The Ensemblist

On this episode, we’re revisiting our 2013 conversation with Harvey Evans. We chat all about the tradition of the Legacy Robe, the history, the ceremony, Harvey’s memories from the two shows he received it for, and so much more. Please note that when this interview was recorded, the Legacy Robe was known as the Gypsy Robe. The name was changed in 2018, because of the insensitive nature of its previous title.

We’re revisiting our 2015 interview with Krysta Rodriguez. In 2006, Krysta performed in the ensemble of the original Broadway production of Spring Awakening, understudying four principal roles. 9 years later, she took on Ilse, one of the roles she previously understudied, in the show’s Broadway revival. In our conversation, Krysta chats all about how the two productions differed, why she wanted to revisit the material, and how she approached the role differently her second time around.

We’re revisiting our 2014 interview with Broadway veteran Mary Beth Peil. Among her many Broadway credits are revivals of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George and Follies. Mary Beth spoke with us about the highlights of working on Sondheim’s musicals - both on Broadway and regionally, the rewards of working with Sondheim and what makes his musicals so special.

We’re revisiting our 2015 interview with Cynthia Onrubia. In our conversation, Cynthia chats all about making her Broadway debut as a teenager in the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line, the legendary record-breaking gala performance, and why this ultimate ensemblist musical is so powerful.

We’re revisiting our 2014 interview with Eddie Korbich. As we know, original cast recordings are vitally important in bringing Broadway and off-Broadway musicals to audiences both before and after the shows have left the stage, and Eddie is no stranger to the process of creating them. He’s been featured on five! In this interview, Eddie spoke with us about how cast recordings inspired him as a child, the ins and outs of recording them, and the magic of being featured on one for the first time.

We’re revisiting our 2014 interview with Tony Award Winner Randy Graff. Among her many Broadway credits is the original production of Les Miserables. Randy spoke to us about originating the role of Fantine on Broadway, the rehearsal process, memories of performing the show, and why Les Miserables has had such a lasting legacy.