The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Broadway Podcast Network
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Intimate, personal conversations with the biggest talents from professional theatre, tv, film, and more. Hear their secrets, what makes them laugh, stresses them out, and how they manage the anxiety of success. We feature both stars and creatives such as producers, stage managers, directors, press and marketing agents, or even the people who own the theaters or productions themselves.
This is a podcast for artists, made by artists. With over 2 decades of experience in film and theatre both as cast and creative, host Alan Seales speaks with Broadway, TV, film and beyond’s biggest talents to learn more about not only how the world of theatre and performing operate, but also what makes it so real and human. In-depth, personal, behind-the-scenes conversations will highlight special details of the industry that most people may not know exist, will always find out what makes the guests love their craft, what makes them tick, and what truly inspires them.
Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
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Brent Comer: Accidentally Discovering A Love for Theatre
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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Jason Schmidt: My Ego Loves You
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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Justin Levine: Orchestrating Almost Completely by Ear
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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Brody Grant: He's Got Great Expectations
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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Emma Pittman: The Search for Roxie Leads to The Outsiders
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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Rick & Jeff Kuperman: It Always Starts with the Rumble
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices