Had to Ask: Telly Leung on Masquerade, Representation & Broadway Leadership

Had to Ask: Telly Leung on Masquerade, Representation & Broadway Leadership

Telly Leung (@tellyleung [https://www.instagram.com/tellyleung/]) is a Broadway leading man whose career spans more than two decades, with acclaimed performances in Aladdin, Allegiance, Rent, Godspell, Pacific Overtures, Flower Drum Song, and now Masquerade, the immersive reimagining of The Phantom of the Opera. With Telly’s final performance in Masquerade coming up on June 12, we’re releasing this conversation as a special launch-week episode of Had to Ask. In it, Telly shares what it’s like to step into one of theatre’s most iconic roles, perform for just 60 audience members at a time, and share the role of the Phantom alongside five other actors. In this conversation, Telly reflects on the performers who made him believe an Asian American actor could be a Broadway leading man, the responsibility that comes with leadership in the theatre, and why simply "showing up" can be a powerful act of representation. He opens up about the insecurity that still follows him after 26 years in the business, the summer he deliberately chose to be the worst dancer in the room so he could grow, and the lesson that has guided him throughout his career: we don't grow unless we're uncomfortable. We also discuss what makes a true leading man, how he landed Aladdin, why art remains one of the most powerful forms of resistance, and the advice he gives actors walking into a casting room for the very first time. This is a conversation about courage, representation, leadership, and finding the confidence to take up space—even when you're not sure you belong there yet. Chapters: 01:30 — The performers who made him believe he could be a leading man 02:35 — Why "showing up" matters 03:47 — The insecurity that never fully goes away 05:13 — Working a data entry job to fund dance training 09:07 — Why growth requires discomfort 10:14 — What being a leading man really means 12:51 — The surprising reason Disney cast him as Aladdin 27:09 — Why art matters in difficult times 28:56 — Inside Masquerade and immersive performance 34:53 — The brotherhood of six Phantoms 48:06 — How to convince a casting room you're right for the role Follow Telly Leung (@tellyleung [https://www.instagram.com/tellyleung/]) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod [https://www.instagram.com/hadtoaskpod]) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada [https://www.instagram.com/melaniesutra]. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to Thompson Central Park New York [https://www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/en-US/lgatp-thompson-central-park-new-york?src=agn_koddi_crp_chico_ppc_21503036087_Conversion_Thompson_Google_Search_English_LGATP_NewYork_Paid_Brand_CrossDevice_1x1_google_Koddi-TopUp-Evergreen-Brand_e_thompson%20central%20park&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21503036087&gclid=Cj0KCQjwof_QBhCgARIsADaMzOd67-DwYmsvawI_yXiBwN-5B-il4CsB_HAN4lA0s9MFdE4gsoHuV-8aAlFgEALw_wcB] for being the perfect space for this conversation with Had to Ask. ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with an artist who needs the reminder that growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.

Had to Ask: Ann Harada on Broadway Longevity, Representation & Having No F's Left to Give

Ann Harada (@iamannharada [https://www.instagram.com/iamannharada/]) has built one of the most respected careers in Broadway history. From Avenue Q and Seussical to Schmigadoon! (run and have a forking good time with this show at the Nederlander ASAP!), Cinderella, Les Misérables, Into the Woods, and beyond, she has spent decades navigating an industry that is constantly changing while staying true to herself. In this episode of Had to Ask, Ann reflects on the realities of building a long-term career in the arts, the show she still has a deep emotional connection to, and how the landscape for Asian American performers has evolved since she first arrived in New York. She opens up about being told she was "too American" for certain roles, the career regret she still carries, and why reaching a place of contentment has been one of the greatest gifts of getting older. Along the way, we also talk about Hallmark movies, poker, fresh flowers, and the unexpected lessons that come from spending a lifetime in the theatre. This is a conversation about longevity, identity, community, and what happens when you stop trying to be who everyone else wants you to be. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction01:28 — Opening Schmigadoon! and the magic of live theatre05:28 — Why Avenue Q still means so much to her09:20 — The people who helped build her career12:12 — Auditioning as an Asian American actress16:07 — Hallmark movies, baking, poker, and reading people22:52 — Reaching a point where she has "no Fs to give"31:57 — Her biggest career regret39:31 — Why art matters, especially during difficult times46:00 — Advice for the next generation of performers49:30 — Final thoughts Follow Ann Harada (@iamannharada [https://www.instagram.com/iamannharada/]⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realshanlew]) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod [https://www.instagram.com/hadtoaskpod]) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada [https://www.instagram.com/melaniesutra]. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to Thompson Central Park New York [https://www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/en-US/lgatp-thompson-central-park-new-york?src=agn_koddi_crp_chico_ppc_21503036087_Conversion_Thompson_Google_Search_English_LGATP_NewYork_Paid_Brand_CrossDevice_1x1_google_Koddi-TopUp-Evergreen-Brand_e_thompson%20central%20park&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21503036087&gclid=Cj0KCQjwof_QBhCgARIsADaMzOd67-DwYmsvawI_yXiBwN-5B-il4CsB_HAN4lA0s9MFdE4gsoHuV-8aAlFgEALw_wcB] for being the perfect space for this conversation with Had to Ask. ⭐️ Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that there's more than one way to build a meaningful career.

Had to Ask: Shannon Lewis on Choreographing Just In Time, SNL, and 25+ Years on Broadway

Shannon Lewis (@realshanlew [https://www.instagram.com/realshanlew]) is a veteran Broadway performer turned choreographer whose career spans more than 25 years on stage and screen. She made her Broadway debut in the original run of Crazy for You, later earning acclaim performing ‘I Gotcha’ in the original Broadway cast of Fosse. Shannon also went on to appear in beloved productions like Sweet Charity, A Chorus Line, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Beyond Broadway, she’s brought her choreographic eye to television hits like Saturday Night Live and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Now, she makes her Broadway choreographer debut with Just In Time, the new Bobby Darin musical. In this conversation, Shannon reflects on the resilience it takes to sustain a decades-long career, the lessons learned from the roles she didn’t book, and why she’s driven to be part of the whole creative conversation—not just the performance. She opens up about creating choreography that resonates from the front row to the back of the house, the wild realities of working on SNL, and what it means to keep saying “yes” to the right opportunities. This is a story about artistry, endurance, and learning to trust the moments when doors open—even if they’re not the ones you first imagined. Chapters: * 03:46 — Did Shannon ever imagine she’d still be working on Broadway 25+ years later? * 06:10 — The roles she didn’t book (and what they taught her) * 10:07 — Wanting to be part of the whole creative conversation in musical theatre * 15:01 — Building choreography for both the front row and the back in Just In Time * 17:28 — The impossible, exhilarating process of working on SNL * 19:00 — Collaborating with Jonathan Groff in Just In Time * 23:30 — Learning when to say yes in this business * 27:30 — Watching others have their “moment” * 28:58 — The conversations that happen on the other side of the table * 30:56 — Navigating relationships in the business * 33:20 — Getting out of your own way * 36:44 — What Shannon hopes her legacy will be Follow Shannon Lewis (@realshanlew [https://www.instagram.com/realshanlew]) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for Season 1! ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with an artist who wants insight into building a career that lasts.

Had to Ask: John Cardoza on Love, Loss, and Finding His Way from Moulin Rouge! to The Notebook

John Cardoza (@johnfcardoza [https://www.instagram.com/johnfcardoza]) joins me on Had to Ask for a vulnerable, moving, and deeply human conversation about love, grief, and resilience. From touring the country in Moulin Rouge! to creating the role of Young Noah in The Notebook on Broadway, John has built a career grounded not just in talent, but in choosing what feels right and meaningful. We talk about the unexpected loss of his mother, how grief has shaped him as an artist, and why nothing will ever be more important than being there for family when they need him. John opens up about navigating fear, vulnerability as a muscle you have to keep flexing, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up in this industry. Of course, it’s not all serious — John also shares his irrational fear of tall buildings (tough luck in NYC), his Broadway diva fighter of choice, and his admiration for Solea Pfeiffer. Plus: what it was like finishing The Notebook with Jordan Tyson after three years of building those roles together, crying in grocery stores, and how following the path that feels right led him all the way to Christian in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway. This episode is about love, loss, and why the sacrifices have to be worth it. If you’ve ever chased a dream while trying to hold onto what matters most, you’ll feel seen in this one. Chapters: * 6:03 John’s love for touring with Moulin Rouge * 11:39 What really scares him * 21:07 What led John to Young Noah in The Notebook * 25:45 Crying in the grocery store and seeing the beauty in the everyday * 31:08 Following the path of things that feel right * 33:30 How proud John is to still be on his feet * 42:12 The Tour of Moulin Rouge! Versus Broadway * 49:20 Other John would go back to Moulin Rouge * 53:19 The joy John is choosing next. Follow John Cardoza (@johnfcardoza [https://www.instagram.com/johnfcardoza]) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod [https://www.instagram.com/hadtoaskpod]) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for season 1! ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with someone who knows that following your heart is always worth it.

Had to Ask: Matt Doyle on Company, Sondheim, and Surviving Broadway’s Toughest Truths

Tony Award winner Matt Doyle (@mattfdoyle [https://www.instagram.com/mattfdoyle]) — who you may know from Company, Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, and more — joins me on Had to Ask for a candid, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about the highs, lows, and everything in between of life in the theatre. From falling head over heels for Sondheim to dreaming of playing Romeo, Matt shares how perseverance—not perfection—has carried him through an industry that never really gets easier. We dive into mental health, imposter syndrome, and the self-sabotage that comes with being an “insecure mess,” plus his deep admiration for Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, and Gavin Creel. Matt opens up about Conversations with Mother, why building a life outside the work matters, and the joy (and nerves) behind stepping into Jay Gatsby’s shoes in The Great Gatsby. Also on the table? Our mutual agreement that we’d both be terrible in jail, the unlikely way he met Bonnie Milligan, and his voice talent crush. Whether you’re here for the Broadway stories, the Gatsby gossip, or just to feel a little less alone in chasing big dreams, this one’s got it all. Chapters: 02:41 Gossip Girl — and whether he’d choose Blair or Serena08:17 The first time Matt met Gavin Creel10:36 High school backstage on Spring Awakening13:23 Thinking he was done after The Book of Mormon18:18 His friendship with Bonnie Milligan25:23 The Broadway revival he’d like to see28:23 Falling in love with musical theatre through Sondheim31:59 Imposter syndrome and winning a Tony37:24 The pressure to bring Broadway back with Company45:40 The chicken soup for the soul that was Conversations with Mother49:09 Opening The Great Gatsby in South Korea Follow Matt Doyle (@mattfdoyle) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada. Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for Season 1! ⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with a friend who loves big laughs and bigger dreams.