The Come Up – Details, episodes & analysis

Matt Rodin sits down with Broadway royalty, Tony Award winner Beth Leavel. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Beth has become a true luminary in the theater world. She's celebrated for her Tony-winning performance in The Drowsy Chaperone and Tony-nominated roles in Baby It's You! and The Prom. Beth's résumé boasts 13 Broadway credits—including 42nd Street, Mamma Mia!, and Elf—plus countless performances at regional theaters nationwide. Recorded as Beth prepares for her Stephen Sondheim tribute show at 54 Below and Matt wraps up the national tour of Sondheim's COMPANY, this episode offers a unique glimpse into two artists deeply influenced by Sondheim's genius. Beth shares her experiences with Sondheim's challenging works, including roles in Gypsy, Into the Woods, and her special performance at Carnegie Hall's Follies concert. She opens up about the thrill and intimidation of performing Sondheim's complex material and how it has shaped her artistry. The conversation explores the highs and lows of new productions, such as the critically acclaimed but short-lived Lempicka. Beth candidly discusses show business realities—from the excitement of creating something new to the challenges of a shorter-than-hoped run. She reflects on The Drowsy Chaperone and The Prom, emphasizing the importance of commitment, passion, and optimism in every project. Beyond her stage successes, Beth reveals how she maintains a fulfilling life offstage. She highlights the importance of a strong support system, nurturing relationships, and finding joy outside work. The discussion touches on gratitude, community, and the vital role of lasting friendships in the theater industry. Beth also shares insights on mentorship, social media's impact on young performers, and staying true to oneself in a competitive field. Whether you're an aspiring actor, a seasoned performer, or a Broadway enthusiast, this episode brims with wisdom, humor, and inspiration from one of theater's most respected figures. Beth Leavel's journey exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the enduring power of storytelling. Tune in to hear: Beth's insights on performing Stephen Sondheim's work and preparing for her 54 Below show The excitement and challenges of being involved in new Broadway productions like Lempicka How she balances her career with her personal life, emphasizing the importance of family and friendships Her experiences working with renowned directors like Casey Nicholaw and the significance of strong creative partnerships Advice for aspiring artists on navigating the ups and downs of the theater industry The role of gratitude, love, and optimism in sustaining a long and successful career The importance of community and lasting relationships in an ever-changing business The Come Up pulls back the curtain on the perpetual journey of “making it.” Artists and creatives share insights, stories, and truths about the reality of being a human being in show business, with actor and generalist Matt Rodin. Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer creative generalist. Matt most recently played Jamie on the first national tour of the Tony Award-winning revival of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. Matt also recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, RENT at Paper Mill Playhouse, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, Kamala Harris, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more. The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny and Matt have a candid conversation about nuance, perspective, growing up, and the new Broadway musical HARMONY. Danny Kornfeld played Young Rabbi in Harmony off-Broadway and makes his Broadway debut in this role. Select theater credits include: Aunt Caroline in Renascence (Transport Group), Sondheim On Sondheim (Kansas City Lyric Opera), Wringer (City Center), Mark Cohen in RENT (20th Anniversary Tour), Fiddler On The Roof (Barrington Stage Company), Our Town (Theatre Aspen), and various developmental workshops and labs at The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, NAMT, Westport Country Playhouse and York Theatre. TV/Film: Recur on Season 11 of American Horror Story (FX), Tripped Up (Universal Pictures, Decal), estimated release winter 2023. @DannyKornfeld On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to have honest conversations about the reality of being a growing artist. Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. Matt is currently playing Jamie on the first national tour of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY. Matt also recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry Turner, filmmaker and conservationist, sits down for a heartfelt conversation about the relationship between us and nature, mental health, and the power of the jungle. This episode was recorded in mid-February 2023. ‘Wildcat’ tells the story of Harry, a veteran suffering from depression and PTSD who enters the Peruvian Amazon and meets an American scientist running a wildlife center. Entrusted with the life of an orphaned baby ocelot, Harry lives in the deep Amazonian jungle and embarks on a pioneering conservation project. Wildcat can’t be confined to one genre – it's a compelling story of mental health, conservation, discovery, and healing. The documentary was directed by Trevor Frost and Melissa Lesh and is available on Amazon Prime Video.   Visit Harry Turner’s non-profit Emerald Arch, specializing in human-wildlife conflict, education, and Amazon conservation, here: https://www.emeraldarch.org/   On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leo Reich, queer comedian/writer and sardonically self-referential member of Gen-Z, sits down for a conversation about not being funny, self-promotion, and straight people.  When this was released, Leo had just closed his solo show LITERALLY...WHO CARES Off-Broadway. Leo Reich is a comedian and writer - his smash debut show Literally Who Cares?! was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Dave Comedy Awards 2022 and culminated in a sold out show at EartH Hackney. He recently opened for Simon Amstell on his latest UK tour and previously opened for Cat Cohen on tour. His TV appearances include Friday Night Live (Channel 4), Late Night Mash (Dave), Comedy Central Live (Comedy Central) and Jonathan Ross Comedy Club (ITV). He has written two episodes for the upcoming series Entitled airing on Showtime and Channel 4, and is currently working on various scripted projects.  On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James T. Lane, saintly song and dance man and beacon of light, sits down for a conversation about the divine nature of creativity, addiction, recovery, showing up when it's hard, letting go of perfection, and making space for grace. When this was recorded and released, James was starring as Billy Flynn in the Broadway revival of CHICAGO. James grew up in the rich artistic city of Philadelphia. He started dancing at the age of 6 and at age 10, saw The Phantom of The Opera and fell in love with musical theatre. When Robert Guillaume (from the hot TV show "Benson") became the first African American to play the Phantom, his eyes were opened to a dream that one day I could star in a Broadway Show too. His trek to Broadway had a lot of twists and turns: he left Carnegie Mellon and Penn State when I was 19 to start working. But at the age of 22, while on the road with the touring production of FAME, he tore my Achilles tendon. The next 4 years were filled with self-destruction and chaos, as he was forced to discover who he was without the bright lights of the stage. But, in 2006, after finding his way back to self-love, he made my Broadway debut in A CHORUS LINE, secure in the fact that his best friend and cheerleader will always be the spirit inside of himself. On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J. Harrison Ghee, minister of love and transcendent triple thread, sits down for an inspiring conversation about intention, purpose, love, and how each of us can free ourselves so that we can truly see ourselves. When this was recorded and released, J. was starring as Jerry/Daphne in SOME LIKE IT HOT on Broadway. J. Harrison Ghee is a North Carolina native and has been based in New York City for 13 years. J. has performed all over the world from Tokyo Disney Sea Resort to Norwegian Cruise Line as a lead vocalist. In 2017, he made his Broadway debut as "Lola" in KINKY BOOTS the musical, after having traveled the world on the international tour in the role. Most recently he appeared as Andre Mayem in MRS. DOUBTFIRE. You can also see J. on an HBO episode of High Maintenance and recurring on the Netflix series Raising Dion. On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Constantine Rousouli and Carrie St. Louis, TITANIQUE's Jack and Rose, sit down for a kooky crazy candid conversation about creating your own work, friendship, and building a life you love. This episode was recorded in January of 2023, while Constantine and Carrie were playing Jack and Rose, respectively, in the Off-Broadway hit TITANIQUE at the Daryl Roth Theater. Constantine Rousouli is not only one of the creators of TITANIQUE, he is also playing the iconic role of Jack Dawson made famous by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. He was most recently seen in Cruel Intentions Off Broadway as the suave and manipulative Sebastian Valmont. He also just wrapped his first film as a supporting lead opposite Naomi Watts in a new Blumhouse feature called This is the Night. TV: AJ and the Queen (Jordan) 9-1-1 on Fox (Miles) The Other Two (Justin), Charmed (Hunter Caine), The Deuce, HBO (Felix Smash), How to be a Vampire, The CW (Gustav), Handy, Comedy Central (Phil Angie’s). PBS Special (Broadway at the White House). Broadway: Hairspray (Link Larkin), Wicked (Fiyero), GHOST (Sam Wheat standby). National Tours: Hairspray (Link Larkin), Legally Blonde (Warner Huntington III), Wicked (Fiyero u/s).  Carrie St. Louis was last seen in the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots on Broadway as Lauren. She is best known for her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked on Broadway and in the national touring company. Carrie opened the Las Vegas company of Rock of Ages at the Venetian Hotel as Sherrie and then went on to play the role on Broadway at The Helen Hayes Theater. She originated the role of Annette in Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical Off-Broadway, and her voice can be heard on the Original Cast Recording which topped the Billboard Broadway chart. Her television credits include roles on “Elementary” (CBS), “Blindspot” (NBC), and “Younger” (TV Land). Her solo show, Something Good, which she debuted at Feinstein’s/54 Below, has been performed in cities across the US. A graduate of USC’s Thornton School of Music, Carrie is also an esteemed vocal coach with a private vocal studio in New York City (@thecarriestlouisstudio). For more information, visit www.carriestlouis.com For tickets and more information about TITANIQUE visit: https://titaniquemusical.com On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arty Froushan, an actor and truly gentle man, sits down for a conversation about craft, identity, discipline, the definition of "artist", and this podcast. When this was recorded, Arty was in the midst of the Broadway run of Tom Stoppard's LEOPOLDSTADT. British Iranian actor Arty stars as 'Jonah' in both seasons of Amazon’s fantasy drama ‘Carnival Row' alongside Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevigne. His other TV credits include 'Strikeback' and 'Knightfall'. In 2022 he played skilled young knight Qarl Correy in the Golden Globe nominated, Game of Thrones prequel 'House of the Dragon'. In August 2021 he starred as Leo in Tom Stoppard's 'masterpiece', his award-winning play 'Leopoldstadt', produced by Sonia Friedman, at the Wyndham Theatre for a 3 month run. The play is set during war time Vienna and follows a prosperous Jewish family during Nazi occupation and the Holocaust. The play won an Olivier Award for 'Best New Play' in 2020. He reprised the role of Leo for the play's 2022 run at the Longacre Theatre on Broadway.  On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melanie La Barrie, a generous soul with a Calypsonian spirit, sits down for a candid conversation about the relationship between artist and audience, spirituality, new musicals and tiny miracles. When this was recorded, Mel had just made her Broadway debut in "& Juliet". Mel is originally from Trinidad where she was a Calypsonian and a radio DJ before moving to London and getting her Masters in Organizational Psychology. She booked her first role from an open call, with no formal training. Her credits include the original West End productions & original cast recordings of & Juliet, Matilda, Mary Poppins, and Daddy Cool. Other West End productions: Wicked, Les Misérables, Dick Whittington, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Lorax, Ragtime. Other Theatre includes: Fiddler on the Roof, Romeo and Juliet, White Christmas, Guys and Dolls, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Sunshine Boys. Film: London Road. Television: “Casualty” and “Eastenders.” On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Krysta Rodriguez, true triple threat and my OG Wednesday Addams, sits down for a candid conversation about identity, community, Sondheim, and the next generation of artists and actors. When this was recorded, Krysta had just wrapped up "double duty" performing as Cinderella in the revival of Into the Woods and rehearsing for The Collaboration. Krysta most recently starred in Netflix’s limited series “Halston” from Emmy-Award winning creator Ryan Murphy, starring as the iconic entertainer Liza Minnelli. Her Broadway credits include Spring Awakening (OBC and Deaf West revival company), First Date, The Addams Family, In the Heights, A Chorus Line (revival) and Good Vibrations. Rodriguez played Megara in the world premiere of Disney’s Hercules (Public Works) and received an Outer Critics Circle honor for her performance in Theresa Rebeck’s Seared (MCC Theater). Other memorable turns include West Side Story (Anita; Kennedy Center), A Chorus Line (Diana; Hollywood Bowl) and What We’re Up Against (Off-Broadway). On television, Rodriguez is best known for her roles in “Smash,” “Daybreak,” and “Trial & Error” and recurring on “Quantico,” “Younger,” “Chasing Life,” “The Mysteries of Laura,” “Married” and “Gossip Girl. IG: @krysta_rod On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist.  Matt believes that love is who we are. He taps into people’s light so that we can form deeper connections with ourselves and one another. He’s a queer maker of music, media, characters, and campfires. As an actor, Matt recently starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Milwaukee Rep, and the upcoming musical film BEAU. In 2020, he released his first live solo album, Matt Rodin: Live at Home. Matt has also worked as a content producer and consultant for The Tony Awards, The Smithsonian Institute, SoulCycle, Hamilton, Cynthia Erivo, Ingrid Michaelson, Playbill, Broadway.com, Dear Evan Hansen, Write Out Loud, and more.  The Come Up is presented by Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices