Episodi

  • FINAL FIVE: Aubie Merrylees, Actor in BOOP! and a Theater Coach

    FINAL FIVE: Aubie Merrylees, Actor in BOOP! and a Theater Coach
    Jun 13 2025
    Now in his third Broadway show, Aubie answers five final questions about his career and theater journey.In this bonus episode, Aubie Merrylees returns to answer the Final Five—a set of questions I ask every guest to close out their time on the podcast. From memories of his first professional show to the lessons he’s still learning today, Aubie opens up about what success means to him and the kind of change he hopes to see in the industry. It’s a thoughtful and honest reflection on growth, resilience, and what it really means to “make it” in this business. — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    18 min
  • Aubie Merrylees on the Joys of BOOP! and the Disappointments of KPOP

    Aubie Merrylees on the Joys of BOOP! and the Disappointments of KPOP
    Jun 6 2025
    With Boop! The Musical earning three Tony nominations this year—including Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, and Best Leading Actress for Jasmine Amy Rogers—I’m joined by cast member Aubie Merrylees for a conversation that goes beyond the awards buzz. We talk about the fun and energy of Boop!, but also the moments that shaped his career long before this Broadway run. From a season of missed opportunities that led him to grad school, to the high expectations and quick closure of KPOP, Aubie shares how he’s navigated the uncertainties of this business. We also talk about how last year’s strikes pushed both of us to pivot and rediscover different parts of our craft. It’s a candid look at the many turns a career can take—and the unexpected joys that come along the way. — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please ⁠subscribe⁠ or ⁠donate⁠. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    1 ora e 11 min
  • Tony Winner J. Harrison Ghee Finds Joy and Freedom in Theater and in Life

    Tony Winner J. Harrison Ghee Finds Joy and Freedom in Theater and in Life
    May 23 2025
    Every June, Broadway’s biggest night reminds us just how thrilling and transformative live theater can be. The Tony Awards don’t just celebrate excellence—they spotlight the stories, the voices, and the people who are shaping the stage and pushing it forward. Since 1947, the Tonys have been honoring some of Broadway’s best, and this year is no exception, with Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending leading the pack at 10 nominations each.But the Tonys also mark milestones that ripple far beyond the theater district. Just two years ago, J. Harrison Ghee, along with Alex Newell, became the first openly non-binary performers to win a Tony Award. It was a pivotal moment—not just for Ghee’s life and career—but for what the Tonys represent and who they recognize. So in this episode, you’ll hear about Ghee’s Tony journey and the milestone highs and lows along the way. Then you’ll get a glimpse behind the curtains on Kinky Boots and Some Like It Hot and how they have come to define Ghee’s talent and artistry.We also talk about Only Make Believe and the wonderful work they do in bringing interactive theater to children in hospitals, schools, and care facilities. To learn more or donate to this worthy nonprofit, go to their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    31 min
  • SPOTLIGHT: Stephanie Torns Brings Broadway to EPIC Players

    SPOTLIGHT: Stephanie Torns Brings Broadway to EPIC Players
    May 9 2025
    This is a special presentation of The Spotlight Series, which highlights organization making a difference in the arts and beyond... Stephanie Torns is a Broadway actress known for her standout roles in the Broadway hits like Wicked and Waitress. Over the past decade she has shown incredible dedication and stamina, bringing some of Broadway's favorite characters to life night after night. But Stephanie's impact goes way beyond just the stage. Recently, she’s taken on a new role with EPIC Players, a theater company with a heart – they’re all about empowering neurodivergent performers. Stephanie's now on the board of directors, helping bridge the Broadway community with EPIC, and fostering some incredible collaborations. For her, it’s more than just a professional role – it’s a personal mission. In this conversation, we dive into how Stephanie found her way to EPIC Players, why supporting the neurodivergent community is so close to her heart, and the joy she’s discovered in this inclusive space. Plus, we’ll chat about her time on Broadway, what it’s really like to play roles as intense as Elphaba, and how those experiences are shaping the work she's doing with EPIC. --- Donate to support EPIC’s paid employment initiatives and free programming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    34 min
  • Closing Night - Anthony Rapp Almost Makes His Broadway Debut

    Closing Night - Anthony Rapp Almost Makes His Broadway Debut
    May 2 2025
    Back in 2022, I had the chance to talk with Anthony Rapp—which, for me, was both a thrill and a bit surreal. I’d been following him on Instagram for a while, and one day as I was leaving an audition here in New York I happened to walk right past him. I stopped for a second, unsure if I should say anything. But then I thought, "when am I ever going to run into him again? "So I introduced myself and mentioned that I had a podcast—and that I’d love to talk with him about his Broadway debut. Or more accurately, his almost Broadway debut in a musical called The Little Prince and the Aviator back in 1982. Now, given how well-known he is—especially in the Broadway world—I figured he probably gets approached a lot. But he later told me that hardly anyone ever brings up The Little Prince. So we set up a time to talk, covering Rent, Star Trek: Discovery, and his other film and stage work. But a big part of our conversation centered on that short-lived 1982 musical that never actually opened on Broadway. I was so grateful to have him on the show… though I’ll admit, the audio wasn’t great at the time, and I didn’t have the tools to fix it. But now I do. So just recently, on my theater history podcast Closing Night, I did a full deep dive into The Little Prince and the Aviator. That episode draws from two key sources: my conversation with Anthony—now with much-improved audio—and a fascinating memoir written by the show’s producer, Joseph Tandet. And I wanted to share it with you here, a story about a musical that aimed for the stars but never made it. --- Closing Night is a theater history podcast that dives into the stories of Broadway's famous and forgotten shows that closed too soon. And this season we uncover the mysteries of productions that never even made it to opening night. This is the second of two episodes about The Little Prince, where you'll hear firsthand from those involved, revealing just how unpredictable—and unforgiving—the path to Broadway can be. Theme Music created by Blake Stadnik. Produced by Patrick Oliver Jones and WINMI Media with Dan Delgado as co-producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    42 min
  • FINAL FIVE: George C. Heslin, Actor, Director and Producer.

    FINAL FIVE: George C. Heslin, Actor, Director and Producer.
    Apr 25 2025
    In our last episode, George Heslin shared some incredible stories about founding the Origin Theatre Company and his work as an Irish actor coming to New York. But as always, there’s more to discover. And these Final Five Questions are where we really get to know George, from personal lessons and thoughts on the future to offering some advice for those just starting out. We also debate one of my favorite topics to rant about: the good and bad of self-tapes (mostly bad, of course). — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    22 min
  • George C. Heslin Helps Bring Irish Theater to New York City

    George C. Heslin Helps Bring Irish Theater to New York City
    Apr 18 2025
    George Heslin came to New York in the mid-‘90s, but it wasn’t quite his idea to come here. So when he landed in the city he didn’t exactly hit the ground running. Instead, he spent four years as a struggling actor trying to find his footing, but mostly feeling lost and lonely. But with the help of a legendary acting teacher, out of that struggle came something remarkable. In 2002, George founded the Origin Theatre Company—literally with a credit card and a dream—and spent almost 20 years bringing bold international voices to the New York stage. And now he’s continuing that work in a new way as the Executive Director of the New York Irish Center. In this episode, we talk about that journey—how someone who came here reluctantly ended up becoming a champion for Irish and European artists in America. And how his story is really just one chapter in the long rich legacy of Irish theater finding new life across the ocean. — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    50 min
  • Bret Shuford Turns Broadway Lessons into Guidance for Others (REWIND)

    Bret Shuford Turns Broadway Lessons into Guidance for Others (REWIND)
    Apr 4 2025
    Bret Shuford has spent his career balancing two passions—performing on Broadway and helping others achieve their creative goals. From The Little Mermaid to Paramour, he built a successful stage career while also becoming a sought-after coach for actors and artists. But finding that balance wasn’t always easy. In this rewind episode from 2019, Bret shares how he navigated the highs and lows of the industry, the importance of authenticity in his work, and why he’s passionate about guiding others toward success. — Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    56 min