Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Oscar nominee Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her unconventional path to WEST SIDE STORY, how THE HUMAN COMEDY fulfilled a childhood dream, what Brian De Palma taught her during SCARFACE, the thrill of singing SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, how AMADEUS inspired her to take acting lessons, why Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA is a thankless role, dancing for Jerome Robbins, how THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO changed courses in rehearsal, why THE KNIFE was ahead of its time, her relationship with Joseph Papp, how she almost starred in KISS ME, KATE, the extended rehearsal process for THE COLOR OF MONEY, how theater is different in London, balancing jet lag with LAW AND ORDER, how Roger Rees led the company of THE WINSLOW BOY, and so much more. Don’t miss this candid conversation with a star of stage and screen.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony winning actor and director John Benjamin Hickey. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how Terrence McNally took a chance on him for LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, the joys of playing opposite Natasha Richardson in CABARET, singing for Stephen Sondheim, reimagining THE CRUCIBLE in the 9/11 era, how coming out helped him find ideal collaborators, how Julie White and Theresa Rebeck made him become a director, why he wanted to revive PLAZA SUITE, why his role in MARY STUART was especially challenging, how Neil Simon’s politics have been misunderstood, revisiting THE NORMAL HEART with Larry Kramer, why the revival of SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION didn’t take off, the profound effect that THE INHERITANCE had on audiences, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a true Broadway favorite.

Today, I’m so excited to announce the 250th episode of Backstage Babble. The mission of the podcast has always been to document Broadway history, and I’m thrilled to welcome a man who has had a profound influence on Broadway history over several eras in his work as a dancer and a choreographer: Wayne Cilento. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including his reflections on the 50th anniversary of A CHORUS LINE, how Michael Bennett kept the show on track, discussing BIG DEAL with Bob Fosse, reinventing DANCIN’ for 2023 audiences, creating a movement style for WICKED, collaborating with Des McAnuff on TOMMY and HOW TO SUCCEED, how an Elvis Presley postcard inspired “Pinball Wizard,” how THE ACT led him to become a choreographer, how choreographing commercials helped him hone his skills as a director, the challenges of reviving SWEET CHARITY, making his Broadway debut with BABY, working with Heather Headley on AIDA, coming in on DREAM at the last minute, lending his talents to HIGH SOCIETY and THE MAGIC SHOW, why he turned down SUMMER, choreographing Chita Rivera in JERRY’S GIRLS, choreographing acts for everyone from Carol Channing to Alicia Keys, exploring new forms of dance for HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, backstage shenanigans at SEESAW, his memories of RACHAEL LILY ROSENBLOOM…, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a seven-time Tony nominee and true Broadway veteran.   Wildcat Tickets: https://54below.org/events/54-sings-wildcat/

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway poster artist Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo, whose new murder mystery Scenery of the Crime is available anywhere books are sold. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how the movie of THE LION KING inspired his logo design, showing Angela Lansbury the SWEENEY TODD logo, his career renaissance as a mystery writer, his early work on OVER HERE and GYPSY, designing two logos for WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY?, Stephen Sondheim’s note on his logo for GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER, why he focuses on the font of the title of a show, his favorite poster that never made it, presenting his A DOLL’S LIFE designs to Hal Prince, the two Susan Schulman’s who brought his book to fruition, paying tribute to Saul Bass with his PRYMATE design, coming up with different takes on MORNING’S AT SEVEN, venturing into advertising with IMAGINARY FRIENDS, his thoughts on AI art, and so much more. Don’t miss this candid conversation with a true visionary.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway veteran Ann Morrison, who is about to take over the lead role on the tour of KIMBERLY AKIMBO. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how Stephen Sondheim wrote “Now You Know” for her, her favorite revival of MERILY WE ROLL ALONG, modeling Mary Flynn after Mary Rodgers, how Hal Prince cast her in LOVEMUSIK, her international audition process for PEG, telling Mabel Normand’s story in KEYSTONE, running a theater company with her ex-husband, what she brought to the role of King Herod in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, working with Jessica Stone to find her take on Kimberly Levaco, and so much more. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of Broadway’s most unique talents.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Adam Grupper, who is currently starring in Joy at the Laura Pels Theater. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including working with Stephen Sondheim on INTO THE WOODS, turning down KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, a memorable mishap during CITY OF ANGELS, a tip from Robert Westenberg about THE SECRET GARDEN, the joy of reading audiobooks, getting group notes during GUYS AND DOLLS, how NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY launched his career, the stories Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson told him during DOWN THE GARDEN PATH, the idea of masks in THE WILD PARTY, performing Neil Simon’s work in BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS and 45 SECONDS FROM BROADWAY, learning opera singing for LA BOHEME, having his son reprise his role in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a water pipe issue during PICTURES FROM HOME, performing MY FAIR LADY in front of Mike Pence, delivering a John Weidman monologue in I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE, and so much more. Plus, a special treat: a recording of Adam singing “When Your Lover Says Goodbye” from the Alan Jay Lerner musical Coco at 54 Below last month. Don’t miss this comprehensive conversation with a true Broadway veteran. In-person and livestream tickets for Backstage Babble Live: https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-4/ 35% off today only with code BABBLE35.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with playwright and screenwriter Jonathan Tolins. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the joke he couldn’t include in the Tony awards, how Barbra Streisand reacted to BUYER AND CELLAR, working with Broadway favorites on ELSBETH, revising the book for ON THE TOWN, the ill-fated TRUMP FOLLIES, the responsibility of writing for QUEER AS FOLK, THE TWILIGHT OF THE GOLDS’s journey to Broadway, why he changed the ending for the film adaptation, his relationship with Bette Midler, taking on a hot-button issue in IF MEMORY SERVES, writing MAJOR DOMO and THE PETRIES as sitcom pilots for Michael Urie, developing TAKE THE LEAD, the potential third season of SCHMIGADOON, and so much more. Don’t miss this hilarious and candid conversation with one of Broadway and television’s best writers. In-person and livestream tickets for Backstage Babble Live: https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-4/

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway veteran Sally Murphy, who will recreate her role as Julie Jordan in Carousel my next Backstage Babble Live! concert on Monday, July 7 at 7 PM. In-person and livestream tickets are available here: https://54below.org/events/charles-kirschs-backstage-babble-live-4/ Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including observing the audience reaction at AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, a fateful audition for ASSASSINS, how Nicholas Hytner guided her during CAROUSEL, performing without speaking in THE WILD PARTY, keeping up THE MINUTES during the pandemic, working with Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock on FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, backstage games during A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, her upcoming role in AMADEUS, the challenges of starring in LINDA VISTA, being mentored by Lois Smith during THE GRAPES OF WRATH and beyond, telling a true story in BRUTAL IMAGINATION, and so much more. Don’t miss this expansive conversation with one of Broadway’s best actresses.

This is a bittersweet day on Backstage Babble. I am proud to present my interview, recorded in January 2025, with legendary Broadway dancer and choreographer Edie Cowan. Ms. Cowan passed away on May 22, 2025 at the age of 88. It is a very sad loss for theater lovers everywhere, and I hope this interview will give you a sense of her humor, talent, and unique spark. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her wonderful career, including how the original production of OKLAHOMA inspired her love of theater, why Carol Haney selected her for FUNNY GIRL, the changes made to “Cornet Man” and “Rat-a-Tat-Tat,” replacing George Sanders with Clive Revill in SHERRY, working with a cast of veterans on the tour of FOLLIES, finding her take on the role of Lily St. Regis in ANNIE, the advice she got from Dorothy Loudon, how the whole original company of ANNIE ended up getting fired, how her role in Equity led to being involved in the MISS SAIGON conflict, how she met Howard Ashman at Indiana University, casting the Urchins in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, choreographing “Mushnik and Son,” why the show belongs off-Broadway, how she ended up working for the State Department, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this interview with a true theater veteran.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller, whose new memoir Theater Kid is available anywhere books are sold. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including celebrating HAMILTON’s tenth anniversary, making RENT accessible to younger audiences, launching a Tony campaign for AVENUE Q, presenting DERREN BROWN: SECRET on Broadway, how the revivals of SWEENEY TODD and WEST SIDE STORY came about, his 50,000-ticket litmus test, directing FLY out of town, Broadway’s recovery from the pandemic, working with Hal Prince on PRINCE OF BROADWAY, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s brightest creative minds.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway director Sarna Lapine, whose show CALL ME IZZY is currently playing on Broadway. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including working as an assistant director to Bartlett Sher, helping to cast the revival of AWAKE AND SING, how the Obama presidency aligned with the story of SOUTH PACIFIC, how her path to theater mirrored her uncle James Lapine, how the tour of WAR HORSE helped her find her own path as a director, why she doesn’t like using projections, the challenges of adapting Almodovar in WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, collaborating with Kate Hamill on LITTLE WOMEN and DRACULA, the work ethic of making theater in Japan, how she came to direct the Broadway revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, importing technology from Germany to create the chromolumes, using her filmmaking experience for SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, the joys of collaborating with Jean Smart, and so much more. Don’t miss this expansive conversation with one of Broadway’s best directors.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with two-time Tony winner Judith Ivey. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including singing A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC for Stephen Sondheim, how Carol Woods gave her dinner eight times a week during FOLLIES, how her performance in STEAMING led to three feature film roles, finding the comedy in THE HEIRESS, meeting Neil Simon at the Tony Awards, performing BLITHE SPIRIT after Geraldine Page passed away, a memorable night out with Mike Nichols while working on HURLYBURLY, being directed by Zoe Caldwell in PARK YOUR CAR IN HARVARD YARD, acting opposite Jason Robards, acting with the audience in THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS, listening to Margaret Thatcher while performing in THE AUDIENCE, being directed by Edward Albee in THE AMERICAN DREAM, making the audience gasp during VOICES IN THE DARK, the difficulty of performing in GREATER CLEMENTS, developing a one-woman musical with George Furth, how Peter Hall chose her for BEDROOM FARCE, laughing with Eileen Heckart during THE FIVE MRS. BUCHANANS, bringing VANITIES off-Broadway, finding her own take on the leading role in PIAF, and so much more. Don’t miss this honest conversation with one of Broadway’s greatest stars.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony nominee Craig Bierko. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including what he learned from Meredith Willson’s notes in the script of THE MUSIC MAN, dancing with Rebecca Luker, the “stop-start” feeling of THOU SHALT NOT, how James Lapine approached directing MODERN ORTHODOX, the Jewishness that is needed in GUYS AND DOLLS, why he didn’t connect to the character of Miss Trunchbull in MATILDA, what it was like performing GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY just after the pandemic, why STANDING ON CEREMONY didn’t work in New York, his efforts to revive LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE, talking to Patti LuPone backstage during COMPANY, a meaningful moment with Stephen Sondheim, playing opposite Len Cariou in HARRY TOWNSEND’S LAST STAND, and so much more. Don’t miss this honest conversation with one of Broadway’s greatest stars.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with producer Jenny Gersten, who was recently named the new VP and Artistic Director of Musical Theater at City Center. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how Anne Kauffman and Lear DeBessonet brought her on board at City Center, the true mission of the Encores! series, what she looks for in a potential revival, the challenges of massively reworking a show, her experience running the Williamstown Theater Festival after the pandemic, how changing venues affected the experience of the Festival, how she ended up having the same job as her father at the Public Theater, how transferring a show to Broadway has changed since A CHORUS LINE, how the revival of HAIR transferred to Broadway, developing the marketing strategy for BEETLEJUICE, how they made the off-Broadway revival of SWEENEY TODD financially viable, finding the audience for JUST FOR US using digital marketing, designing the Perelman Arts Center, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway’s most important creative minds.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway favorite Michael Park, who is currently starring in REDWOOD on Broadway through May 18. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how he almost quit the business before REDWOOD, the joys of performing with Idina Menzel, memorable stage door experiences at DEAR EVAN HANSEN, his extended audition process for HELLO, AGAIN, what he learned from Jerry Zaks on SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE, balancing his role on AS THE WORLD TURNS with Broadway, teaching young actors during the pandemic, how he almost inspired a new Neil Simon play during LITTLE ME, working with stars on HOW TO SUCCEED and CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, turning down JAGGED LITTLE PILL and HEAD OVER HEELS, how Rob Ashford was pivotal in his career, why he writes backstories for every role he plays, directing TUCK EVERLASTING at Shenandoah University, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a theater veteran.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with 4-time Tony nominee Raul Esparza. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how he got into character for TICK, TICK…BOOM!, finding his take on the Emcee in CABARET, how Stephen Sondheim rewrote “Being Alive” for him, his experience of being outed while starring in COMPANY, the joys of starring in OLIVER, how his wife convinced him to audition for THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, the difficulty of working with Jeremy Piven on SPEED-THE-PLOW, leaning into film tropes for ROAD SHOW, why he struggled with his role in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, John Doyle’s repetition technique, partying with Boy George to prepare for TABOO, why LEAP OF FAITH didn’t have more success on Broadway, his recent role in GALILEO, the lasting power of THE NORMAL HEART, the specificity of Tom Stoppard, his favorite audience reactions during THE HOMECOMING, how LAW AND ORDER gave him a reprieve from stage work, the surprising similarities between ARCADIA and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, and so much more. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with a true Broadway legend.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with 4-time Tony nominee Judy Kuhn, who is currently appearing in BECOMING EVE at the Abrons Arts Center. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary carer, finding the physicality of her character in FUN HOME, singing on the Tonys with RAGS and LES MISERABLES in the same year, how that performance led to her role in CHESS, working with Trevor Nunn on FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, why her role in ASSASSINS scared her, being voted the killer in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, acting with Glenn Close in SUNSET BOULEVARD, interpreting the role of Fosca in PASSION, auditioning opposite Boyd Gaines for SHE LOVES ME, and so much more. Don’t miss this conversation with a Broadway favorite.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony winner Jonathan Groff, who is currently starring as Bobby Darin in JUST IN TIME. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary carer, including why he never felt ownership over the role of King George in HAMILTON, what he learned from his experiences with fans during SPRING AWAKENING, why MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG is a love story, why he turned down the role of Finn on GLEE and HAIR on Broadway, his lack of formal training as a singer, working with Olympia Dukakis on THE SINGING FOREST, why he chose THE SOUND OF MUSIC tour over going to college, the serendipity of starring in A NEW BRAIN at Encores!, how Gavin Creel inspired him to publicly come out, what he learned from getting bad reviews for THE BACCHAE, working with Larry Kramer on the film of THE NORMAL HEART, JUST IN TIME’s journey from the 92nd Street Y to Broadway, and so much more. Don’t miss this honest conversation with a true Broadway star.

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Tony nominee Daniel Davis. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary carer, including his fateful audition for COCO, bringing Katharine Hepburn to dinner with his parents, the disagreement he had with Ian McKellen about AMADEUS, what he admired about Gavin Creel in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, competing with Roddy McDowall for the role of Niles in THE NANNY, taking inspiration from Eric Blore and Arthur Treacher, acting with Eva Le Gallienne in ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, his unexpected Tony nomination for WRONG MOUNTAIN, the gift he got from Tom Stoppard during THE INVENTION F LOVOE, the difficulty of doing NOISES OFF at the American Airlines Theater, how Nathan Lane thought of him for THE FROGS, a full-circle moment appearing on ELSBETH, the challenge of playing Iago in OTHELLO, how he almost replaced Len Cariou in SWEENEY TODD, and so much more. Don’t miss this honest conversation with a true veteran of the American stage.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Tony winning actress Miriam Silverman, who is currently starring in DEEP BLUE SOUND at the Public Theater. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her long journey with THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW, how her birth appeared on national television, choosing between JUNK and MARY JANE, meeting her husband on AWAKE AND SING, balancing being a mother and being an actress, her long collaboration with Anne Kauffmann, developing CULT OF LOVE, her work as a teacher, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this open conversation with one of Broadway’s best performers.