Backstage Babble

Isabel Keating

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony nominated actress Isabel Keating, who will be performing in my upcoming concert of the Katharine Hepburn musical COCO at 54 Below. You can find in-person and livestream tickets to that event at this link:

https://54below.org/events/54-sings-coco-by-alan-jay-lerner-and-andre-previn/

Tune in to hear some of the stories of Isabel’s legendary career, including what her research process was like playing Judy Garland in THE BOY FROM OZ, going on at the last minute in IT’S ONLY A PLAY, how she ended up taking over for Tyne Daly in last season’s revival of DOUBT, a full-circle moment with John Patrick Shanley, why Madame Morrible in WICKED is misunderstood, how her time in Europe influenced her theater career, making her Carnegie Hall debut with FOLLIES, the experience of processing her personal grief while starring in SPIDERMAN on Broadway, the many changes that were made to that musical, her experiences with the real-life QUEEN OF VERSAILLES, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this open conversation with one of Broadway’s best leading ladies.

Bob Martin

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony winning librettist and performer Bob Martin, who is the author of two of this season’s newest hits—SMASH and BOOP—both of which started previews on Broadway this week. Tune in to hear about the writing processes of those two musicals, and some of the other stories of his legendary career, including why he was sore every night after performing THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, the character he almost played in THE PROM, writing for the film adaptation of that musical, why he loves writing for Beth Leavel, the challenges of working on MINSKY’S, changing ELF between its three Broadway runs, what he learned from Charles Strouse and Thomas Meehan, revisiting unsuccessful musicals in HEY, LOOK ME OVER, how supply chain issues have affected Broadway, developing THE STING with Harry Connick, Jr., working with Kevin Kline on AMERICAN CLASSIC, his idea for a sequel to THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, revising KISS ME, KATE in London, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this honest and fun conversation with one of Broadway’s funniest and most prolific writers.

Samuel D. Hunter

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Samuel D. Hunter, whose play GRANGEVILLE is currently playing at the Signature Theater with Paul Sparks and Brian J. Smith. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how his experiences teaching expository writing led to THE WHALE, working with Darren Aronofsky on adapting the play into a film, the pushback he received for writing about conversion therapy in A GREAT WILDERNESS, dealing with pathology onstage, how GREATER CLEMENTS was his take on a Trump play, premiering LEWISTON/CLARKSTON as separate plays, writing for TV with BASKETS, his religious upbringing, the mentors who influenced his work, reviving A BRIGHT NEW BOISE in 2023, the economic realities of writing for the theater, how he decided to rewrite THE FEW, developing THE HEALING for a cast of disabled actors, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of American theater’s best writers.

Lane Bradbury

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Lane Bradbury, who played the role of Dainty June in the original Broadway cast of GYPSY. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including why Ethel Merman wasn’t a good co-star, joining the Actor’s Studio, method acting with Elia Kazan for J.B., why Bette Davis was suspicious of her during THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, watching Patrick O’Neill and Bette Davis in rehearsal, the moment in GYPSY that caused a rift between her and Jerome Robbins, Lee Strasberg’s favorite acting exercises, why she didn’t audition for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, working with June Havoc herself on MARATHON ’33, how an audition for GREENWILLOW led her to move to California, putting together her cabaret act, why Audra McDonald is Broadway’s best Mama Rose, why she doesn’t own the OBC of GYPSY, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this episode with a true theater veteran.

Scott Wittman

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Scott Wittman, who is the lyricist of Broadway’s newest sensation SMASH. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his amazing career, including why CATCH ME IF YOU CAN appealed to him as a follow-up to HAIRSPRAY, putting together MATTERS OF THE HEART with Patti LuPone, why CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY was at its best in workshops, his experiences with Dame Edna and Elaine Stritch, watching Disney animators at work during MARY POPPINS RETURNS, being influenced by John Waters, how Matthew Lopez convinced him to adapt SOME LIKE IT HOT, the upcoming project he’s working on with Bridget Everett, why John Slattery and Talia Balsam were perfect for THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this chat with one of Broadway’s best writers.

Norbert Leo Butz

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway legend Norbert Leo Butz, whose solo show Girls, Girls, Girls will be playing at 54 Below from March 9-13. The ticket link is here: https://54below.org/events/norbert-leo-butz-girls-girls-girls/ Tune in to hear some of the stories of his amazing career, including his advice for actors playing Fiyero in WICKED, why audiences misunderstand Jamie in THE LAST FIVE YEARS, jumping into SPEED-THE-PLOW with only a few days’ notice, why ENRON didn’t work for American audiences, how he infused his father into CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, how Jack O’Brien grounded the humor in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, acting in CORNELIA STREET just after the pandemic, how BIG FISH helped him with losses in his own life, the challenge of playing the Emcee in CABARET, how he first met Jason Robert Brown, the gift of HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE, his audition process for THOU SHALT NOT, how Ska music influenced “Dancing Through Life,” the lessons he learned from his Broadway debut in RENT, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s best actors.

Dan Elish

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by novelist and librettist Dan Elish, author of the wonderful new book King of Broadway. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his wonderful career, including how a letter to Stephen Sondheim led to his most recent book, turning THE WORLDWIDE DESSERT CONTEST into a musical, how he started working with Jason Robert Brown, changes that were made to 13, the difference between writing novels and writing musicals, writing for the screen with WONDER PETS, how HARRY POTTER changed the market for children’s books, his experience at the BMI workshop, writing THE EVOLUTION OF MANN with Douglas J. Cohen, the musical he’s working on with Scott Frankel, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this episode with a literary mastermind!

Luba Mason

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Broadway star Luba Mason, who will be appearing in Backstage Babble: Beyond the Walls of Joe Allen Restaurant on Wednesday, February 19th at 7 PM at 54 Below. You can find in-person and livestream tickets here: https://54below.org/events/backstage-babble-joe-allen/ And tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including finding her take on the role of Hedy LaRue in HOW TO SUCCEED, the beauty of THE CAPEMAN, the experience of reviving the show at the Delacorte Theater, her circuitous path to starring in JEKYLL AND HYDE, the challenges of working on SID CAESAR AND COMPANY, co-starring with Brooke Shields in CHICAGO, performing in the West Coast tryout of SUNSET BOULEVARD, why PRETTY FILTHY didn’t transfer to Broadway, how she got involved with the American Dance Machine at NYU, dancing for Agnes De Mille, why she loves working with Michael John LaChiusa, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with a true Broadway veteran.

Jill Eikenberry

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Emmy nominee Jill Eikenberry, who will be appearing with me in Backstage Babble: Beyond the Walls of Joe Allen Restaurant on Wednesday, February 19th at 7 PM at 54 Below. You can find in-person and livestream tickets here: https://54below.org/events/backstage-babble-joe-allen/ And tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how Tennessee Williams helped her with her performance in THE ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE, being bullied during her Broadway debut in MOONCHILDREN, how Dustin Hoffman directed ALL OVER TOWN, what she learned from Robert Burstein and Paul Sills at Yale, sharing a trailer with Liza Minelli during ARTHUR, the compliment she got from Lillian Hellman during WATCH ON THE RHINE, how she opened up her performance in ONWARD VICTORIA, embracing the power of Ann Kelsey on L.A. LAW, narrating TWYLA THARP DANCE while pregnant, acting in plays written by her husband, Michael Tucker, the intimacy of working with Wendy Wasserstein on UNCOMMON WOMAN, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of stage and screen’s greatest stars.

Kelly Bishop

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winner Kelly Bishop, whose memoir The Third Gilmore Girl is now out from Gallery Books. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how A CHORUS LINE changed the trajectory of musical theater, how she ended up taking over for Stockard Channing in SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, how dying her hair led to her Broadway debut in GOLDEN RAINBOW, why she didn’t prepare a Tonys acceptance speech, the miscasting that took place in ON THE TOWN, why PROPOSALS was a disappointing experience, breaking the fire code at the Public Theater, getting put into THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO, standing up to the creative team during RACHAEL LILY ROSENBLOOM…, why she loved her role in BECKY SHAW, going on the road with IRENE, and more. You won’t want to miss this interview with one of stage and screen’s best actresses.

Winnie Holzman

“Good news!” Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Winnie Holzman, the author of the libretto and screenplay for the musical WICKED. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including what she learned from Betty Comden and Arthur Laurents while studying at NYU, how she came to star in the first production of Christopher Durang’s BETTE AND BOO, ideas that came from the stage production of WICKED, learning from the reviews of BIRDS OF PARADISE, her journey to studying at Princeton, what inspired her to adapt THE SEAGULL, why Jon M. Chu was the perfect director for WICKED, one idea that got cut from the musical and the movie, how conversations around the movie changed through the years, the dimensions that Joe Mantello added to the musical, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with a brilliant writer in all mediums!

Reg Rogers

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony-nominated actor Reg Rogers, who is currently starring as Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theater. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including his favorite joke that was cut from TOOTSIE, understudying Brian Bedford in THE MOLIERE COMEDIES, being cast against type in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, his research process for HOLIDAY, the surprising audience reaction to PROPOSALS, taking notes during THE ICEMAN COMETH, performing ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL in the rain, the gift that Rosemary Harris gave him during THE ROYAL FAMILY, discovering YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with one of the funniest actors around!

Jessica Hecht

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with two-time Tony nominee Jessica Hecht, who is currently starring on Broadway in Jonathan Spector’s EUREKA DAY. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how FIDDLER ON THE ROOF led to The Campfire Project, finding her character’s voice in SUMMER, 1976, learning from Arthur Miller during AFTER THE FALL, how she related to her character in THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO, finding her interpretation of Blanche in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, the challenges of playing opposite Denzel Washington in JULIUS CAESAR, how she got cast on FRIENDS, why she connects to the work of Neil Simon, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this honest conversation with one of Broadway’s finest actresses.

Michael Berresse

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with theater veteran Michael Berresse. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including his brief moment being directed by Jerome Robbins during FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the process of bringing TITLE OF SHOW to Broadway, creating his version of “Bianca” in KISS ME, KATE, understudying the lead role in DAMN YANKEES, bringing Bob Mackie to the stage in THE CHER SHOW, how he became artistic director of The Weston Playhouse, staging a revival of THE GOLDEN APPLE at Encores!, his onstage accident during BUSKER ALLEY, the isolation of playing Zach in A CHORUS LINE, auditioning for Ann Reinking for CHICAGO, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s best actors and directors.

Lea DeLaria

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with one of stage and screen’s funniest comedians, Lea DeLaria. You can buy tickets to her “Brunch is Gay” series at 54 Below at this link: https://54below.org/events/lea-delaria-brunch-is-gay-2/ 

Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how she made everyone break during POTUS, winning over Adolph Green at her ON THE TOWN audition, a memorable ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW stage door encounter, going solo in HAPPY DAYS, her friendship with Elaine Stritch, the joy of working with Gavin Creel on PROMETHEUS BOUND, being the first openly gay comedian on TV, her journey to playing “Big Boo” on ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, developing SOME LIKE IT HOT and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, starring in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS in California, why she thinks LIL’ ABNER should be revived, sharing a special moment with Austin Pendleton during NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, and the current Broadway show she would love to star in. You won’t want to miss this honest and hilarious conversation with a beloved star.

Annie Golden

Today, I am thrilled to announce my episode with star of stage and screen Annie Golden. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including being discovered by Milos Forman at CBGB’s, how Marc Shaiman played her HAIR audition, why LEADER OF THE PACK didn’t work on Broadway, how her role in ASSASSINS was inspired by Kate Bush, learning from Colleen Dewhurst during AH, WILDERNESS!, rehearsing with Kathleen Freeman for THE FULL MONTY, recording demos for HAIRSPRAY, being directed by Howard Ashman in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, workshopping BROADWAY BOUNTY HUNTER at the West Bank Cafe, performing with Veanne Cox in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CLASS OF ’86, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a theater veteran. 

Michael Mayer

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony-winning director Michael Mayer, whose musical SWEPT AWAY is playing on Broadway through December 15th. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the process of bringing SWEPT AWAY to Broadway, how Howard Ashman inspired his revival of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, working with new faces on SPRING AWAKENING and AMERICAN IDIOT, how Giulietta Massina inspired his take on FUNNY GIRL, working with Charles Schulz on YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, directing MARNIE and GROUNDED at the Metropolitan Opera, the process of reviving ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER, a last-minute switch with UNCLE VANYA, working with Arthur Miller on AFTER THE FALL and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, his current work on GALILEO, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s best directors. 

Betsy Joslyn

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway veteran Betsy Joslyn. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including why she crossed her eyes while singing “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” in SWEENEY TODD, preparing to go on at the last minute in THE GOODBYE GIRL, the many changes that were made to A DOLL’S LIFE, how she ended up with the final bow in INTO THE WOODS, a treasured piece of art from her time in THE FANTASTICKS, why she decided to leave the business after LES MIS, the kindness of Stacy Keach during CAMELOT, what she learned from Bernadette Peters and Angela Lansbury, playing cards during HIGH SOCIETY, her one performance in A FEW GOOD MEN, why you should never be funnier than Mel Brooks, how she convinced George Hearn to star in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation with one of Broadway’s best leading ladies. 

Daisy Prince

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

Anna Zavelson

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