Elysa Gardner: Hi, I’m Elysa Gardner, host of Stage Door Sessions by Broadway Direct, your source for all things Broadway. I covered theater and music at USA Today until 2016 and I’ve since written for The New York Times, Town and Country, New York Stage Review, Entertainment Weekly, The BBC and of course, Broadway Direct. In this podcast, we’re giving you exclusive access to Broadway’s brightest talent and creators from the heart of the theater district. Join my conversations with actors, writers and directors and get filled in on how shows and character choices are impacted by social issues.
Lilli Cooper: What I think is so powerful to cast somebody that looks different that the woman who originally played it 30 years ago is that it is so special as a person of color in the audience to be able to see that on stage.
Elysa Gardner: And the challenges of being a Broadway pro.
Will Chase: It’s funny, as I get older, it’s hard to sing eight shows a week. And this role especially is just kicking my butt. I mean I love doing it, but it’s like, theater’s for the young.
Elysa Gardner: Is there a particular pressure or excitement opening at this time, kind of so close to when all of the awards nominations are going to be announced?
Sarah Stiles: You know what I don’t love, that we open, that all that happens during tax season. (laughs)
Lilli Cooper: So true! I just filed for an extension.
Sarah Stiles: To me, I’m more stressed about that than anything else (laughs)
Lilli Cooper: Straight up, straight up.
Elysa Gardner: Subscribe now to Stage Door Sessions by Broadway Direct wherever you get your podcasts. For all things Broadway and to find tickets to your next show, visit BroadwayDirect.com