The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

• Ep385 - Cassie Silva: Surviving Reality TV and Thriving on Broadway

  It’s safe to say you’ve never heard an episode quite like this one. Cassie Silva joins me for a conversation filled with raw honesty, surprising twists, and a lot of laughter. We dive into everything from her unexpected life-changing trip to London, where & Juliet reignited her passion for performing, to the deeply complicated and emotional aftermath of her time on MTV’s Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods. Cassie shares behind-the-scenes stories that will absolutely change how you think about reality TV, while also reminding us how resilience, humor, and a good charcuterie board can get you through almost anything. We also talk about her time touring with Six the Musical, the reality of swinging and covering multiple tracks, and how teaching and mentorship have become just as important to her as performing. Cassie’s journey is a masterclass in finding joy no matter what — embracing the chaos, learning to love the unexpected, and turning early career challenges into a foundation for a beautiful, sustainable life in theatre. She’s witty, wise, and endlessly warm, and it’s impossible not to root for her every step of the way. Cassie Silva is an actor, singer, and arts educator whose career spans Broadway, national tours, television, and film. She has appeared in Rock of Ages, Matilda the Musical, Six the Musical, and currently stars in & Juliet on Broadway. A veteran performer since childhood, Cassie brings a unique blend of experience, empathy, and empowerment to both her work onstage and her passion for teaching. She formerly served as Artistic Director of Studio Collective for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, and continues to mentor the next generation of artists while celebrating the joy of storytelling in all its forms. Connect with Cassie: Instagram: @cassiemsilva 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 [email protected]. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Ep384 - Terrence Mann: Backstage with the Man, the Myth, the Tugger

  What do you get when you mix Broadway royalty with sci-fi cloning, environmental theater, and a dash of boogie-woogie piano? A wildly entertaining conversation with the legendary Terrence Mann. From his earliest days growing up in a musical household to helping launch the North Carolina Theatre, Terry’s journey is packed with passion, persistence, and a whole lot of timing. He shares the story behind how he actually got cast in Cats (it involves London and a royal connection), and how he practically willed his way into Les Misérables after being told multiple times they didn’t want to see him. His advice for young performers? “Have no fear, there are no wrong choices, and be specific”—words he lives by and teaches. Now back on stage in Broadway’s The Great Gatsby as Meyer Wolfsheim, Terrence opens up about what it feels like to return to the theater after years in “Foundation land,” filming Apple TV’s epic sci-fi series. We also dive into his work as a director, educator, and his longtime love for North Carolina’s historic Lost Colony production. And yes, we play a game of Plot in 60 Seconds, get a surprise cameo from iOS balloons, and bond over the beautiful chaos of 1980s New York auditions. This episode is packed with decades of wisdom and a whole lot of heart. Terrence Mann is a three-time Tony nominee best known for originating iconic roles such as Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, Javert in Les Misérables, and the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. His Broadway credits also include Pippin, Tuck Everlasting, The Addams Family, Scarlet Pimpernel, and Rags. On screen, he’s appeared in Sense8, all four Critters films, and currently stars as Brother Dusk in the Apple TV+ sci-fi series Foundation. He’s also an accomplished director, educator, and co-founder of Triple Arts, a musical theater training program. 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 [email protected]. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• BONUS - 'Real Women Have Curves' Press Day (Mar 4, 2025) - Cast & Creatives

  The cast and creative team behind Real Women Have Curves: The Musical gathered for an exclusive press day, and we were there to soak in the joy, passion, and powerful stories that define this new Broadway production. From bold choreography to songs that stick in your head long after the final note, this episode captures the spirit of a show that centers Latin culture, immigrant narratives, and shared humanity in a way that’s as timely as it is timeless. Whether you’re drawn to the musical’s universal themes or its deeply personal storytelling, every voice in this episode brings something heartfelt to the table. We hear first from producers Barry Weissler and Jack Noseworthy about why this story matters now more than ever, followed by composer/lyricist Benjamin Velez, who shares how he and Joy Huerta crafted the musical world of 1980s East L.A. Alan Madagoitia then gives us insight into her powerful role as Itzel, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala. Writer Nell Benjamin reflects on adapting a true story with timeless themes, and Sergio Trujillo dives into directing and choreographing something deeply personal. We also hear from cast members Carla Jimenez and Jennifer Sanchez, who infuse their characters with humor, heart, and lived-in truth. Finally, Florencia Cuenca shares her emotional journey as Estela, and how this role has transformed her both personally and professionally. Visit https://www.realwomenhavecurvesbroadway.com/ for tickets and more info! 🎭 Interview order: Barry Weissler (Producer) & Jack Noseworthy (Producer) Benjamin Velez (Composer/Lyricist) Aline Madagoitia (Itzel) Nell Benjamin (Writer) Sergio Trujillo (Director/Choreographer) Carla Jimenez (Pancha) & Jennifer Sanchez (Rosali) Florencia Cuenca (Estela) 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 [email protected]. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Ep383 - Joanna Gleason: Be the Protein on the Plate

  Joanna Gleason’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, she’s graced Broadway in I Love My Wife, The Real Thing, Social Security, Nick & Nora, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Sons of the Prophet. Beyond the stage, her work spans film and television, with memorable roles in Boogie Nights, The Wedding Planner, Friends, The West Wing, and The Good Wife. But Joanna’s artistry doesn’t stop at performing—she’s also a writer and director, drawn to storytelling in all its forms. In this episode, Joanna shares what brought her back to the stage in We Had a World, a deeply personal new play. She reflects on how her career has evolved, from shifting between stage and screen to stepping behind the camera as a director. We discuss the challenges of the industry, the changing role of social media, and why she believes in letting go of expectations. With humor and honesty, Joanna offers invaluable advice for artists at every stage of their journey, and we even play a fun round of "Plot in 60 Seconds" to wrap it all up. Joanna Gleason is a Tony Award-winning actress known for her iconic portrayal of the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, which also earned her Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. She has received multiple Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations throughout her career, with Broadway credits including I Love My Wife, The Real Thing, Social Security, Nick & Nora, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Sons of the Prophet. Her film and television work includes Boogie Nights, The Wedding Planner, The West Wing, Friends, and The Good Wife. In addition to acting, Joanna has expanded her creative career into writing and directing, with her feature film The Grotto winning awards on the festival circuit. She now returns to the stage in We Had a World, an intimate new play at Manhattan Theatre Club. Connect with Joanna: Instagram: @therealjoannagleason 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 [email protected]. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Ep382 - Matt Doyle: Singing Sinatra and Surviving Sondheim

  Matt Doyle has built an impressive career on stage, from originating roles on Broadway to stepping into legendary ones. He reflects on his journey, from his early breakout in Spring Awakening to his Tony-winning turn as Jamie in Company. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from unexpected career pivots, the realities of show business, and how he navigates the highs and lows of performing eight shows a week. His recent role as Frank Sinatra in Sinatra: The Musical marked a thrilling West End debut, and he’s now captivating audiences off-Broadway in Conversations with Mother, a deeply personal and heartfelt play. Matt opens up about the moment he realized he needed a perspective shift early in his career, the intense experience of performing "Getting Married Today" the night Stephen Sondheim passed, and how his struggles with anxiety have shaped his performances. He also shares how his upbringing and personal relationships inform his work, especially in roles that explore complex family dynamics. From personal anecdotes to industry insights, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and a candid look at the life of a working actor. Matt Doyle is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning actor best known for his performance as Jamie in the Broadway revival of Company. His Broadway credits include Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, War Horse, and Bye Bye Birdie, while his Off-Broadway work features Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, and Brooklynite. He made his West End debut as Frank Sinatra in Sinatra: The Musical and currently stars opposite Caroline Aaron in Conversations with Mother Off-Broadway. A frequent concert performer, he has headlined sold-out solo shows in New York and beyond, and has appeared with symphonies across the country. Connect with Matt: 🔹 Instagram: @mattfdoyle 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 [email protected]. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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