Theater People

OK fellow Theater People, you've been asking for this interview for almost as long as the podcast has existed, so we are THRILLED to be bringing you this episode featuring the fabulous Adam Kantor!Adam made his Broadway debut in 2008 as Marc in the closing Broadway company of 'Rent' (grab your tissues when he tells the story of how he learned he'd won the roll) and he went on to replace in the role of Henry in the hit Broadway production of 'Next to Normal.' In 2013, he was cast as Jamie opposite Betsy Wolfe in Second Stage's highly anticipated revival of Jason Robert Brown's 'The Last Five Years.' This season he's back on Broadway in the role of Motel in the Bartlett Sher helmed production of 'Fiddler on the Roof.' We had such a great time chatting in his dressing room surrounded by old family photos and heirlooms that are so meaningful to him--especially as they relate to his work in 'Fiddler,' we'll let him explain that further. Enjoy!

You Guuuuuuuuuuys!!! We could not be happier to bring you today’s episode featuring the divine, the lovely, the just ridiculously talented Phillipa Soo. Phillipa created the role of Eliza Hamilton in last year’s off-Broadway production of the smash hit musical Hamilton at the Public Theater and this season she made her Broadway debut in the role. She first rose to fame in the title role of Natasha in the 2013 off Broadway hit 'Natasha Pierre and the Great Commit of 1812.'So, you guys, we have a really special surprise for you at the end of this episode. It’s a first for us. It’s completely related to our interview with Phillipa, but even she doesn't know about it. So stick around after our interview with her, I promise it will be worth it.

When Sierra Boggess made her Broadway debut in 2008 in the title role of the hit Disney musical 'The Little Mermaid,' she became an overnight not just star, but also idol, role model, sensation even in a way that happens so rarely to person appearing on a Broadway stage for the first time. She, of course, went on to star in the Broadway revival of 'Master Class opposite' Tyne Daily and as Christine Daae in London’s West End production of 'Love Never Dies,' Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to the Phantom of the Opera. I first got to witness the greatness that is Sierra Boggess on stage in last season’s 'It Shoulda Been You'—a show that I found to be so special for a variety of reasons that we’ll get into in this interview. She is currently starring as Rosalee Mullins, the sort of tight lipped, rulsey principal in the brand new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical 'School of Rock'—a show that frequent listeners know that I am completely obsessed with. I love this interview for a lot of reasons. Not the lease of which being that we did the interview in Sierra’s dressing room about 90 minutes prior to an evening performance and I think it really captures the bustle and energy of the backstage of a Broadway theater just before showtime. At one point we’re interrupted—good naturedly—by a stage manager, The charming Alex Brightman makes a small cameo, oh and then there was the moment Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber himself spoke over the PA system. Anyway, Sierra is a force of nature and just as brilliant as you imagine she is. It was so much fun to chat with here. Enjoy our conversation!

YOU GUYS!!!! We don't even know what to say!!! Megan Hilty is a dream and a delight and a perfect guest! She is just as warm, charming, and fabulous as you're imagining. AND she makes a killer espresso!Megan made her Broadway debut as Glinda in the Broadway cast of 'Wicked,'--a role she would go on to do briefly on the national tour before creating the role for the Los Angeles sit down production. She went on to star in '9 to 5 The Musical' before being cast in the career making role of Ivy Lynn on TV's 'Smash.' She is now back on Broadway as Brooke Ashton in Roundabout Theatre Company's production of 'Noises Off.' She is unbelievably charming and hilarious! Don't forget, tickets are now on sale for our Live Summer Series! Just $10 to see Lesli Margherita, Laura Osnes, and Lindsay Mendez live! All the details and tickets can be found on our website: www.theaterppl.com. Click the 'Summer Series' tab.

There is no other way to say it, Theater People, with Alex Brightman’s turn as Dewey in the brand new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical School of Rock, a star is born. His energy, his passion, and his comedic timing are brought to life with an athleticism I don’t think I’ve ever seen on stage before. And oh my God, that voice. His career before School of Rock would have been considered a success story for any actor. He was a replacement in the role of Boq in the Broadway company of Wicked—a job he heled onto for two years before decided to walk away, though he’d been offered another extension to his contract--, he was an understudy in Glory Days, a show that famously closed the very night it opened, he replaced in Matilda, and was in the original company of Big Fish. Now, having been catapulted to the elite ranks of those who originate starring roles, he has risen to the occasion with grace and charm. ALSO, we've just announced our Summer Series--a series of 4 intimate live events featuring (so far) Lesli Margherita, Lindsay Mendez, and Laura Osnes, Information and tickets (which are EXTREMELY limited) can be found at www.theaterppl.com

Beth Malone, Beth Malone, BETH MALONE! We were SO excited to get the chance to sit down with the Tony nominated Fun Home star! Her turn as the grown up Alison--a performance in which she never leaves the stage--is at once intense and vulnerable, sarcastic and so completely honest. In a word, it's unforgettable. And her stories will blow your mind. From making her Broadway debut in 'Ring of Fire,' to rooming with Cherry Jones at the Sundance Theater Lab, to being mistaken for a techie backstage at the Tonys, Beth is about to blow your mind. Enjoy!

We don't usually play favorites here at the Theater People Podcast, but for us, Renee's turn at Angelica Schuyler in the mega-hit "Hamilton" is the performance of the season. And her performance of the song "Satisfied" is one of the most genuinely riveting pieces of storytelling to hit the stage in years. For this episode, we talk about how she won the role, the experience of starring in one of the most popular and groundbreaking shows in recent memory, and how she balances her work and family life.

Norm Lewis is a dream, you guys. With a career spanning two and a half decades (and counting!) on and off Broadway, in the West End, and on the international concert circuit, Norm is one of the most sought after and celebrated actors of our time. And oh my Lord, is he handsome. His career highlights include "The Who's Tommy," "Side Show," "The Wild Party, " "Les Miserables," "The Little Mermaid," and "The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess" (Tony nomination), and we talk about all of them!

If you've been paying attention to the Broadway press over the last few days, you know that the incredibly popular--and incredibly anonymous--social media personality Annoying Actor Friend has identified himself. World, meet Andrew Briedis. Wonder why he did it, what he got out of it, and why he picked now to reveal himself? Take a listen and find out!

WE LOVE ELIZABETH STANLEY! Currently headlining the national tour of "The Bridges of Madison County," Elizabeth was most recently seen on Broadway as Claire in last season's Tony nominated "On The Town." We first discovered Elizabeth in the 2006 John Doyle production of "Company," in which she played April (as well as the oboe, alto saxophone, and tuba). She went on to star in the short-lived but much-loved Broadway production of John Waters's "Cry Baby." She followed that performance up as Dyanne in the 2010 production of "Million Dollar Quartet." We have to say, though, it was her turn as Gussie in the 2012 Encores production of "Merrily We Roll Along" alongside Celia Keenan-Bolger, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Betsy Wolfe, and Colin Donnell that cemented her standing as one of today's greatest theater stars. Enjoy! Oh, and check out www.bridgesmusical.com to find out when the tour of "Bridges" will be in a city near you!