Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with one of theater’s most brilliant directors, Daisy Prince. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how she first met Jason Robert Brown at a piano bar, the way in which Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince were opposite sides of a coin, the day that THE LAST FIVE YEARS was performed in chronological order, meeting her husband during THE PETRIFIED PRINCE, why she wasn’t shocked by the closing of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, how a Yoko Ono musical led to SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, the mentorship she has received from Paula Vogel, Richard Maltby, Jr., and other great theater artists, how she came up with the idea for THE CONNECTOR, casting Ben Levi Ross and Hannah Cruz in starring roles, the rewards of staging a period piece, and so much more, including a heartfelt tribute to Gavin Creel given on the day of his tragic passing. You won’t want to miss this conversation with a theater artist whose legacy has spanned generations. 

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with one of musical theater’s fastest-rising stars, Anna Zavelson, who is currently starring in Broadway’s THE NOTEBOOK. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her fantastic career, including collaborating with her fellow Allies Maryann Plunkett and Aisha Jackson, working with Michael Greif and Schele Williams to find her unique take on the role, her audition process for THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at Encores!, the challenges and rewards of staying in school while performing in New York, putting together her solo show, her two thwarted attempts at starring in SPELLING BEE, her lasting friendship with Andrea Burns, the ins and outs of performing in the Jimmy Awards, her dream jukebox musicals, the secret weapon she uses for an eight-show week, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this chat with one of Broadway’s best! 

Today, I am thrilled to announce the release of my interview with Broadway legend Sherie Rene Scott, who is currently starring as Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her career, including how she discovered theater growing up, the process of training for THE LAST FIVE YEARS, transferring EVERYDAY RAPTURE to Broadway in twelve days, the challenges she faced as a replacement in RENT, deciding between two roles in GREASE, the joys of working with Disney on AIDA, learning from her Broadway debut in TOMMY, the roles she almost played in CABARET and NEXT TO NORMAL, a last-minute audition for OVER AND OVER, how an opening night gift for WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN led to her show WHORL INSIDE A LOOP, learning to fall out of a window in THE FRONT PAGE, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s best.

Today, I am so incredibly thrilled to announce the release of my interview with Pulitzer-Prize winning Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose new album WARRIORS, co-written with Eisa Davis, is now out on all platforms. Tune in to hear stories and insights including how WARRIORS became his “Roman Empire,” the challenges of adapting an action movie into a musical, how Twitter helped him develop HAMILTON, the hardest role to cast in IN THE HEIGHTS, how he approaches the dual roles of actor and writer, why he loves writing New York stories, working with Thomas Kail on saving the Drama Book Shop, coming back to Broadway in ALL IN, how his experiences with FOSSE/VERDON and MARY POPPINS RETURNS led to TICK, TICK…BOOM!, filming at the New York Theater Workshop during the pandemic, taking inspiration from Jonathan Larson, the phone call from John Kander that led to NEW YORK, NEW YORK, meeting Stephen Sondheim in his senior year of high school, the enduring legacy of HAMILTON, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of theater’s most brilliant writers.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony nominated actress Kathleen Chalfant. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how Tony Kushner invited her to be part of ANGELS IN AMERICA, a letter from Larry Kramer during JUST SAY NO, how a fight broke out during her Broadway debut in DANCE WITH ME, the enormous difficulties of working with John Dexter on M. BUTTERFLY, taking on the role of Ronald Reagan in Sarah Ruhl’s PASSION PLAY, how she ended up on staff at Playwrights Horizons, the production of MILLENNIUM APPROACHES that was dubbed MR. TOAD’S WILD RIDE, performing in workshops of FINDING NEVERLAND and FIRST DAUGHTER SUITE, and her most memorable reviews from John Simon, Michael Feingold, and more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with a true theater veteran. 

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with legendary director and actor Joe Mantello. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including why he decided to stop acting after ANGELS IN AMERICA, what it meant that Terrence McNally took a chance on him with LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, working with and without Stephen Sondheim on HERE WE ARE, what he learned from Glenda Jackson in THREE TALL WOMEN, why he had the sound designer in the rehearsal room during GREY HOUSE, the unique experience of I’LL EAT YOU LAST, the process of maintaining WICKED, his experience with CORPUS CHRISTI and the backlash that came with it, what has made him decide to act on Broadway in THE NORMAL HEART and THE GLASS MENAGERIE, staging sensitive scenes in TAKE ME OUT and FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE, what it was like making his Broadway debut with WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s most brilliant directors.

Today, I’m thrilled to present my episode with triple threat Stephanie Pope. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her fantastic career, including her long collaboration with Bob Fosse, from her first audition for SWEET CHARITY to her conversations with him on the day that he died, why she was hounded by press during THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, what made her decide to recreate her role in JELLY’S LAST JAM, doing research for her role in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, going on at the last minute for Patina Miller in PIPPIN, how the pandemic led her to start directing, premiering SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE in London, going on the road with her daughter in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, announcing Gwen Verdon’s death from the stage during FOSSE, studying dance while attending high school, standing by for Chita Rivera in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, how she aimed to leave the door open for fellow Black performers, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of Broadway’s most talented stars. 

Ticket Link: https://54below.org/events/beth-leavel-sings-sondheim/ Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winner Beth Leavel, who will be performing a 54 Below concert celebrating the works of Stephen Sondheim on October 26 and 27. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the advice she got from Elaine Stritch, her process of finding the character of Dee Dee Allen in THE PROM, how 42ND STREET ruined a trip to Disneyland, performing for Elton John and Steven Spielberg, why her involvement in LEMPICKA felt fated by the universe, the role of hers that Eartha Kitt and Joan Van Ark also auditioned for, working with Casey Nicholaw on TUCK EVERLASTING and SOMETHING ROTTEN, the tragic closing of THE CIVIL WAR, taking inspiration from Margaret Dumont for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, the most important lines in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this uproarious conversation with a true Broadway treasure. 

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with star of stage and screen Allan Corduner, who just finished a run as Hume Cronyn in THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE on the West End. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including crawling on the floor with Barbra Streisand, the unique process of working with Mike Leigh on TOPSY TURVY, how a coffee with Bartlett Sher led to MY FAIR LADY, dealing with technical issues during TITANIC, the antisemitism he faced in the British entertainment world, working with Joseph Papp on SERIOUS MONEY, the actor who died during the table read of YENTL, why he was more impressed by John Gielgud than Laurence Olivier, working with Mike Ockrent on his theater debut, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of our most charming and delightful stars.

I could not be more thrilled to announce my guest for this week, olympic gymnast and Tony nominee Cathy Rigby. Tune in to hear some of the stories of Cathy’s incredible career, including how Disney on Parade turned her into a musical theater star, why competing in the Olympics almost led to her failing high school gym class, what it was like competing internationally during The Cold War, why she views Peter Pan as one of the saddest characters, why her last performance in the role was her best, a poignant experience helping a sick girl fly, casting her real-life children in touring productions of PETER PAN, observing that children are the same across the globe, learning SEUSSICAL in ten days, producing the upcoming revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF with Jason Alexander, collaborating with John Kenley, the challenge of appearing in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with an interdisciplinary master.

Today, I’m thrilled to present my interview with star of stage and screen Mario Cantone. Tune in to hear the stories of his legendary stage career, including how a phone call with Joe Mantello led to ASSASSINS, an early audition for TORCH SONG TRILOGY, when he almost co-starred with Pamela Adlon in THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE, why he turned down THE PRODUCERS and THE LION KING, his struggle to find the comedy in THE TEMPEST, how a birthday party performance led to his Broadway solo show LAUGH WHORE, why a good impressionist is like a caricaturist, his friendships with Dorothy Loudon and Fred Ebb during OVER AND OVER, talking about Joan Crawford with Stephen Sondheim, developing BLISS out of town, the audition he walked out of, how AND JUST LIKE THAT has changed his life, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of the funniest men in show business.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with legendary director and choreographer Susan Stroman. Tune in to hear all about her upcoming projects LEFT ON TENTH, ANGEL OF ARKANSAS, and SMASH, as well as some of the stories of her great career, including the lessons she learned from John Kander and Fred Ebb, the choreographic journey of THE MUSIC MAN, why CRAZY FOR YOU felt like it was in her blood, the art of partnering in STEEL PIER, why Hal Prince credits SHOWBOAT for his entire career, staging tryouts from Hunter College to Japan, watching Nathan Lane and Stephen Sondheim collaborate on THE FROGS, how an experience in a club and an offer from Andre Bishop led to CONTACT, finding the structure of NEW YORK, NEW YORK, her collaborations with dance arrangers including Glen Kelly and Peter Howard, the similarities and differences between Mel Brooks and Woody Allen, using visual inspiration for LITTLE DANCER, working on THOU SHALT NOT during 9/11, how research influenced her choreography for OKLAHOMA, the joys and challenges of directing POTUS right after the pandemic, and more. You won’t want to miss this interview with a true master of the American theater.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with the brilliant, Tony winning actor Jefferson Mays. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how three 5-minute plays at the Sundance Theater Festival evolved into I AM MY OWN WIFE, his experience performing that play in Poland, Brazil, and Australia, the backstage game he played with Angela Lansbury during THE BEST MAN, his unique take on Henry Higgins in PYGMALION, why he wishes a film had been made backstage at A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, the greatness of the late Steven Lutvak, a bloody accident during a site-specific ORESTES, why he used a prosthetic nose during THE MUSIC MAN, performing OSLO for the real-life Terje Rod-Larsen, what inspired his solo performance of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, how his vocal chords hemorrhaged during BLOOD AND GIFTS, taking advice from Robert Morse and Nathan Lane during THE FRONT PAGE, his next idea inspired by The Grand Guignol, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this episode with a once-in-a-generation talent.

Today, I am thrilled to announce my interview with star of stage and screen Alyson Reed. Tune in to hear some of the stories of Alyson’s legendary career, including her difficult decision to leave A CHORUS LINE on the road, making amends with Michael Bennett, how “Let Me Dance For You” was restored to the film of A CHORUS LINE, a meaningful note from Hal Prince, the bumpy road to starring in MARILYN, how that show led to her role in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, dealing with protestors during OH, BROTHER, the cast’s nickname for DANCE A LITTLE CLOSER, replacing Karen Ziemba in A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING, her passion for arts education, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the second part of Backstage Babble’s 200th episode celebration—a conversation with two of my favorite former guests, two friends, two mentors, two veteran performers, two Tony nominees--Lee Roy Reams and Brandon Maggart. Tune in to hear some of the stories of their parallel lives in the theater, including what it was like sharing a dressing room during APPLAUSE, the difference between Lauren Bacall and Carol Channing, their unusual experience arriving in Oklahoma City with LORELEI, how Tamara Long influenced the cast of that show and what made Jule Styne decide to keep her in it, what it was like for Lee Roy to teach Madeline Kahn the humor of HELLO, DOLLY!, how Susan Stroman convinced Brandon not to quit MUSICAL CHAIRS, how Lee Roy almost directed a revival of ANNIE 2, and Brandon’s run-in with Howard Keel during South Pacific. Plus, they talk about Ron Field, Karen Morrow, Oric Bovar, and Jane Powell, and both of them answer the James Lipton questionnaire! You won’t want to miss this episode with two super talents and very special people.

The first part of Backstage Babble’s 200th episode celebration is here, and it is an honor to be talking theater legend Jack O’Brien, who recently received the lifetime achievement award at the 2024 Tonys. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his expansive career, including the genesis of his newest show THE ROOMMATE, his advice for young directors, his friendship an collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, figuring out the sensitive timing of SHUCKED, learning from Ellis Rabb about how to give notes to actors, the show of his that launched more careers than any other, his unique relationship with the cast of PORGY AND BESS, how he decided to leave his position as artistic director of The Old Globe, the intriguing critical response to IMAGINARY FRIENDS and CAROUSEL, how his revival of ST. LOUIS WOMAN almost came to Broadway, revising DAMN YANKEES with George Abbott, his criteria for choosing shows to direct, how INTO THE WOODS changed the regional theater landscape, and so much more. This episode is a masterclass in directing from one of the greatest theatrical minds of all time. I can’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate 200 episodes.

Today, I am thrilled to announce my interview with 2024 Tony award winning playwright David Adjmi, whose play Stereophonic has quickly become Broadway’s newest sensation. Tune in today for a deep dive into the making of that play, including its Reagan-focused political undercurrent, the plane trip that gave him inspiration, why he views his plays like jigsaw puzzles, the reason why some audiences don’t respond to the play, the site-specific production he originally imagined, how the pandemic foiled the initial plans for a Broadway production, how band practice created chemistry among the cast, the process of securing Playwrights Horizons, how he ensured his vision for the timing of the play was maintained, and so much more. You can also hear other stories from his great career, including why Marian Seldes made a great collaborator, how an unpleasant experience at Juilliard influenced his subsequent work, his interactions with Stephen Sondheim, why he looks up to Edward Albee, what he looks for in a director, why he wants to tackle musical theater next, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with a true genius in the American theater.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with one of Broadway’s best young directors, Sammi Cannold. Tune in to this interview to hear stories and insights from her amazing career, including how a DM led to her Broadway debut, the ins and outs of being an assistant director, how she first contacted Diane Paulus, putting Ingrid Michaelson into NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, her inspiration for staging VIOLET on a bus, staging RAGTIME as a young director, her guideposts for casting the role of Eva Peron, the immersive production she’d still like to do, how she made everyone involved with HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO feel comfortable along the way, looking at Hal Prince’s notes on the show, how she uses her mathematical mind in her directing work, and so much more. 

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with the brilliant director Michael Greif, who completed a rare trifecta this season, directing the Broadway productions of Hell’s Kitchen, Days of Wine and Roses, and The Notebook. Tune in today to hear him share insights from his storied career, including the personal significance of directing at the Shubert Theater, how a production of MACHINAL jumpstarted his career, the challenges and rewards of reviving ANGELS IN AMERICA, what drove him to accept a position as the artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse, developing and refocusing NEXT TO NORMAL with Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, why he uses music in many of his plays, why NEVER GONNA DANCE couldn’t ultimately succeed, the joy of collaborating with Patti LuPone, his long tenure with The Public Theater, how he addresses the cast of every production of RENT, the special qualities he saw in Idina Menzel and Maleah Joi Moon at the beginning of their careers, why he decided to bring Schele Williams on as his co-director for THE NOTEBOOK, the play of his that almost moved to Broadway, the musical rule that he discovered while working on GIANT, WAR PAINT, and IF/THEN, and so much more. 

The Tonys are coming up! And Backstage Babble is giving you the perfect way to celebrate. On this episode, I am joined by Eila Mell, the author of the wonderful new book “The Tony Awards: Celebrating Excellence in the Theater,” a must-have for any theater fan, and Heather Hitchens, the CEO of the American Theater Wing, which presents the Tonys every year. Tune in for some fascinating anecdotes and insights, including how the legacy of Antoinette Perry influences the Tony Awards later on, how the Obie Awards were incorporated into the American Theater Wing, the Tony nominee that was hardest to track down for an interview, the many photo collections that were used in creating the book, the best Tony performances and biggest upsets from over the years, a last minute pedi-cab incident in getting to the ceremony, the logistics of choosing a host and a venue, the beauty of the Working in the Theater series, the Tony-nominated theater writers who received the Wing’s Jonathan Larson grant (and one who didn’t!), the experience of watching all the awards ceremonies, and so much more. Don’t miss this fascinating insider glimpse into the biggest night of the season!

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with legendary lyricist Susan Birkenhead. Tune in to hear the stories of her great career, including how Shirley Bernstein introduced her to Mary Rodgers, the song of hers that was cut from WORKING, the Patti LaBelle-led project that led to JELLY’S LAST JAM, the show she gets recognized for the most, the hardest role to cast in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, how she became involved in BOOP, the lyric that Frank Sinatra loved, how Jule Styne became her mentor, the advice she got from Stephen Sondheim, workshopping the music of Cole Porter with Carolee Carmello, why she ultimately pulled out of FANNY HACKABOUT JONES, the musical she initiated, how she ended up in Lehman Engel’s workshop, adapting MOONSTRUCK, working with Cy Coleman on SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of theater’s most fascinating figures.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with 2024 Tony nominee for Best Actress in a Play, Betsy Aidem. She was nominated for her staggering performance in Prayer for the French Republic, and you can tune in today to hear more about that process as well as some of the great stories of her legendary career, including the advice she got from Tom Stoppard, crashing auditions with John Malkovich and Des McAnuff, making her Broadway debut at the age of 57, meeting Lucille Ball and Elizabeth Taylor backstage at Steel Magnolias, originating the role of Toni in Appropriate, working with David Cromer on Prayer for the French Republic and other plays, the joy of collaborating with Marian Seldes, what it’s like being nominated for a Tony, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with legendary comedian and Broadway performer Rita Rudner. Tune in to hear her talk about all the facets of her career, including learning wings for Gower Champion, the show she calls “the first feel-bad musical,” the advantages of working with her husband, the difficult transition from musical theater into comedy, why she doesn’t do topical material, the ins and outs of making jokes about your family, why Bob Fosse would never hire her, how she almost did a musical with Gary Beach, running into Robert Morse at Starbucks, adapting her novel into a play, the ageism she’s faced in the comedy business, why she was never in A Chorus Line, the word she’s removed from her act, forming a close friendship during Follies, the skills she learned in The Magic Show, opening a new theater with So Long, 174th Street, and so much more.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Tune in for a conversation about his three current projects, Boop!, The Devil Wears Prada, and Becoming Nancy, as well as some fantastic stories and insights from his legendary career, including how Broadway Bares led to his Broadway debut, what it was like being fought over by Lauren Bacall and Ann Miller, why Michael Bennett’s musical Scandal never came to fruition, the inspiration for the conga line in On Your Feet!, how he cast Jasmine Amy Rogers in Boop! and Laura Bell Bundy in Legally Blonde, the direct line from Jack O’Brien to him to Sergio Trujillo, his earliest musical Aesop’s Fallibles, using treadmills onstage in Kinky Boots, why he doesn’t like doing revivals, creating dances for non-dancers in The Full Monty, the ins and outs of the 2-year rehearsal process for Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth interview with one of the most influential figures in theater today.

Ticket Link for Backstage Babble Celebrates Joe Allen Restaurant: https://54below.org/events/backstage-babble-celebrates-joe-allen-restaurant/ Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with legendary theater critic Frank Rich, who served as the chief theater critic of the New York Times from 1980-1993. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his great career, including championing August Wilson, making up with Robert Brustein, watching Jerome Robbins stage the second act of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the changes made to the second act of THE ODD COUPLE out of town, his thoughts on the decreasing power of theater criticism in affecting the success of a show, working with Boris Aronson on a book about his work, why he tried not to think about the influence he had on shows, what he learned from Walter Kerr and Kenneth Tynan, what musicals he chooses to see today, working with theater actors on SUCCESSION, the giveaway that a critic didn’t personally like a show, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with a greatly influential figure in so many fields. 

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway star Elena Shaddow. Elena will be appearing in my next concert at 54 Below, Backstage Babble Celebrates Joe Allen Restaurant, singing from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, along with a fantastic lineup including Tony nominees Anita Gillette, Michael Korie, Amanda Green, and Willy Falk, plus Jim Walton, Robert Creighton, Heather MacRae, and more. The link to in-person and livestream tickets is here: https://54below.org/events/backstage-babble-celebrates-joe-allen-restaurant/ Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including why she smoked a cigarette in NINE, the difficulty of performing in DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES every night, the insight she got from Chita Rivera, working with Joanne Akalaitis on THE BACCHAE, getting close to the title role in MARY POPPINS, Trevor Nunn’s specific way of working, working with Audra McDonald on TV, how she decided to stop understudying, telling Harvey Fierstein she was pregnant, the joys of starring in FANNY, going on at the last minute in NINE, the freeing nature of finding her own technique, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this episode.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with Tony winning actress Celia Keenan- Bolger, who is currently starring in Mother Play at the Helen Hayes Theater. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including what it was like working with Sondheim on her first major job, her long journey with THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, how she got William FInn to write a song for her, how she made the transition between performing in musicals and plays, balancing being a mother with being an actress, what she learned from working with Bartlett Sher and his wife, the role she always wanted to play, the ins and outs of being nominated for a Tony, having Paula Vogel write a play for her, how THE GLASS MENAGERIE overcame her initial skepticism, the joy of performing in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with one of theater’s brightest lights.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Sara Gettelfinger, who is currently returning to Broadway after a 10-year hiatus to star as Barbara in Water for Elephants. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how her persistence got her into CCM, why Michele Pawk was an early hero of hers, rehearsing with Gwen Verdon, a special audition for Jack O’Brien, working with Jerry Zaks on The Addams Family, the shows she’d like to see done at Encores!, the importance of Rick Elice’s work in her return to acting, the thrills and challenges of working with George C. Wolfe, how she created the character of Little Edie Beale, the process of being let go from Grey Gardens, and so much more. She also shares the moving and inspiring details of her hard-won journey back to Broadway. You won’t want to miss this intimate conversation with one of Broadway’s best.

I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with Tony-nominated librettist Rick Elice, whose musical Water for Elephants is currently playing at Broadway’s Imperial Theater. Tune in to find out about all the facets of his varied career, which he describes as being a “pinball in a pinball machine,” including how a forbidden experience with Follies got him hooked on theater, late-night calls from Elaine May, how Annie led to being hired by Serino-Coyne, crashing a lunch with Stanley Donen, when Cher quoted “Hello, Dolly!” to him, what intrigued him about the Smash musical, the trick he used for marketing The Lion King, the advice he got from Neil Simon and Mike Nichols, why Tom Stoppard is responsible for his career as a playwright, and more. He also shares a beautiful tribute to the late, great Chita Rivera, who worked with Rick’s husband Roger Rees on their mutual last project, The Visit. You won’t want to miss this episode!

Today, I’m honored to announce my interview with Tony winning director Doug Hughes. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the simple mantra that dictates what kind of work he wants to direct, a very important review he received early in his career, creating tension in DOUBT, what he loves about directing Shaw plays, the anxiety of the rehearsal process for OLEANNA, why he prefers intimate rehearsal spaces, transferring FROZEN to Broadway, the unique talent of Cherry Jones, what appealed to him about directing Ayad Akhtar’s JUNK, why ELLING couldn’t succeed on Broadway, the opportunities Lynne Meadow gave him, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with one of Broadway’s best directors.

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with Maryann Plunkett, who is currently starring as Older Allie in Broadway’s The Notebook. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the significance of the first line she said on a Broadway stage, performing on the night of the 2016 election, her numerous costars in Sunday in the Park with George, the power of Me and My Girl, how she met her husband Jay O. Sanders and the play she’d love to do with him, the joy of performing in rep at National Actors’ Theater, how acting cured her shyness, early stages of Zoom theater, an upcoming play with Marie Mullen, the new take on Macbeth she workshopped, what singing means to her character in The Notebook, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with a veteran actress.

Today, I’m honored to announce my episode with Tony winner Melba Moore, who will be returning to New York stages on March 15 and 16 at 54 Below. You can find tickets to that show here: https://54below.org/events/melba-moore-from-broadway-with-love/ Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how a recording session led her to her Broadway debut, why Eartha Kitt was a diva in the truest sense, the process of making her way back to New York, the artists she will pay tribute to in her upcoming concert, the challenge of performing in Purlie, why Les Miserables was the perfect show for her, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with veteran of Broadway, West End, and Australian stages, who is currently starring as Lottie Gee in All Roads Theatre’s production of Mack and Mabel. Tickets to that production are available here: https://allroadstheatreco.org/ Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her many experiences with Mack and Mabel, auditioning for Baz Luhrmann, a special call from Hal Prince, making her Broadway debut with Chicago at the same time the movie came out, singing as Ethel Merman for Kevin Kline, the note she got from Stephen Sondheim, playing both starring roles in The Rink, why she relates to the play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, the art of playing Fanny Brice and not Barbra Streisand, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this fun-filled conversation!

Today, it is my great honor to announce the final installment of my “Week of Wine and Roses” with Broadway legend Kelli O’Hara. Tune in to hear some of the stories and insights of her auspicious career, including: the role she wishes she could do again, the benefits of revising Golden Age musicals, why THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA was psychologically difficult, the joys of working with Brian D’Arcy James, a memorable injury at KISS ME KATE, the experience of being pregnant during THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, how she read the script to SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS before she ever auditioned, the condescension she’s faced in the opera world, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth, intelligent conversation with one of Broadway’s brightest lights.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the second installment of my “Week of Wine and Roses” with the show’s librettist, one of the greatest playwrights of our time, Craig Lucas. Tune in to hear some of the stories and insights of his career, including: why THE LIGHT OF THE PIAZZA was ultimately a fable, the double meaning of PRELUDE TO A KISS, the process of adapting that play into a musical, the newest incarnation in theater of the “Philistine urge,” why Amelie was a challenging main character for a musical, how he transitioned from being a performer to being a playwright, why Sondheim/Prince musicals appeal to him, the small fix he made to AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, and so much more.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the kickoff of Backstage Babble’s “Week of Wine and Roses” with legendary composer and lyricist Adam Guettel. Tune in to hear some of the stories and insights of his great career, including why THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA needed a romantic sound, advice he got from Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents, why the greatest work exists on the edge of competence, why he doesn’t like to look too much at the source material for the musicals he writes, his on-the-ground research for FLOYD COLLINS, his collaboration with William Goldman, the process of casting Victoria Clark as Margaret Johnson, working with Jamie Lawrence on orchestrating DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, and so much more. This episode is a masterclass in musical theater writing from the best there is!

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with veteran actor Richard Topol, who is starring in Our Class at BAM through February 4th. Tune in to hear fascinating stories, including: how he almost went on for Al Pacino, what it was like acting with Larry David, how he got Covid at a theater in March 2020, a mask mishap during PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, the power of Larry Kramer’s JUST SAY NO, working on THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL with Tony Randall, the loyalty of Denzel Washington, the Rubik’s Cube of INDECENT, and so much more.

Today, I’m honored to announce the release of my interview with Broadway star Wanda Richert, who played Peggy Sawyer in the original production of 42nd Street. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her love story with Gower Champion, understudying Gwen Verdon, working with Michael Bennett on A Chorus Line, the challenges of playing Carla in Nine, the show that almost got her to return to New York, the experience of being a prodigy, her last Broadway performance, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this exclusive conversation!

For the first Backstage Babble episode of 2024, I’m thrilled to present my conversation with Oscar-nominated actress Lesley Ann Warren. Tune in to hear her tell some of the stories of her legendary career, including how Lee Strasberg helped with her part in DRAT! THE CAT!, how 110 IN THE SHADE taught her the meaning of a showstopper, the trouble with rehearsing GONE WITH THE WIND, how she almost played a different role in CLUE, why Blake Edwards was a great director, the challenges of playing a sociopath on screen, returning to Broadway with DREAM, why CINDERELLA was a dream come true, and so much more.

The final episode of Backstage Babble in 2023 is a doozy! I’m lucky to talk to many legends, but sometimes they don’t have time for a full conversation. That being said, the two Tony-winning actors who I’m presenting “mini” interviews with today had such valuable thoughts and stories that I wanted to share them publicly. First, Tyne Daly, who it was announced after the interview is returning to Broadway in Spring 2024 with Doubt, talks about her legendary career, with stories including how an appearance with Dolly Parton got her the role of Mama Rose, the valuable lesson about auditioning she learned at the Mark Taper Forum, why she turns down all horror movies, and so much more. Then, an inspiring conversation with Ben Vereen where he discusses the genius of Galt MacDermot and Bob Fosse, how Vinnette Carroll discovered him, why theater and spirituality are deeply intertwined, and so much more! You won’t want to miss these two conversations.

Today, I’m so happy to announce the release of my episode with veteran actress Marylouise Burke, who is currently starring in Infinite Life in London after premiering it at the Atlantic Theater Company. Tune in to hear the stories of her legendary career, including her beginnings in a Pennsylvania steel town, how she decided to move to New York, attending a Nets game with Larry David, dealing with George C. Scott’s alcoholism, her close relationship with David Lindsay-Abaire, figuring out her costumes for Kimberly Akimbo, handling the pauses in Infinite Life, taking on a musical role with Into the Woods, and so much more. 

Today, I’m honored to announce my interview with Broadway and cabaret star Sally Mayes, whose show Now and Then is playing at the Green Room 42 on Saturday, December 2nd at 9:30. The ticket link is here: https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com/show/details/AWB4i9Lu1RZsQiFDkPVw/1701570600000 Meanwhile, tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the experience of touring as Mae West, auditioning for Jule Styne, standing by for Delta Burke, the show she wished had had greater success, the role she almost lost to Andrea Martin, why she doesn’t like auditioning, tackling the role of Mama Rose, and so much more. 

I’m honored to announce my interview with Tony nominee Mark Jacoby, who is currently starring as Neil Diamond-Now in A Beautiful Noise. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the advice Bob Fosse gave him, the joys of singing with Rebecca Luker, his and John Doyle’s unique interpretation of Judge Turpin, his long experience with The Visit, how playing the phantom atrophied his voice, working with Neil Diamond, and so much more.  

Today, I’m so excited to announce my interview with legendary actress Cherry Jones. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her distinguished career, including how Andrei Serban taught her how to act, why Colleen Dewhurst was her biggest inspiration, witnessing the difficult relationship between Glenda Jackson and Zoe Caldwell on Macbeth, her theories about the plot of Doubt, the process of flying as the title character in Angels in America, the celebration she planned for the closing night of her first Broadway show, why Major Barbara was an easier role to do, the two plays from last season that she liked the most, why she relies heavily on directors, and so much more.

Today, I’m so excited to announce my interview with 2023 Tony winner Casey Nicholaw, whose show Some Like it Hot runs through December 30th. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the stroke of good luck that led to his Broadway debut, returning to performing recently for one week, why Encores reminds him of summer stock, collaborating with Mike Nichols, the changes made to Aladdin out of town, why tap is his favorite style of dance, the process of restaging Dreamgirls, the difference between older and younger performers in the rehearsal room, staging the dream ballet in Tuck Everlasting, the joyous process of bringing The Drowsy Chaperone to Broadway, and more.

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with Broadway director Schele Williams, who is helming the upcoming Broadway productions of The Wiz and The Notebook. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her long career, including what her new vision is for The Wiz, the International power of Rent, the process of revising Aida, the joys of telling the story of Ethel Waters, switching career paths, collaborating with Ben Vereen, her thoughts on leading a rehearsal room, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of the most important people in the theater today.

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with 3-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how she first got involved in Parade, her insights into the all-female 1776, being directed by Hal Prince, why Scandalous was the most vocally challenging role she’s had (hint: it wasn’t the singing), the joys of starring on TV in Remember WENN, the role she’d like to approach again, what City of Angels taught her about herself, performing Falsettos in Florida, and so much more.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Peter Friedman, who is currently starring in the sold-out hit play Job off-Broadway. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including a visit with E. L. Doctorow, working with older vaudevillians on The Tenth Man, coming into Twelve Angry Men late in the process, experiencing a career renaissance with Annie Baker and Sam Gold, why Susan Stroman is a great director, bonding with cast members of Ragtime, and so much more.