Nick Corley, Christopher Gurr, and Leah Hofmann Featured on Latest Episode of THE ENSEMBLIST

On this latest episode of The Ensemblist, Nikka and Mo interview three versatile Broadway performers who have worked professionally in both straight plays and musicals. Nick Corley, Christopher Gurr, and Leah Hofmann clue listeners in to how much of a learning experience both genres provide.

When many people think of "Broadway," they often think of those big, spectacular Broadway musicals. However, it is important to remember that straight plays also contribute to the continued success of Broadway. Oftentimes, big-name actors known for their work in television and film will appear in a play, and producers hope that star power will attract more of a commercial audience. While plays do not typically require performers to sing and dance, as in a musical, many actors do, in fact, possess all of the skills to cross over between the two types of Broadway shows. The guests on this episode, who are more often musical theatre performers, discuss their experiences working in straight plays.

Corley (You Can't Take It With You, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Mary Poppins, She Loves Me) is currently performing in the revival of You Can't Take It With You with stars James Earl Jones and Rose Byrne, and he talks about how working with fearless actors in the production has allowed him to continue to learn and grow as an actor. Gurr (All The Way) explains how rehearsal and tech processes differ between plays and musicals, as well as how the day of a performance demands different attentions. Hofmann (Big Fish, War Horse) reveals how crossover actors allow their flexibility to translate throughout all of their work, and also talks about her unique audition and rehearsal process for War Horse.

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