DRAMA. with Connor & Dylan MacDowell

Latest Episodes:

“A Bit of Me” with Sophie Carmen-Jones Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Sophie Carmen-Jones (Moulin Rouge, One Day on Netflix). Here to celebrate FIVE spectacular years of Moulin Rouge on Broadway, Sophie and the twins mention it all. Because they can can can… and do! They anticipate the return of Aaron Tveit and JoJo to the Al Hirschfeld, and chat with Sophie about keeping the show fresh after having originated Nini in the West End before coming to Broadway. They dish on wigs, the upcoming Sing-A-Long Performances, and all things Rouge. Sophie shares her journey from Wales to London to NYC, and her special connection to Catherine Zeta-Jones. She dishes on working with Taylor Swift and Idris Elba in the Cats film, dancing for Little Mix and Robbie Williams, and so much more. Nothing is off the table as we chat about Sophie’s sweet fiancé, UK accents, and acting alongside Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod in One Day. Other topics include Vice President Kamala Harris’ ascension to being the Presidential Democratic nominee, Gracie Abrams, the spooky podcast Otherworld, and Sophie’s Netflix recommendations. We adore Sophie Carmen-Jones!
Follow Sophie on Instagram
Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & Tiktok
Follow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Follow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Edited by Dylan
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“My Groundhog Teacher” with Grace McLean Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Grace McLean (Suffs, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812). On a sweet summer’s day, this icon called in from upstate to get into some DRAMA. Grace is known for delivering show-stopping, standout performances on stage, and she brings that same energy to the pod! We cover her remarkable career, starting with her current turn as President Woodrow Wilson in Suffs on Broadway. Brushes with Bill Clinton, HRC’s Tonys regalia, and the brilliance of Shaina Taub are all covered. Grace walks us through her multiple (!!!) times playing male characters, with hopes of Sweeney Todd alongside friend of the pod Max Jenkins. We reminisce on Grace’s iconic Broadway debut as Marya in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, as well as returning to the Imperial Theatre in Bad Cinderella alongside her hunks and Carolee Carmello. Listen in for behind the scenes tales from Grace’s time in Sleep No More, the process of writing her musical In the Green, and hilarious tales from her country estate. We had the best time with Queen Grace McLean. You can see her slay in Suffs 8 times a week on Broadway, as well as in Penelope at Joe’s Pub this Monday, July 22!Follow Grace on Instagram Tickets to see Penelope at Joe’s Pub on 7/22! Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramEdited by DylanSupport the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

"My Darlings" with Martyna Majok Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Pulitzer Prize-winner and Tony-nominated playwright Martyna Majok (Gatsby: An American Myth, Cost of Living). Fresh off their summer vacation to Palm Springs, the twins discuss drag brunches, paradise in the desert, and whether or not Isaac Powell strips down at A.R.T. in this summer’s hottest show: Gatsby: An American Myth. There's no one better to chat about it all with than Martyna Majok, the show’s book writer. We dive DEEP into the process of writing this new musical, from rediscovering the source material of The Great Gatsby, to collaborating with music and lyricist Florence Welch (of Florence and the Machine, y’all!) and Thomas Bartlett, and her involvement in the casting process. Martyna bares her soul on themes, topics, and life experiences close to her heart, as well as the role they play in her writing. She tells the story of meeting her love, Bobby Conte, what it was like winning a Pulitzer for Cost of Living, and the transcendent experience of seeing John Stamos in Cabaret at Studio 54. Pool hustling, The Bear season 3, and taking stock of life are just a few more things the three of them get into in this insightful, heartfelt, and thrilling conversation. Go see Gatsby: An American Myth at A.R.T. through August 3.
Follow Martyna on Instagram
Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & Tiktok
Follow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Follow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Edited by Dylan
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“Like a Rockstar” with Tom Pecinka Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by 2024 Tony Award nominee Tom Pecinka (Stereophonic). Have you got your ticket to the masquerade, y’all? The twins are starstruck by this breakout star of the Tony Award-winning Best Play of 2024. But first, Connor and Dylan share their excitement for a trip to Palm Springs, California (not Sausalito this time), while sadly missing New York Pride. The boys settle in for an indepth look into Tom’s journey with Stereophonic, and what it’s like playing the complicated Peter. How does he leave the character behind each night, as well as process audience reactions to the role? Listen and learn! Tom spills on his relationship with sweet friend of the pod Cara Ricketts, being on Broadway at the same time, and their drives to and from the city each night. Hear about Tom mastering the riff in Masquerade, the moment he learned he was Tony nominated, and what his speech would’ve included. We cover Tom’s life-changing childhood experience seeing Les Misérables, working with Uma Thurman in Williamstown, and his fondness for Love Island UK (and Ekin-Su). Sit back, relax, and enjoy Tom Pecinka on DRAMA!Follow Tom on InstagramFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramEdited by DylanSupport the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“Fat Girl Renaissance” with MiMi Scardulla Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by MiMi Scardulla (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, A Beautiful Noise). Happy Pride month, y’all! And what a way to celebrate – by hearing all about MiMi’s stunning engagement to her partner, her queer awakening, and why representation means so much, even now in 2024. Years after seeing MiMi bust it DOWN in Kristin Chenoweth’s For the Girls on Broadway, the twins finally meet the icon, the legend, the star herself. Currently welcoming everyone to the Kit Kat Club as Texas in Cabaret, MiMi talks all things related to the Broadway revival. She fills the boys in on her own Ring of Keys moment in the arts (it’s a two-for-one!) and the queer awakening Ring of Keys she had several years ago. We gush over friend of the pod - and MiMi’s real life best friend - Tyler Hanes. Their friendship origin story is to die for, y’all. We get into A Beautiful Noise, The Heart of Rock and Roll, We Are The Tigers, and MORE. This ain’t Texas, y’all… even though it kind of is. ;)Follow MiMI on InstagramFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramEdited by DylanSupport the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“House of Hough: A 2024 Tony Awards Twin Talk” with Connor & Dylan MacDowell Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are back with their annual Tonys Edition of TWIN TALKS! Listen for the highs, lows, surprises, snubs, and more from the 77th Annual Tony Awards, which were hosted by Ariana DeBose! It’s a celebration over the triumphant wins for Merrily We Roll Along, Stereophonic, The Outsiders, and Suffs, while also pouring one out for those who went home empty handed. Dylan shares a Maria Friedman anecdote, Connor gushes over Groff, and they both gag for Nicole Scherzinger. Stick around for thoughts about the telecast performances by Hell’s Kitchen, Cabaret, Illinoise, and more. What would the Tonys be without a little DRAMA? Oh, and just a reminder that in this house we stan Ms. Julianne Hough! Period.Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramEdited by Dylan

“Angelina Jolie Coded” with Jason Schmidt Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Jason Schmidt (The Outsiders). Sodapop Curtis knows a thing or two about drama! Good thing he’s here to spill it alllll with us this week. Hot off the announcement that The Outsiders has been nominated for 12 Tony Awards, Jason (Soda himself) joins the twins to break it all down. Why does he love the musical? What are his favorite songs to perform? Musical influences that go into “Soda’s Letter”? How many days a week does he hit the gym? Listen to find OUT. We also ask burning questions about what it’s like backstage at the Jacobs Theatre, which cast members get the craziest DMs, and the rumors about whether or not there was even more shirtless content onstage in Tulsa, 1967 during the La Jolla run. Jason tells the boys about growing up in Chicago, going to Carnegie Mellon, and how Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies took him out west. Character inspired tattoos, Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism, Hacks season 3, and rap diss track beef fill out this wonderful episode with our favorite Outsider. Stream Jason’s original music on Spotify and check him out on Broadway eight times a week. Have you ever been out of Tulsa before? Now you’ll never want to leave.

Follow Jason on Instagram & Tiktok
Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & Tiktok
Follow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Follow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Edited by Dylan
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

"Finding Her Grail" with Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by 2024 Tony Award nominee Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Spamalot, Beetlejuice). This beloved musical theatre comedienne sat down for a hilarious, insightful, and genuine look into her career so far. Connor and Dylan don’t shy away from asking all about their favorite of Leslie’s credits, including Legally Blonde, Hairspray, Beetlejuice, and Something Rotten. Of course they get into the recent revival of Monty Python’s Spamalot, where Leslie’s improv, belting, and musical theatre chops came together in her portrayal of Lady of the Lake. Leslie shares heartwarming memories of her late mother, as well as the story of nearly starring in the Funny Girl Broadway revival that never was. The dolls rave about Nicole Scherzinger’s upcoming Broadway turn, Leslie’s friendship with Michelle Visage, and a full circle story about Faith Prince. They get all the deets about Lady of the Lake: The Farewell Tour on June 5 at Joe’s Pub, and the companion video series (viewable on Leslie’s Instagram) in the wake of being nominated for a Tony Award. Gagged! They tease recent show-goings to Illinoise, Water for Elephants, and Stereophonic in this fabulous chat. We love Leslie and can’t wait to have her back for part 2!
Follow Leslie on Instagram
Info about Lady of the Lake: The Farewell Tour at Joe’s Pub!
Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & Tiktok
Follow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Follow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Edited by Dylan
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

“Absolute Bangers” with Rob Houchen May 29, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by West End sensation Rob Houchen (Les Misérables, Light in the Piazza). It’s POP girl summer, and this trio is ready for it! This London lad is a breath of fresh air as we chat ahead of his New York stage solo debut at Chelsea Table + Stage on June 10. Rob teases his special guest stars and excitement for this thrilling moment in his career! The Anglophile twins soak up every second talking to Rob about his West End appearances, including his 1000+ performance run as Marius in Les Misérables, the brilliance of Eugenius, and roughly 9 shows of City of Angels starring Vanessa Williams and Theo James. The camp convo covers the television talent shows that shaped them, especially Rob’s brush with X Factor. We learn about Rob’s early days, finding his voice, and his West End Does concert series and company. This fast-paced and fun chat also gets into The Secret History by Donna Tartt, Vanessa Williams’ single “Legs,” and the rise of Chappell Roan. We adore Rob, and you will too, so be sure to get your tickets to see Rob in NYC on June 10!
Follow Rob on Twitter, Instagram, & Tiktok
Get tickets to his Chelsea Table + Stage concert on June 10!

Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & Tiktok
Follow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Follow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Edited by Dylan
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

"Ease on Down the Pod" with Avery Wilson May 22, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Avery Wilson (The Wiz, The Voice). We’re easing on down, y’all! This week we’re chatting with the Scarecrow himself: Avery Wilson. This superstar, making his Broadway debut in The Wiz, welcomes us to the merry old land of Oz in this high energy convo. Recorded on the heels of the twins’ spring show binge, Connor and Dylan kick off the chat with an ode to Sleep No More at the McKittrick Hotel. Then Avery shares his musical journey to Broadway, with childhood visits to the Big Apple with his brothers (only causing minimal trouble). He speaks about breaking the mold of expectations and going from the music industry to the theatre world, and his countless auditions before landing Scarecrow. He gushes over his talented castmates including Nichelle Lewis, Kyle Ramar Freeman, and Phillip Johnson Richardson, and the unique stamp they’re all putting on their iconic roles. Keep listening for stories about his experience on The Voice, coming out as bisexual, and bringing positive representation to the world. We hear all about The Wiz’s opening night, Cowboy Carter thoughts, and so much more in this fun chat with Avery!
Follow Avery on Instagram, Twitter, & Tiktok
Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & Tiktok
Follow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Follow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & Instagram
Edited by Dylan
Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

DRAMA. with Connor & Dylan MacDowell

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected