The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Rob Madge grew up staging living room musicals with wigs, smoke machines, and the unwavering support of their parents and grandmother—but what started as childhood play eventually became the viral, heartfelt, and Olivier-nominated solo show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?). In this episode, Rob shares how those home videos evolved into a theatrical sensation, and how a show born during lockdown has become a powerful celebration of queer joy, family, and radical acceptance—now heading to New York City Center for its limited U.S. debut. We talk about everything from queer theory and comedy as activism to being a theater kid in a small UK village and why their grandmother was the ultimate co-conspirator. Rob opens up about the emotional weight of visibility, the importance of letting kids be themselves, and the unshakable confidence that comes from being loved early and completely. Plus, they reflect on their journey from Gavroche to leading their own story—and the joy of tweaking the show for each new audience. Rob Madge is a writer and performer whose solo show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) earned an Olivier Award nomination following its West End run. They began their career as a child actor in Mary Poppins, Oliver!, and Les Misérables, and trained at Sylvia Young Theatre School before studying English Literature at Warwick University. Rob also stars as the Emcee in Cabaret on the West End, and continues to explore themes of identity, family, and theatricality through their writing and performance. Connect with Rob * Instagram: @robmadge02 [https://www.instagram.com/robmadge02] Connect with The Theatre Podcast: * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast] * Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/theatre_podcast] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://thetheatrepodcast.com/] * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales] * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Anthony Veneziale and Aneesa Folds return to the podcast with the same brilliance and warmth that made their first appearances unforgettable—this time teaming up to talk about their new boundary-breaking musical, Co-Founders, premiering at ACT in San Francisco. With its Bay Area hip hop roots, tech satire, and cutting-edge stage visuals powered by Unreal Engine, the show challenges both theatrical norms and late-stage capitalism, all while telling a deeply personal story about representation, equity, and belonging. We unpack the eight-year journey behind the show’s creation, how Aneesa came aboard, and how both artists bring authenticity and heart into every moment—onstage and off. We also dive into hip hop’s regional influence on the show’s score, the emotional toll of being labeled a “breakout star,” and why community and kindness are non-negotiable parts of the creative process. And if that’s not enough, we improvise the plot of a musical called Mystical Desperate Zebras. This episode is a celebration of art that disrupts, heals, and uplifts—don’t miss it. Anthony Veneziale is a Tony Award-winning co-creator of Freestyle Love Supreme and co-founder of FLS Academy. He’s known for blending freestyle rap with neuroscience and education to foster creativity and collaboration. Aneesa Folds made her Broadway debut in Freestyle Love Supreme and has since become a standout performer and educator, known for her powerhouse presence and vibrant improvisational skills. Together, they now star in Co-Founders, a new musical blending activism, technology, and Bay Area hip hop culture. Connect with Anthony & Aneesa * @twotouchfls (Anthony) * @aneesafolds (Aneesa) Connect with The Theatre Podcast: * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast] * Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/theatre_podcast] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://thetheatrepodcast.com/] * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales] * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Just in time for Broadway’s biggest night, the 2025 Tony Awards, Survival Jobs hosts ⁠Jason A. Coombs⁠ [https://www.jasonacoombs.com/] and⁠ Samantha Tuozzolo⁠ [https://www.samanthadawntuozzolo.com/] drop a special bonus episode today featuring The Theatre Podcast [https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/the-theatre-podcast-with-alan-seales]host and Broadway insider Alan Seales. This fun, laid-back conversation is packed with 2025 Tony Award predictions, hot takes, and heartfelt reflections on this year’s standout nominees. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or just catching Tony fever, this bonus episode is the perfect companion to the excitement building up to Sunday night. This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard experience where you can be a star for a day. This celebratory episode shines a spotlight on the incredible artistry represented in this year’s nominees and invites listeners to laugh, debate, and cheer along as the trio shares their favorite picks and unexpected predictions. Don’t miss out—stream the episode now on all podcast platforms, and get ready for the 2025 Tony Awards airing Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS! Connect with the Survival Jobs Peeps: * Broadway World Article on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Season 3 Launch Party⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photos-Survival-Jobs-Podcast-Celebrates-Season-Three-with-Star-Studded-Launch-Party-20240304] * Follow Samantha: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sammytutz] * Follow Jason on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs] | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter.⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.twitter.com/jasonacoombs] * Check out⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason's Official Website here⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.jasonacoombs.com/] * Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Samantha's official website here⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.samanthadawntuozzolo.com/] * Check out and support ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bridgeport Film Fest⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.bridgeportfilmfest.org/] Connect with The Theatre Podcast: * Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [www.instagram.com/alanseales]on Instagram * Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Theatre Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [www.instagram.com/theatre_podcast]on Instagram If you enjoy Survival Jobs: A Podcast be sure to subscribe and follow us on your preferred podcast listening app! Also, feel free to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.instagram.com/survivaljobspod] and ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@survivaljobspod] Thank you!! Important Links: * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Supporting Transgender People in Your Life...⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://transequality.org/resources/supporting-transgender-people-your-life-guide-being-good-ally] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the citizens of Gaza⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.unrwa.org/gaza-emergency] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Native Land Map⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://native-land.ca/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Abortion Funds Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://abortionfunds.org/funds/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Plan C Pills Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.plancpills.org/] * National Write Your Congressman ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nwyc.com/frontpage] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to Donate to Support Access to Abortions Right Now⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-support-abortion-access] Please don't become complacent: * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Black Mamas Matter Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Families Detained and Separated at the Border. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://secure.actblue.com/donate/scfamilies] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund.⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://aapifund.org/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Black Trans Folx here⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blacktrans.org/donate/] * Donate to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Community League of the Heights (CLOTH)⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.cloth159.org/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the People of Palestine⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://donate.unrwa.org/-landing-page/en_EN] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠How to be an Ally to the AAPI Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.safehorizon.org/stories/how-to-become-aapi-community-ally] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠168 Ways to Donate in Support of Black Lives and Communities of Color⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nymag.com/strategist/article/where-to-donate-for-black-lives-matter.html] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠The New York Times: On Mexico’s Border With U.S., Desperation as Migrant Traffic Piles Up⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/14/world/americas/mexico-border-biden.html] Opening and Closing Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠"One Love" by Beats by Danny⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfCIlNfYJwk] | Game Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Wake Up" by MBB.⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Julia Knitel grew up immersed in theater, with parents who ran a community company out of a church basement. From an early age, she was surrounded by costumes, sets, and the collaborative chaos that comes with putting on a show — and she was hooked. After booking her Broadway debut as a teen in Bye Bye Birdie, Julia continued to carve her own path through the industry, landing the lead in Beautiful, touring with Come From Away, and now earning her first Tony nomination for Dead Outlaw. In this conversation, she opens up about what it means to embrace your weirdness, trust your instincts, and find your place in a profession that often tries to put you in a box. We talk about her journey from ensemble kid to leading lady, why she swears by film photography and beta blockers, and how Dead Outlaw gave her the rare opportunity to be fully herself onstage — quirks, noodle cowboy, and all. Julia also shares her thoughts on staying grounded, celebrating individuality, and the power of telling yourself you’re a star before you step into the spotlight. Julia Knitel is a Tony-nominated actor currently starring in Dead Outlaw on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in Bye Bye Birdie, later starred as Carole King in the national tour of Beautiful, and appeared in Come From Away. She plays eight characters in Dead Outlaw, a genre-defying musical with seven Tony nominations, including one for her performance. Connect with Julia: * Instagram: @juliaknitel [https://www.instagram.com/juliaknitel] * Film photography account: @knitelonfilm [https://www.instagram.com/knitelonfilm] Connect with The Theatre Podcast: * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast] * Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/theatre_podcast] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://thetheatrepodcast.com/] * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales] * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez might come from very different musical worlds — Latin pop and musical theatre — but their collaboration on Real Women Have Curves proves just how powerful a cross-genre partnership can be. Meeting for the first time over Zoom in the middle of the pandemic, these two composers built trust, respect, and a Tony-nominated Broadway score entirely online before ever meeting in person. In this episode, they share how they developed unique musical identities for each character, the surprising ways their backgrounds complemented each other, and why their creative process was built on laughter, voice memos, and a lot of mutual admiration. They also open up about the challenges of adaptation, the emotional toll of cutting songs, and the magic of writing a show that celebrates culture, womanhood, and resilience. Joy discusses her transition from pop music to theatre and how it expanded her creative vocabulary, while Benjamin talks about learning to let go of perfection and embrace joyful collaboration. Plus, the duo reflects on what it means to be “activated” — a word you’ll never hear the same way again after this conversation. Joy Huerta is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, best known as one half of the internationally acclaimed Latin pop duo Jesse & Joy. Benjamin Velez is an ASCAP award-winning composer whose work has been developed by Lincoln Center Theater, Ars Nova, and the Public Theater. Together, they co-composed the original Broadway score for Real Women Have Curves, now playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Connect with Joy and Benjamin: * Joy Huerta: @joy [https://instagram.com/joy] * Benjamin Velez: @benjaminvelezmusic [https://instagram.com/benjaminvelezmusic] * Benjamin's Website: benjaminvelez.com [https://www.benjaminvelez.com] * Cast album out June 6! Connect with The Theatre Podcast: * Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast] * Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/theatre_podcast] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://thetheatrepodcast.com/] * Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/alanseales] * Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]