Daisy Eagan News

On Monday, August 18th the Theater People Podcast welcomes Tony-winner Jerry Mitchell. Mitchell discusses directing and choreographing the Tony winning mega-hit KINKY BOOTS. He also discusses making his director/choreographer debut with the popular LEGALLY BLONDE as well as his collaborations with the great Jack O'Brien on HAIRSPRAY, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, THE FULL MONTY and others. The episode is available now for iTunes subscribers.

On Monday, August 4th the Theater People Podcast welcomes Tony-winner Karen Olivo. Olivo made headlines in 2013 when she announced on her blog that she would be taking a step back from acting and leaving New York City in order to move to Madison, Wisconsin to pursue other interests and passions.

The Meeting* hosted by Justin Sayre, the acclaimed comedy/variety show, will return to THE BOOTLEG THEATER tonight, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at 7:30 PM. After extended runs at 54 Below and Joe's Pub in New York, the show recently made its Los Angeles debut and is back for two more performances. The show will feature special guests to be announced.

On Monday, July 21st the Theater People Podcast welcomes two-time Tony-nominee Robin de Jesus. De Jesus discusses making his professional acting debut in the cult-hit indie film CAMP, making his Broadway debut as an understudy in RENT, creating the role of Sonny in the groundbreaking IN TH EHEIGHTS, co-starring as Jacob in the 2010 revival of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES alongside Kelsey Grammer, and receiving Tony nominations for the latter two roles.

On Monday, July 7th, the Theater People Podcast welcomes Tony Award-winner Tonya Pinkins. Pinkins is currently co-starring on Broadway in HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, a mostly rapped-through musical featuring the music, lyrics, and poetry of Tupac Shakur.

The Meeting* hosted by Justin Sayre, the acclaimed comedy/variety show, will return to THE BOOTLEG THEATER on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at 7:30 PM. After extended runs at 54 Below and Joe's Pub in New York, the show recently made its Los Angeles debut and is back for two more performances. The show will feature special guests to be announced.

Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood is proud to welcome Tony Nominee Adam Pascal as guest on Universal Broadcasting Network's internet radio show "Happy Hour with Ben & Alexander" today, July 1st at 6 PST.

On Monday, June 30th the Theater People Podcast welcomes 'Matilda' star Lesli Margherita. Topics discussed include her Olivier award winning turn as Inez in 'Zorro The Musical' in London's West End, the day her friend Eden Espinosa called her to insist that Lesli be seen for the role of Mrs. Wormwood in 'Matilda', and her emotional Broadway debut in the show. The episode is available now to iTunes subscribers.

Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood is proud to welcome Tony Nominee Adam Pascal as guest on Universal Broadcasting Network's internet radio show "Happy Hour with Ben & Alexander" on Tuesday, July 1st at 6 PST.

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Elizabeth Doran, Executive Director), celebrates 'Pasadena Day' with a performance of Vanessa Claire Stewart's STONEFACE, the fifth production of the 2013-2014 season.

The fourth annual 'Night Of A Thousand Judys' -- presented by The Meeting* hosted by Justin Sayre -- welcomed stars including Sierra Boggess (The Phantom of the Opera), Austin Scarlett ('Project Runway'), Karen Wyman (celebrated 60s pop singer), Alison Fraser (two-time Tony Award nominee), Jackie Hoffman (Hairspray) and Aaron Weinstein (acclaimed jazz violinist), as well as Jane Monheit (Grammy Award nominated jazz star), Sarah Dash (R&B/Disco legend of LaBelle), Rory O'Malley (Tony Award nominee, The Book of Mormon,) Julia Murney (Wicked, The Wild Party), Erin McKeown (folk-rock singer/songwriter) and Gabrielle Stravelli (Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra). Scroll down for photos from the event!

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Elizabeth Doran, Executive Director), celebrates "Pasadena Day" with a performance of Vanessa Claire Stewart's STONEFACE, the fifth production of the 2013-2014 season.

On Monday, June 16th the Theater People Podcast welcomes 'If/Then' and 'Rent' star Anthony Rapp. Topics discussed include Rapp's two year journey helping to bring 'If/Then' to the Broadway stage (he's been with the show since even before the workshop phase), collaborating with the show's creators Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt to create the character of Lucas, and reuniting with friend and 'Rent' co-star Idina Menzel (he has high praise for her work ethic, talent, and ability to maintain her status as one of Broadway's few 'marquee names').

Vanessa Claire Stewart's Stoneface, the Rise and Fall and Rise of Buster Keaton, first produced at Sacred Fools Theatre Company in 2012, finds fresh life in a newly remounted production simply titled STONEFACE at Pasadena Playhouse. With a bigger budget, more space in which to play, and clearly enhanced with an eye to continuing its life beyond Los Angeles, it should be set for a rousing success.

Julio Martinez-hosted Arts in Review - celebrating the best in live theater and cabaret in Greater Los Angeles - airs Friday (2-2:30pm) on KPFK (90.7FM). Today, June 13, Arts in Review spotlights French Stewart and Daisy Eagan, currently starring in Vanessa Claire Stewart's Buster Keaton bio play, Stoneface. Arts in Review streams live worldwide over kpfk.org.

Sterling's Upstairs - housed at popular LA hot spot The Federal in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District - has not only been described by the Los Angeles Times as "LA's cabaret destination;" but was just cited by LA Weekly as one of Los Angeles's top five supper clubs, With an arsenal of similar accolades from LA based media, Sterling's Upstairs celebrates its eight-year anniversary this month with Broadway performers Maura Hanlon Smith (June 9), Sandy Bainum (June 22) and Bernard Dotson (June 29-June 30). Kritzerland Records' Nobody Does it Better... The songs of Dorothy Fields kicked off the month-long celebration on June 1st featuring Tara Browne, Cynthia Ferrer, Zachary Ford, Kim Huber, Jenna Lea Rosen, Sami Staitman, Sarah Staitman, Robert Yacko and Special Guest... Broadway's Kerry O'Malley.

On Monday, June 2nd the Theater People Podcast welcomes Broadway star Eden Espinosa. Topics discussed include her humble beginnings as a Disney theme park performer, her breakthrough performance in the title role of the 2004 musical BROOKLYN, being Idina Menzel's standby in the original company of WICKED, and performing her dream role of Maureen Johnson in the closing company of RENT.

Todd & Heather, a comedic duo, reminiscent of Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, the Smothers Brothers, Donny & Marie and Lucy & Ethel, host this new show, which features "songs you know...unlike you've ever heard them before!" Todd Sherry & Heather Olt are proud to announce that they will be hosting, Up, With a Twist at Upstairs at Vitello's on Monday, June 2, 2014 with an all-star line-up!

Actor French Stewart will repeat his role as Buster Keaton in Stoneface, written by his wife Vanessa Claire Stewart, at the Pasadena Playhouse beginning June 3. The play will costar Daisy Eagan. Stewart, best known to TV audiences for 3rd Rock from the Sun, the middle and other sitcoms is a wonderful dramatic actor, and as Buster Keaton in Stoneface, which sold out houses for months at Sacred Fools Theatre in 2012, he just shines.

For people, like me, who sit in front of a computer for a living, or have long commutes each day, podcasts are an entertaining and educational way to pass the time. Last month I introduced you to the 20 Top Podcasts for theatre fans, and chief among them was the Theater People Podcast, hosted by Patrick Hinds. Recently, I spoke to Patrick about the his incredible Broadway friends, his research process, and why Laura Osnes made him sick to his stomach.