Theater People

The Tony nominated composer of "Fun Home" talks her five-year journey with the piece -- how she and book writer Lisa Kron worked tirelessly to turn Alison Bechdel's graphic novel into the groundbreaking Tony-nominated musical. She also shares stories from her tremendous career composing the music for such shows as "Violet," "Caroline, or Change," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and "Shrek."

We first discovered the incredible talent that is Lisa Howard back in 2006 when she starred as Rona Lisa Peretti in Bill Finn's '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,' and became instant fans--I mean, that voice! We followed her career as she went into 'South Pacific,' 'Priscilla: Queen of the Desert,' and '9 to 5.' We were elated to find her back on Broadway this season in a starring role in 'It Shoulda Been You.' She is Drama Desk Award nominated for the role of Jenny and is bringing the house down nightly. We were so thrilled to have the chance to speak with her about it.

The newly minted Tony nominee talks about his star making turn as Gayby in this years critically acclaimed and Tony nominated revival of 'On the Town.' He shares stories from making his Broadway debut at age 11 in the Arthur Laurents directed, Tyne Daly helmed 'Gypsy' , revisiting the piece years later in the role of Tulsa in the Patti LuPone helmed 'Gypsy' under the same director. He also shares memories from his breakout performance as Al in the 2006 Broadway revival of 'A Chorus Line.'

The 'First Lady of British Musical Theater', Elaine Paige is bona fide musical theater royalty. Best known for having originated the roles of Eva Peron (yes, she did it before Patti) in 'Evita' and Grizabella (yes, she did it before Betty), she also starred in the West End productions of 'Chess,' 'Anything Goes,' 'Piaf,' 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'The King and I', and 'The Drowsy Chaperone.' She made her Broadway debut in 1996 in 'Sunset Boulevard' and returned to Broadway in the 2012 Production of 'Follies.' She’s recorded 18 solo albums, 7 cast albums, had several top 10 hits, performed concerts all over the world, and in 1995, Queen Elizabeth herself appointed Elaine appointed her an officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Three-time Tony nominee, Emmy winner, and Patrick's favorite movie star, the great Martha Plimpton discusses her important work as an activist for women's reproductive rights and stories from her incredible career as an actress. Martha talks about her parents (who met as original cast members of the groundbreaking musical 'Hair'), memories from her childhoood in NYC--including making her acting debut at age 8 in a musical at the Public, eventually becoming a member of the famed Steppenwolf Theater Company, and her most memorable work on Broadway including 'Pal Joey' and 'The Coast of Utopia.'We also announce the launch of our Kickstarter campaign! Help us keep Theater People going for another year. visit www.theaterppl.com for details.

At long last, our interview with Rocky himself! Andy sits down with us to discuss his earlier work in 'Legally Blonde, and 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' before telling all about starring as the title character in the $17 million mega musical 'Rocky.' He shares stories about how the experience changed his life and career as well as his new project, Roundabout Theatre Company's 'On the Twentieth Century.'

The hilarious Tony nominee chats with us about the 3 years she spent playing Tracy Turnblad in the national tour of "Hairspray" , making her Broadway debut in "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert", winning the role of Norma Valverde in the (criminally short lived) "Hands on a Hardbody" and the Tony nod that came with it, and playing Madame Thenardier in "Les Mis" 8 times per week. This episode is packed with emotion, hilarity, and heart!

Our first ever live show was a smashing success! Two time Tony nominee Laura Osnes ('Cinderella' and 'Bonnie & Clyde) talks life after 'Cinderella,' the roles she auditioned for but didn't get to play, starring in the upcoming 'Carousel,' and we even get her to rap Lin-Manuel Miranda style. And Ellyn Marie Marsh performs a hilarious excerpt from her sold out 54 Below debut solo show 'Inappropriate.'

Here's our chance to share one of our favorite theater podcasts! Broadway actors Mo Brady ('The Adams Family') and Nikka Graff Lanzarone ('Women on the Verge...' and 'Chicago') talk with us about 'The Ensemblist' podcast and how they show Broadway from the inside out.

The beloved Broadway beltress shares stories of moving to NYC fresh out of high school and booking her fist Broadway gig. She also tells all about her incredible career, including being hand picked by the legendary director Joe Mantello to star Off-Broadway in "Dogfight," and, of course, taking on the role of Elphaba in the Broadway company of "Wicked."

The Tony winning star of "If/Then" invited us to her dressing room at the Richard Rodgers theater to talk about her journey with this smash hit rock musical and to look back on her legendary career. We talk about the show that made her a star -- Ahrens and Flaherty's "Once On This Island" -- and her Tony Award-winning turn as Celie in the Oprah Winfrey produced "The Color Purple." She talks about being a working single mom, shares stories from the rehearsal room, and talks about bonding with co-stars Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, and Jenn Colella.

Today's guest, the great Mary Testa, has 13 Broadway credits, 2 Tony Award nominations, 26 off-Broadway credits, 2 Obie awards, and a Drama Desk award for her nearly four decades of outstanding work in the New York Theater. She talks to Theater People about her new album "Have Faith," which is her collaboration with Tony-winning orchestrator Michael Starobin ("Next to Normal," "Sunday in the Park with George"), and her work with the great composer/orchestrators William Finn, Aherns & Flaherty, and Michael John LaChiusa.

Alysha Umphress, who co-stars as Hildy to critical acclaim in the smash hit Broadway revival of 'On the Town,' tells all about her journey with the show; she shares how, after a slew of Broadway ensemble roles, making the bold decision to only audition for principal parts led to this career making opportunity for her; she tells great audition stories, and she reminisces about her days slinging drinks and hosting shows at the Laurie Beechman Theater.

The 'Side Show' star talks playing one half of the conjoined Hilton twins in the highly anticipated Broadway re-imagining of the show. She also talks about making her Broadway debut as young Edith Bouvier Beale in 'Grey Gardens,' getting notes from Sondheim during her run in 'A Little Night Music,' and she tells a hilarious story about working alongside the legendary Elaine Stritch.

This week we find out what happens when an 'unknown' actor is cast in a leading role for their first time on Broadway. First up, Margo Seibert, who was put through 9 auditions--9!!--before landing the coveted role of Adrian in last season's "Rocky." Then we talk to Amber Iman who takes us through her journey of being cast as the legendary Nina Simone in the short lived "Soul Doctor."

The three time Tony nominee talks "Spelling Bee," "The Glass Menagerie," her new play "The Oldest Boy" and SO much more. She's all wit, humor, and smarts! She generously shares stories from her amazing 13 year (and counting) career.

The Tony, Emmy, Obie, Drama Desk (and every other conceivable) winning and Pulitzer Prize nominated GENIUS talks the upcoming "Hamilton," "In the Heights," and growing up in NYC.

The popular actor, dancer, singer tells all about his role on 'Glee,' how Tony winner Billy Porter helped him get his first Broadway job, his close friendship with Lea Salonga, working with the legendary George Takei, and taking on the role of Producer for 'Grind'--a new rock musical short film.

The multi-talented actress talks "Enron," "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," and "Kinky Boots." She also tells why it took three Broadway contracts for her to make it to the stage, being a Broadway mom, and--once and for all--chooses between Schmackery's cookies and Pie Face. Oh, and did we mention that she's Patrick's best friend?

The Tony winning Director/Choreographer talks the wild success of his Tony winning "Kinky Boots." He also talks his directorial debut--"Legally Blonde." In addition, he talks choreographing "Hairspray," and "Catch Me If You Can" and other. He also shares memories of his lengthy career as a Broadway chorus boy, being mentored as a choreographer by Jerome Robbins and Michael Bennett, and what led to his creating "Broadway Bares."