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[0:00] Eli Tokash: Hello everyone and welcome to episode 188 of Take A Bow. This is the last and final episode of 2023 for us. I'm your host, Eli Tokash, and this week we have a year in review podcast. So what that is is we're gonna be talking about, well, I'm gonna be talking about some of my favorite shows for the season. I'm obviously gonna be giving some Broadway news and a regular episode like that. And then I'll also recap a bit of our amazing 2023. And I'm super fortunate to have the support, the continued support from all of you that come back and listen every week, or on the weeks that, you know, we're putting out content and just following along and all the things of social media and all that, like all of it goes such a long way.

The support is so much appreciated and is the only reason that this is still happening and why I have a drive and motivation to do it. As I see, you know, all of you come back every week to listen. I am so thrilled of our 2023. There's so much to be proud of, and I can't wait to kind of recap it a little bit and relive some of those things. But first we're gonna talk about some Broadway news, shall we?

[1:27] Eli Tokash: There wasn't too many, I guess, notable pieces of news that happened this week for Broadway. But there's definitely some things that I want to talk about. And that's first off starting with the Great Gatsby, the Paper Mill Playhouse production of Great Gatsby. It is rumored to be coming to Broadway this season, as it has set auditions. I guess the auditions leaked. I don't know what happened. But all of a sudden people have gotten word that, hey, they're auditioning and it's saying for Broadway. So there is no announcement on, you know, whether or not they have a theater, who is returning to the cast, even though that they're auditioning some of these roles. Maybe they're doing another production.

No one's quite sure what's going on. We all know that it's obviously aimed to come to Broadway. But this season is pretty packed and it's got some incredible musicals already. So I don't even know what's gonna be happening with this show. They have no gold date released, you know. We all just know that they want to come to Broadway, and they've all started auditioning for a Broadway production. So this is something that we're definitely gonna be keeping our eye out on. Perhaps we'll see something more towards the new year. I know around the holidays, it's kind of slow on news in terms of, you know, companies are kind of shut down a little bit, but also start planning. You know, there's a lot of planning and no real announcements or anything like that.

So totally understandable, but the fact that it's kind of out there is pretty wild and something that we don't see a lot. So this will be definitely interesting as to how it all plays out, what's going on with the production in general, because there's literally five productions happening all at the same time with Great Gatsby. Everyone wants Great Gatsby to come to Broadway, apparently. So very interesting stuff and stuff to keep our eye out on. I saw it at the Paper Mill Playhouse, absolutely loved it. Was it ready for Broadway? Yes and no. Obviously, there were parts that I loved, there were some parts that obviously needed work, but that's kind of what that process was for. I was able to talk to the director Mark Bruni, who directed me in Trevor.

I saw the first preview of Great Gatsby, and so of course they were already working through changes during previews. And then just talking to him about the process of the show and what it's been like to create this beast of a show, really, has been really interesting to talk to him about, to get his perspective on it all. So hopefully we'll have him on. We'll definitely have him on. It's just a matter of when and when the timing makes sense. So very exciting stuff, and I can't wait to see the final project of this production because it can be like there were glimpses of just nothing short of amazement, like truly. I mean, you have Eva Noblezada and Jeremy Jordan on a stage and it's gonna be nothing short of amazing.

But there were flashes of next level Broadway, you know, like it was everything you wanted. It was a Some Like It Hot that I feel like could have a long-lasting success. Like when I think of Some Like It Hot, I've come on here a lot and talked about how much I love Some Like It Hot and how much I think that Some Like It Hot is literally the definition of Broadway. I think that Gatsby can even reach a higher level while still maintaining that production of Broadway and relating to everyone else who may not be a regular Broadway fan and is coming for that Great Gatsby love that they have for the movie and sort of thing and open that up to a new audience. So there's so much potential with the show, and I can't wait to see what happens and what comes of all of the craziness with the news that's been swirling around lately here.

[5:51] Eli Tokash: Moving on, we have a couple casting news to talk about. I'll start off with first saying Darren Criss is going to be returning to a New York stage, we'll say, because he and Evan Rachel Wood are set to replace Corbin Bleu and Constance Wu in Little Shop of Horrors. Y'all, like I say it every time that they announce a new freaking cast. But I mean, Little Shop of Horrors continues to take our money. I mean, just do it. Just we I think we should all open bank accounts at their theater and just be like, hey, like every time they make a new casting announcement, just take it out and take it out of my account and let me know what date I'm going to the show because at the rate that they're pulling in these stars and while also like yes, they're stunt casting, but also like makes sense and beautifully done and also uber talented, and it's not just like a name, it's really just like all of it.

Triple threats through and through. It's like, yeah, sign me up, right? So incredible casting announcement once again, Little Shop. I am thrilled to see this and can't wait to see it. They're making their debuts in the show. This Corbin Bleu and Constance Wu, I don't know if y'all saw their performance on the Today show, it was a bit crazy. I think it was actually Good Morning America. But it was rough, so I didn't get to see Corbin Bleu or Constance Wu, you know, in the show. Corbin Bleu sounded amazing, Constance Wu sounded like, you know, she was singing at six o'clock in the morning, which she was. So I mean that nothing against that. That is a super hard thing to do, and these songs in the show are super hard.

I really don't feel like I think like Lena Hall was like one of the only people and Joy Woods, but Joy Woods was an understudy, and then she did come in for a little stint, but I didn't get to see her like full time in the role. The two of them were the only Audreys that I really liked in the show so far. So I'm still looking for that role is super hard and it's a super hard song to sing all of the songs that they have. So excited to see Evan Rachel Wood, 'cause she's definitely not known for her singing. So it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out and I can't wait to hopefully see it.

[10:06] Eli Tokash: I also want to shout out a dear friend of mine, who I was able to chat with over the holidays with and it's not really Broadway or anything big, just wanted to shout him out myself here. Matthew Morrison, who was my jamberry in Finding Neverland, he's going to be playing Billy Flynn in Chicago out in Japan. So very exciting news. He's going to be back on stage, you know, where he belongs. And it's very fun because there are two productions of Chicago happening right now where two of my favorite people are playing the same role. Max Von Essen is playing Billy Flynn on Broadway and Matthew Morrison is playing Billy Flynn out in Japan. And actually his announcement that Chicago in Japan posted on their social media and whatnot was actually in Japanese.

So I have no idea if that production is fully Japanese or what it is, but it sounds incredible and he could do everything, so I’d kill to go out there, you know, to go see him in the show and to see him again. So I die literally. And I just so excited. So I can't wait to hopefully see clips or whatever it is, and I don't know. That's a goal of mine in 2024 is to get Matthew Morrison on this show. I know it's a highly requested guest. There's a couple Finding Neverland people that I still have yet to have on that, you know, are definitely in the works and definitely have been in the works for some time and especially over the holidays. So we will see what comes of it. That's all the casting news I have for you this week.

Once again, like there wasn't crazy news, you know. People are planning, no real announcements are happening, you know, it’s that will be your time. But I will say one last thing here is I've yet to see The Color Purple yet. Just for reference. Dying to see it, we'll see it before the next episode. I wanna see that and Wonka. I'm probably gonna do a double feature. Perhaps by the time I see it, it's gonna be a triple feature with Mean Girls. But I really want to see it before that. And you all know I'm obsessed with The Color Purple, right? If you come and listen to the show, I mentioned for the past, I don't know, month, I've probably mentioned The Color Purple in every episode. So I will have lots to say on the movie.

Hopefully I will have a little review and everything next time I see it, or next time I talk to you. I have very fascinating piece of news. Okay, I hate to be like the town crier of this episode, but like listen, I am going full reporter here, and not even like full reporter, but just actor reporter, I guess here. Just like someone who's in the industry, and just you know, also sharing the bliss and joy of Broadway and sharing it all with all of you and kind of giving you guys like an inside scoop kind of, but it was really interesting. So with The Color Purple coming out, LaChanze, who originated the role in The Color Purple, she came out and said she wanted a Tony and everything for the role.

And she mentioned that in an Instagram post, right, saying how much the show means to her and all these wonderful things, and then saying, like, where are my royalties for I'm Here, which has become the show's anthem, you know.

[12:30] Eli Tokash: So absolutely, uh, understandable and all the things, but I found it very interesting and almost kind of, I don't know, like I was kind of like my jaw hit the floor, you know, like it's something that you sign up for, right? When originating a Broadway show, you know. So when you're in rehearsals, right, and you're workshopping a brand new show, right? You as an actor, uh, are working really closely with the creative team, you know, the director, the writers, all of that. They're writing it for you, even. Um, and so to hear, uh, an actor come out and say, you know, where are my royalties for rewriting some words, um, was kind of, uh, I was really taken aback by it. It was kind of shocking, you know, for me to hear that.

Cause I mean, I've done that. So many people that I've worked with have done that. I did that on movies like The Greatest Showman and now Trevor, which is now a Disney Plus movie. And granted, you know, you ask 50, uh, uh, people who LaShawn's is and every one of them knows who they are, and they have no idea who Eli Tokash is. So not even saying that it's close on a level, but as an actor, that's kind of what you sign up for when originating a show, you know, you're doing it together, you are banking on success, and it brought her so much success already in the sense of getting a Tony Award, which helped her, you know, we're talking about royalties and we're talking about monetization and stuff like that.

Like the saying that you have a Tony Award obviously helps salary in future productions, and then moving on, you know, you get a Grammy nomination, you know, like all of these things. Those accolades and, uh, praise and attention and everything like that doesn't happen unless you originate a bro, uh, unless you originate a role. Like I don't have any of that for Pippin and Finding Everland because that wasn't mine. Like I stepped in, someone laid that blueprint out, you know, and it's just like, uh, uh, Cynthia Erivo. Like her performance was literally the best thing since sliced bread, literally. Like better than like, and I love everyone, and like not to compare or anything, but like it was better than like Dear Evan Hansen, like Ben Platt, and how insane, uh, uh, waving through a window took over.

Like there will be no better performance on a Broadway stage than Cynthia Erivo in Color Purple. I will die on that bridge. You know, it's just that is Broadway. That is a performer, that is a performance, but she gets none of that accolade. She doesn't really get that sort of attention because she sh, that's not her role. She didn't originate that role. She kind of stepped in, even though she was the first one to do it in the revival, you know, she is not the one who, um, you people think of or will, will kind of give that attention to. Oftentimes they don't even redo soundtracks because she's so good. They gave her a soundtrack and she was able to do that and, um, you know, I think win a Tony Award for that role and everything, but you know, that's often not the case.

Um, and often not how, um, you know, it's remembered, you know, it's usually like, oh, who originated this role on Broadway? You know, like who was the first? And every time you're gonna look it up, it's gonna be LaShawn's. So, um, I was pretty surprised to see that and to see LaShawn's reaction to that. Um, LaShawn's has, I would love to get LaShawn's on the podcast. She's obviously gone more the producer route, um, uh, uh, in this industry, um, as of late, you know, with Top Dog Underdog and Ohio State Murders and Kimberly Akimbo, I think she's even on. Um, so, um, she's definitely not been, uh, super open about doing, uh, podcasts and stuff. I've actually asked her and she's, uh, asked for, um, if there was like a stipend or anything that I could offer her, and I was like, I'm a college student doing this for free.

Like, you know, like I’m not charging people anything to view or anything. I don't see any of this. So, uh, and she was like, oh, I'm so sorry, like can't do it. Uh, and so it's like, you know, it's, I don't know if that's like a thing with her or what, um, but it's really interesting to hear that, uh, and it'll be interesting moving forward to see if speaking out on that, uh, we will see any changes or if that's really just like, hey, you know, you originated this role and because of that you were able to benefit in these ways, and that's the expectation, not, you know, a royalty for that. Um, and obviously I'm here has had such, such, such success, and really, like I said, become the show's anthem that has done two very successful runs on Broadway.

Um, and then of course now it's a movie and it's like making these big, you know, strides and everything. So, um, it's quite, quite interesting. Um, and, uh, I've, I've never encountered anything like this. So it'll be, um, the show obviously is not responded. No, nothing's kind of been said about it in terms of like a legal form or whatever. Um, but it was, it was rather shocking to me and I thought I'd share with you all especially because I saw like people really starting to write articles about it and Playbill and Broadway wrote it, all these things. So I was like, you know, I'm just gonna touch on it because I was like literally stopped dead in my tracks, you know, like stopped what everything that I was doing and was like, whoa, that's crazy to me.

Um, but hey, shout out LaShawn's, you know, like you deserve the credit, you know, you do. And your contributions, you know, no one knew she, she put words in or changed some words to I'm here unless she, you know, says that. So, um, it's kind of just like an unwritten expectation for especially like other, uh, performers like we probably know that like you brought something to that and like you probably changed some things and probably changed something every night to be honest because if a performer says every word that's on a page every night they're lying to you. That's not true. We're human, our brains go in different places. We're oftentimes adding, subtracting, changing words. Um, so, uh, it happens but, uh, to a fan and to a theater fan, you know, you may not know that so, um, you know, shout out to you for, you know, standing up for yourself, uh, but also I just was like whoa, that's crazy so we'll see what, uh, what comes of it if anything, uh, this could literally be a forgotten story next week and it'll drag on throughout but who knows.

[19:40] Eli Tokash: Um, all right so that's all the Broadway news I have for you folks this week and honestly like Broadway news I don't know like if that was really news it was more of like an insider story there, uh, stories really with the whole paper money and blah blah blah like it was, uh, it was good stuff, uh, there wasn't much happening but I figured I'd, uh, I wanted to chat about it so I hope you all enjoyed listening to that. Um, so okay moving on we're gonna talk about this shows that, uh, uh, this really is this week's episode, uh, and this is my twenty twenty three year in review for the Broadway season. Um, I just want to talk about shows that I've seen this season and trust me I know I ramble, I talk a lot I am not gonna be talking about every show that I saw this season.

I did the wonderful shout out to Show Score and Today Tix. Uh, for those of you who don't know, uh, they launched a new thing, you know, Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music. Um, well I don't, I forget what their thing is called that's crazy because I'm an Apple Music listener. Um, but, uh, so they do like their, you know, who was your top artist or what was the number one song that you listened to the most of this year and they track all that stuff. So, um, Show Score and Today Tix, uh, uh, did launch a new thing this year, um, and they kind of do that for you for theater. But of course, you have to log it. You have to show like what shows you saw. Um, you know, that that's really, that's really it.

It's pretty simple. Um, I was fortunate enough to see fifty shows, uh, total. Uh, there were forty five, uh, on Broadway and five off Broadway. And, uh, it really helped me realize what shows I saw this year, 'cause I was kinda like, oh, what did I see this year? Like what, what, I know what I liked, I know what I didn't like, you know, um, and I had my opinions and everything. But I was kinda like, which ones did I see this year and blah blah blah. So here are my top five musicals from this year.

[21:46] Eli Tokash: And this is really in no particular order, um, but I will say, uh, you know, they are just top five amongst all of the shows I saw. Top five musicals, Shucked, Sweeney Todd, Parade, Merrily We Roll Along, and Here Lies Love. So Merrily We Roll Along was probably my favorite show that I saw this year, if not my, like one of my favorite, if not my favorite. Um, I absolutely loved Merrily We Roll Along. I think that it will win, I want to say the best revival of the twenty twenty four season, twenty twenty-three, twenty twenty-four of the season. Um, but I know that the, that category for, um, the Tony Awards is going to be so ridiculous, just like it was this year, honestly. Um, if not even stronger.

I know the Wiz is coming, and I know that that's gonna give it a run for its money. Um, and then of course there's a bunch of other revivals coming that I think will be nominated, will be in the conversation. But I'm very, very excited, uh, for Merrily to thrive, I guess you could say, in the, uh, Tonys this year because they, it just didn't get the proper due in its, um, you know, first run on Broadway. I mean, it wasn't even a run, let's be honest. It was a quick walk across the street, if you ask me. Um, but yeah, it was, um, I absolutely loved it. And I don't know if it was just because I've been in a sappy mood all year, and I've been in a year of growth and whatever, and more, um, like aware of friendships and relationships and, and you know, whether it was allowing myself to be open to more relationships this year and not closing myself off so much and going on that journey of friendship and how friendships has its waves and how quickly you can lose them, and how you can, yeah, you know, I mean Mitchell Cink and I talk about it in our episode just a couple weeks ago in the sense of like, you know, one day or like one year, honestly, like this person could mean everything to you, and then five years later, you know, you forget who they are, they forget who they are, you know, it's not the same person, or they don't even recognize you in our sense, you know, like Mitchell and I is where we grew up with them, and you know, they shaped us into the human beings that we are, but now we like go up to them and it's like who are you?

And we're like, oh, this is like I'm, I'm the person that like you changed my life in many ways. Um, so it's kind of like, I, I, it brought me to that and it brought me to tears. It made me feel all the emotions. I was laughing, I was doing everything. Um, I just absolutely love the, the show and, um, I think it's relatable to literally any theater kid because I think that we're all old souls.

[24:59] Eli Tokash: Um, and I think that that's exactly what Marilee is. Um, but of course it also is super relevant to older folks and even like not even older folks, just like people who went to school and are out of college and or moved away from their hometown and, you know, like it totally brought me back to like leaving West Virginia and moving to New York, you know. Like those people were my everything, uh, a couple of my friends there, and now I only talk to them like, you know, around the holidays, you know, just for Christmas, hey, uh, Merry Christmas, like hope you're well. And it's like I, it's such a shame that like are his interests still like are there in are those guys do they like the same things that we talked about when we were twelve years old?

Like they're different humans now, you know. It's just crazy how you can quickly separate, you know, so quickly and, and you know, you continue to grow and all these things. So, um, I don't know. I, it was just a really relatable one, and maybe that's why I liked it so much. But, uh, Merrily, shout out their performances are also so s freaking good. So, um, love Mariley we were long. If you haven't seen it, please go see it. It is a limited run because, uh, there's 17,000 stars in the show. Uh, but it also is, um, extending every weekend, so who knows what's happening with that show. I know they all love doing it and they all want to do it as long as they can. So, um, but when in doubt, go see the show and you won't miss out on it, you know.

[26:42] Eli Tokash: Um, anyways, so yeah, love barely and then, um, I wanted to give an honorable mention to Hades Town in that list. And let me tell you why. So I gave Hades Town the honorable mention. I honestly probably would have had it in my top five, but, uh, if you notice all my top five was either from this past Tony Awards season or it's going to be in this upcoming 23, 24 season. And, um, so, you know, Hades Town is kind of an older show. Um, I've seen it several times before. Um, however, I, I just, I loved it with Jordan Fisher and Saleya Pfeiffer. Um, it felt like I was seeing the show for the first time. Uh, just completely different takes on the characters. Uh, it kind of changed the story a bit without even there being changes to the script or, um, I, I don't want to say like to the songs because the songs are so different, but the words are the same.

So it's like, uh, I don't know, there was no change to the text in any shape or form, but, um, you know, everything else just felt like it was brand new and, and part of it was so, um, I just highly recommend. I always love seeing, um, shows again and kind of seeing how both former casts, um, you know, take things that the originals, you know, kind of left for them or, uh, or how if they're part of the original, how their show has grown and how, um, they've kind of grown in their character and what they've continued to find and play with and all of that. I find all of that very exciting.

[28:29] Eli Tokash: So, um, that's what I have for my top musical. So, um, two shows that I really want to see, uh, that I have not yet for this upcoming season, uh, are both Harmony and Back to the Future. Now, um, I, I first of all have heard so many different things about Back to the Future, um, that I really just want to find out for myself and, and go see this show. Um, because I want to s, I want to formulate my own opinion. I've started to talk to people on the podcast about Back to the Future and just feel like it's always more helpful knowing more about the show, um, when talking to guests, obviously. Um, so dying to see that, and I also really, really want to see Harmony. Um, because not only was I, uh, able to, you know, cover the opening night, uh, red carpet and everything, but I've been able to interview Sierra Voggus, um, and then I've coached a couple friends in the show.

Um, but I've also seen that they're not selling well, and you know, obviously when they're not selling well, they're not making money, and when they're not making money, they're not, uh, you know, able to stay open. And so, um, Harmony is one that I definitely want to see because I absolutely hate when there are shows on Broadway and I don't get to see them, especially the musicals. I'm starting to get that way with plays as I continue to get more and more, um, you know, falling in love with that, them and the, those that I guess medium of, of theater. Um, but I absolutely can't stand when I, I miss a show on Broadway. Um, because then I, you know, I talked to someone and I'm like, oh, so this show that I didn't get to see that you worked on, you know, how was that?

You know? And it's like what I, I just wish I had more context. So, um, I was bummed. So because the one, uh, show that I actually did that with is that was last season, uh, part of the most recent Tony Awards was Almost Famous and I had Tom Kidd on the podcast and I think I even said like, oh, the composer and he was like, well, I was like the orchestrator and then I also was like some of the lyricists I wrote with, um, the director and like all these things and I was like, oh my god, I'm just, I just need to see the show and I need to, to understand it all a little bit more and pay more attention. Um, but yeah, it's, it's, um, I hope to see, um, both Harmony and Back to the Future. I have a feeling I'm gonna be able to see Back to the Future a little longer than Harmony, but, uh, definitely hope to see both of them in the new year.

[31:24] Eli Tokash: Uh, so my top five plays for this year were okay and now the top five plays, I actually think that they're pretty close to my like real rankings if I like was forced to rank them. Um, so first I'm gonna go with A Doll's House because first of all that cast was like, it's just not fair. Um, second of all, I was able to be at the red carpet, and I is so like that carpet was so special with the cast. Um, and the cast that I see, like when I see them now, they like remember me. Uh, just because they were just so sweet and they actually like really took the time with me. Uh, just usually how it is with the smaller cast. They usually give a little bit more time. They're not rushing everybody. Um, but everyone was just so sweet, and, um, I, I just had a great time.

So, um, definitely A Doll's House, and those performances were ridiculous. Jessica Chastain was just not fair. Uh, it's close to Cynthia Erivo, not quite there, but it's close. Jessica was the, those were real tears, and she was on the, uh, stage, you know, an hour before the freaking show began. It was just that it was real, the dedication was there. The dedication was there. But, um, I don't know, Cynthia, you, you all know what I'm talking about. I'm serious when I say that. Like you all know what I'm talking about if you saw Cynthia in The Color Purple.

[32:50] Eli Tokash: Um, and then I'll go to, uh, All the Devils Are Here, uh, which is Patrick Page's one-man show, and that is off-Broadway, but you know, it, I, I saw it. It's a play that I saw this year, and, um, there are obviously more, but like of the plays I saw this year, both anywhere, like that, that was number two. Uh, and he's so good and it opened the floodgates and opened a new passion for Shakespeare and my, um, knowledge of Shakespeare and those shows. So, uh, grateful for, for that show for many reasons. Um, and then I'll go to The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window. Um, I was able to take my theater buddy, uh, Elizabeth Teter to that, and that was just fun to, to go to a show with her. I also was at their opening night.

That was fun. Um, and that show was like, it taught me like how to be an actor. Like almost like it was just like watching it, I was able to take so many mental notes from an actor's point of view of just like everything. I mean, those performances were so, so good from addiction to love and lust, and, uh, you know, like it had it all. Um, that show is another emotional roller coaster. I will say I probably would have had it higher, but, um, it was just a way too long, you know. It was like a three and a half hour play. It was, it was pretty brutal. I, I was kind of at my seat like, oh my god, I need a pee, or oh my god, I need a drink. And it wasn't because like I was bored, it was more because like I was like nervous. Like I was like, what's happening? Like I just need to take a mental break here. I need to just give me five.

[34:28] Eli Tokash: Um, it's crazy. So, um, but it was so good. Uh, and then, uh, I guess I'll go four with Greyhouse, you know. Look at me in the, in the horror film, uh, in the horror, um, you know, era, I guess, as the Swifties call it. Um, the Greyhouse with, uh, Sweeney Todd. I'm so, um, okay, literally any horror like fan listening to this right now is probably like you consider that horror, you're insane. Sorry, so I'll stop. Um, anyways, that was great. Um, and then Life of Pi. Ugh, Life of Pi was so good. Life of Pi is, it makes the list regardless. Cause I was gonna do, I was gonna switch Greyhouse and my honorable mention with each other, but Life of Pi was staying at five because Life of Pi was literally a visual masterpiece. It was not given the proper credit. It was deserved. Um, Life of Pi was just so good.

[35:21] Eli Tokash: Life of Pi, I will die on my, like, uh, it what is it called? What is this saying? Um, something on my grave. Uh, whatever. Uh, but I will, it was just so freaking good. I loved Life of Pi, and honest to God, like I don't, I hate doing these comparisons, and I feel like I've been doing a lot this episode, but like those visuals were better than Lion King. And I'm okay with saying that because like obviously Life of Pi happened like 25 years later, and obviously like the base was around, uh, the Lion King, like how all of that works and kind of is inspired by it. But, um, you know, Life of Pi, man, it was just so freaking good, and I love the story, and I'm a huge fan of the book, so like it, it just made sense and the fact that they brought it to life and the way that they did it justice was, it was awesome, and, and I, I that was a show that I'll never forget, and it just did not stay open long enough, and not enough people saw it, and it bothers me so much, but, um, you know, that's the nature of this industry.

[36:29] Eli Tokash: Okay, now my honorable mention for plays is The Collaboration. And for those of you who are like, what is The Collaboration? That's exactly why I actually ended up putting it as my honorable mention because I figured the other ones were a little bit more recognizable, which I hate to say because The Collaboration was literally one of my favorite things that I saw the entire year. The Collaboration was the Andy Warhol play. Uh, Jeremy Pope starred in it, and it was, it was everything. Like everything. I saw The Collaboration and I've never, I don't remember walking out that theater the way that I did when I saw that show.

[37:20] Eli Tokash: The show was just so intimate that you felt like you were literally like there are times where it's bad for actors to break the fourth wall or to even acknowledge the audience. But oftentimes in a show as a performer, like the audience is your scene partner, and the audience is, you know, as much in it as you are telling the story, and you can feed off of them and you can do everything. But that was the first time I walked into a theater and left feeling like I just did the show, like I was a part of that show, like I actually was the scene partner as an audience member. You know, there haven't been many times where I've had that experience, and I felt like it was because of the incredible performances, the stories that they were telling, how intimate the space was.

It was just a perfect combination of everything. And I mean, if y'all listen to this every week, you know, like when the Tony Awards came out, I was up in arms. I was in an uproar that they weren't nominated for anything. The show in general, not even the performances, the performances deserved it, but the show in general also was like so special. But I digress, and I thought that it deserved more because it was just that good. Um, anyways, I'll move on because I could continue talking about it forever. I ramble, sorry. Um, all right, so the ones that the plays that I'll mention that I wanted to see but I didn't get to see, and you know, with the musicals I obviously did the ones that I want to see, and I will do that, but most of the shows that I really wanted to see closed.

Um, so the shows that I really wanted to see were Goodnight Oscar, and a lot of you know that because I heard Sean Hayes put up a master class and obviously won the Tony and everything like that. And then the other one I really wanted to see was Ja Ja's, and I'm so mad about Ja Ja's African Hair Braiding because I literally had tickets for it and I was unable to go to the show that I had tickets for. I got tickets at the Broadway flea market, and I was like, this is perfect, and then last minute I had to go babysit out of town for my cousins. But I was so bummed that I missed the show, and then shortly after it closed, and I was like, shoot, like this sucks. And so that was definitely one that I really am mad that I missed.

But ones that I want to see are Pearly Victorious, and that's another one that I feel like is just gonna close super soon, and I'm not happy about it. Um, and the one that I want to see coming up, well, I'll get to those in a little bit, actually. I'll get to those in a little bit because it's not open yet.

[40:16] Eli Tokash: Um, okay. But with those being said, though, too, of like the ones that I wanted to see, I also really, really, really wanted to see Alex Edelman's Just For Us. Um, I'm really sad that I missed it, but I'm thrilled to hear that they actually filmed it. And thankfully enough, luckily enough, that it's going to be like showing on HBO Max. So I actually had no idea that this was happening, and now that I am aware of this and heard this, I hear it's gonna be coming out next, like this year, in 2024. Um, and it's gonna be on Max, which is great for theater. It's great to see them in a commercial mass, you know, audience mass, easily accessible platform type thing. You know, it's always great for Broadway to get that, you know, exposure, and I'm thrilled to be doing it like that.

And selfishly for us theater fans and lovers that didn't get the chance to see it, it's great for us because, you know, now we get to see it. Uh, and we don't have to pay our, uh, an additional fee. We can already use our subscription fee that we're most likely paying for for Max. Um, cool. So, uh, yeah, that's that.

[41:43] Eli Tokash: So, um, before I talk about our little review for Take A Bow, I'm gonna talk about a little 2024 preview and the shows that I'm super excited for in 2024 for this upcoming Broadway season. So, uh, I'm gonna start off with the plays, and I'm gonna start off. You may be able to guess it, you may not be, but I am so excited for Days of Wine and Roses. I am so excited. I literally need no explanation other than Brian Darcy James and Kelly O'Hara. Period. End of sentence, moving on. I just can't wait to see them on stage. I'm sorry. Um, period. End of sentence, moving on, part two. Um, I also really, really want to see Uncle Vanya. And this is another explanation of just Steve Carell, period. Moving on.

Uh, but no, literally, Steve Carell being on Broadway. I mean, I wanna say that's like a dream to me, but at the same time, like I feel like I can't even dream that. Like, I feel like that's just something that I wouldn't even think to dream. Like, I don't know. Nothing against Steve Carell or anything. It's just like when I think of Steve Carell, I don't think of like live theater, and I never thought I would be able to see him like live in person doing his thing, you know. Uh, but I'm thrilled that he is going to be here on Broadway in New York. I think he's gonna absolutely kill it, and I'm so excited to be able to see him and hopefully get the chance to, um, you know, see him and talk to him, you know. I don't know. A man can hope.

[43:20] Eli Tokash: Um, so yeah, very exciting stuff there. And then, uh, the musicals I am most excited about. Uh, I'll start off with the revival, uh, and I'm super, super excited for The Wiz. Um, very excited for that, and obviously I kind of mentioned it earlier, but that may be like number one. Um, and then the other ones I'm super excited about are the more are the original ones. Um, and that's Water for Elephants, because I have friends in the show. I'm so excited, and it's giving me, you know, crossover of like personal shows that I did of like Pippin mixed with The Greatest Showman and P.T. Barnum and everything like that. Like, I'm all for Water for Elephants. I'm so excited to see it. And then Grant Gustin, like, oh, sign me up.

Um, and then The Notebook I'm super excited for. Okay, I'm super excited about The Notebook. I am not gonna lie to y'all. I went shopping today and got some new suits for this hopefully upcoming Broadway season that I'm going to be, um, hopefully on the red carpets and opening nights and, you know, whatever for.

[44:34] Eli Tokash: Um, and so I am so freaking excited for the outfit that I potentially got for The Notebook. I keep saying like potentially and hoping because I really have no idea if I'm gonna be on these carpets or at these opening nights or anything like any of the above. I may not even like see the show, like I haven't seen Harmony yet or anything. Back to the Future, even like, okay, anyways, moving on. But I'm saying this because I got this like suit that I am obsessed with, and it's literally perfect for The Notebook. And so I'm praying that I get on this carpet because otherwise it would have all been for nothing. I will find a way to use it somewhere, but I will be very excited if I can wear it at The Notebook.

[45:23] Eli Tokash: Um, needless to say, very excited for it. And, um, and then the other one I'm super excited about, and I would literally be remiss about saying it, and y'all all can probably guess this one too. Um, well, I guess there's two. Hell's Kitchen could be in there too. But I have SUFFS on my list. Um, and all of you know that if you listen to this two years ago when I went to see SUFFS off-Broadway at the Public, um, I was literally obsessed with it for like a good three months, and I literally wanted anyone and their mother who was performing in SUFFS on the podcast, and fell in love with the show, fell in love with the writing, the music, everything about it. So, um, I really don't think it needed two years to come to Broadway, but I am very glad that it wasn't rushed and that they did take the time to, you know, improve it and get it done the way that they want.

[46:18] Eli Tokash: And I'm so excited to, you know, revisit the show and see how they improved it and what changes they made, if they improved it, you know, like what it all is, and I'm so thrilled to hear, you know, some incredible female activists like Hillary Clinton and, um, uh, Malala come on the producing team and, uh, be a part of the creation of this musical. So, um, it'll be very, very cool to see and to see on Broadway. I'm looking forward to that one for sure.

[46:57] Eli Tokash: So, uh, that's all that I really have for the reviews and previews, I guess, of 2023 and 2024. Um, I'm super excited. It's gonna be a great season for Broadway. We are very blessed. We have a lot of incredible high-profile talent on Broadway. Um, it's been quite the year, and it's just continuing the trend, I guess, in 2024.

[47:27] Eli Tokash: So, um, very excited. And then for as far as Take A Bow is concerned, you know, we are going to be as strong as ever, going as strong as ever. Uh, we have a lot of episodes lined up. We have a lot of guests lined up. We just gotta figure out these schedules, man. These schedules are brutal, especially around the holidays. So, um, we're trying to pump out the best content for you all as possible.

[47:58] Eli Tokash: And, uh, we have some very exciting guests, and you know, I don't know if you all notice this, but, um, the guests that I get on here, it's like, uh, the things that I'm excited about are guests that excite me. Um, you know, uh, or a hot story, and I try to DM them or reach out to them and be like, "Hey, can you come on and chat with me about it?" You know, like whatever it is, it's just like things that catch my attention. So if there's anything that catches your attention or if you want a certain guest or if you are dying to hear from this one person, you know, please shoot me a message. I'd love to hear from you.

[48:36] Eli Tokash: Um, I get it every so often, and I used to get them all the time, and now, um, you know, I probably get one, uh, at least one or two messages every episode. Um, so it's very sweet, and I love hearing from you all. Even if you like an episode, just let me know. Like, it's great to share all that feedback and, uh, kind of understand what you all like to hear. I personally, I hate like, I don't mean to like say, um, you know, I hate to say it or whatever, but I love having the ensemble members or the first-time principals or the, you know, Broadway debuts and all of like that sort of stories because they're so much raw. Like, they're not media trained like these, you know, high-profile performers that we've been seeing on Broadway lately where we mix in the Christy Cates and the Mary Page Nances and even the Caitlin Hula hands.

Like, she has been in two shows and she starred in both of them, but you know, she's still like so humble and fresh and new that it's like she's so, they were all so candid, you know, and they're willing to share the stories of their obstacles that they had to overcome and they continue to persevere and say kind. And everyone has their stories, but they talk about it in such a raw and humble and, um, real way that it's so relatable instead of the generic answers that we sometimes get from the bigger celebrities.

[50:25] Eli Tokash: So but then of course I love hearing from you know those those bigger names that have the experience of like the Ben Platt's and the stars that you know it's kind of like tell me everything you know tell me how do you continue to warm up every day. What do you do? What is your favorite thing that you've done? Like, talk to me about everything and let me be a sponge, you know, those stories. So I try to have as much diversity and and much um, you know, kind of a a wide range as possible and and different the different t levels, I guess, of experience and and um you know on the podcast. So uh just uh just let me know what you guys are are excited for, I guess, for this upcoming year, or people that you'd love to that inspire you and that you'd love to hear from and and hear more of their personal journey while also getting advice from them. Um that's all this this podcast does is just tries to continue to bring your favorites of theater to you, and um, we're just trying to make this as accessible and and fun as possible.

[51:39] Eli Tokash: Um and then of course, you know, this year we I just want to say how thankful I am to all of you for listening, and of course, thank you to all of our fabulous guests. You know, we had some incredible guests this season, uh, or this year, I guess. I not a season, because we don't do these in seasons. Um, but this year we've been so lucky to have the likes of Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, Jesse Mueller, Alex Brightman, Javier Munoz, and Matthew Broderick, Jerry Mitchell. And that was all in the month of June, y'all. Like, we were I was so blessed. I was so freaking blessed to have so many incredible people uh during that month. We did two episodes a week. We were buzzing, we were just pushing rolling content out, and um you all really uh accepted it and and loved it.

[52:33] Eli Tokash: Unfortunately, I don't get those quick responses um that often, and it's really a lot of timing, it's really a lot of everything, and um like I literally if I reached out to Ben and Noah three days later, that would have never happened because then the strike happened and they weren't able to talk about literally anything of their careers. So like it's it's crazy um, you know, what happens and how this industry works and especially how the podcast works and figuring all that out. So um uh but we had them and we had Carly Hughes who was in Pippin with me, Michaela Diamond, Brandon Victor Dixon, Sierra Boggus, uh Caitlyn Hulahan, you know, we were blessed with so many incredible stories. And then of course so many friends of mine, Mitchell Sink, Mary Page Nance, um I guess I already mentioned Carly Hughes, but Carly is a friend of mine.

We obviously did Pippin together. Aaron Alcaraz, uh Fergie Felipe, Justin Cooley, we had Courtney Reese, John Cardoza, Alexis Michelle, um there were just so many incredible people on the podcast this this year that um I mean Elizabeth Teeter was on for the second time.

[53:49] Eli Tokash: Uh Bonnie Milligan, Dan Loria who's literally uh the man. I was texting him over the holidays. Um it was just it really was a year I won't forget. Um and so many people came back into my life and then came into my life and um you know it was full of red carpets of meeting Jessica Chastain and and my favorite actors like John Stamos and and Martin Short. Uh and then seeing Ben on the carpet and reconnecting there, which allowed us to have him for a full episode on a podcast, you know, we went to the Tony Awards. Like it was just a year that it was truly life changing uh a year that I'll never forget uh Broadway con we were we would did Broadway con I mean it was it was something special and um I appreciate all of you for your support through it all.

[54:44] Eli Tokash: I just want to say that your support is literally what keeps my passion so strong about the podcast and not even just the podcast just about theater in general. I mean hearing all of or seeing all of you I guess come back every week to listen to me talk about theater is still crazy to me. Um because I'm like who would want to listen to me but at the same time it it's so humbling that uh you know you all care about what I have to say and and uh trust me enough to you know guide your favorite artists telling to be able for them to tell stories that you all want to hear. Um it's it's really special to me and and hearing my nonsense news and rambling and all of that like it just it really means a lot and I want to say that you know every in this industry this podcasting press sort of industry um it it's so much by the numbers that one little follower or one little like or one little everything ev one little listen one little view on YouTube you have no idea how far that goes um I obviously was not at every carpet this season.

[56:05] Eli Tokash: I did was not able to go at the Tony Awards last season. Um so it's a lot of um it's pretty crazy how um it all works out. There are guests that I often reach out to or like press teams or whatever that they're like, oh how many followers do you have? And it's just like you do not have enough. So um listen, this is all for fun, uh, but at the same time I'm trying to pump out some of the best content for you to for you to have and for you to um enjoy. Um and this is all for free, you know, like it it's a it's an easy, you know, click of a button on the phone for a like on Instagram or a follow on Instagram or a subscribe on YouTube or a view on YouTube. You can listen to you can literally like listen to it on mute for all I care. It just makes such a difference that um you know that that's that's really where it's at for some reason.

[57:11] Eli Tokash: I still don't even know how all these works. I'm still learning, but you don't really know how you all listening is what leads to, you know, these opportunities for myself and for me to give to all of you in return. Um so I'm very excited for our 2023 or 2024, excuse me, and I'm very grateful for our 2023 in the sense that we've grown so much over the years that I was able to be on those big carpets that featured those people. Unfortunately, there were some that I really really wanted to be on and weren't able to, such as Marilee we roll along and um spam a lot and you know, there were a couple, but you know, it's still such a incredible opportunity and hopefully we'll get to more next year and we'll have some more exciting opportunities. Hopefully we can go back to the Tony Awards.

[58:07] Eli Tokash: Um, you know, all of those wonderful opportunities. And uh if you all can just continue to spread the word, continue sharing your support, you know, you truly don't know how much it means to me. I also want to do something next year uh and incorporating you all more, you know, whether it's zooming in on a uh episode or it's you all calling in to ask a question, or if it's um uh asking questions, it I also want to do like if y'all are doing a school play, I want to get someone who is in the Broadway cast and you all as a as a class or rehearsal or whatever can listen and hopefully we can open up 10 minutes of the episode for all of you guys to like shout out questions or something. I just think that the more interactive and more um personal that this continue this can be uh will really help both you and I. It's a great reminder and it's a great opportunity for all of you.

[59:12] Eli Tokash: So um I hope that we can uh we are fortunate enough to be able to do that, and um that can happen through the support uh that I mentioned and of course messaging me, sending me messages, whether you want to guess, or just keeping me up to date on all of your personal endeavors that you are you listening. I care about all of you, I love all of you, I appreciate all of you, and uh as I said, none of this happens without all of you. So thank you so much. I want to uh say happy holidays to everyone who has celebrated uh or is celebrating or anything in between, and I want to wish you all a very, very happy new year. I hope that if you are traveling, you'll stay safe, you are safe, and you are staying well.

[1:00:01] Eli Tokash: Uh I know there's craziness with uh, you know, sickness or whatever it is lately. So uh stay safe out there, stay well. Um, and until then, I hope that you all have a great week. We'll be back.

[1:00:15] Eli Tokash: 2024. Yo, we have uh we're we're trying to kick off 2024 in in a wild way, and I hope that you stay tuned. It may not be the first week, but um look out because January there's gonna be a big episode. So I'm very excited for it.

[1:00:32] Eli Tokash: And um until then, I hope that you all have a great week, and I hope that you all have an incredible 2024. So until then, bye everyone. I'll see you in 2024.

[1:00:52] Eli Tokash: For this episode's current call, I would like to recognize a few people who also deserve to take a bow. This podcast would not be possible without the help of Dori Berenstein, Alan Seals, Kimberly Garrett, and the team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Next in line to take a bow are our fabulous editors, Jessica Warren, who edits the audio of the podcast that you just listened to, and Tessie Tokash, who edits the videos and visuals for this podcast.

[1:01:15] Eli Tokash: And how about a bow for our executive producer, Chris Grimm? And our final bow are extra special to the patrons Brian Thompson, Pat McNamara, the listeners of PCC, as well as all of the other patrons for their continued support. If you're interested in becoming a patron, go to patreon.com slash TAB.

[1:01:33] Eli Tokash: If you enjoyed this week's episode, make sure to subscribe on the platform that you are currently listening to this on, or go check out our YouTube where you can watch the episode. You can also subscribe, like, and comment on there as well. If you're more into the regular social media and want to follow us, you can do that at Takeabow Podcast across all social media platforms.

[1:01:51] Eli Tokash: The music of this podcast was made by Nikki Torsha and Cormac Collinon, and the logo was created by Giselle Bustos. And that wraps up this episode's curtain call. Thank you all again for listening to this week's episode, and I can't wait to see you next week.

[1:02:04] Eli Tokash: Bye everyone. Have a great week.