Sean Hayden

HELLO THEATER PEOPLE!! For the first time in FIVE FREAKING YEARS I'm breaking the silence of the Theater People Universe to bring you a VERY SPECIAL episode. A few months ago, I discovered the podcast "Stage Combat"  it's a true crime style THEATER PODCAST in which actor Sean Hayden tells his TRUE horror story of being cast as a lead in the Goodspeed production of "Billy Elliot." It was a dream come true for him, until everything went wrong. I don't' want to give too much away here, but this is the kind of story we NEVER hear in the theater world--one in which an actor does the unthinkable by standing up for himself even when he knows it's going to cost him everything. For this very special episode, we're going to play episode 1 of "Stage Combat" and then stick around for my in-depth interview with Sean. You are not going to believe this story. And you're going to come away inspired. And I can't wait for you to  hear it!Binge all of season 1 of Stage Combat here. And make sure you're subscribed so you'll automatically get the brand new episodes when season 2 premieres on July 25th. 

HELLO THEATER PEOPLE!! For the first time in FIVE FREAKING YEARS I'm breaking the silence of the Theater People Universe to bring you a VERY SPECIAL episode. A few months ago, I discovered the podcast "Stage Combat"  it's a true crime style THEATER PODCAST in which actor Sean Hayden tells his TRUE horror story of being cast as a lead in the Goodspeed production of "Billy Elliot." It was a dream come true for him, until everything went wrong. I don't' want to give too much away here, but this is the kind of story we NEVER hear in the theater world--one in which an actor does the unthinkable by standing up for himself even when he knows it's going to cost him everything. For this very special episode, we're going to play episode 1 of "Stage Combat" and then stick around for my in-depth interview with Sean. You are not going to believe this story. And you're going to come away inspired. And I can't wait for you to  hear it! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2146446" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Binge all of season 1 of Stage Combat here</a>. And make sure you're subscribed so you'll automatically get the brand new episodes when season 2 premieres on July 25th.

WE'RE BACK FOR A SPECIAL EPISODE--Actor Sean Hayden Talks "Stage Combat"--The True Crime / Theater Podcast Everyone Should Be Listening To

Laura Benanti

Laura Benanti needs no introduction, you guys!! The Tony winner and five-time nominee joined me live on the main stage at Broadway con where we chatted like old pals....in front of 2500 people. We swapped parenting stories and talked about everything from 'Women on the Verge,' because I'm still obsessed, to Melania Trump and Stephen Colberet. I'm obsessed with her. Enjoy!

Laura Benanti is Baaaaaaaaack!

Tyler Hanes

Caesar Samayoa

Jenn Colella

Jay Armstrong Johnson

Live From Broadwaycon 2018, we bring you "Being Out on Broadway!" Each BroadwayCon, I ask some of my favorite LGBTQ guests to sit down for a live panel discussion about how it is to be OUT on Broadway. On this year's panel, we discussed everything from dating to politics to polyamory. to the state of union under Trump. I look forward all year to moderating this panel at BroadwayCon. The conversation is always lively and fun and this year was no exception. Enjoy!

Being Out On Broadway Featuring Jenn Colella, Ariana DeBose, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Caesar Samayoa, And Tyler Hanes

Jennifer Ashley Tepper

We're Back! Take a listen to this episode's intro to find out what Patrick and Producer Mike have been up to and how the Theater People production schedule will be a little bit different going forward. AND THEN, prepare ye for our interview with Jennifer Ashley Tepper.We are THRILLED to welcome our friend Jennifer Ashley Tepper to the podcast! Jenn is a writer ("The Untold Stories of Broadway"), producer, director, Programming Director at Feinstein's/54 Below, and all around force of nature. She's currently producing Joe Iconis' "Be More Chill" off-Broadway at NYC's Signature Theater AND is producing / directing the upcoming "The Jonathan Larson" project at Feinstein's/54 Below. She is the embodiment of theater kid living our her dreams on Broadway and I'm obsessed with her. We did this interview sitting on  the floor of her office and I never wanted to leave. Enjoy!

Hey Theater People! Yes, it’s been a minute since our last episode. We will have much more on that in our next episode—an interview with newly minted Tony nominee Lindsay Mendez. You guys, if you haven’t seen "Carousel" yet, RUN, do not walk to the Imperial Theater. The one thing I do want to let you know is that Theater People is NOT going away. And we WILL continue to produce new episodes with Tony winners, Broadway legends, and today’s brightest theater stars. There are going to be some changes to our release schedule, but again more on that next time. Today we’re excited to share a new episode of one of our favorite sister podcasts, "The Ensemblist." After a four month hiatus, "The Ensemblist" is back to share some of their favorite stories from their website. In this episode, they’re sharing some of the very best stories from their blog this spring read by the actors who wrote them including George Abud, Aaron Albano, and Tomar Wilson with stories from Hamilton, The Band’s Visit, and more. And as a special bonus "The Ensemblist" is bringing back their reviews of favorite performances of Broadway ensemblists in their spring round table. So enjoy this episode of "The Ensemblist" and we’ll see you in about two weeks with a brand new episode of Theater People featuring Tony Nominee Lindsay Mendez.

Special Episode: "The Ensemblist" Presents Spring on Broadway

"My So-Called Podcast" is LIVE! Hear Our Hilarious Trailer Here!

Hey theater People! We have big big news! Check it out!

BIG EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!

Adam Kantor

We're SO thrilled to welcome Adam Kantor back to the podcast! When we last chatted with Adam, he was mid-run as Motel in the 2015 Broadway revival of "Fiddler on the Roof." Adam is now back on Broadway as Telephone Guy in "The Band's Visit," one of the most critically acclaimed new musicals of the year. For the episode, we chat about how Adam won the roll, working with creative team (including one of our personal favorites, David Yazbeck) on creating the role, and perfecting his character's haunting and beautiful song "Answer Me."

Adam Kantor Talks "The Band's Visit"

Lea Salonga

YOU GUYS!!!! Sitting down with Lea Salonga for this interview was literally a dream come true. Lea, of course, needs no introduction, but since I have to put something here, here goes: In 1989 she was selected to star as Kim in "Miss Saigon"--first in London and then on Broadway where, of course, she won the Tony Award for her work. She would go on to star in "Les Miserables," "Flower Drum Song," and "Allegiance" to name just a very few shows. She was also the singing voice of Jasmine in the Disney film version of "Aladdin" and Mulan in "Mulan." In the Philippines, where she is a mega-star, she is a co-host of the popular TV show "The Voice" Her credits go on and on and on. And now she's back on Broadway as Erzulie, The Goddess of Love, in Michael Arden's utterly magical production of "Once on this Island" now playing at Circle in the Square. It was one of the high honors of my career to get to meet and chat with Lea. Enjoy!

Lea Salonga Talks "Once On This Island," Bringing "Fun Home" to The Philippines and Reflects on her Legendary Career

Ryann Redmond

You Guys!! We are the biggest Ryann Redmond fans ever! We first fell in love with her in 2012 when she made her Broadway debut as Bridget, the lovably awkward sidekick in "Bring It On: The Musical." From there, she went on to originate roles in "if/Then" and the critically beloved off-Broadway hit "Gigantic." This season she's back on Broadway in the Jimmy Buffet crowd pleaser "Escape To Margaritaville" which begins previews at the Marquis Theater on February 16th. We LOVED chatting with Ryann! enjoy!

Ryann Redmond Talks "Escape To Margaritaville," "Bring It On," "If/Then" and More!

Interviews with Tony Winners, Broadway Legends, and Today's Hottest Theater Stars. Brought to you biweekly by Patrick Hinds and Mike Jensen.

Just wanted to say that girls also acted out newsies in their basement, (and their car and their classroom and everywhere else. Not that I would know anything about that)

On Jeremy Jordan

I just binged this whole show (over about two months) and can&#39;t wait for more!!

O B S E S S E D

Theater People

The Tony, Emmy, Obie, Drama Desk (and every other conceivable) winning and Pulitzer Prize nominated GENIUS talks the upcoming "Hamilton," "In the Heights," and growing up in NYC.

Episode 21: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Krysta Rodriguez

Andy Mientus

Alex Boniello

THEATER PEOPLE!!! We are SO excited to bring you this first-ever cast reunion episode! We are thrilled to welcome Krysta Rodriguez, Andy Mientus, and Alex Boniello to the podcast to discuss the Tony nominated Deaf West production of "Spring Awakening". We recorded this interview with the three of them the day after the Tony nominations were announced, so there was a lot of excitement in the room! We chatted about how they all came to be involved with the show, the excitement and challenges of working alongside deaf actors, and how it feels for their show to have been nominated for a Tony in a season full of stand out shows. So Fun! Enjoy!

Krysta Rodriguez, Andy Mientus, & Alex Boniello: A "Spring Awakening" Reunion (Episode 71)

Laura's interview was so funny, and honest, and inspiring, that we just couldn't stop asking her questions--so we had to make it a two-parter! You loved her in "The Sound of Music," "Swing" (Tony nomination), "Into The Woods," (Tony nomination), "Nine," Gypsy" (Tony WIN), "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" (Tony nomination), NBC's "The Sound of Music Live!" And so many other things. In a word, she's AH-mazing.

Laura Benanti Part 1 (Episode 45)

Jeremy Jordan

This episode has been YEARS in the making. We are so so so excited to welcome Jeremy Jordan to the podcast. .And actually, we sort of tricked him into it. Jeremy initially agreed to sit down for an interview for the "Bonnie and Clyde" episode of our other podcast, Broadway Backstory. But we enjoyed each other so much that he agreed to stick around for what we like to call the "full Theater People." Jeremy made his Broadway debut in 2009 as an understudy in "Rock of Ages." He went on to play Tony twice a week in the Broadway revival of "West Side Story." He originated the role of Clyde Barrow in 2011's "Bonnie and Clyde" (which we are obsessed with) and earned a Tony nomination for originating the role of Jack Kelly in 2012's "Newsies." We love him. Enjoy!

Jeremy Jordan talks "Newsies," "Bonnie & Clyde" and more

Phillipa Soo

You Guuuuuuuuuuys!!! We could not be happier to bring you today’s episode featuring the divine, the lovely, the just ridiculously talented Phillipa Soo. Phillipa created the role of Eliza Hamilton in last year’s off-Broadway production of the smash hit musical Hamilton at the Public Theater and this season she made her Broadway debut in the role. She first rose to fame in the title role of Natasha in the 2013 off Broadway hit 'Natasha Pierre and the Great Commit of 1812.'So, you guys, we have a really special surprise for you at the end of this episode. It’s a first for us. It’s completely related to our interview with Phillipa, but even she doesn't know about it. So stick around after our interview with her, I promise it will be worth it.

Phillipa Soo (Episode 61)

Too funny, brilliant, and downright entertaining for 1 episode, Tony winner Laura Benanti is back for part 2. In this episode we discuss "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," her work on TV, including the hugely popular "Sound of Music Live," her working alongside the Radio City Rockettes in last years's "Spring Spectacular," her live album, and her upcoming book. Oh, and we also talk about that time in high school when she dressed up as Fosca form Stephen Sondheim's "Passion" and went trick or treating for Unicef.

Laura Benanti Part 2 (Episode 46)

Thomas Kail

It was such a thrill to chat with the Tony winning "Hamilton" director all about the magic of that show! We also go all the way back to the beginning and talk "In the Heights," "Lombardi," and the short lived "Magic/Bird." And we, of course, talk "Grease Live" for which Thomas just won the Emmy Award for directing!

"Hamilton" Director Thomas Kail

Laura Osnes

The Tony nominated star of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" and Frank Wildhorn's "Bonnie and Clyde" (among many others) sits down with us to discuss married life, new projects, and, of course, scrapbooking.

Episode 4: Laura Osnes

Rachel Bay Jones

Rachel Bay

YOU GUYS!!  today is the day that we get to bring you our interview with the one and only Rachel Bay Jones. You all helped us book her when you all responded to my call via twitter to let her know just how much we wanted to chat with her. She is amazing and hilarious. She made her Broadway debut in 1989 in "Meet me in St Louis", She was in the recent Broadway revival of "Hair", she has a HILARIOUS story of understudying Patti LuPone in "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" that she shares with us here. You probably also remember her as Catherine in the 2013 revival of "Pippin." And if you’re anything like me, you’ve been crying your eyes out listening to her and the rest of the cast on the recently released cast album of "Dear Evan Hansen" in which she stars as Heidi Hansen, Evan’s mom. We did this interview in her dressing room just before a show. She was warm and delightful and I LOVED chatting with her! Enjoy!

Dear Evan Hansen's Rachel Bay Jones (Episode 97)

Eva Noblezada

You Guys, I said it the day it happened and I'll say it again: The chat I had with Miss Saigon's Eva Noblezada is one of the most memorable I've ever had. I can't put my finger on exactly why, but I found her to be SO charming and SO funny and SO downright personable that I just wanted to talk to her for hours. I won't give too much away here, but her story of being literally plucked from obscurity--with NO professional theatrical credits--to lead the company of the "Miss Saigon" revival is amazing. She is such a delight! Enjoy!

Eva Noblezada: Miss Saigon's Leading Lady

Karen Olivo

The Tony winning actress made headlines when, at the absolute height of her career, she decided to step away from acting and move to Madison, WI to pursue other passions and interests. She discusses this decision, what she's up to now, her work in "In the Heights", and Tony winning performance as Anita in the 2009 Arthur Laurents helmed production of "West Side Story."

Episode 17: Karen Olivo

Michael Park

The handsome and charming Michael Park is currently co-starring in this season's hottest new musical, "Dear Evan Hansen." Michael has been a working NYC-based actor for almost 25 years. He got his start off-Broadway in the almost legendary productions of Michael John Lachiusa's "Hello Again" and Jeanine Tesori's "Violet." Prior to "Dear Evan Hansen", his Broadway credits include "Carousel," "Smoky Joe's Cafe," and one of my favorites from last season, "Tuck Everlasting." We loved chatting with this guy! Enjoy!

Dear Evan Hansen's Michael Park (Episode 94)

Lindsay Mendez

The beloved Broadway beltress shares stories of moving to NYC fresh out of high school and booking her fist Broadway gig. She also tells all about her incredible career, including being hand picked by the legendary director Joe Mantello to star Off-Broadway in "Dogfight,"  and, of course, taking on the role of Elphaba in the Broadway company of "Wicked."

Episode 28: Lindsay Mendez

Derek Klena

The handsome, charming, and talented Derek Klena invited us to his dressing room at the Broadhurst theater to chat about starring in "Anastasia." He also shared the AMAZING story of his road to professional acting, and his work in "Carrie: The Musical," "Wicked," and "Dogfight." Enjoy!

Derek Klena talks "Anastasia," Wicked," Dogfight" And More!

Annaleigh Ashford

Everybody say Yeah! The Tony nominated Kinky Boots star drops by to discuss her career, go-go dancing with Lady Gaga, and why she loves playing hookers. OMG, OMG You Guys, this episode is awesome.

Episode 3: Annaleigh Ashford

When Sierra Boggess made her Broadway debut in 2008 in the title role of the hit Disney musical 'The Little Mermaid,' she  became an overnight not just star, but also idol, role model, sensation even in a way that happens so rarely to person appearing on a Broadway stage for the first time. She, of course, went on to star in the Broadway revival of 'Master Class opposite' Tyne Daily and as Christine Daae in  London’s West End production of 'Love Never Dies,' Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to the Phantom of the Opera. I first got to witness the greatness that is Sierra Boggess on stage in last season’s 'It Shoulda Been You'—a show that I found to be so special for a variety of reasons that we’ll get into in this interview. She is currently starring as Rosalee Mullins, the sort of tight lipped, rulsey principal in the brand new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical 'School of Rock'—a show that frequent listeners know that I am completely obsessed with. I love this interview for a lot of reasons. Not the lease of which being that we did the interview in Sierra’s dressing room about 90 minutes prior to an evening performance and I think it really captures the bustle and energy of the backstage of  a Broadway theater just before showtime.  At one point we’re interrupted—good naturedly—by a stage manager, The charming Alex Brightman makes  a small cameo, oh and then there was the moment Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber himself spoke over the PA system. Anyway, Sierra is a force of nature and just as brilliant as you imagine she is. It was so much fun to chat with here. Enjoy our conversation!

Sierra Boggess (Episode 60)

Megan Hilty

YOU GUYS!!!! We don't even know what to say!!! Megan Hilty is a dream and a delight and a perfect guest! She is just as warm, charming, and fabulous as you're imagining. AND she makes a killer espresso!Megan made her Broadway debut as Glinda in the Broadway cast of 'Wicked,'--a role she would go on to do briefly on the national tour before creating the role for the Los Angeles sit down production. She went on to star in '9 to 5 The Musical' before being cast in the career making role of Ivy Lynn on TV's 'Smash.' She is now back on Broadway as Brooke Ashton in Roundabout Theatre Company's production of 'Noises Off.' She is unbelievably charming and hilarious! Don't forget, tickets are now on sale for our Live Summer Series! Just $10 to see Lesli Margherita, Laura Osnes, and Lindsay Mendez live! All the details and tickets can be found on our website: www.theaterppl.com. Click the 'Summer Series' tab.

YOU GUYS!!!! We don't even know what to say!!! Megan Hilty is a dream and a delight and a perfect guest! She is just as warm, charming, and fabulous as you're imagining. AND she makes a killer espresso!Megan made her Broadway debut as Glinda in the Broadway cast of 'Wicked,'--a role she would go on to do briefly on the national tour before creating the role for the Los Angeles sit down production. She went on to star in '9 to 5 The Musical' before being cast in the career making role of Ivy Lynn on TV's 'Smash.' She is now back on Broadway as Brooke Ashton in Roundabout Theatre Company's production of 'Noises Off.' She is unbelievably charming and hilarious! Don't forget, tickets are now on sale for our Live Summer Series! Just $10 to see Lesli Margherita, Laura Osnes, and Lindsay Mendez live! All the details and tickets can be found on our website: <a href="http://www.theaterppl.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.theaterppl.com</a>. Click the 'Summer Series' tab.

Megan Hilty (Episode 59)

Mandy Gonzalez

WE"RE OBSESSED! We had the MOST fun hanging out with Mandy Gonzalez in her dressing room backstage at the Richard Rodgers Theater before a performance of "Hamilton." It had been less than two weeks since she'd taken over the role of Angelica, and she still hadn't completely moved in!Mandy made her Broadway debut in 2000 in "Aida" as the Amnneris standby-she eventually took the role over full time. She went on to originate roles in "The Dance of the Vampires" and "Lennon" before winning her breakout role as Nina in Lin-Manuel Miranda's "In the Heights"--a role she originated in the show's pre-Off Broadway days. She went on to take over the role of Elphaba in "Wicked," and can now be seen eight times a week in the hottest show on Broadway--"Hamilton."

Mandy Gonzalez (Episode 88)

We are SOOOOO excited to finally welcome everyone's favorite Screltress, Shoshana Bean to the show! As if I need to tell you guys, Shoshana made her Broadway debut in 2002 in the original cast of "Hairspray." She, of course went on to be the first replacement for the role of Elphaba in the Broadway company of "Wicked." She is also beloved internationally as a recording artist with her chart-topping albums "Superhero," "O'Farrell Street," and "Shadows to Light." We LOVE her! Enjoy!

Shoshana Bean (Episode 98)

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Global Issues

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!