DRAMA. with Connor & Dylan MacDowell

Latest Episodes:

“Pry It From My Gay Hands” with Max von Essen Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Tony & Grammy Award nominee Max von Essen (Chicago, An American in Paris). The boys are BACK, baby and boy, oh, boy, you’re in for a great chat. Max joins the twins before an evening performance of Chicago. He dishes on what it’s like singing and acting DOWN as Billy Flynn, how things are going at the Ambassador Theatre in the shows 28th year, and what it’s like to star alongside reality TV stars Ariana Madix and Erika Jayne. Max’s resume is just full of incredible credits and we get into some highlights: little piano man Max on Long Island obsessing over Gershwin and the arts, tiny jean shorts Max on the road with Xanadu, and meant-to-be moment Max as he starred on Broadway in An American in Paris. We honor the late Gavin Creel’s friendship and impact, including stories about inspiring activism and spreading enthusiasm. Max also tells his coming out story and what it means to be in this community here in New York City. Oh, and that Carnegie Hall solo concert? You’re going to tear up. S’wonderful, isn’t it?
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“The Realness” with Sydney James Harcourt Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Sydney James Harcourt (Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Hamilton’s Original Broadway Company). The twins can’t help but discuss The Traitors (Bob the Drag Queen! Dorinda Medley!) before diving into this wonderful conversation. Sydney James Harcourt is hot off the runway of Cats: The Jellicle Ball! He spills on the experimental magic of staging this Andrew Lloyd Webber revival, the “syndrome” audience members developed post-ball, and his dreams of playing Rum Tum Tugger on Broadway and beyond. This Hell’s Kitchen resident also shares his favorite spots in the neighborhood, reminisces on learning to vogue in the clubs, and how Singin’ in the Rain led him to Interlochen Arts Academy. Sydney speaks candidly about the “realness” category he’s been walking his entire career, being part of Hamilton as it became a global phenomenon, and even his fitness routine as a triple threat. Stick around for chatter about RuPaul’s first book “Letting It All Hang Out,” Billie Eilish and Yebba, and Michelle Visage’s iconography in the world of ballroom. Now pose!
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Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“Two Twins (Carry a Pod Across New York)” with Connor & Dylan MacDowell Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are back this week to give the people what they’re DMed about… a TWIN TALK. And boy, did we need one. With more hot gossip and pop culture headlines to discuss than you can even imagine, the twins take to the mic to dive in. Listen for a hot off the presses Broadway 2026 announcement for The Lost Boys, excitement for Allie Trimm and Lencia Kebede in Wicked, and Keke Palmer coming… soon? Jennifer Lopez getting her flowers for Kiss of the Spider Woman has us GAGGING. If she’s submitted as Supporting Actress for Awards, will she face off against Ariana Grande(-Butera)? Crush of the week: Leo Woodall. Tune in to learn about why. It’s awards season, y’all, so we have to get into our favorite Oscar nominations, Timmy on SNL, most mourned misses, and why we STAN The Last Showgirl with Pamela Anderson. Take it to Broadway and give her a Tony, dammit! Stick around to hear about Dylan’s obsession with Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) and Connor still not over the 2020 Lead Actor in a Musical category that could’ve been. Chic c’est la vie!
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Subscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

"Ab Fab Lady of the Underground" with Amber Gray Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Tony Award nominee Amber Gray (Eureka Day, Hadestown). In their first new recording of 2025, the twins sat down to debrief holiday film releases Nosferatu and A Complete Unknown ahead of welcoming this queen to the pod. Amber Gray, y’all! Dream guest alert! Amber joins us moments after the miracle announcement that the original principal actors from the Original Broadway Cast of Hadestown are reprising their roles in the West End. GAGGED. Amber walks us through discovering Persephone, cut lyrics from the musical, and the beautiful opportunity for closure on this 11 year journey. We dig into balancing Broadway and motherhood, raising remarkable sons, and the “happy accident” of having a musical theatre career. Amber dishes on her current Broadway project: Eureka Day. Stay tuned for a cameo or two from living legend Jessica Hecht, who stars alongside Amber in this timely new play. Our fabulous guest reminisces on collaborating with Dave Malloy and Rachel Chavkin, leading to her turn as Hélène in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Which version of Comet was her favorite? Listen and find out! We also discuss Amber’s character in Here We Are, Claudia, resembling RHONY’s Sai de Silva, Squid Games, farm to table recipes, and more. Charmante, charmante, charming. Period.
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Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“Bisexual and Biphasic” with Molly Bernard Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Molly Bernard (Cult of Love, Younger). Oh, this is a good one. A great one! The luminous and hilarious Molly Bernard has arrived, y’all. She’s everything. You know and love her as Lauren from Younger (Hilary Duff’s BFF) and now you can see her eight times a week in Cult of Love on BROADWAY. Don’t worry, we hear some Younger stories: Molly’s favorite storylines, becoming besties with Hilary Duff, and the spin-off that almost was. Drama! What did the text say that Sutton Foster sent Molly a few weeks ago? Listen and find out. Molly also shares her dream roles for the stage, why she loves Rachel, her character in Cult of Love, and what it was like studying at Yale with friends of the pod Michael Breslin and Patrick Foley. Molly discusses becoming a mother and how midwifery may be her other calling. We bow at the altar of Mare Winningham, Luca Guadagnino films, and queerness. Don’t miss Molly in Cult of Love at the Hayes Theater, where you can hear the cast sing, a pin drop in the audience, and even witness the ensemble cast get to WERK. Time for a second sleep. Mwah!
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Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

"Off the Rack Queen" with Jujubee Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Jujubee (Drag the Musical, RuPaul’s Drag Race). Start your engines, y’all! This is one wild ride of an episode with Jujubee, the beloved drag entertainer and theatre diva. Before this gag-worthy convo, the twins talk about the Golden Globes, Demi Moore as Madison Lee in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, and first reactions to RPDR Season 17. Then Jujubee spills allllll the tea on Drag the Musical, the off-Broadway smash hit at New World Stages, starring friends of the pod Nick Adams, Jan Sport, and Adam “Zaddy” Pascal. We hear about the brilliance of Alaska Thunderfuck, backstage dressing room antics, and what audiences can expect when Jujubee performs as The Tigress (or maybe even Kitty Galloway). We learn about Juju’s first love of the theatre, and how it led to their life of drag. Trust that we get into highlights from this star’s time on Drag Race, friendship with RuPaul, and thoughts on being a meme queen. This trio gets into Death Becomes Her and Megan Hilty, the struggles of being a New Yorker, and beyond. This chat was a gag honey, say no more. “I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love with”… Jujubee!
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Subscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“Glamorous as Hell” with Laura Benanti Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti (Gypsy, My Fair Lady). Y’all, this is an episode of DRAMA. for the herstory books! Instantly canon. Laura joins the twins for a cozy, Christmastime chat that includes favorite traditions, Laura’s miniature holiday village, and her daughters’ wish list for Santa. Laura is hot off the literal presses after speaking about her experience with a certain castmate in She Loves Me, but we’re more curious about favorite moments with the beloved, late Gavin Creel. We were all misty-eyed as she honored sweet Gav. Laura’s extraordinary resume goes on and on, so tune in for highlights from Gypsy (Patti! Arthur Laurents! A Tony win!), Meteor Shower, The Wedding Singer, The Sound of Music, and My Fair Lady. Wouldn’t it be loverly, tho tbh? More moments: working with Jennifer Lawrence in No Hard Feelings, becomings with Briga Heelan, the Hot Teens of the Gossip Girl reboot, and her friendship with Amy Schumer. The boys also describe their bucket list experience of attending a dress rehearsal of Saturday Night Live, hosted by Paul Mescal, as well as laugh laugh laugh with Laura on this episode. Check out Laura’s original musical comedy show “Nobody Cares,” now available on Audible.
Follow Laura on Instagram & Tiktok
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Subscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

"Sweet Lad" with Adrian Blake Enscoe Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Adrian Blake Enscoe (Swept Away, Bandits on the Run). Only two more sleeps ‘til Christmas… and less than a week ‘til Swept Away has a far-too-soon final performance on Broadway. Here to chat with the twins during this happy, sad, and triumphant time, is the show’s star, Adrian Blake Enscoe. Adrian shares their entire journey with the musical, from audition to Berkeley to DC to Broadway. Hear about the special brotherly bond Adrian has with co-star Stark Sands, favorite songs and moments from the show, and what Swept Away’s miraculous story of survival means for the future of Broadway. Adrian isn’t only Little Brother… he’s a Bandit on the Run. We also get into the origins of their band, including the love story between Adrian and Sydney Torin Shepherd, as well as a tease of upcoming gigs and what’s to come. Watch. This. SPACE. We get into the beauty of identity, forming an artistic community, and so much more. Memories from the set of Dickinson (with Hailee Steinfeld!), the lasting impact of HBO’s Girls, and Christopher Sears in Cult of Love are discussed at large. Get your butt to the Longacre this week and experience the beauty of Adrian’s performance in Swept Away. You will also be swept away. Happy holidays!
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See Swept Away through December 29th!
Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & Tiktok
Follow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
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Subscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

"Wiggin' Out" with Marissa Jaret Winokur Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Tony Award-winner Marissa Jaret Winokur (Hairspray, Celebrity Big Brother). You can’t stop the beat, nor the DRAMA! Marissa is currently reuniting with her fellow Hairspray leading ladies Kerry Butler and friend of the pod Laura Bell Bundy for Mama I’m a Big Girl Now, which is her first time back on a New York stage since performing as Tracy Turnblad. We gag over this heartwarming and hilarious show, dreams to take it on the road, and Matthew Morrison’s recent cameo in it. Marissa reveals how many times she’s seen the Wicked movie, diving into her close relationship with the three Grande divas: Joan, Frankie, and Ariana. She gushes over seeing Patti LuPone in Evita at a formative time, and even spills on what Harvey Fierstein whispered to her the moment she won the 2003 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. We go behind the scenes on Celebrity Big Brother (Ross Mathews! Omarosa Manigault Newman!), Dancing with the Stars, and motherhood in Hollywood. Marissa is a beacon of light, wisdom, positivity, and JOY! We’ve loved her forever, and you will too. Don’t miss Mama I’m a Big Girl Now through December 21st!
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See Mama I’m a Big Girl Now at New World Stages!
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Follow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
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Subscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“The I Word” with Megan Hilty Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her, NBC’s Smash) to celebrate 5 YEARS of DRAMA. You’re gagged. We’re gagged. Everyone is gagged for the queen Megan Hilty, who is finally back on Broadway, starring in Death Becomes Her. She’s doing it “For The Gaze,” y’all. The twins of course dive into every possible topic you’re hoping for: what it’s like creating Madeline Ashton for the stage, how Megan’s dressing room is coming along (as designed by friend of the pod Krysta Rodriguez), and the joys of working with the fabulous Jennifer Simard and the whole cast of DBH. Don’t worry, as one of Wicked’s first and most beloved Glindas, they get the dish on creating her own Glinda the Good, what she remembers most from those days, and the Hilty High Note rumors. They get into 9 to 5, being Tony nominated for Noises Off, and of course… starring as Ivy Lynn in Smash on NBC. Stick around for LOTS of Housewives and Below Deck talk with fellow Bravoholic Megan Hilty. You are going to love all of that and more in this fabulous chat with Megan Hilty. Happy 5 years of DRAMA!
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Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & Tiktok
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Subscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

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