• #74 - Norm Lewis - Is Having a Full Circle Moment!
    2025/04/04
    Stage and Screen Star Norm Lewis drops by to give us an early look into his upcoming show Ceremonies In Dark Old Men at St Clements Theater. Norm also recounts his time with A Soldiers Play, Les Miserables and working with Billy Porter on Pose. Link for tickets -https://www.thepeccadillo.com/ Also in this episode - Joe Morton Emmy Win. Review of The Last 5 Years. Emmy, Tony, and SAG Award nominee, NORM LEWIS (Russell Parker) was recently seen onstage starring in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning production of A Soldier's Play and in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End Concert of Love Never Dies. He starred in Spike Lee's critically acclaimed, "Da 5 Bloods," and in the groundbreaking FX series, Pose. Additionally, Mr. Lewis can be seen starring opposite Hilary Swank in the feature "The Good Mother," Amazon Prime's newest series, Swarm, and Hulu's, Up Here. He was also seen as 'Caiaphas' in the award-winning NBC television special, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!,” alongside John Legend, Sara Bareilles, and Alice Cooper. Mr. Lewis returned to Broadway in the Fall of 2021, starring in Chicken and Biscuits at the Circle In The Square Theatre. He previously appeared in the Broadway revival of Once on This Island and as Sweeney Todd in the Off-Broadway production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Barrow Street Theatre, receiving the AUDELCO Award for his performance. In May of 2014, he made history as The Phantom of the Opera’s first African American Phantom on Broadway. He has been seen on PBS in the Live From Lincoln Center productions of Showboat with Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis: Who Am I?, New Year’s Eve: A Gershwin Celebration with Diane Reeves, as well as American Voices with Renée Fleming and the PBS Specials First You Dream – The Music of Kander & Ebb and Ella Wishes You A Swingin' Christmas. He can be seen recurring in the VH1 series, Daytime Divas, also alongside Vanessa Williams. His additional television credits include Women of The Movement, Law & Order, Dr. Death, Mrs. America, Better Things, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Bull, Chicago Med, Gotham, The Blacklist, and Blue Bloods, as well as in his recurring role as Senator Edison Davis on the hit drama Scandal. Mr. Lewis is a proud, founding member of Black Theatre United, an organization which stands together to help protect Black people, Black talent and Black lives of all shapes and orientations in theatre and communities across the country. He received Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle award nominations for his performance as Porgy in the Broadway production of The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess. Other Broadway credits include Sondheim on Sondheim, The Little Mermaid, Les Misérables, Chicago, Amour, The Wild Party, Side Show, Miss Saigon, and The Who’s Tommy. In London’s West End he has appeared as Javert in Les Misérables and Les Misérables: The 25th Anniversary Concert, which aired on PBS. Off-Broadway Mr. Lewis has performed in Dessa Rose (Drama Desk nomination, AUDELCO Award), Shakespeare in the Park’s The Tempest, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Drama League nomination), Captains Courageous, and A New Brain. His regional credits include Porgy in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess (A.R.T.), Ragtime, Dreamgirls (with Jennifer Holliday), First You Dream, Sweeney Todd, and The Fantasticks. His additional film credits include Christmas In Tune (starring opposite Reba McEntire), Magnum Opus, Winter’s Tale, Sex and the City 2, Confidences, and Preaching to the Choir. Norm's albums "The Norm Lewis Christmas Album" & "This is The Life" can be found on Amazon.com as well as cdbaby.com. Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y. Connect with Eila and Bruce: Instagram @behind_the_awards Eila @eilamell Bruce @cominghomewithbruce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 分
  • #73 - Ione Skye - Say Everything
    2025/04/02
    Boom Box Icon Ione Skye stops by Behind the Awards to discuss her new book Say Everything and the movie that made famous Say Anything. Ione is brutally honest as she discusses her life, career, famous father and romances with Jon Cusack, Keanu Reeves, Anthony Kiedis. Also in this episode - Tina Fey Emmy Win. Review of Lea & Drew Lachey’s Label-less. Ione Skye made her film debut opposite Keanu Reeves in River’s Edge, followed by her iconic role as Diane Court in Say Anything. Skye has appeared in other notable film and television projects including Zodiac, Wayne’s World, Fever Pitch, Arrested Development, Camping, Good Girls, Beef, and much more. In addition to acting, Skye is a painter who has exhibited and sold her work for twenty-five years. She is the author of the children’s book, My Yiddish Vacation, and cohost of the weekly podcast Weirder Together. Ione is the mother of two daughters and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, and collaborator, the musician Ben Lee. Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y. Connect with Eila and Bruce: Instagram @behind_the_awards Eila @eilamell Bruce @cominghomewithbruce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 分
  • #72 - Carra Patterson - Arresting in Elsbeth
    2025/03/28
    Carra Patterson dropped in to talk about Elsbeth and what it’s like to be on a network series in 2025. Carra also revels what it was like originating a role in the August Wilson Play Jitney and being directed by George C Wolfe. Listen as Carra talks about working with co-stars Carrie Preston & Wendell Pierce, plus her take on Self-Tape Auditions. Also in this episode - Martin Sheen 2001 Golden Globe win for West Wing and Operation Mincemeat Review. Carra Patterson was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. She made her big screen debut appearing in an supporting role in the 2010 romantic comedy-drama film, Why Did I Get Married Too?. In 2012 she made her Broadway debut in Manhattan Theatre Club production of Wit starring Cynthia Nixon. She later performed in off-Broadway productions of Luck of the Irish, Significant Other and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. In 2017 she starred in August Wilson's play Jitney. Patterson appeared in the biographical drama film Straight Outta Compton directed by F. Gary Gray. On television, she made guest appearances on The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Elementary and Instinct. She played Josephine Baker in an episode of HBO series, Lovecraft Country. Patterson starred in the Disney+ action comedy series, Turner & Hooch. In 2023, Patterson played civil rights leader Coretta Scott King in the biographical drama film, Rustin directed by George C. Wolfe. Later in 2023 she was cast opposite Carrie Preston in the CBS comedy-drama series, Elsbeth. Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y. Connect with Eila and Bruce: Instagram @behind_the_awards Eila @eilamell Bruce @cominghomewithbruce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 分
  • #71 - Constantine Maroulis - Rocking Broadway
    2025/03/26
    Behind the Awards welcomes Constatine Maroulis to give us the back story about his new immersive show Avalona. We do a deep dive on American Idol, Rock of Ages, Jekyll & Hyde and Jesus Christ Super Star. Also in this episode - Debbie Allen’s Emmy Award Win, Buena Vista Social Club Review. CONSTANTINE MAROULIS (he/him) was born in Brooklyn and raised in Jersey. Best known for his Tony Nominated star turn in Rock of Ages on Broadway and as a finalist during the heyday of American Idol with superstar Carrie Underwood. Constantine is a 2x Tony Nominee, 3x Drama League Nominee for Distinguished Performance and is a past recipient of the Broadway.comStar of The Year. Credits include: Frank Wildhorn’s Jekyll & Hyde, The Wedding Singer, Spring Awakening, RENT, Jacques Brel, Jesus Christ Superstar, Postmodern Jukebox, Rocktopia, Williamstown, Eaglemania, Foreigners Journey, Rock and Roll Man and many more. He’s toured extensively with his original music. Recent singles include: Daydream and Comeback. More to come! Training: Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y. Connect with Eila and Bruce: Instagram @behind_the_awards Eila @eilamell Bruce @cominghomewithbruce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 分
  • #70 - Bill Berloni - Barks! Bows! Broadway!
    2025/03/19
    Broadway’s premier animal trainer Bill Berloni joins Behind the Awards to chat about his current dogs starring in Gypsy & Left on Tenth. Bill also talks in depth about how he started his career with the original production of Annie. Bill gives us the inside Scoop about working with Naomi Watts for the upcoming Feature Film The Friend. Also in this episode - Diahann Carroll’s 1972 Tony Award for Lead Actress in a Musical for No Strings. A review of Vape! A Musical Parody Bill Berloni of William Berloni Theatrical Animals, who serves as the Head Animal Trainer for the Broadway productions “Left on Tenth” starring Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher and “Gypsy” starring Audra McDonald. He currently has 4 dogs on Broadway!! Bill has 27 Broadway Show Credits to his name from Annie (1977) to The Ferryman (2018). Bill has over 35 Film credits to his name including THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, ANNIE, CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR, and DISENCHANTED. Bill Berloni was a 20-year-old apprentice at the Goodspeed Opera House when a producer offered him his big break: a chance to act professionally and gain his Equity Card. In return, all Bill had to do was find and train a dog to play Sandy in the original production of Annie. Bill found his dog at a local animal shelter – beginning his career-long commitment to using rescued animals. Through a combination of persistence, patience and trial-and-error, he developed his revolutionary humane training techniques – learning how to teach actor and animal alike to create a successful performance. Annie became a huge hit and Sandy became “the longest running dog on Broadway,” never missing a performance in more than seven years. Since then, Bill and his handlers have provided animals of all species and sizes, found in shelters, humane societies or rescue leagues, for Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, special events, the New York City Ballet, motion pictures, television and commercials. When their careers are over, the animals return to Bill’s Connecticut farm. Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y. Connect with Eila and Bruce: Instagram @behind_the_awards Eila @eilamell Bruce @cominghomewithbruce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 分
  • #69 - Rajiv Jospeh - A Thriller of World Premiere at Manhattan Theater Club
    2025/03/12
    Pulitzer Prize Finalist Rajiv Joseph explores his new play Dakar 2000 at Manhattan Theater Club running through March 23rd. Rajiv gives us the backstory on working with Robin Williams to bring Bengal Tiger at the Bagdahd Zoo to Broadway. Rajiv talks about collaborating with esteemed Directors Moisés Kaufman on Bengal Tiger and Kenny Leon on critically acclaimed King James about Rajiv’s hometown of Cleveland and the LeBron James lead Cavaliers. Also in this episode - Tyne Daly Tony win for Gypsy. Review of Avalona - A Musical Legend Rajiv Joseph (Broadway: Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo; Off-Broadway: King James at MTC) and Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of his genre-bending new play Dakar 2000.The production begins performances on February 4, 2025; opening night is February 27, 2025. Since his stage debut nearly 20 years ago, Rajiv’s work has consistently defied traditional classification. Known for weaving together elements of fantasy, surrealism, history, and thriller, Joseph’s off-kilter plays have earned him a Pulitzer Prize nomination (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo), two Obie Awards (Describe the Night, Guards at the Taj), a Lortel Award, and recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts for Outstanding New American Play. A prolific writer for the screen as well as the stage, Joseph’s film and television credits include “Welcome to Chippendales” (Hulu), “Little America” (Apple TV+), “Dear Edward” (Apple TV+), and the feature film Draft Day (starring Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner). Loosely inspired by Rajiv’s time in the Peace Corps in Senegal on the brink of Y2K,, Dakar 2000 is a serpentine amalgam of espionage, memory play, and romance. The play follows the relationship between Boubs (Abubakr Ali), a young Peace Corps volunteer, and Dina (Mia Barron), an enigmatic State Department operative, as they negotiate what could be the start of a computer-based apocalypse. A pressure-cooker of a two-hander, the boundary between fact and fiction all but disappears as Dina draws Boubs deeper and deeper into the darker side of public service. Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y. Connect with Eila and Bruce: Instagram @behind_the_awards Eila @eilamell Bruce @cominghomewithbruce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 分
  • #68 - Kevin Csolak - Tulsa’s a Triple Threat
    2025/03/05
    Behind the Awards welcomes Kevin Csolak to chat about his scene stealing role as Tulsa in Gypsy. Kevin also shares his experience working with Stephen Spielberg in latest West Side Story film. Listen to hear how the Outsiders manifested Gypsy, and how he leaped into the first day of Mean Girls Rehearsal hours after performing with Justin Timberlake in the Super Bowl. Also in this episode - Cate Blanchett Best Actress win for Blue Jasmine. Our best moments from the 2025 Oscars including Mikey Madison’s win over Demi Moore, Paul Tazewell’s historic win for Wicked and Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo’s Wicked opening number. Kevin's artistic journey began in his mother's New Jersey dance studio, leading him to significant roles on Broadway, in major films like Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, and on acclaimed television series such as HBO's Boardwalk Empire. His diverse experiences and dedication to his craft make him a compelling subject for features that explore the intersection of talent, perseverance, and success in the performing arts. Kevin Csolak starred as Diesel in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. He originated the role of A-Rab in Ivo van Hove’s West Side Story on Broadway, performed in original Broadway casts of Mean Girls and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Recently starred in the Tony Award-winning The Outsiders. World Premieres: Mean Girls, The Prom, PAC’s Watch Night (The Wolf), Cirque du Soleil’s Wintuk (Jamie). Screen credits include Boardwalk Empire, Law & Order, NCIS, Jessica Jones, The Mick, along with a memorable season-long arc on TNT’s Animal Kingdom as Young Pope. Other notable work: Justin Timberlake’s Super Bowl, Hayley Kiyoko, and DojaCat. Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y. Connect with Eila and Bruce: Instagram @behind_the_awards Eila @eilamell Bruce @cominghomewithbruce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 分
  • #67 - 2025 Oscar Predications Special
    2025/02/28
    Behind the Awards is joined by Jiffy Pop Culture’s Frank Liotti and our in house expert Matt Stashin to dish all things Oscar’s. The hottest races include Conclave vs Anora, Demi Moore vs Cynthia Erivo, Timothée Chalamet vs Adrian Brody and much more! Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other amazing books: https://amzn.to/43WMu5Y. Connect with Eila and Bruce: Instagram @behind_the_awards Eila @eilamell Bruce @cominghomewithbruce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 分