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It's been in development for five years and has at least a year to go. On the eve of its out-of-town debut, the actor playing Lincoln quit. And the producers still need to raise another $15 million to bring the show to New York. There really is no business like show business. (Part three of a three-part series.) SOURCES:Christopher Ashley, artistic director of La Jolla Playhouse.Debby Buchholz, managing director of La Jolla Playhouse.Carmen Cusack, actor.Quentin Earl Darrington, actor.Joe DiPietro, playwright and lyricist.Crystal Monee Hall, composer, singer, actor.Ivan Hernandez, actor.Michael Rushton, professor of arts administration at Indiana University.Jeffrey Seller, Broadway producer.Alan Shorr, Broadway producer.Daniel Watts, writer, choreographer, actor. RESOURCES:3 Summers of Lincoln (2025)."Review: Visceral ‘3 Summers of Lincoln' is thrilling and thought-provoking," by Pam Kragen (San Diego Union-Tribune, 2025)."What's Wrong with the Theatre is What's Wrong With Society," by Michael Rushton (ArtsJournal, 2023)."American Theater Is Imploding Before Our Eyes," by Isaac Butler (New York Times, 2023).The Moral Foundations of Public Funding for the Arts, by Michael Rushton (2023). EXTRAS:“How to Make the Coolest Show on Broadway,” by Freakonomics Radio (2024).“You Can Make a Killing, but Not a Living,” by Freakonomics Radio (2024).
Dylan and Connor are joined by Katie Rose Clarke (Merrily We Roll Along, Wicked). Not a day has gone by that we haven't dreamed of having this LEGEND on the pod. After first meeting during a Wicked blizzard in Cleveland in 2008, Katie joins the twins to mention it ALL. Hear the story of Katie seeing her first Broadway show (Miss Saigon starring Lea Salonga) and then working with Lea years later. We talk all things Wicked, Carmen Cusack, and the process of crafting a story arc for Glinda. Katie shares the tale of making her Broadway debut, replacing Kelli O'Hara in The Light in the Piazza, then going on to star in Allegiance, Miss Saigon, and currently in Merrily We Roll Along. We get into her friendship with Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe; and how Maria Friedman gave them the freedom to create their own journeys in the show. And some DRAMA: Bobby Berk leaves Queer Eye, Dylan loves Nyad, and a recommendation for Brie Larson's Lessons in Chemistry. Old friends, y'all!Follow Katie on InstagramFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramEdited by DylanSupport the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!
As much as we actors wish it wasn't so, auditioning really is our job. Performing it's just an added perk, if we do that job really well. That being said though, there are times when we mail an audition and simply couldn't have done any better, yet we still don't book the part. Such is the life and labor of an actor. Welcome to the annual episode of Audition Stories…the good, the bad, and the hysterical. And today you'll be getting a sampling of the bonus episodes available to monthly supporters of this podcast. You'll hear from the following actors, directors, and choreographers as they share their most memorable auditions: Barton Cowperthwaite - actor and dancer from Tiny Pretty Things Misty Rosas - actress, singer and performance artist from The Mandalorian Carmen Cusack - actress and singer from Bright Star and Flying Over Sunset Jerry Mitchell - director and choreographer of Kinky Boots and Pretty Woman Al Blackstone - director and choreographer from So You Think You Can Dance Michael Learned - famed actress from The Waltons Kathryn Allison - actress and singer from Company and Aladdin Briana Packen - actress and coach from Movement 4 Everybody The Prom Tony Nominees - Caitlin Kinnunen, Beth Leavel, and Brooks Ashmanskas I love sharing these stories and episodes, but it does take time and resources to do it. Currently, about 90% of podcast production costs come out of my own pocket. So I would greatly appreciate if you would consider joining Why I'll Never Make It and support the ongoing efforts of this podcast: monthly subscriptions with access to bonus episodes and more yearly subscriptions at a $20 discount off the monthly options one-time donations to help the ongoing production of this podcast Learn more about WINMI Podcast at whyillnevermakeit.com ---------- Why I'll Never Make It is hosted by Off-Broadway actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media, LLC. It's an award winning Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
"Whoa Mama!" This episode we're going to Kat and SLee's home state with Bright Star. But only after SLee finally reveals her big news! Listen along as Kat and SLee discuss Blue Grass, Babies, and Briefcases.Additionally there are some spoilers for the book 'Verity' by Colleen Hoover, to skip them jump from 8:44 to 12:58Performance Links:https://youtu.be/sIoBHl0O3pE - ‘If You Knew My Story' performed by Carmen Cusack and the Original Broadway Cast on the 2016 Tony Awardshttps://youtu.be/QRyqi_ZJK20 - ‘Sun is Gonna Shine Again' preformed by Carmen Cusack at 54 Belowhttps://youtu.be/mSZE_4eQgpI - Show Clips from the Original Broadway Productionhttps://youtu.be/CwqM0S3YAd8 - ‘Bright Star' preformed by the Original Broadway Casthttps://youtu.be/Da-8OK7KHwQ - ‘Man's Gotta Do (reprise) performed by the Pelham Memorial High School CastFollow us on Social Media!!@thispodwontrunaweek on instagram@thispodwontrun on twitterhttps://www.patreon.com/thispodcastwontrunaweekGet Your Tickets to Stranger Sings Here! Hosts: Kat Shaw, @katlynwithak on all platforms SLee, @justcallmeslee on all platforms Theme Song written and performed by: Rachel Lind @rachellindnyc on instagram and @rachelglind on twitterArtwork by:Adele Simms, @artsyadele on instagramSupport the show
Dylan and Connor are joined by Drama Desk nominee Paul Alexander Nolan (Slave Play, Bright Star). The twins live a dream come true by chatting with Canadian native Paul about his storied career as a leading man, from playing the titular role in Jesus Christ Superstar to the recent musical Life After by Britta Johnson. No stone is left unturned as they discuss tattoos, summer nearing its end, A Strange Loop, Escape to Margaritaville, and Paul's path not taken during the pandemic to become a firefighter. The trio get into Paul's run as Guy in Once, his journey in Bright Star opposite queen Carmen Cusack, the challenge of playing Jim in Slave Play, and the thrilling concept album he's been developing. Paul brings a warmth and intelligence to the pod that is not to be missed!Follow Paul on Twitter & InstagramFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & InstagramFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramEdited by DylanGet your DRAMA merch (t-shirts, stickers, and more) HERE!SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON HERE! Support us and help us continue producing content!Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, rate us 5 stars, and leave a kind review!
One of the main themes and messages of this podcast has always been that success can mean different things to different people, and how someone gets there, if they get there, seems to take a different path each time. Today's episode is with someone that I had the privilege of working with in the musical adaptation of First Wives Club back in 2015 in Chicago (with Faith Prince and Christine Sherrill). We were gearing up for a hopeful Broadway transfer that unfortunately never happened. But Carmen Cusack gave a memorable performance in that show and a few years later went on to star in her Broadway debut of Bright Star and most recently Flying Over Sunset. Her journey to Broadway has been a very unique one – from Denver and Texas to London and Shanghai. But as you'll hear in her stories, the bumpy road to success is as much a personal journey as it is a professional one... Jazz lounges not Broadway theaters are her true musical home Her tumultuous relationship with Sunday in the Park with George James Lapine and Flying Over Sunset Through the loss of theater during Covid, she finds her musical voice Find this and more episodes at whyillnevermakeit.com. Podcast hosted and produced by Off-Broadway actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones - https://www.pojones.com This Wednesday the 27th Joshua Morgan from Ain't Too Proud joins Patrick Oliver Jones onstage for an evening of conversation and song at The Green Room 42 at 7pm. This live show will be filled with intimate discussions and musical memories which have had a significant impact on Morgan's life and career. But this isn't the first time Morgan and Jones have shared the stage. They performed together back in 2016 in Houston for Theatre Under the Stars' production of How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, directed by Tony-nominated Dan Knechtges. Tickets are available for both in-person seating and online livestream. The Backstory of Carmen Cusack and the Final Five Questions Learn more of the details of her journey from Denver to Broadway, as she chronicles her various roles and milestones. It highlights both the struggle and the joy of her time onstage, and finding the freedom to explore her own voice and artistry. Find it on the WINMI Blog. Follow Carmen - Website | Twitter | Instagram Support WINMI through donations or subscriptions - https://winmi.supercast.com
Dylan and Connor are joined by Tony Award nominee Carmen Cusack (Bright Star, Wicked, Flying Over Sunset). Listen in as they discuss post-Tonys thoughts, Slave Play returning to Broadway, Designing Women, playing Elphaba in a snowstorm, honoring Marin Mazzie, Carmen's illustrious resume, her hot husband Paul, originating Alice Murphy in Bright Star, being nominated for a Tony, Doris Day, Idina and Kristin healing onstage singing “For Good,” personal trainers, Grace & Frankie, and MORE. See Carmen this fall in her solo show “Baring All” at Feinstein's/54 Below and on Broadway in Flying Over Sunset.Follow Carmen on Twitter & InstagramGet tickets to Carmen's new concert at Feinstein's/54 Below on 10/22 & 10/24 here! Follow DRAMA. on Twitter & InstagramFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramEdited by DylanHERE is where you find official DRAMA. merch!SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON HERE! Be the first to get our new merch, hear bonus episodes, and more!Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, rate us 5 stars, and leave a kind review!
Broadway is ‘Openin’ Up,’ Reaction to Cameron Mackintosh’s Transphobic Comments, Carmen Cusack to Lead ‘Designing Women’ Premiere “Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day. Any and all feedback is appreciated: Ashley Steves ashley@broadwayradio.com | @NoThisIsAshleyGrace Aki grace@broadwayradio.com | @ItsGraceAkiJames read more The post Today on Broadway: Monday, August 30, 2021 appeared first on BroadwayRadio.
As part of our "Ones that Got Away" series, Paul and Jill head back in time - twice - with 2016's Bright Star! This bluegrass blend of Broadway and banjo comes courtesy of Steve Martin (yeah, that Steve Martin) and Edie Brickell. The show was directed by Walter Bobbie and stars Paul's new favourite person Carmen Cusack.Paul and Jill decide to set awhile and ask themselves: how would one do a Bright Star Junior? Why does the mayor get this much stage time? And how many times has Mr. Martin played a dad on screen?Twitter: @monkeyplaybillsInstagram: @monkeysandplaybillspodEmail: monkeysandplaybillspod@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/monkeysandplaybills Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monkeysandplaybills
It’s been quite a journey. Holly and Chris look back at their Carrie adventure and try and answer some burning questions. We ask an expert, author of ‘Flop Musicals of the Twentieth Century’ Stephen Purdy, if Carrie really can be defined as a flop compared to some prominent recent mega-failures. We also find out from writer Peter Michael Marino, creator of the doomed ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ musical, what it’s like to have your new musical trashed (FYI: we saw it twice and had a great time), plus the legendary Alice Ripley also shares her experiences of being in well-loved musicals which were hit by premature closure, like ‘American Psycho’ and ‘Side Show’. And finally - a post mortem. Where did it go wrong? Who was to blame? Could Carrie have been fixed? Can you even do horror on stage? Can we just do this as a job forever? Plus, we leave the last word to our gang of original cast members to tell us how this funny little musical changed their lives forever. Friends of Carrie - join us on our social channels and share your feedback! Instagram Facebook Twitter Out for Blood is hosted by Holly Morgan and Chris Adams, edited by Tom Moores, with original music by Odinn Orn Hilmarson and artwork by Rebecca Pitt. Out for Blood is a proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Thanks this week to Stephen Purdy, Peter Michael Marino, Alice Ripley, Linzi Hateley, Brady Schwind, Joey Mckneeley, Dean Pitchford, Charlotte D’Amboise, Sally Ann Triplett, Suzanne Thomas, Shelley Hodgson, Kenny Linden, Michelle duVerney, Eric Gilliom, Paul Schwartz, Stafford Arima, Louis Hobson, Kim Criswell, Julie Cohen, Carmen Cusack, Annie Golden, Jodie Jacobs, Kayla Parker, Emily Lopez, Stephen Dolginoff, Bob Sembiante, Jonny Jones and Rita Desjardin. THIS WEEK’S LINKS: Stephen Purdy’s excellent book ‘Flop Musicals of the Twentieth Century’ is published by Routledge. Trailer for Peter Michael Marino’s Desperately Seeking Susan. Alice Ripley’s blistering performance in Next to Normal at the Tonys, and in Side Show with Emily Skinner. Jonny Jones' 80s reimagining of 'In' with Debbie Allen's original choreography Please note that we don’t own any of the content above and we’re not responsible for the content of third-party links – enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
By 2012, over two decades had passed since Carrie the Musical’s high-profile Broadway car crash, and the last thing its creators wanted was to resurrect the show that haunted them. But the requests for a revival kept coming in. We find out why Director Stafford Arima was determined to give the show a new life, and how he persuaded the writers to give Carrie another chance in a smaller, tighter new production (with not a unitard or giant staircase in sight). We meet two of the stars of that ‘revisal’, Molly Ranson and Carmen Cusack, and speak to award-winning vocal designer AnnMarie Milazzo about how she reinvented the sound of Carrie for a new generation. Is it possible to shake off the reputation of a show that’s known as a complete disaster? And can you really do Carrie without the blood? Friends of Carrie - join us on our social channels: this week we shared some iconic exclusive photos from Linzi Hateley’s personal Carrie collection! Instagram Facebook Twitter Out for Blood is hosted by Holly Morgan and Chris Adams, edited by Tom Moores, with original music by Odinn Orn Hilmarson and artwork by Rebecca Pitt. Out for Blood is a proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Thanks this week to Dean Pitchford, Stafford Arima, AnnMarie Millazzo, Molly Ranson, Carmen Cusack and Andrew Wachter. THIS WEEK’S LINKS: Stafford Arima is now the Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary, in Alberta, Canada. The Carrie ‘revisal’ was produced and staged by MCC Theater The iconic Marin Mazzie as ‘Mother’ in ‘Ragtime’ Footage from the Carrie revisal on Playbill.com and the official cast recording on Spotify The New York 1 review of the show Please note that we don’t own any of the content above and we’re not responsible for the content of third-party links – enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Carmen Cusack is here today for #LiveatFive: Home Edition! Carmen is set to star in Lincoln Center Theatre’s upcoming new musical FLYING OVER SUNSET as congresswoman Clare Boothe Luce explores the world of LSD. Carmen earned a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut leading the company of Steve Martin and Eddie Brickell's BRIGHT STAR. Follow her on social at @cusackcarmen and listen to hear her talk about "holding her own" and more with Broadway.com's Paul Wontorek, Beth Stevens and Caitlin Moynihan.
Forgive me if I go as far as calling my special guest this week a legend but in my eyes, he is! So, I'm a big fan of his work in the voice community of course but having the pleasure of getting to know Tom bit by bit over the last decade or so, it was a real treat for me to kick off Vocal Freedom, speaking with a teacher and friend who I have the utmost respect for. A generous soul as well as spectacular voice teacher, Tom has much to offer the world and I hope you enjoy tuning into this episode. Tom can be contacted though the fabulous community he has with the Tom Burke Weekly Voice Challenge page on facebook which has over 1600 members from around the world. Head there for updates and so much valuable and free information about all things voice and vocal health. Tom's song selection included: Carmen Cusack singing At Long Last from Bright Star
Carmen Cusack is getting ready to star in New York City Center’s production of CALL ME MADAM from February 6-10. She earned a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut performance in BRIGHT STAR, which she also appeared on tour with. Her other touring credits include Elphaba in WICKED and SOUTH PACIFIC. She recently appeared in the premiere of Lempicka at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Carmen also has a Feinstein’s/54 Below concert on February 13. Follow her on twitter at @carmen_cusack and on instagram at @cusackcarmen.Hosted by Paul Wontorek, Beth Stevens and Caitlin Moynihan
After her time on the West End as Fantine in Les Misérables, Cusack toured as the leading lady of both Wicked and South Pacific. She’s a Tony Nominee for her role as Alice Murphy in Bright Star, her Broadway debut! She now brings her story to the Feinstein’s/54 Below stage. In the concert, Carmen she shares with us the stories and songs which brought her to Broadway.Hosted by: Paul Wontorek, Beth Stevens, and Matt Rodin
Play along as #NationalTreasure Carmen Cusack (Bright Star) joins Bryan, Kimberly, and Kevin for tequila, broadway talk, theatre games, bad puns, wine, and gin! Become a supporter on our Patreon: https://bit.ly/2Q2zELG
Special Episode #11: Five years later!! Here I am again with a new episode and an extra special guest star, THE bright star of Bright Star, Carmen Cusack! Carmen exploded last season with her highly acclaimed Broadway debut as "Alice Murphy" in Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's musical, garnering every lead-actress-in-a-musical nomination that exists. While Bright Star did mark Carmen's Broadway debut, it certainly wasn't her first theatrical outing. Her career began in the UK, including such star turns as Christine in Phantom, Fantine in Les Mis, and then back in the US on the national tours of Wicked as Elphaba and South Pacific as Nellie. Add in regional gigs playing Annie in First Wives Club, Mother in Ragtime and Dot in Sunday in the Park... and you've got a seriously impressive resume! Since Bright Star closed, Carmen has kept busy with numerous concert gigs and a one-woman play, Do This, at the Gulfshore Playhouse. Coming up are appearances at the Kennedy Center for a Pete Seeger tribute on April 15th, a solo show at 54 Below on April 16th, and a concert with me (!) at the Axelrod Arts Center in Deal, NJ on May 20th!Today's selection is a "trunk song" from yet another one of my abandoned musicals, Hashi, on which I collaborated with Beth Blatt. Hashi was loosely inspired by Pollyanna, i.e. a hardened, spinster aunt gets custody of the newly orphaned child of her estranged sister. In our version which takes place today, the aunt, Barb, is a 40something, single NY businesswoman with no time for parenthood, and instead of a niece, Hashi is her nephew, born and raised in Africa and Asia by Barb's free-spirited, hippie sister. Barb has just learned she will have to take custody of the boy, who arrives the next day. With no information about him and his life, she speculates on how "Nothing's Gonna Change."This episode was recorded on March 20, 2017.
In part 1 of the episode, we chat with Tony nominee Carmen Cusack who made one of the most celebrated Broadway debuts in recent memory this year as Alice Murphy in Bright Star. We find out where she'd been in the years leading up to this debut, we learn about her childhood and when she began to take theatre seriously, and find out who her childhood heroes were and who she still fan-girls out over! In part 2 of the episode, we chat with theatre historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper. We find out why she has devoted her life to learning the history of Broadway and sharing it with others. We ask all the nerdy questions about the Neederlander and St. James Theatres, AND we find out how New York's theatre district ended up where it is!
2016 Tony Award Nominee, Carmen Cusack, is following her breakthrough Broadway debut, with an intimate series of concerts at Feinstein's 54 Below. She sits down with me for a quick chat at the press upfront. We even have a bonding moment over waffles. Subscribe to Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast: http://www.keithpricecurtaincall.com For all things Carmen Cusack: http://www.carmencusack.com/ Information for Carmen Cusack at Feinstein's 54 Below: https://54below.com/events/carmen-cusack/ Follow @keithpricecurtaincall on Instagram Follow @kpcurtaincall on Twitter Like me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/Keith-Prices-Curtain-Call-1380539615593807/ For any Questions or comments: keithpricecurtaincall@gmail.com
We are SO excited to welcome Carmen Cusack back to the podcast! Since we last spoke with her, Carmen received her first Tony nomination for her work in the FABULOUS "Bright Star." For this episode, we talk about the wonderful craziness of the Tony Awards season, saying goodbye to "Bright Star" performing at the DNC, and her upcoming sold out solo shows at Feinstein's / 54 Below. We're obsessed with her! Enjoy!
Tony and Drama Desk award nominee, Carmen Cusack, takes a few moments on the red carpet at the Drama Desk to chat with me about just making it to the Tonys. She is such an amazing "new" talent to Broadway, but she has been a sensation on the West End. Subscribe to Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/keith-prices-curtain-call/id1114172032?mt=2 Bright Star the Musical: http://www.brightstarmusical.com/ All about Carmen Cusack: http://www.carmencusack.com/ Follow @keithpricecurtaincall on Instagram Follow @kpcurtaincall @comedydaddy on Twitter Like "Keith Price's Curtain Call" on FB
It's no secret that 'Bright Star,' the new musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, is one of my favorites of the season. And there is no question that the show's leading lady, today's guest Carmen Cuasck, is delivering one of this season's most powerful performances in the role of Alice. In describing Carmen's performance, I use all the cliché words - astonishing, breathtaking, riveting. I remember SQUEEZING producer Mike’s arm every time she opened her mouth to sing. I knew nothing about her before seeing the show and I was instantly obsessed. She’s nominated for a Tony Award this year for her work and, without being controversial, I will have it be known that I’m really pulling for her. I was so excited to meet her and I’m delighted to share this conversation with you guys. Enjoy!
You Guys! We're not going to beat around the bush here, we are OBSESSED with the new Steve Martin & Edie Brickell musical 'Bright Star.' And we are THRILLED to welcome one of the show's stars, Paul Alexander Nolan, to the podcast this week. Paul made his Broadway debut in 2012 in the title role of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' He went on to replace as Guy in the Tony winning Broadway production of 'Once', and just last year starred in the short Lived 'Dr. Zhivago.' Go see Bright Star, you guys, Paul is great in it and the show is so magical and unique. It was such a pleasure to get to basically chew his ear off about it. Here’s our conversation. Ooh, we use a TON of music from the original cast recording of 'Bright Star' in the episode. The album is now available for pre-order from Ghostlight Records. The album is officially released on April 29th.
Actor/Singer, Paul Alexander Nolan, returns to Broadway in a new musical, BRIGHT STAR. He takes some time out of his busy schedule to chat with Keith Price about his life, his career, and his leading lady, Carmen Cusack. For all things Paul Alexander Nolan: http://www.paulalexandernolan.com/ BRIGHT STAR: http://brightstarmusical.com/?gclid=CjwKEAjwlq24BRDMjdK7g8mD6BASJABBl8n3TZNhqBZfVZ0AzOJDgxnz3baHbtRdDybQH_tHIrS_aRoCjQTw_wcB Follow @kpcurtaincall @comedydaddy on Twitter
With a book by comedian/actor/author Steve Martin, lyrics by singer/songwriter Edie Brickell and a bluegrass-inflected score by both, Bright Star comes to Broadway music with its creators as the most recognizable names on the marquee. Set in North Carolina, the story jumps back and forth between moments in the life of Alice Murphy; it shows her both as a young rebellious girl in the 1920s and later as a sophisticated woman who runs a literary journal in the 1940s. As Alice, Carmen Cusack impresses in her Broadway debut, playing the main character at both stages. New York Times theater critic CharlesIsherwood describes the show as more gentle alternative to the usual Broadway spectacle. Hear more of his thoughts in the audio above.
What lies behind the art of singing Stephen Sondheim's music? Carmen Cusack and Jason Danieley join Anne Nicholson Weber to talk about what they've learned about Sondheim's music performing the lead roles in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's current production of Sunday in the Park with George.