The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

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”, “Street Corner Symphony”, “Flower Drum Song”, “Wonderland”, and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, which earned him a Drama Desk Award. His TV and film credits include “Sex and the City”, “Hitch”, and “Unconscious”. Jose can now be seen tearing up the dance floor on the Broadway stage again as President Marcos in “Here Lies Love”.Connect with Jose: Website: www.josellana.com Instagram: @thejosellana Twitter: @thejosellana 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

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 seen as Eliza Hamilton in the first national tour of “Hamilton", and in the Broadway production of “Dear Evan Hansen”. She’s currently on Broadway, rewriting her story eight times a week as Katherine Howard in "Six: The Musical".Connect with Zoe: Instagram: @lanazoejensen Twitter: @lanazoejensen 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

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 communities and challenging stereotypes with humor and heart. Kevin emphasizes the power of empathy and connecting with others, the joy of making people laugh, and the importance of embracing individuality to create a better and more inclusive world.Kevin Cahoon is an actor and a Tony nominee for his breakout comedic role of Peanut in “Shucked”, which also marks his Broadway return after a 16-year hiatus. He is also critically praised for his role as drag queen Bobby Barnes on “GLOW”. His other TV credits include “Monarch”, “A Series of Unfortunate Events”, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Nurse Jackie”, “Modern Family” among others. His stage credits include “The Wedding Singer”, “The Rocky Horror Show”, “The Lion King”, and “The Who’s Tommy”.Connect with Kevin: Instagram: @kevincahoon Twitter: @KevinCahoon 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

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 the stage, she discusses her views on marriage, fidelity, and the boundaries of relationships, all of which were explored in "The Cottage." Throughout the episode, Dana's passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences shines through, making it clear why she's a standout performer on stage.Dana Steingold was last seen on Broadway originating the role of Girl Scout in “Beetlejuice” on Broadway, where she also covered the role of Lydia Deetz. Her other notable stage credits include “Godspell” and “Avenue Q”. Dana can now be seen on the Broadway stage as the hilarious Deirdre in “The Cottage”. Connect with Dana: Instagram: @dsteinface Twitter: @dsteinface TikTok: @dsteinface 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

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 “magic” that occurs when artists come together. Tatiana also expresses her unwavering support for the writers' strike, standing up for the rights of artists and the importance of storytelling—proving that despite her success, her heart remains rooted in community and fostering connections in whatever she does.Please note that as this episode was recorded before the SAG strike began, we do briefly discuss several of her past TV projects. Tatiana Maslany is an award-winning actress who began her dance career at age four and started performing on the stage at the age of nine. She rose to fame on TV for her multiple roles in “Orphan Black,” and won her a Primetime Emmy Award. Her tv credits include “Heartland”, “The Harper House”, “Perry Mason”, “3Below: Tales of Arcadia”, “The Nativity”, “Heartland”, and “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” where she earned a 2023 Critics Choice Super Award for Best Actress in a Superhero Series. She appeared in movies like "Stronger", "Cas & Dylan", "The Other Half", and "The Vow". She's lent her voice to several audiobooks, including the “Hunger Games” trilogy before making her Broadway debut in 2018 in “Network” alongside Bryan Cranston. She can now be seen as Max in the Broadway thriller, “Grey House”.Connect with Tatiana:Instagram: @tatianamaslanyConnect 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

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 anecdotes to addressing important social issues, Conrad's passion for his craft shines through as he tells what motivates him as an actor: storytelling and connecting through stories.Conrad Ricamora is an actor best known for his role as Oliver on the ABC network hit “How to Get Away with Murder”. His TV and film credits include “Fire Island”, “Over the Moon”, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”, and “The Light of the Moon”. His stage credits include “The King and I”, which was his Broadway debut,” Little Shop of Horrors”, “Soft Power”, and numerous plays penned by Will Shakespeare. He is a 2016 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award recipient and 2017 Equality California Award recipient. He can now be seen in the Broadway hit, “Here Lies Love”, reprising his role of Ninoy Aquino, which he developed 11 years ago in the original Off-Broadway Workshop.Connect with Conrad: Instagram: @conradricamora TikTok: @conradwaynericamora 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

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 industry brings sometimes, curiosity has been a driving force for Sophia, and this curiosity is what keeps her going. Sophia Anne Caruso is a talented actress with tv and film credits such as the Netflix hit feature, “The School for Good and Evil”, "37", "Jack of the Red Hearts", "I Am Number Four", CBS’ “Evil”, and the NBC's hit series “Smash” among others. Her stage credits include "Beetlejuice", "Lazarus", "Runaways", "Blackbird", "The Nether", and "The Sound of Music Live!". She’s currently playing as Marlow in the hit Broadway show, “Grey House”.Connect with Sophia: Instagram: @sophiaannecaruso Twitter: @sophiaannecaruso 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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Jillian’s personal Instagram: @jillianhochman Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think. Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices