The Theatre Podcast With Alan Seales

From growing up a self-proclaimed overachiever to her recent success in “Dancing with the Stars”, Ariana Madix remains unstoppable as she makes her Broadway debut in an eight-week run as Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of “Chicago”. She reflects on her childhood, what got her into performing and theatre, and the shows she drew inspiration from. She also looks back into her early career, including moving to New York as a theater major after college, and the realities of the industry that led her to move to Los Angeles. As she returns to New York for her Broadway debut in “Chicago”, she talks about her role and the preparations she’s doing for the show and imparts an important piece of advice for aspiring actors: “Get in line. Never get out of line because one day your number will be called.” Ariana Madix is a TV personality, actress, model, and author who’s known for being a cast member on the Bravo reality TV series, “Vanderpump Rules”, and was one of Variety's 40 Most Powerful Women on Reality TV. She

An accomplished actress, singer, author, and educator, Alexandra Silber delves into her extensive career as she shares her origin story, revealing that her early influences, particularly her deep connection to literature and theater, emerged from the challenges of her father's illness when she was a child. Believing in the transformative power of storytelling, it became her sanctuary to explore profound questions about life and death, including reading (listening to, and watching) “The Secret Garden” and how it impacted her life. She opens up about her GI battles, her father’s death, and dealing with grief through acting. Currently starring in the limited off-Broadway run of "Our Class", Alexandra explores the unique chemistry and connection formed between actors on stage, its significance in creating authentic performances, and why having a community with your co-actors is necessary. She also talks about the unique “exit practices” in their production, her perspective on being a multidimensional artist–under

It's always better the second time around! Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer returns to the podcast to talk about her life and career post-pandemic back on her time in “Beetlejuice”, the show closing during the pandemic, and everything that went down in between. Currently starring in “Spamalot”, she takes pride in the exceptional ensemble dynamics in the show and shares how she’s approaching her role as The Lady of the Lake. She also provides an insider's perspective on the decision-making process behind a potentially controversial number in the show and the cast's collective discussion and commitment to presenting the performance in the spirit of joy and celebration. Leslie shares her insights into the role of theater both as a means of escapism and a space for reflection, as well as the audience's right to interpret and experience the show in their own way. She reflects on the vocal challenges of her role and gets real as she opens up about going through vocal injuries, and learning the importance of knowing your li

An actor, writer, and Shakespeare enthusiast, Ellen Adair shares their journey into acting and the profound impact it has had on their life. From their early fascination with Shakespeare to experiences in various productions, they emphasize the importance of connection in their work and the collaborative aspect that comes with it. They find joy in interacting with fellow actors, exploring characters, and being present in the moment. Ellen also delves into the challenges artists face, highlighting the necessity of mental equilibrium for navigating the unpredictable nature of the industry. Starring in the 2023 horror movie “Herd”, they reflect on the message of the movie and how it reflects our society today. Ellen shares personal anecdotes, from their aversion for anything with tentacles to growing up with no TV. They get personal as they talk about gender identity, the joy of being an actor, and connection as a form of motivation. Ellen Adair is a star of stage and screen with TV credits that include “Bull”,

Can we call it a tradition now? Diana Salameh, Vice President of Brand Integration at Serino Coyne, once again co-hosts the final episode of the year. Serino Coyne is the nation's longest-running theatrical advertising agency, so as always Diana brings some fun insider insight to how this strange business of show actually goes down. What was your favorite show of 2023? What are you most looking forward to seeing in 2024? Tag me in your stories and let me know! Connect with Diana: Instagram: @_dianasalameh Twitter: @_dianasalameh Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Stephanie, she was either going to be a nun or a musical theatre actress. She elaborates on this as she looks back on her early days and her influences growing up, including her mom. She reflects on her journey as an actress, moving to New York in her early 20s and being intimidated by the city, leaving and eventually finding her way back. Being involved with the original creation of “Wicked”, Stephanie recalls how she dealt with rejection and why she believes that rejection is protection. She shares more anecdotes, including the two-hour work session she had with Hugh Jackman, meeting her now husband Sebastian Arcelus on the Wicked 1st Nat’l Tour, what made her say yes to playing Cher, and getting the right speaking voice for the role… with the help of Crest Whitestrips. She also talks about balancing motherhood and a performing career, revealing how they give importance to portraying a sense of teamwork with her family. She recently released a Christmas album called “Merry Christmas, Darling”, and share

A two-time Tony Award-winning actor and singer, Norbert Leo Butz opens up about his childhood, the challenges he faced pursuing a career in acting, and the remarkable twists of fate that brought him to Broadway. Hailing from a large family of 11 siblings, he shares how the importance of education was instilled to them by his parents. Despite his family's support for school plays, his strict upbringing and limited resources led Norbert to sneakily pursue his love for acting. Norbert eventually had to confess to his father about attending a different college and studying to become an actor, a moment that ultimately led to his parents becoming his biggest supporters. He recounts his serendipitous entry into Broadway with "Rent," joining the cast as a cover for the roles of Roger and Mark–a right place, right time moment for him. He also talks about how he dealt with the pandemic through music, which eventually resulted in releasing his 4th solo album “King of Hearts” co-written with her daughter, Clara Davis. Gr

Casey Cott, a talented actor best known for his role as Kevin Keller on "Riverdale," discusses his current role and Broadway debut as Christian in the Broadway production of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical”. He shares insights into his journey from television to the Broadway stage, including how he landed the role, finally fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams. Casey reflects on the challenges and rewards of performing on Broadway, including the supportive and encouraging atmosphere within the "Moulin Rouge" cast and crew. He talks about the unique experience of singing in the show and the mental aspects of navigating the demanding schedule of eight performances a week while caring for a newborn at home!. He shares their pre-show routines and rituals, involving a "Ted Lasso Believe" sign in Casey's dressing room and slapping a lamp before going to the stage. He opens up about moments of self-doubt and anxiety, and realizing the importance of enjoying the imperfections and finding grace in the pursuit of perfection

From dancing to “Chicago” songs to finally playing the role of Mama Morton in the long-running musical, Lili Thomas’s acting career has definitely come full circle. Celebrating her first anniversary on the show, Lili shares the unique experience of being part of a production with constantly changing casts, and the show’s dynamics, including the encouragement for actors to bring their individuality to their characters. She also talks about her Broadway debut and the excitement of performing on opening night, the complexity of her character, and the challenges of adapting to a fast-paced environment. As a mother and Broadway performer, Lili sheds light on the balancing act required to manage her career and responsibilities at home. She reflects on her unique journey as a single mom in the industry and offers advice to aspiring performers, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself. Lili Thomas is an actress who just recently ended her leg of the “Dear Evan Hansen” First National Tour playing the role

Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames starts off by sharing his love for writing and the meaning behind the philosophy on his website. He discusses the transformative power of his first encounter with a play and how it ignited his desire to help “expand the range of storytelling about black people”. The conversation also delves into his play "Fat Ham" wherein he reflects on its creative process, the play's resonance, and the impact it had, especially in the context of Black and queer representation in the theater. As a founding member of Orbiter 3, James discusses the unique model of his group. He emphasizes the importance of creating a community and supporting local playwrights, giving light to the collaborative and inclusive aspects of their work. He shares how long it normally takes for him to write a full-length and the common themes found in his works. Additionally, James provides insights into his role as an associate professor at Villanova University where he teaches acting and collaborative theater-makin

Steve discusses his role as Harry Potter in the Broadway production of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" and delves into the challenges and thrills of bringing such an iconic character to life on stage. He recounts his initial reactions to being cast as Harry Potter and the overwhelming nature of playing a famous character. He shares his experiences with the production, the preparation involved, and the unique aspects of the show, including the magical illusions and set design that immerse the audience in the world of Hogwarts. Steve opens up about his personal journey, such as his therapeutic motorcycle trip from Washington State to New York City, and how it’s great to put yourself in environments to learn from yourself. He reflects on the hardships he faced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Steve also opens up about the concept of self-compassion, emphasizing its significance in overcoming self-criticism and fostering personal growth. Steve Haggard made his Broadway debut in 2019 as part of the

A dynamic duo with impressive acting credits, Marilu Henner and Caroline Aaron discuss their friendship, careers, and their play "Madwomen of the West." The two fondly share their strong and enduring friendship, how they met, and their mutual respect and support for each other despite their differences They also talk about their current play, "Madwomen of the West", the relationship they have with the other actresses, its success in Los Angeles, and bringing the show to New York. The two look back on how they got into theatre and what made them fall in love with performing. Marilu discusses her early struggles in auditions and how she learned to embrace her uniqueness, encouraging aspiring artists to celebrate what makes them special instead of conforming to expectations. She also talks about her highly superior autobiographical memory and the book she wrote about it. Caroline, on the other hand, opens up about being driven by early experiences with death, emphasizing the value of cherishing life and leaving

With impressive stage credits at a young age, Casey Likes who’s currently playing the iconic role of Marty McFly in "Back to the Future: The Musical" is someone to watch out for in the Broadway scene. Starting his acting career at age three, Casey talks about his road to Broadway and the lessons he learned from his mom who’s also an actress. The rising star shares how he initially heard about "Back to the Future: The Musical" when it was announced in 2018, considering it a fun idea to play Marty McFly one day potentially. Casey talks about his audition process, getting the part, and learning to play the guitar to portray Marty better. He shares that Huey Lewis, who performed the song, "The Power of Love" in the movie, provided him with a note about the song's timing. Casey describes the challenge of incorporating iconic movie scenes into the show and highlights his favorite moments. He emphasizes the importance of continuously working on your craft–stressing the significance of continued growth and improvemen

Liana Hunt is a triple-threat actress currently gracing the stage as Lorraine Baines in the Broadway musical, "Back to the Future". She talks about her journey to theatre, sharing that even though nobody in her family is in the arts, or into theater and music, their unwavering support was more than enough. Having experiences with improv comedy, Liana highlights the importance of trust and vulnerability in improvisation, and how it helped her to embrace unpredictability and let go of perfectionism. Playing an iconic role in "Back to the Future," she recalls the time of her audition process, the challenges that came along with it, bringing their own uniqueness to their roles while being faithful to the movie, and why she thinks the show is filled with “Broadway magic”. Beyond her work on stage, Liana emphasizes the significance of spending time with herself, personal growth, and authenticity in her journey as a performer. Liana Hunt is known for her remarkable performances on stage. She has appeared on Broadway

This is the second of four of the “Back to the Future” podcast takeover! This episode features Merritt David Janes and Jelani Remy, two real-life friends and on stage frenemies. Merritt talks about the show’s influence on his childhood and describes being a part of the show as a pinch-me moment for him, Jelani discusses his early experiences with performing and touring and the two talk about their experiences with the production of "Back to the Future" , how they auditioned for their roles, and what it means to them. They emphasize the positive and collaborative atmosphere on the set and how the cast gets along well, their favorite parts of the show, and the fulfillment they get from the support of younger fans and the theater community. Merritt and Jelani share their motivations and advice for aspiring performers, including finding reasons to show up to pursue one's dreams (and good food!). Merritt David Janes and Jelani Remy are both no strangers to the Broadway stage. Jelani Remy’s credits include “Ain't T

From playing Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables” to working with some of the best orchestras in the world, Nathaniel Hackmann has etched his mark as a versatile artist. Nate grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, doing community theater at a very young age which eventually led to his love for theatre and performing arts. He talks about his initial goal of becoming the youngest baritone to make his debut at the Metropolitan Opera and life lessons along the way that made him realize the music theater community and the people who work in music theater are his tribe. Nate looks back on his turning point which came when he auditioned for the NETwork’s Beauty and the Beast National Tour in 2010. Currently playing as Biff Tannen in the production of Broadway's “Back to the Future”, he reveals his in-depth knowledge of the film, its production history and the challenges it faced, and his starstruck moment with Huey Lewis. Nate reflects on his motivations as an artist, emphasizing service, community, and spreading joy, and why

If grit, talent, and perseverance were a person, it would be in the form of Gordon Greenberg. The multifaceted artist looks back at his younger years, sharing his first creative moment, and anecdotes about his journey which includes secretly taking a bus and walking into a producer’s office in the hopes of getting offered a role. Gordon also shares his experiences in writing and directing, including his latest off-Broadway work, "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors," a comedic adaptation of the classic vampire tale, which originally found a home in 2020 as a radio play comedy. He talks about the creative process, casting choices, and the unique and campy style of the show. He reflects on the evolution of his career, juggling multiple creative roles, and how he ensures that his outputs remain authentic and engaging. Driven with passion and purpose in whatever he does, Gordon shares a powerful piece of advice to  aspiring artists: “All the things you think are your greatest liabilities are going to become your greates

Get to know Molly Bracken, Lisa Hawkins, and Adriana Rodriguez, the talented trio behind Pipeline Vocal Project, a groundbreaking professional a cappella group hailing from Alaska. The three talk about PVP’s origins, from Lisa and Adriana’s initial meeting in high school to Molly auditioning, and becoming the all-female a cappella sensation they are today. The three fondly look back on how they ended up headlining a festival just one month after meeting in a parking garage for the first time, and how the pandemic contributed to their quick rise to fame. They discuss getting in with Disney through LinkedIn, how they choose what to sing, and their experiences performing on cruise ships. They also delve into the challenges and joys of life on the road as they share stories from their travels, and how it can be unpredictable but fulfilling at the same time. They highlight the impact of music on people worldwide, sharing their mission to inspire the youth to pursue their dreams through music and workshops. The Pip

What do you get when you cross Dracula with a podcast? Bite-sized episodes that will have you howling with laughter! Welcome to the official companion podcast for off-Broadway’s Dracula A Comedy of Terrors, now playing at New World Stages. Hosted by blood curdling Broadway veteran Andrew Keenan-Bolger, this podcast takes you inside the show’s (teeny tiny backstage) world with interviews and games featuring the cast and creatives that helped bring this hilarious comedy to life. So grab a wooden stake, a satchel of garlick, pull out your bloody mary recipe, and settle in under your favorite cape for a podcast guaranteed not to drive you batty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From playing iconic people to trying different artistic endeavors, Chilina Kennedy is just getting started. Growing up in different parts of the world, she discusses her early experiences and influences that ultimately led her to grace the Broadway stage. From portraying iconic people like Carole King to releasing her own album called “What You Find in a Bottle”, she talks about how she splits her focus between joining other people’s works and creating her own, and why she finds it way harder to play a real person on stage. She also gets real when asked if she ever gets tired of playing the same role over and over, and why she loves it when people don’t recognize her from the previous roles she played. Putting your work out there can be nerve-wracking, but for Chilina, it’s the point of being creative: to be confident and bold and not be afraid to make mistakes. She explains why auditions are a bit like dating, the complexities of casting, and how perseverance can create luck!  Chilina Kennedy is an actress,