This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Eli Tokash: Hello, everyone, and welcome to episode 211 of Take A Bow. I am your host, Eli Tokash, and this week we have such an exciting episode for you folks. I am, honest to God, like, I'm just so excited to share this episode with the world, because I have a guest on that I've wanted to have on literally since she made her Broadway debut. And then, of course, she had her Tony nomination, and it's like, whoa, like, you are just crushing life right now. She happens to be the star of Disney Plus' hit series, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Ever heard of High School Musical? So freaking cool, so freaking talented. We have none other than the legendary Julia Lester on the podcast today. And honestly, this was like, okay, I feel like we've met before, to be honest with you.

And then we met, like, met-met at Cabaret, where her dad was making his Broadway debut. So we were able to chat there on the red carpet of the opening night and stuff. And she was just the sweetest person, because I know how difficult some of those red carpets can be. You know, it's tricky, especially, like, when you're not in the show. Like, if you're just going to, like, see a show or, like, support your dad or support your friend or anyone, like, in the show, and it's kind of like, oh, you need me to, like, talk about the show? Like, I haven't seen it yet, but sure, yeah, let's do it. So, like, those weird situations. And she was just so kind, so lovely. And I was so excited to connect with her through that, and then connect with her after that.

And then we were able to have her on the show for, like, a real chat and, like, hang. It was so lovely. And it was so easy and so wonderful. And she shared such incredible, like, fun information that is both interesting, educational, sophisticated, just, like, well thought out. And, like, there are times about her journey, there's pieces of advice in there. You've got it all in this episode. And she was just so lovely to chat with. So, here we go. Episode 211. Before we get into that, as always, we got to talk about some Broadway news, because there's a good bit of stuff going on, which is super exciting. We are going to start out with the Kennedy Center, because number one, how dare you? Number two, how dare you?

These casting announcements coming out of the Kennedy Center are spectacular. They always do a really great job with their casting. But with this production, I am so excited. We have so many Take A Bow family members in the show, so much so that we are hoping that we can make a trip down. Obviously, it's in October, October 11th through the 20th. The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is going to be at the Kennedy Center. So, school will be in session. Who knows what will make work? But we are looking into it. But that cast is just absurd. So, casting announcement. Okay, are you ready? We have, first of all, I'm going to start off with three heavy hitters, and they're all three Take A Bow family members.

Beanie Feldstein, Noah Galvin, and Bonnie Milligan. Hello? So excited. And then, to add on top of that, you have Kevin McHale, you have Taran Killam, you have Nina White, you have Alec Joseph Grayson, you have Philip Arroyo. We have everybody, all of our favorites in this show. And I am so pumped for this. I just can't wait. I hope that we make it out to Washington DC to witness this live and in person because it's going to be epic. Epic! So, I'm just so excited. Anyways, that's news number one. Shout out to the Kennedy Center for always just, you know, blessing us, to be completely honest with you. Like, you're blessing us. Second of all, casting announcement. Will Branner, shout out. Take A Bow family member who's going to be in American Idiot in the West End with an incredible cast.

So, I'm so excited for them. For all the West End listeners, you have an incredible company coming your way to perform one of the coolest shows, like, really. American Idiot's awesome and I wish, I've always wanted to go to the West End, so maybe we'll make it happen. But it's a stellar cast and it'll be awesome to see how that goes and to hear all the buzz with that. We also got news that Romeo and Juliet starring Rachel Zegler and Kit Conner are going to be extending. They extended their run a whole month. That only means that tickets are going through the roof. They're selling out already and they haven't even had a performance. No surprise here by anyone. Pumped that they were able to extend a full month because both of them are very busy individuals.

So, you know, doesn't always work out that more people will now have a chance to see them and their performances in this show. But that's another incredible cast. Very excited to see that happening over at Circle in the Square here on Broadway. Also, some buzz that got people talking. Sabrina Carpenter. Sabrina Carpenter mentioned that she would like to come back to Broadway. Sabrina Carpenter, a lot of people forget, we were robbed. We were robbed of Sabrina Carpenter's Broadway stardom. We almost had her here. Well, we did have her. She totally was here performing on Broadway and people forget. I mean, granted, it was literally like three shows. It was her and Renee Rapp in the same shows.

Nuts. Okay. She was playing Katie in Mean Girls and then Renee was Regina. Like, hello. We don't talk about it enough, I feel. So we then, of course, as I mentioned, COVID shut down. So that's why we were robbed. Nothing to do with Sabrina or anything. I'm not talking about it. I'm literally just saying unfortunate timing and everything. So I would love for Sabrina Carpenter to come back to Broadway and to actually be able to get a chance to see her. Please, please, please, no pun intended, come to New York, enjoy Broadway the proper way and not in a scared COVID world that you briefly experienced. Just a wild, wild moment there. And then another exciting Broadway news, Cate Blanchett is doing a show with Tom Burke and they're going to be doing The Seagull.

Now that is in the West End. However, Cate Blanchett doing a play, always great for, that's a win for the theater community. That's a win for those who are always like, oh, musical theaters, maybe cringy, blah, blah, theater in general, blah, blah, movies, this and that. We love to see it. We're talking about it. It's a good headline. Whenever Cate Blanchett and The West End are in the same conversation, it's great for theater everywhere. So shout out to, and of course, Tom, Tom Burke. So that'll be very exciting. So that's all the news I have for you folks this week. A lot of it was casting news. Actually, I think if not all of it was casting news. So I do apologize for that. But we're at a time where we're switching seasons.

We're, I guess, moving into this next season of shows and it's just that time where shows are opening and shows are finalizing their casts and casting announcements are the big news right now for all of that. I will say there's another big news, which is Warriors. This Lin-Manuel Miranda concept album that's being created, it just continues to add more and more stars. It's going to be absolutely epic. No surprise, Lin-Manuel's attached to it, so we can't really be surprised, but very exciting nonetheless. And can't wait to see what ends up happening to that and just can't wait to eventually listen to it because it's going to be available for all of us. So that's going to be very, just something to keep our ears out for, I guess you could say.

So corny. Anyways, but it's going to be star studded. And so that was also something that I wanted to mention, Warriors concept album. All right, that's all the news I have for you folks this week. With that being said, I think it is now time to turn it over to the fabulous Julia Lester. She is so fun to talk to. Shared so many fun stories about her time, both in High School Musical and then here on stage on Broadway, doing the thing here in New York. She obviously had a run on Broadway and Into the Woods where she got her Tony nomination and her Broadway debut. And then she went off Broadway to I Can Get It For You Wholesale. And then we talk about some High School Musical stuff. So it's just great to talk about all of it and talk about her whole journey, I guess you could say.

She was kind enough to give me some extra time to talk about High School Musical, which was super fun. But it's great to see Julia Lester continue to just star in so many incredible things. So without further ado, let's just get into it and hear from her herself, Julia Lester. Curtain up.

[10:59] Eli Tokash: Today's guest is a Tony nominee who is known for her performances on both the stage and the screen. After her breakout role in Disney Plus' hit show High School Musical: The Musical: The Series as Ashlyn Caswell, she packed her bags to come to New York City and star on Broadway as Little Red Riding Hood, earning her a Tony nomination and her Broadway debut. Bonkers. So well-deserved, though. Then she couldn't get enough. And so she went to Off-Broadway and she made her Off-Broadway debut in Classic Stage Company's I Can Get It For You Wholesale. It is my honor to welcome, to Take A Bow, Julia Lester. Hi, Julia.

[11:41] Julia Lester: Hello! I'm so happy to be here.

[11:44] Eli Tokash: Oh my god, crazy. What a legendary couple of years that you had. It's insane. And then this year, to boot, you had a brand new movie, Prom Dates, come out on Hulu. So it's just been like the years of Julia Lester. And I'm here for it.

[12:06] Julia Lester: Thank you so much. Thank you. Oh my god. It's like making me blush. My goodness.

[12:12] Eli Tokash: Oh my god. I love to hype people up. Are we kidding? No, but you're an icon and so is your dad, which is how like I met you at the opening night of Cabaret. And your dad is currently starring on Broadway. So like, it's a whole family thing. And we love that. Very demure. So, you know, I'm curious, you know, obviously you come from a musical theater family. What was that moment for you where it was like, I want to do this? Like, I genuinely myself want to do it, even though you were probably...

[12:52] Julia Lester: Like, what is it about being an actress that makes you feel like you're always surrounded by it?

[12:54] Yeah, that's a great question that I don't think I've ever been able to like pinpoint the exact moment because like I always joke like growing up. I just thought that everybody turns into an actor when they grow up. Like I just thought that was like the normal job that people have. And if like you're not an actor, then like you're like the like you know, cool, you know, off path, you know job choice. So it was kind of just always like in my nature to want to do that. And of course, like, my parents are so supportive. So had I expressed interest in something else, they would totally have cheered me on in that. But like, I popped out of the womb, like tap dancing. So I think it was just sort of inevitable. Yeah, like my whole childhood playing and, you know, hanging out with friends was always like big imagination and play pretend. And it just was always sort of like in my nature to like, I don't know, just to like be a performer.

[13:58] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[14:00] Eli Tokash: I love that. So was there like ever a moment or like even like growing up and like watching maybe your parents perform or I know you have siblings as well. Like, was there ever a moment where you were watching in the audience and you're like, Oh my god, you know, like moment?

[14:18] Julia Lester: Um, yeah, I think I think maybe more because like, I mean, I grew up watching my parents do theatre all the time. They used to, you know, frequent LA theatres here where I grew up, you know, constantly. So that was like, sort of more normal for me to like see stage performances, I guess I would say more like, the movies that I watched were very inspiring to me. Like, I grew up watching a lot of live action movies that center around like a young lead heroine. So like, Matilda, Annie, Little Princess, Wizard of Oz, just to name a few. So like, I feel like, I feel like when I watched those movies, that's when I was like, really, like captured by, you know, whatever the young heroine was doing in the movie. And, you know, it sort of it broadened my imagination and made me want to be that one day. So I think I think maybe more when I was watching, watching like young girls on screen, that's when I was like, Oh, that's so cool. I want to do that.

[15:24] Eli Tokash: Please tell me there's like photos of you as like, Matilda or Annie or something as Halloween or something.

[15:32] Julia Lester: Yeah, all of the above. I mostly though, I was, I was a Dorothy girl. I dressed up as Dorothy, like every single day in my preschool years. And then eventually I played Dorothy when I was like, 12. And it was like, you know, the pinnacle of my like, I was like, Oh, this is why I'm existing so that I can be Dorothy.

[15:53] Eli Tokash: Of course, of course. That's awesome. I love to hear that. So you obviously, so you grew up in LA, right? And then was it had you ever been to New York? Like, did you know what Broadway was? Was musical theater to you like, LA? Like, what was kind of that dynamic growing up?

[16:14] Julia Lester: Oh, that's a great question. Um, I think I think like, the, you know, the highest form of musical theater was Broadway to me. But when you're a child, like you have no understanding of like, what Broadway actually is. Like, I don't know, I don't know if you can relate to this too. But like, I've talked to like, a bunch of my theater friends, and we all thought that Broadway was like one theater in New York. And so like, when something was on Broadway, it was just like the one thing that was in New York, like the one show the one theater. So I always had this like, very interesting view of what Broadway was, because I just thought it was like, one place. And then yeah, when you finally make it to New York, eventually, you're like, Oh, no, it's like multiple streets of like, multiple theaters and like, you know, stuff like that.

So I, I definitely didn't have like, a clear understanding of what Broadway was until probably I was much older. But I definitely always had this dream of like, moving to New York and being on Broadway, which was just being in one theater, I guess.

[17:23] Eli Tokash: It's so funny that you say that, because it's like, growing up, like similar, because I grew up near Pittsburgh, which is we talked about, I grew up like with Joe, PCLO. Yeah, Joe Serafini, like literally is the reason like, I got into acting, because I saw him do a show with my sister. And we were like, how do we do this? And then he was like, my older brother and Christmas Carol, Oliver, like all of these things we were doing together. And then he was like, you should go to New York. And then so I moved to, well, not moved to New York yet. But I went to audition and like, started doing shows on Broadway and doing the tours. Like, and so I was always confusing, because when I grew up, the stages that I was performing on when I was growing up were bigger than the stages that are like on Broadway. And that was the hardest thing to be like, what is Broadway? Like, I couldn't like grasp it. I was like, there's no way this is the pinnacle because of it's so tiny. Like, what's happening?

[18:34] Julia Lester: Yeah. Were there any surprises to you? You know, like when you obviously made your Broadway debut in Into the Woods, when you finally like we're here? Did you have any of those moments, I guess?

[18:43] Julia Lester: Um, I don't know. But I do always sort of go back to the story of like, I the very first time I was ever in New York, I was 15. And the very first show I ever saw was Something Rotten at the St. James. And then, and then like, you know, whatever, I can't do math, eight years later, I made my Broadway debut in the theater where I saw my very first Broadway show. So I don't know, you know, that TikTok sound that's like, everything is always connected. Like, if you don't, I'm not going to explain it. Because like explaining TikToks is like, actually the most embarrassing, embarrassing thing ever. But now it's gonna like be on your feed. Because I've like said it out loud. Right? Yeah, everything really is always connected.

Like when I was sitting in that theater when I was 15, watching Brian Darcy James and Kate Reinders on stage, I never ever would have believed that like, you know, some years later, I would be on a TV show with Kate Reinders, and then making my Broadway debut alongside Brian Darcy James in the theater where I saw my first Broadway show. Like that's easy. That's like some universal like you can't you can't dream that up. You can't write that down. That's like that just like happens. You know, so yeah, so I don't know if it if I was expecting anything, but like everything that came from that Broadway debut was a surprise. Like every step. The fact that like it wasn't even originally supposed to be on Broadway. We were at Encores! at City Center, you know, like every little factor of it was like, nothing you could have ever dreamt up.

[20:23] Eli Tokash: Yeah, it's so interesting because so many people and like people watching and listening, they always are like looking for advice of like how to make it to Broadway and stuff like that. Like, there's no formula. Like there's no formula even for Broadway shows, like let alone like they don't know they're gonna come to Broadway, you know, like let alone how to get and perform there. Like it's just, it's craziness. It really is. And it's really just like, it's smaller than people think like the circle and it's like, you know, being in the right place at the right time, having a little bit of luck and having the talent, you know. It's crazy. But nothing is like, you know, there's no one way. And that's also the beauty of it is that it always keeps you on your toes.

[21:11] Julia Lester: Yeah. For better or for worse. Oftentimes for worse. We pray for the better. We pray for the better. We love it nonetheless. Yes. It's so worth it. So obviously, so your Broadway debut, right? You kind of had two. You kind of had two Broadway debuts because you were at Encores, like you mentioned, and then you came over to Broadway. Did you notice any difference between performing at, say, City Center than to performing in what they call one of the Broadway houses at the St. James Theater?

[21:47] Julia Lester: Yeah. I mean, City Center is like huge, like ridiculously massive. Like I've seen shows there before, like when you're up in the balcony, like you literally need binoculars. Like it's huge. It's massive. So it was interesting, like going from like a ginormous house to like, obviously the St. James is also big, like there's three tiers to the theater too, but it's much smaller, much more intimate. So what was your question? Did I even answer your question?

[22:19] Eli Tokash: No, I mean, yes, because you kind of, I was like, is there any difference between, you know?

[22:24] Julia Lester: Oh, sure. Yeah. Go for it. The size of the theater. The size of the theater.

[22:30] Julia Lester: Yeah. And also like, you know, the rehearsal process, I still, I mean, I did get to experience like a full rehearsal process when I did I Can Get It For You Wholesale, but like up until then, the rehearsal processes that I had been a part of, which was just City Center and Broadway, was so quick, which is like, you know, usually not what happens. So luckily, like I was super familiar with Into the Woods and like felt okay about that process being so quick. But I do, I mean, like hats off to like all those City Center performers who are like doing shows that they've never done before, or like don't know much about. Because it really is like, it's like something crazy, like 10 days, and then you're on stage in front of like thousands of people. So yeah, that's pretty crazy.

[23:19] Eli Tokash: I love that. Did you feel like, okay, after City Center, like when you're making your like New York City like stage debut, like were there like nerves? And did those nerves kind of translate over to the St. James? Or once you finally got to the St. James, was it kind of like, I know what I'm doing, I think I can relax a little?

[23:35] Julia Lester: I think I probably started to relax like, I don't know, maybe, maybe a month into the run, I would say. Like I'm a girl who's like full of nerves, you know, like I got anxiety, I get nervous, I get butterflies. But I have also learned just throughout the years that like, that's not a bad thing. It's actually a really wonderful thing. And it just means that you really care a lot. And when I look at it from that perspective, I'm like, well, these nerves are here, not because I am going to fail, or because I'm worried about what people think of me, but because I really care about what I'm doing. And I think it's so important when you're a performer to like, love the show that you're doing and love, you know, telling stories and being connected to what and who you're playing, etc, etc. So I've just learned to like harness those nerves as like positive things.

And, you know, use them on stage in ways that, you know, every night when you're on stage is like a gamble, you never know what's gonna happen. Because theater is crazy. And, you know, things go awry, and maybe they're perfect one night, and then, you know, you fall, like so many times on stage during Into the Woods, but like, whatever, like, I'm a klutzy little red, like, like, you just make it part of who you are and your identity. And it's like, not so much about what people think of you, but more about like, how much you love what you do. And like harnessing that as part of your performance, I guess.

[25:14] Eli Tokash: Yeah, I love that. And you really have to like stay in the moment because like, we are humans. And there are times during that two show, especially the matinee, and it's like, what am I gonna have for dinner? Like, what am I eating in between shows? And then it's like, oh, it's my turn to say something? What am I supposed to say? Where are we?

[25:43] Julia Lester: Things happen. Yeah. Well, I'm curious, because you obviously had so many cool experiences during Into the Woods. You worked with the coolest people, as you kind of already alluded to some of them. But perhaps the coolest thing that I think I came across Sondheim, like watched your audition for Into the Woods. What is life? Like, talk to me about that. How did you like, find that out? And what was your kind of reaction to that?

[26:20] Julia Lester: Um, to this day, I'm like, still wrapping my head around that concept. Because that to me, like, how could anything get better than that? You know, like, I've peeked, like Sondheim watched my audition tape, like, okay, that's it. Like, I don't need to do anything else in my life. Like, that's enough. I, I just, I submitted an audition tape for the Encores! for the City Center production Encores! And like, I don't know why it wasn't in my mind. But like, you know, Sondheim would be involved in that casting process. I don't, I don't know why. I just, I just assumed that I was making a tape that was going to be sent to, you know, casting and whoever decided to watch. And if anything, just like, you know, having fun and doing a little red tape is always like, you know, I love the material of that show and that part.

So just like having fun. And, you know, you make tapes, and you submit them out into the ether. And you don't know if it's even going to get watched by anybody. It just, it's all electronic. And it just goes out into the world. And you just kind of like, forget about it. And so I submitted a tape. And, and I want to say, like, maybe two or three weeks later, I literally just got a phone call from my agents. And they opened up the conversation with like, Steven Sondheim wants you to play Little Red Riding Hood. And I was like, wait, wait, like, like, rewind a little bit. Because like, I submitted this tape three weeks ago, and like, put it out of my brain. And now you're telling me that, like, I got the part and also Steven Sondheim watched the video?

Like, yeah, that's crazy. Um, yeah, just like an overwhelming sense of like, of gratitude and joy. And like, if he felt that I was right for the part, then you know, I have like the most amazing confidence to ride going into the show. Like if he like the creator of all things musical theatre, and obviously, especially the show, like if he signed off on the okay of me playing the part, then like, I have, you know, every reason to like succeed and believe in myself. So that was a really beautiful, like, you know, confidence booster. Absolutely.

[28:42] Julia Lester: Especially like, I was gonna ask, like, especially you're in a cast with, you know, Brian Darcy James, Sara Bareilles, you know, like, Andy Karl, Jason Vorbach, like, everyone's like coming in and out. Gavin Creel, like, everyone's, there's a million people coming in. And they're all like, stars, like pillars in our industry, you know? So like, is that something that you kind of had to revisit and be like, Oh, no, I'm here for a reason. And Sondheim wanted me here. Like to kind of not get that, like, imposter syndrome kind of creeping in, like with while you work with, like, perhaps some of your idols?

[29:20] Julia Lester: Yeah, that's a great question, or like, great way to put that, because I definitely do like deal with imposter syndrome. And so to, to have the backing and the understanding that like multiple people signed off on my tape and wanted me to be there and chose me to be there. Like that's just you just have to hold on to that and believe in that when you start to like doubt yourself and you start to be like, why am I in this room amongst all these other people? Like, there are like hundreds of people who are more important than me who could be in this room who could do, you know, like, you know, like you start to like, spin and start to have those questions in your head. But it was also like the most loving and the most supportive room.

Every single person in that cast and creative team was there to like, cheer us on and like, be a friend and like, lend a hand. And I felt like immediately taken under everybody's wing in New York, because I've never done a show in New York before, before Encores. And like, immediately, I remember like, my very first day, like Gavin came up to me, and just immediately started talking to me and was like, I got your back, like, I'm here for you. So you let you know, just made I was like, oh my god, like, you're you've been an idol of mine for years and years and years. But you're looking at me now. And you're just like a normal human being, like, you're just like a person, which is like a crazy thing when you like have all these idols that you've like, you know, like obsessed over for years and years.

And then you're like, wait, like, you're, you're just like a really cool, really nice person. And then you go on stage, transform into this, like, superstar, you know, so that was, that was really cool to see everybody's like, human-ness inside of them. Absolutely.

[31:10] Eli Tokash: Yeah, yeah. I'm curious. So like, obviously, you've worked with some of like, the coolest people throughout your whole career. And so like, I'm curious, like, do you still have moments where you're like, oh my god, that's like, whatever, like, do you ever get starstruck still? Or are you kind of like, no, like, they're a person to like, just go talk to them? You've worked with this person already? Like,

[31:33] Julia Lester: Yeah, like, yes. And yes, I will say like, the, the biggest one who I still, you know, like, interviews from years ago still pop up of me gushing over Miss Queen Sara Bareilles, because she was like, my, like, music inspiration, my favorite singer from like, I from the time I was like, six or seven years old. So I feel like, you know, I got really close to everybody. And everybody is so wonderful and so great. But there was there was still a level of me that like, could not be chill in front of her. And she was like, so cool. And like, didn't see any of my like, awkwardness. But like, you know, I'm really quick with a quick wit. Like, like, I'm there, joke around, like, I can be really smart and funny. But the second that Miss Bareilles was in the room, I like had no sense of humor. Like, I couldn't be funny. I couldn't yes, and any of her jokes, because I was just like, what the fuck is happening?

[32:31] Eli Tokash: No, that's so real.

[32:34] Julia Lester: Yeah. So, you know, I feel like I got chiller as time went on. But she's still somebody that like, you know, I still, I'm like, have to separate between like, the musical inspiration that I've had for, you know, 15 years, and like, the wonderful, like, person and human that is just like Sarah behind the scenes. So I had to like, really like, rewire my brain to be like, I don't know, I like, I'm still learning how to be chill in front of her. But yeah, I can't imagine because so fun fact. So Diane Paulus was the director of Finding Neverland, when Sarah Bareilles was like, just putting Waitress on Broadway. And so like, Sarah was like, always backstage at Finding Neverland. And I was like, I first of all, I was like, already a fan.

But like, when I met her, I was like, she's also like, the most beautiful human being in the whole wide world. Yeah, like, you are so stunning that like, the room freezes when you walk in. And like, I like, no words like that. So there's just another layer. There's like an aura about her. And it's just like, you stop time. Truly, because I think it's also just like, I, I know her lyrics, like, so well, like, every single album she's ever released. And I'm, and I just like, don't understand how like, so much genius can like, just be inside, like, a very normal down to earth person. You know, like, she walks into a room, and I'm like, yeah, like, that's a great way to put it, like time stopped.

We are in the midst of like, a poet and a genius. And like, how do I behave in front of her? Like, right? It's crazy. And it's like, you know, it's silly to even talk about it still to this day, because like, we did a show together. And like, you know, I consider her a great friend. And like, we got super close and like, all these things. But then I'm also like, but I've loved you since I was six years old. Like that will like never die in me when I'm Oh my god. I absolutely love that. I love it. Well, that's so fun. I'm curious. One last question from Into the Woods before we like move on. Little Red is like, a no joke role. Like that role is crazy. And frankly, like, not everyone can do that role like well.

But you like crushed it. The role is like so high, like your voice is insane, whether when even when you're talking, like when you're not even singing, like, so what I guess, obviously, Into the Woods is so well known, like, was there any like, added pressure to yourself of like, Little Red is like this iconic character. And also, like, I'm going out there every night, belting my face off. And like, even some whistle tones like up in there, like, it's crazy. So like, what kind of did that change your prep? Or is that just like something that was always kind of in your body? Something that you've always had in your toolbox?

[35:49] Julia Lester: Yeah, I mean, I definitely don't want to say that it's like, you know, been so in my body that like, everything was easy, you know, like, obviously, like, you run into your challenges. And like, a lot of times when you're like, Oh, great, like, am I gonna hit the notes tonight? Who knows? We'll see. But I will say that, like, out of, out of any show, maybe in the universe, I think Into the Woods was like the most ingrained in my body, just because like, I did it when I was a child in community theater. I did it and you know, at like a tiny, like, black box theater, when I graduated high school in LA. So like, and I like, loved it, obviously, for all those years in between. I did the show with my sisters when I was little, you know, so like, I guess that show out of anything, like, it really was like, sort of the perfect scenario to be in, like, if I'm going to be like, sprung into this, like, crazy experience with like, barely any rehearsal time, the fact that it was Into the Woods was like, actually the most like, comforting part of it, just because that show out of any show, I feel like is one that has been like, ingrained in me for the longest time.

So I definitely like, was able to come in, like, with an understanding of the way that I wanted to portray Little Red. But then of course, you know, you go through a rehearsal process, and there's conversations about it. And the actors around you change the reactions that you're going to have and change the pace of the way you're going to say the lines and nothing is ever set in stone until you're like, standing on stage, like in the middle of the performance. So yeah, but I think like, if it was going to be any show, the fact that it was Into the Woods was like, thank you universe for that gift.

[37:38] Eli Tokash: Yeah, it goes back to what you're saying, everything's connected. Wow, I love it. So fascinating. So I'm curious, you know, then you went off and you made your Off-Broadway debut, well, after you got your Tony nomination, which is like, also not a big deal, which is just crazy. What a crazy time also, right? That whole like, press junket with eight shows a week. Brutal. Well, it really should. And again, like, I was the luckiest position out of anybody, because I had closed in Into the Woods, like, almost a year before Tony's season happened. The show was on tour at the time. So it was still like, in the circuit. But I had not been a little red or in the little red shoes for months and months and months. So again, I was like, in the luckiest position out of anybody to like, really, I mean, I was filming prom dates at the time.

[38:35] Julia Lester: I just commend people that are doing eight shows a week and then also doing press junkets on top and all of that because I feel like I was in a really good position where I could really compartmentalize. This is Tony season. I don't have to worry about saving my voice and giving a perfect performance. I can really just focus on the celebration of the Tony season. That was really nice. I can barely do three things in one day. I get really overwhelmed. It's a marvel when people are in shows and also doing those press junkets and having to carry themselves and answer questions. I'm like, oh my god, I'd be so overwhelmed. Truly. Even the day of, you have to wake up and you have to go to soundcheck, then you have to do your matinee, then you have to go to the award ceremonies at night, and then you party.

It's just like, what is life? This is crazy. Kudos to everyone. Also, testament to you and your performance that the show closed. I feel like it's a very real thing that shows that open close to the Tony Awards are just more fresher in voters' minds and things like that. The fact that you were nominated and the show had already been closed for as long as it was, it's just a testament to how special your performance was. Kudos to you.

[40:10] Eli Tokash: Thank you.

[40:11] Julia Lester: Oh my god, yes. As I mentioned, then you went into Wholesale, which is just a whole other crazy cast. Classic Stage Company is brilliant. How it's off-Broadway, one may never understand. Although, I guess it's a seat capacity thing or whatever. But always the best shows and the best cast. Obviously, Joy Woods was in your cast and many, many more. Now, after you work with all of these incredible people, are you going and are you singing My Days constantly and going to The Notebook to go cheer on your castmate?

[40:48] Eli Tokash: Who isn't singing My Days? Who isn't trying to belt through the roof in the shower every single day? Come on. If you're saying, you're lying. That one is gorgeous.

[41:01] Julia Lester: So good. Her performance, please.

[41:11] Eli Tokash: Oh my god. I mean, she's amazing. She's amazing. I don't get the opportunity to see a lot of shows that are in New York because I am LA based. So I'm still crossing my fingers that I get to catch Miss Woods in her star turn in The Notebook. But yeah, watching her. I mean, I got to see her as Audrey in Little Shop when we were doing the show, when we were doing Wholesale. I made sure she was like, yeah, I'm in my final week of performances. And we barely knew each other. And I was like, girl, I'm going to be there. I will be in the audience. It just blew my mind. She's the kind of person where you're like, you're not human. And then of course, she's so funny and so down to earth and such a pal.

And when I found out we were also the same age, it's so exciting when you find people that are like, you see yourself in them. Because you never know. In theater, you never know how old people are. Usually I'm the youngest one in the room, in Into the Woods and everything. But when I find people that are my little Gen Z pals, I'm like, I'm not going to let you go. You're my best friend. So we definitely had a very sweet bond. And she was amazing in that show. And just watching everything that she does, you know, following is amazing. But also, of course, when you're not brilliant, of course, you're going to be successful for the rest of your life. Like, duh. So it just makes sense that we're all watching her star rise in real time.

It's crazy. So well-deserved. Her talent is unbelievable. Literally just going to a cabaret and didn't even know who she was. And she came on. And it's like, who is she? I need to hear using every song I've ever heard in my entire life. And just on repeat. That would be wonderful. And so now that she is getting this star, her time, her turn, it's about time. We'd just love to see it.

[43:16] Eli Tokash: Yeah, absolutely. Well, I'm curious, obviously, the classic stage, it's not in the round. It's in the thrust. Is that what it's called?

[43:33] Julia Lester: It's in the thrust. Yes.

[43:34] Eli Tokash: Yeah. So is that kind of weird? Do you have to play the three things? Have you ever experienced something like that? And how did that kind of change your, I guess, method of performing?

[43:46] Julia Lester: Yeah. I've never done anything that wasn't just like on a flat, was it like proscenium?

[43:56] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[43:57] Julia Lester: I don't know. Sounds great. Yeah. Great. We'll just go with that. Yeah. I've never, as far as I can remember, I've never done anything sort of in the round or immersive in that way. Maybe in high school or theater camp growing up. But nothing of the official caliber of like, oh, my performance is really going to be in your face. So I would say the blocking and the direction that we were giving was very clear. Tripp Coleman had such a clear understanding and idea of where people were to be, what thoughts we needed to give to each side, make sure that everybody feels connected. So that was always a conversation. So and we rehearsed in the theater the whole time. Like that was also our rehearsal, which was very cool, because usually, you know, like you don't get into the theater until like tech, which is nuts.

And you have to like really reframe like all the things that you've been doing now put into the space that you're going to actually be in for the performances. So it was a huge luxury to like rehearse the whole show on the space that we be performing in. But then when you fill those seats, and there's a person like sitting like right here, when you're like, you know, when you're acting like it's weird. It's weird. Anybody that like came to the show that I knew, like family, friends, whatever, like the second I walked on stage, I knew where they were. Which is fine. I never I never like have an issue knowing where people are sitting when I'm doing a show. I also like, like you see every facet of their facial expressions.

Like I could see the furrowing of the brow of the person like in the farthest quarter of the theater, you know, like, it's weird. Yeah, that definitely took some getting used to. But it was really fun. And like to do theater experience is like, I don't know, I don't know if few and far between is the right term. But it's definitely like a special moment in time when you get to do something that's like not just like flat facing. So that was very cool. And I think it really catered to the story a lot. Like the fact that that specific show was more intimate than it had been when it was first on Broadway, I think really, really worked and made it very powerful. So I think it also was a big like, plus to the production.

[46:27] Eli Tokash: Yeah. Well, I also just think like, it just seems that anything that you're in turns into a hit here in New York. So maybe that's that that could be something to it. Maybe it's not just the thrust, but you know, or like, you know, Miss Queen, Judy Kuhn, like casual, right? Like the rest of the people to like, yeah, yeah. Okay. Yeah, you too. Yeah, whatever. Into the Woods was not Into the Woods because of Sara Bareilles. It was Into the Woods because of Julia Lester.

[46:56] Julia Lester: Okay, word. And that's the tea.

[47:01] Eli Tokash: No, it's so good. But like how like, it's true. Like the things that you've been in, here in New York have just been so, have had such new lives. And it's got to be so cool to kind of kind of revisit these pieces that sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Because you know, Sondheim has such an insane catalogue that it's like, oh my god, he wrote this too.

[47:29] Julia Lester: Yeah, you know, and then like Wholesale, like, I never even heard of Wholesale until, you know, it came to classic stage.

[47:33] Eli Tokash: Me too. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. So it's just great that that you also get to be a part of that history and kind of, you know, bringing these things back. You're a trendsetter, Julia. You're so welcome.

[47:45] Julia Lester: Well, I've got to talk to you about High School Musical before I let you go. Because just iconic, right? So I don't know, like, with High School Musical, it's been something that's been a part of your life now for, I don't know, more than five, half a decade, right?

[48:09] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[48:10] Julia Lester: Whoa. If not more. If not more than that. Yeah. A decade is crazy. But like, no, that's true. Like over half a decade, I guess. Uh huh. So and once again, Mitch, Julia Lester, there's things that there's these things that are all in common. And the commonality is Julia Lester. So it's, I don't know, just something to think about, people, for your next casting project. But no, so like, you've been a part of this journey with High School Musical, the musical, the series and revising that, that whole franchise. Everything's connected, Julia. Going back to that. That TikTok is gonna just be like, oh my god.

[48:58] Eli Tokash: For you, man. Now that I know they're listening on my phone.

[49:06] Julia Lester: Yeah. It really is true. So and now like, we've seen these characters grow as you all as performers and actors have grown. So now, like, what is the whole journey that you've gone on with Ashley? And how much does it mean to you now that she's, you know, exploring her sexuality and exploring these growing up and just being a part of that? And I guess being the face of that kind of character in that journey for such a large audience?

[49:35] Julia Lester: Oh, thanks. Really, really, really special. I remember at sort of like a kickoff meeting for season three. I was on Zoom with the creator of the show, Tim Federle, and our like amazing team of writers. And I remember him, or maybe, maybe it was just one on one. But then we also did a kickoff with the writers. But I remember him specifically telling me, like sort of a summary of what Ashlyn's journey would be for this next season. And, you know, he mentioned that there would be a queer storyline that she was going to come into and start to discover herself. And I just remember getting so emotional because, like, in that moment, I felt that like, Ashlyn was really being seen for who she was, but also like me as a performer was being really seen.

And like, you know, since since High School Musical even started, I mean, I've, I've, you know, been an out and proud member of the queer community for a while. And that is a huge part of my identity and something that I treasure and I'm very proud about. And I, you know, love being queer. It's like such a cool thing to be. And I, in that moment, I was like, wow, like, I'm really being seen beyond just this character that I'm playing. And that like, I am, you know, being being seen for who I really am. And that's being harnessed by Disney and celebrated by Disney and like brought into a full storyline for this character that I've already been playing for almost three years. And now I get to like be fully authentically myself and like bring such truth to the character. Like I've always felt connected to Ashlyn, like since the second I read the audition sides, I was always like, if there's anything that I can bring to this character, it's.

[51:27] Julia Lester: Honestly, in truth, because I feel so connected to her. But then to also know that, like, she has a storyline that is so authentic to who I am. I mean, like, we get it, like, as actors, like, you want to play characters that, like, feel honest and truthful. And so when that part of her was revealed, I just felt like even more connected to who she was. And also felt like, like, not not pressure in a negative way, but like, pressure in a positive way to like, now be a voice for like, young queer children who are watching the show who may have never seen somebody who looks like Ashlyn or is Ashlyn or whatever. And now she's harnessing parts of themselves that they may be just now discovering. So then there was this whole like, next becoming of like, wow, like, I'm now a queer voice for like a Disney character, which is like, something I never would have dreamed up when I was younger.

So yeah, it was really special. And I got very emotional. And yeah, that cast and creative team is such a safe space to like, feel proud and emotional. So what you know, like the tears fell, and I was like, happy that they were there. So yeah, it's very cool.

[52:42] Eli Tokash: That's beautiful. Thank you for sharing that. I love that. Oh my god, it's there's just so much and I love that High School Musical has kind of like grown throughout this and being such a voice for a lot of us like theater kids, right? Like, a lot of theater kids go through this and a lot of them go through it during this kind of high school, summer camp, whatever, you know, journeys that y'all are exploring that or realizing that as characters. So it's just awesome to kind of see that representation, right? On a screen, it's just great for our community, for sure. I love it so much. And so many people can relate, obviously. And everyone is so it's been great to see the response that it's, I guess, got. And I just love seeing all of that and how that continues to grow and blossom. So it's really cool.

[53:26] Julia Lester: Yeah, of course. Well, I always love following like, whenever I love like a show or whatever, like I love to follow like the performers and them as humans and performers. So shout out to you having you on sort of talking about you and your career and not just like, you know, one thing. I love just like learning more about the people. So I'm curious, you know, like Joe, we see he's been doing outside of like High School Musical, Musical the Series, he's been having his own songs come out. Olivia, Josh, all of them like, and then of course, you guys had Wondering come out and like, you're kind of like a songwriter, kind of like teaser in that song or whatever. So like, I'm curious, like, is there anything from like Julia Lester that like, outside of acting, there's other aspects, maybe of the industry that you want to explore, whether it's like songwriting in the music industry, or like, even like directing or like, screenwriting, anything like that, that interests you?

[54:52] Julia Lester: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I definitely am not like, I wouldn't say that, like, you know, music is that like the top of my list of like dreams and aspirations, but like, how amazing would it be to one day, like, find my sound and like, create my own original music, whatever that is, I'm open to like, figuring that out one day, because I have no idea what that is, because my whole life I've been like, Broadway. So like, I don't know any, like, I'm not, I don't know what my sound is, besides like, you know, being Miss Loud Little Red. So like, I'm still like finding my voice in that way. But I'm so open to like, discovering if there's like a little pop diva in me, like, why not? I'm open, I'm open to all the possibilities.

Like, why would I? I would limit myself just because I don't think I can, like, I'll one day I'll try and maybe figure it out. But and of course, I have so many amazing friends who are doing that right now, who are like, such inspirations. I mean, I always tell Joe, like going back to him, the way that he's going about finding his music style and finding his voice, and like, he's so free about his music expression. And not, not where I mean, we have we have loads of conversations about like, how, you know, sometimes you have people in your ear telling you what to do when to post things when to release things when to whatever. And as far as I know, of what we've talked about, he's like fully in control of this, you know, path that he's set for himself.

And it's amazing, because it really is doing it. He's doing it for, of course, his like loyal and wonderful fans who are like waiting for him to release music. But he's also like doing it for himself, because he wants to and he loves it. And he's finding it who he is through it. And I think that that's like, the most gorgeous way to like go about discovering new parts of like the industry that you want to break out into. So like, if ever I decide to go down that path, like I'm what an inspiration for him to just to be there and to like cheer me up. Because what he's doing is, is just fully self expression and like figuring himself out and not worrying about like, like, you know, I can't release a song and then like, I can't post the music video six months later, because nobody will care.

It's like, no, like, the people that care and you care and you're like a brilliant artist who deserves to just, you know, okay, I'm like gushing about Joe so much, but we can continue that another day.

[57:27] Julia Lester: I'm here for it. No, because that special hit, like, let's be real, guys. It's so good. Like, it's still on repeat. Like, it's just like, such a good reminder and like something that everyone like it's I love relatable music and like, feel like finding music that like, I don't know, I just like have a connection to right? I think that's what music is for a lot of people. Yeah. And so like, what the messages that he's sharing that he's sharing is just like, so relatable and special. So I'll gush about Joe anytime.

[58:06] Eli Tokash: Yeah, we'll just do another episode about Joe.

[58:15] Julia Lester: I'm open, I'm open to discovering parts of myself that I don't even know yet. Like, who knows who or what I'm gonna be in 10 years. And I can't wait. Like, what color is my hair gonna be? Like, who knows? Like, I'm open to the world introducing me to like all these different parts of myself. And I would love to direct one day. And like, I used to make I used to make like full edited storyline to music videos, like by myself on my mom's iPhone, like in my bedroom growing up, and like, never, never put two and two together. That's like, Oh, girl, you're directing like that's a director brain. So like, there's parts of her in there. And I would love to like, learn more about producing. And my girlfriend is a brilliant screenwriter.

So like watching her do her work is so inspiring and wonderful. So like, the possibilities are endless. I'm open to whatever opportunity comes my way. And I would I, I think that like performer is always at my core, but that also like, saves lots of room for lots of other beautiful artistic things.

[59:31] Julia Lester: Have that at your center. So definitely open to anything. Why not so many facets to our industry, especially like, as creative individuals, like even what Frankie's doing with the nail polish that he's doing? Like, are you kidding me? Like, come on. CEO like that is right. Yeah. Yes. He's amazing. All of my friends are such incredible inspirations. Like how could I ever be limited in what I'm doing when the people around me are like soaring and all these different facets of the arts like it's, it's amazing.

[1:00:04] Eli Tokash: Yeah, it's so cool to see. And I just can't wait to continue to see where your journey just continues to take you. Hopefully, it's here in New York, because that's where I am. But you know, you're thriving out in LA too. So I don't want to take you away from home. But it's been it's been a true honor and a pleasure to to kind of watch, you know, everything kind of just take off for you here in New York and nationwide and freaking one of the biggest franchises in Disney, you know, it's just been, it's awesome to watch it all. So you have so much to take a bow for, obviously. And it was such a pleasure to chat with you today.

[1:00:51] Julia Lester: Thanks. Thanks for hanging. This just felt like, like it's crazy that this is gonna be like, out places because I'm like, Oh, we're just FaceTiming right now. We're just like hanging out. Like, so that's not the best thing. Like, actually, I love it. So thank you for like, this space is so like, welcoming and fun. And I feel so like, like cheered on by you. So like, thanks for all of your love, like now and of course, like the last few years, and I love what you do. And thanks for like, having me on. I'm such a fan. So thanks.

[1:01:21] Eli Tokash: Oh my god. Thank you. You're so sweet. Well, we'll do it again. We'll do it again soon. Perhaps next time you're in person here in New York. So yeah, we'll do it. But it's so great to see you and saw your dad in cabaret shout out to Lauren, Mr. Lauren Lester. And everyone should go see him in cabaret and everyone should go stream prom dates on Hulu if they haven't already. And you're just doing so many incredible things. So I can't wait to continue to cheer you on. But this has been a blast and it was so great to like, get to like really get to know you. So thanks.

[1:02:02] Julia Lester: Thanks so much for having me. This is super fun.

[1:02:06] Eli Tokash: Take a bow, Julia Lester. Oh my goodness, what an absolute blast it was to have her on the show. She was obviously incredible for so many reasons, and has so much talent. So it was cool to really get to know her kind of like as a person and her process throughout all these incredible projects that she's been along. Hearing about, you know, just her fandom for Sara Bareilles and kind of still getting, I guess, starstruck. And kind of like going through that experience and just like meeting new people and talking about the Tonys and stuff. Like it was so cool to be able to run through all of that with her. And then of course, to go even further and into the depths of like what's to come. And she's like, so chill with like, I'm open to everything.

And it's just so great to see that. And oftentimes when people are open to that, especially in this industry, the best things happen to them. And that's when things just organically happen. And in this industry, the things that happen most organically and the most naturally, oftentimes are the best products. So it's awesome to hear that, all of that. And it's so cool to hear her cheer on her friends and her co-stars, both on stage and on the screen. It's great to hear all of it. And I love just hearing how, you know, Ashlyn has kind of grown with Julia. So that and much more. I don't want to like repeat everything again. So hopefully you all enjoyed this episode as much as I did and enjoyed getting to know more about Julia herself.

And yeah, that's all I have for you folks this week. Come back next week for another very fun and exciting episode as always. Until then, I hope that you all have an incredible week. So bye everyone. Have a great week.