The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Available Episodes

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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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Ep381 - AnnMarie Milazzo: Vocals, Vision, and Very Real Ghosts
AnnMarie Milazzo is a musical storyteller with an incredible gift for shaping sound and emotion. Her concept album The Shape of Things, inspired by Joy the Musical, has completely captured my imagination, and in this conversation, we break down how it all came together. She opens up about her creative process, the organic way she approaches vocal arranging and songwriting, and why concept albums are having a resurgence in musical theatre. We also get into the balancing act of artistic integrity, learning from failure, and why she chooses to stay offline when it comes to reviews and feedback. But one of the most unexpected and fascinating parts of this conversation? AnnMarie’s childhood stories of growing up in a former funeral home. From eerie encounters to an ever-present sense of energy in the house, her ghost stories are the kind that stick with you long after you hear them. Whether you’re a fan of her music, curious about the creative process, or just love a good supernatural tale, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and a few chills. AnnMarie Milazzo is a Grammy and Tony-nominated vocal arranger, composer, and songwriter. Her latest work, The Shape of Things, is a concept album featuring songs from Joy the Musical, which tells the inspiring true story of Joy Mangano, the inventor of the Miracle Mop. She has been a key creative force behind some of Broadway’s most iconic modern musicals and continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through music. 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 AnnMarie: 🎵 Stream The Shape of Things 🎭 See Joy the Musical this summer off-Broadway at the Laura Pels Theatre 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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Ep380 - Kelsie Watts: Broadway, Pop Music, and the Power of Perseverance
From viral high notes to Broadway debuts, Kelsie Watts is making waves in the theatre world! You might remember her powerhouse vocals from The Voice, where she wowed audiences (and Kelly Clarkson) with her soaring range, but now she’s taking center stage in a whole new way—as Jane Seymour in Six on Broadway. In this episode, Kelsie shares how she built a career as an independent artist, the unexpected moment that led her to Six, and the challenges of stepping into musical theatre after years away. She opens up about the realities of being an unsigned artist, balancing music and business, and how her opera training shaped her signature sound. Plus, she dives deep into her passion for mental health advocacy, the importance of authenticity in the industry, and how a single piece of feedback changed the course of her career. And yes, she even gives us a preview of her upcoming single—you don’t want to miss it! Kelsie Watts is a vocalist, songwriter, and independent recording artist who first gained national recognition as a contestant on The Voice Season 19, where she landed on Team Kelly Clarkson. Known for blending pop and theatrical influences, she has built a strong following through social media and original music. In 2025, she made her Broadway debut as Jane Seymour in Six. A strong advocate for mental health awareness, she uses her platform to encourage self-care and resilience in the entertainment industry. 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 Kelsie: 🔹 Instagram: @kelsiewatts 🔹 TikTok: @kelsiewatts 🔹 Music Streaming: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and more 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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Ep379 - Vinny DePonto: Memory Palaces and the Magic of Thought
Prepare to question what’s real and what’s just your imagination with renowned mentalist and illusionist Vinny DePonto. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway show Mindplay, Vinny doesn’t just perform tricks—he crafts immersive experiences that blend psychology, memory, and storytelling, making every audience member part of the magic. In this episode, Vinny opens up about the journey from a childhood fascination with a shoebox of vintage magic tricks to becoming a master of mind-bending performances that challenge perception and invite wonder. We dive into the delicate art of mentalism, discussing how memories shape us, the ethics of mind-reading, and the emotional vulnerability that can surface during performances. Vinny shares the creative evolution behind Mindplay—a show that’s never the same twice—and reflects on how audience interaction breathes life into every performance. You’ll also hear about his deep appreciation for theater, design, and storytelling, as well as the unexpected ways his work connects people through shared experiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of art, psychology, and the mysterious power of the human mind. Vinny DePonto is a New York-based mentalist, illusionist, and theater maker whose work fuses psychological tricks with immersive storytelling. His critically acclaimed show Mindplay brings audience participation to the forefront, blurring the lines between memory and illusion. A former performer at the Geffen Playhouse, DePonto has collaborated with renowned directors and writers, continually pushing the boundaries of what mentalism can be. His work is driven by a deep passion for human connection, exploring how memory, perception, and theater intersect to create unforgettable experiences. Connect with Vinny: Instagram: @vinnydeponto Website: vinnydeponto.com 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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Ep378 - Tala Ashe: From "Legends of Tomorrow" to Broadway Today
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 [email protected]. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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About The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

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.

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