S2/Ep3: Robert O'Hara & Ato Blankson-Wood

Originally released November 24, 2020. Ashley Park, currently starring in Season Two of Netflix’s “Emily in Paris,” looks back on growing up and going to college in Ann Arbor, as well as hoofing it at the Pittsburgh CLO. She also discusses her long-term relationship with the role of Millie, former audition song that required a sequined vest, and her hilarious performance as Ashley Gold on “Girls5Eva.” Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally released on December 8, 2020. Eva talks with Tony nominee and star of the Golden Globe Award-winning WEST SIDE STORY film. Faist looks back on his Broadway debut in NEWSIES, originating the Connor Murphy in DEAR EVAN HANSEN, and the way in which he forged a sense of brotherhood among the Jets in WEST SIDE STORY. As well as his experiences working with director Steven Spielberg and choreographer Justin Peck.  Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally released August 25, 2020. Eva talks to the always funny and totally remarkable Uzo Aduba (star of CLDYE’S on Broadway) about the production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL that started it all, the art of the talk-sing, and a misunderstanding that may have invented the greatest musical mashup of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, the final installment of My First Show’s mini-season, we observe the one-year anniversary of the Broadway shutdown the only way we know how: by celebrating the hell out of Broadway’s history, future, and magic. Eva talks to Kathryn Gallagher—a Tony nominee for her performance as Bella in JAGGED LITTLE PILL—and her father, Peter Gallagher, who was a 1986 Tony nominee for his performance in LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, at the very same Broadway house, the Broadhurst. And that’s not the only Broadway theater where they have history. Kathryn and Peter also reflect on their shared experiences at the Brooks Atkinson, both on and off-stage, separated by 15 years. From memories of a childhood obsession with ANNIE to Dean Martin impressions, this father-daughter duo brings hilarity and heart to their first-ever joint interview.  Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of My First Show's mini-season, Eva is joined by the director of SLAVE PLAY, Robert O’Hara, and one of its stars, Ato Blankson-Wood. Both artists are Tony-nominated for their work on Jeremy O. Harris’ staggering play that made its way from New York Theater Workshop to the Golden in 2019. Robert reflects on the first play he ever wrote for his sixth grade class—an adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs entitled, Ebony and the Seven Kool Kats. Ato explores his evolution from Second-Grade Soloist to making his Broadway debut in HAIR. They both discuss their hope for a more equitable and diverse Broadway, while inventing an iconic new term for post-Trump trauma. Listen and learn. Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuing the “My First Show” mini-season of dynamic duos, Eva talks to Tony Award winner John Benjamin Hickey and Andrew Burnap, both Tony-nominated for their performances in THE INHERITANCE. Andrew and John look back on their long journey with this long play as it progressed from the Young Vic, to the West End, to Broadway, with a run cut short by just a few days. Andrew reflects on the Shakespeare play that keeps coming up for him, and what it felt like to make his Broadway debut. John explores his own Broadway debut in Terrence McNally’s LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, and the through line that connects these remarkable plays, and these two remarkable actors. Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“My First Show” is back for a very special second season, a “mini-season,” celebrating Broadway and the Tony Awards. As we look to the return of live theater, Eva talks to a powerhouse Broadway mother-daughter duo: Tony Award winner LaChanze and Celia Rose Gooding, a Tony Award nominee for her portrayal of Frankie in Jagged Little Pill. Families who stick together quarantine together, and these two are certainly making the most of their time under one roof. LaChanze explores her start in dinner theater (where dinner was part of the paycheck), path to Broadway, and work with Black Theater United. Celia looks back on her journey with Jagged, and how time in the role—and away from the role—has continued to shape her into the artist and activist she is today. Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historian, gossip columnist and brutally honest theater lover Michael Riedel dishes about, well, almost everything on the season one finale of “My First Show.” Michael talks about his two books, including his most recent, SINGULAR SENSATION: THE TRIUMPH OF BROADWAY. Get ready to be regaled: from seeing shows with Stephen Sondheim, to fixing an air conditioner for Alan Rickman, to wine-infused lunches with Dorothy Loudon (of ANNIE fame), this is a journalist who’s seen it all. Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony nominee Mike Faist looks back on his Broadway debut in NEWSIES, originating the “dark and brooding” break-out character Connor Murphy in DEAR EVAN HANSEN, and the way in which he forged a sense of brotherhood among the Jets in the upcoming WEST SIDE STORY film. Before starring in Steven Spielberg pictures, Mike enjoyed many a Gene Kelly film. Hear about all this, as well as what cross-country road trips during a pandemic can teach you, on the 20th episode of “My First Show.” Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Park, star of Broadway’s MEAN GIRLS and Netflix’s “Emily Paris,” looks back on growing up and going to college in Ann Arbor, as well as hoofing it at the Pittsburgh CLO. She also discusses her long-term relationship with the role of Millie, former audition song that required a sequined vest, and upcoming role on Tina Fey’s new show, “Girls5Eva.” Part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices