The Ensemblist
The Ensemblist celebrates the performances and careers of ensemble performers, recognizing the unique contributions they bring to the theatrical landscape. Thanks for eight great years of sharing the stories of Broadway’s unsung heroes!
All Episodes
#323 - My First Time (Hamilton - feat. Carleigh Bettiol)
Making one’s Broadway debut is a momentous occasion for every actor lucky enough to do so. Sometimes it happens years into a long run on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, and other times, it happens on opening night of a highly anticipated Broadway juggernaut.
#148 - My First Time (Hairspray - feat. Shoshana Bean)
No bones about it, Shoshana Bean is a force. She’s a Recording artist, having released four studio albums. She’s mastered the art of YouTube, creating and participating in striking collaborations that feature her powerful voice.
#218 - My First Time (Aladdin - feat. Marisha Wallace)
Usually, our “My First Time” episodes feature Broadway stars looking back at the very first time they stepped on a Broadway stage. But on this episode we are going to hear about a series of firsts from one of the biggest hearts on Broadway, Marisha Wallace.
#157 - My First Time (Wicked - feat. Desi Oakley)
Nobody has climbed the Broadway ladder with as comprehensively as Desi Oakley. Fresh off a run as Jenna in the national tour of Waitress, when we spoke she was starring in Chicago on Broadway as the iconic role of Roxie Hart.
#189 - My First Time (The Color Purple - feat. Todrick Hall)
Todrick Hall is a trailblazer in the world of video. His work has always sought to entertain and engage, uniting his love of music, theatre and Disney with unparalleled production quality.
#141 - My First Time (feat. Michael Berresse)
Michael Berresse made his Broadway debut in the 1990 revival of Fiddler on the Roof. Since then, he's performed in multiple Broadway companies, directed a Broadway musical - even performed on Broadway as the director of a Broadway musical.
#138 - My First Time (Les Miserables - feat. Ben Crawford)
Hi, listeners! Enjoy this throwback to 2019 and the very first guest from our My First Time miniseries. Our first guest for this miniseries was Ben Crawford. In April 2018, he started creeping ‘round the Majestic Theatre as the title character in The Phantom of the Opera.
#316 - My First Time (Hair - feat. Emmy Raver-Lampman)
She’s defied gravity as an Elphaba standby, “werked!” as Angelica Schuyler, and controlled minds as Allison Hargreeves on Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy.
#156 - My First Time (Mamma Mia! - feat. Ashley Park)
Ashley Park's portrayal of the hilarious but lovable Gretchen Wieners in Mean Girls earned Park nominations for seven separate theatre awards last season. But as I found out when I sat down to speak with her, those are qualities that she also portrayed in her first Broadway outing five years earlier, is an ensemble member in Mamma Mia!
#169 - Way Down Hadestown (feat. Afra Hines)
Over the next five weeks, you’ll hear one at a time from the complete ensemble of the newest Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Hadestown, about the characters they’ve created and the careers that got them there.
#174 - Way Down Hadestown (feat. Timothy Hughes)
Over the next five weeks, you’ll hear one at a time from the complete ensemble of the newest Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Hadestown, about the characters they’ve created and the careers that got them there. Timothy Hughes made his Broadway debut in the 2012 production of Chaplin.
#167 - Way Down Hadestown (feat. Ahmad Simmons)
Over the next five weeks, you’ll hear one at a time from the complete ensemble of the newest Tony Award winner for Best Musical about the characters they’ve created and the careers that got them there.
#172 - Way Down Hadestown (feat. John Krause)
Over the next five weeks, you’ll hear one at a time from the complete ensemble of the newest Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Hadestown, about the characters they’ve created and the careers that got them there.
#171 - Way Down Hadestown (feat. Kimberly Marable)
Over the next five weeks, you’ll hear one at a time from the complete ensemble of the newest Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Hadestown, about the characters they’ve created and the careers that got them there.
#479 - Hadestown (feat. Afra Hines, Kimberly Marable, Ahmad Simmons)
In honor of Black History Month, we're revisiting our July 2019 interviews with the original ensemble of the Tony Award-winning musical, Hadestown. Host Justin Mock looks back at The Ensemblist's interviews with three of the original company members: Afra Hines, Kimberly Marable and Ahmad Simmons.
#207 - Way Down Hadestown (feat. Anthony Chatmon II)
Replacing an original company member in a Broadway show is a feat for any performer. But being the first person to replace in a show comes a set of joys and challenges all their own - ones that only get magnified when the show is a huge success like last season’s Tony Award-winning musical, Hadestown.
#227 - Smash'ed (Episode 9)
“Hell on Earth” premiered on April 2, 2012 (Happy...April Fools?). It was written by Scott Burkhardt and directed by Paul McGuigan. The episode was viewed by 6.03 million viewers, which is again down, this time by .11 million. Oof. Featured Songs?
#225 - Smash'ed (Episode 8)
“The Coup” premiered on March 26, 2012. It was directed by Paris Barclay, and written by show creator Theresa Rebeck. This is the first episode Ms. Rebeck has been credited with writing since episode 3.
#223 - Smash'ed (Episode 7)
“The Workshop” premiered on March 19, 2012. It was written by Jason Grote, and directed by Mimi Leder. The episode premiered to 6.56 million viewers, down about half a mil from the previous week.
#221 - Smash'ed (Episode 6)
“Chemistry” premiered on March 12, 2012. The episode was written by Jacquelyn Reingold, and was directed by Dan Attias. It premiered live to an audience of 7.04 million viewers.
#208 - Smash'ed (Episode 5)
“Let’s Be Bad” premiered on March 5th, 2012. It was written by Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky, and directed by Jamie Babbit. As performers in the Bombshell workshop are warming up for the start of a rehearsal day, Derek uses Karen to work on a new sequence for the bridge sequence.
#206 - Smash'ed (Episode 4)
“The Cost of Art” premiered on February 27, 2012, and was the first episode in the series NOT written and directed by show creator Theresa Rebeck and Michael Mayer. The episode was written by David Marshall Grant, and directed by Michael Morris.
#204 - Smash'ed (Episode 3)
“Enter Mr. DiMaggio” premiered on February 20, 2012. It was written by Theresa Rebeck, and directed by Michael Mayer. It’s only three weeks until rehearsals begin for the workshop of the new Broadway-bound musical Bombshell.
#202 - Smash'ed (Episode 2)
Episode 2 is titled, “The Callback,” and it premiered on February 13th, 2012. It was written by Theresa Rebeck, and directed by Michael Mayer, both of whom also wrote and directed the pilot. The episode begins with the Bombshell creative team mulling over they are #TeamIvy or #TeamKaren.
#200 - Smash'ed (Episode 1)
The first episode of Smash is aptly named, “Pilot.” The episode premiered on February 6th, 2012. It was written by the show’s creator Theresa Rebeck, and directed by Michael Mayer. The pilot premiered to an audience of 11.44 million people!
#219 - Waitress (feat. Shoshana Bean, Molly Hager, Todrick Hall and Jessie Hooker-Bailey)
On January 5, 2020, Broadway will dim the lights on one of its most delicious confections: Waitress. During its more than four years and 1,544 regular performances on Broadway, The Ensemblist has shared many stories from its talented company.
#217 - Touring Broadway (feat. Cara Cooper, Becky Gulsvig, Megan McGinnis and Jessica Rush)
In our recent episodes about Touring Broadway, actors Josh Burrage and Sabrina Imamura shared with us some of the joys and struggles of touring with A Bronx Tale, Newsies and Hamilton.
#216 - Touring Broadway (feat. Sabrina Imamura)
First National Tours are one of the most important calling cards for the Broadway community. Staged in New York City to cross the country, these facsimiles of Broadway shows bring the experience of attending a Mainstem musical to theatrelovers across the country.
#332 - What We Miss (feat. Keely Beirne, Taurean Everett, Camden Gonzales)
We are in the midst of an unprecedented time right now. As artists, We thrive on human interaction, community, and togetherness. With all of that stripped away, it has been difficult for many of us to find ways to be creative.
#213 - Touring Broadway (feat. Josh Burrage)
First National Tours are one of the most important calling cards for the Broadway community. Staged in New York City to cross the country, these facsimiles of Broadway shows bring the experience of attending a Mainstem musical to theatrelovers across the country.
#212 - SpongeBob SquarePants (feat. Lauralyn McClelland)
Just last night, television viewers got to see what Broadway audiences fell in love with last year: SpongeBob SquarePants the musical.
#209 - Creating Characters (feat. Jennifer Smith)
Jennifer Smith is a legend of the Broadway stage. In the last 35 years, she originated and understudies more than 40 roles on Broadway.
#205 - Creating Characters (Beetlejuice - feat. Jill Abramovitz)
Jill Abramovitz slayed Beetlejuice audiences in her duel roles of Maxine Dean and Juno. She’s so incredible that we here at The Ensemblist bestowed her one of our first ever Season Standout awards.
#203 - Creating Characters (The Lightning Thief - feat. Ryan Knowles)
The Lightning Thief employs a cast of seven actors to bring the story of Percy Jackson on stage. Much of the show’s small cast is tasked with creating multiple characters, none more than actors Ryan Knowles.
#197 - Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (feat. Dimitri Moise, Rashidra Scott, Kevin Duda, Brittney Johnson)
This month, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical will shutter its doors after nearly six years on Broadway. Along the way during its 2,418 public performances, The Ensemblist has been lucky to share stories from many of its ensemble members.
#195 - Hurt and Healing (feat. Alicia Charles)
Alicia Charles is currently twirling, gliding and tapping her way through Agrabah as part of the ensemble of Aladdin on Broadway. Although she made her debut in the show in early 2017, she was sidelined early into her tenure there when she underwent surgery to remove uterine fibroids.
#192 - Hurt and Healing (feat. Taurean Everett)
Taurean Everett made a splash last season in the ensemble of The Cher Show. He brought the house down as Bob Mackie’s Assistant by wearing only a loincloth and a beaming smile. Taurean was also the lead campaign image for this year’s edition of Broadway Bares.
#190 - My Show Closed (feat. Emilie Battle)
Closing shows are just part of the big, beautiful cycle of musical theatre. And yet sometimes those closings are so sudden that they defy explanation. Such was the case last fall with the North American tour of Bat Out of Hell - The Musical.
#188 - Hurt and Healing (feat. Jōvan Dansberry)
Jovan Dansberry made his Broadway debut last season in the ensemble of King Kong. Performing both as one of the show’s dancers and as the manipulator of Kong’s left paw proved to be a monumental challenge, one that took him out of the show for months and ultimately stopped him from closing the Broadway production.
#186 - Hurt and Healing (feat. Caissie Levy)
As performers, our bodies are our instruments. We use our physical beings to create sounds, embody characters and tell stories. So when that physical instrument is suffering, how does that affect a performers’ artistry?
#184 - My Show Closed (feat. Chloe S. Campbell)
Chloe Campbell made a name for herself performing in London in four West End musicals. Since making a leap across the pond, she performed in the Chicago company of Hamilton and the national tour of In The Heights.
#182 - My Show Closed (feat. Michael Fatica)
Since making his Broadway debut in the original company of Newsies, Michael Fatica has gone on to perform in five additional Broadway musicals in the last three years, including originating the role of Chubby Man in Groundhog Day.
#180 - My Show Closed (feat. Hannah Florence)
Making it to Broadway is a dream come true for many. But no matter the show, living that dream will eventually come to an end. Whether your show runs for one month or one decade, eventually every Broadway musical will close.
#179 - Super Swings (Hamilton - feat. Eliza Ohman)
Eliza Ohman was in the onstage ensemble and assistant dance captain of King Kong on Broadway. Her onscreen credits dancing in Fosse/Verdon and next season’s opening episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. However, her first Broadway job was as a swing on Hamilton.
#178 - Let's Talk About Auditions (feat. Stephanie Klemons - Part 2)
Stephanie Klemons is the Associate Choreographer and Global Dance Supervisor of Hamilton. She was part of the process as it grew from a small idea to an international phenomenon with six companies world wide.
#177 - Super Swings (The Prom - feat. Gabi Campo)
Gabi Campo made her Broadway debut last season as one of two female swings on The Prom, where she covered the lead roles of Emma and Alyssa as well as all eight ensemble women and their features.
#173 - Super Swings (feat. Chris Rice)
Christopher Rice spent more than four years as a swing on the Broadway production of The Book of Mormon, where he covered the seven men in the Mormon ensemble. He’s also toured the country as Baby John in West Side Story and in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.
#162 - Let's Talk About Auditions (feat. Spencer Liff)
Welcome to a new mini-series from The Ensemblist where I sit down with folks on the other side of the casting table to ask them what they’re really looking for in a Broadway ensemble. As performers, we hear time and again that the folks casting shows want auditioners to succeed.
#144 - The Band's Visit (feat. George Abud, Sharone Sayegh)
The Band’s Visit is one of those Broadway musicals that does not have an ensemble, per se, but in which every actor is working together to present a cohesive point of view.
#143 - Kinky Boots (feat. Adinah Alexander, Andy Kelso, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Joey Taranto)
For seven years and 2,507 public performances, Kinky Boots has been raising up audiences at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway. For those of us at Ensemblist HQ, the show has a special place in ours hearts because of the ways it showcases its ensembles actors onstage, and has treated so many of them like honored family offstage.
#276 - Wonderstudies (feat. Shereen Ahmed, Christine Cornish Smith, Hannah Florence)
Today we share with you three great stories from three great women, all of whom have understudied leading roles on Broadway and tour. Over the last year, each of these performers shared their stories of going on as understudies with The Ensemblist on our blog.
#274 - Wicked (feat. Lauren Haughton, Matt Meigs, Nicky Vendetti)
For more than 16 years, the Gershwin Theatre has been home to the most Ozmapolitan of musicals, Wicked. And over the years, the show has been home to literally hundreds of ensemblists, not only on Broadway but on two national tours and in regional sitdown productions across the country.
#284 - The Book of Mormon (feat. Kenny Franceour, Marja Harmon, Tommar Wilson)
For almost a decade, The Book of Mormon has been delighting and shocking audiences at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre. As both Ugandans and Mormon missionaries, the show’s ensemble works together to make a very funny show even funnier.
#293 - Sweet Magnolias (feat. Chris Medlin)
Today on the podcast, we speak to Chris Medlin about his journey from Broadway to Netflix and back again. An original cast member of Mean Girls, he took a four-month leave from the show last fall to film the role of Isaac in the new Netflix series Sweet Magnolias.
#415 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 2)
“Who’s Got the Pain” premiered on April 16th, 2019. Like the pilot, it was written by Steven Levenson, and directed by Tommy Kail.
#266 - Creativity in Coronavirus (feat. Robi Hager)
One thing that has become clear about the Coronavirus pandemic is that it's not a sprint, but a marathon. We will be in this holding pattern for weeks in not months where live performance can not happen in ways we are used to.
#271 - Creativity in Coronavirus (feat. Ben Cook)
One thing that has become clear about the Coronavirus pandemic is that it's not a sprint, but a marathon. We will be in this holding pattern for weeks in not months where live performance can not happen in ways we are used to.
#297 - Creating Characters (Soft Power - feat. Jon Hoche)
One of the most defining factors of ensemble characters is how undefined these characters are on the page. Often, the actors playing these roles are up to their own devices to decide who they are and how they fit into the world of the play.
Introducing TWITS In Love, a new radio play comedy
Starring Micheal Urie, Christian Borle, Mary Testa, Lillias White, James Monroe Iglehart, Ann Harada, and tons more of your favorite theatrical geniuses, TWITS is the newest radio play comedy from the Broadway Podcast Network.
#289 - Creating Characters (Octet - feat. Margo Seibert)
Today on the pod, we share part of a conversation with Octet’s Margo Seibert. In this conversation, our sister podcast Page to Stage talks to Margo about her work in the Drama Desk Award winning ensemble of Octet.
#269 - Best of the Season (feat. David Gordon)
With the Broadway League declaring theatre shutdown through at least June 7, this theatrical season has effectively come to an end. So we wanted to take stalk of the abbreviated theatre season and talk about our favorite ensemble performances on and off-Broadway.
#510 - I'm Still Here (Again From The Top (feat. Angie Schworer, Jack Sippel, Brendan Stimson)
This month, we are collaborating with Broadway performers Jack Sippel and Brendan Stimson and their new podcast: Again From The Top. In this new podcast, these two Broadway dance captains and creative best friends offer goofy banter and behind the scenes stories featuring special guests who have created some of Broadway’s biggest hits.
Introducing: This is Reality - The Reality Winner Podcast
The latest True Crime / Broadway crossover podcast from Broadway Podcast Network: THIS IS REALITY. A completely true story, still unfolding. How and why did a 25-year-old with a Pikachu bedspread become the #1 terrorist in the United States?
#504 - Come From Away (feat. Jane Bunting, Kevin Carolan, Joel Hatch, Caesar Samayoa)
Come From Away is one of the best examples of ensemble storytelling to hit the Broadway stage this century. Having played more than 1,200 performances at the time Broadway shutdown, the show is a tour de force for a dozen onstage performers to guide audiences through a small town’s response to having a very big role on September 11th.
#514 - Can We Award Ensembles? (feat. Matthew Kacergis)
Helen Hayes panelist Matthew Kacergis is a DC based arts administrator and arts advocate. He has a long history of performing at regional theaters across the country, and now works as a Project Associate at the DeVos Institute of Arts Management.
#506 - Can We Award Ensembles? (feat. Eva Price)
Eva Price is a Tony Award-winning producer for her work spearheading the recent Broadway revival of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Originally conceived for a cast of principals and chorus, this revival directed by Daniel Fish did away with the show’s traditional chorus and made an ensemble of twelve leading characters.
#508 - Can We Award Ensembles? (feat. Darius Barnes)
After speaking to producer Eva Price about the commercial Broadway theatre, awards for performances are the kind of thing that can make or break a show’s life. So if awards ultimately behoove the theatrical landscape, why not have more of them?
#516 - Can We Award Ensembles? (Coda)
So where do we go from here? When host Mo Brady started this mini-series eight episodes ago, he was positive that there was a way to recognize theatre ensembles. He was so sure of it that he figured the best and most equitable way to do so was to ask the Tony Awards to add a new competitive category for Best Ensemble.
#472 - Ain't Too Proud (feat. Shawn Bowers, E. Clayton Cornelius, Rashidra Scott)
Today, we celebrate the Broadway sensation Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. The shows follows the Temptations journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock n Roll hall of fame.
#278 - Once On This Island (feat. Billy Bustamante)
Today we talk to Soft Power's Billy Bustamante about his favorite musical, the 1990 classic Once On This Island. Somehow, the alchemy that is a musical can help us feel seen, heard and valued.
#275 - I'm Still Here (feat. E. Clayton Cornelious)
Today’s episode guest has indeed run the gamut, A to Z. E. Clayton Cornelious has graced the boards of Broadway an unbelievable eight times during the twenty years since his debut.
#262 - A Chorus Line (feat. Nikka Graff Lanzarone)
Somehow, the alchemy that is a musical can help us feel seen, heard and valued. So we here at The Ensemblist are talking to some of our favorite musical theatre performers about their favorite musicals.
#234 - Creating Characters (feat. Tracee Beazer, Afra Hines, Kelvin Moon Loh, Barrett Martin, Bret Shuford)
Creating a character in a new Broadway musical is a gift for any artist, because you get to infuse the show with your own artistry. But it is the lucky few who get to create characters multiple times in multiple musicals.
#519 - Choreographers Making Moves (feat. Lizz Picini)
For our third episode in this miniseries, we’re so excited to bring you a true renaissance woman in the industry. She’s been an associate to multiple Broadway choreographers, she’s been a dance captain, she’s starred in shows, and she’s also one phenomenal educator, the brilliant Lizz Picini.
#185 - The Chorus Kid (feat. Casey Nicholaw - Part 2)
Welcome back to the second part of my interview with director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw about some of his favorite numbers in his Broadway shows. If you don’t know Casey Nicholaw by name, you’re certainly familiar with the shows that he has worked on.
#183 - The Chorus Kid (feat. Casey Nicholaw - Part 1)
In a recent interview, Broadway luminary Casey Nicholaw stated “I’m just a bouncy chorus kid.” And while it’s true that he performed in eight Broadway shows over 11 years, he’s also launched a second, rather successful, career as a director and choreographer.
#518 - Chris Chats With (Reopening Roundtable - feat. Ixchel Cuellar, Sara Edwards, Cody Renard Richard)
Host Christine Shepard leads a roundtable discussion of the return of Broadway with Ixchel Cuellar, Sara Edwards, Cody Renard Richard. They discussed what they want to the new Broadway to look like and how that can be achieved.
#517 - Choreographers Making Moves (feat. Karla Garcia)
Karla Garcia booked her broadway debut while still a student at NYU and has continued to channel her incredible talents not just towards an impressive performing career, but also as a breakout choreographer herself.
#515 - Can We Award Ensembles? (feat. Scott Dermody)
I knew there were other regional award ceremonies that recognize ensemble work, perhaps most notably, the Dora Awards in Toronto. Ahh…: Finally here I thought I could find a sustainable awards model.
#513 - Reopening Theatre (Hamilton Australia - feat. Robert Walters) Part 2
Robert Walters is a three-year veteran of the Broadway company of Hamilton. A native Australian, he recently made the trip to Sydney to join the original Australian company of Hamilton.
#139 - Broadway Debuts (feat. Kimberly Dodson, Tiana Okoye, Nikhil Saboo, Jack Sippel and Khadija Tariyan)
Today, we have some really fantastic stories to share from five actors who made their Broadway debuts in 2018. This quintet of triple threats sat down with us in front of a live audience at BroadwayCon 2019 to share what it’s like to have their dreams fulfilled by performing on Broadway.
#512 - Can We Award Ensembles? (feat. Afra Hines)
After hearing from Broadway ensemblist Darius Barnes about his decision not to include a category for Best Ensemble in the inaugural Antonyo Awards, I was curious about this anti-Ensemble award sentiment.
#511 - Choreographers Making Moves (feat. Rachel Dolan)
Hey listeners, I’m Justin Mock and this is Choreographers Making Moves: a new mini-series highlighting female choreographers who are making a difference and making a name for themselves in the business.
#509 - Reopening Theatre (Company - feat. Gina Rattan)
Over the last two months, I’ve been speaking to performers who have reopened theatre doors in productions across the world. But we have yet to speak to anyone who is on the team working to reopen shows here in the United States, until now.
#245 - Can We Award Ensembles? (feat. David Gordon)
Last year, I got to chat with the president of the Outer Critics Circle Awards, David Gordon. The OCCs bestow awards to both Broadway and off-Broadway theatre, but have never had a category for Outstanding Ensemble in their more than 70 years of existence.
#507 - Reopening Theatre (Hamilton Australia - feat. Robert Walters) Part 1
Robert Walters is a three-year veteran of the Broadway company of Hamilton. A native Australian, he recently made the trip to Sydney to join the original Australian company of Hamilton.
#505 - Podcast Portraits (feat. Shaye Hopkins)
This month, we are collaborating with Broadway performer Shaye B. Hopkins and her new creation: Podcast Portraits. In this new podcast, Hopkins invites guests to share some of life's hairy and hilarious moments and thoughtfully reflect on how those experiences shaped who they are today.
#270 - I'm Still Here (feat. Cameron Adams)
In Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, the character of Carlotta sings of her long and varied character in the showstopper “I’m Still Here.” The lyrics share that her decades in the show business have provided her with “plush velvet sometimes, sometimes just pretzels and beer.” The same could be said of today’s episode guest, Cameron Adams.
#503 - Can We Award Ensembles? (feat. Jack Smart)
So, we’re off! Thank you for coming along on my mission to discover how to celebrate, recognize and award great theatre ensembles. As I shared in the first episode of this miniseries, I started this journey wondering why there is not a Tony Award for Best Ensemble?
#502 - Reopening Theatre (feat. Timothy Hughes, Michael Fatica)
Today, we are taking a detour and not talking about a show that we need. In order for those shows to come back, we need a clear, safe and realistic plan for our industry to move forward.
#501 - Can We Award Ensembles?
It’s a question that has been on host Mo Brady's mind for years. Definitely since the infancy of The Ensemblist, but probably earlier. “Why is there not a Tony Award for Best Ensemble?” It seems a simple enough question on the surface.
#279 - I'm Still Here (feat. Gaelen Gilliland)
Although not exactly touring in stock, today’s episode guest is indeed still here. Gaelen Gilliland has been delighting Broadway audiences since making her 2005 debut in the musical phenomenon Wicked.
#500 - Episode 500 (feat. Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Anna Altheide, Hattie Andres, Chad Campbell, Jackson Cline, Angela Tricarico)
Travel back in time. Way, way back to a long ago year called 2013, when an overly caffeinated 30-something with a single Broadway credit was looking for a way to stay connected to the community of performers he so dearly wanted to be a part of.
#499 - Chris Chats With (Actors Equity Association)
This month’s topic took host Christine Shepard on a full quest. She felt like Harriet the Spy gathering info this time around. Half this episode was honestly for her. She learned a lot about stuff she should have years ago, but luckily her learning experience can be somebody else’s.
#498 - Tony Telecasts (1993 - Kiss of Spider Woman, The Who's Tommy, Blood Brothers, The Goodbye Girl - Part 2)
The 47th Annual Tony Awards were hosted by Liza Minnelli on June 6, 1993. Presented at the Gershwin Theatre, the theme of the ceremony was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of theatre in Times Square.
#497 - Reopening Theatre (Moulin Rouge! Australia - feat. Fredric Odgaard)
So many of us theatre artists are missing the experience of creating with others. Those who have the opportunity to be in a room making theatre seem to have won a golden ticket for making it through this pandemic. Even those who have traveled halfway around the world to do so.
#288 - Seeking Representation (feat. Ann Sanders)
There has been no seismic shift in the number of actors of color performing on Broadway. Yes, systematic change often comes with incremental progress. However, the recent crop of Broadway musicals seem to provide few examples of such change.
#496 - Tony Telecasts (1993 - Kiss of Spider Woman, The Who's Tommy, Blood Brothers, The Goodbye Girl - Part 1)
The 47th Annual Tony Awards were hosted by Liza Minnelli on June 6, 1993. Presented at the Gershwin Theatre, the theme of the ceremony was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of theatre in Times Square.
#495 - Podcast Portraits (feat. André Jordan)
This month, we are collaborating with Broadway performer Shaye B. Hopkins and her new creation: Podcast Portraits. In this new podcast, Hopkins invites guests to share some of life's hairy and hilarious moments and thoughtfully reflect on how those experiences shaped who they are today.
#494 - The Shows We Need (Oklahoma! - feat. Will Mann)
We’ve all heard the age old question when a new revival is announced is…why now? Why this show? The revival of Oklahoma in 2019 took a show that so many people know and truly opened eyes to new themes and new thoughts through a really unique production “sans the frills”.
#493 - Reopening Theatre (The Phantom of the Opera World Tour - feat. Megan Ort)
As the Broadway shutdown due to the Coronovirus outbreak passes its catastrophic year anniversary, Megan Ort reflects on being one of the world’s few employed Ensemblists in 2020.
#492 - Creativity in Coronavirus (The Untold Stories of Broadway - feat. Jennifer Ashley Tepper)
This week, I got to speak to one of my favorite people in the theatre industry. Historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper wrote the book of the history of Broadway theatres. In fact, she’s written four of them: her fourth volume of The Untold Stories of Broadway comes out this week.
#491 - Podcast Portraits (feat. Austen Danielle Bohmer, Shaye B. Hopkins)
This month, we are collaborating with Broadway performer Shaye B. Hopkins and her new creation: Podcast Portraits. In this new podcast, Hopkins invites guests to share some of life's hairy and hilarious moments and thoughtfully reflect on how those experiences shaped who they are today.
#490 - Tony Telecasts (2007 - Spring Awakening, Curtains, Grey Gardens, Mary Poppins) Part 2
The 61st Annual Tony Awards was presented at Radio City Music Hall on June 10, 2007. Just like the last ceremony, the 2007 Tonys had no host but instead a score of celebrity duos as presenters.
#489 - The Shows We Need (Come From Away - feat. Alex Finke)
There’s a line in Come From Away that reads “Thank you shopping at Walmart - would like to come to my house for a shower?”Creepy out of context, but in show, it is example of people being helpful and open to other people in a way that feels unfathomable right now.
#488 - Rent: Measured in Love (feat. Aiko Nakosone)
Today Mo Brady talks with Aiko Nakasone - One of the 15 original cast members of Rent. In the conversation, Aiko shares how her experience creating theatre families has influenced her work as both a yoga instructor and financial educator.
#487 - Tony Telecasts (2007 - Spring Awakening, Curtains, Grey Gardens, Mary Poppins) Part 1
The 61st Annual Tony Awards was presented at Radio City Music Hall on June 10, 2007. Just like the last ceremony, the 2007 Tonys had no host but instead a score of celebrity duos as presenters.
#486 - Reopening Theatre (Come From Away Australia - feat. Daniel Goldstein)
In this episode, host Kerstin Anderson talks with Daniel Goldstein, the associate director of Come From Away. He was one of the first theatre practitioners in the world to reopen theatre following the shutdown.
#484 - Rent: Measured in Love (feat. Rodney Hicks)
Actor and playwright Rodney Hicks’ RENT journey began 25 years ago at New York Theatre Workshop, when he was just 21 years old. In 2007, Rodney would return to the Nederlander and take on the role of Benny, a part he once understudied a decade prior.
#483 - Reopening Theatre (Frozen Australia - feat. Charlie Williams)
Choreographer and performer Charlie Williams is no stranger to The Ensemblist, nor is he a stranger to Disney’s mega musical, Frozen, which closed on Broadway last May, but has sparked new life internationally.
#482 - Aladdin (feat. Michael Callahan, Jacob Gutierrez, Heather Makalani)
Disney’s Aladdin, beloved animated classic turned hit musical, opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam theater in March of 2014, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw with score by Alan Menkin, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin.
#480 - Tony Telecasts (1984 - Baby, La Cage aux Folles, Sunday in the Park with George, The Tap Dance Kid) Part 2
The 38th Annual Tony Awards was hosted by Julie Andrews and Robert Preston on June 3, 1984. Presented at the Gershwin Theatre, current home of the long-running Wicked, the show featured three medleys dedicated to composers: John Kander and Fred Ebb, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim.
#478 - The Addams Family (Legacy - feat. Steve Bebout, Rick Ellis, Rebekah Hess)
Following the journey of The Addams Family has been surprising. Before I started, I wasn’t even sure the original creative team would want to go on record with me about the show’s tumultuous development.
#477 - Tony Telecasts (1984 - Baby, La Cage aux Folles, Sunday in the Park with George, The Tap Dance Kid) Part 1
The 38th Annual Tony Awards was hosted by Julie Andrews and Robert Preston on June 3, 1984. Presented at the Gershwin Theatre, current home of the long-running Wicked, the show featured three medleys dedicated to composers: John Kander and Fred Ebb, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim.
#228 - Seeking Representation (feat. Bradley Gibson)
Bradley Gibson made his Broadway debut as a swing on the 2014 musical adaptation of Rocky. Since then, he created the role of Tyrone in A Bronx Tale The Musical and is currently storming the Pridelines as Simba in Broadway’s The Lion King.
#475 - The Shows We Need (SpongeBob SquarePants - feat. Oneika Phillips)
This week, we’re talking about a musical that host Michael Fatica's middle school self would have loved - Spongebob Squarepants. I bet you’re thinking that it's just a musical for kids, but in his conversation with Oneika Phillips, she turns that misconception upside down.
#474 - Creativity in Coronavirus (When The Lights Are Bright Again - feat. Andrew Norlen, Stephanie Bissonnette, Brittany Conigatti, Jake Ryan Flynn, Amanda LaMotte, Kevin Raponey, Gabriella Sorrentino)
Nearly one year ago, Broadway went dark, leading to the longest emergency shutdown in Broadway’s 150 year legacy. Born out of this extended intermission have been a handful of grassroots movements to support those impacted within the theatre community.
#473 - The Addams Family (Rock Ridge High School - feat. Anthony Cimino-Johnson, Rebekah Hess)
In learning about how The Addams Family found popularity after its initial professional mountings, I wanted to dig one level deeper. Thanks to Jim Hoare at Theatrical Rights Worldwide, I had learned why the show was a popular choice for amateur and student groups.
#230 - Seeking Representation (feat. Aisha Jackson)
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Aisha Jackson has been a constant presence on Broadway stages for the last five years. Starting as a swing on Beautiful and then creating one of the ensemble tracks in Waitress, this month she finishes her run as the Anna standby in Frozen on Broadway.
#470 - Tony Telecasts (1999 - Fosse, The Civil War, It Ain’t Nothin But the Blues, Parade) Part 2
The 53rd Annual Tony Awards were held at the Gershwin Theatre on June 6, 1999. Unlike every other award ceremony we’ve discussed in this miniseries, the show did not have a formal host. Heading into the ceremony, the closed Lincoln Center Theatre production of Parade led the pack with nine nominations.
#469 - Chris Chats With (feat. Brittany Campbell, Phil., Leo Manzari, Hailes Meecah, J. Hasan, Ari Grooves, Britton & The Sting, Joshua Henry)
Black History Month… let’s do it. Today I do not want to go on and on and saturate you with more sad news. Key word of the day is celebrate, so we shall do such. The rest of this episode is a party, so go grab your drinks and relax.
#468 - The Addams Family (Student Productions, feat. Jim Hoare)
In my conversations with the original creative team of The Addams Family, I was learning how the show was refined and restructured to become a success on tour and around the world.
#467 - Tony Telecasts (1999 - Fosse, The Civil War, It Ain’t Nothin But the Blues, Parade) Part 1
The 53rd Annual Tony Awards were held at the Gershwin Theatre on June 6, 1999. Unlike every other award ceremony we’ve discussed in this miniseries, the show did not have a formal host. Heading into the ceremony, the closed Lincoln Center Theatre production of Parade led the pack with nine nominations.
#466 - Creativity in Coronavirus (Dreamgirls on Clubhouse - feat. Leroy Church)
What is Clubhouse? Leroy Church, associate producer on the Clubhouse production of Dreamgirls, gives us an inside look at creating theatre on an emerging app with some on Broadway's greatest performers.
#465 - The Shows We Need (Soft Power - feat. Raymond J. Lee)
Today, actor Raymond J. Lee talks about the Grammy nominated off Broadway show Soft Power. Host Michael Fatica was blown away by how cleverly it deals with super touchy topics about race, democracy, traditional theatre and more.
#464 - The Addams Family (International Productions, feat. Steve Bebout. Dontee Kiehn)
In my journey to chronicle the transformation of The Addams Family musical through its many incarnations, I was starting to understand what made the show so unique. Most first national tours are essential replicas of the Broadway production, but The Addams Family’s was not.
#231 - Can We Award Ensembles? (feat. Celia Keenan-Bolger)
We're celebrating the birthday of one of our favorite leading ladies, Celia Keenan-Bolger. She is a four-time Tony Award nominee, winning for Best Featured Actress in a Play in 2019 for To Kill A Mockingbird.
#462 - The Phantom of the Opera (feat. Polly Baird, Satomi Hofmann, Janet Saia, Jacob Keith Watson)
On today’s episode, we’re celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Broadway’s longest-running show, The Phantom of the Opera. Although the Majestic Theatre remains dark because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve dug deep into our archives to revisit some of our favorite stories from Phantom ensemblists.
#461 - Tony Telecasts (2019 - Ain't Too Proud, Beetlejuice, Hadestown, The Prom, Tootsie - Part 2)
The 73rd Annual Tony Awards were held June 9, 2019 at Radio City Music Hall with James Corden hosting for his second time. Heading into the ceremony, Hadestown led with 14 nominations, followed by Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations with 12, Tootsie with 11, Beetlejuice with 8 and The Prom with 7.
#460 - Hamilton (feat. Antuan Raimone, Alexia Sky, Kim Taylor Cox, Rebecca Covington Webber)
Over the years, The Ensemblist has had the sublime opportunity to speak with four performers from a variety of Hamilton companies, each with their own unique memories and takeaways from the experience.
#459 - The Addams Family (feat. Steve Bebout)
One of the not-so secret secrets in this show about secrets is that The Addams Family went through massive structural changes multiple times on its way to becoming the most popular musical in America.
#458 - Tony Telecasts (2019 - Ain't Too Proud, Beetlejuice, Hadestown, The Prom, Tootsie - Part 1)
The 73rd Annual Tony Awards were held June 9, 2019 at Radio City Music Hall with James Corden hosting for his second time. Heading into the ceremony, Hadestown led with 14 nominations, followed by Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations with 12, Tootsie with 11, Beetlejuice with 8 and The Prom with 7.
#456 - The Shows We Need (Jagged Little Pill - feat. Marc Kimelman, Kei Tsuruharatani)
It’s 2021, and the theatre industry is still shut down. In this new series, “The Shows We Need”, Michael Fatica will try to identify pieces that we as a community need to come back when the theatre world resurfaces.
#454 - The Addams Family (feat. Dontee Kiehn)
The original production of The Addams Family was choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Once a Broadway ensemblist himself, The Addams Family came along when Sergio had four productions running simultaneously on Broadway: our show, the long-running Jersey Boys, the sparse but beautiful musical staging in Next to Normal, and the Tony-Award winning production of Memphis.
#453 - Creativity in Coronavirus (Let's Hear It For The Choice - feat. Jimmy Larkin)
It’s time to start 2021 with some joy. And what better way than to share something that’s been bringing me joy over the last few months: Let’s Hear It For The Choice. Created by Jimmy Larkin, Let’s Hear It For The Choice is a celebration of great musical theatre performances large and small.
#451 - Tony Telecasts (1987 - Les Miserables, Me and My Girl, Rags, Starlight Express - Part 2)
The 41st Annual Tony Awards were held June 6, 1987 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre with Angela Lansbury hosting for her third time. Heading into the ceremony, Me and My Girl and Les Miserables were neck in neck leading the pack for most nominations (with 13 and 12, respectively.) Behind them were Starlight Express with seven nominations and Rags with five.
#450 - Movin Out (feat. Paloma-Garcia Lee)
So many of us experienced the unexpected in 2020. When the world stopped, we were forced to reckon with who we are without busy lives to distract us. That reckoning was most uncomfortable for the busiest among us, who were moving so fast they never took the time to stop.
#449 - The Addams Family (feat. Rick Elice)
My first stop on this journey was reaching out to an old colleague, Rick Elice. Along with Marshall Brickman, Rick wrote the book for the musical adaptation of The Addams Family.
#448 - Tony Telecasts (1987 - Les Miserables, Me and My Girl, Rags, Starlight Express)
The 41st Annual Tony Awards were held June 6, 1987 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre with Angela Lansbury hosting for her third time. Heading into the ceremony, Me and My Girl and Les Miserables were neck in neck leading the pack for most nominations (with 13 and 12, respectively.) Behind them were Starlight Express with seven nominations and Rags with five.
#446 - The Addams Family
It was supposed to be the biggest Broadway show of the season. Two theatre titans taking on two of the most familiar roles in popular culture. The combination of wildly successful source material and innovative theatremakers were sure to create a theatrical juggernaut.
#445 - Chris Chats With (feat. Ari Groover, Arica Jackson and Ricardo Zayas - Part 2)
In this month's episode of Chris Chats With, host Christine Shepard (Mean Girls, Head Over Heels) brings together a roundtable of colleagues and friends for a roundtable discussion about community v. the individual.
#444 - Chris Chats With (feat. Ari Groover, Arica Jackson and Ricardo Zayas - Part 1)
In this month's episode of Chris Chats With, host Christine Shepard (Mean Girls, Head Over Heels) brings together a roundtable of colleagues and friends for a roundtable discussion. Ari Groover, Arica Jackson and Ricardo Zayas delve deep into a discussion about community v.
#158 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 8 feat. Kelcy Ann Griffin)
There isn’t a theatre choreographer more associated with their own unique style than Bob Fosse. The infamous Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning director and choreographer created his own signature technique that distinguished shows like Chicago, Pippin, and Damn Yankees into dance masterpieces.
#443 - The Original Interview (feat. Randy Graff)
We’re revisiting our 2014 interview with Tony Award Winner Randy Graff. Among her many Broadway credits is the original production of Les Miserables. Randy spoke to us about originating the role of Fantine on Broadway, the rehearsal process, memories of performing the show, and why Les Miserables has had such a lasting legacy.
#442 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 8)
The Fosse/Verdon finale, “Providence,” premiered on May 28th, 2019. Just like the pilot, its writing credit was separated into two: the story of the episode by Joel Fields & Steven Levenson, while the teleplay itself was written just by Steven Levenson.
#441 - Creativity in Coronavirus (Couture de Jour - feat. Dionne Figgins)
Most recently seen in New York shining in the ensemble cast of off-Broadway’s Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Dionne has performed on Broadway in Motown, Memphis and Hot Feet. But her other passion is for fine period clothing, which led her to become the owner of the fine vintage clothing and luxury goods store Couture du Jour.
#440 - The Original Interview (feat. Eddie Korbich)
We’re revisiting our 2014 interview with Eddie Korbich. As we know, original cast recordings are vitally important in bringing Broadway and off-Broadway musicals to audiences both before and after the shows have left the stage, and Eddie is no stranger to the process of creating them.
#439 - Best of the Season (feat. Robyn Hurder, Daniel J. Watts)
It's been a roller coaster of a year, but there are silver linings to even the darkest clouds. Even though the 2020 Tony Awards have yet to announce a ceremony date, one of those bright spots was seeing two performers with major ensemblist cred be celebrated for their work last season: Robyn Hurder of Moulin Rouge!
#438 - The Prom (feat. Jack Sippel)
Jack Sippel made his Broadway debut in 2018 as a swing and dance captain in the original cast of The Prom. Two years later, his journey with the show continues with the recently released film adaption, for which he served as assistant choreographer to Casey Nicholaw and as a performer.
#437 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 7)
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ann Reinking, Broadway titan. Her memory lives in the souls of so many dancers. The Ensemblist dedicates this episode to her memory. Ann will be deeply missed by our community.
#154 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 6 feat. Heather Lang)
There isn’t a theatre choreographer more associated with their own unique style than Bob Fosse. The infamous Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning director and choreographer created his own signature technique that distinguished shows like Chicago, Pippin, and Damn Yankees into dance masterpieces.
#435 - The Prom (Review)
The film adaptation of The Prom - one of our favorite Broadway musicals in recent years - debuts on Netflix today! So I brought along our very own Prom Stan In Residence, Jackson Cline, to discuss how this movie version is different from the stage show, what works about this adaptation and...
#226 - Queer Characters (The Prom, feat. Caitlin Kinnunen)
Last season, The Prom leapt onto the Broadway scene, delighting audiences with an original queer-themed musical just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. In The Prom, teenage lesbian Emma Nolan is banned from attending her high school prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa.
#434 - The Original Interview (feat. Cynthia Onrubia)
We’re revisiting our 2015 interview with Cynthia Onrubia. In our conversation, Cynthia chats all about making her Broadway debut as a teenager in the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line, the legendary record-breaking gala performance, and why this ultimate ensemblist musical is so powerful.
#433 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 6)
“All I Care About Is Love” premiered on May 14th, 2019. It was written by Ike Holter, and directed by Minkie Spiro. In this episode we step into the rehearsal room of the original production of Chicago, and are treated to a recreation of the famed “All That Jazz.” This iconic number, originally choreographed by Bob Fosse, was reconstructed by Valarie Pettiford.
#432 - The Prom (feat. Gabi Campo, Becca Lee, Teddy Toye)
Once again, it’s time to dance! When The Prom opened on Broadway in November 2018, we fell in love with its catchy score, delightful comedy, and heartwarming message of love and acceptance. Oh right - and the zazz.
#431 - The Original Interview (feat. Mary Beth Peil)
We’re revisiting our 2014 interview with Broadway veteran Mary Beth Peil. Among her many Broadway credits are revivals of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George and Follies.
#429 - Thanksgiving Day Parade (feat. Ezra Menas)
It felt so good to reunite virtually with theatre fam and fans over the performances from Broadway shows at this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
#428 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 5)
“Where Am I Going?” premiered on May 7th, 2019. It was written by Charlotte Stoudt, and directed by Tommy Kail. The total viewership dipped about 32,000 viewers from the previous week, coming in at about 878,000.
#427 - Thanksgiving Day Parade Memories (Part 2 - feat. Cara Cooper, Elliott Mattox, Vasthy Mompoint, Jessica Rush)
In a recent live stream event with Broadway Podcast Network, we got a behind-the-scenes look into performing with on the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.
#151 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 4 feat. Emma Caymares)
There isn’t a theatre choreographer more associated with their own unique style than Bob Fosse. The infamous Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning director and choreographer created his own signature technique that distinguished shows like Chicago, Pippin, and Damn Yankees into dance masterpieces.
#426 - Thanksgiving Day Parade Memories (Part 1 - feat. Cara Cooper, Elliott Mattox, Jessica Rush)
In a recent live stream event with Broadway Podcast Network, I got a behind-the-scenes look into performing with on the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.
#425 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 4)
“Glory” premiered on April 30th 2019, and marks the halfway point to the acclaimed mini-series. It was written by Tracey Scott Wilson and directed by Jessica Yu.
#424 - Chris Chats With (Radial Park, feat. Chris Fink)
This week, we're turning over the mic to Christine Shepard from the Broadway companies of Head Over Heels and Mean Girls. Today Chris chats with Chris Fink, one of the creators of Radial Park. Radial Park in Queens is Broadway at the drive-in.
#149 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 3 feat. Ricky Ubeda)
There isn’t a theatre choreographer more associated with their own unique style than Bob Fosse. The infamous Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning director and choreographer created his own signature technique that distinguished shows like Chicago, Pippin, and Damn Yankees into dance masterpieces.
#423 - Creativity in Coronavirus (Fosters Residency - feat. Jason A. Sparks)
In the wake of COVID-19, never has it been more time-sensitive than to provide a virtual home and community for creatively displaced theatrical artists and creators. In this edition, we spoke with award winning Director and Choreographer Jason A.
#422 - Wonderstudies (Sentimental Men, feat. Stephanie Torns)
Although many of us may be inclined to skip the song “A Sentimental Man” on the Wicked cast recording, keep your thumb away from that skip button. Kevin Bianchi and Quincy Brown have launched SENTIMENTAL MEN, a new interview-based podcast about musical theatre and the women who make it wonderful.
#421 - Creativity in Coronavirus (TheatreMakers Conference - feat. Asmeret Ghebremichael, Stephanie Klemons, Steve Rosen, Luis Salgado)
At the 2020 TheaterMakers’ Summit about “The Art of the Pivot," The Ensemblist's Mo Brady spoke to four titans of the American musical theatre about their love for theatre, how that love was satisfied as a performer and how they’ve pivoted that love into a different mode of creation.
#420 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 3)
“Me and My Baby” premiered on April 23rd, 2019. It was written by Debora Cahn, and directed by Adam Bernstein. In this episode we are treated to our first numbers not originally choreographed by Bob Fosse: the opening dream sequence to “Wilkommen” and the Jack Cole revue number, both choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler.
#419 - The Original Interview (feat. Krysta Rodriguez)
We’re revisiting our 2015 interview with Krysta Rodriguez. In 2006, Krysta performed in the ensemble of the original Broadway production of Spring Awakening, understudying four principal roles. 9 years later, she took on Ilse, one of the roles she previously understudied, in the show’s Broadway revival.
#147 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 2 feat. Ryan VanDenBoom)
There isn’t a theatre choreographer more associated with their own unique style than Bob Fosse. The infamous Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning director and choreographer created his own signature technique that distinguished shows like Chicago, Pippin, and Damn Yankees into dance masterpieces.
#418 - The Lion King (feat. Rosie Lani Fiedelman, Blake Hammond, Kimberly Marable, Arbender Robinson, L. Steven Taylor)
On November 13, 1997, 23 years ago today, Disney Theatrical Productions opened The Lion King at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre. It was a smash hit, winning six Tony Awards, leading to numerous productions all over the world, and becoming the highest-grossing Broadway production of all time.
#417 - The Original Interview (feat. Harvey Evans)
On this episode, we’re revisiting our 2013 conversation with Harvey Evans. We chat all about the tradition of the Legacy Robe, the history, the ceremony, Harvey’s memories from the two shows he received it for, and so much more.
#416 - Creativity in Coronavirus (One Million Musicals, feat. Alan Blake Bachelor, Jacob Ben-Shmuel)
In the wake of this pandemic that has altered the face and shape of how we consume so much popular media, particularly when it comes to musical theatre, we’re spotlighting One Million Musicals.
#146 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 1 feat. Skye Mattox)
There isn’t a theatre choreographer more associated with their own unique style than Bob Fosse. The infamous Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning director and choreographer created his own signature technique that distinguished shows like Chicago, Pippin, and Damn Yankees into dance masterpieces.
#142 - Fosse/Verdon (feat. Morgan Marcell)
There isn’t a theatre choreographer more associated with their own unique style than Bob Fosse. The infamous Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning director and choreographer created his own signature technique that distinguished shows like Chicago, Pippin, and Damn Yankees into dance masterpieces.
#412 - The Line (A Chorus Line - feat. Francine Espiritu)
A Chorus Line changed everything. It’s a statement theatre lovers have heard time and again. But until this exploration into the proliferation of the line as a theatrical device in musical theatre, I never really understood the depth of what A Chorus Line changed.
#411 - Fosse/Verdon (Episode 1)
“Life is a Cabaret” premiered on April 9th, 2019. It was written by Steven Levenson, and directed by Thomas Kail; uniquely for this episode, the show credited Both Mssrs. Levenson and Kail with creating the story, but only one of them for writing the actual teleplay.
#408 - Hurt and Healing (feat. Myles McHale)
Over the years, The Ensemblist has had the privilege of sharing personal stories from hundreds of theatre actors on our blog. In this edition, we spoke with Myles McHale of Mean Girls, who recalled a seemingly innocuous wrist injury a year prior that would take him out of the production for six whole months.
#407 - The Line (Hamilton, feat. Stephanie Klemons)
In my exploration of “the line” and its impact on musical theatre, I wanted to learn more about its use in Hamilton, I reached out to a friend and colleague who has intimate knowledge of the show’s staging.
#405 - Remembering Doreen (feat. Jocelyn Bioh, Natalie Caruncho, Linedy Genao, Analise Scarpaci, Shani Talmor, Alèna Watters)
Today, we remember the life and career of Doreen Montalvo. An ensemblist legend, she created the role of the Bolero Singer in In The Heights and was also an original company member of On Your Feet! Most recently, she created the role of Janet Lundy in Mrs.
#404 - Tony Telecasts (1976 - A Chorus Line, Chicago, Pacific Overtures, Bubbling Brown Sugar) Part 2
The 30th Annual Tony Awards were held at the Shubert Theatre, current home of A Chorus Line. As opposed to the usual June ceremonies we are used to, the ceremony took place in April 18, 1976 and broadcast by ABC television.
#402 - The Line (Rent - feat. Andy Señor Jr.)
For theatre lovers of a certain age… my age… it’s impossible to think about a line onstage without thinking about Rent. The 90s musical which transposes the story of the opera La Boheme onto New York’s Lower East Side is a touchstone for many theatre lovers who grew up at the end of the millennium.
#401 - Tony Telecasts (1976 - A Chorus Line, Chicago, Pacific Overtures, Bubbling Brown Sugar) Part 1
The 30th Annual Tony Awards were held at the Shubert Theatre, current home of A Chorus Line. As opposed to the usual June ceremonies we are used to, the ceremony took place in April 18, 1976 and broadcast by ABC television.
#400 - Movin Out (feat. Natalie Charle Ellis)
Since March, we've been sharing stories of actors moving out of Broadway theaters - sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently. But today we share a story from Natalie Charle Ellis, who as an original cast member of School of Rock and Beetlejuice moved out of the Winter Garden Theatre after five years in the building.
#399 - Tony Telecasts (2004 - Avenue Q, The Boy from Oz Caroline or Change, Wicked) Part 2
The 58th Annual Tony Awards were held June 6, 2004 at Radio City Music Hall with Hugh Jackman as the host, also a nominee this year for portraying fellow Aussie Peter Allen in The Boy From Oz.
#398 - 2020 Tony Award Nominations (feat. Mary Dina)
Just after the 2020 Tony Award Nominations were announced, I chatted with Mary Dina (host of BPN's Page to Stage podcast) about our reactions to the nominees: our co-signs, surprises and snubs.
#397 - The Line (Soft Power - feat. Leigh Silverman, Jennifer Ashley Tepper)
In this exploration of the history of musical theatre through one of its most effective devices, I wanted to bring along one of our artforms most knowledgeable and personable historians.
#396 - Tony Telecasts (2004 - Avenue Q, The Boy from Oz Caroline or Change, Wicked) Part 1
The 58th Annual Tony Awards were held June 6, 2004 at Radio City Music Hall with Hugh Jackman as the host, also a nominee this year for portraying fellow Aussie Peter Allen in The Boy From Oz.
#395 - Broadway Shutdown (feat. Mikey Graceffa, Lauren Zakrin)
I’m not sure why this postponement of Broadway’s reopening stung more than the last time. On Friday morning, the Broadway League released a statement: “Ticket sales for Broadway performances in NYC are now suspended through May 30, 2021.
#394 - The Line
It was one of the most arresting - and uncomfortable moments I’ve experienced in the theatre in quite a long time. There I sat, in The Public’s Newman Theatre, watching a performance of the show Soft Power.
#392 - Jagged Little Pill (feat. Antonio Cipriano, Logan Hart, Heather Lang)
In the final installment of our series highlighting musicals from the fall 2019 season and their brilliant ensembles, we’re celebrating Jagged Little Pill. After a world premiere at Cambridge, Massachusetts’ American Repertory Theatre in 2018, Jagged Little Pill opened on Broadway on December 5, 2019.
#391 - Tony Telecasts (1982 - Dreamgirls, Nine, Joseph..., Pump Boys and Dinettes)
The 36th Annual Tony Awards were held on June 6, 1982 and hosted by Tony Randall. That season, there were a number of Broadway theatres being demolished to make way for the Marriott Marquis, so the theme of the telecast was to celebrate a great Broadway theatre at the home of that night’s celebration: the Imperial.
#390 - Hurt and Healing (feat. Cristy Candler)
Cristy Candler worked as a Broadway performer for over a decade in hit shows including Aida, Wicked, Chicago, and Rock of Ages. But when an injury brought her career to a pause, Cristy’s non-surgical approach to recovery inspired her to focus on another passion of hers: the healing arts.
#389 - Tony Telecasts (2009 - Billy Elliot, Next to Normal, Rock of Ages, Shrek) Part 2
The 63rd Annual Tony Awards were held on June 7, 2009 at Radio City Music Hall and hosted for the first time by Neil Patrick Harris. Heading into the ceremony, Billy Elliot the Musical led the pack with 15 nominations, followed by 11 for Next to Normal and 8 for Shrek The Musical.
#388 - Chris Chats With (feat. Chanel DaSilva)
This week, we're turning over the mic to Christine Shepard. Featured in the Broadway companies of Head Over Heels and Mean Girls, Chris is a fierce advocate for providing opportunity for all. In her first two-part episode, Chris takes on art education.
#387 - Chris Chats With (feat. James T. Lane)
This week, we're turning over the mic to Christine Shepard. Featured in the Broadway companies of Head Over Heels and Mean Girls, Chris is a fierce advocate for providing opportunity for all. In her first two-part episode, Chris takes on art education.
#386 - Tony Telecasts (2009 - Billy Elliot, Next to Normal, Rock of Ages, Shrek) Part 1
The 63rd Annual Tony Awards were held on June 7, 2009 at Radio City Music Hall and hosted for the first time by Neil Patrick Harris. Heading into the ceremony, Billy Elliot the Musical led the pack with 15 nominations, followed by 11 for Next to Normal and 8 for Shrek The Musical.
#385 - Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (feat. Jessica Rush, Mars Rucker)
The Tonys are quickly approaching, and we could not be more excited to continue our celebration of the 2019-20 Broadway season and the dazzling ensembles bringing each musical to life. Today, we’re looking back at Tina: The Tina Turner Musical!
#384 - Tony Telecasts (1988 - Into the Woods, The Phantom of the Opera, Romance/Romance, Sarafina!) Part 2
The 42nd Annual Tony Awards were held on June 5, 1998 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre and hosted by Angela Lansbury, at that time a four-time Tony Award winner for Best Actress in a Musical.
#383 - Creativity in Coronavirus (feat. Timothy Hughes)
Broadway ensemblist and friend of the pod Timothy Hughes has created a new online community called Performer's Puzzle: an online membership community that helps define and celebrate our personal passions.
#382 - Moulin Rouge! The Musical (feat. Reed Luplau, Jeigh Madjus)
Happy Tony Season! Our team at Ensemblist HQ could not be more excited to join the theatre community in celebrating the 2019-20 Broadway season and its incredible ensembles this fall. First up is Moulin Rouge! After a July 2018 premiere in Boston, Moulin Rouge!
#381 - Tony Telecasts (1988 - Into the Woods, The Phantom of the Opera, Romance/Romance, Sarafina!) Part 1
The 42nd Annual Tony Awards were held on June 5, 1998 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre and hosted by Angela Lansbury, at that time a four-time Tony Award winner for Best Actress in a Musical.
#380 - Creativity in Coronavirus (feat. Will Blum)
Last week, Will Blum released a 12-minute filmed presentation of Floyd Collins shot entirely inside his new New York City apartment. We talked about how the idea went from concept to reality, as well as what it means to be creating "theatre" in quarantine.
#377 - Creativity in Coronavirus (feat. Tamika Lawrence)
This week, I chatted with Broadway veteran Tamika Lawrence (Caroline or Change, Come From Away, Matilda The Musical) about the launch of her new apparel line: Ready Set Wear Apparel.
#376 - Tony Telecasts (1998 - The Lion King, Ragtime, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Side Show)
The 52nd Annual Tony Awards were held on June 7, 1998 at Radio City Music Hall. Hosted by Rosie O’Donnell for the second year in a row, Going into the ceremony, Ragtime led the pack with 13 nominations, followed by The Lion King with 11.
#375 - Six Months of Shutdown (feat. Jane Bunting, Adam Jepsen, Jason Kappus, Jessica Rush, John Tupy, Christopher Henry Young)
On March 12, 2020, the Broadway League suspended performances for all Broadway shows through April 12 amidst rising Coronavirus concerns and bans on large gatherings. Six months later, most industries are reopening, television/film production is resuming, and many office employees are settling nicely into remote work routines.
#374 - Tony Telecasts (2013 - Kinky Boots, Matilda The Musical, Bring It On, A Christmas Story) Part 2
After two years at New York’s Beacon Theatre, the 2013 Tonys were broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall. From the moment the nominations were announced, the ceremony seemed destined to be a showdown between Kinky Boots and Matilda The Musical, with revivals of Pippin, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CInderella and The Mystery of Edwin Drood following close behind.
#372 - I'm Still Here (feat. Bob Stillman)
In our final installment of this series, we’re sharing our favorite moments from our interview with Bob Stillman. Bob first appeared on Broadway in 1988’s Legs Diamond, although his role was cut during the show’s 72 previews.
#371 - Tony Telecasts (2013 - Kinky Boots, Matilda The Musical, Bring It On, A Christmas Story) Part 1
After two years at New York’s Beacon Theatre, the 2013 Tonys were broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall. From the moment the nominations were announced, the ceremony seemed destined to be a showdown between Kinky Boots and Matilda The Musical, with revivals of Pippin, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CInderella and The Mystery of Edwin Drood following close behind.
#369 - Tony Telecasts (1991 - Miss Saigon, Once on this Island, The Secret Garden, The Will Rogers Follies)
The 45th Annual Tony Awards were held on June 2, 1991. They were broadcast on CBS from the Minskoff Theatre and hosted by Julie Andrews and Jeremy Irons. The telecast featured performances from the four nominated musicals: Miss Saigon, Once on This Island, The Secret Garden and The Will Rogers Follies.
#367 - Seeking Representation (Black Broadway Men - feat. Anthony Wayne)
Broadway alum Anthony Wayne has collected a group of Black men in theatre to form a racial equality group to support fellow members of their community and industry. Black Broadway Men is open to all self-identifying Black men who work on stage or behind the scenes in theatre.
#366 - Movin Out (feat. Daniel Switzer)
Today, we share a story of love from Daniel Switzer. Not only about falling in love with a person, but also a city - and how both of those relationships bloomed over a years-long courtship. Here, in his own words, is Daniel Switzer.
#365 - Tony Telecasts (feat. Aaron Albano)
Welcome listeners to a new mini-series, bringing you all the drama behind the drama of a theatre season in Broadway history. In each podcast episode, we will watch a Tony telecast and then delve to the theatre season.
#363 - I'm Still Here (feat. John Eric Parker)
This week, we’re sharing highlights from our chat with John Eric Parker. After growing up in New York City and attending LaGuardia High School, John Eric Parker performed in the national tour of The Wiz and German production of Starlight Express before making his Broadway debut in Rent.
#362 - Smash'ed (Season 2 Wrap-up)
Welcome back, listeners to our tongue-in-cheek wrap up of what is television’s most detailed depiction of the theatre industry. And yes, for the last time, we’re talking about Smash, the NBC series that chronicled the creation of not one, but TWO Broadway musicals and all of the drama that ensued along the way.
#360 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 17)
Smash’s series finale “The Tonys” premiered on May 26th, 2013. It was the second part of a two-part series finale event that night. The finale was written by season 2 showrunner Joshua Safran, and directed by Michael Morris, who directed the previous episode as well (again, two-parter).
#359 - What We Miss (feat. Brian Martin)
The shutdown of Broadway theatre has paused the careers of 414 ensemblists, including many making their Mainstem debuts. Back in February, Mrs. Doubtfire swing Brian Martin wrote a story for our blog about finally feeling ready to make his Broadway debut.
#358 - I'm Still Here (feat. Ann Harada)
On this week’s episode, we’re sharing our favorite moments from our interview with Ann Harada. After getting her start as a PA and office assistant for theatrical producers, Ann Harada made her Broadway debut in M. Butterfly.
#356 - What We Miss (feat. Jessica Rush)
Jessica Rush has performed in a remarkable six Broadway musicals in the last ten years, but a large chunk of that time was spent in the ensemble in Jersey Boys. She is also the co-host of the very great, very good podcast Mama’s Talkin’ Loud, also available on the Broadway Podcast Network.
#355 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 16)
The penultimate episode of season 2, “The Nominations,” premiered on May 26th, 2013. It was written by Bryan Goluboff, who last penned “The Dramaturg” earlier this season, and was directed by Michael Morris, who has written a number of season 2 episodes.
#353 - I'm Still Here (feat. Alma Cuervo)
This week, we’re sharing highlights from our conversation with Alma Cuervo. With an impressive SIXTEEN Broadway shows to her name, Alma is a true veteran of the New York theatre.
#350 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 15)
“The Transfer” premiered on May 11, 2013. It was written by Justin Brenneman and Julia Brownell; Brenneman is a Smash rookie, while Brownell last penned last month’s episode, “The Dress Rehearsal.” The episode was directed by Holly Dale, also a newcomer to our Smash world.
#347 - Movin' Out (feat. Preston Mui)
Performing on Broadway comes with certain rites of passage: first costume fitting, first performance, first backstage birthday cake. But 2020 has brought a new rite of passage: visiting your darkened theatre to clean off your dressing room station with the prospect of your being closed for at least a year.
#345 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 14)
“The Phenomenon” premiered on May 4th, 2013.
#343 - I'm Still Here (feat. Kevin Carolan)
This week, we’re sharing our conversation with Kevin Carolan. Perhaps best known for his performance in Newsies, Kevin’s many credits include Dirty Blonde, The Ritz, and the national tour of Chicago.
#340 - Smash’ed (Season 2, Episode 13)
“The Producers” premiered on April 27, 2013. It was written by Becky Mode, whose last episode of Smash was season 2 episode 7, Musical Chairs, and was directed by Tricia Brock, whose last episode was season 2 episode 9, The Parents.
#338 - I'm Still Here (feat. Adinah Alexander)
In October 2017, The Ensemblist launched its fourth full season: Broadway at Every Stage. In this series, co-creators Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone sat down with six seasoned Broadway actors to dive into their decades-long careers.
#335 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 12)
“Opening Night” premiered on April 20, 2013. It was written by Bathsheba Doran & Noelle Valdivia, and directed by Michael Morris, all three being prolific Smash veterans; Doran’s and Morris’s last episode was season 2’s The Song, and Valdivia’s was season 2’s The Bells & Whistles.
#333 - Opening Nights (feat. Jenifer Foote, Tyler Hanes, Bre Jackson, Anastacia McCleskey, Linda Mugleston, Eric Ulloa)
This month, we are resharing our favorite episodes from our 2017 season on Ensemblist Essentials. Think of them as the essential essentials. That spring, our co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I spoke to some of Broadway’s most venerable performers about the most monumental moments in the creation of a Broadway musical.
#330 - Movin' Out (feat. Lindsay Northen)
Scanning the pages of Broadway ensemblists on social media, its hard not to take stock of the number of performers who are moving out of New York City.
#329 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 11)
“The Dress Rehearsal” premiered on April 13th, 2013. It was written by Julia Brownell, who last penned episode 6 of this season, and was directed by Mimi Leder, who last directed episode 7 from LAST season.
#328 - Hamilton the Film (feat. Hope Easterbrook)
No matter if watching the filmed performance of Hamilton on Disney+ is your first time viewing or your tenth, one thing is clear when watching: this is a very good show. Numbers like “Schuyler Sisters” and “The Election of 1800” not only tell story and develop character, they are also thrilling to watch.
#327 - Pre-Production (feat. Paige Faure, Dionne Figgins, Adam Perry)
This month, we are resharing our favorite episodes from our 2017 season on Ensemblist Essentials. Think of them as the essential essentials. That spring, our co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I spoke to some of Broadway’s most venerable performers about the most monumental moments in the creation of a Broadway musical.
#325 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 10)
“The Surprise Party” premiered on April 6, 2013. It was written by Julie Rottenberg & Elisa Zuritsky, whose work was last week in the second episode of the second season, “The Fallout,” and it was directed by S. J. Clarkson.
#181 - Writing for Ensembles (Hamilton, In The Heights - feat. Lin-Manuel Miranda)
Way back in 2014, co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I sat down with Lin-Manuel Miranda. This was before Hamilton, before Moana, before Mary Poppins Returns, before DuckTales when he was merely a Tony Award winning composer with three Broadway shows under his belt.
#324 - The History of the Ensemble: Hamilton (feat. Neil Haskell, Sasha Hutchings)
The Pulitzer’s lineage shows a healthy appreciation for turning a mirror on society. And just like Of Thee I Sing and How To Succeed, Hamilton uses humor to portray many of the serious issues facing our nation’s creation and governance - both in the 1700s and today.
#176 - Let's Talk About Auditions (feat. Stephanie Klemons - Part 1)
Stephanie Klemons is the Associate Choreographer and Global Dance Supervisor of Hamilton. She was part of the process as it grew from a small idea to an international phenomenon with six companies world wide.
#322 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 9)
“The Parents” premiered on April 2nd, 2013, so Happy belated April Fools? It was written by Jordon Nardino, and directed by Tricia Brock, both new to the Smash family. The viewership fell again this week, this time by 70,000 viewers, for a total of 2.98 million.
#321 - The History of the Ensemble: next to normal (feat. Michael Berresse, Adam Chanler-Berat, Michael McElroy, Pearl Sun)
next to normal was the second rock musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama after RENT, but it is also a close cousin of kitchen sink-style plays that have won the award as well, such as 2007’s winner Rabbit Hole and 2008’s winner: August: Osage County.
#320 - Seeking Representation (feat. Olivia Hernandez)
Like many communities in our country, much of the recent discussions among theatre professionals has been around the subjects of race and equality.
#318 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 8)
The role of Marilyn’s mother, Gladys, has finally been cast and rather than going with Patti LuPone, Eileen and Tom have gone with someone a little closer to home: Ivy’s mother: The Broadway star Leigh Conroy is stepping out of retirement to play the role only she could play!
#317 - The History of the Ensemble: Sunday in the Park with George (feat. Adam Chanler-Berat, John Jellison)
Welcome back to the re-release of The History of the Ensemble, our second full season of The Ensemblist. Back in 2016, co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I took a deep dive through the history of the ensemble, exploring how the ensemblist experience has changed and been changed by some of theatre’s most influential musicals.
#315 - Seeking Representation (Broadway For Black Lives Matter - feat. Christian Dante White) Part 2
Hosted by the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, Broadway for Black Lives Matter Again is a three-part forum for the Broadway community to heal, listen, and hold itself accountable to its history of white supremacy.
#314 - Seeking Representation (Broadway For Black Lives Matter - feat. Christian Dante White) Part 1
Hosted by the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, Broadway for Black Lives Matter Again is a three-part forum for the Broadway community to heal, listen, and hold itself accountable to its history of white supremacy.
#313 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 7)
“Musical Chairs” premiered on March 19th, 2013. It was written by Becky Mode, and was directed by Broadway’s very own, Casey Nicholaw! The viewership was down again from the previous week, by about a quarter-million viewers, amounting to a total of 2.66 million.
#310 - The Season That Wasn't (Part 2, feat. Zach Adkins, Kyle Brown, Britney Coleman, Kaleigh Cronin, DeAnne Stewart, Ricky Ubeda)
It’s difficult to even fathom what the next three months will feel like. As Broadway waits for the green light to start performances, the performers in those shows are waiting as well. However, that waiting comes with knowledge that even when Broadway opens they may not have a show to come back to.
#308 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 6)
“The Fringe” premiered on March 12, 2013. It was written by Julia Brownell, and directed by Dan Lerner, two more newcomers to the Smash family. The viewership was up this week! Up 220,000 from the previous episode, “The Fringe” was seen by 2.9 million viewers.
#306 - The Season That Wasn't (Part 1, feat. Zach Adkins, Kyle Brown, Britney Coleman, Kaleigh Cronin, DeAnne Stewart, Ricky Ubeda)
This was meant to be a celebratory week for the New York theatre community. We were meant to be seeing our dreams come true. We were meant to be exhausted from the weeks of two-show days and press events. We were meant to be cheering each other on while we gamed award ceremonies.
#303 - Frozen Moves Out (feat. Tony Neidenbach)
On March 11, 2020, 457 performers were employed in the ensembles of Broadway musicals. Across the companies of 24 musicals, these artists had come to the Main Stem to pursue their dreams of working on Broadway.
#302 - Frozen Moves Out (feat. Nina Lafarga, Robin Masella)
Whether its your first Broadway show or your sixth, closing a show is an emotional experience. You’re saying goodbye to a creative journey, a community of artists as well as stability and a paycheck. When the company of Broadway’s Frozen was asked to move out of the St.
#301 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 5)
“The Read-Through” premiered on March 5, 2013. It was written by Liz Tuccillo, and directed by David Petrarca, both in their Smash debuts. The episode premiered to a viewership of 2.68 million this week, down .36 mil from the previous episode.
#300 - Rent (feat. Aaron Albano, Mo Brady)
For many theatre artists, there’s the show that changed everything. A musical that - for the first time - reflected a part of the artist that they had never seen before. A show that gave that young artist a glimpse into their future - into an industry and community they would inevitably be a part of.
#299 - Creating Characters (A Strange Loop, feat. John-Michael Lyles)
On May 4, 2020, A Strange Loop made history as the 10th musical ever to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. And not only that, A Strange Loop is both the first musical written by a black artist, Michael R.
#298 - My Best Worst Audition (feat. Josh Lamon, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Syndee Winters)
Today we bring you three stories of unlikely success in the audition room. Tales of booking the role, of not booking the roles, and somehow stories that are both. First up in a story from Josh Lamon.
#296 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 4)
“The Song” premiered on February 26th, 2013. It was written by Bathsheba Doran, and directed by Michael Morris, whose work we last saw in the season two premiere. The viewership was down a quarter-million from last week, amounting to 3.04 million viewers tuning in on premiere night.
#295 - My Best Worst Audition (feat. Erica Dorfler, Megan Sikora, Vishal Vaidya)
It’s time for a moment of levity, friends. And what better way to forget your troubles and get happy than by listening to someone else’s troubles. Today, we bring you stories of auditions: both those that are truly wonderful and truly, truly terrible.
#294 - Bombshell
Today we have for you a very special episode in honor of The Actors Fund and the livestream of their 2015 concert of Bombshell. For those of you who haven’t spent the last six months watching Smash episodes (like we have) this will be your perfect promise for remembering what Bombshell was all about.
#292 - Broadway Shutdown (Frozen, feat. Bronwyn Tarboton)
When a Broadway show closes, we often think about the cast onstage being out of work. But really a Broadway production is an entire ecosystem - often with more than a hundred people working in a variety of positions.
#291 - Frozen (feat. Tracee Beazer, Aisha Jackson, Stephen Oremus, Ann Sanders)
The Broadway adaptation of Frozen will not reopen at the St. James Theatre when Broadway once again opens its doors post-pandemic. It effectively took its final bow March 11 running for 26 previews and 825 regular performances.
#290 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 3)
“The Dramaturg” premiered on February 19th, 2013. It was written by Larry Shaw, and directed by Bryan Goluboff, both newcomers to Smash as of season 2. The viewership was 3.29 million viewers, which was 1.16 million down from the previous episode two weeks prior.
#286 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 2)
“The Fallout” premiered on February 5th, 2013, immediately after the premiere episode. (Aww, remember those two-hour premieres that networks used to do back in the day, Mo?) It was written by Julie Rottenberg & Elisa Zuritsky, whose previous work we saw in the season 1 episodes “Let’s Be Bad” and “The Movie Star,” and was directed by Craig Zisk.
#285 - Best of the Season (feat. Ruthie Fierberg - Part 2)
This week, we share the second half of our conversation with Ruthie Fierberg, Senior Features Editor at Playbill. In the second half of our spirited conversation, we talked about our favorite performance and ensembles of the season.
#283 - Seeking Representation (feat. Julian DeGuzman)
Julian DeGuzman has spent the last decade performing in shows that both feature primarily Asian-American casts (Broadway's Miss Saigon) as well as more multi-cultural companies (Newsies, Hello, Dolly! on Tour.
#281 - Smash'ed (Season 2, Episode 1)
“On Broadway” premiered on February 3rd, 2013. It was written by new showrunner Joshua Safran, and directed by Michael Morris, who had also directed the season 1 finale.
#280 - Best of the Season (feat. Ruthie Fierberg - Part 1)
While the New York theatre season was cut short by at least six week, there was certainly much to celebrate this year. From spectacular visuals to music masterpieces, Broadway stages were filled with memorable moments worth noting.
#277 - Smash'ed (Season 1 Wrap Up)
Before we dive into season two, Aaron J. Albano and Mo Brady take stock of the first season as a whole.
#272 - Smash'ed (Episode 15)
"Bombshell” premiered on May 14, 2012. Rebeck stans rejoice: this finale episode was written by show creator Theresa Rebeck. It was also directed by Michael Morris, who last directed episode 3 of the series.
#268 - Beetlejuice (feat. Jill Abramovitz, Ramone Owens)
For 366 performances, the spooky souls of Broadway’s Beetlejuice haunted the hollowed halls of the Winter Garden Theatre. Until its untimely demise in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the show was playing to sold-out houses who reveled in its zany, but loving spirit.
#267 - Smash'ed (Episode 14)
“Previews,” the penultimate episode of the season, premiered on May 7th, 2012. It was written by David Marshall Grant, and directed by Robert Duncan McNeill (another weird Star Trek connection: Robert McNeill played Lieutenant Tom Paris, also on Star Trek Voyager!
#265 - Broadway Shutdown (Beetlejuice, feat. Elliott Mattox)
Just yesterday, the Broadway League announced an extension of its shutdown through June 7. One of the causalities of this is Beetlejuice, which was scheduled to close June 6. That disappointing news means that the production has already played its last performance on Tuesday, March 11.
#264 - The History of the Ensemble: Rent (feat. Adam Chanler-Berat, Michael McElroy)
A decade after Sunday in the Park with George won the Pulitzer Prize, a new musical exploded on the scene in a way the theatre community hadn’t seen since A Chorus Line.
#263 - Queer Characters (off-Broadway)
That’s right - host Jackson Cline heads Off-Broadway for today’s episode! When he was doing my initial research for this series, many of the examples of queer representation that I found interesting happened to be produced off-Broadway.
#261 - Smash'ed (Episode 13)
“Tech” premiered on April 30th, 2012. It was written by Jason Grote & Lakshmi Sundaram, and directed by Roxann Dawson. Sadly, viewership dipped back down even despite the surge from the previous week, amounting to a mere 5.34 million.
#260 - Coronavirus Shutdown (Miss Saigon Tour, feat. Adam Roberts)
As the Coronavirus pandemic has raged across the country, national tours have been some of the first productions to fall victim. One of those is the national tour of Miss Saigon which unexpectedly closed, cancelling almost four months of upcoming performances.
#259 - My Show Closed (feat. Tracee Beazer, Afra Hines, Kelvin Moon Loh, Barrett Martin, Bret Shuford)
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to bring together five of the most experienced and storied ensemble actors working on Broadway today before a live audience at BroadwayCon. We talked about the shows they originated and the characters they’ve created, but also the disappointments they’ve felt when a show closed.
#258 - The History of the Ensemble: A Chorus Line (feat. Michael Berresse, Catherine Ricafort)
Since South Pacific, we’ve had two more musicals win the Pulitzer Prize: How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Fiorello!. But in 1975, a new musical came on the scene that would truly change musicals for the next fifty years. A Chorus Line.
#256 - The History of the Ensemble: South Pacific (feat. Eric Anderson, MaryAnn Hu, Kevin Ligon)
South Pacific changed how ensembles were used even further, by individualizing each character, even those in the ensemble. There were certainly been musicals in those 18 years with ensemble step out features, as anyone who has played Gertie Cummings in Oklahoma!
#255 - Broadway Shutdown (Caroline, or Change - feat. Nasia Thomas)
Roundabout Theatre Company's Caroline, or Change was the second Broadway musical to announce postponement in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. I was curious what it would feel like to be in the middle of a creative process, only to be stopped suddenly and placed on hold for the foreseeable future.
#254 - Smash'ed (Episode 12)
“Publicity” premiered on April 23rd, 2012. It marks the return of our original team from the pilot and first few episodes of the series: Theresa Rebeck and Michael Mayer, who respectively wrote and directed this episode. The viewership was up this episode!
#253 - The History of the Ensemble (feat. Jennifer Ashley Tepper)
Here at The Ensemblist, we have always striven to celebrate the hard work and passion of Broadway ensemblists. And in our second full season, which first aired in 2016, our co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I took a journey through Broadway’s past to learn about its future.
#251 - Coronavirus Shutdown (Once on This Island, feat. Tatiana Lofton)
As the Coronavirus pandemic as raged across the country, national tours have been some of the first productions to fall victim. One of those is the national tour of Once on This Island which unexpectedly closed this week, cancelling almost five months of upcoming performances.
#250 - Creativity in Coronavirus (feat. Jeanna de Waal)
The Coronavirus Pandemic is taking a serious toll on the theatre industry. However, there are glimmers of hope where people are still connecting creatively online. One of those opportunities is thanks to Jeanna de Waal, currently starring as Diana in Diana: A True Musical Story.
#249 - Let's Talk About Auditions (feat. Malcolm Atwood, Holli’ Conway, Karli Dinardo, Logan Hart, Taylor Symone Jackson)
There are only a handful of moments where you can feel your life change. The moment you say “I do,” the birth of a child. But performers can add another to that list: the moment you find out you’ll be making your Broadway debut.
#248 - Creativity in Coronavirus (feat. Joe Rosko)
This week, we are pivoting our stories about the Coronavirus from how it caused theatre productions to shut down to what performing artists are doing with this time. Today, we speak to Joe Rosko, founder of Built for the Stage, an online training program that helps actors achieve their fitness goals.
#247 - Smash'ed (Episode 11)
“The Movie Star” premiered on April 16, 2012. It was written by Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky, and directed by Tricia Brock. Again, shout-out to an all-female team! The episode was viewed by 5.95 million viewers. Down again, man.
#246 - Coronavirus Shutdown (Florida - feat. Tara Tagliaferro)
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to grow, we are speaking with performing arts around the country about how the shutdown of theatre performances continues to affect their lives and work.
#244 - Coronavirus Shutdown (Come From Away Tour, feat. Jane Bunting)
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to grow, we are speaking with performing arts around the country about how the shutdown of theatre performances continues to affect their lives and work.
#243 - My Show Closed (feat. The Spark File and Phillipa Soo)
This week, I wanted to share with you an extra-special conversation from my friends over at The Spark File podcast. Now, if you haven’t heard of The Spark File podcast, I want you to open up your podcast app and and subscribe to them right now.
#242 - Coronavirus Shutdown (Chicago Tour - feat. John Tupy)
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to grow, we are speaking with performing arts around the country about how the shutdown of theatre performances continues to affect their lives and work.
#241 - Coronavirus Shutdown (San Francisco - feat. Christopher Henry Young)
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to grow, we are speaking with performing arts around the country about how the shutdown of theatre performances continues to affect their lives and work.
#240 - Broadway Shutdown (Tina - feat. Jessica Rush)
Yesterday afternoon, Broadway theatres will went dark by order of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Performances will resume the week of April 13. The announcement comes as venues and performing arts organizations around New York City and the country have announced closures of their own amid rising concerns about the global coronavirus pandemic.
#239 - Broadway Shutdown (Frozen - feat. Adam Jepsen)
Earlier this week, the Broadway League released a statement advising against stage door activities and increasing sanitation efforts in response to the coronavirus outbreak. But I’ve been wondering how COVID-19 has been affecting life backstage at Broadway theatres for folks like today’s guest: Adam Jepsen.
#238 - Coronavirus Shutdown (Seattle - feat. Jason Kappus)
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the country, it’s creating concern for many of us in the theatre industry. For those of us who make our living by occupying the same space as others to share stories in real time, the coronavirus is posing a real threat to our lives and work.
#237 - Super Swings (Beetlejuice - feat. Will Blum)
Today’s guest knows a thing or three about covering roles of Broadway. Those three specific things are Otho, Adam and Beetlejuice - all roles he covers in his duties as a swing at the Winter Garden Theatre.
#236 - Smash'ed (Episode 10)
“Understudy” premiered on April 9th, 2012. It was written by Jerome Hairston, and directed by Adam Dernstein. The viewership dipped yet again from the previous week, premiering to an audience of 5.99 million viewers.
#235 - Wonderstudies (Wicked - feat. Jeff Heimbrock)
Understudies are required to replicate another actors’ performance, knowing exactly where they move and how they move there. They must have the bravado to lead a show, but also the humbleness to know they are merely standing in for another artist.
#233 - Wonderstudies (feat. Becca Petersen)
If someone knows a thing or two about understudying, it’s Becca Petersen. Her national tour debut was as the female swing on the national tour of Newsies, followed by making her Broadway debut covering Laura Osnes in the new musical Bandstand.
#232 - Touring Broadway (feat. Ryan Steele)
Whenever New York-based actors leave the city to perform, there’s a certain amount of bravery that must take place when you walk outside the theatre’s doors. Although the production may stay the same from city to city, your life outside the theatre can change drastically depending on where you are.
#229 - Super Swings (Moulin Rouge!, Hamilton - feat. Karli Dinardo)
When people say “the show must go on,” Karli Dinardo is one of the people of makes that happen. As a swing and dance captain for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, she covers seven other women in the show.
#224 - Queer Characters (Broadway, feat. Paul Canaan, Telly Leung)
Recently, Jackson Cline of The Ensemblist has been asking several questions about queer representation in musical theatre. How has the portrayal and inclusion of queer characters evolved over the years?
#222 - Creating Characters (Tina - feat. Jessica Rush)
Developing a character based on a real person is a challenge for any actor, in part because whether or not the audience is familiar with that person you want to make sure the role feels authentic to the people that know them.
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