The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Miranda Ferriss Jones brings a refreshing blend of storytelling, activism, and creativity to this episode. With her upcoming concert, Spiral Bound, she discusses her passion for challenging societal binaries and feminine identity through her music and performances. We dive deep into how her upbringing in Vermont, with a Black father and a white mother, shaped her perspective and inspired her to explore themes of race, gender, and identity in her work. Miranda also opens up about her experience with ADHD, and how it fuels her creativity, helping her balance multiple projects, motherhood, and her commitment to activism.Miranda's journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of being true to oneself. She shares the story of how her father's passion for jazz and her mother's love for Motown influenced her artistic path, and how her work continues to be rooted in her lived experiences and the desire to see positive change in the world. Tune in to hear about her activism, her thoughts on societal binaries, and the inspiration behind Spiral Bound.Miranda Ferriss Jones is a Vermont-born songwriter, theatrical storyteller, performer, and creativity/vocal coach whose work explores feminine identity and challenges societal binaries. She has four shows in development, including The Precipice, which received support from Bob Weir and was workshopped at Williamstown with Laura Benanti, who is also a creative producer on Miranda's song cycle Spiral Bound. Her other works include Edmonia, gearing up for a spring workshop, and Showing Up, which had readings at Middlebury College and Princeton University. As a mother of two and wife to Ben, Miranda embodies the multifaceted journey of an artist committed to crafting stories that challenge and inspire.Social Media Accounts: Instagram: Miranda Ferriss Jones Get tickets to Spiral Bound Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This heartfelt episode features the multi-talented Laura Benanti, a Tony Award-winning actress known for her unforgettable performances on Broadway and TV. From her powerful roles in Gypsy and My Fair Lady to her hilarious portrayal of Melania Trump on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Laura shares the ups and downs of her diverse career. This conversation goes deep as Laura opens up about the challenges of balancing motherhood and a thriving career, her struggles with postpartum depression, and how becoming a parent has shaped her approach to acting.Beyond the stage and screen, Laura is a dedicated activist, working with theater maker Miranda Ferris Jones to present benefit concerts in support of political and social causes. A mother of two, Laura speaks openly about the struggles and joys of balancing parenthood with her career, and how these experiences have made her a more empathetic and dynamic performer.Laura Benanti is a Tony Award-winning actress with an illustrious career that spans Broadway, TV, and film. Known for her roles in Gypsy, She Loves Me, and My Fair Lady, Laura has captivated audiences with her stunning vocal range and emotional depth. On TV, she's appeared in series such as Younger, Supergirl, and The Good Fight, while her portrayal of Melania Trump on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has brought her comedic talents to a whole new audience.Connect with Laura: On the web: laurabenanti.com IG & TikTok: @laurabenanti Voices for Victory Benefit Concert (September 25, 2024) at City Winery, NYC Spiral Bound Benefit Concert (September 30, 2024) at Racket, NYC Laura’s one-woman show on Audible: Nobody Cares Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive deep into the incredible career of Roger Bart, a Tony Award-winning actor who has brought iconic characters to life on both stage and screen. Currently starring as Doc Brown in Back to the Future: The Musical, Roger shares his journey with us, from his early Broadway debut in Big River to his voice work as young Hercules in Disney's animated classic.Roger reflects on his career highlights, including his award-winning role as Snoopy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, working with Mel Brooks in The Producers and Young Frankenstein, and his memorable TV roles in Desperate Housewives and Revenge. He offers fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from his time developing Back to the Future from its early days in Europe to its current run on Broadway, touching on the challenges of portraying Doc Brown and how he brings his unique comedic flair to the role. Roger also discusses his love for comedy, the influence of Warner Bros. cartoons on his sense of humor, and how he balances broad comedic moments with genuine character depth. He offers heartfelt advice for young performers: be prepared, be kind, and don’t be afraid to make bold choices.Roger Bart’s passion for performing began in childhood, using his singing talent to connect with his parents and spark his love for the stage. His professional journey truly began after studying acting at Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he transitioned from instinctual performing to a more profound understanding of the craft. This education laid the foundation for his wide-ranging career, where his unique blend of humor and depth has become a hallmark of his performances. His comedic style, influenced by the precise timing and structure of Warner Bros. cartoons, was refined during his collaborations with Mel Brooks in the beloved productions of The Producers and Young Frankenstein.Roger’s career spans both stage and screen. He made his Broadway debut in Big River and won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Snoopy in the 1999 revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. In addition to his stage work, Roger has also left a mark on television with notable roles in Desperate Housewives, Revenge, Good Trouble, and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Film and voice work include the 2005 movie version of The Producers and voicing young Hercules in Disney’s Hercules. Currently, he stars as Doc Brown in Back to the Future: The Musical, a role that has earned him a Tony nomination and further solidified his reputation as a versatile and beloved actor.SPECIAL ACCESSIBLE BTTF TICKET INFO, valid on performances Sept 17 - Nov 10, 2024 only Upper Level Seats from $59 (including fees) Stage Level Seats from $79 (including fees) Tickets are available at BackToTheFutureMusical.com, through Telecharge by calling 212-239-6200 or visiting Telecharge.com, or at the Winter Garden Theatre box office. Connect with Roger: Instagram: @rogerbartofficial Watch the full "Shooting Star" cut song from Hercules: https://youtu.be/hkPhGYMGmno Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally aired as episode 200 on April 5, 2022.With a remarkable 14 nominations and six wins across the Emmys, Grammys, Olivier, and Tony Awards, Patti LuPone is a force in the entertainment industry. Her illustrious career includes 27 Broadway credits, most notably her Tony Award-winning roles as Eva Perón in Evita and Rose in the 2008 revival of Gypsy. Other significant Broadway appearances include Anything Goes, Sweeney Todd, Noises Off, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, War Paint, Working, Oliver!, The Robber Bridegroom, and The Beggar's Opera.LuPone has also made her mark on the London stage, originating roles in Les Misérables, The Cradle Will Rock, Sunset Boulevard, and starring in the West End revival of Company. Beyond the stage, her extensive career in television and film includes performances in Driving Miss Daisy, Frasier, Will & Grace, Ugly Betty, 30 Rock, Glee, American Horror Story, Girls, Penny Dreadful, and Life Goes On. A versatile performer, LuPone has also lent her talents to voiceover work, cabaret performances, and regular appearances with the New York Philharmonic, contributing to 22 albums. She is the first American to win an Olivier Award and has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. Currently, she stars in the Broadway revival of Company.In this episode, LuPone reflects on her introduction to Gypsy, recalling her role as Louise in high school, and shares the story of how she was once banned from working on any of Arthur Laurents' projects before ultimately winning a Tony Award for her portrayal of Rose. She opens up about the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 shutdown, discussing how the lack of purpose impacted her deeply. She also highlights the strong sense of camaraderie and support among the cast and crew of Company, forged through their shared experiences during the pandemic. LuPone delves into her rehearsal process, explaining why she completes all her preparation in the rehearsal room so that she and the audience can enjoy the spontaneity and energy of live performance. Additionally, she reveals why she makes it a point to look at the audience every night.In this episode, we discuss: Being one of the first students in Juilliard’s School of Drama in the 1970s Her Marilyn Monroe impression at three years old The joy she finds in eliciting laughter from an audience The “Italian blast” and her unapologetic lack of a filter The infamous “Andrew Lloyd Webber memorial pool” Her frustration with producers who underestimate the intelligence of their audience Connect with Patti: Twitter: @pattilupone IG: @pattilupone Web: pattilupone.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We explore the remarkable journey of Evan Alexander Smith, whose path from Ontario to Broadway—and beyond—has been marked by diverse experiences and significant milestones. Evan's passion for theatre ignited in his early years, catalyzed by a transformative production of "Oliver" and a pivotal audition opportunity presented by a friend for an arts high school. Evan reflects on his tenure with Disney Cruise Line, where he not only honed his craft but also experienced a "showmance" that blossomed into marriage, ultimately guiding him to the vibrant theatre scene of New York City. He discusses his role as an audition reader and how this experience helped him demystify the audition process, thereby alleviating his fears and enhancing his performance skills. Having shared the stage with luminaries such as Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez in the production of "Merrily We Roll Along," Evan emphasizes the centrality of storytelling in his approach to acting. He delves into his current portrayal of George McFly in "Back to the Future: The Musical," a role he approaches with a blend of humor and depth, focusing on George's distinct mannerisms and psychological complexity. Evan concludes with practical advice for aspiring performers: prioritize authenticity and self-belief over concerns about others' perceptions. His insights offer valuable guidance for those navigating the competitive landscape of the performing arts.Evan Alexander Smith is an actor, singer, and voiceover artist hailing from Toronto. A Dora Award nominee and Gemini Award winner, he starred in the original Canadian production of “The Toxic Avenger” musical and spent two seasons at Canada's prestigious Shaw Festival in productions of “Ragtime”, “His Girl Friday”, “Guys & Dolls”, and “Lady Windermere's Fan”. His National Tour credits include “Dirty Dancing” and “The Play That Goes Wrong”. His Broadway credits include “Amazing Grace” the recent revival of “Merrily We Roll Along" and now, “Back to the Future: The Musical” where he is currently starring as George McFly. Connect with Evan: Website: www.evanalexandersmith.com Instagram: @iamevansmith Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isaac Mizrahi, an acclaimed fashion designer, performer, and television personality, has achieved an iconic status in the fashion industry—despite initially having little desire for a career in this field. In this episode, Mizrahi unveils the source of his bold creativity and charismatic presence, offering a candid look into his extraordinary journey. From his beginnings in Brooklyn, where his passion for fashion first took root, to his childhood fascination with designing clothes for puppets, his path has been both unique and inspiring. He discusses his formative years at Parsons School of Design and the subsequent launch of his celebrated fashion label.Mizrahi also shares his personal habit of reading obituaries, driven by a desire to ensure his own legacy is accurately remembered—ideally as a performer rather than merely a fashion icon. Despite his substantial success in fashion, Mizrahi reveals a long-held aspiration to act, sing, and perform—dreams he once hesitated to pursue. With new acting opportunities on the horizon, his future is poised to be as dynamic as ever.Reflecting on his experiences, Mizrahi expresses a preference for failure over success, acknowledging that setbacks are a natural part of pursuing an acting career. He emphasizes that, regardless of the outcome, delivering a stellar performance in auditions ensures that one's talent is recognized.Isaac Mizrahi is a creative force with an unparalleled ability to blend fashion, entertainment, and art. He has left an indelible mark on each field he touches, and his journey from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the glittering stages of Broadway and the forefront of fashion innovation has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a decades-long career, he has become a household name known for his sharp wit, bold designs, and magnetic personality. Whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight, he has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be a modern-day Renaissance man. He can be seen performing at 54 Below from August 28th through 31st.Connect with Isaac: Website: https://www.isaacmizrahi.com/ Instagram: @imisaacmizrahi Isaac Mizrahi: A Brief History at 54 Below: Get tickets here Connect with Heather Vickery and the Was it Chance podcast: Slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Was It Chance using bpn.fm/wasitchance Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph.Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the challenges faced during out-of-town tryouts, the unwavering determination to overcome them, and the celebration of reaching over a decade on Broadway – a remarkable feat in the world of musical theatre.This captivating series features exclusive conversations with the original cast and creative team behind ALADDIN including Alan Menken, Casey Nicholaw, James Monroe Iglehart, Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, Sonya Balsara, Adi Roy and more as they recount their experiences with the show.Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan, a theatre enthusiast, or simply captivated by the magic of storytelling, this series is a must-listen. Unveil the untold story of ALADDIN and discover the passion, resilience, and drive that created a Broadway sensation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sophie reflects on her remarkable journey from a passionate young dancer in the UK to a celebrated triple-threat performer on London’s West End and New York’s Broadway. She recounts her early dedication to dance, including her practice sessions in a local church hall and self-recorded rehearsals for critique. This unwavering commitment laid the foundation for her illustrious career, which began in the West End and culminated in her Broadway debut.Sophie provides an insightful look into her audition process for “Moulin Rouge!” conducted via Zoom during the pandemic. She shares how she impressed director Alex Timbers with her fresh and dynamic interpretation of the role of Nini. Additionally, she discusses her transition into television and film, highlighting her significant milestone of securing a non-musical acting role in the UK soap opera “Casualty,” which demonstrated her versatility beyond dance and singing.Sophie also delves into the camaraderie of performing in productions like “Moulin Rouge!” where the cast becomes a close-knit second family. She contrasts her experiences working in the UK and the US, addressing the challenges of accessibility and financial concerns faced by performers. With her deep passion for the craft, Sophie offers valuable advice to aspiring performers: to push beyond their comfort zones and maintain a balanced life that includes both professional growth and personal enjoyment.Sophie Carmen-Jones has appeared in several West End productions and UK tours, including “Moulin Rouge!”, “Jersey Boys”, “Wicked”, “We Will Rock You”, and “Chicago”. Her film and TV credits include the live-action films of “The Little Mermaid”, “Cats”, “Aladdin”, and “Beauty and the Beast”, and she recently made her Broadway debut in the Broadway production of “Moulin Rouge!” as Nini. Connect with Sophie:Instagram: @sophiecarmenjonesConnect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Harris is an Australian actor who somehow found himself moving from architecture school to the bright lights of Broadway. He shares his early passion for architecture and how he pivoted to a career in performing arts just three days into his studies. He looks back on his journey, including participating in talent quests at RSL clubs in Australia and having friendly competitions with Broadway performer Ricky Rojas. Being in the workshop and eventually being cast in "The Boy From Oz" marked a significant turning point in his career and what he considers his claim to fame. He reminisces about his experience working with Hugh Jackman in the show, and a memorable commercial shoot with him just before New York shut down for COVID (click here to watch). David reflects on the differences in how musical theatre is perceived in Australia, the UK, and the US, his personal experiences with it, and his frustrations with the lack of recognition for musical theatre actors in Australia compared to Broadway performers in the US. He emphasizes the critical importance of swings and understudies in theatre, and his gratitude for them in keeping the show running smoothly. While he’s already managed to prove naysayers wrong, David has no plans on stopping when it comes to the pursuit of growth and constant learning.David Harris is a native of Australia, where he's one of the most acclaimed leading men of his generation. In the US, he has received critical praise for his performance of Dan in TheatreWorks’ “Next to Normal”. He starred as Jean Valjean in the Connecticut Repertory Theatre production of “Les Misérables”, which was co-starred and directed by Tony Award winner Terrence Mann. He starred as Billy Crocker in Goodspeed's production of “Anything Goes” and as Father in Barrington Stage Company's “Ragtime” in 2017. He originated the role of Max Bronfman in Stephen Schwartz's new production of “Rags” at Goodspeed Opera House. After playing the role of the Duke on the first national tour of “Moulin Rouge” in 2022, he can now be seen playing the same role in “Moulin Rouge” on Broadway.Connect with Brian: Website: www.davidharrisofficial.com Instagram: @davidharrisoz Watch David with Hugh Jackman Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Stokes Mitchell is a two-time Tony Award-winning actor who has always thought the universe chose him. Born on Halloween when “people dress up in costumes and pretend to be other people”, the stars have indeed decided. Aside from performing, he also writes, dances, produces his own music, and orchestrates, but out of all the things he can do, his best quality is being a really good student. He details his latest project, “HOPE”, realizing that sometimes creative works have their own timing - this video dropping exactly when we need to hear it the most. He presents a profound metaphor about life as a "long sentence" full of commas rather than periods, and what his “dead questions” are. With an upcoming role in “3 Summers of Lincoln” at the La Jolla Playhouse, he recounts how the project deeply resonated with him upon reading the script. Aside from all his projects, he always makes sure to give back to the community–from being chairman of the board for the Entertainment Community Fund for 19 years to providing entertainment from his balcony during the pandemic. Stokes shares how curiosity continues to motivate him, and why we should follow our heart in all our endeavors.Brian Stokes Mitchell is a two-time Tony Award-winning, Drama Desk Award-winning, and Outer Critics Award winning actor. He is renowned for his powerful baritone voice and dynamic stage presence with standout performances in Broadway productions like “Ragtime”, “Kiss Me, Kate”, “Man of La Mancha”, and “Shuffle Along”. He's become a celebrated figure in musical theater, but beyond Broadway, he has showcased his talent on television, including shows like “Vampirina”, “Wolverine”, “Billions”, “Mr. Robot”, and of course, “Trapper John, M. D.” He's also recognized for his philanthropic work, particularly for his 19 years of serving as chairman of the board for the Entertainment Community Fund, and is a member of the Theater Hall of Fame since 2016.Connect with Brian: Website: www.brianstokes.com Facebook: @bstokesmitchell Instagram: @brianstokesm Youtube: @brianstokesmitchell7280 X: @bstokesmitchell Listen: Brian Stokes Mitchell - HOPE (feat. Jason Robert Brown) “3 Summers of Lincoln” at La Jolla Playhouse What’s Possible When the Arts Belong to Everybody | Lear deBessonet with Brian Stokes Mitchell | TED Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices