The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Latest Episodes:

Ep331 - David Korins: Don't Do Stupid Things May 31, 2024

Show notes

Four time Tony Awards nominee David Korins lets us into his world as he talks about his creative process and the intricacies of set design. He shares insights into his work's detailed and often granular nature, emphasizing the importance of even the smallest elements in creating a believable world for actors and audiences alike. He discusses set design for complex productions like “Beetlejuice”, and how he and director Alex Timbers viewed the house as a character itself, which led to numerous model versions to perfect the design. For “Hamilton”, he recounts starting with imaginative sketches and how the final design emerged through collaboration and feedback. While it might not make sense to the audience at times, David underscores the importance of (unseen) detailed set elements, and how they play an important role in helping actors perform authentically. He reflects on coming up with set designs for different mediums and finding new techniques to make his visions come to life, highlighting the evolving role of technology in set design and using Dear Evan Hansen and “The Who’s Tommy” as examples. With countless visions realized, David reveals that ultimately, he gets his motivation from the desire to help others realize their own.

David Korins is an internationally recognized award-winning creative director and designer responsible for creating 360-degree, fully immersive, holistic experiences for some of the biggest stars, brands, and events worldwide and in theatre and Broadway. He brought to life the environments for smash hits like “Hamilton”, “Dear Evan Hansen”, “Beetlejuice”, and “Mrs. Doubtfire”, among many others. He's worked as a creative director for Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Sia, and Andrea Bocelli to bring their musical visions to the stage. His film and TV experience includes series on HBO, CBS, Bravo, IFC, and PBS. He received the 2016 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special for “Grease: Live”. His scenic designs were seen last season in the play, “Just for Us”, and this season's “Here Lies Love” and “The Who’s Tommy”.

Connect with David:

Instagram: @davidkorins
Twitter: @DavidKorins

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep330 - Hannah Cruz: Ultra Competitiveness Led Her to Broadway May 28, 2024

Show notes

Thanks to her competitiveness in sports and being a “terrible loser”, Hannah Cruz found her way into performing and theatre. She shares insights into her journey, including going viral on YouTube and getting asked to audition for “Legally Blonde”, and eventually moving to New York. She opens up about the pressures of performing, including the constant self-doubt and anxiety she experiences, her struggles with perfectionism, and the internal battle to find validation in her work. Having played complex characters such as Eliza in “Hamilton”, and Robin in “The Connector”, she sheds light on the emotional depth required to portray them, the research process involved in preparing for these roles, and the personal connections she has forged with her characters. As someone who learned from her co-actors’ tough love, Hannah believes that for musical theatre, you don’t necessarily have to go to school to be the best. Currently making her Broadway debut as Inez Milholland in “SUFFS”, she shares how it differs from pre-Broadway, why silence is essential (and powerful) in a show, and the importance of providing the most truthful performance to the audience.

Hannah Cruz was most recently seen in the off-Broadway production of “The Connector”. Her additional off-Broadway credits include “Only Gold” and “SUFFS”. On tour and regionally, she was seen in “Hamilton”, “Bullets Over Broadway”, “The Da Vinci Code”, and “Young Frankenstein”. She is now making her Broadway debut in the Broadway transfer of “SUFFS”, playing the incomparable Inez Milholland.

Connect with Hannah:

Instagram: @thisishannahcruz
Twitter: @heyhannahcruz

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep329 - Brent Comer: Accidentally Discovering A Love for Theatre May 24, 2024

Show notes

Brent Comer caught the theater bug by accident in high school when he signed up for musical theatre class instead of a news casting class – and he hasn’t stopped performing since. While it was cut short for a bit during the pandemic, his passion for performing did not waver. He opens up about his struggles as an actor during the lockdown, learning how to do self-tapes, and why it hurt his heart to see a Zoom musical because the whole magic for him was being present. Currently starring as Daryl Curtis in the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” he shares insights into his character, Danya Taymor’s unique audition process, and the broader themes explored in the show. Growing up in a household of predominantly male family members, he reflects on the impact of his upbringing on his portrayal of Daryl, highlighting the character's struggle to communicate and be seen authentically. He reflects on the authenticity of human interactions in contrast to what he terms as "robotic pleasantries", and the importance of experiencing life and connecting with others to fuel artistic creativity.

Brent Comer is an actor previously seen in the “Les Misérables” National Tour and in the La Jolla production of “The Outsiders”. He just made his Broadway debut as Daryl Curtis at the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” which was also recently nominated for 12 Tony Awards.

Connect with Brent:

Instagram: @_brentcomer_

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep328 - Jason Schmidt: My Ego Loves The Outsiders May 21, 2024

Show notes

Jason Schmidt and Alan Seales discussed their experiences in music and acting, including the challenges of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Schmidt shared his personal approach to writing music, drawing from his own experiences and emotions, while I emphasized the importance of authenticity and perseverance in the face of hardships. Both speakers highlighted the transformative potential of artistic expression in healing personal struggles. We both shared our experiences as an outsider in various contexts, including high school and a Broadway production of "The Outsiders"'

Connect with Jason:

IG/TikTok: @jason.s.schmidt

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep327 - Justin Levine: Orchestrating Almost Completely by Ear May 17, 2024

Show notes

A multifaceted talent known for his work as a book writer, composer, and lyricist, Justin Levine delves deep into the creative process behind his works, particularly "The Outsiders" musical adaptation. He draws parallels between his work on that production and his involvement with "Moulin Rouge." He also discusses the balance of honoring the original source material while also infusing the adaptation with a fresh perspective and vision. He shares how the team encourages each other to contribute ideas beyond their traditional roles, emphasizing the collaborative nature of musical theater and describing the process as a relay race. Justin challenges stereotypes about musical theater, arguing that it's a misunderstood art form with deep cultural significance. He highlights the influence of musicals on popular music and culture – as proven when he was asked by Anna Wintour to do the music for the Met Gala to celebrate Broadway coming back. With long credits under his name, he still encourages people to prioritize personal well-being, maintain meaningful relationships, and pursue work that aligns with one's passions above anything else.

Justin Levine is a theater book writer, lyricist, music supervisor, and orchestral arranger with Broadway credits that include “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson”, “Moulin Rouge!”, and “Here Lies Love”. His additional credits include creating original music for Shakespeare in the Park’s “A Midsummer Night's Dream”, arranging vocals for Vevo x Lorde - Melodrama, music directing “Love's Labour's Lost”, music directing “The Robber Bridegroom” at the Roundabout Theatre, and music directing “Murder Ballad” at MTC and Union Square Theatre. He is now the co-book writer, co-lyricist, music supervisor, and orchestral arranger for Broadway’s “The Outsiders”.

Connect with Justin:

Instagram: @justinlevine

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep326 - Brody Grant: He's Got Great Expectations May 10, 2024

Show notes

For Brody Grant, his bug for performing all started with his love for Star Wars. He shares insights into his journey from being a shy kid and relating to the original "The Outsiders" book to receiving a Tony nomination for his role as Ponyboy (it’s just destiny!). He reflects on the significance of the book and how it resonated with both him and his mom, one of the most important people in his life. Brody discusses his initial audition experience, feeling uncertain about pursuing acting amidst his focus on music and songwriting. His passion for acting and love for "The Outsiders" persisted, eventually leading to his casting as Soda Pop and later as Ponyboy. Brody highlights the supportive and collaborative environment fostered by their director, Danya Taymor, emphasizing the importance of chosen family and genuine connections among the cast members. He shares moments of vulnerability and bonding during rehearsals, where checking in with one another became a norm, fostering a sense of trust and camaraderie. Nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, he recalls how he found out about it through his mom, and the overwhelming support he got from his family and friends–proving that “if you continue to water the seed of the garden that you're in, you're going to end up with a forest and it's going to be beautiful.”

Brody Grant is a New York-based, multi-hyphenate independent recording artist who has appeared in productions like “Parade” at the New York City Center and “The Outsiders” at La Jolla Playhouse. He just made his Broadway debut in “The Outsiders” as Ponyboy Michael Curtis, which has already nabbed him a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.

Connect with Brody:

Instagram: @brody_grant
TikTok: @brody_grant

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep325 - Emma Pittman: The Search for Roxie Leads to The Outsiders May 07, 2024

Show notes

Emma Pittman’s been “live, laugh, love-ing” dance ever since she was two years old–at least until she discovered in high school that it’s best partnered with acting. She looks back on her “The Search for Roxie” experience, winning and not being able to tell it to anyone right away, and the show getting postponed because of the pandemic. She shares her journey with the production of “The Outsiders”, including her early connection with the show, having read the book and performed in a play adaptation in high school. Emma describes the unique ensemble-based approach of the play and how it resonated with her. One standout moment she discusses is her audition process for the play, highlighting the personal connection established by director Danya Tamor, who prioritized genuine conversations with the actors during the audition process. Emma opens up about her personal experiences, including her life in high school and the challenge of breaking free from preconceived notions. She also talks about the impact of "The Outsiders" on younger audiences, and the profound effect of the show's raw and visceral scenes, particularly the rumble. In an industry where it’s easy to get boxed into a particular type, Emma imparts advice on embracing one's uniqueness and staying true to oneself wherever you go.

Emma Pittman is a Mississippi native who graduated from New York City's Wagner College. In late 2019, she won “The Search for Roxie”, an online contest to find the next Roxie for “Chicago” on Broadway. After she won, she made her Broadway debut in 2022, replacing Pamela Anderson. Her regional credits include Janet in the drowsy chaperone and Lola in damn Yankees. She's also a teaching artist, a director, and a choreographer. Her choreography credits include “On the 20th Century,” “In the Woods,” and “The Cradle Will Rock”. She was part of the original cast of Broadway’s “Back to the Future,” and is now making audiences cry eight times a week as Cherry Valance in “The Outsiders”, which just received 12 Tony nominations.

Connect with Emma:

Instagram: @emmapittmanofficial
TikTok: @emmapittmanofficial

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep324 - Rick & Jeff Kuperman: It Always Starts with the Rumble May 03, 2024

Show notes

Rick and Jeff Kuperman talk about their roles as choreographers for the Broadway production of "The Outsiders," diving deep into various aspects of the show's creation, from choreography and staging to its technical elements like sound and lighting. The two share how their collaboration with Danya Taymor began, their non-traditional theatre practices, and the story behind “The Outsiders” choreography, particularly the rumble scene. Apart from theatre and directing, Rick and Jeff share their other interests, such as Jeff's appreciation for Russian literature and Rick's fascination with philosophical introspection. With their success, the two reflect on the role of luck and how things aligned for them, the pride they take in their work, and the collaborative aspect of their job, highlighting the importance of teamwork, creativity, and dedication to storytelling.

Rick and Jeff Kuperman is a directing and choreographing team with many projects that you've seen on stage and screen. Their recent highlights include co-directing and choreographing the immersive show from the producers of “Sleep No More”, choreographing a new musical adaptation of “The Outsiders”, which just opened, and choreographing “Alice by Heart” which won the Lucille Lortel Award, the Chita Rivera Award, and the Callaway Award for Outstanding Choreography. They've also worked on “Cyrano” with Peter Dinklage, Phish at Madison Square Garden, and choreographed the feature film, “Dicks: The Musical”, which you can find streaming online. Other camera work includes “Living With Yourself” with Paul Rudd, and “Silent Retreat”.

Connect with Rick and Jeff:

Website: kupermanbrothers.com
Instagram: @kupermanbrothers

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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Ep323 - Danya Taymor: Captaining 'The Outsiders' Ship Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the first of many episodes for 'The Outsiders' takeover here on the podcast!

Tony Award Nominee(!) Danya Taymor didn’t know that she was going to stick with theater until she was towards the end of her college career. She’s enjoyed being a director (or the captain of the ship, as they say) since then. She recalls doing plays in Duke and why it was a gift that allowed her to try and fail, and hone her directing style. Currently manning the ship for Broadway’s Tony Award Nominated “The Outsiders”, she discusses her experiences leading up to the opening night of the show, her creative process, and the challenges of bringing a beloved story to the stage. As a director, she emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of the collective health of a project and knowing when to stop working on it. She talks about how the show resonates with the younger audiences, her approach to make the show appealing and relatable to the youth, and the warmup they do every day to cultivate a safe space for the actors and crew. Dayna also looks back on her experience directing "Pass Over," the first Broadway show to reopen after the shutdown due to the pandemic. She describes it as an honor and a divine experience, and how it has been a blessing throughout her career. She shares the collaborative nature of directing, the importance of caring for actors' well-being and feeling their energies, and her belief in the healing power of theater.

Danya Taymor is a New York-based director who reopened Broadway with the play, “Pass Over”. Her other works include the out-of-town production of “The Outsiders”, Samuel Beckett's “Endgame”, Will Arbery's Pulitzer Prize finalist, “Heroes of the Fourth Turning”, “Evanston Salt Costs Climbing”, and Jeremy O'Harris’ “Daddy”. She's the recipient of the Joan Cullman Award for Extraordinary Creativity from Lincoln Center. Her latest credit is the Broadway production of “The Outsiders”, which just opened at the Jacobs Theater.

Connect with Danya:

Website: about.me/danyataymor

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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BONUS - 2024 Tony Nominations Recap Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

Full list of 2024 nominees here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/theater/tony-awards-nominations.html

Find more of The Theatre Podcast at http://bpn.fm/ttp

Best Musical

- Hell's Kitchen

- Illinoise

- The Outsiders

- Suffs

- Water for Elephants

Best Play

- Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Author: Jocelyn Bioh

- Mary Jane, Author: Amy Herzog

- Mother Play, Author: Paula Vogel

- Prayer for the French Republic, Author: Joshua Harmon

- Stereophonic, Author: David Adjmi

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

- William Jackson Harper, Uncle Vanya

- Leslie Odom, Jr., Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

- Liev Schreiber, Doubt: A Parable

- Jeremy Strong, An Enemy of the People

- Michael Stuhlbarg, Patriots

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

- Betsy Aidem, Prayer for the French Republic

- Jessica Lange, Mother Play

- Rachel McAdams, Mary Jane

- Sarah Paulson, Appropriate

- Amy Ryan, Doubt: A Parable

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

- Brody Grant, The Outsiders

- Jonathan Groff, Merrily We Roll Along

- Dorian Harewood, The Notebook

- Brian d'Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses

- Eddie Redmayne, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

- Eden Espinosa, Lempicka

- Maleah Joi Moon, Hell's Kitchen

- Kelli O'Hara, Days of Wine and Roses

- Maryann Plunkett, The Notebook

- Gayle Rankin, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

- Will Brill, Stereophonic

- Eli Gelb, Stereophonic

- Jim Parsons, Mother Play

- Tom Pecinka, Stereophonic

- Corey Stoll, Appropriate

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

- Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Doubt: A Parable

- Juliana Canfield, Stereophonic

- Celia Keenan-Bolger, Mother Play

- Sarah Pidgeon, Stereophonic

- Kara Young, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

- Roger Bart, Back To The Future: The Musical

- Joshua Boone, The Outsiders

- Brandon Victor Dixon, Hell's Kitchen

- Sky Lakota-Lynch, The Outsiders

- Daniel Radcliffe, Merrily We Roll Along

- Steven Skybell, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

- Shoshana Bean, Hell's Kitchen

- Amber Iman, Lempicka

- Nikki M. James, Suffs

- Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Monty Python's Spamalot

- Kecia Lewis, Hell's Kitchen

- Lindsay Mendez, Merrily We Roll Along

- Bebe Neuwirth, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Connect with The Theatre Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
TheTheatrePodcast.com
My personal Instagram: @alanseales

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