Jonathan Groff | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. Welcome to another. episode of Good Hang. We are so excited. to talk to Jonathan Grath. Huge fan. And. what a delight. What a just so so. talented and funny and so fun to talk. to. And we're going to talk about a lot. of things today. We're going to talk. about horses. We're going to talk about. Broadway. We're going to talk about um. making lasting friendships at work. We're going to talk about us both. playing Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and.

the different things we brought to it. And we're going to talk about his. Broadway smash hit, Just in Time, which. is open for a few more weeks on. Broadway. He plays Bobby Darren. It's. amazing. You have to see it. But before. we do, we're going to check in with. someone who knows our guest, who's. worked with our guest, who loves our. guest, and that person is Gracie. Lawrence. Gracie is an incredible singer. from the band Lawrence. She was uh. Connie Francis in Just in Time and we. are going to speak to her while she is. in rehearsal for another Broadway show, All Out. Gracie, do you have a question.

for our darling Jonathan? Hi. [music]. This episode of Good Hang is presented. by Uber Eats. Big news. Aldi is now on. Uber Eats and you get 20% off your first. grocery order with code new Aldi26. So whether your fridge is empty and. you're too tired to shop or you just ran. out of essential ingredients in the. middle of meal prep, don't worry. Fill.

your fridge in just a few taps and get. 20% off your first Aldi order on Uber. Eats. For orders over $60, you can save. up to $20. Ends February 28th, 2026. Terms apply. See app for details. What [music] do you say? All I ever wanted. >> Hello, Gracie. >> Okay, wait. Sorry. There's some people. in my dressing room that are back.

[screaming]. >> I I I told him that I was in the middle. of something, but it's like in there. >> Oh my god. Listeners, John Stewart and. Abby Jacobson are flanking Gracie. Lawrence right now. We got a threeer. >> A threeer. >> A sentence I've dreamed of. Yeah. [laughter]. >> A threefur with Amy Polar. >> Oh my god. Hi friends. >> Hello friends. >> What a good surprise. >> No. They live in my dressing room. Yeah, we share a dress.

>> This one Amy topnotch. >> So so tal so naturally talented. >> The only downside honestly Amy is the. drinking. Yeah. Really, that's the part. that the only thing that's holding her. back. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> We don't have to talk about it. >> Yeah. There there's actually not a. podcast today. Uh, Gracie, we're all. here because we love you and we want to. [laughter]. >> You know what? I thought that this. seemed strange. I was like, why are they. in my dressing room? Why am I getting a.

call from Amy Polar? >> Look at you guys. Broadway, you know, it's just rehearsal. >> Broadway babies. >> Broadway babies. Guys, let's do our. thing. me. >> Okay, we actually I could go [laughter]. down. >> Okay, bye. >> Love you. >> Love you. >> We're talking about and to Jonathan. Grath today who I know you love. >> I love Jonathan Grath in such an intense. way. Wait, I need to say something to. you first. >> Okay, wait. Okay, wait.

>> Okay. Like, wait. Like, everyone stop. First of all, I would watch this this. podcast in my dressing room at just in. time before the show because it was like. a calming. >> warm hug. I would watch it with my. dressing roommate Erica Henning and we. were like. >> the best. We'd be like panicking before. we went on stage and we would watch this. podcast and a calm would come over us. >> So Gracie, you are rehearsing right now. for your new Broadway show. >> Yes. >> Do you want to tell people what that is? >> Yes. It's a show called All Out with our.

mutual friends Abby Jacobson and John. Stewart and Eric Andre and Ike Baron. Holtz. Um, and it's. >> FYI, I'm coming to see it tonight. >> I heard that nasty little rumor. [laughter] Are you really? Oh my god, I'm going to be so. >> And I like to wear a very loud sweater. so people can see me. And I like to make. a lot of noise. >> I'll find you. I'll find. >> And I like to give thumbs up or thumbs. down as the show goes on. >> That's totally fine with me. I like to.

make a lot of uncomfortable eye contact. with one audience member and I think. it's going to be you tonight. Um, [laughter]. yeah. And then I'm in the show with my. band Lawrence, which is my brother and I. and six of our closest friends and we're. playing our original music in this show. It's super cool. >> And Gracie, you are you like you you. straddle this amazing world. And one of. the things I want to talk to Jonathan. >> Well, you you straddle an amazing world. Don't get dirty, you little little. minks. You'll watch it. Someone's.

listening to this before they go on and. they want peaceful. >> They want peace. No, totally. >> Okay. you're a singer and you are on on. stage and you record and you act like. you you and and it's really interesting. because I think Jonathan very similarly. like when I look at his career he has. done so many things and both of you are. examples of like there's no categorizing. artists uh anymore there's no you know. there used to be this feeling that like. you could only be this kind of performer.

or actor be and Jonathan is a perfect. example of that can you tell me the. first time you met him and what your. first impression of him was. >> I met Jonathan on the first day of. rehearsal of the workshop of Just in. Time. >> And for people who don't know, can you. just tell us what that show is? >> Just in Time is a Broadway show. It is. directed by Alex Timbers. Um, and it is. about the life of Bobby Darren. Um, and.

I play Connie Francis. And Jonathan. plays played Jonathan currently plays. Bobby Darren. I played Connie Francis. and um yeah, we met on the first day of. the workshop and I was really nervous. >> um which is like a theme of my life. Um. and Jonathan walked in and the first. thing I did in the day was sing with. him. That was like my first my first. entrance to this show. He walked in like.

star of the show. Like he was just such. a star from the second he walked in. And. it was like. >> I got the right entrance from him. I was. like watching him walk and he put his. binder down and then he [snorts] sat. down next to me and it was kind of like. and then he just. >> did the did the Jonathan Gra thing of. like making really intense beautiful eye. contact with you. >> Perfect. >> Which you'll experience in the. >> Can't wait. He's so charming. As far as. his actual like big uh width and breadth. of talent, what what do you think makes. him such a special performer? I do think.

he's like one of the greats, like one of. the greatest performers of all time. He. reminds me of the kind of performer. that, you know, is of a different era. He. reminds me of Bobby Darren. Like he is. this kind of. performer that can do it all and is like. so magnetic and so charming. >> Yeah. >> His magic trick as a performer is making. people feel so at ease and so. comfortable and like they know him. immediately. And even when he's playing.

bizarre weirdos, it's like you still. feel really comfortable around him and. you want to he's like the most watchable. person I've ever met ever on stage like. >> Yes. >> And and his the eye contact thing. because I will tend to be like, you. know, like if someone's looking at me. too long, I'm like, "What?" He will lock. the [ __ ] in like [laughter] he will he's. going to do that. >> Okay. He is also like a lover of like.

shenaniganry and like [ __ ] on stage. Like he will really. I don't know how he knows the right. moment to do the things but like somehow. he will violently tickle me on stage. consensually. [laughter] And I'll have. friends at the show and I'll be like, did you guys notice when Jonathan just. like fully in the middle of the scene. was like [laughter] and they'll be like, "No, I didn't catch that." And I'm like, "How does he like know? He just really. knows.".

>> He has a playful energy that's a tiny. bit of um I mean I I imagine when you. just do show after show after show, you. got to keep it fresh. >> Yeah. >> Um Okay. So, I asked my Zoom guests to. give me a question for my guest. I I. thought of a million questions um. because he is in some ways so anomalous. Um but given that I'm technically a new. friend of his, even though I feel I know. him very well, um I've noticed in this.

year that I've never seen him. frazzled. or anxious or nervous. And he's had so. many occasions where he like objectively. should be um like leading a show, you. know, doing huge interviews, going to. the Tony's, performing three times at. the Tony's. He is like Yoda like like he. is so calm. And when I'm nervous, he.

always turns to me after I say like, I'm. feeling kind of nervous. He was like, really? Huh? like he doesn't understand. that. Um, and I'm wondering. why isn't he more scared of things? When did he has he always been this way? Like did I meet him in a time in his. life where he just really has his [ __ ]. together or has he always been extremely.

calm? Like when he was auditioning for. things back in the day, was he like. going in the room shaky or was he like. like so calm and like what if anything. scares him now? Little [ __ ] [laughter]. Like I I'm annoyed. It's crazy. >> Yeah, that's that's a great great. question because you're absolutely. right. He you never catch him working. too hard, but he's the hardest worker.

and he's makes things I mean that's to. your point about like we feel like we. know him. He also makes things feel. accessible to us like I think great. artists do. They just they don't over. complicate things. >> No, he's not tortured. >> No, he's not. That's why I love him. because he's such a good example in my. opinion of the more talented you are, the easier you are to work with. Period. The end. >> Again, there are the few eccentric.

geniuses, but for the most part, if. you're not coming from a fear-based. place, >> it's such a pleasure to work together. with someone who's so talented. So, h. >> yeah. >> Well, Gracie, that's a really really. good question and I I think he's really. good. Really great. I mean, I cannot. thank you enough for taking what I'm. sure is your this is probably your. downtime, your eating time, your looking. at your phone time before we have to go. back out there. >> I'm I'm sure they're just I'm supposed. to be rehearsing something, but Harris,

I'm here. >> Thank you so much. Such a pleasure to. meet you. Take care. Bye. [music]. >> This episode is brought to you by. Visible. This year is already in full. swing, which means you're likely being. pulled in a million different. directions. Keep the new year, new me. momentum going by switching to a new. wireless plan from Visible. It's oneline. wireless with unlimited data and hotspot. for $25 a month. Taxes and fees. included. You heard that right, $25 a. month. Same cost every month. All in.

Verizon's 5G network. It's the ultimate. wireless hack to save money and still. get great coverage and a reliable. connection. Switch today to Visible. today and cross wireless savings off. your to-do list. Terms apply. See. visible.com for plan features and. network management details. >> This episode is brought to you by eBay. You know what's great about eBay? I can. always find my one true love there. Fake. food, carved sushi, crocheted cupcakes, hyperrealistic artichokes. Some pieces I.

just got to have. I've mentioned this. totally normal obsession many times. before because it's my thing. On eBay, you can always find whatever your thing. is. From rare collectibles and vintage. cars to designer fashion, it's all. there. Millions of finds, each with a. story. eBay, things people love. >> Jonathan, I'm very, very excited that. you're here. >> I'm very excited to be here. >> I thank you for doing this. You know, when we started the show, we were like, who? [sighs].

We just like thought about people that. we wanted to talk to that would be good. hangs and you are definitely someone. that we really wanted to talk to. >> I am so honored. I'm so honored. >> Thank you. And have we ever met? >> No, this is our first time. >> This is our first time meeting. I mean, I'm sure you get this a lot, but I do. feel like I've met you. >> Same. [laughter]. Same. I know. I lifted you up. It's like. >> it was an off people. It was off camera, but when when you came in, we hugged and. you lifted me up, which I really. enjoyed. Yeah. [laughter]. >> I mean, I I don't always love being. lifted up, >> but I really liked when you did it. And.

also, people should know you're very. jacked. >> Oh my god. Thank you. [laughter] I'll. take it. >> Your arms are really strong. >> I'll take it. >> My friend Susie, every time I would see. her, I would lift her up and then she. was like, "Jonathan, please stop lifting me. I don't I don't. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Well, when you're like a short person. sometimes, like. >> this was her point. In improv, you got. lifted up a lot. Which, by the way, I'm. sure there's many women out there that. are like, "Oh, you got lifted up a lot.".

[laughter]. Good thing to complain about. >> But I, you know, I get it though. There's like assumptions made. I lifted. you. >> No, it was nice. >> And then I felt like, oh no, did I just. assume? >> No. Everything. I loved everything about. it. I loved everything about it. Thank. God. It was exciting. That was our first. meeting. Lifted you. >> I know. And and I'm talking to you. today. talking to you today because you. have your show tonight. >> Yes. >> And it's few literally you're going to. be in on stage in a few hours. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And I have so much I want to talk to you.

about today. I I but but what one thing. I realiz is that in you've done so many. things so well. It's going to be hard to. talk about all of them. But most of your life, your job, the. hardest part of your day is at the end. of your day. like what what is it like. to have a full day waiting for your. hardest part of the day to start? >> That is such a great question, Amy. [laughter] And I. >> Thank you. >> And I've never thought about it like. that before.

>> I used to have a version of that with. SNL, right? But but but a that was once. a week was the actual performance. The. rest of the time was like a split like, you know, midday to night. But. >> it may be the most challenging part of. my day, but it's also the most joyful. part of my day that getting out there. and getting to do it, it's like I'm like a kid with the high. school play. >> That's awesome. >> Yeah, I get amped and then I sleep very. hard at night. So, I think maybe I'm.

naturally a night person. >> Before we get into your life, I need to. get into sleep because it's my favorite. thing to talk about. What time do you go. to bed? Okay. So, usually the show I'm. >> not going to like this. [laughter]. >> I'm already worried. But the show is. over at what? 10 if you're lucky. >> Show over at 10:30. >> Oh god. >> And then often times part of the fun is. like having people backstage. >> Nightmare. [laughter]. >> True nightmare. >> And then I'll talk to people and hang.

for a bit in the dressing room. I'll get. on my bicycle. >> You bike home. Yep. >> Should people know that? [laughter]. >> We could cut that. >> Don't follow me. >> Suddenly I'm being followed by people on. bikes. >> That's incredible. >> Yeah. I bike I bike to and from the. theater. I arrive on a bike usually. >> That's great. >> And then I'm I'm in bed probably by like. 12:30. 12:30 or 1. >> Okay. I like that. >> Yeah. I'll go home. I'll eat something. I'll watch some YouTubes.

>> Yeah. And then I'll I I do feel when I. walk in my apartment. like I start to go like. >> Mhm. like. >> I'm powering down. I'm dying. Yeah. And. then I fall asleep and I. >> are Are you I'm a I'm a very hard. sleeper. [sighs and snorts]. >> I I I used to be a really really hard. sleeper. I'm I'm getting a little. lighter as I get older. But yeah, I I'm. with you. I'm not I don't get up in the. middle of I can go down. I can go. [clears throat] down. >> I go down. You go down.

>> And then what time is morning time? >> Is it 10:00 a.m. or is it 9:00 a.m.? >> It's 10:00 a.m. How did you know it was. 10:00 a.m.? >> Well, because the 1:00 a.m. bedtime is. usually like a 10:00 a.m. wake up. >> Yeah. [sighs] Yeah. That's the natural. that's the natural wake up. >> 10:00 a.m. >> Yeah. >> So, we're we're talking to you right now. at like basically your lunchtime. >> That's exactly right. I'm having this. coffee. [laughter]. >> Black coffee for lunch. I'm having black. coffee. >> And what is this like? What time are you. going to go to bed tonight? We're going. to finish this. I actually I'm already.

stressed about the fact I have to go. have to I have the lucky privilege of. going to a show tonight. [laughter]. I'm going to a show and I'm already. stressed about the fact that I am not. going to be. >> in bed. >> In bed. I love bedtime. Ideally for me, >> you couldn't go to a matinea. >> I know. I I I blew it. I love the mat. [laughter]. >> Yeah, right. Cuz then you can go. straight to bed. >> And when I'm there, I'm so happy. But. I'm literally counting the minutes till. I can go to sleep. Um, okay. [snorts]. But what I wanted to say, Jonathan, I'm.

now I'm starting. >> Okay. Okay. >> OKAY. [laughter]. >> You got the glasses on. >> Well, because we kind of wrote it down. because you are such a nice boy. You are. a good nice boy. You to me are the. embodiment of someone who is deeply. deeply open and and and a good caring. nice person and also crushing it and. ambitious and like [snorts] like.

ambition with a side of you know. compassion basically. You don't have to. be a jerk. >> I love that you're saying that too. Yeah. Because often times ambition is. seen as like a negative thing or like a. cutthroat thing that you have to like. >> push people aside in order to do your. thing. But we're all just in our own. >> on our own little like track and field. lane. >> Yes, that's right. You're competing with. yourself. >> Exactly. >> And that the idea that if like a rise, you know, what is it? A rising a rising.

boat. >> All boats rise. >> Yeah. It's not that [laughter]. >> all boats rise. >> But isn't it a rising tide? No. >> A rising tide rises all the boats. >> Really? >> A rising tide lifts all boat. >> lifts all boats. >> But that. >> a rising tide. [laughter]. >> That's your warm up for tonight. A. rising tide lifts all boats. >> A rising tide lifts all boats. It does. >> A rising tide lifts all boats. >> That was good. You matched my That was. perfect. >> Thank you. Um [laughter] but uh it's.

true. It's true. like that that there's. this, you know, you can decide and I. feel like I feel like not knowing you. but knowing so many people who love and. love working with you. I feel like that. is you and so congratulations on that. I. have no question. I just wanted to say. that about you right back at you. >> And you have done so much. You've done. musicals. You've done television. You've. done film. You're on Broadway right now. You uh you were in Spring Awakening, of. course. You were in Hamilton. You were. in Glee. You were in Mine Hunter. You. like you you're Kristoff and Frozen. You. do so many things so well. Um, but.

through it all, through it all, I feel. the sense from you of exactly what you. we started this conversation with, which. is like there's still just like a lot of. joy in getting to do what you get to do. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And if and like you hold on to that, you're grateful for it. You're in the. moment. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. It's. >> work for it and you like you find those. people. I mean, you you're the queen of. this of like finding those people that. you love and love to make things with. And I feel like as time goes by, I just. turned 40 last year. I can feel myself.

like getting magnetized to those people. later in life of like h like working. with Dan Radcliffe on Merrily. He like. that was the that was I think the first. time I was like oh I've really met my. match here because this guy. loves to do this so profoundly. And we. formed a lifelong friendship with our. friend Lindsay. really everyone in that. company, but like Dan Dan was like sick.

and gripping me. Like he like had to be. out. There was like a need. >> in him that I really related to. And I'm. finding like as time goes by and you get. older, like there's such a joy in the. people that we started out with, the. ones that really want to be here are. still here. >> Yes. >> It's such a cool thing. And Dan. Radcliffe Radcliffe is an example of. this and you are which is also you want. longevity in the business. You want to. work a long time if you like it's a it's.

the long game. >> It's the long. >> playing the long game and. >> and I mean I can't wait to talk to you. about Merrily. It It's such an. incredible. piece of art. It's so deep. I can only. imagine what it must have been like to. be approaching 40 and winning a Tony for. a piece that is all about the circular. feeling of life and like having it in. real time and and so before we get there. [laughter].

>> we're going to we're going to get there. But I I am so enamored and and moved by. your by little Jonathan on the horse. farm like your [laughter] horses. >> You grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Your dad was a horse trainer. >> Yep. Still is. >> Is. >> Yeah. >> And do you ride horses and do you like. horses? >> Uhoh. Is this controversial? >> It's not controversial. I So he did he. does um harness racing. So it's like the.

cart behind the horse like you're. sitting in the cart with the whip. >> Oh yeah. >> And so he. >> is that are you in a like a large was. that like a Menanite um or. >> Yeah. My dad is his whole family is. Menanite. >> Wow. >> My grandfather was a Menanite preacher. Um and he kind of like was expected to. take over the dairy farm and cuz he was. the oldest son but didn't wasn't into. cows and so pivoted to horses and got. really into horse racing and then my mom.

was raised Methodist and so started. going to the Methodist church because. the Menanites were not super into the. gambling aspect of his career. >> Interesting. >> Um he wasn't shunned or anything but. just Yeah. And uh so yeah, growing up I would play. pretend on the horse farm with my. brother, but my brother and I my brother. David and I were both. >> petrified of the horses cuz they're. they're so scary. >> I got So So I am I'm afraid of horses. >> Okay. >> Like they scare me. I respect them.

They're beautiful, but I don't I don't. mess around with horses. >> Yeah. Then that's really wise. I feel. like when you know that you're really. tapping into the empathy of the horse. because like. >> Yes. I don't want to startle them. >> Yes. >> And I'm a little nervous. I don't want. to make them nervous. >> Yes. >> And there are some people that are just. so so good with them. And I I feel like. I feel to horses like people who who. don't want to have children feel towards. children. Yeah. Which is like I think. that's great for you. >> Yes. Not my journey. >> And I want people who want to ride.

horses to ride horses. Not my journey. >> Exactly. >> They're so tall. Their eyes are so. [laughter]. Their. mouths are enormous. >> Enormous. And they like [laughter] Yeah. Yes. >> Yeah. >> They don't make that sound. >> I was nervous like I I we like. [laughter] I was shoveling the [ __ ] in. the stalls with the horses also. So you. can imagine not loving and like the like. sort of like moving around the horse to. like shovel it [ __ ] into the [laughter]. thing. I was like it was not Yeah. >> That's [clears throat] funny. Like.

that's like not going into the family. business is not liking [laughter]. horses. >> Yes. I was blasting Britney Spears and. Steven Sonheim on the like on the tape. player in the barn shoveling the. horseshit being like this I don't fit. here. >> I love that. I loved your Tony speech. when you thanked your family and your. brother, your parents like for like. letting you just be you in like they. really did that, right? You were you. were exactly that singing and dressing. up and getting to do stuff and everybody.

was like that's. >> that's our Jonathan. >> We have this VHS of my of me dressed as. Mary Poppins. I was three and my mom and. my dad like they I had lipstick and a. carpet bag and a hat and a dress. [laughter] and we're on my grandfather's. Menanite farm Wade and I'm like with the. with the carpet bag like and in the. background you can hear him going Mary. Oh Mary, not even really clocking the gay joke. that he's making by calling me Mary.

[laughter] but. >> which then became a very successful. Broadway show. >> Exactly. And that's [laughter] where. that's where Cole got the idea. >> Cole got the idea. >> Oh my god. Totally. Yeah. Yeah. >> And who was saying that? Was your dad. saying that? >> My Menanite grandfather preacher Wade. >> Oh, Wade. >> So incredible. They let me They I think. if they had like equated putting this. young boy in a gown [laughter].

may open up homosexuality in him. It's. like an on-ramp to gayness. They may not. have done it, but this was like before. the internet and like they they just. beautifully allowed me to to. >> so great. >> fly my freak flag. >> Yes. And I hear did you play um Dorothy. in the Wizard of Oz? I I did [laughter]. as well. >> What age did you play Dorothy? >> At four. >> What did you bring to the role? How did. you [laughter]. how did you see her?

>> At four. I brought a lot. There's also. video of that. I brought a lot of um. [laughter]. >> I brought a real like a I was screaming. a lot. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> And it's a lot OF ME GOING LIKE. >> CUZ OF THE TORNADO. >> YEAH. >> YEAH. >> YES. >> You were playing the tornado. >> Yeah. I was like I was very tornado. forward in my interpretation. >> Interesting. You So you were interested. in the the like the trauma before the. the yellow brick was. >> Yes. I held that like that I carried.

through. Yeah. M what was your on? >> Thank you for asking. I I was in fourth. grade and I was really in I was in. fourth grade a little older, a little. wiser. I knew we were going to be okay, I think. >> But I was really interested in the like. the follow me aspect. I was very much. like come on over here. Come on. Like. [laughter]. very very into like. >> leading lady. >> follow the like follow the yellow brick. road. Like let's go. The the let's go of. Dorothy. like the I love the skipping. and the running around and just like the.

journey part. I was really into that. part and the tornado. I just um I just went internal. I just. really small. [laughter]. >> You were more you were more like the. phoenix rising from the ashes. You were. like leading everyone somewhere. >> It was just in my eyes. The tornado was. in your eyes. >> Yeah. It was like a quick look like. blink and you miss it. >> I went, "What was that? >> Wait, is she okay?" But then [laughter]. immediately you were leading us. Yeah. Oh, it's so much smarter. >> [ __ ]. >> Lions and tigers and bears.

>> Oh my. [laughter]. >> Okay. But so then you're on the you're. on the farm. You're scared of horses. You're singing. >> What [laughter] makes you you you're. going to go to college and then you GET. A PART? [laughter]. IT REALLY IS as you describe. You're on. the farm. You're with the horses. You're. [laughter] singing. What?

>> What is going to happen? When I listen. to the original cast recording of. Company, I still smell horse. >> I [laughter] still have the sense memory. of smelling listening to it in the bar. >> It smells like Yeah, it smells like like. um like the pile of manure that we would. make from the stall. >> How did you get those records? Like who. to who how did you find out about what. was the what was the musical that made. you fall in love? Was it the [laughter]. Hor. is even funny or not? I can't believe I.

haven't thought about this Amy in so. long. When you say record, I went to the. Lancaster Public Library. >> and got the record LP. I mean, it's not. like this was like the ' 60s. This was. like 1992. But I I got the. >> the the LP record of Ethel Murman. singing uh Annie Get Your Gun. >> Wow. >> And I would play the record of Annie Get. Your Gun over and over again. And we had.

a record player in my house growing up. and like a giant computer, you know, remember like the early computers? and. like a hand thing that was like doing. the video games and I would be playing a. like very basic video game and blasting. Ethel Murman singing. Um, >> do you remember h what like a young how. a young boy discovered Ethel Murman? [laughter] It's amazing. who how did you find out about her?

>> [gasps]. >> They took us to see the high school play. of Annie Get Your Gun. >> and I was like when it got to. intermission. >> Yeah. >> and they were like, "Okay, now we're. going to go to the bathroom and then. we're going to come back." I was like, "There's more. >> after that." There's I We're going to. come back and it's going to happen. again. There's going to be more story. I. was so excited. >> Did you ever go into New York when you. were a kid and see a show? >> Yeah, I went. That was the And you get. your gun moment happened when I was in.

like fourth grade and that's when I went. to the library then and got the record. and was obsessed. And then my my mom. started taking me on bus trips to see. Broadway shows and that was like fifth. grade, sixth grade, >> middle school. Then I started going. >> What did you see back then? >> I [snorts] saw Beauty and the Beast. I. saw Greece. I saw Annie Get Your Gun. with Bernardet Peters, which I was like. losing my mind for. Um, I saw in high. school I saw Thoroughly Modern Millie. six times. Obsessed. >> You were obsessed with Sutton Foster.

>> Yeah. Obsessed. Obsessed with her. Yeah. >> What was it about her that you loved? >> She would like. >> to you. >> She on stage. Well, on stage is a couple. of things. She would like be right here. >> Mhm. There was a level of presence about. her. >> that was so magnetic and I couldn't. >> like. stop looking at her when she wasn't. speaking in scenes. I would be staring.

at Sutton because she felt so alive. >> And then she had been the understudy in. that show out of town and replaced and. kind of was like pushed out into the. front um to take on that role in which. she was like 28 years old. And there was. almost like like when it's really hot um. when it's really hot and you're driving. and you see those waves of heat coming. off the road. >> You know that when you're like in the. car and you're like wo it's so hot that. you can see the air is like.

>> that was what was coming off of her body. >> when I when I in my experience and my. memory of watching her and. >> it was like heat was coming off of her. >> And you were still in high school. You. would you did you know you were going to. be an actor? Did you know did you have a. sense that you were going to move to New. York and be an actor at that point? >> Yeah, once I was in high school there. there was two community theaters in my. hometown. The Fulton Theater and the. Effort of Performing Arts Center. They're both still there. >> And uh at the Fulton Theater, I was.

meeting actors that they hired from New. York to play the leads. >> Oh wow. >> And I would like I was obsessed with all. of them. One of them is in Just in Time. >> Whoa. this a woman named Terry Kelly who. was the lead of the show in 2001 at the. Fulton is now one of our amazing swings. in just in time. So we have a full. circle moment there. But. >> yeah, I I started to dream about moving. to New York. That's when I learned that. you could go to open calls. >> and I did that my senior year of high. school. I went to like an open call for. the Son of Music tour. >> and got it and went on the road and then.

moved to New York. >> And we were you you basically told your. parents I'm not going to college. They. really they said if you want to go to. college we will find a way to pay for. this for you. >> but it's so expensive and like are you. sure you want to major in theater? >> Yeah. >> cuz what's that going to get you at the. end of 4 years all this money and I was. like I it's my passion. It's what I want. to do. And my dad I remember like a late. night with my dad sitting in his chair. and he was like [gasps] if this is.

really what you want to do we'll figure. it out. And I was like, "Okay, thanks, Dad." But then I went to New York and. auditioned for this tour and got it. And. I went on the road and I deferred my. admission from college. >> and I made $10,000 in the year of. working on this non-union tour. Carnegie. Melon at that time was $40,000 a year. That's where I deferred my admission. >> And I was like, I'll never be able to. pay. >> Mhm. >> this off. >> Mhm. >> And my parents were like, right,

>> take your money, go to New York. Yeah. >> See if it works out. If it doesn't work. out, >> come back and go to college for. something else. So, that was the plan. >> And then 21 years old, you get nominated. for a Tony. 21. I mean, Spring. Awakening. [screaming]. [laughter]. I'm feeling Dorothy. I'M FEELING. DOROTHY. I MEAN, that musical. I saw you. in that musical. I saw The Ridge.

[sighs]. >> A Come on. So amazing. So I mean an. original musical that's so successful. that that age. >> I mean I don't I guess my question to. you is like now you've got some time. right now and you and you did the. documentary. You produced a documentary. >> You really know your stuff, Amy. >> I try my best. >> Such a hard worker. >> But I mean you're you're like looping. back around it now. So, you've got now. you've been able to look back like. looking back now at that at that boy.

>> Like what what do you take away from. that moment now? Like with distance and. time, what are you so grateful for about. that moment? >> Oh my god. Um. it was like getting picked up and put. somewhere else. It was like the claw. coming and just like [laughter]. >> that's a good way to think about it. >> of it was like. >> thoroughly modern Millie which I had.

seen six times. The director of Spring. Awakening is Michael Mayer the director. of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Wow. >> Like I I I I. [sighs and gasps] it was it was a. combination of feeling like I got picked. up and put somewhere and I remember. auditioning for it. And I I remember calling my dad on the. phone the the night before the call back. and saying, "I can't do this right now, but I know.

that I could do it if they gave me the. chance." Like. >> why why the can't why why were you. thinking you couldn't do it? cuz I knew. I I I like my talent was not. >> I just like I I didn't really have the. proper. like gifts like this my singing was I. didn't have my singing together but I. had this like primal thing down in my. like gut. >> that was like I have to play this role. [snorts]. >> and they let me do it and it was like. >> so then this thing in me got to like.

it's like those opportunities like you. you get that opportunity And especially. with theater because. >> it's almost religious because you're. repeating. >> and when you repeat things over and over. again, it can change you from the inside. out. Uh, and I've it like. like um made me the the it like taught. me how to act and taught me how to sing. And there was and I was in the closet. during that whole show.

>> and I had my roommate Cody that was my. [clears throat] boyfriend. >> And when I left that show, I came out of. the closet a month later because this. this like rebel that was this character, this person that didn't care, didn't let. the world define him. This was what I. was playing. Like you said, um I'm a. people pleaser. I'm a I'm like like. prioritizing niceness, prioritizing like. making sure everybody feels good.

>> Yeah. >> And coming out felt like that would. create a dissonance. >> and I it was really hard for me to do. that. >> Yeah. >> And that playing the role in that show. allowed me to grow the muscle to be able. to do that. >> So cool. >> So cool. >> And you you you put that in such a. beautiful way. I think people often. underestimate that sometimes the. struggle to live authentically. doesn't have as much to do with how you. feel about yourself as it does in the.

worry of how it will change the. temperature in the room. Like how it. will change the dynamic in the family, how it will make other people feel. It's. often like. >> told through like a inner struggle when. sometimes the struggle is really about. how will other people change. >> Like how will they feel? Yes. And and. were your how how did your family feel? How did they how did were they surprised. [laughter]. >> cut to.

[laughter]. me screaming as a way was like well. >> my men and her grandmother was like who. is that little girl in [laughter] the in. the in the Wizard of Oz for they're like. that was Jonathan. It was. >> were they were they surprised? I mean. like. >> my dad was surprised. My brother was. surpris my I told my brother first. >> that's nice. >> and he was like what [laughter]. >> he was surprised. >> which like yeah my mom said that she. kind of knew.

>> it was it was like complicated and and. cut to like. >> whatever two or three Christmases later. and they're handing presents to my. boyfriend that's home for the holidays. So it like. >> very quickly it took a minute for them. to digest it all. >> Sure. >> And then ultimately it's been great. >> Yeah. Amazing. So so much happening in. your 20s. Like so much. And then you go. on Glee, which is this insanely popular. show. >> with your buddy Leah and like you just.

>> you're just. >> you're just everything is happening. really fast. Yeah, >> it feels like that when I look at your. stuff like that that your 20's is just. like things are really moving and. chugging along and you're just working. like crazy and being like a New York. kid. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Because you have a quality about. you that's very young. >> You've been told that, I'm sure. >> I feel it. Yeah. I feel. eternally young in a certain way. I'm. I'm very like excitable. >> Do you have an age you feel like you.

are? Like do you know what I mean? Like. that you relate to? Right now I feel. about 15. >> Yeah. I feel I [laughter]. >> You're just picking people up left and. right. >> I'm picking you up drinking black. >> I feel like I feel like we're on the. like high school news. Like I did. [laughter] like the high school news. >> Remember like. >> Good morning everyone. It is December. 16th. >> Very high school [laughter] news. I'm. having like a I'm having a hot flash.

right now. >> Yeah. It's giving high school news. station. >> Very high school. Yeah. [laughter] We're. on the morning announcements. >> We would both of us would have. definitely done morning announcements. >> for. >> my dream. >> Sure. >> My dream. I would have had a big crush. on you and people would like. >> I would have been just following your. Dorothy leads. >> and people would have been like Jonathan. does not have a crush on you. [laughter]. Okay. You're not his type. Um. like I don't know. I think I can get. him. [laughter] I think I can win him. over.

>> Oh yeah. would have been totally us on. the news. >> Then you're on Looking, which is this. first show on HBO to. feature a gay man as the lead. Is that. real? >> Is that real? [laughter] Is that right? >> I don't know. I saw it on the internet, but who knows? We We don't have We don't. have time to figure that out. But. incredible. [laughter] Like, but that's. a big jump to be coming out in a few. years later playing like a really fully. realized, sophisticated single man. looking for love. That's a big jump.

Yeah, it was it was like I I um I'm. really riding the wave here of of life. and of of progress. And when they they. initially like send me that audition, I. said no. I felt um scared to be gay on a. TV show. One thing to be out publicly. and another thing to be like. like eating ass on TV [laughter]. >> only in film.

It's like I'm gay and then and then it's. like okay gruff like we get it like to. see me in different positions and like. >> but [laughter] I mean you actually bring. up a really good. >> you bring up a good point which is it's. it's very hard to do intimate scenes no. matter what to be. >> but it's funny cuz. >> you didn't care. >> No, in Spring Awakening I was like let's. go. >> It's true. You already did that. You. already ate ass. >> [laughter].

>> in a different way. >> In a different way, I felt a kind of. like um safety with women. >> uh because they didn't feel like there. was as much at stake and we could really. like go for it. It felt like. >> it in some ways like it felt like. >> back then like like what I wished I was. like like wishing I wasn't gay, wishing. I was straight and it was like this is. who I wish I could be. It felt like. dreaming it like like changing who I was. like a fantasy of what I wished I could.

be. >> But then when they send me these scripts. and it's. actually how I am, it's it then does. become a little bit scary. >> But I'd seen Andrew Hag when he became. attached as the director. I'd seen his. film Weekend at the IFC on 6th Avenue. and I was like a wreck like crying in. that movie theater because I'd never. seen something that felt so real. >> And so when he became attached as the. director then I was like no-brainer.

Yes, I want to do this. I want to work. with this man. And that the way that he. tells those stories meant meant so much. to me in that movie and I want to do. this with him. But at the audition, I was shaking and I felt sort of like. sudden when I'm talking about the heat. coming off of the body. My whole body. went hot and I went I blush. I was like. blushing and it was like spring. awakening a another role that I was like. almost like a ring of fire birth into a.

new version of self like therapy. >> like a sematic exorcism and you knew it. was right because you were feeling it so. big. >> And they asked me to be in the in the. the to be the grand marshall of the gay. pride parade. I told my parents when I. came out like 5 years before. I was. like, "Hi. Uh, so Cody is not my. roommate. That Cody's my boyfriend and. I'm gay, but like I'm not going to like. be in a parade.".

That's what I said when I came out. I. was so still full of shame. I was like, I'm not but listen like I'm not holding. the flag. I'm not like the cut [snorts]. scene eating [laughter] ass on. television. And then ultimately. on the grand marshalling the the New. York [laughter] Pride parade like with a. sash, a rainbow sash literally like. elbow elbow wrist wrists. [laughter]. [snorts and gasps] And I felt scared. I. I still felt scared back then. I I was. like this feels like right. It feels. like the right thing to do. But I'm LIKE.

[laughter]. >> DOROTHY. You were like Dorothy. >> screaming as I'm getting pushed. what. doesn't this is an amazing theme I'm. realizing about you which is really. amazing is that you and I I think it may. also just come from like familial. unconditional love which I'm learning. more and more like when artists have it. they can take big chances you you took. you take a lot of chances when you're. like holy [ __ ]. >> yes. >> you do you do it though you do it. >> yes I think I'm a little drawn to it.

>> I must be like magnetized to it and like. you said unconditional love I think. you're Right. There's a little bit of a. thing where like you I'll speak for. myself too coming from that background. where like I I don't want to bypass the. fact that there's a safety element that. I had in my in my youth that allows me. to do that. Now, >> talk about it, Amy. >> Because I like the I I I I think that. there's. >> you cannot discount that feeling that if. you had a safe home. >> in your professional life or your.

creative life, you you just feel. sometimes like emboldened to take these. chances when they're given to you. And. that's definitely what you did because. it is. >> it is like you're just your career is. just like, "Yeah, let's try this. Let's. do this." And then looking happens and. then it it gets cancelled. Bummer. But. not really A BUMMER [laughter]. because all of a sudden, guess who's available for Hamilton? [laughter]. Guess who's tech a veil for Hamilton?

>> Jonathan Grath. Another fear factor. thing though of like Brian Darcy James. originated that role. and then he his show something rotten. got fasttracked to Broadway unexpected. while they were in rehearsal for the. public theater. >> and I get a text from Lynn. >> who I had become friends with through. the years being like hey Brian has to. bail right after opening will you come. in off Broadway and do this for 2 months. >> um for the last two months of the off. Broadway run and he was like it's. basically just one song and [laughter].

it's on a lot of moves and you and. you'll be great. And I was like, "Okay.". >> Wow. >> And I and I said yes without hearing it, knowing anything about it. They sent me. the song. I learned the song from like a. piano thing. And then I I saw it and. went in 2 days later. I was in LA at the. time. >> And so I didn't know I had to have a. British accent. [laughter]. >> And did you ever did you ever. >> No, I'm kidding. >> Exactly. I mean, ACCENT IS PERFECT. >> NO, but yes. drag me. But you're right.

No, I'm not dragging. >> Not dragging. It's its own. It's its own. like your accent is [laughter] its own. It's delicious. When you say bake, [laughter]. you'll be bake. It's incredible. >> Where did you come up with that accent? >> When I went on the first day off. Broadway, it looked like I had won a. contest to [laughter] be in Hamilton. because I had no sense of character. I. had no They were like, "You have to do.

like a British accent." I was like, "But. what?" Every [laughter] like everyone's. black. Like I don't like why I have to. do a British accent. [laughter]. >> No one. You're right. No one's. historically accurate. Except. >> I have to do a British accent. And then. I saw it and I was like, "Oh, I get it. I'm like [laughter] the one thing.". Okay. >> Inc. It's And your the choice of your. voice is in your voice is incredible in. it. I love your accent. >> So then Thank you. So then I I like Pipa. was like you could there's this the. woman at Giuliard that can help you. So. [laughter] she's.

I was like what I but here's the lesson. I learned too when I went on and I had. no character at all. I had no accent. I. was just trying to remember the words. and the notes and then walk off. It was. like they put me in a King thing and I. walked out there and I did what I could. remember and then they pulled me off. >> But the song killed. >> I mean one could even say stole the. show. But I I was like, I don't have to. do anything. I came out here, I have no. idea what I'm doing. Such a funny song. This writing. >> Yes. >> is so genius.

>> And the the device, sorry to interrupt, the device of you being the lover, the. the the jilted lover saying you'll be. back is such a funny device for. >> It's so surprising. >> It is. It's so funny. >> It's like the first time people aren't. rapping. So the all the white people in. the audience are like, "Oh, >> they're like, "Now this is how I. remember [laughter]. this is how I remember Broadway.".

>> Right. >> It's It's [laughter] so true. There's. It's And it is this great record scratch. moment. >> in the show, which you know, look, we. don't we could talk forever about. Hamilton. is beyond genius in every way. But it is you're it is so funny because. it reminds you for just a second of how. things used to be. >> vocally, lyrically, stylistically. >> Yes. On so many levels. Yes. It's.

hitting on so many levels. And that like. lesson of like, oh, I have no idea what. I'm doing, but this song is killing was. then when I was when then for the next. two months when I started to learn the. the very specific upper whatever accent. and I was watching all the also so. different than Brian RC James. I was. watching these clips of Barbara. Streryand uh um from her TV special My. Name is Barbara and I was watching her. >> come out on stage and like basically.

like [ __ ] herself with her own voice. like like so so enjoy so small but like. >> enjoying every little I was like okay. and then I started to build the. character but it was I'd never built a. character in front of an audience in a. show before. Wow. >> And so that was also a bit of like. getting pushed out there. >> and because the show is so great, I was. able to just play catchup because you.

can be completely um. unaware of what you're doing, but sing. that song and it nails it. >> And you're right. You were like seducing. us. You're very seductive and you're. very laconic as that character as like. >> talking about laconic. Tell me that. >> I believe it means. >> [laughter]. >> sleepy like like just like not thirsty. >> I have so many questions about backstage.

>> at Hamilton. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Number one, were you allowed to come. late? >> Did I come late or was I allowed to. come? [laughter]. >> Because you were you had about an hour. before you were on, right? I had no I. was on in the first like 20 minutes, 25. minutes. >> and then you have a big break. Yeah. How. long? An hour. >> Oh my god. So much time. >> What do you do during that time? >> Such a good question. Okay, so Bobby.

Darren, I am off stage for 45 seconds in. the in the whatever two plus hour thing. >> And this is my preferred I love being. out there. When we walked into the. dressing room at the Richard Rogers in. tech for Hamilton and Lynn and I were. sharing a dressing room space, I was. like whatever. Adena Menzel had done the. show right before if then. And I was my. dressing room was Adena's waiting room. [laughter] and it [snorts] was like a. little closet.

and I was like, "Oh, this is where I. live. >> I'm on stage for 9 minutes, but this is. where I live." And I started to get. claustrophobic when I walked in of like, "What am I going to do? back here. Um, and I read so many books. >> You couldn't leave the building. >> Leave. No, cuz you're in the white wig. >> And the. >> You never ran out to get something and. took the wig off. >> I never ran out to get something. >> A good boy. >> I That's so like because those you did a.

lot of performances. >> Yeah. >> And I used to think about you backstage. and be like, what are what's he doing. back there? I ended up really learning. how to embrace well I would have. visitations from the cast so that there. would be like nightly visitations which. was great and kind of like. >> free hang time which was it was like we. I could have like done this and like we. could have done. >> announcements done morning. announcements. [laughter]. >> It really feels like we're on the.

morning announcements. Uh. >> but then I started reading all the books. that I wanted to read. I started to just. like boom boom boom boom knock through. them all and it became a very productive. time. >> Cool. Very cool. >> Yeah. >> And then you had to come back out. >> Mhm. >> So that must have also been like Did you. ever miss a. >> queue? It's hard. >> I can't believe I never missed a queue. >> I know cuz it's hard when you I mean I. know you work with total professionals. who will make sure that you don't miss a. queue. I'm sure like all the stage.

managers are like, "Um, yeah, you didn't. miss a queue cuz I told you.". >> [laughter]. >> Exactly. >> 10 minutes, baby. Exactly. But the but. the when you have that long stretch, it's hard to get. It's just like having. one or two lines in a sketch, like you. really can screw it up. >> Yeah. Right. It's like a little sprint. And I also find always having one or two. lines to me is the hardest thing. Do you. find that? Like coming in killing and. leaving cold. Coming in cold. >> Yes. I would have five Altoids in my. mouth when [laughter] I came on stage. because it was like to open up my.

>> Is that what they open up your. >> Yeah, that's I've now moved on to um. sugarfree black cherry halls. I have one. of those in my mouth for the entire show. since I did Little Shop in 2019. That's. my new thing. But in um. >> You're not afraid it's going to pop out. or shoot out? >> You know, [snorts] it's never shot out. until like 5 days ago. >> It did. popped out during Splishplash. and I was [laughter] like I lost a. tooth. Uh but the. it bounced into the audience. >> That's a really good Broadway story. It.

popped out [laughter] during Splishplash. and it's like thank god it was just your. >> bang bang. I saw the whole gang. [laughter]. >> It came right out and went. >> It's like why did he get fired? It. popped out during splish splash and it. wasn't supposed to. >> I mean there popped it out. Yeah, he. popped it out during split. [laughter]. >> I mean, I'm projecting because I used I. used to have a ton I don't know if you. did you ever have nightmares when have. you ever had Broadway nightmares where. you miss you're late or um like a stress.

dream. >> Oh yeah, I used to have stress dreams. all the time that there was a there was. like a staircase at SNL where you had to. kind of run down to get to to the studio. that I was running down and I was. hearing my cue. Oh, that's going to give. me nightmares tonight. >> Yeah, [snorts] but that I was missing a. queue. Missing a queue. >> And those those used to give me like to. And to add to it, everyone I cared about. and whose opinion I cared about would be. on the stairs being like. >> you're late. You missed it.

>> We're not mad. We're just like. surprised. Yeah. I thought we Yeah. [laughter]. >> Just can't believe Amy like of all. people missed the queue. Yeah. >> I guess it's the disrespect for me. [laughter] Oh, >> and then let's talk about Merrily if we. can. >> Of course, >> that experience must have been just so. fulfilling in every way because to your. point of like being turning 40, >> the show is all about the beginnings and. middle and ends of things and how life. feels like it's this shuffle of all.

those things and [gasps]. >> the friendships we make along the way. And here you are like now, you know, almost a 20-year vet in the business. when you're doing that show. [sighs and gasps]. >> And I know how much Sonheim means to. you. >> Yeah. >> Smells like horse. >> Yeah. He smells like horse. He helps you. like. >> Yeah. >> When you were scared of those [laughter]. horses, >> he probably has written a song about. horses. I'm sure there's. >> a reference to horse racing in Bobby and. Jackie and Jack, one of the songs in. Meril Roll. There's a famous horse.

that's quoted in that song. Um, but yeah, the it was so crazy. because I I moved to New York in 2004. We did that show in 2024, so exactly 20. years to the year. >> Um, it's about it takes place exactly. over 20 years and it's about looking. back. Um, in Maria Freriedman, our. incredible director's vision and staging. of the show at the very beginning,

Dan comes out over here. How did you get. to be here? What was the moment? Lindsay. comes out over here, over the shoulders. of Frank, the character I played. How. did you get to be here? What was the. moment in the exact positions 15 years. earlier? John Gallagher Jr. stood here. as a ghost in Spring Awakening. And Liam. Michelle stood stood over this shoulder. Lindsay Menddees, LM, Liam Michelle, LM, the same initials of the actresses. standing on this side of the thing. Talk. about sense memory. I had crazy things.

come up on that one. >> There would be moments where I because. also it was the most I think well he. said son it was the most. autobiographical thing he ever wrote. He said that about the song Opening. Doors, but I have a feeling from all the. people that came through to see the show. that we could talk to after and the. people that knew him and how Prince and. Mary Rogers that this was about the his. him and his two friends and these.

relationships that fracture over time. >> and the heartbreak and the. disappointment. And I would be saying a line. I would be. saying a line to Lindsay on stage. And I would say it and it would come out. and it would feel like Frank talking to. the character of Mary. It would feel. like Steve talking to Mary Rogers. It. would feel like Jonathan talking to. Lindsay in this like crazy like.

therapeutic exorcism. Yeah. It was wild. >> So cool. >> Yeah. >> Amazing. And then to like have that be. so. celebrated for it to really feel like. people were ready for it when because. for people who don't know this the the. history of that show is it really was. ahead of its time and it wasn't received. the way it was it should have been. received and it kind of like needed to. just marinate for some reason and much. like. >> the show itself like it needs time. So,

the show needed time and then it came. back out and it was celebrated and the. way it was celebrated, it must have been. so so satisfying. It must have just been. so satisfying. >> It was every dream I ever had come true. >> And then we made this movie of it. >> Yes. >> And that I went on Monday night last. week to go see it just in a normal movie. theater and I was like weeping just like. I cannot believe this. Cannot believe. how Maria the director directed it so. beautifully for film and and it's like.

the hybrid between a like filming of a. theater piece and a movie like what she. made is so. unique and special and feeling the. audience in the movie theater get the. story and the idea that this was his big. flop of his career and apparently his. big heartbreak Steven Sanheim and Hal. Prince it was the end for many years of. their really fruitful over a decade long. collaboration.

that this show is like captured in this. way and is playing in movie theaters is. like you can't it's so surreal. >> Well, it's kind of like why longevity is. the goal in work and in life, you know, knock on wood, right? Which is like if. you stick around long enough, like. things come back. >> Yes. And I You're exactly right. And I. and this the ethos too of like if you. make something well. >> Mhm.

>> in the moment, the faith that what you did in that. moment to make it well and then push. that boat out and then whatever that. boat's journey is is that boat's. journey, but that you put the time and. attention to detail and the care in the. thing that you were making. Merrily is. the perfect example of they put their. hearts and souls into that and they. pushed out that boat and it was not. received. But because it was crafted so.

well and such a beautiful piece, 40. years later, >> you're getting this boat is coming back. around. >> and because it was because the people. when they made it in the present moment. took such care, >> it can exist and have this life. It. gives me such faith. >> in in when we're creating things. >> that when if we do it. >> with the proper intention and with. everything we've got. >> then you just set it free and if it hits. >> today we have people from like looking. we were canceled after two seasons.

>> people still come up to me and say like. this show changed my life. There's like. a. >> if you if you do something with your. whole heart it can continue to resonate. and stand the test of time. >> So cool. It's like sending out a missive. to space and just like it taking that. many light years to get there. >> Yeah. >> Lyrically, what is a lyric for you that like still. bubbles in your head that you had to. sing? And what is one that was a hard.

one to get? Like what was one that. always felt like a bit of a hurdle and. what was one that just tickles you still. like in your brain? It's from the song. growing up which is which which the. character of Frank sings. So old friends. >> don't you see we can have it all. >> Moving on. Getting out of the past. >> This is the one for me. You ready? >> Yeah. >> Solving dreams.

Not just trusting them. >> Taking dreams. Readjusting them. Growing. up. growing up. This idea that you can. have these dreams as a kid and it's not. something that you either. >> make happen or you repress, but that you. take this dream and you figure out what. it was and what it still means to you. Solving dreams, not just trusting them,

taking dreams, readjusting them, growing. up. >> Yeah. >> Come on. >> Come on. That's major. >> It's so good. It's so good. It's about. because there's like an element of like. being in relationship to the past but. not having it hold you down. >> Yes. >> It would bring up something for me every. single night different. >> It's so good. And it's also also kind of. the theme of what we've been talking. about a little bit today. The idea of if. you're open and flexible to. readjustment, that is what like it's the.

best you can hope for. >> Yes. >> Because nothing happens the way it's. supposed to ever. No. And you have to. only just kind of like stay steady and. flexible for what's coming. >> Yes. It's such a paradox. >> Yeah. It's so true. And what I love. about that too is is the friendship in. that show is like helps us solve. the dream part. Like the solving of the. dream like it's almost like it can't be.

done alone. >> Yes. And when I when I wanted to talk to. you today, like one of the things that I. wanted to talk to you today really is. about the friendships you have made in. the work that you do. I know it's really. important to you like you have really. made lifelong friends. >> Yeah. >> The people that you share the stage. with, like they share your life like. they're, you know, you do not leave. productions and say like, "Peace out. See you later." Or like [laughter]. you're deep friends with people for life. that you've worked with. It's really. amazing. And it.

>> Yes. It's interesting because I feel. like a little bit that starts from a. place [sighs]. of like when I was closeted and and in. high school and in community theater. I. wonder if you feel this way too about. writing and performing like. >> you you go there because. >> you need that intimacy and you can't get. it in your real life for whatever. reason. And there's a and there's a like. >> deep primal need. >> to go and like connect with people. And. so that part of me is still alive. Like.

I can't even though I think I'm I came. out of the closet. I'm I'm better. adjusted in my life. But when I go to. work, I don't go to work. I go to live. >> And that and I I look at the people that. I'm with and it's deep and I and it's. it's like it's it's uh it's powerful and. it's and it's profound. >> Yeah. Lindsay, Daniel, Leah, and can you. tell me can you tell me about Gavin. Creel, who I never got to meet. Will you.

tell me just something about him. >> because I love hearing about him. >> Oh my god. Yeah. Um, well, he changed my. life. He changed my life. Um, because Well, okay. Oh my god. I'm going. to tell a memory that I have about him. Please, for people who don't know, Gavin's an amazing. >> performer who passed a few years ago, two year, a year ago, >> a year, a month or two ago now. >> A little over a year ago. >> An incredibly talented performer and a.

dear, dear, dear friend of yours. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think he would appreciate the story. that I'm about to tell. >> Great. [laughter]. >> Gavin, if you don't know Gavin, you have. to Google Gavin. Gavin like did a lot of. amazing things and is a profound amazing. person. My the first time I ever met. Gavin, I also dated Gavin. We had a. whole relationship. He's like what gave. me the confidence to come out of the. closet. He changed my life. But the. first time I ever met him.

>> was uh at the stage door of Thoroughly. Modern Millie, which he was in opposite. Sutton. He played the role of Jimmy. And. I would wait at the stage door. Uh I was. in high school and the the actors would. come out and I was like I would I would. I was like crazy. I I like I I just. couldn't believe they were real people. Like to see them would give me energy. >> and like get me like amped. Um, I have a.

crazy story about Matthew Brderick that. we could share at some other time, but. um, meeting him at the stage door, but. um, Gavin comes out and signs the program. and I was like, whoa. And then he goes. back into the stage door. And then Mark. Kudes, who played Trevor Graden, comes. out and he's signing my program and. Gavin comes back out the stage door with. an apple in his mouth and he walks past. Mark Kudish, grabs his ass and Mark goes.

like, "Oh.". And looks as Gavin is walking by and. Gavin just looks at him and winks. with the apple still in his mouth. >> Oh my god, so hot. And I was like, I. have got to BE IN THE THEATER. What is this? What is happening here? Where [laughter] this this beautiful man. with an apple in his mouth is like is. like tapping the ass of this other man. and they're like, but it's very free and. it [laughter] doesn't necessarily feel. sexual, but there's a subtext of.

sexualness. And like I was like, I've. got to get into this world. That was the first time I like met. Gavin. >> Just like what an entrance. What a what. a what a walk-on from him. >> Totally. >> And isn't it amazing when people come. into your life like they just are in. your simulation, but you don't know how. yet. >> Yes. Yes. >> They just walk in and it's like cue the. walk-on and it's like in [laughter] 5. years you two are going to be together, babe. And like who knew? >> Crazy. And I it was like primal. I still.

can see it the whole thing playing out. >> Okay. Um, thank you for telling me that. story and and for reminding us about. Kevin. And um, so speaking of um, of. friendships that you made and. relationships that you made, we spoke to. Gracie Lawrence today. >> A new friend in a way, although she said. she feels like she's known you forever. >> Oh my god. >> And she um, you and her were in your.

show together. You played Bobby Darren. She played Connie Francis. you had to. really connect. She's incredibly. talented. Like she told a story about. meeting you for the first time. You know. what? And it was really like an apple in. the mouth story. Like you came into the. room and she felt this energy like he's. he's I mean because that's what I love. about you is you are a STAR. and I love stars [laughter].

and don't you're a good boy. Hey, you're. a nice boy, but you're a star. >> Don't let anyone tell you different. [laughter]. >> So, >> Oh, you're tickling me. >> You are a star. You're a star. So, you. had a just a moment of like right and. she has that moment with you and she and. so she had a question she wanted me to. ask you which I it's very sweet question. and also you know she was like get ready. for some amazing eye contact. She said, "Your eye contact is really great." And. it is really great. [laughter]. And I thought I would be overwhelmed by.

it, but I'm not at all. >> You're also Your eye contact is also. very. >> I didn't want to say anything, but I. also have [laughter]. [screaming]. >> And we'll be right back. [laughter]. >> And make sure you guys that you get your. >> your yearbook. The yearbooks are being. passed out today. So, but I I don't mind. eye contact from the right person. Um, but here but here's Gracie's question. and it was really cute question and she. said like you know she said she she's. like I've never seen him nervous or.

anxious or rattled and she said or. frazzled you know is the word I think. she used and she said. you know he has like a Yodaike calm and. um she said why why aren't you more. scared of things um have you always been. this way [laughter]. and what if anything scares you now. little [ __ ] is what is what she said is. [laughter] what she said. How she said. it. >> She said you little [ __ ]. >> You little [ __ ]. >> And it's funny cuz Gracie to me like I.

love I love her so much. I love her so. [ __ ] hard. And to me like she has a. kind of. sociopathic calm when she's on stage and. her like like her I saw her like at. Lawrence at Radio City and she's like. She's like singing. She's a She's Tina. Turner basically. She's a rock star. The. first thing that's coming up for me why. I giggle a little bit is like my dad.

also has fainting goats. [laughter]. >> on his on his farm on the horse farm. >> that freeze and fall over. >> Yes. >> And there is something and I feel like. it's it's like it's kind of a I've used. it to my advantage. >> When something scary happens, I go dead. calm. >> Ooh. something scary for me happens. >> Yes. >> I start to just like talk really slowly. >> and I bring it all the way down and I. just kind of I'm like, "Okay." And like.

for example, I got sick for the first. time. two weeks ago doing the show. It was. like the 250 whatever performance. >> You've done that many performances? 10. >> And we did the Thanksgiving Day parade. in the morning. >> Oh, that's right. [laughter]. >> On a Thursday. You guys got to stop. doing. >> I'm I'm sorry. That's too much. >> And he was like, "This. >> I need to talk to Broadway's agent and. manager because I when I see you guys. out there in the morning, I'm like, Broadway,

>> please file a complaint.". >> Broadway, no more of that. >> I've been like. >> I'm sorry. It's too much work. >> It was fun. I was I was into it. I'm. going to say that. What are you going to. say? No. I'm like a little Let's go. >> It's morning time. Okay. Sorry. >> Well, but then look what happened. I was. like, "Let's go. I want to sing live. Let's go." We got there. It was. freezing. Julia the one of the sirens. that looked like she was Beyonce. The. wind like the wind was coming at us. So. we [laughter] were LIKE. and the next day. >> and the next day we had a matinea on the.

Friday cuz it's Thanksgiving week. [gasps] and I was I woke up and I was. like huh? >> Oh no. >> I was like I think I might have to call. out of the show for the first time. But. it started to come back. >> 250. And then I say to our music. director, "This is going to be raw. I. think this might be rock and roll Bobby. Darren for the weekend." Just, you know, cuz it's pretty raw. And then I get out. there. and I'm kind of feeling myself. I was. like, "Okay, it's kind of coming back.".

And then I was like, "This song, this. could be the start of something big." I. was like, "This could be the star.". And just sand like in the mummy came out. of my throat all over. And I was like, And then I was like, I'm Jonathan. I'll. be your Bobby Darren today. And I was. like, my voice gone. >> gone. >> And I get to answer Gracie question to. answer Gracie's question.

>> Completely calm. >> Yeah. >> And I I didn't I was just like, "Okay, and now I'm going to see if it comes. back. I'm going to sing the next song.". Couldn't sing it. >> Do the next song. Couldn't sing it. >> Did the next song. couldn't sing it. [laughter]. The the sirens, the the girls in the. show were like. >> and the band's just like. >> and the band is [laughter] like, "Gr, what's happening?" And then I was like, "I'm going to wait till I'm alone on. stage cuz I don't want to put any of the. rest of my castmates through this.".

>> And 20 minutes in, [sighs]. >> I'm alone and I was like, "Hi everyone, this is Jonathan." And I start the show. as myself. So it was kind of like they. thought I was part of the show and I was. like, "I'm Jonathan." And um I really. wanted to turn it out for you today. because it's Thanksgiving week and I. know it's really an important time. Um. but I've lost my voice and I'm going to. hurt myself if I continue. Matthew. Magnus is going to come on stage right. now and be Bobby Darren and he's amazing. and the show is amazing and please stay.

and enjoy the rest of Just in Time. without me. and I walked off stage and. it was sort of like nightmares like. you're talking about like. >> the idea of losing your voice in a. musical on Broadway could be like a. nightmare. >> but I felt I went I was in shock. >> but also may I just say wisdom. experience no it just experience like. experience sometimes can just you know. it's just like. you've just done the show a lot you've. been on stage a lot for someone else.

that could have been truly it would have. like could have taken them down in a way. where they'd never recover. And instead, you're like, "This is one night in 250. and I'm going to be back here again and. I know how this goes. I'm going to take. care of my cast." Like, that's what it. like. It's a very leader mentality. >> Thank you. >> And I think you should sue NBC. and you should sue Radio City and you. should never ever [laughter]. >> sue Macy's. >> Sue Macy's. Sue all of those balloons.

>> Outrageous. They make you do that. Okay. Um, so you have to go you have to go to. your show, but I have one very last. question for you, which is what what are. you watching, listening to? You said you. love your YouTube. >> What do you Where do you go right now to. laugh? >> I mean, obviously you're laughing on. stage or having a good time at night, but what what's your laughy place? >> Yeah. Yeah. What do you. >> It's YouTube. I am looking at like. YouTube. I'm not on any social media. >> Incredible. And the one like internet. thing that I struggle with an addiction.

to is YouTube. And I'm like scrolling. and I'm laughing. And even like back in. the days of Spring Awakening, I had the. like. >> even back then. >> Yeah. [laughter] The cast would come. over. >> I mean, there's. this [laughter] is like maybe 16 years. ago. Like they would come over and I. would I would be the one. This was like. before the iPhone or it was like when. the iPhone came out. But weirdly, even. though I'm not on any social media, I. was the one that like knew the YouTubes. that would make us laugh. >> Who was making what was making you laugh.

back then? >> Like, um, have you seen Gay Everest? >> Okay, first of all, let's [laughter]. just prepare ourselves before we watch. this. >> A news blooper. >> is the best. >> My favorite. >> Me, too. I could watch and have watched. compilations of news bloopers forever. >> Wait, me too. >> You know who else loves a news blooper? name drop Paul Rudd who was on the show. and we watched a lot of news bloopers. and he loves a news blooper. Okay, >> that they are to me because there's like. the pretense of seriousness. It's.

literally us right now us right now. >> It's really us like on live. Yes, [laughter]. >> we would be in a This is us in a morning. show. Hold it together. Yes. >> Um, Liz Kakowski, a writer in SNL and. Emily Spivey, used to always laugh and. talk about like wanting to write a. morning show where they're violently. hung over and trying to hold it together. and that. >> Wait, but I feel like there's also a. story somewhere in like we are we were a. small town news show.

>> and like the the gay guy and the female. best friend and we now we're on the. local news like we've worked our way up. to like the big leagues like WG is the. one in Lancaster. Yeah. >> And then. >> WG A L. That's great. >> It's so good. >> D. [laughter]. >> Wait, why did I never put together? It's. W gal. >> W gal. That's great. WG. >> And then they have a huge falling out. and now we're on this like the idea of. like holding the tension,

>> right? Suddenly he's gay or like. >> move over morning show. [laughter]. >> Right after the break, we're going to. interview Eric W. mayor who climbed the. highest mountain in the world, Mount. Everest, but he's gay. I mean, he's gay. Excuse me. He's blind. [laughter]. >> It's her. You know what it is? It's. like, but. >> but he's gay. I mean, he's gay. Excuse. me. I mean, he's gay. Excuse me. That's. my [laughter] favorite part.

>> But, >> yeah, you're right. >> He's gay. I mean, he's gay. Excuse me. He's [laughter] blind. >> Which begs the question, it's like a. Sonheim lyric, which begs the question, is he gay? >> So, there's another video on there of. him reacting. and being like, what? [laughter]. >> He's not gay. I've looked it up. >> Okay. Okay. Because why does she say it. twice? >> But if I could say something now, I'd.

love to like publicly ask a question. >> Yeah, we could. You know what? Actually, no one's ever publicly asked a question. after being asked a question. So, now's. the time. >> I'd like to publicly ask a question, which is another YouTube I love, which. is the grape lady. >> Yeah. >> Insane. >> I [laughter] want to know if she's okay. >> Okay. So, if someone could get let us. know if the lady who was stomping. grapes, who fell down and really. and really It sounds like really hurt. >> She took a hard. [laughter]. >> hope she's okay. Well, cow. [snorts].

We're going to make sure she is. [laughter]. >> And they're laughing. >> Yeah. >> She took a hard fall off that. >> Yeah. >> Hope she's okay. [snorts]. >> Um. >> Jonathan Grath, I loved our time. together. >> Same. >> Friends for life. I know. [laughter]. >> Friends for life. Let's go. >> At the very least, co-host for our. morning announcements. [laughter]. >> Oh, thank you so much, Jonathan Gra. That was so fun. We knew it would be.

What a hang. What a doll. In love. What a dream boat. Um, so, um, for this Polar Plunge, I guess I just. wanted to talk about Sonheim for a. second. Um, because he is so incredible. and his work is so incredible and. there's a lot of people that come. through this this studio talking about. him. And um I would just like to say. that the thing I love the most about. Steven Sonheim is how his music feels. like um a song rolling down a hill. Like.

it's it's never really starting. It's. always kind of going, but it's not. It's. just kind of talking and then it's going. and the song is starting and it's. starting this way and it's going over. here. But don't forget it started over. there and it's about to start but it's. not starting yet and we're going over. So I just I love um I love the rhythm of. it and it's so hard to sing and I'm so.

glad I don't have to sing it. So Steven. Sonheim, thank you uh for your work and. your genius. Thank you Jonathan Gra for. joining us. Thank you for listening. always to Good Hang. Have a great day, week, month, and see you soon. Bye. You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers for this show are. Bill [music] Simmons, Jenna Weiss. Berman, and me, Amy Polar. The show is. produced by The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack. Wilson, [music] Cat Spelain, Kaia. McMullen, and Aia Xanerys. For.

Paperkite, production by Sam Green, Joel. Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss [music]. Berman. Original music by Amy Miles. really good. Hey.