The Come Up

Matt sits down with Tony-nominated actor Gabby Beans, currently starring in Broadway's groundbreaking production of Romeo and Juliet. Playing both Mercutio and Friar Lawrence, Gabby shares how she explores the extremes of nihilism and idealism through these contrasting roles, and what it means to bring her authentic self to classical theater. They discuss how this bold reimagining of Shakespeare's most famous work is drawing unprecedented young audiences to Broadway, the supportive environment created by director Sam Gold, and working alongside stars Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler. Gabby opens up about her journey from studying neuroscience to pursuing acting, reflecting on the courage it takes to reject expected paths in favor of following one's true passion. Through their conversation about artistic liberation, representation, and authenticity, Gabby offers unique insights into how this production is changing perceptions of classical theater. She shares thoughtful observations about fame, celebrity, and what it means to be part of a theatrical moment that's breaking traditional boundaries while honoring the heart of Shakespeare's timeless story. This intimate discussion reveals the transformative power of theater and the importance of creating spaces where artists can fully express all aspects of themselves on stage. The Come Up pulls back the curtain on the perpetual journey of “making it.” Artists and creatives share insights, stories, and truths about reality of being a human being in show business, with actor and generalist Matt Rodin. Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. Matt most recently played Jamie on the first national tour of the Tony Award Winning revival of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. Matt also recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, RENT at Paper Mill Playhouse, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, Kamala Harris, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt sits down with comedian and actor Janine Harouni. Janine has been making waves in the comedy scene both in the UK and the US with her sharp wit and fearless storytelling. From her critically acclaimed stand-up specials to her rising presence on social media, Janine brings a fresh and candid perspective to the stage. During our conversation, Janine shares her journey from West End actor to stand-up comedian, and how a life-changing car accident led her to re-evaluate her path. She opens up about moving back home with her parents, who hold vastly different political views, and how this experience became the catalyst for her first stand-up special. We delve into the challenges and healing power of using humor to navigate personal and familial complexities. Janine also discusses the evolution of narrative comedy, the influence of her late director and collaborator Adam Brace, and the nuances of performing across different cultures. We explore how social media has impacted the world of comedy, her approach to handling online comments, and how her life experiences as a new mother continue to shape her material and outlook on comedy. Janine offers an insightful and heartfelt look at using humor to bridge divides and connect with audiences on a deeper level. The Come Up pulls back the curtain on the perpetual journey of “making it.” Artists and creatives share insights, stories, and truths about the reality of being a human being in show business, with actor and creative generalist Matt Rodin. Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. Matt most recently played Jamie on the first national tour of the Tony Award Winning revival of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. Matt also recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, RENT at Paper Mill Playhouse, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, Kamala Harris, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more. The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt sits down with actor, musician, and his ex-show-husband (from the national tour of COMPANY) Ali Louis Bourzgui. Known for his standout performance in the Broadway revival of The Who's Tommy, Ali shares how transitioning from the intense demands of Tommy to the camaraderie of COMPANY transformed his approach to both his work and personal life. They delve into the challenges of leading a high-octane show, the isolation that can come with it, and how embracing lightheartedness and community opened new doors for Ali. He discusses his current role in the brand new musical WE LIVE IN CAIRO at New York Theatre Workshop that explores the Egyptian revolution of 2011. Ali opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the pressures of awards season, and finding fulfillment beyond external accolades. Music is a central theme, as he talks about his personal journey with guitar and songwriting, and how music serves as a tool for expression and healing. This candid conversation offers deep insights into the artist's journey, the power of openness and community, and the role of art in fostering empathy and social change. Tune in to hear: Ali's experiences leading demanding productions like The Who's Tommy and how he navigated the emotional and vocal challenges. How his time with the COMPANY cast helped him embrace openness, joy, and a renewed sense of self. His reflections on awards season, dealing with expectations, and redefining success beyond external accolades. Thoughts on how art can serve as a catalyst for empathy, understanding, and social change. The Come Up pulls back the curtain on the perpetual journey of “making it.” Artists and creatives share insights, stories, and truths about the reality of being a human being in show business, with actor and generalist Matt Rodin. Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. Matt most recently played Jamie on the first national tour of the Tony Award-winning revival of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. Matt also recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, RENT at Paper Mill Playhouse, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, Kamala Harris, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more. The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rodin sits down with Broadway royalty, Tony Award winner Beth Leavel. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Beth has become a true luminary in the theater world. She's celebrated for her Tony-winning performance in The Drowsy Chaperone and Tony-nominated roles in Baby It's You! and The Prom. Beth's résumé boasts 13 Broadway credits—including 42nd Street, Mamma Mia!, and Elf—plus countless performances at regional theaters nationwide. Recorded as Beth prepares for her Stephen Sondheim tribute show at 54 Below and Matt wraps up the national tour of Sondheim's COMPANY, this episode offers a unique glimpse into two artists deeply influenced by Sondheim's genius. Beth shares her experiences with Sondheim's challenging works, including roles in Gypsy, Into the Woods, and her special performance at Carnegie Hall's Follies concert. She opens up about the thrill and intimidation of performing Sondheim's complex material and how it has shaped her artistry. The conversation explores the highs and lows of new productions, such as the critically acclaimed but short-lived Lempicka. Beth candidly discusses show business realities—from the excitement of creating something new to the challenges of a shorter-than-hoped run. She reflects on The Drowsy Chaperone and The Prom, emphasizing the importance of commitment, passion, and optimism in every project. Beyond her stage successes, Beth reveals how she maintains a fulfilling life offstage. She highlights the importance of a strong support system, nurturing relationships, and finding joy outside work. The discussion touches on gratitude, community, and the vital role of lasting friendships in the theater industry. Beth also shares insights on mentorship, social media's impact on young performers, and staying true to oneself in a competitive field. Whether you're an aspiring actor, a seasoned performer, or a Broadway enthusiast, this episode brims with wisdom, humor, and inspiration from one of theater's most respected figures. Beth Leavel's journey exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the enduring power of storytelling. Tune in to hear: Beth's insights on performing Stephen Sondheim's work and preparing for her 54 Below show The excitement and challenges of being involved in new Broadway productions like Lempicka How she balances her career with her personal life, emphasizing the importance of family and friendships Her experiences working with renowned directors like Casey Nicholaw and the significance of strong creative partnerships Advice for aspiring artists on navigating the ups and downs of the theater industry The role of gratitude, love, and optimism in sustaining a long and successful career The importance of community and lasting relationships in an ever-changing business The Come Up pulls back the curtain on the perpetual journey of “making it.” Artists and creatives share insights, stories, and truths about the reality of being a human being in show business, with actor and generalist Matt Rodin. Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer creative generalist. Matt most recently played Jamie on the first national tour of the Tony Award-winning revival of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. Matt also recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, RENT at Paper Mill Playhouse, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, Kamala Harris, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more. The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny and Matt have a candid conversation about nuance, perspective, growing up, and the new Broadway musical HARMONY. Danny Kornfeld played Young Rabbi in Harmony off-Broadway and makes his Broadway debut in this role. Select theater credits include: Aunt Caroline in Renascence (Transport Group), Sondheim On Sondheim (Kansas City Lyric Opera), Wringer (City Center), Mark Cohen in RENT (20th Anniversary Tour), Fiddler On The Roof (Barrington Stage Company), Our Town (Theatre Aspen), and various developmental workshops and labs at The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, NAMT, Westport Country Playhouse and York Theatre. TV/Film: Recur on Season 11 of American Horror Story (FX), Tripped Up (Universal Pictures, Decal), estimated release winter 2023. @DannyKornfeld On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to have honest conversations about the reality of being a growing artist. Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. Matt is currently playing Jamie on the first national tour of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. Matt also recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, a heartwarming, eye-opening, and candid conversation with two-time Tony Award nominee, writer, actor, and just all-around good dude, Alex Brightman. We go deep on everything from his relationship with mental health and medication over the last few years to what all the twists and turns of the entertainment business have taught him, and of course - The Shark is Broken. Alex Brightman is a writer and two-time Tony Award–nominated actor who has been seen on Broadway in Beetlejuice, School of Rock, Matilda, Big Fish, Wicked, and Glory Days. TV credits include Law & Order: SVU, Documentary Now, The Good Fight, Impractical Jokers, Blue Bloods, SMILF, and Important Things w/ Demetri Martin. You can hear Brightman on the acclaimed animated series Helluva Boss and the upcoming Netflix series Dead End: Paranormal Park. Musical writing credits include It’s Kind of a Funny Story (Universal Theatrical), The Whipping Boy, and Make Me Bad (all with writing partner Drew Gasparini). His newest play, Everything is Fine, and television series Singular are currently in development.  On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to have honest conversations about the reality of being a growing artist. Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. Matt is currently playing Jamie on the first national tour of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. Matt also recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arielle and Matt have an honest and heartfelt conversation about HERE LIES LOVE, her Bells Palsy diagnosis, what it looks like to truly love yourself, and the incredible story of her family's journey to the United States. Arielle Jacobs, a first-generation Filipino-American actress, was last seen on Broadway starring as Princess Jasmine in the smash-hit Broadway musical Disney’s Aladdin, and most recently starred as Delilah McPhee in the original Off-Broadway musical Between The Lines based on the book by NY Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult. Known for her “songbird-like ability,” Ms. Jacobs made her Broadway debut starring opposite Lin-Manuel Miranda, playing Nina Rosario in the final Broadway cast of his four-time Tony Award® and Grammy Award® winning musical In The Heights. Praised as “compelling” and “radiant” by Variety Magazine, and her voice as “powerful” by The New York Times, Ms. Jacobs continued to wow audiences with starring roles in Wicked on Broadway, Rent (Mimi), Disney’s High School Musical (original Gabriella in the world premiere & National Tour), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Julia) at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC, and Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife) where she performed opposite Emmy®-nominated actor Tituss Burgess. She has starred Off-Broadway in two world-premiere plays by Pulitzer-winning playwright and director Nilo Cruz, entitled Sotto Voce and Farhad or the Secret of Being (a one-woman show that was filmed for the Lincoln Center Public Library Archives). She had the honor to perform in the Guggenheim Museum’s “Works & Process” series, singing songs from a new adaption of George Bizet’s Carmen with the Tectonic Theater Project, under the guidance of Tony and Emmy-nominated director Moises Kaufman. While her singing voice can be heard on film scores and on television, she has also endeared herself to sports fans across the country singing the National Anthem for the LA Kings (twice!), the Boston Celtics, and the Texas Rangers. She has also performed onstage in many of America’s greatest concert halls (including Lincoln Center in NYC, The Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Symphony Hall in Boston, Yale Hall, the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, Kauffman Center, and many more) beside legendary artists such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Damien Sneed, Chaka Khan, Teena Marie, and Stephen Schwartz. Merging her two loves — Broadway and animals— she founded a company called “The Broadway Pup”, which sells punny Broadway-themed pet bandanas & donates 100% of profits to animal rescue charities. Ms. Jacobs soaring debut solo album A Leap In the Dark: Live at Feinstein’s/54 Below was released by Broadway Records. Her older brother, Adam Jacobs, is also a Broadway actor, having originated the role of Aladdin in Disney’s ALADDIN on Broadway (for which he received a Drama Desk Nomination). His other Broadway credits include LES MISERABLES (Marius) and Disney’s THE LION KING (Simba). On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to have honest conversations about the reality of being a growing artist. Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. Matt is currently playing Jamie on the first national tour of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. Matt also recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Cahoon, Tony Award Nominee, "The World's Youngest Rodeo Clown", writer, director, and seasoned Broadway veteran, sits down for a joy-full conversation about his almost 30 years in the industry, what he loves most about what we do, and how SHUCKED has changed him. Kevin currently plays Earl Clark on FOX’s “Monarch.” Broadway: The Who’s Tommy, The Lion King, The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Wedding Singer. Off-Broadway: Hedwig and The Angry Inch (also Boston, San Francisco, Edinburgh), The Foreigner (Roundabout - Lortel nomination), The Wild Party (MTC), How I Learned To Drive (Second Stage), The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World (Playwrights Horizons). TV: “Glow,” “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Modern Family,” “Six Degrees,” “The Good Wife,” “Elementary,” “Odd Mom Out,” “Black Box,” “The Mentalist,” “CSI,” “Franklin and Bash,” “Canterbury’s Law,” “Law & Order,” “Criminal Intent,” “Hope and Faith,” “The Royale.” Film: So Cold The River, Mars Needs Moms, I Am Michael, One Night, The Thing About My Folks, The Curse Of The Jade Scorpion, Sudden Manhattan, and the documentaries Whether You Like It Or Not: The True Story of Hedwig and Squeezebox. Regional: the Guthrie, Williamstown, the Old Globe, Bard Summerscape, the Ahmanson, among others. Kevin received the OUTMusic Award for his debut recording, Doll. NYU - Tisch. On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Donica, Tony Award Nominee and a truly philosophical prince charming, sits down for a conversation about community, what makes things contemporary, the fun in the work, and what he's learning and leaning into. Jordan is currently starring as Sir Lancelot in the Lincoln Center Theater production of Camelot, for which he received a Tony nomination. He previously starred as Jordan Chase in the CW’s Charmed and guest starred in the award-winning police procedural drama Blue Bloods. Jordan originated the role of Freddy Eynsford-Hill in the Tony-nominated Lincoln Center Theater production of My Fair Lady, and also starred as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in the Los Angeles and San Francisco companies of Hamilton.  A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Jordan made his debut starring as the leading man, Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny, in the historic Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera. He also played Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods at Encores!. In addition to his theater and TV work, Jordan was featured at the Washington National Opera gala at The Kennedy Center, the Pasadena Symphony, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He starred as Lancelot in Lincoln Center Theater’s gala production of Camelot opposite Lin Manuel Miranda. Jordan was also featured at the American Songbook Hall of Fame celebration at the invitation of Michael Feinstein.  Jordan directed a gala performance of the play “Exonerated” at Northwestern University for the Center on Wrongful Convictions, featuring Harry Lennix and Katrina Lenk.  Jordan is a 2016 graduate of Otterbein University, where he graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre Cum Laude. An ambassador for The Innocence Project, family is everything to Jordan, because without the “little village” of women who raised him, he would not be where he is today. “Every day is a gift.” On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Micaela Diamond, Tony Award nominee and culinary celestial sits down for a conversation about everything from validation and vocal breaks to partnership, pasta, and PARADE. On May 2nd, 2023, Micaela was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance as Lucille Frank in the Broadway revival of Jason Robert Brown's PARADE. This conversation was recorded in March 2023, just after opening night. Micaela made her Broadway debut as Babe in THE CHER SHOW. She recently appeared in both THE UNAUTHORIZED BRIDGERTON MUSICAL and Berstein's MASS at The Kennedy Center, Williamstown Theatre Festival's ROW, and Ethan Coen's play A PLAY IS A POEM. Her TV & Film appearances include NBC's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Peggy in TICK, TICK...BOOM!, "The Gilded Age" on HBO and "Up Here" on Hulu. Instagram: @micaela_diamond On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices