InDepth InterView: InReview 2013 - All The Highlights!
By: Pat Cerasaro Dec. 31, 2013
While more than 50 InDepth InterViews were conducted in the 2013 calendar year and it is impossible to choose favorites, today we are highlighting some of the most uniquely arresting and singularly revealing conversations featured in BroadwayWorld's most popular and expansive interview series - including Patti LuPone, Darren Criss, Josh Groban, Audra McDonald, Cameron Mackintosh, Stephen Sondheim, Joan Rivers, Jeremy Jordan, Megan Hilty, Bebe Neuwirth and many more!
Some People
Ranging from Broadway legends to film icons to music makers, directors, producers, writers and more, this year's spate of InDepth InterViews varied in topic, subject and genre more than perhaps any other year since the series kicked off in 2010. Taking a look back at the list of participants is particularly humbling on a personal level, having had the pleasure of conversing with such a wide variety of film and theatre luminaries over the course of 2013 - and having been privileged enough to showcase each and every one in a relaxed, conversational manner, yet with a relatively comprehensive examination of their careers thus far provided, too. While some subjects may have been more forthright and open than others in what they were willing to share, I can attest that all generously offered much more than the mere minimum expected of individuals in such a position - with the vast majority of them displaying overwhelming graciousness and incredible depth of perspective in their more often than not riveting and vastly illuminating discussions. Indeed, the sheer amount of stories to be cherished, vivid memories shared and invaluable insights offered by the 50 or so brave souls in the hundreds of pages amassed this year in this column are certainly something to be grateful for and hopefully they shall provide a resource to future Broadway babies looking to find out a little more - or a lot, as the case may be - about their favorite creators and stars.
So, now, here are the most re-read-worthy standout InDepth InterViews of 2013 in my humble estimation!
January was highlighted by a career-spanning chat with one of the most anomalous and amusing pop culture figures in film or theatre history - "Pope Of Trash" himself, HAIRSPRAY creator John Waters.
February featured a passionate vocalist and performer celebrated the world over for his many multi-platinum albums and sold-out concert tours - Josh Groban.
One of the most recognizable and respected Broadway leading ladies of the modern era was also spotlighted on this site for the very first time in February, the iconic Patti LuPone.
An instantly familiar face seen in everything from MEET THE FOCKERS to FOLLIES, theatrical grande dame Blythe Danner also graced the column in the Valentine's Day Month.
March brought with it the coolest and one of the most classic comedians of them all - the one and only Joan Rivers, in a dish session with savoring.
The month continued with the most successful producer in theatrical history sharing his candid insights - Cameron Mackintosh.
Broadway and SMASH star Megan Hilty gave us the 411 on her solo album as well as her many current and upcoming plans in a convivial and compelling chat.
Coming to a close with one of the biggest Broadway breakout stars in music history, "Angel Of Music" Sarah Brightman shared her perspectives that month, as well.
Another mega-musical superstar started off April with a bang thanks to the original Jean Valjean, concept album Che and workshop Phantom himself, Colm Wilkinson.
April also introduced us to rising stage and screen superstar Jeremy Jordan byway of one of the year's lengthiest interviews.
With versatile leading man like Julian Ovenden we got the scoop on Sondheim, DOWNTON ABBEY, SMASH and even more.
Plus, April also gave us another of the year's most comprehensive pieces with stage stalwart Alison Fraser's delicious insights on her career.
EGOT recipient Rita Moreno lit up May in a major way with tales from her incomparable life on Broadway and in Hollywood.
Multi-award-winning director/choreographer Susan Stroman discussed both of her entries in the 2013-14 Best Musical Tony Award race.
Next, five-time Tony-winner Audra McDonald shared some astute observations about projects past, present and future.
So, too, did GLEE star Matthew Morrison give us a look into his Broadway history as well as current TV, recording and concert stage activities.
Carolee Carmello imparted her well-won wisdom on her astoundingly wide range of roles to date in our lengthy conversation.
June continued with acclaimed composer/lyricist Michael John LaChiusa taking a lingering look back at his awe-inspiring oeuvre.
Charismatic leading man Norm Lewis generously gave us some fascinating behind the scenes tales of his stunningly vast assortment of parts to date in August.
The tail-end of August also brought with it iconic rock n roller Meat Loaf sharing stories from his legendary collaborative history with theatrical rock legend Jim Steinman and more.
Actress-cum-director Maria Friedman and the man behind the music and lyrics himself, Stephen Sondheim, graciously granted us a glimpse of the process in bringing a once-misunderstood musical to the big screen.
Last month, GLEE breakout star and Broadway headliner Darren Criss supplied us with a stirring analysis of his passion for theatre and performing.
In the last month of 2013, we have been lucky enough to enjoy some spectacular year-end cappers, such as the recent chat with original RENT star Anthony Rapp.
Also in December, multi-award-winner Bebe Neuwirth provided an all-access pass to her idiosyncratic career onstage and onscreen.
Lastly, the men behind the musical event of the year, THE SOUND OF MUSIC: LIVE!, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, previewed all of their many upcoming projects in not one, but two major InDepth InterViews over the course of 2013, first in February and again this month.
Well, well, well, what a head-spinning year of InDepth InterViews this unquestionably was - and, believe it or not, this not even half of the total chats!
Be sure to check out all of the InDepth InterView series to date - nearly 200 entries - available here.
Here's celebrating a tremendous 2013, looking ahead to an even more fabulous 2014! Happy New Year!
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