Had to Ask

Melanie Sutrathada
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Performing Arts

Had to Ask is the podcast where bold conversations and unfiltered stories take center stage. Hosted by actor Melanie Sutrathada, each episode dives into candid, funny, and unexpectedly deep conversations with Broadway stars, rising talent, and storytellers. From mental health and stunt casting to what it's really like to be in the room where it happens and what’s on their For You Page, nothing is off-limits. Season 2 is officially here!

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Had to Ask: Maria Wirries on The Lost Boys: Manifestation, Authenticity, and Finding Your Place

    Maria Wirries (@maria_wirries) has built a remarkable Broadway career by trusting her instincts, embracing authenticity, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. In this episode of Had to Ask, Maria joins Melanie Sutrathada for a thoughtful, funny, and personal conversation about her journey from Dear Evan Hansen to Old Friends and now starring as Star in The Lost Boys on Broadway. Together, they discuss manifestation, learning to advocate for yourself, navigating the pressures women face around aging in the entertainment industry, and the importance of choosing projects that genuinely resonate rather than trying to fit a mold. Plus: pig calling, giraffe weevils, low-rise jeans, plant pathology, and an unexpected Broadway booking story. Chapters: 05:54 — How manifestation helped Maria find her way to Broadway 09:18 — Working with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga in Old Friends 10:48 — From the BMI Writing Program to plant pathology 14:39 — The famous pig call that helped her book a role 22:31 — Choosing authenticity over trying to fit a mold 28:19 — Aging, reinvention, and being a woman in entertainment 44:15 — Learning to advocate for herself on Broadway 52:03 — Starring as Star in The Lost Boys on Broadway Follow Maria Wirries (@maria_wirries) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to Thompson Central Park New York for being the perfect space for this conversation with Had to Ask. ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with someone who needs the reminder that the best things often happen when you stop trying to fit a mold and start showing up as yourself.

    1 hr

  2. Jun 4

    Had to Ask: Telly Leung on Masquerade, Representation & Broadway Leadership

    Telly Leung (@tellyleung) is a Broadway leading man whose career spans more than two decades, with acclaimed performances in Aladdin, Allegiance, Rent, Godspell, Pacific Overtures, Flower Drum Song, and now Masquerade, the immersive reimagining of The Phantom of the Opera. With Telly’s final performance in Masquerade coming up on June 12, we’re releasing this conversation as a special launch-week episode of Had to Ask. In it, Telly shares what it’s like to step into one of theatre’s most iconic roles, perform for just 60 audience members at a time, and share the role of the Phantom alongside five other actors. In this conversation, Telly reflects on the performers who made him believe an Asian American actor could be a Broadway leading man, the responsibility that comes with leadership in the theatre, and why simply "showing up" can be a powerful act of representation. He opens up about the insecurity that still follows him after 26 years in the business, the summer he deliberately chose to be the worst dancer in the room so he could grow, and the lesson that has guided him throughout his career: we don't grow unless we're uncomfortable. We also discuss what makes a true leading man, how he landed Aladdin, why art remains one of the most powerful forms of resistance, and the advice he gives actors walking into a casting room for the very first time. This is a conversation about courage, representation, leadership, and finding the confidence to take up space—even when you're not sure you belong there yet. Chapters: 01:30 — The performers who made him believe he could be a leading man 02:35 — Why "showing up" matters 03:47 — The insecurity that never fully goes away 05:13 — Working a data entry job to fund dance training 09:07 — Why growth requires discomfort 10:14 — What being a leading man really means 12:51 — The surprising reason Disney cast him as Aladdin 27:09 — Why art matters in difficult times 28:56 — Inside Masquerade and immersive performance 34:53 — The brotherhood of six Phantoms 48:06 — How to convince a casting room you're right for the role Follow Telly Leung (@tellyleung) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to Thompson Central Park New York for being the perfect space for this conversation with Had to Ask. ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with an artist who needs the reminder that growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.

    50 min

  3. Jun 4

    Had to Ask: Ann Harada on Broadway Longevity, Representation & Having No F's Left to Give

    Ann Harada (@iamannharada) has built one of the most respected careers in Broadway history. From Avenue Q and Seussical to Schmigadoon! (run and have a forking good time with this show at the Nederlander ASAP!), Cinderella, Les Misérables, Into the Woods, and beyond, she has spent decades navigating an industry that is constantly changing while staying true to herself. In this episode of Had to Ask, Ann reflects on the realities of building a long-term career in the arts, the show she still has a deep emotional connection to, and how the landscape for Asian American performers has evolved since she first arrived in New York. She opens up about being told she was "too American" for certain roles, the career regret she still carries, and why reaching a place of contentment has been one of the greatest gifts of getting older. Along the way, we also talk about Hallmark movies, poker, fresh flowers, and the unexpected lessons that come from spending a lifetime in the theatre. This is a conversation about longevity, identity, community, and what happens when you stop trying to be who everyone else wants you to be. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction01:28 — Opening Schmigadoon! and the magic of live theatre05:28 — Why Avenue Q still means so much to her09:20 — The people who helped build her career12:12 — Auditioning as an Asian American actress16:07 — Hallmark movies, baking, poker, and reading people22:52 — Reaching a point where she has "no Fs to give"31:57 — Her biggest career regret39:31 — Why art matters, especially during difficult times46:00 — Advice for the next generation of performers49:30 — Final thoughts Follow Ann Harada (@iamannharada⁠) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to Thompson Central Park New York for being the perfect space for this conversation with Had to Ask. ⭐️ Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that there's more than one way to build a meaningful career.

    49 min

  4. 08/26/2025

    Had to Ask: Shannon Lewis on Choreographing Just In Time, SNL, and 25+ Years on Broadway

    Shannon Lewis (@realshanlew) is a veteran Broadway performer turned choreographer whose career spans more than 25 years on stage and screen. She made her Broadway debut in the original run of Crazy for You, later earning acclaim performing ‘I Gotcha’ in the original Broadway cast of Fosse. Shannon also went on to appear in beloved productions like Sweet Charity, A Chorus Line, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Beyond Broadway, she’s brought her choreographic eye to television hits like Saturday Night Live and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Now, she makes her Broadway choreographer debut with Just In Time, the new Bobby Darin musical. In this conversation, Shannon reflects on the resilience it takes to sustain a decades-long career, the lessons learned from the roles she didn’t book, and why she’s driven to be part of the whole creative conversation—not just the performance. She opens up about creating choreography that resonates from the front row to the back of the house, the wild realities of working on SNL, and what it means to keep saying “yes” to the right opportunities. This is a story about artistry, endurance, and learning to trust the moments when doors open—even if they’re not the ones you first imagined. Chapters: 03:46 — Did Shannon ever imagine she’d still be working on Broadway 25+ years later?06:10 — The roles she didn’t book (and what they taught her)10:07 — Wanting to be part of the whole creative conversation in musical theatre15:01 — Building choreography for both the front row and the back in Just In Time17:28 — The impossible, exhilarating process of working on SNL19:00 — Collaborating with Jonathan Groff in Just In Time23:30 — Learning when to say yes in this business27:30 — Watching others have their “moment”28:58 — The conversations that happen on the other side of the table30:56 — Navigating relationships in the business33:20 — Getting out of your own way36:44 — What Shannon hopes her legacy will be Follow Shannon Lewis (@realshanlew) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for Season 1! ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with an artist who wants insight into building a career that lasts.

    40 min

  5. 08/19/2025

    Had to Ask: John Cardoza on Love, Loss, and Finding His Way from Moulin Rouge! to The Notebook

    John Cardoza (@johnfcardoza) joins me on Had to Ask for a vulnerable, moving, and deeply human conversation about love, grief, and resilience. From touring the country in Moulin Rouge! to creating the role of Young Noah in The Notebook on Broadway, John has built a career grounded not just in talent, but in choosing what feels right and meaningful. We talk about the unexpected loss of his mother, how grief has shaped him as an artist, and why nothing will ever be more important than being there for family when they need him. John opens up about navigating fear, vulnerability as a muscle you have to keep flexing, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up in this industry. Of course, it’s not all serious — John also shares his irrational fear of tall buildings (tough luck in NYC), his Broadway diva fighter of choice, and his admiration for Solea Pfeiffer. Plus: what it was like finishing The Notebook with Jordan Tyson after three years of building those roles together, crying in grocery stores, and how following the path that feels right led him all the way to Christian in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway. This episode is about love, loss, and why the sacrifices have to be worth it. If you’ve ever chased a dream while trying to hold onto what matters most, you’ll feel seen in this one. Chapters: 6:03 John’s love for touring with Moulin Rouge11:39 What really scares him21:07 What led John to Young Noah in The Notebook25:45 Crying in the grocery store and seeing the beauty in the everyday31:08 Following the path of things that feel right33:30 How proud John is to still be on his feet42:12 The Tour of Moulin Rouge! Versus Broadway49:20 Other John would go back to Moulin Rouge53:19 The joy John is choosing next. Follow John Cardoza (@johnfcardoza) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for season 1! ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with someone who knows that following your heart is always worth it.

    56 min

  6. 08/12/2025

    Had to Ask: Matt Doyle on Company, Sondheim, and Surviving Broadway’s Toughest Truths

    Tony Award winner Matt Doyle (@mattfdoyle) — who you may know from Company, Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, and more — joins me on Had to Ask for a candid, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about the highs, lows, and everything in between of life in the theatre. From falling head over heels for Sondheim to dreaming of playing Romeo, Matt shares how perseverance—not perfection—has carried him through an industry that never really gets easier. We dive into mental health, imposter syndrome, and the self-sabotage that comes with being an “insecure mess,” plus his deep admiration for Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, and Gavin Creel. Matt opens up about Conversations with Mother, why building a life outside the work matters, and the joy (and nerves) behind stepping into Jay Gatsby’s shoes in The Great Gatsby. Also on the table? Our mutual agreement that we’d both be terrible in jail, the unlikely way he met Bonnie Milligan, and his voice talent crush. Whether you’re here for the Broadway stories, the Gatsby gossip, or just to feel a little less alone in chasing big dreams, this one’s got it all. Chapters:02:41 Gossip Girl — and whether he’d choose Blair or Serena08:17 The first time Matt met Gavin Creel10:36 High school backstage on Spring Awakening13:23 Thinking he was done after The Book of Mormon18:18 His friendship with Bonnie Milligan25:23 The Broadway revival he’d like to see28:23 Falling in love with musical theatre through Sondheim31:59 Imposter syndrome and winning a Tony37:24 The pressure to bring Broadway back with Company45:40 The chicken soup for the soul that was Conversations with Mother49:09 Opening The Great Gatsby in South Korea Follow Matt Doyle (@mattfdoyle) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for Season 1! ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with a friend who loves big laughs and bigger dreams.

    59 min

  7. 07/29/2025

    Had to Ask: Burke Swanson on Stranger Things, Back to the Future, and Building Community Through Theatre

    You might know Burke Swanson (@burke_swanson) as Young Hopper in Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway — but his path to the Upside Down started long before the Demodogs. After making his Broadway debut in The Rose Tattoo, Burke has quickly become a performer to watch, blending physicality, poetry, and heart into every role. In this episode of Had to Ask, he shares the surprising, thoughtful, and often hilarious journey that took him from Back to the Future to Hawkins, Indiana — in just ten days. We talk about how he built his version of Hopper (yes, it involved cowboy boots in the woods), what it means to be a performing artist rather than just an actor, and why over 65% of the Stranger Things audience is brand-new to Broadway. This show isn’t just expanding the world of Hawkins — it’s creating lifelong theatergoers and reminding us that storytelling is a team effort. Also in this episode: stage combat, our love for stunt performers, zombie apocalypse prep, experimental poetry, cats, and why I might never emotionally recover from Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Chapters: 11:40 – The IP of Back to the Future and Stranger Things and how they connect with audiences17:46 – A ten-day turnaround between two massive Broadway shows22:19 – From watching Stranger Things in 2016 to starring in it on stage28:37 – Giving yourself permission to celebrate success in this industry36:32 – Why the Broadway show is irreparably tied to Stranger Things Season 541:36 – Why supporting the arts is always worth it45:27 – Theater beyond Broadway, and art beyond New York Follow Had to Ask ⁠@hadtoaskpod⁠ for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Produced by ⁠@melaniesutra⁠ and ⁠@joehloper⁠ at ⁠@thechatwalny⁠. ⭐️ Loved this episode? Share it with someone who loves Stranger Things, Back to the Future, or believes in the power of the arts.

    48 min

  8. 07/22/2025

    Had to Ask: J. Harrison Ghee on Some Like It Hot, Winning a Tony, Drag as Revelation & Being Seen

    Had to Ask is back with the one and only J. Harrison Ghee (@jharrisonghee) — Tony Award-winner, Broadway trailblazer, and all-around radiant soul. In this episode, J gets candid about the fearless self-expression that’s defined their journey onstage and off. From their first instinct reading the Some Like It Hot script to why playing Lola in Kinky Boots was a form of therapy, J opens up about what it really means to be seen — and to free yourself in order to see yourself. We talk about soulmates, creating chosen family, and the joy of putting their friends in drag (spoiler: it’s magic). They also dive into what scares them, what they’d be doing if they weren’t a performer, and what their end-all, be-all dream looks like. Plus: how to ask for what you want, why they did Jerry/Daphne, and what either of us would do with “go-to-space” money (because why not?). J’s presence is a celebration of possibility, authenticity, and unapologetic joy — and this conversation is a love letter to anyone who's ever dared to show up fully as themselves. Chapters: 6:57 - Something that scares J9:36 - Receiving love and asking for what you need14:25 - Bright highlighter pink sweatpants and playing small18:25 - Cultivating Crystal in Tokyo and where Crystal is today27:27 - The 2023 Tony Awards and the moment when J found out they were even nominated33:27 - What they would say to a younger version of themselves39:26 - Their upcoming show, Saturday Church at New York Theatre Workshop42:31 - Our new business venture and what we would do with go-to-space money Follow Had to Ask @hadtoaskpod for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Produced by @melaniesutra and @joehloper at @thechatwalny. ⭐️ Loved this episode? Share it with someone who needs a reminder that being exactly who you are is more than enough..

    46 min

  9. 07/15/2025

    Had to Ask: Drew Gehling on Booking the Role That Got Away in & Juliet, the Broadway Community, and Loving Julia Mattison

    What happens when Broadway’s favorite Shakespeare gets real about love, legacy, and the role that got away? In this episode of Had to Ask, Drew Gehling (@drewgehling), currently starring as Shakespeare in & Juliet on Broadway, opens up about what it’s like to be part of a show he calls “the joy factory,” lighting up the stage eight times a week. We talk about the thrill of watching audiences fall in love with & Juliet, his deep love for the theatre community (including a sweet shoutout to Erich Bergen) and the kinds of characters he keeps coming back to — especially the ones who are a little messy, a little vulnerable, and always trying to figure it out. Plus, Drew also shares the story of his very first date with Julia Mattison, which happened right downstairs from where we filmed, and reflects on watching her rise as the co-composer and lyricist of Broadway’s Death Becomes Her. It’s candid, funny, and packed with heart — just like Drew himself. Chapters: 10:08 - The role that got away. 14:08 - Gravitating towards characters who are trying to show everyone they have it together.27:02 - Literally rubbing noses with Joey Fatone.29:34 - Drew's first date with Julia and being her biggest fan.36:58 - Comparison and seeing the same 5 people in the waiting room.40:22 - What happens when your hobby becomes your job.43:42 - What Drew would be doing if he wasn't a performer. Follow Drew @drewgehling and Had to Ask @hadtoaskpod for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for season 1! ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with your favorite theatre nerd or future Shakespeare.

    55 min

  10. 07/08/2025

    Had to Ask: Erich Bergen on Playing the Villain in Boop! on Broadway, Being a Multi-Hyphenate, and Why Blake Still Hits Hard

    You may know Erich Bergen (@erichbergen) from Jersey Boys, Waitress, or playing the internet’s favorite political heartthrob on Madam Secretary  (Melanie's words, not his)— but in this episode of Had to Ask, he opens up about some of the moments that really shaped him. We talk about how he got his foot in the door selling merch at the Shubert Theatre, what it’s like playing a full-on villain for the first time as mayoral candidate Raymond Demarest in Boop!, and the many ways we try to cover up our insecurities. (Spoiler: even Erich’s gotten his a** handed to him a few times.) He shares what it means to always want to make things better, what it’s really like meeting your heroes, executive-producing his first network television special (Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute on Peacock), why he’s not watching Love Island, and what this chapter of his life would be titled. Chapters: 04:00 The Title of This Chapter of Erich’s Life10:38 Wanting Things to Be Better13:15 Figuring Out How to Begin17:17 The Impact of Blake on Madam Secretary21:08 Seeing Ourselves in Art24:19 Playing the Villain in Boop!37:45 The Kinds of Roles Erich Loves41:28 What Erich Hopes His Legacy Will Be49:00 What the Future Looks Like54:04 Letting Go of Comparison Follow Had to Ask ⁠⁠@hadtoaskpod⁠⁠ for more bold conversations and unfiltered stories — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada (⁠⁠@melaniesutra⁠⁠) Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper (⁠⁠@joehloper⁠⁠). Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for season 1! ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

    59 min

  11. 07/01/2025

    Had to Ask: Tatianna Córdoba on Real Women Have Curves on Broadway, Societal Expectations, Immigration, and the People Who Raised Us

    Before Real Women Have Curves closed on Broadway, Tatianna Córdoba (@tatiannasophia) sat down with Had to Ask to talk about everything this moment meant to her — and what it took to get there. Tatianna opens up about the power of representation as a half-Filipina, half-Latina woman on Broadway, the pressure of societal expectations, and telling stories that reflect today’s reality — including the trauma of immigration enforcement and families being torn apart. We talk about her love for Lea Salonga, complicated family dynamics, and what it means to show up on a Broadway stage in a body that proudly defies outdated norms. She also shares her deep pride in being from the Bay Area, the Broadway crush she’ll never get over (yes, she spills), and the stories that made her laugh, cry, and keep going. Recorded before the announcement of Real Women Have Curves’ unexpected closing, this episode now feels like a time capsule — a love letter to resilience, representation, and rising through it all. Chapters: 00:02:20 - Tatianna's Broadway Crush00:07:51 - One "Real Women Have Curves" Line That Lives Rent-Free in Her Mind00:10:59 - Her Love for the Bay Area and Representation Growing Up00:13:29 - Meeting Her Heroes and How They Did Not Dissapoint00:16:05 - The Call That Changed Everything00:23:34 - Her Relationship to Her Body & Body Neutrality00:28:53 - The Relevance and Importance of Real Women Have Curves Follow Had to Ask at @hadtoaskpod for more bold conversations and unfiltered stories — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada (@melaniesutra) Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper (@joehloper). Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for season 1! ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

    39 min

  12. 07/01/2025

    Had to Ask: Emma Pittman on The Outsiders on Broadway, Parasocial Relationships, and What’s on Her For You Page (It’s Unhinged)

    Meet Emma Pittman: Broadway’s rising star who’s breaking the mold, telling her truth, and giving us all the backstage tea in the very first episode of Had to Ask. Emma Pittman (⁠@emmapittmanofficial⁠) is not just Cherry Valance in The Outsiders — she’s a vlogger, a Broadway scene-stealer, and forever the internet’s Roxie Hart. In this episode, Emma opens up about growing up in Mississippi, storytelling that honors the truth, and what it’s like stepping into a fandom-heavy show like The Outsiders. We also talk about astrology (obviously), parasocial relationships, Broadway stunt casting, and her dream job as a kid. Plus: the iconic opening night dress she wore to Back to the Future (thank you, Brendan!) and what her For You Page is serving her lately. Oh — and yes, we do talk about the Search for Dolly. Tune in for surprising insights, heartfelt moments, and stories only Emma Pittman can deliver. Chapters: 00:09:17 - Emma's Dream as a Kid00:19:57 - The Search for Roxie & The Search for Dolly00:24:21 - Stunt Casting, Especially in the World of Chicago00:28:51 - The Gift of Playing Cherry in The Outsiders00:39:12 - Parasocial Relationships in the Broadway Space00:47:13 - What Emma Hopes for Her Legacy to Be Follow Had to Ask ⁠@hadtoaskpod⁠ for more bold conversations and unfiltered stories — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada (⁠@melaniesutra⁠) Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper (⁠@joehloper⁠). Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for season 1! ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

    51 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Had to Ask is the podcast where bold conversations and unfiltered stories take center stage. Hosted by actor Melanie Sutrathada, each episode dives into candid, funny, and unexpectedly deep conversations with Broadway stars, rising talent, and storytellers. From mental health and stunt casting to what it's really like to be in the room where it happens and what’s on their For You Page, nothing is off-limits. Season 2 is officially here!

Information

  • Creator
    Melanie Sutrathada
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Melanie Sutrathada
  • Show Website
    Had to Ask