Stagecraft with Gordon Cox
Behind the scenes with the biggest stars on Broadway, Off Broadway and beyond. Hosted by Gordon Cox.
All Episodes
Talking 'Lempicka' With Tony Nominees Eden Espinosa and Amber Iman
In a conversation recorded before the announcement of the Tony nominations, actors Espinosa and Iman talk criticism discourse, the irresistible allure of Lempicka, and the Broadway community that’s rallied around their show.
For Grant Gustin, The Hard Parts Are His Favorite Parts
Now starring on Broadway in the critically acclaimed "Water for Elephants," Gustin shares what's most challenging — and most rewarding — about his first return to musical theater after nine years as the star of the long-running CW series "The Flash."
Bernadette Peters Wants to Play Sweeney Todd
Recorded live on the Broadway Cruise, musical theater icon Peters recalls the moment she fell in love with Sondheim's work, shares the biggest lessons she's learned in her career, and reveals the one Sondheim role she'd still love to play.
From 'Succession' to 'Stereophonic' With Juliana Canfield
Soon to make her Broadway debut in the buzzy play “Stereophonic,” Canfield talks learning all those overlapping lines, telling an accidental lie on the way to winning her part in the show, the “Succession” diaspora on stage, and that one time the “Stereophonic” cast became a real band in Brooklyn.
Love, Loss, Time, and Lots of Onstage Rain
How the creators of the new Broadway musical adaptation of "The Notebook," Ingrid Michaelson and Bekah Brunstetter, aim to both satisfy and surprise—and why the show's theatricality makes the popular story even more universal.
How To Be A Theater Influencer
Two theater influencers, Kristin Hopkins and Ashley Hufford, reveal the secrets of becoming a theater influencer. The first thing to know: There's not much money in it, but there's a lot of free theater. "If I wanted this to be my day job, I should have done beauty influencing," Hufford jokes.
How 'Ilinoise' Takes a Page From 'A Chorus Line'
Director-choreographer Justin Peck and Pulitzer winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury talk about making a nontraditional dance musical based on Sufjan Stevens’ “genre-defying” album “Illinoise.” The show is now having its world premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and will run at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan in March.
The ‘Reservation Dogs’ Creators Wrote a Play
Just as the acclaimed FX series "Reservation Dogs" was being developed, five of the writers involved in the show were premiering their first play.
The 21 Year Backstory of 'Days of Wine and Roses'
Stars Kelli O'Hara and Brian D'Arcy James on the joyous challenges of Adam Guettel's new Broadway musical.
Stephen Schwartz is a Busy Guy
The storied Broadway composer shares his latest updates on the "Wicked" movie, the VOD release of "The Prince of Egypt," and the songs he's writing for Kristin Chenoweth in "Queen of Versailles."
'Waitress' Changed How Sara Bareilles Writes Songs
With a filmed version of the Broadway production of "Waitress" hitting theatres, the singer-songwriter-actor reveals all the ways that her involvement in the musical changed her work — and her life.
The 'Spamalot' Cast Can't Keep a Straight Face
Actors James Monroe Iglehart, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and Michael Urie detail the onstage (and backstage!) shenanigans in "Spamalot."
Sierra Boggess and Warren Carlyle Make 'Harmony'
The actress and the director-choreographer talk working with Barry Manilow, the cast addition that changed the whole show, and how rare it is to hear a duet for a soprano and a belter.
How Patrick Page Summons Shakespeare's Devils
The "Hadestown" Tony nominee on his new solo show "All the Devils Are Here," working with hearing loss, and when he grew into that deep, deep voice.
Stars Come Out for Variety's Business of Broadway
Presenting two lively discussions from Variety's 2023 Business of Broadway breakfast: In the keynote conversation, Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez reveal the reasons they work so well together in the buzzy revival of "Merrily We Roll Along"—and give each other a healthy dose of ribbing along the way.
Leslie Odom, Jr. is the Happiest He's Ever Been
Generous comedy, divine inspiration and life lessons with the "Hamilton" Tony winner who is now the star and producer of "Purlie Victorious."
Rachel Bloom's Death-Defying Act
Bloom talks trunk songs, cut jokes, demo derbies and wrestling with mortality in "Death, Let Me Do My Show."
The Hidden Art and Craft of Broadway Video Design
Finn Ross and Nina Dunn, two designers responsible for the most striking video work now on Broadway, take us behind the scenes -- and behind the screens -- of "Back to the Future" and "The Shark is Broken."
This Musical is a Videogame
And now for something completely different: I talk with three of the creators behind Stray Gods, the new videogame that describes itself as a "Roleplaying Musical." Taking us behind the scenes (behind the code?) of this unusual genre mashup are Summerfall Studios creative director David Gaider, composer Austin Wintory and actor Anjali Bhimani.
Theater Is (Not) Doomed
In the trenches with three theater leaders from organizations around the US and in the UK as they battle the economic crisis facing theaters everywhere.
Jason Alexander Has So Much Theater in the Works
Alexander, the “Seinfeld” star who directed the new Broadway comedy “The Cottage,” talks the choreography of comedy and spills details on all the theater projects he’s developing for Broadway and beyond.
How Theater Kids Improvised an Entire Movie
"Theater Camp" co-creator and star Molly Gordon talks kissing gay boys at camp, improv comedy with kids, and crushing on Ben Platt.
Conrad Ricamora Hates to Break Up the Party
The "Here Lies Love" actor on queer characters, Filipino pride and the cognitive dissonance of singing about the Marcos regime in a karaoke dance party.
Busy in Theater, On Strike in TV
Writer Tori Sampson, whose play “This Land Was Made” is now running off Broadway, shares her POV as one of the many writers who love the theater but make most of their living in TV.
Jessica Chastain is Trapped in 'A Doll's House'
The Tony-nominated actress offers a deep-dive into her performance's signature moments – and why one of them made her think of “Evil Dead.”
Ben Platt Had Tony Advice for Micaela Diamond
The Tony-nominated duo on the urgency of "Parade," owning their Jewish identities and living in the awards-season moment.
Corey Hawkins Chose Fearlessness
The actor talks Tony nominations, “Topdog/Underdog,” a surprise dinner with Patti LuPone and an inspiration from Mark Rylance.
“The Thanksgiving Play” is Just the Beginning
It's the year of Larissa FastHorse, Broadway’s first known Native American female playwright, with six(!) plays coming up in 2023.
The Secrets and Tricks of Broadway's 'Life of Pi'
Three of the Olivier Award-winning play's creators reveal the techniques, the illusions and the cheats that make a puppet feel alive.
Tom Stoppard's Wine of Life
The celebrated playwright talks the Broadway success of "Leopoldstadt," plays vs.
Nathan Lane Shares His Acting Secrets
The Tony-winning actor, now starring in “Pictures From Home,” reveals how he crafted performances in “Angels in America” and “The Iceman Cometh.”
‘Rent,’ ‘Star Trek’ and the Art of Reliving Loss
Original “Rent” cast member and current “Star Trek” trailblazer Anthony Rapp talks bringing his stage memoir “Without You” to New York, and along the way pinpoints what “Rent” and “Star Trek” have in common and shares the reasons behind his ongoing advocacy for survivors of Hollywood abuse.
National Black Theater and the Antidote We All Needed
Leaders of the 55-year-old Harlem institution on stepping up to Broadway for the first time with "Fat Ham," community, care and creating a home.
How Stephen McKinley Henderson Hears the Music in a Playwright
The celebrated actor and August Wilson regular on finding the rhythms of "Between Riverside and Crazy."
How Audra McDonald's Art and Activism Came Together for 'Ohio State Murders'
The six-time Tony winner on Adrienne Kennedy, Black Theatre United and her fancy new dressing rooms at the James Earl Jones Theater.
Why Deirdre O'Connell's Tony Award Hasn't Changed Her Life
The actor ("Dana H."), now starring in "Becky Nurse of Salem," on making a career off Broadway and her search for un-self-consciousness.
How Joshua Dela Cruz Brought Broadway to 'Blue's Clues'
The host and star of 'Blue's Big City Adventure' on Broadway role models, backstage 'Aladdin' antics, and Times Square dance numbers.
How to Produce a Museum of Broadway
The co-founders of the new museum on the story it's telling, the philosophy behind it, and why it's like Switzerland.
‘The Lion King’ Turns 25
Director Julie Taymor celebrates the Disney musical’s Broadway birthday, revealing how she did it, what she learned and what’s next.
The Business of Broadway with Samuel L. Jackson, LaChanze, Lee Daniels and Many More
In this supersized episode, we present three of the panels and keynote conversations from Variety's 2022 Business of Broadway breakfast: 3:25: A conversation with producers LaChanze ("Topdog/Underdog," "Kimberly Akimbo"), Lee Daniels ("Ain't No' Mo'"), Cindy Tolan ("Death of a Salesman") and Ken Davenport ("A Beautiful Noise"), moderated by Eric Piecuch of City National Bank.
'Topdog/Underdog' Has a Superpower
Writer Suzan-Lori Parks and director Kenny Leon on spiritual inspiration, making work that matters and why this Pulitzer-winning play is like 'Doctor Strange.'
Getting Intimate in ‘Cost of Living’
Actors Gregg Mozgala and Kara Young talk care and connection in the award-winning Broadway play.
How Patina Miller Made ‘Into the Woods’ Her Own
The Tony winner and star of TV’s “Raising Kanan” talks Sondheim, motherhood and getting the Witch’s Rap right.
Meaner, Funnier, Even More Revealing
How writer Jesse Green worked with Mary Rodgers to make her memoir "Shy" as lively, candid and cutting as she wanted it to be.
How Cornelius Smith Jr. Sings Frederick Douglass to Life
The “Scandal” actor on “American Prophet,” Douglass and the often-overlooked woman behind the man.
How Amir Arison Learned to Love "The Kite Runner"
“The Black List” actor on living in the moment, exiting a successful TV show and how his life was changed by "My Robot Buddy."
The Bestselling Novelist Who's Now a Prolific Musical Theater Writer
Jodi Picoult on her full-steam-ahead theater career with "Between the Lines," "The Book Thief" and "Austenland."
Winning the Pulitzer Made James Ijames Braver
The "Fat Ham" playwright on queering "Hamlet," decentralizing artistic leadership and writing prolifically.
How Joaquina Kalukango Celebrated Her Tony Win
The "Paradise Square" actor explains how her role in the Broadway musical came along at exactly the moment she needed it most.
‘How I Learned to Drive’ in the Rearview
Actor David Morse and playwright Paula Vogel on what they’ve learned revisiting the Pulitzer-winning, Tony-nominated play.
Jesse Williams is a Theater Guy Now
The former "Grey's Anatomy" star on "Take Me Out," his Tony nomination and why theater is like baseball.
'A Strange Loop' is Tony-Nominated and We Have Thoughts. All Six of Them.
Meet the dynamic ensemble of actors who play the Thoughts of a young queer Black man in the Tony-nominated Broadway musical "A Strange Loop": Antwayn Hopper, James Jackson Jr., John-Michael Lyles, Jason Veasey and Tony nominees L Morgan Lee and John-Andrew Morrison.
Debra Messing Will Always Defend Her 'Smash' Scarves
Now on Broadway in 'Birthday Candles,' the actor talks aging 90 years in 90 minutes, live studio audiences and what she knows about what's next for 'Smash.'
Why ‘Suffs’ is More Than Just ‘Hermilton’
Actors Phillipa Soo and Jenn Colella on singing American history, filming musicals and acting in the moment.
Meet the Musician Breaking Broadway Barriers With ‘Macbeth’
Singer-songwriter and disability advocate Gaelynn Lea on accessibility, growing up in a theater and making moody tunes for Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga.
How New Science Can Keep Broadway Voices Healthier
Two experts hope a “vocal Fitbit” can change Broadway’s voice health practices. With Professors Ana Flavia Zuim and Celia Stewart.
From Understudy to History Maker
Broadway's first Black Glinda on her landmark first show, her advice for young performers and what she learned from being a swing.
Lynn Nottage Wants to Replace Judgment With Curiosity
The "MJ" and "Intimate Apparel" writer talks operas vs. musicals, artistic legacy vs. personal legacy, and why she's not reading reviews right now.
Dominique Morisseau Always Has Nine Irons in the Fire
The “Skeleton Crew” writer on lifting up Detroit, the influence of August Wilson, the closing of “Ain’t Too Proud” and the advice she got from Chadwick Boseman.
Robin de Jesús Was Always Playing The Long Game
The Tony-nominated actor, now in “Tick, Tick… Boom!,” talks honoring his ancestors and shares the setbacks that kept him humble.
Why Peter Dinklage Didn’t Want a Fake Nose for ‘Cyrano’
The “Game of Thrones” actor talks singing, Cyrano, great theater roles and filming on the side of an active volcano.
How The Cast of 'Company' Learned of Stephen Sondheim's Death
Director Marianne Elliott and actor Matt Doyle on hearing the news backstage, paying tribute to the composer's talent, and singing "Getting Married Today."
Uzo Aduba's New Broadway Role Reminds Her of Jaws
The star of Lynn Nottage's 'Clyde's' talks second chances, sandwich nirvana, and why Clyde is like Jaws.
How Edie Falco's Handprint Inspired Her New Play
Falco, Blair Brown and Marin Ireland reveal the Easter eggs and secrets behind the new play "Morning Sun."
'Caroline, or Change,' Then and Now, with Anika Noni Rose and Samantha Williams
Two actors with a shared connection to the Broadway musical discuss the timely return of the show.
Andrew Lloyd Webber Talks Industry Advocacy, Taylor Swift and Trans Performers
A keynote conversation with Webber and a panel featuring on-the-rise producers, both recorded live at Variety's Legit! The Return to Broadway.
Norm Lewis' New Rhythms
The Broadway fan favorite on "Phantom of the Opera," the freedom of starring in a play, and... mushroom coffee?
The 'Playwriting Sisters' Bringing Shows Back After the Shutdown
Playwrights Jocelyn Bioh ("Nollywood Dreams") and Martyna Majok ("Sanctuary City") discuss returning, 18 months later, to plays the pandemic had paused.
'Broadway Will Not Look The Same'
Gennean Scott, the Broadway League's first Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, on the initiatives she's leading to ensure the industry's evolution.
Inside Disney Theatrical’s Global Restart
Producer Thomas Schumacher and Anne Quart on opening 23 shows in 7 months, from Broadway to London to Mexico City to Tokyo.
Broadway's COVID Expert on Returning to Theater Safely
Broadway's leading COVID advisor, Dr. Blythe Adamson, talks epidemiology, economics, safety and the delta variant.
What Theater Needs Now
Jesse Cameron Alick’s new Sundance Institute study reveals how influential artists and leaders imagine the future of theater and live performance.
How 'Pass Over' is Making 'Precedent-Level Changes' to Broadway
Playwright-producer Antoinette Nwandu and director Danya Taymor on how they're doing things differently -- both onstage and behind the scenes.
Blurring the Lines Between Theater and Ritual
How playwright Aleshea Harris and director Whitney White conduct an orchestra of Black experience in "What to Send Up When It Goes Down."
Why 'Rent' is Still a Revolution
Talking with Andy Señor Jr., the former Angel behind the new documentary "Revolution Rent."
'In the Heights': The Cuts, The Changes, The Ropa Vieja
Writer Quiara Alegría Hudes on going big, and getting intimate, with the movie version of 'In the Heights.'
Launching Broadway's Future Black Leaders
How the new Theatre Leadership Project aims to welcome emerging Black professionals to the theater industry.
The Theater Tour That Became a Movie
Behind the transformation of Heather Christian's 'Animal Wisdom' into a boundary-blurring new film.
Making Digital Theater is Like Shooting 'Star Wars'
Director Lileana Blain-Cruz and producer Jim Glaub on “The Baltimore Waltz” and why virtual theater is a lot more complicated than it looks.
How Theater Makers Have Mobilized to Stop Asian Hate
Artist-activists Christine Toy Johnson and Leslie Ishii on how theater can be an important part of the movement.
BONUS: Meet the Squabbling Producers of 'Avvatar: The Musical'
Lillias White and James Monroe Iglehart play the bickering backers of a massive, controversial, and entirely fictional Broadway musical version of "Avatar." Recorded in collaboration with the audio comedy As The Curtain Rises.
The Gonzo Journalism Preserving Broadway History
Historian and producer Jennifer Ashley Tepper on the latest volume of her theater-by-theater chronicle, The Untold Stories of Broadway.
How Blair Underwood Found New Colors in ‘Paradise Blue’
Behind the scenes of the new audio adaptation of Dominique Morisseau’s play, with Underwood and Mandy Greenfield, the artistic director of Williamstown Theatre Festival.
The Case for a New Federal Theater Project
Nataki Garrett, the artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, on getting the theater industry the support it deserves during the pandemic.
Broadway Gave Mike Nichols His Juiciest Backstage Stories
The author of "Mike Nichols: A Life," Mark Harris, on the director's life and influential work -- and the dramas behind the scenes.
The Oscar Winner Helping Off Broadway Find Life on Screen
How John Ridley ("12 Years a Slave," "American Crime") and theater veteran Scott Elliott got together for the starry "grand experiment" of The New Group Off Stage.
From 'Slave Play' to Marvel Superhero
"WandaVision" actor Teyonah Parris on moving from an Off Broadway buzzmagnet into one of the biggest franchises in Hollywood.
The New York Native Who Found Playwriting Success in L.A.
Writer Kemp Powers on adapting his play "One Night in Miami" into a buzzy new film, and why L.A. was more welcoming to his work than New York.
The August Wilson Expert Who Brought 'Ma Rainey' to the Screen
One of the foremost interpreters of Wilson's work, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, on how he crafted his screenplay for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
Ariana DeBose Has a Date With "The Prom"
The Tony-nominated actor ("Hamilton," "West Side Story") is having a screen moment with stage musicals.
The Legacy Black Theater Transforming to Meet the Times
Sarah Bellamy, the artistic director of Penumbra in St. Paul, Minn., on making theater the centerpiece of a new center for racial healing.
This Dramatic Thriller Stars Half of Broadway
Writer-director-actor Arian Moayed on how the theater community turned out for his starry screen thriller, “The Accidental Wolf.” "The Accidental Wolf” on Topic: http://go.topic.com/varietytaw.
Baz Luhrmann & His Broadway Team on Making 'Moulin Rouge'
Luhrmann and the creators of the stage musical talk putting the show together, shutting it all down, and why its message feels more relevant than ever.
Why Ashley Park Calls Darren Star the Sondheim of TV
The "Mean Girls" Tony nominee talks "Emily in Paris" and how she'll help make "Thoroughly Modern Millie" a musical for everyone.
The New Voices of Broadway
How playwrights Katori Hall, Jeremy O. Harris and Matthew López think about shaping the future of Broadway.
How One Entrepreneur is Making the Change She Wants to See
ChiChi Anyanwu braved the pandemic to launch a management company focused on diverse talent.
Theater Laid the Foundation for Kenny Ortega’s Hollywood Success
How to craft dances for screens, with the director of “High School Musical” and Netflix’s upcoming “Julie and the Phantoms.”
How One London Theater is Thriving During the Pandemic
Lynette Linton, artistic director of the Bush Theatre, on reopening, responding and why now is the time for new work.
Harvey Fierstein on the Timely Lessons of AIDS, Gay Rights and Bella Abzug
The Broadway favorite reveals how his work, including new Audible release “Bella Bella,” speaks to the current moment.
How Theater Meets Activism With the Broadway Advocacy Coalition
Co-founders Adrienne Warren and Zhailon Levingston on BAC's work at the intersection of arts and activism.
Sarah Jones' New Theater is Instagram
The writer-performer gets both personal and political on her new Instagram Live show.
How One Theater Leader Practices Anti-Racism
Baltimore Center Stage artistic director Stephanie Ybarra on her ongoing anti-racism work, at her own theater and in the industry at large.
The Overlooked Composer Who Inspired Broadway's Rising Stars
Shaina Taub and Kris Kukul on "The Liz Swados Project," the starry new album celebrating Swados' work and influence.
What Does Anti-Racist Theater Look Like?
What Broadway and the theater industry can do to work toward anti-racism, with artist, educator and activist Nicole Brewer.
Swerving to Serve a Theater Community in Lockdown
Playwright Sarah Ruhl on how the new theater site 3Views changed its mission after the pandemic hit.
Michael R. Jackson Has Finally Accepted He’s a Composer
The Pulitzer-winning creator of “A Strange Loop” on how he celebrated in lockdown, why he used to balk at being called a composer, and how “A Chorus Line” made him cry at his office temp job.
Lockdown Theater’s Most In-Demand Director
Broadway’s go-to livestream director Paul Wontorek on what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next.
Brian Stokes Mitchell's Fight to Help the Whole Industry Get Better
The Tony-winning Broadway favorite on his coronavirus recovery, the Actors Fund, and why “Impossible Dream” is the perfect song for right now.
'Moulin Rouge!,' 'King Kong' and the View from Down Under
Global Creatures CEO Carmen Pavlovic on what it's like producing theater around the world right now, and what comes next.
Alex Newell is Destined for Effie
The Broadway alum, now on “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist," talks genderfluidity, Barbara Streisand and their “Dreamgirls” goals.
What Pandemic Theater Can Sound Like
Audible's Kate Navin on the Williamstown Theater Festival and one way to sustain theater in the coming months.
Binge-Watching Broadway
How fans are devouring theater in the time of social distancing, with the co-founders of BroadwayHD.
Broadway's Always Been Edgy
Set during the Golden Age of Broadway, Emily Neuberger's new novel "A Tender Thing" reminds us musicals were made to push boundaries.
How Off Broadway Copes With the Coronavirus Shutdown
Playwright Martyna Majok and theater executive Jeremy Blocker on "Sanctuary City" and surviving the shutdown.
Karen Olivo on 'Moulin Rouge!' and Life in the Broadway Shutdown
The "Moulin Rouge!" star talks shaping Satine, 'In the Heights' anticipation and the felting on her to-do list.
What Lois Smith Learned From the Greats
The actress, now in "The Inheritance," on the lessons of Elia Kazan, Lee Strasberg, and more.
How 'Six' Conquered the World
"Six" creators Toby Marlow, Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage on Tudor queens, pop icons and conference rooms in Edinburgh.
Katori Hall's 'Quiet Revolution'
The playwright talks hot wings, Tina Turner, and Lil Bad Cousin, her rapping alter ego.
How 'Cambodian Rock Band' Became One of the Most Produced Plays in the U.S.
Bending genres, confronting history and rocking out, with playwright Lauren Yee and director Chay Yew.
Duncan Sheik Created a Monster
The Tony-winning composer, whose latest musical "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" is now playing Off Broadway, talks the Buddhist mafia, his controversial thoughts about songs forwarding plot, and the trend he helped launch with "Spring Awakening."
Vampires, Cowboys and Stealth Diversity
Writer Qui Nguyen, the co-founder of Vampire Cowboys Theater Company, talks stage superheroes, Comic-Con and his new play "Revenge Song," about historical badass Julie d'Aubigny.
"Mrs. Doubtfire," Live From BroadwayCon
Gender politics, quick changes and honoring Robin Williams: a live conversation with Rob McClure, Jerry Zaks and more, recorded at BroadwayCon 2020.
Why Not Do The Crazy Thing?
Why playwright Bess Wohl, now making her Broadway debut with “Grand Horizons,” keeps asking for the impossible.
What Laura Linney Learns From Bad Shows
The "Ozark" actress, now on Broadway in "My Name is Lucy Barton," on the lessons of failure, her favorite costars and why solo shows are "bonkers."
Sometimes Theater Is Just Like Football
Actor-producer Nnamdi Asomugha traded in pro football for Broadway, where he’s now starring in “A Soldier’s Play.”
The Surreal Spectacle of ‘Cats,’ Explained
Director Tom Hooper talks digital fur, trailer reactions and the reason that only some cats wear shoes.
Lucas Hnath's Own Play Gave Him Nightmares
The playwright behind "The Thin Place" and "Dana H." talks mental remapping, performing trauma and why in ghost stories, less is more.
Let's Talk About Sex Onstage
How Broadway's first intimacy director, Claire Warden, is helping to revolutionize how actors get intimate.
How To Be The Most-Produced Playwright in America
Writer Lauren Gunderson reveals the secrets to her success. Step 1: Write. A lot.
Jonathan Groff Knows He’s a Spitter
The star of "Mindhunter" and "Frozen 2" gets wet for his current gig in "Little Shop of Horrors."
Brian Cox on Shakespeare, 'Succession' and the Crisis We're In
Why the actor, now on Broadway in 'The Great Society,' chases 'scripts of the now.'
How 'The Lightning Thief' Hopes to Open Up Broadway
The musical's creative team talks pushing boundaries and sea changes.
The Impact of 'For Colored Girls,' Then and Now
Actress Adrienne C.
The 'Soft Power' of Musicals to Change Minds
Composer Jeanine Tesori on how musicals can spur change, and how her latest changed her.
How 'Jagged Little Pill' Will Rock Broadway
Meet the creators and producers bringing Alanis to Broadway. Recorded at Variety's Business of Broadway breakfast.
Kristin Chenoweth Wants to Write a Broadway Musical
The Broadway favorite dishes on her new album, her worst flub, and the bucket-list musical she wants to write.
The Broadway Controversies and Coups of Two Acting Greats
Eileen Atkins and Jonathan Pryce, now in “The Height of the Storm,” reveal favorite roles, Broadway memories and the “Phantom” casting that never was.
Why Tom Hiddleston Thinks Everyone Should Play Hamlet
Hiddleston and his co-stars in "Betrayal," Zawe Ashton and Charlie Cox, talk Pinter, dick-swinging and superheroes.
Derren Brown Spills His Broadway 'Secret'
The mentalist and illusionist on the magic of theater, the theatrics of magic, and why he's banned from casinos all across the U.K.
How Joel Grey Made 'Fiddler' New Again
The actor, director and photographer talks directing in a language he doesn't know, memories of Hal Prince, and sexy flowers.
Jake Gyllenhaal is his 'Best Self' in the Theater
Behind the scenes at Broadway's "Sea Wall/A Life,' with Gyllenhaal and director Carrie Cracknell.
What Rita Rudner Learned From Broadway Greats
The comic, now starring in musical "Two's a Crowd," started out in some legendary Broadway shows.
The Special Sauce in Broadway's 'Moulin Rouge!'
Writer John Logan and director Alex Timbers bring elephants, windmills, Baz and Beyoncé to Broadway.
Plays for Your Ears
How Jeremy McCarter acts locally but thinks globally with podcast series Make-Believe.
New List, New Leaders for The Kilroys
Playwrights Hilary Bettis and Caroline V. McGraw on how the collective will expand its push for parity.
Audra McDonald Faces Her Fear in 'Frankie and Johnny'
The Tony-winning actress talks intimacy onstage, Broadway diversity and why she calls Michael Shannon "The Rev."
How Disney Taught a Generation to Love Musicals
From early Broadway days to Marvel and Star Wars, with Disney Theatrical president Thomas Schumacher.
Why Tony Rehearsals Make James Corden Cry
Get a backstage glimpse at the Tony Awards from this year's host.
Rosemary Harris' Tony Has a Typo
Tales from the actress’ storied career, including that time she got discovered walking a gay dog.
Bryan Cranston on the Exhausting Joys of Broadway
The award-winning actor spills backstage secrets behind his Tony-nominated turn in “Network.”
Santino Fontana's 'Tootsie' For Our Time
The Tony-nominated actor on fighting the good fight, and why it’s “like a war movie” backstage.
Why Aaron Sorkin Cut His Favorite Scene From 'To Kill A Mockingbird'
The "West Wing" writer killed his darlings to make his Broadway "Mockingbird" work.
How John Cameron Mitchell's 'Anthem' Fits Into the Mitchellverse
The 'Hedwig' creator explains how his new musical podcast series nods to his previous work.
Kelli O'Hara Brings #MeToo to 'Kiss Me, Kate'
The Broadway favorite talks vocal honesty and what her Tony win means to her.
The 'Dumb Joke' Hidden in 'White Noise'
Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and director Oskar Eustis talk race, art, slavery and... bowling?
'Beetlejuice' and the Biggest Taboo
The new musical's creators reveal how the show has changed since its DC tryout.
Kidding Around in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
How not to act your age, with Broadway favorites Celia Keenan-Bolger and Gideon Glick.
How Phoebe Waller-Bridge Shocked Herself
The "Fleabag" and "Killing Eve" creator revisits her breakout stage role.
The Balls-Out Theatricality of Sam Mendes
The Oscar winner on “The Ferryman” and how James Bond made him a writer.
Secrets of Sound Design
Sound designer Gareth Owen gives theatergoers a few pointers on understanding an esoteric art.
Bringing 'Oklahoma!' and Alanis to Broadway
Producer Eva Price talks taking risks with her two big Broadway projects.
Building 'Hadestown'
How Anaïs Mitchell and Rachel Chavkin created their buzzy, Broadway-bound musical.
Laura Benanti
The Tony winner reveals her most challenging role.
Adam Shankman
A top director of Hollywood musicals spills his secrets.
Jeremy Pope
The fast-rising Broadway star on what he wishes he knew as a young actor.
Making 'The Prom'
Bob Martin and Beth Leavel get political with their critically acclaimed new musical comedy.
Ethan Hawke
The actor talks 'True West' and the ghost of Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Heidi Schreck
The writer-performer on her scary-topical hit "What The Constitution Means To Me."
Jason Robert Brown
The Broadway composer on writing for Ariana Grande -- and for himself.
Tyne Daly & Tim Daly
The real-life siblings on playing brother and sister onstage.
Daniel Radcliffe
The former Harry Potter on how Broadway made him a better actor.
The Cher Show
Creators take you backstage with 635 costumes, 6 million feathers and one pioneering superstar.
Ep53 - Joan Allen
The Tony winner talks Broadway, her favorite film and women's roles in Hollywood.
Michael C. Hall
The actor talks "Thom Pain," queer roles and more "Dexter."
Glenn Close
Her new play, her recent movie and what "Fatal Attraction" means in the #MeToo era.
Sasson Gabay
How "the DeNiro of Israel" stole tricks from a Tony winner in "The Band's Visit."
Stockard Channing
The veteran stage and screen actress doesn't love "Grease" as much as you do.
'Dear Evan Hansen': The Novel
A YA adaptation reveals new secrets of the fan-favorite Tony winner.
Aasif Mandvi
Why Mandvi's 20-year-old play "Sakina's Restaurant" is suddenly a political statement.
Power of Broadway
Top execs talk the business of Broadway at Variety's power breakfast.
Conor McPherson
He wrote a play with Bob Dylan tunes -- but don't call it a jukebox musica.
Theresa Rebeck & Janet McTeer
The writer and star of “Bernhardt/Hamlet” on their timely play about a powerful woman.
Andy Karl
The "Pretty Woman" star on nostalgia, reviews, and that injured knee.
Joe Iconis
How to make your musical go viral, according to the fan-fave composer.
Michael Mayer & Spencer Liff
Why the Go-Go's and 16th century literature make a perfect match in "Head Over Heels."
Zachary Quinto
The "Star Trek" actor talks Broadway, gay rights and his dream role.
Tatiana Maslany
The Emmy winner on an “Orphan Black” reunion and her timely new stage role.
'Once On This Island' Producer on His Surprising Tony Win
Producer Ken Davenport dissects his unexpected Tony triumph and blurs the lines with "Gettin' The Band Back Together."
BD Wong
The Tony-winning actor, now returning to the New York stage in "The Great Leap," talks basketball in Beijing, dinosaurs, mad scientists, Whiterose, and the secret origin of his name.
Ep36 - Matt Bomer and Andrew Rannells / The Boys in the Band
Two stars of the big-name revival of the landmark gay drama "The Boys in the Band" talk Broadway debuts, Tony parties, Rannells' new book and why Bomer's next Broadway show should be a musical.
Ep35 - Basil Twist
The puppeteer, a MacArthur genius grant winner, explains the difference between working downtown and working on Broadway, and spills the secrets behind the new revival of his 20-year-old breakout show, "Symphonie Fantastique."
Ep34 - Andrew Garfield
The actor, nominated for a Tony Award for his leading role in "Angels in America," compares the Tonys and the Oscars, talks up the timeliness of "Angels" and reveals what is, for him, "the greatest privilege in playing this part."
Ep33 - Tina Fey, Jeff Richmond & Nell Benjamin
The writers of the Tony-nominated "Mean Girls" -- book writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond and lyricist Nell Benjamin -- take us behind the scenes of their fetch new musical.
Ep32 - LaChanze
Tony Award winner and current nominee LaChanze dishes on the Tonys, shares what it means to her to play Donna Summer in the bio-musical "Summer," and reveals why she started going by just one name.
Ep31 - Lauren Ambrose & Harry Hadden-Paton
The Tony-nominated stars of Lincoln Center Theater's "My Fair Lady" talk about performing the classic musical in the era of Time's Up and reveal how Adele helped Ambrose pick up Eliza Doolittle's accent.
Ep30 - Lynn Nottage
The two-time Pulitzer Prize winner of "Ruined" and "Sweat" reveals the secret origins of her new play "Mlima's Tale" -- including its surprising link to Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow.
Ep29 - Tom Hiddleston & William Shakespeare
The "Avengers: Infinity War" star reveals how he first got hooked on The Bard and details his recent production of "Hamlet."
Ep28 - Chris Evans
Evans, now on Broadway in "Lobby Hero" and soon to reprise his signature role as Captain America in "Avengers: Infinity War," reveals his theater-kid roots, details the difficulties of spit management and ponders his future with -- or without -- Captain America.
Ep27 - Jamie Parker
The Olivier-winning star of Broadway's "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" reveals how he got cast as the boy wizard, why he's re-read the books five or six times, and what it's like interacting with the show's international audience of superfans.
Ep26 - Joshua Jackson & Lauren Ridloff
Joshua Jackson ("Dawson's Creek," "Fringe") and newcomer Lauren Ridloff, the stars of the new Broadway revival of "Children of a Lesser God," sound off on accessibility, representation, communication and why "Children" is still so relevant today.
Ep25 - Billie Piper
The "Doctor Who" star talks about reprising her Olivier Award-winning role in "Yerma," along the way touching on her pop-star past, the film she's directing and the musical that might be in her future.
Ep24 - Billy Crudup
There are several characters in the Off Broadway thriller "Harry Clarke." But they're all played by Billy Crudup -- who sure does get lonely up there sometimes.
Ep23 - Robert Greenblatt
The chairman of NBC Entertainment is the man responsible for the network's embrace of theater, performance and live programming, from the new "Rise" to the upcoming "Jesus Christ Superstar" to "Smash" -- and he's also a theater fan and producer.
Ep22 - Lee Pace
Pace, the "Halt and Catch Fire" star who's now appearing on Broadway in "Angels in America," takes listeners behind the scenes of the "massive" Tony Kushner play -- and explains why he'd love it if Donald Trump came to see the show.
Ep21 - Casey Nicholaw
Director-choreographer Casey Nicholaw, Broadway's go-to guy for musical comedy, gives the scoop on his buzzy upcoming production of "Mean Girls," and along the way talks getting "Aladdin" right, why "The Prom" is so timely and what it was like working with the "South Park" creators on "The Book of Mormon."
Ep20 - Gillian Jacobs & Thomas Kail
The star of "Love" and "Community," Gillian Jacobs, and "Hamilton" director Thomas Kail talk politics, margaritas and their new Off Broadway show, "Kings."
Ep19 - The Stars and Creators of Broadway's "Frozen"
Actresses Caissie Levy and Patti Murin, director Michael Grandage and designer Christopher Oram, four of the leading players behind Disney's Broadway adaptation of "Frozen," talk deeper characters, new songs and high expectations -- especially from the audience members who show up in costume.
Ep18 - Jake Shears & Kirstin Maldonado
Two pop musicans, Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters and Kirstin Maldonado of Pentatonix, talk about their starring roles in Broadway's "Kinky Boots" -- and why doing theater is like "slamming heroin and jumping out of an airplane, but in front of an audience."
Ep17 - Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga, the fan favorite who was the original star of "Miss Saigon" and is currently in "Once On This Island," talks Broadway diversity, her new album and finding musicals that "rock me to my core."
Ep16 - Victor Garber
Garber, back on Broadway opposite Bernadette Peters in "Hello, Dolly!," shares his thoughts on the theater, the Arrowverse and the idea of an "Alias" reunion -- and reveals the "weird thing" he used to have about singing, and how he got over it.
Ep15 - John Lithgow
The film, TV and stage veteran talks about his new Broadway show, "Stories By Heart" -- and reveals that even he feels like a fraud sometimes.
Ep14 - Keegan-Michael Key
The former "Key and Peele" star talks about his stage gigs in Broadway's "Meteor Shower" (opposite Amy Schumer), Off Broadways' "Hamlet" (opposite Oscar Isaac), his theater background, his "19-year detour into sketch comedy" and why he just can't stop craving the green lights.
Ep13 - Stephen Adly Guirgis
The Pulitzer-winning playwright ("Jesus Hopped the A Train," "Between Riverside and Crazy") talks about writing (and not writing), his recent forays into acting and why his current retrospective and residency at Signature Theater at first made him think, "Uh, oh.
Ep12 - Rachel Bloom / Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
The creator of the CW musical comedy series "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," Rachel Bloom is a theater geek at heart.
Ep11 - John Leguizamo / Latin History for Morons
The writer-performer learned a lot in preparation for his new Broadway solo outing -- but his biggest takeaway is that he's "a true ghetto nerd."
Ep10 - Julie Taymor & David Henry Hwang / M. Butterfly
The director and playwright behind the Broadway revival of "M. Butterfly," starring Clive Owen, talk casting, stage pictures, gender in 2017, and why you can't have Borscht belt humor show up in Shanghai.
Ep9 - Creators and Stars of "SpongeBob Squarepants"
Director Tina Landau and writer Kyle Jarrow peel back the curtain to explain how they took "SpongeBob Squarepants" from screen to stage, and actors Ethan Slater and Lilli Cooper reveal how they bring two iconic animated characters to life.
Ep8 - Beau Willimon
The playwright and creator of TV shows "House of Cards" and the upcoming "The First" talks about his new Broadway play, "The Parisian Woman," starring Uma Thurman, and reveals why he's drawn to writing about politics, what it's like to write in the age of Trump, and why his TV career is still a surprise to him.
Ep7 - Ayad Akhtar
The Pulitzer-winning playwright of "Disgraced" talks about his new Broadway show "Junk," revealing how his father taught him about the stock market, the ways his experience with faith has affected his writing, and how he ended up as the skinny, serious young man in the background of the movie "Vanya on 42 Street."
Ep6 - Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty
The songwriters behind "Ragtime" and "Anastasia" talk about the new revival of their 1990 musical "Once On This Island," its found-object orchestra, diversity and authenticity on Broadway, and their "not particularly good" first song together.
Ep5 - Jonathan Groff
The Broadway favorite ("Hamilton," "Spring Awakening") talks about working with the famously meticulous director David Fincher in Netflix series "Mindhunter" -- and also spills the truth about the rap that Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote for Kelli O'Hara, explains why he's not on social media and reveals with Miranda calls him "the Snowden of Broadway."
Ep4 - Harvey Fierstein & Michael Urie of "Torch Song"
Playwright Harvey Fierstein and actor Michael Urie discuss "Torch Song," their newly revised version of Fierstein's breakout work "Torch Song Trilogy." Along the way they talk auditions, bus and truck tours, the legacy of gay history plays, and Estelle Getty.
Ep3 - Tracy Letts
Pulitzer and Tony-winning writer and actor Tracy Letts talks about his new, politically charged play "The Minutes," as well as his latest film, buzzmagnet November release "Lady Bird." He reveals why he's never written a part for himself, why he's happy not to have acted in a play lately, and how an act of blackmail led him to discover acting as a teenager.
Ep2 - Tony Shalhoub, Katrina Lenk & the Creators of "The Band's Visit"
Stars and creators of the buzzy, award-winning musical talk about bringing the Off Broadway hit to Broadway.
Ep1 - Harold Prince / "Prince of Broadway" & "Sense of Occasion"
Legendary Broadway producer-director Harold Prince, recipient of 21 Tony Awards, talks turkey about his storied career, his current projects, the recent revivals of his work -- and why he never wanted to be producer at all.
© Broadway Podcast Network, All Rights Reserved