Ep392 - Kevin Csolak: Stages, Stadiums, and Spielberg

Kevin Csolak shares his journey from growing up in his mom’s New Jersey dance studio to starring as Tulsa in the Broadway revival of Gypsy. He opens up about performing alongside Audra McDonald and Danny Burstein, the artistic influence of the live orchestra, and how the cast is breathing new life into a classic. Kevin also reflects on what it means to approach each show with intention and curiosity—even months into the run. He takes us behind the scenes of his whirlwind audition for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, including the surreal moment of dancing in front of the director himself. Plus, he recalls the unexpected overlap between his commercial dance career and Broadway—like performing at the Super Bowl with Justin Timberlake just hours before starting Mean Girls rehearsals. Throughout, Kevin shares insight into how rejection can fuel reinvention, and why staying creatively sharp is non-negotiable. Kevin Csolak is a Broadway, TV, and film actor known for playing Tulsa in Gypsy, Diesel in West Side Story, and Aaron in Mean Girls. His screen work includes roles on Jessica Jones, Boardwalk Empire, Animal Kingdom, and the Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room. He's also danced in major live performances with artists like Justin Timberlake and Hayley Kiyoko. Follow Kevin on social: Instagram: @kevincsolak Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at [e-mail]. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices