Behind the Awards with Eila Mell & Bruce Gotlieb
Celebrating extreme excellence in theater, film and tv, this podcast takes listeners all over the world on a journey behind the scenes featuring never-before-heard stories from Academy Award winners, Tony Award winners, Golden Globe Award winners, and so much more. Co-Hosts Eila Mell, bestselling author (The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre) and renowned podcast host, and Bruce Gotleib, who has never met an Awards show he doesn’t like, take guests through their experience of being nominated and subsequently winning their award(s), highlighting interesting and intimate details about their awards experience that will leave everyone happy to...
Kevin Zak - A Kidman Carol
Writer, Director, Actor Kevin Zak comes back to Behind the Awards to deep dive his upcoming Play A Kidman Carol starring Marla Mindelle & Josh Sharp. Imagine Nicole Kidman guiding Cate Blanchett through awards season ala A Christmas Carole and there you have the hilarious brain child of Kevin Zak. Kevin also talks about Ginger Twinses, Mommy Dearest, and more.
For tickets - https://akidmancarol.com/
Also in this episode - Bruce & Eila discuss School Girls: The African Mean Girls Play
Originally from Buffalo, Kevin ha...
Anthony Michael Lopez - A Flair for Theatricality
Anthony Michael Lopez joins Behind the Awards to chat about his stage and screen career. Most known for his role of Bruce in Survival of the Thickest, Tony is also an accomplished stage Actor seen in last seasons Titus Andronicus with Patrick Page. Tony gives us the low down on working with Page as well as Othello, Our Town, Camelot and The Gilded Age.
Also in this episode - Three’s Company Come and Knock on Our Door tour is scheduled for November 2 at Joe's Pub. Hosted by original cast member Joyce DeWitt alongside John Ri...
Chris Fisher - Broadway’s Magic Man!
Illusions and Visual Effects Designer Chris Fisher stops by Behind the Awards fresh off the opening of Paranormal Activity to breakdown the magic he’s creating for the show. Chris also does a deep dive into the illusions in Stranger Things that won him a 2025 Tony Award and his theater career in such shows as Wicked, Company, Harry Potter, and the upcoming Nanny McPhee the Musical. Chris also had is magic wand in the creation of Black Swan and 2:22 A Ghost Story coming in October to The Lortell Theater.
Also in this episode - Doug...
Brandon Contreras - Born to Lead
Broadway’s Brandon Contreras joins Behind the Awards to dish on his career thus far after recently taking over the role of Charles in Operation Mincemeat. Brandon shares the thrill of staring in both Titanique Off Broadway and Titanic at New York City Center. Brandon also talks about being in Almost Famous and working with Cameron Crowe, Drew Gehling and Anika Larsen. Brandon shares some future dream roles.
Also in this episode - Annie is back on Broadway and Eila & Bruce have casting ideas for Hannigan, Rooster and Lily
Brand...
Jay Jackson AKA Laganja Estranja - From RuPaul’s Drag Race to Jawbreaker the Musical
Drag Race Alum and Choreographer Jay Jackson aka Laganja Estranja joins Behind the Awards to chat about her latest project, Choreographer of the Jawbreaker the Musical workshop. The cult film has been turned into a musical by the films creator Darren Stein and lead by one of the original “Flawless Ones” Rebecca Gayheart. Laganja also tells us about her upcoming Fall 2027 project; Co-Choreographing Miss Step at Playwrights Horizons. Of course we got some Drag Race tea too!
Get tickets to Jawbreaker the Musical - https://www.hudsontheatre.com/index.html
Jay...
Elizabeth Stanley - Keeping Us on the Edge of Our Seat!
Tony Nominee Elizabeth Stanley joins Behind the Awards to talk about her brand new thriller Disruption now playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center as well as the hit musical Jagged Little Pill. Elizabeth shares what it was like to work with Alanis Morissette on such iconic music. Disruption is playing through October 4th and you can catch Elizabeth alongside John David Washington, Conrad Ricamora, Joe Tippett and Irene Sofia Lucio.
Get tickets here: https://www.disruptionplay.com/
Also in this episode - Eila & Bruce see Paranormal Activity on Br...
Broadway Fantasy Draft
Behind the Awards is joined by Kristin Hopkins, Ashley Hufford and Alan Seales to select our Fantasy Broadway Lineup. From Rising Star to Legacy Performer, from Director to Costume Designer we cover it all! Listen along and make your selections! Did names like Idina Menzel, Bob Fosse, Caissie Levy or Debbie Allen make the lists? Listen to find out!
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
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To Have and To Hold is on Fire!
Playwright and Actress Laura Lapidus alongside casemates Tedra Millan (Leopoldstadt) and Yuriy Sardarov (Chicago Fire) join Behind the Awards to deep dive their new Off Broadway hit To Have and To Hold. Inspired by Shakespeares The Taming of the Shrew this play brings Kate & Bianca into modern day.
Get your ticket here: https://www.tohaveplay.com/
Also in this episode - Remembering Dolly Parton and Tim Curry and the legacy they leave behind.
Make sure to check out Eila's book, "The Tony Awards", and all her other ama...
Fall Preview with Matt Koplik
The new Broadway season is here, and the awards race is already taking shape! On this fall preview episode of Behind the Awards, host Matt Koplik of The Broadway Breakdown joins the conversation to break down the most anticipated new shows, major stars, returning favorites, and early contenders to watch as the road to Broadway’s awards season begins. What could be the season’s biggest hits—and which productions might emerge as awards-season favorites?
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 ...#181 - Matt Copley - Broadway Does Punk
Matt Copley is a musician, theatrical producer, and TikTok creator behind Broadway Does Punk, a viral music project that transforms iconic Broadway songs into high-energy pop-punk and rock anthems. What began as a series of online videos has grown into an audience of more than 370,000 TikTok followers and over 16 million Spotify streams, with fans consistently asking one question: When can we see this live?
October 2nd & 3rd, Broadway Does Punk will make its live debut with three performances at Abrons Arts Center, featuring an all-star lineup of Broadway talent.
Get Tickets Here - ht...
Tom Fontana Presents!
Writer/Show Runner Tom Fontana joins Behind the Awards to give us the breaking news on his latest venture: Tom Fontana Presents! Some guests include Edie Falco, Mariska Hargitay and Julianna Margulies. Tom also takes a trip down memory lane to discuss his hit shows St Elsewhere, OZ and Homicide: Life on the Street and working with the likes of Denzel Washington, Howie Mendel, Robin Williams and Rita Moreno.
Access his show here: https://tomfontana.substack.com/
Also in this episode - Whitney Houston Barbie release and others who have been iconically ma...
Bradley Jaden - Stars in Les Miserables
Bradley Jaden joins Behind the Awards to chat about his 20 year run with Les Miserables and ending this tour at the iconic Radio City Music Hall. Bradley shares his early start and friendship with Sir Cameron Mackintosh and what it’s like to be in the center of a Mackintosh surprise guest appearances which took the internet by storm. Bradley also shares the lengths he went to be in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends with Bernadette Peters & Lea Salonga. You can catch Bradley through August 9th as Javert in NYC, next up is Japan as Billy Flynn in Chicago.
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Talia Suskauer - Defys Gravity and Takes a Walk on the Moon
Actress Talia Suskauer joins Behind the Awards to discuss her new show A Walk on the Moon based on the hit film starring Diane Lane. Talia is also known for playing Elphaba and gives us the low down on all things Wicked including a no fly show and how quickly she becomes green. Talia also talks about starring in the National Tour of Parade and what it’s like to see the country on the road.
Also in this episode - Hadestown Pro-shot now playing in Theaters. Sam Pauly, Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney take...
Breton Tyner-Bryan - Favorite Dance Movies
Director/Choreographer Breton Tyner-Bryan stops by Behind the Awards to discuss her film “Rhythm or Smooth”. From Ballroom to Ballet this film touches not only these styles but the NYC Dance vibe. We also cover our must see Dance Movies such as Center Stage, All That Jazz, West Side Story, Dirty Dancing and more so grab your popcorn!
Also in this episode - Eila & Bruce visit Are You Now or Have You Ever Been at NY City Center starring, Michael McKean, Brooks Ashmanskas, Norbert Leo Butz, T.R. Knight, Harry Lennix, Bob Odenkirk, and Molly...
Maryann Plunkett - For Love of The Stage
Tony Award Winning Actress Maryann Plunkett stops by Behind the Awards to discuss her new play The Loved Ones now playing through August 2nd at The Irish Repertory Theater. Maryann also takes us back down memory lane and shares some tales of her time with Sunday in the Park with George, Me & My Girl, and The Notebook. Maryann also gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming Richard Nelson play We’ll See at The Public along side her husband Jay O. Sanders.
The Loved Ones Tickets - https://irishrep.org/
Also...
Andrea Syglowski - Next Stop Paranormal Activity
Broadway Actress Andrea Syglowski joins Behind the Awards on the brink of beginning rehearsals for Paranormal Activity. Andrea shares what it was like to work last seasons Dog Day Afternoon written by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Andrea also discusses different highlights of her career such as working on plays like Brooklyn Laundry, Queens and Dig.
Also in this episode - Upcoming Emmy Nomination predictions such as Comedy’s like Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, Shrinking, Widow’s Bay and Drama’s such as The Di...
Drew & Lea Lachey - Label.less Back By Popular Demand
Label.less Creators Drew & Lea Lachey come back to Behind the Awards to update us on their hit show Label.less now running at The Duke on 42nd Street. This show which is currently in its 8th year continues to evolve and touch audiences with their profound stories, music and choreography. Drew shares how his experience in Rent on Broadway as well as their past in the POP world with 98 Degrees influenced their approach to this show.
Get Ticket Here - https://www.labellessmusical.com/tickets
Drew Lachey - Dre...
Michael Chernus - Takes a Stab at True Crime
Actor Michael Chernus joins Behind the Awards to deep dive embodying the personal of Serial Killer John Wayne Gacy in Peacock’s Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. Fans of Michael’s work also will recognize him from the hit Apple TV show Severance as well as Orange is the New Black. Michael touches on how is Theater roots helped him take on one True Crime’s most famous subjects.
MICHAEL CHERNUS is an acclaimed stage and screen actor known for his versatility across film, television, and theater. Born and raised in Rocky River, Ohio, he s...
Jackson Parker Gill - An 11 Year Old Broadway Star!
Immediately after taking over the role of The Little Boy in Ragtime, Jackson Parker Gill stops by Behind the Awards to discuss life as a working kid actor. Jackson shares what it’s like to be an understudy on Broadway, the audition process, his dream roles and what it was like to play Gavroche in the National Tour of Les Miserables.
Also in this episode - Sherie Rene Scott Returns to Broadway in The Rocky Horror Show as Magenta.
SO excited for his Broadway Debut! National Tour: Les Miserables (Gavro...
Carlos Manuel Vesga - Pluribus
Actor/Writer Carlos Manuel Vesga joins us on the heels of Season 1 of Apple TV’s hit series Pluribus. Carlos details working with Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn as well as creating the character of Manousos.
Also in this episode - Eila & Bruce chat about the 2026 Tony Awards hits and misses.
Carlos-Manuel Vesga, is a Colombian theater, film, and television actor. He is recognized for his role in the 2010 Colombian telenovela Amor sincero, playing Samuel Medina, as well as in the 2013 series La prepago, where he played the role of...
2026 Tony Special #5
Eila & Bruce bring you the fifth and final installment of their 2026 Tony deep dive. They are joined by expert Matt Stashin and share who will win and who they want to win in the following categories: Lead Actor of a Musical, Lead Actress of a Musical, Scenic Design of a Musical, Best Musical, and Best Play.
Also in this episode - Eila, Bruce & Matt give their Top 10 Performances of the 2026 Season!
Sara Chase, Stephanie Hsu, Caissie Levy, Marla Mindelle, Christiani Pitts, Nicholas Christopher, Luke Evans, Joshua Henry, Sam Tutty...
Margaret Colin - Back on Broadway
Actor Margaret Colin joins Behind the Awards to discuss her career in Veep, Gossip Girl, As the World Turns, Independence Day and more as well as her current role as Ruth in The Balusters now playing at The Samuel J Friedman Theater. Margaret shares the thrill of being back on stage in a play that is timely, poignant and hilariously funny.
Also in this episode - Tony Excitement is buzzing. Just announced Queen Latifah will lead a 30th Anniversary performance of Chicago alongside the Tony Host Pink, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Alex Newell, Adrienne Warren, Jul...
2026 Tony Special #4
Eila & Bruce bring you the fourth installment of their Tony deep dive. They are joined by expert Matt Stashin and share who will win and who they want to win in the following categories: Director of a Musical, Costume Design of a Musical, Lead Actress of a Play, Lead Actor of a Play, Lighting Design of a Play, and Revival of a Musical.
Also in this episode - Eila, Bruce & Matt give their biggest surprises and snubs of the Tony Nominations.
Rose Byrne, Carrie Coon, Susannah Flood, Lesley Manville...
Zhailon Levingston - The Category is…Cats the Jellicle Ball!
Tony Nominated Director Zhailon Levingston come back to BTA to deep all things Cats The Jellicle Ball. Zhailon discusses everything to casting André De Shields, honoring the origins of Ball Room and Cats, and even gives us the scoop on what he’s doing next.
Also in this episode - Eila & Bruce discuss reimagined Broadway Shows. Like, Romeo & Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, and this seasons hit Cats the Jellicle Ball!
Zhailon Levingston is a Louisiana-raised storyteller, director, and activist who co-directed CATS: The Jellicle Ball, an immersive reimagining of the...
Patrick Wilson, James Carpinello & Marcus Chait - Taking a Bite out of Broadway
Patrick Wilson, James Carpinello and Marcus Chait join Behind the Awards to discuss producing The Lost Boys for Broadway. This Family driven story lead by Shoshana Bean just happens to be surrounded by vampires. The trio takes their experience in performing in film adaptations turned broadway musical to really make this production fly. Additionally Patrick Wilson discusses how is experience starring in movies series such as The Conjuring and Insidious gave the team insight on how to bring horror to the stage.
To purchase tickets to Lost Boys - https://www.lostboysmusical.com/
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David Hornsby & Chris Hoch - The Lost Boys from Page to Stage
Tony Nominated Book Writers David Hornsby & Chris Hoch visited Behind the Awards to talk about the process of writing The Lost Boys musical. The discuss the must have movie moment such as Saxophone Man, Rob Lowe and The Video Store as well as the must have new moments theater goers will experience. They discuss creating a work for fans or the movie and newcomers alike.
Chris Hoch’s Broadway credits include Amazing Grace, Matilda, La Cage aux Folles, Shrek, Spamalot, Dracula and Beauty and the Beast. Off-Broadway credits include Far From Heaven (Playwrights Horizons), Die Mommi...
2026 Tony Special #3
Eila & Bruce bring you the third installment of their Tony deep dive. They are joined by expert Matt Stashin and share who will win and who they want to win in the following categories: Featured Actress in a Musical, Book of a Musical, Scenic Design of a Play, Best Revival of a Play, and Sound Design of a Musical.
Shoshana Bean, Hannah Cruz, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Nichelle Lewis, David Hornsby & Chris Hoch, Cinco Paul, Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli & Tye Blue, Jim Barne & Kit Buchan, Hildegard Bechtler, Takeshi Kata, Chloe Lamford, David Korins, David...
Nicholas Christopher - Chess Master
Tony Nominee Nicholas Christopher joins Behind the Awards to discuss his role as Anatoli, part of this seasons hottest love triangle along with Lea Michele and Aaron Tevin in the revival of the Chess. Nicholas also talks about playing both Pirelli and Sweeney Todd in the most recent revival co-starring Annaleigh Ashford. Nicholas also goes into his roles is Little Shop of Horrors, Miss Saigon, Jelly’s Last Jam and Hamilton.
Also in this episode - The 2026/2027 Broadway Season is already in full swing with the most recent announcement of Paranormal Activity along other perv...
2026 Tony Special #2
Eila & Bruce bring you the second installment of their Tony deep dive. They are joined by expert Matt Stashin and share who will win and who they want to win in the following categories: Featured Actress in a Play, Lighting Design of a Musical, Costume Design of a Play, Best Original Score and Director of a Play.
Also in this episode - Fun Facts about the 2026 Tony Nominees!
Betsy Aidem, Marylouise Burke, Aya Cash, Laurie Metcalf, June Squibb, Kevin Adams, Jane Cox, Donald Holder, Adam Honoré, Adam Honoré & Donald Ho...
Sam Tutty - From Evan Hansen to Two Strangers
Olivier Award winning and Tony Nominated Actor Sam Tutty joins Behind the Awards to chat about his award winning role in Dear Evan Hansen and this seasons breakout hit Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York. Sam shares the creation process from its early days to Boston and New York.
Also in this episode - Eila & Bruce discuss the increased ticket prices for some Broadway shows.
Sam Tutty is currently starring in Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). He is best known...
2026 Tony Special #1
Eila & Bruce bring you the first installment of their Tony deep dive. They are joined by expert Matt Stashin and share who will win and who they want to win in the following categories: Best Choreography; Best Sound Design of a Play; Best Orchestrations; Featured Actor in a Play; and Featured Actor in a Musical.
Ali Louis Bourzgui, André De Shields, Bryce Pinkham, Ben Levi Ross, Layton Williams, Christopher Abbott, Danny Burstein, Brandon J. Dirden, Alden Ehrenreich, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Richard Thomas, Christopher Gattelli, Ellenore Scott, Ani Taj, Omari Wiles & Arturo Lyons, L...
Back on Stage in The Adding Machine
Actor Michael Cyril Creighton steps out of Arconia to head downtown to The New Groups new home at the Theater at St Clements to star in the new adaptation of The Adding Machine. Michael shares the stage with Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jennifer Tilly and Sarita Choudhury. This 100 year old play is surprisingly timely and Michael discusses what it’s like playing over a dozen characters. Michael also discusses working on streaming favorites Only Murders in the Building and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Michael Cyril Creighton is best known for playing Howard Morris on Hulu’s “Only Murde...
Ana Gasteyer - Live From NY it’s Schmigadoon!
Emmy Winner Ana Gasteyer stops by Behind the Awards to chat about the newest hit on Broadway Schmigadoon! Ana shares how she approaches the role of Mildred Layton and being the villain on an Oz like fantasy world. Ana also talks about being a cast member on SNL, Auditioning and finally playing Elphaba on Broadway, her love of broadway and belting, as well as her upcoming projects.
Also in this episode - Eila & Bruce are getting ready for their 2026 Tony Award Special Episodes!
Ana Gasteyer is an Emmy award wi...
Bess Wohl - Liberation
Tony Nominated Playwright Bess Wohl joins Behind the Awards for a deep dive conversation on the creation of Liberation. Bess talks about creating a team of artists to help transport the audience back to the 70s and what a joy it was to watch Whitney White, David Zinn, Qween Jean, and Nikya Mathis create poetry.
Also in this episode - Eila & Bruce review Schmigadoon!
Bess Wohl is a playwright and filmmaker whose plays have been produced on and off Broadway, regionally and internationally. Wohl’s plays include Grand Horizons (Broadw...
Brandon Uranowitz - Ragtime Revisited
Tony Winner Brandon Uranowitz stops by Behind the Awards to deep dive the role of Tateh in the current broadway revival of Ragtime. Brandon also shares his experiences in Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt and Falsettos. Brandon reminisces about his chemistry test with Stephanie J Block and how he got his start as a child in the Toronto Cast of Ragtime pre-Broadway.
Also in this episode - Bruce & Eila Review The Rocky Horror Show starring Luke Evans.
Brandon Uranowitz LCT: Falsettos (Tony and Drama Desk nominations). Broadway: Leopoldstadt (Tony, Drama Desk, an...
Maria Christina-Oliveras - The Balusters
Maria Christina-Oliveras joins us on the heels of the success of The Balusters. MC does a deep dive on the show and her role of Luz as well as the journey in unpacking the truth in the humor of David Lindsay-Abaire new American Play. MC reminisces about her time with McKinley Henderson in Between Riverside and Crazy. She also shares her passion for developing new works and being part of the workshop process in shows like Amelie and Here Lies Love. Look for her in her upcoming roles in the feature film The Florist and Mindy Kaling’s new series...
Derek McLane - Designing Broadway
Tony & Emmy Winning Designer Derek McLane drops by Behind the Awards to give the inside scoop on how he created such designs as Moulin Rouge, MJ, Death Becomes Her, Beautiful and most recently The Balusters. Derek also details different skills he learned from his mentors Ming Cho Lee and Robin Wagner. We also learned the inside secrets that make some of the magic in Death Becomes Her. Derek also talks about designing The Oscars, The Met Gala and Live musicals for television.
Also in this episode - Costumes & Cocktails honoring Oscar & Tony Winner Paul Tazewell.
D...
Behind the Awards Plays Tony Nominator! 2026 Edition
Behind the Awards welcomes back their resident awards expert Matt Stashin to play Tony Nominator before the actual nominations are announced. What will make our lists; Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Ragtime, or Chess? Could Christiani Pitts, Marla Mindelle, Brandon Uranowitz, Nicholas Christopher, Carrie Coon, Ayo Edebiri, Daniel Radcliffe, Ali Louis Bourzgui, Jim Parsons, June Squibb or Danny Burstein be there? Listen to find out!
Also in this episode - Pink named the 2026 Tony Awards Host!
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:
I...Barton Cowperwaite - Gotta Dance
Outsiders Original cast member Barton Cowperthwaite joins Behind the Awards to talk about his new show Gotta Dance now running at Stage 42. Barton shares what it was like to grow up as a High School Dance Major, Dance the American in Paris Ballet on Tour and put this current show together with the gate keepers of the original pieces such as Baayork Lee, Donna McKechnie, Christopher Wheeldon, Susan Stroman and so much more! Barton also tells us his experience working with The Outsiders from workshop to Broadway and how it evolved. On a very personal note Barton shares his can...
Lorin Latarro - No Moving Chess Pieces
Choreographer/Director Lorin Latarro joins Behind the Awards to discuss the creation of the Chess Revival starring Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher. Listen for the origin story of getting Aaron Tevit’s paints on and her favorite moment of the show which happens right before One Night in Bancock. Lorin also talks about her other bodies of work including Heart of Rock & Roll, Joy, Waitress and upcoming Idigo Girls Musical Starstuck as well as Begin Again coming to the Old Globe.
Also in this episode - Behind the Awards takes a field trip to Beaches Tec...