The Theatre Podcast With Alan Seales

A Broadway actor, author, and web series co-creator, Andrew Keenan-Bolger opens up about his personal experiences, life lessons, and insights into the world of theater, social media, and literature. He recalls his introduction to theater and his early influences, which include his older sister, and how he was able to pursue a career in acting, thanks to the overwhelming support he received from his parents at such a young age. Currently playing seven different characters in “Dracula, a Comedy of Terrors”, Andrew shares a glimpse of what the production is like, including costume changes, and why having chemistry with the people you work with is essential. While he successfully grew his online presence, he candidly reveals the toll social media can take on one’s mental health, ultimately choosing to show only certain aspects of his life and providing valuable content to his followers. Andrew also touches on the transition from co-creating the digital series, “Submissions Only” to co-writing the book series, "Ja

Katie Rose Clarke is known for her roles in many musicals, including “Wicked” (where she holds the record for playing Glinda the longest), “The Light in the Piazza,” and “Miss Saigon.” Katie delves into her career highlights, particularly on her iconic role as Glinda in the hit musical "Wicked." She discusses the challenges and joys of portraying an iconic character and the unique demands of performing in a long-running Broadway show. Katie reflects on her involvement in the Broadway musical “Merrily We Roll Along,” wherein she auditioned when she was nine months pregnant. She looks back on her involvement in the development of the musical “Heart of Rock and Roll” with Huey Lewis and the News, highlighting her collaboration with the creative team and working with Huey Lewis himself. The conversation also delves into personal aspects of Katie's life, including her experience as a mother of three and balancing her career and family. She shares some anecdotes, such as playing a game of Fishbowl with her co-actor

A globally renowned magician and performer, Asi Wind shares his journey in the world of magic and the art of performance, including his childhood encounter with a magician that shaped the rest of his life. He shares insights into his creative process, discussing how he designs and refines his tricks, always striving to balance perfection and enjoyment. Asi reflects on his views on failure, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and finding beauty in imperfections. He speaks about the unique connection between a performer and their audience, highlighting the role of empathy and sensitivity in delivering a memorable experience. He also touches on various topics, including the significance of perspective, the inspiration drawn from everyday acts performed with care and attention to detail, and the idea of continuous improvement–providing a fascinating glimpse into the mind and philosophy of a dedicated magician and artist. This episode is a special crossover with Heather Vickery, the co-host of my

Being a social media influencer is harder than it sounds, and comes with its own unique set of challenges and growth blockers. Kerry Skinner, the brain behind @thebwaybuzz on IG and @SixBroadwayFanForever on YouTube, shares some of her behind the scenes stories in this bonus episode. Connect with Kerry: IG: @thebwaybuzz YouTube: @sixbroadwayfanforever Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally released as episode 48 on Aug 20th, 2019, here's another episode from the vault with Once Upon A One More Time's Prince Charming Himself, Justin Guarini! Original description as follows: Justin Guarini’s robust performance career launched with the first season of American Idol in 2002, performing alongside Kelly Clarkson. His stage and screen appearances since then include Broadway productions of American Idiot, Romeo and Juliet, Wicked, and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Justin has hosted shows shows like Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight along with live events for the TV Guide Network, the Oscars, the Emmys, and the Grammys. He continues to reprise his role as the lovable Lil’ Sweet in commercials for Diet Dr. Pepper while branching out into the new world of podcasting, book writing, and audition coaching. Growing up in Atlanta, he was exposed to the entertainment industry at an early age. He moved to New York and actually turned down his Broadway debut when he was offered a spot on America

Miriam Silverman’s journey through the world of theater traces a path from graduate school to regional theater and eventually to Broadway. She reflects on the complexities of balancing motherhood, acting, and teaching, highlighting the building of her teaching career while prioritizing her passion for acting at the same time. Miriam reveals the heartwarming and humorous aspects of involving her children in her profession, sharing their reactions to her performances and her recent Tony win. She offers insights into portraying complex characters, like her role in "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window”, and recounts the unique trajectory of the show from an Off-Broadway run that was thought to be its conclusion to a surprise Broadway transfer. Miriam's portrayal of Mavis garnered praise, and she humbly shares her disbelief at receiving the Tony Award for her outstanding performance. Through her experiences, Miriam emphasizes the communal power of theater and the value of meaningful work, and embracing the beauti

Jose Lana, a talented actor and performer, delves into historical events, politics, theater, personal experiences that shaped his family’s story and brought him full circle to the story told in Here Lies Love.. He shares his deep insights into his role as Ferdinand Marcos, discusses the challenges and responsibilities of portraying a controversial figure, and shares how the show brings to light important historical events. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of power, delusion, and ego in the context of political leaders like Marcos, Trump, and Putin. Jose reflects on the motivation behind his work, including the desire to make his family proud. He offers advice to younger individuals starting out in the industry, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey and staying true to oneself. Jose Llana has been gracing the Broadway and international stage for over two decades now, having appeared in both the 1996 and 2015 revivals of “The King and I”. He has also appeared in “Rent”, “Martin Guerre”

Recorded live on Aug 10th, 2023, this red carpet coverage of "The Shark is Broken", a show based on the true events that happened between takes on set with Roy Schneider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw. This opening night episode includes convos with Alex Brightman, Colin Donnell, Ian Shaw, Peter Bradbury, Stephen Dexter, Coby Getzug, James Monroe Iglehart, Patti Murin, Elizabeth Teeter, Blake Roman, Guy Masterson, Christian Slater, and an actual shark: Robert Herjavec. Do YOU remember who the leader of the Sharks is!? Be sure to visit https://thesharkisbroken.com/ for more info. Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The talented and charming Zoe Jensen is currently making waves on Broadway as part of the cast of "Six: The Musical". Zoe takes us on a journey through her career, sharing anecdotes about her path to the Broadway stage. She opens up about her transition from studying journalism to pursuing her passion for musical theater, a decision that has led her to grace the Broadway stage. Doing numerous shows a week, she talks about the camaraderie and genuine friendships among the "Six" cast members, both on and off the stage. Zoe delves into her early musical education, which has contributed to her versatility as a performer. Even as a seasoned actress, Zoe gets real as she shares her experiences of dealing with nerves before going on stage and finding ways to stay grounded and focused, such as reading intention cards before a performance. She offers valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself, embracing new opportunities, and remaining open to unexpected paths. Zoe Jensen was recently see

With an illustrious career spanning all throughout theater, TV, and film, Kevin shares his experiences and insights through his life in the spotlight. He looks back on his early years, including his life as a professional rodeo clown (starting at the age of 6!) and his role in the iconic musical "The Lion King." As a young actor in a different cultural landscape, Kevin reflects on the challenges and triumphs he faced during a time when representation and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals were still evolving. Kevin delves into one of his career-defining moments—his role in the groundbreaking rock musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”. He reveals how this daring and transformative production became a turning point in his artistic journey, inspiring him to embrace authenticity and express his true self both on and off the stage. Kevin's latest project "Shucked" opened on Broadway and gained critical acclaim as it evolved from its early stages to its current form, highlighting its impact on representing small-town

Recorded LIVE at BroadwayCon 2023 on July 23rd, we talk with Laura Bell Bundy, Lilli Cooper, Dana Steingold and Sandy Rustin about the new soon-to-be-Broadway smash hit, THE COTTAGE. Set in the English countryside in 1923, this tale of sex, betrayal and love unfolds when Sylvia (played by LBB) decides to expose her affair to both her husband and to her lover’s wife. The true meaning of fate, identity and marriage are called into question as a surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous – potentially murderous – romantic comedy. Visit https://thecottageonbroadway.com/ for more info and tix! Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Steingold is a talented actress known for her versatile performances on Broadway and recent role in the uproarious comedy "The Cottage." Dana takes listeners on a journey through her career, from her early days as a performer to landing roles in hit Broadway productions. She shares the challenges and joys of playing different characters, from the hilarious Girl Scout in "Beetlejuice" to Dierdre in "The Cottage." She opens up about the audition process and how she approaches each role with dedication and creativity. Dana discusses the significance of "Beetlejuice" and its impact on Broadway fandom and how social media has changed the landscape of theater, including the special connection it creates between the show's cast and its devoted fans. As they dive into "The Cottage," Dana sheds light on the collaborative process of creating an original comedy and the thrill of working with an exceptional ensemble. From hilarious moments on stage to unexpected mishaps, she shares behind-the-scenes stories. Beyond

Talented actress Tatiana Maslany is currently helping creep up the stage as Max in the critically acclaimed Broadway show, "Grey House." She delves into the captivating complexities of her character, what happens behind the scenes, and the dynamics at play in this spooky production. Amidst the nature of the play, she shares the process of uncovering more about the story alongside her fellow cast members, and recounts how she and Paul Sparks, who plays her husband in the show, helped each other in navigating their characters' relationship. She looks back on her improv years and becoming a certified improvisational trainer, and studying for a while before pursuing acting for good. A seasoned actor, it's no surprise that she always brings her A-game to the table. She reflects on the digital age and why she yearns for authentic, in-person connections just like in the analog days. In a world where self-tapes and virtual auditions have become the norm, she advocates for the revival of in-person interactions and the

Conrad Ricamora is a talented actor known for his roles on Broadway and his portrayal of Oliver Hampton in the hit TV series "How to Get Away with Murder." He shares his insights as they delve into his background, including his family's journey from moving to the U.S. to growing up in military bases, and how he got into acting and theater. Conrad discusses the significance of "Here Lies Love," a groundbreaking Broadway production featuring an all-Filipino cast, and shares his experiences with the show, including how it explores the intertwined history between the Philippines and America. He also looks back on how he auditioned and got involved with it 11 years ago. The discussion expands to the challenges of performing on Broadway, the staging of "Here Lies Love," and the unique experiences of interacting with the audience up close. Conrad reflects on the current state of democracy and political issues, drawing parallels between historical events and the fragility of democracy today. From sharing personal ane

Sophia is a talented and multifaceted actress currently creeping up the stage as Marlow in the hit Broadway show, “Grey House”. She talks about her role as Marlow, the complexities of her character, and her deep appreciation for the creative freedom provided by the playwright, Levi Holloway, the open-ended nature of the play being open to interpretation. With her innate ability to tap into the dark side partnered with her empathic nature, it’s no surprise that she’s able to perform and connect to both her character and the audience. She shares how she embraces curiosity as a driving force and how this allows her to explore different emotions, and the importance of balance between her personal life and maintaining a healthy separation from the characters she plays. She also delves into generational differences and why she’s a fan of Gen Zs despite the bad rap they get. Apart from acting, she unveils her love for painting which she considers as a meditative practice that keeps her aligned. Despite the chaos the

Originally released as episode 5 on Nov 19th, 2018, here's another episode from the vault with 2023 Tony Award winner, Bonnie Milligan! Make sure to listen to her in the BPN original "As the Curtain Rises": bpn.fm/atcr, and go see her as Aunt Deb in Kimberly Akimbo!! Original description as follows: Bonnie Milligan discusses her childhood, growing up in a religious household in Illinois, finding self confidence in controlling her narrative, and the importance of representation on the stage. Bonnie is currently making her Broadway debut in Head Over Heels as Princess Pamela, though she has been with the show since its early years in workshops and out of town tryouts. She tells us about being active and using her voice to promote love, light, and acceptance. Connect with Bonnie: Instagram: @beltingbons Twitter: @BeltingBonnie Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan’s personal Instagram: @alanseales Jilli

Originally released as episode 2 on Oct 26th, 2018, I'm bringing you one of my oldest episodes with Oscar winner Ariana DeBose! Make sure to listen to her in the BPN original "As the Curtain Rises": bpn.fm/atcr Original description as follows: This week we speak with 2018 Tony nominee Ariana DeDose. She discusses how her early childhood as a competitive dancer led her to So You Think You Can Dance. She eventually moved to New York to land her first job on her first day in the city. Ariana tells us about the importance of legacy, what it was like to be part of the Hamilton theatrical revolution, how she feels staring in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, her thoughts on pride and sexuality, and the need to keep moving forward without getting too comfortable.  UPDATE Jan 14, 2019: Ariana will also star as Anita in the upcoming remake of “West Side Story,” being recreated by Steven Spielberg. UPDATE Jan 14, 2021: Holy crap, her career has exploded! Congrats, Ari! Connect with Ariana on social: Twitter: @ArianaD

Join Robert Peterpaul of The Art of Kindness podcast and Alan Seales of The Theatre Podcast as they recap their night at the 2023 Tony Awards! Hear from all the winners they were honored to speak with in the press room, including: Jodie Comer (Prima Facie), Sean Hayes (Good Night, Oscar) , J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot), Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo), Bonnie Milligan (Kimberly Akimbo), Brandon Uranowitz (Leopoldstadt), Michael Arden (Parade), and many more! Buckle up, friends! PS, watch this IG reel to see where #kermitandhermit was born: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtXWuh9rRI1/ Connect with Robert Peterpaul and listen to The Art of Kindness @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul https://bpn.fm/theartofkindness Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choic

Now starring alongside Jesse Mueller in the musical concept album, “My Heart Says Go”, Javier Muñoz has truly come a long way from being a science nerd to a Broadway actor. Javier talks about his passion for theatre and performing and the importance of having a hobby outside of your job, which in his case includes exploring other creative artistic hobbies like doing film and tv, doing voiceovers, writing a new book, or diving into his activism. He originally had to quit acting in 2002 to work full-time as a manager at a restaurant after a string of unsuccessful auditions. A firm believer in the universe knocking at your door, Javier decided to get back into theatre after getting encouragement to audition for “In the Heights”. He talks about his relationship with the other cast and the special bond they have, and how his parents pushed him to continue pursuing his acting career. Javier gets vulnerable as he opens up about being a cancer survivor, getting diagnosed when he was doing “Hamilton”, how it affected

With her many awards and nominations, it’s safe to say that Jessie Mueller is one of the most talented actors of today. She gets real as she shares what it’s like getting a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut and dealing with imposter syndrome. Moving to New York for “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever” was a big move for Jessie and when the show closed, she was faced with the dilemma of staying or moving back to Chicago. Ultimately, with the support of her family and partner, Jessie decided to stay and continue to pursue a career in acting. Originating the role of someone as iconic as Carole King, Jessie recalls her audition process and how she got the role, her experience doing the show, and the pros and cons of doing press appearances. Co-starring in a brand new concept album, “My Heart Says Go”, she looks back on how it all started and why Matt Hawkins chose to make an album. She also opens up about growing up in a family of actors, using her privilege to help other people, and always performing little