The Theatre Podcast With Alan Seales

Originally recorded for my other podcast Was It Chance? with my co-host Heather Vickery, this conversation with director, producer, educator, and author David Armstrong felt like a perfect fit for The Theatre Podcast as well. David shares stories from his remarkable 40-year career in theatre — including his years leading Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre, where he helped develop Hairspray before it became a Broadway smash. We dive into his new book, Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical, and explore how marginalized voices shaped the art form we love today. From childhood performances in Cincinnati to mentoring future generations through his course at the University of Washington and his Broadway Nation podcast, David embodies what it means to take creative risks, honor history, and build the future of theatre. Make sure to check out Was It Chance? wherever you are listening now. Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invent

Tony Award–winner Ariel Stachel sits down for a candid and deeply personal conversation about his new Off-Broadway solo show Other. More than just a performance piece, the show is a marathon of vulnerability — exploring identity, anxiety, and the pressure to belong — and Ariel shares how it feels to put his entire self on stage for 90 minutes without a break. We talk about why he treats performing like athletic training, why therapy has become a non-negotiable part of his process, and how he went from hiding his background and struggles to embracing them as the very heart of his art. His honesty about anxiety, identity, and purpose reveals a side of Broadway life we don’t often get to see. Ariel Stachel is a Tony and Grammy Award–winning actor, singer, and writer. He won the 2018 Tony Award for his Broadway debut as Haled in The Band’s Visit. His screen work includes Zola, Don’t Worry Darling, and The Night Agent. With Other, he steps into the role of both writer and performer, bringing his story of identit

The cult-favorite film Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion has officially made the leap to the stage, and we got a front-row seat at the press day for Romy & Michele: The Musical. From the long road of development to the joy-filled energy the show brings today, this conversation takes us inside the creative journey of bringing Romy and Michele’s world to New York. Across a series of interviews, the cast and creative team share why this story of friendship and self-acceptance feels more timely than ever. With insight, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs, they reflect on the movie’s lasting influence, what it means to revisit these characters onstage, and how the musical balances comedy, heart, and pure fun. Interviewees (in order): Jordan Kai Burnett (Heather Mooney) & Michael Thomas Grant (Sandy Frink) Robin Schiff (writer of the original screenplay and book of the musical) & Kristin Hanggi (director) Steven Soucy (co-lead producer) Laura Bell Bundy (Michele) & Kara Lindsay (Romy) Connect with T

Marisha Wallace brings both powerhouse vocals and fearless honesty to this conversation, diving deep into what it really means to lead Cabaret during one of the most politically charged times in recent memory. She shares how audience reactions shifted depending on the day’s headlines, and how she embraced the role not just as entertainment, but as activism—using art to help people process the world around them. From growing up in North Carolina to moving to London on a week’s notice, Marisha’s journey is anything but ordinary. She reflects on the leaps of faith that shaped her career, the moments when following her gut changed everything, and the surreal honor of performing for the King of England. Her story is a reminder that perseverance, self-belief, and courage to break molds can create opportunities where none seem to exist. Marisha Wallace is an Olivier Award–nominated actress and singer. She starred as Sally Bowles in Cabaret on Broadway, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, and Ado

Originally aired as episode 120 on December 9, 2020. Nik Walker is an artist, educator, and activist who made his Broadway debut in Motown The Musical. He spent 3 years with the Broadway and touring companies of Hamilton, adding both Aaron Burr and George Washington to his resume. Other stage credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (off-Broadway), and regional productions at La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe and The Denver Center, to name a few. He can also be seen on TV in Law & Order: SVU. Nik is a self-proclaimed cinefile and theme park nerd, and co-hosts his own movie analysis podcast called Little Justice The Podcast. He also co-hosts a video series on Broadwayworld.com called The Chaos Twins. Nik currently leads the Broadway cast of Ain’t Too Proud playing Otis Williams, and is an adjunct professor at his alma mater, New York University. Nik shares that his mother worked a job as a news anchor when he was growing up, so she wasn’t really home a lot. So it was movies that played babysitter and kept h

When two podcasts collide, the conversation gets wild — and that’s exactly what happened when Mike Abrams of The Wrong Cat Died joined me for this crossover episode with actor Ian Knauer. We cover Ian’s journey through Broadway, the West End, regional theater, and even his time performing on Disney Cruise Line. Along the way, Ian shares the perseverance it took to finally land Cats after years of auditioning, what it was like stepping into the role of Jafar at sea, and how those experiences shaped his career both onstage and off. Of course, with Mike in the room, we couldn’t resist diving headfirst into the eternal Cats debate — was Grizabella really the right choice, or did the wrong cat die? Ian makes a compelling case for Old Deuteronomy, and things only get livelier from there. From cruise ship lore to Broadway memories to a game of “Did the Wrong Cat Die?” reimagined with iconic stage and screen deaths, this episode is equal parts thoughtful and hilarious. Ian Knauer’s career spans Broadway (Anastasia)

Jack Viertel has quietly shaped Broadway for decades, guiding landmark productions from behind the scenes while rarely stepping into the spotlight himself. In this conversation, he opens up about the art and the business of theatre, reflecting on how shows get chosen, how failures and successes both shape a career, and why Broadway has always been in a cycle of decline and rebirth. We also wander into the bigger picture — what the industry is doing right, where it stumbles, and what it will take to keep live theatre thriving for future generations. Of course, Jack’s influence isn’t limited to the stage. He’s also a writer with a brand-new crime thriller, The Glass Eel, co-written with his son Josh. Described as “Breaking Bad on the coast of Maine,” the novel dives into the murky world of baby eels, environmental stakes, and the dark edges of human ambition. Jack shares how the story came to life, what it was like to collaborate with family, and why storytelling — in any form — remains at the heart of his wor

Burke Swanson brings the heart, humor, and metaphysical musings to this episode in a way that’s rare and deeply refreshing. From his early days as a third-grader doing stand-up at a summer camp to stepping into the Netflix universe as Hopper Jr. in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Burke shares the moments that shaped him—and the ones that continue to ground him. We go well beyond credits to talk about the importance of ensemble energy, the spiritual nature of collaboration, and how 65% of his audience are seeing theater for the first time thanks to this production. That’s no small ripple effect. We also talk about what it means to chase artistic expression when you’re not even sure what form it’ll take, and how acting might just be the day job that funds your actual art. Whether it’s football plays as choreography, crying backstage during a surprise Season 5 trailer drop, or reflecting on experimental poetry zines, this one is full of unexpected gems. Burke is equal parts philosopher, clown, and community-

What happens when one of the biggest TV shows in the world makes the leap to Broadway? Alison Jaye takes us behind the scenes of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, where she steps into the role of Joyce Maldonado in a production unlike anything Broadway has ever seen. With audiences made up largely of first-time theatergoers, Alison describes what it feels like when the show plays like a full-on rollercoaster one night and like a hushed movie the next. She also opens up about the collaboration that shaped her character, the three-year journey from top-secret workshops to opening night, and why she calls Broadway the “Olympics of theater.” In this candid conversation, Alison talks about sustaining the physical, vocal, and mental energy needed for such a demanding role, and how she keeps curiosity and honesty at the center of her artistry. From discovering the surprises hidden within this massive production to finding joy in the unpredictability of live audiences, Alison brings humor, humility, and insight to

Gerianne Pérez joins us for a candid and hilarious conversation about her winding path from choir kid to Broadway scene-stealer. She shares how an early love of a cappella shaped her artistry, why walking away from a “safe” office job was the best decision she ever made, and what it’s like to audition for Six in front of a room full of other queens going for the same role. We get into her current adventure in Operation Mincemeat, where she covers multiple roles and leans into the joy—and chaos—of live theater, from botched hat tosses to full-on breaking on stage. Gerianne also opens up about navigating performance anxiety, the nuanced realities of being a Latina performer in a typecasting-heavy industry, and the thrill of telling a story that honors forgotten heroes of history. Whether she’s singing backup for a fellow principal, leading the charge as Monty, or making the audience laugh through an unexpected mishap, Gerianne embodies resilience, humor, and heart at every turn. Gerianne Pérez is an NYU Tisch

Alex Serino didn’t take the “traditional” path to Broadway, but his journey is one fueled by community, heart, and hustle. A proud Boston native, Alex grew up surrounded by music, theater, and an extended family that felt more like a village. From band kid to puppeteering Audrey II, to a standout performance in The SpongeBob Musical and hosting Emerson’s EVVY Awards, his love of performance kept evolving until it landed him on one of Broadway’s biggest stages. We talk about the defining moments—from playing Uno with a Boston accent to discovering his passion for acting (with a little help from his cousins)—that led him to the role of Albus Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This episode dives into what it means to find your place in a new city, how to hold onto your authentic self in high-stakes environments, and why Alex never hesitates to ask for help. He opens up about the vulnerability of auditioning, the surreal experience of being cast in a Broadway show before even having an agent, and the o

Ayanna Nicole Thomas didn’t follow a traditional path to Broadway—but that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling. After growing up between the Bronx and LA, she eventually made her way back to New York to study musical theatre. But right before her senior year, she booked her Broadway debut in How to Dance in Ohio—a show that celebrates neurodivergence and gave her a sense of belonging she didn’t expect. Now, she’s playing Rose Granger-Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, bringing her own warmth and humor to a character born from one of the world’s most beloved franchises. In this conversation, Ayanna opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and how that diagnosis helped her better understand her brain and her process. She shares how she uses Play-Doh and fidget toys backstage, what it was like to be a Broadway swing, and how she balances structure with spontaneity in a show filled with choreography, magic, and fireballs. She’s charming, thoughtful, and not afraid to let her Bronx

Aaron Bartz brings a grounded, thoughtful energy to the role of Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and in this conversation, he shares just how much life and imagination go into keeping the magic alive night after night. From flying and fire to illusions and high-stakes contingencies, Aaron walks us through what it’s like to debut on Broadway in one of the most technically demanding plays out there—and why so many actors in the production come from classical Shakespeare backgrounds. We also explore Aaron’s journey from Great Falls, Montana to the Lyric Theatre in NYC, including a pivotal classroom moment that set him on the path to acting, and how a love of storytelling (and a little persistence) helped him land gigs that ultimately led to an MFA from Yale. Now a father of two, Aaron reflects on how playing Draco as a parent has shifted his own understanding of growth, vulnerability, and legacy. Aaron Bartz is an actor and writer currently starring as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cur

From playing the oboe in northern Minnesota to casting spells as Ginny Potter on Broadway, Sarah Killough's story is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Sarah chats about her early musical roots, growing up surrounded by theater in a creatively rich family, and the pivotal decision to attend Interlochen as a teenager. She shares how she carved her path through school, summer stock, and eventually New York City—where a survival job as an audition reader turned into a backstage pass to the industry and a surprising pipeline to major roles. Now captivating audiences eight shows a week in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Sarah discusses the emotional weight of the role, the fandom surrounding the show, and what it’s like to portray a character as iconic as Ginny. She reflects on being part of casting processes from the other side of the table, the joys and challenges of working in a high-tech, high-stakes production, and what it means when fans tell her she is the “book Ginny.” Full of heart, humor, and a

Matthew James Thomas opens up in this heartfelt conversation about his journey from a rebellious, bullied teen in the English countryside to finding truth and belonging on stage. Growing up feeling misunderstood, he found safety and purpose in acting, discovering early on that truth-telling through performance was his way of making sense of the world. He shares the emotional weight he carries playing Harry Potter on Broadway, how he navigates the show’s intense emotional peaks night after night, and why live theatre never gets old — even after over 135 performances. We also dive into the legacy of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, his love-hate relationship with social media, and why he believes musicals are only great when they get it exactly right. And yes, there’s some mutual fan-girling over Severance, a hilarious attempt at explaining Les Misérables, and plenty of insight into what makes live theatre both terrifying and electrifying. Matthew James Thomas is a British actor, director, and songwriter. He or

Rachel Christopher brings a poet’s heart and a scholar’s mind to the stage eight times a week as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. In this conversation, she opens up about her lifelong love of language, her background in translating ancient Greek poetry, and the deeply personal connection she feels to storytelling—both on stage and off. Whether she’s talking about her time at Epcot or reflecting on how imagination shaped her childhood, Rachel reveals just how much joy and intention she pours into her work. From cooking lamb meatballs and tending to her city garden to revisiting classic Greek texts, Rachel’s passions outside of theater are just as vibrant as the characters she portrays. She shares what it means to step into the legacy of Hermione, how theater expands what we imagine is possible, and why making space for community and curiosity is at the heart of her artistry. Rachel Christopher is an actor and poet currently playing Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child o

Theatre and magic collide as Erik Christopher Peterson kicks off a seven-episode Harry Potter and the Cursed Child cast takeover on the podcast. In this deep-dive conversation, Erik reflects on growing up with a theatre educator dad, trading in his baseball glove for the stage, and eventually making his Broadway debut as Scorpius Malfoy. He shares the inspiration behind some of his original plays (like the hilariously surreal The Tragedy of Clownpheus and EuridIceCream), how Shakespeare continues to influence his work, and the joy of building his version of Scorpius eight shows a week. Erik talks about navigating the illusion-heavy world of Cursed Child, from mastering time turners and flaming trolleys to discovering emotional nuance in the show’s father-son themes and the beautifully complex friendship between Scorpius and Albus. He opens up about performance anxiety, self-care, and the unexpected fan art that continues to move him. It’s a candid, heartfelt look at what it means to debut on Broadway in one

From growing up in Eastchester, New York with dreams of joining Saturday Night Live to becoming one of the most beloved cast members in its history, Bobby Moynihan’s story is packed with heart, humor, and a lot of unexpected turns. In this episode, Bobby reflects on his nine seasons at SNL—including the anxiety, the magic, and the behind-the-scenes chaos—and shares how improv and the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) shaped his creative voice. He opens up about working with legends like Keenan Thompson and Colin Jost, the surreal experience of being called into the 50th anniversary show just hours before it taped, and the moment he realized he’d become “Drunk Uncle” to a new generation of kids. Bobby also talks about his pivot into animation, voicing memorable characters in Inside Out 2, IF, LEGO Star Wars, and Loafy (which he also created), as well as the joy he finds in writing children’s books like Not All Sheep Are Boring. With stories about his massive toy collection, his dream to pitch an all-star SNL sea

From growing up in a modest neighborhood known as "Cardboard Village" in Oak Park, Michigan, to becoming one of the most influential producers in Broadway history, Jeffrey Seller's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep love of musical theater. In this candid and insightful conversation, Jeffrey reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his journey—from the early days of Rent to launching Hamilton, and how he’s always championed new voices that challenge the status quo. He opens up about his unique childhood, his bold choices as a young producer, and why he felt compelled to write his new memoir, Theater Kid. We talk about the emotional impact of revisiting his past, his creative process, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that brought shows like In the Heights, Avenue Q, and Hamilton to life. He also shares the significance of working in Times Square since 1986 and what it means to literally see his professional history from the studio window. Jeffrey’s perspective is raw, honest, and deeply

Dive into a magical behind-the-scenes journey with the cast and creative team of The Little Mermaid, now running at Paper Mill Playhouse through June 29th! This special bonus episode takes you inside the rehearsal room and onstage with the artists who are reimagining the classic Disney tale with heart, humor, and fresh perspective. From the emotional depth of the parent-child relationship to the physical challenges of portraying life under the sea, this production brings new layers to a story we all thought we knew. Hear from director/choreographer Joanne Hunter on how she approached the story from a modern lens, and enjoy candid conversations with the cast as they share what makes this version of The Little Mermaid so special. From bold audition choices to unexpected emotional moments, this episode is a celebration of theatrical creativity and connection. Get your tickets now at https://papermill.org/. Interviewees (in order of appearance): JoAnn M. Hunter – Director & Choreographer Aubrey Matalon