Best Eila Mell Podcasts (2024)

1
Mario Cantone 50:12

18h ago50:12

50:12

Today, I’m thrilled to present my interview with star of stage and screen Mario Cantone. Tune in to hear the stories of his legendary stage career, including how a phone call with Joe Mantello led to ASSASSINS, an early audition for TORCH SONG TRILOGY, when he almost co-starred with Pamela Adlon in THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE, why he turned down …

1
Susan Stroman 1:24:29

2h ago1:24:29

1:24:29

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with legendary director and choreographer Susan Stroman. Tune in to hear all about her upcoming projects LEFT ON TENTH, ANGEL OF ARKANSAS, and SMASH, as well as some of the stories of her great career, including the lessons she learned from John Kander and Fred Ebb, the choreographic journey of THE MUSIC…

1
Jefferson Mays 1:36:59

3h ago1:36:59

1:36:59

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with the brilliant, Tony winning actor Jefferson Mays. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how three 5-minute plays at the Sundance Theater Festival evolved into I AM MY OWN WIFE, his experience performing that play in Poland, Brazil, and Australia, the backstage game he …

1
Alyson Reed 1:08:37

10d ago1:08:37

1:08:37

Today, I am thrilled to announce my interview with star of stage and screen Alyson Reed. Tune in to hear some of the stories of Alyson’s legendary career, including her difficult decision to leave A CHORUS LINE on the road, making amends with Michael Bennett, how “Let Me Dance For You” was restored to the film of A CHORUS LINE, a meaningful note fr…

1
Celebrating 200 Episodes with Brandon Maggart and Lee Roy Reams 1:29:17

1M ago1:29:17

1:29:17

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the second part of Backstage Babble’s 200th episode celebration—a conversation with two of my favorite former guests, two friends, two mentors, two veteran performers, two Tony nominees--Lee Roy Reams and Brandon Maggart. Tune in to hear some of the stories of their parallel lives in the theater, including what it wa…

1
Jack O'Brien 1:16:55

1M ago1:16:55

1:16:55

The first part of Backstage Babble’s 200th episode celebration is here, and it is an honor to be talking theater legend Jack O’Brien, who recently received the lifetime achievement award at the 2024 Tonys. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his expansive career, including the genesis of his newest show THE ROOMMATE, his advice for young directo…

1
David Adjmi 1:34:32

2M ago1:34:32

1:34:32

Today, I am thrilled to announce my interview with 2024 Tony award winning playwright David Adjmi, whose play Stereophonic has quickly become Broadway’s newest sensation. Tune in today for a deep dive into the making of that play, including its Reagan-focused political undercurrent, the plane trip that gave him inspiration, why he views his plays l…

1
Sammi Cannold 1:08:02

2M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with one of Broadway’s best young directors, Sammi Cannold. Tune in to this interview to hear stories and insights from her amazing career, including how a DM led to her Broadway debut, the ins and outs of being an assistant director, how she first contacted Diane Paulus, putting Ingrid Michaelson into N…

1
Michael Greif 1:25:54

3M ago1:25:54

1:25:54

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with the brilliant director Michael Greif, who completed a rare trifecta this season, directing the Broadway productions of Hell’s Kitchen, Days of Wine and Roses, and The Notebook. Tune in today to hear him share insights from his storied career, including the personal significance of directing at the S…

1
Celebrating the Tony Awards with Heather Hitchens and Eila Mell 53:24

3M ago53:24

53:24

The Tonys are coming up! And Backstage Babble is giving you the perfect way to celebrate. On this episode, I am joined by Eila Mell, the author of the wonderful new book “The Tony Awards: Celebrating Excellence in the Theater,” a must-have for any theater fan, and Heather Hitchens, the CEO of the American Theater Wing, which presents the Tonys ever…

1
Susan Birkenhead 1:38:42

3M ago1:38:42

1:38:42

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with legendary lyricist Susan Birkenhead. Tune in to hear the stories of her great career, including how Shirley Bernstein introduced her to Mary Rodgers, the song of hers that was cut from WORKING, the Patti LaBelle-led project that led to JELLY’S LAST JAM, the show she gets recognized for the most, the…

1
Betsy Aidem 1:16:00

4M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with 2024 Tony nominee for Best Actress in a Play, Betsy Aidem. She was nominated for her staggering performance in Prayer for the French Republic, and you can tune in today to hear more about that process as well as some of the great stories of her legendary career, including the advice she got from Tom…

1
Rita Rudner 55:18

4M ago55:18

55:18

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with legendary comedian and Broadway performer Rita Rudner. Tune in to hear her talk about all the facets of her career, including learning wings for Gower Champion, the show she calls “the first feel-bad musical,” the advantages of working with her husband, the difficult transition from mus…

1
Jerry Mitchell 1:21:10

4M ago1:21:10

1:21:10

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Tune in for a conversation about his three current projects, Boop!, The Devil Wears Prada, and Becoming Nancy, as well as some fantastic stories and insights from his legendary career, including how Broadway Bares led to his Broadway debut, what it…

1
Frank Rich 1:11:20

5M ago1:11:20

1:11:20

Ticket Link for Backstage Babble Celebrates Joe Allen Restaurant: https://54below.org/events/backstage-babble-celebrates-joe-allen-restaurant/ Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with legendary theater critic Frank Rich, who served as the chief theater critic of the New York Times from 1980-1993. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of …

1
Elena Shaddow 1:07:03

5M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway star Elena Shaddow. Elena will be appearing in my next concert at 54 Below, Backstage Babble Celebrates Joe Allen Restaurant, singing from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, along with a fantastic lineup including Tony nominees Anita Gillette, Michael Korie, Amanda Green, and Willy Falk, plus Jim Walt…

1
Celia Keenan-Bolger 1:39:37

5M ago1:39:37

1:39:37

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with Tony winning actress Celia Keenan- Bolger, who is currently starring in Mother Play at the Helen Hayes Theater. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including what it was like working with Sondheim on her first major job, her long journey with THE LIGHT IN THE PI…

1
Sara Gettelfinger 1:46:50

5M ago1:46:50

1:46:50

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Sara Gettelfinger, who is currently returning to Broadway after a 10-year hiatus to star as Barbara in Water for Elephants. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how her persistence got her into CCM, why Michele Pawk was an early hero of hers, rehearsing with G…

1
Rick Elice 1:52:46

6M ago1:52:46

1:52:46

I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with Tony-nominated librettist Rick Elice, whose musical Water for Elephants is currently playing at Broadway’s Imperial Theater. Tune in to find out about all the facets of his varied career, which he describes as being a “pinball in a pinball machine,” including how a forbidden experience with Fo…

1
Doug Hughes 1:27:30

6M ago1:27:30

1:27:30

Today, I’m honored to announce my interview with Tony winning director Doug Hughes. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the simple mantra that dictates what kind of work he wants to direct, a very important review he received early in his career, creating tension in DOUBT, what he loves about directing Shaw plays,…

1
Maryann Plunkett 1:15:58

6M ago1:15:58

1:15:58

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with Maryann Plunkett, who is currently starring as Older Allie in Broadway’s The Notebook. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the significance of the first line she said on a Broadway stage, performing on the night of the 2016 election, her numerous costars in Sunday …

1
Melba Moore 28:10

7M ago28:10

28:10

Today, I’m honored to announce my episode with Tony winner Melba Moore, who will be returning to New York stages on March 15 and 16 at 54 Below. You can find tickets to that show here: https://54below.org/events/melba-moore-from-broadway-with-love/ Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how a recording session …

1
Caroline O'Connor 1:14:39

7M ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with veteran of Broadway, West End, and Australian stages, who is currently starring as Lottie Gee in All Roads Theatre’s production of Mack and Mabel. Tickets to that production are available here: https://allroadstheatreco.org/ Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, includin…

1
Kelli O'Hara 1:05:43

7M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Today, it is my great honor to announce the final installment of my “Week of Wine and Roses” with Broadway legend Kelli O’Hara. Tune in to hear some of the stories and insights of her auspicious career, including: the role she wishes she could do again, the benefits of revising Golden Age musicals, why THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA was psychologically di…

1
Craig Lucas 1:31:00

8M ago1:31:00

1:31:00

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the second installment of my “Week of Wine and Roses” with the show’s librettist, one of the greatest playwrights of our time, Craig Lucas. Tune in to hear some of the stories and insights of his career, including: why THE LIGHT OF THE PIAZZA was ultimately a fable, the double meaning of PRELUDE TO A KISS, the proces…

1
Adam Guettel 1:01:29

8M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the kickoff of Backstage Babble’s “Week of Wine and Roses” with legendary composer and lyricist Adam Guettel. Tune in to hear some of the stories and insights of his great career, including why THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA needed a romantic sound, advice he got from Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents, why the greatest w…

1
Richard Topol 1:11:16

8M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with veteran actor Richard Topol, who is starring in Our Class at BAM through February 4th. Tune in to hear fascinating stories, including: how he almost went on for Al Pacino, what it was like acting with Larry David, how he got Covid at a theater in March 2020, a mask mishap during PRAYER FOR THE FRENC…

1
Wanda Richert 56:23

8M ago56:23

56:23

Today, I’m honored to announce the release of my interview with Broadway star Wanda Richert, who played Peggy Sawyer in the original production of 42nd Street. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her love story with Gower Champion, understudying Gwen Verdon, working with Michael Bennett on A Chorus Line, the chall…

1
Lesley Ann Warren 59:14

8M ago59:14

59:14

For the first Backstage Babble episode of 2024, I’m thrilled to present my conversation with Oscar-nominated actress Lesley Ann Warren. Tune in to hear her tell some of the stories of her legendary career, including how Lee Strasberg helped with her part in DRAT! THE CAT!, how 110 IN THE SHADE taught her the meaning of a showstopper, the trouble wi…

1
Backstage Babble Minis: Tyne Daly and Ben Vereen 1:05:03

9M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

The final episode of Backstage Babble in 2023 is a doozy! I’m lucky to talk to many legends, but sometimes they don’t have time for a full conversation. That being said, the two Tony-winning actors who I’m presenting “mini” interviews with today had such valuable thoughts and stories that I wanted to share them publicly. First, Tyne Daly, who it wa…

1
Marylouise Burke 59:20

9M ago59:20

59:20

Today, I’m so happy to announce the release of my episode with veteran actress Marylouise Burke, who is currently starring in Infinite Life in London after premiering it at the Atlantic Theater Company. Tune in to hear the stories of her legendary career, including her beginnings in a Pennsylvania steel town, how she decided to move to New York, at…

1
Sally Mayes 1:00:19

10M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Today, I’m honored to announce my interview with Broadway and cabaret star Sally Mayes, whose show Now and Then is playing at the Green Room 42 on Saturday, December 2nd at 9:30. The ticket link is here: https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com/show/details/AWB4i9Lu1RZsQiFDkPVw/1701570600000 Meanwhile, tune in today to hear some of the stories of her le…

1
Mark Jacoby 1:08:25

10M ago1:08:25

1:08:25

I’m honored to announce my interview with Tony nominee Mark Jacoby, who is currently starring as Neil Diamond-Now in A Beautiful Noise. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the advice Bob Fosse gave him, the joys of singing with Rebecca Luker, his and John Doyle’s unique interpretation of Judge Turpin, his long exp…

1
Cherry Jones 1:16:38

10M ago1:16:38

1:16:38

Today, I’m so excited to announce my interview with legendary actress Cherry Jones. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her distinguished career, including how Andrei Serban taught her how to act, why Colleen Dewhurst was her biggest inspiration, witnessing the difficult relationship between Glenda Jackson and Zoe Caldwell on Macbeth, her theori…

1
Casey Nicholaw 58:16

10M ago58:16

58:16

Today, I’m so excited to announce my interview with 2023 Tony winner Casey Nicholaw, whose show Some Like it Hot runs through December 30th. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the stroke of good luck that led to his Broadway debut, returning to performing recently for one week, why Encores reminds him of su…

1
Ep 182. Saw 1:46:27

11M ago1:46:27

1:46:27

The movie that helped Danny Glover land the role of the person who uncontrollably laughs and cries in those Rx commercials.By Liotti, Frank & Mell, Eila

1
Schele Williams 57:14

11M ago57:14

57:14

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with Broadway director Schele Williams, who is helming the upcoming Broadway productions of The Wiz and The Notebook. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her long career, including what her new vision is for The Wiz, the International power of Rent, the process of revising Aida, the joys of telling th…

1
Ep 181. Friday the 13th Part 2 2:04:16

11M ago2:04:16

2:04:16

Why is Mrs. Voorhees so angry if her son is still alive?By Liotti, Frank & Mell, Eila

1
Carolee Carmello 1:03:27

11M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with 3-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how she first got involved in Parade, her insights into the all-female 1776, being directed by Hal Prince, why Scandalous was the most vocally challenging role she’s had (hint: it wasn’t the …

1
Ep 180. Halloween 45th Anniversary 1:51:41

11M ago1:51:41

1:51:41

This encore episode celebrates Halloween's 45th anniversary! Yelp Review: If I could, I would give this babysitter ZERO stars! She had sex in our bed, and the whole room smelled like eggs. Her boyfriend was still hanging around the kitchen when we got home, the phone was off the hook, the dog was dead, our kids were missing, and worst of all she le…

1
Peter Friedman 38:33

11M ago38:33

38:33

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Peter Friedman, who is currently starring in the sold-out hit play Job off-Broadway. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including a visit with E. L. Doctorow, working with older vaudevillians on The Tenth Man, coming into Twelve Angry Men late in the process, experienci…

1
Ep 179. Return of the Living Dead 1:55:01

11M ago1:55:01

1:55:01

The best part of waking up is brains in your cup.By Liotti, Frank & Mell, Eila

1
Mary Beth Peil 1:22:12

11M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Today, I’m so happy to announce my episode with Tony nominee Mary Beth Peil. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the challenges of her opera background, falling in love with Yul Brynner, the type of feedback Stephen Sondheim always gave her, the show that came to Broadway too quickly, why she had been practi…

1
Lar Lubovitch 59:32

11M ago59:32

59:32

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with legendary Broadway and ballet choreographer Lar Lubovitch. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including how he got involved in the musical theater world, founding his own dance company, Stephen Sondheim’s resistance to too much movement in Into the Woods, why Stanley Donen’…