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.
Mandy Gonzalez joins the podcast for a warm, candid, and inspiring conversation tracing her extraordinary journey from a passionate kid in Southern California to one of Broadway's most celebrated performers. She reflects on her grandmother's pivotal role in nurturing her voice, from family living room jam sessions to getting her first theatrical role at seven years old alongside all-you-can-eat pickles at a local dinner theater. Mandy shares memories from her formative summer at the Broadway Theater Project learning under legends like Gregory Hines and Ann Reiking, as well as the wild, thrown-into-the-fire experience of going on tour as a backup singer for Bette Midler at just nineteen years old. She also recounts her memorable first meeting with Lin-Manuel Miranda in the basement of the Drama Book Shop, where she heard the score for In the Heights for the very first time.
The discussion delves deeply into the power of community, advocacy, and stepping through life's biggest fears. Mandy opens up about creating the #FearlessSquad social media platform, which blossomed into a movement of belonging and inspired her young adult novel series, Fearless. She shares the poignant story of navigating her breast cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment while continuing to perform in Hamilton on Broadway, explaining how the theater community provided a safe space during dark times. From taking on iconic roles in shows like Wicked, Sunset Boulevard, and Aida to creating her symphonic concert Everything I Know celebrating the songbook of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mandy illustrates what it truly means to live a life driven by connection, resilience, and gratitude.
Mandy Gonzalez is an accomplished Broadway actor, singer, and author. Best known for creating the role of Nina Rosario in In the Heights and starring as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, her extensive Broadway credits also include Elphaba in Wicked, Amneris in Aida, and Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Her screen credits include Madam Secretary, Only Murders in the Building, Bull, Quantico, The Good Wife, and Across the Universe. She is the author of the Fearless novel series and tours internationally with her solo concerts across the country.
Connect with Mandy:
Website: mandygonzalez.com
Instagram: @mandygonzalez
TikTok: @mandygonzalez
Connect with The Theatre Podcast:
Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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.
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Ep448 - Steven Sater: "Murder at the Gates" - A Special Sneak Peek
June 24, 2026
Steven Sater makes a triumphant return to the podcast to catch up on a whirlwind few years that have taken him all over the world. In a wonderfully candid conversation, he opens up about the upcoming, highly anticipated Off-Broadway revival of Spring Awakening with Sea View, helmed by director Danya Taylor and choreographer Celia Robson Hall. Steven shares his deep passion for writing for young performers, discovering new talent through open calls and TikTok, and why he believes it is vital to take the emotional lives of teenagers seriously in musical theatre. He also reflects on how the show continues to deeply impact new generations of fans who were not even born when it first premiered on Broadway.
The heart of the chat dives into Steven's newest passion project, the black comic murder mystery musical Murder at the Gates, written alongside collaborator James Bourne. He gives us a thrilling, exclusive sneak peek at the tracks "Fuckin' Scream" and "A Fine Rigor Mortis" from the upcoming concept album, featuring an all star cast including Gaten Matarazzo, Milo Manheim, Mason Alexander Park, Ramin Karimloo, and a whole bunch more. From hilarious memories of a playful debate with Stephen Sondheim over whether a murder mystery musical could actually work, to navigating the heartbreaking collapse of a previous workshop, Steven pulls back the curtain on the grueling, beautiful ten year journey of bringing an entirely original musical score to life.
Steven Sater is a Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award winning playwright, lyricist, and screenwriter. He is best known for his landmark collaboration with composer Duncan Sheik on Spring Awakening, as well as his acclaimed work on Alice by Heart and Nero. His upcoming projects include the new musical Murder at the Gates and a major new revival of Spring Awakening.
This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for the day.
Connect with Steven:
Listen to the entire Fuckin' Scream track
Follow @murderatthegates (check the link in bio for the way to get the entire album)
Steven on IG: @stevensater
Steven on TikTok: @steven_sater
Connect with The Theatre Podcast:
Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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.
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Originally aired Oct 1st, 2019:
This 2-time Tony-nominated actor made his Broadway debut in Wicked as 2008 as Boq, and since then has gone on to roles in Assassins, Matilda the Musical, Big Fish, and School of Rock where he originated the role of Dewey Finn, earning him his first Tony nomination. His TV/Film credits include Royal Pains, The Good Fight, and Documentary Now! among many others, He now holds the title role in Beetlejuice on Broadway which brought him his second Tony nomination.
This interview shows a unique and different side of Alex. Known as the funny man, he has a deeply real part of himself that he taps into before every performance.
Connect with Alex online:
Twitter: @ABrightMonster
Connect with The Theatre Podcast:
Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast
Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcastTheTheatrePodcast.com
Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
Email us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.
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Ep446 - Matt Rodin: Building Doors in Broadway's Walls
June 3, 2026
Matt Rodin joins the podcast for an invigorating conversation about stepping out of traditional boxes and forging an authentic, sustainable path in the entertainment industry. He shares the remarkable story of his wedding day, which pulling double duty included marrying his husband in Central Park just hours before delivering his high-stakes final callback for the national tour of Company. Matt opens up about the perspective this gave him, detailing how a 360-degree view of the business—shaped by his time as a digital producer at Broadway.com and his husband's work as a talent agent—allows him to navigate the highs and lows of the theater world without taking the rejection personally.
The discussion also dives deep into Matt’s passion for technological innovation and community building. He pulls back the curtain on his latest venture, theater.games, explaining how his curiosity with AI code tools allowed him to develop daily theater puzzles like Spike and Curtain that have rapidly captured tens of thousands of players globally. From his early days creating the "Red Carpet Challenge" with a selfie stick to preparing for a whirlwind 12-hour recording session for the Beau cast album, Matt emphasizes the power of self-reliance, creativity, and the joy of creating work with friends rather than waiting for gatekeepers to open doors.
Matt Rodin is a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-nominated actor, creator, and creative consultant. His extensive stage credits include starring as Jamie in the national tour of the Tony-winning revival of Company, Roger in Rent at Paper Mill Playhouse, and the title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, alongside leading the off-Broadway premiere of Adam Gwon’s All The World’s A Stage with Keen Company. A prominent digital pioneer within the Broadway community, he is the mastermind behind the viral "Red Carpet Challenge," writer of the industry newsletter The Fourth Wall, and the founder of the digital puzzle platform theater.games.
This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day.
Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @whoismattrodin
TikTok: @whoismattrodin
Platform: theater.games
Connect with The Theatre Podcast:
Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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.
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Ep445: Brian Anthony Moreland: Naive Enough to be Brave Enough
May 26, 2026
Alan sits down with Broadway producer Brian Anthony Moreland for a candid, high-energy conversation about the realities of commercial theatre. Brian shares the fascinating story of how he caught the theatre bug playing Santa Claus in the third grade , his formative years at a performing arts boarding school , and his early career as a non-union dancer dealing with the exhausting audition grind in New York City. He opens up about the pivotal moment he decided to pivot to producing, starting with a grueling five-and-a-half-year journey to bring Thoughts of a Colored Man to Broadway. Alan and Brian pull back the curtain on the industry's economic pressures, debating Broadway financials, escalating production costs, and what it truly takes to balance commercial viability with meaningful, artistic storytelling.
The conversation centers deeply on Brian’s extraordinary relationship with the work of August Wilson. He recalls the serendipitous train ride to Pittsburgh that led to him producing the record-breaking revival of The Piano Lesson , and how Denzel Washington personally asked him to lead-produce his next Wilson project. Brian breaks down the profound themes of identity, healing, and family preservation driving his latest production at the Barrymore Theatre, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, sharing delightful insights into working with legendary director Debbie Allen and the joyful, nurturing energy that stars Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer bring to the rehearsal room. Finally, Brian takes on the 60-second plot challenge, pitches a classic musical, and reflects on the timeless power of theatre as a space where you can be anything.
Brian Anthony Moreland is a transformative Broadway producer dedicated to shaping the contemporary cultural landscape through visionary, inclusive storytelling. Originally from California, he began his career as a performer before transitioning into producing. His impressive Broadway repertoire includes the ground-breaking global hit Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, the record-breaking revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, The Wiz, The Lifespan of a Fact, Sea Wall / A Life, and The Sound Inside. A respected industry leader, Moreland serves on the Board of Governors of The Broadway League, where he co-chairs the Multicultural Task Force. He also holds leadership roles as a Trustee for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a Trustee of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, a Board Director for NYC Tourism and Conventions, and is an active member of the Theatre Development Fund (TDF).
Connect with Brian:
IG: @therealbrianmoreland
Connect with The Theatre Podcast:
Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
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.
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