DRAMA. with Connor & Dylan MacDowell

Latest Episodes:

“Some Haunting Wigs” with Taylor Trensch Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Taylor Trensch (Dear Evan Hansen, Hello, Dolly!). The twins are bouncing off the walls with excitement to have Taylor, a dream guest, on the podcast, having been in the audience for his professional debut performance in Spring Awakening over 15 years ago. Taylor Trensch is a star, y’all! He dishes on his extraordinary career, ranging from working alongside Gavin Creel in Hello, Dolly! to his recent two-hander experience with Cynthia Nixon. And just like that… we gagged! Connor dreamcasts Taylor in the titular role in Oh, Mary, while everyone eagerly anticipates Nicole Scherzinger’s arrival on Broadway. We go down memory lane to Tampa, where Taylor’s love of theatre began with (spoiler alert) Nancy’s tragic end in Oliver! These three gab about their favorite divas (Bernadette! Lillias! Dakin Matthews!), Taylor's onstage wigs, and working with dogs and rats in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. We gush over Cristin Milioti, dissect the Ryan Murphyverse, and giggle nonstop. Did Taylor (as Boq) perform a triple pirouette during “Dancing Through Life” in Wicked? That’s one mystery we’ll never know the answer to. Be sure to see this superstar in Safety Not Guaranteed at BAM through October 20.
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"Inimitable Original" with Ephraim Sykes Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes (Our Town, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations). It’s officially fall, y’all, and we’re chatting with Ephraim, one of the stars from the new Broadway production of Our Town, to kick off the season. But first: a conversation about NBC’s Smash, and its upcoming Broadway adaptation. Gagged! Ephraim reflects on his time dancing on Smash, his entire love of the arts beginning with his talent for dance, as well as his inspirations and influences. We cover all things Our Town - from the glorious cast, co-starring with Zoey Deutch, their trip to Peterborough, New Hampshire, and why the themes of the play are timeless. The twins get the scoop on Ephraim’s Hamilton experience from early workshops all the way to Broadway, the NYCC production of Pal Joey, and starring with Ariana Grande in Hairspray Live on NBC. Ephraim was an original Newsie, made his Broadway debut in The Little Mermaid, and was nominated for a Tony AND Grammy for Ain’t Too Proud. It wouldn’t be DRAMA without covering the culture, including Industry, The Perfect Couple, and the Kendrick Lamar/Drake beef. This chat is NOT to be missed.
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Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

"Being a Geek" with Jason Robert Brown Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, The Bridges of Madison County). We’re recording a pod about hope, OKAY?! Y’all… Jason. Robert. Brown. On DRAMA. The twins are absolutely gagged to be joined by one of their all-time favorite musical theatre songwriters. Jason is a busy, busy man. We’re joined by him ahead of his solo debut at Carnegie Hall while he’s also juggling an album drop of his 2019 Town Hall concert with Stephen Sondheim, the Parade National Tour casting process, The Last Five Years on BROADWAY’s pre-production, and writing three new projects. As if that wasn’t enough to discuss, the twins dive deep into JRB’s history to discuss his concerts at SubCulture, the early days of TL5Y in Chicago and off-Broadway, some untold stories about where and how he wrote Bridges alongside Marsha Norman, and TEA about “Being a Geek” from 13. Jason has worked with Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Shoshana Bean, Jonathan Bailey, Jeremy Jordan, Kristin Chenoweth, and more legends than we can even count. Stick around for stories about Parade, Songs For a New World, and Stephen Sondheim.Follow Jason on InstagramSee Jason at Carnegie Hall on October 25th! Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramSubscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“Saturday Night at the Sondheim” with Megan Kane Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Megan Kane (& Juliet). On a rainy fall New York day, Megan Kane joins the boys live from the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, where she’s currently between shows at & Juliet on Broadway. The twins are feeling nostalgia in the air, y’all. Who’s surprised? Megan catches them up on her five-show weekend schedule, which recently allowed for an open Wednesday night to see The Outsiders with her hubby, Ben. Speaking of, we revisit Megan’s love story with former DRAMA. podcast guest Ben Rappaport. From high school one-act competitions to flirty Facebook messages, we get the full tea. We also get the scoop on her experience with & Juliet, having just surpassed 750 performances. Whether she’s playing Lucy (one of the Players) or Nurse Angelique or Anne Hathaway, Megan has favorite moments and songs that keep her going. She also has a prime backstage snack, which you’re going to be LIVING for. We get into The Real Housewives of Orange County, the pivotal role of Molly in Annie, British Netflix thriller Fool Me Once, and what it takes to put on a solo cabaret show. We love Megan and you will too. And that’s the way it is!

Follow Megan on InstagramFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramSubscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway! Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

Photo of Megan Kane by Bridget Badore

“A Friend of Patti” with Connor & Dylan MacDowell Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are chatting, so I guess that means it’s time for a TWIN TALK! In their first duo ep since announcing their partnership with iHeartRadio Broadway, the boys reintroduce themselves for any listeners new to the DRAMA. They have to dissect the Patti LuPone & Mia Farrow press tour ahead of The Roommate starting previews on Broadway, as well as celebrate Orfeh’s return to the Main Stem in Chicago. Connor & Dylan look ahead to the fall season in NYC, as they eagerly anticipate star turns from Nicole Scherzinger, Audra McDonald, and some sexy Shakespeare productions. Listen in for praise of the superstar standbys of Broadway (shoutout Caroline Bowman and Kara Lindsay), as well as Connor’s gag-worthy night at Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Buzz is building around Drag the Musical, Big Gay Jamboree, and of course Death Becomes Her. Did we mention we’re gay? Stick around for references to Outlander, Glee, Austin Butler, The Deliverance, and more y’all!
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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!

“Midwest Princess” with Joy Woods Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Joy Woods (The Notebook, Little Shop of Horrors). As summer is heading toward its finale, the twins debate what should be crowned “Song of the Summer.” Chappell? Sabrina? Or maybe… “My Days.” The dazzling Broadway star Joy Woods joins in the conversation with fresh takes of her own, then walks us through her own days at The Notebook. Highlights include the summer camp experience of the show’s premiere in Chicago as well as hearing Ingrid Michaelson’s score for the first time. Joy recalls the recent performance in which the set lost power (and Connor was in attendance) during the climax of her eleven o’clock number. Y’all are lucky she was warm! We hear about the company-wide game of The Traitors as organized by friend of the pod Ryan Vasquez, and our hearts are warmed by the leadership of Maryann Plunkett and Dorian Harewood after opening night. Joy speaks of her early years watching So You Think You Can Dance, high school theatre, and AMDA year while working at Juniors. We chat about Joy’s time as Audrey in Little Shop opposite Matt Doyle and Jeremy Jordan, as well as being the first replacement to join the cast of Six on Broadway. We look ahead to Joy’s upcoming turn as Sarah in Ragtime at NYCC. And what’s next for Ms Woods? We can only imagine it’ll be extraordinary!
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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!

"Sloppy Seconds" with Zane Phillips Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Zane Phillips (Pretty Perfect Lives, Fire Island). The twins share a special announcement regarding the podcast: DRAMA is officially partnered with iHeartRadio Broadway. That’s a gag honey, say no more! But wait, there IS more! They’re here to celebrate with Zane Phillips, the star of off-Broadway’s Pretty Perfect Lives. He’s here to talk all about the new play by Gage Tarlton, bleaching his hair, working with his co-star Elizabeth Lail, and what it’s like being in a piece of art that captures internet/online culture at this moment in time. Self-defined Judy Kuhn stan Zane fills the boys in on his theatrical roots, college experience at Elon University, and his gigs out of school. Original workshops of The Outsiders? Hmm. They of course get into Fire Island, reflections on the film, and memories from both Zane and Connor’s trips to that magical place. Glamorous with Kim Catrall, NYT puzzle game Vertex, Industry on HBO, and soft masculinity fill this chat up with even more drama. You’re going to love Zane. Mwah!Follow Zane on Instagram See Pretty Perfect Lives at Flea’s Sam Theater through September!Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“The Vocal is Warm” with Douglas Lyons Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Douglas Lyons (Chicken & Biscuits, Parade). Just before the twins’ final reunion of the summer, they sat down with this acclaimed actor and playwright for a little DRAMA! Douglas just returned to the role of Tom Collins in Rent, performing with the San Diego Symphony. Naturally, we talk about the greatness of Jonathan Larson and memories from Douglas’ time on the Rent tour. They discuss all things Table 17, Douglas’ latest play starring Tony Award winner Kara Young. He opens up about his creative process, inspiration for writing this romantic comedy play, and his involvement with casting decisions. We cover Douglas’ youth as a PK, as well as what inspired him to become a writer in the first place, rooted in his backstage days at Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. We speak about the relatability of his plays, especially Chicken & Biscuits, which opened on Broadway after the quarantine. Douglas raves about Norm Lewis, Michael Urie, and a desire to work with luminaries such as Quinta Brunson and Keke Palmer. Connor plugs Other People's Dead Dads by Jacob Wasson, Dylan is Balz to the Walz, and Douglas shares what TV shows are part of his nightly ritual. Table 17 is currently running at MCC Theater through September 22nd - get your tickets today!
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Edited by Dylan
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“I Was Troy Bolton” with Max Clayton Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Max Clayton (The Music Man, Moulin Rouge!). The moment has finally arrived: Max Clayton is on DRAMA. Thighs? Out. Sky? Out. Chest is also out, y’all! Hot in the midst of the Paris Olympics, the boys obsess over their favorite athletes and legendary moments before diving into all things Max. With over 9 Broadway credits under his (dance) belt and fresh off a starring turn in Crazy For You, Max regales the twins with stories galore. What was it like making his Broadway debut alongside Vanessa Hudgens? What did Hugh Jackman say in his text messages to Max during The Music Man? Has he set a wedding date with his fiance, Matt Doyle? Learn all of that and MORE, including Max’s love of Cleveland and his coming out experience in high school. Hello, Dolly! casting rumors, a technical show stop at The Notebook, and stories about Ariana Madix, Robyn Hurder, Baby V, Sutton Foster round out this amazing episode. It’s gay, it’s breezy, and it’s the episode you’ve been waiting for. Be sure to catch Max in Fowl Play at AMT Theater for 10 performances only from August 8-17.
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See Fowl Play at AMT Theater from August 8-17
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Edited by Dylan
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“Well, Yes!” with Emma Pittman Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Emma Pittman (The Outsiders, Chicago). It’s Friday night at the drive-in, y’all! And by that we mean the boys are girling with one of the girls from that group of boys if you get what I’m saying? At intermission of our first viewing of The Outsiders, the twins were “gagged for Cherry” and now they’re gagged to have Emma Pittman on the pod. We go AWF on all things Love Island USA before diving in with the doll. Emma recaps the crazy summer she’s had – opening The Outsiders, awards season, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical, and more. Hear about her journey with booking and creating the role of Cherry – the BTS goes crazy. Some tea from earlier workshops of the show (Dallas and Cherry romance storyline?!?!), fan reactions, how the girls stay sane in a theatre full of men, and MORE. Emma discusses Back to the Future, her trifecta of musical theatre albums, and “The Search for Roxie.” We learn what it was really like to make her Broadway debut in the company of Chicago as Roxie Hart, and have a kiki for the ages. We’re gagged for Emma. And you will be too. J’adore.
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Edited by Dylan
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!