Shows
The EnsemblistListen Now - The Magical Making of Disney's Aladdin on BroadwayFew musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph.Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the challenges faced during out-of-town tryouts, the unwavering determination to overcome them, and the celebration of reaching over...2024-09-2010 min
The EnsemblistIntroducing Singular Sensation: The PodcastJoin us for an extraordinary deep dive inside the most transformative decade on Broadway through gripping behind-the-scenes accounts of shows such as Sunset Boulevard, Rent, Angels in America, Chicago, The Lion King, and The Producers - shows that changed the history of the American theater. Host Michael Riedel, author of the best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway, has created a companion podcast featuring his never-before-heard, taped audio interviews with legendary artists from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Patti LuPone, and so many more.Michael presents the drama behind the decade’s mega-hits and shocking flops, bringing re...2024-06-1310 min
The EnsemblistIntroducing Dracula the PodcastulaWhat do you get when you cross Dracula with a podcast? Bite-sized episodes that will have you howling with laughter! Welcome to the official companion podcast for off-Broadway’s Dracula A Comedy of Terrors, now playing at New World Stages. Hosted by blood curdling Broadway veteran Andrew Keenan-Bolger, this podcast takes you inside the show’s (teeny tiny backstage) world with interviews and games featuring the cast and creatives that helped bring this hilarious comedy to life. So grab a wooden stake, a satchel of garlick, pull out your bloody mary recipe, and settle in under your favorite cape for...2023-10-0501 min
The EnsemblistMy First Time (Hair - feat. Emmy Raver-Lampman)She’s defied gravity as an Elphaba standby, “werked!” as Angelica Schuyler, and controlled minds as Allison Hargreeves on Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy. But before taking on these roles, Emmy Raver-Lampman had the unique experience of performing in the ensemble of the 2010 national tour of Hair, which ending up playing a Broadway theatre the following summer. Emmy joined me in the studio to chat all about making her Broadway debut and how her experiences as an ensemblist shaped her later work as a principal. Here’s our conversation... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...2023-09-1221 min
The EnsemblistHadestown (feat. Afra Hines, Kimberly Marable, Ahmad Simmons)In honor of Black History Month, we're revisiting our July 2019 interviews with the original ensemble of the Tony Award-winning musical, Hadestown. Host Justin Mock looks back at The Ensemblist's interviews with three of the original company members: Afra Hines, Kimberly Marable and Ahmad Simmons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-08-1822 min
The EnsemblistSmash'ed (Episode 3)“Enter Mr. DiMaggio” premiered on February 20, 2012. It was written by Theresa Rebeck, and directed by Michael Mayer.It’s only three weeks until rehearsals begin for the workshop of the new Broadway-bound musical Bombshell. However, other than a great idea (that may or may not have been stolen from composer Tom Hewitt’s assistant Ellis) the writing team only have eight songs and half a book ready to go. Up and upcoming ensemblist Ivy Lynn wonders if the only reason Derek gave her the part for the workshop is because she slept with them. He doesn’t s...2023-03-3120 min
The EnsemblistSmash'ed (Episode 1)The first episode of Smash is aptly named, “Pilot.” The episode premiered on February 6th, 2012. It was written by the show’s creator Theresa Rebeck, and directed by Michael Mayer. The pilot premiered to an audience of 11.44 million people! This episode featured seven songs, three of which were original songs written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman: “Never Give All the Heart,” “The National Pastime,” and the show’s anthem “Let Me Be Your Star.” The other four were covers of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” “I Wanna Be Loved By You,” “Beautiful,” and “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.” We fade in on a girl with a hunger fo...2023-03-1721 min
The EnsemblistWaitress (feat. Shoshana Bean, Molly Hager, Todrick Hall and Jessie Hooker-Bailey)On January 5, 2020, Broadway will dim the lights on one of its most delicious confections: Waitress. During its more than four years and 1,544 regular performances on Broadway, The Ensemblist has shared many stories from its talented company. We share with you today two completely new stories from to podcast as well as some of our favorite Waitress audio from the past year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-02-2125 min
The EnsemblistTouring Broadway (feat. Cara Cooper, Becky Gulsvig, Megan McGinnis and Jessica Rush)In our recent episodes about Touring Broadway, actors Josh Burrage and Sabrina Imamura shared with us some of the joys and struggles of touring with A Bronx Tale, Newsies and Hamilton. But while they each have significant experience in the road, one thing neither of them were able to speak to was going on the road as a parent. That’s why I found this Mama’s Talkin Loud so intriguing. Mama’s Talkin Loud is a new parenting podcast hosted two of the co-founders of Broadway Baby Mamas, Cara Cooper and Jessica Rush. In addi...2023-02-1444 min
The EnsemblistCreating Characters (feat. Jennifer Smith)Jennifer Smith is a legend of the Broadway stage. In the last 35 years, she originated and understudies more than 40 roles on Broadway. Back in 2016, she joined Ensemblist co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I in the studio to talk about creating ensemble roles in four of her Broadway shows: Tuck Everlasting, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Producers and Victor/Victoria. Here’s our conversation... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-01-1713 min
The EnsemblistCreating Characters (Beetlejuice - feat. Jill Abramovitz)Jill Abramovitz slayed Beetlejuice audiences in her duel roles of Maxine Dean and Juno. She’s so incredible that we here at The Ensemblist bestowed her one of our first ever Season Standout awards. We asked this veteran of Broadway’s Cinderella and 9 to 5 into the studio to talk about how she developed those roles into some of the funniest moments in what is already a very funny show. Here’s our conversation… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-01-0320 min
The EnsemblistBeautiful: The Carole King Musical (feat. Dimitri Moise, Rashidra Scott, Kevin Duda, Brittney Johnson)This month, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical will shutter its doors after nearly six years on Broadway. Along the way during its 2,418 public performances, The Ensemblist has been lucky to share stories from many of its ensemble members. In honor of its closing, we wanted to share some of our favorites from our early years, as well as a new story to the podcast from one of the show’s touring cast members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-12-1618 min
The EnsemblistLet's Talk About Auditions (feat. Spencer Liff)Welcome to a new mini-series from The Ensemblist where I sit down with folks on the other side of the casting table to ask them what they’re really looking for in a Broadway ensemble. As performers, we hear time and again that the folks casting shows want auditioners to succeed. But what does that success actually look like? Spencer Liff began his Broadway career as a dancer, performing in the original companies of Big, The Wedding Singer and Cry-Baby. But for the last ten years, Liff has worked on the other side of the table creating sta...2022-02-1120 min
The EnsemblistKinky Boots (feat. Adinah Alexander, Andy Kelso, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Joey Taranto)For seven years and 2,507 public performances, Kinky Boots has been raising up audiences at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway. For those of us at Ensemblist HQ, the show has a special place in ours hearts because of the ways it showcases its ensembles actors onstage, and has treated so many of them like honored family offstage. Of the 61 actors who have played ensemble roles in the Broadway production, we’ve been lucky enough to have eight of them in the studio during the show’s run. So, as a special tribute to them and their fantastic achie...2022-02-0521 min
The EnsemblistWonderstudies (feat. Shereen Ahmed, Christine Cornish Smith, Hannah Florence)Today we share with you three great stories from three great women, all of whom have understudied leading roles on Broadway and tour. Over the last year, each of these performers shared their stories of going on as understudies with The Ensemblist on our blog. And today we share these stories again with you, read by the actors who wrote them. First up is a story from Christine Cornish Smith. Less than a week after opening Kiss Me, Kate at Studio 54, she received a surprising text. Every actor who’s understudied a leading role knows what it fee...2022-01-0727 min
The EnsemblistThe Book of Mormon (feat. Kenny Franceour, Marja Harmon, Tommar Wilson)For almost a decade, The Book of Mormon has been delighting and shocking audiences at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre. As both Ugandans and Mormon missionaries, the show’s ensemble works together to make a very funny show even funnier. Today we share stories from three of the ensemblists who have graced the production over its tenure. Our first story comes from Tommar Wilson, who joined the Chicago company of Hamilton. after almost seven years in the ensemble of The Book of Mormon. As an original member of the show’s Ugandan ensemble, he had seen the show...2021-12-3026 min
The EnsemblistSweet Magnolias (feat. Chris Medlin)Today on the podcast, we speak to Chris Medlin about his journey from Broadway to Netflix and back again. An original cast member of Mean Girls, he took a four-month leave from the show last fall to film the role of Isaac in the new Netflix series Sweet Magnolias. Currently in the cast of Diana: A True Musical Story, he spoke to us over the phone about how his experiences on Broadway influenced his work on set. Here's our conversation... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-12-2724 min
The EnsemblistIntroducing TWITS In Love, a new radio play comedyStarring Micheal Urie, Christian Borle, Mary Testa, Lillias White, James Monroe Iglehart, Ann Harada, and tons more of your favorite theatrical geniuses, TWITS is the newest radio play comedy from the Broadway Podcast Network. Visit bpn.fm/twits for more info, or listen and subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-12-0806 min
The EnsemblistCreating Characters (Octet - feat. Margo Seibert)Today on the pod, we share part of a conversation with Octet’s Margo Seibert. In this conversation, our sister podcast Page to Stage talks to Margo about her work in the Drama Desk Award winning ensemble of Octet. Hosted by Mary Dina and Brian Sedida, Page to Stage features excellent conversations with theatre makers. We are big fans of this up-and-coming podcast and are so grateful to them for letting us share a portion of their conversation with Margo Seibert. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-12-0614 min
The EnsemblistI'm Still Here (feat. Angie Schworer, Jack Sippel, Brendan Stimson)This month, we are collaborating with Broadway performers Jack Sippel and Brendan Stimson and their new podcast: Again From The Top. In this new podcast, these two Broadway dance captains and creative best friends offer goofy banter and behind the scenes stories featuring special guests who have created some of Broadway’s biggest hits. Listen as they uncover how professionals discovered their unique 5-6-7-8 and take it “Again from the Top”.Today, we are sharing a portion of their full conversation with iconic Broadway legend Angie Schworer. Angie, of course, is a beloved treasure of the Ame...2021-10-2616 min
The EnsemblistIntroducing: This is Reality - The Reality Winner PodcastThe latest True Crime / Broadway crossover podcast from Broadway Podcast Network: THIS IS REALITY. A completely true story, still unfolding.How and why did a 25-year-old with a Pikachu bedspread become the #1 terrorist in the United States? In 2017, REALITY WINNER, a highly decorated former Air Force linguist was charged with leaking proof of Russian interference in the 2016 election to the media. Her goal – to help protect Democracy. Reality received the longest sentence ever imposed for unauthorized release of government information - five-years, three-months – for her patriotic efforts. THIS IS REALITY captures the unfolding events of the interrogation, the trial, the impris...2021-10-2405 min
The EnsemblistAin't Too Proud (feat. Shawn Bowers, E. Clayton Cornelius, Rashidra Scott)Today, we celebrate the Broadway sensation Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. The shows follows the Temptations journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock n Roll hall of fame. In order to the five actors playing the Temps themselves, the 16 onstage cast members play a myriad of real life personalities, including Berry Gordy, Johnnie Mae, Smokey Robinson and more. Prior to the shutdown, Ain’t Too Proud had played more than 400 performances at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. On today’s episode, we share some of our favorite stories from ATP cast memb...2021-10-0525 min
Take A BowAct Two of Ryan WorsingBroadway Ensemblist, Ryan Worsing, is known for his wide-range of talents. Ryan has done it all, from playing Principal/featured roles, playing 10 characters a show in the ensemble, swinging, being a dance captain, and choreographer.In Act 2 of Take A Bow's first ever 2 part episode, Ryan talks all things:
Hello Dolly
Bette Medler, Beanie Feldstein, and Taylor Trensch
Chicago
The Cher Show
The diva that is Cher
Gypsy Robe
++ a ton more
Connect with Ryan on Instagram: @ryworsingConnect with Take A Bow on Instagram: @takeabowpodcast2021-07-151h 14
Take A BowAct One of Ryan WorsingBroadway Ensemblist, Ryan Worsing, is known for his wide-range of talents. Ryan has done it all, from playing Principal/featured roles, playing 10 characters a show in the ensemble, swinging, being a dance captain, and choreographer.In Take A Bow's first ever 2 part (act) episode, Ryan talks all things:
Finding Neverland
Shrek
White Christmas
Being in an opening company vs joining midway
Swinging/dance captaining
++ a ton more
Connect with Ryan on Instagram: @ryworsingConnect with Take A Bow on Instagram: @takeabowpodcastConnect...2021-07-081h 22
The EnsemblistOnce On This Island (feat. Billy Bustamante)Today we talk to Soft Power's Billy Bustamante about his favorite musical, the 1990 classic Once On This Island. Somehow, the alchemy that is a musical can help us feel seen, heard and valued. So we here at The Ensemblist are talking to some of our favorite musical theatre performers about their favorite musicals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-06-3019 min
The EnsemblistI'm Still Here (feat. E. Clayton Cornelious)Today’s episode guest has indeed run the gamut, A to Z. E. Clayton Cornelious has graced the boards of Broadway an unbelievable eight times during the twenty years since his debut. The show then was Disney’s The Lion King, and today this Broadway ensemblist is bringing to life the electrifying story of The Temptations in Ain’t Too Proud. Throughout the years his career has span the gamut, performing in everything from The Scottsboro Boys to A Chorus Line. And in addition to his work onstage, he is a producer and investor on shows including Caroline...2021-06-2326 min
The EnsemblistA Chorus Line (feat. Nikka Graff Lanzarone)Somehow, the alchemy that is a musical can help us feel seen, heard and valued. So we here at The Ensemblist are talking to some of our favorite musical theatre performers about their favorite musicals.We couldn't think of a better person to launch this mini-series with than our co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone. She joined me over the phone from her home in Brooklyn to talk about her favorite musical, the 1975 seminal hit A Chorus Line. Here's our conversation... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-06-1619 min
The EnsemblistCan We Award Ensembles? (feat. Afra Hines)After hearing from Broadway ensemblist Darius Barnes about his decision not to include a category for Best Ensemble in the inaugural Antonyo Awards, I was curious about this anti-Ensemble award sentiment. Certainly every time that The Ensemblist has posted in favor of this kind of recognition, we see lots of positive feedback in the way of comments, shares, etc. But Darius’ decision had me wondering if there was a “silent majority” of performers who see a Tony Award for Best Ensemble unnecessary.So I reached out to one of my favorite performers in the biz, Afra Hines. She’s...2021-04-1920 min
The EnsemblistReopening Theatre (Hamilton Australia - feat. Robert Walters) Part 1Robert Walters is a three-year veteran of the Broadway company of Hamilton. A native Australian, he recently made the trip to Sydney to join the original Australian company of Hamilton. Of course, that journey included the well-known two week quarantine mandated by the Australian government for anyone entering the country. During his two week quarantine, Robert was kind enough to send us daily voice memos about his life in lockdown. Each day he responded to a unique prompt from The Ensemblist co-creator Mo Brady, which he would then respond to by voicemail and send back. Today we s...2021-04-0718 min
The EnsemblistPodcast Portraits (feat. Shaye Hopkins)This month, we are collaborating with Broadway performer Shaye B. Hopkins and her new creation: Podcast Portraits. In this new podcast, Hopkins invites guests to share some of life's hairy and hilarious moments and thoughtfully reflect on how those experiences shaped who they are today. On today’s episode, I got the chance to talk with Shaye herself above the drive that led her to travel halfway across the world to pursue a career on Broadway, as well as to start a podcast of her own. Here’s our conversation... Learn...2021-04-0221 min
The EnsemblistI'm Still Here (feat. Cameron Adams)In Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, the character of Carlotta sings of her long and varied character in the showstopper “I’m Still Here.” The lyrics share that her decades in the show business have provided her with “plush velvet sometimes, sometimes just pretzels and beer.”The same could be said of today’s episode guest, Cameron Adams. The legendary Broadway ensemblist made her Mainstem debut in the 2000 revival of The Music Man. In the twenty years since she’s been a mainstay on New York stages, performing in an extraordinary 13 Broadway shows. Cameron joined me over the phone to...2021-03-3029 min
The EnsemblistCan We Award Ensembles? (feat. Jack Smart)It’s a question that has been on host Mo Brady's mind for years. Definitely since the infancy of The Ensemblist, but probably earlier. “Why is there not a Tony Award for Best Ensemble?”It seems a simple enough question on the surface. If we can recognize actors playing leading and featured roles in musicals, why can’t we do the same for ensembles. A Tony Award for Best Ensemble would bring legitimacy and respect to the contribution ensemble performers make to shows. It would also bring a level of equity and equality to those performers themselves, making t...2021-03-2517 min
The EnsemblistEpisode 500 (feat. Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Anna Altheide, Hattie Andres, Chad Campbell, Jackson Cline, Angela Tricarico)Travel back in time. Way, way back to a long ago year called 2013, when an overly caffeinated 30-something with a single Broadway credit was looking for a way to stay connected to the community of performers he so dearly wanted to be a part of. It was out of that desire to celebrate, to advocate and to connect that our experiment called The Ensemblist was born. And here we are almost eight years later, sharing with you our 500th episode. What we found is that for every person who has stepped onstage as part of a theatrical e...2021-03-2318 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (1993 - Kiss of Spider Woman, The Who's Tommy, Blood Brothers, The Goodbye Girl - Part 2)The 47th Annual Tony Awards were hosted by Liza Minnelli on June 6, 1993. Presented at the Gershwin Theatre, the theme of the ceremony was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of theatre in Times Square. Heading into the ceremony, Kiss of the Spider Woman and The Who’s Tommy led the pack with 11 nominations each, followed by Blood Brothers with six and The Goodbye Girl with five. This season there were no musicals nominated for Best Revival.
Well, Mo, the 1992-93 season saw the inauguration of the US’s 42nd president, President Bill Jefferson Clinton and the installation of the nation’s first...2021-03-1928 minTony TelecastsTony Telecasts (1993 - Kiss of Spider Woman, The Who's Tommy, Blood Brothers, The Goodbye Girl - Part 1)The 47th Annual Tony Awards were hosted by Liza Minnelli on June 6, 1993. Presented at the Gershwin Theatre, the theme of the ceremony was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of theatre in Times Square. Heading into the ceremony, Kiss of the Spider Woman and The Who’s Tommy led the pack with 11 nominations each, followed by Blood Brothers with six and The Goodbye Girl with five. This season there were no musicals nominated for Best Revival.
Well, Mo, the 1992-93 season saw the inauguration of the US’s 42nd president, President Bill Jefferson Clinton and the installation of the nation’s first...2021-03-1627 min
The EnsemblistPodcast Portraits (feat. André Jordan)This month, we are collaborating with Broadway performer Shaye B. Hopkins and her new creation: Podcast Portraits. In this new podcast, Hopkins invites guests to share some of life's hairy and hilarious moments and thoughtfully reflect on how those experiences shaped who they are today. This Spring, we will share some of our favorite moments from her interviews, as well as speaking to Shaye herself about the creation of Podcast Portraits.On today’s episode, Shaye chats with Andre Jordan, her colleague on the upcoming Broadway mounting of Diana: A True Musical Story, Andre shares his audition pr...2021-03-1519 min
The EnsemblistPodcast Portraits (feat. Austen Danielle Bohmer, Shaye B. Hopkins)This month, we are collaborating with Broadway performer Shaye B. Hopkins and her new creation: Podcast Portraits. In this new podcast, Hopkins invites guests to share some of life's hairy and hilarious moments and thoughtfully reflect on how those experiences shaped who they are today. This Spring, we will share some of our favorite moments from her interviews, as well as speaking to Shaye herself about the creation of Podcast Portraits.On today’s episode, Shaye chats with Austen Danielle Bohmer. Her colleague on the upcoming Broadway mounting of Diana: A True Musical Story, Austen shares her ed...2021-03-0819 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (2007 - Spring Awakening, Curtains, Grey Gardens, Mary Poppins) Part 2The 61st Annual Tony Awards was presented at Radio City Music Hall on June 10, 2007. Just like the last ceremony, the 2007 Tonys had no host but instead a score of celebrity duos as presenters. Heading into the ceremony, two musicals were virtually tied for the most nominations: Spring Awakening with 11 nominations and Grey Gardens with 10. Also with a respectable set of 7 or 8 nominations were Curtains, Legally Blonde and Mary Poppins. Nominated for Best Revival were productions of Company, 110 in the Shade, The Apple Tree and A Chorus Line.
The 2006-2007 Broadway season found itself amidst many cultural highs and lows. Right in...2021-03-0534 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (2007 - Spring Awakening, Curtains, Grey Gardens, Mary Poppins) Part 1The 61st Annual Tony Awards was presented at Radio City Music Hall on June 10, 2007. Just like the last ceremony, the 2007 Tonys had no host but instead a score of celebrity duos as presenters. Heading into the ceremony, two musicals were virtually tied for the most nominations: Spring Awakening with 11 nominations and Grey Gardens with 10. Also with a respectable set of 7 or 8 nominations were Curtains, Legally Blonde and Mary Poppins. Nominated for Best Revival were productions of Company, 110 in the Shade, The Apple Tree and A Chorus Line.
The 2006-2007 Broadway season found itself amidst many cultural highs and lows. Right in...2021-03-0228 min
The EnsemblistReopening Theatre (Frozen Australia - feat. Charlie Williams)Choreographer and performer Charlie Williams is no stranger to The Ensemblist, nor is he a stranger to Disney’s mega musical, Frozen, which closed on Broadway last May, but has sparked new life internationally. Charlie has played a critical role in Frozen’s legacy, as both an ensemble performer and Associate Choreographer. When it came to mounting the show in Sydney, Australia, where audiences and performers can finally return to in-door gatherings and performance spaces, Charlie was the obvious choice to step in and train the show’s newest crop of ensemblists. Learn more about your a...2021-02-2422 min
The EnsemblistAladdin (feat. Michael Callahan, Jacob Gutierrez, Heather Makalani)Disney’s Aladdin, beloved animated classic turned hit musical, opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam theater in March of 2014, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw with score by Alan Menkin, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin. Featuring both iconic songs originally written for the animated movie as well as some brand new tunes, it received five Tony nominations, and gave James Monroe Iglehart his first Tony win. Ho Audiences have been dazzled, not only by 100,000’s of swarovski crystals, but the timeless story of street-rat to prince, and trapped princess turned independent woman. Since then the magic of Agra...2021-02-2319 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (1984 - Baby, La Cage aux Folles, Sunday in the Park with George, The Tap Dance Kid) Part 2The 38th Annual Tony Awards was hosted by Julie Andrews and Robert Preston on June 3, 1984. Presented at the Gershwin Theatre, current home of the long-running Wicked, the show featured three medleys dedicated to composers: John Kander and Fred Ebb, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim. Heading into the ceremony, two musicals were virtually tied for the most nominations: Sunday in the Park with George with 10 nominations and La Cage aux Folles with nine. Baby and The Tap Dance Kid followed behind with seven nominations each. This season there were no musicals nominated for Best Revival.
The 1983-84 Broadway season spanned a...2021-02-1928 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (1984 - Baby, La Cage aux Folles, Sunday in the Park with George, The Tap Dance Kid) Part 1The 38th Annual Tony Awards was hosted by Julie Andrews and Robert Preston on June 3, 1984. Presented at the Gershwin Theatre, current home of the long-running Wicked, the show featured three medleys dedicated to composers: John Kander and Fred Ebb, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim. Heading into the ceremony, two musicals were virtually tied for the most nominations: Sunday in the Park with George with 10 nominations and La Cage aux Folles with nine. Baby and The Tap Dance Kid followed behind with seven nominations each. This season there were no musicals nominated for Best Revival.
The 1983-84 Broadway season spanned a...2021-02-1625 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (1999 - Fosse, The Civil War, It Ain’t Nothin But the Blues, Parade) Part 2The 53rd Annual Tony Awards were held at the Gershwin Theatre on June 6, 1999. Unlike every other award ceremony we’ve discussed in this miniseries, the show did not have a formal host. Heading into the ceremony, the closed Lincoln Center Theatre production of Parade led the pack with nine nominations. Following closely behind was the eventual winner for Best Musical: Fosse. Also in the running for Best Musical were It Ain’t Nothin But The Blues and The Civil War with four and two nominations, respectively. In the race for Best Revival of a Musical were You’re a Good Man, C...2021-02-0529 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (1999 - Fosse, The Civil War, It Ain’t Nothin But the Blues, Parade) Part 1The 53rd Annual Tony Awards were held at the Gershwin Theatre on June 6, 1999. Unlike every other award ceremony we’ve discussed in this miniseries, the show did not have a formal host. Heading into the ceremony, the closed Lincoln Center Theatre production of Parade led the pack with nine nominations. Following closely behind was the eventual winner for Best Musical: Fosse. Also in the running for Best Musical were It Ain’t Nothin But The Blues and The Civil War with four and two nominations, respectively. In the race for Best Revival of a Musical were You’re a Good Man, C...2021-02-0225 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (2019 - Ain't Too Proud, Beetlejuice, Hadestown, The Prom, Tootsie - Part 2)The 73rd Annual Tony Awards were held June 9, 2019 at Radio City Music Hall with James Corden hosting for his second time. Heading into the ceremony, Hadestown led with 14 nominations, followed by Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations with 12, Tootsie with 11, Beetlejuice with 8 and The Prom with 7. In the running for Best Revival of a Musical were just a pair of shows: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and the Roundabout Theatre revival of Kiss Me, Kate.
The 2018-2019 season was the last complete season on Broadway, since the 2019-2020 season was cut short this past March for two we...2021-01-2232 min
The EnsemblistHamilton (feat. Antuan Raimone, Alexia Sky, Kim Taylor Cox, Rebecca Covington Webber)Over the years, The Ensemblist has had the sublime opportunity to speak with four performers from a variety of Hamilton companies, each with their own unique memories and takeaways from the experience.Special thanks extend to performers Antuan Magic Raimone, Alexia Sky, Rebecca Covington Webber, and Kim Taylor for recalling their experiences with us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-01-2124 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (2019 - Ain't Too Proud, Beetlejuice, Hadestown, The Prom, Tootsie - Part 1)The 73rd Annual Tony Awards were held June 9, 2019 at Radio City Music Hall with James Corden hosting for his second time. Heading into the ceremony, Hadestown led with 14 nominations, followed by Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations with 12, Tootsie with 11, Beetlejuice with 8 and The Prom with 7. In the running for Best Revival of a Musical were just a pair of shows: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and the Roundabout Theatre revival of Kiss Me, Kate.
The 2018-2019 season was the last complete season on Broadway, since the 2019-2020 season was cut short this past March for two we...2021-01-1925 min
The Addams FamilyThe Addams Family (feat. Dontee Kiehn)The original production of The Addams Family was choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Once a Broadway ensemblist himself, The Addams Family came along when Sergio had four productions running simultaneously on Broadway: our show, the long-running Jersey Boys, the sparse but beautiful musical staging in Next to Normal, and the Tony-Award winning production of Memphis. With this many shows under his purview, Sergio employed a team of talented associate choreographers to maintain his vision and keep the staging clean. And at The Addams Family, Sergio’s associate was the highly kind and highly capable Dontee Keihn.
Also a fo...2021-01-1326 min
The EnsemblistThe Addams Family (feat. Dontee Kiehn)The original production of The Addams Family was choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Once a Broadway ensemblist himself, The Addams Family came along when Sergio had four productions running simultaneously on Broadway: our show, the long-running Jersey Boys, the sparse but beautiful musical staging in Next to Normal, and the Tony-Award winning production of Memphis. With this many shows under his purview, Sergio employed a team of talented associate choreographers to maintain his vision and keep the staging clean. And at The Addams Family, Sergio’s associate was the highly kind and highly capable Dontee Keihn....2021-01-1327 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (1987 - Les Miserables, Me and My Girl, Rags, Starlight Express - Part 2)The 41st Annual Tony Awards were held June 6, 1987 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre with Angela Lansbury hosting for her third time. Heading into the ceremony, Me and My Girl and Les Miserables were neck in neck leading the pack for most nominations (with 13 and 12, respectively.) Behind them were Starlight Express with seven nominations and Rags with five. Although the category is titled “Best Revival of a Play or a Musical,” this season there were no musicals nominated.
The 1986-87 season was smack-dab in the middle of a volatile time, but not particularly bombastic itself. We found ourselves in the middle of P...2021-01-0824 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (1987 - Les Miserables, Me and My Girl, Rags, Starlight Express)The 41st Annual Tony Awards were held June 6, 1987 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre with Angela Lansbury hosting for her third time. Heading into the ceremony, Me and My Girl and Les Miserables were neck in neck leading the pack for most nominations (with 13 and 12, respectively.) Behind them were Starlight Express with seven nominations and Rags with five. Although the category is titled “Best Revival of a Play or a Musical,” this season there were no musicals nominated.
The 1986-87 season was smack-dab in the middle of a volatile time, but not particularly bombastic itself. We found ourselves in the middle of P...2021-01-0526 min
The EnsemblistBest of the Season (feat. Robyn Hurder, Daniel J. Watts)It's been a roller coaster of a year, but there are silver linings to even the darkest clouds. Even though the 2020 Tony Awards have yet to announce a ceremony date, one of those bright spots was seeing two performers with major ensemblist cred be celebrated for their work last season: Robyn Hurder of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Daniel J. Watts of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. We asked each of them to share their feelings on being nominated for our industry's highest honor. Here in her own words in Robyn Hurder, and a statement by Daniel J. Watts...2020-12-1714 min
The EnsemblistFosse/Verdon (Episode 7)We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ann Reinking, Broadway titan. Her memory lives in the souls of so many dancers. The Ensemblist dedicates this episode to her memory. Ann will be deeply missed by our community.Fosse/Verdon’s penultimate episode “Nowadays” premiered on May 21, 2019. It was written by Joel Fields & Steven Levenson, and was directed by Tommy Kail. In this episode we saw the old Fosse standards of “All that Jazz” and “Nowadays” from the musical Chicago, reconstructed by Valarie Pettiford. Here again we see the company of Chicago, featuring Bianca Marroquin as Chita River...2020-12-1529 min
The EnsemblistThe Original Interview (feat. Cynthia Onrubia)We’re revisiting our 2015 interview with Cynthia Onrubia. In our conversation, Cynthia chats all about making her Broadway debut as a teenager in the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line, the legendary record-breaking gala performance, and why this ultimate ensemblist musical is so powerful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-12-0924 min
The EnsemblistThanksgiving Day Parade Memories (Part 2 - feat. Cara Cooper, Elliott Mattox, Vasthy Mompoint, Jessica Rush)In a recent live stream event with Broadway Podcast Network, we got a behind-the-scenes look into performing with on the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Actors and fellow podcasters Cara Cooper (The Prom, Mama's Talkin' Loud Podcast), Elliott Mattox (Beetlejuice, Equity One Podcast), Vasthy Mompoint (SpongeBob SquarePants, Vasthy's Friends) and Jessica Rush (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Mama's Talkin' Loud Podcast) shared their favorite stories of performing in one of Broadway's favorite traditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-11-3018 min
The EnsemblistThanksgiving Day Parade Memories (Part 1 - feat. Cara Cooper, Elliott Mattox, Jessica Rush)In a recent live stream event with Broadway Podcast Network, I got a behind-the-scenes look into performing with on the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Actors and fellow podcasters Cara Cooper (The Prom, Mama's Talkin' Loud Podcast), Elliott Mattox (Beetlejuice, Equity One Podcast) and Jessica Rush (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Mama's Talkin' Loud Podcast) shared their favorite stories of performing in one of Broadway's favorite traditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-11-2519 min
Built For The Stage PodcastBroadway Panel - Dana Steingold, Nadia Brown, Gabe Hyman, Jerusha Cavazos, Jennifer Noble, Will Mann, Mo BradyWe were fortunate enough to interview a group of Broadway's finest to discuss how they've been staying motivated throughout the pandemic and their reaction to the recent election.
Dana Steingold / @dsteinface - Beetlejuice
Nadia Brown / @naughtya_or_nice - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Gabe Hyman / @gabehyman - Hamilton tour, King Kong
Jerusha Cavazos / @jerushacavazos - The Prom
Jennifer Noble / @thejennoble - King Kong
Will Mann - @uuillmann - Oklahoma!
Mo Brady - The Ensemblist, Addams Family
www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today!www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com...2020-11-2338 min
The EnsemblistWonderstudies (Sentimental Men, feat. Stephanie Torns)Although many of us may be inclined to skip the song “A Sentimental Man” on the Wicked cast recording, keep your thumb away from that skip button. Kevin Bianchi and Quincy Brown have launched SENTIMENTAL MEN, a new interview-based podcast about musical theatre and the women who make it wonderful. In their premiere season, Quincy and Kevin are taking a deep dive into the musical Wicked from Elphaba’s point of view, joined by a different actress who has performed the role in each episode. There are currently five episodes available for streaming, featuring conversations with actresses such as Linds...2020-11-1917 min
The EnsemblistCreativity in Coronavirus (TheatreMakers Conference - feat. Asmeret Ghebremichael, Stephanie Klemons, Steve Rosen, Luis Salgado)At the 2020 TheaterMakers’ Summit about “The Art of the Pivot," The Ensemblist's Mo Brady spoke to four titans of the American musical theatre about their love for theatre, how that love was satisfied as a performer and how they’ve pivoted that love into a different mode of creation. Please enjoy a portion of that conversation, with Asmeret Ghebremichael, Stephanie Klemons, Steve Rosen and Luis Salgado.Special thanks to Ken Davenport, Mary Dina and the team at TheaterMakers Summit 2020 for allowing us to share a portion of the conversation with you. To hear this full panel, as well a...2020-11-1820 min
The EnsemblistCreativity in Coronavirus (One Million Musicals, feat. Alan Blake Bachelor, Jacob Ben-Shmuel)In the wake of this pandemic that has altered the face and shape of how we consume so much popular media, particularly when it comes to musical theatre, we’re spotlighting One Million Musicals.Created by Jacob Ben-Shmuel and Alan Blake Bachelor, One Million Musicals is an ambitious, independent endeavor to produce - you guessed it - ONE MILLION high quality musicals to the podcasting space. With a team of artistic collaborators, not to mention many notable swings and ensemblists from Broadway, Jacob and Alan drop a new podcast with an entirely original story and set of so...2020-11-1126 min
Built For The Stage PodcastChristine Cornish Smith - KISS ME KATEChristine Cornish Smith / @christinecornish was a special guest for our Built For The Stage University series that focuses on training the future Broadway stars of tomorrow. Christine shares with us some of her experiences at CCM and her Broadway career that followed. The wisdom she shares you might not expect...enjoy!Special thanks to our friends at The Ensemblist who conducted this interview. Make sure to subscribe to their podcast for content involving the most current, day to day pulse on the theatre industry!BROADWAY:CATSMY FAIR...2020-11-0916 min
The EnsemblistFosse/Verdon (feat. Morgan Marcell)There isn’t a theatre choreographer more associated with their own unique style than Bob Fosse. The infamous Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning director and choreographer created his own signature technique that distinguished shows like Chicago, Pippin, and Damn Yankees into dance masterpieces. This April, FX launches a new limited television series Fosse/Verdon, based on the 2013 biography by Sam Wesson with a focus on his marriage and collaboration with Gwen Verdon. Here on The Ensemblist, we are also taking the opportunity to speak to some of the Broadway ensemblists who are working on the series. First up is...2020-11-0625 min
Built For The Stage PodcastAnthony Festa & Emily Bautista - MISS SAIGONAnthony Festa / @festafied & Emily Bautista / @em_bautista last were seen touring the country playing Chris and Kim in MISS SAIGON. They now joined us from upstate NY during the pandemic to chat about their experience on tour, the sudden stoppage, and now, life in the pandemic. Special thanks to our friends at The Ensemblist who conducted this interview. Make sure to subscribe to their podcast for content involving the most current, day to day pulse on the theatre industry!bpn.fm/theensemblist - The Ensemblist Podcastwww.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your on...2020-11-0219 min
The EnsemblistHurt and Healing (feat. Myles McHale)Over the years, The Ensemblist has had the privilege of sharing personal stories from hundreds of theatre actors on our blog. In this edition, we spoke with Myles McHale of Mean Girls, who recalled a seemingly innocuous wrist injury a year prior that would take him out of the production for six whole months. In the days and weeks leading up to Myles return to rehearsals, Broadway shut down in the second week of March, sidelining not only Myles return to the stage, but even his in-person physical therapy.In his own words, here is My...2020-10-2912 min
The EnsemblistRemembering Doreen (feat. Jocelyn Bioh, Natalie Caruncho, Linedy Genao, Analise Scarpaci, Shani Talmor, Alèna Watters)Today, we remember the life and career of Doreen Montalvo. An ensemblist legend, she created the role of the Bolero Singer in In The Heights and was also an original company member of On Your Feet! Most recently, she created the role of Janet Lundy in Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical. We are honored to share memories and tributes from some of Doreen's friends and colleagues: Jocelyn Bioh, Natalie Caruncho, Linedy Genao, Analise Scarpaci, Shani Talmor and Alèna Watters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-2621 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (1976 - A Chorus Line, Chicago, Pacific Overtures, Bubbling Brown Sugar) Part 2The 30th Annual Tony Awards were held at the Shubert Theatre, current home of A Chorus Line. As opposed to the usual June ceremonies we are used to, the ceremony took place in April 18, 1976 and broadcast by ABC television. The show featured six hosts, including Richard Burton and Jane Fonda It should be noted that while revivals of My Fair Lady and Hello, Dolly! (featuring Pearl Bailey) ran this season, there was no category for Best Revival or Best Revival of a Musical.
Heading into the April ceremony, the original productions of A Chorus Line and Chicago were virtually tied...2020-10-2330 min
The Ensemblist2020 Tony Award Nominations (feat. Mary Dina)Just after the 2020 Tony Award Nominations were announced, I chatted with Mary Dina (host of BPN's Page to Stage podcast) about our reactions to the nominees: our co-signs, surprises and snubs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-10-1520 min
The EnsemblistCreativity in Coronavirus (feat. Timothy Hughes)Broadway ensemblist and friend of the pod Timothy Hughes has created a new online community called Performer's Puzzle: an online membership community that helps define and celebrate our personal passions. We chatted about the purpose of the new community and how his acknowledging his status as "the tall guy" helped him create creative opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-09-2417 min
The EnsemblistMoulin Rouge! The Musical (feat. Reed Luplau, Jeigh Madjus)Happy Tony Season! Our team at Ensemblist HQ could not be more excited to join the theatre community in celebrating the 2019-20 Broadway season and its incredible ensembles this fall.First up is Moulin Rouge! After a July 2018 premiere in Boston, Moulin Rouge! opened at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre on July 25, 2019. Boasting a large cast of Broadway veterans & plenty of show-stopping spectacle, Moulin Rouge! was a dazzling highlight of the 2019-20 Broadway season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-09-2318 min
The Theatre Podcast with Alan SealesMo Brady: The Ensemblist podcast host, The Addams Family, SMASHMo Brady is a jack of all trades - a broadway actor turned social media specialist turned podcaster. After working for many years as a performer in Seattle, Washington, Mo made his Broadway debut in The Addams Family musical in 2010. He later landed work as a recurring character on the second season of the NBC TV hit show Smash. These days, Mo works as the Communications Project Manager for Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, and continues to host a wildly popular podcast, which he also co-created, called The Ensemblist. Amassing a following over the years, The Ensemblist has become...2020-09-2248 min
The EnsemblistTony Telecasts (feat. Aaron Albano)Welcome listeners to a new mini-series, bringing you all the drama behind the drama of a theatre season in Broadway history. In each podcast episode, we will watch a Tony telecast and then delve to the theatre season.We will each have the following week to research the season as a whole and then bring you our most surprising findings about how the telecast did and didn’t reflect the year on Broadway. To join us for our first Tonys recap, be sure to watch the 1991 Tony Awards. Learn more about you...2020-08-2814 min
Tony TelecastsTony Telecasts (feat. Aaron Albano)Welcome listeners to a new mini-series, bringing you all the drama behind the drama of a theatre season in Broadway history. In each podcast episode, we will watch a Tony telecast and then delve to the theatre season.
We will each have the following week to research the season as a whole and then bring you our most surprising findings about how the telecast did and didn’t reflect the year on Broadway.
To join us for our first Tonys recap, be sure to watch the 1991 Tony Awards.2020-08-2814 min
The EnsemblistWhat We Miss (feat. Jessica Rush)Jessica Rush has performed in a remarkable six Broadway musicals in the last ten years, but a large chunk of that time was spent in the ensemble in Jersey Boys. She is also the co-host of the very great, very good podcast Mama’s Talkin’ Loud, also available on the Broadway Podcast Network. Having spent almost six years and more than 2,300 performances in Jersey Boys, Jess shares how working a long-running show changed her life - both as an artist and a mama. Here, in her own words, is Jessica Rush... Learn more about your ad c...2020-08-1712 min
The EnsemblistSmash’ed (Season 2, Episode 13)“The Producers” premiered on April 27, 2013. It was written by Becky Mode, whose last episode of Smash was season 2 episode 7, Musical Chairs, and was directed by Tricia Brock, whose last episode was season 2 episode 9, The Parents. The viewership dropped again by 20,000 viewers, to a total of 1.89 million.We had a lot of music this episode, mainly from Hit List! Our one song from Bombshell was an excerpt of Shaiman and Whitman’s “20th Century Fox Mambo” performed by Megan Hilty (and Kathie Lee Gifford?), and our one cover was Jeff Buckley’s “The Last Goodbye,” sung by Andy Mientus. The rema...2020-07-2425 min
Smash'edSmash’ed (Season 2, Episode 13)“The Producers” premiered on April 27, 2013. It was written by Becky Mode, whose last episode of Smash was season 2 episode 7, Musical Chairs, and was directed by Tricia Brock, whose last episode was season 2 episode 9, The Parents. The viewership dropped again by 20,000 viewers, to a total of 1.89 million.We had a lot of music this episode, mainly from Hit List! Our one song from Bombshell was an excerpt of Shaiman and Whitman’s “20th Century Fox Mambo” performed by Megan Hilty (and Kathie Lee Gifford?), and our one cover was Jeff Buckley’s “The Last Goodbye,” sung by Andy Mientus. The rema...2020-07-2425 min
The EnsemblistI'm Still Here (feat. Adinah Alexander)In October 2017, The Ensemblist launched its fourth full season: Broadway at Every Stage. In this series, co-creators Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone sat down with six seasoned Broadway actors to dive into their decades-long careers. They discussed getting started in the theatre, the ups and downs of show business, and the longevity of their careers. Over the next six weeks, we’ll be sharing some of the best moments from this series.First up is Adinah Alexander. Adinah made her Broadway debut in Parade in 1998, two decades after moving to New York City. She’s since perf...2020-07-2220 min
The EnsemblistOpening Nights (feat. Jenifer Foote, Tyler Hanes, Bre Jackson, Anastacia McCleskey, Linda Mugleston, Eric Ulloa)This month, we are resharing our favorite episodes from our 2017 season on Ensemblist Essentials. Think of them as the essential essentials. That spring, our co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I spoke to some of Broadway’s most venerable performers about the most monumental moments in the creation of a Broadway musical. In this episode, we spoke to an incredible six performers about what makes an opening night on Broadway so garsh darn special. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear from Jenifer Foote, Tyler Hanes, Bre Jackson, Anastacia McCleskey, Linda Mugleston and Eric Ulloa. Enjoy... Lea...2020-07-1520 min
Smash'edSmash'ed (Season 2, Episode 11)“The Dress Rehearsal” premiered on April 13th, 2013. It was written by Julia Brownell, who last penned episode 6 of this season, and was directed by Mimi Leder, who last directed episode 7 from LAST season. The viewership of Smash hit its all-time run-of-show low this week, bottoming out at 1.80 million, which was down from the previous week by 80,000 viewers. Silver lining: it only goes up from here!!We had all original songs but nothing new this week. We were able to revisit excerpts from Bombshell’s Let Me Be Your Star, Our Little Secret, and Dig Deep, all written by Mar...2020-07-1024 min
The EnsemblistSmash'ed (Season 2, Episode 11)“The Dress Rehearsal” premiered on April 13th, 2013. It was written by Julia Brownell, who last penned episode 6 of this season, and was directed by Mimi Leder, who last directed episode 7 from LAST season. The viewership of Smash hit its all-time run-of-show low this week, bottoming out at 1.80 million, which was down from the previous week by 80,000 viewers. Silver lining: it only goes up from here!!We had all original songs but nothing new this week. We were able to revisit excerpts from Bombshell’s Let Me Be Your Star, Our Little Secret, and Dig Deep, all written by Mar...2020-07-1024 min
The EnsemblistPre-Production (feat. Paige Faure, Dionne Figgins, Adam Perry)This month, we are resharing our favorite episodes from our 2017 season on Ensemblist Essentials. Think of them as the essential essentials. That spring, our co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I spoke to some of Broadway’s most venerable performers about the most monumental moments in the creation of a Broadway musical. In this episode, we spoke to three Broadway performers about “pre-production,” the process that choreographers use to develop their musical staging for a show. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear from Paige Faure, Dionne Figgins and Adam Perry. Enjoy… Learn more about your ad cho...2020-07-0717 min
The EnsemblistThe History of the Ensemble: next to normal (feat. Michael Berresse, Adam Chanler-Berat, Michael McElroy, Pearl Sun)next to normal was the second rock musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama after RENT, but it is also a close cousin of kitchen sink-style plays that have won the award as well, such as 2007’s winner Rabbit Hole and 2008’s winner: August: Osage County. With music by Tom Kitt, and both book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, next to normal is many things: a family drama, a rock opera, an exploration of mental illness. But is it an ensemble musical?The cast of next to normal has only six actors: The four members...2020-06-2424 min
The EnsemblistThe History of the Ensemble (Sunday in the Park with George, feat. Adam Chanler-Berat, John Jellison)Welcome back to the re-release of The History of the Ensemble, our second full season of The Ensemblist. Back in 2016, co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I took a deep dive through the history of the ensemble, exploring how the ensemblist experience has changed and been changed by some of theatre’s most influential musicals. This week, we’re heading back to 1984 to take a look at one of Stephen Sondheim’s greatest artistic feats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-06-1717 min
The EnsemblistSmash'ed (Season 2, Episode 5)“The Read-Through” premiered on March 5, 2013. It was written by Liz Tuccillo, and directed by David Petrarca, both in their Smash debuts. The episode premiered to a viewership of 2.68 million this week, down .36 mil from the previous episode.We didn’t have a whole lot of music this week, despite hearing the read-throughs of two different shows. We saw a Bombshell fantasy Act 2 opener, complete with tap break, called “Public Relations” by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman, and a snippet of Hit List’s “Caught in the Storm” by Pasek and Paul, Jeremy Jordan rendition. We also saw a fantasy sequen...2020-05-2922 min
Smash'edSmash'ed (Season 2, Episode 5)“The Read-Through” premiered on March 5, 2013. It was written by Liz Tuccillo, and directed by David Petrarca, both in their Smash debuts. The episode premiered to a viewership of 2.68 million this week, down .36 mil from the previous episode.We didn’t have a whole lot of music this week, despite hearing the read-throughs of two different shows. We saw a Bombshell fantasy Act 2 opener, complete with tap break, called “Public Relations” by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman, and a snippet of Hit List’s “Caught in the Storm” by Pasek and Paul, Jeremy Jordan rendition. We also saw a fantasy sequen...2020-05-2922 min
The EnsemblistRent (feat. Aaron Albano, Mo Brady)For many theatre artists, there’s the show that changed everything. A musical that - for the first time - reflected a part of the artist that they had never seen before. A show that gave that young artist a glimpse into their future - into an industry and community they would inevitably be a part of. And while that experience is by no means unique, it is often the kernel of why they’ve made the theatre their life’s work.So for The Ensemblist’s 300th episode, we are turning the tables. Today, I’ll be intervi...2020-05-2817 min
The EnsemblistMy Best Worst Audition (feat. Josh Lamon, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Syndee Winters)Today we bring you three stories of unlikely success in the audition room. Tales of booking the role, of not booking the roles, and somehow stories that are both. First up in a story from Josh Lamon. Host of “Josh Swallows Broadway” on the Broadway Podcast Network, he shares with us the story of his very first New York audition. Next up is a story from Ellyn Marie Marsh about how she almost made her Broadway debut… almost. Finally, here is Syndee Winters, a recent Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King, about when she first auditioned for a role mor...2020-05-2617 min
The EnsemblistBeetlejuice (feat. Jill Abramovitz, Ramone Owens)For 366 performances, the spooky souls of Broadway’s Beetlejuice haunted the hollowed halls of the Winter Garden Theatre. Until its untimely demise in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the show was playing to sold-out houses who reveled in its zany, but loving spirit. As fans of the show, we are sad to see it go but so greatly for the joy the company brought to the Broadway community. The Ensemblist loved sharing stories from its 22 ensemble members over its year on the Rialto. Luckily many of its cast joined us in the studio over the year to...2020-04-1314 min
BPN LIVE! ReplaysBroadwayCon 2020: The Ensemblist #259 - My Show Closed (feat. Tracee Beazer, Afra Hines, Kelvin Moon Loh, Barrett Martin, Bret Shuford)Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to bring together five of the most experienced and storied ensemble actors working on Broadway today before a live audience at BroadwayCon. We talked about the shows they originated and the characters they’ve created, but also the disappointments they’ve felt when a show closed. While actors Tracee Beazer, Afra Hines, Kelvin Moon Loh, Barrett Martin and Bret Shuford have each influenced the legacy of musical theatre, they’ve also been a part of shows that just didn’t gain traction with Broadway audiences. I figured with their experience, they must have som...2020-04-0116 min
The EnsemblistThe History of the Ensemble: A Chorus Line (feat. Michael Berresse, Catherine Ricafort)Since South Pacific, we’ve had two more musicals win the Pulitzer Prize: How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Fiorello!. But in 1975, a new musical came on the scene that would truly change musicals for the next fifty years.A Chorus Line. Without question, this show changed how ensembles were written, cast and perceived by audiences. Opening on Broadway in 1975 after a sold-out run downtown at the Public Theatre, it ran an unprecedented 16 years at the Shubert Theatre, as well as tours and companies around the world before coming back to Broadway in 2006....2020-03-3120 min
The EnsemblistThe History of the Ensemble (feat. Jennifer Ashley Tepper)Here at The Ensemblist, we have always striven to celebrate the hard work and passion of Broadway ensemblists. And in our second full season, which first aired in 2016, our co-creator Nikka Graff Lanzarone and I took a journey through Broadway’s past to learn about its future. We explored how the ensemblist experience has changed and been changed by some of the theatre’s most influential shows, writers, and subject matter. And so in this new mini-series, I will be sharing some of the best moments from that mini-series we made four years ago.Our plan is to r...2020-03-2608 min
The EnsemblistMy Show Closed (feat. The Spark File and Phillipa Soo)This week, I wanted to share with you an extra-special conversation from my friends over at The Spark File podcast. Now, if you haven’t heard of The Spark File podcast, I want you to open up your podcast app and and subscribe to them right now. The Spark File is hosted by Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien - two bad ass bitches with gobs of experience in the theatre space who are obsessed with sparking creativity and inspiration in others. I’ll take a page from their stump speech and share with you that a spark file...2020-03-1620 min
Smash'edSmash'ed (Episode 10)“Understudy” premiered on April 9th, 2012. It was written by Jerome Hairston, and directed by Adam Dernstein. The viewership dipped yet again from the previous week, premiering to an audience of 5.99 million viewers.Songs this week featured one cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” and two original songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman: a sort of reprise of Marilyn’s very first song in the series, but this time Katherine McPhee singing “Never Give All the Heart,” and a new song featuring stand-in Christian Borle called “Don’t Say Yes Until I Finish Talking.”The episode opens with a r...2020-03-0519 min
The EnsemblistSmash'ed (Episode 10)“Understudy” premiered on April 9th, 2012. It was written by Jerome Hairston, and directed by Adam Dernstein. The viewership dipped yet again from the previous week, premiering to an audience of 5.99 million viewers.Songs this week featured one cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” and two original songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman: a sort of reprise of Marilyn’s very first song in the series, but this time Katherine McPhee singing “Never Give All the Heart,” and a new song featuring stand-in Christian Borle called “Don’t Say Yes Until I Finish Talking.”The episode opens with a r...2020-03-0519 min
Equity One: Broadway's Happy HourBourbon Will Always Clap for You with Mo Brady (The Ensemblist)We're kicking off the new year by sitting down with some of our fellow podcasters at the Broadway Podcast Network! This week, we raise a glass with Mo Brady, co-creator and host of The Ensemblist. We discuss some Oscar-buzz, growing up in Washington, theatre careers outside of New York and transitioning out of performing. Mo gives a sneak peek of what The Ensemblist will be featuring this year and we play some games! Come see us at Broadway Con! Subscribe, rate and review on iTunes!@theensemblisthttp://www.theensemblist.com/2020-01-2258 min
The EnsemblistQueer Characters (Broadway, feat. Paul Canaan, Telly Leung)Recently, Jackson Cline of The Ensemblist has been asking several questions about queer representation in musical theatre. How has the portrayal and inclusion of queer characters evolved over the years? Are more queer artists getting opportunities to tell these stories, both onstage and behind the scenes? And does giving queer-identifying individuals opportunities to create queer roles create a richer theatrical experience for the audience?Over the course of this mini-series, we’ll dive into these questions and hear from some of the talented artists who have put their stamps on Queer Characters on Broadway. Today, we’...2020-01-2027 min
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales2019 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Mo BradyIt's the end of the year (and the end of a decade)! Along with special co-host Mo Brady, host of The Ensemblist podcast, Alan takes you through some of his favorite shows, performances, events, and more from the past year... and even what they're looking forward to in 2020. Happy holidays, everyone!Connect with Mo & The Ensemblist:
IG: @TheEnsemblist
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Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram...2019-12-3020 min
Smash'edSmash'ed (Episode 3)“Enter Mr. DiMaggio” premiered on February 20, 2012. It was written by Theresa Rebeck, and directed by Michael Mayer.It’s only three weeks until rehearsals begin for the workshop of the new Broadway-bound musical Bombshell. However, other than a great idea (that may or may not have been stolen from composer Tom Hewitt’s assistant Ellis) the writing team only have eight songs and half a book ready to go. Up and upcoming ensemblist Ivy Lynn wonders if the only reason Derek gave her the part for the workshop is because she slept with them. He doesn’t s...2019-11-1120 min
Smash'edSmash'ed (Episode 1)The first episode of Smash is aptly named, “Pilot.” The episode premiered on February 6th, 2012. It was written by the show’s creator Theresa Rebeck, and directed by Michael Mayer. The pilot premiered to an audience of 11.44 million people! This episode featured seven songs, three of which were original songs written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman: “Never Give All the Heart,” “The National Pastime,” and the show’s anthem “Let Me Be Your Star.” The other four were covers of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” “I Wanna Be Loved By You,” “Beautiful,” and “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.” We fade in on a girl with a hunger fo...2019-10-2821 min
Jim and Tomic's Musical Theatre Happy HourHappy Hour #32: A Little Night Podcast - ‘A Little Night Music’Discuss on Reddit ➤Support the Show ➤Come with us as we spend a weekend in the country listening relentlessly to Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music.’ We ponder why Sondheim wrote the show in the first place, try to work out why ‘Send in the Clowns’ is his most popular song of all time and make a plea for a renaissance of Broadway Cast Recordings.A Little Night Music (Revival Broadway Cast Recording)Amazon / iTunes / SpotifySHOW NOTESIf you’ve not got the musical theatre...2017-03-091h 41