my friend, Aasif Mandvi, as he explores the little-known stories behind iconic pop culture artifacts at the National Museum of American History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Karen Olivo is a television, film, and stage actor who is most recognized for her Tony Award-winning performance as Anita in the acclaimed 2009 Broadway revival of West Side Story, a role for which she also earned Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Astaire Award nominations. Some of her Broadway theater credits include originating the role of Vanessa in the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights (2008 Astaire Award) and starring as Faith in the Broadway production of Brooklyn The Musical. She played the role of Angelica Schuyler in the Chicago production of Hamilton and currently stars as Satine in Moulin Rouge on broadway. Additional theatre credits include Murder Ballad at the Manhattan Theater Club, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark by Lynn Nottage at 2nd Stage, and The Miracle Brothers directed by Tina Landau at the Vineyard Theatre. Olivo is also recognized for her many television appearances including recurring & guest-starring roles on “The Good Wife,” “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior,” “Chase,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Conviction,” and “Law & Order.” Karen Olivo is a native New Yorker who currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin. Olivo recently taught Musical Theater Styles at UW-Madison as well as working as a teaching artist and writer for Theatre LILA, she serves on the Advisory Committee for Forward Theater and she also coaches students in her private Madison studio. Karen also released her first solo, ‘Leave,’ album in 2017. www.Karenolivo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gideon Glick was nominated for a Tony award for his performance as “Dill Harris” in the Broadway adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Aaron Sorkin and based on Harper Lee’s classic novel. Previously, he reprised his role as Jordan Berman in the Broadway production of Significant Other at The Booth Theatre, for which he earned a 2017 Drama League Award nomination. Gideon made his Broadway debut in the original cast of the groundbreaking Tony-winning musical Spring Awakening, and has starred Off-Broadway as Tom in Samuel Hunter’s The Harvest for LCT3/Lincoln Center and Matthew in The Few for the Rattlestick Theatre Company. Other stage credits include Speech and Debate for the Roundabout Theatre Company, Into the Woods at the Delacorte, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark on Broadway, Peerless at the Cherry Lane Theatre, and Wild Animals You Should Know for the MCC Theater. In film, Gideon recently appeared as ‘Kyle McCallister’ in Gary Ross’ Ocean’s 8, and will be seen in Noah Baumbach’s upcoming film Marriage Story. Additional onscreen roles include Speech & Debate, Song One, A Case of You, Gods Behaving Badly, One Last Thing, “The Detour,” “Devious Maids,” “Elementary,” “The Good Wife,” “Margot vs. Lily,” “Man Seeking Woman,” “It Could Be Worse” and “Wallflowers.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Justin Guarini’s robust performance career launched with the first season of American Idol in 2002. His stage and screen appearances since then include Broadway productions of American Idiot, Romeo and Juliet, Wicked, and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.
Justin has hosted shows shows like Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight along with live events for the TV Guide Network, the Oscars, the Emmys, and the Grammys. He continues to reprise his role as the lovable Lil’ Sweet in commercials for Diet Dr. Pepper. Justin is a generous humanitarian: he has advocated for music education funding on Capitol Hill by lobbying for the International Music Products Association. He has worked with Education Through Music Los Angeles, a nonprofit utilizing music education as a catalyst to improve academic achievement, motivation for school, and self-confidence in underserved communities. Justin has also partnered with RandomActs.org and GISH.com to participate in global kindness campaigns. In 2019, Justin founded The Warrior Artist Alliance to help performers achieve success in a challenging industry. He shares his tips, tricks, breadth of experience, and warrior mindset with a community of performers through podcasts, blogs, and dynamic training programs. Justin is dedicated to his loving family; his wife, daughter, and sons make up his happy home. It is here that he draws his support and the desire to live his best life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kathryn Gallagher can currently be seen as Annika on Netflix’s mega hit show “YOU” produced by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble, starring John Stamos, Penn Badgley and Shay Mitchell. This fall, Kathryn will play Bella in Alanis Morissette’s musical “Jagged Little Pill” based on the album, written with Diablo Cody and directed by Diane Paulus. In 2015 Kathryn made her Broadway debut in the Tony nominated revival of Spring Awakening. Kathryn’s music has had placements in film/TV such as “Younger” “Covert Affairs” and Stuart Blumberg’s “Thanks For Sharing.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With an expansive list of film and television credits spanning for more than 20 years, Michael Kelly is known best for his four-time Emmy-Nominated role as “Doug Stamper” in the critically acclaimed Netflix original series HOUSE OF CARDS, for which he starred in for all six seasons. Kelly can next be seen in season 2 of Carlton Cuse’s Amazon Prime Original Series JACK RYAN alongside John Krasinski and Wendell Pierce. Recently, Kelly produced and starred in John Hyams’ ALL SQUARE, supported by Jesse Ray Sheps, Josh Lucas, and Pamela Adlon. He also starred in THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES opposite Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, and Chiwetel Ejiofor and in EVEREST opposite Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Robin Wright. Additionally, he played “Lt. Col. Gary Volesky” in National Geographic’s miniseries THE LONG ROAD HOME and “Dumbarton” in BBC’s limited series TABOO opposite Tom Hardy. In 2008, Kelly starred as “Detective Lester Ybarra” opposite Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich in Clint Eastwood’s CHANGELING, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was distributed by Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment. For his performance, Kelly received a coveted spot as one of “Daily Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch.” That same year, Kelly starred in the HBO miniseries GENERATION KILL, which chronicled one Marine’s journey in the American-led assault on Baghdad in 2003. Kelly’s other feature film credits include Louis Leterrier’s NOW YOU SEE MEopposite Mark Ruffalo and Jesse Eisenberg, Zack Snyder’s MAN OF STEEL, the hit film CHRONICLE, George Nolfi’s THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, Doug Liman’s FAIR GAME opposite Sean Penn and Naomi Watts, F. Gary Gray’s LAW ABIDING CITIZEN alongside Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx, DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS? with Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker, DEFENDOR with Woody Harrelson, INVINCIBLE opposite Mark Wahlberg, the Universal blockbuster DAWN OF THE DEADdirected by Zach Snyder, TENDERNESS starring Russell Crowe, THE NARROWS directed by Francois Velle, BROKEN ENGLISH written and directed by Zoe Cassavetes, nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, and LOGGERHEADS nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. Kelly also appeared in M. Night Shyamalan’s UNBREAKABLE, Milos Forman’s MAN ON THE MOON and RIVER RED (Sundance Film Festival). On television, Kelly has had recurring roles on the hit shows THE GOOD WIFE and PERSON OF INTEREST. He played the series regular role of “Jonathan ‘Prophet’ Simms” in CRIMINAL MINDS: SUSPECT BEHAVIOR, “Terrence Brooks” on LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and “John Mosley” on FRINGE. Kelly also had the recurring role of “FBI Agent Ron Goddard” on THE SOPRANOS and was a series regular on the USA network television series KOJAK with Ving Rhames and Chazz Palminteri and the UPN action drama LEVEL 9. He has also guest starred on numerous hit television shows, including BLACK MIRROR, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, LAW & ORDER: C.S.I. MIAMI, THE SHIELD, JUDGING AMY, THE JURY and THIRD WATCH. A lifetime member of The Actor’s Studio, Kelly has performed in such plays as Arthur Penn’s production of Major Crimes, Theatre Studio’s Miss Julie as well as in a production of In Search of Strindberg staged in Stockholm, Sweden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Helen Levine - growing up in Brooklyn she might as well have been a million miles away from Manhattan but a chance meeting with a theater company at Brooklyn College in the early 1950s, opened up a whole new world of theater and the performing arts and a lifetime of love and appreciation for all things Broadway which was passed down to me - your devoted podcast host- Ilana Levine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jonathan Marc Sherman Part 2 Mr,Sherman was born and raised in New Jersey, graduated from Bennington College, and lives in New York City. His plays include: Things We Want; Clive; Knickerbocker; Evolution; Wonderful Time; Sons & Fathers; Sophistry; Veins & Thumbtacks; Serendipity & Serenity; Jesus on the Oil Tank; and Women & Wallace (also adapted for PBS-TV’s American Playhouse). They have been performed at Malaparte(co-founder), The New Group, The Public Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Williamstown Theatre Festival, WPA Theater, Los Angeles Theatre Center, and the Young Playwrights Festival, as well as in England, Australia, Israel, Istanbul, and Japan. Acting includes: Theater: Ivanov (CSC), Clive (The New Group); Sophistry (Playwrights Horizons); A Joke, Wild Dogs and The Great Unwashed (Malaparte); Up For Anything (Kraine), I Wanna Be Adored (NY Performance Works), Unexpected Tenderness (WPA), The Chopin Playoffs (American Jewish Theatre), and Oliver! (Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera). TV/Film: Quiz Show; Blaze; The Hottest State; The Baxter; The Limbo Room; When The Nines Roll Over; and My First Swedish Bombshell. He is a member of LAByrinth. His hobby is writing about himself in the third person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jonathan Marc Sherman was born and raised in New Jersey, graduated from Bennington College, and lives in New York City. His plays include: Things We Want; Clive; Knickerbocker; Evolution; Wonderful Time; Sons & Fathers; Sophistry; Veins & Thumbtacks; Serendipity & Serenity; Jesus on the Oil Tank; and Women & Wallace (also adapted for PBS-TV’s American Playhouse). They have been performed at Malaparte(co-founder), The New Group, The Public Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Williamstown Theatre Festival, WPA Theater, Los Angeles Theatre Center, and the Young Playwrights Festival, as well as in England, Australia, Israel, Istanbul, and Japan. Acting includes: Theater: Ivanov (CSC), Clive (The New Group); Sophistry (Playwrights Horizons); A Joke, Wild Dogs and The Great Unwashed (Malaparte); Up For Anything (Kraine), I Wanna Be Adored (NY Performance Works), Unexpected Tenderness (WPA), The Chopin Playoffs (American Jewish Theatre), and Oliver! (Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera). TV/Film: Quiz Show; Blaze; The Hottest State; The Baxter; The Limbo Room; When The Nines Roll Over; and My First Swedish Bombshell. He is a member of LAByrinth. His hobby is writing about himself in the third person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
For more than thirty years, screenwriter Leslie Dixon has been writing some of the seminal comedies of our time—from Mrs. Doubtfire to Overboard—imagining into existence iconic characters who have been brought to cinematic life by the greatest comedians. And, as if that weren’t enough, Dixon has also kept audiences on the edge of their seats with smart and suspenseful screenplays like Limitless and The Thomas Crown Affair. Some little known facts about Leslie Dixon: Dixon was raised in San Francisco by a single mother. She recalls, “My delightful mother just laughed when I was rude, or bratty. I grew up to be rude and bratty.” Dixon knew no one when she moved to Hollywood at 26. She worked as a secretary and wrote a script on the office computer in secret. Dixon is the fourth highest grossing female screenwriter of all time, more successful than Nora Ephron. (“But we don’t gloat at the dead.”) Photographer Dorothea Lange and painter Maynard Dixon were her grandparents. She notes, “Both my grandparents’ work goes at Sotheby’s for a million, but these artists made no real money in their lifetimes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana and Marin once again join in a discussion on Marins career. Marin Ireland has been seen on Broadway in Big Knife, After Miss Julie, reasons to be pretty (Tony nom, Theatre World Award). Selected Off-Broadway: Blue Ridge (Atlantic), Summer and Smoke (Transport Group/CSC), Three Sisters (CSC), Marie Antoinette, Blasted (Soho Rep), Maple and Vine (Playwrights Horizons), In the Wake, The Ruby Sunrise (Public), Lie of the Mind (New Group); Cyclone (Obie Award; Studio Dante), Far Away (NYTW), The Harlequin Studies (Signature), On the Exhale(Drama Desk nom, Solo Performance, Roundabout), Ironbound (Drama Desk nom, Rattlestick, Geffen Playhouse), Kill Floor (LCT3). Other: 4.48 Psychosis (Royal Court US tour), Troilus & Cressida (Wooster Group/RSC). Film: The Family Fang, Glass Chin (Independent Spirit Award nomination), 28 Hotel Rooms, Flint, Sparrows Dance, The Irishman, others. TV: “Sneaky Pete,” “The Slap,“"Masters of Sex,” “Girls,” “The Divide,” “Homeland", “Mildred Pierce,”others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Marin Ireland has recently been seen in Happy Talk at the New Group also previsouly Big Knife, After Miss Julie, reasons to be pretty (Tony nom, Theatre World Award). Selected Off-Broadway: Blue Ridge (Atlantic), Summer and Smoke (Transport Group/CSC), Three Sisters (CSC), Marie Antoinette, Blasted (Soho Rep), Maple and Vine (Playwrights Horizons), In the Wake, The Ruby Sunrise (Public), Lie of the Mind (New Group); Cyclone (Obie Award; Studio Dante), Far Away (NYTW), The Harlequin Studies (Signature), On the Exhale(Drama Desk nom, Solo Performance, Roundabout), Ironbound (Drama Desk nom, Rattlestick, Geffen Playhouse), Kill Floor (LCT3). Other: 4.48 Psychosis (Royal Court US tour), Troilus & Cressida (Wooster Group/RSC). Film: The Family Fang, Glass Chin (Independent Spirit Award nomination), 28 Hotel Rooms, Flint, Sparrows Dance, The Irishman, others. TV: “Sneaky Pete,” “The Slap,“"Masters of Sex,” “Girls,” “The Divide,” “Homeland", “Mildred Pierce,”others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Casey Nicholaw is currently presented on Broadway as director/choreographer of The Prom, Mean Girls (2018 Tony® nominations for Best Direction and Choreography), Disney’s Aladdin (2014 Tony®, Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for Best Choreography), and co-director and choreographer of The Book of Mormon (2011 Tony®, Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle Awards for co-director and nominations in the same categories for Choreography); Olivier award winner for Best Choreography. Represented on the West End as director and choreographer of The Book of Mormon and Aladdin. Other Broadway credits as director/choreographer: Tuck Everlasting, Something Rotten (2015 Tony®nominations for Best Direction and Choreography) Elf: The Musical; The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Tony®, Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle nominations); Monty Python’s Spamalot directed by Mike Nichols (2005 Tony®, Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle nominations Best Choreography). Additional New York credits: for City Center Encores! – the highly acclaimed productions of Most Happy Fella, Anyone Can Whistle and Follies (direction/choreography). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana Levine - the host of Little Known Facts - recently sat down with Ben Stiller (actor, director, writer, producer and activist) on stage in front of a live audience at The Atlantic Theater as part of her live podcast series. Together these two old friends shared hilarious stories of their early days in New York City, Ben's growing up, the child of the famous comedy duo Stiller and Meara, his experience on stage vs. film, dealing with fame and his work on behalf of refugees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Anna Chlumsky is an Emmy nominated actress who has continued to make a name for herself in film, on television and on stage. Most recently, Chlumsky completed production on the seventh and final season of the Emmy-winning comedy, Veep, which will premiered on HBO on March 31st, 2019. Chlumsky was seen on screen in Minhal Baig’s film “Hala” as Shannon, which premiered at the 2019 Sundance Festival. “Hala’s” worldwide rights has also been acquired by Apple. In 2017, Chlumsky was nominated for her fifth consecutive Emmy© in the category of “Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” for her portrayal as Brookheimer. She was also nominated for a Critics Choice Award, and won the SAG Ensemble for VEEP. She won the Gracie Allen Award in 2015 for Outstanding Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a comedy or Musical for her work on Veep. Chlumsky made her Broadway debut in 2015 in Scott Ellis’ revival of You Can’t Take It With You. She played “Alice Sycamore,” the daughter of an eccentric family, opposite James Earl Jones and Annaleigh Ashford. She also reprised her role as “Iris Peabody” in Joe DiPietro’s Living on Love, which made its Williamstown Theatre Festival debut in 2014 and transferred to Broadway. Based on the famed Peccadillo, Chlumsky starred opposite Renee Fleming, Douglas Sills and Jerry O’Connell. Additionally, her New York stage credits include: Cardinal, 3C, Love, Loss, and What I Wore (Westside Theatre); So Help Me God (Mint Theatre Company); Unconditional(LA Byrinth Theater Company); The Fabulous Life of a Size Zero (DR2);Darwin in Malibu (Bay Street Theatre); The Butcherhouse Chronicles (Summer Play Festival); Balm in Gilead (Barefoot Theater Company - Member); Half Life (Flea Theater/Fringe Festival); Iphigeneia at Aulis (TimeSpace Productions); Measure for Measure (Astoria Performing Arts Center); No Alarms: Headfullofradio (Veritas Productions); and The Trojan Women (Veritas Productions). Additional TV credits include AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire, NBC’s Hannibal,: 30 Rock, and Law & Order” SVU. Chlumsky became a household name when she starred alongside Macaulay Culkin as Vada Sultenfuss in the 1991 film, My Girl. Other notable film credits include: The End of Tour, Bert and Arnie’s Guide to Friendship, In The Loop; The Good Guy; Blood Car; My Girl 2; Gold Diggers; the Glamour Reel Short, and Wait. She currently resides in NY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
An actor, playwright, screenwriter, and director, the Tony Award-winning John Cameron Mitchell is most famous as co-creator of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which began life as an Obie-winning off-Broadway show (with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask), before becoming a 2001 movie (written, directed by and starring Mitchell), which won Mitchell the Best Director award at that year’s Sundance Film Festival, as well as a raft of other awards and a Golden Globe nomination. He also starred on Broadway in Six Degrees of Separation, The Secret Garden and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Mitchell also directed the 2006 movie Shortbus, which showed explicit sex; has collaborated on projects spanning music, theater, and film; has starred in TV shows including Shrill and Girls; and directed the films, Rabbit Hole and How To Talk To Girls At Parties among others. He is currently on tour performing The Origin of Love: The Songs and Stories of Hedwig and wrote and stars in a podcast fictional series called Anthem: Homunculus which Mitchell describes as a continuation of the Hedwig story co- starring Glen Close, Patti LuPone and Cynthia Erivo along with other Broadway stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week, 2019 Tony winner Stephanie J. Block joins Ilana for a conversation. Block has established herself as one of the most relevant and versatile voices in contemporary musical theatre. She most recently won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical portraying Star in THE CHER SHOW and also garnered a Drama League, Drama Desk and TONY Award nomination(s) for her current role of Star. Ms. Block also received the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk & TONY nomination(s) for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2017 for her star turn as Trina in Lincoln Center Theatre’s highly acclaimed revival of FALSETTOS. In 2013 she was recognized with both the Drama Desk and TONY Award nomination(s) for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Alice Nutting/ Edwin DROOD in The Roundabout Theater’s production of THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD. That marks 3 TONY Award nominations in the last 6 years, a feat very few Broadway actors have attained. Other Broadway credits include Reno Sweeney in the 2011 TONY Award winning revival of ANYTHING GOES, 9 TO 5:THE MUSICAL playing the role of Judy Bernly for which she earned a Drama Desk nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She created the roles of Grace O'Malley in THE PIRATE QUEEN and Liza Minnelli In THE BOY FROM OZ (opposite Hugh Jackman). Ms. Block is best known for her portrayal as Elphaba in the Broadway company of WICKED as well as originating the role in the First National Tour for which she won numerous awards including the prestigious Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical. Ms. Block has sung with numerous symphony orchestras including the NY Pops at Carnegie Hall, Boston Pops, National Symphony Orchestra (under the baton of Marvin Hamlisch), Dallas Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Charlotte Symphony and the Cleveland Pops among many others. Her solo concert has been critically acclaimed and continues to sell out throughout the US and in London. Some of her Off-Broadway and regional theatrical credits include LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical), BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK(Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play), THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG(starring opposite Jason Alexander), CATS (St Louis' Kevin Kline Award Nominee- Best Actress),FUNNY GIRL, CRAZY FOR YOU (L.A. Ovation Award Nominee), OLIVER (Critics Award-Best Actress), James Joyce's THE DEAD, TRIUMPH OF LOVE, THE GRASS HARP, SOUTH PACIFIC, WILL ROGERS FOLLIES and the World Premiere of WICKED. Stephanie's solo album, THIS PLACE I KNOW has been received with great praise, lauded by critics as "One of the best debut recordings to come out of the Broadway community in quite some time... 6 out of 5 stars". An array of award-winning songwriters assembled to help interpret their music on Stephanie's album. Composers such as Stephen Schwartz, Marvin Hamlisch and the legendary Dolly Parton join forces with Ms. Block to create a thrilling musical experience. Stephanie's voice can be heard on multiple cast recordings, including THE BOY FROM OZ, THE PIRATE QUEEN, WICKED's 5th Anniversary Album and 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL (GrammyNomination). Television credits include: RISE (upcoming: NBC), MADAME SECRETARY (CBS), ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK (Netflix), HOMELAND (Showtime), IT COULD BE WORSE (HULU). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A New York native, Robert Horn studied Theater at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and New York’s Circle in the Square theater school. Soon after, he left for Los Angeles to pursue a writing career in film and television that has spanned has over 30 years. His first break came as a writer/producer on the iconic television series ‘Designing Women’, followed by the groundbreaking Fox series ‘Living Single’, and the irreverent CBS comedy ‘High Society’. Mr. Horn was then signed to an overall production deal with Warner Brothers Studios, where he developed, wrote, and Executive Produced dozens of network pilots and/or series. He then signed a multi-year script deal at Sony Studios, followed by an overall pilot deal at ABC Studios. He, along with television veteran Bob Boyett, wrote and created the FX series Partners, one of the few 10/90 deals made in the early 2000’s. He has written projects for many numerous broadcast, cable, and platform networks, including as the musical pilot Car Wash with Will Packer, The Jenni Rivera show for latin susperstar Jenni Rivera, the pilot Sunnyland for TBS starring Jennifer Hudson, Left of Center developed with TV veteran Gail Berman, and Taxi 22 at HBO, starring James Gandolfini. Mr. Horn also wrote musical movie’s such as ‘Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure’, the next of the High School Musical series, followed by the hugely popular ‘Teen Beach Movie’ franchise for Disney. Along with his television credits, Mr. Horn has written such diverse projects as ‘Wildlife’ for Walt Disney Feature Animation, the Charlie Sheen feature film ‘Good Advice’, ‘The RuPaul Christmas Special’ for the BBC, and ‘Revenge’, a digital musical series co- written with Jason Robert Brown for Sony’s digital Crackle network, and contributed Bette Midler’s world tour Divine Intervention. Theatrically, Mr. Horn has written the books for ‘Dame Edna, Back With A Vengeance’ which opened at Broadway’s Music Box theater in 2004, ‘Lone Star Love’, the Red Clay Rambler musical which premiered at the 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle, the Jason Robert Brown musical ‘13’, which previewed at the Goodspeed Opera House in Goodspeed, Conn, and opened at the Jacobs Theater in New York. the musical ‘Moonshine, that Hee Haw Musical’, wirth Brandy Clark and Shane Mcanally, which opened at the Dallas Theater Center, and the Broadway musical Tootsie, collaborating with David Yazbek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tracy Spiridakos was born in Canada and spent a portion of her childhood in her native Greece. Her family returned to Winnipeg but Tracy knew she wouldn't stay there long, eventually leaving solid employment at her parents Greek restaurant to move to Vancouver and pursue her dreams of acting. She found success early on television series such as Supernatural and Being Human, but her breakout role was playing the lead role of Charlie Matheson on JJ Abrams' Revolution on NBC. Since then she has shown her comedic side in Showtime's Episodes with Matt LeBlanc, as a femme fatale on A&E’s Bates Motel and has the mysterious ex-girlfriend of Lucas Till’s “MacGyver.” Tracy currently stars as “Det. Hailey Upton” on the NBC hit show “Chicago PD”. She lives in Chicago with her beloved Rottweiler, Nala. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Shoshana Bean can be seen on Broadway this summer in the role of Jenna in the hit musical Waitress. Bean'slatest album Spectrum landed her at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts. She made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray and starred as the first replacement for Elphaba in Wicked. Most recently, she appeared as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and as Cee-Cee Bloom in the new musical adaptation of Beaches, for which she earned a Jeff Award Nomination for best lead actress in a musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On an early Sunday morning Tommy Kail and Ilana met in the quiet of the podcast booth to catch up about all the things!! From Hamilton to hair products Ilana and Tommy cover a lot of territory. Other topics discussed include Tommy's childhood in the D.C. area, the pain of no longer being able to play sports, and of course his deep friendship and creative partnership with Lin Manuel Miranda. Thomas Kail won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Hamilton. Kail's Broadway credits include In the Heights (Tony nom.), Lombardi, Magic/Bird. Off-Broadway: Hamilton (the Public; Drama Desk, Lortel and Obie Awards), In the Heights (Callaway Award, Drama Desk/OCC noms), Randy Newman's Faust and The Wiz (City Center), Broke-ology and When I Come to Die (LCT), Family Furniture (The Flea, Drama Desk nom), The Tutors (2ST Uptown). Other credits: Broke-ology (Williamstown), Once on This Island (Paper Mill) and In the Heights (national tour). Co-creator/director of hip-hop improv group Freestyle Love Supreme. Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center. He won the Emmy award for his direction of Grease Live and is the Director and an Executive Producer of the mini series Fosse/Verdon for FX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Maddie Corman joins Ilana this week on the podcast. Maddie’s career began when she appeared in the seminal 80's movies Seven Minutes in Heaven and Some Kind of Wonderful. Maddie was a series regular on “Mr. President”, “All American Girl” and “Almost There.” Guest /recurring roles include all 3 “Law & Orders”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Damages”, “The Good Wife”, “Person of Interest”, “Nurse Jackie”, “Girls”, “Divorce”, “Odd Mom Out”, “When We Rise”, “High Maintenance”, “Younger” and “Madame Secretary”. Films include: Wonderwheel, 5 Flights Up, Peace Love & Misunderstanding, Morning Glory, Ira & Abby, What Happens in Vegas, I Think I Do, Ford Fairlane and Swingers. Upcoming: Maddie will play Lady Aberlin to Tom Hanks’ Mr. Rogers in A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood. Broadway: Next Fall, Picnic. Off-Broadway: The Babylon Line, Appropriate, Love Loss, etc. She wrote, co-directed and stars in How Was Your Day (Tribeca Film Fest “Watch this short” series). Maddie was a Playwright in Residence at NY Stage and Film where she developed Accidentally Brave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana interviews the three child actresses who star in The Ferryman on Broadway. MATILDA LAWLER -Broadway debut! Last fall, she starred opposite Richard Masur in The Net Will Appear at MST. Matilda plays Michaela McManus’ daughter in the upcoming The Block Island Sound by the McManus Brothers. Matilda also enjoys writing, design and cupcakes. Special thanks to David Doan, CESD, Mom, Lily, Richard and Dad. WILLOW MCCARTHY- made her professional and Broadway debut in the title role of Matilda. Last season she appeared on Broadway in 1984. She is in 6th grade. Much love and gratitude to her friends and family for their love and support, with a special shout out to her cousins, Amy and Lydia. Brian, Rachel, Ellen, and Jillian, thank you. BROOKLYN SHUCK - is originally from Lexington, KY. Broadway: Annie, Matilda, Tuck Everlasting, Les Misérables, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Regional: Randy Newman’s Faust, Beaches (Signature/Drury Lane). TV: “Rise,” “Instinct.” Thanks and love to my family, Nancy Carson and John Mara. IG @brooklynshuck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mandy Gonzalez possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. She is currently starring in the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton”. She is best known for her emotional portrayal of Nina Rosario in the Tony Award winning, Lin-Manuel Miranda Broadway musical “In the Heights”, a role she originally created Off Broadway at 37 Arts and which received a Drama Desk Award for Best Ensemble. She starred as Elphaba in the Broadway production of “Wicked”, blowing the roof off of New York’s Gershwin Theatre each night as she belted out signature song “Defying Gravity” and for which she was rewarded with a Broadway.com Award for Best Replacement. Other Broadway roles include Princess Amneris in the Elton John and Tim Rice musical “Aida” and the Broadway show “Lennon” where she portrayed multiple roles including that of Beatles’ icon John Lennon. Mandy made her Broadway debut in Jim Steinman’s “Dance of the Vampires” starring opposite Michael Crawford.Mandy received an OBIE Award and overwhelming critical praise for her performance in the Off-Broadway production of “Eli’s Comin’”, directed by Diane Paulus and based on the music and lyrics of renowned singer-songwriter Laura Nyro.Equally at home on the big and small screen, she has appeared in “Across the Universe” directed by Julie Taymor, “After” starring opposite Pablo Schreiber and “Man on a Ledge” with Sam Worthington. Most recently, Mandy had a recurring role on the ABC drama thriller “Quantico”. On Sunday evenings, television viewers can find her working at The White House on the CBS breakout hit “Madam Secretary”.Mandy can be heard as the voice of Mei in Disney’s “Mulan 2” and on recordings of the original Broadway cast album of “In the Heights”, “Kerrigan-Lowdermilk Live” and “The Man Who Would Be King”. Mandy has released her first solo album- Fearless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Marc Kudisch – Three-time Tony Award Nominee, Drama Desk Award winner and two-time Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee. Film and Television: LATE NIGHT (Billy Kastner), THE TICK (Commander Ty Rathbone, Amazon), BILLIONS (Dr Gus, Showtime), MINDHUNTER (Roger Wade, Netflix), LIMITLESS, HOUSE OF CARDS (Senator Henry Mitchell, Netflix), UNFORGETTABLE, PERSON OF INTEREST, 27 EAST (Pilot); GOSSIP GIRL , BLUE BLOODS, SMASH, SEX AND THE CITY, BYE BYE BIRDIE (Conrad) for ABC TV, BREAK IN (Val) for Lifetime, ALL MY CHILDREN (ABC). Broadway: FINDING NEVERLAND (Charles Froman/Hook), HAND TO GOD (Pastor Greg), 9 TO 5 (Franklin Hart), CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (Baron Bomburst), THE APPLE TREE (Roundabout Theatre), ASSASSINS (The Proprietor, Roundabout Theatre), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Trevor Graydon), BELLS ARE RINGING (Jeff Moss), LaChiusa’s THE WILD PARTY (Jackie – Public Theater), THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (Chauvelin), HIGH SOCIETY (George Kittredge), DISNEY’S BEAUTY & THE BEAST (Gaston) and JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Reuben). Recent Off-Broadway: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at the Public Theatre, HEY LOOK ME OVER. At Encores/City Center, FUCKING A and THE WAYSIDE MOTOR INN at the Signature Theatre, HAND TO GOD at MCC, THE HOLIDAY GUYS (co-creator) at The York Theatre, THE BLUE FLOWER at Second Stage, A MINISTER’S WIFE and THE GLORIOUS ONES at Lincoln Center. Recent Regional credits include UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN at MUNY, HAMLET at Yale Rep; TARTUFFE at Westport Playhouse; Terrence McNally's GOLDEN AGE at the Kennedy Center (Helen Hayes award nom.); Ricky Ian Gordon's SYCAMORE TREES (Helen Hayes award), Michael John Lachusia's THE HIGHEST YELLOW (Helen Hayes nom.) and THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK (Helen Hayes award) all for the Signature Theatre DC. Opera: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and PIRATES OF PENZANCE for NYC Opera, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, ANATOMY THEATRE and WONDERFUL TOWN at LA Opera, Henry Kissinger in THE NEW PRINCE for The Dutch National Opera in Amsterdam. Kudisch is married to choreographer Shannon Lewis and lives in New York City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ISABELLE HUPPERT is a multi-award winning screen and stage actress. Throughout her career Isabelle Huppert has worked with many French and international directors including Jean-Luc Godard, Michael Haneke, Maurice Pialat, Patrice Chéreau, Olivier Assayas, Claire Denis, the Taviani brothers, David O’Russell, Marco Ferreri, Michael Cimino, Harl Hartley, Neil Jordan, Hong Sang Soo and more. Awards won include: a BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Feature Films for her work in The Lacemaker, two Venice Film Festival Best Actress Awards for Claude Chabrol’s Story of Women and The Ceremony, Venice Film Festival’s Special Jury Lion d’Or for her performance in Patrice Chéreau’s Gabrielle and for her entire body of work; two Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Awards for Claude Chabrol’s Violette and for Michael Haneke’s The Piano Teacher; in France she received the César (Best Actress Award) for Claude Chabrol’s The Ceremony and Paul Verhoeven’s Elle – a film for which she also received a Gotham Award, a Golden Globe and a Spirit Award in addition to being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She received a Molière Award for her career (honoring achievements in French theater; equivalent to the Tony Awards); and the prestigious “XVI Prix Europe pour le Théâtre” in Rome. Isabelle Huppert has also pursued her theatrical career in France and internationally, including BAM (4:48 Psychosis, Quartet, and Phaedra). She has acted under the direction of Bob Wilson (Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, Heiner Müller’s Quartet), Peter Zadek (Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure), Claude Régy (Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis), and Howard Davies (Friedrich von Schiller’s Mary Stuart).
TRIP CULLMAN (Director). Broadway: Choir Boy, Lobby Hero, Six Degrees of Separation, Significant Other. Select off Broadway: I'm Gonna Pray For You So Hard (Atlantic); Days of Rage, The Layover, Lonely I’m Not, The Substance of Fire, Some Men, Bachelorette, Swimming in the Shallows (Second Stage); Punk Rock (Obie Award), Yen, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Gynecologic Oncology Unit At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Of New York City (MCC); Significant Other (Roundabout); Choir Boy, Murder Ballad (MTC); A Small Fire (Drama Desk nom.), Assistance, The Drunken City (Playwrights Horizons); The Hallway Trilogy: Nursing, The Last Sunday in June (Rattlestick); Dog Sees God (Century Center); Roulette (EST); US Drag(stageFARM); and several productions with The Play Company. London: The Colby Sisters of Pittsburgh, PA (Tricycle). Select regional: Geffen, Alliance, Old Globe, South Coast Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Bay Street, Williamstown Theater Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana sat down with the hosts of the podcast "Having A Night" - actresses Sophie von Haselberg and Ariana Venturi.Having A Night is a podcast dedicated to reviving the lost art of the dinner party. Sophie and Ari are obsessed with the art of throwing the "remember-it-forever-dinner party" and Ilana is terrified of having dinner parties so this was a perfect opportunity for Ilana to sit down with these two wonderful actresses who also are food lovers and expert entertainers and together they are going to help Ilana get over her fear of things not being "perfect" and to lean in to the real point of a dinner party which is to be with people you love! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Caitlin Kinnunen is currently starring on Broadway in The Prom. Born and raised in Washington State, she moved to New York when she was 16 to make her Broadway debut in Spring Awakening. She later appeared on Broadway in The Bridges of Madison County, on the first national tour of Next to Normal, and in numerous film and television projects including The Intern, It's Kind of a Funny Story, Sweet Little Lies, Younger, American Vandal, The Knick, and Law & Order: SVU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How To Be More Chill explores how the extraordinary musical “Be More Chill” arrived on Broadway in Spring 2019 with unprecedented momentum. Hosted by Ilana Levine of Little Known Facts and Sam Maher YesBroadway, the podcast centers around deep-dive interviews with the show’s creators and cast members as they give you the behind-the-scenes scoop on how the show entered the international pop culture zeitgeist on such a massive scale and how the impact of the show’s fandom brought the show to Broadway. Good luck being chill about this podcast - Sam and Ilana definitely weren’t! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mario Cantone, the celebrated New York stage actor and stand-up comedian gained critical acclaim with his Tony-nominated one-man show Laugh Whore, from its appearance at the Cort Theatre on Broadway to the Showtime Network special. He also starred on Broadway as SAM BYCK in the Tony-winning Assassins,by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman, BUZZ in Terrence McNally's Tony award-winning dramatic comedy, Love! Valor! Compassion! All three of these hit shows were directed by four-time Tony-winner Joe Mantello. His other Broadway credits include GIDGER, in The Violet Hour(original Broadway cast), and STEPHANO (opposite Patrick Stewart), in Shakespeare's The Tempest. Off-Broadway Cantone also originated the roles of TERRY in The Crumple Zone,directed by Jason Moore, and MATT inSteve, for the New Group, directed by Cynthia Nixon. He is currently starring in A Room Of My Own(opposite Ralph Macchio), at the Abingdon Theatre. The feature film from work, from Cantone, include “Quiz Show”, directed by Robert Redford, Sony's animated film, “Surf's Up”, “In Stereo”, “The Aristocrats”, and as Anthony Marentino, in “Sex and the City 1” and “Sex and the City 2”. He can still be seen, HBO’s series “Sex and the City”, in syndication on many television stations. He was a recurring character on ABC’s “Men In Trees”, and has a guest star on VH1’s “Hindsight”.
On Comedy Central Cantone's performances have been featured on “The USO Comedy Tour”, “Comics Come Home”, “Chappelle Show”, “Denis Leary Roast”, and “Joan Rivers Roast”. The network was also home to his first solo stand-up special “Comedy Central Presents Mario Cantone.” Cantone got his start hosting the local New York children's show “Steampipe Alley”, where the comic slipped in sly pop culture innuendo that adults could enjoy. His other television credits include appearances on “Late Night with David Letterman”, “Jimmy Fallon”, “Oprah”, “Conan” “Martha Stewart”, “Meredith Viera”, “The Today Show”, and through out it’s 18 year run, multiple appearances, as guest and co-host, on “ABC’s The View”. Cantone has appeared on the stages of Carnegie Hall, Atlantic City’s Borgata, The Golden Nugget, Cearsar’s Palace (Las Vegas), and performing arts centers of Santa Rosa, Peekskill, Scottsdale, Fort Lauderdale, and St. Louis, where he performed his comedy and music show, Mario Cantone Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode Ilana sat down with her friend and the producer of the first play Ilana ever did in New York, Tony Award winner - Daryl Roth. Roth is an award-winning theatre producer and President of Daryl Roth Productions. She is honored to hold the singular distinction of producing seven Pulitzer Prize-winning plays: Anna in the Tropics; August: Osage County (2008 Tony Award); Clybourne Park (2012 Tony Award); How I Learned to Drive; Proof (2001 Tony Award); Edward Albee’sThree Tall Women; and Wit. The proud recipient of ten Tony Awards and London’s Olivier Award, highlights of her over 100 award winning productions both on and off Broadway include: The Tony and Olivier Award winning musical Kinky Boots (Broadway, U.S. Tour, London, Toronto, Australia, Korea, Japan); Bea Arthur on Broadway; Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s Caroline, or Change; Closer Than Ever; Curtains; Edward Albee’s The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? (2002 Tony Award); The Humans (2016 Tony Award); Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore; Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart (2011 Tony Award); A Raisin in the Sun (2014 Tony Award); Shuffle Along; The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife; Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992; A View from the Bridge (2016 Tony); War Horse (2011 Tony Award); Wiesenthal; The Year of Magical Thinking; and De La Guarda, which ran for 7 years as the inaugural production at the Daryl Roth Theatre, a landmark building in Manhattan’s Union Square. Upcoming Broadway productions include Paula Vogel’s Indecent; Groundhog Day; Hello, Dolly starring Bette Midler; Present Laughter starring Kevin Kline; and Sunset Boulevard starring Glenn Close. Film credits include My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story a documentary exploring the relationships of well-known New Yorkers and their dogs. Ms. Roth is a newly appointed member of the New York City Police Foundation Board of Trustees, a member of the Mayor’s Theater Subdistrict Council, an Honorary Trustee for Lincoln Center Theatre, and was twice included in Crain’s “100 MostInfluential Women in Business.” Recent honors include: The Order of the Golden Sphinx award from The Harvard Hasty Pudding Institute; New York Living Landmarks award; Humanitarian Award from the Women's Division and Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Broadway Association Visionary Leader Award; Family Equality Council Family Award; Live Out Loud Humanitarian Award; and the Lucille Lortel Lifetime Achievement Award. She enjoys supporting a diverse group of charitable and cultural institutions, and is active in LGBTQ rights causes, animal rights, and support for the arts. Ms. Roth is married to real estate developer Steven Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This weeks episode was recorded live at BroadwayCon 2019. In honor of Women's History Month, Ilana is joined by some other members of BroadwayMakers - all women- to share stories of how they took their passion for Broadway and turned it into a successful business. Alisa Hurwitz, PsyD - a/k/a Dr. Drama is in private practice at The Counseling Center of Nashua where she has been a clinical psychologist for the past 7 years, specializing in working with individuals on the autism spectrum, providing structural family therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and therapy for LGBT individuals. Jennifer Kahn is the founder and CEO of Scenery Bags, which uses retired show backdrops to make fashionable clutches. Part of the proceeds go to the Theater Development Fund to take kids to the theater. Gillian Pensavalle - Gillian is the creator and host of The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast, the first Hamilton podcast to hit the airwaves in January of 2016, which has since earned the title of "The Official Hamilton Podcast" among cast members. Andrea Koehler is the founder of The Coloring Project and Coloring Broadway, she opens the backdoor to self-discovery using coloring as a tool for mindfulness, helping people quiet their inner critic so that they can access their inner “artist”, and sharing show tunes as a way express our emotions when words fail. Amber Kempter - Amber makes custom Funko Pop vinyl figures and pins from popular Broadway musicals, mostly Hamilton characters. Amber runs the Facebook group “Broadway Goes Pop!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Amy was last seen onstage in Mike Bartlett’s play LOVE LOVE LOVE at the Roundabout theatre directed by Michael Mayer, for which she earned an Obie award. She made her Broadway debut in Wendy Wasserstein’s THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG. Amy was nominated for two TONY awards as best featured actress for her performances in UNCLE VANYA and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Other theatre credits include DETROIT by Lisa D’Amour’s Detroit, at Playwrights Horizons, Amy is perhaps best known for her acclaimed performance in Ben Affleck’s GONE BABY GONE, for which she was earned an Academy Award nomination. She can be seen in the upcoming films, STRANGE BUT TRUE and LOST GIRLS. Other film credits include: BEAUTIFUL BOY,BIRDMAN, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE, BRIDGE OF SPIES, GOOSEBUMPS, ABUNDANT ACREAGE AVAILABLE, LOUDER THAN BOMBS, DON VERDEAN, BREATHE IN, CLEAR HISTORY, DEVIL’S KNOT ,WIN WIN, GREEN ZONE, JACK GOES BOATING, CHANGELING; BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD, CAPOTE, DAN IN REAL LIFE, WAR OF THE WORLDS, and KEANE. Amy’s television work includes “The Office” “In Treatment” and “The Wire.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jason Moore most recently directed the Broadway musical The Cher Show, which showcases Cher's life story brought to the stage featuring her beloved chart-topping hits. Starring Stephanie J. Block, Teal Wicks, Micaela Diamond and Jarrod Spector, with costumes by designer Bob Mackie, The Cher Show will began previews in November 2018 at the Neil Simon Theatre prior to the opening night on December 3, 2018. In addition, he’s currently directing Superhero at the Second Stage theatre which is set to begin on January 31, 2019. Starring Kate Baldwin, Kyle Mcarthur and Bryce Pinkham, Superhero is a deeply human new musical about a fractured family, the mysterious stranger in apartment 4-B, and the unexpected hero who just might save the day. Moore’s feature directorial debut, Pitch Perfect, starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Brittany Snow, was both a critical and commercial success. Written by Kay Cannon, the film premiered in 2012 and follows Beca, a freshman at Barden University, who is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition. Recently, Moore directed Sisters, starring Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph, written by Paula Pell. The film was released on December 18, 2015 by Universal Pictures. He will next direct and produce Hair Wars for Fox 2000, a musical project based on a real competition where hair salons face off, and Lionsgate’s Goodbye for Now, an adaptation of the Laurie Frankel novel. Moore is also the creative force behind some of Broadway’s biggest hits. Most recently, he directed Fully Committed, the restaurant-world comedy by Becky Mode starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who takes on over 40 characters in this one-man comedy set at Manhattan's number-one restaurant. Additionally, his previous theater projects include Shrek the Musical, for which he earned Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk award nominations; Steel Magnolias; and Avenue Q, for which he received a Tony Award nomination. Furthermore, he directed Jerry Springer: The Opera at Carnegie Hall and the off-Broadway hits Speech and Debate, Avenue Q, Guardians and The Crumple Zone, as well as, Tales of the City, with music by the Scissor Sisters, which premiered at the American Conservatory Theater. Moore’s previous television directorial credits include episodes of “Dawson's Creek,” “Everwood,” “One Tree Hill,” “Brothers and Sisters,” and “Trophy Wife.” Moore divides his time between New York and Los Angeles and received a B.A. in Performance Studies from Northwestern University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
At BroadwayCon 2019 Ilana Levine (LUCY), Anthony Rapp ( CHARLIE BROWN), Kristin Chenoweth (SALLY), BD Wong (LINUS), Roger Bart (SNOOPY) and director, Michael Mayer, reunited on stage at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to talk all things "You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown." Here is that event, recorded live, for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
At BroadwayCon 2019, Ilana led a fascinating and illuminating panel on "The Making Of A Cast Recording" with the star of Head Over Heels, Bonnie Milligan and Kurt Deutsch, Senior VP at Warner/ Chappell Music. Bonnie Milligan recently made her broadway debut to critical acclaim starring in Head Over Heels. Previous to HOH, Bonnie was seen playing the original role of Pat in the first national tour of Kinky Boots and off broadway in God Bless You, Mr Rosewater (Encores!), Gigantic (Vineyard), Jasper in Deadland (Prospect). Television credits include the recurring role of Kathryn on Search Party (TBS), Happy! (Sci Fi) and the upcoming new series from Ben Stiller. Twitter: @beltingbonnie Instagram @beltingbons Kurt Deutsch is an actor, director, record producer and film producer. He is the Senior Vice President for Theatrical & Catalog Development for Warner/Chappell Music, and President of Sh-K-Boom Records, a division of Warner Arts Music. Upon his joining Warner/Chappell Music, CEO Jon Platt stated that “Kurt is one of the most prominent figures in the Broadway world, having built Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight into a major force in musical theatre. His exceptional creative instincts, deep relationships in the theatrical community, and extensive experience in encouraging and cultivating composers will be invaluable as we continue to expand our service to songwriters. Today, the theatrical world is in the midst of a renaissance, and Kurt is a leader of this new generation of incredibly gifted songwriters, who are creating brilliant music that transcends genres and cultures." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Harry Hadden-Paton is a British actor renown for his work in the U.K. and recently in the U.S. on stage and screen, some of his credits include; LCT - My Fair Lady (Theatre World Award; Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League nominations). West End includes The Importance of Being Earnest (Ian Charleson Award nom.), Flare Path and The Pride. Off-West End includes She Stoops to Conquer (National Theatre), Posh (Royal Court), The Changeling (Young Vic) and The Prince of Homburg (Donmar Warehouse). Film: The Little Stranger, About Time, The Hollow Crown, The Deep Blue Sea, In the Loop, La Vie en Rose. TV includes Bertie Pelham on “Downton Abbey,” Martin Charteris on “The Crown,” Gaston de Foix on “Versailles” and Hans von Enke on “Wallander.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Patti Murin is an accomplished stage and television actress. Known for her acclaimed Broadway performances, Murin currently stars as ‘Anna’ in the Broadway production of Disney’s "Frozen." With lyrics written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Frozen is the timeless tale of a fearless princess who sets off on a journey alongside a rugged iceman, his loyal pet reindeer, and a naive snowman to find her estranged sister. Murin made her Broadway debut in 2007’s "Xanadu," in which she played the roles of Euterpe, Siren, and Thetis. Based on the film of the same name, "Xanadu" centers on a Greek muse who is sent to Earth to inspire Californians during the 1980s. Four years later, Murin played the lead of ‘Lysistrata Jones’ in 2011’s "Lysistrata Jones," a modern day adaptation of Aristophanes’ "Lysistrata." Soon after, Patti starred as ‘Glinda’ in the national tour of Broadway’s renowned play "Wicked." In addition to her performances on Broadway, Patti Murin has also starred in a wide range of off-Broadway theatrical productions. Most recently, Murin starred as ‘Linda Mason’ in "The Muny’s Holiday Inn" and Susie in "Lady, Be Good." At The Muny, she has also starred as ‘Roxie Hart’ in "Chicago" and ‘Ariel’ in "The Little Mermaid." In New York, Murin starred as ‘Princess’ in The Public Theater’s production of "Love’s Labour’s Lost." She also played the role of ‘Amber’ in The Cape Playhouse’s production of "Hairspray" and ‘Sharpay Evans’ in The Atlanta Theater of the Stars’ production of "High School Musical." Other theater credits include "Fly By Night," Jane Austen’s "Emma," "Band Geeks," "Give It Up!," "White Noise," "Princesses," "Glimpses of the Moon," "Beauty and the Beast," "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Crazy for You." On the small screen, Murin has starred as recurring character ‘Dr. Nina Shore’ in NBC’s “Chicago Med,” a medical drama set in the ER department of Chicago’s Gaffney Medical Center. She has also starred as ‘Ana’ in USA’s “Royal Pains.” Additionally, Patti Murin played the recurring role of ‘Ellen’ on ABC’s “All My Children.” Murin has also sung the national anthem at numerous sporting events, including a New York Mets game, Philadelphia Soul Football, and an event at Syracuse University. Patti Murin currently resides in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana was the host of a benefit concert for Stronger Than Hate - A benefit concert for the Tree Of Life Synagogue. The Jewish community and Broadway friends perform for a night of unification benefitting the Pittsburgh congregation and victims' families of the tragic October shooting. The evening features cast members from the National Yiddish Theatre's Fiddler on the Roof, a speaker from the Anti-Defamation League, and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Julie Gold. Proceeds go to Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Hosted by Ilana the evening cast members donating their talents include: Jodi Bluestein (Disney On Classic), Julie Gold ("From A Distance"), Jillian Gottlieb (The Golden Bride), Nathan Klau(Jersey Boys), Danny Harris Kornfeld (Renascence), Samantha G. Harris (Tree of Life congregant), Rebecca Kuznick (Company), Gary John LaRosa (Fiddler on the Roof), Stephanie Lynne Mason (Fiddler on the Roof), Jesse Manocherian (Marry Harry), Rosie Jo Neddy (Fiddler on the Roof), Bill Nolte (Waitress), Collin O'Connor (A Christmas Carol), Samantha Joy Pearlman (Chasing Rainbows), Scruffy Pearls featuring RJ Gatsby, Renee Hikari, Carly Pearlstein, and Billy Pearson, Hannah Richter (Far From Canterbury), Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld(Pokémon), Gavriel Savit (Amazing Grace), Jason Sirois (Anti-Defamation League), Eileen Tepper (LES MISERABLES), Marc Winski(Grease), and Rachel Zatcoff (The Phantom Of The Opera). The evening is Directed and Produced by Mara Jill Herman with Music Direction by Danny Lepek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jeremy Jordan is a Tony and Grammy-nominated actor and singer. He starred for the past three years on the CBS and CW hit, Supergirl. He can be heard as the voice of ‘Varian' in Disney Channel’s animated series, Tangled, based on the 2010 hit movie. Earlier, he was a series regular on NBC’s musical drama, Smash, and he starred opposite Anna Kendrick in the film adaptation of Jason Robert Brown’s beloved musical, The Last 5 Years. He was honored with the Rising Star award at the Napa Film Festival for his work on that film. Jeremy also starred opposite Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton in Todd Graff's Warner Bros. picture, Joyful Noise. On Broadway, he originated the role of 'Jack Kelly' in Disney's hit musical, Newsies, earning Tony, Grammy and Drama Desk nominations. He reprised the role in 2016 in Disney’s nationwide release of Newsies, taped live onstage at LA’s Pantages Theatre. Jeremy originated the role of 'Clyde Barrow' in Broadway's Bonnie & Clyde, for which he won the Theatre World Award. He got his Broadway start in Rock of Ages, and he then starred as 'Tony' in the most recent Broadway revival of West Side Story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mike Birbiglia is a writer, comedian, actor, and director. A contributor to “This American Life” and “The Moth,” he is the author of the New York Times best-selling book “Sleepwalk with Me and Other Painfully True Stories,” which was a finalist for the Thurber Prize For American Humor. He has appeared on the television shows “Orange Is the New Black,” “Broad City” and “Inside Amy Schumer.” He wrote, directed, and starred in the films “Sleepwalk with Me” and “Don’t Think Twice.” His recent solo plays include “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” “Thank God for Jokes,” and “The New One,” which is currently in a 12 week run on Broadway at the Cort Theatre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Laura Dreyfuss sat down for a live interview with Ilana at the W Hotel in Times Square on a rainy Sunday night and they talked about everything from life after Dear Evan Hansen, their friendship with Tony Award winner Ben Platt and their mutual love of dogs! Dreyfuss just wrapped season one of the highly anticipated Netflix series THE POLITICIAN, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. In it, she stars opposite Ben Platt, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange. Before that, Dreyfuss starred in and originated the lead female role of “Zoe” in the Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.” Dreyfuss played the role since the musical made its world premiere in 2015 at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. She was nominated for a 2016 Helen Hayes Award for Best Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical on behalf of that performance. Dreyfuss then performed in the role off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater before its highly anticipated transfer to Broadway’s Music Box Theatre in December 2016. Since its Broadway debut, “Dear Evan Hansen” and the individual performances have been acclaimed by fans and critics alike. Charles Isherwood of The New York Times called Dreyfuss’ performance “sensitive” and “altogether lovely.” The musical won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Dreyfuss received a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, and a Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program. Previous stage credits for Dreyfuss include the 2010 U.S. National Tour and 2011 Broadway revival of “Hair” understudying the roles of Sheila Franklin and Crissy. She also appeared in the original Broadway production of “Once”, eventually playing the lead female role, Girl, opposite Steve Kazee. “Once” was awarded the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2012. On the small screen, Dreyfuss is best known for portraying Madison McCarthy in the sixth season of the FOX television series, “Glee.” She appeared in 11 episodes and can be heard on the series’ covers of “Chandelier” by Sia, “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and “Come Sail Away” by Styx. She can currently be seen in a recurring role on the second season of the Emmy winning Amazon series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Dreyfuss holds a BFA in Musical Theater from the Boston Conservatory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana Levine hosted her Little Known Facts podcast on stage at The Atlantic Theater Company with special guests Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen. Academy Award winner Mary Steenburgen has appeared in over 60 films. She is known for her work in the films Melvin And Howard, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Step Brothers, and television shows “Justified,” “Orange is the New Black” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. Mary most recently starred alongside Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda and Candice Bergen in Paramount Pictures’ Book Club. For 4 years, Mary starred alongside Will Forte in FOX’s critically-acclaimed comedy series, “The Last Man on Earth”. Additional television credits include “30 Rock”, “Bored to Death”, and “Blunt Talk”. Additional film credits include Goin’ South, Time After Time, Ragtime, Philadelphia, Back To The Future 3, Cross Creek, Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy, Miss Firecracker, The Proposal, Elf, Dirty Girl, Four Christmases, The Help, and Last Vegas. Partial theater credits include Holiday, Candida, Marvin’s Room, The Beginning of August, The Exonerated. Mary is also a songwriter and wrote the end credit song for the upcoming feature film Wild Rose. Ted Danson is a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor known for an array of exceptional performances, most memorably for his portrayal of Boston bartender Sam Malone on NBC’s multi-award-winning and iconic comedy “Cheers,” which ran for 11 seasons and won three Emmys as Best Comedy Series. Danson currently plays Michael on the hit comedy “The Good Place” opposite Kristen Bell. The show premiered as a critic favorite and ratings hit for NBC. In addition to acting and producing, Danson is an environmental activist, co-founding the American Oceans Campaign (AOC) in 1987 to alert Americans to the life-threatening hazards created by oil spills, off-shore development, toxic wastes, sewage pollution and other ocean abuses. The AOC merged with Oceana in 2001. Oceana works to show citizens how they can participate in protecting and restoring marine resources, and to show Congress that Americans are concerned with these issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LILLI COOPER - Broadway: Tootsie (Julie Nichols), SpongeBob SquarePants (Sandy Cheeks),Wicked (Elphaba), Spring Awakening (Original Broadway Cast). Theater favorites: Sundown, Yellow Moon (WP Theater), Tick, Tick...Boom! (Keen Company), Natasha...Great Comet of 1812 (A.R.T.), The Wildness (Ars Nova), Noir (NYSF & NAMT), The Threepenny Opera (Atlantic Theater). TV: Instinct, The Good Fight, Bull, & Elementary(CBS). Film: Spielberg's “The Post”, Creator and star of the web-series: “It’s Not Okay, Cupid” (Glamour.com). Cooper is a native New Yorker, LaGuardia Arts and Vassar alum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Joe Iconis joins Ilana Levine for a live podcast taping at the W Hotel in Times Square, New York. Joe Iconis is a writer and performer. He is a creature of Manhattan and can frequently be spotted banging away on a dirty old piano. As a composer - lyricist - book writer, he has authored the musicals Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Bloodsong of Love, The Black Suits, ReWrite, Theaterworks USA’s The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks and We The People, and the currently in development Hunter S. Thompson Musical and Love In Hate Nation. The original cast recording of his musical phenomenon Be More Chill has over 80 million streams, and his song “Broadway, Here I Come!” was hailed by the New York Times as a new entry in the Great American Songbook. Albums: Be More Chill (Original Cast Recording), Things To Ruin (Original Cast Recording) and The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree all available on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records. Joe’s songs appeared on Season 2 of NBC’s “Smash” and his writing has been featured in The New York Times and The Dramatist. His concert act, Joe Iconis and Family, frequently plays The Beechman Theater, 54 Below, and Joe’s Pub. The original cast recording of Joe’s theatrical rock concert Things To Ruin, is out on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight records. He has been nominated for two Drama Desk Awards, a Lucille Lortel Award, and is the recipient of an Ed Kleban Award, a Jonathan Larson Award, an ASCAP Harold Adamson Lyric Award, a Doris Duke Grant, and a MAC John Wallowitch Songwriting Award. Joe is deliriously inspired by Robert Altman, Dolly Parton, Martin Scorcese, Sardi’s, The Rolling Stones, whiskey, The Muppets, and The Family of artists he frequently surrounds himself with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Steven Levenson is the Tony Award-winning book writer of Dear Evan Hansen. His plays include If I Forget, The Unavoidable Disappearance of Tom Durnin, Days of Rage, and The Language of Trees. Honors include the Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama League Award, and the Helen Hayes Award. He worked for three seasons as a writer and producer on Showtime’s Masters of Sex and is a founding member of Colt Coeur and an alumnus of MCC’s Playwrights Coalition and Ars Nova’s Play Group. His work has been published by Dramatists Play Service and Playscripts. A graduate of Brown University, he is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, Inc. and the WGA. Upcoming projects include the limited series Fosse/Verdon (FX) and the film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick…boom! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A born and bred New Yorker, Jill Kargman, is the creator, writer, producer and star of the scripted comedy “Odd Mom Out” in which Ms. Kargman played a satirical version of herself navigating the hilarity of raising children on the upper east side in NYC. Ms. Kargman attended The Spence School, The Taft School and Yale University. After graduating, and working for magazines, television and movies, Ms. Kargman began writing novels to give her more flexibility to be home with her three children: Sadie, Ivy, and Fletch. She is a New York Times best-selling author of multiple books, and her most recent book, a comedic essay collection, “Sprinkle Glitter on my Grave”, was published in September 2016 by Random House. She made her Café Carlyle debut in January 2017 with her sold out show Stairway to Cabaret ~ singing heavy metal songs ~ cabaret style. Jill hosts the Jill Kargman show on SiriusXM Stars Channel 109. Jill is also a performer with the Upright Citizens Brigade improvisational and sketch comedy group. Jill recently made an appearance in her first Hollywood studio movie, "A Bad Moms Christmas." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Urie currently stars on Broadway in Torch Song Trilogy. He previously starred in Buyer & Cellar playing multiple characters – including Barbra Streisand – in this one-man tour de force. For that role Urie won the Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, LA Theatre Critics and the Clarence Derwent Awards for Most Promising Male Performer. Before Torch Song Trilogy he was probably best known as the delicious Marc St. James on the award-winning Ugly Betty, the series that introduced him to and made him a favorite of TV audiences everywhere. Following that series, he spent most of his time in critically acclaimed stage productions. He played iconic fashion designer Rudi Gernreich in The Temperamentals, a role he originated in New York where he received the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. He followed that run with appearances off-Broadway in the Classic Stage Company’s production of The Cherry Orchard, the revival of Angels in America, and opposite Patti LuPone in Lincoln Center Theater’s world premiere of Shows For Days. But his lifelong dream of Broadway came when he took on the role of Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, opposite Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges. Critics raved that not since Charles Nelson Reilly originated the role had Bud Frump delighted audiences as Urie did. The run ended in time for him to star in the short-lived but much-loved CBS series Partners. SincePartners, he’s appeared on the small screen in Modern Family, The Good Wife, Hot in Cleveland,Younger and Workaholics. He can currently be seen curating and hosting movies on Logo’s Cocktails & Classics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bonnie Milligan is currently making her broadway debut to critical acclaim starring in "Head Over Heels." Previous to HOH, Bonnie was seen playing the original role of Pat in the first national tour of "Kinky Boots" and off broadway in "God Bless You, Mr Rosewater: ( Encores!), "Gigantic" (Vineyard ), "Jasper in Deadland" (Prospect). Television credits include the recurring role of Kathryn on "Search Party" ( TBS), "Happy!" ( Sci Fi) and an upcoming new series from Ben Stiller. Twitter: @beltingbonnie Instagram @beltingbons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Many years ago I was hosting a Broadway event to engage and inspire younger voters to get involved in politics. One person after another told me that I needed to meet their friend Al Styron. They were pretty clear that she was someone who knew all the players I would need to make this event a success. They were right. Having been raised in a politically active household as the daughter of author William Styron ( Sophie's Choice) and poet/activist Rose Styron ( Amnesty International), Al did in fact know everyone. What I hadn't been warned about was that she was one of the smartest, funniest and kindest people I would ever know and so unbeknownst to me I was about to meet a lifelong friend and confidante. So here she is. My best friend, best selling author and activist- Alexandra Styron in conversation about her new book "Steal This Country" where she offers us insights into what we can all do to feel like active, impactful and engaged citizens. ALEXANDRA STYRON is the author of Reading My Father and a novel, All The Finest Girls. A graduate of Barnard College and the MFA program at Columbia University, her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal. She currently teaches memoir writing in the MFA program at Hunter College. She lives with her husband and two children in Brooklyn, New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In a landscape overflowing with podcasts it is a lovely thing when two hosts feel tremendous mutual admiration and want to interview each other about their love of podcasting and why they "podcast" while maintaining acting careers. Rory O'Malley was a guest on Ilana's podcast and then Ilana was a guest on Rory's podcast and here is their conversation that covers showmances, life in the arts, raising kids, activism, jealousy, show tunes, botox, #beltthevote and more. Go to beltthevote.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
n 2012, Little Known Facts host Ilana Levine got a call that her dear friend Susan was in a horrible car accident. Her car had literally been crushed by a Los Angeles city bus that had driven head on into Susan's car. Her 12 year old daughter who had been in the passenger seat walked out of the car unharmed but Susan was trapped inside. Almost every bone in her body was broken including her neck, she had bleeding on her brain and her lungs had collapsed. One of life's biggest clichés became a horrific reality when Douglas Segal, Susan's husband, showed up at the scene. Following the accident, Doug began sending regular email updates to their circle of friends and family—a list that continued to grow as others heard of the event and were moved by the many emotional and spiritual issues it raised. Those emails became the centerpiece of his memoir "Struck" an intimate and honest chronicle built around these email updates, and is a profound example of how people show up for one another in times of crisis and is an uplifting tribute to love, determination, and how the compassion of community holds the power to heal, serving as an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit when faced with pain and adversity. Doug and Susan share the harrowing story of what it took to recover from a near death accident not just physically but emotionally and spiritually and share many of the life lessons learned along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nicolette Robinson is an award winning actress and was most recently cast as Jenna , the lead in the Broadway musical, "Waitress." Born and raised in Los Angeles and married to the Hamilton Tony Award winning actor Leslie Odom Jr. , Nicolette opens up about her struggles and triumphs and takes us on an emotional journey that gives listeners an honest and beautiful account of what is is to live the life of an artist. This fall, Robinson made her Broadway debut stepping into the lead role of “Jenna” in the multiple Tony Award nominated musical, WAITRESS. With a book by Jessie Nelson, music by Sara Bareilles, and direction by Diane Paulus, the show has played to full audiences over almost 1,000 performances. On September 4, 2018, Robinson became the first African-American woman and the first mother to play the lead role. Robinson appeared Off-Broadway in the 2015 production of BROOKLYNITE at the Vineyard Theatre, directed by Michael Mayer from a book he co-wrote with Peter Lerman, which earned a 2015 Off Broadway Alliance Award nomination for Best New Musical. She also starred in the new musical, INVISIBLE THREAD, for director Diane Paulus and Second Stage Theatre. Of her performance, Time Out New York wrote that Robinson was “poised and possessed of an ethereal soprano… marvelous.” INVISIBLE THREAD began its life as WITNESS UGANDA – in which Robinson also starred – with book, music, and lyrics by Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews. It was based on the true story of Matthews' humanitarian trips to Uganda, and his work to fund his nonprofit, Uganda Project. The musical premiered in February 2014 at Cambridge's American Repertory Theater before transferring to Off-Broadway. Robinson also co-starred in Barrington Stage Company’s A LITTLE MORE ALIVE, with book, music, and lyrics by Nick Blaemire. In this heartfelt and original folk-pop musical, two estranged brothers reunite at their childhood home after their mother’s funeral. An unexpected revelation distorts their memories and uncovers secrets. Robinson starred as ‘Lizzie’, the hospice worker who’d been caring for the mother, and the Berkshire Eagle called her “luminous.” On television, Robinson co-starred with Ruth Wilson and Dominic West as ‘Jane’ on Showtime’s Golden Globe Award-winning drama series, THE AFFAIR. She has also appeared on HART OF DIXIE, UNFORGETTABLE, PERFECT COUPLES, and COLD CASE, among others. Nicolette received the Princess Grade Award for Theater and is a graduate of the University of California Los Angeles School of Theater, Film, & Television. She is primarily based in Los Angeles, where she resides with her husband, Leslie Odom Jr., and their baby daughter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Spencer Day is an award winning recording artist. Born in Utah and raised in the Mormon faith his road to fame has been a complicated journey with many bumps along the road. In this live podcast event hosted at The Green Room 42 , Spencer shares intimate details of his life in this moving , inspirational and hilarious conversation with Ilana. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Eduardo Braniff was a hugely successful CEO and creative director of one of the largest global design firms in the world and then he decided he wanted to change course. That decision has taken him on a journey that includes working with the legendary cellist Yo -Yo Ma to create "Silkroad," a music and learning collective. As an avid supporter of the arts Eduardo serves on the boards of Independent Shakespeare Company and other organizations that focus on the arts and the LGBTQ community. He is the founder and editor in chief of @MensVows a digital magazine dedicated to supporting men who marry. Eduardo is also a certified life coach working with creatives to help them understand that they are naturally resourceful , creative and whole and can make their professional dreams a reality. Eduardo A. Braniff is the executive Director of Silkroad, the music and learning collective founded by Yo-Yo Ma. Before joining Silkroad’s staff, he served as a board director of Silkroad and was CEO & Creative Director of the global design firm Imagination. His work has consistently leveraged the value of multiple disciplines towards influencing culture. Additionally, Eduardo is a certified life coach focused on working with the creative community. He lives in Los Angeles where he is an avid supporter of the arts serving on the boards of Independent Shakespeare Company and L.A.N.D. Los Angeles Nomadic Division. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
"Be More Chill" stars Joe Iconis, Jennifer Ashley Tepper, George Salazar and Lauren Marcus join Ilana in front of an audience for a live podcast recording on stage at SubCulture in NYC. The conversation was hilarious, secrets were revealed about "Be More Chill" and.... there was a lot of amazing singing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jason Alexander, the Tony Award winner and Seinfeld star, sits down with Ilana and opens up about his childhood, his incredible career in the theater and what it meant to play the iconic role of George Constanza. In this intimate conversation these two friends talk about all the ways in which winning the Tony Award at such a young age impacted his life and his career, why he decided to stay in Los Angeles after Seinfeld ended and what he dreams of now. Though best known for his award-winning, nine year stint as the now iconic George Costanza of television’s Seinfeld, Jason Alexander has achieved international recognition for a career noted for its extraordinary diversity. Aside from his performances on stage, screen and television, he has worked extensively as a writer, composer, director, producer and teacher of acting. In between all that he has also become an award-winning magician, a notorious poker player and a respected advocate on social and political issues. For his depiction of “George” on Seinfeld, Jason garnered six Emmy nominations, four Golden Globe nominations, an American Television Award and two American Comedy Awards. He won two Screen Actor Guild Awards as the best actor in a television comedy despite playing a supporting role and in 2012 he was honored to receive the “Julie Harris Award for Lifetime Achievement” from the Actor's Fund. Aside from Seinfeld, Jason has starred and guested in shows as The Grinder, Drunk History, Friends, Two and a Half Men, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Criminal Minds, Monk, Franklin and Bash, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bob Patterson, Listen Up, Hit the Road, Orville and Young Sheldon. He also starred in the television films of Bye Bye Birdie, Cinderella, A Christmas Carol and The Man Who Saved Xmas. Additionally, his voice has been heard most notably in Duckman, The Cleveland Show, American Dad, Tom and Jerry and Kody Kapow. His many films include: Pretty Woman, Jacob’s Ladder, Love Valor Compassion, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Dunston Checks In, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Shallow Hal. In addition he directed the feature films For Better or Worse and Just Looking. He is also a distinguished television director, overseeing episodes of Seinfeld, Til Death, Everybody Hates Chris, Mike and Molly, Criminal Minds and Franklin and Bash. He won the American Country Music Award for his direction of Brad Paisley's video “Cooler Online.” Mr. Alexander tours the country and the world performing his one-man show, “As Long As You’re Asking, a Conversation with Jason Alexander,” which contains music, comedy and conversation. He can also be seen in his whimsical salute to Broadway musicals with some of the finest symphony orchestras throughout the United States. You can stay in touch with Jason via Twitter (@IJasonAlexander) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jenn Colella, the award winning actress, made an extraordinary journey from LA comedy club to Tony Nomination. Born in South Carolina her story is a unique journey of self realization at a young age that led her to a lifetime of creativity and activism and success. Jenn Colella stars on Broadway in Come From Away ( Tony nomination.) Previous Broadway credits include If/Then, Chaplin, High Fidelity and Urban Cowboy(Outer Critics Circle Award nomination) and off-Broadway in Beebo Brinker, Lucky Guy, Slut and Closer Than Ever. Her regional work includes Annie Get Your Gun (PCLO); Peter Pan (Sacramento Music Circus); Side Show (Kennedy Center). She's been seen on screen in Feed The Beast, Elementary, All My Children, The Good Wife and Rescue Me. She will star this fall on the television series The Code. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Meet the woman who decided to give up one of the most lauded and glorious careers as an actress because she could no longer sit and watch as politicians derailed the city and state she loves. Meet the candidate willing to go up against Andrew Cuomo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Here is Part Two of Ilana's conversation with the extraordinary scenic designer, David Korins. David Korins - Broadway credits include - Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Motown, Annie, Bring It On, Chinglish, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, An Evening with Patti LuPone & Mandy Patinkin, Magic/Bird, Godspell, The Pee-Wee Herman Show, Lombardi, Passing Strange and Bridge and Tunnel. He has also worked extensively both off-Broadway and regionally. David’s opera credits include The Gospel of Mary Magdalene at San Francisco Opera and Oscar and Life is a Dream at the Santa Fe Opera. In 2011, David served as Kanye West’s creative director designing several concerts in the United States and abroad. David has designed installations across the country for festivals including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and The Great Googa Mooga. He has been the production designer for several feature films, television specials and series on NBC, CBS, HBO, Bravo TV, IFC, Comedy Central, Lifetime and the Game Show Network. David has done commercial work for Target, Samsung, World MasterCard, McDonald’s and Friendly’s. He has received a Drama Desk Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, three Henry Hewes Awards and the 2009 Obie Award for Sustained Excellence in Design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Here is Part One of Ilana's conversation with the extraordinary scenic designer, David Korins. David Korins - Broadway credits include - Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Motown, Annie, Bring It On, Chinglish, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, An Evening with Patti LuPone & Mandy Patinkin, Magic/Bird, Godspell, The Pee-Wee Herman Show, Lombardi, Passing Strange and Bridge and Tunnel. He has also worked extensively both off-Broadway and regionally. David’s opera credits include The Gospel of Mary Magdalene at San Francisco Opera and Oscar and Life is a Dream at the Santa Fe Opera. In 2011, David served as Kanye West’s creative director designing several concerts in the United States and abroad. David has designed installations across the country for festivals including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and The Great Googa Mooga. He has been the production designer for several feature films, television specials and series on NBC, CBS, HBO, Bravo TV, IFC, Comedy Central, Lifetime and the Game Show Network. David has done commercial work for Target, Samsung, World MasterCard, McDonald’s and Friendly’s. He has received a Drama Desk Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, three Henry Hewes Awards and the 2009 Obie Award for Sustained Excellence in Design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana interviewed JASON ROBERT BROWN live on the stage of City Center after the Encore Series Presentation of his song cycle "Songs for a New World" on the day his latest album "How We React and How We Recover" was released. In this intimate conversation Jason talks about being "adopted " by Hal Prince, his longtime collaboration with Daisy Prince, the joy and pain of winning Tony Awards for shows that had closed quickly and how he wrote the title song for his new album on the morning Donald Trump won the election and more.... Jason Robert Brown is the ultimate multi-hyphenate – an equally skilled composer, lyricist, conductor, arranger, orchestrator, director and performer – best known for his dazzling scores to several of the most renowned musicals of his generation, including the generation-defining “The Last Five Years”, his debut song cycle “Songs for a New World”, and the seminal “Parade”, for which he won the 1999 Tony Award for Best Score. JASON ROBERT BROWN has been hailed as “one of Broadway’s smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim” (Philadelphia Inquirer), and his “extraordinary, jubilant theater music” (Chicago Tribune) has been heard all over the world, whether in one of the hundreds of productions of his musicals every year or in his own incendiary live performances. Jason’s score for “The Bridges of Madison County,” a musical adapted with Marsha Norman from the bestselling novel, directed by Bartlett Sher and starring Kelli O’Hara and Steven Pasquale, received two Tony Awards (for Best Score and Orchestrations). “Honeymoon In Vegas,” based on Andrew Bergman’s film, opened on Broadway in 2015 following a triumphant production at Paper Mill Playhouse. His major musicals as composer and lyricist include: “13”, written with Robert Horn and Dan Elish, which began its life in Los Angeles in 2007 and opened on Broadway in 2008; “The Last Five Years”, which was cited as one of Time Magazine’s 10 Best of 2001 and won Drama Desk Awards for Best Music and Best Lyrics; “Parade,” written with Alfred Uhry and directed by Harold Prince, which premiered at Lincoln Center Theatre in 1998, and subsequently won both the Drama Desk and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Best New Musical, as well as garnering Jason the Tony Award for Original Score; and “Songs for a New World,” a theatrical song cycle directed by Daisy Prince, which played Off-Broadway in 1995, and has since been seen in hundreds of productions around the world. As a soloist or with his band The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, Jason has performed sold-out concerts around the world. His newest collection, “How We React and How We Recover”, was released in June 2018 on Ghostlight Records. His previous solo album, “Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes”, was named one of Amazon.com’s best of 2005, and is available from Sh-K-Boom Records. For the new musical “Prince of Broadway,” a celebration of the career of Harold Prince, Jason was the musical supervisor and arranger. Other recent New York credits as conductor and arranger include “Urban Cowboy the Musical” on Broadway; Oliver Goldstick’s play, “Dinah Was,” directed by David Petrarca, at the Gramercy Theatre and on national tour; and William Finn’s “A New Brain,” directed by Graciela Daniele, at Lincoln Center Theater. Jason has conducted and created arrangements and orchestrations for Liza Minnelli, John Pizzarelli, Tovah Feldshuh, and Laurie Beechman, among many others. Jason studied composition at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., with Samuel Adler, Christopher Rouse, and Joseph Schwantner. He lives with his wife, composer Georgia Stitt, and their daughters in New York City. Jason is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802. Visit him on the web at www.jasonrobertbrown.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ilana sat down with Donna Murphy, Lesli Margherita, Emily Skeggs and Andrew Keenan Bolger to share war stories about auditioning. This conversation is equal parts hilarious and inspirational. Each of these Broadway stars has a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of putting yourself out there when faced with auditioning -- even though their careers have garnered them awards, accolades and fame. Their generosity in sharing how they approach the process of auditioning is a gift to all artists and also to those of us who love the arts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
George Salazar is best known for originating the role of "Michael Mell" in Be More Chill (coming to the Signature off-Broadway this summer) and for his Drama Desk-nominated performance in off-Broadway's The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. He was previously seen off-Broadway in Keen Company's Drama Desk-nominated revival of tick, tick... BOOM! and in David Byrne and Fatboy Slim's hit off-Broadway immersive musical, Here Lies Love. George made his Broadway debut singing "Light of the World" in the 2011 Revival of Godspell and toured with the second national company of Spring Awakening prior to that. Regional credits include the world premiere of Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz's Be More Chill, the world premiere of Joe Iconis, Lance Rubin, and Jason "SweetTooth" Williams' Broadway Bounty Hunter, the world premiere of Raging Skillet, and "Chip Tolentino" in ...Putnam County Spelling Bee. He was also a cast member of the 10th Annual CBS Diversity Showcase in Los Angeles. George's TV credits include CBS' BULL, HBO's DIVORCE, & appearances on CBS' LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, ABC'S THE VIEW, OWN'S THE ROSIE SHOW, and the 2012 TONY AWARDS telecast. He appears on various recordings including GEORGE SALAZAR AND JOE ICONIS: TWO-PLAYER GAME (Ghostlight), BE MORE CHILL (Ghostlight), THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Broadway Records), GODSPELL (Sh-K-Boom), BROOKLYN CRUSH (Broadway Records) and MOMENT BY MOMENT. For more information, follow him on Instagram and Twitter @georgesalazar or visit his website at www.thegeorgesalazar.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tony Award Nominated, Beth Malone, currently stars as “The Angel” in the Tony-award winning play Angels in America, with Andrew Garfield and Nathan Lane. Beth Malone was nominated for her game-changing role of “Alison” in Fun Home. Writing for the New York Times, Ben Brantley singled out Beth’s performance as one that “expertly turns seeming self-effacement into penetrating presence.” Steve Suskin, reviewing for the Huffington Post, called Beth “powerful…the glue that holds the show together.” CBS New York added to the chorus of praise by publishing an entire article, frankly headlined, “Why Beth Malone Should Win the Tony.” Malone grew up on Haystack Road in Castle Rock and got her Equity card at The Country Dinner Playhouse under the loving guidance of Bill McHale. She attended Loretto Heights College in its final year of existence and went on to work at Arvada Center, Denver Center, Boulder’s Dinner Theater and Little Theater of the Rockies at UNC, where she graduated. Malone starred as the titular character in the world premiere of a wholly reimagined version of The Unsinkable Molly Brown, directed by Kathleen Marshall. She recently reprised her role at The MUNY in St. Louis this past July. She originated the role of “June Carter Cash” in Ring of Fire on Broadway, as well as the roles of “Betty Jean” in The Marvelous Wonderettes and Alison in Bingo off-Broadway. Malone’s previous film credits include The Comedian with Robert DeNiro, Hickwith Eddie Redmayne, Twist of Faith and The Interview. Select television credits include a large recurring role on Braindead , a Guest Starring role on Bull and The Good Wife, all for CBS. Comedy Central’sReno 911 and Wanda Does It, along with the Fox pilot Second Nature. Other past television roles include Laying Low, Judging Amy, What’s On andOne Minute Soaps. She is the author and star of the critically acclaimed one-woman show Beth Malone: So Far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Andrew Keenan-Bolger is an actor, director, author and filmmaker. He recently starred as “Jesse Tuck” in Tuck Everlasting on Broadway (Drama League Award nominee). He created the role of "Crutchie" in the Original Broadway Cast of Newsies (Outer Critics Circle nominee) and in the record-breaking Newsies: The Broadway Musical film. Other Broadway: Mary Poppins, Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol. 1st Nat'l Tours: Spelling Bee, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Mary Poppins, Ragtime. Theater: “Jesse Tuck” in Tuck Everlasting at The Alliance Theater (dir. Casey Nicholaw), Ever After at Papermill Playhouse (dir. Kathleen Marshall), Family Furniture at The Flea Theater (dir. Thomas Kail). Film: “Billy Frazier” in The Rewrite starring Hugh Grant, To Dust (2018), Marci X, Are You Joking? TV: Three Rivers (ABC Pilot), Nurse Jackie (Showtime), Looking (HBO), Naked Brothers Band (Nickelodeon), One Life to Live. Podcast: Bobby in Marvel's Wolverine: The Long Night. B.F.A. from the University of Michigan. His work as a filmmaker has been profiled in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, The Associated Press and New York Magazine. Director of the award-winning short films Sign and The Ceiling Fan. Along with collaborator, Kate Wetherhead, he is the co-creator the critically acclaimed webseries, Submissions Only (www.submissionsonly.com) and co-author of the children’s series Jack & Louisa (Penguin Random House). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt Bomer is one of Hollywood’s most exciting actors working today. After receiving a BFA Degree from Carnegie Mellon University, Bomer moved to New York where he worked on such acclaimed productions as “Spring Awakening” and “Grey Gardens.” He also starred as Ernest Hemingway in “Villa America” at the Williamstown Theater Festival. Soon after, he got the lead role on the ABC series “Traveler,” produced by Academy Award winners Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks. He had recurring roles on the Fox series “Tru Calling” and on the NBC series “Chuck” before landing the role of ‘Neal Caffrey’ on USA Network’s “White Collar.” The show, which was one of the highest rated and most critically acclaimed scripted shows on cable television aired for six seasons. He has also guest starred on the hit Fox series “Glee” and on the NBC series “The New Normal." In 2014, Matt starred alongside Mark Ruffalo, Julia Roberts and Jim Parsons in the critically acclaimed screen adaptation of “The Normal Heart” for director Ryan Murphy. For the film, which is based on the Tony Award-winning stage drama of the same name, Matt won a Golden Globe Award and a Critics’ Choice Award and he received an Emmy® Award nomination. In 2015, Matt starred alongside Kathy Bates and Lady Gaga in the critically acclaimed FX series “American Horror Story: Hotel.” Most recently, Matt starred in Amazon’s drama series “The Last Tycoon” alongside Lily Collins, Rosemarie DeWitt and Kelsey Grammer for director Billy Ray. This spring, Matt made his directorial debut with a critically acclaimed episode of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.” In addition to Matt’s success on the small screen, audiences have seen him star in a variety of feature film roles. Matt’s feature film credits include a starring role in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning,” “Flight Plan” with Jodie Foster, Andrew Niccol’s “In Time” alongside Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried and the sci-fi dramadey “Space Station 76” with Liv Tyler and Patrick Wilson. In 2015, Matt reteamed with Channing Tatum in “Magic Mike XXL,” the sequel to the 2012 blockbuster film “Magic Mike” in which he starred with Tatum and Matthew McConaughey for director Steven Soderbergh. In 2016, Matt starred opposite Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe in the the action drama “The Nice Guys” for director Shane Black. He also appeared in Antoine Fuqua’s feature “The Magnificent Seven.” Last year, Matt starred in “Walking Out” for directors Alex Smith and Andrew J. Smith. The film, which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, is about a teenager who journeys to Montana to hunt big game with his estranged father. Father and son struggle to connect, until a brutal encounter in the heart of the wilderness changes everything. Matt also appeared on stage in the Broadway and Los Angeles readings of Dustin Lance Black’s play “8” where he was joined by such acting luminaries as Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John C. Reilly and Ellen Barkin. This spring Matt stars in the Broadway production of “The Boys in the Band.” The show opens at the Booth Theatre on May 31. Upcoming, Matt will star in and produce a film based on Hollywood film legend Montgomery Clift. Ira Sachs will direct from the screenplay Ira co-wrote with Mauricio Zacharias. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In celebration of 100 episodes Matthew Broderick joined Ilana for a live podcast event with proceeds from ticket sales going to The Trevor Project. Listeners will feel like they are part of the conversation between old friends catching up. Broderick is a two-time Tony award-winning stage actor and instantly recognizable film presence, Matthew Broderick was most recently on screen in Rules Don’t Apply opposite Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and Lily Collins. He will next star in Look Away alongside Chloe Sevigny and Aidan Turner set for a 2016 release. On stage, Broderick most recently starred in A. R. Gurney’s comedy Sylvia alongside Annaleigh Ashford. Previously he starred in the smash Broadway hit It’s Only a Play opposite his frequent co-star Nathan Lane, as well as the award-winning Broadway run of Nice Work If You Can Get It. Additionally, he starred in the Broadway production of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple and The Foreigner at the Roundabout Theatre. In 2005, he starred in the feature film version of The Producers, reprising the Tony-nominated performance he gave on Broadway in this smash hit musical. A New York native, he made his professional stage debut opposite his father, James Broderick, at age 17 in the production of On Valentine’s Day. His performance in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy, won him the Outer Critic’s Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor. Broderick won his first Tony Award for Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, and starred in the play’s sequel, Biloxi Blues. He won his second Tony for his role as J. Pierrepont Finch, in the Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Broderick also starred in the record-breaking production of The Producers for which he was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his role as Leo Bloom. Additional theater credits include Night Must Fall and Taller Than a Dwarf. On screen, Broderick starred in the critically acclaimed You Can Count on Me opposite Laura Linney. He also earned considerable acclaim starring opposite Reese Witherspoon in the Independent Spirit Award winning political satire Election, directed by Alexander Payne. Broderick has also starred in such blockbuster movies as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Glory, War Games, and Disney’s The Lion King, as the adult voice of Simba. Additional credits include Dirty Weekend, Tower Heist, Margaret, Bee Movie, Then She Found Me, Deck the Halls, The Last Shot, The Stepford Wives, Inspector Gadget, Godzilla, Addicted to Love, The Cable Guy, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, The Night We Never Met, The Freshman, Family Business and Max Dugan Returns.In addition to his stage, screen and Broadway credits, he has also appeared on Modern Family, 30 Rock, the Showtime film Master Harold…and the Boys and received an Emmy nomination for the TNT production of David Mamet’s A Life in the Theater in which he starred opposite Jack Lemmon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Robbie Rozelle is a director, writer, performer, producer and graphic designer. He has directed and written or co-written sold-out cabaret shows for Tony Award nominees Melissa Errico and Kate Baldwin, Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Women on the Verge...), RuPaul's Drag Race season 7 contestant Mrs. Kasha Davis and frequent collaborator Jessica Vosk (Elephaba in Wicked), among others. In 2017, he sold out Feinstein's/54 Below twice with his debut cabaret solo act, "Songs From Inside My Locker", which was nominated for a BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award (in addition to nominations for Best Director). He returns to 54 Below this June with his all new show “Bustin’ Out”. As a record producer, he co-produced the Tony Award Season albums for the past two years, and is currently in the studio producing Jessica Vosk’s highly anticipated solo album. For three years, Robbie served as the graphic designer and creative director for Playbill, culminating in the design he is most proud of, the branding of #PlaybillPride, a 30-day initiative of the LGBT movement in the theatre that included a redesign of their historic logo for the month of June 2014. He currently serves as the in-house designer for Grammy-winning record label Broadway Records, where he designed the iconic "What the World Needs Now is Love" in response to Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. He can often be found tweeting jokes and random musings at @divarobbie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Robert Nassau is an award winning film and television editor. He is best known for “The Big Sick,” “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp,” “Wanderlust,” “Funny or Die, “Hello My Name is Doris,” “Wainy Days,” and “Horrible People." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jesse Tyler Ferguson joined the Little Known Facts host Ilana Levine for a live podcast recording at the W Hotel in Times Square as part of their “Broadway at the W” series. Proceeds went to benefit TieTheKnot.org. Jesse is the star of the ABC award winning series Modern Family now going into its 10th season and is currently starring in Log Cabin at Playwrights Horizons in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Abigail Pogrebin starred in the original production of the Stephen Sondheim- Hal Prince musical, "Merrily We Roll Along." Abby was also part of the original "Free To Be You and Me" concept album and television special. Ms. Pogrebin is the author of three books, including “Stars of David,” which was adapted for the Off-Broadway stage, “Showstopper” — an Amazon Kindle Single bestseller that chronicled her teenage adventures in the Broadway flop, “Merrily We Roll Along,” and the most recent deep-dive into the Jewish calendar, called: “My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew,” which received a glowing review in The New York Times and was featured on the Today Show. A former Emmy-nominated producer for Ed Bradley and Mike Wallace at “60 Minutes” and for Bill Moyers at PBS, she has written for numerous publications, has her own live interview series in New York for which she’s interviewed Malcolm Gladwell, Nora Ephron and Charles Blow, and she’s been a guest on CNN, Good Morning America and Face the Nation. Abby lives in New York with her husband and two college kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
JOE ICONIS - As a composer - lyricist - book writer, he has authored the musicals Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Bloodsong of Love, The Black Suits, ReWrite, Theaterworks USA’s The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks and We The People, and the currently in development Hunter S. Thompson Musical and Love In Hate Nation. The original cast recording of his musical phenomenon Be More Chill has over 80 million streams, and his song “Broadway, Here I Come!” was hailed by the New York Times as a new entry in the Great American Songbook. Albums: Be More Chill (Original Cast Recording), Things To Ruin (Original Cast Recording) and The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree all available on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records. Joe’s songs appeared on Season 2 of NBC’s “Smash” and his writing has been featured in The New York Times and The Dramatist. His concert act, Joe Iconis and Family, frequently plays The Beechman Theater, 54 Below, and Joe’s Pub. The original cast recording of Joe’s theatrical rock concert Things To Ruin, is out on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight records. He has been nominated for two Drama Desk Awards, a Lucille Lortel Award, and is the recipient of an Ed Kleban Award, a Jonathan Larson Award, an ASCAP Harold Adamson Lyric Award, a Doris Duke Grant, and a MAC John Wallowitch Songwriting Award. JENNIFER ASHLEY TEPPER - Jennifer is the Creative and Programming Director at Feinstein’s/54 Below, where she has curated or produced over 3000 shows, including musicals in concert, original solo acts, theatrical reunions, songwriter celebrations, and more. Tepper's leadership at the venue has gained praise from publications including The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Buzzfeed, Playbill, Newsday, the New York Post, and more. As a writer, Tepper has authored three volumes of The Untold Stories of Broadway series, published by Dress Circle. NBC New York has called the books an "inspiring Must-Read". On Broadway, Tepper has worked on The Performers, Godspell, Macbeth, and this season’s The Parisian Woman. In addition, she’s the co-creator of the Bistro Award-winning concert series, If It Only Even Runs A Minute, now in its 8th year. As a public speaker and theatre historian, Tepper has delivered celebrated talks, including at TEDxBroadway. She collaborates often with the group known as Joe Iconis & Family. Tepper was named one of the 10 professionals on Backstage Magazine's "1st Annual Broadway Future Power List", which stated: "Proving herself both a zeitgeist predictor and theatrical historian with her eclectic programming, Tepper is leading the conversation on contemporary musical theatre." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Roma Torre, a recipient of an Emmy® and more than 30 other awards, is celebrating her 25th anniversary at NY1, New York’s popular cable news channel, where she is an anchor and theater critic. Torre began her television career at CBS’ flagship station, New York’s Channel 2, becoming a news writer and producer. Then, with Cablevision’s formation of the country's first 24-hour local news station, News12 Long Island, Torre was among the first reporters hired. At the station, she reported, anchored and hosted a weekly news program. Torre was also its film and theater critic and her reviews were published in the television magazine, Total TV. After five years at News12, Torre returned to New York City in 1992 to join NY1, where she now anchors its "News All Day" and is its theater critic. She previously anchored the station’s award-winning "Inside City Hall," a hard-hitting political and public affairs program described by one critic as "the ‘60 Minutes’ of local television." She followed in the tradition of her mother, the late Marie Torre. A well-known syndicated columnist and amusements editor for The New York Herald Tribune, Marie was involved in a celebrated freedom of the press case. She was the first reporter to gain national attention for going to jail for refusing to identify a news source in a dispute involving CBS and Judy Garland. (It was a 10-day sentence.) But growing up, Roma Torre wanted to be an actress. Born in New York and raised in Pittsburgh, she later graduated from Tufts University. While in Boston, Torre started a theater company with fellow student Ed Lopez. The theater lasted three years but the partnership with Lopez thrived. They married in 1991 and now have two children, Alejandro and Alegra. Torre’s road to Broadway took a detour. After performing in numerous soaps and off-Broadway productions, she traded in the stage lights for the glare of television news cameras. Her theater years are still being put to good use in her role as NY1's theater critic. She regularly contributes to its weekly theater show, "NY1 On Stage." In addition, Torre continues to cover news stories and various special events, ranging from NY1's election night coverage to major parades. She has more than 30 broadcasting awards, including an Emmy for reporting and anchoring coverage of the Avianca plane crash disaster in 1991. Torre and "News All Evening" anchor Lewis Dodley were honored in 1993 by New York Magazine's "Best Of" edition as the best news anchors in New York. Torre was the recipient of the Newswomen’s Club of New York's 2003 Peggy Award for Broadcasting for her review of the Broadway show, Big River. She has co-produced a documentary entitled, “Shout Gladi Gladi” - a story of hope and survival - narrated by Meryl Streep. It profiles a Scottish woman who has dedicated countless hours and her own money to improving the lives of African women and children living in extreme poverty. A colon cancer survivor, Torre is a staunch advocate of early screening and has spoken extensively about the need to raise awareness and the importance of cancer prevention. She is a proud board member of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA). Founded in 1889, NAWA is the country’s oldest organization that promotes and showcases women in the art world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Katie Finneran is featured in the third season of Netflix's critically acclaimed drama, Bloodline. Shot in the Florida Keys, Bloodline follows the story of a black sheep son from a respected family who threatens to expose dark secrets from their past. Sibling loyalties are put to the test in this dark, edgy show. Finneran last appeared on Broadway in 2015 It's Only a Play at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre starring Martin Short, Maulik Pancholy, F. Murray Abraham, Matthew Broderick, Stockard Channing, and Micah Stock. In 2012, Katie co-starred on NBC's "The MIchael J. Fox Show" and was called "this season's funniest breakout star" by The Daily Beast. In the fall of 2012, she starred on Broadway as Miss Hannigan in the Tony Nominated revival of "Annie." In 2010, she won a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of "Promises, Promises." She also was awarded the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award in 2002 for her performance in the Broadway revival of "Noises Off." Katie was raised in Miami, Florida and graduated from New World School of the Arts. After a year of conservatory training at Carnegie Mellon University she moved to New York to study acting with the legendary Uta Hagen. Her first Broadway show was, "On Borrowed Time," starring and directed by George C. Scott. Other Broadway credits include, "Two Shakespearean Actors," "My Favorite Year," "In the Summer House," "The Heiress," Neil Simon's "Proposals," "The Iceman Cometh," "Mauritius," and as Sally Bowles in the Tony Award winning revival of "Cabaret." In 2009, Finneran was part of the original Off-Broadway cast of "Love, Loss and What I Wore," by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron. TV credits include, "Sex and the City," "I Hate My Teenage Daughter," "Oz," "Wonderfalls," and the role of Poppy on season 2 of "Frasier." Her film credits include "Night of the Living Dead," "You've Got Mail," "Liberty Heights," "Miss Congeniality 2," "Bewitched," and "Broken Bridges.” In 2011 Finneran appeared as Amy in the New York Philharmonic production of "Company," starring Neil Patrick Harris and Patti Lupone. In the Spring of 2014, Finneran began filming a new Netflix original series. The untitled psychological thriller is written and executive produced by Damages creators Todd A. Kessler, Daniel Zelman and Glenn Kessler. The 13-episode series centers on a close-knit family of four adult siblings whose secrets and scars are revealed when their black sheep brother returns home. The cast includes Sissy Spacek, Sam Shepard, Kyle Chandler, and Norbert Leo Butz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Ian Black is a multi-media talent who’s starred in numerous films and TV series, written and/or directed two films, is a prolific author and commentator, and regularly tours the country performing his ribald brand of jokes and observations. He most recently starred in TVLand's “The Jim Gaffigan Show” and Comedy Central’s “Another Period.” He also reprised one of his iconic film roles in Netflix’s “Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later,” and previously in "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp." His third standup comedy special, “Noted Expert,” was released on Epix. Black’s authored 11 books, including the recently released best seller, “A Chilad’s First Book of Trump.” He’s written two well-received memoirs: “Navel Gazing: True Tales of Bodies, Mostly Mine (but also my mom’s, which I know sounds weird)”, and “You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death and Other Humiliations.” In 2012, he collaborated with conservative Meghan McCain on “America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom.” He’s the author of “My Custom Van (and 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face),” and seven children's books, including “Cock-a-Doodle-Doo-Bop!,” “Naked”, “Chicken Cheeks,” “The Purple Kangaroo,” “A Pig Parade Is A Terrible Idea” and “I'm Bored.” He also writes book reviews for the New York Times. Previously, Black released two stand-up specials, “Very Famous” and “I Am A Wonderful Man.” He and Tom Cavanagh host the popular podcast, “Mike and Tom Eat Snacks.” He also writes and hosts a podcast with Michael Showalter, "Topics,” and his own interview podcast, “How To Be Amazing.” Sketch comedy fans know Black’s work on “The State,” “Viva Variety,” “Stella” and “Michael and Michael Have Issues” all of which he co-created, wrote and starred in. Other TV credits include quirky bowling alley manager ‘Phil' on the NBC series “Ed,” and his hilarious commentary on cable’s “I Love the...” series. He recently starred in two hit web series that migrated to cable TV: “Burning Love” on E! and “You’re Whole” on Adult Swim. Black’s movie roles include “Slash,” “Smosh: The Movie,” “They Came Together,” “Hell Baby,” “This is 40,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” “Reno 911!: Miami,” “The Ten” and “The Baxter.” Black wrote and directed the film “Wedding Daze,” starring Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher. He also co-wrote the comedy “Run, Fatboy, Run,” directed by David Schwimmer and starring Simon Pegg, Hank Azaria and Thandie Newton. Originally from Hillsborough, NJ, Black resides with his family in the wilds of Connecticut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tony Award-winner LAURA BENANTI can now be seen in the Samantha Bee and Jason Jones TBS comedy, The Detour. Additional TV credits include Supergirl, Nashville, guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone; The Good Wife; and Showtime’s Nurse Jackie. Most recently, Laura co-starred along side Amy Schumer and Keegan Michael Key in Steve Martin’s hit Broadway play, Meteor Shower. In 2016, Laura completed her Tony nominated role (and 5th nomination) as Amalia Balash in the hit Broadway Musical, She Loves Me. Laura also received Outer Critics Circle, Drama League and Drama Desk Award nominations for this role. In addition to television work and her critically acclaimed performance as Elsa Schrader in NBC’s The Sound of Music LIVE, Ms. Benanti is a highly celebrated, stage actress who took Broadway by storm at the age of 18. She received a Drama Desk award, Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award Nomination for her starring role in the Broadway production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown for Lincoln Center where she also starred in the Broadway production of Sarah Ruhl’s In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play. Ms. Benanti earned the 2008 Tony Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award for her revelatory portrayal of Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy opposite Patti LuPone and directed by Arthur Laurents. Her other Broadway roles include The Wedding Singer, Nine, starring Antonio Banderas, her Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-nominated performance of Cinderella in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods and her sultry Tony nominated turn in Swing! Ms. Benanti made her Broadway debut as Maria in The Sound of Music opposite Richard Chamberlain. Other distinguished theater performances include the Public Theater’s production of Christopher Durang’s Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them, Perdita in The Winter’s Tale at the Williamstown Theatre Festival opposite Kate Burton, Anne in A Little Night Music at the L.A. Opera opposite Victor Garber, Eileen in Wonderful Town opposite Donna Murphy and most recently her portrayal of Rosabella in the Most Happy Fella, both for City Center Encores! Ms. Benanti completed a week-long engagement at the popular New York cabaret club, 54 Below, for which The New York Times hailed her as a “supremely confident” performer whose “bright, full soprano, with its semioperatic heft, can go almost anywhere.” In September 2013, she released her debut album, “In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention: Live at 54 Below” on Broadway Records to ecstatic reviews. Laura currently performs her concerts in venues around the country and even recently performed for the President and First Lady of the United States at both the Fords Gala and the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC. In 2014, she joined the cast of ABC’s hit series “Nashville” guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone. Laura also appeared in recurring roles on CBS’s “The Good Wife” and HBO’s “Nurse Jackie.” Laura’s past television credits include a starring role in the NBC series “The Playboy Club” and “Go On” opposite Matthew Perry. She also starred in the F/X original series “Starved”. Ms. Benanti recurred on “Law and Order: SVU,” “Royal Pains,” and “Eli Stone.” and had appearances on “The Big C” and “Elementary”. She currently resides in Manhattan with her husband Patrick and daughter Ella. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jennifer Ashley Tepper is the Creative and Programming Director at Feinstein’s/54 Below, where she has curated orproduced over 3000 shows, including musicals in concert, original solo acts, theatrical reunions, songwriter celebrations, and more. Tepper's leadership at the venue has gained praise from publications including The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Buzzfeed,Playbill, Newsday, the New York Post, and more. As a writer, Tepper has authored three volumes of The Untold Stories of Broadway series, published by Dress Circle. NBC New York has called the books an "inspiring Must-Read". On Broadway, Tepper has worked on [title of show], The Performers, Godspell, Macbeth, and this season’s The Parisian Woman. In addition, she’s the co-creator of the Bistro Award-winning concert series, If It Only Even Runs A Minute, now in its 8th year. As a public speaker and theatre historian, Tepper has delivered celebrated talks, including at TEDxBroadway. She collaborates often with the group known as Joe Iconis & Family. Tepper was named one of the 10 professionals on Backstage Magazine's "1st Annual Broadway Future Power List", which stated: "Proving herself both a zeitgeist predictor and theatrical historian with her eclectic programming, Tepper is leading the conversation on contemporary musical theatre." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kevin McCollum has received the Tony Award for Best Musical for "In the Heights" (2008), "Avenue Q" (2004), and "Rent" (1996), which also won the Pulitzer Prize. He is currently represented on Broadway with the Olivier Award-winning "The Play That Goes Wrong." He produced "Something Rotten!" (Broadway, National Tour), "Hand to God" ( Broadway, West End), "Motown: The Musical" (Broadway, West End, and National Tour), "The Drowsy Chaperone" in 2006, which won five Tony Awards, Baz Luhrmann’s production of "Puccini’s La Boheme" in 2002, [title of show] in 2008, the touring and Broadway productions of Irving Berlin’s "White Christmas," the off Broadway hit "De La Guarda," the recent hit revival of "West Side Story," and "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo." In 1995 Mr. McCollum co-founded the Producing Office, and has since created Alchemation, a theatrical and media producing company committed to new work. Mr. McCollum was trained at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and earned his Master’s degree in film producing from the Peter Stark Program at the University of Southern California. In 1995, he received the Robert Whitehead Award for Outstanding Commercial Theatre Producing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rory is currently reigning as King George III in the touring production of the smash hit "Hamilton." It's a role he first played on Broadway for a year where he was the first actor to replace an original cast member in the production. He is best known for starring in the original company of "The Book Of Mormon" on Broadway. He received both Tony and Drama Desk nominations for playing openly closeted Mormon Elder McKinley and performing the show stopper "Turn It Off". Most recently he was seen on stage in back to back Off-Broadway productions at Second Stage's "Nobody Loves You" (Drama Desk nomination) and "Little Miss Sunshine." His broadway debut was in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and regionally, he created the role of Richie Cunningham in Garry Marshall’s "Happy Days The Musical" for Goodspeed Opera House and Paper Mill Playhouse. Rory expanded his repertoire of pasty white dudes by butchering the song “Cadillac Car” as lead singer of ‘Dave and the Sweethearts’ in the Paramount Pictures film "Dreamgirls." Most recently, Rory was seen on the CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." He can also be seen on the small screen in episodes of "Partners" with Kelsey Grammer and Martin Lawrence, "Nurse Jackie," "The Good Wife," "Law and Order: SVU," and "1600 Penn." This year Rory premiered his autobiographical show "Pub Crawl" to a sold out crowd at Joe's Pub in New York City. Pub Crawl is his tale of being raised in an Irish pub in Cleveland by his single mom and all the bar's eclectic patrons. Rory tells his hilarious coming of age story using classic Irish pub songs from The Wolftones, U2, Van Morrison and more with music direction from Tony and Grammy Award winner, Stephen Oremus. Rory is a Co-Founder of Broadway Impact, an organization that mobilizes the theater community to take action on fighting for marriage equality. Along with Jenny Kanelos and Gavin Creel, Rory was there from it's inception and has organized large rallies, phone banks, and theater events; all for the sake of marriage equality. Currently Broadway Impact is producing the play 8, conceived by Rory and edited by Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black. 8 uses the original transcript of the trial that overturned Prop 8 in California and puts it on a stage for theaters all across the country to perform and hold talkbacks. Rory has had the pleasure of performing around the country in the piece with many great actors and activists including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Larry Kramer, Cleve Jones and many more. Currently 8 has been produced in over 400 theaters, including in all 50 states and in 7 countries. Rory lives in Los Angeles with his husband Gerold Schroeder. He is very happy:) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
I am back with Part 2 of my interview with actress Cara Buono. Cara Buono currently stars in the hit Netflix show Stranger Things as Karen Wheeler. She was recently in a heavily recurring role as assassin Martine on CBS’s Person of Interest. Cara was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2011 for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Dr. Faye Miller, the smart, Kim Novak-esque psychologist and love interest of Don Draper (Jon Hamm) on AMC’s Mad Men. She played Michael Imperioli’s wife, Kelli Moltisanti, on the final two seasons of The Sopranos (HBO). She is the only actor to have appeared in both critically acclaimed shows. She was a series regular on Third Watch (NBC) playing paramedic Grace Foster (Helen Mirren portrayed her mother). Her notable television appearances include Brothers & Sisters, two critically acclaimed episodes of Law and Order (as well Criminal Intent & SVU), Deep in My Hearta CBS/Hallmark movie in which she played Young Gerry with Anne Bancroft who played Gerry, and was the final fatality on ER. Cara was recently seen in All Saints for Sony. She was featured in 20th Century Fox’s feature Paper Towns. Priorfeature work includes Let Me In directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield). She also shot a supporting role in Stephen King’s A Good Marriage with Anthony LaPaglia. She was the female lead in Artie Lange’s Beer League, Edith Banner in Ang Lee’s Hulk, and has played in independent features such as Next Stop Wonderland, Happy Accidents, and River Red (all Sundance premieres),Two Ninaswith Amanda Peet and Ron Livingston (winner Audience Award GenArt Film Festival), Nisha Ganatra’s Chutney Popcorn(winner Audience Award Berlin Film Festival), and Noah Baumbach’s directorial debut Kicking and Screaming(NY Film Festival premiere). She has worked extensively in NY theater at companies including The New Group, Primary Stages and Theater for a New Audience. She has appeared on Broadway in The Rose Tattooopposite Mercedes Ruehl and Anthony LaPaglia directed by Tony Award winner Robert Falls, Some Americans Abroad directed by Roger Michel (Changing Lanes, Notting Hill) and The Tenth Mandirected by Ulu Grosbard both at Lincoln Center. Born and raised in the Bronx. She graduated from Columbia University in 3 years with a double major in English and Political Science. She ran 3 NYC Marathons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cara Buono currently stars in the hit Netflix show Stranger Things as Karen Wheeler. She was recently in a heavily recurring role as assassin Martine on CBS’s Person of Interest. Cara was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2011 for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Dr. Faye Miller, the smart, Kim Novak-esque psychologist and love interest of Don Draper (Jon Hamm) on AMC’s Mad Men. She played Michael Imperioli’s wife, Kelli Moltisanti, on the final two seasons of The Sopranos (HBO). She is the only actor to have appeared in both critically acclaimed shows. She was a series regular on Third Watch (NBC) playing paramedic Grace Foster (Helen Mirren portrayed her mother). Her notable television appearances include Brothers & Sisters, two critically acclaimed episodes of Law and Order (as well Criminal Intent & SVU), Deep in My Hearta CBS/Hallmark movie in which she played Young Gerry with Anne Bancroft who played Gerry, and was the final fatality on ER. Cara was recently seen in All Saints for Sony. She was featured in 20th Century Fox’s feature Paper Towns. Priorfeature work includes Let Me In directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield). She also shot a supporting role in Stephen King’s A Good Marriage with Anthony LaPaglia. She was the female lead in Artie Lange’s Beer League, Edith Banner in Ang Lee’s Hulk, and has played in independent features such as Next Stop Wonderland, Happy Accidents, and River Red (all Sundance premieres),Two Ninaswith Amanda Peet and Ron Livingston (winner Audience Award GenArt Film Festival), Nisha Ganatra’s Chutney Popcorn(winner Audience Award Berlin Film Festival), and Noah Baumbach’s directorial debut Kicking and Screaming(NY Film Festival premiere). She has worked extensively in NY theater at companies including The New Group, Primary Stages and Theater for a New Audience. She has appeared on Broadway in The Rose Tattooopposite Mercedes Ruehl and Anthony LaPaglia directed by Tony Award winner Robert Falls, Some Americans Abroad directed by Roger Michel (Changing Lanes, Notting Hill) and The Tenth Mandirected by Ulu Grosbard both at Lincoln Center. Born and raised in the Bronx. She graduated from Columbia University in 3 years with a double major in English and Political Science. She ran 3 NYC Marathons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Recording live at BroadwayCon 2018 - Donna Murphy, Lesli Margherita, Emily Skeggs and Andrew Keenan Bolger got together with Ilana to share war stories about auditioning. This conversation is equal parts hilarious and inspirational. Each of these Broadway stars has a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of putting yourself out there when faced with auditioning -- even though their careers have garnered them awards, accolades and fame. Their generosity in sharing how they approach the process of auditioning is a gift to all artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Melissa Anelli is an American author and webmistress. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Harry, A History," which chronicles the Harry Potter phenomenon with exclusive interview material and a foreword written by Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling. Anelli is also the full-time webmistress of The Leaky Cauldron, a commercial fansite devoted to the Harry Potter franchise for fans. Anelli also is one of three hosts of the Leaky Cauldron's official podcast PotterCast, which talks about various aspects of the Harry Potter books, movies, video games and more. She is the founder of Mischief Management which produces Broadway Con Leaky Con, Geeky Con and Con of Thrones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chazz Palminteri wrote and performed his one-man show A Bronx Tale for the first time in 1989 before moving it off-Broadway. Mr. Palminteri went on to write the screenplay and co-star in the screen adaptation of A Bronx Tale alongside Robert De Niro. Mr. Palminteri has more than 55 movies to his credit as an actor, writer, and director, including The Usual Suspects, Bullets Over Broadway (Academy Award nomination), Analyze This, Hurlyburly, Mullholland Falls, Faithful (also written by Mr. Palminteri), A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Yonkers Joe, Jolene and most recently Legend starring Tom Hardy. Mr. Palminteri has had a recurring role on the hit show Modern Family and has starred in Blue Bloods. Mr. Palminteri directed the HBO series “Oz,” Showtime’s “Women vs Men,” and the feature film Noel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Beanie Feldstein currently stars in Greta Gerwig’s LADY BIRD opposite Saoirse Ronan. Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, the film takes an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home. Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Ronan) is a loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed high-school senior struggling to assert her independence, and Beanie plays the role of “Julie,” the loyal best friend who understands “Lady Bird” like no one else. Since A24 theatrically released LADY BIRD on November 3rd, Beanie has received critical acclaim for her performance, as has the film and its stellar cast including Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Timothee Chalamet and Lucas Hedges. LADY BIRD was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, Independent Spirit Award, Broadcast Film Critics’ Association Award, and named one of the top 10 films of the year by both the National Board of Review and American Film Institute. The film was also recognized by various critics’ groups including: New York Film Critics Circle, Boston Online Film Critics Association, Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, North Texas Film Critics Association, Washington, DC Film Critics Association, San Diego Film Critics Society, Chicago Film Critics Association, St. Louis Film Critics Association, Seattle Film Critics Society, Houston Film Critics Association and Phoenix Critics Circle. Furthermore, LADY BIRD broke the record of being the most reviewed film ever to maintain a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. In addition to the rave reviews of Beanie’s performance in LADY BIRD, she is also receiving recognition for her portrayal of “Minnie Fay” in the Broadway smash hit musical HELLO, DOLLY! with Bette Midler. The musical won a 2017 Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical.” Beanie will next star in Whitney Cummings’ THE FEMALE BRAIN which will be released by IFC on February 9th and also stars Cummings and Sofia Vergara. Previously she starred in Nicholas Stoller’s NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING alongside Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne and Chloe Moretz. The film grossed over $100 million worldwide. Her television credits include ABC Family comedy FAN GIRL, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK on Netflix and THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, an HBO pilot directed by Gus Van Sant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
At BroadwayCon 2018 Ilana Levine hosted a panel called "Actors and Activism." The speakers included Lisa Kron (Fun Home), Arian Moayed (The Humans), Emily Skeggs (Fun Home), Britton Smith (Shuffle Along), and Anthony Rapp (Rent, If/Then, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Writer-producer Steven Rogers was born in Seattle but because his father produced regional theatre for a living, grew up all across America wherever his family had a season. Forgoing college, he moved to N.Y.C. at 17 and studied acting with Sandford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre where he first met and befriended I, TONYA’s LaVona, Allison Janney. He toured in Larry Shue’s play The Foreigner winning a critics prize in Los Angeles and moved to Hollywood in order to become famous. He didn’t. Instead, he wrote his first screenplay, KATE AND LEOPOLD, in order to be in it. He wasn’t. In very quick succession he wrote, HOPE FLOATS, Anne Tyler’s EARTHLY POSSESSIONS and STEPMOM. He then decided to focus on writing and just act on the page. Other writing credits includes P.S. I LOVE YOU, LOVE THE COOPERS, which he also executive produced, and his latest, I, TONYA which made the 2016 Blacklist and won the 2016 Hit List. He also produced I, TONYA with Bryan Unkeless, Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerly. I, TONYA is currently in theaters and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Comedy. He is currently producing his script, FLORA PLUM and his script THE DRIVING LESSON with Octavia Spencer attached to star and produce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt Rodin is a creator who believes art is a channel to the core human spirit. He’s working to ignite the creative power in each of us so that our work can expand us into a more empathetic and conscious species. He’s worked with brands like SoulCycle, Dear Evan Hansen and The Smithsonian to produce innovative and engaging content. He’s performed across the country with his original music, in professional productions, and was named one of Broadway’s 40 under 40 for 2017. He is the co-creator and writer of the viral video series ‘BROdway’ and is the creator and host of ‘The Red Carpet Challenge’, which has streamed more than 65 episodes on Playbill and Broadway.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
An Olivier Award winner for her West End debut as Inez in ZORRO THE MUSICAL, Lesli made her Broadway debut originating the role of Mrs. Wormwood in MATILDA THE MUSICAL. After over 1000 performances, she bid farewell to the Broadway company of Matilda and crossed the street to The Helen Hayes to star as the diva Mona Kent in the Broadway premiere of Randy Skinner's DAMES AT SEA. In September 2016, Lesli returned to the role she originated to close out the Broadway run of MATILDA. Lesli currently recurs on three television dramas: Homeland (Showtime), Instinct (CBS), and Seven Seconds (Netflix). This past fall she starred opposite Topher Grace, Taye Diggs & JC Chasez in the feature film "Opening Night" which can be seen on Netflix following its theatrical release. Born and raised in California, Lesli trained at UCLA and was soon after chosen to star in MGM's television series "Fame LA" directed by Kenny Ortega. She has gone on to star and recur on numerous television shows and pilots including "Donny!", "The Good Wife", "Major Crimes", "The Suite Life On Deck", "Charmed", "NYPD Blue", and "On The Lot", produced by Steven Spielberg. Film credits include the movie musical 'Opening Night' opposite Topher Grace & Taye Diggs, 'Lucky Stiff' with Jason Alexander, Joel Schumacher's 'The Number 23', and the Sam Raimi produced 'Boogeyman 2'. Lesli's voice can also be heard on several animated films and shows including Disney's 'Cinderella 3' and Nickelodeon's "Sponge Bob Squarepants". Regional stage credits include Adelaide in GUYS & DOLLS (Bucks County Playhouse), Signora Psyche Zinobia in A SCYTHE OF TIME (NYMF; Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role), Esmeralda in HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Sacramento Music Circus), Lilli / Kate in KISS ME KATE (Reprise; Ovation Award - Best Actress), THE GRONHOLM METHOD (The Falcon ; Ovation nom. - Best Ensemble), Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA opposite Davis Gaines (MTW; Ovation nom. & LADCC nom - Best Actress), Julie in SHOWBOAT (Goodspeed Opera), Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (La Mirada), Lady of the Lake in SPAMALOT opposite Gary Beach (Sacramento Music Circus), Ilona in SHE LOVES ME (CLOSBC), the West Coast Premiere of Michael John LaChiusa's SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE (Blank Theatre), Rated RSO (Boston Court), and Gloria in DAMN YANKEES(Reprise; dir. Jason Alexander). Lesli is a published author with two books currently available on iTune and Amazon: NECK PUNCH and CARRY ON: Advice from the "Queen", a series of 'inspirational' messages inspired from her Twitter feed (@QueenLesli). (debuted at #1 on the Humor charts) and BLU!, about a unique lobster who teaches us that we are all special. She is the creator/star of 'Looks Not Books' and 'Ship Happens' the popular backstage vlogs commissioned by Broadway.com which can also be seen on YouTube. Lesli's critically acclaimed solo shows RULE YOUR KINGDOM, ALL HAIL THE QUEEN, BROAD continue to play to crowds across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Uma Thurman is currently making her Broadway debut in "The Parisian Woman." She is best known for her portrayal of Mia Wallace in Quentin Tarantino's critically lauded "Pulp Fiction," receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the cult classic. Thurman also garnered a Golden Globe Award nominations for her role in the "Kill Bill" film franchise. Thurman earned a Golden Globe Award for "Hysterical Blindness," in which she starred and produced, and her first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Dramatic Series on NBC's series “Smash.” She was previously seen on stage in New York in "The Misanthrope" at Classic Stage Company in 1999. Her TV and film accolades include Bravo’s “Imposters,” NBC’s miniseries “The Slap,” Lars Von Trier's "Nymphomaniac: Vol. 1," "The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen," "Dangerous Liaisons," "Henry & June," "Beautiful Girls, "Batman & Robin," "Les Miserables," "Sweet and Lowdown," "Prime" with Meryl Streep, "Be Cool" and "The Producers." Thurman recently completed production on various films including Lars Von Trier’s "The House That Jack Built," "The Brits Are Coming" and "Down a Dark Hall." She will also star opposite Robert De Niro in Tim Hill’s "The War with Grandpa." Born in Massachusetts, Thurman currently lives in New York City with her three children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah Jessica Parker, who played Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO television series "Sex and the City" (1998-2004) as well as serving as an executive producer, has won four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards. Parker reprised her role and served as a producer for the screen adaptation of the hit series with the theatrical release of "Sex and the City" and "Sex and the City 2." Past film credits include: "I Don't Know How She Does It," "Smart People," "Failure to Launch," "The Family Stone," "State and Main," "Mars Attacks!," "Ed Wood," "The First Wives Club," "Miami Rhapsody" and "Honeymoon in Vegas." She has worked in the theatre, on and off Broadway, since 1976 when she debuted on Broadway in "The Innocents" directed by Harold Pinter. Other Broadway credits include: the title role in "Annie," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and "Once Upon a Mattress." Off-Broadway credits include: the original production of "To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday" and "The Commons of Pensacola." Parker currently starts on HBO’s television series "Divorce," in which she stars and serves as an executive producer. In 2014, Parker launched her namesake label, SJP, which is carried by Amazon Fashion, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus online, Saks.com, and Zappos Luxury, as well as various other boutiques and international retailers. Parker designed this collection of shoes, handbags and accessories in association with George Malkemus III. In 2016, SJP launched its first stand-alone store, with a second that just opened this past summer. Parker released her perfume, Lovely, in 2005. Ten years later, it is currently a top selling global brand. She recently introduced a new fragrance to the SJP Beauty collection called Stash. Parker currently serves as a Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the New York City Ballet. In November 2009, the Obama administration elected her to be a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. She has partnered with schools in Oregon and, most recently, Minnesota for The Turnaround Arts Initiative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Author of The New York Times bestseller, "Patti LuPone: A Memoir," Miss Patti LuPone just concluded her critically acclaimed run as cosmetics pioneer Helena Rubinstein in the Scott Frankel-Michael Korie-Douglas Wright-Michael Grief musical "War Paint." Her recent NY stage appearances include Douglas Carter Beane’s new play "Shows For Days," directed by Jerry Zaks at Lincoln Center Theater, her debut with the New York City Ballet as Anna in their new production of "The Seven Deadly Sins," Joanne in the New York Philharmonic’s production of "Company," David Mamet’s "The Anarchist," and Lincoln Center Theater’s production of the musical "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," for which she was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Winner of the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performance of the Season for her performance as Madame Rose in the most recent Broadway production of "Gypsy," her other stage credits include appearances with the Los Angeles Opera in their new production of John Corigliano’s "The Ghosts of Versailles" and Weill-Brecht’s "Mahagonny" (debut), the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s opera "To Hell and Back" with San Francisco’s Baroque Philharmonia Orchestra, Mrs. Lovett in John Doyle’s production of "Sweeney Todd" (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations; Drama League Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre), the title role in Marc Blitzstein’s "Regina," a musical version of Lillian Hellman’s "The Little Foxes" at the Kennedy Center, Fosca in a concert version of "Passion," which was also broadcast on PBS’ Live From Lincoln Center, a multi-city tour of her theatrical concert Matters of the Heart, the City Center Encores! productions of "Can-Can" and "Pal Joey," the NY Philharmonic’s productions of "Candide" and "Sweeney Todd" (NY Phil debut) and performances on Broadway in Michael Frayn’s "Noises Off," David Mamet’s "The Old Neighborhood," Terrence McNally's "Master Class" and in her own concert "Patti LuPone On Broadway." In London, she won the Olivier Award for her performances as Fantine in the original production of "Les Miserables" and in the Acting Company production of "The Cradle Will Rock." She also created the role of Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard," for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award, and recreated her Broadway performance of Maria Callas in "Master Class." Film: Cliffs of Freedom (upcoming), The Comedian, Union Square, Parker, City by the Sea, David Mamet’s Heist, State and Main; Just Looking, Summer of Sam, The 24 Hour Woman, Family Prayers, Driving Miss Daisy, Witness. Television: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Penny Dreadful (Critics Choice nomination), Girls, American Horror Story: Coven, Law & Order: SVU, Glee, 30 Rock, PBS Great Performances The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, Ugly Betty, Will & Grace (as herself), PBS Great Performances’ Candide, Oz , the TNT film Monday Night Mayhem, PBS’ Evening At The Pops with John Williams and Yo Yo Ma, Falcone, Bonanno: A Godfather’s Story (Showtime); Frasier (1998 Emmy nomination); Law & Order, An Evening with Patti LuPone (PBS), the NBC movie Her Last Chance, Showtime's ACE Award and Emmy nominated The Song Spinner (Daytime Emmy nomination, Best Actress), The Water Engine, L.B.J., AMC's Remember WENN and ABC's Life Goes On. Recordings include: Far Away Places, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Patti LuPone at Les Mouches, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd (both the 2006 Broadway revival cast recording and 2000 live performance recording on NY Philharmonic’s Special Editions Label); and The Lady with the Torch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this collection of conversations llana’s guests share never before told stories from their past . Listen as Laura Linney, Molly Ringwald, Griffin Dunne, Anthony Rapp, Kathryn Erbe, Dominic Fumusa, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Broderick reveal moments that will both entertain and astonish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rob Morrow is a multi-Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor, writer, and director with an established career in television, film, and theater spanning over three decades. Rob shot to stardom with his portrayal of New York doctor gone‐to Alaska, Joel Fleischman, on the hit television series, "Northern Exposure," garnering him three Golden Globe and two Emmy Award nominations. He played the iconic role of Don Eppes on the hit CBS drama, "Numb3rs," which ran for six seasons. Morrow's film credits include starring in Robert Redford's Oscar-nominated film "Quiz Show," Albert Brooks' comedy "Mother," Bruce Beresford's "Last Dance" opposite Sharon Stone, and "Into My Heart." Currently, Rob can be seen on ABC’s new hit show "Designated Survivor." He was recently on the critically acclaimed FX mini-series, "The People Vs. OJ Simpson," portraying defense attorney Barry Scheck, and on Showtime's new series "Billions," playing Counselor to the Attorney General, Adam Degiulio. He will be seen opposite Queen Latifah, Betsy Brandt and Marin Ireland in the Lifetime TV movie, "Flint." Rob is an accomplished singer and guitarist. He plays all around Los Angeles with his band which features his musical collaborator Carlos Calvo. They have also toured New York, Maine, and Nevada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Julian Ovenden, a Screen Actors Guild Award winner, talks with Ilana about his roles on "Knightfall," "Downton Abbey," and many other amazing projects. Julian shares details about his first musical in London, "Merrily We Roll Along," by the inimitable Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim was there at rehearsal daily and re-worked material for and with Juilan. The two often sat at the piano together since Julian had to play a lot in the show. Julian's gorgeous tenor voice has made him one of the most sought after concert performers in the world; he has three solo albums to his name. The son of a vicar who became the vicar for England's royal family, Julian's discusses what is was like for his family to live on the property at Windsor Castle. An actor who once had a phobia about accents, Julian shares how he learned to embrace them in order to stretch himself. And Julian gets candid with Ilana about the ups and downs of his career and tells hilarious audition stories that any actor will relate to. British actor, Julian Ovenden is an accomplished thespian and musician, who has also had memorable performances in globally renowned television and film projects over the span of his 17-year career. He has starred on Broadway and in the West End, in high profile television series on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as fashioning an international career as a concert and recording artist. Ovenden currently stars as ‘William De Nogaret’ in HISTORY’s “Knightfall,” created by Don Handfield and Richard Rayner and executively produced by Jeremy Renner. The story centers on the mysterious but true accounts of the Knights Templar, the elite warriors of the Crusades. It delves into the great secrets protected by the Templars and tells the story of faith, loyalty, and brotherhood that help sustain these warriors on the battlefield and the dark events that would forever sear the infamous date of Friday the 13th into the world’s psyche. As a solo singer, Ovenden has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including The New York Philharmonic, The New York Pops, The Northern Sinfonia, The Liverpool Philharmonic, The RPO, The LPO, The Belfast Symphony Orchestra, the John Wilson Orchestra, The BBC Symphony, The Royal Concertgebouw, and The BBC Concert Orchestra. Ovenden made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2014 and with much success, performed an additional headlining concert in 2016. In 2013, Ovenden recorded a debut album for Decca records entitled “If You Stay” and has since made a “Rogers and Hammerstein” record with John Wilson for Warner Classics and a “Downton Abbey Christmas” release. On stage at the Booth theatre in 2006, Ovenden made his Broadway debut in “Butley,” as ‘Joseph Keyston’ opposite Nathan Lane. In 2011, Ovenden starred as ‘Death’ in “Death Takes a Holiday” for The Roundabout Theatre Company and appeared as ‘J.M. Barrie’ in The Weinstein Company’s “Finding Neverland.” Ovenden first appeared on British television as ‘Andrew Foyle’ starring opposite Michael Kitchen in the widely adored “Foyle’s War” for five seasons. He has also appeared as ‘Charles Blake’ in two seasons of the worldwide phenomenon “Downton Abbey.” Domestically, Ovenden is best known for playing ‘Jeremy Lambert’ in Season 3 and 4 of CBS’s drama series, “Person of Interest.” Further television credits include ‘Val Dartie’ in “The Forsyte Saga,” “Related,” and “SMASH.” Ovenden can be seen in the films, “Colonia,” “The Confessions,” and the British indie war film “Allies.” Ovenden currently resides in England with opera singer Kate Royal, their son Johnny Beau, daughter Audrey, and Roman the dog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When Nia Vardalos, the Academy Award nominated actress, began her career she was faced with the reality that not many in Hollywood were interested in hiring a Greek actress. In response to her early struggles Nia became proactive; her semi-autobiographical first screenplay "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" soon followed. Initially unable to get her movie made, Nia then decided to adapt her screenplay into a one-woman show for the theater. (She was inspired to do this after seeing Julia Sweeney perform her one-woman show "God Said Ha!") To help build an audience Nia handed out fliers at her church. The Greek community in Los Angeles soon embraced the show en masse. Fellow Greek-American actress Rita Wilson and her husband Tom Hanks came to the play and the rest is indie film history. How Nia navigated that experience -- and how years later she went through the experience of adopting her daughter (a journey that she writes about in her best selling book "Instant Mom") is incredibly inspiring. Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Nia Vardalos was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada, and is classically trained. After graduating from Toronto's Ryerson Theater School, she performed in Shakespeare and many musicals, later taking a job in the box office of The Second City so she could watch the shows for free. One fateful night, the lead actress fell ill and Vardalos convinced producers that she had memorized the show and to let her fill in. The next day she was hired, going on to write/perform in twelve Second City revues and winning Chicago's Jeff Award for Best Actress. After a few years living in Los Angeles, unable to get a film job, she wrote, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. It continues to hold the title of #1 Romantic Comedy of all time. She received an Academy Award nom for best Screenplay, Golden Globe nom for Best Actress, and won the Independent Spirit Award and People’s Choice award. She is the screenwriter/actor/producer of "Connie and Carla", “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2”, lead actor in "My Life in Ruins", and "For a Good Time Call", with Tom Hanks is the co-writer of "Larry Crowne", plus is the actor/writer/director of "I Hate Valentine's Day." Vardalos is the author of INSTANT MOM, a New York Times bestseller, the true story of adopting her daughter as a toddler from American Foster Care. Social workers confirm that, to date, the information from her book has placed over 1300 children in permanent homes. Vardalos also donates all proceeds to adoption charities. Some of her television credits include co-hosting ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show”, and guesting on, “Dr. Ken”, “The Catch”, “Graves”, “Law & Order: SVU”, "Grey's Anatomy", "Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Jane The Virgin”, hosting "Saturday Night Live”, and voicing Angie Diaz in Disney’s animated series "Star Vs. the Forces of Evil." Besides her years with The Second City, stage credits include “Jennie” in Theate20’s COMPANY directed by Gary Griffin. (winner Best Actress Broadway Theater Award). Directed by Thomas Kail (HAMILTON), and performed for two consecutive seasons at THE PUBLIC, Vardalos plays SUGAR in TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS, her adaptation based on the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed. Vardalos wrote the play over the course of three years. Nia Vardalos currently volunteers with adoption charities, including matching prospective parents with children living in foster care. She volunteers at her twelve year old daughter’s school, mentors five writers per year, and currently lives in Los Angeles. Vardalos calls herself a Fearless Idiot because she believes it’s best to leap without asking questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara is one of Broadway’s most celebrated leading ladies. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Kelli spent most of her childhood on her family’s cattle farm. A serendipitous move to another town while in high school offered Kelli a new beginning, one in which she immersed herself in the arts. She never looked back. An interest in opera began her lifelong relationship with vocal teacher Florence Birdwell. (Ms. Birdwell had taught another actress from Oklahoma, Kristin Chenoweth. Indeed it was Kristin Chenoweth who introduced Kelli to her first agent in New York City.) Small parts led to bigger ones; eventually a leading role in the national tour of "Jekyll and Hyde" followed. Kelli then made her Broadway debut as a replacement in the musical horror-drama loosely based on the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson. In her conversation with Ilana, Kelli discusses how there were times when she thought perhaps she had landed the role that would be her big break, but it was not to be. Ironically, it was a bit of luck that found her in California when the workshop of a new musical called "Light in the Piazza" was being cast. It was that workshop that led to the Lincoln Center production that made Kelli O’Hara a Broadway star. From farm girl to Tony Award winning actress, Kelli O'Hara shares her amazing story with Ilana on this episode of "Little Known Facts!" Kelli O’Hara has unequivocally established herself as one of Broadway’s great leading ladies. Her portrayal of Anna Leonowens in the critically acclaimed revival of "The King and I" recently garnered her a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, along with Drama League and Outer Critics nominations. In 2014, her performance as Francesca in the musical adaptation of "The Bridges of Madison County" earned her Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations. Also that year, she starred as Mrs. Darling in NBC’s live telecast of “Peter Pan” alongside Allison Williams and Christian Borle, and on New Year’s Eve, Kelli made her Metropolitan Opera debut in the production of "The Merry Widow" with Renee Fleming. A native of Oklahoma, Kelli received a degree in opera, and after winning the State Metropolitan Opera Competition, moved to New York and enrolled in the Lee Strasberg Institute. She made her Broadway debut in "Jekyll & Hyde" and followed it with Sondheim’s "Follies," "Sweet Smell of Success" opposite John Lithgow, and "Dracula." In 2003 Kelli committed to a production of "The Light in the Piazza" at Seattle’s Intiman Theatre. The show landed on Broadway in 2005 and earned Kelli her first Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations. She moved from one critical and commercial success to another when she joined Harry Connick on Broadway in the 2006 Tony award-winning production of "The Pajama Game," for which Kelli received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Award nominations. Kelli starred in the Tony Award-winning revival of "South Pacific" at Lincoln Center, enrapturing audiences and critics alike with her soulful and complex interpretation of Nellie Forbush, and garnering Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Award nominations. She later teamed up with Matthew Broderick in Broadway's musical comedy "Nice Work if You Can Get it," earning Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle nominations, as well as the Fred Astaire Nomination for dance. Among her film and television credits are "Sex & The City 2," Martin Scorsese’s short "The Key to Reserva" opposite Simon Baker; "The Dying Gaul," "Blue Bloods" (NBC pilot), "All Rise" (NBC pilot), "Alexander Hamilton" (Maria Reynolds) starring Brian F. O’Byrne (PBS), "NUMB3RS" (CBS), "All My Children," the animated series "Car Talk," and numerous live performances on national television shows. Kelli currently resides in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jordan Roth, the Tony Award winning President of Jujamcyn Theaters, is responsible for bringing "Spring Awakening," "Clybourne Park," "Kinky Boots," "Springsteen on Broadway," "Falsettos," "Mean Girls," "Frozen," "Angels In America" and many other hits to Broadway. The youngest president ever of a theater dynasty, Jordan has quickly become one of the most respected producers in the American theater. On this episode of "Little Known Facts" Jordan talks with Ilana about his desire to bring theater to Broadway that inspires and changes lives; indeed, Jordan's gift for bringing together other creatives and cultivating talent has allowed him to bring some of the most powerful game changing plays to the Broadway stage. Jordan shares intimate details about his childhood and what led him to a career focused on creativity and community. Jordan is a tireless activist for political causes that support people in need from all walks of life -- often working with organizations that support the LGBTQI community. This is a rare look into the life of one of the most powerful members of the theater community. Jordan Roth is widely recognized as a theatrical innovator, championing new shows that push the boundaries of Broadway and creating unique experiences for audiences. As President of Jujamcyn Theaters, he oversees five Broadway theatres, presenting some of the most influential and successful musicals and plays on Broadway today. Current productions include the Tony Award-winning Best Musicals "The Book of Mormon" and "Kinky Boots," "Springsteen on Broadway" and the upcoming "Frozen" and "Mean Girls." Jordan recently produced "Present Laughter" starring Kevin Kline in his Tony Award-winning performance as well the Tony-nominated revival of "Falsettos" with Lincoln Center Theater. Previous producing credits include the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Best Play "Clybourne Park" and his first production, the long-running "The Donkey Show" Off-Broadway. This spring, Jordan is joining with the National Theatre to bring to Broadway the eagerly anticipated production of "Angels in America" starring Nathan Lane and Andrew Garfield. Combining his love of theatre with his passion for making a difference in our community, Jordan created Givenik.com, a unique service allowing theatergoers to buy discounted tickets and give 5% of their ticket price to the charity of their choice. Givenik.com currently supports over 750 charitable organizations, including God's Love We Deliver. Jordan writes a regular column on Deadline Hollywood with Jeremy Gerard debating issues of the day in theatre and culture. His new online cultural commentary comedy series "The Birds" and the BS with Jordan Roth launches soon. In a relatively short period of time, Jordan has generated much interest in his vision and accomplishments. He was honored to be included in Fast Company's "Most Creative People in Business 1000," Crain's "Forty Under 40," Variety's "50 Creatives to Watch," The Daily News' "50 New Yorkers to Watch," Time Out New York's "42 Reasons to Applaud New York Theatre," Paper Magazine's "Beautiful People Issue," and Out Magazine's "Out 100" three times. Recently, Jordan was recognized as a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Jordan graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton University with degrees in philosophy and theatre, and received his MBA from Columbia Business School. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Broadway League, Times Square Alliance and the Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation. Jordan and his husband Richie Jackson live in New York City with their two sons Jackson and Levi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In Part 2 of their conversation, Tony Award winner Donna Murphy shares with Ilana personal stories of how she began her career. She recalls hilarious details of being cast early on -- even when the odds were against her. And she talks about how she prepared with great precision for her audition for the role of "Fosca" in Sondheim's Passion -- a rolethat secured her place as a Broadway legend. She explains how Sondheim and Lapine work together and describes their collaboration as "shared poetry." With great sensitivity and rawness, Donna discusses how she now negotiates life and work after the death of her beloved husband and partner, Shawn Elliott. And ... she sings on the podcast!!! Donna Murphy’s award-winning performances in theater, film and television have forged a career of exceptional diversity, impressing both audiences and critics with her depth and skill. This “seductive actress of major transformative powers” (NY Times) was named by New York Magazine as one of “Three Living Legends” of the New York Theater and awarded in 2003 one of their prestigious “New York Awards” for her work in the theater. One of the most beloved and honored stage actresses of her generation, Murphy earned the Drama League Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theater. She currently shares the iconic role of Dolly Gallagher Levi with the legendary Bette Midler in the Tony Award winning revival of "Hello, Dolly!," for which she has received great critical acclaim. Ms. Murphy received the first of two Tony® Awards for Best Actress in a Musical, along with the Drama Desk and Drama League Awards, for her spellbinding creation of Fosca in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s "Passion," which was filmed for PBS’ American Playhouse. She received her second Tony® Award, as well as a Drama League Award and Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations, for her “resplendent, matchless” (New York Post) performance as Anna Leonowens in the 1996 Tony® Award-winning revival of "The King and I." In 2004, she was honored with the Drama League Outstanding Achievement Award for her work in Musical Theater, the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Astaire Awards, as well as another Tony® nomination, for her hilarious comic tour de force as Ruth Sherwood in the Broadway Revival of "Wonderful Town." She returned to Broadway in 2007, receiving Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and a Tony® nomination for her mesmerizing portrayal of the legendary actress-singer Lotte Lenya in "LoveMusik," directed by Harold Prince. Murphy’s first television film, HBO’s “Someone Had to be Benny,” earned her a Cable Ace Award as Best Actress in a Drama Special or Series, as well as a Daytime Emmy. Most recently, she starred as Jane Green, the matriarch of a prominent Southern family torn apart by the Civil War in PBS’ Mercy Street and guest starred on ABC’s hit show “Quantico” and CBS’ “Doubt” with Katherine Heigl and Laverne Cox. Other regular and recurring appearances include the mysterious “elegant woman” Angela Forrester in ABC’s “Resurrection,” Georgie on VH1’s “Hindsight,” Darlene Garretti on CBS’ “Made in Jersey” alongside Janet Montgomery and Kyle McLaughlin, the steely Denise Goodman on TNT’s “Trust Me” with Eric McCormack and Tom Cavanaugh, Heather Olshansky in CBS’ “Hack” opposite David Morse, and her critically acclaimed comedic performance as the neurotic psychiatrist Dr. Ruby Stern on ABC’s sitcom, “What About Joan,” starring Joan Cusack. For her contribution to the Arts, Culture and Public life, she’s received special honors from New York Magazine, Symphony Space, Greenwich Village’s Caring Community, the Women’s Project, The Little Orchestra Society, Irish America Magazine, the Breukelein Institute and Emerson College. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Donna Murphy is a two-time Tony Award winning American musical theater treasure. Donna's singular voice, her comedic skills, her dancing and the authenticity and humanity she brings to every role that she plays has made her one of the most beloved actresses of her generation. From Fosca in Sondheim’s "Passion" to her current role of Dolly Levi in "Hello, Dolly!," Donna brings the audience to its feet every night. In part one of this two part episode, Donna discusses her childhood and what it was like growing up as the eldest of seven children. She shares with Ilana the discovery of her musical gifts at the age of three! And she talks of her process and the discipline needed to find every role. Donna also reveals her deep belief that she was brought into this world to perform. Welcome Donna Murphy! Donna Murphy’s award-winning performances in theater, film and television have forged a career of exceptional diversity, impressing both audiences and critics with her depth and skill. This “seductive actress of major transformative powers” (NY Times) was named by New York Magazine as one of “Three Living Legends” of the New York Theater and awarded in 2003 one of their prestigious “New York Awards” for her work in the theater. One of the most beloved and honored stage actresses of her generation, Murphy earned the Drama League Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theater. She currently shares the iconic role of Dolly Gallagher Levi with the legendary Bette Midler in the Tony Award winning revival of "Hello, Dolly!," for which she has received great critical acclaim. Ms. Murphy received the first of two Tony® Awards for Best Actress in a Musical, along with the Drama Desk and Drama League Awards, for her spellbinding creation of Fosca in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s "Passion," which was filmed for PBS’ American Playhouse. She received her second Tony® Award, as well as a Drama League Award and Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations, for her “resplendent, matchless” (New York Post) performance as Anna Leonowens in the 1996 Tony® Award-winning revival of "The King and I." In 2004, she was honored with the Drama League Outstanding Achievement Award for her work in Musical Theater, the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Astaire Awards, as well as another Tony® nomination, for her hilarious comic tour de force as Ruth Sherwood in the Broadway Revival of "Wonderful Town." She returned to Broadway in 2007, receiving Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and a Tony® nomination for her mesmerizing portrayal of the legendary actress-singer Lotte Lenya in "LoveMusik," directed by Harold Prince. Murphy’s first television film, HBO’s “Someone Had to be Benny,” earned her a Cable Ace Award as Best Actress in a Drama Special or Series, as well as a Daytime Emmy. Most recently, she starred as Jane Green, the matriarch of a prominent Southern family torn apart by the Civil War in PBS’ Mercy Street and guest starred on ABC’s hit show “Quantico” and CBS’ “Doubt” with Katherine Heigl and Laverne Cox. Other regular and recurring appearances include the mysterious “elegant woman” Angela Forrester in ABC’s “Resurrection,” Georgie on VH1’s “Hindsight,” Darlene Garretti on CBS’ “Made in Jersey” alongside Janet Montgomery and Kyle McLaughlin, the steely Denise Goodman on TNT’s “Trust Me” with Eric McCormack and Tom Cavanaugh, Heather Olshansky in CBS’ “Hack” opposite David Morse, and her critically acclaimed comedic performance as the neurotic psychiatrist Dr. Ruby Stern on ABC’s sitcom, “What About Joan,” starring Joan Cusack. For her contribution to the Arts, Culture and Public life, she’s received special honors from New York Magazine, Symphony Space, Greenwich Village’s Caring Community, the Women’s Project, The Little Orchestra Society, Irish America Magazine, the Breukelein Institute and Emerson College. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Will Roland currently stars as "Jared Kleinman" in the Tony Award winning musical "Dear Evan Hansen." Will had previously co-starred with Ben Platt in the promising musical "The Black Suits," so when they reunited for DEH the two already had much of the needed dynamics in place to create their indelible performances. On this episode of "Little Known Facts," Will shares what it has been like to live inside the meteoric rise of "Dear Evan Hansen," candidly discussing the great joys as well as the invasion of privacy that has come with this gig. Will also discusses how he grew up helping out in his family's antique business, acquiring tremendous knowledge of fine art and estate furniture. (He also demonstrates for Ilana his mad skills as an auctioneer! Will helped raise thousands of dollars for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids by auctioning off the plaster cast Ben Platt wears in the show to the highest bidder.) Will studied musical theater at New York University and is an accomplished lighting designer. He performs cabaret with Joe Iconis and others. Learn all about Will! Tune in now! Will Roland is a Brooklyn-based actor/singer/human currently making his Broadway Debut in "Dear Evan Hansen," in which he originated the role of Jared Kleinman (Broadway.com Audience Choice Award: Favorite Funny Performance). Recent credits include: "Dear Evan Hansen" (Second Stage & Arena Stage), "The Black Suits" (CTG & Barrington), "The Bus" (59E59), "LoserSongs" (Don't Tell Mama), & "Academia Nuts!" (NYMF). Will frequently collaborates with Joe Iconis & Family. Passionate about new work, he's helped develop plays & musicals with 2nd Stage, La Jolla, Arena, CAP21, Don't Tell Mama, and various Fringe festivals. Thanks Mom, Dad, Val, Steph, Station3, SRDA, and my many loving teachers for their support throughout this crazy endeavor. www.will-roland.com Twitter:@ll_roland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Laura Heywood (a.k.a. @BroadwayGirlNYC ) was an anonymous Broadway influencer with a huge social media following until she decided to reveal her true identity. A passionate enthusiast for all things Broadway, Laura used her expertise in brand identity to create a niche for herself as an influencer in the theater world and beyond. An early user of Twitter, Laura has always made the most of her platform and huge social media following by highlighting many wonderful not-for-profit organizations, including her beloved "Story Pirates." And in this truly inspirational episode, Laura opens up to Ilana about a darker time in her life and how she got through it -- and what she continues to do to keep a healthy mental attitude. Whether you know her as "Broadway Girl NYC" or simply Laura, you won't want to miss her on the next "Little Known Facts!" Laura Heywood is a professional enthusiast: a multi-faceted host, consultant, performer, pundit, and writer widely recognized for her commitment to positivity. Her formerly anonymous alter-ego, @BroadwayGirlNYC, is widely regarded as a leading advocate, ambassador, and best friend to Broadway (Forbes calls her "the most vocal and visible supporter in the business”). She has worked in fields ranging from sports talk radio (San Francisco Giants) to commercial acting (Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty) to social media consulting (Tori Amos), always bringing a point of view of contagious joy. Laura works regularly as a celebrity interviewer for outlets including AOL’s Build Series and CBS New York, and is the creator of the web series The Between The Shows Show. She volunteers regularly and is on the Board of Directors for the national arts & education non-profit Story Pirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cazzie David, daughter of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator Larry David, was followed by TMZ the day she moved into her college dorm. Any hopes for an anonymous matriculation were blown immediately -- and most of the students Cazzie encountered on campus weren't quite sure how to interact with the child of a major Hollywood star. The one person who didn't seem to be nonplussed by it all was Elisa Kalani. In her refreshingly straight forward manner, Elisa acknowledged how wonderful -- and strange -- it was to have Cazzie at the school. The two freshmen became fast friends and have remained the best of friends ever since those first surreal days. Cazzie and Elisa, co-creators of the critically acclaimed web series "Eighty-Sixed," chat with Ilana about their work and what it means to be "millennials." Elisa and Cazzie describe their relationship to technology as second nature -- but as millennials they are actually on the cusp; they lived a life before having all of these technological advances and social media so they know life before and after Snapchat. "Eighty-Sixed," as described by Cazzie, is simultaneously critical of her generation and sympathetic. In other words, it's honest, real and of course hilarious. These two young, smart writers go in depth with Ilana about what it was like doing a project that shot in Larry David’s home -- but didn’t involve Larry David! Cazzie shares what it feels like being the child of a famous father -- and they both discuss what’s next for them. These brilliant young women are taking Hollywood by storm on their own terms with their unique take on what it’s like to be in your 20’s in America today. The two met their first week at Emerson College and forged a friendship that has turned into a prolific creative partnership since graduating. Here is what critics had to say about this spotlight into the world of millennial break ups. "(DAVID’S) BRITTLE, DEADPAN CHARISMA IS INNATELY WATCHABLE, AND THERE ARE FEW FULL-LENGTH SHOWS SUCCESSFULLY MINING THE COMPLEX NORMS AND PRESSURES OF SOCIAL-MEDIA ETIQUETTE THROUGH A COMEDIC LENS." — NY MAGA "CAZZIE DAVID MIGHT BE THE NEXT VOICE OF A GENERATION...SHE [REMI] IS NOT HERE TO IMPRESS YOU. AND WE'RE SERIOUSLY IMPRESSED." — REFINERY29 "WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT EIGHTY-SIXED IS THAT IT NEVER FEELS LIKE IT’S TRYING TOO HARD. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF OVERLY AMBITIOUS WEB SERIES, BUT THIS ONE IS FULLY SELF-AWARE AND DELIGHTFULLY WRY." — DECIDER
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Bill Camp, the Emmy and Tony nominated actor, has had an illustrious career on stage and in film for over three decades. His most recent turn as "Dennis Box" in HBO's highly acclaimed limited series "The Night Of " earned him an Emmy nomination for his compelling portrayal of an NYPD Detective in pursuit of the truth. Camp brought tremendous pathos and dimension to the role -- as he does to every role he plays. Beloved by some of the most accomplished directors of our time including Mike Nichols and Stephen Spielberg, Camp has become one of the most sought after actors working today. On this episode, Bill opens up to Ilana about his years of "deviant" behavior and how he weathered the storm. He also shares intimate and hilarious details of his courtship and ultimate marriage to actress, Elizabeth Marvel. Bill is best known for his Emmy Award nominated performance (Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series) in HBO's critically acclaimed limited series "The Night Of," starring alongside John Turturro and Riz Ahmed directed by Steve Zaillian and written by Richard Price. Bill is currently filming the "The Looming Tower," where he will portray FBI veteran Robert Chesney. The upcoming Hulu series in the based on Lawrence Wright’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that chronicles the events that led to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Bill recently shot the Francis Lawrence-directed spy thriller "Marble," based on Jason Matthew’s espionage novel. This film also marks his second time working with Steve Zaillian, who is attached as a producer on the Fox feature. Additionally, Bill filmed "The Land Of Steady Habits" both written and directed by Nicole Holofcener with Anthony Bregman of Likely Story producing. Bill also shot a pivotal role in "Molly’s Game" directed by Aaron Sorkin and co-starred alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan in "Wildlife," Paul Dano’s directorial debut. Other upcoming films include "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, "Woman Walks" Ahead directed by Susanna White, and Scott Cooper’s latest feature, "Hostiles." This will be his second time working with Cooper, as the duo previously collaborated on "Black Mass." Last year, Bill held key roles in "Midnight Special" and "Loving" (both from writer-director Jeff Nichols) as well as "Jason Bourne" directed by Paul Greengrass. Bill has also appeared in "Gold" for director Stephen Gaghan, "Aloha" for director Cameron Crowe, "Birdman" (Academy Award Winner, Best Picture) for director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, "Love & Mercy," "12 Years a Slave," "Lincoln," "Compliance," "Lawless," "Tamara Drewe" and "Public Enemies." On the small screen he has played recurring roles on "The Leftovers," "Manhattan," "Boardwalk Empire" and "Damages." A veteran of the stage, Bill received a Tony Award nomination for his performance as Reverend John Hale in Arthur Miller’s "The Crucible," directed by Ivo Van Hove and produced by Scott Rudin. He is an alumnus of The Juilliard School and recipient of several awards and honors, including the Obie, Elliot Norton, Drama Desk, and Boston Critics Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gillian Pensavalle is the host of "The Hamilcast" podcast. Gillian started the podcast at the beginning of 2016 because of her love, passion and obsession with all things "Hamilton, An American Musical." Each week Gillian has conversations with members of the Hamilton community, theater luminaries, friends and Hamilton fans about all things ... Hamilton. Slowly Gillian's audience has grown and grown -- and it is now regarded as the "official" podcast of Hamilton by its cast members. In the summer of 2017, Lin Manuel Miranda recognized Gillian on twitter with his signature "I see you @TheHamilcast" and a conversation began -- a conversation that has culminated in a four hour dialogue between Lin and Gillian that has become known as #Lintoberfest on "The Hamilcast" podcast. Find out how it all evolved and unfolded on this exciting new episode of "Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine." A born and raised New Yorker, Gillian Pensavalle is a karaoke enthusiast who says hello to dogs on the street, but always asks permission first. She is a proud Ravenclaw and loyal to House Stark. Gillian is the creator, executive producer, and host of "The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast," the first Hamilton podcast to hit the airwaves in January of 2016, which has since earned the title of "The Official Hamilton Podcast" among cast members and has listeners in over 140 countries. Guests include over two dozen people involved in Hamilton including cast members, crew, musicians, and the man who started it all: Lin-Manuel Miranda. How lucky we are to be alive right now indeed. Gillian is also the co-creator and co-host of comedy podcast "True Crime Obsessed," with podcast maven Patrick Hinds. This smart, well-researched, respectful, and hilarious podcast received critical acclaim almost instantly thanks to the duo’s undeniable chemistry, nonstop passion, and zero tolerance policy for garbage people. Teaming up with her husband Michael Paul Smith, Gillian is the co-creator, producer, and star of "The Residuals," a successful comedy series based on the couple's the real-life auditioning for commercials in New York City. Guest stars include Horatio Sanz, Michael Torpey, and Emily Tarver. In the digital video world, Gillian has pitched, wrote, hosted, produced, and edited over 2,000 videos that have been distributed to over 12,000 partner sites including The Huffington Post, Hearst, AOLOn, MSN, Amazon, USA Today, and Roku. Topics included viral animal stories, dumb criminals, travel tips, "Game Of Thrones" and "Breaking Bad" recaps, and general pop culture. From telling a story straight to camera or editing text-only videos, Gillian’s pieces have amassed over tens of millions of views. With over ten years of experience in the entertainment industry, Gillian is a content creator through and through: she is an actor, voice-over artist, on-camera host, podcaster, editor, writer, SAG signatory producer, and showrunner. Twitter: @GillianWithaG / @TheHamilcast Instagram: @GillianWithaG / @TheHamilcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Allison Janney, a seven-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, had dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater. That dream ended when, at age 17, she ran through a sliding glass window. The injury was serious, and, suddenly Allison's future goals shifted. She found herself at Kenyon College and she became a theater major. While at Kenyon Allison was discovered by Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward who had come to the college to direct a play at their alma mater. They encouraged Janney to go to NYC and pursue a career in acting professionally. What happened after that is the subject of this funny and intimate conversation with host Ilana Levine, a dear friend of Allison's. The two met and became fast friends when Ilana was starring in the HBO series "Tanner 88" with a mutual friend. Allison walks us through her audition for "The West Wing" and opens up about why the recent loss of her brother makes starring on the CBS hit show "Mom" all the more important for her during this emotional time. The incredibly versatile Allison Janney has taken her place among a select group of actors who combine a leading lady’s profile with a character actor’s art of performance. Currently starring alongside Anna Faris in the CBS/Chuck Lorre sitcom, “Mom,” Janney also received rave reviews for her turn as ‘Margaret Scully’ on Showtime’s groundbreaking drama “Masters of Sex.” Janney won Emmys for both roles in the same year; a rare feat in Emmy history. She won a second Emmy for “Mom” the following year, bringing her total number of ATAS statues to seven. She was also recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition, Janney has continually taken on movie roles during her hiatus weeks from the sitcom. She’s completed filming “I, Tonya” with Margot Robbie for Miramax Films. Janney also appeared in two of the previous summer’s biggest box office titles: the adorably animated “Minions” and “Spy” with Melissa McCarthy. Prior feature work includes “The Duff,” Jason Bateman’s directorial debut “Bad Words,” the Dreamworks’ animated film “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” and “The Way, Way Back” with Steve Carell and Toni Collette. Additionally she co-starred in the much anticipated feature film "The Help" based on the best-selling novel of the same name, winning the Ensemble awards from the Screen Actors Guild, National Board of Review and the Broadcast Film Critics. For her role in Todd Solondz's film "Life During Wartime" she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress by the Spirit Awards. She received another Spirit Award nomination for her work in the independent feature “Our Very Own,” and starred opposite Meryl Streep in “The Hours,” which received a SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture. Other feature credits include the Academy Award winning film “American Beauty” (for which she won a SAG Award for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture) as well as “Nurse Betty,” “How to Deal,” “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Primary Colors,” “The Ice Storm,” “Six Days Seven Nights,” “The Object of My Affection,” and “Big Night.” On TV, she is renowned for her starring role in the acclaimed NBC series "The West Wing," where she won a remarkable four Emmy Awards and four SAG Awards for her portrayal of White House Press Secretary ‘CJ Cregg.’ She made her Broadway debut in Noel Coward’s “Present Laughter” for which she earned the Outer Critics Circle Award and Clarence Derwent Award. She also appeared in Arthur Miller’s "A View from the Bridge," receiving her first Tony Award nomination and winning the Outer Critics Circle Award as well as the musical "9 to 5," Janney made her return to Broadway earlier this year in the revival of John Guare’s “Six Degrees of Separation." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Celia Keenan-Bolger, a native of Detroit, Michigan, has made a very impressive mark in the Broadway community. A Tony nominee beloved for her talent, kindness and political activism, Celia has moved effortlessly between musicals and straight plays. She burst onto the scene with her role in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Shortly thereafter she captivated audiences as Laura in "The Glass Menagerie," showed her comedic genius in "Peter and the Starcatcher," and moved us to tears when she starred in "Les Miserables" (a childhood dream). In this intimate episode Celia discusses how she handles the highs and lows that inevitably come along with a life in the theater. Married to actor John Ellison Conlee, Celia shares what it's like for two actors in a marriage and she opens up about the joys and surprises of parenthood. Celia also touches on her early years -- including her time with Sutton Foster in the children's theatrical troupe "The Peter Pan Players." Listeners will feel closer to -- and more in awe of -- this deeply talented, and equally kind, award-winning actress. CELIA KEENAN-BOLGER- Broadway: Glass Menagerie (Tony Award Nomination, Drama Desk Award, Dorothy Loudon Award), Peter And The Starcatcher, (Tony Nom, Drama Desk Nom, Drama League Nom), The Cherry Orchard, Les Miserables (Drama Desk nom.), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Tony Nom, Theatre World Award, Drama Desk Award for Best Ensemble), Off Broadway: Tumacho (Clubbed Thumb) The Oldest Boy (Lincoln Center Theater), Merrily We Roll Along (City Center Encores), A Small Fire (Playwrights Horizons), Bachelorette (2econd Stage). TV: Louie, The Good Wife, Nurse Jackie, Good Behavior, Elementary, Blue Bloods, Law & Order SVU, Heartland. Film: The Visit, Mariachi Gringo, Breakable You, Diane (upcoming). Celia is a graduate of The University Of Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Julianne Moore, the Academy Award winning actress, spends time with Ilana talking about her nomad childhood in a military family, her early years in NYC waitressing, and her first break -- being cast on a soap opera playing twins. In the 90's as the indie film world took off so did her career and she talks in depth about the roles she chooses and how she approaches them. A star who has appeared in over 70 films Julie, as she is known to friends, has remained grounded because of her devotion to her husband and children. Raising her family in New York City has been a way to remain connected to a life of normalcy although her marriage to director Bart Freundlich, has made filmmaking a family business. Julianne and Bart met while making his film "The Myth of Fingerprints" together and it's a love story that Julianne tells in great detail on the podcast. Over the course of an hour Ilana and Julianne talk about the films that made Julianne famous, the pressure on actresses to look a certain way, the paparazzi and its impact on her family, how she decides on doing a role that has nudity and her ability to make the transition so elegantly from being herself to making the leap into playing the character once "action" is called on the set of a film. This is Julianne Moore -- up close and personal. Julianne Moore is an Academy Award and Emmy winning actor, and the first American woman to be awarded top acting prizes at the Cannes, Berlin, and Venice film festivals. She is also a NY-Times best selling author, for her children’s book series Freckleface Strawberry. Julianne is on the Advisory Council of The Children's Health Fund, is a supporter of the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance and in 2015, became founding chair of the Everytown for Gun Safety Creative Council, a creative community established to help amplify the movement to end gun violence in America. In 2017, she will be seen in the upcoming films KINGSMAN 2: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, WONDERSTRUCK, and SUBURBICON. She lives with her family in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brian d'Arcy James (award winning actor) originated the role of King George in "Hamilton," The Broadway musical. He has starred in over 14 Broadway shows and just as many film and tv shows. Among them, the Academy Award winning film "Spotlight," "13 Reasons Why," "Smash," "Unabomber," "Ghost Town," and many more upcoming projects. In this candid conversation, Brian shares with Ilana the tough choice he had to make when the opportunity to star on Broadway in "Something Rotten" was presented at the same time "Hamilton" was going into rehearsal for it's Public Theater run. This and other stories about his life in the theater make for one of the most compelling and hilarious episodes of "Little Known Facts." Brian dʼArcy James is an award-winning theater, film, and television actor as well as a recording artist. Hailed recently as “one of the most celebrated actors of his generation in both straight plays and musicals” (Jeremy Gerard, Deadline), Brian is a three-time Tony nominee, and an Obie and Drama Desk Award winner for his varied and extensive work in the theater on Broadway and off-Broadway. Brian reprised his award-winning role as King George III in Lin-Manuel Mirandaʼs musical HAMILTON at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. He originated the role of King George (“played with vaudevillian brilliance”—Ben Brantley, The New York Times) in the sold-out Off-Broadway run of Hamilton at The Public Theater. In 2015, immediate following Hamilton, Brian starred in the Broadway musical SOMETHING ROTTEN, for which he was nominated for a 2015 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Drama League Distinguished Performance Award. In film, Brian starred in the 2016 Academy Award–winning Best Picture SPOTLIGHT, alongside Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel McAdams as the four-member “Spotlight” columnists for the Boston Globe. Brian was awarded the 2016 SAG Award, Critics Choice Award, Gotham Award and the Independent Spirit’s Robert Altman Award for Best Ensemble for his portrayal of Matt Carroll. 2017 proved to be a busy year with the spring premiere of the Netflix series THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, in which Brian co-stars with Kate Walsh, followed by his appearance in Discovery Channel’s Manhunt:UNABOMBER miniseries. Additional credits include guest starring roles in THE GOOD WIFE, THE BIG C and PERSON OF INTEREST, among many others. A veteran of the stage with more than a dozen Broadway credits to his name, highlights include his Tony award nominated performances for starring roles in SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS and SHREK THE MUSICAL, as well as roles in Broadway plays such as MACBETH, TIME STANDS STILL and LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE. Off Broadway highlights include his Obie winning solo performance of THE GOOD THIEF, Drama Desk nominations for GIANT and THE WILD PARTY along with originating roles in NEXT TO NORMAL and FLOYD COLLINS, among others. As a recording artist, Brian has a Grammy nomination for his performance on the Broadway Cast Album of SOMETHING ROTTEN. His solo Christmas album FROM CHRISTMAS EVE TO CHRISTMAS MORN features holiday classics along with three original songs including the popular song “Michigan Christmas.” Brian dʼArcy James resides in New York City with his wife and daughter. He has supported and performed many times for an organization in his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan, called the Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI). The mission of the FNI is the prevention, early diagnosis, care and cure of neurological diseases, disorders and injuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brendan McDonald is the co-creator and executive producer of "WTF" with Marc Maron. He is an Emmy-winning producer and veteran of television, radio and digital media. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and son. Brendan McDonald, Emmy Award winner and co-creator/producer of "WTF" with Marc Maron, discusses the evolution of their ground-breaking podcast and how they made history when President Obama came on the show. Brendan grew up in a family devoted to the arts and the seeds were planted at an early age to appreciate and create art with integrity. His own performance background and his encyclopedic knowledge and obsession with "Saturday Night Live" all played a part in his becoming the co creator of "WTF." He met Marc Maron in the early days of Air America when they were hired to create a live radio show together and it was clear to Brendan that Marc was the next Howard Stern. As a kid, Brendan performed in school plays but he understood early on what it would take to chase a career as a performer. So he set his sights on producing and he has done so for decades working with some of the biggest talents in news, but with Marc and the 'WTF" podcast, he has gained international recognition as a pioneer in the world of podcasting. His is a great success story where a labor of love and a passion for hard work has made something uniquely special. Together with Marc Maron, he has written and edited a book creating an oral history of life by weaving together stories from the podcast called 'Waiting for the Punch." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
At 23, actor Ben Platt won the Tony Award for the physically and emotionally demanding role of Evan Hansen in the Tony Award winning musical, "Dear Evan Hansen." Platt has said in order to take on such a demanding role he lives a monkish existence. As long as he is performing the role everything he does on stage and off is in service of the play. He has changed his diet, works carefully with a vocal coach, physical therapist and even endures the ancient form of alternative medicine known as "cupping." In this intimate conversation with Ilana Levine, host of Little Known Facts, he describes his childhood, his lifelong passion for musical theater, his love of Judaism, family, sexuality, what he learned from Meryl Streep about acting and more never heard before details about this uniquely gifted rising star. BEN PLATT originated the title role in "Dear Evan Hansen" to critical acclaim (Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations) and won the 2017 Tony Award for his Broadway performance. Platt was the original Elder Cunningham in the Chicago production of "The Book of Mormon" and reprised the role on Broadway (dir. Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw). Film: Benji Applebaum in "Pitch Perfect" and "Pitch Perfect 2," "Ricki and the Flash" (dir. Jonathan Demme), "Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk" (dir. Ang Lee), "Drunk Parents" (dir. Fred Wolf). National Tours: "Caroline, or Change" (directed by George C. Wolfe). Regional credits include "Dear Evan Hansen" (Arena Stage), "The Black Suits" (Barrington Stage Company), "The Power of Duff" (dir. Peter DuBois/New York Stage and Film), "Dead End" (dir. Nicholas Martin/Ahmanson Theatre), :The Music Man," "Mame," "Camelot," and "The Sound of Music" (dir. Gordon Hunt/Hollywood Bowl). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jen Rudin, author of “Confessions of a Casting Director,” offers listeners a unique behind the scenes experience of the casting process. A child actress herself, Jen shares tips and stories for both the seasoned actor and young professionals, on how to best navigate the often harrowing and unruly process of auditions. In this funny, candid and insightful interview, Jen explains the process of auditions from the perspective of the casting director. Learn why going in and doing the best you can is always better than not taking advantage of every opportunity. Even when the call comes in the night before... Jen Rudin is an award-winning casting director who began her thirty-year career in show business as a child actor at age eight. As a casting executive at the Walt Disney Company, Jen conducted extensive talent searches all over the United States, identifying and hiring actors who went on to star on Broadway in "The Lion King," "Mary Poppins" and "The Little Mermaid" and in beloved Disney movies like "The Incredibles," "The Princess and the Frog," "Chicken Little" and "Brother Bear." Her company, Jen Rudin Casting, casts projects in New York and Los Angeles. She is the author of "Confessions of a Casting Director." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jerry Mitchell, Tony Award winning director and choreographer, is a living legend! He is the creator of Broadway Bares, a burlesque show that has raised millions of dollars for Broadway Cares -- an organization devoted to supporting people living with HIV. His midwestern upbringing and his talent uncovered at a young age are all part of his unique and inspiring success story. JERRY MITCHELL (Director/Choreographer) is currently represented on Broadway as the Director of the Gloria Estefan bio-musical, On Your Feet, having previously received TONY Awards in recognition of his choreography for the 2013 TONY-Award winning Best Musical, Kinky Boots, for which he was also nominated as Director and the 2005 revival of La Cage Aux Folles. He was nominated for an Olivier Award for his choreography in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which he also directed and co-produced in the West End. In the 35 preceding years, Jerry has been involved with over 50 Broadway, Off-Broadway, West End and touring productions, starting as a dancer for Agnes De Mille in Brigadoon and thereafter assisting Michael Bennett and Jerome Robbins. His Broadway debut as Choreographer, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, was followed by The Full Monty (TONY nomination), The Rocky Horror Show, Hairspray (TONY nomination), Gypsy (starring Bernadette Peters), Never Gonna Dance (TONY nomination), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (TONY nomination), Imaginary Friends, Legally Blonde (TONY nomination), which he also directed, Catch Me If You Can and Kinky Boots (also currently running in London, Australia, Japan, Korea and on a U.S. tour, with Germany up next.) Jerry’s memorable film work includes In and Out, Scent of a Woman, Jeffrey, Drop DeadGorgeous and Camp. For television, he recently choreographed the NBC live production of Hairspray, as well as several seasons of TheRosie O’Donnell Show, was nominated for an Emmy for his choreography created for The Drew Carey Show, was featured as the host of Step It Up and Dance and appeared in his role as Director/Choreographer of Legally Blonde in The Search for Elle Woodsand of Peepshow in Ice Loves Coco. Twenty-seven years ago, Jerry conceived and created Broadway Bares, a comedy burlesque show performed annually for the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. He continues to serve as Executive Producer of Broadway Bares, with a book, website and satellite productions in Fire Island Pines, Las Vegas (Peepshow, which enjoyed a five-year run of continuous performances) and London (West End Bares). Most recently, Jerry received the Drama League’s Founders’ Award for Excellence in Directing and the George Abbott Lifetime Achievement Award from his peers, the latter being especially meaningful to him in that he was directed by the 96 year old Mr. Abbott in the Broadway revival of On Your Toes. A native of Paw Paw, Michigan, Jerry attended Webster Conservatory in St. Louis, from which he received an Honorary Doctorate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nikka Graff Lanzarone comes from a long line of Broadway performers and Tony Award winners. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she spent her youth figuring out how to get to New York City. Nikka was always clear from a young age that she needed to live where there was a Broadway and to Broadway she arrived. Cast in the Pedro Almodovar musical, "Women on the Verge," Nikka quickly became a beloved member of the Broadway community and her one woman show, "Hero Worship," made her an immediate darling of the Cabaret world. She and Mo Brady co-host "The Ensemblist," a Broadway podcast that shines a light on all the people who make a Broadway show happen, both on stage and off. Nikka Graff Lanzarone is a New York City-based performer, writer, podcaster, cat lady, lover of the Internet, wife, and nerd. She’s appeared on Broadway in Chicago (Velma Kelly)andWomen on the Verge… (Marisa) and Off-Broadway in Sweet Charity (Ursula, New Group) Hello Again (The Whore, Transport Group), Zorba (Encores!), and Seussical (Lucille Lortel Theatre). Favorite regional credits include My Paris (Long Wharf), The Jungle Book (Goodman/Huntington Theatres), A Chorus Line(Paper Mill Playhouse) and Into the Woods (Baltimore Centerstage/Westport Country Playhouse). She also did a stint as a Vegas showgirl in Jerry Mitchell’s Peep Show. Film: Bandslam. TV: “Unforgettable,” “Smash,”“Live from Lincoln Center.” Recordings: “Women on the Verge…” and “Seussical” cast albums. Her podcast, The Ensemblist, is changing the conversation about what it means to make a successful life in the theatre. Follow @nikkalanz on social media. More: nikka-graff-lanzarone.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alex Gansa, creator of "Homeland," takes us on a behind the scenes journey of his career as an award winning writer in Hollywood. He and Co-creator Howard Gordon, began their professional lives in out west as Test Prep instructors for the children of Hollywood elite. From there they went on to write for television. Hear how these two young upstarts went from wide eyed hopefuls to being two of the most successful writers and show runners working today. Gansa shares deep personal stories of his struggles and successes and if you love "Homeland" you will learn about how the show came together, casting stories and never before heard anecdotes from the set of the Showtime award winning series. Alex Gansa is the showrunner, co-creator and executive producer of Showtime’s thriller HOMELAND, starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin. HOMELAND premiered in October 2011 to critical acclaim and the highest debut ratings for a freshman drama on the network. HOMELAND won the 2012 and 2013 Golden Globe for Best Television Series, and a 2012 Emmy in six different categories including Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series and Best Drama Series. Additional honors include two 2012 WGA awards in the categories of Best New Series and Episodic Drama, 2013 Producers Guild Award, the Peabody Award, Television Critics’ Association Award, Critics’ Choice Television Award and was named one of AFI’s Top Ten Programs of the Year in both 2011 and 2012. Gansa previously served as an Executive Producer on the long-running 24, the CBS series NUMB3RS, and DAWSON'S CREEK, and as a Consulting Producer on ENTOURAGE. His other work includes the hit series THE X FILES for Fox, SISTERS for NBC, and the critically acclaimed series MAXIMUM BOB that he created for ABC. Gansa lives in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gus Birney, the youngest actress to date on the podcast, gained her reputation as the new "it girl" with her starring role in the prestige cable drama, "The Mist." At 17 she has already walked the runway for Kanye West during fashion week and co-starred with Marisa Tomei in the critically acclaimed production of "The Rose Tattoo." The daughter of Tony award winning actor Reed Birney and OITNB star Constance Schulman, she shares with great candor the day to day life of growing up in a household with actors who sometimes worked and sometimes didn't, why high school wasn't a great fit for her, and how a 3a.m. trip to a downtown NYC salon is normal in the world of modeling. Gus shares her struggles with the constant reality of being the youngest person in an ensemble and also shares how she negotiates her creative desires with the downtime that actors face and the trauma and hilarity of self taping with her mother -- all of which make for a hilarious and poignant interview with this remarkable young talent who is a moviestar on the rise. Gus Birney was born and raised on the upper west side in NYC. Went to the professional performing arts school for high school. Her first professional job was one of the Clean and Clear girls for their commercials. She guest starred on "Chicago Med," played Marissa Tomei's daughter in :The Rose Tattoo" at Williamstown, opened Kanye West's show at NY Fashion week last fall and just recently wrapped the first season of "The Mist." Based on Stephen King's novella (was also a movie) and shot for four months in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Gus is a songwriter and has performed at The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall and Arleen's Grocery. She is scheduled to shoot a new Sarah Jessica Parker film in the summer of 2017. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ryan Raddon known as Kaskade to his millions of fans is a world renown Electronic Dance Music DJ and chart topping artist. In this episode of "Little Known Facts" he sits down with Ilana and discusses his life as a trailblazer in the house music world and describes the choices he has to make in order to balance his life as a family man and a devout Mormon and his life on the road ten months out of the year. From growing up in his close knit family in Chicago, the birthplace of House Music, to his international fame as one of the most successful DJ's in music history - this is a one of a kind conversation where Ryan reveals things about himself he has not discussed in previous interviews. Multi GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, producer and remixer Kaskade is a titan in the dance music world, and a groundbreaking innovator in the music industry as a whole. Bending the curve by which his contemporaries measure themselves, Kaskade has an unprecedented string of “firsts”. He was the first DJ to land a Las Vegas residency, the first ever solo electronic dance artist to sell-out both Navy Pier in Chicago, and the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and the first dance artist to perform and sell out at the Los Angeles Convention Center in its 45-year history with a career-defining solo headline date in front of 30,000 fans. A three-time Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival veteran, Kaskade made history in 2015 where he was the only electronic musician to headline the festival and drew the two largest crowds in its storied sixteen-year existence. Crowned by The New York Times as “the new face of electronic dance music,” Kaskade has been bridging the gap between old school music purists and a new generation of music lovers. Relentlessly touring the world and playing to tens of millions people around the globe, he has been in the trenches for over a decade, laying the groundwork for a titanic musical and cultural shift. With nine studio albums and five GRAMMY nominations to his name, Kaskade’s global reach is ever-expanding. He has headlined every major North American festival, and was recently inducted into Pete tong’s Hall of fame, and sold out London’s The Steelyard on his most recent UK date. His single “Fakin It” was first premiered in the UK when Kaskade went back to back with Danny Howard on his primetime “Dance Anthems” slot on BBC Radio 1. While Kaskade’s handwriting is all over the history of electronic music, his influence today is at an all-time high. His latest full length album, "Automatic" [Warner Bros. Records/Arkade] claimed the #2 spot on the Billboard Dance /Electronic Albums Chart. Automatic commanded a Top 15 placement on the U.S. Digital Chart, as well as amassing over 50 million streams on Spotify in less than a year’s time. His live set from Ultra Music Festival 2016 has garnered over 1.9 million views in a matter of months. (Watch here) Kaskade continues his reign in Las Vegas with an unprecedented mult-venue long term residency for Hakkasan Group, and his social media reach continues to connect him with his audience in an authentic and powerful way. Rolling Stone asserts, “Kaskade represents an intensely positive side of dance music culture”, another cornerstone in the foundation that sets him apart." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tony Award Winner, Ben Platt and Academy Award nominee, Lucas Hedges share the podcast stage on this episode of "Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine". These two huge stars are old friends and share their history, passions, struggles and triumphs with great candor on this special episode. Go behind the scenes backstage at "Dear Evan Hansen" and listen to Lucas share what he does before he performs. The two talk about how they handle fame, family, pressure, next projects and what they do for fun-which may surprise you! Ben Platt - Ben Platt originated the title role in Dear Evan Hansen to critical acclaim (Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations). Platt was the original Elder Cunningham in the Chicago production of The Book of Mormon and reprised the role on Broadway (dir. Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw). Film: Benji Applebaum in Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2, Ricki and the Flash (dir. Jonathan Demme), Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (dir. Ang Lee), Drunk Parents (dir. Fred Wolf). ŒNational Tours: Caroline, or Change (directed by George C. Wolfe). Regional credits include Dear Evan Hansen (Arena Stage), The Black Suits (Barrington Stage Company), The Power of Duff (dir. Peter DuBois/New York Stage and Film), Dead End (dir. Nicholas Martin/Ahmanson Theatre), The Music Man, Mame, Camelot, and The Sound of Music (dir. Gordon Hunt/Hollywood Bowl). Lucas Hedges - As a child, Lucas Hedges made his feature film debut as an extra in his father's film Dan in Real Life. He went on to play major roles in Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, Jason Reitman's Labor Day, Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem, Michael Cuesta's Kill the Messenger, Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By The Sea, Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird, and Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. His received critical acclaim for his role in the play, Yen. He was nominated for over 20 awards for his role in Manchester By The Sea and won multiple awards for his gorgeous work in the film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alan Alda has been a household name for decades. He is a rare breed of celebrity -- down to earth, funny, kind and a deeply thoughtful human. He is an advocate for women's rights, a passionate devotee of science and an artist still fiercely committed to the craft of acting, writing and directing. On this episode of Little Known Facts, Alda shares very personal stories from his life. He discusses in heartbreaking detail growing up as the only child of a schizophrenic mother in a time when no one spoke of such things; he talks of his father who was a well known performer on the Burlesque circuit, someone who went on to international stardom only to go back to square one again and again. Alan Alda saw firsthand from an early age the great highs and lows of an acting career. Yet with the role of 'Hawkeye Pierce' on the groundbreaking, iconic hit television series MASH, Alda became a huge star He reinvents himself with every role and in his conversation with Ilana, he shares his process for creating a character and how to live in the moment. Listen as Alan share his insights on fame and how his passion for art, science, activism and family make him a deeply curious and mindful person. Alan Alda has earned international recognition as an actor, writer and director. In addition to The Aviator, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, Alda’s films include Crimes and Misdemeanors, Everyone Says I Love You, Flirting With Disaster, Manhattan Murder Mystery, And The Band Played On, Same Time, Next Year and California Suite, as well as The Seduction of Joe Tynan, which he wrote, and The Four Seasons, Sweet Liberty, A New Life and Betsy’s Wedding, all of which he wrote and directed. Most recently, his film appearances have included Tower Heist, Wanderlust, and Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies. In 2016, he appeared as Uncle Pete in Louis CK’s groundbreaking web series Horace and Pete. He has the distinction of being nominated for an Oscar, a Tony, and an EMMY - and publishing a bestselling book - all in the same year (2005). In all, he has received 6 EMMYs and has been nominated for an EMMY 34 times. Alda played Hawkeye Pierce on the classic television series MASH, and wrote and directed many of the episodes. His EMMY nominations include performances in 2015 for The Blacklist, in 2009 for 30 Rock, in 2006 for West Wing (for which he received an EMMY), and in 1999 for ER. In 1994 he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. He hosted the award winning series Scientific American Frontiers on PBS for eleven years. On Broadway, he has appeared as the physicist Richard Feynman in the play QED. He starred in the first American production of the international hit play ART. He has received 3 Tony nominations. In addition to his nomination for the revival of Glengarry Glen Ross, he was also nominated for the Tony Award for his performances in Neil Simon's Jake’s Women and the musical The Apple Tree. Other appearances on Broadway include The Owl and the Pussycat, Purlie Victorious and Fair Game for Lovers for which he received a Theatre World Award. He helped found the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and is the author of a play entitled Radiance – the Passion of Marie Curie. His wife, Arlene, is the author of nineteen books. They have three daughters and eight grandchildren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In honor of these two brilliant actors and their 2017 Tony Award nominations here are interviews with the star of Falsettos and Girls, Andrew Rannells, and the star of Dear Evan Hansen and Pitch Perfect, Ben Platt. Andrew Rannells - Andrew Rannells plays Elijah on the hit HBO series, Girls. He is also known for his work as Elder Price in the 2011 Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, which earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. As a featured soloist on the musical's Original Broadway Cast Recording, he won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. His other Broadway credits include Jersey Boys, Hairspray, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Falsettos. He portrayed King George III in Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton on Broadway. Ben Platt - Ben Platt originated the title role in Dear Evan Hansen to critical acclaim (Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations). Platt was the original Elder Cunningham in the Chicago production of The Book of Mormon and reprised the role on Broadway (dir. Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw). Film: Benji Applebaum in Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2, Ricki and the Flash (dir. Jonathan Demme), Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (dir. Ang Lee), Drunk Parents (dir. Fred Wolf). ŒNational Tours: Caroline, or Change (directed by George C. Wolfe). Regional credits include Dear Evan Hansen (Arena Stage), The Black Suits (Barrington Stage Company), The Power of Duff (dir. Peter DuBois/New York Stage and Film), Dead End (dir. Nicholas Martin/Ahmanson Theatre), The Music Man, Mame, Camelot, and The Sound of Music (dir. Gordon Hunt/Hollywood Bowl). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon are both nominated for 2017 Tony Awards for their roles in The Little Foxes. These two stars of stage and screen switch roles nightly which is a stunning achievement, especially because the women they play are polar opposites. Here are my interviews with Cynthia and Laura, revisited in honor of their nominations and their beautiful work in Lillian Hellman's Tony Award nominated play. Laura Liney - Laura Linney is an American actress who works in film, television and theatre. Her film work includes Genius, Nocturnal Animals and The Dinner. Most recently she has been seen in Mr. Holmes, You Can Count On Me, Kinsey, The Savagaes, The Fifth Estate, Hyde Park on Hudson, The Squid and the Whale, Mystic River, Absolute Power, The Truman Show, Primal Fear, The Mothman Prophecies, Love Actually, The House of Mirth, The Details and Congo, among others. She starred in and produced the Showtime Series The Big C for four seasons for which she won a few awards, as she did for her portrayal of Abigail Adams in the HBO miniseries John Adams directed by Tom Hooper. Early in her career she starred as Mary Ann Singleton in Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City series, a job for which she continues to be most grateful and proud. She appeared as Kelsey Grammer’s final girlfriend in the last six episodes of Frasier, was directed by Stanley Donen in Love Letters, and starred opposite Joanne Woodward in Blindspot. She has appeared in many Broadway productions, most notably Time Stands Still and Sight Unseen both directed by Daniel Sullivan and written by Donald Margulies, and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible directed by Richard Eyre opposite Liam Neeson with whom she has worked many times. Other plays include Six Degrees of Separation, Honour, Uncle Vanya, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Holiday and The Seagull. She has been nominated three times for the Academy Award, three times for the Tony Award, once for a BAFTA Award, and five times for the Golden Globe. She has won one SAG Award, one National Board of Review Award, two Golden Globes and four Emmy Awards. She holds two honorary Doctorates from her alma maters, Brown University and The Juilliard School. Cynthia Nixon - Cynthia Ellen Nixon is an American actress, known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the HBO series Sex and the City for which she won the 2004 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She reprised the role in the films Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2. Her other film appearances include Amadeus, The Pelican Brief, Baby's Day Out, Little Manhattan, 5 Flights Up, Stockholm, Pennsylvania, James White and A Quiet Passion. Nixon made her Broadway debut in the 1980 revival of The Philadelphia Story. Other Broadway credits include The Real Thing, Hurlyburly, Indiscretions and The Women. She played Eleanor Roosevelt in the HBO TV film Warm Springs. She went on to win the 2006 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for the original production of Rabbit Hole, a second Emmy Award in 2008 for her guest role in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2009 for An Inconvenient Truth. In 2011, she played Michele Davis in the TV film Too Big to Fail, before returning to Broadway in the 2012 play Wit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live and bestselling author, takes Ilana behind the scenes of his life. From the Real Housewives franchise to his friendship and show with Anderson Cooper, listeners will feel like a fly on the wall as these two old friends catch up. Ilana first met Andy when they both came to New York City in their 20’s and found themselves on the beach invited their by mutual friend, the Tony Award winner John Benjamin Hickey. Andy recounts his youth in St. Louis, coming out to friends and family, his views on marijuana, the loss of dear friend Natasha Richardson, and his rise in the entertainment business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Octavia Spencer, Academy Award winner, shares her journey from a small town in Alabama to a huge career in Hollywood. Raised by a single mom and one of 7 children, hers is a story of perseverance and passion. One of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, Octavia Spencer has become a familiar fixture on both television and the silver screen. Her critically acclaimed performance as Minny in 2011’s The Help won her the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe Award, among numerous other accolades. Throughout the past year she has taken on many different characters, such as Johanna in Allegiant and Miss Harris in The Great Gilly Hopkins, as well as lending her voice to the character of Mrs. Otterton in Zootopia. Octavia can be seen in the critically acclaimed Hidden Figures, a drama that follows the true story of three African American women who were instrumental to NASA catching up in the Space Race. Octavia’s performance as Dorothy Vaughan has earned her SAG, Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, and Academy Award nominations to date. Spencer also stars in The Shack and Gifted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Orfeh, the Tony nominated Broadway star, shares incredible stories of her life growing up in NYC, her godmother, Cher, and marriage to Broadway star Andy Karl. Hear how (and why) she handles the non stop discussion about her unique name. Orfeh is known for her astonishing vocal gifts that Seth Rudetsky is “Obsessed” with! -- and describes how as a young kid she knew she wanted to be a pop star and found her way into a Bubble Yum commercial and never looked back. From jingles to worldwide tours as a pop star with her duo “Or n More” to Broadway -- be a fly on the wall for this thrill of a ride with this powerhouse actress. Broadway: Paulette in Legally Blonde: The Musical (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, Broadway.com Audience Award), Saturday Night Fever, Fascinating Rhythm, Footloose. Off Broadway: Love, Loss, and What I Wore, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Love, Janis. TV/Film: Sleeping with the Fishes (with Gina Rodgriguez), Across the Universe, Film U, L&O CI, Sex and the City, Chappelle's Show. She has performed at Lincoln Center with her husband, Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Andy Karl, and in numerous Broadway benefits including Hair for the Actors Fund (Grammy nomination). Her extensive recording career includes music with the '90s pop group Or-N-More, she has performed with many music icons from legends the O'Jays to Cissy Houston. Her solo CD, "What Do You Want From Me" and latest single, "Forget My Name" are available on iTunes. Twitter: @official_orfeh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Christopher Hanke, star of stage and screen, shares personal stories of triumph and frustration that actors experience every day, on this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Little Known Facts. Originally slated to go to medical school Christopher deferred to give acting a shot. Quickly after arriving in New York City he booked a job and never looked back. Be a fly on the wall as Christopher and Ilana share stories, sing, laugh and go deep! Christopher is an actor and theater nerd. He most recently starred in the hit one-man comedy Buyer & Cellar in New York and Toronto, to rave reviews and the new play Perfect Arrangement at Primary Stages in NYC. Before that he ate the scenery as Bud Frump in the Broadway revival of How to Succeed… Other Broadway credits include: Rent (Mark), Cry-Baby (Baldwin)and In My Life (JT). Additionally, Hanke played Tommy Boatwright in director George C. Wolfe’s Tony Award-winning production of The Normal Heart at Arena Stage in DC and starred as Claude in the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park production of Hair in NYC. Television is also Christopher’s jam. He currently plays Devon on the new comedy series Odd Mom Out on BRAVO in it’s second season AND plays Fabian in this new last season of Devious Maids. He was series regular Ryan Abbot on the CBS medical drama Three Rivers; had a recurring role of Stuart on HBOs Big Love; and has guest starred on Nashville, Major Crimes, The Client List, and Brothers & Sisters. Hanke also studies & performs improv with the UCB Theatre in LA/NY in hopes to make people laugh. In his spare time, Christopher works as a professional guest teaching artist for Broadway Dreams Foundation, Broadway Artist Alliance, Making It On Broadway, and Broadway Workshop. He teaches master classes all around the country and works with BFA Musical Theater programs and BFA Acting programs at various universities. He is very very passionate about coaching high school seniors looking to audition for college acting and musical theater programs. He has a dog named Grover. Not after the muppet. Or the President. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Emily Skeggs, Tony and Grammy nominated actress, shares her life story on this compelling episode of Little Known Facts. At a young age she is already a magnificent talent as well as a voice in the world of political activism. She has taken on difficult acting roles and manages to make it seem effortless. She describes the joy and responsibility she feels when playing real life heroes. Hear her journey from working at kid's birthday parties to landing a role on Broadway and taking the theater community by storm. She is warm and kind and funny and will leave you wishing she was your best friend. Listen to this inspiring actress who is just beginning what promises to be a huge and important career. In December, Emily wrapped one of the lead roles in Desiree Akhavan’s feature film The Miseducation of Cameron Post, based on the popular YA novel. Emily also stars in Dustin Lance Black's eight-part miniseries When We Rise for Gus van Sant, airing on ABC. Emily was nominated for duel Tony and Grammy Awards as the lead in Sam Gold’s hit musical Fun Home on Broadway, all the while shooting a recurring role on Brannan Braga’s series Salem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
J. Smith-Cameron, star of stage and screen, grew up in the south as Jeannie Smith. How she went from a small town Southern life to taking the New York theater community by storm and her marriage to the Oscar nominated screenwriter and playwright Kenneth Lonergan, is revealed in this very intimate conversation. From the first day of shooting the "Rectify" pilot to the controversial film "Margaret," J. Is candid about her process and both the joys and struggles of the life of an artist. J. Smith-Cameron has appeared in numerous theatre productions Off and On Broadway. Highlights include "Our Country’s Good" (TonyNomination), "Sarah" (Drama Desk nomination), "Fuddy Meers" (Outer Critics and Drama Desk Nominations) and "As Bees in Honey Drown" (Obie award, Drama Desk and Outer Critics nominations). Recent credits include "Sweet and Sad" (Drama Desk and Obie Awards) by Richard Nelson at the Public, as well as "That Hopey Changey Thing" and "Sorry," by the same author. Also "Midsummer Night’s Dream" at La Jolla Playhouse and "The Starry Messenger," by Kenneth Lonergan, at the New Group. J. plays Melinda Mickens in HBO's “True Blood”. J. stars opposite Anna Paquin in Kenneth Lonergan's film "Margaret," which won her the Best Supporting Actress Award for the International Cinephile Society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Danny Burstein has been a Tony Award nominee multiple times. He is a beloved Broadway star and has played iconic roles that have left an indelible mark on the lives of theater audiences lucky enough to see him on stage. On this episode of Little Known Facts, Mr. Burstein shares stories of his time working with theater legends like Stephen Sondheim, Tony Randall, and Bernadette Peters among others. He opens up with Ilana about a cancer scare that changed him forever and together with his wife Rebecca Luker (another Broadway star) he got through that terrifying time and changed his outlook on life. Be inspired and fall in love with this Broadway legend. Danny is a 6-time Tony Award nominee whose 16 Broadway credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (2016 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards; Tony & Grammy Award nominations); Cabaret (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations); The Snow Geese; Golden Boy (2013 Tony and Outer Critics Circle nominations); Follies (2012 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards; Tony, Astaire & Grammy Award nominations); Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown; South Pacific (Outer Critics Circle Award; Tony and Drama Desk nominations); The Drowsy Chaperone (Tony and Ovation Award nominations); Saint Joan; The Seagull; Three Men on a Horse; A Little Hotel on the Side; The Flowering Peach; A Class Act; Titanic and Company. Off-Broadway credits include: Talley’s Folly (Lucille Lortel & Drama League nominations); Mrs. Farnsworth; Psych; All in the Timing; Merrily We Roll Along; Weird Romance and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Film/TV includes: Indignation (directed by James Schamus); The Family Fang (directed by Jason Bateman); Blackhat (directed by Michael Mann); Transamerica; Lolly Steinman on “Boardwalk Empire” (directed by Martin Scorsese); “Louie”; “Absolutely Fabulous”; “Elementary”; “Ed”; all the “Law & Order” series; “Hope & Faith;” Deception; Affluenza; American Milkshake; Nor’easter; Construction; The Sounding; etc. In 2014 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Frosch in the Jeremy Sams/Douglas Carter Beane production of Die Fledermaus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Edie Falco, the multi award winning actress, takes Ilana through her life and career in exquisite detail. From her early days waitressing to her early indie films. How she got the role of Carmela on "The Sopranos," the script she originally read for "Nurse Jackie." Ilana and Edie talk about sobriety, adoption, fame, single motherhood, pet psychics, and much more on this fascinating episode of "Little Known Facts." Edie Falco is best known for her roles as Diane Whittlesey on the HBO series "Oz," Carmela Soprano on "The Sopranos," and in the title role of Showtime’s "Nurse Jackie." She has also appeared in the films "Trust," "Reversal of Fortune," "Cop Land," "Random Hearts," "Freedomland," "Sunshine State," "Gods Behaving Badly," and most recently, "The Comedian." She has earned several Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG awards and is the first female actor to receive the Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Drama. She has appeared on Broadway in "Sideman," "Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune," and "‘night Mother." Falco recently starred in the Manhattan Theatre Club production of "The Madrid," the Web series "Horace and Pete," and will appear in the forthcoming films "Landline" and "Megan Leavey." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Miriam Shor, star of "Hegwig and the Angry Inch" and TV Land's "Younger," describes in hilarious detail the juxtaposition of growing up splitting her time between Detroit, Michigan, and Turin, Italy. Miriam describes the process of creating her role as the gender bending Yitzhak along with the shows creator, John Cameron Mitchell. She goes on to explain the thrill of seeing the rock stars she worshipped in the audience every night. Also discussed in this episode are the joys of raising kids in New York City and shooting a tv show with her college boyfriend's sister, Sutton Foster. Be a fly on the wall as Ilana and Miriam share stories about a life in the theater and the power of staying true to your dreams even when others around you encourage you to give up. Miriam Shor’s Theater Credits include "Sweat," "Scarcity," "Dedication or the Stuff of Dreams," "Maine, Boy," "Book of Days," "Mondo Draama," "Hegwig and the Angry Inch, "Hair,' and "The Wild Party." On television: "Younger,' "High Maintenance," "GCB," "Mildred Pierce," "The Good Wife," "Jessica Jones," "Bored To Death," "Damages, "Swingtown," "My Name Is Earl," and "The West Wing." On film: "Puerto Ricans in Paris," "5 Flights Up," "The Cake Eaters," "Shortbus," "Bedazzled," and "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tony Shalhoub, award-winning star of stage and screen, opens up about the highs and lows of his career, growing up in the Midwest one of ten children, choosing the right material, marriage between actors, fame, and his true love -- the Green Bay Packers. Tony Shalhoub is currently appearing in the Roundabout Theater production of "The Price." He recently completed a successful run in the Atlantic Theater Company production of "The Band's Visit." He was seen in the Lincoln Center productions of "Act One" and "Golden Boy" for which he received Tony nominations. Most well known as the OCD detective Monk for which he earned three Emmy Awards, a SAG, and a Golden Globe Award. Other television credits include "Nurse Jackie," "Too Big To Fail," and "Brain Dead." He also appears in the Amazon pilot "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Some of his many film credits include "Big Night," "The Siege," and "Galaxy Guest." He voiced Luigi in both "Cars" and "Cars II." He will be seen in "The Assignment" out later this month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Judith Light, award-winning actress, takes us through her life story from soap star to sitcom star to Broadway star to "Transparent". Listen as she tells us about her art and her advocacy. Two-time Tony Award and Two-time Emmy Award-winning actress, Judith Light has captivated audiences worldwide since her portrayal as Angela Bower on the popular 80s sitcom "Who's the Boss?". Currently you can see Judith Light starring with Al Pacino in "God Looked Away" at the Pasadena Play House through the middle of March, 2017. She is also currently playing Shelly Pfefferman in Amazon Prime's Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award winning series, “Transparent” (created by Jill Soloway). For this role, she was nominated for an Emmy Award and three consecutive Critics Choice Awards. You may also have seen Judith as Claire Meade on “Ugly Betty” and Judge Liz Donnelly on “Law & Order: SVU” as well as appearances on the TV Land comedy series “The Exes” and TNT's “Dallas”. In 2106, Judith was honored with the Made in New York Award. In Fall 2015, Judith played the roll of Madame Raquin, in Broadways "Therese Raquin" staring with Keira Knightly. In 2014, Judith Light was named the National Ambassador for the 19th KIDS NIGHT OUT ON BROADWAY by the Broadway League. She was also honored with the Women Who Care Award at the 13th Annual UPC of NYC Women Who Care Luncheon. Judith's work doesn't stop there, in addition to acting, she works as a humanitarian and social activist for the LGBT community and the fight against AIDS. She starred as Marie Lombardi on Broadway in "Lombardi". Her performance earned her a 2011 Tony Nomination. She then won back to back Tony Awards for "Other Desert Cities in 2012 and "The Assembled Parties" in 2013. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Reed Birney & Jayne Houdyshell both won Tony Awards for their performances in the Pulitzer Prize winning play, The Humans. This year at BroadwayCon2017, Ilana had the opportunity to interview these two Broadway stars and hear their first hand accounts of creating unforgettable roles in an astonishing masterpiece of a play. Hear how they learned of their Tony nominations, how they prepared for these intense roles eight shows a week and how they learned to say good-bye to what may be the greatest roles of their careers. Listen as these two talents share deep truths about the highs and lows of a long life in the theater on this special episode of Little Known Facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lucas Hedges, the Oscar nominated and award winning actor, opens up about the joys and fears of a career that takes off at such a young age. As a child, Lucas Hedges made his feature film debut as an extra in his father's film Dan in Real Life. He went on to play major roles in Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, Jason Reitman's Labor Day, Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem, Michael Cuesta's Kill the Messenger, Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By The Sea, Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird, and Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. His received critical acclaim for his role in the play, Yen. He was nominated for over 20 awards for his role in Manchester By The Sea and won multiple awards for his gorgeous work in the film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Andrew Rannells, Television and Broadway star, takes listeners behind the scenes of Girls on HBO, Hamilton on Broadway, and how he got from Omaha to New York City.
Andrew Rannells plays Elijah on the hit HBO series, Girls. He is also known for his work as Elder Price in the 2011 Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, which earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. As a featured soloist on the musical's Original Broadway Cast Recording, he won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. His other Broadway credits include Jersey Boys, Hairspray, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Falsettos. He portrayed King George III in Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton on Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Celebrities share intimate truths about their lives and careers in this special episode of "Little Known Facts." Guests include Griffin Dunne, Dominic Fumusa, Molly RIngwald, Laura Linney, Anthony Rapp, Matthew Broderick, Kristin Chenoweth, Cynthia Nixon, and Kathryn Erbe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dan Bucatinsky, Emmy Award winner, stars in the new Fox series 24 : Legacy. Listen as Dan takes Ilana behind the scenes of his hit television show and talks about his friendship with Shonda Rhimes, gay parenting, and how he and pal Lisa Kudrow took reality television to new comedy levels. Dan Bucatinsky is an actor, writer, producer best known for his Emmy-winning role as "James Novak" on Scandal. Most recently, he joined the cast of the Fox reboot, 24: Legacy, and appears in the return of Gilmore Girls for Netflix. With business partner Lisa Kudrow, Dan co-starred and executive produced the Emmy-nominated docuseries, Who Do You Think You Are? – and with Dan Savage the inspirational digital series, IT GOT BETTER for LStudio, which premieres its third season on May 24th. He's the author of the book, "Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight?" about his journey into parenthood with his husband, filmmaker Don Roos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
BroadwayCon is the biggest convention worldwide for Broadway fans. It is a one of a kind event where Broadway fans and Broadway's biggest stars come together and celebrate all things Broadway. Ilana and her guests Matt Rodin (host of The Red Carpet Challenge) and Robbie Rozelle (Broadway Records graphic designer & Musical Director for Tony award winning singers) break it all down on this special episode of Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Back by popular demand! Ben Platt, the award winning star of Dear Evan Hansen, returns to the podcast to chat with Ilana about life as the star of this moving musical that is taking the theater world by storm and quickly turning into the run away hit of the Broadway season. Dear Evan Hansen is written by the Oscar winning team from La La Land and directed by the Tony Award winning director, Michael Greif. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Griffin Dunne, Actor, Director, Producer, takes us through the story his life from growing up as part of the Hollywood elite to making his own way as a scrappy young actor in New York City. Griffin's stories include everyone from Martin Scorcese to President Kennedy during this hilarious and candid interview. The conversation covers fame, family, women, ambition, process and more. Dunne's recent feature film credits include "Dallas Buyers Club" starring Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, "Last Night", starring Sam Worthington and Keira Knightley and Allen Hughes' "Broken City" starring Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe. This Fall he can be seen in Daryl Wein's "Consumed", which recently premiered at the LA Film Festival. Dunne's feature film directorial debut was 1997's "Addicted to Love," starring Meg Ryan and Matthew Broderick, which he followed one year later with "Practical Magic" starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Most recently Mr. Dunne directed a short film with Emma Stone for Peter Farrelly's comedic anthology "Movie 43". On television, Dunne has recently recurred on the Showtime series "House of Lies" playing opposite Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell and the Fox series "Red Band Society" opposite Octavia Spencer. In 2015 he completed a series long arc on the WGN series, MANHATTAN. Currently, he is filming Jill Soloway's new Amazon series I LOVE DICK, starring opposite Kevin Bacon and Kathryn Hahn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A circus parade is traveling down Main Street in a small town. At the back is an old man whose job it is to shovel the manure from all the circus animals into a big bag slung over his shoulder. A passer-by asks him how long he's been doing the job and how much he gets paid, to which he replies 50 years and $250 a week. "Well why on earth don't you stop doing it and find a better job instead?" asks the passer-by. The old man replies, "What, and give up show business?" The great Gordon Hunt, a wonderful acting teacher and casting director, encouraged his students to think of every audition as a chance to act on a Tuesday. There are times when I am able to do that and times when it feels like an exercise in futility but his words have always stayed with me. And even though more often than not the audition doesn't turn into the job, when I looked at the alternative of another career - perhaps one with more emotional and financial stability - my answer would be, "What, and give up show business?!" So how do we actors do it? How do we leave the audition room feeling humiliated and get up the next day and do it again? Listen to famous actors like Molly Ringwald, Matthew Broderick, Dan Folger, Connie Schulman, Bryan Greenberg, Aasif Mandvi, John Slattery, Roger Bart, Noah Emmerich and Mary Stuart Masterson share hilarious and inspiring stories from the audition trenches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Happy Holidays from Little Known Facts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Molly Ringwald, international movie star, gets candid with Ilana about how she has handled a lifetime of fame, growing up with a blind parent ,why she won't let her kids act and more. Molly began her film career at the age of 13 in Paul Mazursky’s Tempest, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. She went on to star in numerous films, including The Pick-Up Artist, For Keeps, Fresh Horses, Betsy’s Wedding, Cindy Sherman’s directorial debut Office Killer, Billy Bob Thornton’s short film Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade, and the iconic movies Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink. In 1992, Ms. Ringwald moved to Paris and acted in such foreign films as Tous Les Jours Dimanches, Enfants de Salaud, and Jean-Luc Goddard’s King Lear. Her television credits include the critically-acclaimed comedy series Townies, Stephen King’s The Stand, the Emmy-nominated Allison Gertz Story, and the movie Molly: An American Girl, based on the American Girl series. In 1997, Ms. Ringwald moved to New York City, where she starred in Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize winning How I Learned to Drive, a role she reprised at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Subsequent theater credits include playing the legendary “Sally Bowles” in the Broadway production of Cabaret; the Tony-nominated Broadway production of Enchanted April; and the London production of When Harry Met Sally. She created the role of Horton Foote’s Lily Dalein the NY off-Broadway production, performed the role of Salome (with Al Pacino), starred in Jonathan Larson’s musical Tick, Tick…Boom!, the hit comedy Modern Orthodox, and a national theater tour of the Bob Fosse musical Sweet Charity. Molly was in the comedy TV show Raising Expectations, created by Tom Saunders (Arrested Development) which premiered on The Canadian Family Channel in May 2016. She starred in The Secret Life of the American Teenager on ABC Family, and was in the Blumhouse feature Jem and the Holograms, directed by Jon Chu, and the comic indie Bad Night. Molly can be seen in Justin Kelly’s film King Cobra, which premiered at The 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. Molly recently guest starred on Bravo’s Odd Mom Out. Ms. Ringwald is the author of the national bestsellers, Getting the Pretty Back and When It Happens to You, and her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Vogue, Salon, Esquire, Allure, Tin House, the New York Times Book Review, and the Guardian, where she pens a weekly advice column. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In honor of Thanksgiving and in honor of 30 episodes shared, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to my friend, the actor John Slattery. John was the first actor to join us in the podcast booth and sit down for an interview when this was just a kernel of an idea. His enthusiasm and his confidence in me was a huge part of what became the "Little Known Facts" podcast. When we finished he told me he thought I was like a female Howard Stern. He meant it as a compliment, I think. So as a thank you to John, here's the first ever episode of "Little Known Facts." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Seth Rudetsky is the afternoon Broadway host of Seth Speaks and Seth's Big Fat Radio Show on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. He has played piano for over 15 Broadway shows, was Grammy-nominated for his concert CD of Hair and Emmy-nominated for being a comedy writer on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show." He has written two novels, "Broadway Nights" and "My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan," which are also available at Audible.com. He has launched SethTV.com, where you can contact him and view all of his videos and his sassy new reality show. He stars in and co-wrote the Broadway Musical, Disaster! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tony-award winning actor Dan Fogler landed a starring role in the much-anticipated Warner Bros. film FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. This next adventure into J.K. Rowling¹s magical world of witches and wizards will be released Thanksgiving 2016 and also stars Eddie Redmayne. Dan's performance in the Broadway production, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, earned him a Tony award in 2005. Directed by James Lapine, Danwas also honored with the Outer Critics Circle, The Lortel, Drama Desk for Best Ensemble, Theatre World Awards, and the New York Magazine Culture Award for Best Breakthrough Performance. On the big screen, Dan has starred opposite Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart in LOVE HAPPENS for Universal Pictures and Ang Lee's TAKING WOODSTOCK with Liev Shreiber and Emile Hirsch. He was the lead in Relativity's TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT opposite Topher Grace and Anna Faris & Chris Pratt, and BALLS OF FURY with Christopher Walken for Focus Features. Dan received great notices for his starring role opposite Josh Duhamel in SCENIC ROUTE, which premiered at SXSW in 2013. On the animated feature front, Dan was heard as part of the voice cast in KUNG FU PANDA for Dreamworks alongside Jack Black and Jackie Chan, and Fox's HORTON HEARS A WHO with Steve Carrell and Jim Carrey. He starred opposite Seth Green in the Disney, Robert Zemeckis produced animated feature MARS NEEDS MOMS. Dan recently reunited with director James Lapine for the feature film, CUSTODY, opposite Viola Davis and Ellen Burstyn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this special episode of Little Know Facts, Ilana's kids join us to express the importance of voting. We'll return next week with Dan Fogler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
DAPHNE RUBIN-VEGA is a two-time Tony and Drama Desk nominee (1996/2004) and recipient of the Theater World, Obie (1996) and Blockbuster (1998) awards. She has been a member of the Labyrinth Theater Company since 1992. Ms. Rubin-Vega is perhaps best known for the roles she originated, including Mimi ("RENT") and Conchita ("Anna in the Tropics"), both Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway shows for which she was nominated for the Tony award. She also originated the role of Rahmi ("Gum"), Sofia (Nilo Cruz' "Two Sisters and a Piano"), Canary Mary (Suzan-Lori Parks' "Fucking A") (Lucille Lortel nomination) and Lucy ("Jack Goes Boating") at the Public Theater, as well as starred in the Broadway revivals of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (Magenta) and "Les Miserables" (Fantine). Film credits include detective Gloria Perez in "Wild Things", starring Kevin Bacon and Matt Dillon (Blockbuster Award for Best Supporting Actress), Tia ("Flawless", opposite Robert De Niro), and most recently, reprising the role of Lucy in the film version of "Jack Goes Boating", Phillip Seymour Hoffman's film directorial debut. Other films include, "Justice", "Skeleton Woman" (New York Independent Film award), "Virgin", "Sex and the City", and "I Like It Like That". Daphne Rubin-Vega is recognized for her singing as much as her acting. She was a member of the girl group Pajama Party, whose single "Yo No Se" was number one on the Billboard dance charts. They made two albums on Atlantic Records before Daphne began writing and recording solo singles for the indie dance label Maxi. In 1997, Rubin-Vega cut her first album of original music, "Souvenirs" on the subsequently defunct Mercury label and in 2006; she produced, performed, and primarily wrote "Redemption Songs" (Sh-K- Boom). Daphne has contributed to various musical projects, including her notorious version of "Feliz Navidad" for Broadway Cares and her club smash cover of "Rocketman". In 2005, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Kean University. "Dr." Rubin-Vega was born in Panama and raised in New York City where she lives with her husband and son. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Urie is the award-winning star of one of the most unexpected theater success stories in years, the brilliant and hilarious Buyer & Cellar. Playing multiple characters – including Barbra Streisand – in this one-man tour de force, Urie has won the hearts of everyone smart enough to venture down to the Village for a night of off-Broadway genius that won him the Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, LA Theatre Critics and the Clarence Derwent Awards for Most Promising Male Performer. Before Buyer & Cellar, Urie was probably best known as the delicious Marc St. James on the award-winning Ugly Betty, the series that introduced him to and made him a favorite of TV audiences everywhere. Following that series, he spent most of his time in critically acclaimed stage productions. He played iconic fashion designer Rudi Gernreich in The Temperamentals, a role he originated in New York where he received the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. He followed that run with appearances off-Broadway in the Classic Stage Company’s production of The Cherry Orchard, the revival of Angels in America, and opposite Patti LuPone in Lincoln Center Theater’s world premiere of Shows For Days. But his lifelong dream of Broadway came when he took on the role of Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, opposite Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges. Critics raved that not since Charles Nelson Reilly originated the role had Bud Frump delighted audiences as Urie did. The run ended in time for him to star in the short-lived but much-loved CBS series Partners. Since Partners, he’s appeared on the small screen in Modern Family, The Good Wife, Hot in Cleveland, Younger and Workaholics. He can currently be seen curating and hosting movies on Logo’s Cocktails & Classics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A two-time Tony award-winning stage actor and instantly recognizable film presence, Matthew Broderick will next be seen on screen in Rules Don’t Apply opposite Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and Lily Collins. He will next star in Look Away alongside Chloe Sevigny and Aidan Turner set for a 2016 release. On stage, Broderick most recently starred in A. R. Gurney’s comedy Sylvia alongside Annaleigh Ashford. Previously he starred in the smash Broadway hit It’s Only a Play opposite his frequent co-star Nathan Lane, as well as the award-winning Broadway run of Nice Work If You Can Get It. Additionally, he starred in the Broadway production of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple and The Foreigner at the Roundabout Theatre. In 2005, he starred in the feature film version of The Producers, reprising the Tony-nominated performance he gave on Broadway in this smash hit musical. A New York native, he made his professional stage debut opposite his father, James Broderick, at age 17 in the production of On Valentine’s Day. His performance in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy, won him the Outer Critic’s Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor. Broderick won his first Tony Award for Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, and starred in the play’s sequel, Biloxi Blues. He won his second Tony for his role as J. Pierrepont Finch, in the Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Broderick also starred in the record-breaking production of The Producers for which he was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his role as Leo Bloom. Additional theater credits include Night Must Fall and Taller Than a Dwarf. On screen, Broderick starred in the critically acclaimed You Can Count on Me opposite Laura Linney. He also earned considerable acclaim starring opposite Reese Witherspoon in the Independent Spirit Award winning political satire Election, directed by Alexander Payne. Broderick has also starred in such blockbuster movies as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Glory, War Games, and Disney’s The Lion King, as the adult voice of Simba. Additional credits include Dirty Weekend, Tower Heist, Margaret, Bee Movie, Then She Found Me, Deck the Halls, The Last Shot, The Stepford Wives, Inspector Gadget, Godzilla, Addicted to Love, The Cable Guy, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, The Night We Never Met, The Freshman, Family Business and Max Dugan Returns. In addition to his stage, screen and Broadway credits, he has also appeared on Modern Family, 30 Rock, the Showtime film Master Harold…and the Boys and received an Emmy nomination for the TNT production of David Mamet’s A Life in the Theater in which he starred opposite Jack Lemmon. Broderick resides in New York with his wife Sarah Jessica Parker and their three children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Talia Balsam has had a fascinating career on stage and in film and television. Some of her TV roles include the new HBO Series - Divorce, Zelda, The Newsroom, Mad Men, The Good Wife, Homeland, Nurse Jackie, Elementary, Treme, K Street, Without A Trace, Larry Sanders Show, Calamity Jane, Consenting Adults and Kent State. Films include Ira Sachs' Little Men, Don’t Worry Baby, Girl In The Book, No Strings Attached, The Cake Eaters, All The King’s Men, Little Manhattan, Line Of Fire, In The Mood, Mass Appeal and The Wackness. On stage she has starred on Broadway in Jake’s Women (Theater World Award winner) and Originated roles in John Patrick Shanley's Psychopathia Sexualis, Snake Bit , F2M - Good Television, Cedar City Falls, Vicious ( Theater World Award and LA Weekly Award winner) and the Ladies Room. She is married to actor John Slattery and has a son and a dog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
JULIE WHITE recently starred opposite Matthew Broderick and Annaleigh Ashford in the Broadway revival of A.R. Gurney’s play “Sylvia” under the direction of Dan Sullivan. White won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for her role in “The Little Dog Laughed.” White recently starred in the 2015 production of Lisa D’Amour’s new play “Airline Highway” under the direction of Joe Mantello, and for her portrayal of “Tanya” she was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk, and Drama League Awards. White has also starred on Broadway in “Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike,” “The Heidi Chronicles” and Off-Broadway in "The Understudy" and "Fiction" for The Roundabout, "Twelfth Night" at The Delacorte for The Public Theatre and "Bad Dates" for Playwrights Horizons, to name some favorites. She has won The Obie, The Elliot Norton Award, The Ovation and been nominated multiple times for Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Drama League Awards. On the big screen, Julie appeared in “Lincoln” for Steven Spielberg as Elizabeth Blair Lee opposite Daniel Day Lewis and Sally Field. She has been a staple in the indie film market in such films as "Breaking Upwards", “Hello I Must Be Going”, "Morning", “My Idiot Brother” and "Life Partners," which premiered at the TriBeCa Film Festival. Studio features include the massively successful franchise “Transformers 1, 2 & 3,” as well as “Michael Clayton,” opposite George Clooney, “The Astronaut Farmer,” starring Billy Bob Thornton, and the animated film "Monsters vs Aliens." On television, Julie recurred on Showtime as “Nurse Jackie”'s AA sponsor, Antoinette. She starred opposite John Goodman in the Garry Trudeau/Amazon’s series "Alpha House” and on NBC’s "Go On" opposite Matthew Perry playing Anne for which she won The Gracie Award. Other memorable TV roles are Mitzi Dalton Huntley in Alan Ball's "Six Feet Under,” Nadine Swoboda on ABC’s “Grace Under Fire, ”and Dr. Anne Morella on "Law and Order SVU.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dominic Fumusa is best known for playing "Kevin Peyton" opposite Edie Falco on Showtime's acclaimed show "Nurse Jackie" which ran for seven seasons from 2009-2015. Fumusa's extensive theater experience includes originating roles in the NY premieres of Sarah Ruhl's Stage Kiss and Passion Play, Richard Greenberg's Tony Award winning Take Me Out (NY and London), Melissa James Gibson's Obie Award winning [sic] and Stephen Belber's plays The Power of Duff, Fault Lines and Tape (NY, London and Los Angeles). His Broadway debut was in the 1998 revival of Wait Until Dark opposite Marisa Tomei and Quentin Tarantino. Select regional theater credits include numerous plays at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, the Stratford Festival in Canada, the Huntington Theater in Boston, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Humana Festival at the Actors Theater of Louisville. Fumusa's film work includes playing the real life hero John "Tig" Tiegen in this year's 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi directed by Michael Bay. Last year Fumusa appeared opposite Will Smith and Margot Robbie in the romantic comedy Focus. Other film work includes Allegiance, Helena from the Wedding, Management and Little New York. Other television work includes upcoming recurring roles on "Homeland" (Showtime) and "Taken"(NBC). He has also had numerous guest and recurring roles on such shows as "Blue Bloods," "Elementary," "Person of Interest," "Damages," "Sex and the City," "The Sopranos," "Bones" and many others. Fumusa earned his BA in Government from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI in 1991 and his MFA in Acting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1994. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, actress and producer Ilana Levine, and their two children, Georgia and Caleb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Laura Linney is an American actress who works in film, television and theatre. Her film work includes GENIUS directed by Michael Grandage, alongside Colin Firth, Jude Law and Nicole Kidman and Tom Ford’s upcoming NOCTURNAL ANIMALS and THE DINNER directed by Oren Moverman with Richard Gere, Steve Coogan and Rebecca Hall. Most recently she has been seen in MR. HOLMES directed by Bill Condon, starring Ian McKellan, She has appeared in YOU CAN COUNT ON ME, KINSEY, and THE SAVAGES (nominations), THE FIFTH ESTATE, HYDE PARK ON HUDSON, THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, MYSTIC RIVER, ABSOLUTE POWER, THE TRUMAN SHOW, PRIMAL FEAR, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, LOVE ACTUALLY, P.S., THE HOUSE OF MIRTH, THE DETAILS and CONGO, among others. She starred in and produced the Showtime Series THE BIG C for four seasons for which she won a few awards, as she did for her portrayal of Abigail Adams in the HBO miniseries JOHN ADAMS directed by Tom Hooper. Early in her career she starred as Mary Ann Singleton in Armistead Maupin’s TALES OF THE CITY series, a job for which she continues to be most grateful and proud. She appeared as Kelsey Grammer’s final girlfriend in the last six episodes of FRASIER, was directed by Stanley Donen in LOVE LETTERS, and starred opposite Joanne Woodward in BLINDSPOT. She has appeared in many Broadway productions, most notably TIME TIMES STILL and SIGHT UNSEEN both directed by Daniel Sullivan and written by Donald Margulies, and Arthur Miller’s THE CRUCIBLE directed by Richard Eyre opposite Liam Neeson with whom she has worked many times. Other plays include SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, HONOUR, UNCLE VANYA, LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES, HOLIDAY and THE SEAGULL. She has been nominated three times for the Academy Award, three times for the Tony Award, once for a BAFTA Award, and five times for the Golden Globe. She has won one SAG Award, one National Board of Review Award, two Golden Globes and four Emmy Awards. She holds two honorary Doctorates from her alma maters, Brown University and The Juilliard School. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aasif Mandvi is well known for his work as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy-winning show, THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART. Most recently, Aasif wrote, produced, and starred in the HBO series, THE BRINK, co-starring Jack Black and Tim Robbins. Other recent television appearances include CBS’s PERSON OF INTEREST and MADAM SECRETARY. Mandvi recently starred opposite Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, and Julia Roberts in MOTHER’S DAY, directed by Garry Marshall. November also marked the release of his memoir, NO LAND’S MAN, a collection of humorous and personal stories published by Chronicle Books. Mandvi co-created and starred in the Peabody Award winning web-series, HALAL IN THE FAMILY, which addressed anti-muslim bigotry through humour and received a staggering 577 media impressions worldwide. Mandvi also received rave reviews for originating the role of ‘Amir Kapoor’ in the world premiere of Ayad Aktahr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, DISGRACED, at Lincoln Center. He was the recipient of the 1999 OBIE award for SAKINA’S RESTAURANT, a play he wrote and starred in. Other stage credits include the Broadway revival of OKLAHOMA and SUBURBIA. In film, Aasif’s recent work includes, MILLION DOLLAR ARM with Jon Hamm, THE INTERNSHIP, starring alongside Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, MOVIE 43, THE DICTATOR with Sacha Baron Cohen, DARK HORSE for Todd Solondz, RUBY SPARKS, (from the creators of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE), GODS BEHAVING BADLY, and PREMIUM RUSH. He also co-wrote and starred in TODAY’S SPECIAL, which premiered at the London Film Festival. Additional film credits include leads in THE LAST AIRBENDER and THE MYSTIC MASSEUR, and supporting roles in IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY, THE PROPOSAL, GHOST TOWN, MUSIC AND LYRICS, SPIDER-MAN 2, FREEDOMLAND, ANALYZE THIS, MARGIN CALL, and THE SIEGE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Craig is currently playing the multiply disordered "Chet Wilton" in Lifetime's Peabody Award winning UnREAL. On Broadway Bierko received the Theater World Debut Award and Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League Award nominations for his performance of 'Professor Harold Hill' in Susan Stroman's critically acclaimed revival of Meredith Willson's The Music Man. Other Broadway roles include ‘Sky Masterson’ in the Tony-Nominated revival of Guys & Dolls, 'Miss Trunchbull' in Matilda and ‘Peter’ in the Lonny Price directed New York Philharmonic production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. Films include Meera Menon's current Indy hit Equity, 'Max Baer' in Ron Howard's Cinderella Man, Christopher Guest's For Your Consideration, Terry Gilliam's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Larry David's Sour Grapes and Renny Harlin's Long Kiss Goodnight. TV: David E. Kelley’s 'Boston Legal', 'Damages', 'The Good Wife' and 'Sex and the City's' 'Jazz Guy.' Online, Craig chats intimately with stars such as John Malkovich in his viral hit 'Bathing with Bierko' (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/67f73f5a22/bathing-with-bierko-john-malkovich) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kathyrn Erbe is best known for playing Detective Alexandra Eames in LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT... Erbe’s television credits include playing the infamous death row inmate Shirley Bellinger on the acclaimed HBO series “Oz.” She also appeared on NBC’s “Homicide: Life on the Street,” the miniseries “George Wallace,” Showtime’s original production of “Naked City: Justice with a Bullet,” NBC’s “Another World” and the television movie “Breathing Lessons.” Erbe also gained notice in the 1999 box office hit “Stir of Echoes” opposite Kevin Bacon and “Dream with the Fishes” with David Arquette. Her additional film credits include “Entropy,” “Kiss of Death,” “D2: The Mighty Ducks,” “Rich in Love”, “What About Bob?”, and “Speaking of Sex” with Lara Flynn Boyle and Bill Murray. Erbe also filmed “Three Backyards,” starring opposite Embeth Davidtz and Edie Falco, “Mother’s House”, “Worst Friend’s”, “The Love Guide” with Parker Posey,” Mistress America” and “No Beast So Fierce”. Before appearing in feature films, Erbe began her career on the stage. She is a member of the Steppenwolf Theater Company and has starred in many of their productions, including Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” as Stella, “Curse of the Starving Class” and “My Thing of Love.” She earned a Tony® Award nomination in 1991 for her portrayal of Mary in “Speed of Darkness.” Erbe is also an active member of the Atlantic Theatre Company. For the last year, Erbe has recently focused her attention to the theater appearing in Craig Lucas’ play ‘Ode to Joy, as Pat Nixon in The Vineyard’s ‘Checkers’, Natasha in Lincoln Center’s ‘Nikolai and The Others’, Sue in ACT’s ‘Natural Affection’, Mother in ‘Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, America, Kuwait’ as well as Adele in Rattlestick’s production of ‘Ode to Joy’. Erbe can currently be seen co-starring along side Frank Langella in MTC Tony Nominated Broadway production of ‘The Father’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Elizabeth Marvel is a stage and screen actress. Most recently she was cast as President Elect Keane on Homeland." On the big screen, Marvel will appear in the upcoming films “Easy Living” directed by Adam Keleman and “Yeh Din Ka Kissa” directed by Noah Baumbach. She recently played Heather Dunbar, Solicitor General on the Netflix original series, “House of Cards. Marvel has been an integral part of the New York theater scene since graduating from Juilliard. She has won four Obie Awards for her work Off-Broadway, most notably for her role of Hedda Gabler in Ivo Van Hove’s 2004 revival of the play. She received a Drama Desk Award Nomination for her performance in “Fifty Words.” Of her numerous Broadway roles, perhaps her most celebrated was that of Brooke Wyeth, which she originated in the Off-Broadway production of “Other Desert Cities.” In film, she has appeared in two films from the Coen brothers, Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” Tony Gilroy’s “Bourne Legacy,” Roger Michell’s “Hyde Park on Hudson,” J.C. Chandor’s “A Most Violent Year” and Cameron Crowe's “Aloha.” On television, Marvel was a series regular on the CBS series “The District” and FX's “Lights Out.” She also held recurring roles on “Fargo,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Person of Interest ” and “Nurse Jackie.” Her guest appearances include “30 Rock,” “The Good Wife,” “The Newsroom,” “White Collar” and “Elementary.” She currently lives in Brooklyn with her family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dan Bucatinsky is an actor, writer, producer best known for his Emmy-winning role as "James Novak" on Scandal. Most recently, he joined the cast of the Fox reboot, "24: Legacy," and will appear in the return of Gilmore Girls for Netflix. With business partner Lisa Kudrow, Dan co-starred and executive produced the Emmy-nominated docuseries, "Who Do You Think You Are?" – and with Dan Savage the inspirational digital series, "IT GOT BETTER" for LStudio, which premieres its third season on May 24th. He's the author of the book, "Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight?" about his journey into parenthood with his husband, filmmaker Don Roos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Judy Kuhn has been nominated for four Tony Awards most recently for her starring role in the Tony award winning musical Fun Home. Also on Broadway she starred in the Roundabout’s hit revival of She Loves Me (Tony Nomination), Chess (Tony & Drama Desk Nomination), Les Miserables (Tony & Drama Desk Nomination), Rags (Drama Desk Nomination), Two Shakespearean Actors (Lincoln Center Theatre), Alan Menken & Tim Rice's King David, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (original cast). Recent appearances incude: The Visit by John Kander, Fred Ebb & Terrance McNally at The Williamstown Theater Festival; the orginal production of Fun Home Public Theater (Lucille Lortell Award); Fosca in the much lauded production of Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine’s Passion directed by John Doyle at the Classic Stage Co. (Drama League Award nomination) and and she appeared in the inaugural season of Encores! Off-Center in The Cradle Will Rock directed by Sam Gold. Other theater includes: Three Sistersadapted by Craig Lucas and directed by Bartlett Sher (Intiman), Passion (Kennedy Center’s Sondheim Celebration); U.S. premiere of Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles; Ricky Ian Gordon’sSycamore Trees (Helen Hayes Award/Signature Theater); Michael John LaChiusa’s The Highest Yellow, Eli’s Comin’ (Vineyard Theatre/Obie Award); The Ballad of Little Jo (Steppenwolf Theatre Co./Jeff Award Nomination); As Thousand's Cheer (Drama Dept.); Tina Landau and Ricky Ian Gordon’s Dream True (Vineyard Theatre); The Glass Menagerie (McCarter Theatre), Martin Guerre(Hartford Stage), and Martha Clarke's Endangered Species (BAM). In London's West End she starred in Metropolis (Olivier Award Nomination). Judy sang the title role in Disney's Pocahontas as well as the in the sequel Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World. Other film and television appearances include: Enchanted, Elementary (CBS) Hope & Faith (ABC), Law & Order (NBC), All My Children (ABC), The Secret Life of Mary Margaret...(HBO), My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies (PBS), The Kennedy Center Honors (CBS), The Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert (PBS), In Performance At The White House (PBS), and the independent feature Day on Fire in which she costarred and performed the soundtrack with John Medeski. Judy has performed on concert stages around the world including appearances at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Feinstein’s at The Regency, The Hollywood Bowl, The Philly Pops Orchestra and , The Royal Albert Hall and The Hippodrome in London. She can be heard on numerous original cast recordings as well as her solo CD’s: All This Happiness (PS Classics); Serious Playground: The Songs of Laura Nyro (Sh-K-Boom) and Just In Time: Judy Kuhn Sings Jule Styne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
John Benjamin Hickey recently starred as ‘Frank Winter’ in the critically acclaimed WGN America series Manhattan which ended its run after its 2nd season. Earlier this year, John was back on stage in Peter Parnell’s Dada Woof Papa Hot at Lincoln Center for director Scott Ellis. John’s film credits include Truth, Big Stone Gap, Get On Up, Pitch Perfect, Flags of Our Fathers, The Anniversary Party, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Taking of the Pelham 123. Next, John can be seen in Tallulah for Sian Heder which premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and subsequently acquired by Netflix. On television, he received an Emmy Award nomination for his work on the Showtime series The Big C, playing Laura Linney's brother, Sean. He has recurred on the hit CBS television series The Good Wife playing Internet billionaire Neil Gross. Other television credits includeModern Family, Hannibal, The New Normal, Sex and the City, and Law & Order. On Broadway, John won the 2011 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and a Drama Desk Award for his performance in The Normal Heart. His other credits include Mary Stuart, The Crucible, Cabaret and Love! Valour! Compassion! for which he won an Obie Award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voiceover and stage. In 2015, Chenoweth received a coveted star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2009, she received an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Pushing Daises.” In 1999, she won a Tony Award for “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and she was also nominated for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked” in 2004. Chenoweth has been nominated for two Emmy Awards and for a People’s Choice Award for her role on “Glee.” In 2009, she wrote an uplifting candid, comedic chronicle of her life so far, “A Little Bit Wicked,” which debuted on the New York Times Hardcover Non Fiction Best Seller List. In 2015, Chenoweth earned a Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award and Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for her lead role in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s “On the Twentieth Century.” She also earned nominations for a Tony Award and a Drama League Award. Chenoweth has performed to sold-out audiences across the world, including performances at Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall. In 2014, she released a CD and DVD of her own live concert performance, “Kristin Chenoweth: Coming Home.” Notable television appearances include “The West Wing,” Disney’s “Descendants” and most recently “The Muppets.” In film, Chenoweth voiced the role of Gabi in the hit animated film “Rio 2” and Fifi, Snoopy’s beloved French poodle in "The Peanuts Movie." This spring, she starred in the indie teen drama entitled "Hard Sell" and began pre-production on Lionsgate/Hasbro’s My Little Pony movie, set for a fall 2017 release. She is currently working on a new album due out this fall. This December, she will star in NBC’s “Hairspray Live!” as Velma Von Tussle. Chenoweth’s dream of designing her own collection came to fruition, and much success when her exclusive modern fashion jewelry collection for HSN became available for purchase on www.hsn.com. Each piece of the collection tells a unique story that is representative of her life story and passions. Chenoweth is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Master’s degree in Opera Performance. She formed a charity partnership with the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center (BA PAC) Foundation in her home state of Oklahoma. Kristin is also a passionate supporter of charities which dedicate their time and efforts to helping those in need. She is an inductee into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, as well as the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Noah Emmerich’s breakout performance was in Ted Demme’s cult hit Beautiful Girls (Natalie Portman, Uma Thurman, Matt Dillon). His next role, opposite Jim Carrey in Peter Weir’s Academy Award-nominated The Truman Show, firmly established his outstanding talent. Most recently Noah starred alongside Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Patrick Stewart and Minnie Driver in Damian Harris’ Wilde Wedding. Additional file credits include Todd Field’s Academy Award nominated Little Children (Kate Winslet), Gavin O’Connor’s Jane Got A Gun, starring Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor and Joel Edgerton, J.J. Abrams' Super 8, Gavin O'Connor's Pride & Glory (Edward Norton, Colin Farrell), Doug Liman’s Fair Game (Naomi Watts, Sean Penn), Sympathy for Delicious (Mark Ruffalo), Miracle (Kurt Russell), Frequency (Dennis Quaid), Beyond Borders (Angelina Jolie, Clive Owen), Windtalkers (Nicolas Cage), Life (Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence), Copland (Sylvester Stallone, Robert DeNiro, Harvey Keitel), Guillaume Canet's Blood Ties (Marion Cotillard, Clive Owen, and Zoe Saldana), and Warrior (Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton). On television, Emmerich currently plays FBI Agent Stan Beeman opposite Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys on F/X’s critically acclaimed drama series The Americans. He also recently appeared to great acclaim as "Dr. Jenner" in Frank Darabont's breakout hit The Walking Dead. He's guest starred on shows including Master of None, Billions, The West Wing, Monk, and White Collar. Recent stage work includes Bruce Norris’ The Qualms at Playwrights Horizons (dir, Pam MacKinnon), Stephen Belber's Fault Lines at the Cherry Lane (dir, David Schwimmer), and the Kennedy Center's production of A Streetcar Named Desire opposite Patricia Clarkson. Emmerich received an honors degree in history from Yale University and studied filmmaking at New York University. He was born and raised in New York City, where he currently lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mary Stuart Masterson’s film, TV and theater career, includes roles in At Close Range, Some Kind of Wonderful, Immediate Family [National Board of Review Award] Fried Green Tomatoes, Benny and Joon, and the Broadway musical, Nine [Tony Award nomination]. Mary Stuart directed, The Cake Eaters, starring Kristen Stewart, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2007 and was released in 2009. It was awarded audience and jury prizes at numerous film festivals. She also produced, Tickling Leo, released in 2009. Currently, after a long hiatus to “produce” her family (4 children 6 and under), Mary Stuart is launching Stockade Works (www.stockadeworks.com) a net zero media arts complex and production company in Kingston, New York whose mission is: Making Local Work. Through their annual Crew Boot Camp, Stockade Works will offer training to diverse, underemployed Hudson Valley residents in motion picture and new media production. Their first Crew Boot Camp is slated for late Summer 2017 in preparation for their first TV pilot, Kids Like Us. With her husband, Jeremy Davidson, she is co-founder of Storyhorse Documentary Theater: a collection of multi-media theater pieces based on transcribed interviews focusing on topical issues in the Hudson Valley. www.storyhorsetheater.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Roger Bart starred Disaster on Broadway, (Outer Critic's Circle Nom) Young Frankenstein, The Frogs, The Producers, (Tony&Drama Desk Nominations), You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Tony Award & Drama Desk Award), Triumph Of Love, Big River. Film credits include: Speech & Debate, Trumbo, How To Build A Better Boy, Last Vegas, Smiley, Law Abiding Citizen, Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay, American Gangster, Hostel: Part II, The Producers, The Stepford Wives, The Insider, Hercules (singing voice- Hercules). Television, most notably: Desperate Housewives (George Williams), Revenge (Mason Treadwell), How I Met Your Mother, Episodes on Showtime Network, 30 Rock, The Event, Political Animals, The Lost Room, Bram and Alice, and currently Graves on EPIX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Reed Birney just won Tony Award for his role as Erik in Stephen Karam's play, THE HUMANS, at The Helen Hayes Theater in New York. Last season, Reed Birney appeared in New York Halley Feiffer's I'M GONNA PRAY FOR YOU SO HARD (Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk Award nominations) at The Atlantic Theater and Clare Barron's YOU GOT OLDER (Drama Desk Award nomination) at Here Arts Center. He won a Drama Desk award and was nominated for a Tony for his performance as Charlotte in Harvey Fierstein's CASA VALENTINA. He was Hubert Humphrey the A.R.T. production of ALL THE WAY with Bryan Cranston. His Broadway debut was in 1977 in Albert Innauratoʼs GEMINI. In 2012 he returned to Broadway in the Roundabout revival of PICNIC. In 2011, he received a Special Drama Desk Award honoring his career as an actor. Recent productions: CORE VALUES at Ars Nova, HAPGOOD at Williamstown Theater Festival, Annie Baker's translation of UNCLE VANYA (Soho Rep-Drama Desk Nomination), Kim Rosenstockʼs TIGERS BE STILL and David West Readʼs THE DREAM OF THE BURNING BOY (Drama League, Outer Critics Circle nominations), both at The Roundabout Underground, and Adam Bockʼs A SMALL FIRE at Playwrights Horizons. He was Ian in the New York premiere of Sarah Kaneʼs BLASTED in 2008 at Soho Rep (Drama Desk Award nomination.) He received an OBIE and Drama Desk Award for his performance in Annie Bakerʼs CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION also at Playwrights Horizons. He was Tony Blair in the acclaimed Public Theater production of STUFF HAPPENS. Other notable performances include the world premiere of Tony Kushnerʼs revised HOMEBODY/KABUL at Steppenwolf, The Mark Taper Forum and BAM; Tracy Letts' BUG (OBIE award) at The Barrow Street Theater; THE COMMON PURSUIT at the Promenade Theater; Gaev in THE CHERRY ORCHARD at Williamstown Theater Festival. He made his film debut in Arthur Penn and Steve Tesichʼs FOUR FRIENDS, and has appeared in Clint Eastwoodʼs CHANGELING, MORNING GLORY and Jeff Lipskyʼs TWELVE THIRTY, MOLLYʼS THEORY OF RELATIVITY, and MAD WOMEN, and with Kristen Wiig in THE GIRL MOST LIKELY. He is Rep. Donald Blythe on the Netflix series, "House of Cards" and can be seen as Patti LuPone's husband in HBO's "Girls." Other recent TV appearances include "Blue Bloods,” as Tom Connolly on "The Blacklist" and NBCʼs “American Odyssey.” On the web, he is in the series “Whatʼs Your Emergency?” He won a 2006 Obie Award for Sustained Excellence in Performance and in 2011 Actors' Equity awarded him the Richard Seff Award. He has taught acting at Columbia University and The Scott Freeman Studio. He is married to actress Constance Shulman and they have two children, Ephraim and Gus, who are both actors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
BEN PLATT originated the title role in Dear Evan Hansen to critical acclaim (Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations) and will reprise his performance on Broadway this Fall. Platt was the original Elder Cunningham in the Chicago production of The Book of Mormon and reprised the role on Broadway (dir. Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw). Film: Benji Applebaum in Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2, Ricki and the Flash (dir. Jonathan Demme), Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (dir. Ang Lee), Drunk Parents (dir. Fred Wolf). ŒNational Tours: Caroline, or Change (directed by George C. Wolfe). Regional credits include Dear Evan Hansen (Arena Stage), The Black Suits (Barrington Stage Company), The Power of Duff (dir. Peter DuBois/New York Stage and Film), Dead End (dir. Nicholas Martin/Ahmanson Theatre), The Music Man, Mame, Camelot, and The Sound of Music (dir. Gordon Hunt/Hollywood Bowl). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Anthony Rapp has been acting and singing professionally since he was nine years old. With an extensive list of achievements, Rapp is best known for originating the role of ‘Mark Cohen’ in Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award-winning rock opera, Rent, for which he shared an OBIE Award with the rest of the cast. He reprised his role in Chris Columbus’ film version opposite other members of the original cast. Anthony can currently be seen in the national tour of If/Then, having previously starred in the Broadway production from the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning creators of Next to Normal. He joined former Rent cast member Idina Menzel in this romantic and original musical about how choice and chance collide and how we learn to love the fallout. Additional Broadway credits include the revival of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and John Guare’sSix Degrees of Separation. His Broadway debut was in Precious Sons with Judith Ivey and Ed Harris, for which he received an Outer Critics Circle award and a Drama Desk nomination. Other theater credits include Raised In Captivity (Vineyard Theatre), Trafficking in Broken Hearts (Atlantic), Some Americans Abroad (Second Stage), Dedalus Lounge (Interart Theatre Annex), and the national tour of Little Shop of Horrors. Anthony has been featured in a number of iconic feature films ranging from dramas like the Oscar-award winning A Beautiful Mind, Six Degrees of Separation, and The Other Womanopposite Natalie Portman, to comedies like Dazed and Confused with Matthew McConaughey and Road Trip directed by Todd Phillips. He will next be seen starring with fellow-Broadway favorite Cheyenne Jackson in the upcoming film Opening Night. Additional film credits include Junction, Adventures in Babysitting, School Ties, Man of the Century, and David Searching. He also appeared in Winter Passing, a film written and directed by his brother, Adam Rapp. A writer as well, Anthony penned Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent(Simon & Schuster) about his struggle to balance the demands of life in the theatre with his responsibility to his family during his mother’s battle with cancer. He recently adapted the book into a one-man show entitled “Without You” which he has performed on stages both nationally and internationally. On television, Rapp has appeared in The X-Files, The Beach Boys: An American Family, Kidnapped, Law & Order: SVU, and Psych. In 2000, he released his debut album, Look Around. He has performed his music in clubs and colleges throughout the country. Rapp is proud to support and continue to help raise funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Friends in Deed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Frank DiLella's celebrity interviews, along with his in-depth reporting of the theatrical scene for NY1, have helped make him a trusted friend and confidant within the theater and entertainment communities, as well as one of the most popular personalities in entertainment journalism in New York City. He joined NY1 in 2004 and now produces and reports for "On Stage," the news channel's weekly half-hour theater program. Working the entertainment beat, DiLella has interviewed many legendary artists including Edward Albee, Tom Hanks, Vanessa Redgrave, Bono, August Wilson, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, Bette Midler, Hugh Jackman, Tom Stoppard, Carol Channing, James Earl Jones, Chita Rivera, Jane Fonda, Elaine Stritch, Angela Lansbury, Lady Gaga, Tony Kushner, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. In the fall of 2009, DiLella and the "On Stage" team were honored by the New York Musical Theater Festival for their weekly coverage of NYC theater. In addition to filing reports on the Broadway and off-Broadway scenes, DiLella has traveled internationally to cover theater in Japan, Hong Kong, England, Scotland, Germany, and Canada. In May 2013, Time Warner Cable launched a spin-off of "On Stage" entitled "On Stage Across America." The monthly program, which is produced and co-hosted by DiLella, shines a spotlight on Broadway theater, national tours, regional theater, and high school plays. In addition to his work at NY1, DiLella is a contributing correspondent for Playbill and MANHATTAN Magazine and has given lectures on theater and journalism at Hofstra University and The American Theatre Wing. He has also appeared as a theater correspondent for the BBC, Sirius XM, "The Early Show" on CBS, CTV, The American Theatre Wing, and Al Jazeera TV – as well as in the 2010 documentary, "Pitmen Painters – A Brush with Broadway." In 2013, he appeared on NBC's "Smash," portraying himself. DiLella serves on the board of The Gershwin Awards and is a part of the selection committee for the annual Clive Barnes Awards and Foundation. He received a B.A in communications/journalism with a minor in theater from Fordham University at Lincoln Center. DiLella has since returned to his alma mater as an adjunct professor teaching theater journalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Constance Shulman originated the role of Annelle in Robert Harling's, Steel Magnolias at the WPA/Lucille Lortel Theater. She was the voice of Patti Mayonnaise on Nickelodeon's animated series, DOUG (also ABC Disney). FILMS: Fried Green Tomatoes, Men Don't Leave, Reversal of Fortune, Sweet and Lowdown, recently released, Nasty Baby, Stereotypically You. TV: SVU, The Faculty, Orange Is The New Black (two time SAG award winner for best ensemble in a comedy series). Shulman co-produced the documentary, Looks Like Laury, Sounds Like Laury (seen on America ReFramed, PBS. It was named one of the top ten documentaries of 2015 by the NY TIMES). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bryan Greenberg is a well known American actor and musician. Fans first came to love him as teenage dad "Jake Jagielski" in the WB hit series One Tree Hill. His fan base continued to grow with his next television series, the ABC drama October Roadin which he played "Nick Garrett." Bryan played a version of himself as an actor on the way up in Hollywood on the critically acclaimed HBO series, Unscripted, produced by Steven Soderbergh, George Clooney and Grant Heslov. Bryan's next star turn came as "Ben Epstein" in the cult hit HBO original series How to Make It in America. Bryan's numerous film roles include the lead role in Prime opposite Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman. Other film work includes The Perfect Score, Nobel Son, Bride Wars, The Good Guy, Friends with Benefits, and A Short History of Decay. An amazing singer and songwriter, Bryan has recorded the albums, Waiting for Nowand Everyone Changes, both available on iTunes. You can follow Bryan on Twitter: @bryangreenberg - Instagram: @bryangreenberg - Snapchat: bryangreenberg1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
BD Wong grew up in San Francisco. He won a Tony Award for his performance in M. Butterfly. He gained notoriety for playing the roles of Dr. George Huang on Law & Order: SVU, Father Ray Mukada on Oz, Dr. John Lee on Awake, Dr. Henry Wu in the first Jurassic Park film as well as the fourth entry, Jurassic World, Mulan, and Ngawang Jigme in the film Seven Years in Tibet. He is now appearing in the TV series Gotham as Hugo Strange, making Wong the first actor to play the character in live-action. He was nominated in 2016 for a Critic's Choice Television Award for his recurring role as White Rose in Mr. Robot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cynthia Ellen Nixon is an American actress, known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the HBO series Sex and the City for which she won the 2004 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She reprised the role in the films Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2. Her other film appearances include Amadeus, The Pelican Brief, Baby's Day Out, Little Manhattan, 5 Flights Up, Stockholm, Pennsylvania, James White and A Quiet Passion. Nixon made her Broadway debut in the 1980 revival of The Philadelphia Story. Other Broadway credits include The Real Thing, Hurlyburly, Indiscretions and The Women. She played Eleanor Roosevelt in the HBO TV film Warm Springs. She went on to win the 2006 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for the original production of Rabbit Hole, a second Emmy Award in 2008 for her guest role in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2009 for An Inconvenient Truth. In 2011, she played Michele Davis in the TV film Too Big to Fail, before returning to Broadway in the 2012 play Wit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Part 2 of Ilana's conversation with actor John Slattery. Listen in as the star of "Mad Men" and the Oscar-winning film "Spotlight" candidly shares stories about his youth, life on set, and working with the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman. You won't want to miss John's audition story about attempting to dye his hair in the sweltering heat of a New York City summer -- without running water! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
John Slattery is an American actor and director. He is best known for his role as Roger Sterling in the AMC drama series Mad Men. He has received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations and two Critics' Choice Television Awards for AMC's series Mad Men. He was also part of the Mad Men ensemble cast that won two SAG Awards. In 2013, Slattery directed his first feature film, God's Pocket, which premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. He is currently on the HBO series Veep. Apart from his role on Mad Men, Slattery is also known for roles on Homefront; the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon; the HBO series K Street; guest appearances on Will & Grace; Judging Amy; Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives. Other films include Mona Lisa Smile, Flags of our Fathers, Charlie Wilson's War and The Adjustment Bureau. In 2015, Slattery portrayed journalist Ben Bradlee Jr. in the Academy Award winning film Spotlight, and also appeared in the Netflix comedy series Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, for which he earned a nomination for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices