Épisodes

  • Ep378 - Tala Ashe: From "Legends of Tomorrow" to Broadway Today
    Feb 18 2025
    Tala Ashe has captivated audiences on screen as a time-traveling hacker in Legends of Tomorrow and on stage in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play English. Now making her Broadway debut, she brings a deeply personal perspective to her role, exploring themes of language, identity, and cultural assimilation. In this conversation, Tala opens up about her own experiences growing up in Ohio after emigrating from Iran, the complexities of representation in Hollywood, and the emotional weight of performing English on Broadway. She shares the challenges of switching between accents on stage, how her family’s journey shaped her artistic path, and why she’s fiercely selective about the roles she takes. With humor, insight, and vulnerability, Tala offers a thoughtful perspective on storytelling, advocacy, and what it truly means to find your voice. Tala Ashe is an Iranian-American actress best known for her role as Zari Tomaz/Zari Tarazi in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. She has also appeared in Smash, American Odyssey, Covert Affairs, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and As the World Turns. On stage, she received critical acclaim for her performance in English, Sanaz Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, and is now making her Broadway debut in its transfer. A graduate of Boston University’s School of Theatre, she has built a career focused on complex, fully realized characters that challenge stereotypes and expand representation. Connect with Tala: 📷 Instagram: @talaashe Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 4 min
  • Ep377 - Alexandra Socha: Life Beyond the Stage (and in the Bubble)
    Feb 11 2025
    From making her Broadway debut as a teenager in Spring Awakening to stepping into the iconic role of Glinda in Wicked, Alexandra Socha has experienced the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of a life in theater. In this candid and insightful conversation, she opens up about her journey, including the surreal experience of joining Spring Awakening right after the Tony wins, the hard lessons of navigating a career beyond that first big break, and what it’s like to take the stage in Wicked at a time when the show is having a massive pop culture moment. Alexandra also shares her experience being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, how it reshaped her understanding of herself, and the ways neurodivergence has impacted both her personal life and her work as an actor. We talk about masking, resilience, and why she sees ADHD as both a challenge and a superpower—especially when it comes to problem-solving in rehearsals. Plus, we get into Broadway bootleg nostalgia, the balancing act of being a working parent, and why she believes having a full life outside of theater is essential for any artist. Alexandra Socha made her Broadway debut in Spring Awakening and has since appeared in Brighton Beach Memoirs, Head Over Heels, and Wicked as Glinda. Her TV credits include The Big C, Damages, Royal Pains, Red Oaks, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Connect with Alexandra Socha: Instagram: @alexandrasocha Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 11 min
  • Ep376 - Marjan Neshat: How Are YOU Doing Today?
    Feb 5 2025
    Marjan Neshat is having a moment, making her Broadway debut in English the same night The Night Agent Season 2 premiered on Netflix. In this episode, she opens up about navigating cultural identity, language barriers, and the deep emotional connection she brings to her work. Marjan shares the journey of her family leaving Iran, growing up between worlds, and how storytelling became her way of making sense of it all. She discusses the impact of English, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about bilingualism and self-perception, and why she relates so deeply to its themes. Plus, she reflects on filming The Night Agent under high-stakes conditions and the importance of authentic representation in Hollywood. With credits spanning Rescue Me, Law & Order, Royal Pains, Quantico, and more, Marjan has built a career that thrives on emotional honesty. She talks about the challenges of performing a one-woman show, the responsibility of portraying Iranian stories on stage, and the power of human connection in theater. Whether unpacking the complexities of identity or the thrill of live performance, Marjan brings a rare depth to every role she takes on. This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/ Connect with Marjan: Instagram: @Margie33 Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 min
  • Ep375 - Bill Berloni: A Lifetime of Rescues, Roles and Rehearsals
    Jan 28 2025
    Bill Berloni has dedicated nearly five decades to bringing animals to life on stage and screen, all while championing rescue work and humane training practices. From his semi-accidental start training Sandy for the original production of Annie to working with a menagerie of animals for Broadway, film, and TV, Bill’s journey is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. In this episode, Bill shares stories of training everything from dogs and cats to butterflies and snakes, and how he has created unforgettable moments in productions like Gypsy, The Greatest Showman, and Legally Blonde. He also discusses his groundbreaking work with Naomi Watts in The Friend and how this movie is redefining animal performance in film. Bill’s commitment to treating animals with respect and compassion shines through as he recounts the joys and challenges of working in theater and entertainment. Whether it’s training an actor to command a dog or preparing a cat to handle audience applause, Bill’s creative solutions and passion for storytelling offer invaluable lessons for anyone working in the arts—or with animals. With humor, honesty, and insight, this episode is a tribute to the deep connections we share with our animal companions and the magic they bring to the stage. Bill Berloni is a Tony Honoree for Excellence in Theatre and the founder of William Berloni Theatrical Animals, a company that provides trained animals for theater, film, and television. His career began in 1977 with the original Broadway production of Annie, where he trained Sandy, a rescued dog. Since then, he has worked on countless productions, including Legally Blonde, The Ferryman, Gypsy, and The Leftovers. Bill is an advocate for animal rescue and humane training practices, and his work has been featured in books, television, and film. This episode is powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Learn more: https://welcometotimessquare.com/ Connect with Bill: Instagram: @berlonitheatricalanimals Website: berlonianimals.com Learn more about The Friend: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_friend_2024 Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 min
  • Ep374 - Eva Noblezada (from the vault)
    Jan 21 2025
    Originally aired as episode 198 on March 22, 2022. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders. At the age of 25, Eva Noblezada is a two time Tony Award nominee, a Grammy Award winner, and a WhatsOnStage Award winning actress and singer. She starred as Kim in Cameron Mackintosh’s London revival of Miss Saigon when she was 17 years old, and shortly after played Eponine in the West End revival of Les Misérables. Eva later reprised her performance as Kim in the first Broadway revival of Miss Saigon (also her Broadway debut). In 2019, she made her film debut in Yellow Rose starring alongside Lea Salonga, who originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon. Eva originated the role of Eurydice in Hadestown on Broadway, and it's in Hadestown where she continues to lead, and take audiences “way down under the ground”. Eva speaks candidly about her past toxic relationship with the word “perfect”, how it affected her life as a 17 year old all on her own abroad, leading Cameron Mackintosh’s London revival of Miss Saigon, and why she felt like she was “falling for years”. She opens up about living with anxiety, panic attacks, and body dysmorphia, and how she’s learned to come back to herself at those times, and ask the important questions - “Are we in danger? - We're okay”. Talking about Hadestown, Eva shares her thoughts on Eurydice (and playing Eurydice), and her love for the “extra layer of consciousness” that can be seen throughout the whole show. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up Filipino Mexican, and discovering musical theater A strong work ethic, instilled by her father The mental and physical toll of an 8 show schedule Meeting Tara Rubin at the Jimmy Awards Pole dancing as fitness, and how society sexualizes women Her “all or nothing” way of life Connect with Eva: IG: @livevamaria Twitter: @EvaNoblezada Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 min
  • Ep373 - "Eureka Day" Opening Night with Jessica Hecht, Bill Irwin, Thomas Middleditch, Amber Gray, Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz, and more
    Jan 14 2025
    Interviews live from the opening night of Eureka Day, which took place on December 16th, 2024. The order of interviews is: Thomas Middleditch Anna Shapiro Amber Gray Jonathan Spector Chelsea Kurtz Bill Irwin Jessica Hecht  Eureka Day brings comedy and contemplation to the stage, tackling personal beliefs, community conflict, and the art of truly listening. These interviews explore the play's themes of empathy, collective responsibility, and the nuances of human connection amidst a mumps outbreak at a progressive private school. You'll hear insights about the challenges of portraying deeply layered characters who all believe they are "right," the parallels between the play’s themes and real-world conflicts, and the humor that helps audiences face uncomfortable truths. Whether you're a fan of theater, thoughtful storytelling, or the quest to find common ground in divisive times, this episode delivers heartfelt takeaways and plenty of laughs. Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 min
  • Ep372 - Ethan Slater: From Bikini Bottom to Shiz University
    Jan 7 2025
    Ethan Slater returns to the podcast, and what a journey he’s had since his last visit! Best known for his Tony-nominated performance as SpongeBob in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, Ethan has since showcased his versatility in the Spamalot revival and in the much-anticipated Wicked films, where he portrays the endearing yet conflicted Boq. In this conversation, Ethan delves into the evolution of his career, from embracing unexpected opportunities to stepping into beloved roles with fresh perspectives. His reflections on preparation, self-advocacy, and the importance of storytelling offer invaluable insights for anyone in the arts. We explore his experience working with Broadway legends, the excitement and challenges of filming Wicked, and his process for making iconic characters his own. Ethan also shares a heartfelt deleted scene from Wicked and reveals how real-life friendships and moments of serendipity have shaped his career. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway, film, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with inspiration and fun. Ethan Slater is a Tony-nominated actor, singer, and writer, celebrated for originating the role of SpongeBob in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical. His recent stage credits include the revival of Spamalot on Broadway, and his screen roles span projects like Lost on a Mountain in Maine, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Wicked. Known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, Ethan continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt performances. Connect with Ethan: Instagram: @EthanSlater Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 min
  • Ep371 - 2024 Wrap up with Alan Seales and Sarah Goodman (and a little Jackie Burns)
    Dec 31 2024
    Welp, we've finally made it to the end of 2024. This year was full of changes, ups, downs, and some overall just weird behavior across the board. But hey, we got some amazing shows out of the new 2024-2025 season, and fortunately between the two of us, guest host Sarah Goodman (from the GOOD SHOW Podcast) and I were able to see a lot of them! Listen in as we recap some of our fav's, not-so-fav's, and tucked inside the episode is even a quick appearance from Jackie Burns. Happy new year! Connect with Sarah: Instagram: @goodshowpodcast TikTok: @goodshowpodcast Listen to GOOD SHOW: https://bpn.fm/goodshow Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 min