All Of It with Alison Stewart: Hadestown's Reeve Carney Performs Live

Episode Release Date: August 1, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, doers, makers, and creators to explore the "what and why" of their work. The show celebrates the diverse perspectives that make New York City vibrant.

Introduction to Reeve Carney

The episode opens with Alison Stewart introducing the special guest, Reeve Carney, a multifaceted actor and musician renowned for originating the role of Orpheus in the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown. Reeve’s extensive career also includes leading rock bands and releasing a solo album titled Youth is Wasted in 2017. Alison expresses excitement about featuring Reeve, highlighting his dual expertise in acting and music, which aligns perfectly with the podcast's focus on culture and creativity.

Notable Quote:

• Alison Stewart (00:09): "We wanted to invite a musical guest who also knows a little something about the actors creative process."

Live Performance: "America"

Reeve Carney kicks off the episode with a heartfelt live performance of his original song "America." The poignant lyrics reflect his deep love for the country and a contemplative view on its ideals and struggles.

Notable Lyrics:

• Reeve Carney (01:26): "America, oh my sweet America, may you come to be all that you aim to be."
• Reeve Carney (02:09): "A nation under God and unrepaid."
• Reeve Carney (02:27): "What justice, liberty and peace remain the cardinal decree."

The performance sets a reflective tone, emphasizing themes of hope, struggle, and the enduring spirit of America.

Conversation with Reeve Carney

Writing and Inspiration: Post-performance, Alison engages Reeve in a discussion about his creative process. When asked where he wrote "America," Reeve shares that he composed it at home in New York, drawing inspiration from his love for the country and its people. He emphasizes the ongoing "American experiment" and the collective striving towards positive societal goals.

Notable Quote:

• Reeve Carney (05:37): "I love this country and I love people, and I do think that America at its best does both of those things."

Dual Roles: Actor and Musician: Alison probes deeper into Reeve’s dual career, exploring how his experiences as an actor influence his music and vice versa. Reeve discusses the challenges of writing, describing it as the "hardest part" of his work due to its isolating nature. He appreciates the balance between acting and music, as it keeps his mind engaged and provides a creative outlet beyond the often unpredictable world of auditions and performances.

Notable Quote:

• Reeve Carney (05:59): "It's nice to have things to jump between, because this business... keeps my mind really engaged."

Family Legacy in the Arts: Reeve delves into his family's rich history in the performing arts. His mother holds a degree in musical theater from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and his parents met as musicians at the legendary Bitter End in the 1970s. Additionally, his great uncle is the acclaimed actor Art Carney, highlighting a familial lineage steeped in acting and musical performance.

Notable Quote:

• Reeve Carney (07:26): "My uncle's a very famous actor. Some of you might know my great uncle, Art Carney."

Handling Auditions and Character Development: The conversation shifts to the audition process, referencing the challenges portrayed in Alison's book Audition. Reeve discusses the importance of a reasonable audition timeline, allowing adequate time to develop and understand a character. He values the opportunity auditions provide to assess whether a role is a good fit, enhancing his ability to choose parts that align with his strengths and interests.

Notable Quote:

• Reeve Carney (08:12): "I find it's really useful because then you kind of learn yourself. Am I going to be able to do this or not?"

Upcoming Performances and Voice Care

Upcoming Shows: Reeve shares details about his upcoming performances at Green Room 42, where he hosts monthly shows with varying themes. Recently, he performed Broadway Divas and is preparing a tribute to Queen for June 20th. He appreciates intimate venues that foster a genuine connection with the audience, contrasting them with larger, more distracting settings like rock clubs.

Notable Quote:

• Reeve Carney (09:15): "I like the intimate spaces. It's a real listening room, which is really nice."

Vocal Health: Alison inquires about maintaining vocal health amidst a demanding performance schedule. Reeve outlines his routine, emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep, hydration, a balanced diet, and consistent vocal warm-ups. He acknowledges the necessity of these practices to preserve his voice, especially during intensive performance periods.

Notable Quote:

• Reeve Carney (10:03): "If you listen to your body, you know. So I think that helps."

Personal Milestones and Collaboration

Alison's Engagement: The conversation takes a personal turn as Reeve congratulates Alison on her engagement to Eva Noblezada, a fellow performer known for her role in Hadestown. He remarks on Eva’s vibrant presence and the positive energy she brings to conversations.

Notable Quote:

• Reeve Carney (10:24): "There's no one like her. So I like to watch that and I haven't watched it, but is it available online? Probably."

Live Performance: "Checkmate"

Reeve transitions back to his musical talent by performing "Checkmate," a track from his album Youth is Wasted. The song delves into the complexities of love, portraying it as a strategic and sometimes painful endeavor.

Notable Lyrics:

• Reeve Carney (11:30): "Checkmate. We'll losers in the game of love, my love."
• Reeve Carney (12:49): "When love is the power play. Checkmate."
• Reeve Carney (14:14): "Checkmate. We're losers in the game of love, my love."

The performance is emotive, capturing the tension and vulnerability inherent in intimate relationships.

Conclusion and Teasers for Next Segments

After his performances, Reeve expresses gratitude for the opportunity to join the show. Alison wraps up the segment by teasing upcoming content, including a conversation with author Richard Price about his novel Lazarus Man, which explores the collapse of a tenement building in East Harlem and the lives of its inhabitants. She also mentions an upcoming live performance by trumpeter and bandleader Anthony Hervey, promising a diverse and enriching continuation of the program.

Notable Quote:

• Alison Stewart (19:30): "Stick around to hear my conversation with author Richard Price about his novel Lazarus man... Plus, here's some music performed live by trumpeter and bandleader Anthony Hervey."

Final Thoughts: This episode of All Of It masterfully intertwines live musical performances with in-depth conversations, offering listeners a comprehensive look into Reeve Carney's artistic journey. Through insightful discussions and evocative performances, Reeve exemplifies the rich tapestry of culture that the podcast celebrates, embodying the essence of New York City's diverse and dynamic creative community.