DRAMA. with Connor & Dylan MacDowell

Latest Episodes:

"Life is Beautiful" with Henry Gottfried May 15, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Henry Gottfried (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Waitress). Much like Cabaret’s Ernst fatefully meeting Cliff on the train, Henry meets the twins on the pod for a serendipitous and lovely conversation. We go all in on Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club: gagging for Gayle Rankin, a gorgeous German accent, and what it’s like for audiences to receive this story. Henry? A STAR. The boys also FINALLY get into Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department. Bonus track: Connor & Dylan & Henry & Oomfs. Additionally, Henry regales the twins with stories of growing up in an artistic environment in Tennessee, and a very unique Into the Woods Ring of Keys that even had the twins gagging. Hear all about Henry getting cast in NBC’s Peter Pan: Live, going on tour with Pippin and Bright Star, and making pies with the original cast of Waitress (and live capture film!). We also chat about Henry’s directing experiences, his adoration for Alyse Alan Louis, Dylan’s addiction to The Notebook album, and Connor’s Queer as Folk journey. You don’t want to miss this breezy, insightful, and delightful conversation with Henry. Visit him at the Kit Kat Club eight times a week!
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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!

"Gay as HELL" with Andrew Keenan-Bolger May 08, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Scarlett Dreams, Newsies). You’ve asked for years and here he is: AKB on DRAMA, girls, gays, and theys! And he’s doing well… ish. Andrew is the guest of your (Scarlett) dreams. Hear all about his starring turn at the Greenwich House Theatre, throwing his back out, playing gay, and how the fitness/social media material in the show tie into his real life. Andrew regales the twins with stories about his influencer (blogger) origins, soft launching his gay identity, and how Ragtime changed his life. Don’t worry, we get into the credits, honey. Beauty and the Beast (with Kerry Butler), Tuck Everlasting, Ragtime, and of course… Newsies. Even a little Submissions Only! The burning question: what was it like getting topped by Murray Bartlett in “Looking” on HBO? Stick around for tales of Mike Faist in Newsies, Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine in The Idea of You, his love story with Scott Bixby, and lots and LOTS of gay content. But not anything teal. You’re going to love Andrew Keenan-Bolger even more after this pod. J’adore.
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See him star in Scarlett Dreams at Greenwich House Theatre!

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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!

“Big Dawg” with Cara Ricketts & Daniel Fredrick May 01, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Cara Ricketts & Daniel Fredrick (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). To celebrate six years of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, the twins sit down with the amazing duo portraying Hermione and Ron. It’s a truly delightful chat, kicking off with Connor reflecting on memories of working at the Lyric Theatre. Cara and Daniel talk all things Cursed Child, including audition stories, what it’s like tackling these beloved and iconic characters, and their first time meeting one another. Laughs galore as we volley between topics like Challengers, Orphan Black, Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown, Oh, Mary on Broadway, Harry Potter being a DILF (looking at you, Logan James Hall), Take Me Out, and Baby Reindeer. Canadian accents, Saltburn hot takes (six months later…), and a love for ACTING, mama, are all included in this wonderful episode with our new friends. Oh, and stay tuned for a rare cameo appearance by Cara’s boyfriend, Tom Pecinka, one of the stars of Stereophonic. You don’t want to miss this magic!
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See Daniel & Cara in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway!

“Bag of Tricks” with Brian d’Arcy James Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by four-time Tony Award nominee Brian d’Arcy James (Days of Wine and Roses, Shrek the Musical). The twins are gagged to speak with one of their absolute HEROES this week. The one, the only: Brian d’Arcy James. Where does one begin when chatting with a legend with a resume like this? Hot off the Broadway run of Days of Wine and Roses, Brian reflects on the experience, sharing his favorite moments from the show and bringing it to Studio 54 with Kelli O’Hara. He shares what it meant to perform “Forgiveness,” as well as the story of hearing Adam Guettel’s original demos. We bounce through Brian’s life as an actor, including a Ring of Keys involving James Dean, top memories from Shrek the Musical, Into the Woods, Something Rotten, and Next to Normal, even touching upon some of his onscreen credits. Best Picture winner Spotlight? Cult favorite Smash? We mention it ALL. Tune into this wonderful, open conversation with Brian about his life, career, and passions. He's truly one of the greats, and for good reason!
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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!

“You Can Call Me Pippa” with Phillipa Soo & Maris Pasquale Doran Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran. It's a family affair, y’all! The twins welcome these sister-in-law’s to discuss their brand new children’s book Piper Chen Sings. Learn all about their gorgeous book, how specific stories lead to universal connection, and what it’s like working with family. From their first meeting to their book launch day, it’s a celebration!
Then (at 20:20) it’s a classic pod convo, divas. Phillipa does a deep dive into her fabulous life and career. From seeing a production of The Tempest as a young girl in Illinois to starring in the absolute smash sensation of Hamilton on a Broadway stage, Phillipa mentions it ALL. What was it like bringing a new Guenevere to life in last season’s Camelot revival? Leaning into comedy and trust in the beloved Into the Woods revival? Leading Amelie from LA to the Great Bright Way? Oh, we get into it. Plus, we have to talk about Hamilton. Nearly ten years after it started, Phillipa flashes back on memories of the worldwide phenomenon and what Eliza taught her. But that’s not all: Teeth at Playwrights, Girls5Eva, and the upcoming Drag Race finale are all wrapped up in this gorgeous convo. P.S. Stick around for the story of how Phillipa met her husband Steve Pasquale and what we may see them in onstage together someday.
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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!

“A PhD in Wicked” with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (The Color Purple, The Lion King). Recorded in the afterglow of the 96th Academy Awards and release of Ariana Grande’s latest album, these three are basking in pop culture before diving into this fabulous chat. Phylicia stars as Young Celie in the movie musical of The Color Purple, alongside Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Hensen, and Danielle Brooks. She speaks about the support she received from Cynthia Erivo, as well as her co-star Halle Bailey, her “guiding light” throughout filming. Phylicia dishes on “She Be Mine” literally being hers, syncing up Celies with Fantasia, and seeing herself on the big screen. Her time at Elon, journey with The Lion King, and most recent swinging experience are all included in this dynamic episode. We manifest Elphaba in Phylicia’s future, learn about her lifelong Wicked obsession, and get the tea on being in the writers room for “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.” Listen to our full chat as gush over Raven Symoné, Vincent Jamal Hooper, and the magic of Little Debbie treats. Say hello to Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, y’all!
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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!

“The Temptation to Say I’m Deeply Unwell” with Zoe Kazan Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Emmy nominee Zoe Kazan (Doubt, She Said, The Big Sick). The twins are gagged to be in the presence of this movie star, playwright, screenwriter, actress, and icon. After a wellness check, these fast friends chat about Zoe’s return to Broadway in Doubt: A Parable. Zoe gives flowers to her inspiring cast-mates, especially the trio of women who donned the habit of Sister Aloysius: Tyne Daly, Isabel Keating, and Amy Ryan. Does she have Doubts? We go there, y’all! Our fabulous convo also gets into Zoe’s experience working on She Said, and her beautiful friendship with Carey Mulligan, which goes back to being dressing roommates in The Seagull on Broadway. A full circle ring of keys with Tyne Daly, growing up in the city of stars, and Zoe’s writing career are all covered. Other tidbits include a little Angels in America, if she’d do a play with her partner Paul Dano, and some scoop on her upcoming 8-part adaption of East of Eden (and Miss Flo’s involvement!). Connor raves about his latest work project The Who’s Tommy, while Dylan and Zoe plug RuPaul’s The House of Hidden Meanings and Leslie Jaminson’s Splinters, respectively. What an honor and a gift to have Zoe on DRAMA. Check out Doubt on Broadway through April 21.
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“Proper Suffolk Vibes” with Tom Francis Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Connor and Dylan are joined by Tom Francis (Sunset Boulevard, & Juliet). Y’all, we’ve got London on the phone, and it’s ringing off the hook! You know him from being the bloody torsoed leading man opposite Nichole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard in the West End. Get ready to LOVE him as he prepares to make his Broadway debut as Joe Gillis in this thrilling Jamie Lloyd-helmed revival, which was just announced to begin performances in September at the St. James Theatre. We get to know all about Tom’s upbringing as a farm boy, when he discovered his singing abilities, and his time studying the arts in college. Tom also shares his love story with his girlfriend (and Sunset Boulevard castmate) Hannah. We talk Tom’s experience watching Will Chase in RENT: Filmed Live on Broadway, then getting to star in the show as Roger himself during lockdown. We were lucky to see Tom slay as Romeo in & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre, and he explains why it was his most challenging role to date. We dive into One Day on Netflix (and Tom’s connection to Leo Woodall), Dune Part Two, and Tom’s latest rewatch of The Sopranos. You’ll love this proper Suffolk lad!
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“Prednisone and a Prayer” with Solea Pfeiffer Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by Solea Pfeiffer (Hadestown, Almost Famous). The twins welcome their literal queen Solea Pfeiffer to the DRAMA fam in this wonderful, free-flowing, insightful chat that’s been years in the making. After pulling double and triple duty over the last year, Solea takes us through her various projects, including starring as Eurydice in Hadestown and Ophelia in Hamlet last summer. From making her Broadway debut as Penny Lane in Almost Famous to being NYCC’s Evita and Songs for a New World Songstress, Solea is taking the theatre world by storm. She gives great insight into her mindset as a performer, shares her love story with her boyfriend Kevin Csolak, gushes over Betty Who and even spills the tea on her favorite Drag Race season 16 queens. We dive into country music, Vanessa Williams in The Devil Wears Prada, and Studio Ghibli standom. You must… love… ME.
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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!

“Sweaty Little Family” with John Cardoza Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Dylan and Connor are joined by John Cardoza (The Notebook, Moulin Rouge). Vibes are immaculate as they sat down during The Notebook’s opening week with the star playing “Younger Noah.” The twins and John discuss Sunday’s Academy Awards telecast, including favorite wins, moments, and the iconic “I’m Just Ken” performance. We catch up with him on The Notebook experience so far, the gorgeous score by Ingrid Michaelson, and creating a seamless character arc with Ryan Vasquez and Dorian Harewood as Noah. John also previews his opening night lewk. Then, he takes us back to his Boston boyhood, the musical influences his mom bestowed upon him, and a figure skating past life. John connects the dots from Next to Normal to Michael Greif in forming his musical theatre passion, coming full circle as the prolific director is co-helming The Notebook with Schele Williams. Some Cleveland (and Baldwin Wallace) love is shared among the boys, as John reminisces on his time on tour with Moulin Rouge. Listen in for his favorite songs to sing as Christian, and the lessons gleaned from his time with Jagged Little Pill (“You Learn” vibes). But wait… there’s more! Dune Part 2 raves, a Drag Race season 16 mid-point check-in, and more top off this amazing chat. We adore John!
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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!

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