Little Known Facts With Ilana Levine

Matt Rodin is a creator who believes art is a channel to the core human spirit. He’s working to ignite the creative power in each of us so that our work can expand us into a more empathetic and conscious species. He’s worked with brands like SoulCycle, Dear Evan Hansen and The Smithsonian to produce innovative and engaging content. He’s performed across the country with his original music, in professional productions, and was named one of Broadway’s 40 under 40 for 2017. He is the co-creator and writer of the viral video series ‘BROdway’ and is the creator and host of ‘The Red Carpet Challenge’, which has streamed more than 65 episodes on Playbill and Broadway.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Olivier Award winner for her West End debut as Inez in ZORRO THE MUSICAL, Lesli made her Broadway debut originating the role of Mrs. Wormwood in MATILDA THE MUSICAL. After over 1000 performances, she bid farewell to the Broadway company of Matilda and crossed the street to The Helen Hayes to star as the diva Mona Kent in the Broadway premiere of Randy Skinner's DAMES AT SEA. In September 2016, Lesli returned to the role she originated to close out the Broadway run of MATILDA. Lesli currently recurs on three television dramas: Homeland (Showtime), Instinct (CBS), and Seven Seconds (Netflix). This past fall she starred opposite Topher Grace, Taye Diggs & JC Chasez in the feature film "Opening Night" which can be seen on Netflix following its theatrical release. Born and raised in California, Lesli trained at UCLA and was soon after chosen to star in MGM's television series "Fame LA" directed by Kenny Ortega. She has gone on to star and recur on numerous television shows and pilots including "Donny!", "The Go

Uma Thurman is currently making her Broadway debut in "The Parisian Woman." She is best known for her portrayal of Mia Wallace in Quentin Tarantino's critically lauded "Pulp Fiction," receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the cult classic. Thurman also garnered a Golden Globe Award nominations for her role in the "Kill Bill" film franchise. Thurman earned a Golden Globe Award for "Hysterical Blindness," in which she starred and produced, and her first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Dramatic Series on NBC's series “Smash.”  She was previously seen on stage in New York in "The Misanthrope" at Classic Stage Company in 1999. Her TV and film accolades include Bravo’s “Imposters,” NBC’s miniseries “The Slap,” Lars Von Trier's "Nymphomaniac: Vol. 1," "The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen," "Dangerous Liaisons," "Henry & June," "Beautiful Girls, "Batman & Robin," "Les Miserables," "Sweet and Lowdown," "Prime" with Meryl Streep, "Be Cool" and "The Producers

Sarah Jessica Parker, who played Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO television series "Sex and the City" (1998-2004) as well as serving as an executive producer, has won four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards. Parker reprised her role and served as a producer for the screen adaptation of the hit series with the theatrical release of "Sex and the City" and "Sex and the City 2." Past film credits include: "I Don't Know How She Does It," "Smart People," "Failure to Launch," "The Family Stone," "State and Main," "Mars Attacks!," "Ed Wood," "The First Wives Club," "Miami Rhapsody" and "Honeymoon in Vegas." She has worked in the theatre, on and off Broadway, since 1976 when she debuted on Broadway in "The Innocents" directed by Harold Pinter. Other Broadway credits include: the title role in "Annie," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and "Once Upon a Mattress." Off-Broadway credits include: the original production of "To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday" and "The Commo

Author of The New York Times bestseller, "Patti LuPone: A Memoir," Miss Patti LuPone just concluded her critically acclaimed run as cosmetics pioneer Helena Rubinstein in the Scott Frankel-Michael Korie-Douglas Wright-Michael Grief musical "War Paint." Her recent NY stage appearances include Douglas Carter Beane’s new play "Shows For Days," directed by Jerry Zaks at Lincoln Center Theater, her debut with the New York City Ballet as Anna in their new production of "The Seven Deadly Sins," Joanne in the New York Philharmonic’s production of "Company," David Mamet’s "The Anarchist," and Lincoln Center Theater’s production of the musical "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," for which she was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Winner of the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performance of the Season for her performance as Madame Rose in the most recent Broadway production of "Gypsy," her oth

In this collection of conversations llana’s guests share never before told stories from their past . Listen as Laura Linney, Molly Ringwald, Griffin Dunne, Anthony Rapp, Kathryn Erbe, Dominic Fumusa, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Broderick reveal moments that will both  entertain and astonish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob Morrow is a multi-Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor, writer, and director with an established career in television, film, and theater spanning over three decades. Rob shot to stardom with his portrayal of New York doctor gone‐to Alaska, Joel Fleischman, on the hit television series, "Northern Exposure," garnering him three Golden Globe and two Emmy Award nominations. He played the iconic role of Don Eppes on the hit CBS drama, "Numb3rs," which ran for six seasons. Morrow's film credits include starring in Robert Redford's Oscar-nominated film "Quiz Show," Albert Brooks' comedy "Mother," Bruce Beresford's "Last Dance" opposite Sharon Stone, and "Into My Heart." Currently, Rob can be seen on ABC’s new hit show "Designated Survivor." He was recently on the critically acclaimed FX mini-series, "The People Vs. OJ Simpson," portraying defense attorney Barry Scheck, and on Showtime's new series "Billions," playing Counselor to the Attorney General, Adam Degiulio. He will be seen opposite Queen Latifah, Betsy

Julian Ovenden, a Screen Actors Guild Award winner, talks with Ilana about his roles on "Knightfall," "Downton Abbey," and many other amazing projects. Julian shares details about his first musical in London, "Merrily We Roll Along," by the inimitable Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim was there at rehearsal daily and re-worked material for and with Juilan. The two often sat at the piano together since Julian had to play a lot in the show. Julian's gorgeous tenor voice has made him one of the most sought after concert performers in the world; he has three solo albums to his name. The son of a vicar who became the vicar for England's royal family, Julian's discusses what is was like for his family to live on the property at Windsor Castle. An actor who once had a phobia about accents, Julian shares how he learned to embrace them in order to stretch himself. And Julian gets candid with Ilana about the ups and downs of his career and tells hilarious audition stories that any actor will relate to. British actor, Julian O

When Nia Vardalos, the Academy Award nominated actress, began her career she was faced with the reality that not many in Hollywood were interested in hiring a Greek actress. In response to her early struggles Nia became proactive; her semi-autobiographical first screenplay "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" soon followed. Initially unable to get her movie made, Nia then decided to adapt her screenplay into a one-woman show for the theater. (She was inspired to do this after seeing Julia Sweeney perform her one-woman show "God Said Ha!") To help build an audience Nia handed out fliers at her church. The Greek community in Los Angeles soon embraced the show en masse. Fellow Greek-American actress Rita Wilson and her husband Tom Hanks came to the play and the rest is indie film history. How Nia navigated that experience -- and how years later she went through the experience of adopting her daughter (a journey that she writes about in her best selling book "Instant Mom") is incredibly inspiring. Academy Award and Golden

Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara is one of Broadway’s most celebrated leading ladies. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Kelli spent most of her childhood on her family’s cattle farm. A serendipitous move to another town while in high school offered Kelli a new beginning, one in which she immersed herself in the arts. She never looked back. An interest in opera began her lifelong relationship with vocal teacher Florence Birdwell.  (Ms. Birdwell had taught another actress from Oklahoma, Kristin Chenoweth. Indeed it was Kristin Chenoweth who introduced Kelli to her first agent in New York City.) Small parts led to bigger ones; eventually a leading role in the national tour of "Jekyll and Hyde" followed. Kelli then made her Broadway debut as a replacement in the musical horror-drama loosely based on the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson.  In her conversation with Ilana, Kelli discusses how there were times when she thought perhaps she had landed the role that would be her big break, but it was not to be. Ironically, it

Jordan Roth, the Tony Award winning President of Jujamcyn Theaters, is responsible for bringing "Spring Awakening," "Clybourne Park," "Kinky Boots," "Springsteen on Broadway," "Falsettos," "Mean Girls," "Frozen," "Angels In America" and many other hits to Broadway. The youngest president ever of a theater dynasty, Jordan has quickly become one of the most respected producers in the American theater. On this episode of "Little Known Facts" Jordan talks with Ilana about his desire to bring theater to Broadway that inspires and changes lives; indeed, Jordan's gift for bringing together other creatives and cultivating talent has allowed him to bring some of the most powerful game changing plays to the Broadway stage. Jordan shares intimate details about his childhood and what led him to a career focused on  creativity and community. Jordan is a tireless activist for political causes that support people in need from all walks of life -- often working with organizations that support the LGBTQI community. This is a

In Part 2 of their conversation, Tony Award winner Donna Murphy shares with Ilana personal stories of how she began her career. She recalls hilarious details of being cast early on -- even when the odds were against her. And she talks about how she prepared with great precision for her audition for the role of "Fosca" in Sondheim's Passion -- a rolethat secured her place as a Broadway legend. She explains how Sondheim and Lapine work together and describes their collaboration as "shared poetry."  With great sensitivity and rawness, Donna discusses how she now negotiates life and work after the death of her beloved husband and partner, Shawn Elliott.  And ... she sings on the podcast!!! Donna Murphy’s award-winning performances in theater, film and television have forged a career of exceptional diversity, impressing both audiences and critics with her depth and skill. This “seductive actress of major transformative powers” (NY Times) was named by New York Magazine as one of “Three Living Legends” of the New Yo

Donna Murphy is a two-time Tony Award winning American musical theater treasure. Donna's singular voice, her comedic skills, her dancing and the authenticity and humanity she brings to every role that she plays has made her one of the most beloved actresses of her generation. From Fosca in Sondheim’s "Passion" to her current role of Dolly Levi in "Hello, Dolly!," Donna brings the audience to its feet every night. In part one of this two part episode, Donna discusses her childhood and what it was like growing up as the eldest of seven children. She shares with Ilana the discovery of her musical gifts at the age of three! And she talks of her process and the discipline needed to find every role. Donna also reveals her deep belief that she was brought into this world to perform. Welcome Donna Murphy! Donna Murphy’s award-winning performances in theater, film and television have forged a career of exceptional diversity, impressing both audiences and critics with her depth and skill. This “seductive actress of maj

Will Roland currently stars as "Jared Kleinman" in the Tony Award winning musical "Dear Evan Hansen." Will had previously co-starred with Ben Platt in the promising musical "The Black Suits," so when they reunited for DEH the two already had much of the needed dynamics in place to create their indelible performances. On this episode of "Little Known Facts," Will shares what it has been like to live inside the meteoric rise of "Dear Evan Hansen," candidly discussing the great joys as well as the invasion of privacy that has come with this gig. Will also discusses how he grew up helping out in his family's antique business, acquiring tremendous knowledge of fine art and estate furniture. (He also demonstrates for Ilana his mad skills as an auctioneer! Will helped raise thousands of dollars for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids by auctioning off the plaster cast Ben Platt wears in the show to the highest bidder.) Will studied musical theater at New York University and is an accomplished lighting designer. He per

Laura Heywood (a.k.a. @BroadwayGirlNYC ) was an anonymous Broadway influencer with a huge social media following until she decided to reveal her true identity. A passionate enthusiast for all things Broadway, Laura used her expertise in brand identity to create a niche for herself as an influencer in the theater world and beyond. An early user of Twitter, Laura has always made the most of her platform and huge social media following by highlighting many wonderful not-for-profit organizations, including her beloved "Story Pirates." And in this truly inspirational episode, Laura opens up to Ilana about a darker time in her life and how she got through it -- and what she continues to do to keep a healthy mental attitude. Whether you know her as "Broadway Girl NYC" or simply Laura, you won't want to miss her on the next "Little Known Facts!" Laura Heywood is a professional enthusiast: a multi-faceted host, consultant, performer, pundit, and writer widely recognized for her commitment to positivity. Her formerly a

Cazzie David, daughter of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator Larry David, was followed by TMZ the day she moved into her college dorm.  Any hopes for an anonymous matriculation were blown immediately -- and most of the students Cazzie encountered on campus weren't quite sure how to interact with the child of a major Hollywood star.  The one person who didn't seem to be nonplussed by it all was Elisa Kalani. In her refreshingly straight forward manner, Elisa acknowledged how wonderful -- and strange -- it was to have Cazzie at the school. The two freshmen became fast friends and have remained the best of friends ever since those first surreal days. Cazzie and Elisa, co-creators of the critically acclaimed web series "Eighty-Sixed," chat with Ilana about their work and what it means to be "millennials."  Elisa and Cazzie describe their relationship to technology as second nature -- but as millennials they are actually on the cusp; they lived a life before having all of these technological advances a

Bill Camp, the Emmy and Tony nominated actor, has had an illustrious career on stage and in film for over three decades. His most recent turn as "Dennis Box" in HBO's highly acclaimed limited series "The Night Of " earned him an Emmy nomination for his compelling portrayal of an NYPD Detective in pursuit of the truth.  Camp brought tremendous pathos and dimension to the role -- as he does to every role he plays. Beloved by some of the most accomplished  directors of our time including Mike Nichols and Stephen Spielberg, Camp has become one of the most sought after actors working today. On this episode, Bill opens up to Ilana about his years of "deviant" behavior and how he weathered the storm. He also shares intimate and hilarious details of his courtship and ultimate marriage to actress, Elizabeth Marvel.   Bill is best known for his Emmy Award nominated performance (Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series) in HBO's critically acclaimed limited series "The Night Of," starring alongside John Turturro and Ri

Gillian Pensavalle is the host of "The Hamilcast" podcast. Gillian started the podcast at the beginning of 2016 because of her love, passion and obsession with all things "Hamilton, An American Musical." Each week Gillian has conversations with members of the Hamilton community, theater luminaries, friends and Hamilton fans about all things ... Hamilton. Slowly Gillian's audience has grown and grown -- and it is now regarded as the "official" podcast of Hamilton by its cast members. In the summer of 2017, Lin Manuel Miranda recognized Gillian on twitter with his signature "I see you @TheHamilcast" and a conversation began -- a conversation that has culminated in a four hour dialogue between Lin and Gillian that has become known as #Lintoberfest on "The Hamilcast" podcast. Find out how it all evolved and unfolded on this exciting new episode of "Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine." A born and raised New Yorker, Gillian Pensavalle is a karaoke enthusiast who says hello to dogs on the street, but always asks p

Allison Janney, a seven-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, had dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater. That dream ended when, at age 17, she ran through a sliding glass window. The injury was serious, and, suddenly Allison's future goals shifted. She found herself at Kenyon College and she became a theater major. While at Kenyon Allison was discovered by Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward who had come to the college to direct a play at their alma mater. They encouraged Janney to go to NYC and pursue a career in acting professionally. What happened after that is the subject of this funny and intimate conversation with host Ilana Levine, a dear friend of Allison's. The two met and became fast friends when Ilana was starring in the HBO series "Tanner 88" with a mutual friend. Allison walks us through her audition for "The West Wing" and opens up about why the recent loss of her brother makes starring on the CBS hit show "Mom" all the more important for her during this emotional time. The incredibly versatile Al

Celia Keenan-Bolger, a native of Detroit, Michigan, has made a very impressive mark in the Broadway community. A Tony nominee beloved for her talent, kindness and political activism, Celia has moved effortlessly between musicals and straight plays. She burst onto the scene with her role in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."  Shortly thereafter she captivated audiences as Laura in "The Glass Menagerie," showed her comedic genius in "Peter and the Starcatcher," and moved us to tears when she starred in "Les Miserables" (a childhood dream). In this intimate episode Celia discusses how she handles the highs and lows that inevitably come along with a life in the theater.  Married to actor John Ellison Conlee, Celia shares what it's like for two actors in a marriage and she opens up about the joys and surprises of parenthood.  Celia also touches on her early years -- including her time with Sutton Foster in the children's theatrical troupe "The Peter Pan Players."  Listeners will feel closer to -- and mo