Behind the Awards with Eila Mell & Bruce Gotlieb

Behind the Awards with Eila Mell & Bruce Gotlieb

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Behind the Awards with Eila Mell & Bruce Gotlieb episodes

  • #110 - Douglas Lyons - Writing to Heal the Heart

    Playwright and Actor Douglas  Lyons joins Behind the Awards to chat about his current off Broadway hit Beau and previous works such as Chicken and Biscuits, Table 17 and Parade with Michael Arden.  


    Also on this episode - Lilly Tomlin’s 1974 Emmy win for Outstanding Comedy & Variety Special.


    Douglas Lyons is a 2X Emmy nominated multi-hyphenate artist. As a writer, he earned a GLAAD nomination for his Broadway playwriting debut, Chicken and Biscuits, which was the 2nd most produced play in America in 2022-23. His most recent play, Table 17, which premiered Off-Broadway at MCC Theater, was deemed a New York Times Critics’ Pick and won two 2024 Audelco Awards for Best Playwright and Outstanding Ensemble. Douglas served as a writer on both seasons of Apple TV's  “Fraggle Rock.” His Broadway acting credits include The Book of Mormon, plus the Original Casts of Beautifuland the Tony Award winning Broadway revival of Parade. Tour credits include Rent, Dreamgirls and The Book of Mormon. As a composer-lyricist, his music and lyrics have been featured on Nickelodeon, BET Plus, Apple TV, CBS's Sunday Morning Show, Audible and more. His other written stage works include Don't Touch My Hair (IAMA Theatre Company), Polkadots (Off Broadway Alliance Winner Best Family Show, Atlantic Theater Company), Beau (Adirondack Theatre Festival), the world premiere of Five Points (Theater Latté Da) and more. He is currently developing television with Sky Dance and Ryan Reynolds' Maximum Effort. @DouglasSings IG: @Chocolatehipster


    Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Connect with Eila and Bruce:

    • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
    • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

      36 min
    • #109 - J Savage - Smashing Broadway

      J Savage joins Behind the Awards to chat about Smash from Audition to Closing, Understudying Buddy the Elf in Elf the Musical, and turbulence that was part of his Broadway Debut in Bad Cinderella.


      Also in this episode - Harvey Fierstein’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Tony Award.  Plus Joy the Musical.


      J Savage, also known as Jonathan, is an NYC based artist and outdoorsman most recently seen in SMASH on Broadway, just down the street from the Marquis theatre where he recently was in the ensemble and was first cover for Buddy in the Broadway revival of Elf: The Musical  


      Also a singer/songwriter, Jonathan took his pandemic experience and wrote his critically acclaimed one man show, Farewell to the West. Three months into quarantine, he bought a one way ticket West, got a camper van and moved to Yellowstone National Park to teach preschool to the rangers' kids. He fell in love with a true mountain man who taught him how to climb, ski, ride horses and live a full mountain life. With 11 original songs he dives deep into the emotional and physical tug-of-war of his two major yet conflicting passions: the outdoors and musical theatre. The show was see at both Feinstein’s/54 Below and The Green Room 42 last year. 

       

      After a year and a half away in the mountains, Jonathan moved back to New York City in August of 2021 on his 25th birthday. It was that day be promised himself that if he would come back to pursue his dreams, then he was going to do two things this year: his first solo backpack trip and book Broadway. A year later both those dreams came true. Within the same week, he did his first solo backpack in Yosemite and auditioned for Bad Cinderella on Broadway. 


      After making his Broadway debut in 2022, J spent most of 2023 in what he likes to call his New World Stages Residency, performing in both A Sign of the Times and Empire: The Musical (Ethan O'Dowd). 


      Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

      Connect with Eila and Bruce:

      • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
      • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
      • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
      • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

        1 hr 14 min
      • #108 - Rupert Holmes - Escape with Pirates

        Tony Award Winning Writer/Composer stops by Behind the Awards to discuss adapting Pirates into the Jazz age as as his other hits such as The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Curtains….Don’t forget the Pina Colada Song.


        Also in this episode - Catherine Zeta Jone’s 2010 Tony win for A Little Night Music and Chess Revival finds a home at The Imperial Theater.  Plus new music and workshop from the Broadway bound Wanted featuring Solea Pfeiffer, Liisi LaFontaine, and Will Swenson.


        Rupert Holmes is a 2023 New York Times bestselling author and was the first individual to singly win Tony awards for book, music, and lyrics, this for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which also won the Tony for Best Musical. The Drama Desk awarded him the identical honors plus Best Orchestration. He is a recipient of the Bergeret Living Legend award from The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, ASCAP’s George M. Cohan Award, and an honorary doctorate from The Manhattan School of Music. Additional Broadway & LORT include: Say Goodnight Gracie (Tony Nomination, Best Play); Curtains (Drama Desk award, Best Book, Tony nominations Best Book, Best Add’l Lyrics); Accomplice (Edgar Award, Mystery Writers of America); Roundabout Theatre’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2013 Tony nomination, Best Revival), the current All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg; The Nutty Professor (libretto by Holmes, music by Marvin Hamlisch), and The Picture of Dorian Gray (music and libretto by Holmes, The British Museum). He created and wrote all four seasons of the acclaimed AMC period dramedy Remember WENN; contributed songs to the Golden Globe-winning score of A Star is Born; wrote, arranged and conducted platinum recordings by Barbra Streisand as well as his own Billboard top ten hits. He dedicates his work on Pirates to his brother Richard, a fixture of The Met and NYGASP, who as a boy steeped him in the entire Gilbert and Sullivan canon.


        Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

        Connect with Eila and Bruce:

        • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
        • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
        • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
        • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

          31 min
        • #107 - Lea & Drew Lachey - Breaking Boundaries

          Husband/Wife creative team Lea & Drew Lachey visit Behind the Awards to discuss their Original Theatrical Experience Label-less which recently enjoyed an Off-Broadway run at Theater Row.  Drew brings his 98 Degrees & Broadway (Rent & Spamalot) experience to this one of a kind show coupled with the storytelling of Lea’s choreography.   


          Also in this episode - 2010 Tony Awards with Bebe Neuwirth and Nathan Lane. 


          Drew Lachey - Drew Lachey's an accomplished singer, dancer and actor.  Drew first rose to prominence as a member of the Motown pop group 98 Degrees. The group recorded four successful albums and sold more than nine million records worldwide.  Drew made his Broadway debut playing the role of Mark Cohen in Rent.  His latest Broadway credits include the role of Patsy in Monty Python’s Spamalot and Corny Collins in Hairspray with the PCLO.  Drew became a household name when he took home the infamous mirror ball trophy on Dancing with the Stars (season-two champion, season-five co-host) and later took his dancing talents on the road with 3 North American tours of Dancing with the Stars and was asked to come back and be apart of the All-Star season. Drew also hosted the primetime ABC show Dance War with Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, The Miss USA Pageant, HGTV's $250,000 Challenge and America Sings for GMC. After a decade break 98 Degrees is back together and recently toured with NKOTB and Boyz II Men on the "Package Tour", "My2K Tour" and the "98 Degrees at Christmas" tours in the fall of 2017 and 2018.  Drew also starred in UPTV's "Guess Who's Coming to Christmas" and A&E's "Lachey's Bar".  Drew also consults with the Cincinnati Film Commission on films being produced around Cincinnati.


          Lea Lachey was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH and began working professionally at 11 on the "King and I" National Tour. After being awarded a full dance scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College in NYC she went on to work with the world renowned Radio City Music Hall Rockettes as a dancer and assistant choreographer. Whether it is doing “Singing in the Rain” with the Santa Barbara CLO, the Disney NYC World Premiere of Hercules or the Missy Elliott video for “I Can’t Stand the Rain” Lea has always taken pride in being a versatile dancer and expects the same from her students. Lea's choreography credits include 98 Degrees (Today Show, Good Morning America, Mtv, VH1, Miss Teen USA, NFL ProBowl and NBA All-star game).  Her live stage credits include the Nickelodeon ‘All That” Tour, 98 Degrees “Heat It Up” Tour, 98 Degrees “Revelation” World Tour and Creative Director for Jessica Simpson’s “Reality” Tour.  Lea is currently Co-Director of the School for Creative and Performing Arts Musical Theater program and co artistic director of Lachey Productions which is bridging the gap between student and professional performer. Her work was showcased in the Exhale Dance Tribe shows "Love Letters" and "Rapture" at the Aronoff which included Lachey Arts performers.  Lea's choreography was on display this past summer on the US national My2K tour as well as in 2013 with 98 Degrees as part of the NKOTB, 98 Degrees, Boyz II Men "Package Tour". Over the last several years, Lea has had the honor of working as choreographer and dance consultant on multiple films.  "Carol" staring Academy Award winning actress Cate Blanchett and Kyle Chandler, "Miles Ahead" starring Golden Globe winning actor Don Cheadle and Emayatzy Corinealdi and A Christmas Melody directed by and starring Grammy winner Mariah Carey and Lacey Chabert. You can also catch her as a guest DJ on Q102.


          Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

          Connect with Eila and Bruce:

          • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
          • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
          • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
          • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

            1 hr 1 min
          • #106 - David Rothenberg - Manhattan Mayhem

            Broadway Publisist, Activist and Radio Host David Rothenberg joined behind the awards to discuss his legendary life, career and his new book Manhattan Mayhem.  David dishes about working with Bette Davis, Lauren Becall, Linda Lavin, Stephen Sondheim and his one time encounter with Joan Crawford.  David has also been a witness to history and tells us about what I was like being part of the Attica riots and starting the Fortune Society with $32.


            Also in this episode - Stuart Zagnit & Harrison Bryan join us to give the low down on BALLS: The Monster-Catchin' Musical Comédy

            Promo Code BATTLE at  https://www.ballsmusical.com/

            Follow their socials for more!

            @ballsmusical
            @stuzagnit
            @hahaharrisonbryan

            @caveatnyc


            Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

            Connect with Eila and Bruce:

            • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
            • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
            • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
            • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

              57 min
            • #105 - Antwayn Hopper & Zeniba Now - Theater Friends

              Off the heels of their duet at Maestrea Amplify 2025 Antwayn Hopper & Zeniba Now come to Behind the Awards to talk about working together on The Loophole at The Public Theater as well as their upcoming projects.  Antwayn can be seen on ABC’s Will Trent Season Three and Zeniba’s show Take the Lead which she did Music & Lyrics for had its World Premier at The Paper Mill Playhouse.  Also a recording artist Zeniba’s music can be found on Spotify.


              Also in this episode - Francis Jue’s 2025 Tony Win for Yellow Face plus Eila’s trip the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival to see The Matchmaker. 


              Antwayn Hopper is a two-time Obie Award-winning actor, singer, and performer known for his work in stage, film, and television. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, Hopper was part of the original cast of the Tony Award-winning A Strange Loop (#6, Inwood Daddy) with NY Times' praising his powerful performance and was nominated for a 2024 Audelco Award for his portrayal of Macavity in CATS: The Jellicle Ball (PAC). In 2023, he was honored with the Edie Windsor LGBT Trailblazer Award. Other notable highlights: Memphis in Billy Porter's The Life at New York City Center, which earned a spot in The New York Times '23 Unforgettable Theater Moments of 2022'. In 2024, he was invited by Elvis Costello to perform in A Face In The Crowd at The Gramercy, receiving rave reviews from SPIN Magazine. Hopper's film credits include A Thousand and One (2023 Sundance Grand Jury Prize), with Teyana Taylor. On TV, he appeared as Woodson (recurring) Andre Holland's Asst. in THE KNICK (Cinemax). Last Season, Antwayn played Hakim Saran, the Season's Villain-for FBI(CBS). Currently, he stars as Rafael Wexford on WILL TRENT (ABC).


              Zeniba Now is a Richard Rodgers, Jonathan Larson, Vivace, and Thom Thomas Award-winning writer, recording artist, comedian, actress, and educator, named a 2024 Woman to Watch on Broadway. She co-wrote and starred in Beloved, filmed live at The Public Theater for #BARS (created by Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal) and later featured on PBS’s The Great American Read. She also co-wrote and starred in The Loophole in The Public Theater’s Public Studio; the show later headlined The Passing the Mic Intergenerational Hip Hop Festival, whose former headliners include Janelle Monáe. Her co-written musical Take the Lead premieres at Paper Mill Playhouse in spring 2025, directed by Tony Award-winner Christopher Gattelli. Zeniba co-wrote the audio collection Human Resources, which played Woolly Mammoth and St. Louis Rep. She is currently co-writing music and lyrics for a new musical with Tony Award-winner Tom Kitt for Disney Theatrical Productions. As a recording artist, Zeniba spans genres—from the meditative debut EP Wholly Chill to zany bops like “Stay on the Line,” produced by Teddy Roxpin, which holds the highest possible honor: two babies laughed for the first time while listening to it! Recently, she contributed vocals and voice acting to a new project in development with Disney Animation.


              Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

              Connect with Eila and Bruce:

              • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
              • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
              • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
              • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                41 min
              • #104 - Joe Rosko - Built for the Stage

                Founder and Fitness Coach to the theater community Joe Rosko joins Behind the Awards to chat about his journey with Fitness and Performing.  Joe shares Fitness tips and also give some of his favorite performance in the most recent seasons.


                Also in this episode - Celia Keenan-Bolger’s 2025 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award and her start of the Gavin Creel Fellowship with the help of Sara Bareilles, Catherine Brunell and in partnership with The American Theater Wing.  

                https://americantheatrewing.org/program/the-gavin-creel-fellowships/


                Joe Rosko began his professional career as a trainer and actor at the exact same time in 2007. Since then, it has been his mission to build a bridge between the worlds of fitness and theatre. Rosko believed that actors were truly professional athletes but didn’t feel as though the theatre community was equipped with the proper resources to train like said athletes. This realization led to the creation of “Built for the Stage.” Over the years, BFTS has had clients represented in over fifty Broadway shows, as well as stages on the West End in London, Australia, and other countries around the world. Rosko prides himself in having the unique abilities to continue a performer’s fitness progress while in the midst of being in or out of a show. All professional athletes train a certain way while in season or out of season, and with actors it’s no different. Actors are athletes, and thus, they should train like one. @builtforthestage


                Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                Connect with Eila and Bruce:

                • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
                • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
                • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
                • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                  40 min
                • #103 - Lena Hall - Wants to do it all…and she does!

                  Tony Winner Lena Hall joins Behind the Awards to chat about her new series on Apple TV Your Friends and Neighbors.  Lena shares her experience working with Jon Hamm and playing his sister.  Lena tells us her Tony nomination/win story for Hedwig and the Angry Inch.  Your Friends and Neighbors is now streaming as well Lena’s Your Friends and Neighbors EP.


                  Also on this episode - Kecia Lewis's 2024 Tony Win for Hell's Kitchen. NY City Center Encores announces its 2025-2026 Season; Bat Boy The Musical, Directed by Tony Winner Alex Timbers; High Spirits, Directed by Jessica Stone; The Wild Party, Directed by Lili-Anne Brown; and La Cage Aux Folles starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony Winner Billy Porter, Directed by Robert O’Hara.  


                  Lena plays “Ali Cooper” the younger sister of “Coop” played by Jon Hamm. We come to find out she is a singer / songwriter who has had some mental health issues regarding a past relationship and is trying to start over again both in life and in music. Lena’s character gets to perform throughout the episodes, performing original material that Lena wrote, as well as covers of Radiohead, The Thompson Twins and more. She will be releasing an EP and album of her music from the show. Add in the Tony Award winning / Grammy nominated rock and roll voice and fans new and old are very excited. Previously, Lena starred on AMC’s Snowpiercer for 4 seasons opposite Jennifer Connolly after winning the Tony Award for co-starring in Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway opposite Neil Patrick Harris. She originated the role of Nicola in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots Her other Broadway credits include Cats, 42nd Street, Dracula, the Musical and Tarzan, the Musical. Hall has also starred in Off-Broadway productions such as Radiant Baby, Bedbugs!!!, Rooms: A Rock Romance, The Toxic Avenger, Prometheus Bound, Chix6, Little Shop of Horrors, and the 2017 original play How to Transcend a Happy Marriage.


                  Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                  Connect with Eila and Bruce:

                  • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
                  • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
                  • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
                  • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                    51 min
                  • #102 - Wendi McLendon-Covey - Is Playing Doctor

                    The hilarious Wendi McLendon-Covey joins Behind the Awards  to give us a prescription for laughter with her series St. Denis Medical.  Wendi shares what it’s like to work with such veterans as David Alan Grier, George Segal and Allison Tolman.  From Bridesmaids to Reno 911 to The Goldbergs Wendi proves time and time again that she is a master of comedy.  Season 1 is currently streaming on Peacock.


                    Also in this episode - Eila & Bruce recap the 2025 Tony Awards with their expert Matt Stashin.  From Cynthia Erivo hosting, to wins for Cole Escola, Nicole Scherzinger and Celia Keenan-Bolger to the fashion of the night with looks from Jonathan Groff, Jasmin Amy Rogers, Audra McDonald and Julianne Hough Behind the Awards has you covered!


                    Actor, comedian and producer Wendi McLendon-Covey has been captivating audiences throughout her career.  She recently concluded an impressive 10-season run starring on ABC's "The Goldbergs," a milestone marked by two Critic's Choice nominations. Notably, at the time of its conclusion, "The Goldbergs" stood as the longest-running network comedy currently on-air. Wendi has now transitioned on to her next series endeavor: "St. Denis Medical", a new workplace comedy on NBC and Peacock which has just earned a Critic's Choice nomination.


                    Wendi is a veteran of over 40 movies, including studio films such as "Bridesmaids," "What Men Want, and "Blended," as well as indie/festival films such as "Hello, My Name is Doris," "Blush," and "Paint."


                    She has emerged in recent years as a rising star in the animation field. She voices Disney's "Big City Greens" the series and the film "Big City Greens: The Movie Spacecation". She also voiced 'Gale' in Disney Pixar's Oscar-nominated film "Elemental" and 'Chief Patsy Stamos' on "Grimsburg" on FOX, Other animation credits include "Bob's Burgers," "M.O.D.O.K.," and "Solar Opposites."


                    True comedy fans will recognize Wendi from her role as 'Deputy Clementine Johnson' in the cult classic "Reno 911," a mockumentary about law enforcement. Her other television work includes appearances on "Modern Family," "Rules of Engagement," "The Office," and Netflix's "Unstable." Wendi also hosted HGTV's TV special "Frozen in Design," streaming on MAX.
                    Wendi got her start at the world-famous Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles, where she excelled at both improv and sketch comedy. Wendi is deeply dedicated to making a positive impact through her philanthropic efforts. As a longtime supporter of the Long Beach Women's Shelter, PETA and Foster Nation, she consistently advocates for these meaningful causes.


                    Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                    Connect with Eila and Bruce:

                    • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
                    • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
                    • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
                    • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                      51 min
                    • #101 - Carrie Preston - Stealing Scenes and Solving Crimes

                      Emmy Winner Carrie Preston joins Behind the Awards to chat about her career and starring in the CBS hit Elsbeth which was just renewed for a 3rd Season.  Carrie takes us into Elsbeth’s world including her fashion, quirks and creating a Columbo for a new generation.  Carrie also discusses the evolution of the character from The Good Wife to The Good Fight to now.


                      Also in this episode - S. Epatha Merkerson Emmy Win for Lackawanna Blues


                      Carrie Preston continues to reprise her Emmy Award-winning role as the astute but unconventional attorney ‘Elsbeth Tascioni’ in the hit CBS series, ELSBETH. The beloved character was first introduced in the acclaimed series THE GOOD WIFE on the network and appeared in THE GOOD FIGHT on Paramount+. ELSBETH premiered to rave reviews with New York Times stating Carrie"reigns as the queen of quirk.” The successful series has been picked up for a third season, which she is set to also produce.


                      Preston spent four seasons starring as Polly in the TNT series, CLAWS. Prior to that, she played Arlene Fowler for seven seasons on HBO’s TRUE BLOOD, while also recurring for five seasons on the Network’s PERSON OF INTEREST, playing the love interest to her real-life husband, Michael Emerson. Other major TV series include the co-leading role in the NBC sitcom CROWDED, ABC’s LGBTQ rights-driven miniseries WHEN WE RISE, and arcs opposite Hank Azaria in BROCKMIRE and Joshua Jackson in DR. DEATH. Her extensive list of guest star appearances includes ABC’s LOST and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES.

                      Carrie made her feature film debut in Julia Robert’s blockbuster “My Best Friends’ Wedding” and other notable film roles include scene-stealing roles in “Duplicity,” “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” the Oscar-nominated “Transamerica” (as Felicity Huffman’s sister), “That Evening Sun” with Hal Holbrook, with Joe Cole in “One of These Days" and “To The Bone” with Keanu Reeves and Lily Collins. She played Kevin Bacon’s wife in two films: the Kyra Sedgwick-helmed “Space Oddity” and “THEY/THEM.” She received praise for her role opposite Paul Giamatti in Alexander Payne’s Oscar-winning film, “The Holdovers”.

                      Trained at Juilliard, Carrie made her Broadway debut playing Miranda to Patrick Stewart’s Prospero in "The Tempest" and later played Honey with Stewart and Mercedes Ruehl in “Who’s Afraid of Virgnia Woolf?” at The Guthrie Theater. Other stage work includes “Festen” with Jeremy Sisto

                      and Julianna Margulies, “The Rivals,” “Antony and Cleopatra” with Vanessa Redgrave, and playing Mia Farrow’s daughter in James Lapine’s “Fran’s Bed.”


                      Carrie is also a sought-after director. Television credits include two episodes of THE GOOD FIGHT, two episodes of Showtime’s YOUR HONOR, and two episodes of CLAWS, in which she also starred. She also directed the Sundance Film Festival feature “That’s What She Said” starring the late Anne Heche, Marcia DeBonis, and Alia Shawkat.


                      Carrie lives in New York City with her husband Michael and their adopted dog, Chumley. In her free time, Carrie supports LGBTQIA+ rights and GLAAD, is an honorary board member for the new play development organization, The New Harmony Project, and is a supporter of Parkinson's Research while also working with the Michael J. Fox Foundation.


                      Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                      Connect with Eila and Bruce:

                      • Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@behind_the_awards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
                      • Eila ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eilamell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
                      • Bruce ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cominghomewithbruce
                      • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                        45 min

                      About Behind the Awards with Eila Mell & Bruce Gotlieb

                      From the publisher's feed

                      Celebrating extreme excellence in theater, film and tv, this podcast takes listeners all over the world on a journey behind the scenes featuring never-before-heard stories from Academy Award winners, Tony Award winners, Golden Globe Award winners, and so much more. Co-Hosts Eila Mell, bestselling author (The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre) and renowned podcast host, and Bruce Gotleib, who has never met an Awards show he doesn’t like, take guests through their experience of being nominated and subsequently winning their award(s), highlighting interesting and intimate details about their awards experience that will leave everyone happy to be a part of the experience. 

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