In this episode Ilana sat down with her friend and the producer of the first play Ilana ever did in New York, Tony Award winner - Daryl Roth. Roth is an award-winning theatre producer and President of Daryl Roth Productions. She is honored to hold the singular distinction of producing seven Pulitzer Prize-winning plays: Anna in the Tropics; August: Osage County (2008 Tony Award); Clybourne Park (2012 Tony Award); How I Learned to Drive; Proof (2001 Tony Award); Edward Albee’sThree Tall Women; and Wit. The proud recipient of ten Tony Awards and London’s Olivier Award, highlights of her over 100 award winning productions both on and off Broadway include: The Tony and Olivier Award winning musical Kinky Boots (Broadway, U.S. Tour, London, Toronto, Australia, Korea, Japan); Bea Arthur on Broadway; Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s Caroline, or Change; Closer Than Ever; Curtains; Edward Albee’s The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? (2002 Tony Award); The Humans (2016 Tony Award); Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore; Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart (2011 Tony Award); A Raisin in the Sun (2014 Tony Award); Shuffle Along; The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife; Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992; A View from the Bridge (2016 Tony); War Horse (2011 Tony Award); Wiesenthal; The Year of Magical Thinking; and De La Guarda, which ran for 7 years as the inaugural production at the Daryl Roth Theatre, a landmark building in Manhattan’s Union Square. Upcoming Broadway productions include Paula Vogel’s Indecent; Groundhog Day; Hello, Dolly starring Bette Midler; Present Laughter starring Kevin Kline; and Sunset Boulevard starring Glenn Close. Film credits include My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story a documentary exploring the relationships of well-known New Yorkers and their dogs.  Ms. Roth is a newly appointed member of the New York City Police Foundation Board of Trustees, a member of the Mayor’s Theater Subdistrict Council, an Honorary Trustee for Lincoln Center Theatre, and was twice included in Crain’s “100 MostInfluential Women in Business.” Recent honors include: The Order of the Golden Sphinx award from The Harvard Hasty Pudding Institute; New York Living Landmarks award; Humanitarian Award from the Women's Division and Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Broadway Association Visionary Leader Award; Family Equality Council Family Award; Live Out Loud Humanitarian Award; and the Lucille Lortel Lifetime Achievement Award. She enjoys supporting a diverse group of charitable and cultural institutions, and is active in LGBTQ rights causes, animal rights, and support for the arts.  Ms. Roth is married to real estate developer Steven Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weeks episode was recorded live at BroadwayCon 2019. In honor of Women's History Month, Ilana is joined by some other members of BroadwayMakers - all women- to share stories of how they took their passion for Broadway and turned it  into a successful business. Alisa Hurwitz, PsyD - a/k/a Dr. Drama is in private practice at The Counseling Center of Nashua where she has been a clinical psychologist for the past 7 years, specializing in working with individuals on the autism spectrum, providing structural family therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and therapy for LGBT individuals.  Jennifer Kahn is the founder and CEO of Scenery Bags, which uses retired  show backdrops to make fashionable clutches. Part of the proceeds go to the Theater Development Fund to take kids to the theater. Gillian Pensavalle - Gillian is the creator and host of The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast, the first Hamilton podcast to hit the airwaves in January of 2016, which has since earned the title of "The Official Hamilton Podcast" among cast members.  Andrea Koehler is the founder of The Coloring Project and Coloring Broadway, she opens the backdoor to self-discovery using coloring as a tool for mindfulness, helping people quiet their inner critic so that they can access their inner “artist”, and sharing show tunes as a way express our emotions when words fail. Amber Kempter - Amber makes custom Funko Pop vinyl figures and pins from popular Broadway musicals, mostly Hamilton characters. Amber runs the Facebook group “Broadway Goes Pop!”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy was last seen onstage in Mike Bartlett’s play LOVE LOVE LOVE at the Roundabout theatre directed by Michael Mayer, for which she earned an Obie award. She made her Broadway debut in Wendy Wasserstein’s THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG.  Amy was nominated for two TONY awards as  best featured actress for her performances in UNCLE VANYA and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Other theatre credits include DETROIT by Lisa D’Amour’s Detroit,  at Playwrights Horizons, Amy is perhaps best known for her acclaimed performance in Ben Affleck’s GONE BABY GONE, for which she was earned an Academy Award nomination. She can be seen in the upcoming films, STRANGE BUT TRUE and LOST GIRLS. Other film credits include: BEAUTIFUL BOY,BIRDMAN, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE, BRIDGE OF SPIES, GOOSEBUMPS, ABUNDANT ACREAGE AVAILABLE, LOUDER THAN BOMBS, DON VERDEAN, BREATHE IN,  CLEAR HISTORY, DEVIL’S KNOT ,WIN WIN, GREEN ZONE, JACK GOES BOATING, CHANGELING; BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD, CAPOTE, DAN IN REAL LIFE, WAR OF THE WORLDS, and KEANE. Amy’s television work includes “The Office” “In Treatment” and “The Wire.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason Moore most recently directed the Broadway musical The Cher Show, which showcases Cher's life story brought to the stage featuring her beloved chart-topping hits. Starring Stephanie J. Block, Teal Wicks, Micaela Diamond and Jarrod Spector, with costumes by designer Bob Mackie, The Cher Show will began previews in November 2018 at the Neil Simon Theatre prior to the opening night on December 3, 2018. In addition, he’s currently directing Superhero at the Second Stage theatre which is set to begin on January 31, 2019. Starring Kate Baldwin, Kyle Mcarthur and Bryce Pinkham, Superhero is a deeply human new musical about a fractured family, the mysterious stranger in apartment 4-B, and the unexpected hero who just might save the day. Moore’s feature directorial debut, Pitch Perfect, starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Brittany Snow, was both a critical and commercial success. Written by Kay Cannon, the film premiered in 2012 and follows Beca, a freshman at Barden University, who is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition. Recently, Moore directed Sisters, starring Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph, written by Paula Pell. The film was released on December 18, 2015 by Universal Pictures. He will next direct and produce Hair Wars for Fox 2000, a musical project based on a real competition where hair salons face off, and Lionsgate’s Goodbye for Now, an adaptation of the Laurie Frankel novel.   Moore is also the creative force behind some of Broadway’s biggest hits. Most recently, he directed Fully Committed, the restaurant-world comedy by Becky Mode starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who takes on over 40 characters in this one-man comedy set at Manhattan's number-one restaurant.  Additionally, his previous theater projects include Shrek the Musical, for which he earned Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk award nominations; Steel Magnolias; and Avenue Q, for which he received a Tony Award nomination. Furthermore, he directed Jerry Springer: The Opera at Carnegie Hall and the off-Broadway hits Speech and Debate, Avenue Q, Guardians and The Crumple Zone, as well as, Tales of the City, with music by the Scissor Sisters, which premiered at the American Conservatory Theater. Moore’s previous television directorial credits include episodes of “Dawson's Creek,” “Everwood,” “One Tree Hill,” “Brothers and Sisters,” and “Trophy Wife.” Moore divides his time between New York and Los Angeles and received a B.A. in Performance Studies from Northwestern University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At BroadwayCon 2019 Ilana Levine (LUCY), Anthony Rapp ( CHARLIE BROWN),  Kristin Chenoweth (SALLY), BD Wong (LINUS), Roger Bart (SNOOPY) and director, Michael Mayer, reunited on stage at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to talk all things "You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown." Here is that event, recorded live, for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At BroadwayCon 2019, Ilana led a fascinating and illuminating panel on "The Making Of A Cast Recording" with the star of Head Over Heels, Bonnie Milligan and Kurt Deutsch, Senior VP at Warner/ Chappell Music. Bonnie Milligan recently made her broadway debut to critical acclaim starring in Head Over Heels. Previous to HOH, Bonnie was seen playing the original role of Pat in the first national tour of Kinky Boots and off broadway in God Bless You, Mr Rosewater (Encores!), Gigantic (Vineyard), Jasper in Deadland (Prospect). Television credits include the recurring role of Kathryn on Search Party (TBS), Happy! (Sci Fi) and the upcoming new series from Ben Stiller. Twitter: @beltingbonnie Instagram @beltingbons Kurt Deutsch is an actor, director, record producer and film producer. He is the Senior Vice President for Theatrical & Catalog Development for Warner/Chappell Music, and President of Sh-K-Boom Records, a division of Warner Arts Music. Upon his joining Warner/Chappell Music, CEO Jon Platt stated that “Kurt is one of the most prominent figures in the Broadway world, having built Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight into a major force in musical theatre. His exceptional creative instincts, deep relationships in the theatrical community, and extensive experience in encouraging and cultivating composers will be invaluable as we continue to expand our service to songwriters. Today, the theatrical world is in the midst of a renaissance, and Kurt is a leader of this new generation of incredibly gifted songwriters, who are creating brilliant music that transcends genres and cultures." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harry Hadden-Paton is a British actor renown for his work in the U.K. and recently in the U.S. on stage and screen, some of his credits include; LCT -  My Fair Lady (Theatre World Award; Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League nominations). West End includes The Importance of Being Earnest (Ian Charleson Award nom.), Flare Path and The Pride. Off-West End includes She Stoops to Conquer (National Theatre), Posh (Royal Court), The Changeling (Young Vic) and The Prince of Homburg (Donmar Warehouse). Film: The Little Stranger, About Time, The Hollow Crown, The Deep Blue Sea, In the Loop, La Vie en Rose. TV includes Bertie Pelham on “Downton Abbey,” Martin Charteris on “The Crown,” Gaston de Foix on “Versailles” and Hans von Enke on “Wallander.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patti Murin is an accomplished stage and television actress. Known for her acclaimed Broadway performances, Murin currently stars as ‘Anna’ in the Broadway production of Disney’s "Frozen." With lyrics written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Frozen is the timeless tale of a fearless princess who sets off on a journey alongside a rugged iceman, his loyal pet reindeer, and a naive snowman to find her estranged sister. Murin made her Broadway debut in 2007’s "Xanadu," in which she played the roles of Euterpe, Siren, and Thetis. Based on the film of the same name, "Xanadu" centers on a Greek muse who is sent to Earth to inspire Californians during the 1980s. Four years later, Murin played the lead of ‘Lysistrata Jones’ in 2011’s "Lysistrata Jones," a modern day adaptation of Aristophanes’ "Lysistrata." Soon after, Patti starred as ‘Glinda’ in the national tour of Broadway’s renowned play "Wicked." In addition to her performances on Broadway, Patti Murin has also starred in a wide range of off-Broadway theatrical productions. Most recently, Murin starred as ‘Linda Mason’ in "The Muny’s Holiday Inn" and Susie in "Lady, Be Good." At The Muny, she has also starred as ‘Roxie Hart’ in "Chicago" and ‘Ariel’ in "The Little Mermaid." In New York, Murin starred as ‘Princess’ in The Public Theater’s production of "Love’s Labour’s Lost." She also played the role of ‘Amber’ in The Cape Playhouse’s production of "Hairspray" and ‘Sharpay Evans’ in The Atlanta Theater of the Stars’ production of "High School Musical." Other theater credits include "Fly By Night," Jane Austen’s "Emma," "Band Geeks," "Give It Up!," "White Noise," "Princesses," "Glimpses of the Moon," "Beauty and the Beast," "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Crazy for You." On the small screen, Murin has starred as recurring character ‘Dr. Nina Shore’ in NBC’s “Chicago Med,” a medical drama set in the ER department of Chicago’s Gaffney Medical Center. She has also starred as ‘Ana’ in USA’s “Royal Pains.” Additionally, Patti Murin played the recurring role of ‘Ellen’ on ABC’s “All My Children.” Murin has also sung the national anthem at numerous sporting events, including a New York Mets game, Philadelphia Soul Football, and an event at Syracuse University. Patti Murin currently resides in New York City.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ilana was the host of a benefit concert for Stronger Than Hate - A benefit concert for the  Tree Of Life Synagogue. The Jewish community and Broadway friends perform for a night of unification benefitting the Pittsburgh congregation and victims' families of the tragic October shooting. The evening features cast members from the National Yiddish Theatre's Fiddler on the Roof, a speaker from the Anti-Defamation League, and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Julie Gold. Proceeds  go to Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Hosted by Ilana the evening  cast members donating their talents include: Jodi Bluestein (Disney On Classic), Julie Gold ("From A Distance"), Jillian Gottlieb (The Golden Bride), Nathan Klau(Jersey Boys), Danny Harris Kornfeld (Renascence), Samantha G. Harris (Tree of Life congregant), Rebecca Kuznick (Company), Gary John LaRosa (Fiddler on the Roof), Stephanie Lynne Mason (Fiddler on the Roof), Jesse Manocherian (Marry Harry), Rosie Jo Neddy (Fiddler on the Roof), Bill Nolte (Waitress), Collin O'Connor (A Christmas Carol), Samantha Joy Pearlman (Chasing Rainbows), Scruffy Pearls featuring RJ Gatsby, Renee Hikari, Carly Pearlstein, and Billy Pearson, Hannah Richter (Far From Canterbury), Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld(Pokémon), Gavriel Savit (Amazing Grace), Jason Sirois (Anti-Defamation League), Eileen Tepper (LES MISERABLES), Marc Winski(Grease), and Rachel Zatcoff (The Phantom Of The Opera). The evening is Directed and Produced by Mara Jill Herman with Music Direction by Danny Lepek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Jordan is a Tony and Grammy-nominated actor and singer. He starred for the past three years on the CBS and CW hit, Supergirl. He can be heard as the voice of ‘Varian' in Disney Channel’s animated series, Tangled, based on the 2010 hit movie. Earlier, he was a series regular on NBC’s musical drama, Smash, and he starred opposite Anna Kendrick in the film adaptation of Jason Robert Brown’s beloved musical, The Last 5 Years. He was honored with the Rising Star award at the Napa Film Festival for his work on that film. Jeremy also starred opposite Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton in Todd Graff's Warner Bros. picture, Joyful Noise. On Broadway, he originated the role of 'Jack Kelly' in Disney's hit musical, Newsies, earning Tony, Grammy and Drama Desk nominations. He reprised the role in 2016 in Disney’s nationwide release of Newsies, taped live onstage at LA’s Pantages Theatre. Jeremy originated the role of 'Clyde Barrow' in Broadway's Bonnie & Clyde, for which he won the Theatre World Award. He got his Broadway start in Rock of Ages, and he then starred as 'Tony' in the most recent Broadway revival of West Side Story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Birbiglia is a writer, comedian, actor, and director. A contributor to “This American Life” and “The Moth,” he is the author of the New York Times best-selling book “Sleepwalk with Me and Other Painfully True Stories,” which was a finalist for the Thurber Prize For American Humor. He has appeared on the television shows “Orange Is the New Black,” “Broad City” and “Inside Amy Schumer.” He wrote, directed, and starred in the films “Sleepwalk with Me” and “Don’t Think Twice.” His recent solo plays include “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” “Thank God for Jokes,” and “The New One,” which is currently in a 12 week run on Broadway at the Cort Theatre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Laura Dreyfuss sat down for a live interview with Ilana at the W Hotel in Times Square on a rainy Sunday night and they talked about everything from life after Dear Evan Hansen, their friendship with Tony Award winner Ben Platt and their mutual love of dogs! Dreyfuss just wrapped season one of the highly anticipated Netflix series THE POLITICIAN, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. In it, she stars opposite Ben Platt, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange. Before that, Dreyfuss starred in and originated the lead female role of “Zoe” in the Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.” Dreyfuss played the role since the musical made its world premiere in 2015 at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. She was nominated for a 2016 Helen Hayes Award for Best Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical on behalf of that performance. Dreyfuss then performed in the role off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater before its highly anticipated transfer to Broadway’s Music Box Theatre in December 2016. Since its Broadway debut, “Dear Evan Hansen” and the individual performances have been acclaimed by fans and critics alike. Charles Isherwood of The New York Times called Dreyfuss’ performance “sensitive” and “altogether lovely.” The musical won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Dreyfuss received a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, and a Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program. Previous stage credits for Dreyfuss include the 2010 U.S. National Tour and 2011 Broadway revival of “Hair” understudying the roles of Sheila Franklin and Crissy. She also appeared in the original Broadway production of “Once”, eventually playing the lead female role, Girl, opposite Steve Kazee. “Once” was awarded the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2012. On the small screen, Dreyfuss is best known for portraying Madison McCarthy in the sixth season of the FOX television series, “Glee.” She appeared in 11 episodes and can be heard on the series’ covers of “Chandelier” by Sia, “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and “Come Sail Away” by Styx. She can currently be seen in a recurring role on the second season of the Emmy winning Amazon series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Dreyfuss holds a BFA in Musical Theater from the Boston Conservatory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ilana Levine hosted her Little Known Facts podcast on stage at The Atlantic Theater Company with special guests Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen. Academy Award winner Mary Steenburgen has appeared in over 60 films. She is known for her work in the films Melvin And Howard, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Step Brothers, and television shows “Justified,” “Orange is the New Black” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. Mary most recently starred alongside Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda and Candice Bergen in Paramount Pictures’ Book Club. For 4 years, Mary starred alongside Will Forte in FOX’s critically-acclaimed comedy series, “The Last Man on Earth”. Additional television credits include “30 Rock”, “Bored to Death”, and “Blunt Talk”. Additional film credits include Goin’ South, Time After Time, Ragtime, Philadelphia, Back To The Future 3, Cross Creek, Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy, Miss Firecracker, The Proposal, Elf, Dirty Girl, Four Christmases, The Help, and Last Vegas. Partial theater credits include Holiday, Candida, Marvin’s Room, The Beginning of August, The Exonerated. Mary is also a songwriter and wrote the end credit song for the upcoming feature film Wild Rose. Ted Danson is a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor known for an array of exceptional performances, most memorably for his portrayal of Boston bartender Sam Malone on NBC’s multi-award-winning and iconic comedy “Cheers,” which ran for 11 seasons and won three Emmys as Best Comedy Series. Danson currently plays Michael on the hit comedy “The Good Place” opposite Kristen Bell. The show premiered as a critic favorite and ratings hit for NBC. In addition to acting and producing, Danson is an environmental activist, co-founding the American Oceans Campaign (AOC) in 1987 to alert Americans to the life-threatening hazards created by oil spills, off-shore development, toxic wastes, sewage pollution and other ocean abuses. The AOC merged with Oceana in 2001. Oceana works to show citizens how they can participate in protecting and restoring marine resources, and to show Congress that Americans are concerned with these issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LILLI COOPER - Broadway: Tootsie (Julie Nichols), SpongeBob SquarePants (Sandy Cheeks),Wicked (Elphaba), Spring Awakening (Original Broadway Cast). Theater favorites: Sundown, Yellow Moon (WP Theater), Tick, Tick...Boom! (Keen Company), Natasha...Great Comet of 1812 (A.R.T.), The Wildness (Ars Nova), Noir (NYSF & NAMT), The Threepenny Opera (Atlantic Theater). TV: Instinct, The Good Fight, Bull, & Elementary(CBS). Film: Spielberg's “The Post”, Creator and star of the web-series: “It’s Not Okay, Cupid” (Glamour.com). Cooper is a native New Yorker, LaGuardia Arts and Vassar alum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Iconis joins Ilana Levine for a live podcast taping at the W Hotel in Times Square, New York.  Joe Iconis is a writer and performer. He is a creature of Manhattan and can frequently be spotted banging away on a dirty old piano. As a composer - lyricist - book writer, he has authored the musicals Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Bloodsong of Love, The Black Suits, ReWrite, Theaterworks USA’s The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks and We The People, and the currently in development Hunter S. Thompson Musical and Love In Hate Nation. The original cast recording of his musical phenomenon Be More Chill has over 80 million streams, and his song “Broadway, Here I Come!” was hailed by the New York Times as a new entry in the Great American Songbook. Albums: Be More Chill (Original Cast Recording), Things To Ruin (Original Cast Recording) and The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree all available on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records. Joe’s songs appeared on Season 2 of NBC’s “Smash” and his writing has been featured in The New York Times and The Dramatist. His concert act, Joe Iconis and Family, frequently plays The Beechman Theater, 54 Below, and Joe’s Pub. The original cast recording of Joe’s theatrical rock concert Things To Ruin, is out on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight records. He has been nominated for two Drama Desk Awards, a Lucille Lortel Award, and is the recipient of an Ed Kleban Award, a Jonathan Larson Award, an ASCAP Harold Adamson Lyric Award, a Doris Duke Grant, and a MAC John Wallowitch Songwriting Award. Joe is deliriously inspired by Robert Altman, Dolly Parton, Martin Scorcese, Sardi’s, The Rolling Stones, whiskey, The Muppets, and The Family of artists he frequently surrounds himself with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steven Levenson is the Tony Award-winning book writer of Dear Evan Hansen. His plays include If I Forget, The Unavoidable Disappearance of Tom Durnin, Days of Rage, and The Language of Trees. Honors include the Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama League Award, and the Helen Hayes Award. He worked for three seasons as a writer and producer on Showtime’s Masters of Sex and is a founding member of Colt Coeur and an alumnus of MCC’s Playwrights Coalition and Ars Nova’s Play Group. His work has been published by Dramatists Play Service and Playscripts. A graduate of Brown University, he is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, Inc. and the WGA. Upcoming projects include the limited series Fosse/Verdon (FX) and the film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick…boom! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A born and bred New Yorker, Jill Kargman, is the creator, writer, producer and star of the scripted comedy “Odd Mom Out” in which Ms. Kargman played a satirical version of herself navigating the hilarity of raising children on the upper east side in NYC. Ms. Kargman attended The Spence School, The Taft School and Yale University. After graduating, and working for magazines, television and movies, Ms. Kargman began writing novels to give her more flexibility to be home with her three children: Sadie, Ivy, and Fletch. She is a New York Times best-selling author of multiple books, and her most recent book, a comedic essay collection, “Sprinkle Glitter on my Grave”, was published in September 2016 by Random House. She made her Café Carlyle debut in January 2017 with her sold out show Stairway to Cabaret ~ singing heavy metal songs ~ cabaret style. Jill hosts the Jill Kargman show on SiriusXM Stars Channel 109. Jill is also a performer with the Upright Citizens Brigade improvisational and sketch comedy group. Jill recently made an appearance in her first Hollywood studio movie, "A Bad Moms Christmas." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Urie currently stars on Broadway in Torch Song Trilogy. He previously starred in Buyer & Cellar playing multiple characters – including Barbra Streisand – in this one-man tour de force. For that role Urie won the Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, LA Theatre Critics and the Clarence Derwent Awards for Most Promising Male Performer. Before Torch Song Trilogy he was probably best known as the delicious Marc St. James on the award-winning Ugly Betty, the series that introduced him to and made him a favorite of TV audiences everywhere. Following that series, he spent most of his time in critically acclaimed stage productions. He played iconic fashion designer Rudi Gernreich in The Temperamentals, a role he originated in New York where he received the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. He followed that run with appearances off-Broadway in the Classic Stage Company’s production of The Cherry Orchard, the revival of Angels in America, and opposite Patti LuPone in Lincoln Center Theater’s world premiere of Shows For Days. But his lifelong dream of Broadway came when he took on the role of Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, opposite Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges. Critics raved that not since Charles Nelson Reilly originated the role had Bud Frump delighted audiences as Urie did. The run ended in time for him to star in the short-lived but much-loved CBS series Partners. SincePartners, he’s appeared on the small screen in Modern Family, The Good Wife, Hot in Cleveland,Younger and Workaholics. He can currently be seen curating and hosting movies on Logo’s Cocktails & Classics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonnie Milligan is currently making her broadway debut to critical acclaim starring in "Head  Over Heels." Previous to HOH, Bonnie was seen playing the original role of Pat in the first national tour of "Kinky Boots" and off broadway in "God Bless You, Mr Rosewater: ( Encores!), "Gigantic" (Vineyard ), "Jasper in Deadland" (Prospect). Television credits include the recurring role of Kathryn on "Search Party" ( TBS), "Happy!" ( Sci Fi) and an upcoming new series from Ben Stiller. Twitter: @beltingbonnie Instagram @beltingbons  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many years ago I was hosting a Broadway event to engage and inspire younger voters to get involved in politics. One person after another told me that I needed to meet their friend Al Styron. They were pretty clear that she was  someone who knew all the players I would need to make this event a success. They were right. Having been raised in a politically active household as the daughter of author William Styron ( Sophie's Choice) and poet/activist Rose Styron ( Amnesty International), Al did in fact know everyone. What I hadn't been warned about was that she was one of the smartest, funniest and kindest people I would ever know and so unbeknownst to me  I was about to meet a lifelong friend and confidante. So here she is. My best friend, best selling author and activist- Alexandra Styron in conversation about her new book "Steal This Country"  where she offers us insights into what we can all do to feel like active, impactful and engaged citizens. ALEXANDRA STYRON is the author of Reading My Father and a novel, All The Finest Girls. A graduate of Barnard College and the MFA program at Columbia University, her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal. She currently teaches memoir writing in the MFA program at Hunter College. She lives with her husband and two children in Brooklyn, New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a landscape overflowing with podcasts it is a lovely thing when two hosts feel tremendous mutual admiration and want to interview each other about their love of podcasting and why they "podcast" while maintaining acting careers. Rory O'Malley was a guest on Ilana's podcast and then Ilana was a guest on Rory's podcast and here is their conversation that covers showmances, life in the arts, raising kids, activism, jealousy, show tunes, botox, #beltthevote and more. Go to beltthevote.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n 2012, Little Known Facts host Ilana Levine got a call that her dear friend Susan was in a horrible car accident. Her car had literally been crushed by a Los Angeles city bus that had driven head on into Susan's car. Her 12 year old daughter who had been in the passenger seat walked out of the car unharmed but Susan was trapped inside. Almost every bone in her body was broken including her neck, she had bleeding on her brain and her lungs had collapsed. One of life's biggest clichés became a horrific reality when Douglas Segal, Susan's husband, showed up at the scene. Following the accident, Doug began sending regular email updates to their circle of friends and family—a list that continued to grow as others heard of the event and were moved by the many emotional and spiritual issues it raised. Those emails became the centerpiece of his memoir "Struck" an intimate and honest chronicle built around these email updates, and is a profound example of how people show up for one another in times of crisis and is an uplifting tribute to love, determination, and how the compassion of community holds the power to heal, serving as an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit when faced with pain and adversity. Doug and Susan share the harrowing story of what it took to recover from a near death accident not just physically but emotionally and spiritually and share many of the life lessons learned along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nicolette Robinson is an award winning actress and was most recently cast as Jenna , the lead in the Broadway musical, "Waitress."  Born and raised in Los Angeles and married to the Hamilton Tony Award winning actor Leslie Odom Jr. , Nicolette opens up about her struggles and triumphs and takes us on an emotional journey that gives listeners an honest and beautiful account of what is is to live the life of an artist. This fall, Robinson made her Broadway debut stepping into the lead role of “Jenna” in the multiple Tony Award nominated musical, WAITRESS. With a book by Jessie Nelson, music by Sara Bareilles, and direction by Diane Paulus, the show has played to full audiences over almost 1,000 performances. On September 4, 2018, Robinson became the first African-American woman and the first mother to play the lead role. Robinson appeared Off-Broadway in the 2015 production of BROOKLYNITE at the Vineyard Theatre, directed by Michael Mayer from a book he co-wrote with Peter Lerman, which earned a 2015 Off Broadway Alliance Award nomination for Best New Musical. She also starred in the new musical, INVISIBLE THREAD, for director Diane Paulus and Second Stage Theatre. Of her performance, Time Out New York wrote that Robinson was “poised and possessed of an ethereal soprano… marvelous.” INVISIBLE THREAD began its life as WITNESS UGANDA – in which Robinson also starred – with book, music, and lyrics by Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews. It was based on the true story of Matthews' humanitarian trips to Uganda, and his work to fund his nonprofit, Uganda Project. The musical premiered in February 2014 at Cambridge's American Repertory Theater before transferring to Off-Broadway. Robinson also co-starred in Barrington Stage Company’s A LITTLE MORE ALIVE, with book, music, and lyrics by Nick Blaemire. In this heartfelt and original folk-pop musical, two estranged brothers reunite at their childhood home after their mother’s funeral. An unexpected revelation distorts their memories and uncovers secrets. Robinson starred as ‘Lizzie’, the hospice worker who’d been caring for the mother, and the Berkshire Eagle called her “luminous.” On television, Robinson co-starred with Ruth Wilson and Dominic West as ‘Jane’ on Showtime’s Golden Globe Award-winning drama series, THE AFFAIR. She has also appeared on HART OF DIXIE, UNFORGETTABLE, PERFECT COUPLES, and COLD CASE, among others. Nicolette received the Princess Grade Award for Theater and is a graduate of the University of California Los Angeles School of Theater, Film, & Television. She is primarily based in Los Angeles, where she resides with her husband, Leslie Odom Jr., and their baby daughter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spencer Day is an award winning recording artist. Born in Utah and raised in the Mormon faith his road to fame has been a complicated journey with many bumps along the road. In this live podcast event hosted at The Green Room 42 , Spencer shares intimate details of his life in this moving , inspirational and hilarious conversation with Ilana. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eduardo Braniff was a hugely successful CEO and creative director of one of the largest global design firms in the world and then he decided he wanted to change course. That decision has taken him on a journey that includes working with the legendary cellist  Yo -Yo Ma to create "Silkroad," a music and learning collective. As an avid supporter of the arts Eduardo serves  on the boards of Independent Shakespeare Company and other organizations that focus on the arts and the LGBTQ community.  He is the founder and editor in chief of @MensVows a digital magazine dedicated to supporting men who marry.  Eduardo is also  a certified  life coach working with creatives to help them understand that they are naturally resourceful , creative and whole and can make their professional dreams a reality. Eduardo A. Braniff is the executive Director of Silkroad, the music and learning collective founded by Yo-Yo Ma. Before joining Silkroad’s staff, he served as a board director of Silkroad and was CEO & Creative Director of the global design firm Imagination. His work has consistently leveraged the value of multiple disciplines towards influencing culture. Additionally, Eduardo is a certified life coach focused on working with the creative community. He lives in Los Angeles where he is an avid supporter of the arts serving on the boards of Independent Shakespeare Company and L.A.N.D. Los Angeles Nomadic Division. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Be More Chill" stars Joe Iconis, Jennifer Ashley Tepper, George Salazar and Lauren Marcus join Ilana in front of an audience for a live podcast recording on stage at SubCulture in NYC. The conversation was hilarious, secrets were revealed about "Be More Chill" and.... there was a lot of amazing singing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason Alexander, the Tony Award winner and Seinfeld star, sits down with Ilana and opens up about his childhood, his incredible career in the theater and what it meant to play the iconic role of George Constanza. In this intimate conversation these two friends talk about all the ways in which winning the Tony Award at such a young age impacted his life and his career, why he decided to stay in Los Angeles after Seinfeld ended and what he dreams of now. Though best known for his award-winning, nine year stint as the now iconic George Costanza of television’s Seinfeld, Jason Alexander has achieved international recognition for a career noted for its extraordinary diversity. Aside from his performances on stage, screen and television, he has worked extensively as a writer, composer, director, producer and teacher of acting. In between all that he has also become an award-winning magician, a notorious poker player and a respected advocate on social and political issues. For his depiction of “George” on Seinfeld, Jason garnered six Emmy nominations, four Golden Globe nominations, an American Television Award and two American Comedy Awards. He won two Screen Actor Guild Awards as the best actor in a television comedy despite playing a supporting role and in 2012 he was honored to receive the “Julie Harris Award for Lifetime Achievement” from the Actor's Fund. Aside from Seinfeld, Jason has starred and guested in shows as The Grinder, Drunk History, Friends, Two and a Half Men, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Criminal Minds, Monk, Franklin and Bash, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bob Patterson, Listen Up, Hit the Road, Orville and Young Sheldon. He also starred in the television films of Bye Bye Birdie, Cinderella, A Christmas Carol and The Man Who Saved Xmas. Additionally, his voice has been heard most notably in Duckman, The Cleveland Show, American Dad, Tom and Jerry and Kody Kapow. His many films include: Pretty Woman, Jacob’s Ladder, Love Valor Compassion, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Dunston Checks In, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Shallow Hal. In addition he directed the feature films For Better or Worse and Just Looking. He is also a distinguished television director, overseeing episodes of Seinfeld, Til Death, Everybody Hates Chris, Mike and Molly, Criminal Minds and Franklin and Bash. He won the American Country Music Award for his direction of Brad Paisley's video “Cooler Online.”  Mr. Alexander tours the country and the world performing his one-man show, “As Long As You’re Asking, a Conversation with Jason Alexander,” which contains music, comedy and conversation. He can also be seen in his whimsical salute to Broadway musicals with some of the finest symphony orchestras throughout the United States. You can stay in touch with Jason via Twitter (@IJasonAlexander) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jenn Colella, the award winning actress, made an extraordinary journey from LA comedy club to Tony Nomination. Born in South Carolina her story is a unique journey of self realization at a young age that led her to a lifetime of  creativity and activism and success. Jenn Colella  stars on  Broadway in Come From Away ( Tony nomination.) Previous Broadway credits include If/Then, Chaplin, High Fidelity and Urban Cowboy(Outer Critics Circle Award nomination) and off-Broadway in Beebo Brinker, Lucky Guy, Slut and Closer Than Ever. Her regional work includes Annie Get Your Gun (PCLO); Peter Pan (Sacramento Music Circus); Side Show (Kennedy Center). She's been seen on screen in Feed The Beast, Elementary, All My Children, The Good Wife and Rescue Me. She will star this fall on the television series The Code. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meet the woman who decided to give up one of the most lauded and glorious careers as an actress because she could no longer sit and watch as politicians derailed the city and state she loves. Meet the candidate willing to go up against Andrew Cuomo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here is Part Two of Ilana's conversation with the extraordinary scenic designer, David Korins. David Korins - Broadway credits include - Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Motown, Annie, Bring It On, Chinglish, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, An Evening with Patti LuPone & Mandy Patinkin, Magic/Bird, Godspell, The Pee-Wee Herman Show, Lombardi, Passing Strange and Bridge and Tunnel. He has also worked extensively both off-Broadway and regionally. David’s opera credits include The Gospel of Mary Magdalene at San Francisco Opera and Oscar and Life is a Dream at the Santa Fe Opera. In 2011, David served as Kanye West’s creative director designing several concerts in the United States and abroad. David has designed installations across the country for festivals including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and The Great Googa Mooga. He has been the production designer for several feature films, television specials and series on NBC, CBS, HBO, Bravo TV, IFC, Comedy Central, Lifetime and the Game Show Network. David has done commercial work for Target, Samsung, World MasterCard, McDonald’s and Friendly’s. He has received a Drama Desk Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, three Henry Hewes Awards and the 2009 Obie Award for Sustained Excellence in Design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here is Part One of Ilana's conversation with the extraordinary scenic designer, David Korins. David Korins - Broadway credits include - Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Motown, Annie, Bring It On, Chinglish, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, An Evening with Patti LuPone & Mandy Patinkin, Magic/Bird, Godspell, The Pee-Wee Herman Show, Lombardi, Passing Strange and Bridge and Tunnel. He has also worked extensively both off-Broadway and regionally. David’s opera credits include The Gospel of Mary Magdalene at San Francisco Opera and Oscar and Life is a Dream at the Santa Fe Opera. In 2011, David served as Kanye West’s creative director designing several concerts in the United States and abroad. David has designed installations across the country for festivals including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and The Great Googa Mooga. He has been the production designer for several feature films, television specials and series on NBC, CBS, HBO, Bravo TV, IFC, Comedy Central, Lifetime and the Game Show Network. David has done commercial work for Target, Samsung, World MasterCard, McDonald’s and Friendly’s. He has received a Drama Desk Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, three Henry Hewes Awards and the 2009 Obie Award for Sustained Excellence in Design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ilana interviewed JASON ROBERT BROWN live on the stage of City Center after the Encore Series Presentation of his song cycle "Songs for a New World" on the day his latest album "How We React and How We Recover" was released. In this intimate conversation Jason talks about being "adopted " by Hal Prince, his longtime collaboration with Daisy Prince, the joy and pain of winning Tony Awards for shows that had closed quickly and how he wrote the title song for his new album on the morning Donald Trump won the election and more.... Jason Robert Brown  is the ultimate multi-hyphenate – an equally skilled composer, lyricist, conductor, arranger, orchestrator, director and performer – best known for his dazzling scores to several of the most renowned musicals of his generation, including the generation-defining “The Last Five Years”, his debut song cycle “Songs for a New World”, and the seminal “Parade”, for which he won the 1999 Tony Award for Best Score. JASON ROBERT BROWN has been hailed as “one of Broadway’s smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim” (Philadelphia Inquirer), and his “extraordinary, jubilant theater music” (Chicago Tribune) has been heard all over the world, whether in one of the hundreds of productions of his musicals every year or in his own incendiary live performances. Jason’s score for “The Bridges of Madison County,” a musical adapted with Marsha Norman from the bestselling novel, directed by Bartlett Sher and starring Kelli O’Hara and Steven Pasquale, received two Tony Awards (for Best Score and Orchestrations). “Honeymoon In Vegas,” based on Andrew Bergman’s film, opened on Broadway in 2015 following a triumphant production at Paper Mill Playhouse. His major musicals as composer and lyricist include: “13”, written with Robert Horn and Dan Elish, which began its life in Los Angeles in 2007 and opened on Broadway in 2008; “The Last Five Years”, which was cited as one of Time Magazine’s 10 Best of 2001 and won Drama Desk Awards for Best Music and Best Lyrics; “Parade,” written with Alfred Uhry and directed by Harold Prince, which premiered at Lincoln Center Theatre in 1998, and subsequently won both the Drama Desk and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Best New Musical, as well as garnering Jason the Tony Award for Original Score; and “Songs for a New World,” a theatrical song cycle directed by Daisy Prince, which played Off-Broadway in 1995, and has since been seen in hundreds of productions around the world. As a soloist or with his band The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, Jason has performed sold-out concerts around the world.  His newest collection, “How We React and How We Recover”, was released in June 2018 on Ghostlight Records. His previous solo album, “Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes”, was named one of Amazon.com’s best of 2005, and is available from Sh-K-Boom Records. For the new musical “Prince of Broadway,” a celebration of the career of Harold Prince, Jason was the musical supervisor and arranger.  Other recent New York credits as conductor and arranger include “Urban Cowboy the Musical” on Broadway; Oliver Goldstick’s play, “Dinah Was,” directed by David Petrarca, at the Gramercy Theatre and on national tour; and William Finn’s “A New Brain,” directed by Graciela Daniele, at Lincoln Center Theater. Jason has conducted and created arrangements and orchestrations for Liza Minnelli, John Pizzarelli, Tovah Feldshuh, and Laurie Beechman, among many others. Jason studied composition at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., with Samuel Adler, Christopher Rouse, and Joseph Schwantner.  He lives with his wife, composer Georgia Stitt, and their daughters in New York City.  Jason is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802.  Visit him on the web at www.jasonrobertbrown.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ilana sat down with Donna Murphy, Lesli Margherita, Emily Skeggs and Andrew Keenan Bolger to share war stories about auditioning. This conversation is equal parts hilarious and inspirational.  Each of these Broadway stars has a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of putting yourself out there when faced with auditioning -- even though their careers have garnered them awards, accolades and fame.  Their generosity in sharing how they approach the process of auditioning is a gift to all artists and also to those of us who love the arts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

George Salazar is best known for originating the role of "Michael Mell" in Be More Chill (coming to the Signature off-Broadway this summer) and for his Drama Desk-nominated performance in off-Broadway's The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. He was previously seen off-Broadway in Keen Company's Drama Desk-nominated revival of tick, tick... BOOM! and in David Byrne and Fatboy Slim's hit off-Broadway immersive musical, Here Lies Love. George made his Broadway debut singing "Light of the World" in the 2011 Revival of Godspell and toured with the second national company of Spring Awakening prior to that. Regional credits include the world premiere of Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz's Be More Chill, the world premiere of Joe Iconis, Lance Rubin, and Jason "SweetTooth" Williams' Broadway Bounty Hunter, the world premiere of Raging Skillet, and "Chip Tolentino" in ...Putnam County Spelling Bee. He was also a cast member of the 10th Annual CBS Diversity Showcase in Los Angeles. George's TV credits include CBS' BULL, HBO's DIVORCE, & appearances on CBS' LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, ABC'S THE VIEW, OWN'S THE ROSIE SHOW, and the 2012 TONY AWARDS telecast. He appears on various recordings including GEORGE SALAZAR AND JOE ICONIS: TWO-PLAYER GAME (Ghostlight), BE MORE CHILL (Ghostlight), THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Broadway Records), GODSPELL (Sh-K-Boom), BROOKLYN CRUSH (Broadway Records) and MOMENT BY MOMENT. For more information, follow him on Instagram and Twitter @georgesalazar or visit his website at www.thegeorgesalazar.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Award Nominated, Beth Malone, currently stars as “The Angel” in the Tony-award winning play Angels in America, with Andrew Garfield and Nathan Lane. Beth Malone was nominated for her game-changing role of “Alison” in Fun Home. Writing for the New York Times, Ben Brantley singled out Beth’s performance as one that “expertly turns seeming self-effacement into penetrating presence.” Steve Suskin, reviewing for the Huffington Post, called Beth “powerful…the glue that holds the show together.” CBS New York added to the chorus of praise by publishing an entire article, frankly headlined, “Why Beth Malone Should Win the Tony.” Malone grew up on Haystack Road in Castle Rock and got her Equity card at The Country Dinner Playhouse under the loving guidance of Bill McHale. She attended Loretto Heights College in its final year of existence and went on to work at Arvada Center, Denver Center, Boulder’s Dinner Theater and Little Theater of the Rockies at UNC, where she graduated. Malone starred as the titular character in the world premiere of a wholly reimagined version of The Unsinkable Molly Brown, directed by Kathleen Marshall. She recently reprised her role at The MUNY in St. Louis this past July. She originated the role of “June Carter Cash” in Ring of Fire on Broadway, as well as the roles of “Betty Jean” in The Marvelous Wonderettes and Alison in Bingo off-Broadway. Malone’s previous film credits include The Comedian with Robert DeNiro, Hickwith Eddie Redmayne, Twist of Faith and The Interview. Select television credits include a large recurring role on Braindead , a Guest Starring role on Bull and The Good Wife, all for CBS. Comedy Central’sReno 911 and Wanda Does It, along with the Fox pilot Second Nature. Other past television roles include Laying Low, Judging Amy, What’s On andOne Minute Soaps. She is the author and star of the critically acclaimed one-woman show Beth Malone: So Far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Keenan-Bolger is an actor, director, author and filmmaker. He recently starred as “Jesse Tuck” in Tuck Everlasting on Broadway (Drama League Award nominee). He created the role of "Crutchie" in the Original Broadway Cast of Newsies (Outer Critics Circle nominee) and in the record-breaking Newsies: The Broadway Musical film. Other Broadway: Mary Poppins, Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol. 1st Nat'l Tours: Spelling Bee, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Mary Poppins, Ragtime. Theater: “Jesse Tuck” in Tuck Everlasting at The Alliance Theater (dir. Casey Nicholaw), Ever After at Papermill Playhouse (dir. Kathleen Marshall), Family Furniture at The Flea Theater (dir. Thomas Kail). Film: “Billy Frazier” in The Rewrite starring Hugh Grant, To Dust (2018), Marci X, Are You Joking? TV: Three Rivers (ABC Pilot), Nurse Jackie (Showtime), Looking (HBO), Naked Brothers Band (Nickelodeon), One Life to Live. Podcast: Bobby in Marvel's Wolverine: The Long Night. B.F.A. from the University of Michigan. His work as a filmmaker has been profiled in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, The Associated Press and New York Magazine. Director of the award-winning short films Sign and The Ceiling Fan. Along with collaborator, Kate Wetherhead, he is the co-creator the critically acclaimed webseries, Submissions Only (www.submissionsonly.com) and co-author of the children’s series Jack & Louisa (Penguin Random House). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Bomer is one of Hollywood’s most exciting actors working today. After receiving a BFA Degree from Carnegie Mellon University, Bomer moved to New York where he worked on such acclaimed productions as “Spring Awakening” and “Grey Gardens.” He also starred as Ernest Hemingway in “Villa America” at the Williamstown Theater Festival. Soon after, he got the lead role on the ABC series “Traveler,” produced by Academy Award winners Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks. He had recurring roles on the Fox series “Tru Calling” and on the NBC series “Chuck” before landing the role of ‘Neal Caffrey’ on USA Network’s “White Collar.” The show, which was one of the highest rated and most critically acclaimed scripted shows on cable television aired for six seasons. He has also guest starred on the hit Fox series “Glee” and on the NBC series “The New Normal." In 2014, Matt starred alongside Mark Ruffalo, Julia Roberts and Jim Parsons in the critically acclaimed screen adaptation of “The Normal Heart” for director Ryan Murphy. For the film, which is based on the Tony Award-winning stage drama of the same name, Matt won a Golden Globe Award and a Critics’ Choice Award and he received an Emmy® Award nomination. In 2015, Matt starred alongside Kathy Bates and Lady Gaga in the critically acclaimed FX series “American Horror Story: Hotel.” Most recently, Matt starred in Amazon’s drama series “The Last Tycoon” alongside Lily Collins, Rosemarie DeWitt and Kelsey Grammer for director Billy Ray. This spring, Matt made his directorial debut with a critically acclaimed episode of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.” In addition to Matt’s success on the small screen, audiences have seen him star in a variety of feature film roles. Matt’s feature film credits include a starring role in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning,” “Flight Plan” with Jodie Foster, Andrew Niccol’s “In Time” alongside Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried and the sci-fi dramadey “Space Station 76” with Liv Tyler and Patrick Wilson. In 2015, Matt reteamed with Channing Tatum in “Magic Mike XXL,” the sequel to the 2012 blockbuster film “Magic Mike” in which he starred with Tatum and Matthew McConaughey for director Steven Soderbergh. In 2016, Matt starred opposite Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe in the the action drama “The Nice Guys” for director Shane Black. He also appeared in Antoine Fuqua’s feature “The Magnificent Seven.” Last year, Matt starred in “Walking Out” for directors Alex Smith and Andrew J. Smith. The film, which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, is about a teenager who journeys to Montana to hunt big game with his estranged father. Father and son struggle to connect, until a brutal encounter in the heart of the wilderness changes everything. Matt also appeared on stage in the Broadway and Los Angeles readings of Dustin Lance Black’s play “8” where he was joined by such acting luminaries as Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John C. Reilly and Ellen Barkin. This spring Matt stars in the Broadway production of “The Boys in the Band.” The show opens at the Booth Theatre on May 31. Upcoming, Matt will star in and produce a film based on Hollywood film legend Montgomery Clift. Ira Sachs will direct from the screenplay Ira co-wrote with Mauricio Zacharias. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In celebration of 100 episodes Matthew Broderick joined Ilana for a live podcast event with  proceeds from ticket sales going to The Trevor Project. Listeners will feel like they are  part of the conversation between  old friends catching up. Broderick is a two-time Tony award-winning stage actor and instantly recognizable film presence, Matthew Broderick was most recently on screen in Rules Don’t Apply opposite Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and Lily Collins. He will next star in Look Away alongside Chloe Sevigny and Aidan Turner set for a 2016 release. On stage, Broderick most recently starred in A. R. Gurney’s comedy Sylvia alongside Annaleigh Ashford. Previously he starred in the smash Broadway hit It’s Only a Play opposite his frequent co-star Nathan Lane, as well as the award-winning Broadway run of Nice Work If You Can Get It. Additionally, he starred in the Broadway production of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple and The Foreigner at the Roundabout Theatre. In 2005, he starred in the feature film version of The Producers, reprising the Tony-nominated performance he gave on Broadway in this smash hit musical. A New York native, he made his professional stage debut opposite his father, James Broderick, at age 17 in the production of On Valentine’s Day.  His performance in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy, won him the Outer Critic’s Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor. Broderick won his first Tony Award for Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, and starred in the play’s sequel, Biloxi Blues.  He won his second Tony for his role as J. Pierrepont Finch, in the Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Broderick also starred in the record-breaking production of The Producers for which he was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his role as Leo Bloom. Additional theater credits include Night Must Fall and Taller Than a Dwarf. On screen, Broderick starred in the critically acclaimed You Can Count on Me opposite Laura Linney.  He also earned considerable acclaim starring opposite Reese Witherspoon in the Independent Spirit Award winning political satire Election, directed by Alexander Payne.  Broderick has also starred in such blockbuster movies as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Glory, War Games, and Disney’s The Lion King, as the adult voice of Simba. Additional credits include Dirty Weekend, Tower Heist, Margaret, Bee Movie, Then She Found Me, Deck the Halls, The Last Shot, The Stepford Wives, Inspector Gadget, Godzilla, Addicted to Love, The Cable Guy, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, The Night We Never Met, The Freshman, Family Business and Max Dugan Returns.In addition to his stage, screen and Broadway credits, he has also appeared on Modern Family, 30 Rock, the Showtime film Master Harold…and the Boys and received an Emmy nomination for the TNT production of David Mamet’s A Life in the Theater in which he starred opposite Jack Lemmon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robbie Rozelle is a director, writer, performer, producer and graphic designer. He has directed and written or co-written sold-out cabaret shows for Tony Award nominees Melissa Errico and Kate Baldwin, Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Women on the Verge...), RuPaul's Drag Race season 7 contestant Mrs. Kasha Davis and frequent collaborator Jessica Vosk (Elephaba in Wicked), among others. In 2017, he sold out Feinstein's/54 Below twice with his debut cabaret solo act, "Songs From Inside My Locker", which was nominated for a BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award (in addition to nominations for Best Director). He returns to 54 Below this June with his all new show “Bustin’ Out”. As a record producer, he co-produced the Tony Award Season albums for the past two years, and is currently in the studio producing Jessica Vosk’s highly anticipated solo album. For three years, Robbie served as the graphic designer and creative director for Playbill, culminating in the design he is most proud of, the branding of #PlaybillPride, a 30-day initiative of the LGBT movement in the theatre that included a redesign of their historic logo for the month of June 2014. He currently serves as the in-house designer for Grammy-winning record label Broadway Records, where he designed the iconic "What the World Needs Now is Love" in response to Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. He can often be found tweeting jokes and random musings at @divarobbie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robert Nassau is an award winning film and television editor. He is best known for “The Big Sick,” “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp,” “Wanderlust,” “Funny or Die, “Hello My Name is Doris,” “Wainy Days,” and “Horrible People." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse Tyler Ferguson joined the Little Known Facts host Ilana Levine for a live podcast recording at the W Hotel in Times Square as part of their “Broadway at the W” series. Proceeds went to benefit TieTheKnot.org. Jesse is the star of the ABC award winning series Modern Family now going into its 10th season and is currently starring in Log Cabin at Playwrights Horizons in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Abigail Pogrebin starred in the original production of the Stephen Sondheim- Hal Prince musical,  "Merrily We Roll Along." Abby was also part of the original "Free To Be You and Me" concept album and television special. Ms. Pogrebin is the author of three books, including “Stars of David,” which was adapted for the Off-Broadway stage, “Showstopper” — an Amazon Kindle Single bestseller that chronicled her teenage adventures in the Broadway flop, “Merrily We Roll Along,” and the most recent deep-dive into the Jewish calendar, called: “My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew,” which received a glowing review in The New York Times and was featured on the Today Show. A former Emmy-nominated producer for Ed Bradley and Mike Wallace at “60 Minutes” and for Bill Moyers at PBS, she has written for numerous publications, has her own live interview series in New York for which she’s interviewed Malcolm Gladwell, Nora Ephron and Charles Blow, and she’s been a guest on CNN, Good Morning America and Face the Nation. Abby lives in New York with her husband and two college kids.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JOE ICONIS - As a composer - lyricist - book writer, he has authored the musicals Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Bloodsong of Love, The Black Suits, ReWrite, Theaterworks USA’s The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks and We The People, and the currently in development Hunter S. Thompson Musical and Love In Hate Nation. The original cast recording of his musical phenomenon Be More Chill has over 80 million streams, and his song “Broadway, Here I Come!” was hailed by the New York Times as a new entry in the Great American Songbook. Albums: Be More Chill (Original Cast Recording), Things To Ruin (Original Cast Recording) and The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree all available on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records. Joe’s songs appeared on Season 2 of NBC’s “Smash” and his writing has been featured in The New York Times and The Dramatist. His concert act, Joe Iconis and Family, frequently plays The Beechman Theater, 54 Below, and Joe’s Pub.  The original cast recording of Joe’s theatrical rock concert Things To Ruin, is out on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight records. He has been nominated for two Drama Desk Awards, a Lucille Lortel Award, and is the recipient of an Ed Kleban Award, a Jonathan Larson Award, an ASCAP Harold Adamson Lyric Award, a Doris Duke Grant, and a MAC John Wallowitch Songwriting Award. JENNIFER ASHLEY TEPPER - Jennifer is the Creative and Programming Director at Feinstein’s/54 Below, where she has curated or produced over 3000 shows, including musicals in concert, original solo acts, theatrical reunions, songwriter celebrations, and more. Tepper's leadership at the venue has gained praise from publications including The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Buzzfeed, Playbill, Newsday, the New York Post, and more. As a writer, Tepper has authored three volumes of The Untold Stories of Broadway series, published by Dress Circle. NBC New York has called the books an "inspiring Must-Read". On Broadway, Tepper has worked on The Performers, Godspell, Macbeth, and this season’s The Parisian Woman. In addition, she’s the co-creator of the Bistro Award-winning concert series, If It Only Even Runs A Minute, now in its 8th year. As a public speaker and theatre historian, Tepper has delivered celebrated talks, including at TEDxBroadway. She collaborates often with the group known as Joe Iconis & Family. Tepper was named one of the 10 professionals on Backstage Magazine's "1st Annual Broadway Future Power List", which stated: "Proving herself both a zeitgeist predictor and theatrical historian with her eclectic programming, Tepper is leading the conversation on contemporary musical theatre." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Roma Torre, a recipient of an Emmy® and more than 30 other awards, is celebrating her 25th anniversary at NY1, New York’s popular cable news channel, where she is an anchor and theater critic. Torre began her television career at CBS’ flagship station, New York’s Channel 2, becoming a news writer and producer. Then, with Cablevision’s formation of the country's first 24-hour local news station, News12 Long Island, Torre was among the first reporters hired. At the station, she reported, anchored and hosted a weekly news program. Torre was also its film and theater critic and her reviews were published in the television magazine, Total TV. After five years at News12, Torre returned to New York City in 1992 to join NY1, where she now anchors its "News All Day" and is its theater critic. She previously anchored the station’s award-winning "Inside City Hall," a hard-hitting political and public affairs program described by one critic as "the ‘60 Minutes’ of local television." She followed in the tradition of her mother, the late Marie Torre. A well-known syndicated columnist and amusements editor for The New York Herald Tribune, Marie was involved in a celebrated freedom of the press case. She was the first reporter to gain national attention for going to jail for refusing to identify a news source in a dispute involving CBS and Judy Garland. (It was a 10-day sentence.) But growing up, Roma Torre wanted to be an actress. Born in New York and raised in Pittsburgh, she later graduated from Tufts University. While in Boston, Torre started a theater company with fellow student Ed Lopez. The theater lasted three years but the partnership with Lopez thrived. They married in 1991 and now have two children, Alejandro and Alegra. Torre’s road to Broadway took a detour. After performing in numerous soaps and off-Broadway productions, she traded in the stage lights for the glare of television news cameras. Her theater years are still being put to good use in her role as NY1's theater critic. She regularly contributes to its weekly theater show, "NY1 On Stage." In addition, Torre continues to cover news stories and various special events, ranging from NY1's election night coverage to major parades. She has more than 30 broadcasting awards, including an Emmy for reporting and anchoring coverage of the Avianca plane crash disaster in 1991. Torre and "News All Evening" anchor Lewis Dodley were honored in 1993 by New York Magazine's "Best Of" edition as the best news anchors in New York. Torre was the recipient of the Newswomen’s Club of New York's 2003 Peggy Award for Broadcasting for her review of the Broadway show, Big River. She has co-produced a documentary entitled, “Shout Gladi Gladi” - a story of hope and survival - narrated by Meryl Streep. It profiles a Scottish woman who has dedicated countless hours and her own money to improving the lives of African women and children living in extreme poverty. A colon cancer survivor, Torre is a staunch advocate of early screening and has spoken extensively about the need to raise awareness and the importance of cancer prevention. She is a proud board member of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA). Founded in 1889, NAWA is the country’s oldest organization that promotes and showcases women in the art world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Katie Finneran is featured in the third season of Netflix's critically acclaimed drama, Bloodline. Shot in the Florida Keys, Bloodline follows the story of a black sheep son from a respected family who threatens to expose dark secrets from their past. Sibling loyalties are put to the test in this dark, edgy show. Finneran last appeared on Broadway in 2015 It's Only a Play at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre starring Martin Short, Maulik Pancholy, F. Murray Abraham, Matthew Broderick, Stockard Channing, and Micah Stock. In 2012, Katie co-starred on NBC's "The MIchael J. Fox Show" and was called "this season's funniest breakout star" by The Daily Beast. In the fall of 2012, she starred on Broadway as Miss Hannigan in the Tony Nominated revival of "Annie." In 2010, she won a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of "Promises, Promises." She also was awarded the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award in 2002 for her performance in the Broadway revival of "Noises Off." Katie was raised in Miami, Florida and graduated from New World School of the Arts. After a year of conservatory training at Carnegie Mellon University she moved to New York to study acting with the legendary Uta Hagen. Her first Broadway show was, "On Borrowed Time," starring and directed by George C. Scott. Other Broadway credits include, "Two Shakespearean Actors," "My Favorite Year," "In the Summer House," "The Heiress," Neil Simon's "Proposals," "The Iceman Cometh," "Mauritius," and as Sally Bowles in the Tony Award winning revival of "Cabaret." In 2009, Finneran was part of the original Off-Broadway cast of "Love, Loss and What I Wore," by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron. TV credits include, "Sex and the City," "I Hate My Teenage Daughter," "Oz," "Wonderfalls," and the role of Poppy on season 2 of "Frasier." Her film credits include "Night of the Living Dead," "You've Got Mail," "Liberty Heights," "Miss Congeniality 2," "Bewitched," and "Broken Bridges.” In 2011 Finneran appeared as Amy in the New York Philharmonic production of "Company," starring Neil Patrick Harris and Patti Lupone. In the Spring of 2014, Finneran began filming a new Netflix original series. The untitled psychological thriller is written and executive produced by Damages creators Todd A. Kessler, Daniel Zelman and Glenn Kessler. The 13-episode series centers on a close-knit family of four adult siblings whose secrets and scars are revealed when their black sheep brother returns home. The cast includes Sissy Spacek, Sam Shepard, Kyle Chandler, and Norbert Leo Butz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Ian Black is a multi-media talent who’s starred in numerous films and TV series, written and/or directed two films, is a prolific author and commentator, and regularly tours the country performing his ribald brand of jokes and observations. He most recently starred in TVLand's “The Jim Gaffigan Show” and Comedy Central’s “Another Period.” He also reprised one of his iconic film roles in Netflix’s “Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later,” and previously in "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp." His third standup comedy special, “Noted Expert,” was released on Epix. Black’s authored 11 books, including the recently released best seller, “A Chilad’s First Book of Trump.” He’s written two well-received memoirs: “Navel Gazing: True Tales of Bodies, Mostly Mine (but also my mom’s, which I know sounds weird)”, and “You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death and Other Humiliations.” In 2012, he collaborated with conservative Meghan McCain on “America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom.” He’s the author of “My Custom Van (and 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face),” and seven children's books, including “Cock-a-Doodle-Doo-Bop!,” “Naked”, “Chicken Cheeks,” “The Purple Kangaroo,” “A Pig Parade Is A Terrible Idea” and “I'm Bored.” He also writes book reviews for the New York Times. Previously, Black released two stand-up specials, “Very Famous” and “I Am A Wonderful Man.” He and Tom Cavanagh host the popular podcast, “Mike and Tom Eat Snacks.” He also writes and hosts a podcast with Michael Showalter, "Topics,” and his own interview podcast, “How To Be Amazing.” Sketch comedy fans know Black’s work on “The State,” “Viva Variety,” “Stella” and “Michael and Michael Have Issues” all of which he co-created, wrote and starred in. Other TV credits include quirky bowling alley manager ‘Phil' on the NBC series “Ed,” and his hilarious commentary on cable’s “I Love the...” series. He recently starred in two hit web series that migrated to cable TV: “Burning Love” on E! and “You’re Whole” on Adult Swim. Black’s movie roles include “Slash,” “Smosh: The Movie,” “They Came Together,” “Hell Baby,” “This is 40,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” “Reno 911!: Miami,” “The Ten” and “The Baxter.” Black wrote and directed the film “Wedding Daze,” starring Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher. He also co-wrote the comedy “Run, Fatboy, Run,” directed by David Schwimmer and starring Simon Pegg, Hank Azaria and Thandie Newton.  Originally from Hillsborough, NJ, Black resides with his family in the wilds of Connecticut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Award-winner LAURA BENANTI can now be seen in the Samantha Bee and Jason Jones TBS comedy, The Detour. Additional TV credits include Supergirl, Nashville, guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone; The Good Wife; and Showtime’s Nurse Jackie. Most recently, Laura co-starred along side Amy Schumer and Keegan Michael Key in Steve Martin’s hit Broadway play, Meteor Shower. In 2016, Laura completed her Tony nominated role (and 5th nomination) as Amalia Balash in the hit Broadway Musical, She Loves Me. Laura also received Outer Critics Circle, Drama League and Drama Desk Award nominations for this role. In addition to television work and her critically acclaimed performance as Elsa Schrader in NBC’s The Sound of Music LIVE, Ms. Benanti is a highly celebrated, stage actress who took Broadway by storm at the age of 18. She received a Drama Desk award, Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award Nomination for her starring role in the Broadway production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown for Lincoln Center where she also starred in the Broadway production of Sarah Ruhl’s In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play. Ms. Benanti earned the 2008 Tony Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award for her revelatory portrayal of Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy opposite Patti LuPone and directed by Arthur Laurents. Her other Broadway roles include The Wedding Singer, Nine, starring Antonio Banderas, her Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-nominated performance of Cinderella in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods and her sultry Tony nominated turn in Swing! Ms. Benanti made her Broadway debut as Maria in The Sound of Music opposite Richard Chamberlain. Other distinguished theater performances include the Public Theater’s production of Christopher Durang’s Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them, Perdita in The Winter’s Tale at the Williamstown Theatre Festival opposite Kate Burton, Anne in A Little Night Music at the L.A. Opera opposite Victor Garber, Eileen in Wonderful Town opposite Donna Murphy and most recently her portrayal of Rosabella in the Most Happy Fella, both for City Center Encores! Ms. Benanti completed a week-long engagement at the popular New York cabaret club, 54 Below, for which The New York Times hailed her as a “supremely confident” performer whose “bright, full soprano, with its semioperatic heft, can go almost anywhere.” In September 2013, she released her debut album, “In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention: Live at 54 Below” on Broadway Records to ecstatic reviews. Laura currently performs her concerts in venues around the country and even recently performed for the President and First Lady of the United States at both the Fords Gala and the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC. In 2014, she joined the cast of ABC’s hit series “Nashville” guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone. Laura also appeared in recurring roles on CBS’s “The Good Wife” and HBO’s “Nurse Jackie.” Laura’s past television credits include a starring role in the NBC series “The Playboy Club” and “Go On” opposite Matthew Perry. She also starred in the F/X original series “Starved”. Ms. Benanti recurred on  “Law and Order: SVU,” “Royal Pains,” and “Eli Stone.” and had appearances on “The Big C” and “Elementary”. She currently resides in Manhattan with her husband Patrick and daughter Ella. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jennifer Ashley Tepper is the Creative and Programming Director at Feinstein’s/54 Below, where she has curated orproduced over 3000 shows, including musicals in concert, original solo acts, theatrical reunions, songwriter celebrations, and more. Tepper's leadership at the venue has gained praise from publications including The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Buzzfeed,Playbill, Newsday, the New York Post, and more. As a writer, Tepper has authored three volumes of The Untold Stories of Broadway series, published by Dress Circle. NBC New York has called the books an "inspiring Must-Read". On Broadway, Tepper has worked on [title of show], The Performers, Godspell, Macbeth, and this season’s The Parisian Woman. In addition, she’s the co-creator of the Bistro Award-winning concert series, If It Only Even Runs A Minute, now in its 8th year. As a public speaker and theatre historian, Tepper has delivered celebrated talks, including at TEDxBroadway. She collaborates often with the group known as Joe Iconis & Family. Tepper was named one of the 10 professionals on Backstage Magazine's "1st Annual Broadway Future Power List", which stated: "Proving herself both a zeitgeist predictor and theatrical historian with her eclectic programming, Tepper is leading the conversation on contemporary musical theatre." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices