The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Joanna Gleason’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, she’s graced Broadway in I Love My Wife, The Real Thing, Social Security, Nick & Nora, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Sons of the Prophet. Beyond the stage, her work spans film and television, with memorable roles in Boogie Nights, The Wedding Planner, Friends, The West Wing, and The Good Wife. But Joanna’s artistry doesn’t stop at performing—she’s also a writer and director, drawn to storytelling in all its forms.In this episode, Joanna shares what brought her back to the stage in We Had a World, a deeply personal new play. She reflects on how her career has evolved, from shifting between stage and screen to stepping behind the camera as a director. We discuss the challenges of the industry, the changing role of social media, and why she believes in letting go of expectations. With humor and honesty, Joanna offers invaluable advice for artists at every stage of their journey, and we even play a fun round of "Plot in 60 Seconds" to wrap it all up.Joanna Gleason is a Tony Award-winning actress known for her iconic portrayal of the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, which also earned her Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. She has received multiple Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations throughout her career, with Broadway credits including I Love My Wife, The Real Thing, Social Security, Nick & Nora, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Sons of the Prophet. Her film and television work includes Boogie Nights, The Wedding Planner, The West Wing, Friends, and The Good Wife. In addition to acting, Joanna has expanded her creative career into writing and directing, with her feature film The Grotto winning awards on the festival circuit. She now returns to the stage in We Had a World, an intimate new play at Manhattan Theatre Club.Connect with Joanna:Instagram: @therealjoannagleason 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

Matt Doyle has built an impressive career on stage, from originating roles on Broadway to stepping into legendary ones. He reflects on his journey, from his early breakout in Spring Awakening to his Tony-winning turn as Jamie in Company. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from unexpected career pivots, the realities of show business, and how he navigates the highs and lows of performing eight shows a week. His recent role as Frank Sinatra in Sinatra: The Musical marked a thrilling West End debut, and he’s now captivating audiences off-Broadway in Conversations with Mother, a deeply personal and heartfelt play.Matt opens up about the moment he realized he needed a perspective shift early in his career, the intense experience of performing "Getting Married Today" the night Stephen Sondheim passed, and how his struggles with anxiety have shaped his performances. He also shares how his upbringing and personal relationships inform his work, especially in roles that explore complex family dynamics. From personal anecdotes to industry insights, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and a candid look at the life of a working actor.Matt Doyle is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning actor best known for his performance as Jamie in the Broadway revival of Company. His Broadway credits include Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, War Horse, and Bye Bye Birdie, while his Off-Broadway work features Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, and Brooklynite. He made his West End debut as Frank Sinatra in Sinatra: The Musical and currently stars opposite Caroline Aaron in Conversations with Mother Off-Broadway. A frequent concert performer, he has headlined sold-out solo shows in New York and beyond, and has appeared with symphonies across the country.Connect with Matt:🔹 Instagram: @mattfdoyle 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

AnnMarie Milazzo is a musical storyteller with an incredible gift for shaping sound and emotion. Her concept album The Shape of Things, inspired by Joy the Musical, has completely captured my imagination, and in this conversation, we break down how it all came together. She opens up about her creative process, the organic way she approaches vocal arranging and songwriting, and why concept albums are having a resurgence in musical theatre. We also get into the balancing act of artistic integrity, learning from failure, and why she chooses to stay offline when it comes to reviews and feedback.But one of the most unexpected and fascinating parts of this conversation? AnnMarie’s childhood stories of growing up in a former funeral home. From eerie encounters to an ever-present sense of energy in the house, her ghost stories are the kind that stick with you long after you hear them. Whether you’re a fan of her music, curious about the creative process, or just love a good supernatural tale, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and a few chills.AnnMarie Milazzo is a Grammy and Tony-nominated vocal arranger, composer, and songwriter. Her latest work, The Shape of Things, is a concept album featuring songs from Joy the Musical, which tells the inspiring true story of Joy Mangano, the inventor of the Miracle Mop. She has been a key creative force behind some of Broadway’s most iconic modern musicals and continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through music.This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/Connect with AnnMarie: 🎵 Stream The Shape of Things 🎭 See Joy the Musical this summer off-Broadway at the Laura Pels Theatre 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

From viral high notes to Broadway debuts, Kelsie Watts is making waves in the theatre world! You might remember her powerhouse vocals from The Voice, where she wowed audiences (and Kelly Clarkson) with her soaring range, but now she’s taking center stage in a whole new way—as Jane Seymour in Six on Broadway. In this episode, Kelsie shares how she built a career as an independent artist, the unexpected moment that led her to Six, and the challenges of stepping into musical theatre after years away.She opens up about the realities of being an unsigned artist, balancing music and business, and how her opera training shaped her signature sound. Plus, she dives deep into her passion for mental health advocacy, the importance of authenticity in the industry, and how a single piece of feedback changed the course of her career. And yes, she even gives us a preview of her upcoming single—you don’t want to miss it!Kelsie Watts is a vocalist, songwriter, and independent recording artist who first gained national recognition as a contestant on The Voice Season 19, where she landed on Team Kelly Clarkson. Known for blending pop and theatrical influences, she has built a strong following through social media and original music. In 2025, she made her Broadway debut as Jane Seymour in Six. A strong advocate for mental health awareness, she uses her platform to encourage self-care and resilience in the entertainment industry.This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/Connect with Kelsie: 🔹 Instagram: @kelsiewatts 🔹 TikTok: @kelsiewatts 🔹 Music Streaming: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and more 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

Prepare to question what’s real and what’s just your imagination with renowned mentalist and illusionist Vinny DePonto. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway show Mindplay, Vinny doesn’t just perform tricks—he crafts immersive experiences that blend psychology, memory, and storytelling, making every audience member part of the magic. In this episode, Vinny opens up about the journey from a childhood fascination with a shoebox of vintage magic tricks to becoming a master of mind-bending performances that challenge perception and invite wonder.We dive into the delicate art of mentalism, discussing how memories shape us, the ethics of mind-reading, and the emotional vulnerability that can surface during performances. Vinny shares the creative evolution behind Mindplay—a show that’s never the same twice—and reflects on how audience interaction breathes life into every performance. You’ll also hear about his deep appreciation for theater, design, and storytelling, as well as the unexpected ways his work connects people through shared experiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of art, psychology, and the mysterious power of the human mind.Vinny DePonto is a New York-based mentalist, illusionist, and theater maker whose work fuses psychological tricks with immersive storytelling. His critically acclaimed show Mindplay brings audience participation to the forefront, blurring the lines between memory and illusion. A former performer at the Geffen Playhouse, DePonto has collaborated with renowned directors and writers, continually pushing the boundaries of what mentalism can be. His work is driven by a deep passion for human connection, exploring how memory, perception, and theater intersect to create unforgettable experiences.Connect with Vinny: Instagram: @vinnydeponto Website: vinnydeponto.com 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

Tala Ashe has captivated audiences on screen as a time-traveling hacker in Legends of Tomorrow and on stage in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play English. Now making her Broadway debut, she brings a deeply personal perspective to her role, exploring themes of language, identity, and cultural assimilation.In this conversation, Tala opens up about her own experiences growing up in Ohio after emigrating from Iran, the complexities of representation in Hollywood, and the emotional weight of performing English on Broadway. She shares the challenges of switching between accents on stage, how her family’s journey shaped her artistic path, and why she’s fiercely selective about the roles she takes. With humor, insight, and vulnerability, Tala offers a thoughtful perspective on storytelling, advocacy, and what it truly means to find your voice.Tala Ashe is an Iranian-American actress best known for her role as Zari Tomaz/Zari Tarazi in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. She has also appeared in Smash, American Odyssey, Covert Affairs, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and As the World Turns. On stage, she received critical acclaim for her performance in English, Sanaz Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, and is now making her Broadway debut in its transfer. A graduate of Boston University’s School of Theatre, she has built a career focused on complex, fully realized characters that challenge stereotypes and expand representation.Connect with Tala:📷 Instagram: @talaasheConnect 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

From making her Broadway debut as a teenager in Spring Awakening to stepping into the iconic role of Glinda in Wicked, Alexandra Socha has experienced the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of a life in theater. In this candid and insightful conversation, she opens up about her journey, including the surreal experience of joining Spring Awakening right after the Tony wins, the hard lessons of navigating a career beyond that first big break, and what it’s like to take the stage in Wicked at a time when the show is having a massive pop culture moment.Alexandra also shares her experience being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, how it reshaped her understanding of herself, and the ways neurodivergence has impacted both her personal life and her work as an actor. We talk about masking, resilience, and why she sees ADHD as both a challenge and a superpower—especially when it comes to problem-solving in rehearsals. Plus, we get into Broadway bootleg nostalgia, the balancing act of being a working parent, and why she believes having a full life outside of theater is essential for any artist.Alexandra Socha made her Broadway debut in Spring Awakening and has since appeared in Brighton Beach Memoirs, Head Over Heels, and Wicked as Glinda. Her TV credits include The Big C, Damages, Royal Pains, Red Oaks, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.Connect with Alexandra Socha:Instagram: @alexandrasocha 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

Marjan Neshat is having a moment, making her Broadway debut in English the same night The Night Agent Season 2 premiered on Netflix. In this episode, she opens up about navigating cultural identity, language barriers, and the deep emotional connection she brings to her work. Marjan shares the journey of her family leaving Iran, growing up between worlds, and how storytelling became her way of making sense of it all. She discusses the impact of English, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about bilingualism and self-perception, and why she relates so deeply to its themes. Plus, she reflects on filming The Night Agent under high-stakes conditions and the importance of authentic representation in Hollywood.With credits spanning Rescue Me, Law & Order, Royal Pains, Quantico, and more, Marjan has built a career that thrives on emotional honesty. She talks about the challenges of performing a one-woman show, the responsibility of portraying Iranian stories on stage, and the power of human connection in theater. Whether unpacking the complexities of identity or the thrill of live performance, Marjan brings a rare depth to every role she takes on.This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/Connect with Marjan:Instagram: @Margie33 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

Bill Berloni has dedicated nearly five decades to bringing animals to life on stage and screen, all while championing rescue work and humane training practices. From his semi-accidental start training Sandy for the original production of Annie to working with a menagerie of animals for Broadway, film, and TV, Bill’s journey is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. In this episode, Bill shares stories of training everything from dogs and cats to butterflies and snakes, and how he has created unforgettable moments in productions like Gypsy, The Greatest Showman, and Legally Blonde. He also discusses his groundbreaking work with Naomi Watts in The Friend and how this movie is redefining animal performance in film.Bill’s commitment to treating animals with respect and compassion shines through as he recounts the joys and challenges of working in theater and entertainment. Whether it’s training an actor to command a dog or preparing a cat to handle audience applause, Bill’s creative solutions and passion for storytelling offer invaluable lessons for anyone working in the arts—or with animals. With humor, honesty, and insight, this episode is a tribute to the deep connections we share with our animal companions and the magic they bring to the stage.Bill Berloni is a Tony Honoree for Excellence in Theatre and the founder of William Berloni Theatrical Animals, a company that provides trained animals for theater, film, and television. His career began in 1977 with the original Broadway production of Annie, where he trained Sandy, a rescued dog. Since then, he has worked on countless productions, including Legally Blonde, The Ferryman, Gypsy, and The Leftovers. Bill is an advocate for animal rescue and humane training practices, and his work has been featured in books, television, and film.This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/Connect with Bill: Instagram: @berlonitheatricalanimals Website: berlonianimals.com Learn more about The Friend: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_friend_2024 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

Originally aired as episode 198 on March 22, 2022.Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders.At the age of 25, Eva Noblezada is a two time Tony Award nominee, a Grammy Award winner, and a WhatsOnStage Award winning actress and singer. She starred as Kim in Cameron Mackintosh’s London revival of Miss Saigon when she was 17 years old, and shortly after played Eponine in the West End revival of Les Misérables. Eva later reprised her performance as Kim in the first Broadway revival of Miss Saigon (also her Broadway debut). In 2019, she made her film debut in Yellow Rose starring alongside Lea Salonga, who originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon. Eva originated the role of Eurydice in Hadestown on Broadway, and it's in Hadestown where she continues to lead, and take audiences “way down under the ground”. Eva speaks candidly about her past toxic relationship with the word “perfect”, how it affected her life as a 17 year old all on her own abroad, leading Cameron Mackintosh’s London revival of Miss Saigon, and why she felt like she was “falling for years”. She opens up about living with anxiety, panic attacks, and body dysmorphia, and how she’s learned to come back to herself at those times, and ask the important questions - “Are we in danger? - We're okay”. Talking about Hadestown, Eva shares her thoughts on Eurydice (and playing Eurydice), and her love for the “extra layer of consciousness” that can be seen throughout the whole show. In this episode, we talk about:  Growing up Filipino Mexican, and discovering musical theater  A strong work ethic, instilled by her father  The mental and physical toll of an 8 show schedule  Meeting Tara Rubin at the Jimmy Awards Pole dancing as fitness, and how society sexualizes women  Her “all or nothing” way of life  Connect with Eva: IG: @livevamaria Twitter: @EvaNoblezada 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