Theater People

Lea DeLaria (Episode 41)

July 16, 2015 04:00 - 48 minutes - 22.2 MB

Broadway Leading Lady! Groundbreaking Stand-Up Comic! Recording Artist! Television Star! Lea DeLaria does it all, and we talk about all of it!From her starring role as Big Boo on the Netflix mega-hit "Orange Is the New Black" to her latest album, "The House of David," to her critically acclaimed turns in the Broadway productions of "On the Town" and "The Rocky Horror Show," Lea shares some of the most hilarious and outrageous stories we've ever heard! Warning: This episode contains a LOT of ...

Michael Cerveris (Episode 40)

July 05, 2015 04:00 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MB

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

Episode 39: Kerry Butler

June 21, 2015 04:00 - 47 minutes - 21.9 MB

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

Episode 38: Marc Kudisch

June 02, 2015 04:00 - 47 minutes - 21.7 MB

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

Episode 37: Jeanine Tesori

May 24, 2015 04:00 - 53 minutes - 24.7 MB

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

Episode 36: Lisa Howard

May 17, 2015 04:00 - 40 minutes - 18.5 MB

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

Episode 35: Tony Yazbeck

May 11, 2015 04:00 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MB

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

Episode 34: Elaine Paige

May 04, 2015 04:00 - 46 minutes - 21.2 MB

The 'First Lady of British Musical Theater', Elaine Paige is bona fide musical theater royalty. Best known for having originated the roles of Eva Peron (yes, she did it before Patti) in 'Evita' and Grizabella (yes, she did it before Betty), she also starred in the West End productions of 'Chess,' 'Anything Goes,' 'Piaf,' 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'The King and I', and 'The Drowsy Chaperone.' She made her Broadway debut in 1996 in 'Sunset Boulevard' and returned to Broadway in the 2...

Episode 33: Martha Plimpton

April 28, 2015 04:00 - 49 minutes - 22.6 MB

Three-time Tony nominee, Emmy winner, and Patrick's favorite movie star, the great Martha Plimpton discusses her important work as an activist for women's reproductive rights and stories from her incredible career as an actress. Martha talks about her parents (who met as original cast members of the groundbreaking musical 'Hair'), memories from her childhoood in NYC--including making her acting debut at age 8 in a musical at the Public, eventually becoming a member of the famed Steppenwolf Th...

Episode 32: Andy Karl

April 12, 2015 04:00 - 48 minutes - 22.4 MB

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

Episode 31 Keala Settle

February 08, 2015 05:00 - 47 minutes - 21.8 MB

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

Episode 30: Laura Osnes & Ellyn Marie Marsh Return for Theater People Live

January 25, 2015 05:00 - 50 minutes - 23 MB

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

Episode 29: The Ensemblist Podcast

January 12, 2015 05:00 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MB

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

Episode 28: Lindsay Mendez

December 28, 2014 05:00 - 48 minutes - 22.2 MB

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

Episode 27: LaChanze

December 14, 2014 05:00 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MB

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

Episode 26: Mary Testa

December 07, 2014 05:00 - 41 minutes - 19.2 MB

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

Episode 25: Alysha Umphress

November 30, 2014 05:00 - 52 minutes - 24.3 MB

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

Episode 24: Erin Davie

November 16, 2014 05:00 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MB

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

Episode 23: Broadway Debuts! Margo Seibert (Rocky) and Amber Iman (Soul Doctor)

November 02, 2014 04:00 - 53 minutes - 24.7 MB

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

Episode 22: Celia Keenan-Bolger

October 19, 2014 04:00 - 54 minutes - 25.1 MB

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

Episode 21: Lin-Manuel Miranda

October 05, 2014 04:00 - 59 minutes - 27.2 MB

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

Episode 20: Telly Leung

September 21, 2014 04:00 - 56 minutes - 25.8 MB

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

Episode 19: Ellyn Marie Marsh

September 07, 2014 04:00 - 53 minutes - 24.4 MB

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

Episode 18: Jerry Mitchell

August 17, 2014 04:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MB

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

Episode 17: Karen Olivo

August 03, 2014 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MB

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

Episode 16: Robin de Jesus

July 20, 2014 04:00 - 58 minutes - 26.8 MB

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

Episode 15: Tonya Pinkins

July 13, 2014 04:00 - 45 minutes - 21 MB

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

Episode 14: Lesli Margherita

June 29, 2014 04:00 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MB

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

Episode 13: Anthony Rapp

June 15, 2014 04:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB

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

Episode 12: Eden Espinosa

June 01, 2014 04:00 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MB

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

Episode 11: Katie Finneran

May 18, 2014 04:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MB

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

Episode 10: Theater People Goes Cabaret! Featuring Bridget Everett & Maude Maggart

May 11, 2014 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB

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

Episode 9: Michael Mayer

April 27, 2014 04:00 - 55 minutes - 25.2 MB

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

Episode 8: Anika Larsen

April 13, 2014 04:00 - 55 minutes - 25.5 MB

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

Episode 7: Andrew Keenan Bolger

March 31, 2014 04:00 - 47 minutes - 21.8 MB

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

Episode 6: Michael Urie

March 09, 2014 05:00 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MB

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

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