Donald opens up about his work in regional theaters and his current project—the new Dolly Parton musical, 'Dolly, a True Original Musical.' He shares some great behind-the-scenes stories about Dolly herself and what it was like developing the show through rehearsals and performances in Nashville.

The conversation takes us back to Donald's roots in Stockton, California, where his love for theater first bloomed, and he remembers mentors like Tom McKenzie who shaped his path. He talks about his time at Juilliard, his early professional gigs in Chicago, and eventually making it to Broadway. One role that really stands out for him is 'Souvenir,' a play about Florence Foster Jenkins that he'd love to do again someday. He also jokes about the roles that got away—like Tevye in 'Fiddler on the Roof' and Willy Loman in 'Death of a Salesman.'

On a more personal note, Donald shares the beautiful story of his relationship with Richard Prouse, whom he met at the Goodspeed Opera House. Decades later, they got married at that very same spot. He gets real about coming to terms with his identity, navigating early career hurdles like the draft, and settling into life in Rhinebeck, NY.

Donald also talks about his time away from theater when he wrote for industrial shows (which seriously helped pay the bills) and even his work with Martha Stewart, showing just how versatile he is beyond the stage.