Patrick Hinds, host of Theater People Podcast, recently told me that he considers The Ensemblist to be the Radio Lab of theatre podcasts. For podcast aficionados, that is extremely high (and well-deserved) praise. Nikka Graff Lanzarone (WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, CHICAGO) and Mo Brady (THE ADDAMS FAMILY, SMASH) are two Broadway vets that have been giving listeners a look at Broadway 'from the inside out' for over a year. Next week, they are having a party to celebrate, and you're invited.
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.
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.
Is network news appointment television for you? I didn't think so. Are you constantly angered that ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT only talks about theatre when a Hollywood star joins a cast or someone falls 30 feet to the stage floor? Me too. Well, I have an alternative that just might satisfy your news and theatre cravings; podcasting. Isn't that just what hipsters do between their shift at Starbucks and another trip to the thrift shop? Well, yes and no. I'm sure there is a barista in Portland who is currently recording a missive bemoaning mass media's attempt to co-opt the indie subculture, but most people who do podcasts well are incredibly informed and passionate about their specific topics.
