Katie Finneran News

On Monday, December 8, the Theater People Podcast welcomes Mary Testa. Over the course of Testa's nearly four decades in the New York Theater she's racked up 12 Broadway credits, 26 Off-Broadway credits, two Tony nominations, two Obie Awards, four Drama Desk nominations and an honorary Drama Desk for her years of outstanding performances on and off Broadway.

Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Today's big news: NBC broadcasts PETER PAN LIVE! tonight, THE ILLUSIONISTS opens on Broadway, DISENCHANTED! raises the curtain off-Broadway and more!

Producers Tom Kirdahy, Roy Furman, and Ken Davenport announced today that Broadway's record-breaking, star-studded smash hit comedy It's Only a Play by 4-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, will welcome two new stars. Beginning January 7, 2015, two-time Tony Award winner Katie Finneran and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning "30 Rock" alum Maulik Pancholy-in his Broadway debut-will assume the roles of 'Julia Budder' and 'Frank Finger', respectively.

On Monday, December 1, the Theater People Podcast welcomes ON THE TOWN star Alysha Umphress. Umphress shares fascinating stories from her journey with the project including her decision, after a slew of ensemble roles in Broadway shows, to only be seen for principal parts which led to this opportunity.

Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Today's big news: It's a crazy-busy Monday! SIDE SHOW brings the freaks back to Broadway, PUNK ROCK and STRAIGHT WHITE MEN open off-Broadway, stars gather to celebrate Elaine Stritch and so much more!

On Monday, November 17, the Theater People Podcast welcomes SIDE SHOW star Erin Davie. Davie shares stories about her six year journey with the production, working with director Bill Condon on updating and reimagining the show, memories from having seen the original production on Broadway, and how she and co-star Emily Padget found their Daisy and Violet.

This rollicking evening will be helmed by Roundabout's Adams Associate Artistic Director, six-time Tony nominee Scott Ellis (Roundabout's Harvey, The Mystery of Edwin Drood), currently represented on Broadway with The Elephant Man and You Can't Take It With You. Final casting to be announced.

On Monday, November 3, The Theater People Podcast welcomes celebrates Broadway debuts with actresses Margo Seibert (ROCKY THE MUSICAL) and Amber Iman (SOUL DOCTOR). Both actresses discuss landing leading roles for their first Broadway jobs.

On Monday, October 20th, the Theater People Podcast welcomes three time Tony nominee Celia Keenan-Bolger. Topics discussed include her Broadway debut in the popular 2005 musical THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, her critically acclaimed turns in the Broadway productions of PETER AND THE STAR CATCHER and last year's THE GLASS MENAGERIE. She also talks about taking on the new play THE OLDEST BOY, currently in previews at the Mitzi Newhouse theater at Lincoln Theater, and the exciting experience of working for the first time on a play with two women at the helm--the playwright Sarah Ruhl, and director Rebecca Taichman.

HB Studio, one of New York's original acting schools, will kick off its 70th anniversary celebration at 7 p.m. on November 3 with a benefit dinner at the Manhattan Penthouse.

On Monday, October 6th the Theater People Podcast welcomes Tony, Emmy, Drama Desk, Obie winner and Pulitzer Prize nominee Lin-Manuel Miranda. Topics discussed include Miranda's upcoming new musical HAMILTON--which makes it's world premiere at the Public Theater in January, the Tony winning IN THE HEIGHTS, BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, AND 21 CHUMP STREET--The short musical Miranda wrote for NPR's 'This American Life.'

On Monday, September 22 the Theater People Podcast welcomes the multi-talented Telly Leung. Topics discussed include his work on the musical TV show GLEE, his work on Broadway including FLOWER DRUM SONG, the groundbreaking 2004 revival of Stephen Sondheim' PACIFIC OVERTURES, RENT, and GODSPELL, and his new role as a producer on the rock musical short film GRIND starring Anthony Rapp.

On Monday, September 8th the Theater People Podcast welcomes the multi-talented Ellyn Marie Marsh. Topics discussed include her two Broadway heartbreaks: being cast as a replacement in the role of Hatchet Face Mona in CRY BABY, but never even making it into rehearsal because the show closed just after previews; and being cast as an understudy in ENRON, but never making it to the stage because the show suffered a similar fate.

Lena Hall, 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), recently surprised students of Broadway Artists Alliance'a Summer Intensive. Hall spoke of the start of her career, auditioning for her award winning role, and making time for her rock band, The Deafening. Hall also participated in a Q&A with students, answering questions and offering advice for young performers. Get a look at her appearance below!

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.

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.

Santino Fontana, 2013 Tony Award nominee for Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Cinderella), visited students of Broadway Artists Alliance Junior Summer Intensive on July 9th. Fontana spoke of his start in school plays all the way to his Broadway career. Fontana relayed some words of wisdom during a Q&A, answering questions ranging from memorizing all those lines to the process of making Frozen.

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.