Alyse Alan Louis takes us on a deeply personal and inspiring journey in this episode. From her Broadway credits in Mamma Mia!, Amélie, and Soft Power to her groundbreaking work in Teeth: The Musical, Alyse opens up about the evolution of her career and the unique challenges of her craft. Her portrayal of Dawn in Teeth showcases her ability to embody bold, complex characters while navigating both emotional and physical demands. Alyse reflects on how years of collaboration shaped the role and shares the lessons she’s learned about setting boundaries and embracing vulnerability as an artist.

This conversation also dives into the fascinating connection between the body and performance. Alyse discusses how she discovered she was holding stress in her pelvic floor, the impact of that realization on her work, and how she’s learned to manage the physical and emotional toll of performing in demanding roles. From her experiences as a young performer in regional theater to her insights on the importance of self-advocacy, Alyse offers practical wisdom for aspiring artists and anyone navigating a creative path.

Alyse Alan Louis is a Broadway performer celebrated for her work in Amélie, Soft Power, Mamma Mia!, and Disaster! She currently stars as Dawn in the critically acclaimed Teeth: The Musical, a role she has helped shape over the past decade. Known for her fearless approach to bold material, Alyse has earned a reputation for bringing humor, depth, and nuance to her performances. Her dedication to storytelling and her advocacy for self-awareness make her a standout voice in musical theater.

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Broadway and beyond, Anna K. Jacobs is creating waves in musical theatre. A Sydney-born composer, lyricist, and educator, Anna's storytelling prowess shines through her diverse works, from the live-action adaptation of Moana for Disney Cruise Line to the boundary-pushing Teeth, a horror musical exploring ideology, faith, and desire. With a foundation in classical composition and a career built through bold experimentation, Anna’s journey is as inspiring as it is unique.

In this episode, Anna dives deep into her creative process, her collaboration with talents like Michael R. Jackson, and the evolution of her musicals, including her experiences developing Teeth amidst a cultural shift. She also discusses her impactful work as an educator, her journey from Sydney to New York, and her upcoming performance at 54 Below, where she'll premiere songs from her new musical, A House Without Windows. Whether it's crafting larger-than-life stories or inspiring young artists, Anna’s artistry and passion for innovation stand out in today’s theater landscape.

Anna K. Jacobs is a celebrated composer, lyricist, and educator originally from Sydney, Australia. Her works include Teeth (co-written with Michael R. Jackson), Pop (a murder mystery about Andy Warhol), and the live-action stage adaptation of Moana for Disney Cruise Line. A recipient of the Jonathan Larson and Billy Burke Ziegfeld Awards, she is an alumna of NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program and a mentor to emerging artists through the New York Youth Symphony and The New School. Anna’s vibrant, daring approach to musical storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

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Tony-nominated actor Grey Henson joins Alan for an engaging conversation about his journey through the world of Broadway comedy. Grey reflects on his rise from a Georgia-born performer with a background in ballet to a Tony-nominated role as Damian Hubbard in Mean Girls: The Musical. He opens up about the challenges of transitioning into comedic roles, including his current portrayal of Buddy the Elf in Elf: The Musical on Broadway. Grey shares the importance of embracing your unique qualities and how his comedic style evolved through his experiences in high school theater, college at Carnegie Mellon, and professional work.

Throughout the episode, Grey discusses the impact of comedy on his career and the importance of balancing preparation with spontaneity. He talks about his time in Shucked, a show that required him to be constantly aware of the audience's reactions and how that shaped his performance. The conversation also touches on his thoughts on comedy in general—how it should feel effortless and truthful rather than forced—and how he brings that mentality into every role, from Mean Girls to Elf. Grey also dives into the reality of performing eight shows a week, the pressures of portraying iconic characters, and how the key to a long career in theater is remaining grounded and generous to your scene partners.

Grey Henson is a Tony-nominated actor best known for his comedic roles on Broadway. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s prestigious School of Drama, Grey first made a name for himself as Elder McKinley in the Book of Mormon first national tour before joining the Broadway company. He later earned a Tony Award nomination for his standout performance as Damian Hubbard in Mean Girls: The Musical. Grey has also appeared in Shucked, playing Storyteller Two, and most recently, he’s been bringing holiday cheer as Buddy the Elf in Elf: The Musical on Broadway.

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• Instagram: @greyhenson

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Jennifer Ashley Tepper, a celebrated Broadway historian, producer, and author, joins Alan for an inspiring conversation about preserving theater history and amplifying untold stories. As the programming director at 54 Below, Jennifer has curated over 7,000 performances, and her work as the author of The Untold Stories of Broadway series and her latest book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out, has cemented her as a vital voice in the theater community.

In this episode, Jennifer shares her passion for uncovering the forgotten corners of Broadway’s past, including musicals that never made it into the spotlight and the enduring impact of cast recordings on theater history. She also discusses the fascinating research process behind her new book, which spans centuries of contributions from female musical theater writers, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of women shaping the art form. With insights on how Broadway can embrace a more inclusive future, this conversation is a must-listen for theater enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Jennifer Ashley Tepper is a Broadway historian, producer, and author. She has served as the creative and programming director at 54 Below, curating over 7,000 performances. She is the author of The Untold Stories of Broadway book series and Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That History Books Left Out. Her producing credits include Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Love in Hate Nation, The Jonathan Larson Project, and the revival of Godspell. She has also worked on [title of show] and her projects have been featured in outlets such as Broadway Podcast Network, The New York Times and TheaterMania.

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Heads up - this episode has lots of profanity!

Lea DeLaria has never been one to hold back—and thank goodness for that. From making history as the first openly gay comic on late-night TV to her unforgettable role as Big Boo in Orange Is the New Black, Lea’s fearless authenticity has paved the way for countless others. In this episode, she takes us through her groundbreaking comedy career, her love affair with jazz and theater, and the unyielding passion that fuels her activism. Along the way, we dive into hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, her creative process, and the ways she continues to use her platform to fight for LGBTQ+ representation.

Lea shares the origins of her famous brunch series at 54 Below, her experiences blending stand-up and music into a signature performance style, and her advice for embracing rejection in the entertainment industry. She also reflects on the highs and lows of her journey, reminding us all to keep pushing forward with humor, heart, and a little bit of rage when needed. This episode is equal parts inspiring, entertaining, and unapologetically Lea.

Lea DeLaria is an award-winning comedian, actress, jazz singer, and LGBTQ+ activist. She made history in 1993 as the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show with her debut on The Arsenio Hall Show. Her Broadway credits include On the Town (1998), The Rocky Horror Show (2000), POTUS (2022), and a national tour of Chicago as Mama Morton. Lea is best known for her SAG Award-winning role as Big Boo in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black. A celebrated jazz musician, she has released several albums, blending comedy and music into her performances. Lea continues to champion LGBTQ+ representation in the arts and hosts a monthly brunch series at 54 Below in New York City.

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Laura Donnelly shares her powerful journey from her Belfast upbringing to becoming an acclaimed stage actress. In this episode, she delves into how Irish ballet first ignited her love for storytelling and how that passion evolved through drama school and a career full of emotionally rich roles. Laura reveals the deeply personal inspiration behind her performance in The Ferryman, sharing stories of family secrets and how her uncle’s tragic disappearance during the Troubles in Northern Ireland influenced the creation of the play.

Laura also discusses her current role in The Hills of California, offering insights into portraying two distinct characters—mother and daughter—and the emotional and technical challenges it presents. She candidly reflects on the mental toll of intense performances and how she learned to balance her personal well-being with the demands of the stage. In a surprising twist, Laura recounts her childhood gymnastics experience, revealing a unique connection to her life on stage. With an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling, she shares heartfelt advice on self-belief and pursuing one’s passion.

Laura Donnelly is a Tony-nominated and Olivier Award-winning actress known for her standout performances in theater and television. Born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, she trained in drama in Scotland before embarking on a career that spans critically acclaimed roles such as Caitlin Carney in The Ferryman, Jenny Fraser in Outlander, and Amalia True in The Nevers. Her work also includes credits in Marvel's Werewolf by Night, Britannia, and The Fall. Currently, she stars in The Hills of California on Broadway, continuing her legacy of powerful and complex performances.

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• IG: @laurafdonnelly

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Ophelia Lovibond. Known for her diverse and memorable roles in film and television, Ophelia shares candid insights about her journey in the entertainment industry. This episode is filled with rich discussions that range from her early career breakthroughs to the creative processes that help her bring complex characters to life.

Ophelia opens up about the defining moments that have shaped her career, the invaluable lessons she’s learned from working alongside esteemed peers, and her approach to embodying authenticity in every performance. She delves into how the industry has evolved, the shifting landscape of storytelling, and why maintaining a balance between her professional and personal life is essential to sustaining her passion for acting. Listeners will appreciate her thoughts on what keeps her motivated, her commitment to storytelling, and the advice she has for aspiring performers.

A must-listen for fans and future actors alike, this episode is brimming with relatable stories, career reflections, and practical advice from an artist dedicated to her craft.

Ophelia Lovibond is a British actress renowned for her versatile performances across film, television, and stage. Born and raised in London, she began acting at a young age and gained early recognition with roles in popular TV series and films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Nowhere Boy. Lovibond's career includes a standout portrayal in the comedy-drama series W1A, where she showcased her impeccable comedic timing as the enthusiastic junior executive Izzy Gould. More recently, she captivated audiences as Carrie Symonds in the political drama This England and earned acclaim for her starring role in Minx, where she embodied the determined feminist Joyce Prigger. 

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• Instagram: @opheliabits

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Buckle up for a deep dive into Cheyenne's journey from humble beginnings in Washington State to becoming a Broadway star, TV favorite, and proud father. From his breakout role in All Shook Up to his stints on 30 Rock and American Horror Story, Cheyenne reflects on the unexpected twists that shaped his career, like a chance encounter with Tina Fey that landed him a role on 30 Rock. He shares candidly about the challenges of growing up in a religious, conservative environment and coming to terms with his identity, along with his battles with sobriety.

Throughout the conversation, Cheyenne reveals his love for storytelling, opening up about tough career choices, including the emotional trade-offs between stage and screen work. With humor and heart, he talks about the joys and demands of being a father to twins, balancing an eight-show week, and why his children still don’t quite understand his fame. Wrapping up, he shares advice for aspiring performers: follow your dreams only if it’s the first and last thing on your mind every day.

Cheyenne Jackson is a multi-talented performer known for his roles across Broadway, film, and TV. His Broadway highlights include All Shook Up, Xanadu, and Into the Woods, while TV fans know him from Glee, 30 Rock, and American Horror Story. Offstage, Cheyenne is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a devoted father. He is currently starring in La Cage aux Folles at Pasadena Playhouse.

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• Instagram: @MrCheyenneJackson

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Get ready for an all-access pass to Broadway’s brightest stars in this special bonus episode. Join host Salisha Thomas as she takes us onto the red carpet for the highly anticipated opening night of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, captured live for The Broadway Exclusive.

In this episode, Salisha catches up with cast members, creatives, and some surprise guests, delivering fun interviews full of behind-the-scenes insights, opening night energy, and advice for aspiring performers. From star-studded moments to career reflections, this episode perfectly captures the magic of a Broadway premiere.

If you love the excitement of red carpets and the charm Salisha brings to every conversation, this one’s for you!

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Meghan Finn is leading the charge to reshape New York City’s theater landscape. As the artistic director of The Tank, she champions affordable access to creative spaces and amplifies new voices in the arts. Recently awarded the prestigious David Prize for her innovative ideas, Meghan is determined to revitalize theater by developing sustainable financial models and creating more venues to foster emerging talent. Her vision addresses the pressing challenges of rising production costs, theater closures, and the need for equitable opportunities.

In this episode, Meghan reflects on her journey from Ann Arbor, Michigan to becoming a pivotal figure in New York’s cultural ecosystem. She discusses her work with The Tank, including the challenges of managing a nonprofit theater and the success of revenue-sharing models that have allowed artists to thrive even amidst adversity. Meghan also shares insights on the intersection of art, advocacy, and accessibility, emphasizing the importance of nurturing new talent to keep theater vibrant for future generations.

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