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[0:00] Eli Tokash: Hello everyone and welcome to episode 75 of Take A Bow. I'm your host, Eli Tokash, and we have a very exciting episode coming at you all today. Thank you everyone again for your patience. I know this one is being aired a little later than it normally is. Um it is still Thursday. Uh you may not be listening to this on a Thursday though. Um, but nonetheless, we have an incredible uh episode coming out for you all today with an incredible guest, a longtime friend of mine who I have done several shows with and we kind of talk a lot about it. Um and she has a very, very exciting project coming out uh tomorrow, October 29th, which is Friday. So it may already be out by the time you're listening to this.

Um so it's very exciting, and we kind of dove right into it. Um we if you don't know the guest yet from the title or whatnot, it is Alexa Shay Niziak who uh was on Mary Poppins with me, she was in A Christmas Story with me, uh she was also in plenty other shows, and we talk all about it coming up. But first, let's talk some news, shall we?

[1:01] Eli Tokash: Happy opening to Caroline, or Change who made their Broadway opening to their like revival, I guess, um, just this past week, and I the reviews are incredible. Uh everyone who went to go see it and everything, I've heard nothing but great great things. Um happy uh first preview to Trevor the Musical, which made its off-Broadway debut on Tuesday. Excuse me, Monday. They made their off uh off Broadway debut on Monday. And once again, I have heard great things, and I will be seeing it Friday, October 29th, and then of course on opening November 10th. So very exciting for that, and I will be giving you all my uh kind of my thoughts. Yes, I'm very excited to go see and revisit that show. Um there's some exciting things happening.

There's some unfortunate news that we got as well. Um Dana H and Is This a Room, which Dana H was one of the shows that I did the red carpet for, which was the last episode. If you listened to last week's episode, um, it was kind of the red carpeting opening night of that. They announced that they will be closing November 14th, and then Is This a Room will be closing on November 13th. It's very it it's very good. Like I don't understand why. I guess they're they're just not able to get people in the door because the reviews are great. Um I loved I loved them. I I only saw Is This a Room, but I'm gonna go see Dana H before it closes. I absolutely loved the show. Um so I definitely recommend to go see that before it closes if you are in New York and if you are able to do that.

Um I promise you you won't regret it because it is very good, it's very fascinating, and it's all true, which makes it all like even crazier. So um stay go keep an eye out for that. And if you can, uh if you're in New York and you're like, oh, what show should I see? Go see Dana H or Is This a Room? Because it's closing super soon.

[1:53] Eli Tokash: Um there's some exciting news from uh the Broadway Records sound uh uh kind of world um that I've actually had on the podcast. So Broadway Records, all of these albums that I'm gonna be announcing that we have talked about on the podcast here, um, all of these albums are eligible for Grammy consideration and nominations. Um so if you want to go and vote for them, you very well can, and they could be an actual Grammy nominated album. The following albums are In Consideration for Grammy nominations: In the Light, Edge of the World, Falling in Love with Mr. Delamort, Live Your Life: Nick Cordero live at 54 Below, and there's many, many more. I've talked about Nick Cordero's album a lot on here.

I've talked about Edge of the World, which is the one with Ethan Slater and Nick Blameyer. Falling in Love with Mr. Delamort was part of the Flea Market episode. I had the writer and composer of that. And then In the Light was the one with Antonio Cipriano, and we had Sierra Renee in it, and we had all kinds of Broadway stars. And we have another exciting album that was just released that we are going to start talking about next month. Well, really next week. So I'm really excited to announce that. But stay tuned, and it's gonna be another album that is uh hopefully in the beginning stages that hopefully um something continues to it continues to grow and something comes out of it.

[4:44] Eli Tokash: So um we won't announce that just yet, but there are other things to announce and talk about. I Put a Spell on You premieres tonight at uh Thursday at uh 8 p.m. for everyone watching. You can donate to Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS and get access. Um you can go online to Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, or you could search up I Put a Spell on You in the internet and uh you can now watch that. Now, I know I said that it is premiering Thursday, October 28th, which is the day this episode aired. However, you can see it through November 1st. So you can see it up until Sunday. Um if you if you happen to miss it on Thursday. So very exciting. It's starring Jay Armstrong Johnson, it's starring Todra Call, Gavin Creel, Will Swenson, Eva Noblezada, Jonathan Burke, Mila Jam, and so many more.

Uh we were able to talk about this uh project a lot with Jay Armstrong Johnson when he was on the podcast. We also had Jonathan Burke on the podcast. We didn't really talk much about this. Um, but nonetheless, uh of course the other people I mentioned, I mean Todra Call, Gavin Creel, Will Swenson, Eva Noblezada, ever heard of them? Um, Broadway stars are all involved in this and volunteering their time to create entertainment and to raise money for Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. So very exciting stuff. And I actually have a spookathon going along. Uh um, I don't know if you all follow Take A Bow Podcast Instagram or my personal Instagram, but I posted a lot about there. Everyone who kind of was associated with the show is currently all separately raising money for uh Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS.

And with my spookathon, it's a little special because the biggest donor, no matter what, um, the biggest donor will have a choice of one of three prizes. So you should definitely check it out. It's gonna be the prizes include um kind of things that are merchandise maybe from shows or maybe Take A Bow, um maybe a class with a Broadway star or an acting thing. There's a couple things to choose from, so stay tuned. Maybe tickets. Um, I don't know. You'll we'll have to find out. Um so go consider checking that out and uh donating to Broadway Cares because it all goes straight to Broadway Cares. And uh yeah, Spookathon, it's in my Instagram bio. Um I can also attach it to the episode description of Take A Bow.

Um and I would really appreciate it if you could uh go check it out. And uh with that being said, uh there's not much other news other than like I said, I'm gonna go see Trevor and then W we talk about this, but I guess I'm gonna include this as well. Um Alexa Niziak is going to be in Paranormal Activity: The Next of Kin. And that comes out tomorrow, Friday, October 29th, on Paramount Plus. Really tonight at like midnight. Um, which is tomorrow, but like you know what I mean. Um so yes, Paramount Plus, go check that out. It's with today's guest, Alexa Shay Niziak, and we're gonna talk a bit about it and uh hopefully get her back on so that she can talk actually more about it. And uh I'm really excited for it, so stay tuned and we're turn we'll turn it over to the drama dictionary.

[8:07] Eli Tokash: This week's drama dictionary is actually gonna be dress rehearsal versus invited dress. A dress rehearsal. I I got this actually I got this question from someone this week in in college and I was like, oh well I can kind of explain this. And so I figured more people would be um unaware of these terms and kind of the differences of them. So a dress rehearsal is when a cast is in their um in their rehearsal process and they are doing a they are doing a regular rehearsal and they're still learning the show and whatnot and um or they're they've just finished like blocking the rest of the show, and then all of a sudden they add the costume component to the rehearsal. So this is the first time that they like get into costume and they do the show in costume and everything like that, and so they are able to fully like do the show for the first time.

And that's kind of what a dress rehearsal is. Now an invited dress rehearsal is when p a group of people or um everyone gets uh kind of two tickets in the cast and creative, and like a bunch of people are invited to either fill up the fill up the um audience and whatnot, or just to like come sit in and watch a rehearsal. Um and that's usually that's typically the last ever rehearsal before they start going into performances. So an invited dress essentially means they invite a bunch of people to watch the final performance just to see how everything is before they fully put it out to a full audience for like the first time. And so an invited dress, when you are invited to a dress rehearsal, that is usually the first audience that ever sees the production um of that version, because usually they only do it once they're opening.

So very fun stuff. Uh, and dress rehearsal is just as fun, especially because it's there's an added component for an actor and the performers because it's the first time they're able to have, you know, costumes, wigs, and they're really able to incorporate everything into their role. And then of course it's also extra special for an a performer when you have an invited dress rehearsal because it's the first time you're gonna be doing it for a live audience. So very exciting stuff with that dress rehearsal, and I hope that kind of sums that up and makes everything clearer. They are completely different things, but they're similar in a lot of ways. Um one is just, you know, it's it's a lot of firsts, both have firsts.

One is the first time you're gonna be wearing costumes. One is the first time you're gonna have an audience, not an audition. Oh my goodness. Um so yes, that kind of sums that up and without further ado we're gonna turn it over to Alexa Shay Niziak.

[11:00] Eli Tokash: Curtain up! So this week we have an extra special guest on today's episode someone who is both my show sister and what feels like real life sister. She has been in three Broadway shows, two tours, three off-Broadway shows, tons of TV and film commercials, voiceovers, you name it and she's done it. Uh there is so much to learn from today and I am could not be more excited. So welcome to Take A Bow, a true triple threat, Alexa Shay Niziak.

[11:49] Alexa Shae Niziak: Hi, thanks so much for having me! Oh my god, stop! I'm so excited for this, has been way overdue um and I I'm just so excited to to get to know you more. I feel like I feel like I should know all of these answers but if I don't I can't wait to learn about them.

[12:06] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[12:06] Alexa Shae Niziak: So um first I like to start off like every episode and asking like everyone who's on like what kind of got them interested in like performing arts in general.

[12:18] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, sure. Um, well, I started in dance actually. That was kind of my first love. Um I did ballet when I was five. And um I kind of stumbled into things because it was like what my older sisters were doing. So like they were doing ballet, and so I wanted to do it. Um, and like I would kind of I would do these things where like I blasted um uh Roxy from Chicago and I would like dance around in my living room and like little things here and there, like I would use our oven handle as like a ballet bar, and my mom was like, Okay, like maybe you know, this is something. And so I did dance first, and then again my sisters were doing like this theater group in our town called Open Fields, and um they were putting on a a show like they do every year, and so um they auditioned, and so I was like, I'm gonna audition. And my sister sang Fabulous from High School Musical 2.

[13:20] Eli Tokash: Oh my god, stop it.

[13:22] Alexa Shae Niziak: And I was right after her, and I sang the exact same thing.

[13:27] Eli Tokash: Stop it.

[13:27] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, and so um we all got in, of course, because everybody gets in. Um, but then I I got my first solo because everybody gets a solo at some point, and I went home and I told my mom, and I was like, I I got a solo. And she was like, Oh, that's so exciting. Like she had no idea I could sing, and neither did I. Um yeah, and so like I did the I did the show, and then you know, the the guy who created Open Fields um who founded it, his name's Keith Greenfield, and he came up to my mom and just said, you know, like um, I think your daughter might have something, you should kind of pursue this. And so like I started doing regional shows, and then I stuck with musicals, and then the rest is history, yeah.

[14:12] Eli Tokash: And that was all back in Massachusetts.

[14:14] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yes.

[14:14] Eli Tokash: Right?

[14:15] Alexa Shae Niziak: Exactly. Yeah.

[14:15] Eli Tokash: I'm from a small town called Dover, Massachusetts.

[14:18] Alexa Shae Niziak: And um, it all started there. And like it's super wild because it just so happens that one of the original Jane Banks on Broadway, Catherine Doherty, is from the same town as me. And she had already done Mary Poppins at that point, and like her mom and my mom were good friends. And so like we had this wonderful connection to like New York City and Broadway that we probably wouldn't have had um otherwise. So it just it weirdly worked out. Um like very, very small world, but very, very lucky um to be there. Super weird.

[14:54] Alexa Shae Niziak: And then so you were doing your regional theater in Massachusetts.

[15:01] Eli Tokash: Yes.

[15:02] Alexa Shae Niziak: And then you did that until like 11, and then you kind of made a small temporary move to New York.

[15:09] Eli Tokash: Yeah, I can't exactly remember when I started auditioning in New York City.

[15:13] Alexa Shae Niziak: I would say maybe I was like, I don't know, I thought I was eight or nine.

[15:17] Eli Tokash: Um that might be too young, but I definitely started off, I would say nine.

[15:22] Alexa Shae Niziak: Nine, I think that's a solid time. I started doing auditions for Broadway. Um and like it was all new to me.

[15:30] Eli Tokash: So of course I had no idea, you know what I was doing.

[15:33] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, right. Yeah, so my mom and I would just drive into the city and do auditions and drive back. It was like day trips thinking about now. I'm like, we just like drove to New York City in a day. It was nuts. Um yeah, so then I started auditioning when I was nine, maybe, and then I made my Broadway debut when I was eleven. So a lot of time, a lot of effort. Thank you, parents. Thank you, Paula and Drew.

[15:55] Eli Tokash: Right. Oh my god, my things. Yeah. Hi mom, hi dad. No, not actually. Um no, we literally like we'll get into it a little more. But like when you were doing Matilda and I was doing either Pippin or Finding Neverland, we would literally like switch parents for like a couple weekends.

[16:12] Alexa Shae Niziak: So like literally like their parents to me.

[16:15] Eli Tokash: Yeah. Um so you yeah, literally. So you made your Broadway debut in A Christmas Story.

[16:22] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yes. Um first of all, what was that like? What was it like? So you started auditioning for what in New York when you were nine, and then you're finally making your New York City Broadway debut. Um what was it like to just like get the call and kind of kind of you know it's like the next step, you know?

[16:41] Alexa Shae Niziak: It was like it was probably the arguably one of the greatest days of my life. Um I got an audition for A Christmas Story, and this was like a few days before the audition, which I feel like is pretty unheard of. I don't know. I feel like with musical theater you tend to hear a little bit more in advance. Um, but it was for an emergency replacement, and so it was like everything was gonna be super fast paced, which I didn't know, but still it was.

[17:12] Eli Tokash: And so um usually my mom drives me into the city, but she couldn't for some reason this time.

[17:19] Alexa Shae Niziak: So for the first time, my dad was gonna bring me, which was like unheard of. Um it's just like so. I was like, okay, like this is like a new terrain, you know. Um, so I was like, there was that, and then like we took the train, which we sometimes do, but like mostly we drive, and I was like, Well, the train is like super fun. So it was like all these exciting things happening that day.

[17:43] Eli Tokash: Um my goodness.

[17:44] Alexa Shae Niziak: And then yeah, we got there, and I sang my song. I think I messed up in like the last bar or last few bars, but I like kept going, and I could see, like, you know, obviously, you don't look right at the people, you look above at their heads, but I could see their heads kind of bobbing along and nodding, like, oh, she kept going, that's good, you know.

[18:05] Eli Tokash: Right.

[18:06] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um live meter. And so yeah, usually I'm so hard on myself, but in that moment I was like, you know, it's okay. They like they were okay with it, and so I'm okay with it. And then they had me do the sides, and I was like, that was easy peasy and fun. And um, and then they had me stay to dance, so I danced. Um, and like it was this wonderful experience, and I just had such a good feeling leaving. Um, and I like got to the train with my dad, and we got on the train, literally stepped onto the train, and I got a phone call from my manager at the time.

[18:40] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yes, and she was it was probably a half an hour later, and she was like, get off the train, you're starting like in two days or something ridiculous. Stop it, and I was like, What is happening? Like the train doors closed, so I was like, Do we like stop? You know, do we ask to get off? And then she realized, like, oh no, tomorrow's Thanksgiving, so it starts like next week. So you have some time. But anyways, I was on the train ride home and the entire time, the entire four hour, you know, train ride, drive, whatever, to get home. I knew the whole time that I was gonna be in this show, and I didn't call anybody because I wanted to tell them in person, and so it was just like agony, but also like I was on cloud nine, and I just remember getting home and like my mom.

I remember I walk around the corner into the living room, and my mom and my sister were sitting there, and I walk in and I say, I'm I'm I'm so sad I won't be able to do open fields this year. And they said, Why? And I said, Well, because I'm gonna be in A Christmas Story. And I just remember my mom just like she starts crying and she gives me the biggest hug, and then like it was just like the greatest craziest day, and then I had open fields rehearsal after that, and I went up to Keith Greenfield and I gave him a big hug and said, I'm really sorry, but um I did get this show, and of course he was super supportive, and it was just like a wonderful end to the day, like kind of full circle getting to go to this rehearsal, and then like telling everybody that I started doing shows with that I was gonna be um on Broadway. It's just like a crazy day, yeah.

[20:12] Eli Tokash: Yeah, isn't it crazy? One little day can just like just like change your life, literally, like forever.

[20:21] Alexa Shae Niziak: One phone call. I mean, it's nuts.

[20:23] Eli Tokash: Yeah, literally, like 10 minutes in a room can change your life.

[20:28] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, I don't understand it, but it's true. It's bonkers, this business.

[20:33] Eli Tokash: So talk to me. So you were emergency replacement, okay. So everything was just like you had a completely different experience to everyone else involved.

[20:43] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, and then you were kind of just like thrown into it and had to learn it really quick. Tell me what that experience was like, and then kind of when did you start to really feel like comfortable and like just like relaxed, you know?

[20:58] Alexa Shae Niziak: In the um, in like the environment or like being on Broadway?

[21:02] Eli Tokash: Um, both.

[21:03] Alexa Shae Niziak: Like in the environment, but also just like in general. Just like, when did you feel like, okay, I can take a breath because I get this, I'm caught up, or I'm where I need to be, or whatever. And like, or was it ever that until it like opened? Like, what was that like?

[21:21] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, so at that point, I so I got the call, I started a week later, and I had 10 days of rehearsals. That was it.

[21:29] Eli Tokash: Oh my god.

[21:30] Alexa Shae Niziak: So it was like a Thursday to like the next Sunday, and then I was going on that Tuesday. It was craziness. So like I went to the show, I met everybody, I met John Mara, our guardian. Um, I met like Wait, was the show open?

[21:45] Eli Tokash: It are yeah, it opens.

[21:47] Alexa Shae Niziak: So what happened was is um B. Tolkien, who is another dear friend of mine, um, she of course booked and busy, got Matilda, and um in the middle of A Christmas Story, and she was of course in the original Broadway cast. So she had to leave A Christmas Story. There were only about like three weeks left in the production, I think, um, in the run. So I was just replacing her for those final few weeks.

[22:12] Eli Tokash: So it was like immediate.

[22:13] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um I had 10 days to rehearse, I had my dress rehearsal, and then you know, I would go on that Tuesday. Um it was in one of these cases, it was very lucky that we were, you know, the same size, because again, going down to like the little details of what replacements are like, you have to like fit into the costumes. And so, of course, like that was a factor of me getting the role was like I was the exact same size as she was, and so yeah, it was like it really everything kind of worked out, but I had 10 days, I you know, did everything, I went to the show. It was it was intense, but like I never kind of doubted that I could do it, which is really wonderful.

[22:53] Alexa Shae Niziak: I feel like I was just like still kind of riding that cloud of like I'm gonna be in this show, and I was super excited and and having the best time. Um like didn't fully realize I was kind of having like one-on-one rehearsals, which is like super exciting.

[23:11] Eli Tokash: Um yeah, it was like the craziest time, and then I went into the show and like you know, was nervous about that because everyone was already in their rhythms, and I was kind of like finding my way still, and like I had no idea, of course, what I was doing because this was my Broadway debut.

[23:27] Alexa Shae Niziak: So I was like, is this what every show is like, you know?

[23:29] Eli Tokash: Yeah, um, right.

[23:31] Alexa Shae Niziak: Little did I know this was like a completely different experience, and like had I I don't know, it was kind of nice that I started with this like crazy, like fast-paced thing, because then I felt like it kind of prepared me for like really being on top of my game 24-7.

[23:48] Eli Tokash: Yeah, and it was like then my Broadway debut happened like a week later, and oh my gosh, it was nuts, and like getting reacquainted with all these people, and and you know, they had already been like a group, these kids, and so like joining that was kind of overwhelming and nerve-wracking because I was like, I hope they they like me, you know.

[24:08] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, yeah, and like we got along great, and like some of these people are still my lifelong friends, of course.

[24:15] Eli Tokash: And yeah, but it was some that you like worked with again, yes, exactly.

[24:19] Alexa Shae Niziak: Oh my gosh, guys, capeless, Annalise Carpacci. Um will be, but you know, I didn't and like the wonderful thing too is like B is such a wonderful person that we were like she was just kind of like passing on the baton, and like, and then I ended up joining her at Matilda, so it's like it's just a crazy, a crazy business, but yeah, it was such a unique experience that I've never had something like that ever again.

[24:43] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, but it's funny because that's like how my my whole experience started on Broadway so yeah like little did I know that's not what it's like at all um right but like kind of good practice like looking back I'm you know yeah it's it's pretty crazy um but yeah that's like no I was just yeah yeah thanks um no and then like I wanted to answer your second question with regards to like did I ever feel like I got into it I feel like you know after a while once you start doing more shows you get comfortable with it but the show ended then after like three weeks so I feel like I was just getting in the rhythm and then like it closed and I was like well that was crazy.

[25:22] Eli Tokash: Right.

[25:22] Alexa Shae Niziak: And like again having you know no Broadway experience I was like I don't I'm just kind of flying by the seat of my pants at this point um and just like enjoying the ride.

[25:32] Alexa Shae Niziak: Uh and then I think maybe like after that and then going to a different show having that kind of under my belt um being to hand being able to handle it. I think I having one credit for Broadway under my belt I feel like I was a little more confident I'm like okay I think I can I think I can get the hang of this you know for sure.

[25:51] Eli Tokash: Yeah well then well wait I I want to talk about something else first because then I was gonna move on but I'm not gonna because I did they I'm very familiar with the Lunt Fontaine as well.

[26:04] Alexa Shae Niziak: I love the theater.

[26:06] Eli Tokash: Right yeah never mind did they stick you all the way up on like the fifth floor fourth floor.

[26:11] Alexa Shae Niziak: We were on the second to the top floor I don't know how many floors there are?

[26:16] Eli Tokash: Oh, is it five?

[26:17] Alexa Shae Niziak: I think it's five, and then the green room six.

[26:19] Eli Tokash: Yes.

[26:20] Alexa Shae Niziak: So we were right below the green room.

[26:22] Eli Tokash: Yes, same.

[26:23] Alexa Shae Niziak: Okay. That is devilish.

[26:25] Eli Tokash: Okay.

[26:25] Alexa Shae Niziak: Shows do that on purpose.

[26:27] Eli Tokash: They always stick the kids on the top.

[26:30] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yes.

[26:30] Eli Tokash: Like farthest away.

[26:32] Alexa Shae Niziak: And like it's funny, like with a show like A Christmas Story, like those kids are like no joke, you know. Like, they're always on stage. If they're not on stage, they don't even have time to go to the dressing room because they're like next cue is like they have time to change their costumes and play a short little game or something like that. You know, it's just like there's nothing it's crazy.

[26:56] Eli Tokash: So yes, this seems to be a trend on Broadway.

[27:00] Alexa Shae Niziak: And I just think that it's something that is like so minor, but also something so fun to like mention.

[27:05] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[27:06] Alexa Shae Niziak: And something that should be talked about because it's not fair, okay?

[27:11] Eli Tokash: It's not there.

[27:12] Alexa Shae Niziak: Because literally, like ever like, okay, at first it was fun and you could make a game out of it, and then you just got like tired of it. Or like if you forgot something and you're like, ah, I forgot, like, you know, my hair clip and I have to like go.

[27:28] Eli Tokash: Right.

[27:28] Alexa Shae Niziak: And kids are more forgetful than adults. Like, they're just like there for the ride. Like, they're just like figuring it out. So, like, it's so tricky. I don't understand. I never understood the process, but like I get it because like we're more energetic, but we also have like school during the day after a like midnight show.

[27:46] Eli Tokash: I think they figure like kids are the most physically able to go up five flights of steps each day and like have the most energy to be able to deal with that.

[27:55] Alexa Shae Niziak: Also, like we had school in the green room. I don't know if you were the same, but like I think they wanted to like condense it into two to floors and also like keep the energy like up there, like you know, um That's fair, but they actually built the kids for Neverland. They built to kids another dressing room, oh, which is on the second floor, connected to the wig room, because we were like, we never get off the stage, we cannot go up six flights of stairs at this moment.

[28:27] Eli Tokash: So, like we had two dressing rooms, so that was actually where we did school.

[28:31] Alexa Shae Niziak: On the other side of the street, but that wasn't yes, yeah on stage left.

[28:36] Eli Tokash: Because we've just on stage right.

[28:38] Alexa Shae Niziak: But nonetheless, I love that theater so much.

[28:41] Eli Tokash: It was by far like my favorite theater I've ever like in.

[28:46] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, the lunch.

[28:47] Eli Tokash: Oh my god.

[28:47] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um here, it was such a b it's such a beautiful space. I love it too. I haven't been back in, you know.

[28:53] Alexa Shae Niziak: It's interesting how like, especially like because we are not like audience members, yet the theater still impacts the performance and like the environment that is just created backstage and everything.

[29:07] Eli Tokash: It's really interesting how it all works, but yeah, I just thought it was something worth mentioning because I think it's always hilarious.

[29:13] Alexa Shae Niziak: That's so interesting. I didn't even I didn't even realize that.

[29:16] Eli Tokash: Yeah, anyways, we'll but go back.

[29:19] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um moving forward, Cat on the Hot Tin Roof. That was your next Broadway show.

[29:22] Eli Tokash: So you talked about having a Broadway show under your belt.

[29:26] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, you talked about it kind of like giving you um a little bit more confidence.

[29:30] Eli Tokash: Like, what did you kind of just like walk into the audition room like a cat in the hot tin roof?

[29:30] Alexa Shae Niziak: Kind of just like, oh, I'm a Broadway star already. You want me? Um, what was that experience like? Talk to me.

[29:43] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, it was actually okay. This is another weird, crazy story. So I had auditioned for Cat on the Hot Tin Roof, the original cast, back like maybe August or September.

[29:56] Alexa Shae Niziak: This was prior to A Christmas Story even happening, or even, you know, being on my radar. And so I went in and I got a callback. I went to the callback at Lincoln Center. Actually, ran into Sigourney Weaver in like the basement that day for my callback. Super random. Anyways, moving on. Super bizarre. Amazing. Yeah, exactly. And so I went in and I did my callback and it went super well. Um, but didn't end up getting it, unfortunately. Um, and so I was like, you know, it's okay, it's part of the business, it happens. Um, so anyways, I got A Christmas Story, I did that. And then A Christmas Story had ended. I also didn't, well, okay, another factor was I didn't get Matilda either. That was kind of like they were all at the same moment.

Um so I didn't get Matilda, I didn't get A Christmas Story. I mean, no, no, no, didn't get Matilda, I didn't get Cat on the Hudson Roof, got A Christmas Story, did A Christmas Story. The Christmas Story ended, okay. This is craziness. It ended like it ended January 1st or something like that, or like I was home January 1st. Sure. And I got home, was home for a week. Was it a week? Five days, something like that. Five days. Uh-huh. Got a call from Cat on the Hunts and Roof saying that they like obviously thought of me because of the original um callback, and they said um some of the kids are getting sick because of the flu. And there wasn't an understudy for any of the kids. Oh. So they were like, will you come in and join the production and understudy all of the kids?

And they were like, will you start in a week or something, or like two days? It was like two days, it was something crazy again. And I was like, of course, of course, I'm happy to. And so like the next day, I'm thinking like I'm gonna go back to school, you know, blah, blah, blah. Life will go back to normal. Little did I know, like the next day, I don't even unpack my suitcase from A Christmas Story. I just get it back in the car. I go back to New York. Um, we like get the same apartment we rent, and then like it was right across from the Lunt Fontaine. So I'm like looking across, seeing the A Christmas Story marquee, but it's like dark at this point. And I'm like, look at me, just like moving right across.

Um, and like I joined the show that day. Like I have a quick rehearsal. The kids' parts weren't huge. It was like they had like they ran around at one point. The biggest thing was like the oldest girl, the girl who was my age, who I originally, you know, auditioned for. She had like a scene with the two leads. Um and so I that was like the biggest moment that I rehearsed, but like I rehearsed that day, joined the company, um, was in it for three weeks because I only I said I can only do three weeks because I had found out about Mary Poppins while I was in A Christmas Story. Um stop yes, it was just craziness. And so I was like, I'm happy to do this, but I'll only be able to do three weeks because I already am going on tour.

And so they were like, that's fine. So I joined the company, I was in it for three weeks, I opened with it. So like technically I was a part of the original Broadway cast. Um and like that was my first and to this day only, um, original like Broadway cast credit slash like getting to experience opening night, which is super exciting. Um yeah, and like I did that for three weeks. I went, I went on once. It was I know I got my show in. I was so happy one.

[33:34] Eli Tokash: Yeah, yeah. Which one?

[33:36] Alexa Shae Niziak: Oh, sorry, like which character the youngest. The was she the youngest? Yes, the youngest um girl got sick, and like that night they were like, you have to go on. And so I was like, okay. So I got ready, and like the oldest girl and I pretended that we were twins, like that was gonna be our thing on stage. Um so like I did the scene, and I was like, technically, like I did a show, which was fabulous, and like that that was it. It was craziness, and then I and then I had to leave. But like what an incredible experience, and like again, like I had my uh I had my fitting, and like it was the same day that I got there, and like Scarlett Johansson was there getting her dress altered, and like that's when I met her, and like what an incredibly kind person.

And I also didn't fully like I knew it was like Scarlett Johansson, but like now also having grown older and like know really who she is and like the breadth of the things that she's done. I'm like, oh my god, like it was her. Um but just like such a wonderful person. She gave me the biggest hug, she like welcomed me to the company. It was just like a lovely moment. Um, and then like yeah, I got my fitting, and like three weeks later, I was I was out of there. I was going, I was going out to Florida to do Mary Poppins.

[34:51] Eli Tokash: You were going to Florida, oh my god.

[34:54] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah.

[34:54] Eli Tokash: So so really A Christmas Story, your experience in A Christmas Story is exactly what Broadway is like. And you had to do it again just like a week later.

[35:04] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, amazing.

[35:05] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[35:05] Alexa Shae Niziak: That's insane.

[35:06] Eli Tokash: It's it was crazy.

[35:08] Alexa Shae Niziak: Again, though. Like, like I to some extent that is what Broadway is, but I also feel like those are two like very crazy st you know what I mean? Like it's either one extreme or the other.

[35:21] Eli Tokash: Agreed.

[35:21] Alexa Shae Niziak: You know, like there's no balance.

[35:23] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[35:24] Alexa Shae Niziak: At all.

[35:24] Eli Tokash: Right.

[35:25] Alexa Shae Niziak: You either join the company with everybody and it's a normal process, or it's like you start tomorrow and then you just get there and it's like crazy.

[35:33] Eli Tokash: Um well hopefully you had a more um relaxing experience, I guess you could say, with Mary Poppins.

[35:43] Alexa Shae Niziak: Which was the next show that you were you did.

[35:46] Eli Tokash: Um and this was your first tour too, right?

[35:49] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, yeah, yeah, it was.

[35:50] Eli Tokash: Okay.

[35:51] Alexa Shae Niziak: So uh I mean, after being in New York and being doing shows on Broadway, how was it to do a show on tours?

[36:00] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah. Um it was it was a like completely different experience. Um I mean, I always like I was really lucky because I was part of a family that loved to travel as a kid. So like I I uh you know, I've obviously done that, but like it's it's you can't even compare it to traveling because it's just you know, like unlike anything else. Um yeah, it was a blast. I mean, like thinking back, that was one of it was some of the best months I've had, and it was like completely new and exciting, and um I mean just like thinking of the things that we did, like the fact that we traveled every week, the fact that we got to a new place, explored, you know, new new things and um like compare to I don't know, like I can't even compare it to being in New York because it's just like it's complete it's apples and oranges.

Um I don't know how you feel about it, but like I I'm always thinking like I would love to do another tour. Especially like now that we're grown, I think it would be like obviously a completely different experience. But um just getting to see places that like maybe you wouldn't have discovered otherwise or um or thought to go to, but um I mean you kind of just like got to see the country while doing what you love, which is like a wonderful uh opportunity. But um yeah, like at that point I was just happy to be booking like be doing things, you know.

[37:30] Eli Tokash: Um and just show hopping.

[37:34] Alexa Shae Niziak: No, but um, yeah, like I had always loved Mary Poppins and I had auditioned for the year prior. Um, but I was too small, I think. Um and so I always l I always wanted to be um Jane Banks. And so like even that audition experience was a blast. I don't know if you remember it. Um but like I just loved the idea of like getting to work for Disney and like do a Disney show and um yeah, it was just I I was happy to, you know, do anything uh being a kid and doing what you love. It's like I will take any show and I'm I'm super excited to be able to do it. Um and also have like such a core group that we did. I mean we'll get into that, but yeah.

[38:20] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[38:21] Alexa Shae Niziak: Well, yeah, I mean you kind of alluded to it, but I I wanted to say like Jane Banks is like a no joke role, you know, like it's uh it's quite a big role.

[38:33] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[38:33] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um and just to like Well, so is my so is Michael.

[38:37] Eli Tokash: No, yeah.

[38:38] Alexa Shae Niziak: Well, like both of them, you know, like the it's just like it's uh you know, once again, they like don't leave the stage, you know, like you're you're totally carrying it, like the show, the kids, you know.

[38:50] Eli Tokash: So I mean, what was it like to to kind of like I know you're you were kind of a pro at it at this point, but like to once again like step in to like a company that was existed.

[39:01] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah.

[39:02] Eli Tokash: I mean, I kinda went through a similar process and then you're kind of just like thrown into it.

[39:06] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, you know, and like you're you're rehearsing like just you and another another kid, and then it's like oh you're thrown in with the cast then like a week or two later.

[39:16] Eli Tokash: Like well, yeah, talk to me about that.

[39:18] Alexa Shae Niziak: That's a really good point. Um I mean, like yeah, it's um wait, my thoughts are like going all over the place. Um yeah, like I feel like well part of me was like, okay, I had done the thing where I had rehearsals by myself. It was like last minute. And so the idea that like I had somebody to do the learning process with.

[39:38] Eli Tokash: Sure.

[39:48] Alexa Shae Niziak: Within Lucas was really nice. I'm like, oh, someone's going through it with me and like we're learning it together. And to have someone to like spend that time with and rely on was like really wonderful.

[39:59] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um because you know, up to that point I was like, I'm I'm by myself and we're gonna be thrown into this company, it's gonna be great, you know. But um that was really wonderful to have. And then like, yeah, I mean like those those roles are like, you know, they were they were they were intense, especially like line-wise. Like, like not even like so much like maybe I mean like super Cali was you know a beast and of itself with regards to choreography, but like um yeah, just like lines and the music, like there was a lot, and that was um, you know, it was a lot to learn. But like we had three weeks, and I feel like it was the perfect amount of time.

[40:37] Eli Tokash: Um It's definitely not a show you can learn in ten days.

[40:40] Alexa Shae Niziak: No, no, yeah, no, exactly. Um I was really lucky that like there weren't any complications, you know. It was a very normal rehearsal process. I think it also helped that like we had um aunts, Anthony Lynn, um, who taught us, you know, the material himself, which is like such a rare I didn't, you know, fully realize that's not what happens normally. It's not someone to that, you know, that caliber and with regards to like he is the director, so that was a really um a wonderful thing to have. But yeah, I mean like I don't know. I I kind of look back and I'm like I it like I I don't know how I did it. Um but just like in regards to like you know, it's it was it was a lot to learn. But um again, like being a kid and doing what I love, there was there was there weren't I guess there weren't any doubts um in my mind that like oh my god can I do this because I was just having a blast and I don't know, I guess having fun while doing it is is kind of the greatest reassurance that you're you're doing what you're supposed to be.

[41:46] Eli Tokash: Um then I met you, and then like uh and then your life really changed.

[41:54] Alexa Shae Niziak: It changed my the entire trajectory of my life, and I know I met my greatest friends.

[42:02] Eli Tokash: Yeah, and now we're on a podcast.

[42:04] Alexa Shae Niziak: What look at us?

[42:06] Eli Tokash: I know.

[42:07] Alexa Shae Niziak: We're so cool.

[42:08] Eli Tokash: Um, anyways.

[42:09] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, um no, literally, touring is best, like, is the best, you know.

[42:13] Eli Tokash: Like, I feel like I've had a similar experience with you.

[42:16] Alexa Shae Niziak: I mean, obviously we joined at a different time, but we had a similar experience in joining the company at a later time than it it would it as in it already was open and whatnot, and you're joining in like a brand new city that you've never been to, and you're like, oh, I want to go explore, and then it's like, wait, I gotta go tutor.

[42:33] Eli Tokash: And I'm like, oh right.

[42:35] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, you know, so like it's interesting, and like you said, like touring, I feel like touring right now would be like fascinating.

[42:42] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[42:43] Alexa Shae Niziak: Because like we wouldn't have to, like, I've always said like Anchorage, Alaska, you know, like we we didn't have to tutor right there.

[42:51] Eli Tokash: And like it was one of it it was my like favorite city because we didn't have to tutor, and because we were able to like explore, yeah, you know, like we were able to go and and and like be with the cast, because like the cast literally like traveled as a family, so like that like it it was our last stop like on the entire tour, and I feel like that was the stop that everyone got the closest because everyone was like able to like actually spend time, you know.

[43:19] Alexa Shae Niziak: Like Anchorage, Alaska, there's like the cell service wasn't great, and right, you know, like we were on like a boat the sun was out at like 10 p.m.

[43:27] Eli Tokash: Yeah, right.

[43:28] Alexa Shae Niziak: It was just like it was totally bizarre, and like everyone was like dealing with it together, and it was just I don't know, it was like fascinating.

[43:35] Eli Tokash: And maybe I like I see that from my perspective because we didn't tutor, and so like I got to see that more.

[43:42] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, but anyways, more of the story.

[43:46] Eli Tokash: Um, yes, I agree with you, like tutoring or going on tour right now would be like cool because you know, we're adult, we're technically adults, and like I don't know, it's just like a whole new experience, and I think kids are are kind of interesting to talk about touring because they have a completely different experience.

[44:04] Alexa Shae Niziak: Agreed, yeah.

[44:05] Eli Tokash: I didn't even think about how much tutoring kind of impacted that experience with regards to like oh like we had you know a limited time to kind of explore.

[44:15] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um I feel like even with tutoring we got to see some of the cities, you know, a a pretty good amount.

[44:22] Eli Tokash: Um so like I can't even imagine how much we would get to explore, you know, without that factor in it.

[44:28] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um no, but I agree.

[44:29] Alexa Shae Niziak: I had tutoring the last two weeks of the tour in Anchorage.

[44:34] Alexa Shae Niziak: I was the only one.

[44:35] Eli Tokash: Oh you did stop it.

[44:38] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah.

[44:39] Alexa Shae Niziak: Because I don't know why.

[44:41] Alexa Shae Niziak: But yeah, I think 'cause Massachusetts ends at like, you know, in July or something, you know, not actually, but it ends so it's like New York schools probably.

[44:49] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, and so I had tutoring by myself for the last two weeks. But it was, oh my god, it was okay because I feel like we still, it was okay, guys. I know. They definitely, I feel like though, like 'cause I feel like didn't we go like horseback riding and stuff? Like I feel like maybe you built up enough bank that you didn't have to do all of the tutoring.

[45:09] Eli Tokash: Yeah, it wasn't as much time, also because that's the time when you do, like I don't really know if you have exams in middle school, but like we had like tests or like, so like it wasn't as time consuming. I just had to do like a couple of things and then I would have the day. But I agree, like I feel like we got to do a lot. I mean, we did like whole excursions and tours. I remember my mom planned like day trips, so like we definitely had an opportunity.

[45:36] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, but like what a difference, you know, um between having it and not and yeah. Oh my gosh, it was just a blast. What a great one. It really was. And like, and like you said, like, you know, like we were able to like go and see these like famous landmarks and these parks and um the, like the fish tanks. What is it called?

[46:00] Eli Tokash: Aquariums.

[46:02] Alexa Shae Niziak: Oh my god. Um, if you can't tell, I'm out of it. No, I'm in it, I promise. Um yes, but literally, like we get to see all of these like fun things that like, you know, like as a kid, like that's what you like wanna see in your like, and like poor Carolyn, like our tutor, she was probably like, oh, another aquarium, here we go. And she's probably like been to them like ten times, and she's like, she was literally like our personal tour guide every time we went.

[46:29] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[46:29] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, but it would, yeah, it was fascinating. And like, especially like for a kid, you're just like, oh, I get to go to aquarium instead of going to a school.

[46:37] Eli Tokash: Totally.

[46:38] Alexa Shae Niziak: You know, like so it was fun the way that they definitely did do things and allowed us to explore in an educational way or whatever. I remember when we went to Massachusetts.

[46:50] Eli Tokash: Yeah, I don't know, were you there when we went to Boston?

[46:54] Alexa Shae Niziak: No.

[46:54] Eli Tokash: You were in, I was gonna say we were in Worcester, right?

[46:57] Alexa Shae Niziak: Was it Worcester? Is that wrong?

[46:59] Eli Tokash: I don't know, but we definitely went to um the Green Monster or the Big Monster.

[47:06] Alexa Shae Niziak: Oh that, well, and yeah, well, Christmas story we went to Boston.

[47:09] Eli Tokash: Oh, was that it?

[47:10] Alexa Shae Niziak: Okay.

[47:11] Eli Tokash: So we were able to count that as cool, and I thought that was one of the best field trips.

[47:15] Alexa Shae Niziak: No way.

[47:16] Eli Tokash: Were we really?

[47:17] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah.

[47:18] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[47:18] Alexa Shae Niziak: Wow. Who knew? That was literally one of our field trips. And I was like, see, this is the type of field trips that I want to be going on. Like, let's go to a hockey game next time.

[47:28] Eli Tokash: Yeah, oh my gosh.

[47:30] Alexa Shae Niziak: We're gonna think that like we just, you know, went to baseball stadiums for school. Like, no, we did school.

[47:36] Eli Tokash: We dropped, we did.

[47:38] Alexa Shae Niziak: Like, cause like it wasn't like we went and like went to watch a baseball game. Like no, we took a tour of the history of the most famous like baseball park in the world.

[47:47] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[47:48] Alexa Shae Niziak: And also like, you know, we didn't have time for, I don't know. I guess the show was kind of our extracurricular activity. But besides that, we didn't have time to like, I don't know. Like there weren't little, like we had moments to have fun, but like those were kind of the chances to like be together with other kids, but also like learn something new.

[48:07] Eli Tokash: So it was kind of like a nice balance between tutoring, like getting an education and also just having fun and like being with other kids our age.

[48:15] Alexa Shae Niziak: And it was like a really nice balance I think they found.

[48:19] Eli Tokash: Yeah, I agree. And that's the other thing about like touring in general like as well like because you're not in like one space it's not like everybody has like a different home to go travel to.

[48:33] Alexa Shae Niziak: Right.

[48:33] Eli Tokash: You know like everyone's going to the same place. You're all traveling as one like you just get to truly become like a family.

[48:40] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah.

[48:40] Eli Tokash: And I think just that aspect in general just makes it enjoyable and like, you know, like it gets you less like homesick, you know, you don't really think about like, well you do but like it's like, oh my mom and my siblings are at home and I can't celebrate this holiday with them but like I get to celebrate it with the Niziaks or like half of the Niziaks jacks or a quarter or whatever.

[49:03] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, so like it's like, it's like balances. But like it's true. It's definitely real, and you definitely become like one on a tour.

[49:11] Eli Tokash: Definitely, and I think that was always the thing about touring that I always enjoyed the most.

[49:16] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, it kind of became like a second family. Do you remember when we spent Thanksgiving at Christmas story?

[49:23] Eli Tokash: At your house.

[49:24] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, yeah. Literally, like almost the whole cast, right?

[49:29] Eli Tokash: I thought, yeah, exactly. I because it because I'm well, I'm from outside of Boston, and we went to Boston, and it was like so I lived at home, which was like a great, it was weird because I'm like, I'm on tour, but I am living at my house, and you stayed at, you stayed at my house, yeah.

[49:44] Alexa Shae Niziak: And Lucas stayed at my house.

[49:46] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[49:46] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um and I actually remember, oh, sorry, no, go for it.

[49:50] Eli Tokash: What?

[49:50] Alexa Shae Niziak: No, no, no, go, go, go.

[49:52] Eli Tokash: Okay.

[49:52] Alexa Shae Niziak: Because it's a different story.

[49:53] Eli Tokash: Oh, okay, okay, okay.

[49:54] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, yeah, and so like my mom, you know, Thanksgiving was coming around, and we were gonna be in Boston, and my mom approached um Jim Brady, our company manager, and said, you know, like whoever can't go home for Thanksgiving, you know, you're welcome to come to our home.

[50:10] Eli Tokash: And so Jim was like, that's a lovely idea. Like, I'll put up a sign and see what happens.

[50:14] Alexa Shae Niziak: Like, like a little did we, we thought it was gonna be like a few people here and there, but little did we know like everybody from the cast, the crew, the whole company pretty much signed up, yeah, and their families too, who were like coming in.

[50:28] Eli Tokash: Um, no, but it was a blast because like I'm ready, I'm getting ready for Thanksgiving, having no clue who's coming, and then like two giant buses pull into our driveway, and I'm like, oh my god, what is happening?

[50:43] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um no, but it was a blast because like we have a big family, so my parents are kind of, you know, used to accommodating a lot of people in that regard. But it was like wonderful because I had everybody from the tour and like all of my friends and family from home too and it was like worlds colliding and it was just the, it was probably my favorite Thanksgiving to this day it was such a really course, yeah I mean it was like both of my loves like coming together and spending time on this wonderful day and like eating food and it was just like, it's a like, you know, there's nothing like it there's nothing like that experience.

[51:21] Eli Tokash: No truly that's so funny I I was like thinking of a story while you were talking yeah because it was funny you mentioned like me and Lucas were staying at your house and that also reminded me like on the never on the on the Poppins tour um we were like you were teaching Lucas and I and I maybe Maddie too like the dance to like somewhere hovering over Indiana and like the songs to your Christmas story.

[51:51] Alexa Shae Niziak: You know like we were all like auditioning we were like sending tapes in because we couldn't make like the first go around or whatever we were out on tour.

[51:59] Eli Tokash: Yeah you're so right you were totally coaching us and I was like this is hilarious and then you were like and then we all ended up doing it together and I was like oh my god all because you were no it was your talent but yeah I do remember that it was Dayton Ohio and yes you guys got the calls and so I was like all right everybody like rehearsal at my place in my hotel room and I like so we we all learned dances and I was teaching you guys and then like I recorded them and it was just a blast and we were also like 11 years old.

[52:32] Alexa Shae Niziak: Or you were like nine.

[52:33] Eli Tokash: So it was just like what a, how I don't know.

[52:37] Alexa Shae Niziak: I was really proud of us. We kind of just put it together.

[52:39] Eli Tokash: We were like, we can do this.

[52:41] Alexa Shae Niziak: It's gonna be great.

[52:41] Eli Tokash: We can do it.

[52:43] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um that's a little inside to tour life because that that is actually something that is a regular on tour, you know, like all of those experiences happened. We were all helping each other self-tape, we were all helping each other do auditions and prep and whatnot.

[52:56] Eli Tokash: You were actually also helping me out with like the ART version of finding my own.

[53:01] Alexa Shae Niziak: I was gonna say the, yeah.

[53:03] Eli Tokash: I still remember that song.

[53:05] Alexa Shae Niziak: The here and like that.

[53:08] Eli Tokash: Right.

[53:08] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah.

[53:09] Eli Tokash: Oh my god, what a song.

[53:10] Alexa Shae Niziak: What a song.

[53:12] Eli Tokash: But yeah, that's so funny.

[53:14] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um and then of course you were alluding it, alluding to it. You went to a Christmas story and you did it on like the tour and Magic Square Garden.

[53:23] Eli Tokash: Um so you were able to actually be with this one from the get-go.

[53:28] Alexa Shae Niziak: Mm-hmm and kind of get the full experience of a Christmas story.

[53:32] Eli Tokash: Um how was that, how did that kind of like, I don't know, because I know like how it like differed, but like, you know, you're with a new cast, you're with like all these people, but it's the same show, it's the same role.

[53:32] Alexa Shae Niziak: Like, I don't know, how did you, was there an adjustment period that you had to go through or what?

[53:51] Eli Tokash: Yeah, um well I had gotten, I had gotten home from Mary Poppins, and I um I did the, I did the Tony performance with the Christmas story, so I was like, you know, that was kind of the full circle moment.

[54:07] Alexa Shae Niziak: And then um, yeah, I got a, I was coming home from like vacation or something that summer and they asked me back to a Christmas story, and I was like, of course.

[54:16] Eli Tokash: Um, so like I already, you know, going into the fall, I was like, I know I'm gonna be doing this show, and I was super excited about that because you know, it was like it was my first Bravo debut, and I was like, this show holds like a very special place in my heart, but like yeah, I knew Luke was gonna be in it, so I was super excited to see him and then like getting calls, you know, coming home from school and like running up to my mom being like, did they hear like you and Lucas?

[54:44] Alexa Shae Niziak: I was waiting like every single day, and then finally like knowing that you two are gonna be in it. So, like going into the rehearsal process, knowing three people, um, two that I had just got off a show, you know, off a tour with. I was like, this is gonna be a wonderful experience. I already knew it.

[55:00] Eli Tokash: And then, like, yeah, I think I was really looking forward to like the rehearsal process is such a blast um in any show, and so I was really looking forward to like actually um getting to learn from the creative team.

[55:15] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um and getting to work with them. By the way, it's so John Rando, Pazakin Paul.

[55:23] Eli Tokash: Oh my god.

[55:24] Alexa Shae Niziak: And yeah, yeah, exactly. And like Warren Carlisle, who's huge, and like he was teaching us the dances, and I'm like, this is such an incredible experience, and trying to like soak up everything that they were teaching us and all the notes, like I remember the note sessions with Warren Carlisle were like such an event, like what a blast.

[55:43] Eli Tokash: Um, and so just like learning as much as I can from them.

[55:47] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, but like it's there's something about the rehearsal process and like bonding with people that I think being part of a new group of kids, and I was kind of nervous with regards to like me having done it, like how will that be, you know, dealt with and perceived.

[56:03] Eli Tokash: And I was like, I really again I was I was thinking like, well, we're all starting fresh, so like it's gonna be great, but again, it was also like, well, they like me, you know what I mean?

[56:13] Alexa Shae Niziak: Right.

[56:14] Eli Tokash: Um, because everyone knew at that point that I had already done it and Luke had done it.

[56:18] Alexa Shae Niziak: So um, yeah, it was great getting to see some familiar faces, but also like starting the rehearsal process with a new group of kids um is really kind of helpful for like bonding.

[56:30] Eli Tokash: I don't know.

[56:31] Alexa Shae Niziak: Right.

[56:31] Eli Tokash: Um, and so I think like uh being a part of the rehearsals and getting to learn as much as I can, but then also like getting to know some new faces was just a blast, and like I think we did a really good job, and all of us were really close again.

[56:46] Alexa Shae Niziak: Like we really lucked out with all the people being really wonderful and um reliant, and yeah, it was a good, it was just like I, it's just so like another wonderful experience, you know what I mean?

[56:57] Eli Tokash: Like the, it's first I feel so lucky to have had so everything has just been positive.

[57:03] Alexa Shae Niziak: Absolutely, yeah.

[57:05] Eli Tokash: For sure.

[57:06] Alexa Shae Niziak: Well, you talk about having familiar faces in a Christmas story, yeah.

[57:10] Eli Tokash: Um, and you also had some familiar faces from a Christmas story.

[57:16] Alexa Shae Niziak: Uh wait, so you talked about having familiar faces in a Christmas story, but you also had familiar faces from a Christmas story when you went into Matilda.

[57:26] Eli Tokash: Oh my god.

[57:26] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, that was a brain pretzel.

[57:28] Eli Tokash: You're good.

[57:28] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um Matilda, talk to me about it.

[57:31] Eli Tokash: So you that was like, was that the first, no, no, no. How did Matilda work exactly?

[57:37] Alexa Shae Niziak: Did you do seven shows a week?

[57:40] Eli Tokash: Yes, there were eight shows a week and I did seven.

[57:44] Alexa Shae Niziak: And like explain to me this insane daily schedule that you knew what I said.

[57:51] Eli Tokash: I knew you were gonna guess.

[57:53] Alexa Shae Niziak: Like you literally, like when we stayed together, I was like, Alexa, the show isn't for another like three hours. Where are you going?

[58:00] Eli Tokash: And you were like, um my gold time.

[58:03] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yes.

[58:03] Eli Tokash: I was like, what?

[58:04] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah.

[58:05] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[58:05] Alexa Shae Niziak: It's m Matilda was a completely like I had already, you know, like how I keep saying it was like a unique experience. But like then again, Matilda was completely different.

[58:16] Eli Tokash: No, right.

[58:16] Alexa Shae Niziak: So yeah, there's so many things to talk about with regards to our schedule. Um, yeah, so I did seven of eight shows. They, okay, so there were 16 kids in the show, four Matildas, and then um the other, you know, the other 12 kids were on were ensemble, and they referred to us by different names, so it was like um tall girls, small girls, tall boys, small boys.

[58:42] Eli Tokash: Right.

[58:43] Alexa Shae Niziak: Cities, sorry. Um, so yeah, and so um I was one of the tall girls, and I was like, I love being like me, a tall girl, I was really enjoying that title.

[58:54] Eli Tokash: Um, anyways, so like there were those, and then numbers, I'm trying to think, and then there were four swings.

[59:02] Alexa Shae Niziak: So they referred to the kids who did seven of eight shows as giraffes, and then the um four swings they referred to as monkeys.

[59:11] Eli Tokash: Um and it was really wonderful how they did it so that every week um the monkeys were guaranteed performances, they were guaranteed two shows um to cover the one for each of the roles that they covered.

[59:26] Alexa Shae Niziak: So, like, I'm trying to think of an example. So, like the small girl monkey would cover Lavender and Amanda, and every week she would do one Lavender show and one Amanda show, and then the two girls who like um were giraffes for those roles, so like the girl who played Amanda would have a show off.

[59:46] Alexa Shae Niziak: So that's how like the scheduling worked. And it was wonderful because then everybody knows that at some point they're gonna have shows so they can have like friends and family come. It was like a great system. Right. Um yeah, and then with regards to like our daily schedule, um, we had a call time. I think it was I forget like an hour and 40 minutes before the show started. Well, no, is that right? Yeah, about two hours before the show started. Um, and they did that for our own safety, which was really again wonderful. Um it was so we could have warm-ups. Um, so like we went in, we did a physical like dance warm-up because Matilda was so like physically rigorous. They wanted to make sure that we were warmed up and um again for our safety, and then we did like a breathing voice work warm-up.

Um, we did a singing vocal warm-up with Deborah Abranson, um our the children's musical director, and then we would do what's called safeties, where we would, you know, run when I grow up on the swings to make sure those were safe, steady, everything was good, and then we did um the vault in Fizz Edge when we kind of do like the flips over the horse. Um, and then we had notes. We had notes every single day, and they were singing, they were dancing. I think that was it, just singing and dancing. Um yeah, so we we showed up a couple of hours beforehand, but um that was the creative team making sure that all the kids were you know warmed up properly and um were ready for the show, and like oh my like I I think it's so brilliant the way that they did it because of course you know kids might just show up five minutes beforehand and be like I'm ready to go on you know and it's like right you can't really do that for the show because it is so um it requires so much of you with regards to breathing and singing and dancing all at the same time in these really long numbers so um like looking back now I really appreciate you know how much they they looked out for us and and made sure that these kids were well you know I f I really felt like we were well looked after and and in good hands.

Um and just like what a wonderful thing to feel um that kind of support and and they were really looking out for us. So yeah but yeah showed up showed up a while before the show but you know it was all it was all it was all good so yeah yeah well and it's like it's fun stuff too you know like you get to like go and you're you're like some of the warmups like isn't did you do swings in the warmups too like the the swing like the swings yeah they call them safeties and so safeties essentially were just we would finish our warm-up in the lower lobby and then we'd go upstairs to the stage and we would do our safeties so it was like we ran when I grow up and we ran um not the whole number of phys ed but just the part when we go over the vaults um okay but I loved safeties because I mean any chance to get to go on the swings.

Yeah like it's fun it's fun stuff. And I remember like it's funny too because like in on like two show days we like go to the park or whatever and it's like you guys are having like your own little safeties there. Because you guys are you guys are always like doing what you do in the show on like public swings and it was like genius. It was like hilarious. That just shows you like how theater kid we were, you know. That we were not the one the you know the two hour break we had off in between shows we would take to redo our numbers that we perform that morning and that night. Listen, I respect it. You had to stay in character. It was yeah, exactly. It was very method. I get it, you know, I get it.

Um no, but it was awesome. It's just a testament though, too, to like how fun it is. Like, you know, like you know, like in order to be doing what you love and just like theater in general, like the second that you're not having fun, it becomes like meaningless. And like it it's not like both for for the actor and the audience members, because they can tell if they're not enjoying it or whatever. Um, so it's good that that you you all were like that and it was just like hilarious every time. Yeah. It's I get yeah, it is wonderful though, because it's like most people be like, oh my god, like I need a break from work or whatever. And we were like, let's just keep doing the same number, you know.

Right. But I guess yeah, I mean, you're right, like it's because we loved it, and so like we wanted any chance to be able to do it to do it. So like, why not? You know, which is like wonderful to think. Like, oh, we actually like we really loved doing this to the point like even on our breaks, we were somehow incorporating it into our lives. I know. It was brilliant. Thank you. Um especially like n I mean, what you did in the show was of course very impressive, but like doing it on like those small swings in the playground. Was even more impressive. Like seriously, because you had like the big swings in the show and whatnot. Yeah. But like literally, like, I can barely like fit in those swings now.

They're so tiny. You know? Yeah. So very impressive. It's anyways. Practice. Yeah. Anyway. Yeah. Exactly. It's practice. Um, so I uh there's so much more to talk about, but uh we have to wrap things up. Maybe we can speed through a couple things because I really want to talk about your project that's coming up here very soon. Um actually tomorrow, come on. Um, well, it's actually probably out if when you're hearing this. Um, well, it will be out when you're hearing this. Um, so paranormal activity. Yes. Wait, I do that again. I got excited. That was a that was impressive. That was a good client. Thank you. Thank you. It was just really close to my mic, so it sounded louder. Um, okay. So let's talk about this so that we know that we are going to get to it, and then if we have time, we'll talk about the other shows.

We'll go back. Okay. Um you oh my god. You currently have a movie coming out that you're starring in. Um, and it's probably out when you when everyone is listening to this. Okay. Talk to me about it. Oh, I guess I could say it, right? Paranormal Activity Next of Kim. It's uh comes out October 29th. Yeah. Um tell me about it. Like you, you literally just told me this. Okay, so everybody knows who you are on this podcast because I talked about our very special waitress event and um the mic situation. Oh my gosh. So everyone knows who you are. Everyone knows that you're my show buddy and everything. Oh my god, I'm so flattered. Yes. So it was funny because you I mean, like literally, like we went to that what last week?

Yeah. And you told me that you have a movie coming out next week. And I'm like, what? Like, it's like, how do I not know about this? She literally told me in the theater, and I was like, what is happening? And I couldn't even like make a big deal out of it because I didn't want to like draw attention. Like we were in a theater, and I was like, you're torturing me. So actually talk to me about it and tell me like what all of this is and what kind of your role is and what you're excited to for audience members to see and all of that. Yeah. Um, so right off the bat, I can tell you that I can't tell you much. Um We have to wait 24 hours. You have to wait, yeah. 24 hours. Not even at this point, a solid, you know, 10 and a half, 11 and a half hours.

Um, anyways. Sure. So yeah, um, I'm yeah, paranormal activity next of kin. It comes out October 29th. Um, yeah, it's it's a film. Um it'll be released only on Paramount Plus. Um Paramount Plus. My character's name is Mary. Um there's not much more I could say, but yeah, it's I know. It's it's so sad. But it's but it'll it'll it we're almost there, you know. Um you'll you'll find out shortly. But yeah, I just I just told I mean I couldn't tell anybody. Um I was under an NDA, so it you know, I my my parents knew and not even my siblings knew because they said if uh we don't want to know because we don't think we can like keep it a we don't think we can keep it a thing. So they were like, don't tell us.

So like not even my siblings knew. Yeah, exactly. Um and so yeah, I I told Eli when I finally could. Um and I'm I'm so sorry. I I wanted to tell you as soon as I could, but we were also in a public space, so it was like you know, you it was hilarious. You were literally like, um I think I'm supposed to say the trailer is out so you can watch it. And I'm like, what? Like what are you talking about? Like that's literally like how you told me, and I was like, what is it? And then I was like, paranormal activity, you're a horror now. So talk to me. What was that? Yeah I mean, was that kind of like your first like real like dramatic horror scary stuff? Like acting. I mean, I don't know what you did in it, but like, yeah.

I mean, it's funny because I um I did uh that was like my first official full length feature film. That that was it. Oh, okay. So um, like starting with the horror, starting off strong. Um yeah, I had done I'd done like a couple of independent films that both were horror. So like I was, I don't know, I wouldn't say like familiar with the genre, of course, but like um yeah, I mean like I it's it was kind of a wonderful process to like learn about and also like I don't know, horror films can just be so scary, so like getting to be a part of the process is like a really interesting thing. Um did you like ever actually get scared on set um I don't know if I should say okay this is this is new terrain I don't want to I don't want to spoil anything so okay I'm sorry no you're good you're good I feel like I'm just like the type of person to like to like be scared at like anything like literally like I can open a door and someone could be like sitting here and it's like in the comfort of my home and like I could be like I hope no one's standing right outside my door like I feel like I would definitely get on set even though I know how it's working on set.

Yeah no same here I'm such a scardy cat I'm I'm terrified of everything so like that's why we get along like that but we can never be alone because that would be that'd be horrible that would be worse. Yeah no that would just be a lot of us would have to put on the big boy pants and it's not gonna be me so um but this is amazing. So this is your so Paramount Plus we can see it October 29th probably uh already out when you see it um and it's only on Paramount Plus correct uh yes okay so if you don't have Paramount Plus I'm sorry you're just gonna have to go get it so get on it and go check out Alexa as Mary. Thank you Oh my god I'm so excited so talk to me about like I know so you would feel as if acting is kind of your strong strongest like form of performing art, I guess.

I don't know. Yeah. Um or would you consider it like dancing and like singing? Um that's a really good question. I think I I don't know if I can answer that. I think like, well, right now I'm obviously I'm learning it because I'm studying it at school. Um I feel like it's the one that I get to maybe exercise the most um every day. But I'm still um I'm still singing, I'm still dancing. So and there's not one that I I love more than the others. Um but I think because maybe I'm acting the most um and getting to exercise that muscle, maybe I feel um in some aspects strong. Pretty pretty pretty strong in that regard, but I don't not like I'm uh I don't know. Like I feel pretty No, it's it it's just interesting because like I mean lately, I mean you look at what you're doing.

I mean, you had Orange is the New Black, you were in the Sinners, you were in all of these, like you're doing so much TV and film and now you're starring in a movie, like you know, like you know, it's like it's amazing stuff. So like it's like are you kind of pivoting towards that route? I mean, obviously it's like whatever, you know, like as long as we are working and doing what we love. Um, but like I I was curious to hear kind of your point of view on it all, because it especially, you know, you said you started as a dancer and now you're doing just so much TV and film, which really doesn't have much dancing. So I just thought that was like an interesting um kind of arc to your journey as a performer.

Yeah, that's a really good point. Um I think like I was I was listening to Nikki's episode right before this. Oh my god. And I heard him talking about how like he was always into musicals and he didn't, you know, it wasn't so much acting until he stopped doing musicals because of age. And then like he was looking for another outlet. And I was like, that's a really Nikki, you're so wise. I was like, that's a really good way of putting it because, you know, like I was always musicals, musicals, musicals, and like plays every once in a while, but I was like musicals up until high school. And then like at that age, at that height, you know, you're kind of I don't know, I think for for some people, maybe for most people, for most, that's like kind of like when you're done as like a a a musical theater kid until you hit 18. Um and so I feel like at that point I was like craving a way to still do what I loved.

[1:14:30] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um, but stay in New York City. And so that's when I started venturing more into straight acting, specifically plays, um, in theater and um more TV and film. And just because like I had the time at that point, you know, doing um I did online school, so it was flexible, I could really start to explore other avenues of um performance. And so like I think I definitely started to develop stronger skills in um in acting, but I was still dancing and I was still singing. Um, but like, you know, starting to investigate that more was and getting that experien those experiences were um really enlightening and I enjoyed it a lot, so I was like, yeah, I'll I'll still do this. Um and like now that I'm I'm older and I'm able to start doing musicals again, I'm like, oh, I want to do it all, you know.

But um yeah, it's it's kind of a I'm it's that a great point. I I I'm just I feel very fortunate and like I I'm still kind of keeping all doors open. Um because who knows? Um like for right now, I mean, it I'm th this is a really exciting moment and I'm I'm excited for the film to come out. It's crazy. I can't believe like who knew. Oh, I know. I'm just like thinking of little Alexa and how excited she would be. So um yeah, I mean, like, I really just I love doing it all. I love I love singing, I love dancing, I love acting. Um, and I'm just kind of seeing where that leads me at this point in time, and yeah, it's it's all good. I can't complain.

[1:16:06] Eli Tokash: I'm so excited for you. This is so exciting. As like your friend, I'm just like, wow. I know her. It's fine. I'm cool. I know Alexa.

[1:16:15] Alexa Shae Niziak: Thank you. Um no, honestly, it's so it's so exciting. I don't know. I talk to Nikki about this too. Like, it's awesome to see your friends like on a TV. Like, like, what? Like, yeah, I know that person and they're like being someone else, and it's like crazy. They're like telling a crazy cool story. Or like walking down the street and listening to like my best friend's podcast, and I'm like, look at him. No.

[1:16:40] Eli Tokash: Yeah. No, absolutely not.

[1:16:42] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um thank you. Um that's very kind of you. But then now you'll be able to listen to yourself. So that's exciting.

[1:16:51] Eli Tokash: It's okay. We've had this conversation too. We don't like to do that. I I've actually never listened to a single episode. Um it's very interesting because like whenever like people are like, oh, like how do you like what do you do to like I don't know, like kind of like take notes and like try to like improve the the episode or whatnot, and I'm just like, oh, um I kind of just like rely on what other people tell me it's not a personal opinion, you know. Like if I feel something is happening like while we're just talking or whatever, and I'm like, oh I have an idea and I can try that out and whatnot, I'll just do it.

[1:17:30] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah and like yeah whatever response I get I get and but I'm not gonna go back and listen to it myself.

[1:17:37] Eli Tokash: I'm the same way. I don't mind if someone's like you need to work on this. I'm like, great, I'll go work on it. But if I'm like, oh I have to go listen to myself.

[1:17:47] Alexa Shae Niziak: Literally, I can't even like uh uh voice memo or whatever, like voice lessons. Yeah, I'll be right back. You know, I'm just like yeah, I I'm literally just like, you know, like I'd love it if you could just like play the piano and I'll just like just like go through it in my head and whatnot, and then like I'll sing it with you and we can work on it some more, and I can just jot down notes and then I'll look at those notes while I practice, you know.

[1:18:13] Eli Tokash: That's understandable. Something like that.

[1:18:14] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yeah, like I I I just can't any of it. Like I just don't want to listen to myself, you know.

[1:18:20] Eli Tokash: And it's funny too, because like I I was I was that way when I was younger too, like before my voice changed, but now I go back and I like can actually listen to to that version of me.

[1:18:31] Alexa Shae Niziak: Oh, interesting, well, yeah, because it's kind of a a different person.

[1:18:35] Eli Tokash: Yeah, it's a different person, and now I have no control over.

[1:18:39] Alexa Shae Niziak: Right, you have nothing to compare it to.

[1:18:40] Eli Tokash: Like Yeah, exactly. It's like, oh well, like it's over, it's out there, whatever. Um, but like me now, I'm just like, oh, like how can I improve? How can I get better? Like, I don't know. Anyways, enough about me. Um I'm rambling and we've gone on too long, but um, there's just so much more to talk about. Um maybe we're gonna do this again, actually. Um if you're okay with that.

[1:19:02] Alexa Shae Niziak: Oh, I um I whatever whatever the listeners want, you know? I they're probably like who who is no, no, because actually we have to do this again because we actually have to talk about paranormal activity. Like, I'm gonna see it and then we can like if you let me. If you yeah, if you let me we can we can discuss more about it. Um but I mean you you've done all these off-Broadway shows. Like I said, you were an evil, the sinner, the Americans, or like list goes on and on. Um, but we were also talking about and also one of my favorite projects that you actually ever done is that like NBC commercial for the Rangers.

[1:19:40] Alexa Shae Niziak: Oh of course, of course that's your favorite. Literally, it's it's amazing. And I was just on your website last night and I was like, I went through that video and I was like, oh my god. That that's when I met like Alexa, and it's like, yeah, it's like that that's the Alexa I know. And uh it was amazing. So um, but I do I I'm I saw something and I I've been like dying to ask since because I think you would be like perfect. Um so I saw that you did To Kill a Mockingbird and you were a scout uh at Roxberry Repertory Theater. Um now that's a role that's currently like on Broadway. It's a play. Um I mean, is that some like is that a role that like I don't know, like do you have like a dream role that like I know like everybody's dream role is kind of like, oh, like a role that's never been written, but like of the shows that have been written or like currently out there, like, do you have your eye on any of them?

Like, I feel like I could totally like I saw that in your resume, and I was like, oh my god, she would be perfect up there. And like she's closer to the age than Celia Keenan Bolger is. And all my love to her. Like, I don't mean that in like a bad way, but like especially because like I know her and her brother, so like really no no shade there. But I was like, I could totally see Alexa doing.

[1:19:45] Alexa Shae Niziak: Oh my god, that is like the greatest compliment you could ever give me. Um yeah. I I actually saw To Kill a Mockingbird last week.

[1:21:09] Eli Tokash: Um You did.

[1:21:11] Alexa Shae Niziak: Oh yes, just we talked about this at Waitress. You were like, Oh, I'm gonna go rush it the next day.

[1:21:15] Eli Tokash: Oh yes, right. Yeah.

[1:21:18] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um it was my roommate's birthday, and I and my other roommate and I wanted to um to surprise her. She's been wanting to to see it because Jeff Daniels and Celia Keenan Bolger are back in it, and I'm like, I I'm dying to see it. Um yeah, so we we got up early and and we rushed, and a dear friend of mine who was in um an off-roadway play I did um called The Thing with Feathers, his name's um Zachary Booth. He's into Kill a Mocking World 2, which I didn't know. So just like a small world, but anyways, I watched it and I'm like, I for I just like seeing live theater again, that's kind of mixed with like to kill a mocking road being one of my absolute all-time favorite stories. Um but yeah, like seeing that, I was like, oh, like what I I would l absolutely love to play that role.

I mean, Scout is just a force, and I would be so honored and I would absolutely love that. Um I actually think I'm a little young on the younger side. Um I think they're they're looking for someone a little a little older, um, a little more, you know, experienced. Um, but I I don't yeah, I don't I don't know.

[1:22:31] Eli Tokash: Well no, I I truly think that.

[1:22:35] Alexa Shae Niziak: But um I mean who knows? I would even just to audition, I would have it would be the the greatest honor. Um I'm sorry, do I need to read your resume for you again?

[1:22:46] Eli Tokash: Stop it! Get out of here.

[1:22:49] Alexa Shae Niziak: No. Um no, but I mean, just watching her and the original um the the Tony Award winning um Celia Kenny Holder in that board. I mean, the two of them together is just like unreal. Um really so impressive. I feel like it would be incredibly um big shoes to fill, but I mean, who knows? We'll see. I'm any show I'd be I any show, any role. But I that one holds such a special place in my heart. I feel like I don't know. We'll see.

[1:23:21] Eli Tokash: Yeah. But yeah. Oh my god. I could totally see you up there on a play, like, you know, like doing your drama and acting.

[1:23:30] Alexa Shae Niziak: In theater.

[1:23:30] Eli Tokash: Thank you. Your love. Um, it's just combining both of your loves, and I feel like you would just be like a star up there.

[1:23:36] Alexa Shae Niziak: Thank you. But yeah, no, yeah, of course. Um so like I said, paranormal activity, Nexican, October 29th.

[1:23:45] Eli Tokash: Yeah. Very exciting stuff. Go check it out on Paramount Plus, only on Paramount Plus. So like only get it on Paramount Plus. Um or if you don't know. If you haven't, yeah. Like, no, no, no, no. You need to. It's not a it's not a want at this moment. Um it's a need.

[1:24:04] Alexa Shae Niziak: Um so I I can't thank you enough for doing this. Um it's been too long. I I've been wanting to do it with you for forever. And uh I'm glad we finally were able to do it. And on such a big week for you, um, I appreciate you giving your time and uh your willingness to do it and share with us your your career and your stories and a little bit about uh paranormal activity.

[1:24:29] Alexa Shae Niziak: Thank you. Oh my god, this was wonderful. I mean, what a pleasure, as always. Um thank you so much for having me. I had a blast.

[1:24:38] Eli Tokash: Yeah, of course. Oh my god. It it was it's a dream. It's a dream. And we have so much more to talk about the next time we do this.

[1:24:45] Alexa Shae Niziak: Yes. If if if there's it it's happening.

[1:24:49] Eli Tokash: I will make it happen. Okay. They don't have a choice of improvement. Um because the stuff that I have left is like stuff that like I want to talk about. So it's not even like they're not even there anymore.

[1:25:02] Alexa Shae Niziak: Okay.

[1:25:02] Eli Tokash: The audiences aren't there. They're just going to be consuming whatever is gonna be there.

[1:25:08] Alexa Shae Niziak: Okay, and this is gonna be there.

[1:25:10] Eli Tokash: Okay. I don't even know if that made sense right now. Um, but yes, that that's the moral of the story. And again, thank you so much for doing this. I know you have a busy week, and I'm glad we were we were able to figure it out.

[1:25:22] Alexa Shae Niziak: Me too. You're the best.

[1:25:23] Eli Tokash: You're the best. Thanks so much for having me.

[1:25:26] Alexa Shae Niziak: Of course. Take a bow, Alexa Niziak.

[1:25:29] Eli Tokash: Thank you so much for joining this episode of Take A Bow. It was so exciting. I want to have her on so badly because I want to talk to her about all of her off-Broadway shows. I want to talk to her more about the film and television kind of world that she is in because she is in so many facets of the industry, and it's really, really cool to learn all about them. Uh, this one really focused on the theater one because this is more of a theater-based podcast, um, which is still completely uh and entirely entertaining, and I loved every second of it. So thank you, Alexa, for coming on. Thanks for uh reminiscing some old memories, and uh just yeah, it was just a really fun episode to catch up and uh hear all about Matilda and a Christmas story and Cat in the Hot Tin Roof and Matilda and and uh Mary Poppins and all those things.

So that being said, once again, I'm gonna reiterate check out paranormal activity, The Next of Kin. It comes out October 29th, it's on Paramount Plus. If you have Paramount Plus, please consider turning it on. It's hilarious because Alexa and I were continuing to talk afterwards and we were like and she was like, you know, I actually never even watched a horror movie before I was in this. So it's very fun to like hear like all of these kind of different perspectives on just like an actor and how they prepare for different roles and different things and you know, like just what they have to do to get into a role and whatnot. And so now she's gonna be in the a horror movie, and uh it's very, very cool, and I'm very excited and I'm glad that she was able to come on and talk to me about it because uh it's super relevant and it's super great to talk about it in in this current time.

So thanks, Alexa, once again, and uh I hope you all enjoyed that episode. We talked a lot about uh, like I said, her career and facets of the theater industry. But uh when we have her on again, we'll talk more about paranormal activity, the next of kin. We'll talk about dialects. Uh, she's really, really good with uh with impressions and dialects, and uh I definitely want to talk to her about that. Um, off-Broadway stuff, all of these crazy fun things. Like I said, the I want to get more into the Orange is the New Black kind of stuff. She was like, did a group dream girls kind of skit in uh Orange is the New Black, and so she's done a lot of fun things in um all sorts of the uh entertainment industry facet uh uh or fields, I guess, and um we'll definitely have her back on to talk more about it.

So thank you all for listening to this week's episode. I hope you all enjoyed it, and I hope you all learned a lot. Um this week's drama dictionary was invited dress versus dress rehearsal. So hope that was helpful. And with that, that's all I have for this week. So thanks again for tuning in. Thanks for all your support. Go check out I Put a Spell on You, go check out um Paranormal Activity, The Next of Kin, and go check out my spookathon on my in my Instagram bios. It would be much appreciated.

[1:28:26] Eli Tokash: Thanks everyone and have a great week. For this episode's curtain 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 from Dory Berenstein, Brittany Bigelow, Katie Rosen, Alan Seals, and the team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Next in line to take the bow is Tessie Tokash, who edits the audio and all the visuals for this podcast. A special thanks to patrons Brian Thompson, Pat McNamara, the listeners at PCC, as well as all the other patrons for their continued support. If you're interested in becoming a patron, go to patreon.com slash T A B. And if you enjoyed this week's episode, don't forget to subscribe on the platform that you're currently listening to this on. Also, feel free to give us a follow on Instagram at takeabout podcast. Take a bow's logo is designed by Giselle Bustos, and the music is by Nikki Torsha and Cormac Collinon. Bye everyone. Hope to see you next week.