The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

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/atcrOriginal 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: @ArianaDeBose Instagram: @arianadebose Facebook.com/ArianaNDeBose Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Jillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochman Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I 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.A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible!If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 his career and coming to terms with it, and his healing journey. Javier Muñoz is an actor with stage credits including the 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival's off-Broadway show “All Is Love”, Broadway’s “In the Heights” and “Hamilton”, where he took over for Lin Manuel and earned the title of “Sexy Hamilton”. His TV and movie credits include the 2021 release of “In the Heights”, “Blindspot”, ”Quantico”, “Odd Mom Out”, “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee”, “Shadowhunters”, and “Eureka!” among others. He is now starring alongside Jesse Mueller in “My Heart Says Go”, a musical concept album currently available to stream everywhere.Connect with Javier: Instagram: @javiermofficial, @myheartsaysgomusical Twitter: @JMunozActor Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1eMDPQBK4RVzPdqYaNaSfL 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

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 acts of kindness (because they do matter!).   Jessie Mueller is an actress and singer who won a Tony award for her lead role as Carole King in the 2014 production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”. She has three additional Tony Award nominations for her roles in “Waitress”, the 2018 Revival of “Carousel”, and “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever”. She's a Grammy Award Winner, Drama Desk Award winner, Theatre World Award honoree, and made her feature film debut in Stephen Spielberg's movie, “The Post”. She has appeared in many TV shows, including “Blue Bloods”, “Madam Secretary”, “Candy”, and is a series regular on the Netflix Children's “Centaurworld”. She's now co-starring in a brand new concept album, “My Heart Says Go” alongside Javier Munoz.Connect with Jessie:Listen to “My Heart Says Go” 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

Keith Habersberger, Alex Lewis, and Hughie Stone Fish of Lewberger are a handsome trio currently selling out shows across the U.S. and Canada. The three share how their 3-man comedy band started and what drew them to comedy. Each talk about their background, with Alex sharing his musical theatre experience, Keith his improv experience, and Hughie his songwriting experience. Keith used to tour with an improv group out of college where he learned to do video production which is how he ended up in the world of Buzzfeed and Try Guys. The three reflect on their dynamic as a comedy group and their formula for their comedy music. The three recall their turning points in terms of taking themselves seriously as a comedy band and pursuing bigger things for their group, which include opening for Garfunkel and Oates at a music festival in 2016 and getting amazing reception from their audience and doing one-take videos on TikTok. For a long time, the group struggled with how they came across to some people, but today, they can confidently say that they're a musical theatre comedy act. They also give an overview of "Lewberger & The Wizard of Friendship", an interactive comedy show best described as “wildly theatrical” that had a successful Off-Broadway run. Currently in a period of growth, Lewberger is cooking up more projects and strategizing to reach more goals, one of which is to keep making people laugh. Catch the album release show of “Lewberger & Wizard of Friendship,” which features some improv royalty, on June 23, 2023 everywhere you stream your music.Lewberger got a standing ovation on America's Got Talent and were finalists on NBC's Bring The Funny. With viral songs that have been heard by many online and on TV, the group has been described as the illegitimate love child of The Lonely Island and Flight of the Conchords. Keith is a member of the internet sensation, The Try Guys, which has millions of subscribers on YouTube and its own production company. Alex is an actor-comedian who can be seen on several TV shows and movies like "All About Nina" and the "Valley Girl" remake. Hughie is an Emmy award-winning songwriter and music producer, educator with a non-profit bringing arts education to his hometown of Syracuse, New York. Their original musical "Lewberger & The Wizard of Friendship" just finished a celebrated sold-out off-Broadway run. Connect with Lewberger: Website: lewbergercomedy.com Instagram: @lewberger, @keithhabs, @i8athumbtack, @hughiestonefish Twitter: @lewberger, @keithhabs, @i8athumbtack, @hughiestonefish TikTok: @lewbergermusic, @keithhabs Youtube: @lewberger, @tryguys Hughie’s Non-Profit: theartsprojectsyracuse.com 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 Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Betsy Wolfe and Stark Sands are currently co-starring as the husband and wife duo Anne Hathaway and William Shakespeare in the hit Broadway show, “& Juliet”. The two speak about their relationship with Max Martin and his songs, the broad appeal of the show, and how they got involved with it. Betsy reflects on what makes the show special. Being the only parents in the show, Betsy and Stark share fondly what it's like to have their kids watch the show and recognize the songs they sing outside of the play. From waiting at the stage door and dreaming of performing on stage to seeing kids, famous actors, and artists like Will Ferrell, Katy Perry, and Chris Martin watch their show is a full circle moment for both Betsy and Stark. The two recall their humble beginnings, what got them into theatre and performing, and what it's like to act alongside people they just used to admire. Both grateful for all these full circle moments in their lives, Betsy and Stark reflect on the fame that comes with being on Broadway and why it's different from being TV and movie famous but in a good way, and the importance of making bold choices and stepping out of the box.Betsy Wolfe - Broadway: Waitress (Jenna); Falsettos (Cordelia); Bullets Over Broadway (Ellen); The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Rosa Bud); 110 in the Shade; Everyday Rapture. Other credits include The Last 5 Years (Second Stage); Merrily We Roll Along (NY City Center Encores!); How to Succeed... (Kennedy Center). Soloist for over 60 symphonies across the world. Film/TV: Estella Scrooge, First One In, “Instinct.” BFA, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Co-founded BroadwayEvolved, a training program for students. For Poppy, always. Instagram: @bwolfepack. TikTok: @betsywolfe. broadwayevolved.combetsywolfe.comStark Sands - Broadway: To Kill a Mockingbird, Kinky Boots (Tony Award nomination, Grammy Award winner); American Idiot, Journey’s End (Tony Award nomination, Theatre World Award winner). Off-Broadway includes Twelfth Night (The Public Theater); The Tempest (Classic Stage Company, AEA Bayfield Award). Film includes The Post; Inside Llewyn Davis; Flags of Our Fathers; Die, Mommie, Die; Shall We Dance; 11:14. Television includes “Minority Report,” “Generation Kill,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Six Feet Under.” BFA: USC.Connect with Betsy and Stark: Instagram: @bwolfepack, @starkweather Website: www.betsywolfe.com BroadwayEvolved: http://betsywolfe.com/broadwayevolved 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 Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Currently playing the role of Lance Du Bois in the hit Broadway show, "& Juliet", Paulo Szot is a Brazilian actor slash operatic baritone singer who opens up about his immigrant parents’ huge influence on his love of theatre and performing. Thanks to Paulo’s love for soccer, his lack of skills for the sport eventually led him to pursue performing instead. He recalls watching “A Chorus Line” which was also the moment he fell in love with the craft. This newfound calling led to Paulo’s (literal) journey to study in Poland and connect to his roots. He shares his 23-day travel by cargo ship, and his academic and professional life in Poland, including joining a song and dance company. While the pop music style of “& Juliet” isn’t exactly Paulo’s strong suit, his supportive colleagues and love for trying out and throwing himself into new experiences prevail. He reflects on why he honors his job by respecting everyone and learning from people, highlighting that perfection is wrong and that as humans, we always have to leave space for the unexpected.Paulo Szot is a Brazilian operatic baritone singer and actor who is known for his powerful and versatile voice, which has allowed him to excel in various genres, including opera, musical theater, and popular music. He’s performed everywhere, including with the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Philharmonic, and more. He won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Emile de Becque in the Broadway revival of "South Pacific," earning him a Tony Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Theatre World Award, and Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He was also nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for the same role in his West End debut. Apart from “South Pacific”, he’s also appeared in the Broadway production of “Chicago”. Szot continues to impress audiences worldwide with his remarkable talent and charismatic stage presence in the hit Broadway show “& Juliet”.Connect with Paulo: Website: www.pauloszot.com Instagram: @pauloszot Facebook: @pauloszot 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 Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luke Sheppard and Jenn Weber are two creative geniuses currently teaming up for the smash hit, "& Juliet", as the show’s director and choreographer, respectively. The two discuss the instant connection they had and where the concept for the show originated. While making "& Juliet" was originally a stretch for him, Luke recalls how it was also the most satisfying and fun he's ever had directing a show. The two recall how their journeys with "& Juliet" began, and how the workshops helped in getting the story and tone right. For Jenn the most exciting part is collaborating with the director and writer. The two take pride in the show’s culture where there’s room for support and honesty for each other. While Jenn and Luke’s stories on how they got into theatre differ, the two share a common approach when it comes to pursuing their dreams: not taking no for an answer—a true testament that rejection doesn’t mean failure and that you don’t have to follow the traditional path that most people take to get to where you want to be.Luke Sheppard is a British theatre director known for his work in the West End and on Broadway. He studied at the University of Warwick before going on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Sheppard's directing credits include the West End productions of "In the Heights," "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾," and "The Comedy About a Bank Robbery." He also directed the Broadway production of "& Juliet," which opened in 2019. Sheppard has won several awards for his work, including the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival for "In the Heights" in 2016. Jenn Weber is a choreographer and director who’s also a double Tony Award nominee for the 2022-2023 Broadway season with nominations for Best Choreography for her Broadway debuts of “& Juliet” and “KPOP”. She made her West End debut as the choreographer of “& Juliet” and collaborated with Disney+ as an Executive Producer and Choreographer for a new film version of “The Hip Hop Nutcracker”. Her Off-Broadway choreography credits include “KPOP”, “Teenage Dick”, “Cruel Intentions”, and “Stockholm”.Connect with Luke and Jenn:Instagram: @jenniferwebernycConnect 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 Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Currently making his Broadway debut as Francois Du Bois in "& Juliet", Philippe Arroyo takes us through his personal journey. The actor shares what he does to recharge, including having alone time and reading plays at the famed Drama Bookshop. He looks back on why he got into theatre and growing as a person as he surrounds himself with different people, becoming more honest on stage—quite a parallel with Francois. While Philippe shares that he's exactly where he wanted to be today, he's aware that life can be incredibly unpredictable and uncontrollable at the same time, and that it's one of the beauties of it. He recalls getting replaced in the past, auditioning for Francois and getting the call that he got the role and his standout pinch-me moment which is seeing Lin-Manuel Miranda in the audience. As a kid, Philippe wanted to be a writer, and now that he’s starting to make a name as an actor, he plans to pursue writing as well. And with his talent and his need/want to always be better in what he does, there’s definitely no stopping Philippe.Philippe Arroyo is an actor and a Carnegie Mellon graduate whose past includes the first national tour of “Aladdin”, Joe Iconis’ “Punk Rock Girl”, and the first national tour of “Into the Woods” among others. He also made an appearance in the series “Evil” and “Uncoupled”. Philippe currently making his Broadway debut playing Francois DuBois in the runaway hit “& Juliet”.Connect with Philippe: Instagram: @philippearroyo TikTok: @philippearroyo 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 Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to podcast episode character limits, the full nominee list cannot be added here. See the description of the video version of this episode for the full list! https://youtu.be/IyIWjOx_w4Y Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices