Jessie Mueller can currently be seen in Tracy Letts’ Tony Nominated Best Play, The Minutes, playing at Studio 54 until July 23rd.

We are very grateful that Jessie took some time between shows to answer BBS’s newest series “Twenty Questions with a Tony Award Winner.”

Imagine having a true life “in the theater”, what would that mean? Austin Pendleton, now celebrating his 60th year in the theater can tell you.

“Sometimes it seems…as though only intelligent people are stupid enough to fall in love & only stupid people are intelligent enough to let themselves be loved.” – Elizabeth Bishop, from her notebook

At the heart of August Wilson’s ‘Gem of the Ocean’ is a magnificent ritual that takes place in ‘the City of Bones’ which is located many fathoms deep down in the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic is said to be the largest graveyard for the millions of Africans intended for slavery in America but who died […]

My attempt to “mother” while on stage, was the first of many miscalculations as a parent. As much as I’d like to think I’m a swell multitasker-there was simply no damn way to do both tasks at hand.. I could not maintain even a slight veneer of the character.

She stopped me with this gem of a lesson, “Why are you apologizing to me?? Stop it. Are you sorry for having a question? Do you ever notice how women are the only people who apologize for asking something? It’s ridiculous…

It’s unpredictable, sometimes even unreliable, but it’s in that unknowing that makes theater a place where the most interesting and wonderful things can happen. And it’s radical. People are affected differently when you put yourself out there in front of them.

Broadway’s Best Shows is proud to present Show of Titles, a musical extravaganza with dozens of Broadway stars performing the title songs from over 20 beloved musicals to benefit The Actors Fund.

One of my favorite things about working in the theater is how fiercely present it forces us all to be. How much courage is required. And what discoveries spring from that.

It was a wonderful opportunity to explore Lillian Hellman’s classic play with such a dream cast as part of this series of online performances.

In my first 10 years or so in New York, I concentrated on being a performer and I wasn’t really aware that I wanted to direct – but I’d subconsciously absorbed the shows and experiences where the staging had a big influence on me.

In 1981, I was in my last year of high school in the suburbs of Toronto. I’d done a bunch of musicals in theatre class (Godspell, Pippin, Fantasticks) but never worked professionally.

So I’m known for being rather enthusiastic in rehearsal rooms, and the energy of this season was apparently really sending that enthusiasm into its extremes – hah!

So he asked me to come to a callback audition a few days later. At which I totally bombed. I’d never heard of a callback.

On the night of February 1, 1979, I stood in the vom of Circle-in-the-Square on Broadway, terrified.

About 6 minutes into the evening I noticed that sitting on front row…in…the middle…to my right was my ex girlfriend.

Pearl Cleage on “Naked Wilson” and her thoughts on intersectionality in theatre.

frequently asked questions

Spotlight on Plays, a starry series of livestream readings of Broadway’s best plays to benefit The Actors Fund.

David Cromer gives us an in-depth look into his process with “The Sound Inside”.

Robert O’Hara, Tony Nominated Director of “Slave Play” Is Making His Mark

Williamstown Theatre Festival’s Mandy Greenfield reflects on “The Sound Inside”

Mary-Louise Parker reflects on “The Sound Inside”

It’s all but forgotten now, but The Cool World still points like an arrow at how the country was changing at the beginning of the 1960s.

Looking Back at Forgotten Plays by Black Playwrights – Four Decades Later Samm Art-Williams Play Still Hits “HOME”

When I was taken, knees, shaking, to meet Miss Bacall, I kept thinking: “Please let her understand that if I am good it will only help her!”

Beginnings Several months ago the producer, Jeffrey Richards asked me to write about “the play or musical that inspired me to become a director.” The problem was there was no one production that inspired me to think,”I’m going to be a director.” There was however, one musical that acted as a catalyst, and ignited my […]

That was me, in a carefully chosen brand new double-breasted suit, hopeful, like a lottery ticket holder.

Looking Back at Forgotten Plays by Black Playwrights – Almost 70 Years Later, Take a Giant Step Remains a Vital American Play

From War Veteran to Songwriter

My First (and Last) Artistic Directorship: 1986-8

“If it’s been a while since you dusted off your collection of classic Broadway albums, there’s nothing like a nostalgia-packed listening session to transport you to a simpler time.” – Sarah Tracey

The Challenges of Zoom Theater

“Sharing our passion as theatre creators is my favorite part about making theatre.”

“I’ve never had a greater or more satisfying stage experience in my entire career.” – Neil LaBute

“I never imagined that something would threaten the existence of something so essential to the breath of humankind…the mass gathering of humanity, theatre.”

“My first break in Show Business would have to be my acceptance into the first class of the Drama Division of The Juilliard School.”

Debbie Allen talks about her time in West Side Story

As we approach another election, it’s a good time to survey how dramatists have imagined the Commander-in-Chief, because no matter who wins in November, he’ll likely find himself in a play soon enough.

Once Upon A Time…

Chris Noth discusses his Broadway debut in The Best Man

Based in Jewish tradition, Shabbat — and its teaching that spending meaningful time connecting with friends and family — is for everyone.

Paul Huntley has worked extensively on both sides of the Atlantic, in film, television, and theatre.