My First Show

S3/Ep3: Ashley Park Jan 26, 2022

Originally released November 24, 2020. Ashley Park, currently starring in Season Two of Netflix’s “Emily in Paris,” looks back on growing up and going to college in Ann Arbor, as well as hoofing it at the Pittsburgh CLO. She also discusses her long-term relationship with the role of Millie, former audition song that required a sequined vest, and her hilarious performance as Ashley Gold on “Girls5Eva.”

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S3/Ep2: Mike Faist Jan 19, 2022

Originally released on December 8, 2020. Eva talks with Tony nominee and star of the Golden Globe Award-winning WEST SIDE STORY film. Faist looks back on his Broadway debut in NEWSIES, originating the Connor Murphy in DEAR EVAN HANSEN, and the way in which he forged a sense of brotherhood among the Jets in WEST SIDE STORY. As well as his experiences working with director Steven Spielberg and choreographer Justin Peck.

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S3/Ep1: Uzo Aduba Jan 12, 2022

Originally released August 25, 2020. Eva talks to the always funny and totally remarkable Uzo Aduba (star of CLDYE’S on Broadway) about the production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL that started it all, the art of the talk-sing, and a misunderstanding that may have invented the greatest musical mashup of all time.

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S2/Ep4: Kathryn Gallagher + Peter Gallagher Mar 12, 2021

On this episode, the final installment of My First Show’s mini-season, we observe the one-year anniversary of the Broadway shutdown the only way we know how: by celebrating the hell out of Broadway’s history, future, and magic. Eva talks to Kathryn Gallagher—a Tony nominee for her performance as Bella in JAGGED LITTLE PILL—and her father, Peter Gallagher, who was a 1986 Tony nominee for his performance in LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, at the very same Broadway house, the Broadhurst. And that’s not the only Broadway theater where they have history. Kathryn and Peter also reflect on their shared experiences at the Brooks Atkinson, both on and off-stage, separated by 15 years. From memories of a childhood obsession with ANNIE to Dean Martin impressions, this father-daughter duo brings hilarity and heart to their first-ever joint interview.

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S2/Ep3: Robert O'Hara & Ato Blankson-Wood Mar 04, 2021

On this week’s episode of My First Show's mini-season, Eva is joined by the director of SLAVE PLAY, Robert O’Hara, and one of its stars, Ato Blankson-Wood. Both artists are Tony-nominated for their work on Jeremy O. Harris’ staggering play that made its way from New York Theater Workshop to the Golden in 2019. Robert reflects on the first play he ever wrote for his sixth grade class—an adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs entitled, Ebony and the Seven Kool Kats. Ato explores his evolution from Second-Grade Soloist to making his Broadway debut in HAIR. They both discuss their hope for a more equitable and diverse Broadway, while inventing an iconic new term for post-Trump trauma. Listen and learn.

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S2/Ep2: John Benjamin Hickey & Andrew Burnap Feb 25, 2021

Continuing the “My First Show” mini-season of dynamic duos, Eva talks to Tony Award winner John Benjamin Hickey and Andrew Burnap, both Tony-nominated for their performances in THE INHERITANCE. Andrew and John look back on their long journey with this long play as it progressed from the Young Vic, to the West End, to Broadway, with a run cut short by just a few days. Andrew reflects on the Shakespeare play that keeps coming up for him, and what it felt like to make his Broadway debut. John explores his own Broadway debut in Terrence McNally’s LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, and the through line that connects these remarkable plays, and these two remarkable actors.

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S2/Ep1: LaChanze & Celia Rose Gooding Feb 18, 2021

“My First Show” is back for a very special second season, a “mini-season,” celebrating Broadway and the Tony Awards. As we look to the return of live theater, Eva talks to a powerhouse Broadway mother-daughter duo: Tony Award winner LaChanze and Celia Rose Gooding, a Tony Award nominee for her portrayal of Frankie in Jagged Little Pill. Families who stick together quarantine together, and these two are certainly making the most of their time under one roof. LaChanze explores her start in dinner theater (where dinner was part of the paycheck), path to Broadway, and work with Black Theater United. Celia looks back on her journey with Jagged, and how time in the role—and away from the role—has continued to shape her into the artist and activist she is today.

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S1/Ep21: Michael Riedel Dec 15, 2020

Historian, gossip columnist and brutally honest theater lover Michael Riedel dishes about, well, almost everything on the season one finale of “My First Show.” Michael talks about his two books, including his most recent, SINGULAR SENSATION: THE TRIUMPH OF BROADWAY. Get ready to be regaled: from seeing shows with Stephen Sondheim, to fixing an air conditioner for Alan Rickman, to wine-infused lunches with Dorothy Loudon (of ANNIE fame), this is a journalist who’s seen it all.

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S1/Ep20: Mike Faist Dec 08, 2020

Tony nominee Mike Faist looks back on his Broadway debut in NEWSIES, originating the “dark and brooding” break-out character Connor Murphy in DEAR EVAN HANSEN, and the way in which he forged a sense of brotherhood among the Jets in the upcoming WEST SIDE STORY film. Before starring in Steven Spielberg pictures, Mike enjoyed many a Gene Kelly film. Hear about all this, as well as what cross-country road trips during a pandemic can teach you, on the 20th episode of “My First Show.”

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S1/Ep19: Ashley Park Nov 24, 2020

Ashley Park, star of Broadway’s MEAN GIRLS and Netflix’s “Emily Paris,” looks back on growing up and going to college in Ann Arbor, as well as hoofing it at the Pittsburgh CLO. She also discusses her long-term relationship with the role of Millie, former audition song that required a sequined vest, and upcoming role on Tina Fey’s new show, “Girls5Eva.”

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S1/Ep18: Robin Lord Taylor Nov 17, 2020

Robin Lord Taylor, star of “Gotham” and “You,” looks back on how he fell in love with musical theater by listening to cast albums growing up in Iowa. He also reminisces about his first professional gig with fellow Northwestern alums, his acting influences for his iconic portrayal of Penguin on “Gotham,” and the show that Young Robin and a young Billy Eichner took to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before becoming household names.

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S1/Ep17: Carly Hughes Oct 27, 2020

Carly Hughes, star of ABC’s “American Housewife,” recounts her discovery of musical theater on this episode of MY FIRST SHOW. Passion and hard work propelled Carly to landing classic, leading roles in summer stock theaters and multiple Broadway credits (PIPPIN, BEAUTIFUL). Carly recounts all of this, as well as how her love of the holidays reaches new heights in the upcoming Lifetime film, “The Christmas Edition.”

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S1/Ep16: Alysia Reiner Oct 20, 2020

Actor/Producer/Activist and “Orange is the New Black” and “Better Things” star Alysia Reiner joins Eva to reflect on her most impactful moments as an actor—from seeing A CHORUS LINE as her first Broadway show to meeting her husband in the chorus of EVITA to an industrial for Franciscan monks. Alysia also discusses the equitable work she’s giving life to as a Producer, and what it means to be a female content creator—and mom—during these challenging times.

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S1/Ep15: Dan Fogler Oct 13, 2020

Eva talks to Tony Award-winner Dan Fogler about the creation of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, his work as a comic book creator, and an experience with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF that was… unexpected. Dan speaks to the voyage of making a movie mid-pandemic; with equal parts treachery and joy.

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S1/Ep14: Shakina Nayfack Oct 06, 2020

Eva talks to activist/artist Shakina Nayfack about the shows that impacted her growing up, from BYE, BYE, BIRDIE to THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW; the ways in which she reflects her own life in her work; and what it feels like to be on Must See TV.

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S1/Ep13: Frankie Grande Sep 29, 2020

Shine bright like a Frankie! Eva talks to the one and only Frankie Grande, star of the stage, screen and probably your iPhone. Frankie reminisces on his early days in BYE, BYE, BIRDIE; the children’s show that required him to do a handstand at Radio City Music Hall; and an alternate life as Dr. Grande that could have been.

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S2/Ep12: Greg Berlanti Sep 22, 2020

Find some brightness in our 12th episode, where we talk to film/television giant Greg Berlanti about his early days going to Broadway shows with his mom and the impact LA CAGE AUX FOLLES left on him. We also talk to Greg about his love for LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, from producing the show in college to directing an upcoming feature film adaption! Tune in for all this, as well as some exclusive info on the movie musical we can’t wait to see.

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S1/Ep11: Uzo Aduba Aug 25, 2020

Eva talks to the always funny and totally remarkable Uzo Aduba about the production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL that started it all, the art of the talk-sing, and a misunderstanding that may have invented the greatest musical mashup of all time.

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S1/Ep10: Rachel Bloom Aug 18, 2020

ROLE MODEL ALERT. Eva talks to the one and only Rachel Bloom, creator and star of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," new mom, and general delight. Tune in to hear about how Rachel found her niche, combining musical theater and sketch comedy, and an armchair psychology session for Harold Hill. Our tenth episode is not to be missed.

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S1/Ep9: Barrett Foa Aug 11, 2020

Eva talks to Broadway and television star Barrett Foa. Barrett reflects on his eleven years (!) on NCIS: Los Angeles, how his approach to social media has changed this year, and the Andrew Lloyd Webber show that got his passion for musical theater rolling!

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S1/Ep8: Tiler Peck Aug 04, 2020

Eva talks to New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Tiler Peck. While performances at the Koch Theater are on pause, this Broadway and Ballet star is on anything BUT pause! Tune in to hear about her daily live Instagram dance classes, her new book, "Katarina Ballerina," and a (now) not-so-secret love of the movie Flashdance!

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S1/Ep7: Cynthia Nixon Jul 28, 2020

Stage actor, screen actor, activist, Tony winner, gubernatorial candidate... Just a few things that Cynthia Nixon has achieved thus far in her illustrious career. Eva talks to Cynthia about her thoughts on Governor Cuomo, lessons learned from Blythe Danner and the role that came down to her and Sarah Jessica Parker.

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S1/Ep6: Ali Stroker Jul 21, 2020

#DorothyGoals. Eva talks to her dear friend, Tony Award-winner and Glee Project Finalist/Glee guest star, Ali Stroker. Ali reveals how she got her start from a backyard production of ANNIE (directed by Rachel Antonoff), what accessibility means to her, and a beloved Broadway hippie she’s itching to play!

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S1/Ep5: Barrett Wilbert Weed Jul 14, 2020

Take a trip down memory lane with MEAN GIRLS star Barrett Wilbert Weed, as she unearths old Playbills from her childhood bedroom in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Including the national tour of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, with fellow MEAN GIRLS star Kerry Butler as Belle! Thanks, 1994.

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S1/Ep4: Katie Lowes + Adam Shapiro Jul 07, 2020

Two guests are better than one! Eva speaks with power couple Katie Lowes (Scandal) and Adam Shapiro (Never Have I Ever), TV stars that are theater lovers at their core. Tune in to hear about their time on Broadway in Waitress, running LA’s IAMA Theater Company, and memorable experiences they each had with shows involving chandeliers…

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S1/Ep3: Wayne Brady Jun 30, 2020

Eva talks to Wayne about his early days as a performer at Walt Disney World, the 1970s revival he wishes he could have been a part of, and one his favorite duets from the musical theater canon. Recorded on Juneteenth.

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S1/Ep2: Mo Rocca Jun 23, 2020

A definitively ‘delightful’ episode in which Mo reflects on his experience seeing SHOWBOAT as a young man, the relationship between hard work and fun, his stint in competitive gymnastics, and the world’s most thorough investigation of THE WIZARD OF OZ’s inciting incident.

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S1/Ep1: Jesse Tyler Ferguson Jun 16, 2020

This week, Eva talks to the lovely and hilarious Jesse Tyler Ferguson on MY FIRST SHOW’s very first episode. In addition to being an actor of stage and screen, who makes us laugh and feel, Jesse is an activist who fought for same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights. Tune in to hear Jesse’s stories, ranging from community theater in Albuquerque to his Broadway debut.

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Podcast Trailer May 27, 2020

Like many of us, Eva grew up doing theater.

She attended musical theater camp and loved Broadway musicals. While a true passion, Eva chose to pursue a career in politics. She began by working for the Gore campaign during the infamous 2000 presentational election. She then transitioned to journalism, spending five years with ABC News as an Assignment Editor and Coordinating Producer, where she covered 9/11, the Iraq War, the 2004 Presidential Election, the death of Pope John Paul II, amongst others.

En route towards a successful lifetime career in news, Eva made the decision to follow her original, true passion. In 2005, she left her job at ABC News to pursue a life in the theater, as a producer. The decision to leave a steady job and start from scratch in a famously cutthroat industry was not an easy one. But it certainly paid off. Eva has amassed over 18 Broadway credits and three Tony Awards. And, last year, she had four Broadway shows running simultaneously at one point. Her success can, of course, be attributed to her hard work and tenacity, but also to returning to her first love, building on the passion generated from her formative experiences in the theater—her first shows.

On each episode of My First Show, Eva speaks with a different luminary from the entertainment industry, framing the discussion around four questions:

What was the first show you saw?
What was the first show you were in?
What was your first professional show?
If you could be in any show, anywhere, at any time, what would it be?

Through a lively and personal conversation, Eva explores each guest’s formative experiences, how ambitions became reality and what dream roles still remain.

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