BWW Exclusive: Patrick Hinds Shares His Favorite Moments from Theater People Podcast's First Two Years

By: Jan. 19, 2016
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Earlier this week, my friends over at the Theater People podcast celebrated their second anniversary of broadcasting the most delightful, giddy, and insightful interviews with Broadway's best and brightest. From a simple desire to fill a void in our community, Patrick Hinds, Mike Jensen, and Vonia Arslanian have built one of the most beloved avenues for theatre fans to get to know their idols.

So, below, we have asked Patrick (ok, it was his idea) to share some of his favorite memories of the first two years. Take it away Patrick...

It's hard to believe that January 13th was the two-year anniversary of the launch of the Theater People Podcast. Looking back at our incredible guest list, it's even harder to believe that these incredible artists have been so generous with their time, stories, and advice. Just about a year ago, broadwayworld.com invited me to count down my top 10 moments from our first 25 episodes (you can read that piece here). I thought this anniversary might be an appropriate time to reflect on some of my favorite guests from episode 26 till now. Full disclosure: this list changes daily in my mind and these guests are presented in no particular order-except for number 1, which makes me the happiest.

8. Live From New York

Without question, one of the highlights of the last two years was pulling off our first ever live show. You'd think that once the magnificent Broadway superstar Laura Osnes signed on to be our guest and the utterly hilarious Ellyn Marsh agreed to perform, producers Mike, Vonia, and I would have felt confident that we'd be able to pull off a fabulous show. NOT so much. Would anyone show up? We had no idea. Would Patrick choke in front of a live audience? Maybe. Would it be any fun? No idea. Right up until the very last minute, we were FREAKING out (to be fair, I was freaking out. Mike and Vonia were cool as cucumbers, as always.). In the end, it was a smashing, sold-out success. Laura was her perfect charming self; Ellyn was hilarious and brought the house down. (Listen to our live show here.)

7. Beth Malone Stole My Heart

I know you think you know the Fun Home score inside and out, but I need you to go re-listen to 'Telephone Wire' right now. Seriously, I'll wait. Yeah, no, BETH MALONE DESERVES ALL THE TONYS. I once saw her riding her razor scooter down 9th Avenue (yes, it was exactly as adorable as you are imagining) and thought, I just have to have her on the show. It was one of those interviews (in which she talks about, among other things, hot tubbing with Cherry Jones) after which I was genuinely sad that we weren't going to be best friends. Keep your eye on her, you guys, she is just getting started. (Listen to Beth's episode here.)

6. We FINALLY Chatted with Betsy Wolfe

It all started 18 months ago with a casual Facebook message. Betsy and I had enough friends in common that I didn't think it would be inappropriate to reach out, introduce myself and our show, and ask if she'd be a guest. She got RIGHT back to me and said yes. The thing about Betsy Wolfe though you guys is that she is CONSTANTLY working. But finally the stars aligned and we were able to get her into the studio (or, you know, loud, not sound-proofed rehearsal room at Pearl Studios. You've heard our show, you know it's not fancy). I love her for a million reasons, not the least of which being that she let me ask 100 questions about Everyday Rapture without getting annoyed. Also you guys, she is HILARIOUS and generous of story, as they say (including that time at a party when Sherie Rene Scott, Lindsay Mendez, and she, tipsy, were convinced to sing 'Up the Ladder to the Roof' a capella). And don't worry, we talked about The Last Five Years forever too. (Episode Premieres March 1!)

5. Norm Lewis (And his charm....and His Arms....) Sat Down For A Chat

The name sort of says it all, no? Norm Lewis is one of those legendary performers who, at least it feels like to me, has always been a huge Broadway star. So when he said yes to an interview, I really couldn't believe it. In person, he's a giant and he's all charm and charisma and personality. Oh, and he's flat out gorgeous. At the end of his interview he says 'I don't want it to be over!' and my heart melted. We'd be honored to have you back any time, Sir! (Listen to Norm's episode here)

4. Megan Hilty Emailed Me Back

Did you guys know that The Ensemblist's Mo Brady (who, he's asked me to remind you, is VERY handsome) went to high school with Megan Hilty? Knowing I'm obsessed with her, he passed along her email address to me (with her permission, of course). I fired off a message and had NO expectation of a response, but a few day later her name appeared in my inbox. And I screamed. Literally. She said, and I'm quoting here, 'I love your podcast' and then invited me backstage to say hello the night I saw her in Noises Off. I know, it's ridiculous. Also, it needs to be said, in person she just looks famous. Like, aliens from another planet who knew nothing of our culture would see her and be like, "There's something special about that Earthling, let's let her live." Her episode is up in two weeks! (Episode premieres on February 2!)

3. Renee Elise Goldsberry Said Yes!

I've said it before and I'll say it again now, REG's turn as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton is, for me, the performance of the season. And her song "Satisfied" is LITERALLY the most remarkable piece of storytelling I've ever seen on stage. Renee is a working mom, so it took some doing locking down this interview, but when it finally happened (backstage, in her dressing room, which was EVERYTHING), she was the magical unicorn I'd always imagined she'd be. She was so warm and kind and full of thoughtful thoughts (there really isn't another way to express what I mean) on her show and character. And for someone living in the eye of the storm that is Hamilton, I found her to be so grounded and grateful. Ugh, I just wanted to hug her. Oh, and she just casually introduced me to Daveed Diggs like it was nothing. (It was not nothing.) (Listen to Renee's episode here).

2. Laura Benanti. Just, Oh My God, Laura Benanti

I always imagined that Laura would be on our show. But, like, five years from now when we were really ready for her. So when my pal Matt Tamanini passed along her publicist's email and I sent a request, I was SHOCKED at how quickly I got a 'sounds good' back from him. When the day came I was absolutely terrified. I'm not exaggerating, it was terrible. But then she showed up and before even saying hello, gave producer Mike and me the biggest hugs imaginable. I think it was her way of saying "settle down, queens, I'm just a mortal." She was so funny and candid and just perfect. And when I glanced at the clock and said "do you have a little more time?" she looked at her watch and said "Actually no! I have to get to the dentist! But can I come back next week for a part 2?" It was music to my ears. She's just the best and we can't wait to have her back for a third! (Listen to part 1 here. Listen to part 2 here.)

1. Daisy Eagan Got the Part

Ok, this one has nothing to do with the podcast, except for the fact that over the course of doing the podcast, I've gotten to know and love and deeply admire Daisy Eagan. Everyone knows that she won her Tony Award at age 11 for originating the role of Mary Lenox in The Secret Garden. That's why one of the happiest moments of my last two years-and I'm not exaggerating, I really mean this-was her telling me that she'd been cast as Martha in the Lincoln Center reading of The Secret Garden. I know what the show means to her and I know how excited she is to tackle that role. I'm so proud to be her friend and to get to watch her do it. (Listen to Daisy's first episode here. Listen to her 'Catching Up' episode here.)

What is your favorite memory of Theater People's first two years? Share with us in the comments below, or on Twitter with me @BWWMatt, and with the show @TheaterPPL.


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