Steven Sater makes a triumphant return to the podcast to catch up on a whirlwind few years that have taken him all over the world. In a wonderfully candid conversation, he opens up about the upcoming, highly anticipated Off-Broadway revival of Spring Awakening with Sea View, helmed by director Danya Taylor and choreographer Celia Robson Hall. Steven shares his deep passion for writing for young performers, discovering new talent through open calls and TikTok, and why he believes it is vital to take the emotional lives of teenagers seriously in musical theatre. He also reflects on how the show continues to deeply impact new generations of fans who were not even born when it first premiered on Broadway.

The heart of the chat dives into Steven's newest passion project, the black comic murder mystery musical Murder at the Gates, written alongside collaborator James Bourne. He gives us a thrilling, exclusive sneak peek at the tracks "Fuckin' Scream" and "A Fine Rigor Mortis" from the upcoming concept album, featuring an all star cast including Gaten Matarazzo, Milo Manheim, Mason Alexander Park, Ramin Karimloo, and a whole bunch more. From hilarious memories of a playful debate with Stephen Sondheim over whether a murder mystery musical could actually work, to navigating the heartbreaking collapse of a previous workshop, Steven pulls back the curtain on the grueling, beautiful ten year journey of bringing an entirely original musical score to life.

Steven Sater is a Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award winning playwright, lyricist, and screenwriter. He is best known for his landmark collaboration with composer Duncan Sheik on Spring Awakening, as well as his acclaimed work on Alice by Heart and Nero. His upcoming projects include the new musical Murder at the Gates and a major new revival of Spring Awakening.

This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for the day.

Connect with Steven:

 * Listen to the entire Fuckin' Scream track [https://open.spotify.com/track/15yhLoLn3YlXJ7rdsSFPwF?go=1&sp_cid=89d58f71-8272-4f2d-a58c-82e29af54946&nd=1&dlsi=abe28f35d6c84089]
 * Follow @murderatthegates [https://www.instagram.com/murderatthegates/] (check the link in bio for the way to get the entire album)
 * Steven on IG: @stevensater [https://www.instagram.com/stevensater]
 * Steven on TikTok: @steven_sater [https://www.tiktok.com/@steven_sater]

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
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 * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales]
 * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep448 - Steven Sater: "Murder at the Gates" - A Special Sneak Peek

Originally aired Oct 1st, 2019:

This 2-time Tony-nominated actor made his Broadway debut in Wicked as 2008 as Boq, and since then has gone on to roles in Assassins, Matilda the Musical, Big Fish, and School of Rock where he originated the role of Dewey Finn, earning him his first Tony nomination. His TV/Film credits include Royal Pains, The Good Fight, and Documentary Now! among many others, He now holds the title role in Beetlejuice on Broadway which brought him his second Tony nomination.

This interview shows a unique and different side of Alex. Known as the funny man, he has a deeply real part of himself that he taps into before every performance.

Connect with Alex online:

 * Twitter: @⁠ABrightMonster⁠ [http://twitter.com/ABrightMonster]

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support us on Patreon: ⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠ [http://Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
 * Twitter & Instagram: ⁠@theatre_podcast⁠ [http://instagram.com/theatre_podcast]
 * ⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠ [http://Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast]⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠ [http://TheTheatrePodcast.com]
 * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠@alanseales⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales]
 * Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.



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Ep447 - Alex Brightman (From the vault)

Matt Rodin joins the podcast for an invigorating conversation about stepping out of traditional boxes and forging an authentic, sustainable path in the entertainment industry. He shares the remarkable story of his wedding day, which pulling double duty included marrying his husband in Central Park just hours before delivering his high-stakes final callback for the national tour of Company. Matt opens up about the perspective this gave him, detailing how a 360-degree view of the business—shaped by his time as a digital producer at Broadway.com and his husband's work as a talent agent—allows him to navigate the highs and lows of the theater world without taking the rejection personally.

The discussion also dives deep into Matt’s passion for technological innovation and community building. He pulls back the curtain on his latest venture, theater.games, explaining how his curiosity with AI code tools allowed him to develop daily theater puzzles like Spike and Curtain that have rapidly captured tens of thousands of players globally. From his early days creating the "Red Carpet Challenge" with a selfie stick to preparing for a whirlwind 12-hour recording session for the Beau cast album, Matt emphasizes the power of self-reliance, creativity, and the joy of creating work with friends rather than waiting for gatekeepers to open doors.

Matt Rodin is a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-nominated actor, creator, and creative consultant. His extensive stage credits include starring as Jamie in the national tour of the Tony-winning revival of Company, Roger in Rent at Paper Mill Playhouse, and the title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, alongside leading the off-Broadway premiere of Adam Gwon’s All The World’s A Stage with Keen Company. A prominent digital pioneer within the Broadway community, he is the mastermind behind the viral "Red Carpet Challenge," writer of the industry newsletter The Fourth Wall, and the founder of the digital puzzle platform theater.games.

This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day.

Connect with Matt:

 * Instagram: @whoismattrodin
 * TikTok: @whoismattrodin
 * Platform: theater.games [https://theater.games/]

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
 * Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/theatre_podcast]
 * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast]
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 * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales]
 * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep446 - Matt Rodin: Building Doors in Broadway's Walls

Alan sits down with Broadway producer Brian Anthony Moreland for a candid, high-energy conversation about the realities of commercial theatre. Brian shares the fascinating story of how he caught the theatre bug playing Santa Claus in the third grade , his formative years at a performing arts boarding school , and his early career as a non-union dancer dealing with the exhausting audition grind in New York City. He opens up about the pivotal moment he decided to pivot to producing, starting with a grueling five-and-a-half-year journey to bring Thoughts of a Colored Man to Broadway. Alan and Brian pull back the curtain on the industry's economic pressures, debating Broadway financials, escalating production costs, and what it truly takes to balance commercial viability with meaningful, artistic storytelling.

The conversation centers deeply on Brian’s extraordinary relationship with the work of August Wilson. He recalls the serendipitous train ride to Pittsburgh that led to him producing the record-breaking revival of The Piano Lesson , and how Denzel Washington personally asked him to lead-produce his next Wilson project. Brian breaks down the profound themes of identity, healing, and family preservation driving his latest production at the Barrymore Theatre, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, sharing delightful insights into working with legendary director Debbie Allen and the joyful, nurturing energy that stars Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer bring to the rehearsal room. Finally, Brian takes on the 60-second plot challenge, pitches a classic musical, and reflects on the timeless power of theatre as a space where you can be anything.

Brian Anthony Moreland is a transformative Broadway producer dedicated to shaping the contemporary cultural landscape through visionary, inclusive storytelling. Originally from California, he began his career as a performer before transitioning into producing. His impressive Broadway repertoire includes the ground-breaking global hit Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, the record-breaking revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, The Wiz, The Lifespan of a Fact, Sea Wall / A Life, and The Sound Inside. A respected industry leader, Moreland serves on the Board of Governors of The Broadway League, where he co-chairs the Multicultural Task Force. He also holds leadership roles as a Trustee for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a Trustee of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, a Board Director for NYC Tourism and Conventions, and is an active member of the Theatre Development Fund (TDF).

Connect with Brian:

 * IG: @therealbrianmoreland

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
 * Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/theatre_podcast]
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 * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales]
 * Email me at feedback@the

Ep445: Brian Anthony Moreland: Naive Enough to be Brave Enough

Tess shares her journey of embracing authenticity and finding her unique voice across stage, television, and film. She opens up about how she found true artistic fulfillment by embracing the "kooky," quirky, and offbeat parts of herself rather than trying to constantly force her five-foot-nine frame into a traditional ingenue box. She breaks down the surreal whirlwind of her recent career milestones, from performing on The Today Show at five o'clock in the morning to hearing the news of a Tony nomination. Alan and Tess swap hilarious stories about major life updates happening in the least convenient places, including the exact moment she received a FaceTime call inviting her to Broadway while riding completely alone in an Amtrak quiet car.

The conversation also shifts into creative endeavors outside the theater world, including Tess's passion for music and her upcoming solo album. She breaks down the therapeutic process of heading to Nashville to record a deeply personal breakup album, laying down tracks on the legendary microphone used for Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway. Alan and Tess bond over their shared experiences with self-diagnosed ADHD, hilariously dissecting the reality of "body doubling," "doom scrolling," and the mounting clutter of "doom piles". From a formative high school moment where a failed math test accidentally set her on a path to music school, to a lightning-fast, 60-second summary of Les Misérables, Tess delivers a wonderfully candid, smart, and funny look at a life in the arts.

Tess Marshall is a versatile performer whose stage credits include a year and ten months as a swing and dance captain for the off-Broadway production of Titanique at the Daryl Roth Theatre, where she ultimately stepped into the iconic role of Celine Dion. Her screen credits include playing the recurring role of Dionne in the NBC series Ordinary Joe, as well as making her feature film debut in Beauty of Poverty, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to her extensive performance career, she also performs as a rock vocalist with the band Clyde Frog and works as an arts educator.

This episode is powerbed by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day.

Connect with Tess:

 * @tess_marshall [https://www.instagram.com/tess_marshall/]
 * @clydefrogmusic [https://www.instagram.com/clydefrogmusic/]

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
 * Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/theatre_podcast]
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 * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.





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Ep444 - Tess Marshall: Embracing the Kookiness

Melissa Barrera joins the show to discuss her long-awaited Broadway debut as Rose in the hit musical Titanique. She shares the determined journey that led her to the St. James Theatre, including the decision to fly herself to New York to audition in person rather than settling for a Zoom session. Melissa reflects on the unique "lightning in a bottle" energy of the Titanique company and the challenge of maintaining a straight face while her castmates, including Marla Mindelle and Jim Parsons, deliver their most ridiculous improvisations.

The conversation also dives into Melissa's extensive screen career, from her early days in Mexican telenovelas to leading global franchises like Scream and In the Heights. She opens up about the physical and emotional exhaustion of filming the survival drama Keep Breathing and the catharsis she found in the horror-romance Your Monster. Beyond the credits, Melissa discusses the mental resilience required to tune out social media "noise" and how her mother’s example as a hardworking primary breadwinner instilled the drive that continues to fuel her career today.

Melissa Barrera is a versatile actor and singer who gained international recognition as Vanessa in the film adaptation of In the Heights. Her television credits include the critically acclaimed series Vida, the Netflix survival drama Keep Breathing, and the Peacock thriller The Copenhagen Test. On the big screen, she led the fifth and sixth installments of the Scream franchise and starred in the title role of Carmen. Before moving to Hollywood, she was a prominent figure in Mexican media, appearing on the reality show La Academia and starring in various telenovelas.

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Connect with Melissa:

 * @melissabarreram

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 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
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 * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep443 - Melissa Barrera: Rose-ing To The Occasion

Michael Arden joins the show to discuss the monumental task of bringing The Lost Boys to Broadway and the technical alchemy required to turn a cult classic film into a soaring musical experience. He opens up about his "mad lib" approach to stagecraft, explaining how he utilizes traditional theatrical tools in unexpected ways—like tilting the entire orientation of a set to keep an audience off-balance or ensuring the set moves entirely on its own to make the space feel "alive". Michael also reflects on the high-stakes pressure of bypassing an out-of-town tryout, the "fearless skydiving" energy of his cast during a grueling preview process, and his years-long quest to convince his favorite band, The Rescues, to join him in the theater.

The conversation also dives into Michael’s deep-seated love for the "visual feast" of theater, tracing back to his childhood days rigging special effects in his garage. He shares how his collaboration with the design team at At Rise Creative allows for a "crash and burn" mentality that eventually leads to the most innovative solutions, from the irising neon boxes of Maybe Happy Ending to the complex verticality of the Palace Theater. Looking ahead, Michael previews his upcoming work on Happy Feet, discussing the challenge of mashing up music and integrating massive puppetry to bring the Antarctic to the stage.

Michael Arden is a distinguished, two-time Tony Award winning director, recently honored for Best Direction of a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending. In 2023, he won the Tony Award for the acclaimed revival of Parade, following previous nominations for Once On This Island and Spring Awakening. He is the co-founder of At Rise Creative and has directed a wide range of works, including the 2024 Met Gala and Ben Platt’s concert residencies. Beyond his directing credits, Michael is an accomplished performer who has appeared on Broadway in Big River and King Lear, as well as in television and film projects like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Source Code.

Connect with Michael

 * @michaelarden

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
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 * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales]
 * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep442 - Michael Arden: Playing Vampire Mad Libs with The Lost Boys

Brandon Contreras is a New York City born and raised creative whose energy and versatility have made him a standout on stages ranging from the Golden Theatre to New World Stages. A graduate of Pace University, Brandon made his Broadway debut in the original company of Almost Famous and appeared in the first national tour of In the Heights. His diverse credits include playing Cal in the hit musical Titanique and appearing in Jerry Springer: The Opera with The New Group, as well as Road Show and Titanic at New York City Center Encores!. Beyond the stage, he is an accomplished filmmaker and writer, co-creating the award winning sketch platform The Homo Sapien Experience. Currently, Brandon is starring as Charles Cholmondeley and others in the Broadway production of Operation Mincemeat.

In this episode, Brandon shares what it was like growing up in Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and the Upper West Side, describing himself as a "city kid" who learned to rollerblade before he could ride a bike. He discusses the pivotal role his sister played in his introduction to theater and the unwavering support of his parents throughout his journey. Brandon opens up about the tenacity required to break into the industry, including auditioning for In the Heights 11 times and negotiating his first national tour contract from the back of a New Jersey Transit bus at age 20. He also speaks passionately about queer and Latin representation, the journey of embracing his curly hair, and the importance of showing a delicate, sensitive side of brown men on stage.

Brandon also takes us behind the scenes of Operation Mincemeat, a show he describes as "the final destination show" due to its incredible technical specificity and fast paced nature. He explains the "math" of comedy, the transition from understudy to principal performer, and the joy of sharing the stage with his real life best friend. Throughout the conversation, Brandon emphasizes the power of being unabashedly yourself and the motivation he finds in love for his craft and community.

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Connect with Brandon:

 * @ohhey_brandon
 * @thehomosapienexperience

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
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 * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep441 - Brandon Contreras: The Math of Mincemeat

Ellenore Scott joins the show to discuss her historic season, where she has achieved the rare feat of having multiple productions running simultaneously on and off Broadway. She shares the incredible story of her son Ford’s birth, which took place less than twenty-four hours after she walked the red carpet for the opening night of Ragtime at Lincoln Center. Ellenore reveals the logistical gymnastics of negotiating with her doctor to delay her C-section so she wouldn't miss her opening night, and how she transitioned from celebrating a professional milestone to welcoming her first child the very next morning.

The conversation dives deep into her creative process, specifically how she builds a unique movement language for vastly different shows like Ragtime and Titanique. Ellenore explains her history as a "TikTok girly" during the pandemic and how she successfully choreographed the viral Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical entirely over Zoom. She also breaks down her secret "choreographic signature"—the "bitch swerve"—and tells us exactly where to look for it in her current productions.

Ellenore Scott is an acclaimed choreographer, director, and performer whose work spans Broadway, television, and digital media. A former finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, she has choreographed Broadway productions including Funny Girl, Mr. Saturday Night, and the current revival of Ragtime, as well as the long-running Off-Broadway hit Little Shop of Horrors. She is a multiracial artist with a heritage encompassing African American, Indigenous, Filipino, Mexican, Hawaiian, and Irish roots. Ellenore is also the founder of her own dance company and has served as an associate to Andy Blankenbuehler on the Broadway revival of Cats.

This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day.

Connect with Ellenore:

 * IG: @helloellenore

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
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 * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep440 - Ellenore Scott: Scheduling a C-Section Around Opening Night

Zhailon Levingston joins the show to discuss his incredible trajectory from selling concessions in Broadway houses to becoming the youngest Black director in Broadway history with Chicken and Biscuits. He dives deep into the "cosmic synergy" of his career, explaining how a chance meeting at a concert led to a Broadway debut and how he managed to stage a production during a global pandemic by building a set literally on top of another show's equipment. Zhailon also shares how his ADHD serves as a creative asset, allowing him the high capacity and patience required to lead a room as a director.

The conversation centers on his current hit, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, a production that marries the legendary score of Andrew Lloyd Webber with the vibrant, radical joy of Ballroom culture. Zhailon explains the meticulous process of ensuring authenticity while moving the show from a downtown "happening" to the Broadhurst Theatre. From the "human spectacle" of live performance to the profound connection found in "chosen families," he illustrates how this reimagining invites a multi generational, cross cultural audience to see themselves in the poetry of the text.

Zhailon Levingston is a director, writer, and activist who serves as the Artistic Director of Inheritance Theatre Project and sits on the board of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition. In addition to his historic work on Chicken and Biscuits, his directorial credits include the Obie Award winning Cats: The Jellicle Ball at PAC NYC and the acclaimed Table 17. He co created the Theatre of Change course at Columbia University School of Law and has served as a resident or associate director on major productions including Hadestown, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and Reconstructing.

Connect with Zhailon:

 * IG @zhailon

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast]
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 * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://thetheatrepodcast.com/]
 * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales]
 * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep439 - Zhailon Levingston: Building a New Breed of Cats

Intimate, personal conversations with the biggest talents from professional theatre, tv, film, and more. Hear their secrets, what makes them laugh, stresses them out, and how they manage the anxiety of success. We feature both stars and creatives such as producers, stage managers, directors, press and marketing agents, or even the people who own the theaters or productions themselves.

This is a podcast for artists, made by artists. With over 2 decades of experience in film and theatre both as cast and creative, host Alan Seales speaks with Broadway, TV, film and beyond’s biggest talents to learn more about not only how the world of theatre and performing operate, but also what makes it so real and human. In-depth, personal, behind-the-scenes conversations will highlight special details of the industry that most people may not know exist, will always find out what makes the guests love their craft, what makes them tick, and what truly inspires them.

Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. [http://bpn.fm]

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