Kevin Csolak shares his journey from growing up in his mom’s New Jersey dance studio to starring as Tulsa in the Broadway revival of Gypsy. He opens up about performing alongside Audra McDonald and Danny Burstein, the artistic influence of the live orchestra, and how the cast is breathing new life into a classic. Kevin also reflects on what it means to approach each show with intention and curiosity—even months into the run.

He takes us behind the scenes of his whirlwind audition for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, including the surreal moment of dancing in front of the director himself. Plus, he recalls the unexpected overlap between his commercial dance career and Broadway—like performing at the Super Bowl with Justin Timberlake just hours before starting Mean Girls rehearsals. Throughout, Kevin shares insight into how rejection can fuel reinvention, and why staying creatively sharp is non-negotiable.

Kevin Csolak is a Broadway, TV, and film actor known for playing Tulsa in Gypsy, Diesel in West Side Story, and Aaron in Mean Girls. His screen work includes roles on Jessica Jones, Boardwalk Empire, Animal Kingdom, and the Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room. He's also danced in major live performances with artists like Justin Timberlake and Hayley Kiyoko.

Follow Kevin on social:

 * Instagram: @kevincsolak [https://www.instagram.com/kevincsolak]

﻿Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep392 - Kevin Csolak: Stages, Stadiums, and Spielberg

Erika Henningsen opens up about the real ups and downs of a life in the spotlight, from early rejection to career-defining roles. Known for originating Cady Heron in Mean Girls on Broadway, Erika dives into the emotional rollercoaster of auditioning, the shift from seeking audience approval to prioritizing collaboration, and why working with people she admires—like Jonathan Groff and Alex Timbers in Just In Time—makes all the difference.

She also shares what it’s like to voice animated characters in Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss, and how she’s currently balancing stage work with her new Netflix series The Four Seasons, where she stars alongside Steve Carell and old friend Tina Fey. With heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Erika brings honesty to the realities of navigating the business—and the joy of finding creative freedom along the way.

Erika Henningsen originated the role of Cady Heron in Broadway’s Mean Girls, earning a Drama Desk nomination. Other stage credits include Les Misérables, Joy, and Just In Time, in which she currently stars as Sandra Dee. Her voice work includes Charlie Morningstar in Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel and Bethany in Helluva Boss. On screen, she appears in Peacock’s Girls5Eva and Netflix’s The Four Seasons.

This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com [http://welcometotimessquare.com/], the billboard where you can be a star for a day.

Connect with Erika:

 * IG: @erikahenningsen [https://www.instagram.com/erikahenningsen]

﻿Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

 * Support us on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep391 - Erika Henningsen: From Mean Girl to Sandra Dee and Everything Between

Julia Lester brings heart, humor, and honesty to this deep-dive into her journey from a theatre-loving kid in LA to a Tony-nominated Broadway star. She talks about growing up surrounded by performers, how Into the Woods became a defining chapter in her career, and the surreal moment when Stephen Sondheim personally approved her audition tape. Julia also shares the backstage magic of working with legends like Phillipa Soo and Gavin Creel, and how those experiences shaped her as both an artist and collaborator.

Currently starring in the Off-Broadway play All Nighter, Julia reflects on the thrill of originating a role, her love of well-crafted comedy, and why staying true to the text is so important to her process. She also opens up about her identity as a queer woman, her hopes for future creative opportunities, and what it’s been like stepping into the world of television again — this time as Steve Carell’s daughter in Netflix’s upcoming The Four Seasons.

Julia Lester is a Tony-nominated actress best known for her breakout Broadway role as Little Red in Into the Woods. She starred as Ashlyn Caswell in all four seasons of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, appeared in Hulu’s Prom Dates, and recently performed in I Can Get It for You Wholesale at Classic Stage Company. She’s now starring Off-Broadway in All Nighter and appears in Netflix’s The Four Seasons alongside Steve Carell and Tina Fey.

Connect with Julia:

 * Instagram: @julialester [https://www.instagram.com/julialester]
 * TikTok: @jujthefirst [https://www.tiktok.com/@jujthefirst]

﻿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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep390 - Julia Lester: Acting with Carell, Singing with Sondheim

From recreating music videos on VHS as a kid to being cast by Clint Eastwood with no callback, Erich Bergen’s path in entertainment has always been uniquely his own. In this episode, he shares the early influences that sparked his creativity—like turning Brio trains into the New York subway system—and how his love of producing was hiding in plain sight even as he pursued a performance career. Erich also opens up about getting fired from Jersey Boys only to land Gossip Girl a week later, and the call that led him to originate a role in Boop! on Broadway after years of stepping into shows that had already opened.

With warmth, humor, and an eye for the details that make live performance special, Erich reflects on what it means to balance ego with humility, how to protect the laughs without sacrificing story, and why the audience must always come first. This is a candid and inspiring conversation with someone who’s experienced just about every twist and turn show business can offer.

Erich Bergen is known for his performances as Bob Gaudio in both the Broadway and film versions of Jersey Boys, as Blake Moran in Madam Secretary, and on stage in Waitress and Chicago. He is also a producer of large-scale live events and currently stars as Raymond in Boop! The Musical on Broadway.

Connect with Erich:

 * Instagram: @erichbergen [https://www.instagram.com/erichbergen]
 * Twitter: @erichbergen [https://twitter.com/erichbergen]

﻿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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep389 - Erich Bergen: He Can Doo-Doo This!

From church choir in Eatonville, Florida, to becoming the first Black Phantom on Broadway, Norm Lewis opens up about his unique path to the stage. He shares how early dreams of a tennis career turned into a life in music and theatre, and the surprising way a cruise ship job launched it all. In this candid conversation, Norm reflects on near-misses, bold moves, and the audition advice that changed his life.

We also discuss his current role in Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, a rarely produced Off-Broadway play making a powerful return. Norm dives into the emotional depth of playing a character reckoning with failure and legacy, and how the story echoes his own questions about longevity, identity, and purpose in the industry. Plus, we talk about the importance of representation, founding Black Theatre United, and why mentorship is such a vital part of his mission today.

Norm Lewis is a Tony, Emmy, and SAG Award-nominated performer known for his Broadway roles in The Phantom of the Opera, Porgy and Bess, Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables, Once on This Island, and Chicken and Biscuits. His screen credits include Da 5 Bloods, The Good Fight, Pose, and NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live. He is a founding member of Black Theatre United and currently stars Off-Broadway in Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.

Connect with Norm:

 * @normlewis777 on Instagram
 * Black Theatre United: blacktheatreunited.com

﻿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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep388 - Norm Lewis: Fame, Failure, and the Phantom Mask

From opera student to comedy icon to Broadway belter, Ana Gasteyer’s career has been anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation, Ana opens up about her winding path through improv comedy, the creative chaos of Saturday Night Live, and why live performance continues to mean so much in a media-saturated world. She shares the real backstage realities of SNL’s 50th anniversary, the challenges of being taken seriously as a vocalist after finding fame through sketch comedy, and how she’s now channeling everything she's learned into writing two musicals.

Ana also dives into what motivates her today, how she stays grounded while juggling career highs and creative fears, and why collaboration with longtime friends keeps her energized. Plus, she shares hilarious stories about surviving technical disasters onstage, her love for Christmas, and why hard work always seems to pay off — even when the path looks nothing like you planned.

Ana Gasteyer is an actress, singer, and comedian known for her six-season run on Saturday Night Live, where she originated beloved characters like Martha Stewart, Margaret Jo of NPR's Delicious Dish, and one-half of the Culps alongside Will Ferrell. On Broadway, she starred as Elphaba in Wicked, Mrs. Peachum in The Threepenny Opera, and most recently Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress. She is also a celebrated jazz vocalist with albums including Sugar & Booze, and has starred on screen in Suburgatory, American Auto, Wine Country, and more.



Connect with Ana

 * Instagram: @anagasteyer [https://www.instagram.com/anagasteyer/]
 * TikTok: ⁠@anagasteyer⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@anagasteyer]
 * Twitter/X: ⁠@AnaGasteyer⁠ [https://twitter.com/AnaGasteyer]
 * Stream the Once Upon a Mattress cast album everywhere you listen to music, or get the CD here [https://www.broadwayrecords.com/products/once-upon-a-mattress-the-2024-broadway-cast-recording-cd]

﻿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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ep387 - Ana Gasteyer: From SNL to Broadway and Beyond

Exclusive, behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and creatives from LCT's Floyd Collins musical. Recorded on March 11, 2025 in a rehearsal space at Lincoln Center Theatre. Interview order as follows:

 * Ted Sperling
 * Lizzy McAlpine
 * Jeremy Jordan
 * Sean Allen Krill
 * Taylor Trensch
 * Tina Landau
 * Adam Guettel
 * Jessica Molaskey
 * Marc Kudisch
 * Jason Gotay

Get your tix to Floyd Collins here: https://www.lct.org/shows/floyd-collins/

Read more about the true story: Buy the book Trapped here [https://amzn.to/4iATmvs].





﻿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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

BONUS - "Floyd Collins" Press Day with Jeremy Jordan, Lizzy McAlpine, Taylor Trensch, and more (Mar 11, 2025)

Whether he’s helping shape a brand-new show or breathing life into real people onstage, Caesar Samayoa brings authenticity and heart to every role. In this conversation, Caesar shares what it's like building Just in Time from the ground up—balancing daily rehearsals with nightly performances, and trusting in the collaborative energy of a veteran cast. He opens up about the emotional weight of portraying real people, the lessons learned from immersive productions, and the beauty of audience connection—especially when someone’s first or last theatre experience is in his hands.

Caesar reflects on his early influences, growing up as a first-generation American, and how a performance of Peter Pan set him on a path toward the stage—despite starting college with plans to study Japanese and international relations. He dives into working with Alex Timbers across four productions, the power of vulnerability in rehearsal, and how How to Dance in Ohio and Come From Away expanded his understanding of representation, empathy, and creative freedom.

Caesar Samayoa’s Broadway credits include Just in Time, Come From Away, Sister Act, The Pee-wee Herman Show, and How to Dance in Ohio. His TV work includes appearances on Law & Order: SVU, Chicago P.D., and The Code. He is a longtime collaborator of director Alex Timbers and is known for bringing deep emotional range and truth to both fictional and real-life roles.



Connect with Caesar:

 * Instagram: @caesarsamayoa [https://www.instagram.com/caesarsamayoa]
 * Website: caesarsamayoa.com [https://www.caesarsamayoa.com]



﻿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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep386 - Caesar Samayoa: Trust the Team, Tell the Story

It’s safe to say you’ve never heard an episode quite like this one. Cassie Silva joins me for a conversation filled with raw honesty, surprising twists, and a lot of laughter. We dive into everything from her unexpected life-changing trip to London, where & Juliet reignited her passion for performing, to the deeply complicated and emotional aftermath of her time on MTV’s Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods. Cassie shares behind-the-scenes stories that will absolutely change how you think about reality TV, while also reminding us how resilience, humor, and a good charcuterie board can get you through almost anything.

We also talk about her time touring with Six the Musical, the reality of swinging and covering multiple tracks, and how teaching and mentorship have become just as important to her as performing. Cassie’s journey is a masterclass in finding joy no matter what — embracing the chaos, learning to love the unexpected, and turning early career challenges into a foundation for a beautiful, sustainable life in theatre. She’s witty, wise, and endlessly warm, and it’s impossible not to root for her every step of the way.

Cassie Silva is an actor, singer, and arts educator whose career spans Broadway, national tours, television, and film. She has appeared in Rock of Ages, Matilda the Musical, Six the Musical, and currently stars in & Juliet on Broadway. A veteran performer since childhood, Cassie brings a unique blend of experience, empathy, and empowerment to both her work onstage and her passion for teaching. She formerly served as Artistic Director of Studio Collective for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, and continues to mentor the next generation of artists while celebrating the joy of storytelling in all its forms.



Connect with Cassie:

 * Instagram: @cassiemsilva [https://www.instagram.com/cassiemsilva/]



﻿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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep385 - Cassie Silva: Surviving Reality TV and Thriving on Broadway

What do you get when you mix Broadway royalty with sci-fi cloning, environmental theater, and a dash of boogie-woogie piano? A wildly entertaining conversation with the legendary Terrence Mann. From his earliest days growing up in a musical household to helping launch the North Carolina Theatre, Terry’s journey is packed with passion, persistence, and a whole lot of timing. He shares the story behind how he actually got cast in Cats (it involves London and a royal connection), and how he practically willed his way into Les Misérables after being told multiple times they didn’t want to see him. His advice for young performers? “Have no fear, there are no wrong choices, and be specific”—words he lives by and teaches.

Now back on stage in Broadway’s The Great Gatsby as Meyer Wolfsheim, Terrence opens up about what it feels like to return to the theater after years in “Foundation land,” filming Apple TV’s epic sci-fi series. We also dive into his work as a director, educator, and his longtime love for North Carolina’s historic Lost Colony production. And yes, we play a game of Plot in 60 Seconds, get a surprise cameo from iOS balloons, and bond over the beautiful chaos of 1980s New York auditions. This episode is packed with decades of wisdom and a whole lot of heart.

Terrence Mann is a three-time Tony nominee best known for originating iconic roles such as Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, Javert in Les Misérables, and the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. His Broadway credits also include Pippin, Tuck Everlasting, The Addams Family, Scarlet Pimpernel, and Rags. On screen, he’s appeared in Sense8, all four Critters films, and currently stars as Brother Dusk in the Apple TV+ sci-fi series Foundation. He’s also an accomplished director, educator, and co-founder of Triple Arts, a musical theater training program.



﻿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 me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.



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Ep384 - Terrence Mann: Backstage with the Man, the Myth, the Tugger

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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